Graced To Do God's Will

Acts 20:32 MSG “Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what He wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.

You may be struggling with your identity. You may be missing the mark frequently. You may not know what to do. Regardless of our shortcomings, our solution is found in God’s gracious word.

God’s word of grace can build us up, make us into everything He wants us to be, and give us everything we need.

As we understand more and more about God’s grace and mercy, we’ll have a better understanding about His love. God’s love can change anything. Through God’s word, we’ll know who we are in Christ. We’ll have a better success rate in hitting the mark. God’s word will provide guidance on what to do in every situation.

Stop trying to figure it out on your own. Stop doubting the power of God’s word. Get in a relationship with Him and let His word build you up and build the life Jesus died for you to have.

Ezekiel‬ ‭36:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “Son of man, prophesy to Israel’s mountains. Give them this message: O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord!

God had Ezekiel prophesy to Israel’s mountains. Mountains are inanimate objects, but God spoke to them through Ezekiel. He told the mountains what they were going to do and how prosperous they will be. In verse 8 God said, “‭the mountains of Israel will produce heavy crops of fruit for my people.” In verse 11, God said “‭O mountains of Israel, I will bring people to live on you once again. I will make you even more prosperous than you were before.”

In Mark 11:12-14, Jesus spoke to a tree and it obeyed Him.

As the Holy Spirit leads, start speaking to some things. Speak to your bills and tell them to be supernaturally paid off in the name of Jesus. Speak to your house and all the appliances in it and tell them to function properly. Speak to your car and tell it to be problem-free. Speak to the land you have your eyes on and declare that it’s sold to you.

It may seem foolish at first, but it’s an act of faith. We’re using our authority that we have in Christ to speak to these things with an expectation for them to obey. If God can have Ezekiel, who was under the Old Covenant, speak to inanimate objects and Jesus who is our example speak to a tree, we can speak to inanimate objects and expect them to obey too.

Romans‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.

Don’t consider how much money you have.
Don’t consider how many other people tried that same thing, but failed.
Don’t consider your age to go back to school, start a business, or have children.
Don’t consider how long it has taken.
Don’t consider your marital status.
Don’t consider your education, criminal history, or experience.
Whatever the world tells us to consider, don’t consider it.

Our job is to solely focus on and believe God’s word. If He said or promised it, it will come to pass. No matter how long it has taken, remain focused on God’s word.

There are two kinds of seeds that are competing to grow in our hearts. There is the word of God seed and there are seeds contrary to the word of God. Obviously, the word of God seed comes from God’s written word. However, the seeds contrary to the word of God come from satanic thoughts solely based on our five senses.

It’s our choice what we allow to grow in the soil of our hearts. We can accept/reject the word of God seed or accept/reject the seeds contrary to the word of God. It’s up to us.

Whatever seeds we accept will grow not only in our hearts, but in our lives. Whatever we see or are experiencing in our lives are results of seeds we’ve accepted (positive or negative).

For instance, if there’s lack in our lives, that’s a seed we’ve accepted. If there’s abundance in our lives, that’s a seed we’ve accepted. Lack comes from a seed contrary to the word of God. Abundance comes from the word of God seed.

There are layers to these seeds. We can have an abundance of money which is a seed we’ve accepted from Psalms 112:3, but we could be lacking in peace which is a seed we’ve accepted from watching the news.

The good news is, with the renewing of our minds to the word of God, trees that have grown based on seeds contrary to God’s word can be uprooted and replaced. By meditating on God’s word, we can completely remove lack, sickness, insecurities, depression or any other trees contrary to God’s word from our lives. I encourage you to accept the word of God seed and reject seeds contrary to the word of God.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus replied, “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted,

Ezekiel 34:26 NLT I will bless my people and their homes around my holy hill. And in the proper season I will send the showers they need. There will be showers of blessing.

We all want every promise of God now. We don’t want to wait or have to be patient. If we see it in God’s word, we want it immediately.

As we can see, there’s a proper season for blessings. It may not come when we want it, but God’s timing is perfect.

If we get something we’re not ready to handle, it may be detrimental to other areas of our lives. For instance, if we desire $1,000,000, but we’re not ready to handle that kind of money responsibly, that money may bring out a selfish side of us that could impact our marriage. Or, that money won’t last long due to bad investments or spending habits.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting the promises of God. Just know there’s a proper time to receive each promise.

Romans 4:20 NKJV He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.

Romans 1:17 says, those who are declared righteous through Jesus Christ shall live by faith. Faith is a lifestyle. When we believe God’s word and don’t doubt, regardless of the circumstances, God is glorified.

Satan and sin in the earth will tempt us to give up on God’s word. They’ll make circumstances look so bad or impossible until we’d rather not believe due to fear of being disappointed. However, if we make up in our minds to believe God’s word, we’ll not only glorify God while we patiently wait, but we’ll see the manifestation of what He promised.

Praise God that our belief in God’s word brings Him glory.

We not only have the opportunity to give God glory, but through our generous giving and obedience, we’ll encourage others to give God glory.

2 Corinthians 9:12‭-‬13 NLT So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.

Giving not only expresses our gratitude, but it positively impacts the lives of others. When we can pay someone’s bills, give them food, or help out in whatever way we can, people will understand there’s a God in heaven who loves them and will meet their needs.

Our generosity to the less fortunate will hopefully encourage them to have a relationship with God, lead them down a righteous path, and ultimately position them to be a blessing to others. Give in order for others to glorify God.

I Corinthians 6:19‭-‬20 NKJV Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Another way we can glorify God is with our bodies. We glorify God with our bodies by resisting the urge to be sexually immoral.

God knows our flesh desires sexual sins. For single people, it’s fornication. For married people, it’s adultery. For others, it’s homosexuality. Regardless of the temptation, when we fight against the urge to be sexually immoral, we glorify God. We’re letting God, the devil, and everyone else know that God is more important than satisfying the desires of our flesh.

We resist sexually immoral urges by renewing our minds with the word of God (Rom. 12:2). Whatever God’s word says about that thought, we agree with it regardless of how our flesh feels.

Also, when an immoral thought comes, we take authority over it and tell it to leave our minds. Then replace that thought with things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, a good report, virtuous, and anything worthy of praise (Phil. 4:8).

It may be difficult at times, but honor and glorify God in your bodies. Since that’s what He told us to do, that’s the best thing for us.

John 14:13 NLT You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.

How can we glorify God? Whatever changes that need to be corrected in the earth, if we ask in Jesus name, God is glorified.

This is slightly different from John 16:23 where it says, “whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” John 14 says whatever we ask in Jesus’s name, Jesus will do it.

The context of John 14 has to do with works such as, healing the sick, delivering people from demonic oppression, or raising the dead. John 16 has to do with personal prayer requests such as, a job, a house, or a car.

Lets continue the works of Jesus. When we see someone who has been negatively impacted by the devil in some way (sick, depressed, suicidal, fearful, dead, etc.) and pray for their deliverance in Jesus’s name, God is glorified.

There are several ways to give God glory. One way to give God glory is with our words.

Psalms 63:3 NIV Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

Thinking of God’s love and remembering all the wonderful things He has done, we should give God praise. Tell Him how much you love Him for sending and sacrificing His Son Jesus. Thank Him for our families, thank Him for His promises, and thank Him for His protection.

Even if things are not going as well as you want them to right now, praise Him for His power to turn our situation around. It may be a sacrifice, but give Him glory despite how you feel.

Give to God the glory that He deserves. Give Him praise.

What have you been thinking about lately? Has it been your finances, inflation, or gas prices? Has it been the increase in crime, the lack of morality, or the possibility of getting sick? Are you worried about your children or your career?

Paul lets us know in Philippians 4 that we have control over what we think.

Philippians 4:8 NLT And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Negative or fearful thoughts will come, but we don’t have to entertain them. We can cast them out and replace them with thoughts that align with the word of God.

Some may say they can’t help being worried or focused on problematic areas. Well, the bible says otherwise.

Get control over your thoughts. Give any and all negative thoughts to God and start thinking on thoughts found in God’s word.

Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Cutting someone off when they’ve missed the mark or offended you once is not scriptural for the believer. We must make room for each other’s faults. No one has it altogether. People mess up, they make mistakes, and they have faults.

When someone misses the mark, extend grace and forgive them. The grace we need when we mess up is the same grace they need for themselves. There’s no need to have a bashing session. They usually know when they’ve dropped the ball. But if not, in love, let them know how they’ve missed the mark or how they’ve offended you. Once you’ve expressed your feelings, forgive them and move on. Bringing it back up again helps no one.

Stop prematurely ending relationships, friendships, leaving careers, or churches because of the one-time faults of someone else. Be mature enough to understand that people make mistakes and they need grace too.

Mark 3:2‭-‬3 NLT Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.”

Jesus’ enemies watched Him closely to see if He would (not could) heal on the Sabbath so that they could accuse Him. They weren’t concerned about the health of the man. Their goal was to accuse.

Unfortunately, this is still true today. There are ministers or people who are doing their best to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ. They’re encouraging people to have a relationship with God regardless of faults, they’re motivating people to believe God for the best, and to believe God to be healed. With all the good they’re doing, there are still saved and unsaved people trying to find fault and accuse them of deception.

They’ll highlight how the person is using the scriptures inaccurately. They’ll encourage people not to listen to or support their ministry based on how they ministered the gospel or who they associate themselves with. They don’t have anything to say themselves. They simply want to bring the public figure down.

This is expected from people in the world, but this is not the will of God for a believer. People may not have a full understanding of certain scriptures, but unless they’re speaking heresy, there’s no reason to accuse them of deception or be overly critical. If they’re leading people to Christ and encouraging believers, let’s celebrate them and not cause further division in the body of Christ.

Psalms 62:7 NLT My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.

All of our victories are from God alone. Stop giving credit to other things or people (including ourselves) for the victories in our lives. Every success is because of God.

It’s not vitamins that keep us healthy; it’s God.
It’s not our hard work that allowed us to get a promotion; it’s God.
It’s not the amount of money we make that makes us rich; it’s God.
God alone allowed us to get that job, not our connections.
God alone gave us the wisdom to parent successful children, not a book.
God alone gave us the help we needed to overcome negative emotions.
And it is God, not man, that teaches us to live godly.

Obviously, in all these scenarios, God can use other things and people as a tool, but the ultimate credit should go to Him.

For every success story, give God all the glory.

Ezekiel 14:19‭-‬20 NLT “Or suppose I were to pour out my fury by sending an epidemic into the land, and the disease killed people and animals alike. As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, they wouldn’t be able to save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved by their righteousness.

If God would have allowed deadly diseases into the land, the righteousness of Noah, Daniel, and Job would save them from death.

These three men believed and honored God and it was considered righteous, but based on Isaiah 64:6, their righteousness are as filthy rags. No matter how much good they’ve done, because of sin, their righteousness is corrupted. Although corrupted and filthy, God said their righteousness would still save them from a deadly disease.

Old Testament saints didn’t have the luxury of having Jesus Christ as their sacrifice for sin. Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we are made righteous (Rom. 3:22). This righteousness is incorruptible. This righteousness not only saves us from sickness and disease, but it also saves us from eternal death in hell.

Don’t worry about disease or eternal death. If you have His righteousness, we will be saved. Praise God for the incorruptible righteousness that we have through Jesus Christ.

Acts 20:24 NLT But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

We can get married, have children, have the career we want, and get a lot of money and still feel unfulfilled. Why is that? Because there’s a greater purpose for all of us. Our purpose is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

There are different methods to sharing the gospel. Everyone is not called to be on street corners witnessing to people walking by. Some of us have been instructed to witness to people at our jobs or share the gospel with family members and friends. Some of us have been called to use the success in our businesses, careers, and marriages as an opportunity to minister the gospel of Christ. We can do something as small as share a post on social media that encourages people to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

It’s selfish and unfulfilling to be saved and successful, knowing there are people who are lost, damaged, and broken. Be a light to Jesus Christ by allowing God to show you how to share the good news about the wonderful grace of God.

Genesis 31:12 NKJV And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you.

For years, Jacob was continously being cheated by Laban. He changed Jacob’s wages which forced him to work for Laban longer than he expected. In verse 12, God lets Jacob know He’s seen all that Laban has done to him.

Some of us were cheated, abused, abandoned, misused, and overlooked. As He did with Jacob, God saw everything that was done to us; and God still gave Jacob wisdom to prosper. In spite of all that we’ve been through, God has the power to position us to prosper.

We may have had three terrible marriages or relationships, but God can make this next marriage prosper to the point where we forget about past relationships. God can use the abuse we’ve overcome as a testimony to inspire others to get out of abusive situations. Like Joyce Meyer, our story can be a platform for others to turn to Jesus and be healed and set free.

Whatever pain or misfortune we’re experiencing or have experienced, God sees it all and He’s already provided a way for us to prosper through it if we trust Him.

People are looking for solutions. They want solutions to help them sleep better, eat correctly, overcome past traumas, manage their emotions, parent their children, etc.

The answer to all our problems is God. If we go to God with our problems, He’s obligated Himself to be the solution. Psalm 62 says, our victory comes from God alone. We can replace victory with solutions.

Stop trying to figure it out on your own or find solutions outside of God. Go to Him with all your problems and let His Spirit guide you to the correct solution that you need.

Psalms 62:7 NLT My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.

When we order something online through Amazon or another business, we usually provide a credit card number. Once the credit card information has been approved, we’ll get a confirmation email with a note informing us what date the item will be delivered. The item is already ours. We’re just waiting for it to be delivered.

God has everything we’ll ever need and want in this life. The blood of Jesus was the form of payment that purchased everything. Our needs and desires have been approved through Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). Our confirmation of payment is in the word of God (1 John 5:15). According to Mark 11:24, once we’ve prayed for what we want in faith, we’re just waiting on our delivery.

The difference between an online order and a heavenly order is if we doubt an online order is coming, there’s no consequence. However, if we doubt a heavenly order will be delivered, the order will be canceled (James1:6-7).

How and when the delivery on a heavenly order will take place is usually unknown. Don’t worry, stress, or get frustrated about it. If we maintain our belief that the order will be delivered, heaven has a 100% success rate of getting what we want to us. In most cases, it exceeds our expectations (Eph. 3:20).

Once the request has been made, wait on your delivery with a positive attitude and with praise. The desire is already ours. We’re just waiting for it to be delivered.

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

Matthew 3:16‭-‬17 NIV As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Jesus didn’t die on the cross, He didn’t perform one miracle, and He didn’t heal a single person, but God still said He loved Him and He’s pleased with Him.

Religion says we need to do something in order for God to love and be pleased with us. The scriptures tell us God loved us before we had a relationship with Him (John 3:16). When we become children of God, through Jesus Christ, He not only loves us, but He’s pleased with us (Gal. 3:26).

Don’t ever think there’s a certain number of righteous acts we need to perform, behavior that must be perfected, or do any other thing in order for God to love and be pleased with us. He loves and is pleased with us because we’ve accepted His Son’s sacrifice as THE payment for our sins and we’re now part of His family.
Know you are loved and He’s pleased with you.

Psalms 50:23 NLT But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me. If you keep to My path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”

A way to honor God is by thanking Him.

Thank Him for His goodness.
Thank Him for His mercy.
Thank Him for life, health, and strength.
Thank Him for His protection.
Thank Him for His many blessings.
Thank Him for sending and sacrificing Jesus.

Thanking God should be done more than just on Thanksgiving. It should be done all the time.

We may have other things we want, but thank Him for the things He’s already done.

Don’t be ungrateful. Thank God for great and small things.

When the uproar was over, Paul sent for the believers and encouraged them. Then he said good-bye and left for Macedonia. -Acts 20:1 NLT

Life can be a challenge. We’re the ones who are supposed to be nice when it’s normal for everyone else to be mean and ugly. We’re told to forgive when our flesh is telling us to hold a grudge. We’re instructed to love in a world full of hate. Internally, Satan is telling us all the reasons to feel depressed, less than, or unloved.

With all this opposition, it’s important for believers to remain encouraged, joyful, and to continue to honor God. It’s easy to curse someone out or punch someone in the face. It’s easy to give up and commit suicide. It’s a more difficult task to remain positive.

When we understand how much of a threat we are to the kingdom of darkness and when we realize how much good God has in store for us, we should be encouraged to continue on. Be a light to a fellow brother or sister. Let them know about the goodness of God. We all need to be encouraged from time to time. Let that encourager be you.

Acts 20:2‭-‬3 NLT While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece, where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to sail back to Syria when he discovered a plot by some Jews against his life, so he decided to return through Macedonia.

Some believers today would look at Paul and say he was in fear and he didn’t have “real faith” because he chose to go to Macedonia instead of Syria. There’s no doubt Paul was led by the Spirit, he was full of faith, and he walked in his authority. But even with all of his faith and authority, Paul exercised wisdom.

Some believers understand faith and their authority, which is a good thing, but they use it foolishly. People have been killed by lions thinking their authority can protect them from going into a pride of lions. People have been injured in car accidents believing their faith will heal their vision. That’s not faith or exercising authority. That’s foolishness.

It would have been foolish for Paul to have learned about the Jews’ plot to kill him, but still go to Syria telling himself, “I’m God’s chosen one and no one can stop me.”

Allow the Holy Spirit to tell you when and where to apply your faith and authority. Until the Holy Spirit reveals that information, exercise wisdom.

Galatians 6:9 NLT So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

This verse informs us that fatigue is a part of being a believer. We will get tired of being nice to people who are rude to us. We will get tired of keeping our flesh in check. We will get tired of doing things the right way when everyone seems to be getting ahead doing things the wrong way.

Although there will be times of fatigue, we’ll reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t quit.

It’s a blessing to have peace in your home because you chose to follow God’s instructions regarding marriage. You may have wanted to tell your spouse about themselves, but you obeyed the Holy Spirit by holding your tongue. It’s a blessing when we work unto the Lord when everyone else is slacking off, because when that undeserving promotion comes, you’ll thank God that you didn’t quit doing good.

Quitting is easy, but it will only satisfy our flesh. Continuing to honor God will be the more difficult route, but it’s worth it.

Over the years, ministers have rightly identified ways to position believers to receive the promises of God. There’s developing our faith by hearing the word of God. There’s finding the promise in God’s word and meditating on those scriptures. There’s using the power in our words to bring the promise to pass. There’s sowing a seed to reap a promised harvest. There’s fasting to get clarity to hear from God. The list continues.

If we’re not mindful, Satan can use these things to make us feel like we’re not doing enough to receive God’s promises. He’ll tell us we’re not fasting enough, we’re not giving enough, we’re not serving in the church enough, or we don’t have enough faith. This trick to make us think we’re not doing enough can lead to doubt. When we doubt, we can’t expect to receive anything from God (James 1:6-7).

Ultimately, Satan is using good principles to try to get us to earn a blessing through works, instead of receiving by faith what grace has made available through Jesus Christ.

Jesus has already made every promise of God available to every believer (2 Cor. 1:20). Instead of trying to do all these different things to earn a blessing, our initial response should be to rest (Heb. 4:11). In this context, resting is believing God has made every promise available to us. Resting is labor intensive because you feel like you should be doing something to bring that desire to pass. But, God’s word instructs us to rest.

All these principles are beneficial, but don’t apply them to earn a blessing. Apply them as the Spirit leads you, but always be at rest knowing God has already made these promises available through Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 4:11 KJV Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Love your enemies (Luke 6:27). Pray for the leaders of your country (1Tim. 2:2). Forgive anyone who has sinned against you (Matt. 18:21-22). Give to the Kingdom of God (Prov. 3:9). Don’t have sex before you’re married (1 Cor. 6:18).

These are things God instructs us to do in His word. Some of these things are difficult to do. But there’s hope in Philippians 2:13.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. -Philippians 2:13 NLT

God lets us know He’ll give us the desire and power to please Him. Essentially, He helps us obey His word. He’ll help us forgive that spouse who had an affair. He’ll help us resist the urge to look at pornography. He’ll help us to trust Him when things seem to be falling apart.

God is not expecting us to obey His word in our own strength. His Spirit is present and He wants to help us do what we can’t do on our own.

Let’s humble ourselves before God, tell Him we can’t do these things without His help, and expect divine strength and the desire to obey His word.

Psalms 141:3 AMP Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips [to keep me from speaking thoughtlessly].

What we say will determine where we’re going. If we speak negatively, in doubt, and with fear, that’s exactly what we’ll experience. However, if we speak in line with the word of God, we’ll have everything God has made available through Jesus Christ. This includes, health, wealth, peace, restoration, relationships, and more. But it first starts with our words.

As always, God is our Helper (Ps. 121:2). He will help us with anything He instructs us to do including, being mindful of our words. If we ask for help and follow His advice, we’ll find ourselves speaking in line with His word regardless of the situation.

If you know or have been told about your negative mouth, go to God and ask for help. He will help you speak His word and what we say, will come to pass (Mark 11:23).

Psalms 34:10 NLT Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

Trusting in the Lord is not something we just say. Trust requires corresponding actions. We can say we trust God, but if we’re trying to handle situations ourselves, make it happen in our own strength, be our own provider, protector, and healer, our trust is limited to our words.

A real display of trust is resting in God’s word (Hebrews 4:9-12). We may see a situation we can handle ourselves, but God’s word says He’ll fight for us (Exodus 14:14). Someone may be lying on us, but anyone who attempts to accuse us, God will dismiss them as a liar (Isaiah 54:17). Instead of working 2 or 3 jobs in our flesh to get ahead, trust in the blessing of the Lord and His promise to be our Provider (Proverbs 10:22; Phil. 4:19).

As a result of our trust in the Lord, God promises no lack in our lives. There will be no lack in our finances, our health, in our relationships, etc. If there’s an area where you’re not trusting God completely, give that to Him and rest in what His word says.

1 Samuel 18:12‭, ‬14 NLT Saul was then afraid of David, for the Lord was with David and had turned away from Saul. David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him.

Every born-again believer has the Lord with them. Because the Lord is with us, two things will happen. Our enemy is afraid and is threatened by our existence and we’ll succeed in everything we do.

Satan will use anything he can to make us doubt that God isn’t with us, God doesn’t love us, and God isn’t for us. Don’t listen to him. He’s a liar. He knows when we get a true revelation of God in our lives, through Jesus Christ, we’re unstoppable. Like David, we’ll succeed in everything we do. We’ll succeed in our relationships, in our finances, in our marriages, and in our health.

If a hell is breaking loose around you, don’t get frustrated. Trust and believe the Lord is with you and you’ll succeed over every attack of the enemy.

Psalm 37:1‭-‬2 MSG Don’t bother your head with braggarts or wish you could succeed like the wicked. In no time they’ll shrivel like grass clippings and wilt like cut flowers in the sun.

When you see unsaved individuals live in mansions, porn stars drive Bentleys, or cartel kingpins with stacks of cash, don’t get envious or frustrated. God’s word forewarned us that they will succeed.

Although it looks like they’re succeeding on the outside, it doesn’t mean they’re happy or at peace. These are the intangibles that money can’t buy.

Of course we would like to have some of the things the unrighteous have, but we shouldn’t obsess over them. If we want it, ask God in prayer and believe that you have received it (Mark 11:24). As we keep our faith in His word, in due time, we’ll have our heart’s desire.

In the waiting period, we must do what 2 Timothy 3:14 tells us. It says, you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

Be blessed!

Proverbs 13:16 NLT Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

There are prisons all across this world full of prisoners who didn’t think before they acted. There are cemeteries full of people who didn’t think before they acted. There are people who lost good jobs, good relationships, and good friendships because they didn’t think before they acted.

Life is a sum total of the decisions we make. If we think about potential consequences before we act, we’ll make better choices. The problem is some people make decisions from their emotions. They allow their emotions to run their lives instead of wisdom.

There is great earthly wisdom we can get, but the best wisdom is from the word of God. God’s word teaches us how to forgive, how to love our enemies, how to maintain peace, and how to control ourselves. When we follow God’s word and are led by the Holy Spirit, we’ll be wise enough to think before we act.

Save yourself from potential consequences by thinking with God’s wisdom before you act.

James 5:20 NLT you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

It’s great when we get saved. It’s great to know we have access to God through Jesus to get everything we’ll ever need or want in this life. But when we establish a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, it’s time to go hunting for the lost.

There’s no sense in holding all this too good to be true (but it is true) knowledge to ourselves. Be the light in darkness. Help snatch them out of the pit of hell. Let’s do our best to show people in the world how loving and great our God is. Let them know how easy it is to have a relationship with Him.

It’s more than just praying for them from the comfort of our home. It’s having a conversation with them to let them know God is waiting on their decision to turn or return to Him.

Having an abundance of blessing is cool, but being a vessel to point them to Christ is better.

2 Samuel 7:22 NLT “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you!

There is no one like our God. He’s great, He’s awesome, He’s powerful, and He’s amazing.

Who else can make our mistakes work out for our good? Who else can take our weaknesses and make them our strengths like He did with Moses? Who else can give you a deal where you don’t have to earn your righteousness, but simply believe in His Son (Jesus) to be made righteous? The answer to all these questions is no one.

As great as a spouse, a child, or a pet can be, no one comes close to the awesomeness of God. Give Him praise. Give Him glory. Give Him honor for being so good. And since He’s so good, give Him full access to govern your life based on His Word.

1 Samuel 23:16 NLT Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.

If we’re not mindful, life’s challenges have the potential to make us quit. We’ll throw our faith in God away and settle for whatever life gives us. We’ll give up on making our marriage work, settle for financial instability, or accept the decline in our health.

It’s during these times we need real friends to encourage us to keep our faith in God. We need friends to pray with and for us, tell us to get in God’s word, or friends that will send us encouraging sermons that will ignite our faith. We need friends who will encourage us not to quit.

If you don’t have friends like that and you want one, sow a seed of friendship to someone else who is going through difficult times. Be the one to encourage them. As you sow a seed of friendship, God will send a friend across your path who will encourage you and help you strengthen your faith.

Psalms 91:11 NLT For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.

God has assigned angels to guard, defend, and protect our lives. It’s not just one, but more than one.

We may have heard this before, but for some, it hasn’t sunk in. The reason being is because some of us are still afraid to go places at night. Some are afraid to go places alone. Some are afraid to fly, take a cruise, or go to a foreign country. If we truly had a revelation on what our protecting angels can do, we would never be afraid again.

Here’s an example of what one angel can do. 2 Kings 19:35 That same night the Lord sent an angel to the camp of the Assyrians, and he killed 185,000 of them. And so the next morning, the camp was full of dead bodies. In Daniel 6:22 it says, my God sent His angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in His sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”

For each example, this is the outcome for just one angel. Again, God has assigned multiple angels on our behalf.

So, don’t be afraid. Live and enjoy your life. God has ordered His angels to guard and protect you wherever you go.

There’s been a misunderstanding amongst believers regarding a guardian angel. There is nowhere in scripture where it says we have a guardian angel. It sounds nice and sweet, but it’s not in the bible.

It does, however, say we have guardian angels (plural). God has assigned angels to guard, defend, and protect our lives. It could be 2. It could be 2,000. We don’t know. But we do know there’s more than one and one of their assignments is to protect us in all of our ways.

Receive this protection and never be afraid again.

Psalm 91:11 NLT For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.

2 Kings 5:11 NLT But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me!

Naaman expected to be healed a certain way, but when his expectations weren’t met, he walked away and almost missed his blessing. His officers had to encourage him to do what the prophet had said.

Some of us are like Naaman. We expect God to bless us a certain way, but because the steps to receive that blessing oppose our logic, our desires, or our emotions, we walk away from the steps that can change our lives.

Some of you want a spouse. God may have instructed you to get on a dating site, but because that’s not how you expected to get a spouse, you walk away from that blessing.

Some of you want to be healthier. God may have instructed you to stop eating certain dishes, but since you expected to get healthy and still be able to eat those dishes, you walk away from that blessing.

Some of you want a new house. God may have instructed you to forgive your cousin or friend you haven’t spoken to in years, but since you can’t logically see what forgiveness has to do with getting a house, you forfeit a house or the house you truly desire.

Naaman’s ego and pride almost cost him a blessing. Don’t let that be your story.

1 Timothy 4:8 AMPC For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.

We’re living in a time where everyone is working out. This is good because it helps with lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and improving overall health. We’re also living in a time where spiritual training is dying. People don’t attend church as often, bibles are left on the shelf, and prayer has been limited to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Physical training is good, but like the scripture says, spiritual training will positively impact all of our lives. Bench pressing 300 pounds won’t help our marriage, but being sensitive to the Holy Spirit will. Running 10 miles won’t give us peace of mind, but we can have perfect peace when keeping our minds focused on Him (Isaiah 26:3). Doing 1000 abs won’t stop us from lusting and falling, but being uplifted by fellow believers can.

Spiritual training is just like physical training. We may not want to do it, but we’ll definitely see the benefits as we continue to train.

Psalms 34:11 NLT Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.

As parents, we’re the first door to introducing our children to Christ. It’s not the church’s responsibility, but our responsibility to let our children know God loves them and through Christ our sins are forgiven, we’re protected, and we’re righteous. The church simply reinforces what should be taught at home.

It’s important for them to hear the word of God on a level where they can understand. Youtube is filled with great bible-based shows that entertain as well as teach them the word of God. We can also explain it to them with nightly devotionals. Have them attend children’s church to let them experience other like-minded believers their age. All of this builds a foundation that they’ll never forget (Prov. 22:6).

People are quick to say how bad the world is getting, but if they’re not teaching the next generation to reverence God, they’re a part of the problem. Let’s teach our children the word of God.