Category Archive

1 Samuel 15:24 NLT Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.

The reason why Saul disobeyed God was because he was afraid of the people. Fear is the number one thing that influences us to sin. Think about it. Any sin we commit is rooted in fear.

If a person steals, they’re afraid they won’t have enough. If a person commits adultery, they’re afraid they’re missing out on something better. If a person eats too much, they’re afraid they won’t be satisfied with a regular sized portion. Any form of sin has roots in fear.

Fear is not from God (2 Tim. 1:7). It comes directly from Satan. When temptations of sin enter our minds, we need to question what we are afraid of. Once we’ve identified where fear exists, let’s use our authority to rebuke the fear and obey God.

Psalms 18:30 NLT God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.

We may think our way is good, but God’s way is perfect. When we do things His way, we’ll have the best results. The best results may not be seen initially, but the best results will eventually be revealed.

Following God’s way requires faith. God’s ways don’t seem to be perfect. A lot of times it’s not even logical. But when we follow them, God ensures that we’ll get the best results.

From major to minor decisions, let’s do things God’s way to get the best results. Perfect ways lead to perfect results.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Ideas enter our minds that go against the ways of God. A lot of those ideas are appealing to our flesh. What appeals to our flesh varies from person to person. For some, it’s exciting to know we can steal a few dollars here and there to pay for a vacation. For others, they may want to satisfy their sexual cravings on anyone who’s attractive. Although our flesh wants to participate in those ideas, that doesn’t make it right.

The world says do what you feel. They think it’s a sense of freedom to let yourself go, but in actuality they’re becoming bound by sin (Rom. 6:14-23).

Stop trying to do it the way your flesh wants. It will end up destroying you (Rom. 6:23). Do it God’s way, His way is perfect (Ps. 18:30).

1 Chronicles 29:28 NLT He (King David) died at a ripe old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor. Then his son Solomon ruled in his place.

The summary of David’s life should be the summary for our own lives when it’s all over. Let’s look at this summary.

First, when we die, we should die at an old age. We shouldn’t die prematurely from diseases or accidents. Old age varies from person to person, but God’s word says we can live 120 years (Gen. 6:3). To ensure we have a long life, we can place our faith in Psalm 91:16 which says, with long life God will satisfy us.

Secondly, our summary should say we enjoyed life. When people remember us, they should remember seeing smiles on our faces, recalling the stories of God’s goodness in our lives, and fulfilling the purposes God has for us. Psalm 91:16 also says our lives will be satisfied by God. Be in faith for an enjoyable life.

Thirdly, we should have wealth. No matter where we start financially, God promises wealth in our lives (Psalm 112:3; 2 Cor. 8:9). Wealth is also tied to our giving. As we give, God promises to give back to us in excess (Luke 6:38).

Another thing we should have is honor. Honor means to be highly respected. When we live honest lives, showing everyone the love of God, and honoring God and others, we’ll receive honor in return (Gal. 6:7).

Finally, what we established for ourselves should run over on our children. It doesn’t matter if we started a business, left them rental properties, or wisdom in the word of God. What we’ve built in this life should be given to our legacy.

Summary of Numbers 11:16-32
God told Moses He was going to feed meat to all the children of Israel for a month. Moses questioned, in doubt, God’s ability to feed meat to approximately 2 million people for a month. God replied to Moses’s doubt by saying, “Has my arm lost its power?” Moses told the people that God was going to feed them meat for a month. God sent quail over 3 feet high and a day’s journey long.

We experience what Moses experienced often. Like Moses, God will give us a word that seems impossible. He may tell us audibly or through His word that He’ll manifest healing in our bodies, provide a promise too big for us to comprehend, or restoration of something that seems too far gone.

Initially, God’s word takes us by surprise and our minds can’t fathom how God’s going to do it. If we refuse to allow doubt and unbelief to enter our hearts and cause us to reject God’s word, then we’ll ultimately realize with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26).

Look at what Moses did next. Whether Moses believed what God said with 100% certainty or not, he told the children of Israel what God said. When we get a word from the Lord, to combat thoughts of doubt, it’s our responsibility to say what God says. We must say what God says repeatedly until we belive it and we’re convinced that God will do what He said He will do.

It may have seemed far fetched at first, but ultimately as we receive His word, confess His word until we believe His word, we’ll eventally have what His word says.

Numbers 11:23 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Has my arm lost its power? Now you will see whether or not my word comes true!”

Psalms 19:8 NLT The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

God’s commandments are for us to obey. As we obey, we position ourselves for better living. This scripture says we’ll have joy for doing what’s right and we’ll have insight on what we’re meant to do and be.

For the record, for new covenant believers, we’re not talking about obeying the 613 laws of Moses. We’re talking about obeying the commands of Christ (Rom. 1:5).

Obeying the commands of Christ include believing in the finished works of Jesus (Rom. 16:26), loving each other (John 13:34), and forgiving one another (Mark 11:25-26). There’s more, but the point is as we obey, we become better vessels for the Kingdom of God, better people, and and fulfill the purposes God has for us.

To get the best out of life and stay away from guilt, shame, and condemnation, obey God’s new covenant commands.

Romans 5:11 NLT So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Through Christ, every born-again believer is a friend of God. It’s not because of our efforts or our obedience that makes us friends. It’s Christ and His sacrifice alone that makes us friends of God. Thank You Jesus.

Since we’re friends of God, there are certain perks we have that other people don’t have. One perk is no punishment. God’s not punishing us when we miss the mark. There are natural consequences, but the punishment was put on Jesus (Rom. 3:21-31).

Secondly, our friendship with God provides a closeness with God (Prov. 18:24). In any situation, God will always be close to us and will help us in our time of need. He is nor will He ever be too far from us.

Proverbs 17:17 says, a friend loves at all time. So, as a friend of God, we’re promised to be loved by Him at all times. That means He loves when we’re doing things correctly and when we’re missing the mark. He loves us forever.

We are His children, we are His chosen ones, but we’re also His friends. Praise God for Jesus who made all this happen for us.

Ephesians 1:17 NLT asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

We push our children to have a good education in the natural. It’s more important for them to have spiritual wisdom. Where education stops is where wisdom begins. Wisdom is knowing what to do when you don’t know what to do. And since spiritual laws supercede natural laws, it’s better for them to have spiritual wisdom over natural education.

The best way to guarantee they have a good spiritual education is to pray and confess this verse over them.

Prayer: God, I ask that my children receive spiritual wisdom and insight so that they grow in the knowledge of You, in Jesus name, amen.

As our children get older, this wisdom will teach them to rely on God in every area. They’ll rely on God while studying for a test, in sports, and in choosing their friends.

Praise God we have access to this wisdom where we and our children get to grow in the knowledge of God.

Isaiah 32:18 KJV And My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

God wants us to experience peace in every area of our lives, including our homes. So many people are experiencing strife, drama, and toxicity in their homes. Some married couples are arguing continuously and parents are not getting along with their children. This is not God’s desire nor His best for the family.

If you’re not experiencing peace in your home and you’re a born-again believer, you can stand on this promise. Daily, we can confess “I have peace in my home based on Your word that says, Your people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” We can make these confessions in the morning, at night, after an argument, and when everything is going well.

If we can’t have peace in our homes, where can we have it? Declare peace in your home and don’t settle for anything less.

Satan is masterful at implementing hypothetical scenarios in our minds. His goal is to get us to fear and doubt God’s word.

Here are just a few:
-After watching the news about layoffs.
Satan: What if you lose your job and don’t have a way to pay your bills?
-When a spouse doesn’t respond to a text/call promptly.
Satan: They may be messing around with someone else.
-After taking your child to school.
Satan: What if there’s a mass shooting at the school?
-After giving money in the church.
Satan: They may use everyone’s money to buy the pastor a new car.
-Before leaving the house at night.
Satan: You heard how they’re robbing people at gun point.

Whatever scenario that enters our minds that doesn’t agree with God’s word is sent by Satan and it’s a lie. Those thoughts need to be thrown out AND replaced with the truth in the word of God.

If we’re willing to receive them, God has truths for us to think about instead of demonic hypothetical scenarios.

The Truth:
God supplies my needs (Phil. 4:19).
I give my cares about my spouse to God (1 Peter 5:7).
God perfects everything concerning me including my children’s safety (Psalm 138:8).
What they do with the money doesn’t concern me. When I give, it’s being given back to me (Luke 6:38).
I’m not afraid. The Lord will personally go ahead of me. He will be with me; He will neither fail me nor abandon me” (Deut. 31:8).

Which will you choose to dwell on? The hypothetical scenarios of Satan or the truth in God’s word?

2 Corinthians 10:5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Jude 1:23 NLT Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

Some Christians have took it upon themselves to say God hates this group of people or that group of people. These are lies. God doesn’t hate people. God loves all His creation.

Nowhere in the bible does it say we’re to hate sinners. We are to hate the sin, not the sinner. We’re to hate lies, not the person who is lying. We’re to hate homosexuality, not the person engaged in homosexual relations. We’re to hate adultery, not the person committing adultery. If we find ourselves hating the person, a demonic spirit has influenced our minds.

Like God, we are called to love everyone. And since we love everyone, we should want our brother and sister rescued from the bondage of sin. It’s ultimately going to be up to them if they want to be freed, but we can do our part in assisting in their rescue.

Our part includes, removing demonic influences that are influencing their decisions (Luke 10:19), praying for godly influences to minister to them (Hebrews 1:14), encouraging them on a regular basis (Proverbs 27:17), and telling them the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

We shouldn’t want to see people destroying themselves with sin. Let’s be vessels for God and assist in their rescue from sin.

Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

God’s love is everlasting. It’s doesn’t stop for anyone or anything. God loves people who will never love Him back. God loves the atheist who chooses not to believe in Him. God loves the liar, the homosexual, the fornicator, and the adulterer. God loves people who say they’re going to do better, but never seem to get it right.

God loves the abuser and the abused. God loves the prostitute and the pimp. God loves the drug addict and the drug dealer. If you’ve been in church all your life or never been at all, God loves us all the same.

Love is God’s nature. It will never stop. His love produces goodness, grace, and mercy in the hopes that we will turn to Him and never turn back (Rom. 2:4). Know this, God is not angry with you. He loves you both now and forever. Receive His love.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
Romans 5:6 NLT

We ALL were utterly helpless at one point in time. We didn’t know what to do, which way to turn, who to talk to, or where to go. Eventually, we humbled ourselves and realized we can’t do life without God. We realized we needed a Savior who can save us from ourselves and our situation. That’s when we received Jesus.

Thank you God for Jesus. He helped when we were utterly helpless. We were deceived into thinking we were doing right, but we were wrong. Thank You for showing us our faults and revealing that You died for our faults.

This gospel is too good not to share. If you know anyone who is utterly helpless, do them a favor by pointing them to Jesus. He can help ANY helpless situation.

2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

Nowhere in the bible does it say that we’ll win a few and lose a few. God’s word for the new covenant believer says we ALWAYS win in Christ.

Certain situations may not be favorable, but it doesn’t mean we’ve lost. We may have lost a job, experienced the premature death of a loved one, or had financial depletion, but that’s still not considered a loss because our story is not over. God can bless us with a better job, give us peace in knowing our loved one is in a better place, and give us financial increase.

Stop saying “if I win or lose, I’ll still give Him the praise.” It sounds spiritual, but it’s not scriptural. Through Christ, we always win.

2 Corinthians 3:5 NLT It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.

When interviewing for a job, they ask for our qualifications. We usually inform them of our education, degrees, and experience. This makes sense for a job. When it comes to sharing and ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ, people may want to know our qualifications. It should be one answer; God. It shouldn’t be answers such as, I’ve been saved for 7 years, I speak in tongues, I tithe, and I sing on the praise team. No, God is the One who qualifies us to share and minister the gospel.

We may have been saved for one week and have more revelation of God’s word than someone who has been saved for 20 years.

When sharing the message of Christ, some of us may be questioned by our friends. They’ll say, “Who are you to tell me about Christ? Didn’t we get drunk together last year?” Or, “How can you tell me to repent? I know how you used to be.” We’ll simply let them know we’ve been qualified by God.

Any born-again believer is qualified to share or minister the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s not our good works or years of good behavior that qualifies us. It’s God alone Who qualifies us.

Psalms 139:5 NKJV You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.

God’s word tells us that He has a hedge surrounding and protecting us. We won’t benefit from this hedge of protection unless we believe this hedge exists and it’s meant for us.

If we feel like we have to protect ourselves, that’s a lack of faith in God’s hedge of protection. If we’re in fear about going certain places, that’s a lack of faith in God’s hedge of protection. Have faith in this unseen hedge of protection.

This hedge is also available to our children. We no longer need to worry about our children in school. Until they develop their faith, we can use our faith in God’s hedge of protection surrounding them. This will keep us in peace as we drop them off at school.

God has a hedge of protection surrounding us. Believe His word and reap the benefits of this hedge.

2 Corinthians 4:13 NIV It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,

Faith is more than believing. It’s believing God’s word and acting on our belief. How do we act on our belief? Mainly through confession. When we say the same thing God says about us in His word, we’re acting on our belief.

A person can think they believe they’re healed based on 1 Peter 2:24 which says, “By His wounds you are healed.” If we ask them how they’re feeling and they say, “I’m sick as a dog,” they don’t have faith. They’re not saying what God said. They’re saying what they truly believe (Matt. 12:34). A person in faith would say, “I believe I am healed.” They’re not denying sickness. They’re choosing to believe God’s word above the sickness. They’re ignoring the sickness and saying what God says.

The same rule applies in our finances, our marriages, or any other promise of God. If you see what God says in His word, believe it’s for you AND act on that belief through confession. Don’t let what you see and how you feel change your belief in or confession of the word of God.

Proverbs 2:6 NLT For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

We all need wisdom for something. It could be at our jobs, in parenting, in growing a business, or in school. Regardless of the area where wisdom is needed, the Lord will provide wisdom if we ask (James 1:5).

Once we ask, we must be willing to follow His instructions even if they don’t make sense. We may need wisdom for our business, but God may instruct us to forgive our parents who mistreated us. To the logical person, they’ll wonder what forgiveness has to do with their business? If that seems too weird to follow, we’ll be stuck in ignorance or not experience God’s best in our business. Those who’ll follow God’s instructions will gain the wisdom needed for maximum success in business. For the example above, God’s word tells us to forgive. When we don’t forgive, our faith is contaminated and our prayers for wisdom are hindered (Mark 11:25).

Human wisdom is not enough to be highly successful. Only the wisdom of God can help us in every area of our lives.

Genesis 3:5 NLT “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

Satan deceived Eve into thinking she was missing out on something by saying “your eyes will be open” and “you will be like God.” Because she didn’t want to miss out, she deliberately disobeyed God, ended up in a worse predicament, AND caused Adam to do the same.

Satan is still deceiving people into thinking they’re missing out on something. What people think they’re missing out on varies. Satan deceives people into thinking they’re missing out on another religion that predates Christianity, another way to salvation besides Jesus, or “fun.” If we think we’re missing out on something, we’ll go against the word of God and end up in a terrible situation.

God’s word is the truth. Don’t be deceived into thinking you’re missing out on anything outside of His word. Anything outside of the word of God is a lie and Satan is behind it.

2 Corinthians 5:9 NLT So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please Him.

The goal of every born-again believer is to please God. We don’t please God by keeping the law and we don’t please God by staying in a church 24 hours a day. We please God by doing what He says through His Spirit.

We please God when He tells us to work diligently at the job, but we also please Him when He tells us to stop working even though there’s more work to be done. We please God when we go and worship Him at church on Sunday and we please Him when He directs us to spend time with our family at the park on Sunday. Pleasing God is not limited to traditional things like praying, reading the bible, and going to church. Pleasing God is anything we do where His Spirit is directing us.

Let’s please God by trusting Him and doing what He says.

Luke 18:19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good.

God is always good. This is a reason to rejoice and celebrate Him. The reason we don’t celebrate His goodness as much as we should is, we minimize or fail to identify His goodness.

The fact that we’re alive is a sign of God’s goodness. Unless a traumatic event happens, most people are not shouting for joy because they’re alive. We look beyond that goodness and are demonically influenced to focus on what we don’t have. Satan will try to have us focus on not having the amount of money we want, not having a spouse, or other seemingly negative things. Satan’s goal is to steal God’s praise.

Let’s bring it back to the basics and think about the goodness of God and give Him praise. God’s goodness includes: being alive, healthy, walking, talking, food, shelter, clothes, clean water, employment, excess money, transportation, valuables, going to point A to point B without getting killed in a robbery or a car crash, experiencing God’s love through family and friends.

Some of us may not have everything seen above, but we can give Him praise for what we do have. God is good and don’t let the devil tell you otherwise.

1 John 5:21 NLT Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

Social media, Netflix, TV, video games, socializing with friends, a relationship, and making money. These are things that could be taking God’s place.

Does this mean we can’t play video games or watch Netflix? Of course not. It’s means there should be some balance. If we binge watch 6 hours of Netflix, but only read the verse of the day in our bible app, our day was imbalanced. God should get more than a couple minutes of prayer and few seconds of reading for the day.

More importantly, like everything else, we should let God’s Spirit lead us. If He says only play video games from 10:00pm – 12:00am, video games are not taking God’s place. If He tells us not to go out with our friends for the night, when we obey, our social life is not taking God’s place. God may even approve us binge watching 6 hours of our favorite show, but since He’s leading us, Netflix is not taking God’s place.

It’s in our best interests to trust Him and not allow anything to take God’s place.

Romans 8:37 NLT No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Despite how things appear, through Christ, we’re victorious. In our jobs we’re victorious, in our ministry we’re victorious, in our marriages and finances we’re victorious. Anything we’ve been called to do or to be responsible for, we’re victorious.

Victory is NOT automatic. We must look at negative situations in the face and declare we’re victorious. If we allow negative situations to cause doubt and unbelief in our hearts, we’ll either fail or not obtain everything God has for us.

Faith in God’s word for overwhelming victory is what’s going to cause us to experience overwhelming victory. Don’t focus on anything else but God’s word, and you’ll experience victory in every area of your life.

2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

Every promise from God is still available to every born-again believer. It doesn’t matter how old we are, how many times we went to prison, how many times we’ve been married, or our financial status. God’s promises are still on the table for the taking.

THE ONLY thing stopping us from receiving what God has for us, is us. When we don’t believe God’s word about something, based on a natural perspective, we’re intentionally leaving a promise on the table.

If we think we’re too old to have a baby because science says so, we’re choosing to believe science instead of the scripture that says with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). When we choose to remain single because of failed relationships, we’re allowing fear to win instead of believing that God will give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). When we think we have to hustle to get ahead financially, we’re deciding to not believe God’s word where it says, the blessing of the Lord makes one wealthy without toil (Prov. 10:22).

Don’t allow your past, the world’s perspective, or fear to rule. Believe God’s word and take EVERYTHING God has promised you through Jesus Christ.

Psalm 40:4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols.

When our trust is in the Lord, we’ll experience numerous amounts of joy in our lives. Trusting in God means doing things His way. When we trust God or do things His way in our marriages, in parenting, with our finances, or anything else, we’ll have joy in our marriages, in parenting, or with our finances.

When we add our own ways of doing things, that’s when our joy turns into sorrow. When we do it our way, we may think we’re winning, but we’re headed for destruction (Prov. 14:12).

Experience infinite amounts of joy by trusting in the Lord and no one else, including yourself.

Psalms 71:7‭-‬8 NLT My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.

When we personally know what God has done and we’ve seen Him perform the miraculous on more than one occasion, praise will continuously flow from our lips. It’s as if we’ve reached the point of no return and we can’t help it. It’s not luck, good fortune, or anything else. We know with everything in us, it was God.

New trials will come and they have a tendency to make us forget about what God has done. They seem so big until they overshadow God’s marvelous works. That’s why it’s important to stay in the word of God and keep a close connection with Him. Staying close to God and His word helps us remember all He has done for us in times past. It will help us recall how He’s handled “big” things in the past which will encourage us to place our faith in Him now.

So, praise Him for His past performances, praise Him for being a present help, and praise Him for the plans He has for our future. Don’t stop praising the Lord.

Deuteronomy 28:8 NLT “The Lord will guarantee a blessing on everything you do and will fill your storehouses with grain. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.

This was a guaranteed promise from God for the children of Israel, who were under the law and didn’t have a personal relationship with Him. If they received this kind of promise, think about what we, the children of God who are saved, are promised.

Hebrews 8:6 says, but now Jesus has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. We have better promises. We can have this kind of promise and more.

If we update Deuteronomy 28:8 for us today, God promises to bless everything we do. That means we’re anointed to prosper in our careers, in our marriages, with parenting, and with anything else we do.

Since we don’t live in an agricultural society, we no longer have grain and storehouses. If we update this scripture, God promises to fill our bank accounts with money.

Finally, God promises His people land. This is as beneficial now as it was then. If you want land for real-estate purposes, land to expand the Kingdom of God, or land to live, God guarantees this promise to us. These three promises are enough to praise and give God glory for the rest of the day.

If you see an old covenant promise, in context, know you’re entitled to that and MORE through Jesus Christ.

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.