Thursday, September 11, 2014

THE WORD OF GOD

Today’s Reading: Luke 4

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

 

These hills are part of the Judean wilderness that Jesus likely would have walked through during His 40 days of temptation, as recorded in Luke 4. Here Jesus confronted Satan by quoting His Bible, the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Satan fled in defeat!!!

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Luke 4:4

But Jesus answered him, saying,It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'”

 

We can be sure that Satan will tempt each one of us. We need to learn the strategy of spiritual warfare employed by Jesus. (1) He was filled with the Holy Spirit. (2) He was filled with the Word of God. (3) He was protected by the armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). (4) He was constantly in prayer (Ephesians 6:18). Remember that Jesus never used His 100% God essence to help Himself. He lived His life as 100% Man; a Man filled with the Word and the Spirit. Psalm 119:11 in Jesus’ Hebrew Bible says, “Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” As we read the Scriptures, having our eyes connected to our brains can provide a head knowledge. That is not sufficient to overcome temptation. God’s Word must move into our minds AND hearts. How to do this? Pray the Word we have read. Ask the Holy Spirit to write that Word on our hearts and minds. Meditate on that Word throughout the day. Let us quote the Word in our prayers. Share that Word with someone else. Victory over Satan is ours. Amen!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I praise and worship You! You are victorious over the world, the flesh, and the Devil. I know that You live in me, and, therefore, I am more than a conqueror too. I pray for Your 24/7 grace to overcome the temptation that Satan brings. Fill me now and always with Your Word and Your Spirit. I believe I am filled and I rejoice in You. Hallelujah! Praise Your Holy Name! You are “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Amen and Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

While I can only put a brief prayer here, I continue on with worship. His Presence, which I know is a fact, soon becomes my experience. As I continue to praise Him, I know I am filled with His Spirit. My new day is off to a great start, and by being conscious of His constant Presence, my entire day is blessed. My Bible College days were important, not only in preparation for future ministry, but also for the daily experience of God’s Presence. Rev. George Griffin was one of my teachers. He taught the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch). Somewhere in Leviticus, it can get very dry apart from the Presence of God. Before starting to teach, Rev. Griffin would begin to pray in a relatively quiet voice. He would say with such reverence, “Father.” Then he would pause. I would sense the Presence of God moving into the classroom. I weep now as I think of how this man carried God’s Presence in such a way as to open my heart and mind to God’s Word.

Yours for overcoming, victorious living,

David

P.S. 13 years ago today Islamic terrorists attacked the United States. Close to 3000 innocent civilians were murdered. The world needs desperately to believe in “The Prince of Peace,” the Lord Jesus Christ!!! Crossroads is effectively reaching around the world, along with other Christian ministries. Your prayers and support are more important than ever! Amen!!!

 

18 thoughts on “Thursday, September 11, 2014

  1. Dear Lord Your word have I hidden in my heart that I may not sin against You
    The precious Word of God is the same today yesterday and forever
    Thank you David for your faithfulness to feed us daily
    God Bless You and everything you touch shall prosper in Jesus name Amen

  2. Yes the world needs Jesus now more than ever. Praying for our Nation, Leaders, Pastors be united for peace and know God is still in control

  3. Yes, my thoughts, this morning, were on that day of terror, 911, fourteen years ago, today. I will never forget seeing the images of the planes striking the twin towers. I was in social work at college and on a morning break with three classmates; we went to McDonald’s for a snack. We walked in and there was a tv showing the horrific scene of two planes bombing the world trade towers. It seemed like a joke at first and odd because we had never noticed a tv at McDonald’s before. Yet there it was right in front of us and when it hit us, we were frozen with fear and worry. We stood there just not knowing what to do. What an imprint that left for everyone. I know everyone remembers exactly where he or she was upon finding out the tragic news that day. Your saints are praying now, more than ever, Lord, for an end to the wars around the world and for Your divine intervention to bring a stop to further bloodshed caused by the Isis group in Iraq. We call to You Lord, for You are our strength and rock on which we rely for help in times of trouble. Jesus was the Peacemaker and reading His Word, prayer, and worship and fellowship are the answers to bring love into the world. Let us spread Your Word in our thoughts speech actions and deeds. Let us share Your Love with everyone we meet. Oh what a world it would be with the power of Jesus in everyone’s bodies minds hearts and souls. Think of the peace that could be manifested, world conditions of poverty and housing improved, and lives saved for eternity knowing Jesus. Thank You, Lord Jesus for Your everlasting love!!!

    For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

    How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
    Stuart Townend

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV2zMZ-nZ7k

    How deep the Father’s love for us,
    How vast beyond all measure
    That He should give His only Son
    To make a wretch His treasure

    How great the pain of searing loss,
    The Father turns His face away
    As wounds which mar the chosen One,
    Bring many sons to glory

    Behold the Man upon a cross,
    My sin upon His shoulders
    Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
    Call out among the scoffers

    It was my sin that left Him there
    Until it was accomplished
    His dying breath has brought me life
    I know that it is finished

    I will not boast in anything
    No gifts, no power, no wisdom
    But I will boast in Jesus Christ
    His death and resurrection

    Why should I gain from His reward?
    I cannot give an answer
    But this I know with all my heart
    His wounds have paid my ransom
    (REPEAT)

  4. Thank you David and fellow bloggers for your prayers and daily bread. My thoughts and prayers go out to our fellow Americans who lost loved ones in the terrible destruction 13 years ago today. Woke up with part of a Bible verse on my mind; our sufficiency is of God. God bless you everyone.

  5. Praise The Lord for all his goodness to us ! I remember where I was 9/11/01 Iwas watching 100 Huntley street when you David announced the happenings in New York The rest of the day was spent with my elderly neighbour whom was very upset at the news as we all were .

  6. I was thinking today as I read the scriptures that the people did not realize that God Himself in the form of Jesus was expounding The Word to them. We are so blessed to have His Presence with us through The Holy Spirit walk with us each day and to make sure we wear the armour of God every day.

    Thank you Pastor David for our prayer today. Let us all take a moment to remember the horror that took place in The United States that day and be much in prayer for those who lost loved ones.

    Thank you Beverlee for that song. Blessings everyone.

  7. Thank you Pastor David; I joined with you in prayer; also having spent time in prayer prior to joining you in this blog.
    “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” Thank you Jesus!!! Amen and Amen. In Him I am more than a conqueror, for in Him I live and move and have my being for ever and ever, Amen.

    The words from the song “Jesus Paid it all” Words by Elvina M. Hall; Music by John T Grape.

    • I love that song, Irene! Thank you for sharing it!

      I hear the Savior say,
      “Thy strength indeed is small;
      Child of weakness, watch and pray,
      Find in Me thine all in all.”
      Refrain:
      Jesus paid it all,
      All to Him I owe;
      Sin had left a crimson stain,
      He washed it white as snow.
      For nothing good have I
      Whereby Thy grace to claim;
      I’ll wash my garments white
      In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.
      And now complete in Him,
      My robe, His righteousness,
      Close sheltered ’neath His side,
      I am divinely blest.
      Lord, now indeed I find
      Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
      Can change the leper’s spots
      And melt the heart of stone.
      When from my dying bed
      My ransomed soul shall rise,
      “Jesus died my soul to save,”
      Shall rend the vaulted skies.
      And when before the throne
      I stand in Him complete,
      I’ll lay my trophies down,
      All down at Jesus’ feet.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n5qfUwVCcU

  8. We should be praying for Mayor Rob Ford today as well. He was hospitalized yesterday & was found to have a tumor. His father passed away from a cancerous tumor. His heart may be looking to God at this frightening time. May Your Word reach his heart & mind & may the Seed fall into good soil & spring up & grow.Amen

  9. Thankyou Beverlee kay for those wonderful songs, I always sing along
    it always lifts my spirit to sing Gods Praises God bless us every one…R…

  10. I have been praying for Rob Ford for sometime. I pray God will heal him; that he can get his life in order. I believe he is brilliant and God has great plans for him. I pray for more rehab facilities for men and women; I pray for more counselling to be given to parents and children. I pray more families will go to church. I appreciate the encouraging words on this blog! Pray I find winter clothes 1/2 price and that fit me! Blessings to everyone!

  11. Praying for complete and total healing for Mayor Rob Ford.
    Also praying for all the friends and loved ones of the victims of 9/11.
    Blessings blog buddies.

  12. Had a wonderful day! I am so thankful. Spent time at the Canadian Mental Health club house as I am a member, reminded how many young people are suffering with a chemical imbalance! Smart, intelligent, kind, clever, believers, everyone just wanting to be loved and accepted as they are, to be protected, even though we have an illness, we are children of God! Didn`t find any winter clothes that fit, but am thankful for the day and then went swimming and said good by to a lifeguard who is moving and he will be missed very much. He is a Christian! Met a woman from Holland who used to go to church and she is thinking about starting up again, it`s been a God day indeed!

Leave a Reply to Irene Ochotta Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.