HEART TO HEART :
For who has known or understood the mind(the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct [Him] and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ, the Messiah, and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. – 1 Corinthians 2:16
Isn't it exciting to realize that you can hold the thoughts and feelings and purposes of God's very own heart in your heart? Isn't it thrilling to know the Creator of heaven and earth wants to be one spirit with you and transmit His thoughts to your mind?
First Corinthians 6:17 says that when you were joined to the Lord you became one spirit with Him. He came into union with you so that He can talk to you heart to heart. God wants you in this harmony with Him so that His thoughts can become your actions. He wants you to walk so closely with Him that you never lack power to overcome the evil of this world. He wants you to be so in tune with His Spirit that you are able to feel His heart of compassion toward those around you who are hurting or bowed down with sickness and pain. He wants to be one with you, so He can reach out through your hands and fulfill His purposes in the earth.
Make a fresh commitment today to walk in union with your God. Give your attention to His Spirit in your inner man. Determine to yield to His voice and not to the voices of the world or the flesh!
Allow the mind of Christ to flow through you!
LIFE-GIVING RAIN :
They were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. —Acts 6:10
During the August heat of 1891, R. G. Dyrenforth arrived in Midland, Texas, determined to blast rain from the sky. Known as a “concussionist,” he and his team launched and detonated huge balloons filled with explosive gases, fired cannons, and exploded piles of dynamite on the ground—shaking both earth and sky. Some believed he made it rain a little, but most said all he caused was noise. The explosive power was impressive but ineffective.
When the early church needed overseers, they sought people with a different kind of power. They chose “seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to manage the daily distribution of food. One of those was Stephen, a man “full of faith and power, [who] did great wonders and signs among the people” (v.8). When disputes arose, those who argued with Stephen “were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke” (v.10).
The Bible makes it clear that Stephen’s spiritual effectiveness came from being filled with the Holy Spirit, who gave him the right balance of faith, wisdom, and power.
God’s Spirit in our lives today replaces the loud noise of self-interest with His gentle, life-giving rain.
Holy Spirit, I want my life to be marked by Your power. May my words and actions give life-giving rain to encourage others to know You and trust You.
In our life for Christ we accomplish nothing without the power of the Spirit.
LOVE YOUR CHURCH - JESUS DOES! (2)
'You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.' 1 Peter 2:5 NIV
We don't go to church, we are the church! If we met for worship in the parking lot, we'd still be the church! Consider Solomon's temple. It was planned by David the father, built by Solomon the son, and at its dedication filled with the Holy Spirit.
Here are three ways your church is just like Solomon's temple:
(1) It was built on redemption ground! Mount Moriah, the scene of Solomon's temple, is where Abraham took his son Isaac to offer him as a sacrifice. Guess what? Two thousand years later God led His only begotten Son up that same mountain to die for our sins. As GD Boardman said, 'The cross is the only ladder high enough to touch Heaven's threshold.'
(2) It was the most unique building ever constructed. It was built from stones made ready before they were brought together. They were washed, then fashioned, then fitted together. And that's our story too, isn't it? 'You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house... offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.'
(3) The building materials came from many nations. We aren't saved by race, but by grace. It's not the blood that flows in your veins that saves you; it's the blood that flowed from Christ's veins that makes you righteous and accepted before God. Two unique phrases are used to describe Solomon's temple: 'exceeding magnificent' (1 Chronicles 22:5 NKJV); 'famous everywhere for its greatness and beauty.' (1 Chronicles 22:5 NCV) That's how God feels about His church, and you should too!
REDEEMED FROM EVERY TYPE OF SICKNESS :
Galatians 3:13 - Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),
The One who cleansed lepers, opened blind eyes and made the lame to walk took your sins, sicknesses and every curse when He hung on Calvary’s tree. The curses that were meant for you because of your sins fell on Him instead. He was cursed in your place to redeem you from every curse that comes as a result of breaking God’s laws.
What are these curses? They are listed in Deuteronomy 28. It is a long and detailed list. Don’t get frightened when you read the curses, but rejoice because Christ has redeemed you from every single one of them, including those curses of sicknesses!
Are you stricken with tuberculosis, fever or inflammation? (Deuteronomy 28:22) Christ has redeemed you from every one of these conditions!
Do you have painful boils, tumors or an itch which doctors say cannot be healed? (Deuteronomy 28:27) Christ has redeemed you from every one of these conditions!
Perhaps yours is a serious and prolonged sickness. (Deuteronomy 28:59) It doesn’t matter. Christ has redeemed you from every prolonged sickness!
“Well, Pastor, you have covered tuberculosis, fever, itch…but what about my disease? It is not covered in Deuteronomy 28. Did Jesus forget my disease?”
No, His work is perfect! Look at Deuteronomy 28:61: “Also every sickness and every plague, which is not written in this Book of the Law, will the Lord bring upon you until you are destroyed.” That covers everything. So if Christ has redeemed you from this curse, then He has redeemed you from every type of sickness! I don’t care what new type of sickness the world discovers because Christ has redeemed us from every type of sickness!
Now, if you have a particular sickness, say, “This (name the sickness) is part of the curse of the law. But Galatians 3:13 says that Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law. Therefore, I have been redeemed from (name the sickness)!” Believe and confess that every day, and as surely as Jesus took every curse of sickness, your healing will break forth!
SEE HIS GOODNESS :
"I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" - (Psalm 27:13, NIV)
David was going through tough times when he made the declaration in today's verse. Things weren't going his way. But he said in effect, "I'm not worried. I'm not upset. I am confident I will see God's goodness." In other words, "This situation I'm in may be rough, but that's not going to steal my vision. That's not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I am confident that this year, I will see God's favor in a new way."
That's what our attitude needs to be today because what you focus on is what you will see. No matter what the medical report says, no matter what your finances look like, no matter how bad that relationship may seem, be confident that you will see His goodness! He is the all-powerful, omniscient, Creator of the Universe, and He holds you in the palm of His hand. Nothing is too difficult for Him. Take hold of this truth by faith and focus on His goodness today. Allow His peace to settle in your heart and mind as you move forward in His blessing all the days of your life!
NOTHING IS WASTED :
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" - (Romans 8:28, NIV)
Life can be full of ups and downs, twists and turns. We've all had to face challenges and difficulties. But did you know that everything you've been through up until now is getting you prepared for what God is going to do in your future? Nothing in your life has been wasted. Every disappointment, every setback, every person that did you wrong, every lonely night, God is going to turn around and use for your good!
During the difficult times, we grow and mature. That's when our faith is stretched and our character is developed. God didn't send that hardship, but He'll use it to get you prepared for your next step. Those adversities will help make you and mold you into the person you are called to be.
You may be experiencing tough times today, but remember, nothing is ever wasted. Have the attitude that says, "This is a new day. Things are shifting in my favor. This difficulty is not going to stop me. It's going to promote me. It was meant to bring me down, but I know the truth; God is going to use it to lift me up and lead me into victory all the days of my life.
Whatever you are facing today, rest easy knowing that Jesus not only perfectly understands all that you are going through, but has also placed all His power, authority and resources on your side to help you.
When you know you’re God’s beloved, and that He’s on your side (Rom 8:31), you’ll trust Him to win the fights of life for you!
PRAYER FOR THE DAY :
“They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23)
Dear Lord God, I praise You. I honor You. I sing You a new song with my lips of pureness for You are great and faithfulness.Let the morning breeze blow to me with the aroma of Christ that my soul is revived and my mind is refreshed instantaneously. May God fill me with the Holy Spirit and impart me wisdom and knowledge in order to help me to achieve all good things daily! Bless me O God, remember me with favor O Lord; for all I have done in Your name.
Gratefully, in Jesus’ holy name. Amen !!!
Gordon
Williams http://gordwilliams.com/
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