Scripture:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes to the Jew first and also the Greek.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is good new for us who have experienced rejection, dishonor, hopelessness, shame, and pain; caused by bad decisions based on our own way of thinking, or caused by things that did not have anything to do with us.
The gospel helps us to rebuild our lives according to how God created us to function. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the balance to a weary soul that is tired of the same old lifestyle; that craves a new beginning, through the belief and hope of the risen Christ.
The gospel is a compass that leads and guides the hearts and mind of us who desire true change for ourselves; so that we may be an example of what God can do through a renewed mind in Him. The gospel is the hope of our souls, the light to our path, and the strength of our purpose.
Through the gospel lives are saved through the winning of souls, the love of God is expressed, and hearts are released into the very presence of God. Therefore, how can we be ashamed of the gospel, because it ignites change, restores broken hearts, reaches through pain, and transforms our minds into the mind of Christ?
Why would we be ashamed of the gospel when it saves lives from death?
Reflection:
It does not matter what we've done in our past. It doesn't even matter if we've made mistakes today. If we are truly remorseful of the things that we have done, that we know we should not have; then God will forgive us; just like He forgave Peter who denied Him three times in the presence of a crowd of people. Peter was ashamed of the Lord Jesus Christ, but Peter was also remorseful because of his actions, and He was no longer ashamed; he was used mightily for the building up of the kingdom of God.
The gospel changed Peter's life, and the gospel continues to change lives today. When we agree with the Lord Jesus Christ that we do not know how to do good without him, and we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, we receive a new beginning in Him (Romans 10:9), and He will lead and guide us every step of the way.
Concordance Definitions:
Romans 1:16
Gospel:
1) a reward for good tidings
2) good tidings
a) the glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom. After the death of Christ, the term comprises also the preaching of (concerning) Jesus Christ as having suffered death on the cross to procure eternal salvation for the men in the kingdom of God, but as restored to life and exalted to the right hand of God in heaven, thence to return in majesty to consummate the kingdom of God.
b) the glad tidings of salvation through Christ
c) the proclamation of the grace of God manifest and pledged in Christ
d) the gospel
e) as the messianic rank of Jesus was proved by his words, his deeds, and his death, the narrative of the sayings, deeds, and death of Jesus Christ came to be called the gospel or glad tidings.
Power:
1) strength power, ability
a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth
b) power for performing miracles
c) moral power and excellence of soul
d) the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth
e) power and resources arising from numbers
f) power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts
Salvation:
1) deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation
a) deliverance from the molestation of enemies
b) in an ethical sense, that which concludes to the souls safety or salvation
1) of Messianic salvation
2) salvation as the present possession of all true Christians
3) future salvation, the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal kingdom of God.
Believe:
1) to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in
a) of the thing believed
1) to credit, have confidence
b) in a moral or religious reference
1) used in the NT of the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul.
2) to trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something: saving faith.
3) mere acknowledgment of some fact or event: intellectual faith
2) to entrust a thing to one, i.e. his fidelity
a) to be entrusted with a thing
Blue Letter Bible. "Paul's Epistle - Romans 1 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 30 Nov 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rom&c=1&t=NASB >
Higgins, S. (2009). A New Beginning. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing, Emeryville, CA - http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com
Monday
Saturday
A Position of Wealth
Scripture: Matthew 25:15
To one He gave five talents,to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability and He went on His journey.
This parable (story) is a representation of how God entrusts His children with resources according to the ability of each. During this time period in the bible when Jesus told this parable, a talent represented a large sum of money to be invested by the receiver; so that the landowner would make a profit while he was away. The landowner would only entrust his wealth to those that he trusted while he was away. The value of the talents varied from time to time, however, it is rougly estimated that the value of a talent ranged from fifty thousand, twenty thousand and ten thousand denari. One denari was a days wage, and would be considered a small sum in the eyes of a rich landowner(Keener, 1993, p.117).
The first servant received five talents, the second received two talents, and the third servant received one talent. The purpose of the distribution of the talents to the servants was for the multiplication of wealth for the landowner. However, not all of the servants were faithful over what was given to thme. The first two servants invested the talents and multiplied what the landowner gave them. The third servant burried his talent in the ground were it yielded no return whatsoever. The third servant also made an excuses for what was not done. The landowner was of course not pleased with the servant, and took away the talent, and gave it to the servant that had been the most productive (Keener, 1993, p.117).
The third servant ended up with nothing, because of his fear of what he thought the landonwer would do to him, immobilized his productivity to the point that he did not multiply what was given to him. In essence, he was afraid to take a risk, and reasoned within himself, that what he was doing was right. Therefore, he did not use the talent for the purpose it was given to him for.
The servants who multiplied the landowner's position of wealth, shared in his wealth as well. The landowner also trusted the two faithful servants with many more things. The two servants were not resentful that the landowner was becoming more and more rich; because the nature of the landowner was that of a generous one. Therefore the servants knew that the landowner's investment was not just for the landowner, it was them also.
This parable teaches us that when God trusts us with wealth, that we are to use wisdom with what He gives us, and multiply it for the purpose of kingdom building. The Word of God speaks of planting seeds and making investments in the kingdom of God through our tithes and offering (Malachi 3:10).
When we invest our wealth (our resources, time and energy), into the kingdom of God; our wealth is multiplied in: the manifestation of souls won for the kingdom, programs created that build up and minister to the body of Christ, sustaining missionaries who are without any income, and planting and building churches throughout the world.
* How are you multiplying what God has given you?
* Have you been fearful to invest in the kingdom of God?
* How can you overcome this fear?
Reflection:
The purpose of the investment of our time, energy, and resources is for the purpose of Multiplication. When we do not make wise investments, it is like planting what God has given us in the ground; which will yield no fruit. We must consider how we invest our time, energy and resources to make sure that we are productive for the purpose of multiplicaton for the kingdom of God.
Definitions: (Matthew 25:15)
Gave:
1) to give
2) to give something to someone
a) of one's own accord to give one something, to his advantage
1) to bestow a gift
b) to grant, give to one asking, let have
c) to supply, furnish, necessary things
d) to give over, deliver
1) to reach out, extend, present
2) of a writing
3) to give over to one's care, intrust, commit
a) something to be administered
b) to give or commit to some one something to be religiously observed
e) to give what is due or obligatory, to pay: wages or reward
f) to furnish, endue
3) to give
a) to cause, profuse, give forth from one's self
1) to give, hand out lots
b) to appoint to an office
c) to cause to come forth, i.e. as the sea, death and Hell are said to give up the dead who have been engulfed or received by them
d to give one to someone as his own
1) as an object of his saving care
2) to give one to someone, to follow him as a leader and master
3) to give one to someone to care for his interests
4) to give one to someone to whom he already belonged, to return
5) to grant or permit one
a) to commission
Talent:
1) the scale of a balance, a balance, a pair of scales
2) that which is weighed, a talent
a) a weight varying in different places and times
b) a sum of money weighing a talent and varying in different states and according to the changes in the laws regulating currency
1) the Attic talent was equal to 60 Attic minae or 6000 drachmae
2) a talent of silver in Israel weighed about 100 pounds (45 kg)
3) a talent of gold in Israel weighed about 200 pounds (91 kg)
Ability:
1) strength power, ability
a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth
b) power for performing miracles
c) moral power and excellence of soul
d) the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth
e) power and resources arising from numbers
f) power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts
Went/Journey:
1) to go away into foreign parts, go abroad
_____________________________________________________
Blue Letter Bible. (2009). "Gospel of Matthew 25 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 28 Nov 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=25&t=NASB >
Blue Letter Bible. (2009) "The Minor Prophet Malachi 3 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 28 Nov 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mal&c=3&t=NASB >
Higgins, S. (2009). A Position of Wealth. Devotions for Thought from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com
Keener, C. (1993). Making Use of the Interim Time. Matthew 25:14-30, p. 117. The IVP Bible Background Commentary - New Testament. InterVarsity Press, Illinois.
To one He gave five talents,to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability and He went on His journey.
This parable (story) is a representation of how God entrusts His children with resources according to the ability of each. During this time period in the bible when Jesus told this parable, a talent represented a large sum of money to be invested by the receiver; so that the landowner would make a profit while he was away. The landowner would only entrust his wealth to those that he trusted while he was away. The value of the talents varied from time to time, however, it is rougly estimated that the value of a talent ranged from fifty thousand, twenty thousand and ten thousand denari. One denari was a days wage, and would be considered a small sum in the eyes of a rich landowner(Keener, 1993, p.117).
The first servant received five talents, the second received two talents, and the third servant received one talent. The purpose of the distribution of the talents to the servants was for the multiplication of wealth for the landowner. However, not all of the servants were faithful over what was given to thme. The first two servants invested the talents and multiplied what the landowner gave them. The third servant burried his talent in the ground were it yielded no return whatsoever. The third servant also made an excuses for what was not done. The landowner was of course not pleased with the servant, and took away the talent, and gave it to the servant that had been the most productive (Keener, 1993, p.117).
The third servant ended up with nothing, because of his fear of what he thought the landonwer would do to him, immobilized his productivity to the point that he did not multiply what was given to him. In essence, he was afraid to take a risk, and reasoned within himself, that what he was doing was right. Therefore, he did not use the talent for the purpose it was given to him for.
The servants who multiplied the landowner's position of wealth, shared in his wealth as well. The landowner also trusted the two faithful servants with many more things. The two servants were not resentful that the landowner was becoming more and more rich; because the nature of the landowner was that of a generous one. Therefore the servants knew that the landowner's investment was not just for the landowner, it was them also.
This parable teaches us that when God trusts us with wealth, that we are to use wisdom with what He gives us, and multiply it for the purpose of kingdom building. The Word of God speaks of planting seeds and making investments in the kingdom of God through our tithes and offering (Malachi 3:10).
When we invest our wealth (our resources, time and energy), into the kingdom of God; our wealth is multiplied in: the manifestation of souls won for the kingdom, programs created that build up and minister to the body of Christ, sustaining missionaries who are without any income, and planting and building churches throughout the world.
* How are you multiplying what God has given you?
* Have you been fearful to invest in the kingdom of God?
* How can you overcome this fear?
Reflection:
The purpose of the investment of our time, energy, and resources is for the purpose of Multiplication. When we do not make wise investments, it is like planting what God has given us in the ground; which will yield no fruit. We must consider how we invest our time, energy and resources to make sure that we are productive for the purpose of multiplicaton for the kingdom of God.
Definitions: (Matthew 25:15)
Gave:
1) to give
2) to give something to someone
a) of one's own accord to give one something, to his advantage
1) to bestow a gift
b) to grant, give to one asking, let have
c) to supply, furnish, necessary things
d) to give over, deliver
1) to reach out, extend, present
2) of a writing
3) to give over to one's care, intrust, commit
a) something to be administered
b) to give or commit to some one something to be religiously observed
e) to give what is due or obligatory, to pay: wages or reward
f) to furnish, endue
3) to give
a) to cause, profuse, give forth from one's self
1) to give, hand out lots
b) to appoint to an office
c) to cause to come forth, i.e. as the sea, death and Hell are said to give up the dead who have been engulfed or received by them
d to give one to someone as his own
1) as an object of his saving care
2) to give one to someone, to follow him as a leader and master
3) to give one to someone to care for his interests
4) to give one to someone to whom he already belonged, to return
5) to grant or permit one
a) to commission
Talent:
1) the scale of a balance, a balance, a pair of scales
2) that which is weighed, a talent
a) a weight varying in different places and times
b) a sum of money weighing a talent and varying in different states and according to the changes in the laws regulating currency
1) the Attic talent was equal to 60 Attic minae or 6000 drachmae
2) a talent of silver in Israel weighed about 100 pounds (45 kg)
3) a talent of gold in Israel weighed about 200 pounds (91 kg)
Ability:
1) strength power, ability
a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth
b) power for performing miracles
c) moral power and excellence of soul
d) the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth
e) power and resources arising from numbers
f) power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts
Went/Journey:
1) to go away into foreign parts, go abroad
_____________________________________________________
Blue Letter Bible. (2009). "Gospel of Matthew 25 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 28 Nov 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=25&t=NASB >
Blue Letter Bible. (2009) "The Minor Prophet Malachi 3 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 28 Nov 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mal&c=3&t=NASB >
Higgins, S. (2009). A Position of Wealth. Devotions for Thought from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com
Keener, C. (1993). Making Use of the Interim Time. Matthew 25:14-30, p. 117. The IVP Bible Background Commentary - New Testament. InterVarsity Press, Illinois.
Friday
Now Is The Time!
There was a woman by the name of Mary Magdalene who had an alabaster jar which contained expensive ointment that she used to pour on the head of Jesus. The disciples did not understand why she would do such a thing, and they said they thought it was a waste; because the ointment was very expense. They said that the ointment could have been used in a better way by selling it, and giving the money that was made to the poor. But when Jesus understood, He said why bother the woman, for what she was doing was a good thing; because the poor would always be with them, but that He would not. Jesus made a point of letting them know the importance of priorities, and that the purpose of what Mary Magdalene did, was for His burial.
The disciples got so wrapped up in the works of the ministry, that their priorities were out of balance; and they were not focusing on the One they loved and served. However, the focus of Mary Magdalene was on the One she loved and served. She was a good example of making sure that one's priorities are in line.
We will always have the poor with us as Jesus said, and the responsibilities of ministry, just like we will always have bills and family obligations. However, we should make sure that we appreciate the people in our lives that we love, while they are still with us. We should not be so distracted by the cares of life, that we forget about the bread of life. We should not wait until those that we love are no longer with us to show them how much they mean to us.
When Mary Magdalene expressed her love by pouring an entire vial of expensive ointment on the head of Jesus, she expressed her love and value for Him publicly. Obviously, she did not care about what other’s thought about her open display of affection, admiration, and worship, for the One she loved. She let Him know that her love ran deep, and that there was no expense too high.
Mary Magdalene set an example for the rest of us on how we should love the Lord. She also set an example for us on how we should express our love for others. We should make sure there is no doubt in their minds, that they are deeply loved, by outwardly expressing our love for them and toward them; in the presence of other people. There is nothing that can compare to the love and acceptance of someone in public. Public acknowledgement of those we love will build up the spirit within them, and encourage their heart.
• Is there someone you love? Do they know it?
• Are you afraid to express your love for someone?
• Have you publicly expressed your love for them?
Reflection:
If there is someone that you say you love, and they do not know it; now is the time to let them know. Don’t wait until it’s too late, and God removes them from your life to be loved and appreciated by someone who will not be afraid to verbally state how they feel about them. Like the woman with the alabaster jar, express your love for them outwardly.
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 26:6-13
Alabaster:
The ancients considered alabaster to be the best material in which to preserve their ointments. Breaking the box, probably means breaking the seal of the box.
Good:
1) beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable
a) beautiful to look at, shapely, magnificent
b) good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends
1) genuine, approved
2) precious
3) joined to names of men designated by their office, competent, able, such as one ought to be
4) praiseworthy, noble
c) beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy
1) morally good, noble
d) honourable, conferring honour
e) affecting the mind agreeably, comforting and confirming
Memorial:
1) a memorial (that by which the memory of any person or thing is preserved), a remembrance
Poor:
1) reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms
2) destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour
a) lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches
b) helpless, powerless to accomplish an end
c) poor, needy
3) lacking in anything
a) as respects their spirit
1) destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ's teaching and proved them selves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure)
Trouble
1) a beating
2) a beating of the breast with grief, sorrow
3) labour
a) trouble
1) to cause one trouble, make work for him
b) intense labour united with trouble and toil
Poured:
1) to pour down upon
2) pour over, pour upon
Precious:
1) of weighty, great value, very precious, costly
Purpose:
1) who, which, what
Definitions:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 26 - (KJV - King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 27 Nov 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=26&t=KJV >
Higgins, S. (2009). Now Is The Time. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com
The disciples got so wrapped up in the works of the ministry, that their priorities were out of balance; and they were not focusing on the One they loved and served. However, the focus of Mary Magdalene was on the One she loved and served. She was a good example of making sure that one's priorities are in line.
We will always have the poor with us as Jesus said, and the responsibilities of ministry, just like we will always have bills and family obligations. However, we should make sure that we appreciate the people in our lives that we love, while they are still with us. We should not be so distracted by the cares of life, that we forget about the bread of life. We should not wait until those that we love are no longer with us to show them how much they mean to us.
When Mary Magdalene expressed her love by pouring an entire vial of expensive ointment on the head of Jesus, she expressed her love and value for Him publicly. Obviously, she did not care about what other’s thought about her open display of affection, admiration, and worship, for the One she loved. She let Him know that her love ran deep, and that there was no expense too high.
Mary Magdalene set an example for the rest of us on how we should love the Lord. She also set an example for us on how we should express our love for others. We should make sure there is no doubt in their minds, that they are deeply loved, by outwardly expressing our love for them and toward them; in the presence of other people. There is nothing that can compare to the love and acceptance of someone in public. Public acknowledgement of those we love will build up the spirit within them, and encourage their heart.
• Is there someone you love? Do they know it?
• Are you afraid to express your love for someone?
• Have you publicly expressed your love for them?
Reflection:
If there is someone that you say you love, and they do not know it; now is the time to let them know. Don’t wait until it’s too late, and God removes them from your life to be loved and appreciated by someone who will not be afraid to verbally state how they feel about them. Like the woman with the alabaster jar, express your love for them outwardly.
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 26:6-13
Alabaster:
The ancients considered alabaster to be the best material in which to preserve their ointments. Breaking the box, probably means breaking the seal of the box.
Good:
1) beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable
a) beautiful to look at, shapely, magnificent
b) good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends
1) genuine, approved
2) precious
3) joined to names of men designated by their office, competent, able, such as one ought to be
4) praiseworthy, noble
c) beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy
1) morally good, noble
d) honourable, conferring honour
e) affecting the mind agreeably, comforting and confirming
Memorial:
1) a memorial (that by which the memory of any person or thing is preserved), a remembrance
Poor:
1) reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms
2) destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour
a) lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches
b) helpless, powerless to accomplish an end
c) poor, needy
3) lacking in anything
a) as respects their spirit
1) destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ's teaching and proved them selves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure)
Trouble
1) a beating
2) a beating of the breast with grief, sorrow
3) labour
a) trouble
1) to cause one trouble, make work for him
b) intense labour united with trouble and toil
Poured:
1) to pour down upon
2) pour over, pour upon
Precious:
1) of weighty, great value, very precious, costly
Purpose:
1) who, which, what
Definitions:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 26 - (KJV - King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 27 Nov 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=26&t=KJV >
Higgins, S. (2009). Now Is The Time. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com
Wednesday
Balancing the Scale
Jesus was hungry and approached a fig tree that was full of leaves, but for some strange reason the fig tree was fruitless, in a season in which the tree should have had fruit. Therefore, Jesus spoke these words to the fig tree, “No longer shall there be any fruit from you.” And the tree withered away instantly. The disciples that were with Jesus were amazed at how quickly the tree withered away when Jesus spoke to it. Jesus explained to the disciples that they possessed the same power within themselves. They also could speak to their desires, as well as, obstacles, challenges, disappointments, and anything else that would try and stand in their way; if they had faith in Him to do what appears to be impossible. Jesus also made it clear that there would be no room for doubt, because doubt would nullify their words of faith.
The power of our words combined with our thoughts is not a small matter. When we speak in faith with the absence of doubt, miracles will happen suddenly. It will not take long for God to move on the words that we speak out of our mouths. But we also have to make sure that our thoughts line up with the words that we speak, because God knows our thoughts; and He hears our words. If our thoughts and words do not line up, doubt enters the equation, and our words of faith are cancelled out by our own thoughts. If we think negative thoughts, we disengage our positive words, and our words become fruitless. To balance the scale, we must take control of our thoughts and make them line up with the words we speak.
This is not always an easy task because we subconsciously sabotage our own desires by not believing them in the first place. How do we know that we don’t believe? By our inward thoughts that conflict with the words we speak. To take control of our inward thoughts, the Word of God says “to let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” Having the mind of Christ will take a serious effort on our parts, but we must be committed to see the fruit of our labor through the reprogramming of our minds with the word of God.
When we have the mind of Christ, we can speak to anything, and it must obey us. There is no if’s, ands, buts, or maybe’s. When we speak, miracles will happen immediately, and without delay. How do we build up our faith, so that the presence of doubt does not exist? By spending more time reading and meditating on the Word of God. As we spend more time in the presence of God, we become more like Him. We begin to act like Him, move like Him, think like Him, and talk like Him.
Balancing our thoughts with our speech will manifest the power and presence of God in every area of our lives, and there will be nothing that will be impossible to us, because we believe.
• Are your thoughts and words in balance?
• What is it that you desire, that has not happened?
• What dreams are in balance?
• What dreams are not in balance?
• What can you do to balance the scale?
Definitions: Matthew 21:21
Truly:
2) verily, amen
a) at the beginning of a discourse - surely, truly, of a truth
Say:
1) to say, to speak
a) affirm over, maintain
b) to teach
c) to exhort, advise, to command, direct
d) to point out with words, intend, mean, mean to say
e) to call by name, to call, name
f) to speak out, speak of, mention
Have:
1) to have, i.e. to hold
a) to have (hold) in the hand, in the sense of wearing, to have (hold) possession of the mind (refers to alarm, agitating emotions, etc.), to hold fast keep, to have or comprise or involve, to regard or consider or hold as
2) to have i.e. own, possess
a) external things such as pertain to property or riches or furniture or utensils or goods or food etc.
b) used of those joined to any one by the bonds of natural blood or marriage or friendship or duty or law etc, of attendance or companionship
3) to hold one's self or find one's self so and so, to be in such or such a condition
4) to hold one's self to a thing, to lay hold of a thing, to adhere or cling to
a) to be closely joined to a person or a thing
Faith:
1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it
a) relating to God
1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ
b) relating to Christ
1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God
c) the religious beliefs of Christians
d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same
2) fidelity, faithfulness
a) the character of one who can be relied on
Doubt:
1) to separate, make a distinction, discriminate, to prefer
2) to learn by discrimination, to try, decide
a) to determine, give judgment, decide a dispute
3) to withdraw from one, desert
4) to separate one's self in a hostile spirit, to oppose, strive with dispute, contend
5) to be at variance with one's self, hesitate, doubt
Do:
1) to make
a) with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.
b) to be the authors of, the cause
c) to make ready, to prepare
d) to produce, bear, shoot forth
e) to acquire, to provide a thing for one's self
f) to make a thing out of something
g) to (make i.e.) render one anything
1) to (make i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that
2) to (make i.e.) declare one anything
h) to put one forth, to lead him out
i) to make one do something
1) cause one to
j) to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)
2) to do
a) to act rightly, do well
1) to carry out, to execute
b) to do a thing unto one
1) to do to one
c) with designation of time: to pass, spend
d) to celebrate, keep
1) to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover
e) to perform: to a promise
Taken:
1) to raise up, elevate, lift up
a) to raise from the ground, take up: stones
b) to raise upwards, elevate, lift up: the hand
c) to draw up: a fish
2) to take upon one's self and carry what has been raised up, to bear
3) to bear away what has been raised, carry off
a) to move from its place
b) to take off or away what is attached to anything
c) to remove
d) to carry off, carry away with one
e) to appropriate what is taken
f) to take away from another what is his or what is committed to him, to take by force
g) to take and apply to any use
h) to take from among the living, either by a natural death, or by violence
i) cause to cease
Cast:
1) to throw or let go of a thing without caring where it falls
a) to scatter, to throw, cast into
b) to give over to one's care uncertain about the result
c) of fluids
1) to pour, pour into of rivers
2) to pour out
3) to put into, insert
Sea:
1) the sea
a) used of the sea in general
b) used specifically of the Mediterranean Sea or the Red Sea
Happen:
1) to become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being
2) to become, i.e. to come to pass, happen
a) of events
3) to arise, appear in history, come upon the stage
a) of men appearing in public
4) to be made, finished
a) of miracles, to be performed, wrought
5) to become, be made
Reflection:
Refuse to nullify the promises of God in your life by thinking and speaking contrary words of defeat. Agree wholeheartedly with the promises of God, and watch God move quickly on your behalf.
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 21 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 25 Nov 2009. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=21&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2009). Balancing the Scale. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing, http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Reference Scriptures
Matthew 21:18-22
The power of our words combined with our thoughts is not a small matter. When we speak in faith with the absence of doubt, miracles will happen suddenly. It will not take long for God to move on the words that we speak out of our mouths. But we also have to make sure that our thoughts line up with the words that we speak, because God knows our thoughts; and He hears our words. If our thoughts and words do not line up, doubt enters the equation, and our words of faith are cancelled out by our own thoughts. If we think negative thoughts, we disengage our positive words, and our words become fruitless. To balance the scale, we must take control of our thoughts and make them line up with the words we speak.
This is not always an easy task because we subconsciously sabotage our own desires by not believing them in the first place. How do we know that we don’t believe? By our inward thoughts that conflict with the words we speak. To take control of our inward thoughts, the Word of God says “to let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” Having the mind of Christ will take a serious effort on our parts, but we must be committed to see the fruit of our labor through the reprogramming of our minds with the word of God.
When we have the mind of Christ, we can speak to anything, and it must obey us. There is no if’s, ands, buts, or maybe’s. When we speak, miracles will happen immediately, and without delay. How do we build up our faith, so that the presence of doubt does not exist? By spending more time reading and meditating on the Word of God. As we spend more time in the presence of God, we become more like Him. We begin to act like Him, move like Him, think like Him, and talk like Him.
Balancing our thoughts with our speech will manifest the power and presence of God in every area of our lives, and there will be nothing that will be impossible to us, because we believe.
• Are your thoughts and words in balance?
• What is it that you desire, that has not happened?
• What dreams are in balance?
• What dreams are not in balance?
• What can you do to balance the scale?
Definitions: Matthew 21:21
Truly:
2) verily, amen
a) at the beginning of a discourse - surely, truly, of a truth
Say:
1) to say, to speak
a) affirm over, maintain
b) to teach
c) to exhort, advise, to command, direct
d) to point out with words, intend, mean, mean to say
e) to call by name, to call, name
f) to speak out, speak of, mention
Have:
1) to have, i.e. to hold
a) to have (hold) in the hand, in the sense of wearing, to have (hold) possession of the mind (refers to alarm, agitating emotions, etc.), to hold fast keep, to have or comprise or involve, to regard or consider or hold as
2) to have i.e. own, possess
a) external things such as pertain to property or riches or furniture or utensils or goods or food etc.
b) used of those joined to any one by the bonds of natural blood or marriage or friendship or duty or law etc, of attendance or companionship
3) to hold one's self or find one's self so and so, to be in such or such a condition
4) to hold one's self to a thing, to lay hold of a thing, to adhere or cling to
a) to be closely joined to a person or a thing
Faith:
1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it
a) relating to God
1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ
b) relating to Christ
1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God
c) the religious beliefs of Christians
d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same
2) fidelity, faithfulness
a) the character of one who can be relied on
Doubt:
1) to separate, make a distinction, discriminate, to prefer
2) to learn by discrimination, to try, decide
a) to determine, give judgment, decide a dispute
3) to withdraw from one, desert
4) to separate one's self in a hostile spirit, to oppose, strive with dispute, contend
5) to be at variance with one's self, hesitate, doubt
Do:
1) to make
a) with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.
b) to be the authors of, the cause
c) to make ready, to prepare
d) to produce, bear, shoot forth
e) to acquire, to provide a thing for one's self
f) to make a thing out of something
g) to (make i.e.) render one anything
1) to (make i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that
2) to (make i.e.) declare one anything
h) to put one forth, to lead him out
i) to make one do something
1) cause one to
j) to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)
2) to do
a) to act rightly, do well
1) to carry out, to execute
b) to do a thing unto one
1) to do to one
c) with designation of time: to pass, spend
d) to celebrate, keep
1) to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover
e) to perform: to a promise
Taken:
1) to raise up, elevate, lift up
a) to raise from the ground, take up: stones
b) to raise upwards, elevate, lift up: the hand
c) to draw up: a fish
2) to take upon one's self and carry what has been raised up, to bear
3) to bear away what has been raised, carry off
a) to move from its place
b) to take off or away what is attached to anything
c) to remove
d) to carry off, carry away with one
e) to appropriate what is taken
f) to take away from another what is his or what is committed to him, to take by force
g) to take and apply to any use
h) to take from among the living, either by a natural death, or by violence
i) cause to cease
Cast:
1) to throw or let go of a thing without caring where it falls
a) to scatter, to throw, cast into
b) to give over to one's care uncertain about the result
c) of fluids
1) to pour, pour into of rivers
2) to pour out
3) to put into, insert
Sea:
1) the sea
a) used of the sea in general
b) used specifically of the Mediterranean Sea or the Red Sea
Happen:
1) to become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being
2) to become, i.e. to come to pass, happen
a) of events
3) to arise, appear in history, come upon the stage
a) of men appearing in public
4) to be made, finished
a) of miracles, to be performed, wrought
5) to become, be made
Reflection:
Refuse to nullify the promises of God in your life by thinking and speaking contrary words of defeat. Agree wholeheartedly with the promises of God, and watch God move quickly on your behalf.
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 21 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 25 Nov 2009. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=21&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2009). Balancing the Scale. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing, http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Reference Scriptures
Matthew 21:18-22
Tuesday
A Hook and A Fish
Peter had been approached by tax collectors (in our day, tax collectors would represent creditors). The creditors questioned Peter about monies that they collected from the people on a regular basis. However, Jesus had not paid them and they wanted to know why. Peter hastily answered the tax collectors by telling them that Jesus did pay this stipulated amount. The tax collectors considered Jesus to be a teacher (in our day this would mean a person in business, and/or an entrepreneur). Therefore, the tax collectors wanted their share of monies earned.
Peter panicked and gave them an answer before talking to Jesus. Then when Peter did finally talk to Jesus about the discussion he had with the tax collectors, Jesus asked Peter the following question; “What do you think Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll tax, from their sons or strangers?” When Peter said, “from strangers,” Jesus said to him, “then the sons are exempt. However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea, and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and me.”
When Jesus asked Peter this question Jesus called Peter, “Simon”, which means flaky, not stable, because Peter was in a state of doubt about how they would come up with the money that the tax collectors wanted. Peter also lied when the tax collectors asked him if his teacher, Jesus, paid the stipulated amount. Peter was also worried about what to do to come up with the money. One thing that Peter did not do was go back to his normal way of living to try to come up with the money himself. He went to Jesus for direction, and Jesus told him exactly what to do. Jesus gave him specific instructions on: where, what, how, when and why, so that Peter’s faith would be increase, and the bill would be paid. There would be more than enough to take care of what was needed for the both of them.
The instructions that Jesus gave Peter, was to go to the sea, and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that came up, open it’s mouth and find a shekel, and take it to the tax collectors. Therefore, the financial needs would be taken care of through a miracle specifically designed to increase the faith of Simon, better known as Peter (the rock).
I’m sure that Peter’s faith was built up when he did what Jesus told him to, when Jesus produced a miracle in the most unusual way.
Certain fees that we feel are unnecessary, and/or excessive, or fees that are put into place by governmental authorities; or bills incurred from living, are required to be paid; however, we do not have to worry about these obligations, because as children of God, He will make a way for us to fulfill our responsibilities. Oftentimes, the instructions that He gives us to follow, will build our faith through the working of miracles.
Sometimes we get so locked into what we think we should do, and how we should do it, that we miss the miracle that God wants to manifest in our lives. But, in order for God to manifest miracles in our lives, we have to be willing to do exactly what He says; even if we do not understand it, or we think it doesn’t make sense. The key is to trust Him, and not question Him.
When Jesus told Peter to go fishing, he didn’t tell him to fish (work) like a dog all day long so that he could get a lot of fish, and go down to the market and sell the fish like he normally did; in order to pay the tax collectors the money they wanted. Jesus told him the very FIRST fish that came up would be sufficient to meet the need.
Jesus knew Peter had a tendency to overwork out of fear of man. The fear that was in Peter needed to be handled through the building up of his faith, to believe and trust Jesus for everything. Therefore, Peter's energy would not be spent on working on things that would distract him from learning how to build the Kingdom of God.
• Do you see yourself in this story? If so how?
• What responsibilities are overwhelming you?
• What can we learn from Peter’s example?
• How can we learn to continually depend on God?
Definitions: (Matthew 17:27)
Offend
1) to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall, metaph. to offend
a) to entice to sin
b) to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey
1) to cause to fall away
2) to be offended in one, i.e. to see in another what I disapprove of and what hinders me from acknowledging his authority
3) to cause one to judge unfavourably or unjustly of another
c) since one who stumbles or whose foot gets entangled feels annoyed
1) to cause one displeasure at a thing
2) to make indignant
3) to be displeased, indignant
Go
1) to lead over, carry over, transfer
a) to pursue the journey on which one has entered, to continue on one's journey
b) to depart from life
c) to follow one, that is: become his adherent
1) to lead or order one's life
Sea
1) the sea
a) used of the sea in general
b) used specifically of the Mediterranean Sea or the Red Sea
Throw
1) to throw or let go of a thing without caring where it falls
a) to scatter, to throw, cast into
b) to give over to one's care uncertain about the result
c) of fluids
1) to pour, pour into of rivers
2) to pour out
3) to put into, insert
Take
1) to raise up, elevate, lift up
a) to raise from the ground, take up: stones
b) to raise upwards, elevate, lift up: the hand
c) to draw up: a fish
2) to take upon one's self and carry what has been raised up, to bear
3) to bear away what has been raised, carry off
a) to move from its place
b) to take off or away what is attached to anything
c) to remove
d) to carry off, carry away with one
e) to appropriate what is taken
f) to take away from another what is his or what is committed to him, to take by force
g) to take and apply to any use
h) to take from among the living, either by a natural death, or by violence
i) cause to cease
First
1) first in time or place
a) in any succession of things or persons
2) first in rank
a) influence, honour
b) chief
Come
1) ascend
a) to go up
b) to rise, mount, be borne up, spring up
Find 2147
1) to come upon, hit upon, to meet with
a) after searching, to find a thing sought
b) without previous search, to find (by chance), to fall in with
c) those who come or return to a place
Shekel
1) a stater, a coin
a) in the NT a silver stater equal to four Attic or two Alexandrian drachmas, a Jewish shekel
Take
1) to take
a) to take with the hand, lay hold of, any person or thing in order to use it
1) to take up a thing to be carried
2) to take upon one's self
b) to take in order to carry away
Give
1) to give
2) to give something to someone
a) of one's own accord to give one something, to his advantage
1) to bestow a gift
b) to grant, give to one asking, let have
c) to supply, furnish, necessary things
d) to give over, deliver
1) to reach out, extend, present
2) of a writing
3) to give over to one's care, intrust, commit
a) something to be administered
b) to give or commit to some one something to be religiously observed
e) to give what is due or obligatory, to pay: wages or reward
f) to furnish, endue
Reflection:
It is so important for us to trust God to take care of us and to not get distracted by the cares of this world to the point that we are immobilized by debt, and the fear of man. God performed miracles to provide for the means and care of his disciples in when he walked the earth; how much more will He provide for us by our faith and trust in Him.
Reference Scriptures
Matthew 17:24-27
Definitions:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 17 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 24 Nov 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=17&t=NASB >
Higgins, S. (2009). A Hook and A Fish. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing.
Peter panicked and gave them an answer before talking to Jesus. Then when Peter did finally talk to Jesus about the discussion he had with the tax collectors, Jesus asked Peter the following question; “What do you think Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll tax, from their sons or strangers?” When Peter said, “from strangers,” Jesus said to him, “then the sons are exempt. However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea, and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and me.”
When Jesus asked Peter this question Jesus called Peter, “Simon”, which means flaky, not stable, because Peter was in a state of doubt about how they would come up with the money that the tax collectors wanted. Peter also lied when the tax collectors asked him if his teacher, Jesus, paid the stipulated amount. Peter was also worried about what to do to come up with the money. One thing that Peter did not do was go back to his normal way of living to try to come up with the money himself. He went to Jesus for direction, and Jesus told him exactly what to do. Jesus gave him specific instructions on: where, what, how, when and why, so that Peter’s faith would be increase, and the bill would be paid. There would be more than enough to take care of what was needed for the both of them.
The instructions that Jesus gave Peter, was to go to the sea, and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that came up, open it’s mouth and find a shekel, and take it to the tax collectors. Therefore, the financial needs would be taken care of through a miracle specifically designed to increase the faith of Simon, better known as Peter (the rock).
I’m sure that Peter’s faith was built up when he did what Jesus told him to, when Jesus produced a miracle in the most unusual way.
Certain fees that we feel are unnecessary, and/or excessive, or fees that are put into place by governmental authorities; or bills incurred from living, are required to be paid; however, we do not have to worry about these obligations, because as children of God, He will make a way for us to fulfill our responsibilities. Oftentimes, the instructions that He gives us to follow, will build our faith through the working of miracles.
Sometimes we get so locked into what we think we should do, and how we should do it, that we miss the miracle that God wants to manifest in our lives. But, in order for God to manifest miracles in our lives, we have to be willing to do exactly what He says; even if we do not understand it, or we think it doesn’t make sense. The key is to trust Him, and not question Him.
When Jesus told Peter to go fishing, he didn’t tell him to fish (work) like a dog all day long so that he could get a lot of fish, and go down to the market and sell the fish like he normally did; in order to pay the tax collectors the money they wanted. Jesus told him the very FIRST fish that came up would be sufficient to meet the need.
Jesus knew Peter had a tendency to overwork out of fear of man. The fear that was in Peter needed to be handled through the building up of his faith, to believe and trust Jesus for everything. Therefore, Peter's energy would not be spent on working on things that would distract him from learning how to build the Kingdom of God.
• Do you see yourself in this story? If so how?
• What responsibilities are overwhelming you?
• What can we learn from Peter’s example?
• How can we learn to continually depend on God?
Definitions: (Matthew 17:27)
Offend
1) to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall, metaph. to offend
a) to entice to sin
b) to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey
1) to cause to fall away
2) to be offended in one, i.e. to see in another what I disapprove of and what hinders me from acknowledging his authority
3) to cause one to judge unfavourably or unjustly of another
c) since one who stumbles or whose foot gets entangled feels annoyed
1) to cause one displeasure at a thing
2) to make indignant
3) to be displeased, indignant
Go
1) to lead over, carry over, transfer
a) to pursue the journey on which one has entered, to continue on one's journey
b) to depart from life
c) to follow one, that is: become his adherent
1) to lead or order one's life
Sea
1) the sea
a) used of the sea in general
b) used specifically of the Mediterranean Sea or the Red Sea
Throw
1) to throw or let go of a thing without caring where it falls
a) to scatter, to throw, cast into
b) to give over to one's care uncertain about the result
c) of fluids
1) to pour, pour into of rivers
2) to pour out
3) to put into, insert
Take
1) to raise up, elevate, lift up
a) to raise from the ground, take up: stones
b) to raise upwards, elevate, lift up: the hand
c) to draw up: a fish
2) to take upon one's self and carry what has been raised up, to bear
3) to bear away what has been raised, carry off
a) to move from its place
b) to take off or away what is attached to anything
c) to remove
d) to carry off, carry away with one
e) to appropriate what is taken
f) to take away from another what is his or what is committed to him, to take by force
g) to take and apply to any use
h) to take from among the living, either by a natural death, or by violence
i) cause to cease
First
1) first in time or place
a) in any succession of things or persons
2) first in rank
a) influence, honour
b) chief
Come
1) ascend
a) to go up
b) to rise, mount, be borne up, spring up
Find 2147
1) to come upon, hit upon, to meet with
a) after searching, to find a thing sought
b) without previous search, to find (by chance), to fall in with
c) those who come or return to a place
Shekel
1) a stater, a coin
a) in the NT a silver stater equal to four Attic or two Alexandrian drachmas, a Jewish shekel
Take
1) to take
a) to take with the hand, lay hold of, any person or thing in order to use it
1) to take up a thing to be carried
2) to take upon one's self
b) to take in order to carry away
Give
1) to give
2) to give something to someone
a) of one's own accord to give one something, to his advantage
1) to bestow a gift
b) to grant, give to one asking, let have
c) to supply, furnish, necessary things
d) to give over, deliver
1) to reach out, extend, present
2) of a writing
3) to give over to one's care, intrust, commit
a) something to be administered
b) to give or commit to some one something to be religiously observed
e) to give what is due or obligatory, to pay: wages or reward
f) to furnish, endue
Reflection:
It is so important for us to trust God to take care of us and to not get distracted by the cares of this world to the point that we are immobilized by debt, and the fear of man. God performed miracles to provide for the means and care of his disciples in when he walked the earth; how much more will He provide for us by our faith and trust in Him.
Reference Scriptures
Matthew 17:24-27
Definitions:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 17 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 24 Nov 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=17&t=NASB >
Higgins, S. (2009). A Hook and A Fish. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing.
Monday
Access to the Gift
There was a young girl that had a gift to dance, and her mother was named Herodias. Herodias did not conduct herself in a Godly manner and was in a relationship that was not approved by God. Her relationship choice was made public by a prophet of God, named John the Baptist. Herodias was of course not happy about this open and public rebuke; therefore she set out to take matters into her own hands to stop the mouth of the prophet, through the manipulation and control of her daughter’s gift.
The daughter of Herodias danced before the king, and he was so pleased with her that he said she could have anything that she asked for. At that point, she could have requested anything that her heart desired. But instead, she asked for something that someone else wanted. Unfortunately, she was influenced by an evil scheme that her mother had concocted. Instead of her mother being an example for her daughter in a good way, her mother planted the seed of manipulation, control, and murder within her daughter’s heart. Now, the daughter was conditioned to use her gift of dance to control other people to get them to do what she wanted them to do. Because her mother taught her how to prostitute her gift; the original purpose of her gift to bless, was twisted into a gift to curse.
There was nothing that the king would have held back from this young girl with the gift of dance, who blessed his soul with delight. He was willing to give her whatever she asked for. Therefore he committed to her with his own personal oath, in the presence of his guests; that she could ask anything, and he would give it to her. Undoubtedly, she had been dancing for years, and had perfected her skill; with hours and hours of training and practice. Yet, she used her gift for evil instead of good.
Just imagine the shock on the king’s face when she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. But, because he was the king, and he gave her his word, he granted her request; even though he was sorrowful because of it.
Our heavenly Father is sorrowful when we settle for less than what He has for us by allowing others to influence the way we use the gifts, talents and abilities that He has given to us. When we allow others to make decisions for our lives, instead of seeking God for his direction and guidance; we miss out on the blessings that have been prepared for us.
The next time someone tries to influence you to use your gift in a direction in which God has not released you to do; deny them access to the gift within you. Make sure that you use your gift to glorify God, and do not allow anyone to prostitute your gift; because your gift possesses a value that is priceless.
• Who is it that tries to replace the authority of God in your life?
• What do you gain by someone’s control over you?
• What do you gain by God’s hand in your life?
• What are the abilities, talents and gifts that God has give you?
• Do you believe that God will grant your request?
Knowing the answers to these questions will keep us on guard against ungodly influences that would try to induce us to prostitute our gifts, talents and abilities.
Strong’s Concordance Definitions (1988): Matthew 14:6 & 8
Asked: (154) crave, desire, require
Give: (1325) bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), grant, make
Promised: (3670) covenant
Whatever: (1437) provided
Webster’s Dictionary Definitions (2004):
Boundary: something that indicates fixes a limit or extent, a bounding or separating line, or point.
Control: to exercise restraining or directing influence over: regulate, to have power over.
Manipulate: to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means esp. to one’s own advantage, to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one’s purpose.
Reflection:
Anytime someone is trying to get you to do something that you do not want to do, especially if it’s outside of the will of God, it’s called manipulation and control to influence your decision, and to cross boundaries that should not be crossed. Therefore, it is important that we have a grasp on setting boundaries of what we will do and what we will not.
Resources:
Boundaries: when to say yes, when to say no, to take control of your life by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend.
Reference Scriptures
Matthew 14:6 -8
The daughter of Herodias danced before the king, and he was so pleased with her that he said she could have anything that she asked for. At that point, she could have requested anything that her heart desired. But instead, she asked for something that someone else wanted. Unfortunately, she was influenced by an evil scheme that her mother had concocted. Instead of her mother being an example for her daughter in a good way, her mother planted the seed of manipulation, control, and murder within her daughter’s heart. Now, the daughter was conditioned to use her gift of dance to control other people to get them to do what she wanted them to do. Because her mother taught her how to prostitute her gift; the original purpose of her gift to bless, was twisted into a gift to curse.
There was nothing that the king would have held back from this young girl with the gift of dance, who blessed his soul with delight. He was willing to give her whatever she asked for. Therefore he committed to her with his own personal oath, in the presence of his guests; that she could ask anything, and he would give it to her. Undoubtedly, she had been dancing for years, and had perfected her skill; with hours and hours of training and practice. Yet, she used her gift for evil instead of good.
Just imagine the shock on the king’s face when she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. But, because he was the king, and he gave her his word, he granted her request; even though he was sorrowful because of it.
Our heavenly Father is sorrowful when we settle for less than what He has for us by allowing others to influence the way we use the gifts, talents and abilities that He has given to us. When we allow others to make decisions for our lives, instead of seeking God for his direction and guidance; we miss out on the blessings that have been prepared for us.
The next time someone tries to influence you to use your gift in a direction in which God has not released you to do; deny them access to the gift within you. Make sure that you use your gift to glorify God, and do not allow anyone to prostitute your gift; because your gift possesses a value that is priceless.
• Who is it that tries to replace the authority of God in your life?
• What do you gain by someone’s control over you?
• What do you gain by God’s hand in your life?
• What are the abilities, talents and gifts that God has give you?
• Do you believe that God will grant your request?
Knowing the answers to these questions will keep us on guard against ungodly influences that would try to induce us to prostitute our gifts, talents and abilities.
Strong’s Concordance Definitions (1988): Matthew 14:6 & 8
Asked: (154) crave, desire, require
Give: (1325) bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), grant, make
Promised: (3670) covenant
Whatever: (1437) provided
Webster’s Dictionary Definitions (2004):
Boundary: something that indicates fixes a limit or extent, a bounding or separating line, or point.
Control: to exercise restraining or directing influence over: regulate, to have power over.
Manipulate: to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means esp. to one’s own advantage, to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one’s purpose.
Reflection:
Anytime someone is trying to get you to do something that you do not want to do, especially if it’s outside of the will of God, it’s called manipulation and control to influence your decision, and to cross boundaries that should not be crossed. Therefore, it is important that we have a grasp on setting boundaries of what we will do and what we will not.
Resources:
Boundaries: when to say yes, when to say no, to take control of your life by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend.
Reference Scriptures
Matthew 14:6 -8
Sunday
Kingdom Mindset
To seek the kingdom of God, we must study the Word of God, and ask the Lord to give us the understanding of His Word; just like His disciples did. Because Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever, He will explain His Word to us so that we can understand His will. When Jesus taught the people he spoke to them in parables (in the form of a story). However when He taught the disciples, He explained to them the mysteries of the parables that He spoke. He explained that there were righteous men and prophets that desired to see what they were privileged to see, and to hear what they heard. It was a blessing that the disciples were taught by Jesus Himself. When they asked him questions, He took the time and the care to explain His Words.
Jesus is the perfect example of an excellent teacher. He was patient, understanding, invested, and committed to those in His care. He took care of them physically, because they followed Him, and left their way of living behind. He took care of them spiritually by teaching them about the principles of the kingdom of God. He took care of them emotionally by encouraging them when they were fearful, impetuous, faithless and hopeless. Jesus was and is the master teacher of all things; and He will reveal His will through His Word to those who seek the kingdom.
We do not have to be confused about what the will of God is. All we have to do is seek Him by setting time aside to spend with Him; to be taught by Him. It may not always be easy to find quality time during the course of the day after the day has started; but if we study early in the morning it will be easier to incorporate quality study time into our schedule.
If we consider who we have the privilege of knowing, and seeing and hearing; making the time will become a priority. We will in turn be blessed by the time that we spend with Him, as He reveals the mysteries of the kingdom to us, as well as, the purpose that He has given to each and every one of us as His children.
• Would you like a closer walk with God?
• Are you setting an example by your life?
• Are you taking care of those that God has entrusted to you?
• Do you spend quality time with the Lord daily?
• Is the gift of teaching evident in you?
Strong's Concordance Definitions: Matthew 3:16
Blessed are your eyes, because they see and your ears, because they hear.
Blessed (3107)
Happy
Eyes (3778)
To See
1) to see, discern, of the bodily eye
a) with the bodily eye: to be possessed of sight, have the power of seeing
b) perceive by the use of the eyes: to see, look descry
c) to turn the eyes to anything: to look at, look upon, gaze at
d) to perceive by the senses, to feel
e) to discover by use, to know by experience
2) metaph. to see with the mind's eye
a) to have (the power of) understanding
b) to discern mentally, observe, perceive, discover, understand
c) to turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, to look at, to weigh carefully, examine
Hear (1991)
1) to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf
2) to hear
b) to attend to, consider what is or has been said
c) to understand, perceive the sense of what is said
3) to hear something
a) to perceive by the ear what is announced in one's presence
b) to get by hearing learn
c) a thing comes to one's ears, to find out, learn
d) to give ear to a teaching or a teacher
e) to comprehend, to understand
Reflection:
We are truly blessed because Jesus will spend time with us, and lead and guide us, as we study His Word; for the purpose of getting to know Him, and the mysteries of the kingdom. Studying the Word of God will better equip us to teach others about the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jesus has entrusted to us the privilege and responsibility of the transference of knowledge for the purpose of building the kingdom of God. Let us pray that we are faithful to the call.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:16
Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for 'blessed are your eyes' in the NASB". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 22 Nov 2009. < http:// www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm? Criteria=blessed+are+your+eyes&t=NASB >
Higgins, S. (2009). Devotions for Thought. Kingdom Mindset.
Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Jesus is the perfect example of an excellent teacher. He was patient, understanding, invested, and committed to those in His care. He took care of them physically, because they followed Him, and left their way of living behind. He took care of them spiritually by teaching them about the principles of the kingdom of God. He took care of them emotionally by encouraging them when they were fearful, impetuous, faithless and hopeless. Jesus was and is the master teacher of all things; and He will reveal His will through His Word to those who seek the kingdom.
We do not have to be confused about what the will of God is. All we have to do is seek Him by setting time aside to spend with Him; to be taught by Him. It may not always be easy to find quality time during the course of the day after the day has started; but if we study early in the morning it will be easier to incorporate quality study time into our schedule.
If we consider who we have the privilege of knowing, and seeing and hearing; making the time will become a priority. We will in turn be blessed by the time that we spend with Him, as He reveals the mysteries of the kingdom to us, as well as, the purpose that He has given to each and every one of us as His children.
• Would you like a closer walk with God?
• Are you setting an example by your life?
• Are you taking care of those that God has entrusted to you?
• Do you spend quality time with the Lord daily?
• Is the gift of teaching evident in you?
Strong's Concordance Definitions: Matthew 3:16
Blessed are your eyes, because they see and your ears, because they hear.
Blessed (3107)
Happy
Eyes (3778)
To See
1) to see, discern, of the bodily eye
a) with the bodily eye: to be possessed of sight, have the power of seeing
b) perceive by the use of the eyes: to see, look descry
c) to turn the eyes to anything: to look at, look upon, gaze at
d) to perceive by the senses, to feel
e) to discover by use, to know by experience
2) metaph. to see with the mind's eye
a) to have (the power of) understanding
b) to discern mentally, observe, perceive, discover, understand
c) to turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, to look at, to weigh carefully, examine
Hear (1991)
1) to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf
2) to hear
b) to attend to, consider what is or has been said
c) to understand, perceive the sense of what is said
3) to hear something
a) to perceive by the ear what is announced in one's presence
b) to get by hearing learn
c) a thing comes to one's ears, to find out, learn
d) to give ear to a teaching or a teacher
e) to comprehend, to understand
Reflection:
We are truly blessed because Jesus will spend time with us, and lead and guide us, as we study His Word; for the purpose of getting to know Him, and the mysteries of the kingdom. Studying the Word of God will better equip us to teach others about the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jesus has entrusted to us the privilege and responsibility of the transference of knowledge for the purpose of building the kingdom of God. Let us pray that we are faithful to the call.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:16
Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for 'blessed are your eyes' in the NASB". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 22 Nov 2009. < http:// www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm? Criteria=blessed+are+your+eyes&t=NASB >
Higgins, S. (2009). Devotions for Thought. Kingdom Mindset.
Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Saturday
Changing the Environment
Jesus can see deeper than any man can see. He speaks to the issues of the heart that try to hide within the flesh. Man sees with the natural eye, but God sees the spirit. When Jesus was called upon to go to an officials house (one who himself had authority and position); Jesus went because the official said that his daughter had died, and if Jesus would come to his house that she would live. This man had desperate faith! He had to leave his house and go get help from the One he knew could raise the dead.
The official knew the power of God, and forgot all about his position, his fame, his friends and anything else that would interfere with the miracle working power of Jesus. He stepped outside of his comfort zone. He did not care if he looked foolish. Even if people thought he was crazy for asking for help, he humbled himself, and pursued Jesus for the life of his daughter. He had no more pride, and he no more shame. He was desperate for a miracle, and nothing would stand in his way.
If we want Jesus to change our environment, we must consider:
• Are we desperate for an environmental shift?
• Who do we spend the majority of our time with?
• Who and what are we listening to?
• Who are our friends?
• Who is in our house?
• What are we saying?
Definition(s):
Environment: the circumstances, objects or conditions by which one is surrounded.
Faith: fidelity to one’s promises, belief and trust and loyalty to God, complete trust.
Friend: one attached to another by affection or esteem, one that is not hostile.
Desperate: involving or employing extreme measures in an attempt to escape defeat or frustration.
Humble: not proud or haughty, not arrogant or assertive, reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission.
Reflection:
When there is something that seems two difficult to handle, we can always call on the name of Jesus and He will respond to our faith in Him and His Word. If we continue to hold onto God’s Word and believe what He says, dreams that lay in wait within our heart will live again. What we thought was dead can live again if we exercise our faith in the One who will change our environment. Your dreams are not dead, they are alive! Your purpose is not dead, it is alive! What you thought was buried, and six feet under is still waiting for the word to be spoken out of your spirit, through faith in what God has said about you. Forget about what others may say about you, or if they laugh at you for believing God. Believe God anyway, and your unwavering faith will be rewarded.
Just like the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years. She was considered unclean, and could not come in the midst of the people. She was desperate for a miracle, and risked her life to touch Jesus. But she had a made up mind that if she could touch the hem of His garment, that she would be healed; and when she touched Him, He knew.
That’s how powerful her faith was. That’s how powerful her belief in the power of Jesus was. Jesus stopped in His tracks when He felt her touch, and He asked who touched me? She confessed that it was she who touched Him. That’s when he told her that she was not just healed, but she was made completely whole because of her faith. Believing in the power of God is the answer to your today, yesterday and tomorrow. Our faith can touch Jesus just like the official, and the woman with the issue of blood. Both of them were desperate for change in their environment.
Reference Scriptures:
Matthew 9:18-25
Reference Definitions:
Webster's Dictionary, 2004
Higgins, S. (2009). Changing the Environment. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
The official knew the power of God, and forgot all about his position, his fame, his friends and anything else that would interfere with the miracle working power of Jesus. He stepped outside of his comfort zone. He did not care if he looked foolish. Even if people thought he was crazy for asking for help, he humbled himself, and pursued Jesus for the life of his daughter. He had no more pride, and he no more shame. He was desperate for a miracle, and nothing would stand in his way.
If we want Jesus to change our environment, we must consider:
• Are we desperate for an environmental shift?
• Who do we spend the majority of our time with?
• Who and what are we listening to?
• Who are our friends?
• Who is in our house?
• What are we saying?
Definition(s):
Environment: the circumstances, objects or conditions by which one is surrounded.
Faith: fidelity to one’s promises, belief and trust and loyalty to God, complete trust.
Friend: one attached to another by affection or esteem, one that is not hostile.
Desperate: involving or employing extreme measures in an attempt to escape defeat or frustration.
Humble: not proud or haughty, not arrogant or assertive, reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission.
Reflection:
When there is something that seems two difficult to handle, we can always call on the name of Jesus and He will respond to our faith in Him and His Word. If we continue to hold onto God’s Word and believe what He says, dreams that lay in wait within our heart will live again. What we thought was dead can live again if we exercise our faith in the One who will change our environment. Your dreams are not dead, they are alive! Your purpose is not dead, it is alive! What you thought was buried, and six feet under is still waiting for the word to be spoken out of your spirit, through faith in what God has said about you. Forget about what others may say about you, or if they laugh at you for believing God. Believe God anyway, and your unwavering faith will be rewarded.
Just like the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years. She was considered unclean, and could not come in the midst of the people. She was desperate for a miracle, and risked her life to touch Jesus. But she had a made up mind that if she could touch the hem of His garment, that she would be healed; and when she touched Him, He knew.
That’s how powerful her faith was. That’s how powerful her belief in the power of Jesus was. Jesus stopped in His tracks when He felt her touch, and He asked who touched me? She confessed that it was she who touched Him. That’s when he told her that she was not just healed, but she was made completely whole because of her faith. Believing in the power of God is the answer to your today, yesterday and tomorrow. Our faith can touch Jesus just like the official, and the woman with the issue of blood. Both of them were desperate for change in their environment.
Reference Scriptures:
Matthew 9:18-25
Reference Definitions:
Webster's Dictionary, 2004
Higgins, S. (2009). Changing the Environment. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Friday
Sounds of Breakthrough
Sometimes we do not ask God for anything because we’re locked into an old mindset of performance mode. We do not feel that we deserve to be blessed unless we work like a dog for it; then we’ll feel like we earned it. Not only is this performance mode, but it is slavery mentality. When we receive the Lord into our hearts as our personal Lord and Savior, He gives us the right to come to Him in prayer and make requests of Him. Jesus said to simply ask, and He would give us what we ask for. This does not mean that we can ask Him for something that is outside of His Word. Whatever we ask Him for has to line up with the Word of God.
How do we know if what we ask for is according to the Word of God? The only way that we can be sure that our request is within the scope of God’s Word, is to spend quality time with Him in His Word.
Let’s say you’ve asked for God to bless you with prosperity. According to the Word of God, is this a promise from God, or just wishful thinking? To find out for sure, you would need to perform a topical study on the word prosperity. Once you complete your study, you will know exactly what the Lord has to say about prosperity. This is when you can rest assured that when you pray for prosperity, that your prayer is according to the Word of God, and He will answer.
A word study consists of researching the word that you're interested in, in a Strong’s Concordance. When you look into the concordance, you’ll find that the word prosperity is used seventeen different times in various scriptures. You can look up all the scriptures and complete a study, or you can pray for God to show you the scripture to study.
During your study you will learn that prosperity can mean different things in different scriptures, so it is important to make sure that you are looking at the correct scripture that you are studying.
For example;
Psalms 35:27 reads:
Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, let the Lord be magnified, who takes pleasure in the PROSPERITY of his servant.
Prosperity in this scripture means: save, well, happy, peace, favor, good health, rest, wholly.
Psalms 118:25 reads:
Save now, we beseech (request) You, O Lord, send now PROSPERITY, O Lord we beseech You, and give to us success.
Prosperity in this scripture means: to push forward in various senses; break out, come mightily, go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, cause to effect, make to, to send.
If you are in need of a financial breakthrough, Deuteronomy 8:18 is a good scripture to commit to memory.
Deuteronomy 8:18 reads:
But you shall (earnestly) remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Wealth in this scripture means: a force, whether by men, means or other resources, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength, able, activity, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, substance, virtuous (-ly), worthy (-ily).
This is a powerful promise in the Word of God that is based on His covenant (agreement/contract/word) with Abraham. Abraham was the father of faith. We became the seed of Abraham when we received the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. Therefore this is a promise that we can claim regarding our financial prosperity. It is also a warning for us to remember to thank God for manifesting His promises in our lives, because He is the source of the promises and their fulfillment.
• Are you seeking God for something?
• What are you seeking God for?
• How often do you seek Him?
• Does your request line up with the Word of God?
• Do you believe that He will answer you?
Definitions:
Ask: to call on for an answer, to speak, utter, to make a request.
Find: to discover by study, or experiment, attain, reach, to obtain by effort or management, to discover by sounding, to bring oneself to a realization of one’s powers or of one’s proper sphere of activity.
Given: presented as a gift, bestowed without compensation, granted, fixed and specified (at a time).
Knock: to strike something with a sharp blow, to make a pounding noise, to set forcibly in motion with a blow.
Open: to move as a door from closed position, to make available for entry or passage by turning back (as a barrier) removing (as a cover) or clearing away (as an obstruction), to make accessible for a particular purpose, to disclose or expose to view; reveal.
Seek: to go to, to go in search of, to ask for, request, to make a search for.
Reflection:
If we do not repetitively ask God for Him to manifest the promises in His Word in our lives, how will He know that we are serious about possessing the promises? If we are not serious about possessing the promises of the kingdom of God, we will not be serious about maintaining them.
Therefore, when we seek (worship) God in prayer through His Word, continually (knocking) with an audible persistent sound (such as our voice speaking His Word back to Him) causing a breakthrough to take place because of our faith in Him, He will answer our prayers by opening doors for us that had been blocked by obstacles (within and without), which prevented us from advancing into the kingdom promises of God.
Reference Scriptures:
Matthew 7:7, I John 3:22, Psalms 35:27, 118:25, Deuteronomy 8:18,
Reference Definitions: Webster’s Dictionary, 1990
Higgins, S. (2009). Sounds of Breakthrough. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
How do we know if what we ask for is according to the Word of God? The only way that we can be sure that our request is within the scope of God’s Word, is to spend quality time with Him in His Word.
Let’s say you’ve asked for God to bless you with prosperity. According to the Word of God, is this a promise from God, or just wishful thinking? To find out for sure, you would need to perform a topical study on the word prosperity. Once you complete your study, you will know exactly what the Lord has to say about prosperity. This is when you can rest assured that when you pray for prosperity, that your prayer is according to the Word of God, and He will answer.
A word study consists of researching the word that you're interested in, in a Strong’s Concordance. When you look into the concordance, you’ll find that the word prosperity is used seventeen different times in various scriptures. You can look up all the scriptures and complete a study, or you can pray for God to show you the scripture to study.
During your study you will learn that prosperity can mean different things in different scriptures, so it is important to make sure that you are looking at the correct scripture that you are studying.
For example;
Psalms 35:27 reads:
Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, let the Lord be magnified, who takes pleasure in the PROSPERITY of his servant.
Prosperity in this scripture means: save, well, happy, peace, favor, good health, rest, wholly.
Psalms 118:25 reads:
Save now, we beseech (request) You, O Lord, send now PROSPERITY, O Lord we beseech You, and give to us success.
Prosperity in this scripture means: to push forward in various senses; break out, come mightily, go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, cause to effect, make to, to send.
If you are in need of a financial breakthrough, Deuteronomy 8:18 is a good scripture to commit to memory.
Deuteronomy 8:18 reads:
But you shall (earnestly) remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Wealth in this scripture means: a force, whether by men, means or other resources, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength, able, activity, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, substance, virtuous (-ly), worthy (-ily).
This is a powerful promise in the Word of God that is based on His covenant (agreement/contract/word) with Abraham. Abraham was the father of faith. We became the seed of Abraham when we received the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. Therefore this is a promise that we can claim regarding our financial prosperity. It is also a warning for us to remember to thank God for manifesting His promises in our lives, because He is the source of the promises and their fulfillment.
• Are you seeking God for something?
• What are you seeking God for?
• How often do you seek Him?
• Does your request line up with the Word of God?
• Do you believe that He will answer you?
Definitions:
Ask: to call on for an answer, to speak, utter, to make a request.
Find: to discover by study, or experiment, attain, reach, to obtain by effort or management, to discover by sounding, to bring oneself to a realization of one’s powers or of one’s proper sphere of activity.
Given: presented as a gift, bestowed without compensation, granted, fixed and specified (at a time).
Knock: to strike something with a sharp blow, to make a pounding noise, to set forcibly in motion with a blow.
Open: to move as a door from closed position, to make available for entry or passage by turning back (as a barrier) removing (as a cover) or clearing away (as an obstruction), to make accessible for a particular purpose, to disclose or expose to view; reveal.
Seek: to go to, to go in search of, to ask for, request, to make a search for.
Reflection:
If we do not repetitively ask God for Him to manifest the promises in His Word in our lives, how will He know that we are serious about possessing the promises? If we are not serious about possessing the promises of the kingdom of God, we will not be serious about maintaining them.
Therefore, when we seek (worship) God in prayer through His Word, continually (knocking) with an audible persistent sound (such as our voice speaking His Word back to Him) causing a breakthrough to take place because of our faith in Him, He will answer our prayers by opening doors for us that had been blocked by obstacles (within and without), which prevented us from advancing into the kingdom promises of God.
Reference Scriptures:
Matthew 7:7, I John 3:22, Psalms 35:27, 118:25, Deuteronomy 8:18,
Reference Definitions: Webster’s Dictionary, 1990
Higgins, S. (2009). Sounds of Breakthrough. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Thursday
Moving Pass the Past
John the Baptist was a humble man who had been called from his mother’s womb. John was a simple man and did not require much to live on because of the purpose in which he was called. He was a man of little means living in a desert; and ate locust and wild honey. He also did not have fancy clothing to wear. However, John’s humble lifestyle was not an issue, because God had called him to preach the coming of the Lord before he was even born. Even though John the Baptist had been called to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord: the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One who takes away the sin of the world; John felt inadequate to fulfill his purpose to completion.
Howeve, Jesus knew what must be done to fulfill the scriptures. He spoke to John, and gave him assurance with the Word concerning his destiny. Jesus did not condemn John the Baptist for saying that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus did not accuse John of not having faith. He encouraged John the Baptist to fulfill his calling; just like He encouraged Peter when Peter had denied Him three times.
Just imagine the shame that Peter must have felt, when he denied the Lord of lords, and the King of kings; even to the point of using profanity to make it look like he was not associated with Jesus. I am sure Peter felt unworthy to do what Jesus was calling him to do; but then again, Jesus is the perfect example of grace and forgiveness. He knew what was in John, he knew what was in Peter, and He knows what is in us.
God knows that we will feel unworthy of the calling on our lives because of the weakness of our flesh. He knows that sometimes we will be fearful, have doubts and even question the call He has spoken over us. However, no weakness within the flesh of man can reverse what God has spoken. All things happen for a reason, and all things are revealed through the Word of God concerning His creation. God does not make mistakes; He makes miracles happen through faith in Him to do what He says He will do. We must recognize that if God has given us promises through his Word He will perform what he has spoken.
Do not become so discouraged that you loose sight on the call of God in your life or the grace of God. He loves us to much to let us wallow in fear, doubt, self-pity, shame, or lack of faith. If God has counted you worthy to fulfill your purpose, rely on Him to bring it to completion; and do not beat yourself up when you make a mistake, but continue to rely on God to finish what He has begun in you.
Have you been too hard on yourself?
Do you have a hard time forgiving yourself?
Is your value based on what God has said?
Do you believe what God has said about you?
Is there someone you need to forgive?
Definitions:
Assurance: The act or action of assuring, pledge, guarantee, security, being certain in the mind, confidence of mind or manner, easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty; something that inspires or tends to inspire confidence, to make safe.
Destiny: something to which a person or thing is destined; fortune. A predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency. SYN: Fate.
Encourage: to inspire with courage, spirit or hope: Hearten, to spur on; stimulate, to give help to or patronage; foster.
Forgive: to cease to feel resentment against an offender; pardon, to give up resentment of or claim to requittal for an insult.
Grace: unmerited divine assistance given to man for his regeneration or sanctification, a virtue coming from God, a disposition to or an act or instance of kindness or clemency; mercy.
Resent: to feel or to express annoyance or ill will, a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult or injury, or offense.
Worthy: having worth or value, estimable, having sufficient worth or importance.
Reflection:
If we repent (turn away from) and are genuinely sorry for something that we have said, or done, God will forgive us. However, we must learn to forgive ourselves and move forward into the purpose of God for our lives.
Scripture References:
Matthew 3:14, 6:14, Psalms 139:14
Definition References:
Webster's Dictionary, 1990
Higgins, S. (2009). Moving Pass the Past. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Howeve, Jesus knew what must be done to fulfill the scriptures. He spoke to John, and gave him assurance with the Word concerning his destiny. Jesus did not condemn John the Baptist for saying that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus did not accuse John of not having faith. He encouraged John the Baptist to fulfill his calling; just like He encouraged Peter when Peter had denied Him three times.
Just imagine the shame that Peter must have felt, when he denied the Lord of lords, and the King of kings; even to the point of using profanity to make it look like he was not associated with Jesus. I am sure Peter felt unworthy to do what Jesus was calling him to do; but then again, Jesus is the perfect example of grace and forgiveness. He knew what was in John, he knew what was in Peter, and He knows what is in us.
God knows that we will feel unworthy of the calling on our lives because of the weakness of our flesh. He knows that sometimes we will be fearful, have doubts and even question the call He has spoken over us. However, no weakness within the flesh of man can reverse what God has spoken. All things happen for a reason, and all things are revealed through the Word of God concerning His creation. God does not make mistakes; He makes miracles happen through faith in Him to do what He says He will do. We must recognize that if God has given us promises through his Word He will perform what he has spoken.
Do not become so discouraged that you loose sight on the call of God in your life or the grace of God. He loves us to much to let us wallow in fear, doubt, self-pity, shame, or lack of faith. If God has counted you worthy to fulfill your purpose, rely on Him to bring it to completion; and do not beat yourself up when you make a mistake, but continue to rely on God to finish what He has begun in you.
Have you been too hard on yourself?
Do you have a hard time forgiving yourself?
Is your value based on what God has said?
Do you believe what God has said about you?
Is there someone you need to forgive?
Definitions:
Assurance: The act or action of assuring, pledge, guarantee, security, being certain in the mind, confidence of mind or manner, easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty; something that inspires or tends to inspire confidence, to make safe.
Destiny: something to which a person or thing is destined; fortune. A predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency. SYN: Fate.
Encourage: to inspire with courage, spirit or hope: Hearten, to spur on; stimulate, to give help to or patronage; foster.
Forgive: to cease to feel resentment against an offender; pardon, to give up resentment of or claim to requittal for an insult.
Grace: unmerited divine assistance given to man for his regeneration or sanctification, a virtue coming from God, a disposition to or an act or instance of kindness or clemency; mercy.
Resent: to feel or to express annoyance or ill will, a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult or injury, or offense.
Worthy: having worth or value, estimable, having sufficient worth or importance.
Reflection:
If we repent (turn away from) and are genuinely sorry for something that we have said, or done, God will forgive us. However, we must learn to forgive ourselves and move forward into the purpose of God for our lives.
Scripture References:
Matthew 3:14, 6:14, Psalms 139:14
Definition References:
Webster's Dictionary, 1990
Higgins, S. (2009). Moving Pass the Past. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Wednesday
Investments, Credits and Returns
It is so easy to subconsciously take the credit for what God has done in our lives, or take credit for what God has allowed others to do; when we are complimented, or praised for it. God has invested abilities within us that should in turn be performed with excellence, for his glory. However, the flesh has a tendency to want to take the credit. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of this inward disposition of conceit and pride; and to be on guard against it by refraining from boasting about ones’ accomplishments.
Additionally, taking credit for what someone else has done in our lives is a weakness of the flesh that will eventually lead to the death of a friendship, and/or other relationships.
If God has used someone in your life to bless you, make sure that person receives the acknowledgement from you for the sacrifice that they have made; instead of an accusation for their investment in you.
Blessings come in all different shapes and sizes. It is up to us to recognize the investments of time, and the sacrifices of others.
• What are some ways that you have been blessed by others?
• Have you given credit to people that have blessed you?
• Do you look for opportunities to bless others who’ve invested in you?
• When someone compliments you or praises you, what is your reaction?
Definitions/Thesaurus:
Ability: the quality or state of being able; esp: physical, mental, or legal power to perform, competence in doing: skill.
Credit: to bring credit or honor upon, to consider favorably as the source, agent or performer of an action or the processor of a trait.
Disposition: the tendency of something to act in a certain manner under given circumstances.
Glorify: to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise or admiration, to give glory as in worship.
Investment: to make formal grant of power or authority, authorize, empower, vest, to enfold, enclose, enshroud, envelope, enwrap, to install, endow, endue, consecrate, honor.
Perfect: being entirely without flaw or defect, legally valid, lacking in no essential detail; complete, mature, certain, sure, content, satisfied.
Return: to give back to the owner.
Reflection:
Recognizing the inward disposition built into each and every one of us, is a humbling point of grace towards change. The word of God says to be perfect even as our heavenly Father is perfect; but it is impossible to be made perfect without first realizing one’s flaws. A good place to start, or to begin again; is to give God the credit for the ability and talents that He has invested within us, thereby returning back to the owner what is rightfully His; through His investment on the cross.
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 6:12, Matthew 23:12, I Cor 8:2, Proverbs 26: 12 & 22:4
Definitions References:
Webster’s Dictionary, 1990
Thesaurus References:
Merriam-Webster Collegiate Thesaurus, 1998
Higgins, S. (2009). Investments, Credits and Returns. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Additionally, taking credit for what someone else has done in our lives is a weakness of the flesh that will eventually lead to the death of a friendship, and/or other relationships.
If God has used someone in your life to bless you, make sure that person receives the acknowledgement from you for the sacrifice that they have made; instead of an accusation for their investment in you.
Blessings come in all different shapes and sizes. It is up to us to recognize the investments of time, and the sacrifices of others.
• What are some ways that you have been blessed by others?
• Have you given credit to people that have blessed you?
• Do you look for opportunities to bless others who’ve invested in you?
• When someone compliments you or praises you, what is your reaction?
Definitions/Thesaurus:
Ability: the quality or state of being able; esp: physical, mental, or legal power to perform, competence in doing: skill.
Credit: to bring credit or honor upon, to consider favorably as the source, agent or performer of an action or the processor of a trait.
Disposition: the tendency of something to act in a certain manner under given circumstances.
Glorify: to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise or admiration, to give glory as in worship.
Investment: to make formal grant of power or authority, authorize, empower, vest, to enfold, enclose, enshroud, envelope, enwrap, to install, endow, endue, consecrate, honor.
Perfect: being entirely without flaw or defect, legally valid, lacking in no essential detail; complete, mature, certain, sure, content, satisfied.
Return: to give back to the owner.
Reflection:
Recognizing the inward disposition built into each and every one of us, is a humbling point of grace towards change. The word of God says to be perfect even as our heavenly Father is perfect; but it is impossible to be made perfect without first realizing one’s flaws. A good place to start, or to begin again; is to give God the credit for the ability and talents that He has invested within us, thereby returning back to the owner what is rightfully His; through His investment on the cross.
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 6:12, Matthew 23:12, I Cor 8:2, Proverbs 26: 12 & 22:4
Definitions References:
Webster’s Dictionary, 1990
Thesaurus References:
Merriam-Webster Collegiate Thesaurus, 1998
Higgins, S. (2009). Investments, Credits and Returns. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Tuesday
The Purpose of the Promise
God has spoken promises over our lives, and each promise has a specific purpose. It is so important that we do not get wrapped up in the promise itself; but to get excited about the purpose of the promise being fulfilled; and being counted worthy to carry the purpose to completion.
It is essential to remember:
• The source of the promise
• The purpose of the promise
• To keep our promise
The reason why these three things are so important is so we don’t get off track in our thinking. Because the first thing the enemy will try to do is to make us feel that we did it on our own. This is when spirit of pride comes in to steal what God has given to us; because we did not give God the glory for what He has done. So, do not be tricked by the schemes of the enemy to rob you of your blessing; and always be prepared to give out of the abundance that God has spoken over your life through His word.
When the promise manifest, and it will, REMEMBER, to be a blessing out of your plenty to those that are in need, because that is the purpose for the manifestation of the promise.
• What are some of the promises that God has spoken over your life?
• What promises do you BELIEVE He will fulfill, in and through you?
• What is the purpose of the promises spoken over your life?
• When the promise(s) manifest; will you fulfill the purpose of it?
Knowing the answer to the above questions will help us to stay on track with God; so that He will continue to trust us with fulfilling the purposes that He has placed in our hearts.
Definition(s):
Purpose: something set up as an object or end to be attained, intention, resolution, determination.
Promise: to send forth, a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified. A legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act; reason to expect something; ground for expectation of success, improvement, or excellence. To pledge to do, bring about, or provide; to suggest beforehand, to give ground for expectation.
Remember: to be mindful, to think of again, to keep in mind for attention or consideration, to retain in memory, record, commemorate, to have a recollection or (remembrance). The period of which ones’ memory extends; the act of recalling to mind.
Reflection:
Remember to give God the glory in everything, because if He trusts us enough to bless us with abundance; it is our responsibility to be good stewards over what He has given to us to fulfill a specific purpose.
If you are not sure of the purpose of the promises that have been made in your life, seek God, and He will give you the answer.
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 8:10-11, Deuteronomy 8:18
Definition References:
Webster's Dictionary, 2009
Higgins, S. (2009). The Purpose of the Promise. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
It is essential to remember:
• The source of the promise
• The purpose of the promise
• To keep our promise
The reason why these three things are so important is so we don’t get off track in our thinking. Because the first thing the enemy will try to do is to make us feel that we did it on our own. This is when spirit of pride comes in to steal what God has given to us; because we did not give God the glory for what He has done. So, do not be tricked by the schemes of the enemy to rob you of your blessing; and always be prepared to give out of the abundance that God has spoken over your life through His word.
When the promise manifest, and it will, REMEMBER, to be a blessing out of your plenty to those that are in need, because that is the purpose for the manifestation of the promise.
• What are some of the promises that God has spoken over your life?
• What promises do you BELIEVE He will fulfill, in and through you?
• What is the purpose of the promises spoken over your life?
• When the promise(s) manifest; will you fulfill the purpose of it?
Knowing the answer to the above questions will help us to stay on track with God; so that He will continue to trust us with fulfilling the purposes that He has placed in our hearts.
Definition(s):
Purpose: something set up as an object or end to be attained, intention, resolution, determination.
Promise: to send forth, a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified. A legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act; reason to expect something; ground for expectation of success, improvement, or excellence. To pledge to do, bring about, or provide; to suggest beforehand, to give ground for expectation.
Remember: to be mindful, to think of again, to keep in mind for attention or consideration, to retain in memory, record, commemorate, to have a recollection or (remembrance). The period of which ones’ memory extends; the act of recalling to mind.
Reflection:
Remember to give God the glory in everything, because if He trusts us enough to bless us with abundance; it is our responsibility to be good stewards over what He has given to us to fulfill a specific purpose.
If you are not sure of the purpose of the promises that have been made in your life, seek God, and He will give you the answer.
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 8:10-11, Deuteronomy 8:18
Definition References:
Webster's Dictionary, 2009
Higgins, S. (2009). The Purpose of the Promise. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Monday
Do We Really Love Ourselves?
Too truly love one self means to take care of one self. How do you take care of yourself?
• Do you spend at least 30 minutes a day in the Word of God?
• Do you ask direction from the one who made you?
• Do you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day?
• Do you make sure to sleep 8 hours per night?
• Do you eat 3 to 4 servings of fruits and vegetables per day?
• Do you exercise at least 30 minutes a day?
When we take care of ourselves, we in turn will know how to take care of others. But, if we abuse ourselves, we repeat the cycle of abuse in different forms in our relationships with others.
Abuse: improper use or treatment, misuse, deception, language that condemns or vilifies unjustly, physical maltreatment, condemnation or disapproval, foul language, to use as to injure or damage, to attack in words (Webster’s Dictionary, 1990).
If we are irritated and/or agitated due to lack of rest or taking care of ourselves; or if we over commit ourselves, we in turn will display attributes of abuse towards others.
We all miss the mark sometimes, but the beginning of change is investing time in ourselves (Higgins, 2009).
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 22:39
Definition Reference:
Webster's Dictionary,2009
Higgins, S. (2009). Do We Really Love Ourselves? Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
• Do you spend at least 30 minutes a day in the Word of God?
• Do you ask direction from the one who made you?
• Do you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day?
• Do you make sure to sleep 8 hours per night?
• Do you eat 3 to 4 servings of fruits and vegetables per day?
• Do you exercise at least 30 minutes a day?
When we take care of ourselves, we in turn will know how to take care of others. But, if we abuse ourselves, we repeat the cycle of abuse in different forms in our relationships with others.
Abuse: improper use or treatment, misuse, deception, language that condemns or vilifies unjustly, physical maltreatment, condemnation or disapproval, foul language, to use as to injure or damage, to attack in words (Webster’s Dictionary, 1990).
If we are irritated and/or agitated due to lack of rest or taking care of ourselves; or if we over commit ourselves, we in turn will display attributes of abuse towards others.
We all miss the mark sometimes, but the beginning of change is investing time in ourselves (Higgins, 2009).
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 22:39
Definition Reference:
Webster's Dictionary,2009
Higgins, S. (2009). Do We Really Love Ourselves? Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
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