Tuesday, February 28, 2012

+DEV+ You Are Mine

Date: February 28, 2012 11:06 PM
Topic: +DEV+ You Are Mine

You Are Mine

"But now, this is what the LORD says - he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'" (Isaiah 43:1)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:1-13

I recently spent an afternoon in an urgent care facility and was amazed at how many people came in and out. There were people of all different ages, races and stature, all waiting to be acknowledged and helped. As I thought about the myriad of broken lives and hurting souls in the world just trying to survive another day, my heart was drawn to Isaiah 43.

God's words through Isaiah remind us that we "are precious and honored in His sight, and He loves us" (vs. 4). Although we have done absolutely nothing to merit His love and grace, God lavishes it freely on us - costly though it was to Him. He is the one true Savior (vs. 11), humbly demonstrating His love on the bloody cross of Calvary. He calls His children by name, declaring them to be His very own! God's Word is filled with precious promises offering hope and assurance for lonely, desperate, weary souls. Christ did not come simply to "acknowledge" us. Those who trust in Him are redeemed by His saving blood and belong to Him!

Insight: Whenever You Feel Alone In The Water And Flame, Remember God's Promise That The Holy One Of Israel Is With You!

Monday, February 27, 2012

+DEV+ Noble Character

Date: February 27, 2012 11:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Noble Character

Noble Character

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11)
Scripture Focus: Acts 17:1-15

The Bereans were commended in the Bible for receiving the message of the Gospel with great eagerness and daily examination of the Scriptures. The Greek word used here for "examine" is also used to describe Herod as he examined Jesus (Luke 23:14-15) and the Sanhedrin's examination of Peter and John (Acts 4:9). The Bereans mulled over the evidence like jurors do at a trial. They did not simply accept what Paul said. Rather, they intently studied his words in light of God's Word.

God's Word is the "plumb line" that stands up to inspection. It is copiously filled with cross-references, historical facts, and prophecies fulfilled. There is no supplement for it! We must not simply accept the words of men, but rather go to The Source, peering through the lens of Truth. Jesus said that if His Word abides in us, we will know the Truth, and the Truth will set us free (John 8:31-32). May we, like the Bereans, receive God's Word readily and examine the Scriptures daily, seeing how the truth of Jesus sets us free indeed.

Insight: Can It Be Said That You Are Of "Noble Character"? Do You Eagerly Receive The Message Of Jesus Christ And Spend Time Searching The Scriptures?

Sunday, February 26, 2012

+DEV+ Revival

Date: February 26, 2012 9:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Revival

Revival

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear and forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 17:1-5

Before reading the Scriptures, a well known evangelist reminds us that we are about to hear the very words of God: "This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!" He is aware of the trap we can fall into of becoming dulled to the Bible and indifferent to its message. The Word of the Lord both commands and merits great reverence.

Nehemiah narrates a powerful scene of repentance and revival, and the stage is set with the reading of God's Law. As Ezra the Priest opens the Holy Book, the people stand to their feet, showing respect for the Word. They lift their hands in agreement, exclaiming: "Amen!" and then fall on their faces before the Lord, worshiping Him in humility. The people's hearts are so moved by what they hear that they begin to weep for their sin and guilt before God. But their mourning soon turns to jubilant celebration of God's grace and mercy toward them, for the joy of the LORD is their strength!

May God's Word fall upon our hearts also and cause revival.

Insight: It Is Important That We Engage In Corporate Worship And Sit Under The Teaching Of God's Word Often. Is This Something That You Value?

Thursday, February 23, 2012

+DEV+ Behind The Name

Date: February 23, 2012 10:07 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Behind The Name

Behind The Name

"I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your Name and your word." (Psalm 138:2)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 17:1-5

Bible names carried much weight and often reflected the character or information about the person or place being named. Abram was given a new name by God - Abraham, "Father of many" (see Genesis 17:5). A name could hardly be more fitting! In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel set up a stone memorial to God's help and called it Ebenezer, meaning "stone of help." While not a popular name today, we find it in one of our great hymns, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" where verse two says, Here I raise my Ebenezer / Hither by Thy help I'm come (Robert Robinson, 1757).

The names God gives Himself in His Word echo His character. Through them, He personally reveals aspects of Himself, giving us a storehouse of His promises and character attributes. He is El-Shaddai, the "God Almighty" (Genesis 17:1). He is Yahweh Jireh, “The Lord will provide" (Genesis 22:14). He is Yahweh Tsidkenu, “The Lord our Righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6). He is the Almighty God who provides righteousness for sinners through Jesus.

Insight: Intertwined Through All Of Scripture, From Genesis To Revelation, Is A Crimson Thread Of Redemption Always Pointing To Christ.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

+DEV+ Prophecy Fulfilled

Date: February 22, 2012 11:34 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Prophecy Fulfilled

Prophecy Fulfilled

"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." (Hebrews 1:1)
Scripture Focus: John 5:31-47

Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel. In Old Testament times, God chose men such as these to be His mouthpiece to deliver His message to the people. He spoke to them through dreams, visions, and even personally. Therefore, these "holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). No matter the time or place, the heart of the message was the same: repent, turn to the Lord, and be redeemed.

The prophets warned the people of the severe punishment that awaited them if they continued in sin. But they also foretold the coming of a Messiah who would ransom God's people and purchase back His wayward bride. In Jesus' encounter with the Pharisees (John 5), He made it clear that He is the promised Messiah of which Scriptures testify. Although the Pharisees knew what the Bible said, they were blind to The Word made flesh standing right in front them. God desires for us to know more than words on a page. He has personally spoken to us through His Son, Jesus.

Insight: Woven Through All Of Scripture, From Genesis To Revelation, Is A Crimson Thread Of Redemption Always Pointing To Christ.

+DEV+ Faith Nourished

Date: February 22, 2012 12:25 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Faith Nourished

Faith Nourished

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Scripture Focus: Romans 10:8-15

Over the years, I have met many teenagers and adults who wrestle with the question, What is my purpose in life? I think that if we were all honest, we would admit to wondering this ourselves at one time or another.

Thankfully, the Bible answers that question. According to Revelation 4:11, we were created for God's pleasure, that He might receive the glory, honor, and power due unto His Name.When fulfilling God's perfect purpose for our lives, we experience the joy, peace, and soul satisfaction that He intended for us. But how do we know if we are pleasing God?

Hebrews 11:6 advises that the way to fulfill this chief purpose in life is through faith in Christ. Faith is a gift from God, and His Word is the instrument by which He brings it about. "faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). When we earnestly seek God through His Word and prayer, faith is built and nourished and the Author of our faith is pleased.

Insight: Is God's Word Near You - On Your Lips, In Your Heart? Confess With Your Mouth And Believe In Your Heart That Jesus Is Lord!

Monday, February 20, 2012

+DEV+ Hiding Place

Date: February 20, 2012 11:21 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Hiding Place

Hiding Place

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him...Who is the Rock except our God?" (2 Samuel 22:31-32)
Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 22

In her book, The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom recounts the inspiring story of her family's quest to offer a place of refuge for those oppressed by the Nazis. This passion eventually led to their imprisonment. But their faith in the Lord and dependence upon His grace grew ever stronger.

While sitting in a prison cell, Corrie's father led a time of prayer and sharing God's Word, as he had done regularly at home. Although he was not allowed to have a Bible in the concentration camp, much of God's Word was hidden in his heart. Facing a cell of despairing souls, He quoted from Psalm 119:114, "You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your Word."

The Ten Boom family trusted God to protect and defend them, much like David did when he was pursued by his enemies. They sought comfort and hope not in their surroundings, but in the flawless Word of the Lord. They sheltered under the Rock of God's promises and looked to Him as their Hiding Place. He is a shield to those who hope in His Word!

Insight: Are You Facing A Situation That Is Overwhelming And Discouraging? Hide Yourself In The Power-Filled Words Of The Savior And Take Refuge In Him.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

+DEV+ The Refiner's Fire

Date: February 19, 2012 9:39 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Refiner's Fire

The Refiner's Fire

"'Is not my word like fire,' declares the LORD, 'and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?'" (Jeremiah 23:29)
"For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." (Deuteronomy 4:24)
Scripture Focus: Malachi 3:2-3

Someone once described to me the process of refining gold. The gold is subjected to a very hot fire until it melts. This causes imbedded impurities to separate and rise to the surface. The dross can then be skimmed off, allowing the worker to see his reflection on the surface of the pure, precious metal.

God desires to prepare a people for Himself (Zechariah 13:9). But first, the Master Refiner must remove our dead hearts of stone and replace them with living hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). We need the holy fire of God's Word to melt our stony hearts and burn away the dross of sin and impurity. Christ died to cleanse and redeem even the vilest of hearts. He alone has the power and authority to forgive sin and free the captive from its power.

Once the refining fire of God's Word softens the heart, He then hammers and shapes it, forging something glorious for His holy use. He is preparing for Himself a spotless bride that will reflect His glory (Ephesians 5:25b-27).

Insight: Are You Yielding Yourself To The Fire And Hammer Of God's Word So That His Glory Can Be Reflected In Your Life?

Thursday, February 16, 2012

+DEV+ Teach Us to Pray

Date: February 16, 2012 9:42 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Teach Us to Pray

Teach Us to Pray

"This is the assurance we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us we have what we asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15)
Scripture Focus: Luke 11:1-13

One of the extraordinary gifts that God has given to His children is the gift of prayer. But we, like the disciples, need Jesus to teach us to pray. Left to ourselves, we are senseless and ignorant before the Lord (Psalm 73:22). Christ, however, gave Himself to prayer and set aside precious time to converse with His Father. He is the ultimate example, and He teaches us how to pray by His Word and Spirit.

1 John 5:14-15 says that when we pray in faith and in accordance with God's will, we can be confident that our Father hears us and will answer. But how do we know what God's will is? We must search the Scriptures! When we pray God's Word, we come into agreement with God's will and can expect answers. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray by interceding on our behalf in harmony with God's will (Romans 8:26-27). The Holy Spirit never contradicts the Holy Word.

Today, may the Holy Spirit fill our hearts with God's Word so that we may know how to pray as Jesus prayed.

Insight: Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" (John 15:7).

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

+DEV+ Taste and See

Date: February 15, 2012 10:56 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Taste and See

Taste and See

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." (Psalm1:2)
"My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times." (Psalm 119:20)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 1

Can you recall a time when your mind and thoughts were glued to something? Before my wife and I were engaged, I spent hours upon hours thinking about the woman I hoped to marry. It was a thrill to discover everything I possibly could about her.

Psalm chapter 1 addresses the fundamental importance of meditating on "the law of the Lord," which is the Word of God. It teaches that meditation on His Word is the way to blessedness. In fact, it reveals that "delighting" in God's law and "meditating" on it go hand in hand. God doesn't just want our minds; He wants our hearts.

There are many things in this world that vie for our attention. But none compares to the eternal, true, and beautiful words of Scripture. What else could make us wise, preserve us from sin, and free us to be the people God calls us to be? Christ invites us to the banqueting table where we can "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). When we feast on God's Word, we commune with Jesus Himself.

Insight: Do You Delight In The Law Of The Lord? Do You Meditate On Scripture? May God Produce Within Us A Holy Appetite For His Word.

+DEV+ The Inerrant Word

Date: February 15, 2012 1:38 AM
Topic: +DEV+ The Inerrant Word

The Inerrant Word

"All Scripture is God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16a) “When you received the Word of God you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the Word of God." (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

We are all on a quest for truth. Every day, we are bombarded with lies that lure us down paths of emptiness and destruction. Praise God that there is a divine and ultimate Truth we can know with certainty (Luke 1:4)! Every word of God is flawless (Proverbs 30:5a) and the sum of His Word equals Truth (Psalm 119:160). The Holy Scriptures are completely trustworthy and sufficient because they come from a Holy God. They have the unique power to transcend time, culture, and human reasoning and are equally as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago.

A house built on shifting sand is sure to collapse. In the same way, we cannot build our lives on changing ideologies. But God our Father does not change like shifting shadows, and He has given us His absolute Word that we may confidently rest on (James 1:17-18). Our LORD Jesus is the same yesterday, today and always (Hebrews 13:8)! In an ever-changing world, how awesome it is to know that we can trust in The Inerrant Word.

Insight: Do You Believe That The Bible Is The Very Word Of God? If So, Do You Allow Its Infallible Truth To Permeate Your Life?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

+DEV+ The Living Water

Date: February 14, 2012 2:50 AM
Topic: +DEV+ The Living Water

The Living Water

"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58:11)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 55:1-11

Do you ever feel as though you are wandering through a barren desert? Does your thirsty soul long for something more in a "dry and weary land where there is no water"? (Psalm 63:1) Have you been looking to the waters of this world to satisfy, only to be left wanting? Jesus said that those who drink the waters of this world will thirst again, but those who drink the water He gives will be completely satisfied (John 4:13-14). He is the spring whose waters never fail, and He beckons you this day to come and drink freely the water of life (Revelation 22:17).

Trees need water in order to survive and bear fruit. We, too, must soak in the Living Water if our lives are going to flourish and bear God-honoring fruit. As the earth opens wide to receive God's gift of rain, so must our hearts break open wide to drink of His fertile, life-giving Word (Deuteronomy 32:2). Through it, He causes rains of grace to fall upon a sun-scorched soul, yielding new life with the green of spring.

Insight: Those Who Drink The Living Water Of God's Word Become "Oaks Of Righteousness, The Planting Of The Lord, That He May Be Glorified" (Isaiah 61:3B).

Sunday, February 12, 2012

+DEV+ The Shepherd's Voice

Date: February 12, 2012 10:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Shepherd's Voice

The Shepherd's Voice

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15)
Scripture Focus: John 10:1-18

On July 8, 2005, stunned onlookers watched helplessly as 450 sheep plummeted to their deaths near the Turkish village of Gevas. The wooly train wreck started when one sheep walked off a cliff, luring more than 1,500 others to follow suit.

Sheep are known for being easily distracted, directionless, and defenseless. They utterly depend on the shepherd to provide for, preside over, and protect them. The Bible often refers to us as sheep, saying, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6).

The prophet Ezekiel foretold the coming of a Good Shepherd (34:11-24), the Messiah, who would save and defend His sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. He is our only protection against the "thieves and robbers" who seek to steal our joy and peace. The more time we spend grazing in the verdant pastures of God's Word and drinking from the waters of Truth, the more recognizable His voice will be.

Insight: We Must Daily Fill Our Hearts And Minds With God's Word So That We Can Distinguish Truth From Lies. Do You Know The Shepherd's Voice?

Thursday, February 9, 2012

+DEV+ The Most Important Prayer

Date: February 9, 2012 10:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Most Important Prayer

The Most Important Prayer

"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!'" (Matthew 14:29-30)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 14:22-33

Peter had extraordinary faith when he stepped out of the boat. But that faith wavered when he realized walking on water was impossible. Fear came, and he began to sink. He knew he was in danger of drowning. Nothing he could do would rescue him from certain death. Then he prayed the most important prayer anyone could pray: "Lord, save me!" Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.

There came a time in my life when I, like Peter, knew I couldn't save myself. Only Jesus could rescue me from eternal death. So I admitted my need for Him and prayed Peter's same prayer. "Lord, save me!" He immediately came into my life. I knew I was safe forever.

If you are reading this and have never called out to Jesus to save you, now is the perfect time. No matter where you are or how the turmoil of this world swirls around you, this is time to admit you cannot save yourself. Put all your faith, hope and confidence in Jesus whose mighty arm reaches out and pulls you to safety.

Insight: We All Are On The Precarious Sea Of Life; The Wisest Thing To Do Is Ask Jesus To Come Into Our Lives And Save Us.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

+DEV+ The Kingdom, Power and Glory Forever

Date: February 8, 2012 9:42 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Kingdom, Power and Glory Forever

The Kingdom, Power and Glory Forever

"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (MATTHEW 6:13B, KJV)
"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor." (1 CHRONICLES 29:11)
Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 29:10-20

Performing a wedding at a nearby location, I was taken off guard when everyone present recited the Lord's Prayer but only a few spoke the words, "Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever," (NKJV) at the end. Members of the other church were silent at that part so that it sounded like half of a duet had stopped singing.

Though this portion of verse 13 is not included in some versions of the Bible, I think it reaffirms the beginning of the Lord's Prayer. Our Father in Heaven, Your name is hallowed. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. It reminds us of who is in charge of the universe. It emphasizes God is ruler of His kingdom. He is all-powerful, and the glory of His presence fills eternity. A fitting end to the Lord's Prayer, it reminds me of King David's prayer recorded in 1 Chronicles 29.

Include this closing phrase of the Lord's Prayer. Let it be a rallying cry for those of us who put our trust solidly in the One to whom all glory and power belong forever.

Insight: His Kingdom Is Forever. When We Open Our Hearts To Jesus, We Become Members Of His Forever Kingdom.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

+DEV+ Deliver Us from Evil

Date: February 7, 2012 10:31 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Deliver Us from Evil

Deliver Us from Evil

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (MATTHEW 6:13)
Scripture Focus: James 1:2-18

This phrase of the Lord's Prayer raises questions. Does God ever lead us into temptation? Are temptations the same as trials? James explains the distinction between trials and temptations, saying that God does not "tempt anyone; but each one is tempted, when, by his own desire, he is dragged away and enticed" (James 1:13b-14). Many trials do present temptation. And temptations certainly are trials. But the two are quite different.

As we pray these words, we accept that God, for His divine purposes, may order our lives in such a way that we face temptation. Satan waits to pounce when those situations arise. Sometimes, in our human weakness, we do not resist. Therefore, we pray that God would so conquer the way of the world that we would escape temptation altogether.

When Satan tried to entice Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus met his words with the Word. Praise God we have the entire Bible to direct us. Praise Him even further that we have a Savior who has rescued us from all of Satan's evil traps.

Insight: Through Christ, We Can Resist Temptations. Where Temptation Is, You Also Will Find The Loving Arms Of Jesus That Will Never Let You Go.

Monday, February 6, 2012

+DEV+ Meet Our Needs Today

Date: February 6, 2012 11:57 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Meet Our Needs Today

Meet Our Needs Today

"'Give us today our daily bread.'" (Matthew 6:11) "Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.'" (John 6:35)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 16:1-32, John 6:28-38

In our verse today Jesus identifies Himself as I AM, the Becoming One, always the same, yet always becoming to His people (you and me) what they need. In Exodus manna was the bread God rained down each day for His people to eat during their time in the wilderness. The Lord instructed the people to collect only as much as they needed each day. If they collected more and saved it, the next morning it was spoiled and could not be eaten. But on the sixth day they were told to collect twice as much as usual, because the seventh day was the Sabbath, the day of rest. There would be no manna on that day. The morning of the seventh day they ate fresh, maggot-free manna. And so it continued throughout their wandering years.

Manna sustained physical life for the Jews in the barren desert. Jesus came from heaven to provide spiritual life for all who open their hearts to Him. He provides for our physical, emotional and spiritual needs. This miracle happens daily, always in exactly the portions we need.

Insight: As we read the Bible, we receive all the spiritual food and refreshment our hearts, minds and souls need for all our todays.

+DEV+ Your Will Be Done

Date: February 6, 2012 12:17 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Your Will Be Done

Your Will Be Done

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." (Philippians 1:6) "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:13)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13

When I pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," I ask the Lord to help me obey as the angels do. When God directs them to do something, they don't question, argue, or refuse. I want to live like that. But sometimes I become cantankerous and build a wall between us. However, I know that He will crash through that wall anytime He wants. In the deepest recesses of my heart, I desire His will for my life.

In the allegory, Hinds Feet on High Places, the heroine walks on a path leading to high places where God will fix her flaws. When the path meanders up the face of a mountain, she panics and calls for her Shepherd. He comes immediately. She tells Him she's changed her mind and doesn't want her imperfection fixed after all. She doesn't want to be on the high places with Him. Gently, He says, "My little maiden, I know your heart better than you do. I know you want to have your flaws healed and to be with me on high places." May God's will to draw you to Himself be done today.

Insight: God knows our hearts better than we do. He knows our greatest desire is to be with him and to have him correct our flaws.

Friday, February 3, 2012

+DEV+ Your Kingdom Come

Date: February 3, 2012 1:16 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Your Kingdom Come

Your Kingdom Come

"Pilate summoned Jesus and asked Him, 'Are you king of the Jews?' Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of this world, my kingdom is from another place'." (JOHN 18:33, 36)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13, John 18:29-38

During His ministry Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news" (Mark 1:15) When Jesus comes again at the close of this age, He will set up His physical, earthly kingdom here. But for now, His kingdom is spiritual, made up of all who repent and believe that Jesus' death on the cross frees them from sin.

Jesus, righteous King of kings and Lord of lords, will rule supreme. He will establish His complete love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23) in the new earth. Kings rule over their subjects. But the Bible says our Righteous King does not consider us subjects but friends and family.

Today, as kingdom people, we are freed from the chains of sin. Jesus helps us overcome our deadly enemy. This doesn't mean that we won't experience difficulties in this life. It does mean that Kingdom people will never experience God's wrath. Jesus already endured that at the cross for us.

Insight: As Kingdom People When We Pray "Your Kingdom Come," We Are Asking Jesus To Rule In Our Hearts And Minds Today.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

+DEV+ Our Father in Heaven

Date: February 1, 2012 11:29 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Our Father in Heaven

Our Father in Heaven

"For this is what the high and lofty One says - he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit.'" (ISAIAH 57:15)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13

We use forms of the word "heaven" to refer to different places. We call the atmosphere encircling our earth the heavens. The vast area of space made up of planets, stars, solar systems, etc. has been called "the heavenlies." But the scope of heaven - where God dwells and where loved ones of ours who've gone on before us are - is outside of our human imagination.

On the earth there are billions of people including you and me. Have you ever felt insignificant in the midst of all of this? Really, we're hardly more than mere microscopic specks. To think that the Father in Heaven would be interested in us!

It's beyond our comprehension to know how the Lord can hear all of us - perhaps millions of prayers offered up at the same time! The Bible tells us that God, the high and lofty One, is also our Loving Father who intimately knows and loves each of us. His Holy Spirit is infused within us so that throughout our lives, He is always present. Our Father reigns in heaven, but He also reigns in our hearts.

Insight: As We Read Our Bibles And Pray, We Learn More About Our Father Who Loves Us, Cares About Us And Is With Us Forever.