LISTEN

Listen to the words of the LORD who created you, who formed you in your mother's womb, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."  Isaiah 43:1-2

If the enemy comes with thoughts of fear, take those thoughts captive and reflect on the knowledge that you are precious in God's sight and He loves you.  What can be more comforting!  God has called you by name.  He knows you and He has redeemed you at a great cost.  He will never let you go.

LORD, let the cares of this world fall by the wayside as I walk in Your glorious light.  Thank you for the revelation of Your loving care.  Thank You for Your promises and the hope that they bring.

GIDEON'S ARMY

Judges 7.  How we are chosen.

Gideon started out with 32,000 troops to go to war with the Midianites.  God said it was too many.  Send away the fearful and afraid.  That left him with 10,000.  And God said, "still too many."  The warriors were selected by how they handled the water (Word).  Some dropped to their knees and put their face in the water others dipped their hand into the water to bring it up to their mouth.  

It was the ones who were alert and watchful, discerning of what they were drinking and not the ones who buried their faces and drank indiscriminately that were chosen.

So it is today.  We can't swallow everything and please God.

Lord, I chose not to be fearful or afraid.  I will handle Your Word responsibly and encourage others.  I will not be careless with Your precious Word.  You have called me to a higher standard.  Don't let me bring shame to Your holy name.

AWAKE!

. . . now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Romans 13:11,12 KJV

Has the Holy Spirit ever awakened you in the middle of the night?

When that happens you have to opportunity to awake and enjoy sweet fellowship with the Lord or to go back to sleep and pamper the flesh.

The corporate church in America has been lulled to sleep by peace and prosperity.  It is about to be awakened by trials and persecution.  

Time is short.  When the Spirit knocks, respond to the opportunity.  Wake up.  Sit at His feet.  You will be instructed in the way that you should go.

Heavenly Father, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.  Give me ears to hear the 'still, small voice' that calls to me in the middle of the night.  And give me the strength to throw off the covers and respond to Your call.

PAY ATTENTION

We are warned that 'evil men and seducers will become worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.' 2 Timothy 3:13

There is so much deception in the world right now that none of us can cut through it all to get to the whole truth.

But we are promised that 'all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.'  Luke 8:17 NLT  

For now, we are told to be careful HOW we hear, not just what we hear.  Our responsibility is to be taught by the Word of God.  It is by listening to His word that we will gain understanding of His plan for our life and times  Luke 8:18 NLT.  And when we understand, we can walk without fear or confusion.  We will not be deceived. Focus on the Truth, not the counterfeit.

Lord, You are the Way, the Truth and the Life.  You have overcome the world and our confidence is in You. 

PERFECT PEACE

How is perfect peace obtained?  Isaiah 26:3 says You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! 

Don't get caught up in all the hype and confusion that is prevelant in the world today.  God is doing a mighty work and He has never left His throne.  

Be still and praise His name because He is the Prince of Peace.

Lord, we praise You.  You are not the author of confusion.  Thank you for Your peace that passes all understanding.   

LOCK DOWN!

Paul and Silas were in prison, locked up. (Acts 16:23,24)  They responded by singing songs of praise.

A large portion of the world is now on lock down.  How will the believers respond?

Locked up or locked down - it doesn't matter.  Our spirit is free.

When Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises there was a great earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison and caused the prison doors to open.  (Acts 16:25,26)

What might happen if all the believers currently in lock down began to sing and praise?  Perhaps the vibrations would shake the foundations of the Babylonian system that has held us captive for generations.  

Offer up your song of praise and join the symphony!

BASIC NEEDS MET

In the wilderness, the Israelites' daily needs were met.  He provided for several million people (Ex. 12:37 - 600,000 men plus women and children).  Their clothes did not even wear out for forty years (Deut. 29:5).

Hebrew 13:8  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Jeremiah 33:3  Call (cry out) to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you knew not.

Lord our hope is in you, Yahweh Yireh - our Provider.  You are our daily bread.  We look to You alone in these uncertain times.  Your care and love for us gives us hope and peace that the world knows nothing of.