The Accuser

Listen to your self-talk. Satan is the Accuser.  If you are accusing yourself or someone is accusing you, ask God if it is him or Satan. Satan pulls you down. God lifts you up. Satan uses guilt and grief. God says, “let’s make this right.” 

 

Job 1:6-7 (TLB) 6 One day as the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan, the Accuser, came with them. 7 “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. And Satan replied, “From earth, where I’ve been watching everything that’s going on.”

 

5/29/2022

Turn the Other Cheek

When Jesus was on the cross, he was there to complete his purpose. He knew there would be regret by those putting him there. Love with God’s love and pray for those who try to harm you. This is turning the other cheek. Vengeance is God’s prerogative only.  

Matthew 5:38-40 (TLB) 38 “The law of Moses says, ‘If a man gouges out another’s eye, he must pay with his own eye. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the one who did it.’ 39 But I say: Don’t resist violence! If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too. 40 If you are ordered to court, and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too. 

5/22/2022

In Quietness and Confidence

For many, trusting God in difficulties and trials is a white knuckle experience. As you trust and come to know God better, instead of worrying and fearing outcomes you will develop a quiet, meditative confidence. That is where you will find your answers and peace. 

Isaiah 30:15 (TLB)….in quietness and confidence is your strength;

5/15/2022

The Voice of God

 

Samuel woke to a voice calling him. God is always speaking but most don’t know his voice from any other in the environment. God speaks personally and distinctly to each person. Eli couldn’t answer for Samuel, he alone had to listen and develop his relationship with God.

1 Samuel  3:8-10 (TLB) 8 So now the Lord called the third time, and once more Samuel jumped up and ran to Eli. “Yes?” he asked. “What do you need?” Then Eli realized it was the Lord who had spoken to the child. 9 So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if he calls again, say, ‘Yes, Lord, I’m listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.10 And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Yes, I’m listening.” 

5/8/2022

Discretion in Communication

When a miracle occurs, you want to tell others yet several times Jesus told those he healed to keep it quiet. Your communication with Christ is your priority. Let him lead you to what and when to reveal to others, whether it be about healing or any other matter.  

Matthew 9:27-31 (MSG) 27-28 As Jesus left the house, he was followed by two blind men crying out, “Mercy, Son of David! Mercy on us!” When Jesus got home, the blind men went in with him. Jesus said to them, “Do you really believe I can do this?” They said, “Why, yes, Master!” 29-31 He touched their eyes and said, “Become what you believe.” It happened. They saw. Then Jesus became very stern. “Don’t let a soul know how this happened.” But they were hardly out the door before they started blabbing it to everyone they met.

 

5/1/2022

Facing Problems and Trials

 

Romans 5:3-5 says to feel good about problems and trials because they help you develop endurance and strength of character, leading to stronger faith. When you face your challenges with a positive attitude, you will not be disappointed in the process or the outcome. 

 

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

4/17/2022

Jesus Can Reach Anyone

 

Paul was the most eager and venomous enemy of the early church. He persecuted all he could until he was blinded by a brilliant light, showing how blind he was to the Truth. He was transformed into a brilliant light of Christ and anyone else can be too.

Acts 9:1-5 (TLB) 1 But Paul, threatening with every breath and eager to destroy every Christian, went to the High Priest in Jerusalem. 2 He requested a letter addressed to synagogues in Damascus, requiring their cooperation in the persecution of any believers he found there, both men and women, so that he could bring them in chains to Jerusalem.3 As he was nearing Damascus on this mission, suddenly a brilliant light from heaven spotted down upon him! 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Paul! Paul! Why are you persecuting me?”5 “Who is speaking, sir?” Paul asked.  And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city and await my further instructions.” 

 

4/10/2022

The Ghost in the Storm

 

In this passage the disciples were so gripped by fear they didn’t recognize Jesus. They thought he was a ghost. Peter wanted proof it was Jesus and even after realizing it was him, he still sank in the water. This says Jesus is always with you whether you know it or not.

Matthew 14:24-31 (NLT) 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

4/3/2022

Trust God, Not Your Feelings

Trusting God is not a feeling. It is knowing. Feelings come from thoughts.  Thoughts can be right or wrong. Psalms 27:1-3 gives examples of knowing contrasted with feelings of fear. As in these verses, work on right thought first and then knowing and trust will grow out of it.

Psalms 27:1-3 (NLT) 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation - why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.  Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. 

3/27/2022

God Has the Final Say

It is said that if you miss something due to an unforeseen event, missing it was God’s will. There is backing for this in the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 16:1, 9 and 33 say to make plans, but God will change them, as he directs. God beautifully guides your way.

Proverbs 16:1, 9, 33 (TLB) 1 We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God’s hands. 9 We should make plans—counting on God to direct us. 33 We toss the coin, but it is the Lord who controls its decision. 

 

3/20/2022

Born Again

What does born again mean? Jesus said it is to be born of water and the Spirit.  Humans reproduce and create babies. The Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. Spirit gives birth to spirit. Water is the spiritual cleansing that occurs as the Holy Spirit works in you. 

John 3:5-8 (NIV) 5 “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

3/13/2022

Entertaining Angels

 

How you treat those you don’t really know shows your character. Your actions, like a video camera, record everything you say and do. Others see it. It is right to have boundaries and be firm when necessary.  But above all else, be kind, whether it is someone you know or not.

Hebrews 13:2 (TLB) 2 Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

2/27/2022

Praise God as you Walk toward Battle

 

In 2 Chronicles 20:21-23, “At the very moment they began to sing and give praise” the Lord caused the attacking enemies to “start fighting among themselves.”  When you have a battle, go first to God, give thanks that he loves you and know he has the right solution for you.

2 Chronicles 20:21-23 (NLT) 21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” 22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. 23 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them.  

2/20/2022

The Mystery of God

 

Placing real faith and trust in the one who created the world involves learning who that is and how he works before you can experience the wisdom that comes with it. This wisdom is the mystery of God and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.  

1 Corinthians 2:6-9 (NLT) 6 Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 

2/13/2022

God's Freedom

 

Jesus told his disciples to be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves.  Living in God’s freedom triggers some, even to death and violence.  Jesus said you may not escape earthly accusation, but do not worry. You will be given the words to say and actions to take. 

Matthew 10:16-20 (NIV) 16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.19  But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 

2/6/2022

Worry and Anxiety

Worry and anxiety is a common automatic response to everyday life and it always has been.  Philippians 4:6-7 says to tell God what you need and thank him for what he has done.  With this comes the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.

Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

1/30/2022

Lift Your Thoughts to God

Psalms 91:1-5 is a beautiful passage of assurance. When you lift your human and limited thoughts up to dwell in those of the most High, there is protection under the shadow of the Almighty. God hears you, protects you from threats and honors you as you call upon him. 

Psalms 91:1-5 (KJV) 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day

1/23/2022

Ask What the Blessings Are

As occurs today, in Jesus’ time there were those that believed illness and disability were caused by wrong thinking and sin. Asking what the blessings are is more important than asking the cause. God’s power and blessings can be found in every illness and tragedy.  

John 9:1-3 (NLT) 1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” 3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.

1/16/2022

Families

The ark was populated by families, human and animal. They held close to one another and to God as everything around them was destroyed. Humans and animals are made to relate to each other and families are one of God’s structures for learning how to do it. 

Genesis 7:13-16 (NLT) 13 That very day Noah had gone into the boat with his wife and his sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and their wives. 14 With them in the boat were pairs of every kind of animal—domestic and wild, large and small—along with birds of every kind. 15 Two by two they came into the boat, representing every living thing that breathes. 16 A male and female of each kind entered, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord closed the door behind them.

1/9/2022

The Way Shower

 

Jesus is called “The Way Shower” because he showed the way to work with God.  He said that even he, the Son of Man, does what the Father has taught me. He took his life and cues from the Father. He prayed regularly, asked what pleased God, and did it. 

John 8:28-29 (NIV) 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” 

1/2/2022