TORMENT

The fruit of fear is torment.  The platform that opens the door to fear develops when we have not been honest with ourselves or others.  We are afraid that others will find out who we really are.

Another platform the devil uses to create fear and torment in our lives is unforgiveness.  If we cannot forgive ourselves and remain in self-condemnation, we will be vulnerable to Satan.  He is a liar, and he loves to send condemning thoughts to you.

The way out of fear is to forgive all those who have wronged and hurt you and also to forgive yourself.  When you recognize that your life is not your own, but you were purchased by a loving God Who cared enough to send Me as the perfect sacrifice to give you the opportunity to receive My righteousness, you will have a foundation for faith instead of fear.  Trusting in your own righteousness will never work.  Whenever you are afraid, say out loud, "Thank You Lord Jesus for being My righteousness.  What times I am fearful, I will trust you with all of My heart and not be afraid."

MATTHEW 18:21-35

COMPLAIN

Many people complain often about the weather conditions they are experiencing, but even more people just find a multitude of reasons to complain. 

My friend Paul wrote this exhortation to the saints in Philippi: "Do all things without murmurings and disputings (Philippians 2:14).  The children of Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness because they continually complained. 

Paul learned to be content no matter what circumstance he was experiencing.  He never complained. This is how he was able to maintain his joy and retain My joy.  Today, make it  your goal not to complain, and I will be able to strengthen you to face future circumstances with joy.

PHILIPPIANS 2:14, 4:11

INSIGHT/INSTRUCTIONS

There are always instructions on how to use whatever you purchase.  It is wise to follow those instructions.  However, you often fail in your first attempt to follow the instructions.  When this happens, pray and ask for My help instead of becoming frustrated.

My Word is your instruction manual for life. It is so easy to surface read those instructions.  When you do this, you are unable to apply the wisdom given in My Word to your every day life.  You need understanding.

Understanding is the bridge between knowledge and wisdom.  Without understanding, you cannot apply the principles given in My Word to your life.  It is My Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Truth) Who can give you the understanding you need.  Call upon Him today as you read My Word, and He will lead and guide you in My truths.

ISAIAH 11:2; JOHN 16:13

CLOSURE/DISCLOSURE

People want closure after someone dear to them has died.  Sin always brings death to your soul. James wrote that I tempt no man, but that men are led astray by their own lusts and then tempted. He added that when "lust is conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death."

The only way to stop this cycle is to confess your sins and repent (turn away from sin). Unconfessed sins and unforgiveness give My enemy the platform to accuse, condemn, and destroy.

Closure to the death that sin brings in your life can only be brought about when you disclose your sins first to Me and then to others (especially those you have wronged and hurt by your sin).  Darkness can not dwell in your life when you have brought your sins to light.  My light will then be able to shine through you.

JAMES 1: 12-17; 1 JOHN 1:5-10

PREVIOUS

I want you to review the previous days of your life. You will soon discover that My hand has been upon you even through your many trials. Keeping a  journal of how I have answered your prayers is of great value because then you can express your gratefulness to Me for those answers.

My servant David, the psalmist, often reviewed his past.  His life was filled with flight, fight, and fright.  However, as he reviewed his life,  he saw how I brought him through to victory in both his physical and spiritual battles.

Today, take time to review your past.  When you do this, you will be in awe of the faithfulness, grace, peace, joy and love that I extended to you during your many trials and tests. You will also be blessed as you remember the precious moments in your life.

PSALM 61, 62:5-8

EMBRACE

When people are asked, "How are you doing?"  The response often is, "I am doing all right under the circumstances."  There will always be circumstances in your life that are hard to accept and hard to go through.

When difficult times come in your life, I do not want you to be under the circumstances.  I want you to accept the circumstances and embrace them with the full confidence that I am in control. You are not.

Hard circumstances in your life gives Me the opportunity to reveal to you My extravagant love. You can embrace those hard times with thanksgiving and praise because My love will embrace you and carry you through every trial.

1 PETER 1:3-7

LINE

Sometimes when you go to buy something at a store, I hear you exclaim, "I always pick the wrong line."  I am at the very last of this line!!"

There is one line that you can, rest assured, is the right line.  That line is the line of those who will stand before Me on judgment day and who will hear Me say, "Well, done My good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a few things, I will make  you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your Lord (Matthew 25:21)."

This line is different than most worldly lines because the last in this line will be first.  Those who are willing to humble themselves by serving others instead of pushing upward to climb the ladder of success will be first in line.  Thank Me today because as you serve others with a pure heart, I will elevate you to a higher position in My Kingdom.

MATTHEW 25:21

COUNTERFEIT

Often it is difficult to determine whether or not someone is a true believer or a counterfeit.  The only way to discern the difference is by the fruits that person displays.  However, My enemy tries to counterfeit even the fruits of My Spirit.

My enemy offers a superficial peace based on feelings only.  My peace surpasses all the peace the world offers.   It passes human understanding. My joy also is far superior to any happiness or temporary joy that My enemy can offer.

Pray for those who have settled for counterfeited peace, joy, and love.  Also make sure that you do not get seduced by My enemy who will try to satisfy your senses with worldly pleasures and peace.

JOHN 14:27; PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7

WEARY

Hot summer days sometimes will cause you to be weary.  You have been looking forward to Fall when there will be a break in the heat.

It is during those weary times that I want you to call upon My strength.  It is My joy that will give you strength.  Today your strength was restored by simply singing a song out loud about My loving kindness.

My promise is always that I can strengthen you.  I never grow weary.  I am the Creator of the ends of the earth and I faint not.  Come to Me when you are weary, and I promise always to give  you rest.

ISAIAH 40:28; NEHEMIAH 8:10; MATTHEW 11:28

INGREDIENTS

You live in an age when there are many kinds of food and multiple ingredients in the dishes that are served.  Sometimes food can become a real distraction that keeps you from experiencing the most important ingredient in life.

I am the bread of life. I am the vine that supplies nourishment for you to bear fruit. I am the living water. I told My disciples that except they eat My flesh and drink My blood, they have no life in them. This shocked My followers and many left Me.

What I was telling My followers was that I am the most important ingredient in their lives.  In fact, I am their life and without Me they can do nothing.  Today, I ask you these questions: Are you digesting My Word daily?  Are you drinking from the wells of salvation within you daily?  My Spirit can supply you living water that will quench your thirst forever and for all eternity. Spend time today partaking of My eternal menu.

JOHN 6:51 53-66

REVERENCE

There are many songs in your age that emphasize My friendship with you.  There was a time in My walk on Earth when I called My disciples My friends.  You are My friend if you do whatsoever I command you.

I want you to daily live in the fear of  Me.  This means that you are aware of the greatness of My power and that you are willing to humble yourself before Me with an obedient heart that is willing to do My will.

I want you to reverence Me today because you know Who I am.  Without Me you can do nothing.  Today worship Me as not only your Lord and Savior, but also as your Mighty Creator.

JOHN 15:14-15, 5

DOCUMENTS

When I walked on Earth, I did not have to keep precious documents.  Most all transactions were done by word of mouth.  However, there was one precious document that I read daily.  That document was the Torah.

As you study My teachings in the gospels, you will discover how many times I quoted from the Torah.  I taught in the synagogues throughout the Galilee and in the Temple in Jerusalem.  I even gave My autobiography as I quoted from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue in Nazareth.

I trust that your most precious document is the Bible. So many, however, put the Bible on a table and never read it.  They do not realize that My Word is the manual that relays the wisdom they need to live a fruitful life.  Read this precious document today and everyday.

LUKE 19:47, 21:38, JOHN 8:2; LUKE 4:16-21

STOREHOUSE

There is a storehouse house in heaven.  I am the door to that storehouse.  I know how you rejoice when all your bills are paid and when deposits are made into your earthly account from sources that you did not expect.

You can rejoice every day because I keep good records.  When you give to the poor, I debit your account in heaven.  When you intercede for others, I debit your account.  When you share My good news with others, I debit your account.

There are so many ways that you can store up treasures in your heavenly bank account.  My Word says that when you bring all your tithes into this heavenly storehouse, I will open the windows of heaven and send you an abundance of blessings.   Expect blessings today.

MALACHI 3:10

OVERWHELMED

I know that there are times in your life that overwhelm you.  You can be overwhelmed when you are  trying to fulfill the obligations on your calendar at work, school, or the routine tasks you face daily.  Also, you can be overwhelmed when adversity comes your way.

My friend David, the Psalmist, knew where to go when he was overwhelmed.  As you know he was overwhelmed by the battle with Saul and all the battles he had to fight.  He was overwhelmed with even his friends who turned against him.

He prayed this prayer when overwhelming circumstances came his way:  "When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."  I am that rock.  I am you strong tower and your shelter.  Praise Me today for being your Rock in overwhelming times.

PSALM 61:2-3

FOUNDATION

A building will not withstand earthquakes or horrific storms if its foundation is not strong and deep.  You are My building.  I am the Master Builder Who seeks to construct your spiritual life to withstand every adversity that may come your way.

I am also the strong, deep foundation that you can build your day upon.  Instead of structuring your day according to your own plans, structure  your day according to My plans.

I want you to recognize that I am the Master builder of your day.  I have definite plans for you each day.  Come to Me in the morning and submit your day to Me.  When you do this, you will be strengthened in your faith and thereby be able to strengthen others.

1 CORINTHIANS 3:9

LIBERTY

Where My Spirit is there is liberty.  Of course, My Spirit is omnipotent.  My Spirit is always present.  However, the liberating power of My Spirit is only ignited when people are open to receive the presence and power of My Spirit.

My Spirit is a gentleman, and He will never force His way into a church service or into a person's life unless He is welcomd.  I want you to be aware daily that the same Spirit that raised Me from the dead dwells in you.

I have chosen you to be the temple that houses My Spirit.  Do not take for granted the great power I gave you when you were born again. You can liberate the manifestation of My Spirit in your life when you pray, praise, and worship Me.  Today use that resurrection power I have given you to liberate others.

2 CORINTHIANS 3:17; ROMANS 8:11

ATTENTION

I want to draw your attention to Me daily, but often you are so busy with the routines of your daily commitments that you forget that I am ever present with you.  I have promised in My Word that if you draw near to Me, I will draw near to you.

Today and every day I want you to be intentional to draw near to Me even when you are at work or at school.  This can be done by staying filled with My Spirit all the day long.

You stay filled with My Spirit by speaking to  yourself in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to Me and remaining in thanksgiving to Me throughout the day. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you stay filled with His Spirit when you begin each day.

EPHESIANS 5:18-21

CAPTIVE/CAPTIVATED

Paul exhorted the church in Corinth to do spiritual warfare by pulling down the strongholds in their minds.  The mind is truly the battlefield that My adversary loves to make his playground.

I have given you mighty weapons to pull down the strongholds in your mind.  Paul advised My followers to take every thought captive.  Whenever you have a negative word,a vain imagination, or a worldly thought, take those thoughts captive and give them to Me.  I will then be able to do battle for you.

The greatest weapon that I have given you to pull down every stronghold is My love.  When you are captivated by My love, your focus will be on Me and not the world.  Today, be intentional to focus your thoughts on how much I love you, and you will not open your mind to fleshly thinking.

2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-6.

NEW THING

"BEHOLD I WILL DO A NEW THING; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?  I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19)."  Do you feel like you are in a wilderness right now?

I am able to create a new thing out of the chaos in your life.  As you seek Me first in your life, I will do a new thing.  What seems so painful to you right now is bringing healing.  Pain usually brings forth healing for deep hurts in your life.

I am the "GREAT I AM" Who can be what you need in your life right now.  Look to Me. BEHOLD Me, and you will discover how I am holding your hand throughout the chaos in your life.

ISAIAH 43:19; EXODUS 3:14

EXCEEDING

My friend Paul used this adjective to describe the joy he experienced when he went through tribulation.  He said: "I  am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation".

How can anyone be exceeding joyful in the midst of tribulation?   Paul gives the answer in his letter to the Corinthians. He shared that the light affliction he  and his companions experienced that lasted but a moment worked for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

I want you to know that it is possible for you to retain My joy and maintain your joy in the midst of the tribulations you experience in this life.  When you have the big picture (the eternal view), you also will be strengthened by My joy within you and your joy will remain full.

2 CORINTHIANS 7:4, 4:17

GOALS

When a runner is training for a cross country race or a marathon, the runner sets goals that he or she wants to reach before the big day of the race.

My friend Paul had only one goal in mind when he ran his race of life.  That goal was to win the prize of the high calling that I had given him.

That high calling was to share the gospel with both the Jewish people and the Gentiles.  This is also your calling and every believer's calling.  Some believers excuse themselves by saying, "I am not called to be an evangelist.  That is not my gifting."  The truth is that all believers are evangelists.  They are gospel letters that others read.  What are those around you reading about your life today?

PHILLIPPIANS 3:14; ROMANS 1:16;2 CORINTHIANS 3:2

PROGRESS

Spiritual progress is measured differently than earthly progress.  Progress in your job is measured by how high you can go in obtaining top positions in your company.  Worldly progress always depends upon your own self-effort in disciplining yourself  as you seek to gain promotions or study for higher grades in school.

Spiritual progress does not depend upon self-effort.  Spiritual progress is determined by how dependent you have become upon Me for you daily emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical needs.
The discipline needed for spiritual progress is surrender.

Today surrender your day, your way, your works, your will, your emotions, yourself and your family to Me.  Then trust Me to work in all those aspects of your life.

PSALM 18:2,30, 28:7

WELLS/RIVERS

The largest percentage of your body is made of water.  This is why it is so important to drink plenty of water so that you do not become dehydrated.

There is a spiritual dehydration that I want to talk to you about today.  Did you know that you have wells of salvation and rivers of living water within your spirit? I am that living water. I am salvation.

When you fail to drink from the river of life  and the wells of salvation within your spirit, you will become spiritually dehydrated.  I want you today to joyfully drink from these sources of spiritual water.  When you spend time in My presence in prayer and read and heed My Word, your spiritual thirst will be quenched.

ISAIAH 12:3; JOHN 4:14

CHARGE

"Charge it" is the expression used by millions in today's economy. This spoken expression has gotten millions in debt.  We had no such expression when I walked on Earth.  There were no charge cards then.

We did have a system, however, of paying monies forward.  My friend Paul did not depend on a salary.  He trusted Me to supply his needs, and he also had the vocation of tent making.  Paul was chargeable to no man, and this gave him complete liberty to speak My truths boldly.

So many of the preachers in your day are dependent upon salaries.  Often, this causes them to please people rather than Me. Pray for the pastors today who have fallen in the trap of pleasing people.  The fear of man can become a serious stronghold that prevents them from doing My will.

2 CORINTHIANS 11:9