How do we Triumph

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. ~Revelation 12:11

How do we triumph over Satan, the enemy who is constantly attacking seeking whom he can devour?  We triumph by the blood of the Lamb.  We triumph because Jesus has already claimed the victory.  He shed His blood, died, rose again conquering death.  His blood that covers us sets us free from the condemnation of sin and the accusations that the enemy hurls.

We triumph with our testimony.  The testimony of our faith.  Our belief in Jesus, the Only One who can save.  We hold fast and hard to the truth even when death stares us down and we don’t shrink back.  We stand firm with the armor of God upon us.  This is how we triumph and rejoice.

Lord, thank You for your blood and thank You for the testimony of faith.  Thank You for your Word that causes us to triumph.  In Jesus name. Amen

Be a witness

 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”~Matthew 28:19-20

 

The great commission is to go and tell the world about the gospel of Jesus Christ.   As believers we are to beat witness to Jesus. How do we do this?  We do this in how we love each other and not just the ones that are easy to love.  We show patience in the midst of this pandemic and we actually open our mouths and tell someone about the goodness of Jesus.

There is an urgency in the land.  People must be warned that judgement is nigh, but Christ is present.   They don’t have to leave in fear because God loves them and wants all to be saved.  He wants us to repent and come into His loving arms.  He wants us to let go of the anger, pride, greed, and everything that would come between us and His love.  

Lord, give me courage to speak the truth to someone today.  May I be witness for You.  In Jesus name.  Amen

He fights for us

"Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’” 2 Kings 6:16 

Sometimes it can feel as if we are surrounded by the enemy, but we only have to look to God’s word to know that we are not alone and that we are not out numbered.  We have a host of angels standing guard and we have Jesus who is ready to defend.  He is always at work( John 5:17).  

So we don’t have to be afraid.  We can move with confidence.  We can trust God with the outcome knowing He is working it out for our good according to His purpose ( Romans 8:28).  We can walk in peace.

Lord, help us to trust You when all seems lost.   Help us to believe and know that You care for us and that You fight for us.  Help us to be still and believe in your Word.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Stubborn hearts

The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.~Revelation 9:20-21

A stubborn heart.  That’s what I see when I read these verses.  I also see pride. “ it didn’t happen to me so I’m good.”  It’s heartbreaking to know that so many still won’t turn to God even when He is speaking so clearly.  

Yet,  I just don’t want to look at others.  I want to examine my own heart.  What sin is God causing me to look at in my life that I am turning a blind eye to?  Am I letting pride blind me?  No, I am not murdering anyone, but to I harbor envy in my heart?  

I really feel like the trumpet’s are sounding.  He is still giving us time to repent and draw nigh to Him.  I pray that the eyes and ears of hearts are open to His plea.  In Jesus name.  Amen

The Word

While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him a second time: ~Jeremiah 33:1

Jeremiah was confined, but God’s word was not.  As I read this verse I thought of the many leaders who have been confined, like Paul, yet the Word went out.  You can’t stop God and you can’t limit His word.  

This brings me joy, knowing that no circumstance is to big for God’s word to touch.  It can not enclose me where I can’t get a word from Him.  The pandemic has shut the physical doors of many churches.  Yet,  the word is still going forth with an even wider reach.  God is amazing and He is good.

Lord,  thank you for not letting our present situations keep us from getting a Word from You.  Keep the ears of heart tuned to You Lord so that we will have what we need during this time.  We thank You for your love and tender care.  Thank You for being God.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Lessons being learned

 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.~Romans 8:18

I’m reading the book of Revelation now.  The study is focusing on Christ revealing Himself to us, but all I can think about is the judgement.  It causes me to examine my heart and a few things stood out. 1.  I don’t want to go through the suffering.  But suffering has its purpose.   Trials strengthen my faith.  2.  Don’t have to worry about the judgement if I am right with God.  And this rightness is not based on me, but the righteousness of God imparted to me because I believe.
3. Christ is revealing that He was there in the beginning and He will be there in the end, I have nothing to fear.

Father, fear is not from You so I let it go.   Help me to see You as You reveal Yourself to me.  Help me to take heart and trust in You.  Help me to believe in the truth of your word and endure the sufffering so that your glory may be revealed in me.  In Jesus mane. Amen

The Good news: tell it

The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).And he brought him to Jesus. ~1 John:41-42


When Andrew finds Jesus the first thing he did was to his find his brother Simeon Peter and bring him to Jesus.   What’s the first thing that we do when we find Jesus or learn something new about Him?  Do we go and find our brother or sister and bring them to Jesus?  Do we share the good news of the Father?  Do we share the gospel?

I don’t.  I tell others who already know, but God wants us ( me) to tell those who don’t know.   Our brothers and sisters out there in the world.  The good news is not meant to be kept to ourselves.  It is to be shared.  So who am I bringing to Jesus?

Lord, I thank You for those that brought me to you.  Forgive me for not being diligent in bringing my brother or sister to You.  May I be a bold witness as I share the goodness of who You are.   Help me to see the opportunities you set before me to do so.  In Jesus name.  Amen