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Post by Unmerited on May 27, 2023 5:38:33 GMT -8
Overcoming - May 27
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11
There is no greater biblical declaration of faith’s confession than from those facing the cataclysmic travail of the last days. They endure persecutions in the overcoming power of the blood of the Lamb and of the word of their transforming faith in Christ. Their faith is unwavering, the result of an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the heart of faith’s confession, based in God’s Word and the blood of the Lamb, whose victory has provided the eternal conquest of Satan.
With Christ’s victory over Satan, those who have maintained their confession of faith now share in His victory. With their sins blotted out and their declaration of Jesus’ redemptive work in their lives, they silence the attempts of the prince of darkness to intimidate God’s children. His accusing voice of condemnation and guilt is swallowed up in the triumph of Calvary.
Declare your abiding faith and continue in Jesus’ ultimate victory, overcoming Satan by the power of the Cross and the steadfastness of your confession of faith in Christ’s triumph.
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on May 28, 2023 5:31:35 GMT -8
God’s Faithfulness—Part 1 May 28
Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23
I have often wondered if we as believers would have more faith in the Lord and trust in His willingness to work on our behalf if we truly recognized the greatness of His faithfulness. A look at the literal meaning of the Hebrew word ’emunah used here gives us insight into the foundation upon which the Lord calls us to stand.
’Emunah literally means firmness, stability, faithfulness, fidelity, conscientiousness, steadiness, certainty; that which is permanent, enduring, steadfast. ’Emunah comes from a word meaning “to be firm, sure, established, and steady.” “Amen” is derived from this same word and means “It is firmly, truly so!” ’Emunah is often translated “faithfulness” or “truth,” as truth is considered something ultimately certain, stable, and unchangingly fixed.
No matter what may be shaking in your life today, being rooted in His great faithfulness, we shall stand secure in Him.
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on May 29, 2023 4:06:04 GMT -8
God’s Faithfulness—Part 2 May 29
Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23
The verse previous to the text reads, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning.…” Let us lift our voices today in praise for His faithful, gracious, sustaining hand that strengthens and guides us through every new day; and that includes today!
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with thee;
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed thy hand hath provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on May 30, 2023 5:06:28 GMT -8
Harvest Guaranteed - May 30
If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,” and it would obey you. Luke 17:6
The symbolism of the seed is used throughout Scripture. In this text, Jesus challenged His followers to have faith as a “seed.” Jesus is called the “Seed” (Gen. 3:15); the Word of God is designated as “seed” (Luke 8:11; 1 Pet. 1:23); the growth of the believer is likened to a plant (John 15); and the evangelism of the world to a harvest (Matt. 13:30). This only begins the imagery of “seed faith” in the Bible.
It is altogether desirable to capture a firm grasp of this truth, the essence of which is that the little we have to bring to God is not a limit to faith’s possibilities. When we bring Him the smallest of our strength, our resource, and our ability, and place it in His hands—sown like a seed—there is a guaranteed fruitfulness and harvest forthcoming.
Is there anything in your life that you hesitate to place in His hands? Do not fear! He is faithful and He guarantees an abundant harvest!
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on May 31, 2023 4:27:48 GMT -8
Protection - May 31
Above all, [take] the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16
First Peter 5:8 says that our “adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” His attack against us is relentless as he seeks to tempt us (Matt. 4:1), oppose us (Zech. 3:1), bring disease (Job 2:7), and prompt us to sin (Acts 5:3). In fact, John 10:10 says that all of Satan’s efforts are aimed at causing three things: robbery, death, and destruction.
But we have not been left without defense!
This text challenges us to take up the shield of faith! The Greek word for faith literally means “conviction, confidence, trust, belief.” But what are we to have our confidence in? The Lord. Psalm 3:3 says, “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me.” This psalm later speaks of God not only defending us, but pursuing our enemies and saving us from the enemies’ snare through rescue (v. 4), rest (v. 5), and deliverance (v. 6).
Rest in that promise today. Our shield of faith is the Lord!
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on Jun 1, 2023 4:19:22 GMT -8
Marriage—Part 1 June 1
But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head o,f woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3
The relationship between God as “head” and Christ as Son is a model for the relationship between husband and wife. It provides us with principles that can be applied within the marriage relationship.
We are to share a mutual love (John 5:20; 14:31), live in unity (John 10:30; 14:9, 11), and hold one another in highest esteem (John 8:49, 54). In the description of the virtuous wife of Proverbs 31, the writer noted that the husband rose up and called his wife blessed and that he praised her (Prov. 31:28). To honor, to hold in esteem, and praise your mate builds an unshakable trust in each other. Husbands are also to care for their wives (Eph. 5:28), while wives are to exercise authority entrusted to them with humility and without competition (Phil. 2:3).
As we follow the principles illustrated in Jesus and the Father’s relationship, we will see our marriages built up in faith, impenetrable to the enemy’s devices, and extending ministry in Jesus’ Name.
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on Jun 2, 2023 7:17:21 GMT -8
Marriage—Part 2 June 2
I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites. Genesis 24:3
In his last days, Abraham’s primary concern was that his son should marry a woman of the same faith. The servant obeyed his master and, with the Lord’s guidance, found Rebekah as a wife for Isaac.
The command to marry only within their faith was repeated to Israel throughout the Old Testament (Deut. 7:3; Neh. 13:25). The consequences of intermarriages were devastating. The scriptural report of Solomon, who married many foreign wives, was “that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord” (1 Kin. 11:1, 4). The theme continues in the New Testament: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Cor. 6:14).
We no longer live in a culture where parents arrange their children’s marriages. But we can pray. The prayers for a godly husband or wife should begin the day our children are born so that as they enter marriage they will have partners in faith who will strengthen their hearts in the Lord.
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on Jun 3, 2023 8:58:41 GMT -8
One Flesh June 3
And the two shall become one flesh. Mark 10:8
One day the Pharisees tested Jesus on the subject of divorce. In answer, He rehearsed the story of the creation and union of male and female: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh” (Mark 10:7, 8).
The marriage union was ordained by God. From the beginning man was instructed to leave his family so that he could be joined to his wife. The Greek word for “join” means “to glue or cement together, stick to, adhere to, join firmly.” The joining together of a man and a woman in marriage implies permanency The fact that God joined them together reinforces the concept (Mark 10:9).
When the two become one, unity is established—unity in spirit and in flesh. The God–witnessed union is to remain through joy and adversity, with husband and wife committed to each other and to their Creator.
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on Jun 4, 2023 4:12:18 GMT -8
Build on the Rock - June 4
Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Psalm 127:1
Building your dream house is an exciting project. From the planning and design to watching the building go up, to decorating and moving in—all are a part of making it just the way you want it. We all put a lot of thought into our homes, but this Scripture tells us we have a more permanent residence.
God the master builder knows how to build our spiritual homes. He is the architect. He drew the blueprints. His design is perfect and eternal. When we try to build our homes or our families without consulting the chief architect, our labor is in vain. But when we work with Him in the construction process, when we consult His blueprints—the Word of God—and seek His advice in prayer, the result is enduring.
Jesus said, “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7:24). As we build our homes on God’s Word, our house will stand when others fall, because its foundation is solidly built on Jesus Christ Himself.
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on Jun 5, 2023 4:16:41 GMT -8
Heirs Together - June 5
Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding… and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7
This passage of Scripture opens with a command to wives to live their lives in such a Christ–like manner that their unbelieving husbands will be irresistibly drawn to Christ (1 Peter 3:1). It concludes by encouraging husbands to understand and honor their wives.
Peter goes on to say that when we do not live in understanding and honor, our own relationship with God can be hampered and our prayers go unanswered. It is when our lives reflect Jesus’ actions and attitudes that the channel to God is opened wide. Our spiritual health and growth is assured, and we become “heirs together of the grace of life.” The word “heir” denotes a joint participant, or one who receives a lot or a possession with another.
Our godly inheritance is “the grace of life,” a fruitful life here and for eternity with the Lord. Now He calls us, along with our spouse, to be joint participants in our purpose and joint recipients of His promise.
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1992), 160.
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Post by Unmerited on Jun 6, 2023 4:30:56 GMT -8
Ears to Hear - June 6
The Lord came and stood and called as at other times… And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10
At an early age Samuel had a heart for the Lord and ears sensitive to His voice. He “ministered before the Lord, even as a child” (1 Sam. 2:18).
As parents we must teach our children to have spiritually sensitive ears that can discern the Lord’s voice. Jesus repeatedly cried out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matt. 11:15; 13:43; Mark 4:23; Luke 8:8). Elijah learned to hear God’s “still small voice” (1 Kin. 19:12). The Apostle Paul’s life was changed in a moment when he heard the voice of the Lord (Acts 9:4), and he simultaneously received salvation and direction for his life.
We can teach our children how to hear God’s voice by sharing with them times that we have heard His voice and how we responded. God speaks to us in many ways as we go through each day. Let us ask the Lord to give us ears sensitive to hear His voice and wisdom to teach those same lessons to our children.
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on Jun 7, 2023 7:40:16 GMT -8
Love Without Partiality - June 7
And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Genesis 25:28
God had blessed Isaac and Rebekah with twin sons. As the boys grew, they developed very different interests. Esau became a hunter, a real outdoorsman, and this appealed to Isaac. Jacob worked in the fields closer to home, so he spent much of his time with Rebekah. The partiality of their parents soon became obvious. Esau is even referred to as “his” (Isaac’s) son (Gen. 27:5) and Jacob as “her” (Rebekah’s) son (Gen. 27:6). This partiality became a curse within the family, bringing deception and division.
Partiality has no place in our families. It will hurt, divide, and destroy relationships. As parents, we should follow God’s example: “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34).
Partiality means “to take sides, show favoritism, show discrimination, treat one person better than another.” God’s love and grace are available for all, without partiality, and we should love our children the same way. As they grow and learn to rest securely in our love, they will learn to rest just as securely in the Father’s love.
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on Jun 8, 2023 4:51:36 GMT -8
Don’t Give Up - June 8
Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. 1 Samuel 2:22
What went wrong with these sons of a godly priest? Scripture tells us that while Eli ministered before the Lord, his sons were “corrupt” and their sins were “very great” (1 Sam. 2:12, 17).
We do not know everything that brought Eli’s sons to this appalling circumstance, but we do know that they did not know the Lord (1 Sam. 2:12), and that they did not have any regard for their father’s warning to repent (1 Sam. 2:25). Twice Eli was warned that destruction would come to his household because of his sons’ sins, but Eli’s response was despondent. “Let [the Lord] do what seems good to Him” (1 Sam. 3:18). Eli had given up.
We have promise regarding our children’s salvation (Prov. 22:6), but we also have a God–given charge to instruct them in the knowledge of the Lord.
Do not give up! Even when the situation looks grim, let the Lord’s unfailing love flow through you to them, drawing them into the family of the redeemed.
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on Jun 9, 2023 4:30:45 GMT -8
Dedicating Our Children - June 9
Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:28
One of the most difficult lessons that parents have to learn is to hold their children with open hands because they belong to the Lord. Hannah is the ultimate picture of the “open–handed” parent. She had vowed that she would give her son back to the Lord “all the days of his life” (1 Sam. 1:11). Hannah fulfilled her promise by bringing her son Samuel to live and serve in the tabernacle. The word “lent” used here means to give unconditionally in dedication to the Lord.
In Luke 2, we see another example of parents giving their child to the Lord when Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem. In doing this, they were not only affirming God’s prior claim on the child’s life, but committing themselves to raise him in God’s ways.
We as parents should follow the same example in dedicating our children to the Lord. How God chooses to use them is not for us to decide, but He allows us to partner with Him in directing our children toward His purpose.
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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Post by Unmerited on Jun 10, 2023 4:44:26 GMT -8
Little Blessings - June 10
Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3
The Creator’s words to the newly created man and woman were, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28). Children are the result of that command. The verse in Psalms tells us that children are “a heritage from the Lord.” We inherit them from God Himself. He entrusts them to us just as one would entrust a fortune to the heirs.
Children are also referred to as a reward. A reward is something that is given in return for something done. At the time children are given to parents they are really unearned. It is in loving and caring for our children and in seeing them mature in the Lord that the reward comes.
The world promotes a totally different attitude toward children. They are viewed as burdens rather than blessings. The next time we are tempted to frustration with our children, let us remember that Scripture promises, “Children’s children are the crown of old men” (Prov. 17:6). God’s reward is perpetual; it continues for generations!
Jack W. Hayford and Sam Middlebrook, Living the Spirit Filled Life
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