DISCERNMENT
Today’s Scriptures
16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NLT)
Today's TO DO
Trust the voice within.
Looks can be deceiving, and people have been known to deliberately spew falsehoods for personal gain. How then do you know how to separate the truth from a lie? Paul was in a fight for his life. He had been arrested and asked to give an account for the message he had been preaching. When he was on the stage surrounded by crowds of listeners, followers, and disciples, there were many men who were glad to be seen by his side. Clearly, those “would be apostles” had given Paul the impression that they were fully devoted and unwavering in their locality to him and the gospel of Jesus Christ during those better days. But now that he had to defend his cause from behind bars, they were nowhere to be seen. To make it through his trail, Paul had to rely on the strength from within. He was driven by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit who was alive and at work in him.
Therefore: We all must process the world around us. We are continually bombarded with information and stimulation each day and must discern what is true and good for the improvement of our vertical trajectory. Never forget that the devil is a slimy, slithering liar. Basic things that should cause us no harm are frequently traps conveniently placed specifically for you. Beware of the smooth tongue and the seemingly innocent transactions. Let those who have communion with the Holy Spirit always do a gut check to discern if there is peace from the voice within. And for all those who have not yet received The Holy Spirit, all you must do is believe that Jesus died for you. Then, receive Him as your Lord and Savior. Stay plugged in with other believers so you can grow in your faith and knowledge of Christ.
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SYNONYMS
Today’s Scriptures
11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. John 3:11 (NLT)
Today's TO DO
Allow yourself to work through old heartbreaks and welcome healing.
Good news is only good if you believe it. Unfortunately, as we age, we become more cynical. It is understandable because many of us have accrued hurts along the way. However, God can never give you something good if you approach everything with negative expectations. Expectation and faith are synonyms. You cannot be a person of great faith and a negative grouch at the same time.
Therefore: Come to terms with your old hurts. The Father heals broken hearts. Work on restoring the relationships that can be restored then surrender your brokenness to God the Healer. Allow The One Who Loved You First to create in you a new heart. The seed of faith can only grow in the soul of someone with positive expectancy. Cynicism, naysaying, skepticism and grumpy narrow-minded thinking belittle God’s capacity and call Him less than who He is.
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GOD OF HEAVEN’S ARMIES
Today’s Scriptures
The Sovereign Lord has sworn by his own name, and this is what he, the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, says:
“I despise the arrogance of Israel,
and I hate their fortresses.
I will give this city
and everything in it to their enemies.”
Amos 6:8 (NLT)
Today's TO DO
Orient yourself towards The Father’s Love.
We love to encourage each other in The Lord and so we should. However, we should still remember that God is Holy, and holiness is something we should aspire for. We serve The God of Heaven’s Armies. He fights on our behalf when the devil and his demonic forces rise up against us. In our reading though, God’s anger was against His own people because of their sinful lavished living. The Israelites stopped depending on God. Instead, their arrogance caused them to esteem themselves above their creator. They felt like they were self-sufficient and capable. Because these people abandoned God, He withdrew His protection, and they were destroyed by their enemies.
Therefore: Know that The God of Heaven’s Armies fights winning battles for those who call on His name. Do not take for granted the privileges that we enjoy as a children of God. The Father’s arms are wide open for those who choose to come. It took a long time for Him to finally withdraw His covering. He sent prophets like Amos to warn them and encourage them to repent. His desire is always for us to turn from our sins and orient ourselves towards Him. Forgiveness is available for those who accept it. Choose the protection of heaven’s armies.
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LISTEN AND OBEY
Today’s Scriptures
9 This covenant will not be like the one
I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
and led them out of the land of Egypt.
They did not remain faithful to my covenant,
so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. Hebrews 8:9 (NLT)
Today's TO DO
Strengthen your relationship with The Holy Spirit by obeying His still soft voice as He directs you during decision making.
After the Israelites were delivered from the oppression of Egypt, God made a covenant of protection and blessing with them. He promised to be their God and in return, they vowed to be loyal to Him alone. They would study The Holy Scriptures, offer sacrifices and worship God under the direction of the Levitical Priests. The Levites, an entire tribe, were set apart for God’s service. Unfortunately, the Israelites feel short and drifted into the worship of other Gods violating the terms of their covenant. Jesus is the remedy! The new covenant now includes everyone who chooses to be loyal to worshiping God the Creator faithfully.
Therefore: Choose to be included with those who partake in the new covenant. All you need to do is choose to accept the forgiveness that Jesus offers by the authority of the blood that He sacrificed when He gave His life on the cross. Those who receive Jesus as their Lord, live a life of worship, and choose to obey the still soft voice of the Holy Spirit benefit from the new covenant of blessing and protection that God promises.
#ojacore #SoleFood #survivingasasurvior #3fold #biblestudy #bible
SPOKEN WORDS
SPOKEN WORDS
Words have life.
Their reach is infinite.
Their power straddles generations.
Historians catalog them.
A child becomes the adult they are based on the words we feed them.
Apologies are fine, but nothing shines brighter than the power of the positive spoken word.
Words are spirit.
They are intangible.
Simple syllables can reach into the depth of the soul.
They can alter the mindset and rearrange the trajectory of existence.
Words have the power to release what has been bound without moving walls.
Encouragement permeates into the spirit and restores life where death had taken root.
Words are fire.
Their ridicule sears the heart.
They rob children of their innocence and sow hatred.
The tongue burns fires that cannot be extinguished.
Once you release your words, you can never take them back with an apology.
A word can flog harder than the knout whip, ripping out flesh and blood in its wake.
Positive affirmations have been known to fire up warriors and awaken movements.
Words are targeted.
Choose your words wisely.
Those who spew hate will lead a lonely swansong.
There are enough provisions for everyone, so building others does not diminish you.
Use your words to encourage, motivate and empower your target.
Share your wisdom and experiences with the next generation of warriors.
When the curtain drops, you’ll be remembered for how you loved.
Curate your speech as one who is painting a beautiful picture on the canvas of time.
The spoken word only has power once delivered to the target audience.
Choose your words wisely.
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalms 19:14 NLT
SONG OF HEAVEN
Today’s Scriptures
11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. Revelation 7:11 (NLT)
Today's TO DO
Join the song of heaven.
All of heaven resides in the fullness of the Glory of God. This resounding awareness of The King’s true Greatness leads them to fall before Him in worship. There is no way to exist in such Splendor and remain unchanged. When you invite the Holy Spirit into your heart during the miracle of salvation, this too becomes your story.
Therefore: Join the song of heaven.
“Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne
and from the Lamb!”
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and strength belong to our God
forever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 7: 10,12 (NLT)
As you worship Him, your burdens will be lifted away from your shoulders. Because, once you grab hold of how truly Majestic and Capable your God is, your problems will pale in comparison to Him.
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NOT AFRAID
Today’s Scriptures
15 Then the king of the north will come and lay siege to a fortified city and capture it. The best troops of the south will not be able to stand in the face of the onslaught.
16 “The king of the north will march onward unopposed; none will be able to stop him. He will pause in the glorious land of Israel, intent on destroying it.
Daniel 11:15-16(NLT)
Today's TO DO
Remain courageous even when the enemy’s troops look intimidating.
Daniel chapter eleven gives us a vivid description of the political and military interactions between the kings of the South and the kings of the North before Christ and well into the end times. In today’s reading we see the South so overwhelmed by the North. The South was so outmatched that the North marched in unopposed. We have all been there! We have visited that place where we feel like all the odds are against us, and we have run out of ideas and solutions, more than a time or two. Just keep reading and you will find out that the story keeps on going. This minor setback was not the end of the nation.
Therefore: Remain courageous when tough times roll in. Understand that they are simply passing through. Things will never stay topsy-turvy. Kingdoms fall! Put your hope in God and trust in His redemptive Excellence. The Father will pull you out of that cavity and elevate you to heights that you never thought possible. Those who learn to depend on Jesus are not afraid.
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HOPE IN CONSEQUENCE
Today’sScriptures
11 You people in Shaphir,
go as captives into exile—naked and ashamed.
The people of Zaanan
dare not come outside their walls.
The people of Beth-ezel mourn,
for their house has no support. Micah 1:11 (NLT)
Today's TO DO
Realize that your situation does not change God’s ability to take care of you.
Both Israel and Judah were guilty of incredible sin and disobedience. God had already sent many prophets to implore them to change their ways. The people had been informed of the consequences of their idolatry, but they chose to remain stiff necked. The unfortunate reality was that the people God chose as His own rejected Him. The Father is Holy, He cannot lie, therefore, the consequences that He had spoken of had to be honored for Him to remain true. However, for those who loved Him and called on His name, He would never turn His face away.
Therefore: Realize that your situation does not change God’s ability to take care of you. Even in exile, in a foreign nation, in foster care, in a loveless marriage, in poverty, in sickness, when bound by addiction, after bad news, after losing your job, when you cannot find a spouse, for the barren, when everything is falling apart, when you make your worst mistake, when it’s hard to make decisions, when you have been betrayed by those you love and when you feel all alone, trust that God can show favor to those that He loves. There is no wilderness too thick for Him to jump in and cover His own! Call on Him.
WHEN ALL HOPE IS GONE
Today’s Scriptures
14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NLT)
Today's TO DO
Hold on to God’s Grace.
Sometimes things can look really bleak. When you look around, you do not see any way in which your situation can be redeemed. The good news is that it is not your job to run things. Only God is in the redeeming business! When all hope is gone, the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit will be with you in a real and Powerful way. He can bring beauty out of ashes and change the impossible to exquisite.
Therefore: When you are in a bind, before you run to the loan shark, fall to your knees and call on the God of Grace. Your hope tank may be empty, but His Grace never runs out. His Grace is sufficient for us. It is written that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9). This means that when I reach the end of my wits, His Power is heaviest. Knowing this makes me smile because it means, when I surrender my burdens to the Lord in my weakness, the enemy must contend with my gargantuan God not me.
PURSUING PURPOSE
Today’s Scriptures
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents. Psalms 8: 6-8 (NLT)
Today's TO DO
Find your lot, then bloom where you’re planted.
You have great value. Yes, you do. God does not make mistakes. The devil lies to you in your low moments in an attempt to rob you of your purpose. Our Father in Heaven has invested His very best in each one of us and given us charge over all of creation. Each individual, friend and foe, has been created with special skills to fill a specific role in the grand scheme of things. Take time to develop your interests and sharpen your talents. When you become the best version of you, we all benefit from your efforts.
Therefore: Find your lot, then bloom where you’re planted. Refuse the lie that you are of little or no value. Anyone who talks down to you is simply perpetuating a falsehood that you should not identify with. Your Creator is God over all the universe, and He does not make junk! Simply look up at the night’s sky and at the flowers of the field to see the Power of His worth. You do not need to chase after purpose. You were made with purpose for a purpose. All that remains is your willingness to walk in it.
OUT WITH THE OLD
Today’s Scriptures
7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Colossians 3:7-8 (NLT)
Today's TO DO
Choose change.
Progress comes to those who choose to let go of the old ways. I know a man who has been moved from the oppression of poverty to a newfound comfort that is beyond his wildest imagination. Yet, he refuses to experience the different foods that God has given him access to, instead, he eats only what he knew during his youth. This man of incredible wealth refuses to travel to the exotic places that are within his reach because he does not want to become accustomed to luxury lest he should lose it. His fear of what could happen imprisons him and prevents him from enjoying the here and now.
Therefore: When God blesses your world with newness, vibrancy and vitality, embrace it. It should be out with the old and in with the new. Release the heavy weights of anger, rage, malice behavior, slander and dirty language that have prohibited you from building lasting relationships. Put on love and forgiveness. Reject all the drama! Then, let God lead you as you explore the exquisite radiance that He has prepared for you along the awe-inspiring road that lies ahead.
BELIEF
Today’s Scriptures
18 “Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad. 1 Samuel 1:18 (NLT)
Today's TO DO
When God makes you a promise, believe it to be so!
Belief changes everything! People will overcome monumental obstacles in pursuit of what they believe in. Hannah was in anguish because she was old and barren. Being childless in her world was agonizing. Therefore, in that moment of sorrow, Hannah vowed that if God were to bless her with a child, she would return him to The Lord’s service in His Holy temple. When Eli the priest told her it will be so, she believed it. Immediately, she was no longer sad. She clearly believed that she would receive just as she had been promised.
Therefore: There is no room for self-doubt. You do not make God size promises, therefore, it is not your job to bring them to pass. When you pray, believe that God will fulfill the matters that you lay before the alter. Leave your cares at His feet and trust Him to be God. Your belief in His incorruptible Word will wipe away your sadness and raise in you a warrior.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Today’s Scriptures
6 Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both. Ecclesiastes 11:6 NLT
Today's TO DO
Put your hands to the plough.
The Bible is not just a book. It is a manuscript that will teach you everything you need to know about living a successful life. Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 teaches us about how to generate wealth. This is not a “how to” about getting a job and a check every two weeks. Instead, the writer, through the inspiration of The Holy Spirit, is giving us God’s promise to those who choose to put their hands to the plough. Basically, we are not to give up working our lot. Eventually, there will be profit!
Therefore: Put your hands to the plough. Do not make excuses about the weather. Things will never be perfect. Work with what you have now and watch God multiply it. There is nothing wrong with your day job. However, see what else God has placed in your hands. Then, use your talents and supplies to generate wealth for you and for the generations that follow.
SURE THING
Today’s Scriptures
24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:24 NLT
Today's TO DO
Believe in Jesus and you will be saved.
The Jewish leaders hated Jesus with a passion because He spoke candidly about His position in The Kingdom of God. In their minds, referring to Himself as The Son of God was blasphemy. Jesus was just an average Joe in their eyes. They believed His “delusions of grandeur” to be unfounded and so offensive that they wanted to take His life. However, Jesus did more than speak. Time and time again He proved that He was who He said He was. His story effortlessly aligned with the prophecies that the pharisees knew all too well. Then, through the miracles He performed, Jesus inarguably asserted that the favor of heaven rested upon Him.
Therefore: Believe in Jesus and you will be saved. He is The Way, The Truth and The Life. He proved His worth during His vibrant life, by His sacrificial death and then through His triumphant, hell shattering resurrection. Jesus defeated sin and death on your behalf. There is no situation that He considers too far gone. Choose Jesus Christ because He chose you first! Eternal life is a sure thing for those who believe the message that Jesus came to deliver.
MATURITY
Today’s Scriptures
18 When Peleg was 30 years old, he became the father of Reu. Genesis 11:18(NLT)
Today's TO DO
Choose to be the mature one even when you know you are right.
Fatherhood is more than just the natural act of fathering a child. Being a real dad means maturing into a leader, a provider and a wiser, more selfless individual who puts the needs of others above his own. Parenthood is not defined by age, but by maturity. Maturity should play a role in all our decisions. You do not have to speak the loudest to be heard. It is possible to get things done without causing a scene. Maturity and wisdom go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other.
Therefore: Choose to be the mature one even when you know you are right. It takes courage to take the lower ground. It pleases our Father in Heaven when we trust Him enough to allow Him to fight our battles. Not every victory is attained fits up.
GOD OF JUSTICE II
Today’s Scriptures
8 Because you have plundered many nations,
now all the survivors will plunder you.
You committed murder throughout the countryside
and filled the towns with violence.
14 For as the waters fill the sea,
the earth will be filled with an awareness
of the glory of the Lord. Habakkuk 2: 8,14(NLT)
Today's TO DO
Become aware of the glory of The Lord over every situation that confronts you.
Those who plunder nations and consider themselves untouchable are simply men who were created by the same God who created ants and mice. This same God created you. He resides over all and is Just in all He does. The Creator is The Lifter of your Head.
Therefore: Become aware of the glory of The Lord over every situation. The seemingly untouchable will meet their day in court and their Maker will reside over His own delivery of true Justice, whichever comes first. You will survive your pain and come out on the other side with plunder that will set you up for a better tomorrow.
GOD OF JUSTICE
Today’s Scriptures
3 “Give justice to the poor and the orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
4 Rescue the poor and helpless;
deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
5 But these oppressors know nothing;
they are so ignorant!
They wander about in darkness,
while the whole world is shaken to the core.
6 I say, ‘You are gods;
you are all children of the Most High.
7 But you will die like mere mortals
and fall like every other ruler.’”
8 Rise up, O God, and judge the earth,
for all the nations belong to you.
Psalm 82: 3-8(NLT)
Today's TO DO
Know that all injustice has an expiration day.
Look to The God of Justice to do what He has always done. In the fulness of time every evil scheme of men meets The Maker!
Therefore: Pray without seizing and trust The King of kings. Holy is Our God of Justice.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED
Today’s Scriptures
This is the number of the men of Israel who returned from exile:
8 The family of Parosh 2,172
17 The family of Azgad 2,322 Nehemiah 7: 8,17(NLT)
Today's TO DO
Begin the build with confidence trusting that God has already made provisions.
Nehemiah was tasked with the work of rebuilding Jerusalem, a city that had been devastated by war. However, a city has never been rebuilt by the hands of one man. Nehemiah begun his pilgrimage to Jerusalem trusting that God would not only provide the raw materials to complete the majestic walls but the laborers willing to put in the sweat equity until the job was done.
Therefore: Whatever dream God has placed on your heart, begin the build. You do not have to see all the money in your account or all the plans in place. Trust that your access to the Need-Meeter and Way-Maker is enough to get the job done. Afterall, even the best made plans can fall apart if the blessings of Our Lord are not on them. Do not be afraid to take the first steps. Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge The King, and He will not only direct your paths, but also provide for your every need.
IT CAN’T BE DONE
Today’s Scriptures
18 This was the message Balaam delivered:
“Rise up, Balak, and listen
Hear me, son of Zippor.
19 God is not a man, so he does not lie.
He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Numbers 23:18-19(NLT)
Today's TO DO
Know this one Truth: God will never fail you!
King Balak was a sworn adversary of the nation of Israel. He wanted nothing more than to curse and destroy them. Balak solicited the anointing of the prophet Balaam to implore God for a curse against the Israelites. This misguided king was soon to find out that you cannot curse that which God has blessed. No, it can’t be done. When God looks favorably on His child, there is no demon in hell that can dissuade The Father’s Love.
Therefore: Firmly plant your faith in knowing that once you choose Christ, you become a member of the blessed family. The enemy and all forces acting on his behalf may try to curse you and shut you down, but The God in Whom All Things Are Possible will be your shield and protector. They cannot curse you; they will not destroy you. The root of evil will soon find out that for those covered by the blood of Jesus, it can’t be done. Therefore, rise up and walk your walk with confidence knowing that The Way Maker will never fail you!
CALL BACK
Today’s Scriptures
18 “If anyone has a boil on the skin that has started to heal, 19 but a white swelling or a reddish white spot develops in its place, that person must go to the priest to be examined. Leviticus 13:18-19 (NLT)
Today's TO DO
Return to reading The Word of God for the answers to all the questions that plague your mind.
I don’t know about you, but I am frequently guilty of regarding the Levitical Laws as stern rules and regulations. The Lord pulled me back a little today and reminded me that in those days, the Priest was the only access that the people had to The Word of God. The Holy Spirit had not yet been dispensed. Therefore, every ailment or concern written in The Law that prescribed a visit to the priest was essentially a call back from The Father to His child. During each encounter, the wounded could have communion and conversation with The Representative of Love and have all their questions answers.
Therefore: Blessed are you because every day is a call back! You have been anointed with The Gift and access is available every day for those who choose to believe in Jesus. The Holy Spirit is that Gift Who allows you access to The Father of Love and through Him the answers to your questions reside. Return, therefore, to reading The Bible and spending time in the Spirit during prayer. Love is The Companion for all who choose Him!