November 1. 2024

A NEVER ENDING LOVE

“I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord.” Hosea 2:19-20

We see in the story of Hosea the mirrored image of Christ’s love for us. God called Hosea to love an unlovable bride, just like the Father called Jesus to love us. It was never up to the bride to determine her worth or even the love that the groom had for her. It was up to God. He established a covenant and did not forsake it even when she broke it. In His unquenchable desire for us, He calls us His own. 

The Lord never came for a worthy bride, He came for a desperate one. He saw us in our feeble state and chose to set us in the high places as His most treasured love. What a comfort, what a joy it is to be assured of His affections for us. It’s not obligation that keeps His eye set on us, it’s devotion. It says in the Word that He prays for us. He intercedes on our behalf and fights to bring us into the freedom of a whole and sanctified marriage covenant. 

Prayer

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 2. 2024

100% POWER

 Proverbs 12:28 NASB2020

In the way of righteousness there is life, And in its pathway there is no death.

 If we're looking at the morning horizon, we're taking in life. If we're smoking a cigarette, we're taking in death. Each day, we will experience spiritual warfare. What determines how victorious we will be is the amount of power that flows through us. As we grow in our relationship with God, He reveals things that represent His Kingdom, which brings life, and He reveals what represents Satan's kingdom, which brings death. When we choose to engage in things that bring life and reject things that bring death, that's when the full power of God will flow through us. That's when demons will run from us like they ran from Christ when He walked this earth. If I'm only on the path of righteousness for half the day and the other half, I take a detour onto the path of death, I'm only able to win 50% of the battle. When we choose to walk the path of death, our Father still loves us, but His power doesn't flow through a vessel in agreement with death. The question is this. Do we want 100% victory or 50% victory? Our obedience doesn't justify us and save us from Hell. But, it does plug us into the Power of God and save us from Hell on earth.

 Prayer,

Father, reveal the things in this world that represent Your Kingdom and reveal the things in this world that represent Satan's kingdom. Guide us in the paths of righteousness for the sake of Your name. Without Your power flowing through us, our words and actions are in vain. But with Your power, darkness will flee. Help us to have victory in the battles we face. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 3. 2024

GPS

Proverbs 2:1-5 NASB2020

[1] My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, [2] make your ear attentive to wisdom; incline your heart to understanding. [3] For if you cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; [4] if you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; [5] then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God.

 Proverbs 3:16 says that long life is held in the right hand of wisdom, and riches and honor are held in her left. Long life, riches, and honor are sought by many people, but only a few people seek those things the right way. Only by seeking wisdom first will we be able to achieve these things God's way. And God's way is the only way we can have these things and experience them with a sense of peace and fulfillment. We can seek wisdom our whole life, but without a GPS, we'll never find her. The GPS is called "The Fear Of The Lord." The word says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the Lord is our love and respect towards Him. Not just in word, but action.  As I was praying and meditating this morning, the Lord gave me something to think about, "You have a lot of people in your life that you have relationships with. Relationships require attention. If you want to have healthy relationships, you must choose which ones that are good for you and quit wasting precious time on the ones that are bad for you." If I choose to listen to Him, I exercise the fear of the Lord and will find wisdom in this area. If I choose to ignore Him, I will not find wisdom in this area of my life and will continue to struggle.

 Prayer,

Father, as you give us direction in our lives, give us the desire and ability to take those paths. As we choose to make choices that confirm our love and respect for you, I pray we all find the wisdom we need in every area in our lives. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 4. 2024

DON'T BREAK GODS HEART

1 Samuel 10:20-24

[20] So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel forward; and the tribe of Benjamin was selected by lot. [21] Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin forward by its families, and the Matrite family was selected by lot. And Saul the son of Kish was selected by lot; but when they looked for him, he could not be found. [22] Therefore they inquired further of the Lord: “Has the man come here yet?” And the Lord said, “Behold, he is hiding himself among the baggage.” [23] So they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. [24] Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? Surely there is no one like him among all the people.” So all the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!”

 If we hide, He'll find us. If we run, He'll catch us. Even if we try to alter our minds so we're not thinking of Him and what He wants us to do, He's right there waiting when we snap out of it. He's got all the time in the world. He'll have His way, one way or another. Jonah was swallowed by a whale. The question is, "What's it going to take for us to fully submit to God's perfect will for our lives?" The Lord will show us that the things we think we want, we really don't want. He will put us into a situation where we can see what's really important. How quickly we forget what's truly valuable in our lives. Sometimes, we can't see those things until it's too late. He'll take anything and use anything so He doesn't lose us. Let's not force the Lord to do something that breaks His heart.

Prayer,

Father, when You are forced to allow something to happen to us or someone we love so we will stop walking towards a cliff, it breaks your heart a thousand times more than it breaks ours. We might hurt, but You hurt even more. Forgive us for being stubborn. Forgive us for breaking Your heart. In Jesus Christ’s name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 5. 2024

A WORD

2 Kings 9:6-10 NASB2020

[6] He then got up and went into the house, and the prophet’s servant poured the oil on his head and said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘I have anointed you king over the people of the Lord, over Israel. [7] And you shall strike the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord, at the hand of Jezebel. [8] For the entire house of Ahab shall perish, and I will eliminate from Ahab every male person both slave and free in Israel. [9] I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah. [10] The dogs will eat Jezebel in the territory of Jezreel, and no one will bury her.’ ” Then he opened the door and fled.

 As this story goes on, everything happened as the Lord said it would. Jezebel, one of the most feared women in the Bible, was thrown to the ground and trampled by a horse until nothing was left but her hands, feet, and skull. What gave Jehu the fire inside him to rise up and accomplish this mission? He received a word from the Lord. He knew if the Lord said something was going to happen and use him to do it, it was as good as done. When he received a word, he agreed with the word and sought out to accomplish it. How many of us have received a word, set out to accomplish it, and slowly lost our passion to see it through? We must not allow the enemy, the world, and our flesh to distract us from staying focused on the end result. Let us grab hold of the word that was spoken over us and remain focused on seeing it through. When we think about who it was that spoke the word over our lives, it will give us confidence and joy as we strain for what's ahead.

 Prayer,

Father, light a fire inside us for our purpose in Your kingdom. Everything we do for You will last, but the things we do for ourselves will fade away and be forgotten. Give us a passion for what truly matters. Fix our hearts. It only takes one touch from You and everything changes. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 6. 2024

CROWNS

James 4:13-15 NASB2020

[13] Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” [14] Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away. [15] Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”

 We make plans and set goals, but is it what the Lord wants us to do? If all we had was one week to live, how would we choose to spend our time? Making money or buying a new car would be the last thing on our minds. We would want to leave this world knowing the people we love knew we loved them, and we would want to arrive in Heaven hearing, "Good job, my good and faithful servant." A wise man once told me, "If the motive behind my plans are to glorify God, I will know I'm doing the right thing." When we make plans only for our benefit and pleasure, we leave these achievements here after this short life. But, if we make plans to glorify the Lord, our achievements become crowns we can throw at His feet.

 Prayer,

Father, even knowing this truth about how short this life is, we still struggle to make and keep this truth a reality. We know there's no telling how much longer we have, but somehow, we feel like we have forever to live. The world is so alluring to our flesh. We get distracted so easily. Give us a love for what really matters and a love for You that's so strong that it makes it impossible to live our lives for temporary things. David asked You for a heart that is willing to obey You. We ask this, too, knowing that a heart willing to obey You is a heart that loves You. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 7. 2024

COMPLETE VICTORY

James 4:7 NASB2020

Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 One of the reasons we sometimes struggle having victory in our daily battles is because we're only trying to resist the devil. This scripture is two parts. First, we must submit our will to the will of God. Then, when we resist the devil, he will flee. The devil will not flee if we are still in agreement with him and holding his hand. Our flesh does not and will not want to let go of what God's telling us to let go of, but we must decide what's more important to us. Temporary pleasures, or victory and peace.

 Prayer,

Father, we know what we have to do so we can walk in complete victory. With You living in us, we have the Power to anything. Give us a heart that's willing to obey you. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 8. 2024

GOOD VISION

1 Samuel 25:32-33

[32] Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me, [33] and blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand.

 How do we discern people? When we look at people, do we see the good in them? Can we see their potential? Nabal saw David and his men as bums and criminals. Abigail saw a king and kings’ men. When Abigail reminded David of who he was destined to be, it shook him out of his vengeance. Sometimes, we need to be reminded of who we are in Christ and what His plans for us are. We also need to be the ones who remind others who they are in Christ and what God has planned for them as well. Let's look for the good in people and encourage them. One good word could change the whole course of someone's life. The enemy is relentless in speaking lies. We must be relentless in speaking truth.

 Prayer,

Father, help us see people as you see them. When we experience bad behavior from others, remind us of your patience towards us every day. In Jesus Christ’s name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 9. 2024

EXPERIENCING GOD'S BEST

Proverbs 28:13 NASB2020

 One who conceals his wrongdoings will not prosper, but one who confesses and abandons them will find compassion.

In order to grab a hold of a blessing, we must let go of a curse. Let’s just say I’m having trouble with my kidneys, but I’m not willing to stop drinking the 5 Dr Peppers I drink each day. Why would God heal my kidneys if He knows I’m just going to harm them again. Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely a spiritual side of the blessing, but there is a physical side to it, too. We must let go of the things in our lives, keeping us bound to the curse. When we do, we can speak God’s promises and blessings over ourselves and our family, knowing without a doubt that it will come true.

 Prayer,

Father, I wonder how many times You have been by our side pleading for us to let go of death so You could bless us with life. How many times have you wanted to shower us with Your goodness, but we refused to leave the desert and get under the rain. Help us to get out of agreement with the things holding us back from Your best. In Jesus Christ’s name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 10. 2024

GET OUT MY WAY

Proverbs 21:30-31 NASB2020

[30] There is no wisdom, no understanding, and no plan against the Lord. [31] The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

 What can Satan do to us today when God has chosen to use us tomorrow? He might try and stop God's plan to use us, but he's trying in vain. The Lord will make sure we're ready for our appointed tasks. The lion couldn't kill David because God appointed him to fight the bear. The bear couldn't kill David because God appointed him to fight Goliath. Goliath couldn't kill David because God appointed him to be king of Israel and lead his people. David screwed up just like we do, but it didn't stop God from using him. When the Lord appoints victories in our lives, we'll see every one of them. Let us praise Him for the victories and speak to the obstacles, "GET OUT MY WAY."

 Prayer,

Father, thank You for appointing victories in our lives that nothing or no one can stop. We submit our will to Yours. We trust in Your great plan. Have Your way. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 11. 2024

KINGS & QUEENS

Proverbs 31:10-31 NASB2020

[10] ¶An excellent wife, who can find her? For her worth is far above jewels. [11] The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. [12] She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. [13] She looks for wool and linen, and works with her hands in delight. [14] She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. [15] And she rises while it is still night And gives food to her household, And portions to her attendants. [16] She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. [17] She surrounds her waist with strength and makes her arms strong. [18] She senses that her profit is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. [19] She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle. [20] She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy. [21] She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. [22] She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. [23] Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. [24] She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen. [25] Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. [26] She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. [27] She watches over the activities of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. [28] Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: [29] “Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.” [30] Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. [31] Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

 Men, this is the character, qualities, and values of a woman who comes from the Lord. If we ever expect to receive a precious gift like this, we must get in position to receive her. Why would God send us something extremely valuable if we are unable to take care of what He entrusts us with. A diamond belongs on the hand of a king, not in the nose of a pig wallowing in the mud. Men, are we behaving like kings or  living like pigs? This verse says the husband of this woman sits among the elders of the land. These are wise men. Do we walk with wise men, or do we walk with fools? And to the women, you must get in position to be sent by the Lord. Why would the Lord send you to a king if you're not behaving like a queen. The quicker we all get in position, the quicker we will be able to experience life as God intends for us to.

 Prayer,

Father, help us all realize who we are and how you see us. We have tainted views of ourselves because of our past. You have cleaned the slate. You have made us kings and queens. Help us to live like this. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 12. 2024

FREE WILL

Proverbs 16:3 NASB2020

Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

 In Romans 12:2 the word says, "and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

We see here how the Lord gives us free will. Good, acceptable, and perfect. It would be nice to always be able to walk in God's perfect will, but we all know this doesn't happen for anyone. We always have the enemy, the world, and our flesh distracting and deceiving. But what can happen is this: Even in those times when we're in God's acceptable will or God's good will, we can commit our works to Him. We might have taken a certain job when He wanted us to wait for a better one. Or, we might have stayed in Texas when He wanted us to move to New York. I don't know. The important thing is that we continue to be a light wherever we are. Wherever our feet takes us, we must always remember to show people who the Father is. As long as we remember to show people the love of God, He will establish our plans even if it's not His perfect will. To establish our plans means He will make our plans prosper. He will lay His hand on our plans and show them favor. He does this because we are using our plans as a vehicle to present Christ. As long as we stay Kingdom minded, we don't have to worry about always making the perfect choice. We'll always take a few wrong turns on our journeys, but as long as His hand is on us, we'll succeed wherever we go.

 Prayer,

Father, thank You so much for continuing to show us favor even when we don't take the path You wanted us to take. Continue to work through us to touch this hurting world with your love. Wherever we go, there are people that need You. Give us eyes to see them and a heart for them. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 13. 2024

MANIFESTATION

James 3:2 NASB2020

[2] For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well.

 What and who we choose to watch and listen to will determine what we think about. What we think about will determine what we speak and act on. When we speak and act, we are planting seeds. Seeds of life, or seeds of death. These seeds will eventually grow into a harvest. This harvest is the manifestation of what was in our minds at one time. Our words and actions have the power to bring about the will of God or the will of the evil one. This is why the word tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It's impossible to change the way we think if we refuse to change what and who we watch and listen to. God is waiting to cause a beautiful harvest to grow in our lives, but we must plant good seeds. For in due time we will reap if we do not become weary.

 Prayer,

Father, give us a greater desire  to experience the good harvest than the desire our flesh has for worthless things. Help us to see the harvest even though it hasn't fully manifested. In our waiting, bless us with intimacy with You. That's all we really need. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 14. 2024

HE LETS US BREATHE

1 Samuel 16:10-11

[10] So Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” [11] Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the boys?” And he said, “The youngest is still left, but behold, he is tending the sheep.” So Samuel said to Jesse, “Send word and bring him; for we will not take our places at the table until he comes here.”

 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, wondering which of them would be the new king. He sent them in the order he thought was most worthy of the task. The son God picked for the task didn't even get invited to the ceremony. To Jesse, David was just a shepherd and would always be a shepherd. To God, David was the chosen vessel He would use to lead His people. Let us keep tending the sheep, and when the time is right, the Lord will call us for a task no one would have thought we could do. Let us never forget, when we do the impossible, we're not the ones doing it. Without the Lord, we would always be tending sheep. Anything anyone ever accomplishes is only because God allows us to accomplish it. We breathe because He lets us breathe. Let us always point to the Lord and give Him all the glory.

 Prayer,

Father, thank You for the purpose and plan You have for our lives. Help us to not be anxious about when it’s going to manifest. Let us be focused on what You have for us today. We trust in Your perfect timing. In Jesus Christ’s name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 15. 2024

LONG-SUFFERING WISDOM

Proverbs 9:1-6 NASB2020

[1] Wisdom has built her house, She has carved out her seven pillars; [2] She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table; [3] She has sent out her attendants, she calls out From the tops of the heights of the city: [4] “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks understanding she says, [5] “Come, eat of my food And drink of the wine I have mixed. [6] “Abandon your foolishness and live, And proceed in the way of understanding.”

 Wisdom has been pleading with us from the moment we entered this world. She speaks through our mother's and father's,  grandparents and great-grandparents, brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, neighbors and strangers, friends and foes, the sunrise and sunset, clear skies and storms, a new life brought into this world and a life being took away, the noise and the silence, chaos and peace. Wisdom watches us while we sleep, waiting for us to rise. She hopes we will take notice and listen to her today. She can see what lies ahead on the paths we're on. She is the only One who can guide us to safety. She speaks through everything, everyone, and all circumstances. The message is always there, but most of the time, we're too distracted to see it and hear it. Whatever we're watching for and listening for is what we'll hear and see.

 Prayer,

Father, we know how much You desire to walk with us and talk with us. You wait all day every day for us to acknowledge Your presence. You have opened doors that lead to great opportunities, and You warn us of doors You have not opened, which leads to great destruction. Forgive us for not listening to Your wisdom. Thank you for continuing to speak even when we continue to not listen. Great is Your mercy. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 16. 2024

FRUIT INSPECTORS OR ROOT DETECTORS

James 1:19-20 NASB2020

[19]  You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; [20] for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.

 Everyone means everyone. It doesn't matter how much wisdom or knowledge someone has. Everyone still needs to listen. In the Greek, this word "listen” means, "To hear (in various senses." Because most of us are not quick to hear, and slow to speak, we are quick to judge and easily angered. We are angered most of the time because we are not aware of the big picture. All we can see is someone's behavior. We're too busy wanting to express how we feel instead of being still and allowing the Lord to show us what's really causing the problem. Everything we experience in the physical is manifested from what's going on in the spiritual. We experience the fruit in the physical. The root is in the spiritual. Our spirit can sense what's really going on, but we have to look and listen for it. If all we do is walk around, being fruit inspectors, we'll never be able to be root detectors.

 Prayer

Father, when we experience bad fruit in people's lives, remind us that you are not revealing people's struggles so we can point the finger or judge them. You reveal these things to us so we can identify what type of root is attached. By Your Spirit, help us to see the big picture and not get caught up in our own feelings. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 17. 2024

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WRONG DOOR

2 Kings 6:26-27 NASB2020

[26] And as the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, saying, “Help, my lord the king!” [27] But he said, “If the Lord does not help you, from where am I to help you? From the threshing floor, or from the wine press?”

When the Lord doesn't open a door, we shouldn't try and force it open or ask others to help us open it. What's waiting on the other side is being kept from us for a reason. Many times, a closed door is protecting us from harm. There is so much peace in the surrender to God's will. Let us flow through life like a quiet stream, turning where He wants us to turn. We will arrive where we're supposed to be at the perfect time.

Prayer,

Father, as we daily submit to Your perfect will for our lives, give us Your peace that assures us we are exactly where we're supposed to be. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 18. 2024

WE’RE MEANT FOR MORE

Proverbs 13:19 NASB2020

Desire realized is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to turn away from evil.

 When God shows us a glimpse of the life He wants us to have, we have to get into a position to receive those things. Why would God send a man a godly wife if he can't be entrusted with her? A godly wife is more valuable than all the treasure in the world. A precious stone is either worn or kept in a safe. We wouldn't give a wedding ring to our children to play with. Why? They don't understand its value and would lose it. God has some great things He wants us to receive, experience, and enjoy, but He doesn't want us to lose them, and He expects them to be taken care of. Deep within us, we know we are meant for more than we settle for, but we're not willing to let go of the lesser things so we can receive the greater things. We can try marriage after marriage and new job after new job, but we'll never attain the marriage or job God wants us to have without doing things His way.

 Prayer,

Father, You are so good, and we can't even begin to imagine the life You want us to have if we would only get into a position to receive it. We keep settling for a life in the flesh, which is so limited. A life in the spirit is a life of Heaven on earth. Why do we wait to experience heaven when we could experience it right now. Help us get into position to receive the life You want us to have. Help us to let go of worthless things. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 19. 2024

PRAY LIKE ELIJAH

James 5:17-18 NASB2020

[17] Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. [18] Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. The sinful nature. The part of Satan's nature that was inherited from the fall of mankind. It's in the seed of man. It's woven into our DNA. Every child that's born comes out of the womb infected by the sinful nature. Except Jesus Christ! His mother Mary was impregnated with pure seed by the Holy Spirit. Try and imagine the intimacy between Jesus Christ and the Father when He prayed. No sinful nature to constantly nag at him. Perfect communion. But how did Elijah pray in such a way that caused God to stop and start the rain. He had a sinful nature. Christ hadn't even died on the cross yet. Elijah's sins were not yet justified. How could this man pray with these kinds of results? Elijah knew God's will and manifested the will of God through his prayers. Let's not forget what else he applied. Faith! He believed with everything in him that when he proclaimed the will of God, nothing could stop it from coming about. God's word has hundreds of promises. His will is revealed from page to page. It's God's will for us to have all power over the enemy. Why not agree with this and speak this into existence by faith. If God says it is so, let us not doubt, but believe as Elijah did.

Prayer,

Father, help us to see your word as it is. It's not just words written down on pieces of paper. It's You telling us who we really are and showing us what we can really do. Your word is Your will. Your word is a lamp to our feet And a light to our path. Help us believe like Elijah did. Increase our faith so our prayers make it to Your ears. When You hear our prayers Lord, move on our behalf. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 20. 2024

MIGHTY ONES

2 Samuel 23:8

These are the names of the mighty men whom David had:

 Had what? Had surrounding him, had protecting him, had encouraging him, had training him, had advising him, had walking with him. David must have taught this to his son Solomon, as it is one of the truths Solomon saw fit to be a part of his proverbs. "Proverbs 13:20 One who walks with wise people will be wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm." Who are we walking with? It's okay to be someone's mighty one, but we need mighty ones in our lives as well. A mighty one is someone who we can see God working through in a mighty way. If we don't have mighty ones surrounding us, we better start praying the Lord will provide them. Maybe He has, but the ones He sent don't agree with everything we have going on. We don't need people surrounding us who tell us what we want to hear. We need people surrounding us who are willing to tell us the truth. We need people in our lives who can see what's really going on when we are blind to it. We all get blinded from time to time, as we fall for the enemies' traps, but as long as we're surrounded with mighty ones, we'll be alright.

 Prayer,

Father, send mighty ones into our lives who are seasoned warriors. It’s good to fight for others, but there are times when we need others to fight for us as well. Send them Lord. We’re watching and expecting them to come. In Jesus Christ’s name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 21. 2024

SEALED

2 Kings 18:7-8 NASB2020

[7] And the Lord was with him; wherever he went he was successful. And he revolted against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. [8] He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.

Thank God our relationship with Him and our salvation isn't up to us to achieve. In Christ, the Lord is with us wherever we go. If we've had a bad day, if we've gotten in our pride, if we've been judgmental, and even when we are being stubborn and disobey on purpose. He's not with us because we are doing good, or walking away when we do bad. When we can't feel His presence, it's probably our fault for walking in the flesh, but in those times when you can't feel Him, I promise you, He's there. Our spirit is the only thing that can feel our Fathers presence. He is Spirit, so therefore, we must be operating in the Spirit to feel Him. Think about the day we felt His presence the most. On that day, He knew every sin, slip up, fall, rebellion, stubbornness, and dirty thing we would ever do. But He still allowed us to feel His love in great measure on that day. If the Lord has called us into a relationship, He has adopted us into the family as sons and daughters, forever sealed by His Spirit, and our sins were cast as far as the east is from the west. Never think He is not there. If my earthly mother told me, "Son, there is nothing you could ever do to make me love you less, and there is nothing you could ever do to make me love you more," then I know our Heavenly Father will never walk away from his children.

Prayer,

Father, thank you for loving us no matter what. In those times when we can't feel Your presence, remind us that you are there. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 22. 2024

SHORTCUTS

Proverbs 15:33 NASB2020

The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility.

 Before we're able to receive wisdom, we must learn how to walk in the fear of the Lord. The problem is, we want wisdom without having to walk in the fear of the Lord, and we want honor without having to humble ourselves. There is a type of wisdom and honor we can receive without doing things God's way, but it doesn't come from God, and it will never last. Worldly wisdom and worldly honor are self-seeking and prideful, leading us down wrong paths and through wrong doors. God has promised, "Pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Yes, it might seem like we're in a season of waiting that will never end, but most people give up before their blessing comes. We must trust God, continue to be obedient, do whatever He's put our hand to, and wait on the Lord.

 Prayer,

Father, some of us have wasted so much of our lives planting bad seeds that we're still having to experience a bad harvest. Because we've wasted so much time, it's tempting to try and play catch-up. We see the prosperity of those who have done things Your way, and we see the prosperity of those who have done things the wrong way. Satan whispers in our ear that we don't have time to wait on You. We know that's a lie. We also know that it's not about having what others have or having others approve of our lives. It's about laying our lives down each day as You've laid Yours down for us. It's about being Your hands and feet. It's about making ourselves available for You to use right now. That's something we don't have to wait for. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 23. 2024

THE LAW OF FREEDOM

James 2:10-13 NASB2020

[10] For whoever keeps the whole Law, yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of all. [11] For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do murder, you have become a violator of the Law. [12] So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom. [13] For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

Let us always speak and act as people who truly understand the forgiveness that's been poured out upon us. I bet there's nothing more upsetting to God than someone looking at others, thinking, "How could they do that," or thinking, "They don't deserve to be forgiven." We must always remember, without the blood of Jesus Christ keeping us washed clean, our best day of righteousness is as filthy rags. Those of us who are to be judged by the law of freedom should live our lives pouring out this undeserved mercy upon anyone who crosses our paths. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Prayer,

Father, forgive us for those moments when we forgot about everything You have forgiven us for, and somehow was able to look at others as if we are more deserving of Your love. Thank you for Your great mercy. Remind us to always share it with those in need. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 24. 2024

THE BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND

Proverbs 17:20 NASB2020

One who has a crooked mind finds nothing good, and one who is corrupted in his language falls into evil.

 Remember this old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?" This is a lie from Hell. Words are one of the most powerful weapons there are. When we speak, we speak life or death. Heaven and Hell are constantly trying to manifest themselves through our words and actions. What we're thinking about is what we will eventually speak and do. To change the way we think is no easy task. It takes commitment, great discipline, and intentionally positioning ourselves around people, places, and things that will help us, not harm us. Junk in, junk out. If we hang with dogs, we'll eventually get fleas. I know this truth, but I still find it hard to put into practice. I still find myself wanting to watch junk. When I see a beautiful woman dressed to draw sexual attention, I'll still sometimes fantasize. When I feel disrespected or challenged by a man, sometimes it takes all my strength not to punch him in the mouth. I know this sounds bad, but it's the truth. We are all wicked because of the sinful nature living within us. Paul knew this when he said, "For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not." The word says to think on things that please the Lord. We must stay in God's word, embed it in our hearts, practice speaking it over ourselves, and do what it says. We must walk with others who practice this too. We must make decisions to stop practicing things that hinder our ability to have victory. I say this knowing there is much I need to do myself. We're not only bad examples for others when we continue to think, speak, and act in wicked ways. But we continue to plant bad seeds in our own lives that will continue to grow into a bad harvest we will have to experience ourselves. Aren't we tired of the bad harvest? How bad do we want to experience a good harvest? Isaiah Robertson said this, "If you want something you've never had, you must do something you've never done."

 Prayer,

Father, one day, You'll reach down in our souls and remove our sinful nature. We will finally know life without constantly having to battle our flesh. Until then, we must fight. You fought for us. You gave up everything. Why is it so hard to give up things? Help us in our struggles. Give us a greater love for your word. Give us a passion to obey it. We are grateful for Your mercy and grace. Without it, we would all be doomed. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 25. 2024

THE PERFECT PORTION

Proverbs 30:7-9 NASB2020

[7] ¶Two things I have asked of You; Do not refuse me before I die: [8] Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, [9] So that I will not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” And that I will not become impoverished and steal, And profane the name of my God.

Prison was an environment where very few people had anything more than necessities. Because it was a place where the good things in life were stripped away, I saw a lot of jealousy, scheming, plotting, robbing, and constant worry of what was going to happen next. Sometimes, when the guards would come in with the johnny sacks for breakfast, they would pour them out on the table and leave without making sure everyone got one. Most times, there were several people who wouldn't get breakfast because people were taking two or even three each. If you weren't willing to fight, you didn't eat. We looked like a pack of dogs trying to scrape and fight to survive. I've also seen people in the world who never had to worry about money, how they would pay the next bill, or when they would eat their next meal. I could tell with some of the people in this situation that thinking of God or realizing their need for Him wasn't even in their mind. We should thank the Lord we're neither poor nor rich. We should thank Him for giving us a portion that allows us to realize our need for Him. It's not easy for everyone to come to a place in their lives where they can be grateful and humble.

Prayer,

Father, thank You for giving us the portion we need to realize our great need for You. If we're ever without, help us to lean on You, not other things. If we're blessed with more than we need, help us to share Your goodness and always remember where it came from. Thank You for always giving us the perfect portion. For You and only You know what's best for us. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 26. 2024

THE RAIN IS COMING

James 5:7-8 NASB2020

[7] Therefore be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. [8] You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

 Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. If He lives in us, we have the ability to operate in this part of His character. Yes, we look for the day when He comes back to make all things new. But right now, He has us here. Today, we have an opportunity to plant good seeds in the ground that He's provided. Let's not miss our right now opportunities by getting lost in tomorrow. He's sending rain today to water the seeds that we've been given an opportunity to plant. If we continue to plant good seeds and exercise patience, one day we'll wake up in the middle of a great harvest. The rain and the great harvest are on the way.

 Prayer,

Father, forgive us when we completely miss opportunities to show people who You are. Sometimes, they are right in front of us many times a day, but we're so distracted by our own desires and what we plan to do tomorrow, we completely miss what You had in-store today. Help us to miss nothing. Help us to plant every seed we can, and as we do, bring the rain. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 27. 2024

SLEEPING LIKE A BABY

Proverbs 19:23 NASB2020

The fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

What a promise! Why isn’t everyone sleeping like a baby and completely shielded by evil? Because hardly anyone walks the fear of the Lord. I was a very unruly kid growing up. Especially at school. I would terrorize the teachers. I remember getting U—‘s for my conduct on my report cards. I feared the terrible butt whoopings that came each month. Even though I feared them, I would soon forget about them, and the games would begin. The fear of the Lord is different. The fear of the Lord is when we love the Lord so much that we fear breaking His heart, and love Him so much that we will do anything He asks us to do or go wherever He wants us to go. The fear of the Lord is living a surrendered life towards God because we love Him. The problem is this, we don’t love Him as we should. I know that sounds bad, but it’s the truth. Most of us make plans to please ourselves. A lot of us will go where we’ll make the most money, even if it takes us away from our family. If the job pays well, we’ll work there, even if we hate working there and have no peace. Remember David’s prayer? “Give me a heart that’s willing to obey You.” David was asking God to give him a heart that was completely in love with Him. Jesus even said, “If you love Me, you’ll obey Me.” Our problem isn’t a disobedience problem. Our problem is a lack of love for the One who loves us the most.

Prayer,

Father, forgive us for not loving You as You deserve to be loved. We have a selfish nature that’s always trying to please ourselves instead of You. We pray the prayer of David today. Give us hearts that’s willing to obey You. Give us hearts that’s completely in love with You. Give us hearts fully surrendered to You and You alone. In Jesus Christ’s name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 28. 2024

COME TO ME

Proverbs 11:27 NASB2020

One who diligently seeks good seeks favor, But one who seeks evil, evil will come to him.

 All day long, We seek things with our eyes. Whatever we're seeking, we walk towards. We not only walk towards these things, but these things know we want them by the way we look at them. Our eyes call out to them and say, "Come to me." If we have an evil eye, our eyes will draw evil things towards us. With our eyes, we agree with and invite these things into our lives. It takes work to change our hearts or to change the way we think so we'll be able to look for good and not evil. This transformation doesn't happen on its own. We have to change what we put into our minds. Eventually, we'll realize that our eyes aren't seeking to see evil things anymore. They'll call out to the good that's in the world.

 Prayer,

Father, if our faith is in You, we know we belong to You, but sometimes it feels like we don’t as we catch our eyes looking for the wrong things. Things that shouldn't be appealing. Things that don't please you. Help us in this sanctification process. Flood our lives with good things to lay our eyes on. Thank you for Your mercy and grace. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 29. 2024

THE LOVE OF MONEY

James 2:5 NASB2020

[5] Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

It seems like everywhere we look, people are trying to work toward being rich. Some will toil their whole lives trying to achieve this, and realize in the end, they had been distracted and blind to what was truly valuable. How many times have we seen a millionaire living in a small home and driving a used car? There is no end to this race. The more we have, the more we want. It goes on and on until the end comes, and we realize it's too late to experience life as God intended. To be rich in faith, we have to come to a point in our lives where we understand how much we need God. I'm thankful for the seasons in our lives when we needed God's help and seasons where we go through the kind of pain that only God can heal. Without them, we would still be in the rat race, running on the wheel that goes nowhere. When we realize the end is near, what will we want near us? Our money and trophies? No. We'll want our family and friends to usher us off to Heaven.

Prayer,

Father, remind us of what's truly important. Help us to reprioritize our lives. Show us how to be good stewards of the time You bless us with. Change our hearts, Lord. In Jesus Christ's name.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 30. 2024

IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES

Proverbs 23:1-3 NASB2020

[1] When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you, [2] And put a knife to your throat If you are a person of great appetite. [3] Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food.

 When I was in prison, I remember seeing this passage unfold before me many times, especially with people who were new to the prison environment. For example, if the new guy didn't have any commissary, but people found out that he would be making commissary, you might have someone throw a bag of chips on his bed. This would be the conversation... "What's this for? I noticed you didn't have any commissary. I just wanted to throw you something to hold you over till you make store. You don’t have to do that, i'll be okay. Naw, you keep it. You're gonna need it. Thanks, man."

Come store day, the guy that threw the new guy the chips will be sitting on the new guy's bunk, acting like his best friend and asking him what they are gonna eat. This will go on and on until the new guy has no food left or until he tells the guy no. Once he tells him no, he'll probably get slapped. The new guy will have to stand up and fight for himself or start getting run over by everyone else who sees that he's easy prey. In life, we have to be able to detect the motive behind the deed. If not, we'll walk right into the trap. Here's a couple of things that will help detect motives. The eyes are the window to the soul. They reveal if one is hurting, plotting, fearful, or full of joy. Also, pay attention to words and actions. They reveal what's in the heart. Most of all, we have to make sure our own motives are right. If our motives are wrong, we're walking in the flesh. It's only when we walk in the spirit that we'll be able to detect spiritual things. Also, when we detect wrong motives, we have to be careful not to judge. Instead, we must continue to love and pray for them. Remember the advice Jesus gave us, "Be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves."

Prayer,

Father, You said You would send us out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Teach us how to see the traps set for us as we pass through dangerous territory. Also, teach us how to reach the wolves. We we're all wolves before You transformed us into sheep. Help us to remember that so we'll always have compassion and patience for others. In Jesus Christ's name.