Monthly Archive

Let’s say you haven’t been sleeping well for the past two months. You ask God for help and He directs you to read Proverbs 3:24 which says, you can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. That night, you sleep soundly. Since you slept well after reading Proverbs 3:24, you decide to read it the next night. It works again. So, you keep reading that scripture every night for a week. After a week, you read Proverbs 3:24 like normal, but you don’t sleep well. You read it the next night, and you still don’t sleep well. What’s the problem?

A reason why reading Proverbs 3:24 may not be working is because that was yesterday’s instructions. We should be listening for today’s instructions. But since we’ve been enjoying the results of sleeping well, we’re not listening to get today’s instructions. Today’s instructions could be telling us to simply go to bed without reading the scripture. If we’re not mindful, we’ll turn yesterday’s instructions into superstition or legalism.

Whether it’s sleeping well, parenting, preparing for a job interview, or believing God for His promises, be mindful to consult God to get today’s instructions instead of operating from yesterday’s instructions.

Proverbs 16:20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

John 13:14 NLT And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

In these scriptures, Jesus was setting an example for us to follow. No, it’s not washing each other’s feet. There’s no benefit in that. His example was humility.

Here we have the Son of God and Savior of the world washing the feet of His disciples. In the world, the Master is to be waited on by the servants, but in the Kingdom, the greatest is to serve (Matt. 23:11).

Follow Jesus’s example of humility. He loved everyone, fed the hungry, healed the sick, and made everyone feel comfortable around Him. We should too. We shouldn’t be afraid to get our hands dirty and we shouldn’t have a mindset that someone is beneath us. He didn’t have this “look at me, I’m the greatest” mentality and we shouldn’t either. He looked outside the greatness of Himself and humbled Himself.

Do as Jesus did and live a life of humility.

Psalms 32:8 NLT The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

God promises us guidance along the best pathway for our lives. He didn’t promise guidance along a pathway, but THE BEST pathway. So, any pathway we think of ourselves may be okay, but it’s not the best.

This promise doesn’t work unless we trust our Guide. If we think He’s intentionally leading us down a pathway that’s problematic, a pathway where there’s no joy, or a pathway where we must participate in strange rituals to be considered holy, we won’t trust Him. However, if we believe He’s our Creator Who knows what’s best for us and He’s taking us down a pathway that leads to the best results, we’ll benefit from His guidance.

God’s guidance is only for the believer through His Spirit (John 16:13). Everything He tells us is for our best interests. So, the next time He tells you to leave when the party is just getting started, only eat one slice of pie, or go to bed, don’t argue with Him. Follow His guidance because it’s leading us down the best pathway.

1 Chronicles 29:19 NLT Give my son Solomon the wholehearted desire to obey all your commands, laws, and decrees, and to do everything necessary to build this Temple, for which I have made these preparations.”

This should be the desire for every born-again believer with a child. We should want our children to have a desire to obey God. We should want our children to walk in love, trust God wholeheartedly, forgive others, and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We’re not under the law, where we’ll be punished if we don’t obey God’s laws, but there are still important instructions given to us by God that will benefit our lives. Following His ways makes our lives a lot easier and positions us to receive all of God’s promises. Who wouldn’t want that for their child?

To update this scripture for new covenant believers, we can pray or declare “Give my son/daughter (state their name) the wholehearted desire to obey God’s word and the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name. Amen”

John 13:27‭, ‬30 NLT When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do.” So Judas left at once, going out into the night.

Satan is continuously throwing thoughts, ideas, and suggestions in our minds. Everyone of his suggestions are against the will of God.

If someone takes a parking spot you were waiting on, he may suggest you curse them out. If someone bumps into you without saying excuse me, he may suggest you bump them back. Even if no one did anything to you, a thought may come to push someone down the stairs. These thoughts are aggressive, but he may place thoughts of lying, stealing, overeating, sexual immortality, etc. in our minds. Whatever sin we’re more inclined to indulge in is what he’ll present in our minds.

When these thoughts come, we must recognize these thoughts are not our own. They’ve been planted in our minds by the enemy. If we reject the thought, we move on without any issues. However, if we entertain the thoughts, we may find ourselves going down the wrong path. Paul tells us to reject every thought going against the word of God (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Thoughts, ideas, and suggestions are the only weapons he has against us. He CAN’T make us do anything. Don’t be like Judas and allow his weapons to work. Reject his thoughts and be demonically influenced no more.

Romans 8:30 NLT And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory.

Not only did God choose us, He called us to Himself. Not only did He call us to Himself, He (freely) gave us right standing with Himself. Not only are we in right standing with God Almighty, He freely gave us His glory. We have God’s glory.

A simple definition of glory is the manifestation of God’s presence. Through Christ, inside every born-again believer is the manifestation of God’s presence by way of the Holy Spirit. The glory of God has been given to us and it lives inside of us.

Don’t think you need more education, a better credit score, more money, a spouse, or anything else external to be successful. Based on all that God has done and all that He has given us, we are successful. Education, money, or a better credit score are manifestations of the success we’ve already obtained in Christ.

Praise God for His glory and everything else we’ve obtained through Jesus Christ.

Psalms 32:7 NLT For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude

Every born-again believer has the luxury to be comfortable everywhere we go. We don’t have to be nervous or scared about going in certain neighborhoods, going to other countries, or going to places at night. God promises to protect us.

That DOES NOT mean we intentionally put ourselves in dangerous situations expecting God’s protection. That’s foolish. But it does mean if we need to go somewhere or if God tells us to go to seemingly uncomfortable places, we’re guaranteed His protection.

Praise God for the privilege and the opportunity to go anywhere with God Almighty as our body guard.

Hebrews 12:2 NLT We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Jesus was whipped, beaten, spat on, stripped naked, and nailed to a cross. He disregarded the shame by magnifying the joy awaiting Him.

A problematic marriage, financial lack, unemployment, or constant health issues have the potential to bring shame. Taking our example from Jesus, we can disregard the shame by magnifying the joy awaiting us. If we believed God for a financial increase, a healthy marriage, or a healed body, we can look beyond our current state, disregard shame, and have joy knowing things will improve.

Regardless of how bad it looks right now, don’t allow it to make you feel ashamed. Have faith in God’s word about those problematic areas and have joy knowing things MUST align with God’s word.

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

We’re to respond only to the word of God and not respond to what we can see. Although sight is the only sense listed in this verse, we can and should include other senses.

Satan will attempt to use each of our senses to disrupt our faith in God’s word.

Sight
The amount of money in our accounts, the diagnosis written on paper, or our child appearing to have no ambition. If we focus on what we can see, we won’t believe God’s word on increase, healing, or our children being successful (Ps. 115:14; 1 Pet. 2:24; Ps. 112:2).

Hearing
What we hear on the news about the economy, what the teacher said about our child’s behavior or intelligence, or the rumor we heard about layoffs can negatively impact our faith in God supplying our needs (Phil. 4:19) and our children having the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).

Feel/Touch
Feeling pain, feeling a lump in a breast, or feeling a scratchy throat has the potential to get us worried about our health instead of believing God’s word where He says He heals all our diseases (Ps. 103:3).

Smell/Taste
During the height of Covid, Satan used the lack of smell and taste to attempt to have some afraid they might die. If we focus on the possibility of dying instead of the truth which states, we shall live and not die, our faith won’t work (Ps. 118:17).

Satan’s goal is to have us afraid about what could happen based on our senses. So at the end of the day, we should walk by faith in the word of God and not by our senses.

Psalms 143:8 NLT Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You.

There’s a song by William McDowell called, I Give Myself Away. That’s easier sung than done. Giving ourselves away to God means we no longer do our will, but the will of the Father. Jesus was challenged with giving Himself away in the Garden of Gethsemane. He said “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). If He was challenged, we’ll be challenged too.

To overcome this challenge, there are some practical things we must do.

1. Seek God in EVERY Decision. – As soon as we wake up, ask God what He wants us to do. When we complete that task, ask Him what’s next. Continue this throughout the day.
2. Keep the Flesh in Check. – Galatians 5:17 says the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. Our flesh will ALWAYS want to do things contrary to God’s word. Once we recognize this internal battle, intentionally do the opposite of our flesh.
3. Ask God For Help. – God will help us to do His will (Philippians 2:13). He doesn’t expect us to accomplish His will alone. Ask Him for help.
4. Receive Grace. – We may have intentions to do the will of God, but our flesh may win a few battles. If that happens, don’t condemn yourself. Receive God’s grace knowing you are forgiven.

As we give ourselves away, we’ll fulfill the purposes God has for us and our lives will reflect His love for us.

Praying

Going to church

Reading our bibles

Fasting

Through our flesh, the devil can make these things seem like chores. He’ll make everything else seem exciting or more important. Have you ever wondered why these things feel like chores? Maybe Satan knows these things are helpful. Maybe he knows these things will stop his attacks. Maybe he knows these things will impact the Kingdom of God. If he can get us to see these things like chores, we’ll be more inclined to do them sporadically or not do them at all.

Once Satan can get prayer, attending church, and bible reading out of the way, he can easily influence us to do things his way. We’ll think we’re “woke” by agreeing with some articulate academic who sounds deep, but is saying things contrary to God’s word. We’ll think we’re justified for cursing that lady out when in actuality, we’re displaying a lack of self-control. We’ll think it’s okay to live together prior to marriage because it makes sense.

These “chores” are given to help us. For one, we’re spending time with our heavenly Father Who knows what’s best for us. Secondly, we’re strengthening our faith (Rom. 10:17). We’re guarding our hearts (Prov. 4:23). We’re getting direction (John 16:13). These are just a few things that benefit us when we do our chores.

Don’t allow the devil to deceive you out of what God has for you. Our flesh may see them as chores, but these are ingredients to an abundant life (Rom. 10:10).

Luke 18:1 NLT One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.

2 Corinthians 10:3‭-‬6 MSG The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

Thoughts are constantly entering our minds. Some thoughts are good and some thoughts are evil. Just because evil thoughts enter our minds doesn’t mean we’re evil people. It’s just a thought. It doesn’t become a bad thing until we act on that thought.

Based on 2 Corinthians 10:5, we can reject those evil thoughts. Let’s say a thought of committing adultery enters our minds. We can literally tell that thought to leave and verbally declare “I only desire my spouse.” We can do the same thing with thoughts of cheating on our taxes, punching someone in the face, quitting our jobs, or using drugs or alcohol as an escape. Any thought that did not come from God can and should be rejected.

If we can control our thoughts, we can control our actions. By controlling our actions, we can control the trajectory of our lives. But, it starts with our thoughts. Control your thoughts.

Proverbs 12:18 CEV Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal.

Our words can either cut or heal. They can hurt someone or help someone. It’s important to be mindful of what we say.

Calling children bad when they’re misbehaving is terrible. Our words are planting seeds in their life. We’re calling them bad one day and wonder why we’re bailing them out the next day. Use your words to build up and change their behavior.

Even if we’re joking, the power in our words can cause damage. If someone acts silly, responding with “you’re an idiot” can cause harm. We don’t know how that person feels about themselves, but calling them an idiot, could confirm the way they’ve been thinking about themselves. Then we wonder why depression and suicide is impacting society.

Our words can build and strengthen a city and our words can tear it all down. Just because you can’t see the destruction doesn’t mean destruction is not happening. Choose your words wisely.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 AMP Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].

God is faithful. We hear this a lot in church, but when we place our trust in Him, we’ll find this to be true. We all can distinctively recall times where He’s miraculously protected us, provided for us, or manifested His promise to us.

God’s faithfulness is not true based solely on our experiences with Him. It’s true because His word says He’s faithful. Our experiences are only confirmation of His faithfulness.

Experiencing God’s faithfulness is a beautiful thing, but it first starts by placing our trust in Him. The more areas we place our trust in Him, the more times we can experience His faithfulness. Let’s place our trust in Him, in all areas of our lives, so that we can experience all of His faithfulness.

You have a desire. You’ve asked God for that desire in prayer and believe you have received it when you’ve prayed (Mark 11:24). You’ve already overcome doubt in your heart. You know for certain it’s going to come to pass, but you don’t know when. Now what do you do?

When we’re waiting, there are three productive things we can do.

1. Praise God
   Since we know we have what we’ve asked for according to 1 John 5:15, we praise God. We praise Him for giving us a way to receive our desires. We praise Him for making those promises available to us through Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20). We praise Him for answering our prayers.
2. Pray For Others
   We have family and friends and we know some of their desires. While we wait on our desires, we can sincerely pray for the manifestation of their desires. What good is it if we’re the only ones getting what’s promised to us? Pray for and celebrate others.
3. Practice Contentment
   In Philippians 4:11, Paul learned to be content. Contentment is learned when impatience is overruled by appreciation. While we’re waiting on our desires, appreciate everything we currently have. You may want a new car, a new house, or a spouse, but for now, appreciate the transportation you have, your current residence, and the benefits of being single.

Don’t just sit there being anxious while waiting on your desires. Praise the Lord, pray for others, and practice contentment.

Romans 8:25 NLT But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 AMP Do not quench subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the only access we have to God. Once we accept Christ as Lord, we’re sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13). That Spirit leads us, guides us, and teaches us if we’re responsive to His promptings.

The problem comes when we’re unresponsive to whatever He’s telling us to do. He may tell us not to go to their house after a certain time, study for that test an extra hour and no more, or introduce yourself to that man or woman. When we’re unresponsive to His promptings, we’re missing out on the good God has planned for us (Jer. 29:11), we could fall for the devil’s traps (2 Cor. 2:11), or not be as successful as we desired to be (2 Cor. 2:14).

Whatever God’s Spirit tells us to do will typically go against our flesh and how we feel. That doesn’t mean we should be unresponsive and disobey God. We should trust that whatever God’s Spirit tells us to do is for our good. Our flesh may hate it now, but our lives will be so blessed because of our responsiveness to the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.

Some people (Christians included) will tell us not to give our money to a certain pastor or ministry because they’re going to take it and buy a Rolls-Royce or a jet with it. Meanwhile, the bible tells us to honor our spiritual leaders. So, what will you do? Follow what’s being said in the streets or obey the word of God?

To honor our spiritual leaders doesn’t always mean we give them money. We can bake them a pie or buy them something nice. The most important part is to honor them by giving them what God placed on our hearts. Yes, this can include money.

Whatever God wants us to give to our spiritual leaders has a promise attached to it. Ephesians 6:8 says, whatever good anyone does, the same shall they receive from the Lord.

Like the scripture says, they work hard and just because they’re spiritual leaders for God doesn’t mean they should work for free. We should desire to give to leaders that sow their time, energy, and efforts in order for us to spiritually grow. If there is someone who is impacting you spiritually, see what God wants you to give to them.

2 Corinthians 5:15 NLT He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

Who are you living for? Are you attempting to accomplish your goals or the goals of Christ? Are you allowing your flesh to dominate or are you allowing His Spirit to lead and guide you? Are you cherry picking things in the bible that suit you or are you obeying everything God commands (in context) in the New Covenant?

Jesus died so that we can live for Him. That means we totally surrender to His will. That means we forgive when we have to forgive, we unconditionally love everyone, we are generous givers, and we make the effort not to sin. When we allow God’s Spirit to lead and guide us in every area of our lives, we’re living for Christ.

Examine your life. Are you totally living for Christ, partially living for Christ, or living for yourself? Make the adjustments to totally live for Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into his glorious image.

We all should want to improve in one or more areas of our lives. We may want to have a better attitude, be more patient, be more generous, or strengthen our relationship with God.

We don’t improve by keeping the law. We improve by understanding who we are in Christ. We improve by being led by the Spirit. We allow His Spirit to change us.

If we attempt to change by keeping the law, we’re setting ourselves up for failure. Galatians 3:11 says no one can be made right by keeping the law. We may keep one or a few laws for awhile, but we’ll ultimately miss the mark. And if we miss it in one point, we’re guilty of breaking all the laws (James 2:10).

The law was given to show us that we need a Savior. Through Him, the law has been fulfilled, we have been forgiven, and we’ve been given the Holy Spirit to help us improve to be more like Jesus. Stop trying to do it on your own. Allow the Spirit of God to change you from the inside out.

1 Corinthians 2:4‭-‬5 NLT And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

When Paul ministered the gospel of Jesus Christ, he relied on the Holy Spirit. We too have been called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and reconciling people back to God (Mark 16:15/ 2 Cor. 5:18). Instead of relying on our intellect and how much bible knowledge we have, we should ask the Holy Spirit to give us the words to minister the gospel. We may have gotten saved two days ago and only know a couple of scriptures, but if we rely on the Holy Spirit, we’ll have the right words to say that will encourage people to Christ.

Secondly, we should rely on the Holy Spirit at our jobs. Whatever task we have at our employment, the Holy Spirit can provide the wisdom we need to best handle the task. We may have been on the job for two weeks, but the Holy Spirit can give us the wisdom we need to easily understand our responsibilities. This could lead to promotions and sustainability.

We should rely on the Holy Spirit in our marriage, in parenting, and in every area of our lives. Whatever we’ve been called to do, let’s rely on the Holy Spirit.