Dig One Ditch, You Better Dig Two. The Trap You Set, It’s For You...

Reviewing our audio teaching, “Defender” reveals powerful forces available to those who are children of the Most High.

^1-2 So the king and Haman went to dinner with Queen Esther. At this second dinner, while they were drinking wine the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what would you like? Half of my kingdom! Just ask and it’s yours.”
 ³ Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your eyes, O King, and if it please the king, give me my life, and give my people their lives.
 ⁴ “We’ve been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed—sold to be massacred, eliminated. If we had just been sold off into slavery, I wouldn’t even have brought it up; our troubles wouldn’t have been worth bothering the king over.”
 ⁵ King Xerxes exploded, “Who? Where is he? This is monstrous!”
 ⁶ “An enemy. An adversary. This evil Haman,” said Esther.
    Haman was terror-stricken before the king and queen.
 ^7-8 The king, raging, left his wine and stalked out into the palace garden.
    Haman stood there pleading with Queen Esther for his life—he could see that the king was finished with him and that he was doomed. As the king came back from the palace garden into the banquet hall, Haman was groveling at the couch on which Esther reclined. The king roared out, “Will he even molest the queen while I’m just around the corner?”
    When that word left the king’s mouth, all the blood drained from Haman’s face.
 ⁹ Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, spoke up: “Look over there! There’s the gallows that Haman had built for Mordecai, who saved the king’s life. It’s right next to Haman’s house—seventy-five feet high!”
    The king said, “Hang him on it!”
 ¹⁰ So Haman was hanged on the very gallows that he had built for Mordecai. And the king’s hot anger cooled.

Esther 7 [MSG]

Esther was a Jewish young woman who became the wife of the King of Persia. No one knew her ethnic heritage or lineage. So, when Haman (who thought himself to be in tight with the king) decided he wanted to kill all of the Jews, he came face to face with the reality that he had declared war against the King’s beloved bride.  Not only that... Haman wanted to kill Esther’s cousin, Mordecai.  He even built a 75-foot tall gallows to hang Mordecai on.  But Mordecai was not only the closest living relative to the Queen, he had previously saved the King from an assassination plot.  Haman built a gallows to hang Mordecai... but wound up being hung on his own gallows.

This is another indicator that the scriptures are true that say:

He who digs a pit [for others] will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a fence or a [stone] wall, a serpent will bite him.

Ecclesiastes 10:8 [AMP]

Whoever digs a pit [for another man's feet] shall fall into it himself, and he who rolls a stone [up a height to do mischief], it will return upon him.

Proverbs 26:27 [AMP]

God has promised to protect His children. God is your Defender. Don’t worry about people who try to persecute you. Keep an attitude of gratitude. Remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength. You don’t need to fight your battles. God is your defender.  Thanks to Pastor Lon Solomon for his great teachings that inspire our work.

If you need reassurance of God as your defense, listen to our audio teaching, “Defender”.

Blood for the Battle

Years ago my dear friend Dr. Harry Bristow had a radio program in the Philadelphia AM band. Besides promoting his Christian Cinema in Ambler, Pennsylvania... Harry played some of the strangest Christian music I had ever heard (ranging from Operatic symphonies to Frank Sinatra style crooning) and would occasionally preach.

One of Harry’s radio sermons was entitled Blood for the Battle. Christians are not unlike our brave soldiers in hostile territory. We are not fighting a physical battle, however... but rather one that is spiritual in nature.

³ We do live in the world, but we do not fight in the same way the world fights. ⁴ We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy's strong places. We destroy people's arguments ⁵ and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 [NCV]

This week’s blog revisits this concept with blogs from Brotha DC, Judypie and Pastor Jake. Enjoy.

Roaring Lion

by Brotha DC

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

Peter 5:8 [AMP]

Peter advises us to be sober and vigilant, because the enemy (satan) is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour... just like that cat, seeking a pigeon to bully and intimidate.

I watched a video where this mean looking scrawny white cat persecuting this poor little pigeon. The pigeon is just minding his business when the cat shows up and does everything he can to make the poor bird miserable. It is only when someone comes in the yard and chases the cat away that the pigeon is safe.

This video so reminds me of our Christian walk. We are out doing our thing when, WHAM, the devil shows up and smacks us like the cat smacking that poor little pigeon with his paw. We try to get away but satan just sets up traps for us and continues to chase us until someone comes to chase him away.

Aren’t you glad that James writes that we can submit ourselves to God, and then resist the devil -- and satan will flee from you. While persecutions are promised to those of us who love God and are committed to live lives that give Him glory, we are also promised victory. We can overcome satan by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.

As a Christian, you can plead the blood of Jesus... and the word of our testimony is the word of God. Allow the word of God to dwell richly in you. Keep your eyes on Jesus. And, when the enemy comes to pounce on you, you can defeat him by the Blood of Jesus and by the word of your testimony.

1 Peter 5:8 tells us that satan is looking for someone to devour.

Obviously, not everyone can be devoured. If just anyone could be devoured, satan wouldn't have to spend time looking. For instance, not every woman is available. You have to look for one who is available. If she doesn't have a wedding band or engagement ring... if she doesn't run like the building is on fire when you walk into the room... then maybe. But you have to seek for one who is available.

Don't open doors for the devil. The devil is seeking for any crack he can crawl through in your life. It takes more work to be an eagle than a pigeon. The more of God's anointing in your life, the narrower your path must become. You may get by with things in 2006 that you can't in 2007. God works with us progressively and incrementally. He requires us to make progress in our walk with Him.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

John 10:10 [AMP]

You have an enemy. Sometimes our enemy knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows how to steal our peace... what buttons to push... and we need to watch ourselves and pray for strength over those areas that upset us.

As a believer, you have power and authority... but you must exercise it. Don't be passive about it. Walk in that authority. Let the devil know that you know that you have authority.

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Luke 10:19 [AMP]

You have authority. You have power. But if the devil is walking all over you, perhaps you are letting him.

Are you a Sunday morning saint but a Monday morning sinner?

Are you a Sunday morning warrior but a Monday morning whiner?

Being a victorious powerful stomp-on-the-devil Christian is a full-time job. You must love the word. You must live in the word. You must study and pray and say no to things that take time away from God. If you want God's promises, you can have them because they are for whosoever will... but it takes something. It takes the amount of time you put into your relationship with God.

What causes divorce? A lot of things -- but one big thing is a lack of communication. Two people who lose that intimacy grow apart until eventually they have nothing common to keep them together. You can fall away from your first love in Jesus and that is a DANGEROUS position to be in.

We are all given the same amount of time... 24 hours each day. If you use it to get close to God, you will grow. If you waste it...

How do we open doors for the devil to come in and persecute us?

When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].

Ephesians 4:26-27 [AMP]

It is not a sin to get angry about something. It is sin to try and vindicate yourself and act on that anger. God is our vindicator. Don't go to bed mad... minister to that person by sowing a seed of forgiveness.

Yes, we have authority over the devil... but we can't yield to the devil one minute and then take authority over him the next. We have to do what the word of God says to keep the door closed to the devil and have victory in our lives. Don't think you can give in to the devil on Monday and act like the devil on Tuesday and then, on Wednesday, try to take authority over him. The Bible doesn't tell us to resist our circumstances. We are to resist the devil. Just resist acting like the devil DURING the circumstance. What should we do in hard times? Remain stable whether you are abased or abounding.

Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Philippians 4:11-13 [AMP]

Learn to endure everything that comes your way with a good temper.

If you forgive anyone anything, I too forgive that one; and what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sakes in the presence [and with the approval] of Christ (the Messiah), To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 [AMP]

A good reason to forgive people is to keep satan from taking advantage over you. When people are constantly getting up in your grill, doing stupid things that just ticks you off, realize that it is not them you need to be mad with, it is satan. The devil makes people trip... so that he can try and make you trip. But when you humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, you can have victory over the devil.

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

Philippians 1:6 [AMP]

If you are a Christian, God saved you and filled you with the Holy Spirit. He gives you all of the weapons that you need to win your battle against the devil.

For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 [AMP]

We have powerful weapons in the spirit that will help us to win the battle. Put them to work to achieve victory in your life! For additional help, check out the following resources by clicking the links below (they are 100% free of charge):

Five Men Who Faced the Roaring Lion

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Roaring Lion

Peter's Battle Plan

PowerHouse

by JesusLover Judy

Power

Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask you to strengthen us with might by your Spirit. We receive your promise of the Holy Spirit-- your power and ability. We ask for the fuller manifestation of the grace and energy of the blessed Spirit of God, in the removal of all that is contrary to your revealed will, so that we will not grieve the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, work in mightier power in the Church, for the exaltation of Christ and the blessings of souls. We need the power of the Holy Spirit working in our personal and business relationships. Amen. (Andrew Murray)

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

Ephesians 6:10 [AMP]

⁴And while being in their company and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised, Of which [He said] you have heard Me speak.
⁸But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.

Acts 1:4, 8 [AMP]

Power to be Me

As a man thinks in his heart so is he. Your thoughts and words are energy, and they reach out to every condition and circumstance of your life. You have the power of choice, and have the ability to take control of your thought life and dislodge all the lies of the enemy. You have the power to be the person God created you to be! Choose to belive that you have received the ability, efficiency, and might when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. God needs you to be a true witness of the Gospel, and you will do this effectively when you are comfortable with who God created you to be. You are unique!

Father, you give power to the weak, and to those who have no might, You increase our strength. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind. You gave me power to trample…over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me in the name of Jesus. Amen.

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].

Isaiah 40:29 [AMP]

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

1 John 4:4 [AMP]

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Luke 10:19 [AMP]

I Can Do All Things

Father, You are the Strength of my life. I am working out my own salvation with reverence, not in my own strength for you are effectually at work in me, energizing and creating in me the power and desire both to will and to work for your good pleasure, satisfaction and delight. I am a new creation in Christ; old things have passed away, and today I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nothing shall be impossible to me in the name of Jesus. Amen.

THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1 [AMP]

¹²Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).
¹³[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

Philippians 2:12-13 [AMP]

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Philippians 4:13 [AMP]

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17 [AMP]

Standing With the Armor of God

In the name of Jesus, I am a child of the Light.

I take unto myself the whole armor of God that I may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand, I stand, having my loins girt about with truth.

Your Word is truth that contains all the weapons of my warfare, which are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.

Jesus, I speak Your Word into every situation, and the entrance of Your word brings light, which dispells the darkness.

Amen

For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light].

Ephesians 5:8 [AMP]

A Fight to the Finish


^10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

^13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Ephesians 6:10-18 [MESSAGE]

We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

2 Corinthians 10:4 [NLT]

Destiny

by JesusLover Judy

God knew you before the foundation of the world, and saw you while you were being formed in your mother's womb. He ordained and appointed you with purpose and destiny. He imparted special grace gifts into your DNA that are necessary for fulfilling His plan as you walk through the stages of life here on earth. You were created for His good pleasure and He rejoices over you with singing. He sent the Holy Spirit to direct you in your obedience and service.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I receive grace and peace which you have multiplied to me in the knowledge of God and of Jesus my Lord. Your divine power has given to me all things that pertain to life and godliness. Your grace gives me the ability to fulfill my destiny - walking in paths you have ordained for me. Your peace directs me and acts as umpire in all my decisions as I walk with confidence and assurance. I thank you for giving me the knowledge of Jesus Christ who called me by glory and virtue, and for giving to me exceedingly great and precious promises that through these I may be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. I live and move and have my being in Jesus Christ my Lord! Amen.

³For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).
⁴By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.

2 Peter 1:3-4 [AMP]

And He gives us the power to live, to move, and to be who we are. “We are His children,” just as some of your poets have said.

Acts 17:28 [CEV]

My Life is in Your Hands

Hallelujah! Oh my soul, praise God! All my life long I'll praise God; sing songs to You as long as I live. I’ll not put my life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, You are life. Instead, my help comes from the God of Jacob; my hope is in You and I’ll know real blessing! Father, I can count on You, You always do what You say....You love all people, and protect strangers, take the side of orphans and widows. God, You are in charge—always. Hallelujah! Amen.

Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God!

All my life long I'll praise God,

singing songs to my God as long as I live.



^3-9 Don't put your life in the hands of experts

who know nothing of life, of salvation life.

Mere humans don't have what it takes;

when they die, their projects die with them.

Instead, get help from the God of Jacob,

put your hope in God and know real blessing!

God made sky and soil,

sea and all the fish in it.

He always does what he says --

he defends the wronged,

he feeds the hungry.

God frees prisoners --

he gives sight to the blind,

he lifts up the fallen.

God loves good people, protects strangers,

takes the side of orphans and widows,

but makes short work of the wicked.



¹⁰ God's in charge--always.

Zion's God is God for good!

Hallelujah!

Psalm 146:1-10 [MESSAGE]

Abiding in the Vine

By Pastor James C. Sanford

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

John 15:4 [NASU]

Abide in Me, and I in you

Abide: To stand fast; remain; go on being (Webster). In the context in which it is used here: To stand fast in love and faith toward Christ; to remain united with Christ without intermission; go on or continue being faithful to Him. Thus Jesus is saying, if you remain in Me, I will remain with you, and will teach, guide, and comfort you. This He proceeds to illustrate by a reference to the vine. If the branch should be cut off an instant, it would die and be fruitless. As long as the branch is attached to the vine the parent stock imparts its juices, and furnishes a constant circulation of sap continuing the growth and fruitfulness of the branch. Thus if a disciple should be separated from Christ, or if he should lax his union to Him and dependence on Him, first the fruit withers and the branch droops and soon dies. While the disciples are united to Him by a living faith, from the nature of the case, strength flows from Him to His disciples, and they receive help as they need. Devotion then is manifested in good works, in love, and self-denial and is as natural, as easy, as unconstrained and as lovely as the vine covered with fruitful branches and is at once enticing and useful.

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 [NASU]

he bears much fruit

This verse is just stating the positive effect of abiding in Christ whereas the previous verse was stating the negative effect of not abiding in Him. In the last clause He re-emphasizes the negative effect thus leading into His next statement.

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

John 15:6 [NASU]

he is thrown away as a branch and dries up

Here we re-visit verse two [He takes away]. Two very controversial statements among Christians. I was reared in a Southern Baptist Church and was taught “once saved always saved.” Their doctrine is based upon the following Scripture:

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

John 10:27-29 [NASU]

My sheep hear My voice,

To hear His voice is to be led by the Spirit. And those who are led by the Spirit are obviously not led into sin. These are the sons of God (Romans 8:14).

and they follow Me

It seems to be that “follow Me” would mean the same as “abide in Me.” These bear the fruit of righteousness and to these He gives eternal life. A willful sinner is not in right standing with God thus he does not and can not bear the fruit of righteousness.

When I was called into the ministry my Lord pointed out a verse of Scripture to me, which stated:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 [NASU]

He impressed upon me that I should teach His people His truths that they may be delivered from destruction. This I vowed to do. Now I believe in the eternal security of the believer, if the one who says he believes is “abiding in” or “following” Christ. But I do not believe that going to church every Saturday (for those who go on the “Sabbath”) or every Sunday (for those who go on the “Lord’s Day”) or just every now and then and living in sin the balance of ones time is following our Lord or “abiding in the vine.” Thus I share the following truths with you that you might not be “destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
As the vine-dresser will remove every unfruitful branch from the vine, so will the Father remove every unfruitful member from the Body of Christ; the rebellious or stubborn, and all false and merely nominal Christians who are attached to the Christ by faith in the word and His divine mission, while they do not live in His life and Spirit, and do not bring forth any fruit to the glory of God. And also every disciple which has been in Him by true faith (Hebrews 6:4-6) but have returned to or have continued to willfully sin, and in so doing, “has trampled under foot the Son of God and treated as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified and has insulted the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29 NAS):” all these “He takes away.”

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:7 [NASU]

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you,

If you remain steadfast in Me through love and faith, and My doctrines and commandments abide in you through devotions and obedience, without intermission, then ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Our Lord requires of His disciples faithfulness from a heart of love.

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

John 15:8 [NASU]

that you bear much fruit,

Jesus bore the fruit of righteousness, thus He glorified His Father. If His disciples bear the same fruit and glorify the Father as He did then they are “abiding in the vine” and are known as His disciples.

Permission Denied

by Brotha DC

The hunter is seeking a soul to drag down
 Down into the pit of destruction

The lion is roaring, new prey he has found
 but only if he has permission

The devil asked for me... but God said, “NO!”
“he's covered by My Blood... you have to go!”
The devil pleaded... he begged... and he cried
Jesus repeated, “Petition Denied!”

The devil is waiting, refuses to quit
Just like a fly that keeps buzzing

he brings his battalion and bag full of tricks
but one little thing he's forgetting

i'm covered by the Blood --
the Blood of Jesus
His Spirit lives within --
that's how He frees us

And everyday i live in the Shadow of the Most High

The flames, they are raging and burning in hell
It's filled to the brim yet, it's growing

The devil desires to throw my soul in
but that's not the way i'll be going

The devil asked for me... but God said, “NO!”
“he's covered by My Blood... you have to go!”
The devil pleaded... he begged... and he cried
Jesus repeated, “Petition Denied!”


I wrote this song while living in Singapore. It is a blessing to know that no matter how much satan wants to kill, steal an destroy... Jesus gives us life to have and to enjoy in abundance, to the full, until it overflows (John 10:10).

³¹Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain,
³²But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.

Luke 22:31-32 [AMP]

HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

Psalm 91:1 [AMP]

Wisdom from Judypie: Spiritual Strength

Father, the end of all things is at hand, and we will be serious and watchful in our prayers. Above all things help us have fervent love for one another -- love that covers a multitude of sins. May we be hospitable to one another without grumbling, and minister to each other with the ability You supply. In all things we pray that You will be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion for ever. Amen.

⁷In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God's unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.]
⁸Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble).
⁹Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God--that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].
¹⁰For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good--whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit).
¹¹Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!]

1^st Peter 3:7-11 [AMP]

To You, O Lord I pray. My enemies will not triumph over me, and I will never be disgraced for trusting You. Show me the path where I should go, point out the right road for me to walk. Lead and teach me for You are the God who gives me salvation. Thank You for seeing me through eyes of everlasting love and kindness. Your integrity and uprightness will preserve me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

¹UNTO YOU, O Lord, do I bring my life.
²O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me.
³Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause.
⁴Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.
⁵Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long.

Psalm 25:1-5 [AMP]

Father, You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and of a sound mind. We will not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. You saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to Your own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before time began. You called us and You are faithful to do it in the name of Jesus.

⁷For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
⁸Do not blush or be ashamed then, to testify to and for our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for His sake, but [with me] take your share of the suffering [to which the preaching] of the Gospel [may expose you, and do it] in the power of God.
⁹[For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].

2^nd Timothy 1:7-9 [AMP]

Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you].

1^st Thessalonians 5:24 [AMP]

I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

Meditations from Judypie: How Big is Your God?

How Big is Your God?

Are you acquainted with this awesome God who wants you to know Him intimately? Think about the wondrous things He has done beginning with the beauty of the earth. Hear the sounds of heaven released in the nighttime as the creatures of the earth make a symphony to the Lord. Who is like our God? Consider the bright light of a full moon as it shines through the oak trees creating playful shadows; twinkling stars announcing that our God rides on the wings of the wind. Hush, don’t you hear them singing the song of the Lord? Yet you and I sing a song that they cannot sing – the song of the redeemed! Isn’t you heart overwhelmed with the awesomeness of God? Just think the Creator is your God, your Lord, and your Savior! There is none who can compare to Him. He is a big God, yet He is small enough to live within your heart, even the heart of a child. Who is like unto our God?

Who among the gods is like You, O Lord? Who is like You--majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, or with the breadth of His hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? You are magnificence, a big God, yet You have taken Your place in my heart. You abide in me and I abide in You. Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God. You have done great things. Who, O God, is like unto You? You are my Lord and Savior, Creator of the heavens and earth. You are a big God – more than enough to help me in any situation. Oh, my God – You went before me and prepared the pathway that I am to walk. I love You with my whole heart, soul and mind. Amen

Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders?

Exodus 15:11 [AMP]

Messages of Comfort

Prepare for God’s Arrival

^1-2 “Comfort, oh comfort my people,”
says your God.
“Speak softly and tenderly to Jerusalem,
but also make it very clear
That she has served her sentence,
that her sin is taken care of—forgiven!
She’s been punished enough and more than enough,
and now it’s over and done with.”

^3-5Thunder in the desert!
“Prepare for God’s arrival!
Make the road straight and smooth,
a highway fit for our God.
Fill in the valleys,
level off the hills,
Smooth out the ruts,
clear out the rocks.
Then God’s bright glory will shine
and everyone will see it.
Yes. Just as God has said.”

^6-8A voice says, “Shout!”
I said, “What shall I shout?”

“These people are nothing but grass,
their love fragile as wildflowers.
The grass withers, the wildflowers fade,
if God so much as puffs on them.
Aren’t these people just so much grass?
True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade,
but our God’s Word stands firm and forever.”

^9-11Climb a high mountain, Zion.
You’re the preacher of good news.
Raise your voice. Make it good and loud, Jerusalem.
You’re the preacher of good news.
Speak loud and clear. Don’t be timid!
Tell the cities of Judah,
“Look! Your God!”
Look at him! God, the Master, comes in power,
ready to go into action.
He is going to pay back his enemies
and reward those who have loved him.
Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock,
gathering the lambs in his arms,
Hugging them as he carries them,
leading the nursing ewes to good pasture.

The Creator of All You Can See or Imagine

^12-17Who has scooped up the ocean
in his two hands,
or measured the sky between his thumb and little finger,
Who has put all the earth’s dirt in one of his baskets,
weighed each mountain and hill?
Who could ever have told God what to do
or taught him his business?
What expert would he have gone to for advice,
what school would he attend to learn justice?
What god do you suppose might have taught him what he knows,
showed him how things work?
Why, the nations are but a drop in a bucket,
a mere smudge on a window.
Watch him sweep up the islands
like so much dust off the floor!
There aren’t enough trees in Lebanon
nor enough animals in those vast forests
to furnish adequate fuel and offerings for his worship.
All the nations add up to simply nothing before him—
less than nothing is more like it. A minus.

^18-20So who even comes close to being like God?
To whom or what can you compare him?
Some no-god idol? Ridiculous!
It’s made in a workshop, cast in bronze,
Given a thin veneer of gold,
and draped with silver filigree.
Or, perhaps someone will select a fine wood—
olive wood, say—that won’t rot,
Then hire a woodcarver to make a no-god,
giving special care to its base so it won’t tip over!

^21-24Have you not been paying attention?
Have you not been listening?
Haven’t you heard these stories all your life?
Don’t you understand the foundation of all things?
God sits high above the round ball of earth.
The people look like mere ants.
He stretches out the skies like a canvas—
yes, like a tent canvas to live under.
He ignores what all the princes say and do.
The rulers of the earth count for nothing.
Princes and rulers don’t amount to much.
Like seeds barely rooted, just sprouted,
They shrivel when God blows on them.
Like flecks of chaff, they’re gone with the wind.

^25-26“So—who is like me?
Who holds a candle to me?” says The Holy.
Look at the night skies:
Who do you think made all this?
Who marches this army of stars out each night,
counts them off, calls each by name
—so magnificent! so powerful!—
and never overlooks a single one?

^27-31Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
or, whine, Israel, saying,
“God has lost track of me.
He doesn’t care what happens to me”?
Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
they walk and don’t lag behind.

Isaiah 40 [Message]

Your righteousness also, O God, is very high [reaching to the heavens], You Who have done great things; O God, who is like You, or who is Your equal?

Psalm 71:19 [AMP]

Lord, You are my shield, my glory, and my only hope. You alone can lift my head, now bowed in shame. I cried out to the Lord, and He heard me from His Holy Temple. Then I lay down and slept in peace and woke up safely, for the Lord was watching over me. And now, although ten thousand enemies surround me on every side, I am not afraid. Salvation comes from God. Jesus is my Lord! What joys He gives to all His people. Amen

³ But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
⁴ I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.
Interlude

⁵ I lay down and slept,
yet I woke up in safety,
for the Lord was watching over me.
⁶ I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
who surround me on every side.

⁷ Arise, O Lord!
Rescue me, my God!
Slap all my enemies in the face!
Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
⁸ Victory comes from you, O Lord.
May you bless your people.
Interlude

Psalm 3:3-8 [NLT]

Confidence and Strength

Lord, You are my confidence and will keep my foot from being caught in a trap or hidden danger. I have returned to You and waited for You and I am saved; in quietness and confidence is my strength. In Christ and through faith in Him I approach God with freedom and confidence, and I will not throw away my confidence; it will be richly rewarded in the name of Jesus. Amen

For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger].

Proverbs 3:26 [AMP]

¹⁵ This is what the Sovereign Lord,
the Holy One of Israel, says:
“Only in returning to me
and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But you would have none of it.

Isaiah 30:15 [NLT]

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Ephesians 3:12 [NIV]

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

Hebrews 10:35 [NAS]

Called to Fellowship

God, You called me into fellowship with Your Son Jesus Christ my Lord and You are faithful. You called me to this through the gospel that I might share in the glory of my Lord Jesus Christ. You saved me and chose me for this holy work not because I deserved it but because that was Your plan long before the world began--to show Your love and kindness to me through Christ Jesus. Thank You for calling me; You are faithful to confirm Your word with signs and wonders for Your glory. I love You, my Lord God, with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my mind (intellect), and I shall love my neighbor as I do myself. Jesus, You are Lord! Amen

God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1^st Corinthians 1:9 [AMP]

[It was] to this end that He called you through our Gospel, so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

2^nd Thessalonians 2:14 [AMP]

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

2^nd Timothy 1:9 [NLT]

Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you].

1^st Thessalonians 5:24 [AMP]

“This is the day the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
-Psalm 118:24

Our God Reigns

Heavenly Father, You are the Lord of my life. You made my spirit the candle of the Lord that searches out my innermost being, and I submit to the Holy Spirit who searches my heart and He knows Your will for my life. Everything is exposed to Your Word, and I submit to the constant ministry of transformation by the Holy Spirit. Thank You for healing all my hurts, fulfilling all my needs and for helping me process and resolve all issues perfectly with the Word of God. I choose this day to submit to Your Lordship and declare with confidence: my God reigns over my life! Amen

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],

Luke 4:18 [AMP]

The spirit of man [that factor in human personality which proceeds immediately from God] is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.

Proverbs 20:27 [AMP]

So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will.

Romans 8:26-27 [AMP]

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.

Hebrews 4:12-13 [AMP]

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"
—Matthew 11:28

Meditations from Judypie: Power to Live Victoriously

This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! My delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on Your law I habitually meditate (ponder and study) by day and by night. Then I shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water; ready to bring forth fruit in my season; my leaf shall not fade or wither, and everything I do shall prosper and come to maturity. Amen.

This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 [NIV]

But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

Psalm 1:2-3 [AMP]

God wants you to have success in every area of your life. There are spiritual laws that will govern earthly laws if you put them to work. The law of sowing and reaping can be studied while walking through your flower garden or driving through the countryside. When one seed is planted in good soil it will produce many times more. I encourage you to put your sanctified (set apart unto God) imagination to work and meditate on God’s Word concerning finances, healing, relationships, walking in love, following after peace, developing the fruit of the spirit described in Galatians 5. Meditate on things that are worthy of reverence, honorable and seemly, just, pure, lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. As a man thinks in his heart so is he.

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Dreams are seeds of reality – they are the beginning of all your achievements. Obstacles can become stepping stones to success if you believe. Your future is filled with probabilities and possibilities. Jesus said that all things are possible to the person who believes.

Father, You are the Strength of my life. I am working out my own salvation with reverence, not in my own strength for you are effectually at work in me, energizing and creating in me the power and desire both to will and to work for your good pleasure, satisfaction and delight. I am a new creation in Christ; old things have passed away, and today I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nothing shall be impossible to me in the name of Jesus. Amen

THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 21:1 [AMP]

Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

Philippians 2:12-13 [AMP]

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Philippians 4:13 [AMP]

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

2^nd Corinthians 5:17 [AMP]

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your goodness. In the name of Jesus I cast the whole of my care—all anxieties, worries and concerns—upon You. I know that You love me and care for me, and those for whom I am praying. Today I make all my requests known to You with thanksgiving. I know You hear me, and I believe Your best answers are on the way from the moment I ask. Amen.

O GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

Psalm 136:1 [AMP]

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

Philippians 4:6 [AMP]

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

1^st Peter 5:7 [AMP]

The names of God reveal his desire to supply your every need.

My life is complete in You, Lord Jesus. Every answer, every need, every solution I have need of is available to me.

• You are Jehovah-Rapha, my Healer
• Jehovah-Nissi, my Victory
• Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider
• You are Jehovah M’Kaddesh, my Sanctifier
• Jehovah-Shalom, my Peace and Security
• My Shepherd, you’re Jehovah-Rohi
• Jehovah-Tsidkenu, my Righteousness
• Jehovah-Shammah, my ever-present Friend

Because I am complete in You, Lord Jesus I can overcome my insecurities and bring maturity and wisdom to every relationship for the good and benefit of others. Amen

And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power].

Colossians 2:10 [AMP]

To You, O Lord I pray. My enemies will not triumph over me, and I will never be disgraced for trusting You. Show me the path where I should go, point out the right road for me to walk. Lead and teach me for you are the God who gives me salvation. Thank you for seeing me through eyes of everlasting love and kindness. Your integrity and uprightness will preserve me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

¹UNTO YOU, O Lord, do I bring my life. ²O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me. ³Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause. ⁴Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. ⁵Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long.

Psalm 25:1-5 [AMP]

Father, you give power to the weak, and to those who have no might, You increase our strength. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind. You gave me power to trample…over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me in the name of Jesus. Amen.

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].

Isaiah 40:29 [AMP]

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

1^st John 4:4 [AMP]

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Luke 10:19 [AMP]

As a man thinketh in his heart so is he. Your thoughts and words are energy, and they reach out to every condition and circumstance of your life. You have the power of choice, and have the ability to take control of your thought life and dislodge all the lies of the enemy. You have the power to be the person God created you to be! Choose to believe that you have received the ability, efficiency, and might when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. God needs you to be a true witness of the Gospel, and you will do this effectively when you are comfortable with who God created you to be. You are unique!

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long. Laus Deo!

He Permitted No Man To Do Them Wrong

“He permitted no man to do them wrong...” 1st Chronicles 16:21 [NKJV]

What would you be willing to do to protect your child from harm?

Whatever that might happen to be... try multiplying that amount by infinity and you will begin to understand how much God cares for you.

Nebuchadnezzar took the sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem and placed them in a pagan temple in Shinar (Daniel 1:1-2 NKJV).

After his son Belshazzar became king, one night during a drunken feast...

They brought in the... goblets... from the temple of God... and the king... and his concubines drank from them

Daniel 5:3 [NIV]

Now if they had simply mishandled some worthless old cup, perhaps it might not have mattered. However, God had too much invested in these sacred vessels to allow them to be mistreated.

That night Nebuchadnezzar and his entire kingdom were destroyed because of this unchanging Bible principle:

²¹ He permitted no man to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, ²² Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”

1^st Chronicles 16:21-22 [NKJV]

¹⁴ He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, ¹⁵ Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”

Psalm 105:14-15 [NKJV]

As God’s redeemed child, you are loved, you are valued and you are protected. You can stand on that truth. You may have to fight in a foreign land or live and work in a difficult situation. You may have to endure great hardship for your faith. Regardless, your circumstances do not change the solid rock of God’s holy word.

But understand - God has invested too much in you to let you be destroyed. Any time Satan tries that, God will interrupt his party and say, “This vessel is off limits; it took Me too long to teach this woman to pray. I’ve devoted too many hours to training this man how to overcome. They’ve learned how to stand amidst trials. They’ve suffered too much for My name’s sake for Me to let you harm them. Take your hand off them, they’re Mine!”

Rejoice, today God is protecting you!

Pastor Ng Francis
www.fnministries.com

Permission Denied

“Permission Denied” is one of the Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer written in Singapore. It is a celebration of the protective love of our Father in heaven through Christ Jesus our Lord!

It is a blessing to know that no matter how much satan wants to kill us, steal from us, and destroy us... he is limited in what he can do. As we focus our faith on the work that Jesus did on Calvary, we can rely upon the promises of John 10:10 and enjoy life in abundance, to the full, and until it overflows.

³¹Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain, ³²But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.

Luke 22:31-32 [AMP]

HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

Psalm 91:1 [AMP]

The hunter is seeking a soul to drag down
Down into the pit of destruction
The lion is roaring, new prey he has found
but only if he has permission

The devil asked for me... but God said, “NO!”
“he’s covered by My Blood... you have to go!”
The devil pleaded... he begged... and he cried
Jesus repeated, “Petition Denied!”

The devil is waiting, refuses to quit
Just like a fly that keeps buzzing
he brings his battalion and bag full of tricks
but one little thing he’s forgetting

i’m covered by the Blood -- the Blood of Jesus
His Spirit lives within -- that’s how He frees us
And everyday i live in the Shadow of the Most High

The flames, they are raging and burning in hell
It’s filled to the brim yet, it’s growing
The devil desires to throw my soul in
but that’s not the way i’ll be going

The devil asked for me... but God said, “NO!”
“he’s covered by My Blood... you have to go!”
The devil pleaded... he begged... and he cried
Jesus repeated, “Petition Denied!”

When satan rears his ugly head, just let out a guffaw of holy laughter because you know that he is defeated by the blood of Jesus and by the word of your testimony.

Permission... denied!

Meditations from Judypie

Do you pray for others because you want them to change to make your life easier, or because you want God to be glorified? When you pray for others, pray for them with joy. When you pray for others you are restored to a spiritual tone of heart and mind. Probably few of us have been through as much as Job of the Old Testament. He lost everything, and was attacked physically. After many months he prayed for his friends. The Lord turned his captivity and restored his fortunes; also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Let's pray for one another.

In the name of Jesus, I thank God for you—every time I pray. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Ephesians 1:16-23

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Begin everyday with a smile, a glad heart and a happy, joyous spirit.

Father, I come before You rejoicing, for this is the day that You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. To obey is better than sacrifice, so I am making a decision to submit to Your will today, that my plans and purposes may be conducted in a manner that will bring honor and glory to You. Cause me to be spiritually and mentally alert in this time of meditation and prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Psalm 118:24; 1^st Samuel 15:22; Colossians 4:2

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Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing the work of my hands. I can walk confidently fulfilling my destiny because You love, accept and approve of me. I am strong even though I feel weak, and my works shall be rewarded. I am steadfast, never giving up in the face of adversity. Because I am Your child and a partaker of Your divine nature, I will stand firm until Your will prevails and Satan’s plans have been demolished. In the name of Jesus, I affirm Your love for me. Amen

Scripture Meditation: Deuteronomy 28:12; 2^nd Chronicles 15:7; Ephesians 6:13-14

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Praise God! Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? Jesus, I know that my Redeemer lives -- you are risen from the dead, and I am risen with you. I set my heart on things above, where you are seated at the right hand of God. Thank you Jesus! I have this assurance that even as you were taken up from among us to heaven you will come back in the same way you left. When you appear I shall be like you -- awesome! Hallelujah! Jesus is Lord!

Scripture Meditation: 1^st Corinthians 15; Colossians 2:12; 3:1; Acts 1:11

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“I came to the world to be a Light. Anyone who puts his trust in Me will not be in darkness”

John 12:46 (NLV)

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You can turn fear out by declaring your faith in God's Word. Praying aloud will stop the tormenting thoughts. Believe God; He is faithful, and He watches over His word to perform it.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for delivering me from the fear of death. You are with me; I will not be afraid. You are my God, and I will not be dismayed. I have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but I have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Hebrews 2:14-15; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:15; Psalm 34:4

Meditations from Judypie

Lord, I acknowledge you as my Strength, my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer and my Shield. Even though enemies rise up against me they will not triumph over me. I choose to walk in a manner that is pleasing to you, and you make my enemies to be at peace with me. You cause them to flee from me seven ways. How grateful I am that you, my Lord, would honor me by preparing a table of abundance for me in the presence of my enemies, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Deuteronomy 28:7; Psalm 18; Psalm 23:5; Proverbs 16:7

Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.
Psalm 121:4

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Lord, cleanse me from all impurities and put a new heart and a new spirit within me. Remove my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh that will be sensitive and compassionate to the needs of others. In Jesus’ name, help me to see others as you see them and to hear and answer their cries just as you would. Today, I will look for opportunities to bless others. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Ezekiel 36:25-28; Proverbs 3:27

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
John 15:7

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Father, I thank you for giving me the grace to believe in you and your Word even in the midst of the storms of life, providing a place of rest for me. In the midst of seemingly impossible demands, deadlines and tasks at hand, my heart is steadfast, fixed trusting in you. Your strength and boldness are released to me as I confidently rest in your promises. In your presence I am refreshed, restored and renewed in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Isaiah 30:15; Mark 6:31; Psalm 112

Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.
Psalm 121:4

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Father, this is eternal life that we may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I thank You for sending Jesus to earth; to know Him is to know You. I thank You for the Holy Spirit who comforts and helps me – teaching me all things that You have said. I pause and take time to meditate on Your promises in the midst of my busy schedule, in the name of Jesus. You are my Strength, my Light and my Salvation. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: John 17:3; John 14; Psalm 27

How good and pleasant it is
when we live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,

Secret Place

In our blog He No Bother Me, one of the scriptures that we covered was the 91^st Psalm. This Psalm is a powerful scripture that describes the awesome protection afforded to those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High and remain under the shadow of the Almighty. It is greater protection than a platoon of soldiers or a crack team of Ninja.

You wanna see for yourself? Check this out...

¹ HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. ² I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! ³ For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. ⁴ [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. ⁵ You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, ⁶ Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. ⁷ A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. ⁸ Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. ⁹ Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, ¹⁰ There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. ¹¹ For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. ¹² They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. ¹³ You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. ¹⁴ Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. ¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. ¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

Psalm 91 (Amplified Bible)

That scripture was also the foundation for another item in our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series. We wrote Secret Place while attending an Assemblies of God camp meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Quite an interesting place for us to be... but as Psalm 139:7-12 tells us, never so far away that we can’t touch and be touched by the Spirit of God.

When my heart is tired
hurt and disappointed
i run
to the secret place

When my burdens heavy
and my body’s weary
i reach
for His warm embrace

In the secret place of the Most High
He will wipe away every tear from my eye
i am stable.
i will abide.
In the secret place of the Most High

When i have nobody
there to tell my troubles
i run
to the secret place

When death’s shadows lurking
and the world stops turning
i gaze
on His lovely face

In the secret place of the Most High
He will wipe away every tear from my eye
i am stable.
i will abide.
In the secret place of the Most High

If no one stands with me
whole world turns against me
i run
to the secret place

satan cannot touch me
nobody can harm me
when i
anchor at His base

In the secret place of the Most High
He will wipe away every tear from my eye
i am stable.
i will abide.
In the secret place of the Most High

In the 1950’s, they had bomb shelters. But in the centuries before Christ... and even to this day... we have the Secret Place of the Most High.

Dwell in it!

He No Bother Me

You ever have one of those days when it seems that nothing is going right? I can relate. When we wrote He No Bother Me back in 1994, I saw a multi-million dollar bonus go up in smoke with the job that mysteriously vanished... I saw a relationship disintegrate before we could reach the altar... and almost lost more than that when the brake line on my vehicle mysteriously failed in the middle of heavy traffic.  What was my response to this onslaught of calamity? 

I WROTE A SONG!

Yeah, I know that Earth Wind and Fire said, “When you feel down and out... sing a song.”  However, that is going under the assumption that one actually has a melodious and/or mellifluous singing voice.  I think that the only music that I can sing is country music.  And, even then, I doubt that anyone listening can discern what country the music is from.  Sorry, just a bit of humor.  I digress.  But, seriously folks, the Bible tells us to speak to one another with songs, hymns, and spiritual songs... singing and making music in your heart to the Lord (see Ephesians 5:18-20 and Colossians 3:16). 

We see in the Gospel According to Mark that Jesus spoke to the circumstances around Him... and his words had impact upon the situation.

And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm (a perfect peacefulness).

Mark 4:39 (Amplified Bible)

My song was the cumulative application of these scriptures -- and my Bible study group joined me and my electronic keyboard in shoving it right back into the devil’s face.  I was not intent on just ignoring his persecution.  Oh, no.  I wanted to get my spiritual picnic basket out and enjoy a continual feast!

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].

Proverbs 15:15 (Amplified Bible)

Anxious thoughts and forebodings are the food of the person who worries. And meditating on worry is a type of pride. How so? You don’t want to give it to Jesus... you would rather carry it yourself. It is as if your pacing the floor all night is more effective than laying it before the throne of the Creator of the universe.  The Bible tells me that God never slumbers nor sleeps.  So then, why should both of us stay awake all night?  I am going to sleep well... and then get up and get dressed the spiritual way...

¹¹ Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. ¹² For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

Ephesians 6:11-12 (Amplified Bible)

Now that I am rested... now that I have feasted on God’s word... and now that I am dressed in my armor, I will dwell safely and secure in the secret place of the Most High.

¹ HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. ² I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! ³ For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. ⁴ [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. ⁵ You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, ⁶ Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. ⁷ A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. ⁸ Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. ⁹ Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, ¹⁰ There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. ¹¹ For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. ¹² They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. ¹³ You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. ¹⁴ Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. ¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. ¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

Psalm 91 (Amplified Bible)

I am secure in the knowledge that satan will get what is coming to him...

Then the devil who had led them astray [deceiving and seducing them] was hurled into the fiery lake of burning brimstone, where the beast and false prophet were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (through the ages of the ages).

Revelation 20:10 (Amplified Bible)

And that is why he no bother me...

The devil get this wild idea
but he no bother me
he think he fill my heart with fear
but he no bother me
he try to take all my possessions
but he no bother me
he try to steal my hope of heaven
but he no bother me

i cut the devil down one evening
Upon the blood of Jesus pleading
The word -- God's promises revealing
Say, he no bother me

On the highway, he try to kill me
but i no worry man
i call on Jesus, and He hear me
so, i no worry man
The angels come, and they protect me
so, i no worry man
The Holy Spirit lead and guide me
so, i no worry man

Like Abraham i have a covenant
When storm arrive, i rise above it
i speak the name of Jesus on it
So, he no bother me

The devil don't know when he had it
but he no bother me
'Cause on my Jesus i be braggin'
so, he no bother me
Eternal life, i'm waiting on it
so, he no bother me
the devil gets eternal torment
no more he bother me

Under the wings of Jesus hiding
Stable and fixed, i am abiding
Upon the wind of faith i'm riding

So i suggest you see
Don't you join my enemy
'Cause he go down to the fire sea
where he no bother me

satan will burn
eternally
Hey!
he no bother me!