JULY 31, 2014. A WALL OF PROTECTION

THURSDAY JULY 31, 2014.

'You have...put a wall of protection around him...' Job 1:10 NLT

A Wall of Protection

When God praised Job for his integrity, Satan replied, 'You have always put a wall of protection around him...take away everything he has, and he will surely curse You.' So God gave Satan permission to test Job, but He placed limits on how far he could go (Job 2:6). There are times '...When the enemy comes in like a flood...' (Isaiah 59:19 NKJV) to attack your mind, your marriage, your ministry, and anything that's born of God in your life. When that happens, Isaiah says, '...The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard [shield] against him.' (Isaiah 59:19 NKJV) When you feel you're at breaking point and can't handle one more thing, the Holy Spirit lifts up the wall of the blood of Jesus and tells Satan, 'This far and no further!' Paul says, 'We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.' (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV) There's a wall of protection around you. There's also a time for your deliverance. '...In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' (2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV) God will step in and intervene. The Psalmist said, '...When my heart is faint; Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.' (Psalm 61:2 NAS) When your resources are depleted and you think you're going under for the last time, God has provided a refuge that's higher than your circumstances, a place where you're under divine protection and the enemy has no jurisdiction. All you have to do is lift your eyes and heart toward Heaven.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 30, 2014. DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS!

WEDNESDAY JULY 30, 2014.

'...O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.' Psalm 25:4 NLT

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

Even simple decisions can be stressful. Ever watch a child struggle to choose between chocolate or strawberry ice cream? And the bigger decisions-like whom to marry, which career to choose, whether to buy a house or to undergo high-risk surgery etc.-mean life can be nerve-racking! But you can reduce your stress level by following these Biblical principles: (1) Do the research. 'Anyone who answers without listening is foolish and confused.' (Proverbs 18:13 NCV) Get all the facts and avoid making decisions you'll regret. Knowledge has never been more accessible-through the internet, helpful books, and especially God's Word: 'Your commands...are my constant guide.' (Psalm 119:98 NLT) (2) Talk to God. 'Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.' Consulting God helps prevent premature decisions, clarifies your priorities and prepares you to hear His counsel. Is God interested in your decisions? Yes. 'The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.' (Psalm 37:23 NLT) (3) Be open to new ideas. Don't get trapped in old mind-sets. 'An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.' (Proverbs 18:15 NRS) Clinging to the familiar can be crippling. God may choose to lead you along a new path of fresh insight. So breathe deeply, seek His wisdom, and open up your heart to receive it. (4) Get advice from trusted friends. 'It's a hard road that's walked alone,' says an old Celtic proverb. So follow Solomon's counsel: 'A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man listens to others.' (Proverbs 12:15 TLB)

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 29, 2014. HOW JESUS TAUGHT US TO PRAY (4)

TUESDAY JULY 29, 2014.

'...Deliver us from the evil one...' Matthew 6:13 NKJV

How Jesus Taught Us to Pray (4)

Jesus taught us to pray: 'Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one...' Satan knows your areas of weakness and he will exploit them. But there's good news. It's your weaknesses, not your strengths, that draw you closer to God and make you lean on Him. Paul wrote: '...I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.' (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT) At first this verse doesn't seem to make sense. You want to be freed from your weaknesses, not boast about them. But Paul gives you several reasons: (1) Your weakness prevents pride. Paul writes: '...to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud...' (2 Corinthians 12:7 NLT) You'll often find a weakness attached to strength, acting as a governor to keep you from becoming boastful or running ahead of God. Gideon chose 32,000 men to fight the Midianites, but God reduced his numbers to 300 (Judges 7). Why? So that Israel would know it was God's power and not their own that saved them. (2) Your weakness creates fellowship. Your struggles show you how much you need the support of others. Vance Havner said, 'Christians, like snowflakes, are frail, but when they stick together they can stop traffic.' (3) Your weakness enables you to help others. It's the broken who become masters at mending. Your most effective ministry can come out of your most painful experiences. The things you're most reluctant to share are often the very things God will use to help others.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/ 

JULY 28, 2014. HOW JESUS TAUGHT US TO PRAY (3)

MONDAY JULY 28, 2014.

'...Forgive us...as we forgive...' Matthew 6:12 NKJV

How Jesus Taught Us to Pray (3)

Let's clear up some misconceptions about the words, 'Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.' Satan will try to convince you that if your feelings haven't changed toward the person who wronged you, you haven't truly forgiven them. No, you can make the right decision and still have the wrong feelings! This is when you need faith to carry you through. You have done your part, now you are waiting for God to do His. God has the power to change your feelings toward the one who hurt you, and He will. Another misconception is that all you have to do is make a decision to forgive and then your job's finished. No, you are instructed to 'Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God's blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you...' (Luke 6:28 AMP) You say, 'Bless them? Are you serious?' Yes. The word 'bless' translates from a word meaning 'to speak well of'. You're extending mercy to those who don't deserve it. But isn't that what God does for you? The truth is, you cannot truly forgive without the Holy Spirit's help. So today why don't you pray, 'Holy Spirit, breathe on me and give me strength. I forgive _____________ [name] for what they did. I release them from this debt and ask You to bless them. I turn the situation over to You. I trust You for my total restoration. Help me, Lord. Heal my heart, in Jesus' name, Amen.' Now, by faith, leave it all in your Father's hands, move forward and anticipate His blessing. You won't be disappointed.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 27, 2014. HOW JESUS TAUGHT US TO PRAY (2)

SUNDAY JULY 27, 2014.

'Give us this day our daily bread.' Matthew 6:11 NKJV

How Jesus Taught Us to Pray (2)

Jesus taught us to pray, 'Give us this day our daily bread.' Notice the word 'daily'. You can't fight today's battles on the strength of yesterday's bread; you must have a fresh supply. In the wilderness God's people were only permitted to collect enough manna for one day. If they tried to collect more, it rotted. It's wonderful to talk about what God did yesterday and what He's going to do tomorrow, but all you've got is today. 'Give us this day our daily bread.' Only as you partake of what God's provided for you today will you be able to stand up to the challenges you face. This prayer is an expression of faith. The very fact that you ask means you believe God's got what you need and that He cares enough to provide for you. It says, 'I don't need to go to anybody else but You, Lord.' So hang up the phone, turn off the TV, shut the door, get down on your knees, approach God in faith and pray, 'Give me what I need for this day.' God knows what you need, you don't! As you partake of what He provides for you each day you'll be able to handle whatever life throws at you.

And one more thought. When people start getting on your nerves for no apparent reason or you start having all sorts of mood swings or you begin living by feelings instead of faith, it's probably because you're not eating right. If that's so, it's time to go back to your Source and say, 'Lord, I've come for my daily bread.'

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JULY 26, 2014. HOW JESUS TAUGHT US TO PRAY (1)

SATURDAY JULY 26, 2014.

'...Therefore, pray: Our Father in Heaven...' Matthew 6:9 NKJV

How Jesus Taught Us to Pray (1)

Here's how Jesus taught us to pray: (1) 'Our Father in Heaven.' When you say, 'Father' you are acknowledging that you're 'family', that you have a special relationship with God which entitles you to go to Him at any time, confident you're loved, welcomed and assured of His favor. When you say, 'in Heaven,' you can go no higher. You're drawing what you need from the ultimate source of goodness, grace, mercy, provision, protection and authority. What a privilege! (2) 'Hallowed be Your name.' (Matthew 6:9 NKJV) This thought should always be uppermost in your mind: 'Whatever I do today, Lord, whether in thought, word or deed, let it honor You.' People should be able to look at your life and want to become acquainted with the One you serve. (3) 'Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.' (Matthew 6:10 NKJV) Each time you choose to say no to yourself and yes to God's will, you demonstrate to a watching world what it means to live as a citizen of His Kingdom. Note the words, 'as it is in Heaven.' Is anyone in Heaven fearful or doubting? Stubborn or disobedient? Critical or negative? When the enemy brings something to your door that's contrary to God's will, you have the authority to rise up and say, 'If it's not done and approved in Heaven it has no place in my life here on earth.' When it comes to disobedience, refuse to accept the package and sign the receipt. The one thing Satan hopes you never discover is that you have the God-given authority to restrict his movements in your life.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JULY 25, 2014. READ GOD'S WORD-EVERY DAY

FRIDAY JULY 25, 2014.

'...Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.' Romans 10:17 NKJV

Read God's Word-Every Day

If you are wise, when God talks you'll listen. And He will talk to you through the Bible. The reason the Bible has outsold every other book is because it is God's Word on the issue. It takes approximately 56 hours for most people to read the Bible through. If you read 40 chapters a day you would complete the Bible within a month. If you read nine chapters of the New Testament each day you would complete it within 30 days. But you must read it systematically, regularly, and expectantly. (If you use our Soul Food reading plan you will read your Bible in one year!) When Satan attacked Him in the wilderness, Jesus quoted the Scriptures to him. That's why the Psalmist said, 'Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.' (Psalm 119:11 NKJV) The book of Proverbs has thirty-one chapters. Here's an idea: since there are thirty-one days in most months, why not read a chapter in this wisdom book every day. Can you imagine what you'd learn? The Word of God will build your faith. 'Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.' Your faith grows when you hear God speak, and it works when you do what He says. If you struggle to lead a victorious Christian life, read these words carefully: 'How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word.' (Psalm 119:9 NKJV) The solution to every problem you face is contained in Scripture. To be wise you must study it. To be strong in faith you must believe it. To be successful in life you must practice it.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 24, 2014. DECISION MAKING (2)

THURSDAY JULY 24, 2014.

'Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.' Proverbs 16:3 NIV

Decision Making (2)

Here are two important things to remember when you're making an important decision: (1) Believe that God is directing your steps. Because He is! 'The Lord directs the steps of the godly...Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.' (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT) God didn't say you wouldn't stumble. He just promised to pick you up, dust you off, correct you when you need it, and keep working with you. JI Packer says: 'A moment of conscious triumph makes one feel that after this, nothing will really matter; a moment of...disaster makes one feel like this is the end of everything. But neither feeling is realistic, because neither event is really what it's felt to be.' So don't get bent out of shape; by God's grace you'll handle it and come out wiser. (2) Realize that God can bring good out of bad situations. 'And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.' (Romans 8:28 NLT) In every success story you'll find struggles and setbacks. And you'll also find tenacious faith that refuses to give up. After listing a series of adversities that would make your worst day seem like 'a trip to the beach', Paul writes: '...None of these things move me...' (Acts 20:24 KJV) Where does such an attitude come from? It comes from knowing that God is working in you, He's working with you, and He's working through you. And as Ethel Waters used to say, 'My God don't sponsor no flops!'

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 23, 2014. DECISION MAKING (1)

WEDNESDAY JULY 23, 2014.

'Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.' Proverbs 16:3 NIV

Decision Making (1)

If all your life you've been warned about making bad decisions, fear can cause you to miss God-given opportunities. 'If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?' (1 Corinthians 14:8 NIV) Now you're like the mule standing between two bales of hay. Unable to decide which one to eat and afraid of making the wrong choice, you starve to death. You must act! Your need to do things perfectly and your desire to control every possible outcome will keep you stuck. So: (1) Stop trying to please everybody. 'Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety.' (Proverbs 29:25 TLB) Once you know what brings you fulfilment, as long as it's God's will, chart your course accordingly and refuse to let the opinions of others stop you or colour your view. (2) Remember, over time your goals can change. What's needed today may not be right for you a year from now. So reassess your plans regularly and be willing to change direction. 'We should make plans-counting on God to direct us.' (Proverbs 16:9 TLB) When your spiritual gut says no, pay attention. (3) When God is on your side, you'll prevail. Somebody asked Abraham Lincoln if he was sure that God was on his side. He replied, 'I haven't thought much about it. I just want to know I'm on God's side.' It's normal to speculate about how you'd like things to turn out, but God alone controls the future. Just trust Him. 'Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.'

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 22, 2014. ARE YOU DRIFTING OFF COURSE?

TUESDAY JULY 22, 2014.

'...Cross-examine me, O Lord...' Psalm 26:2 TLB

Are You Drifting Off Course?

The story's told about a guy called Bill who telephoned his boss and said: 'I believe you're looking for an experienced, talented, hard-working manager for your front office. I'd like to apply for the job.' The boss replied, 'We already have someone in that slot and he's doing an excellent job. By the way, your voice sounds familiar. What's your name?' The guy replied, 'It's me, Bill; I was just checking up on myself!' You need to check up on yourself regularly. The Bible says, 'We must listen very carefully to the truths we have heard, or we may drift away from them.' (Hebrews 2:1 TLB) That word 'drift' should set off alarm bells. It doesn't happen overnight, but slowly and imperceptibly you drift off course and end up in places you never thought you would be-places you may not be able to get back from. A plane flying just one degree off its assigned flight plan can end up hundreds of kilometers from its destination. And if it's out of fuel, it's only going one place-down. Knowing his propensity to drift and to turn a blind eye to his defects of character, the Psalmist prayed: 'I have tried to keep Your laws and have trusted You without wavering. Cross-examine me, O Lord...test my motives and affections too. For I have taken Your loving-kindness and Your truth as my ideals.' (Psalm 26:1-3 TLB) Notice the words 'cross-examine'! Cross-examine what? (1) Your motives, or your reasons for doing things. (2) Your affections, or the things toward which you are being drawn. Are you drifting off course?

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 21, 2014. A CLEAR CONSCIENCE

MONDAY JULY 21, 2014.

'...Keep your conscience clear...' 1 Timothy 1:19 NLT

A Clear Conscience

Speaking of conscience, Paul writes: '...I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.' (Acts 24:16 NLT) He lays it on the line to Timothy: 'Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.' (1 Timothy 1:19 NLT) Now a captain doesn't set out to wreck his ship. But if he falls asleep at the wheel or takes his eye off the compass, he will end up on the rocks anyway. The question is not, 'Can I get away with it?' No, the question is, 'Can I live with it afterwards? How will it affect my confidence before God? How does He feel about it? Will it prevent or promote His blessing in my life?'

Edgar Guest wrote: 'I have to live with myself and so, I want to be fit for myself to know; I want to be able as days go by, always to look myself in the eye. I don't want to stand with the setting sun, and hate myself for the things I've done. I want to go out with my head erect; I want to deserve all men's respect. Here in the struggle for fame and wealth, I want to be able to like myself. I don't want to look at myself and know, that I'm bluster and bluff and empty show. I can never hide myself from me, I see what others may never see; I know what others may never know; I can never fool myself and so, whatever happens I want to be, self-respecting and conscience free.'

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JULY 20, 2014. MADE PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING (2)

SUNDAY JULY 20, 2014.

'...If it is possible, let this cup...be taken away from Me...' Matthew 26:39 NLT

Made Perfect through Suffering (2)

Sometimes in Christian circles when somebody is suffering we blame it on hidden sin. That way we think it can't happen to us because we're not guilty of that particular problem, right? How shortsighted, given the fact that Jesus, the sinless Son of God, exemplified suffering! In Gethsemane He didn't stand up with false bravado and say, 'Bring it on!' No, 'He...bowed...His face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away...Yet...Your will...be done, not Mine."' Jesus took pain and showed us how to glorify God in it. One Christian author observed: 'God never promised tornadoes would skip our houses on the way to our pagan neighbors, and microbes would flee from Christian bodies. We're not exempt from the tragedies of this world, just as God wasn't exempt. In fact, Peter earned the strongest rebuke when he protested against the need for Christ to suffer. [Jesus said, 'Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block...you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men... If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself...take up his cross and follow Me...whoever wants to save his life will lose it...whoever loses his life for Me will find it.' (Matthew 16:23-25 NIV)] God took the worst thing that could happen-the execution of His innocent Son-and turned it into the final victory over death...He turned the design of evil into the service of good.' It's by His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5), and by His weakness that we are made strong.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JULY 19, 2014. MADE PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING (1)

SATURDAY JULY 19, 2014.

'...God...made Jesus perfect by suffering...' Hebrews 2:10 CEV

Made Perfect through Suffering (1)

None of us has come close to experiencing what Jesus endured on the cross, yet we run from suffering. A lost job, a debilitating illness, a painful divorce-none of us escapes. Even 'Jesus...had to suffer before He could learn what it really means to obey God.' (Hebrews 5:8 CEV) Pain is a learning experience. The Bible says, 'God...made Jesus perfect by suffering.' Philip Yancey writes: 'God understood physical pain, having designed the marvelous nervous system that warns against harm... But had a Spirit ever felt physical pain? Not until the Incarnation. In thirty-three years on earth Jesus learned about hardship, rejection and betrayal. And He learned too about pain: what it feels like to have an accuser leave the red imprint of his fingers on your face...to have a crude iron spike pounded through muscle, tendon, and bone. On earth, the Son of God learned all that...and because of Jesus, God hears our cries differently. The author of Hebrews marveled that, whatever we are going through, God has gone through: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but...one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15 NIV) We have a high priest who graduated from the school of suffering and "...is able to be gentle with those who do not understand and who are doing wrong things." (Hebrews 5:2 NCV)' We need no longer cry into the abyss, 'Hey, God, are You listening?' By joining us on earth, Jesus gave visible, historical proof that God hears our groans and groans along with us. (Romans 8:26) What a comfort!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JULY 18, 2014. DON'T GO UNTIL YOU GET IT

FRIDAY JULY 18, 2014.

'...David inquired again of God...' 1 Chronicles 14:14 NKJV

Don't Go Until You Get It

The Bible says: 'David inquired again of God; and God said..."When you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees...go out to battle: for God has gone out before you" ...David therefore did as God commanded him: and they drove back the...Philistines...' (1 Chronicles 14-16 NKJV) Observe three things in this story: (1) David refused to make a move until he first talked it over with the Lord. Notice the words, 'David inquired again of God.' It wasn't just something he did occasionally or in times of crisis, it was something he did on a regular basis. (2) David waited until he heard a certain sound: 'A sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees.' Do you know God well enough to recognize the sound of His voice? With time and testing you can. 'You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.' (1 John 2:20 NKJV) Not only will you know what God wants you to do, He will actually create within you the desire to do it. 'It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.' (Philippians 2:13 NKJV) (3) David went, knowing God had gone before him to deal with every obstacle that stood in his way. The Bible says, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally...' (James 1:5 NKJV) Wisdom is 'the ability to use knowledge so as to successfully meet the challenges of life.' You may acquire knowledge from books and schools, but this wisdom is a gift from God. Don't go until you get it!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 17, 2014. DOING THE RIGHT THING (2)

THURSDAY JULY 17, 2014.

'...Be it known...that we will not...' Daniel 3:18 KJV

Doing the Right Thing (2)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had achieved career success, so they had nothing to gain by challenging the king of Babylon. So, why did they? Because he ordered them to disobey God and violate their convictions by bowing down in worship before a pagan image. No doubt they could have reasoned, 'Better a live dog than a dead lion. If we stay alive, maybe we can do good for God and for others.' That philosophy would have convinced many of us, so why not them? Because they realized that Nebuchadnezzar was not the reason for their success. He may have been an instrument God used to promote them, but he was not the source of either their significance or their security. Those two things came from God-and they understood that you can't abandon the principles of God and walk in the blessings of God. You don't grieve the One who controls everything, just to get along with those who think they control everything. There will always be those who think they know what you should do. But these three Hebrew boys knew better: '...Our God whom we serve is able...' (Daniel 3:17 KJV) Able to do what? '...Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think...' (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV) By refusing to bow, when bowing seemed like the expedient thing to do, they turned the hearts of a nation to God. Now, your influence may not be that widespread, but one thing you can count on: others are watching who will be influenced by the stand you take. So ask God to strengthen you, and do the right thing!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 16, 2014. DOING THE RIGHT THING (1)

WEDNESDAY JULY 16, 2014.

'...Be it known...that we will not...' Daniel 3:18 KJV

Doing the Right Thing (1)

The higher you climb in life, the more certain people will try to assert control over you. Their threats can sound real, and the consequences of ignoring them, intimidating. Look at Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Their commitment to God landed them in a fiery furnace heated seven times over. But it also promoted them to a place of great blessing and influence. Their story teaches us that for something to be an authentic test of character, it must be a situation in which the outcome is not in your hands. You simply make the choice to do what is right before God and leave the consequences to Him. It's a trial by fire, but it's a fire of refinement, and on the other side of it you come out stronger. Each time you do the right thing, choosing to embrace rather than escape the path God has called you to walk, you enter a new level of freedom. And as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego discovered, three things happen: (1) You are set free from the 'Nebuchadnezzars' who claim to have control over the outcome of your life. (2) You are set free to say 'no' to those who would try to use and manipulate you. (3) You are set free to serve your all-powerful King and say 'no' to all the other pretenders who really have no power over you at all. In that moment you not only gain insight into who you are, but more importantly, Whose you are. And God will do one of two things: develop you in the fiery furnace or deliver you from it. Indeed, He may do both!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 15, 2014. KNOW YOUR ENEMY (2)

TUESDAY JULY 15, 2014.

'There is another power within me that is at war with my mind...' Romans 7:23 NLT

Know Your Enemy (2)

Today let's talk about the second type of attack: the enemy within. Your old nature is like a fifth column, always looking for ways to sabotage you. It's the door through which Satan enters. You have two natures, an old one and a new one. They are opposite, and they are always on a collision course. A great illustration of this can be found in the birth of Jacob and Esau. '...Rebekah became pregnant with twins. But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the Lord about it. "Why is this happening to me?" she asked. And the Lord told her, "The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son."' (Genesis 25:21-23 NLT) Paul talks about his 'Dr. Jekyll' nature and his 'Mr. Hyde' nature. 'I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to sin that is still within me.' (Romans 7:22-23 NLT) What's the answer? Starve your old nature and feed your new one! Again Paul writes: 'No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.' (2 Timothy 2:4 NKJV) That means you must: (1) Regularly communicate with headquarters through prayer. (2) Read God's Word to be sure you're obeying your Commanding Officer. (3) Keep your spiritual morale high. (4) Not get entangled with the wrong people or things.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 14, 2014. KNOW YOUR ENEMY (1)

MONDAY JULY 14, 2014.

'...Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.' 2 Timothy 2:3 KJV

Know Your Enemy (1)

The new birth creates a battle between your old nature and your new one. When you were redeemed, you were recruited into this battle. And it begins the moment your eyes open each morning. The big question is, will you hold up or fold up? Victory depends on knowing your enemy's strategy and having a plan to deal with it. As a follower of Christ the attack you face each day is twofold. First, there is the attack that comes from without. '...Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.' (James 4:4 NKJV) Now that doesn't mean distancing yourself from your unchurched friends and denouncing all their activities. Nor does it mean adopting a holier-than-thou attitude toward them. It means that instead of the culture affecting you negatively, you engage and influence it positively, like light in darkness. Susanna Wesley defined 'worldliness' as four things: (1) 'Whatever dulls the sensitivities of my spirit toward God, or takes the fine edge off my thought of Him-must be ruled out for He is my Lord. (2) Whatever injures and weakens my body, or affects the mastery of it-must be ruled out for it is the temple of the Lord. (3) Whatever adversely affects the clearness of my witness to Jesus Christ before others-must be ruled out for it was His parting wish that I should be a witness of Him. (4) Whatever may cause my brother to stumble in his Christian life-must be ruled out for that would grieve Jesus.'

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 13, 2014. NEEDED-A NEW BIRTH!

SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014.

'You must be born again.' John 3:7 NIV

Needed-A New Birth!

The Bible says that 130 years after Adam first sinned, he was still fathering children 'in his own likeness'. (Genesis 5:3 NIV) And as Adam's descendants, we have all been born with the nature of fallen man. Sometimes people say, 'He's just like his dad.' Or we say, 'My dad was an angry man, now I've got his temper!' 'My dad couldn't stay with my mum, now I'm going through a divorce.' 'My dad was an alcoholic, now look at my drinking and drug-taking!' 'My dad was a workaholic, now I put in 14 hours a day.' 'My dad wasn't affectionate with us, now I don't know how to be loving toward my children.' History repeats itself over and over through our fallen nature.

Here's a fascinating example: 'Abraham said of his wife Sarah, "She is my sister." So Abimelech king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her.' (Genesis 20:2 NIV) Abraham was willing to sacrifice Sarah to save his own neck. What would you have done? Before you answer, notice that Isaac wasn't even born when his father did this. Yet years later, Isaac did exactly the same thing in the same place (Genesis 26:7). It's genetic! It's in our DNA.

But there's good news. When you receive Christ as your Savior, He breaks that cycle. When you're 'born of the spirit', you get a new Father and a new nature (see John 3:3-6). You don't have to walk in the likeness of your earthly father any longer; you can walk in the likeness of your heavenly Father and become more like Him every day. Fed up with your old nature and ways? Ready for a new birth? Turn to Christ!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JULY 12, 2014. ARE YOU BEING TEMPTED?

SATURDAY JULY 12, 2014.

'Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial...' James 1:12 NIV

Are You Being Tempted?

You'll never be exempt from temptation. Each season of life just brings temptation in a different form. When you're young you'll struggle with things like the need for companionship and sexual fulfilment. In business you' might be tempted to distort the truth, cheat and pocket the money. When you become successful, if you're not careful you could become ego-driven, controlling and opinionated. The truth is, you never become so spiritual as to be exempt from temptation. After forty days of prayer and fasting, Satan tempted Jesus. Remember, you are as vulnerable to attack after a great spiritual experience as you are in your lowest moments. Satan understood Jesus' assignment and he was out to stop Him from accomplishing it. And he is out to stop you too! The battle you're in is not over the past, it's over the future. In the face of repeated temptation Jesus defeated Satan by using the Word of God, and you must too. Without it you have no defense. In what specific areas do you struggle? What's your strategy for victory? What percentage of the time are you successful? Which Scriptures have you memorized to help you conquer the tempter when he comes against you? Look at Samson, God's champion: blinded, chained, grinding corn like an ox in a Philistine dungeon. Sin has a blinding effect, a binding effect and a grinding effect. Prisons are filled with people who were too weak to stand up against Satan. Dreams crash daily on the rocks of temptation. Move the ship of your life away from those rocks while you still can.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JULY 11, 2014. ARE YOU A 'PHILIP'? (2)

FRIDAY JULY 11, 2014.

'...And they chose...Philip...' Acts 6:5 NKJV

Are You a 'Philip'? (2)

The Bible says: 'We...came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip...this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.' (Acts 21:8-9) Here's the second thing that qualified Philip for leadership in the church: he knew how to build a strong family. You say, 'Does that mean if I've failed in marriage God won't use me?' No, Samuel was one of Israel's greatest prophets, yet he failed with his children. David wrote Psalms, yet his family life was a shambles. Interestingly, neither Samuel nor David had much to say in Scripture about family life. When it comes to church leadership, to have credibility in God's house you must first have it in your own. So, pastor: (1) Don't sacrifice your family for your church. (2) Don't sacrifice your children for your congregation. (3) Don't sacrifice your spouse for your children. (4) Don't sacrifice the important for the urgent. The Bible gives us qualifications for leadership in the church. Paul writes that a leader '...must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don't have a reputation for being wild or rebellious... He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent or dishonest with money... He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.' (Titus 1:6-9 NLT) So, do you qualify?

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 10, 2014. ARE YOU A 'PHILIP'? (1)

THURSDAY JULY 10, 2014.

'...And they chose...Philip...' Acts 6:5 NKJV

Are You a 'Philip'? (1)

Philip was one of seven men chosen to lead the New Testament church. Why? Because he had certain qualities. Let's look at two of them: He had the ability to be Spirit-led. Philip started out as a deacon working in the administration department of the church. But he went on to become an evangelist, conducting a city-wide crusade in Samaria. 'Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.' (Acts 8:5-6 NKJV) Now, the idea of staying there and building a great church must have been very appealing to Philip. But God had other plans. 'An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip... "Arise and go toward the...desert." So he arose and went...' (Acts 8:26-27 NKJV) 'Go where? To the desert? Are You serious, Lord?' Here's a thought: when God speaks to you He may not tell you what you want to hear, or send you where you'd like to go. Have you considered that? Is that why you're not actively seeking His guidance? Big doors swing on little hinges. In the desert Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch, the secretary of the treasury, serving the Queen of Ethiopia. Philip's assignment was to introduce him to Christ and baptize him. After that the eunuch returned to Ethiopia and history records multitudes there were won to Christ as a result. But it only happened because Philip could leave his comfort zone, step out in faith and follow God. Bottom line: in order to lead others you must know how to be led by God.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 9, 2014. DON'T GET BITTER

WEDNESDAY JULY 9, 2014.

'...Watch out that no...bitterness grows up...' Hebrews 12:15 NLT

Don't Get Bitter

Betrayal is something others do to you; bitterness is something you do to yourself. It's impossible to go through life without being hurt. It may be an unfaithful spouse, an employee who slanders you or a boss who fires you without explanation. Sitting at supper with His disciples, Jesus said, 'One of you will betray Me.' (Mark 14:18 NIV) Shortly after that, Judas betrayed Him with a kiss. Some folks will kiss you today and kick you tomorrow. But Jesus refused to become bitter. That's because He knew Judas' kiss would usher Him into His destiny. Nor did Jesus turn His back on Peter when he denied Him. Instead, Peter was the only one He mentioned by name when He arranged to meet His disciples for breakfast following the resurrection. Jesus saw Peter in the light of his potential, not his problems. What Peter did at one moment didn't keep Jesus from seeing what he would become when His grace touched Peter's life. And you must be that way too. This is why Paul wrote: 'Get rid of all bitterness... Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.' (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT) So eliminate any words of bitterness from your conversation. Stop rehearsing the details of your past unless it's to teach and encourage others to rise above theirs. How often do you revisit your old issues? What are you doing to make sure no bitterness remains in your heart? God says, 'Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.' (Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV)

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 8, 2014. ARE YOU FULFILLED? (3)

TUESDAY JULY 8, 2014.

'I delight to do Your will, O my God...' Psalm 40:8 NKJV

Are You Fulfilled? (3)

To keep your dream alive and find fulfilment in the pursuit of it, you must allow yourself to keep dreaming. God gave Joseph two dreams: in the first, other sheaves of wheat bowed down to his; in the second, other stars bowed down to his. Note, he dreamed progressively higher, from sheaves to stars. Most creative people intuitively understand the importance of dreaming as a process for inspiration, motivation and fulfilment. George Lucas, creator and producer of the Star Wars movies, says that one thing that kept him and his colleagues going during the difficult times was this: 'We were always dreaming of how it was going to be.' If you are not a naturally creative person, then you have to learn how to keep dreaming. And if you can do it with a sense of humor, that doesn't hurt. There's a story about a student riding a bicycle on a college campus. On his t-shirt was the message: 'I am going to be a doctor.' On the bike was a sign that also had a message: 'I am going to be a Mercedes.' That's somebody who had learned to keep dreaming! Andrew Carnegie, a Christian philanthropist during the early 1900s, said, 'If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.' In other words-keep your dream alive and it will keep you alive. When David said, 'I delight to do Your will, O my God,' he simply meant you'll find your highest fulfilment in doing what God put you on this earth to do.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 7, 2014. ARE YOU FULFILLED? (2)

MONDAY JULY 7, 2014.

'Do not throw away your confidence; it will be...rewarded.' Hebrews 10:35 NIV

Are You Fulfilled? (2)

Consultant Dan Sullivan talks about the difference between our 'ideals' and our 'actuals'. He says, 'The ideal is a picture we create of future desirable events and situations that enables us to move forward in time. The ideal does not actually exist outside our minds, nor is it achievable.' Why? Because it depends on everything being perfect. Life is, at best, messy. It's filled with surprises-both good and bad. If you need your ideal dream to come into being in order to feel fulfilled, you will never be fulfilled. That doesn't mean you should cast aside your ideal vision. It is useful for helping you to establish goals, find internal motivation, and strive for excellence. However, you also need to temper it. Where idealistic dreams expect to be realised immediately, realistic dreams make you appreciate the time it takes for them to become a reality. Where idealistic dreams do not tolerate anything less than perfection, realistic dreams leave room for you to be human and imperfect. Where idealistic dreams set you up for disappointment, realistic dreams set you up for success. The man who never made a mistake, never made anything. The reason God doesn't whitewash His heroes in the Bible is to let you know that in spite of your flaws, He can use you to accomplish great things. You say, 'But am I not supposed to work on my weaknesses?' Yes, but you'll only succeed in what you're called to do by working from your God-given strengths.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional
http://www.wordalive.org/sabbath/

JULY 6, 2014. ARE YOU FULFILLED? (1)

SUNDAY JULY 6, 2014.

'In due season He will honor you with every blessing.' Psalm 37:34 TLB

Are You Fulfilled? (1)

There is usually a huge gap between the birth of a dream and the achievement of that dream. The question you have to ask yourself is whether it will be a fulfilment gap or a frustration gap. If it's a frustration gap you'll be miserable most of the days you're in it. And every day that you're frustrated instead of fulfilled, you lessen the odds that you'll be able to keep moving forward toward your dream. Author Seth Godin calls this gap between when you set out to do something and when you actually start to see significant results 'the dip'. The dip represents the adversity you must face, the learning curve you must go through and the hard work you must be willing to invest between conception and realization. If the dip you are in seems to be a road without end, here are some Scriptures you need to stand on: 'Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep travelling steadily along His pathway and in due season He will honor you with every blessing.' (Psalm 37:34 TLB) 'Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.' (Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV) 'So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.' (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV) God has promised you more than just the fulfilment of your dream; He has promised joy in each step you take toward it.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JULY 5, 2014. FOUR WAYS TO BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD

SATURDAY JULY 5, 2014.

'Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord...' 2 Peter 3:18 NKJV

Four Ways to Build a Relationship with the Lord

First, make up your mind. Spiritual growth doesn't happen by osmosis. You don't just wake up with it one morning; you have to set your heart on it and make it your highest priority. Otherwise it won't happen. The Bible says: 'Let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.' (James 1:7 NKJV) Second, break up your will. Until your will is surrendered to God and brought into alignment with His purposes, you will go in circles spiritually. Israel went in circles in the wilderness for forty years, yet they were only eighteen kilometers from the Promised Land. Don't let that happen to you. 'Now may the God of peace...make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight.' (Hebrews 13:20-21 NKJV) Third, wake up your faith. Obey the leadings of God's Spirit. Don't be afraid, He will not let you down. Just make sure you don't let Him down. 'Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He who comes to God must believe that He is...a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.' (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) Fourth, take up your cross. '...If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.' (Matthew 16:24-25 NKJV) If you're serious about building a relationship with the Lord, do these four things.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JULY 4, 2014. THE BENEFITS OF MAKING JESUS 'LORD'

FRIDAY JULY 4, 2014.

'...No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.' 1 Corinthians 12:3 NKJV

The Benefits of Making Jesus 'Lord'

Making Jesus 'Lord' of your life means that He must have the first and last word in all things which concern you. It means you are called to walk with Him, to prove yourself valuable to Him, to please Him and do what He wants, when He wants it, and in the way He wants it done. Here are three great benefits that come from putting Jesus behind the wheel and making Him 'Lord'. (1) When you don't know what to say, He will tell you. 'The Sovereign Lord has given Me His words of wisdom, so that I may know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning He wakens Me and opens My understanding to His will. The Sovereign Lord has spoken to Me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away.' (Isaiah 50:4-5 NLT) (2) When you can't defend yourself, He will fight for you. '...The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me...they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.' (Psalm 27:1-3 NLT) (3) When the burden feels too heavy, He will carry it for you. 'Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.' (Psalm 55:22 NLT) And these three benefits are yours when you make Jesus 'Lord' over every area of your life.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JULY 3, 2014. GOD'S REWARD SYSTEM (2)

THURSDAY JULY 3, 2014.

'...He will receive his reward.' 1 Corinthians 3:14 NIV

God's Reward System (2)

How will God evaluate and reward what you did for Him during your lifetime here on earth? Based on three tests: (1) The relationship test. The life God rewards is not a life of performance apart from relationship with Him. Jesus pointed out that unless you abide in Him and obey His commandments, you will not bear fruit for Him (John 15:5). Jesus commended the church at Ephesus for their good works, then turned around and condemned them because they hadn't kept their love for Him alive. 'I know your works, your labour, your patience...Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.' (Revelation 2:2-4 NKJV) (2) The motive test. Jesus said to the Pharisees, 'Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward...in Heaven.' (Matthew 6:1 NKJV) Note the words 'to be seen'. What should our motive be? To serve God and bring glory to Him! Even simple things like eating and drinking can do that (1 Corinthians 10:31). On the other hand, your most religious actions are worthless if your motive is to enhance your own ego and reputation. (3) The love test. Christ said, 'Love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great...' (Luke 6:35 NKJV) When it comes to good works, why is always more important than what. The Bible says, 'Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.' (2 John 1:8 NKJV) So keep your heart pure and your motives right!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional