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Day 21 – January 25, 2025

Posted on Jan 25, 2019 in General | 508

JANUARY 25, 2025

Caution: Bold and Courageous Steps Required!

Scripture: Acts 4:29-31

Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Thought for Today: Caution: Bold and Courageous Steps Required! This year, God’s people will experience increased pain, peril and persecution on many levels as our nation and world oppose God and His Word. This year will be different than any you have experienced. In the midst of great peril, God is releasing Great Boldness and Power to the body of Christ. Specifically, to believers who will receive it. This Boldness and Power only comes by receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. God is pouring out His Spirit like never before upon believers to reach lost people with the Gospel. Further, He will anoint us with power to break the chains of spiritual wickedness and evil in in the lives of many people; setting them free to serve Him. God desires to use you to save souls. This year will also be a year that God releases spiritual and natural resources in abundance to the body of Christ to expand His Kingdom in preparation for the second coming of Christ. He will supply every need. There will be no lack! This wealth of resources must be used for Kingdom purposes! However, you must be filled with the Holy Ghost and power to participate in this great work. Do not fear and do not faint because you are well prepared. He will strengthen your faith, increase your dependence on Him and to prepare you to walk in greater boldness for Christ as this year unfolds.

In Acts 4, Luke describes a time of great peril and persecution upon the apostles Peter and John. Being filled with the Holy Spirit, they had performed a great miracle in the healing of a lame man. When questioned by the Jewish rulers and authorities (the Sanhedrin), they boldly spoke truth with power, proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and salvation through Him. With chaos and adversity all around them, they operated in Great Faith, spoke the Word of God with boldness, prayed bold prayers and performed miracles. Verse 31 describes that they prayed with such boldness that the place where they were gather was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit! Now that’s power! In other words, they advanced the Gospel through bold and courageous step, filled with the power and authority of the Holy Spirit. As a result, many people received Jesus Christ and were saved.

Boldness (parrhesia – par-rhay-see-ah) is a New Testament Greek term expressing outspokenness, frankness, candor, and cheerful courage. It is the opposite of cowardice, timidity and fear. Spiritual Boldness is not a human quality but a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit (New Spirit-Filled Life Bible) .

God has made it clear that He will fill you with boldness and courage this year by the power of the Holy Spirit. Will you allow Him to transform your character, your countenance, your conduct and your conversation (to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus Christ – Romans 8:29 paraphrased)? At this moment, you are called with a Holy calling to serve Christ in new and expanded ways. Will you receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit and allow God to use you at the next level? Are you available and willing?

Caution: Bold and Courageous Steps are required!

It’s Time to Pray: Oh Lord, You are God, who made the heavens and the earth. I surrender to You. Please refill me with your Holy Spirit and power so that I may live a bold faith, speak Your Word with new boldness, pray bold prayers, and draw people to salvation, deliverance and freedom through Jesus Christ. Infuse me with a courageous faith and love that removes all fear. Thank you for the abundance of resources that You will provide to accomplish the work of the Kingdom. Please use me in greater measure Lord this year and beyond. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Day 20 – January 25, 2019

Posted on Jan 24, 2019 in General | 571

Day 20 – JANUARY 25, 2019

Strength to Overcome Cares and Burdens

(from “Prayers that Avail Much” by Germaine Copeland, Word Ministries, Inc.)

Scripture:

Psalm 42:11

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

Thought for Today: (a prayer for strength to overcome cares and burdens)

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me?

Father, You set Yourself against the proud and haughty, but You give grace [continually] unto the humble. I submit myself therefore to You, God. In the name of Jesus, I resist the devil, and he will flee from me. I resist the cares of the world, which try to pressure me daily. Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.

Jesus, I come to You, for I labor and am heavy laden and overburdened, and You cause me to rest — You will ease and relieve and refresh my soul. I take Your yoke upon me, and I learn of You; for You are gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and I will find rest — relief, ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet — for my soul. For Your yoke is wholesome (easy) — not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant; and Your burden is light and easy to be borne.

I cast my burden on You, Lord, [releasing the weight of it] and You will sustain me; I thank You that You will never allow me, the [consistently] righteous, to be moved — made to slip, fall, or fail. In the name of Jesus, I withstand the devil. I am firm in my faith [against his onset] — rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined. I cease from [the weariness and pain] of human labor; and I am zealous and exert myself and strive diligently to enter into the rest [of God] — to know and experience it for myself.
Father, I thank You that Your presence goes with me and that You give me rest. I am still and rest in You, Lord; I wait for You and patiently stay myself upon You. I will not fret myself, nor shall I let my heart be troubled, neither shall I let it be afraid. I hope in You, God, and wait expectantly for You; for I shall yet praise You, for You are the Help of my countenance and my God.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture References:
Hebrews 4:10,11
James 4:6,7 Exodus 33:14
Psalm 127:1 Psalm 37:7
Matthew 11:28-30 John 14:27
Psalm 55:22
1 Peter 5:9

Day 19 – January 24, 2019

Posted on Jan 23, 2019 in General | 484

Day 19 – JANUARY 24, 2019

Victory Over Fear

(from “Prayers that Avail Much” by Germaine Copeland, Word Ministries, Inc.)

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Thought for Today (A Declaration Prayer of Victory Over Fear): Father, when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in You. Yes, I will trust Your promises. And since I trust You, what can mere man do to me?
You have not given me a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline (sound judgment). Therefore I am not ashamed of the testimony of my Lord. I have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but I have received a spirit of adoption as a son, by which I cry out, “Abba! Father!”

Jesus, You delivered me, who through fear of death had been living all my life as a slave to constant dread. I receive the gift You left to me—peace of mind and heart! And the peace You give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. I cast away troubled thoughts, and I choose not to be afraid. I believe in God; I believe also in You.

Lord, You are my light and my salvation, You protect me from danger—whom shall I fear? When evil men come to destroy me, they will stumble and fall! Yes, though a mighty army marches against me, my heart shall know no fear! I am confident that You will save me.

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for bringing these things to my remembrance when I am tempted to be afraid. I will trust in my God. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen!

Additional Scripture References:
Psalm 56:3-5 TLB Hebrews 2:15 TLB
Romans 8:15 NAS Psalm 27:1-3 TLB

Day 18 – January 23, 2019

Posted on Jan 22, 2019 in General | 540

Day 18 – JANUARY 23, 2019

Perpetual Praise

Scripture: Psalm 34: 1-4

I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.

Thought for Today: There is a wonderful song of praise that says: Anything that is perpetual is ongoing, non-stop, endless. In Psalm 34:1, the Psalmist declares: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Rather than focusing on himself or the circumstances of his life, he has made a choice focus on God’s goodness and greatness and to express his praise to God at all times. He chooses to be a perpetual praiser, every day at all times.

Because our God is such a Great and Mighty God, He commands and demands praise from His people. Through praise we express honor, adoration, love, thanksgiving, appreciation for the Almighty God and offer unto Him the glory that He alone is due. The Bible is filled with expressions of praise that God’s people offer unto Him, particularly in the book of Psalms. King David, Heman, Asaph and other worship leaders of Israel wrote poems and set them to music which became psalms of praise unto the Lord in Hebrew worship. Other synonymous words used to express praise in the Psalms include: bless, exalt, extol, glorify, magnify, thank and confess. We praise God for who He is and for all that He has done in our life.

Praise is powerful! Each day you walk with God in this life, you have the opportunity to express perpetual praise. As you praise the Lord, from the depth of your heart, His praise fills your heart with His gladness, joy and peace. The Lord God commands your praise. He alone deserves your praise and worship. He knows your heart. He knows your voice. No one can praise Him for you. No one can praise Him like you. Your praise is unique, but it must be expressed to God directly from your mouth to His ear. So bless the Lord at all times, make you boast in the Lord, praise perpetually and see the goodness of the Lord.

Will you choose to be a perpetual praiser?

It’s Time to Pray: Heavenly Father, teach me to praise you all day, every day. When I am tempted to complain, fill my heart with praise. Lord, I desire to be a perpetual praiser. . .

Day 17 – January 22, 2019

Posted on Jan 21, 2019 in General | 521

Day 17 – JANUARY 22, 2019

A View from the Top!

Scripture:

Matthew 5: 1-3 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Thought for Today: Have you ever seen the view from the top of a mountain? The summit of a mountain is a majestic place and offers a majestic view to those who have the rare opportunity make it to the top. It has been described as one of the most life-changing experiences that one can have. Maybe you have experienced this while looking down from an airplane or watching a movie with mountain views. However you might have experienced it, such spectacular views elevate your thoughts and change the way you see the world. The experience provides you with a view from some of the highest places on earth and enables you to see valleys, rivers and other terrain at great distances. You gain a far greater line of sight and broader vision.

As He begins to preach the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives His disciples and the multitudes of people a “View from the Top” as He begins with “The Beatitudes”. Matthew 5:1 describes when Jesus saw large gathering of people, He went up on a mountain and took a seat and His disciples gather around Him. Jesus was intentional about everything He did. Therefore initiating His ministry from the mountain was symbolic of elevating their standard of thinking and living to the standard of the Kingdom of God. Each Beatitude describes a kingdom character trait that Jesus desired His disciples to receive, understand and live by daily as citizens of the Kingdom of God. He knew that as they took in each Beatitude, their soul and mind would be elevated to be more like His. He gave them the highest view of what their life could become for the kingdom of God if they followed Him and believed on His name. Each Beatitude begins with “blessed” (happy, supremely blessed, special joy granted to the person who receives salvation* Spirit Filled Life Bible).

Today, just as He taught His disciples and the crowd that day, Jesus wants to give you a fresh “View from the Top” to increase your spiritual vision and understanding of His Kingdom… He wants to elevate your thinking to a Kingdom mindset. He wants to reveal His divine character and nature in you. There is a higher standard that you can attain as a disciple and servant of Jesus Christ if you seek first the kingdom and His righteousness. Once you receive a “View from the Top” you will never be the same. He will place your feet on Higher Ground. You will praise, worship, pray, receive the Word and serve with greater Kingdom fervor and faithfulness. Less of you, More of Him!

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

(Refrain from Higher Ground – Words: Johnson Oatman, Jr., in

Songs of Love and Praise, No. 5, by John R. Sweney et al., 1898.

Music: Charles H. Gabriel MIDI, score)

It’s Time to Pray: Lord Jesus, I repent for living beneath Your standard. Pour into me a fresh vision for my role in your Kingdom. Elevate my thinking and living to the standard of the Beatitudes. Help me to gain your “View from the Top”. Lord, plant my feet on Higher Ground. I decrease so that You may increase in me. Amen. . .

Day 16 – January 21, 2019

Posted on Jan 20, 2019 in General | 627

Day 16 – JANUARY 21, 2019

Lost and Found Values

A tribute to the life, legacy and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (with Excerpts from “Rediscovering Lost Values” preached by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Second Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan, February 28, 1954) .

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Thought for Today: We are living in a period of immense prosperity for some and profound poverty for others. There is a great divide in our nation and the world and that divide is widening daily. We are also experiencing a rapid decline in moral values and good old fashioned respect. I cannot remember a time when public name calling, character attacks and outright meanness were practiced daily by elected officials and business leaders who hold the highest offices in our country. This erosion of values at the top has swept through our society like a tornado through a defenseless community. We see it everywhere in our lives. People behaving rudely, yelling profanities, fighting others and attempting the make their point by any means they choose. The result? A fundament loss of human decency, lack of respect for other people and an indifference toward the laws of God. Where is the standard of moral law and values that was once part of the way we lived and taught our children to live? I submit that the standard has been lost because our society has strayed from practicing God’s values from the Bible. Certainly, there are many people who practice the moral values declared in God’s Word, however the soul of our nation is tainted by those who live lawlessly.

Dr. King stated, “The great problem facing modern man is that the means by which we live have out-distanced the spiritual ends for which we live.” In that moment, he revealed our focus on “means” or material things has exceeded of focus on spiritual values. When this happens in a society, people become so consumed with the pursuit of their rights and possessions that knowing and serving God and ones neighbors loses importance.

But do not despair, all is not lost! We as a people can find, practice and teach moral values again if we choose to return to the Bible as the basis for the way we live.

Dr. King expressed the same optimism later his sermon when He stated: “If we are to go forward, if we are to make this a better world in which to live, we’ve got to go back. We’ve got to rediscover these precious values that we’ve left behind.”

In Deuteronomy 6, The Lord sums up this great moral duty when The Lord declares through Moses, that they must “Love the Lord with all of their heart, soul and strength…” He further commends the words to their hearts and commands them to teach these values to their children continually (at all times).

As he closed, Dr. King emphatically declares His faith in God to restore lost values by preaching” “I’m not going to put my ultimate faith in the little gods that can be destroyed in an atomic age, but the God who has been our help in the ages past, and our hope for years to come, and our shelter in the time of storm, and our eternal home.” May our values be restored and strengthened in God and God alone! Amen

It’s Time to Pray: Almighty God, the foundation and substance of all truth and righteous values comes from you. Teach me your way and show me your paths that my life brings glory to Your Holy Name. Let You holy values of love, kindness, grace and patience be found in me. . .

Day 15 – January 20, 2019

Posted on Jan 19, 2019 in General | 493

Day 15 – JANUARY 20, 2019

UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS!

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 4:7-10

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carry

ing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Thought for Today: UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS are rare in any sport or field in life. Think about how difficult it is to compete against competitors for an entire career and be considered a winner by competitors and fans. UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS are not perfect, in fact they may have numerous flaws. But these champions are known for the FAITH! They are known as champions for their ability to work hard, overcome adversity, persevere through troubled times and pursue victory with diligence. This is true in numerous sports and competitions, but particularly in the sport of Boxing. When you consider all of the factors involved in preparing for and attaining victory in a Boxing match against opponents that are powerful, talented, skillful, well-prepared and well coached it is a marvel when a person rises to a standard of undisputed excellence. To be UNDISPUTED is to be unanimously viewed as a CHAMPION! The key is this: At the end of the fight, a champion boxer wants to hear: “And the Winner and UNDISPUTED CHAMPION is…”

In this life we face many challenges that are far beyond our natural ability to overcome. Additionally, you have a formidable opponent in the devil who hates you and is constantly devising plans and schemes to defeat you by keeping you in a state of discouragement and despair. As we experience these things, it is critical to fight the good fight of faith by declaring God’s Word to gain victory. To become the Undisputed Champion that God has made it possible for us to be in Christ. We must know and practice the following principles Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 4: 7-10.

You are a vessel of clay the God has chosen to use for His purpose
God has made a deposit of His heavenly treasure in you
He is the sole source of Excellence of His Power in you
In the fight of life, you will be hard-pressed on every side, but never crushed
In the fight of life, you will be confused, but not in despair
In the fight of life, you will be persecuted but not forsaken
In the fight of life, you will be struck down, but not destroyed
Always carry the death of the Lord Jesus in your heart that His life may be manifested (made known) in you and enable you to draw others to Christ.

These principles will help you and I to become and be recognized as an UNDISPUTED CHAMPION.

It’s Time to Pray: Almighty God, I ask you to fill me with the excellence of Your power from Your heavenly treasure so that I will operate in Faith to persevere and overcome every challenge that the enemy send to defeat me…Help me to see myself as an UNDISPUTED CHAMPION for Christ . . .

Day 14 – January 19, 2019

Posted on Jan 18, 2019 in General | 617

Day 14 – JANUARY 19, 2019

What’s Right!

Scripture:

Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just,

whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue

and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things

Thought for Today: We live in a world filled with trouble. Negative news, negative responses, negative communications come at us from every direction. Many days it can be difficult to find good news in the midst of the all the bad. Troubling times and bad news can produce a negative spirit and pessimistic, cynical responses even in believers.

When a negative spirit is received, you begin to focus on what is wrong in your life and circumstances rather than what is right. A great friend once preached a message “The Good News is that the Bad News Ain’t So Bad!” That message stuck with me. It helped me to understand that no matter how bad things may seem at times, there is always greater Good News, God is in control, my faith is in Him! Paul challenged the Philippians to focus their minds on positive things that are True, Noble, Just, Pure, Lovely, and of Good Report…Meditate on (ponder deeply) these things. When you choose to focus on these virtues, you focus on ‘What is Right’ and God’s limitless possibilities, rather than what is wrong. As I ponder this passage, I realize that my attitude and reactions to life are shaped by the way I think!

It’s Time to Pray: Gracious God, help me to be mindful of all that I take in to my mind, soul and spirit. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit to choose to think on ‘What is Right’ and respond to every situation with a positive mindset and unlimited faith. . . .

Day 13, January 18, 2019

Posted on Jan 17, 2019 in General | 528

Day 13 – JANUARY 18, 2019

It’s About Time!

Scripture:

Ephesians 5: 15-16 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time (making the most of every opportunity), because the days are evil.

Psalm 90: 12 So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Thought for Today: Time is the most valuable resource we have in this life. The ways you utilize time in your day will determine how productive you are. Let’s ponder the passing of time…seconds turn to minutes, minutes to hours, hours to days, days to weeks, weeks to months and months to years. Each of us has the same amount of time each day. The question is how we choose to use and invest the time each day. Why do we waste so much time on things that amount to nothing? Our children develop patterns of living by watching us. They witness us watching hours of television shows, interacting on social media, playing video games, texting friends and other activities that consume hours of unproductive time. Many chase dreams, accomplish great things, work many years completing rewarding careers. But has all the time spent on those things accomplished God’s will and purpose in their lives? How much value do you place on the use of the time God gives you each day?

The Word of God offers an understanding of time and its use that will change your life when applied. Here are a few of them.

Your time is not your own. Before you were born, God knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb. (Jeremiah 1:5) God determined the length of your life on earth and had a plan for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
The Psalmist teaches us to ask the Lord to show us the length of our days (time) so that we may gain wisdom from God. (Psalm 90:12)
Live your life in the will of God with wisdom and purpose; pay attention to the way you live your life. (Ephesians 5: 14-15)
Don’t miss key moments in life. Redeem the time and make the most of every opportunity for Christ! (Ephesians 5: 14-15)
God is not bound by time, He created time. He was before the beginning and He shall be after the end. (Genesis 1:1, John 1:1)

God expects His people to be fruitful and productive with the time He has given us. He expects you to utilize time to seek the Kingdom, learn of Christ, serve Him and bring others to Him. He also desires for you to prepare and gain skills that will enable you to represent His Kingdom with excellence in the marketplace. The days that we live in are evil. He wants you to share the Gospel in a lost and dying world. God desires you to use the time He has given you to fulfill His purposes and touch people in His name. Will you stop and assess where and how you spend the time He has given you? Will you give more of your time to preparing and doing the Lord’s work?

Remember, It’s about Time! “Only what you do for Christ will stand the test of time. ”

It’s Time to Pray: Heavenly Father, Please forgive me for all of the time I have wasted on things that were not important in your plan for my life. Teach me to number my days, grow in my faith and relationship with Christ daily so that I may draw people to You and fulfill my purpose. . . .

Day 12 – January 17, 2019

Posted on Jan 16, 2019 in General | 526

Day 12 – JANUARY 17, 2019

The Living and Powerful Word!

Scripture:

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Thought for Today: Great surgeon’s focus on identifying the “root cause” of disease in the body. Surgery performed to save a person’s life requires the use of invasive tools that cut deep into flesh, tissue, bone and cells. Surgeons are trained to identify and remove disease from the body of their patient to enable the patient to heal. They accomplish this by using very sensitive diagnostic imaging equipment and precise surgical tools that can remove the most microscopic pieces of diseased tissue and cells.

As powerful as surgery is to remove disease and promote healing, The Word of God is even more powerful to change your life. Sin is the disease that produces spiritual sickness and death in us. Jesus Christ is the Living Word, who gave His life and shed His blood to cleanse us of our sins, so that we may live. When you read and study The Bible, God’s Holy Word, it gets inside of you and changes you from the inside out to enable you to live for Jesus Christ. Through His Holy Word, God reveals His plan of love, salvation and redemption for mankind directly to you. In Hebrews 4:12, the Hebrew writer provides a vivid description of the power of the Word of God. It is living (active, always at work in you), powerful (filled with God’s power), with sharpness/precision/accuracy to pierce your total being (Amplified Bible: the completeness of a person and the deepest parts of our nature). God’s Word diagnoses and shows the inward condition of our thoughts and intentions. It will produce permanent change in your life. That’s the power of God’s Word!

The Word of God is life-saving and life-giving! You can’t live a victorious life without it. Read it, study it, meditate on it, and apply it! Hide (deposit) the Word in your heart. God wants to unleash the power of His Word in your life. Are you open to it?

It’s Time to Pray: Heavenly Father, Reveal to me the power of Your Word. Give me a love for Your Word so that I will read it daily. Holy Spirit, please teach me how to study and apply the Word of God in a way that produces growth and Christ-likeness in me. . .