JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Isaiah 65:16) "He who invokes a blessing on himself…”
The word ‘invoke’ implies two things… ?
1) To make an earnest request for or to solicit ?
2) To put into effect or operation or to implement.
With that in mind… when you read this scripture from Isaiah…
"[It shall be] that he who invokes a blessing on himself... shall do so by saying ‘may the God of Truth and Fidelity [the Amen] bless me… and he who takes an oath in the land shall swear by the God of Truth and Faithfulness to His promises [the Amen]… because the former troubles are forgotten."
These words… are a powerful promise for the believer!
Now I want to say something this morning that might seem outlandish or perhaps beyond comprehension for most of us to understand.
Even as God our Father spoke the world into existence… we too can use the Scriptures to frame the world we will live in.
Start professing the word of God over your life.
When you speak the "blessing of God" over your life… you are actually making an earnest request and solicitation.
And by "your words…, you are also putting that blessing into effect or operation.
This is why God told Moses to bless the Israelites with these words… "The Lord bless you and keep you…the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you… the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).
Then God added the words… "And I will bless them" (Numbers 6:27).
Now hopefully you can understand why "speaking God’s Word" over your life can change things for the better… and why the Bible says… "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21)
So the word for you today is… "invoke God’s blessing" upon your life!
Stop agreeing with the "nay sayers" in life.
Stop listening to and stop agreeing with those whom grumble and complain and speak negativity
When you speak critical and negative words you are releasing negative
energy… you are actually releasing “curses” or a curse on the situation that you are speaking critically of.
When in conversation someone says "the economy is so bad I don't know what’s gonna happen" stop agreeing with them.
Instead… start the "blessing" into motion by quoting the scriptures over your life instead of giving power to the curse!
Start unleashing the power of scriptures such as… "My God shall supply all your (and my) needs according to His riches in Glory" (Philippians 4:19)
(Matthew 6:33) "Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you (and me)".
(Psalms 37:25) "I have been young and now I am old… yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread".
As a "Child of God" we each need to know… realize… and understand that our conversation and our words are either "blessing or cursing"… and we will reap what we have sown with our words.
(Proverbs 18:21) “Life and death are in the power of the tongue”!
The Bible says (Philippians 4:13) “I can do all things thru Christ whom strengthens me”!
Stop saying “I can’t… I can’t… I can’t!
Start saying “In Christ I can… with Christ I will”… “I can do all things thru Christ whom strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)
(John 15:19) Jesus said… "but ye are not of this world any longer"… that means we need to stop acting like the world… stop agreeing with the world… and stop talking like the world.
Let your conversation be filled with blessing, let the words that come from your mouth be a blessing to others…to your family and to yourself.
As it was with Peter on the night Jesus was betrayed… people said of Him…
“You are one of His…your speech betrays you” (Matthew 26:73)
Let your witness of Christ be proven… by the speech that comes from your mouth.
(Psalm 19:14) Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O Lord”
Today… make it your commitment to start invoking Gods Word for your life and speak positive words of faith in every situation!
Good Day!
(Proverbs 25:11) "Like apples of gold in settings of silver… is a word spoken in right circumstances."
I've often heard people voice the question… "I just don't know what I am supposed to be doing"!
They are tired of living life unfulfilled and empty.
Going thru each day empty and with out any satisfaction or sense of fulfillment.
This scripture this morning gave me a jolt when I read it.
Do you know that often the only thing God wants you to do… is be a pleasant encouragement and inspiration to someone in your pathway?
I can't begin to count the many times I have been burden with problems, trials, temptations, and a load of care… and someone happened along whom spoke the right word of encouragement to me in my darkest hour.
O what a refreshing moment that was.
It caused me to be able to see clearer and think more focused.
But often we get so focused on our own troubles and issues in life… that we don't see the opportunity that is sitting right before us.
What opportunity you ask?
The opportunity to encourage someone else… and help lift them out of the miry pit of despair or discouragement they are wading through.
People need encouragement.
They need uplifting.
People every where long for someone to cheer them on and be a voice of encouragement.
Critics point out what’s wrong and leave you feeling bad about yourself.
Coaches show you what you did wrong… teach you how to do it right… and leave you feeling better about yourself.
Cheerleaders lift your spirits… offer their help,… and assure you that you can succeed if you keep trying.
So which of the three are you?
If you tend to be one of those hard-driving… goal-oriented people… coaching someone may be a challenge for you.
Perhaps you’re from the school of thought that believes a pay check should be encouragement enough… especially if an employee is being generously compensated.
If so… beware!
You’re stuck in the Stone Age and in dire need of a mindset change!
If you want people to be productive… if you really want to help people become all they can be… then you need to learn how to build them up.
You say… “But it’s not my natural inclination to put up with poor achievers… “ some one needs to tell them where the rubber meets the road… I just want them gone and out of my way!
Hold on there!
You’re dealing with a human being, a person loved and valued by God!
And with a little encouragement… and possibly some hand-holding and lots of communication… you may end up motivating a "diamond in the rough"… to become one of the richest and greatest assets in your life.
Yes its true if you have a “bad apple” in the bunch… you need to get rid of them before they infect the whole barrel.
But before you resort to firing someone or writing them off… try firing them up!
Some of the people in your sphere of life… may be the next person that meets your need for help down the road.
We must never, never, ever write people off.
So today determine in your heart to be that encouragement… that cheerleader in the path of those around you.
Let them know they are loved… appreciated and valued.
Its amazing how a "cold fish face" will thaw out and how big and warm their smile will grow.
Stop being critical… and start being a ray of sunshine… sharing positive and affirming word of encouragement.
Now that’s something you can take pride in and rejoice about.
It will no doubt make your grey skies turn to sunshine as well.
Good Day!
(Romans 12:10) "Take delight in honoring each other."
Having a critical attitude may not destroy your relationship with God… but it will definitely hurt your capacity to experience His love, His presence, and His blessing.
There’s a story found in (Numbers 12:1-2) about Miriam... Moses sister whom had gotten critical of Moses and his leadership.
She started out by criticizing her brother Moses and ended up feeling the consequences in her relationship with the Lord.
God smote Miriam with leprosy... a disease that caused one (at that time) to be an outcast from society because of the potential to infect others.
Why did God cause this pain for Miriam?
Because she spoke against one whom he dearly loved, "Moses"… and… because God pays attention to the way we treat each other!
Maybe you’re wondering, “Why would God make such a big deal out of this?”
The answer? Sin causes separation!
Because when you "choose to sin"… you choose to suffer… you choose to separate yourself from God… and when you are critical… you actually separate yourself from others as well.
You cease from "walking on their level"… to setting yourself up as their judge and jury.
Everything God classifies as sin is hurtful to you… everything!
When God says “Don’t”… what He really means is “Don’t hurt yourself.”
And when He says “Don’t criticize”… He’s not trying to "deprive" you of satisfaction.
He’s saying that having a critical attitude goes against who He made you to be... and what you’re called to do.
Eventually God healed Miriam when she repented and asked God to cleanse her!
However look at the pain and loneliness she walked in and dealt with… because of her foolish sin.
I believe pride is one of the root causes why we tend to get so critical of others.
We all want to be in the "lime light" in some way.
And when we feel we have been “over looked”… we tend to begin to promote our selves and tear down others to make ourselves look good.
As a result we inadvertently separate our selves from others and from God as well.
Just as fish were made to swim and birds were made to fly… you were made to live in fellowship with God… and “a critical spirit”... hinders that fellowship!
Even people who don’t claim to be particularly religious… are cognizant or aware of the negative effects of criticism.
Dr. David Fink… author of "Release from Nervous Tension"… studied thousands of mentally and emotionally disturbed people.
He worked with two groups… "a stressed-out" group… and a "stress-free" one.
Eventually one fact emerged… the stressed-out group was composed of habitual “fault-finders”… constant critics of people and things around them.
On the other hand… the stress-free group were loving and accepting of others.
There’s no doubt about it… the habit of criticism is a "self-destructive way" to live.
It’s also a lonely way to live… because the truth is… people don't like being around critical, faultfinding, negative people… people with "a critical spirit".
So ask your self today, “am I a fault finding critical person”?
“Am I more worried about the faults and shortcoming of others than I am of my own”?
(1st Corinthians 11:28) says… “let a man examine himself to see if He be in the faith”.
What Paul is talking about is “the integrity” of the one who calls him or her self a believer in Christ.
It’s not up to me to point out where you fall short in your walk with God.
But it is up to you to examine yourself …and then take the things you see (your short comings)… and honestly present your self before God and repent.
Ask God to change you from the inside out… and help you become what it is He wants you to be.
I want to be a person like Christ.
I want to be one whom loves at all times.
One who is understanding of others… one whom is more concerned about others than I am of myself.
I can only do that when I rest at His feet and consume and concern myself with Him and His word.
Good Day!
(Ephesians 6:18) "Pray...with all manner of prayer."
In Canada as well as the United States and in every country of the world… we are all watching with baited breath and hopeful hearts as our economy is being hammered by the decisions of our political leaders whom are trying to come up with ways to make our individual countries easier for its residents to make a living and live fruitful lives of prosperity filled with satisfaction and purpose.
Questions are being asked as never before concerning our future and I am reminded of where I was at this time last year.
And I have to ask myself... where does my future lie?
How am I going to maintain my livelihood?
Is my faith in God really going to bring about His deliverance and provisional care for me and my family?
Am I any closer to… or further along in my walk with God?
Has a whole year gone by already with out any greater depth in my relationship with Him?
Perhaps the personal stress related to a volatile economy and the threatening national disasters we are facing… are tests to remind us of our limited abilities and resources as flawed and human beings.
I am noticing and hearing men and women everywhere beginning to ask… “where is God in all of this”?
And I believe the truth is… that God is waiting for humanity to lay down their stony heart of pride and call on His name.
The Apostle Paul told the believers of His day to “let a man examine himself and see if he be in the faith!” (2nd Corinthians 13:5)
Lately… I have been doing some self-examination as well and I have to be honest… at times I really don't like what I see.
I really want to be closer to God than what I am.
I really want to be closer to my wife than what I am.
That means that there are some things that I need to do if I want to see those goals accomplished.
With my wife… I need to spend more time with her… and build on our relationship if I want to enjoy a closer relationship with her.
That means making time… taking time… and being faithful to utilize that time… for relationship building.
When it comes to my relationship with God!
I need to spend more time with Him as well... and the same principle of “time”… applies in my relationship with Him also.
The scripture say’s… “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28)
“Call upon me” (Jeremiah 33:3)
Both of these activities take commitment… resolve… purpose... and dedication.
Thankfully when we take that time in prayer… God is willing to answer and draw nigh unto us as we draw nigh unto Him. "(James 4:8)
Here are three types of prayer that will help you do that.
1) The prayer of petition.
You must learn to be confident in asking God to meet your needs.
Jesus promised, "What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them" (Mark 11:24).
If we'd stop trying to impress God when we pray… we'd be a lot better off.
Length… loudness… or eloquence isn't the key to answered prayers.
It's the sincerity of the heart… the faith that's in our heart… and the assurance that we're praying according to God's will that get’s results.
2) The prayer of agreement.
Jesus said, "If two of you...agree about anything you ask for… it will be done for you by my Father" (Matthew 18:19).
When you're up against something too big to handle alone, find a prayer partner and get into agreement with them.
This isn't for people who constantly live in strife… then decide to agree because they're desperate.
God honors the prayers of those who pay the price to live together in harmony (Psalm 133:1).
Can you imagine what possibilities could develop… and what answers be found if our government leaders would bow their heads in prayer… in agreement and unity?
3) The prayer of thanksgiving.
When your prayers outnumber your praises, it says something about your character.
Self-centered people ask… but rarely show appreciation or gratefulness.
Do you really think God will release us into the fullness of all He has planned for us… with out us being thankful for what we've already received?
Petition avails much… praise avails much more!
"In everything, by prayer and petition… with thanksgiving… present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).
As a people whom have experienced the goodness of God… we should be a people whom literally "pray without ceasing" (1st Thessalonians 5:17)
I want to know Him and the power of His resurrection... even more in the days ahead.
The amplified bible explains it this way in (Philippians 3:10).
“So that I may know Him experientially… becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him… understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely… and in that same way experience the power of His resurrection which overflows and is active in believers."
I bring this matter of prayer up because it doesn’t take a “PHD”… or a “masters“ in philosophy, sociology, psychology, or any form of higher education for that matter… to see that life is out of control for all of us right now.
And I believe with all my heart that the only thing that will bring stability and deliverance in the midst of the trials and calamities we are all facing… is the “All Mighty” Hand of God.
He created this earth and the life we live.
We… (humanity)… have messed it up!
But there is a promise that echo’s from the pages of scripture down thru the hallways of history.
(2nd Chronicles) “If my people which are called by my name… shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face… and turn from their wicked ways… then will I hear from heaven… and will forgive their sin… and I will heal their land.
Good Day!
(Numbers 12:11) "The sin we have so foolishly committed."
There is something that I think we all need to examine about ourselves and commit to nailing to the cross and crucifying… so that it doesn’t continue to hinder our life or the lives of others around us.
That “thing” that we so easily fall into... is the art of “criticism”.
It is a habit and trait that God does not like… and it will bring judgment upon those whom continue in it!
There is no doubt in my mind that many believers are bound and hindered in their spiritual growth… because they fall into the trap of being “critical” of others and every thing around them.
Tearing down rather than lifting up!
There are even some of you whom read this devotion on a daily basis whom have thought critically of it… and voiced criticism of it for various reasons… and that is your right as long as your bringing your criticism to me… not others.
Maybe you grew up in a family that was forever finding fault with each other and what they did… and now you hear the same tone in how you talk to your children.
You can’t enjoy God’s blessings because you’ve been programmed to inspect… nitpic… and form or express negative opinions.
The Bible says “If you want to enjoy life and see happy days… keep your tongue from speaking evil” (1st Peter 3:10).
The definition of the word “criticism” is… “dwelling upon the perceived faults of another with no view to their good”.
And it should cause all of us to pause and think.
In this definition… notice the words “perceived… dwelling… and view.
Often our “perceptions” aren’t accurate… because there are always circumstances you don’t understand… facts or info we know nothing of.
Next is the word “dwelling”.
We’re inclined to walk through life forming opinions of others… and we tend to dwell on the negative… thinking “thats not right” or… “I wouldn’t do it that way.”
Perhaps your thinking… “Well I’m an analytical person, it’s how God made me I can’t help it”.
That’s fine… but the problem comes when you “choose to dwell” on your observations… and they become obsessive… when you can’t set them aside.
You say, “But how can I help somebody if I don’t dwell on what they’re doing?”
That’s why the last part of the definition, “with no view to their good” is so important.
It’s not wrong to notice somebody’s faults… provided you do it in a “non-judgmental way”… with a view to helping them find a solution and committing to pray for them.
But that’s not a license to discuss it with a third party?
Absolutely not!
What has been revealed to you may have not been seen or made aware of in another’s eyes… and when you discuss it with others… you run the risk of causing them to think less of the person you are talking or gossiping about.
That’s where gossip gets a foothold and sin is committed. "The sin we have so foolishly committed." (Numbers 12:11).
That’s why if you see a fault or have an issue with me and what I do or am doing… it is your God given responsibility to talk to me about it… pray for me about it… hold me up before God about it… with the view or purpose of it… being for my good!
So today I challenge you to start a new habit… take charge of your tongue and the things that you let it voice.
Stop being so critical!
Its not your job to judge another… but it is your job to love and care and encourage and inspire one another… even in the midst of your critique.
Good Day!
(Ephesians 4:26) "Don't sin by letting anger control you."
There are a lot of emotions we experience in life that cause us to "act out"… and allow sin a foothold in our lives.
As a result we often react with guilt, criticism, blame, anger… and other negative emotions that continue to destroy relationships.
Along with criticism… which I have been talking about for the last couple of days… there is another emotion that seems to be able to take over our lives… sometimes when we least expect or realize it.
It's the emotion called anger.
But before we jump the gun and begin to “berate our selves” or condemn ourselves because we have gotten angry in the past… remember that there is a "righteous anger"… as well as “sinful anger”.
Sinful anger is “uncontrolled anger”… it is like jumping into your car, gunning the engine, and discovering too late that the brakes don’t work.
The Bible says… “Don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the devil that kind of foothold in your life” (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Did you get that?
Uncontrolled anger opens the door to Satan… and it all goes downhill from there!
So before you say something you’ll regret and can’t take back… ask yourself these three questions.
(1) Is the relief I get from "venting"… worth the aftermath?
The Bible says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath… but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
By "sounding off"… you run the risk of making the finest speech you’ll ever regret.
By its very nature… anger encourages exaggeration and makes you say things you can’t retract.
Long after you’ve moved on… harsh words maintain their power to wound and divide.
(2) Is it really worth dragging other people into it?
Anger inevitably affects those around you… because it’s human to want to take sides… even if you have “no dog in the fight.”
Involving other people is usually a way to feed your ego and justify bad behavior.
Don’t do it!
(3) Is my anger appropriate?
Anger over ignorance and injustice has always led to progress.
But it’s easy to let small stuff like "thoughtless comments" and "cranky kids" make you "overreact".
For anger to have a healthy result… it needs to be measured and constructive… it needs to develop and be come “a motivational response”… to doing something positive and constructive about the issue that caused the offence or the anger.
I like what I heard one counselor say… "you need to pick your battles".
Paul says, “The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
It comes down to a control issue… and a controlled response is a "Christ like" response.
It always wins out in the end.
In a list of the "fruits of the spirit"… a checklist of our spiritual growth found in (Galatians 5:22) … Paul included "self control"."
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law".
It’s something we all need to practice, develop, and grow in.
"Be ye angry and sin not… let self-control help you from falling into a trap that can be so very hard to pull your self out of.
Because once anger is unleashed… it is very… very… very difficult to control!
Good Day!
By its very nature… anger encourages exaggeration and makes you say things you can’t retract.
Long after you’ve moved on… harsh words maintain their power to wound and divide.
(2) Is it really worth dragging other people into it?
Anger inevitably affects those around you… because it’s human to want to take sides… even if you have “no dog in the fight.”
Involving other people is usually a way to feed your ego and justify bad behavior.
Don’t do it!
(3) Is my anger appropriate?
Anger over ignorance and injustice has always led to progress.
But it’s easy to let small stuff like "thoughtless comments" and "cranky kids" make you "overreact".
For anger to have a healthy result… it needs to be measured and constructive… it needs to develop and be come “a motivational response”… to doing something positive and constructive about the issue that caused the offence or the anger.
I like what I heard one counselor say… "you need to pick your battles".
Paul says, “The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
It comes down to a control issue… and a controlled response is a "Christ like" response.
It always wins out in the end.
In a list of the "fruits of the spirit"… a checklist of our spiritual growth found in (Galatians 5:22) … Paul included "self control"."
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law".
It’s something we all need to practice, develop, and grow in.
"Be ye angry and sin not… let self-control help you from falling into a trap that can be so very hard to pull your self out of.
Because once anger is unleashed… it is very… very… very difficult to control!
Good Day!
(Galatians 1:10) “For do I now persuade men, or God?
This verse emphasizes the importance of serving God over seeking the approval of people.
It reflects Paul's commitment to the true gospel and his role as a servant of Christ… highlighting the fact that pleasing God is paramount in each of our lives.
Are you aware that any time you begin to criticize something or someone… that you are actually setting yourself up as being an authority on the subject!
That you are saying hey I am better than you or this… or I know more about than this thing that I am criticizing!
Here are some interesting observations I’ve come to learn about criticism.
1) Criticism is often ego based.
The great preacher and theologian Oswald Chambers wrote… “Beware of anything that puts you in place as a superior person.”
And that’s exactly what criticism does. It highlights you as the one who “knows everything”.
Not only that… it elevates your voice or your opinion as being more worthy or important than others.
When you live having to criticize… your attitude says to others… “If I can’t make it in this world by what I do… I’ll make it by knowing what you should do.”
James writes… “These things ought not so to be” (James 3:10)
(Romans 12:10) Paul writes… “Love each other…and take delight in honoring each other”/
Criticism elevates self while tearing down others.
(2) Criticism can break hearts.
Imagine how Moses felt when his brother and sister suddenly turned on him.
The people closest to us often know the more intimate details of our lives… we’re always vulnerable to their criticism.
Sometimes as parents we leave our children’s lives in shambles by creating a home environment that’s rife with criticism.
Maybe as you read these words you hear the voice of your harshest critic… maybe it was your own parent (mom or dad) who constantly put you down.
A parent whose words still ring in your memory… “You were never any good… You’ll never amount to anything.”
(3) How should you respond to criticism?
Paul answers… “If I were…trying to please men I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10)
Instead of listening to your critics… and trying to please them… center your attention on what God thinks of you… and how He would want you to respond to the your critics.
Yes the critical opinion of others around us can hurt… the criticism we experience from others can wound us and we bleed on the inside… but the only way to over come the criticism of others… is by focusing on God and His will for your life.
That’s why it is so important to spend time with Him in prayer and the study of His word.
In the final analysis… His is the only opinion that counts.
Set your heart and face toward God… and your back to your critics… and "press on to the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ". (Philippians 3:14)
"For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord" (Jeremiah 29:11)
Finally when you know you have heard God and you are examining your own motives and you are walking in humility… it does not matter what your critics are saying.
It only matters what God thinks.
Yes the criticism of those you love, trust, and hold dear can hurt and cut like a knife… but never forget what Joseph said to his brothers… “you meant it for evil… but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20)
Consider what might be true in the critique… even if it is given to you in a poor way.
Even if it is given with the intent to hurt or mock… there still might be something about the criticism that might be worth considering.
God might be speaking to you through this person.
Remember the Cross that Jesus hung upon on our behalf for our sins.
Someone has said that people won’t say anything about us that the Cross hasn’t said and more… which is… we are sinners who deserve eternal punishment.
So actually… anything anyone says about us… is less than what the Cross has said about us.
Turn to God who accepts you in Christ unconditionally… despite your many sins and failures.
We can be discouraged when we see areas of sin or failure in our lives… but Jesus has paid for those on the cross… and God is pleased with us because of Christ.
So if I’m good enough for God… then the opinion of others really has no power over me.
And Jesus said “Him whom the Son sets free is free indeed”
Today enjoy your freedom and never mind the critics.
Good Day!