For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. ---1 John 5:4
There is a difference between believing in someone and something and having faith in someone or something. “What?” You may ask. The difference is when you believe, it is all mental. It is kept within your mind or your heart. When you have faith, then you can easily act or do something. Let’s say a child is at the swimming pool with his dad. In his mind, he believes that his dad will catch him when he jumps into the pool. Now the dad is in the water with arms outstretched and the child still believes. He could stand on the edge of the pool and believe all day, but will not exercise his faith. But when he pushes off and flies through the air into the arms of his daddy, that is the true expression of faith. His action indicates faith that his dad will catch him.
Now we can apply that to our thoughts toward God. We can believe that He is our Defender, our Healer, and our Provider all day but we will not see any evidence until we step out and take that plunge into His arms. Scriptures tells us, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) “How do we take the plunge into the arms of an unseen God?” you may ask.
The first step toward faith is to know your God. You know Him by reading about Him in the Bible and seeing how faithful He was in those days. You could pick up books written by and about modern day men and women who have had God prove Himself to them through their own battles and situations. By doing that, you know that God has a history and that He is still alive today and very interested in seeing you through to your victory.
The next step is to express verbally back to God what He has said about you. If we just stay in the book of 1 John, we can speak back to God what the Word says. For example: You can say, “If I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me my sins and to cleans me from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Then tell the Lord where you know you missed the mark and sinned. Then you can meditate on then speak to the Lord this from 1 John 2:20, “I have an anointing from the Holy One, and I know all things.” You know things because the Greater One is in you, the Holy Spirit. He has come to teach, counsel and convict of sin. Let Him rule in your life.
Then acknowledge that there is an enemy that has been deceiving you and wants to destroy you. Read 1 John 3:8, “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil.” We must run from the devil when he sets traps, enticements and lures to ensnare us to keep us from the destiny that God has designed for us. Jesus has destroyed his works so his biggest tool is deception.
Speak this verse in the first person, 1 John 4:4: “I am of God and have overcome them (the antichrist) because He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.” Then got to 1 John 5:4 “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” So, you have been speaking your confession which is expressing your faith in a God that will fight for you, defend you, protect and provide for you.
Lastly, although you may not see immediate results such as a miraculous healing or instant job, go ahead and thank God for hearing your prayer. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14) We will know His will when we know His Word and His heart. Pray that you will increase in knowledge through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and you will see your victory.
Confession: My victory rests in the knowledge of God, my expressing His Word back to Him and thanking Him even before I see the evidence of my victory.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Difference Between Belief and Faith
And He said to her, “Daughter your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
There was a woman in Jesus’ day who had dealt with an infirmity that kept her closed in her house for 12 years. She had gone to the doctors and spent lots of money, but she was not any better. She probably knew of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but her belief didn’t get any results.
One day, she heard about this man named Jesus who was talking about the Kingdom of God and people were getting healed. There was word buzzing on the street in her village that this Jesus was coming. Here is her opportunity to seek another avenue of help. She “believed” Jesus could do something about her physical condition because others were being healed of blindness, lameness and even the dead had been raised. How difficult could her malady be for Him to heal? So she BELIEVED!
She could have stayed home and believed that Jesus was the Healer. She could have talked to friends and family about this man and never stepped out of her house. She could still believe that He was the Healer. Believing means having conviction in something. It means knowing in your mind that something is true.
But faith is taking a step beyond “knowing about someone or something. Our lady with the issue of blood went beyond the believing stage. First, she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” This was her statement of faith. She said with her mouth what she believed in her head. Just knowing or believing and thinking to yourself will not be a step of faith. Our lady went beyond believing and stepped into the realm of faith. She spoke her belief, which was her confession.
Next, she dared to leave her house. Knowing that the penalty of her walking among people was stoning, she knew she was a dead woman anyway so she risked pressing her way through the crowd. Again, her faith had kicked into a high gear. Not only did she speak what she believed, but now she stepped out into the street and DID what was in her heart to do.
When she saw the crowds surrounding Jesus, she knew it was all but impossible to step in front of him and get His attention. But she pressed ahead anyway. This was expectant faith. She believed, she spoke, and she stepped out, now she was expecting something to happen. If she could just press through all those legs and reach the hem of his cloak, she thought, she would be healed. So she pressed and pressed, crawling on her hands and knees, reaching through the legs and . . . there! She touched his robe.
Suddenly all commotion stopped when Jesus, who immediately knew in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” The disciples were flabbergasted saying, “How can we possibly know with all these people pressing in?” But Jesus insisted, “Who touched Me?” And He looked around to see her and their eyes locked with a knowing that it was her who touched. The woman spoke and admitted the whole truth that it was her. Then Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”
Belief will not make any changes in your life, but Faith will. Jesus is looking for those who will go beyond belief and speak their confession and do what they know in their heart. How about you? Are you keeping your beliefs to yourself and still expecting God to heal or protect or change your situation? The Bible says, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God."(Hebrews 11:6) Or will you step out in faith by acting on what you believe?
Confession: I know that Jesus can answer me when I call upon Him in faith. I will begin to speak out what I believe in my heart and do what the Holy Spirit tells me to do.
There was a woman in Jesus’ day who had dealt with an infirmity that kept her closed in her house for 12 years. She had gone to the doctors and spent lots of money, but she was not any better. She probably knew of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but her belief didn’t get any results.
One day, she heard about this man named Jesus who was talking about the Kingdom of God and people were getting healed. There was word buzzing on the street in her village that this Jesus was coming. Here is her opportunity to seek another avenue of help. She “believed” Jesus could do something about her physical condition because others were being healed of blindness, lameness and even the dead had been raised. How difficult could her malady be for Him to heal? So she BELIEVED!
She could have stayed home and believed that Jesus was the Healer. She could have talked to friends and family about this man and never stepped out of her house. She could still believe that He was the Healer. Believing means having conviction in something. It means knowing in your mind that something is true.
But faith is taking a step beyond “knowing about someone or something. Our lady with the issue of blood went beyond the believing stage. First, she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” This was her statement of faith. She said with her mouth what she believed in her head. Just knowing or believing and thinking to yourself will not be a step of faith. Our lady went beyond believing and stepped into the realm of faith. She spoke her belief, which was her confession.
Next, she dared to leave her house. Knowing that the penalty of her walking among people was stoning, she knew she was a dead woman anyway so she risked pressing her way through the crowd. Again, her faith had kicked into a high gear. Not only did she speak what she believed, but now she stepped out into the street and DID what was in her heart to do.
When she saw the crowds surrounding Jesus, she knew it was all but impossible to step in front of him and get His attention. But she pressed ahead anyway. This was expectant faith. She believed, she spoke, and she stepped out, now she was expecting something to happen. If she could just press through all those legs and reach the hem of his cloak, she thought, she would be healed. So she pressed and pressed, crawling on her hands and knees, reaching through the legs and . . . there! She touched his robe.
Suddenly all commotion stopped when Jesus, who immediately knew in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” The disciples were flabbergasted saying, “How can we possibly know with all these people pressing in?” But Jesus insisted, “Who touched Me?” And He looked around to see her and their eyes locked with a knowing that it was her who touched. The woman spoke and admitted the whole truth that it was her. Then Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”
Belief will not make any changes in your life, but Faith will. Jesus is looking for those who will go beyond belief and speak their confession and do what they know in their heart. How about you? Are you keeping your beliefs to yourself and still expecting God to heal or protect or change your situation? The Bible says, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God."(Hebrews 11:6) Or will you step out in faith by acting on what you believe?
Confession: I know that Jesus can answer me when I call upon Him in faith. I will begin to speak out what I believe in my heart and do what the Holy Spirit tells me to do.
Friday, August 21, 2009
When You Know Your God
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
I have spent two weeks sharing the character of God for a reason. I watch people in the congregations on Sunday just standing there, not engaging in the worship of their God and I wonder…why? I know they believe in God and will say they love Him, but there is no reflection in their face or behavior. So, I ask myself, why? It is really simple. They don’t know their God. They are there because their religion says they should be there. Or, they feel they need to be there, but don’t know how to enter in to worship.
God commanded His people (and that would be us, also) to know their God. That word, “know” in the Old Testament means “yada” which means to intimately delight in someone as a husband knows his wife. That is how we are to know our God, to intimately delight in Him. It is very easy to worship and praise God when we think of His characteristics and how He has demonstrated Himself in our own personal life.
I remember as business owners we had customers who had bought merchandise from us with the understanding that they would pay their bill within 30 days. The 30 days went by, then 60 then 90. We would call and write to these customers, but in the meantime our bills were coming due. I lost a lot of good sleep time thinking, agonizing and getting angry, agitated and almost bitter towards those individuals who were “stealing from us.”
Then I learned that I was absorbing all the concern when God was waiting for me to turn my concerns over to Him. You see, we had dedicated our business to our Lord. We had made Him a partner in our business. So, I turned all these matters over to him. I have to tell you, it was hard. But somehow, God provided enough work that we were able to pay for the merchandise that the customers didn’t pay for. We were able to continue to pay our employees, the insurance and the bank.
While going through this process, I also learned to praise God when I didn’t feel like it. “How do you do that?” you may ask. Well, I would reflect to the times in the past that God had walked with me through the hard times. I would think about His promises that He would not let me fail, that I would be the “head and not the tail, the lender and not the borrower.” I would let the encouraging words of the songs I was singing lift up my spirit-man even though my head was swirling with negative thoughts. By the end of worship, I would be shouting and praising God because He is faithful.
I have learned that when you lay your problems, your issues, your life before God, your job is then to TRUST Him to take over. Many times those customers did pay their bills, many times they never did get paid and we wrote them off as “bad debt” to the IRS. God will show you creative ways to prosper (move ahead in life), He will be your Rock, your Fortress, and your Deliverer. Just trust (have total confidence) in Him, then watch God and His hosts go to work for you.
Confession: There is no God like You, O Lord. It is in You that I will trust. My life is in your hands. I will praise you when I don’t feel like it because I will recall when you did see me through, and I will praise You because I am excited about the future with You beside me.
I have spent two weeks sharing the character of God for a reason. I watch people in the congregations on Sunday just standing there, not engaging in the worship of their God and I wonder…why? I know they believe in God and will say they love Him, but there is no reflection in their face or behavior. So, I ask myself, why? It is really simple. They don’t know their God. They are there because their religion says they should be there. Or, they feel they need to be there, but don’t know how to enter in to worship.
God commanded His people (and that would be us, also) to know their God. That word, “know” in the Old Testament means “yada” which means to intimately delight in someone as a husband knows his wife. That is how we are to know our God, to intimately delight in Him. It is very easy to worship and praise God when we think of His characteristics and how He has demonstrated Himself in our own personal life.
I remember as business owners we had customers who had bought merchandise from us with the understanding that they would pay their bill within 30 days. The 30 days went by, then 60 then 90. We would call and write to these customers, but in the meantime our bills were coming due. I lost a lot of good sleep time thinking, agonizing and getting angry, agitated and almost bitter towards those individuals who were “stealing from us.”
Then I learned that I was absorbing all the concern when God was waiting for me to turn my concerns over to Him. You see, we had dedicated our business to our Lord. We had made Him a partner in our business. So, I turned all these matters over to him. I have to tell you, it was hard. But somehow, God provided enough work that we were able to pay for the merchandise that the customers didn’t pay for. We were able to continue to pay our employees, the insurance and the bank.
While going through this process, I also learned to praise God when I didn’t feel like it. “How do you do that?” you may ask. Well, I would reflect to the times in the past that God had walked with me through the hard times. I would think about His promises that He would not let me fail, that I would be the “head and not the tail, the lender and not the borrower.” I would let the encouraging words of the songs I was singing lift up my spirit-man even though my head was swirling with negative thoughts. By the end of worship, I would be shouting and praising God because He is faithful.
I have learned that when you lay your problems, your issues, your life before God, your job is then to TRUST Him to take over. Many times those customers did pay their bills, many times they never did get paid and we wrote them off as “bad debt” to the IRS. God will show you creative ways to prosper (move ahead in life), He will be your Rock, your Fortress, and your Deliverer. Just trust (have total confidence) in Him, then watch God and His hosts go to work for you.
Confession: There is no God like You, O Lord. It is in You that I will trust. My life is in your hands. I will praise you when I don’t feel like it because I will recall when you did see me through, and I will praise You because I am excited about the future with You beside me.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Hidden Names of God
From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord’s name is to be praised. ---Psalm 113:3
For the last twelve devotions, I have given you names of God that reflect His character. Character means a distinctive quality. Each name we looked at had just one facet of God’s character. And although I shared only twelve names, you can see that God is not just a single name that you gloss over but a multi-faceted God that can attend to your every need. God is like a cut diamond with all those different faces but on one diamond.
When King David looked over his life as a shepherd, he reflected upon God’s wonderful attributes. He wrote it in a beautiful word picture in the 23rd Psalm. Let’s look at the whole 23rd Psalm and see how God shows his character:
The Lord is my Shepherd = Jehovah Rohe
I shall not want = Jehovah Jirah, the Lord Our Provider
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters, = El Shaddai, The Almighty God
He restores my soul = Jehovah Rophe, The Lord Who Heals
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake = Jehovah Tsid Kenu, The Lord our Righteousness
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, = Jehovah Nissi, The Lord My Banner
I will fear no evil = Jehovah Shaloam, The Lord Our Peace
For You are with me = Jehovah Shammah, The Lord Is There
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me = Jehovah Shaloam
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies = Adonai, the Master
My cup runs over
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = Jehovah Tsebaoth, The Lord of Hosts
For I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever = Kingdom of God
AMEN
When we know the character of God, we should have no fear or anxiety. Think of young David. As a youthful shepherd he was anointed to be the king of a nation. But that didn’t happen for over a decade. He had to patiently wait. Life went on and he found himself in the house of King Saul who became so jealous of him that he wanted to kill him. David was running for his life, hiding in caves. But God had a plan for his life and that was to be the King of Israel. David lost his wives and families to the enemy, but he was still destined to be King.
David had his friends and devoted followers want to kill him because of circumstances they found themselves in. He had to pretend he was insane while he found refuge in the camp of the enemy. No one believed he would become King. But David found himself recalling how God was faithful to him as a shepherd boy. He looked at his rod where he had recorded the victories that God walked with him through.
How about you? Do you have a dream, has God given you a vision, have you been anointed to do something for the Kingdom of God? Then do not fear. God is with you, He has gone before you, He will be your shield. Step out of your comfort zone and do what God has called you to do.
Confession: Many times I have felt I should do something for you, Lord, but I have resisted because I have been fearful of the unknown. I want to be like David and remember that your character is multi-faceted and can help me no matter what my circumstance. Help me to be ever mindful of your incredible ability to walk with me and be all I need.
For the last twelve devotions, I have given you names of God that reflect His character. Character means a distinctive quality. Each name we looked at had just one facet of God’s character. And although I shared only twelve names, you can see that God is not just a single name that you gloss over but a multi-faceted God that can attend to your every need. God is like a cut diamond with all those different faces but on one diamond.
When King David looked over his life as a shepherd, he reflected upon God’s wonderful attributes. He wrote it in a beautiful word picture in the 23rd Psalm. Let’s look at the whole 23rd Psalm and see how God shows his character:
The Lord is my Shepherd = Jehovah Rohe
I shall not want = Jehovah Jirah, the Lord Our Provider
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters, = El Shaddai, The Almighty God
He restores my soul = Jehovah Rophe, The Lord Who Heals
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake = Jehovah Tsid Kenu, The Lord our Righteousness
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, = Jehovah Nissi, The Lord My Banner
I will fear no evil = Jehovah Shaloam, The Lord Our Peace
For You are with me = Jehovah Shammah, The Lord Is There
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me = Jehovah Shaloam
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies = Adonai, the Master
My cup runs over
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = Jehovah Tsebaoth, The Lord of Hosts
For I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever = Kingdom of God
AMEN
When we know the character of God, we should have no fear or anxiety. Think of young David. As a youthful shepherd he was anointed to be the king of a nation. But that didn’t happen for over a decade. He had to patiently wait. Life went on and he found himself in the house of King Saul who became so jealous of him that he wanted to kill him. David was running for his life, hiding in caves. But God had a plan for his life and that was to be the King of Israel. David lost his wives and families to the enemy, but he was still destined to be King.
David had his friends and devoted followers want to kill him because of circumstances they found themselves in. He had to pretend he was insane while he found refuge in the camp of the enemy. No one believed he would become King. But David found himself recalling how God was faithful to him as a shepherd boy. He looked at his rod where he had recorded the victories that God walked with him through.
How about you? Do you have a dream, has God given you a vision, have you been anointed to do something for the Kingdom of God? Then do not fear. God is with you, He has gone before you, He will be your shield. Step out of your comfort zone and do what God has called you to do.
Confession: Many times I have felt I should do something for you, Lord, but I have resisted because I have been fearful of the unknown. I want to be like David and remember that your character is multi-faceted and can help me no matter what my circumstance. Help me to be ever mindful of your incredible ability to walk with me and be all I need.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Jehovah Tsabaoth - The Lord of Hosts
As birds flying, so will the Lord of Hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it. ---Isaiah 31:5
Before Satan rebelled in Heaven, it wasn’t necessary to have armies of warring angels. But when the great deceiver, Satan challenged the Most High God (El Elyon) there was a cosmic battle between Satan, God and their respective “angels.” When Satan was cast out of heaven, he deceived Adam and Even in the Garden, then the perpetual battle began. Until Satan is finally cast into the pit, the battle will continue.
The term Lord of Hosts appears 282 times in the Bible. It is a military term that means “God of Battles.” You see, God is a Warrior and a Fighter. You and I are His army. One reason we see people in the Body of Christ live defeated lives is because we fail to acknowledge the Lord of Hosts…the God of Battles. We cannot live in the deception that once we are saved our battle with sin and the devil is over. To the contrary, we have all been activated to the front line!
Paul tried to help us understand when he wrote in Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Our warfare is spiritual. If you have a spouse or loved one involved in something immoral or self-destructive, the battle you must wage is not against that person, but with the cruel, satanic forces bent in destroying, killing and stealing from that person. Wage war with the real foe. Battle against the spirit realm, not the flesh.
I love the story of the youthful David when he approached the giant Goliath. He said, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the Armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you.” (1 Samuel 17:45,46) This is how you must talk to your circumstance, with confidence that you know God will fight your battles in the spirit realm. But it is your responsibility to speak to your situation and speak to the Lord of Hosts releasing His hosts to fight on your behalf.
You and I have the victory against Satan and all his devices because of Jesus. He destroyed the works of the devil so the only tool the devil has is deception. Our success will not be accomplished through human manipulation, but by the Lord of Hosts. He is the One who defeated the devil! He is the Almighty God! Anchor your trust in the Lord of Hosts. Depend upon Him. He is the Lord of Battles, the Lord of Victories. Call on Him by His Name, and ask Him to do what He is capable of doing.
Confession: My God will fight for me. He is the Lord of Hosts and wants me to be the victor. I’ve got enemies and the Lord of Hosts is ready to defend me. So I call on Jehovah Tsebaoth to “go get em.”
Before Satan rebelled in Heaven, it wasn’t necessary to have armies of warring angels. But when the great deceiver, Satan challenged the Most High God (El Elyon) there was a cosmic battle between Satan, God and their respective “angels.” When Satan was cast out of heaven, he deceived Adam and Even in the Garden, then the perpetual battle began. Until Satan is finally cast into the pit, the battle will continue.
The term Lord of Hosts appears 282 times in the Bible. It is a military term that means “God of Battles.” You see, God is a Warrior and a Fighter. You and I are His army. One reason we see people in the Body of Christ live defeated lives is because we fail to acknowledge the Lord of Hosts…the God of Battles. We cannot live in the deception that once we are saved our battle with sin and the devil is over. To the contrary, we have all been activated to the front line!
Paul tried to help us understand when he wrote in Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Our warfare is spiritual. If you have a spouse or loved one involved in something immoral or self-destructive, the battle you must wage is not against that person, but with the cruel, satanic forces bent in destroying, killing and stealing from that person. Wage war with the real foe. Battle against the spirit realm, not the flesh.
I love the story of the youthful David when he approached the giant Goliath. He said, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the Armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you.” (1 Samuel 17:45,46) This is how you must talk to your circumstance, with confidence that you know God will fight your battles in the spirit realm. But it is your responsibility to speak to your situation and speak to the Lord of Hosts releasing His hosts to fight on your behalf.
You and I have the victory against Satan and all his devices because of Jesus. He destroyed the works of the devil so the only tool the devil has is deception. Our success will not be accomplished through human manipulation, but by the Lord of Hosts. He is the One who defeated the devil! He is the Almighty God! Anchor your trust in the Lord of Hosts. Depend upon Him. He is the Lord of Battles, the Lord of Victories. Call on Him by His Name, and ask Him to do what He is capable of doing.
Confession: My God will fight for me. He is the Lord of Hosts and wants me to be the victor. I’ve got enemies and the Lord of Hosts is ready to defend me. So I call on Jehovah Tsebaoth to “go get em.”
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Jehovah Rohe - The Lord My Shepherd
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…Psalm 23:1
Many times in the Old and New Testament, sheep are mentioned; sometimes in reference to a flock of the wooly animals, sometimes as an example of how the Lord looks upon people. It is interesting that when you study sheep, they have a LOT of needs. First of all, they have no sense of direction. They cannot defend themselves; they don’t use logic or reason, but most of all they need help just to make it through each day.
King David was reflecting on His God when he wrote the 23rd Psalm. Of course, we know that David was a shepherd before he became king, so he knew what sheep were like, dumb!!! They needed a shepherd to walk with them, guide them to the quiet waters and to pastures where they could get their sustenance, they needed the shepherd to gather them and protect from their predators.
So as David was thinking about God and worshipping Him, he began his psalm. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. God is the Shepherd of His people. He is responsible to take care of those who have asked Jesus, who was God wrapped in human skin, to be their Lord and Savior. We tend to forget this. God is willing and quite able to be all you need Him to be. He loves you so much and He wants to walk with you, guide you, feed and shelter you.
The shepherd always carries a staff. The staff is to work with the sheep. He uses the crook of the staff to put around the neck of the sheep to pull them out of a hole or ravine. Sometimes the sheep end up on their backs while sleeping, but they cannot roll over on to their feet, so the shepherd uses his crook of the staff to help the animal up. He can also use the staff to select certain sheep out of the flock to pick parasites, massage it or sometimes just to talk to it to calm it down. But the staff is also used to whack the sheep to get it to respond to his voice.
The rod is another thing in the shepherd’s arsenal. It can be used to defend the sheep from predators. It is a weapon that can deliver lethal blows to large animals. Something else the rod was used for was a diary. Yep! It was hard for a shepherd in the field to get a notebook and pen, so the rod became the tablet. Certain victories were always found scratched into the wood of the rod. For instance, when David fought with the bear or the lion or even the giant, he would etch into his rod the event. Then when he came to another difficult situation, he could look at the rod and say, "I fought the bear and won. I killed the lion because God gave me strength. The giant died when God gave me wisdom and strength."
As a result, in Psalm 23 David wrote, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” I thank God that He has a staff to keep me in line and help me when I need help. I love the rod that protects me and will come to my defense. But I also love the memories of how God has walked with me through difficult times and never left me. He will direct your path and protect you when you need protected. He is all you need and will cover everything in your life. He is El Shaddai, the all encompassing God.
Confession: I acknowledge God as my Shepherd. I need His protection, guidance, and correction. I will let God direct my path and let Him lead me to the still waters. I understand the staff and the rod are wonderful tools that the Lord can use on me and for me and I accept His help in my life.
Many times in the Old and New Testament, sheep are mentioned; sometimes in reference to a flock of the wooly animals, sometimes as an example of how the Lord looks upon people. It is interesting that when you study sheep, they have a LOT of needs. First of all, they have no sense of direction. They cannot defend themselves; they don’t use logic or reason, but most of all they need help just to make it through each day.
King David was reflecting on His God when he wrote the 23rd Psalm. Of course, we know that David was a shepherd before he became king, so he knew what sheep were like, dumb!!! They needed a shepherd to walk with them, guide them to the quiet waters and to pastures where they could get their sustenance, they needed the shepherd to gather them and protect from their predators.
So as David was thinking about God and worshipping Him, he began his psalm. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. God is the Shepherd of His people. He is responsible to take care of those who have asked Jesus, who was God wrapped in human skin, to be their Lord and Savior. We tend to forget this. God is willing and quite able to be all you need Him to be. He loves you so much and He wants to walk with you, guide you, feed and shelter you.
The shepherd always carries a staff. The staff is to work with the sheep. He uses the crook of the staff to put around the neck of the sheep to pull them out of a hole or ravine. Sometimes the sheep end up on their backs while sleeping, but they cannot roll over on to their feet, so the shepherd uses his crook of the staff to help the animal up. He can also use the staff to select certain sheep out of the flock to pick parasites, massage it or sometimes just to talk to it to calm it down. But the staff is also used to whack the sheep to get it to respond to his voice.
The rod is another thing in the shepherd’s arsenal. It can be used to defend the sheep from predators. It is a weapon that can deliver lethal blows to large animals. Something else the rod was used for was a diary. Yep! It was hard for a shepherd in the field to get a notebook and pen, so the rod became the tablet. Certain victories were always found scratched into the wood of the rod. For instance, when David fought with the bear or the lion or even the giant, he would etch into his rod the event. Then when he came to another difficult situation, he could look at the rod and say, "I fought the bear and won. I killed the lion because God gave me strength. The giant died when God gave me wisdom and strength."
As a result, in Psalm 23 David wrote, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” I thank God that He has a staff to keep me in line and help me when I need help. I love the rod that protects me and will come to my defense. But I also love the memories of how God has walked with me through difficult times and never left me. He will direct your path and protect you when you need protected. He is all you need and will cover everything in your life. He is El Shaddai, the all encompassing God.
Confession: I acknowledge God as my Shepherd. I need His protection, guidance, and correction. I will let God direct my path and let Him lead me to the still waters. I understand the staff and the rod are wonderful tools that the Lord can use on me and for me and I accept His help in my life.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Jehovah Shaloam - God of Peace
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
No money, position, or possessions can buy peace. Everyone is looking for it, and will even go to extremes to find it. Some find it in buying stuff, some in drugs or alcohol. So look to other people like psychiatrists, spiritualists and will even make long distance trips to the other side of the world to find peace. Peace is not something you will find externally but within yourself. How do you do that?
I would suggest that you look at the definition of peace or shaloam. It means basically, wholeness; nothing missing, nothing broken. Is there nothing missing or broken in your life? This is another introspective question. No one can answer this but you. Is there something that nags in the back of your mind that keeps you bound up? Is there a legal or financial issue hanging “out there” that you can’t forget? Is there something in your past that won’t let you go?
The Bible has a lot to say about peace. God even required a “Peace Offering” for the sins of the people in the Old Testament. To do that, a goat, sheep or dove was sacrificed for God to redeem their sins. Then, God was constantly telling His people in the Old Testament “Do Not Fear for I am with you,” or “I go before you,” or “I will not leave you.” You see, God had a covenant with His people. He was bound to them to care for, provide and oversee their lives.
In the New Testament we find a new Redeemer, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He became the ultimate sacrifice once and for all. No longer do we need to give an annual animal sacrifice. His death on the cross, that one time, took care of ALL the sins of ALL the people who would one day accept His birth, death and resurrection. As a result, we are considered righteous (in right standing) in the eyes of El Elyon (the Most High God). We are now in Covenant with God who will provide for us, protect us, be with us at all times and even go ahead of us. He is at our side, our back, above us and under girds us with His everlasting arms.
Now tell me, what do you have to be afraid of, concerned over, anxious about? In Romans 8:15 we hear how close we are to the Trinity: “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” If we are an heir of God and a joint heir of Jesus, then we have power and authority over every device the enemy has to throw at us, no matter what the situation.
Our job is to TRUST our Abba, Father; our Daddy. He knows what is best, what is healthy, or what is prosperous for you. Trust His judgment. Trust His Love. Trust His hand. Then sit back and be at peace because you are not in control of your life, God is! He is waiting for you to declare your life back to him. Cast your cares on Him and He will care for you.
Confession: I admit I am not resting peacefully in the arms of my Daddy, Abba Father. I have neglected to let Him carry me through my situation. From this day forward, I will not hold on to my problems or circumstances to worry about, but will trust My God to walk with me through them and keep my mind open to His voice and direction.
No money, position, or possessions can buy peace. Everyone is looking for it, and will even go to extremes to find it. Some find it in buying stuff, some in drugs or alcohol. So look to other people like psychiatrists, spiritualists and will even make long distance trips to the other side of the world to find peace. Peace is not something you will find externally but within yourself. How do you do that?
I would suggest that you look at the definition of peace or shaloam. It means basically, wholeness; nothing missing, nothing broken. Is there nothing missing or broken in your life? This is another introspective question. No one can answer this but you. Is there something that nags in the back of your mind that keeps you bound up? Is there a legal or financial issue hanging “out there” that you can’t forget? Is there something in your past that won’t let you go?
The Bible has a lot to say about peace. God even required a “Peace Offering” for the sins of the people in the Old Testament. To do that, a goat, sheep or dove was sacrificed for God to redeem their sins. Then, God was constantly telling His people in the Old Testament “Do Not Fear for I am with you,” or “I go before you,” or “I will not leave you.” You see, God had a covenant with His people. He was bound to them to care for, provide and oversee their lives.
In the New Testament we find a new Redeemer, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He became the ultimate sacrifice once and for all. No longer do we need to give an annual animal sacrifice. His death on the cross, that one time, took care of ALL the sins of ALL the people who would one day accept His birth, death and resurrection. As a result, we are considered righteous (in right standing) in the eyes of El Elyon (the Most High God). We are now in Covenant with God who will provide for us, protect us, be with us at all times and even go ahead of us. He is at our side, our back, above us and under girds us with His everlasting arms.
Now tell me, what do you have to be afraid of, concerned over, anxious about? In Romans 8:15 we hear how close we are to the Trinity: “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” If we are an heir of God and a joint heir of Jesus, then we have power and authority over every device the enemy has to throw at us, no matter what the situation.
Our job is to TRUST our Abba, Father; our Daddy. He knows what is best, what is healthy, or what is prosperous for you. Trust His judgment. Trust His Love. Trust His hand. Then sit back and be at peace because you are not in control of your life, God is! He is waiting for you to declare your life back to him. Cast your cares on Him and He will care for you.
Confession: I admit I am not resting peacefully in the arms of my Daddy, Abba Father. I have neglected to let Him carry me through my situation. From this day forward, I will not hold on to my problems or circumstances to worry about, but will trust My God to walk with me through them and keep my mind open to His voice and direction.
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