Sometimes we find it very difficult to stay where God has placed us. Every task in the church is assigned by God. Some of those tasks are not recognized and are almost invisible you may think. But not so if they were not done there would be chaos in God’s house.
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2Ti 4:2-5)
We all are preachers of the Word, but not Pastors. Therefore what Paul was saying, he was not just talking to the Pastor, he was speaking to the whole church all the family in Christ that had tasks to perform to serve the church. Paul said, “in season and out of season,“ in other words, when we are content with what God has asked of us and when we are not very happy about what He has asked of us.
Paul also says we must be watchmen on duty looking out for any crack in the wall of our church where the enemy will sneak in and cause problems. He says while we are being obedient we must endure afflictions and keep to the Word. The Lord is looking to us today and how we are standing at our post. Perhaps there is a weakness that needs correcting in the church. That needs to be prayed about today and convicted by the Holy Spirit. Amen.
AUG 2
SOWING AND REAPING
I am a true believer in this concept. The reason for that is the fact I can testify, how this has ruled my life. I truly believe that our habits of kindness and generosity will flow back into our lives. You see I put those together with love and worship; kindness and generosity is for God’s people and love and worship is for God.
“For whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” (Gal 6:7)
Paul was very clear with this message to the church. Obedience and faith must be also a part of the sowing. The church was always in danger at this time and all Christians found it hard to obey the word and to have faith in God. That same condition can arise in our lives. When all seems hopeless we hold fast to the promises of God with our faith in Him. Sometimes the reaping comes late, but never too late.
God sees what we sow and He makes sure as we water the field with faith and the Holy Spirit, the little green spouts will come and they will grow to the time of reaping. Has God asked something of you today that you may find is not easy for you, keep sowing your obedience and keep watering with the Holy Spirit and your faith in God. Also today perhaps there is a place where you can sow kindness and generosity today. With all these seeds shared with love and worship for the Lord they will surely begin to grow and you will see green spouts which will be there for you to reap very soon. Amen.
AUG 3
HANG IN THERE
The comment, “hang in there,” can refer to many things. The main concept of this comment is keeping the faith.
“Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” (2Co 12:12)
I like the way Paul explains the character of an apostle. First he says an apostle must have patience. That quality is also a blessing. Patience is fruit from the Holy Spirit. Patience must be exercised and practiced. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit to retain patience. Living a prayer life daily will slowly produce patience. Christians are always under attack, and that can and will test our patience. Using prayer as our reply to these constant attacks of the enemy is the first qualification to an apostle.
I believe Paul was telling us the signs or the recognition of an apostle follows the prayer and patience, which is also followed with his word with “wonders” or miracles. Then he says mighty deeds. That refers to power. When we stand our ground and hang in there we receive the power of Christ in our ministries. Our goal as we walk daily with the Lord is to be His apostle, to serve Him first with our faith in the steadfast life of prayer and patience. The rest will follow according to His plans. Today repentance and prayer is your first step to being an apostle for Christ. Amen.
AUG 4
HEAD PROTECTION
If we are going out in the cold we put on a lot of warm clothes, also we put on some warm shoes, then at last our head needs also protection from the cold, so we put on our warm hat, pulling it over our ears and down our neck. The Roman soldier didn’t need warm clothes; he needed metal clothes to keep him safe, and a metal helmet for his head’s protection.
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph 6:17)
Paul uses the armour of God to tell each of us how important this amour is, for us to dress daily as Christian soldiers. After our breastplate and belt of truth and our shoes of the gospel we need to protect our head with the helmet of salvation. To protect our minds from the darts the enemy tries to hit us with every day we need to be thinking Salvation at the Cross. In fact Paul also says, “let Christ mind be in you.” For us to protect our mind from the enemy we need our thinking to be strong in Christ. When we declare our salvation at the cross that is when the enemy loses his aim and his darts go elsewhere.
Paul also says we carry weapons of the Spirit and the Word of God. Those are what we pick up to take with us after we have on our amour. We cannot have the same strength against the enemy with only our weapons; we can get hurt if we don’t have on the protection of armour of God and the helmet of salvation. With our daily prayers and reading the Bible we are in the process of clothing ourselves for protection from the enemy that has his plans for the day. Today seek the Lord and His strength as you put on the helmet of salvation to protect your head and your thinking. Amen.
AUG 5
PRAYER PARTNER
How many times do we come into a place where we can’t or don’t know how to pray to the Lo rd. Jesus said He sent the Holy Spirit as our comforter. When we are sad, or fearful the Holy Spirit comforts us. He will give us words to pray with. Those words come with “tongues”.
“Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Rom 8:26)
When we got saved most of us got baptized in water as Jesus did. After that “water baptism” we have another baptism we can have from God. That is the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the utterance of tongues. Water baptism we do because Jesus asks us, the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” we ask Jesus for. His Holy Spirit baptizes us to be our prayer partner.
He puts the words from other languages in our tongues and those words go directly to the Father. Those words are not of our own language they come from the Holy Spirit and not our thinking. The words don’t sound like a language, but they are. They sound strange to us like groaning and repetitions, but they are words to God in Heaven. Those words have comfort, praise, and power. Praying with tongues, or other words partnering with the Holy Spirit in prayer is supernatural and as children of God, citizens of His Kingdom so are we supernatural. If to have not had ”baptism of the Holy Spirit with the utterance of tongues”, today you can ask Jesus for it, and you should ask for it to get your supernatural prayer partner. Amen.
AUG 6
MISSIONARIES AND MISSIONS
How often do you pray and support missions and the missionaries? When you take time in the day to pray for them you are doing them a loving thought.
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.” (2Th 3:1)
Paul suffered for years in prison and as a prisoner in a house. His freedom was with God and not with man. He needed constant prayer, because he was so mistreated for so many years. He was frozen, starved and beaten during half of his years of ministry. He asked for prayer and that the gospel be freely taught with the Word of God. He wrote this verse to the brethren of the church knowing they too were being persecuted as Christians.
Nothing much has changed for missions and missionaries today. They are suffering just like Paul did. They are also calling out for our prayers so they can survive and spread the gospel in the nations and countries of other gods and religions. We know that the missionaries are always in spiritual warfare against the enemy and the unbelievers. In your prayers today or tonight take time to remember those who are suffering for Christ. You don’t have to know them, to pray for them and love them. Put missionaries and missions on your daily prayer list and remember to pray for them. Amen.
AUG 7
INTIMACY WITH GOD
When we think of intimacy, we think of marriage, a husband and wife, in their intimate and romantic relationship.
“But thou, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly.” (Mat 6:6)
Most of us have learned to pray in the morning, not in our closet but in our bedroom, before getting up to face the day. The bedroom is the place where intimacy is normal for a man and wife. The bedroom can also be that secret place where their romance is secretly expressed. Bedrooms are a good place for prayer because of the quiet and privacy. How lovely to have God as your own special partner during your quite time in prayer. You can be so intimate with Him and you can be romantic with Him, because He is a partner that listens to every word you have to say to Him.
During your quite time with the Lord you can also listen to Him and every word He says. The reward in this verse, which Jesus was referring to, is the perfection in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we are with Him and He is present with us we are so perfectly rewarded. Finding that quite place for our quite time with the Lord will always be the most rewarding time of our busy day. If you have not had that quite time with the Lord today, you should lay down all your agenda and take time to have that intimate time with Him, and receive your reward. Amen.
AUG 8
EARLY HYMNS
There have been millions of hymns and gospels songs written. The early church also had a hymn written by Paul and recorded in Second Timothy.
“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself.” (2Ti 2:11-13)
When we read the words to this song we may not think it is like any hymn or gospel song we know. This song has no joy, no praise, and no worship that is the kind of hymns we like. Why would Paul write a hymn like this? We must remember who he wrote it too and who was singing it in church.
This song reminds the brethren that one day they too may be a martyr for Christ, they may have to die for their faith. Perhaps you think that was for then only, but no that hymn is for us Christian living in a world of unbelievers. There are many Christians that are suffering for their faith in the entire world, in all countries and nations. Every race and every colour of Christians, in every place on earth could be persecuted today for their beliefs and their faith. We are the elite, born again Christians hated by the world. Today Paul’s hymn is for us. By faith we can follow what Paul was trying to teach the early church in this hymn. By faith we can trust in the Lord and we can go with the Holy Spirit, the path that was designed just for us. Stay in prayer and stay strong. Amen.
AUG 9
STEADY AS YOU GO
Have you times when it seems as though your faith is failing you, and you are saying I want to trust in the Lord but everything is piled up against me. Then the Lord says, “steady as you go.”
“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Heb 10:38-39)
Christians that have committed their lives to the Lord and want to follow His lead follow Him by faith. Paul tells us that to live by faith is living a just life, pleasing to the Lord. On the other hand he tells that the Lord has no pleasure in a quitter, a back slider. Paul is very direct in this verse, anyone drawing back or backsliding is a “stink” unto the Lord. Then he finishes the verse with an encourage word “; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
Some Christians think they are the only ones with problems; they whine and complain to others with no patience for the Lord to work on their problems, or answer their prayers. Faith and patience go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. Trusting in the Lord strengthens your faith and patience. Our love for Christ and our faith in Him sends a sweet smell to his nostrils. Paul says that lack of faith, patience and trust in the Lord, sends a stink in the nostrils. That is what “backsliders” smell like to Him, a stink. Today as you are sailing through life “steady as you go” and stay strong in the Lord. Amen.
AUG 10
HASTE MAKES MISTAKES
Do you find when you want something done quickly, in most cases it is not done well?
“Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.” (1Ti 5:22)
When we apply for a job the boss might say, “I will give you a trial period to see how this is for you.” God is like that also. The boss has two reasons to give you a trial period, one to see how you are doing the job and two to let you know if you like it and want to continue working for him. Paul was saying the same to the brethren in the church.
When they believed that God wanted them to a special task in the church, there needed to a trial period, to see if they were happy in the position and to see if the leadership was happy with them after this trial period then they can be anointed for the position, by laying on hands and blessing them. Too many times the tasks are given for the wrong reasons and there is unrest in the church, because of this. When the unrest enters the body so does sin. Today if there is a need in the church make sure that need is being filled by God appointed position for the brother or sister, not a man appointed position. Amen.
AUG 11
DRAW YOUR SWORD
I think we have all been in a situation where we wanted to bring forth a Word from the Bible, that we believe was right at the time.
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph 6:17)
As a Christian soldier daily dressed in the armour of God we are still in need of our weapon to thrust into our enemy the devil. You may think that Roman soldiers fought with swords like you see in the movies. Not so, all that battling back and forth didn’t really exist with a Roman soldier. He took his sword and thrust it into his enemy. One jab and his enemy was down.
Paul had the same idea for us to thrust the Word of God into any situation where the devil was attacking. Jesus was attacked three times in the wilderness, each time he replied, “It is written.” He took out His spiritual sword of the Word of God and Satan was taken down and fled from our Lord. That is the same weapon we posses to daily bring our enemy down. Today and everyday be ready for battle. Know your Bible, read it daily. When you are under attack “draw your sword.” Amen.
AUG 12
FOLLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT
Truly the only way to follow the Holy Spirit is to start praying.
“And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” (Luk 5:16)
To follow the Holy Spirit, we must follow our Lord Jesus Christ example. He said, ”I am the way,” in others words I am the one to follow. His path is the narrow path He told us about. That is the one path where we walk single file following Him.
David said, “Ye that I walk in the valley of death I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.” (Ps 23) David was speaking of the Holy Spirit. When we follow Jesus in our quiet time and prayer, we can hear what the Spirit has to say and we can follow His lead that day. Jesus was our example for daily prayer. He always withdrew from others and prayed to the Father in secret, the Holy Spirit led Him to His next task or miracle. Today we too can pray in secret and be led by Him and we can follow the Him. Amen.
AUG 13
WHO IS YOUR BENCH PARTNER
Have you found that when God calls you to a task, He always gives you a partner in that same task?
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1Co 4:1)
In the days of Paul the word “ministers” did not mean the same as we use it today. In fact the word Paul used was in Greek, ”primal.” That word minister referred to criminals that sat in the bottom of ships and were chained together on a bench, they were the power to make the ship move. Their rowing in one united group, two and two on a bench is how the ship arrived to its destination.
Paul knew the Lord would be calling some of the brethren to different tasks, to crush their pride; he referred to them as outcasts. He knew pride was an enemy in the church. If you are a minister for Christ, I am also. We need our bench partners to do God’s work and to make dreams and visions to go forward in our church and our community. Today is your opportunity to embrace a bench partner, pray with them, stay with them and together fill your task for Christ. Amen.
AUG 14
RED CARPET DAY IN HEAVEN
Have ever wondered when Heaven put out a red carpet for the first time? They put out after the cross.
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Col 2:15)
Heaven brought out that red carpet when Jesus came back to Heaven with all the souls that were released from Satan. Jesus opened those gates in hell and all the patriots and prophets were free to go with Jesus. The dead in the grave rose up when Jesus died. All of this happened with a victory march through the Pearly Gates on that Good Friday. Jesus died overcoming all the darkness upon the earth.
Today I was born; when I was 40 years old I was born again, so now I celebrate two birthdays. So that is my celebration. Jesus died on the cross then he celebrated in His Heavenly Father’s house, there was song, music and dancing; they were singing, “We have overcome, the enemy is gone, Jesus is the King.” We can sing that same song today with our celebrations of the Cross and Christ. Amen.
AUG 15
NO BRAINS
Just how smart must you be to serve the Lord? Do you have to be well educated to for God to use you?
“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (1Co 1:27)
This verse from Paul, tells us the qualifications to serve the Lord can be foolish and weak. The word foolish here means not completely developed, not very serious. Like a boy rose in a temple and another raised in the fields with his sheep, just young lads, and God used them both.
Perhaps you are not very serious yet you love the Lord, therefore He has use for you. Or whatever brains are required the Holy Spirit will give you. Wisdom comes as a gift not super intelligence. Well educated people are what the world is looking for, not to serve God but to serve the world. God is looking for faithfulness and purity which is despised by the world. Look into your heart today, do you love the Lord are you faithful to Him, is your life full of the world and worldly things or is your life full of God and spiritual things. Have a good look into your heart today, and pray for His Spirit over your brains. Amen.
AUG 16
RECEIVING JESUS
I am sure that you are like me and really are happy when you receive a gift.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (Joh 1:12)
This verse from John tells us that we cannot have a greater gift than Jesus. First we have a Heavenly Father and become His children. Then as we receive our gift, Jesus, we also receive His power and the authority to use His name. Can you think of a greater gift to receive?
Receiving Jesus is the beginning of a new life, you are a new born Christian, and you will begin to have a new vocabulary with other Christians. You can be baptized also with Holy Spirit, speaking in an unknown Heavenly language. You have the Name of Jesus to overcome all evil and darkness, and the power in His name to heal the sick. You will learn to give and forgive as a new creation. The list goes on and on with this gift of Jesus. Now today you can thank God for your gift His beloved Son the Lamb of God. Give thanks. Amen.
AUG 17
SCARE HIM BACK TO HELL
Do you know that Satan hates that we are fulfilling the purpose God has called us to. When we follow Christ stay strongly committed to do as God have assigned, Satan hates it.
“Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things.” (2Ti 1:11-12)
Paul knew his calling, preacher, apostle, and teacher. He also knew that he was always a target; Satan constantly did everything to destroy his ministry. That is why he tells us that he is still suffering for Christ. We may not be called to all that Paul was called to in his ministry, but whatever we are called for; we still will suffer at the inconveniences caused by Satan.
With complete determination and commitment to our ministries given to us by the Lord, Satan is scared off; we can scare him back to hell. Preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, Paul infuriated Satan, and he was scared off to a powerless opposition. How did he do that? He did it with the prayers and filling up of the Holy Spirit, to guide him daily. Today we also can scare the devil back to hell with our prayers and our receiving the Holy Spirit for guidance and power. Amen.
AUG 18
THE DEVIL HAS NO PLACE
We can keep the devil out of our lives, as Christians he has no place in our lives.
“Neither give place to the devil.” (Eph 4:27)
Paul knew that to lock out the devil in the church or the brethren’s lives, actually started with the relationships in the church. The unity of the body was how they could stay strong and hold out the enemy. There are three things that break down unity in the body. Number one PRIDE. We know how pride can affect a relationship. That problem comes up in families as well as the body of Christ. Even in the leadership pride can cause great disturbance in the church.
Then there is JEALOUSY in the leadership also which can break down the body and cause a lack of trust in the church. At last there is UNFORGIVENESS, which is the worst of all sins allowed in our churches. In many cases that unforgiveness takes root with the families then grows within body where the Holy Spirit cannot rule. What is going on in your church? Does your church need to repent one or all of these things? Do you need to pray about these today to be released from them out of your life, so the devil has no place. Amen.
AUG 19
WE ALL NEED A LITTLE HELP
Many tasks that I have had, I gladly gave thanks for any help I could have with them. I have many limitations, but yet I know God has given me dreams and visions of things I know I will need help from others to fulfil them.
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think.” (Rom 12:3)
Paul was a great man of God and yet he was the one that tells us to be humble and not think so highly of ourselves when we do something for the Lord. As I said I need help at times, and I ask for help when I need it. You might not think much of what I just said, but it is very easy that we find we are good at something and start thinking highly of ourselves because of it. Nothing we do, God has not done before us. I had a saying when I cooked, “if it is good, glorify God, and if it is not good blame me.”
All my writings in the last 20 years I believe are given from the Holy Spirit through the grace of God. I am amazed sometimes with what I have written, but I remember the Holy Spirit, He is not my secretary, I am His, He is my provider. Just because I am putting it on paper does not mean I am the composer. To get my writings in a book I need help and I need to ask others for that help. If God has called you to do something He has also called others to help you. Today you can prayer for guidance of the Holy Spirit for your next assignment from the Lord and who will help you with it. Amen.
AUG 20
WHERE DO YOU SPEND YOUR MONEY?
Most people would reply to me with this question “none of your business.” We don’t have to tell others where we spend our money and we don’t have to tell God either.
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat 6:21)
These are the words of Jesus recorded by Matthew. So true that our treasures and money are very important to us, in other words they are a heart thing. When the preacher starts a sermon on tithing and offerings on a Sunday morning the congregation starts getting uneasy in their seats. Talking about money is not a popular theme in church. As I said money is a heart thing. The things that lay of great importance in your heart is what you spend your money. We all have to spend money to live, food, shelter and security. But do we handle of needs and finances or do we let God handle them?
The first thing God asks for is 10% of our earnings, does that make sense to pray to Him for our needs and then Give Him the money we need. If you ask those who tithe weekly and monthly, “How can you give so much to God and still have everything you need?” They will answer, “We don’t know, God has a different accounting system than we have, but we always have what we need and more.” I will say they have put the Lord first in their hearts; therefore they also have put Him first in their budgets. I am sure today would be a good day to talk with the Lord about your finances and where you spend your money. Amen.
AUG 21
WHAT IS YOUR MINISTRY?
Did you know that if you are a Christian, repented and committed your life to Christ, you have a ministry? Do remember Jesus saying He was not here to be served, but He was here to serve?
“Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God.” (2Co 6:3-4)
Paul was concerned about the reputation of the church. He wanted the leadership to know that it is very important that no offensive words or acts could be involved in their ministry. In other words, “keep your slate clean.” What do you know about the ministries in the leadership of the church?
First the tithes and offerings ministry must be carefully handled and the finances must be consciously considered for every need in administering the wellbeing of the church. Second would be the ministry of preaching the Gospel, the teachings that are shared with the congregation must be the message of the Cross and the Blood of Christ, that is the true Gospel and nothing else from the pulpit should be taught.
Third is the ministry for the people, this ministry can be public or private, but it must be done in excellence as to honour the throne of God and the King of Kings. There is also a ministry of the saints, in which all the body of the church is ministering to one another. Then there is the ministry of angels, who minister to those in the church that are suffering. Angels ministered to Jesus, when He was suffering in the garden. At last there is the ministry of Jesus, those that take full authority in Jesus Name to minister to the body; all these ministries are needed in the church to make it an excellent house for the Lord. So now today we have to answer that question, “What is your ministry?” Amen.
AUG 22
TRAMPING ON TEMPTATION
Oh, how we all struggle with temptations, don’t let them beat you up; remember Jesus also had to resist temptations in the desert.
“There has been no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able. (1Co 10:13)
I like the encouragement that Paul writes to the brethren in this verse. As we are lovers of the Lord, so the enemy will present temptations every day. Paul wants us to know that when we resist the devil, he will be gone. Paul tells us God is faithful, in other words, as long as you are resisting temptations, He will strengthen you to overcome them.
You can be tempted in the flesh to prefer your desires over God’s desires; your life will be a mess. We can have temptations with our emotions, with selfishness and greed, or the most common is sexual temptations, now, out of these we can choose, are our desires in accordance with God’s desires? Are you fighting with temptation today? Do you need to repent and pray to be able to tramp on those temptations? Amen.
AUG 23
ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?
Have you thought about being a leader in your church? Have you a private life that can be exposed to the public?
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1Co 4:1)
Paul was telling the brethren and leaders in the church that they must be accountable to others concerning their private lives and their ministries. The private life of a leader is involved with their marriage, children and home life. They must be accountable for their finances and tithing. Also they must be open about their physical condition. In other words a leader lives in life of prayer and perfect fellowship.
Leaders need prayer partners and confidants with other leaders, but they don’t need a lot of secrets that can present gossip or backbiting within the church. Cliques or Holy Huddles are not acceptable in God’s House. Although we know Intercessors, prayer teams and prayer warriors are obligated to confidential privacy for everyone in the church. The comment “my private life is my private life, only for me and my family, not for the church” is not the attitude of a church leader. I agree with Paul, but most Christians think they will be judged for any mistake they make, therefore they begin the cliques in the church looking for those that they feel more comfortable with. Everyone wants a measure of privacy and is very entitled to it. When we account for our lives to be leaders in the church, we must ask the Lord what He wants changed in our lives. Today we can repent, pray and start making those
changes. Amen.
AUG 24
AIN’T NOTHIN YET
Paul knew only a small part of what was coming in the world. He also knew not all Christians would survive the persecution of Christian’s in the future.
“That you be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.” (2Th 2:2)
Paul is telling the church not to be shaken or surprised at what would be coming. He says keep your mind clear of fear and trouble; think only of Jesus and His coming. Truly there is no difference of what we are exercising every day. We see evil and we hear evil and now we may be facing evil also.
Our churches and Christians are constantly being persecuted and punished. Most of the writings of Paul were to encourage the brethren and the church, but this time he is warning them. We need our armour of God strapped tightly on us and our sword and shield grasped securely. Our thinking must be filled with praise and worship. Our hearts filled with joy and thanksgiving. Are you prepared to face the world fully armoured? Are you prayed up and protected before leaving your house today? Amen.
AUG 25
PLEASING THE LORD
Is there anything better in our life than pleasing the Lord? We do spend a lot of time pleasing others, which is good if it is in line of pleasing God.
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Php 3:14)
Paul wanted the brethren to be committed to their church in the same way a runner is committed to win his race. In fact Paul has referred to his stewardship as a runner in a race with the prize as the goal, which he meant would be after death. But here in this verse he refers to the race as the very calling to his ministry serving the Lord Jesus Christ and that pressing forward will surely give him that prize which he knew would come after his death.
Paul was committed to his ministry and Rome law was committed to end his life as a Christian. Paul’s goal was to please God and His Kingdom not the Emperor of Rome. Paul was a humble leader of the church. He was honest about his ministry, his accomplishments and his failures, and he hoped the same humility would be with the brethren and the leadership, because he knew the suffering in their future would break them if they were proud of their accomplishments in the church. When we like Paul can spend more time on our knees than on the pulpit, (which is an American expression, telling others what to do) we too will be able to receive our suffering and still please God. When we are on our knees we cannot judge others or measure them to ourselves, which is what can happen if we spend too much time on the pulpit, we get proud. Where are you today in your prayer time? Where should you be to please God and stay in the race? Amen.
AUG 26
THE DEVIL’S GOAL
We have talked about our goal is to please God, so what do you think the Devil’s goal is? Yes, to displease Him.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph 6:11)
The Devil cannot displease God on his own; he needs us to help him, to assist him in his plans. Paul tells us to put on the armour of God, to protect us from the Devil’s plans as he has to use us. Yes the armour is strong enough to keep his attacks off us. But have you ever thought what you would look like in the armour?
You may think of that armour to be shiny attire, but no, it is not shiny, it is bloody and battle scared because the Lord wore it before He gave it to us. He knows it will stand the attacks of the Devil because that is where the battle scars came from. That is why Paul refers it to the armour of God, because it is used in battle. Paul tell us the breastplate, which protects our hearts, is His Righteousness, it is stained with the blood of the Lord. This armour is not for special use it is for everyday attire. Every morning with prayer we need to take on the armour, because every day the Devil has a plan of attacks. Today when you get, get fully dressed and protected with amour of God. Amen.
AUG 27
THOSE WHO COMPROMISE
Do you know Christians that compromise with the world? There are many, they are like the Nicolaitans of Ephesus.
But this thou hast, that thou hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Rev 2:6)
I am afraid this movement of the Nicolaitans has grown rapidly in the Christian environment. In this verse Jesus is speaking to John on the island of Patmos. What was wrong with these Christians is what is wrong with the largest group of Christians in the world; they compromise with salvation, and truth of the Cross. Jesus said He hates their deeds and teaching which demeans the message of the Cross. Paul tells us we hate the doctrines and principles of unbelievers, but we don’t hate the people they are the ones we pray for. They are backsliders, still claiming to be Christians.
We can hear daily the churches that compromise with homosexuality, abortion and infidelity. These all are horrible sins and need to be understood that Jesus overcame them on the Cross. Same-sex marriage is an abomination unto God and cannot be accepted in the church. The killing of unborn children is no different to that of the child sacrifices of the barbarian sects. Sex outside of marriage is an impure act that needs repentance and reformation. All these are the main sins accepted in the compromising churches that the Lord calls Nicolaitans and that He hates. Perhaps you are not compromising in these things but maybe in something else that you need to repent for today. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you stop your compromising today and renew your relationship with Jesus. Amen.
AUG 28
WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH
Enough is never enough in the life time for a servant of Christ.
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1Co 4:1)
Perhaps you recall this verse from August 13th. This verse is referring to faithful servants of the Lord. All work can be trying and questionable, is this worth it? Physical labour usually has to do with our livelihood, provision, home, family and comfort. But there can also physical labour in the church, maintaining God’s House. Members of the body and leadership question, ”am I appreciated for all my labours?” Once again Paul tells us that we are accounted as stewards and ministers for Christ, He appreciates us. Wow I like the thought that Jesus appreciates me for serving in my church.
As we age and get older the joy of serving Christ does not weaken, in fact I think with age we are more joyous in our tasks and ministries for Christ and the church. Perhaps the body has not recognized our efforts. Paul only had a handful that supported him and appreciated his contributions to the church constantly writing letters and concerned in their well being. Paul said he had run a straight race, knowing he would be executed by Rome in the near future. What he didn’t say was that he had had enough; he was tired and no longer could be concerned with church or brethren. For Paul there was no end to his race or his ministry; never could there be enough. Today whatever God has called you to do to serve Him, in your home, church or community don’t “jump ship” don’t give up. God appreciates you and your faithfulness. Keep up with your entire good servant hood to the Lord and when you are in Heaven with Him, He will say, ”Now is enough.” Amen.
AUG 29
THE PAIN OF BITTERNESS
Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? Is there someone who will not accept your forgiveness? Whichever there is, there is pain.
“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” (Heb 12:15)
I have made a decision in my life, that concerning one person that I love and will not forgive me, after all my efforts to ask their forgiveness. Although I have pain because of our broken relationship and miss them daily, I refuse to be bitter because of my pain. If I let my heart fill up with bitterness my love for them would no longer exist. My love for them is more important to me that revenge or bitterness. My love for them with my prayers may one day bring them back and we can renew our relationship.
How could God forgive me in my filthy rags of sin? He forgave me with His amazing grace; when Paul asked God to remove “the thorn in his flesh” God replied, “My Grace is sufficient.” In all painful paths that we must travel we will never have to go without God’s grace to strengthen us. Paul says for us to look diligently within our hearts so no sin can take root there. Today we need to do that and repent for any bitter sin. Amen.
AUG 30
ALLOWED TO BE PROUD
We know that pride is sin, but Paul tells us we are allowed to be proud at times.
“So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.” (2Th 1:4)
What child of royalty is not quick to say my family is royal; perhaps my auntie is the Queen. We as Christians also are family with royalty. Our Father is God, our Brother is the King of Kings and our best friend is the Holy Spirit. All of them reside in the Kingdom of Heaven and sit on a throne. There in the throne room we also have a place to sit with them. So who do I share all this with concerning what I am proud of. I share it with my church and my fellow sisters and brothers. Did I say “sisters and brothers?” Wow, that makes them royals also!
Although when Paul tells the church to be proud, he says be proud of your tribulations and persecutions. He says it is your faithfulness and patience that brought you through the sufferings. You remember Jesus says He would reward us as the loyal servant true and faithful. So today when you share with pride about your royal family you can also share your miracles getting through all your sufferings. You could only do it by trusting the Lord and relying on the Holy Spirit every day. Amen.
AUG 31
HOW ROCKY IS YOUR ROAD?
When we use the comment “glory to glory” we consider from one problem solved now to next problem. But is that right?
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2Co 3:18)
We may think that on our walk with Christ will take us on a rocky road. We are always looking out for chuckholes and cracks that can trip us up. I think about this verse and I see it differently. I see that the longer the road goes the fewer hazards there are in the road and actually it gets smoother with every mile or every test. I believe that as we carry on walking we get closer to the Holy Spirit and find we are going from “glory to glory” with every new revelation and message we get from the Holy Spirit, who glorifies the Lord. Everything we receive from the Holy Spirit takes us from “glory to glory.” That rocky road can get better the closer you are with the Holy Spirit, today you can go from “glory to glory “ just listening to the Lord in your prayer time. Amen.
