Showing posts with label Blood of the Lamb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blood of the Lamb. Show all posts

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Daily Devotional Day & Night (Post # 400)

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about resisting the enemy. We live amongst evil every day of our life, and the enemy is always tempting us to sin against, and stray away from God. He’ll use any means necessary to block our blessings, and stunt our growth, so it’s up to us to make that very hard for Him. We must purposely live in righteousness, and in love, because living any other way will lead to separation from God. Granted, once we accept Jesus as Lord, our salvation cannot be taken from us, however, when we sin, we’re separated from full fellowship with God until we repent. That’s so very scary for me, because I know life with God, but I definitely know life without Him, and I choose God. Once you get a taste of His Agape love, there is no going back. God has opened my heart to point where no matter where I am or who I’m with, I’m at peace. The enemy tries to destroy that, but I put on the amour of God, and continue to battle against him.

I’ve learned that it’s me that has to change. I was saved as a child, and baptized on my 15th birthday, and since then my life has been a roller coaster ride. It’s been one trial or obstacle after the other, but they’ve all worked together to make me who I am today. Most of the tribulation that’s happened in my life was all about the choices I made. God always gave me a better alternative, with every decision I’ve made, but it was my ignorance, and desire to please my flesh that made me choose something other than Him. I wasn’t making any changes in my life, or choosing light over darkness, but I primarily chose what felt good to my flesh. I hung around people who were on the same, or sometimes lower, spiritual and moral level that I was, and we were like Jesus described, the blind leading the blind. I did things the only way I knew how, but never tried to learn a new way. What needed to happen was for me to seek the Lord and allow Him to lighten my path.

How do we resist the enemy? We have to change our way of thinking, and use our instruction book for life, the Holy Bible. This may be the most controversial book in the world. I’ve heard more people dispute the validity of the bible, and the stories in it, than I’ve heard people promoting the truth of it. People say, this book was written by man, so some things are fabricated, or aren’t true. They also say that because it’s been translated so many times, that some things were lost in the translation, but people who think like that truly underestimate God. I think many of us give more credit to the power of the devil, than they do God. If He created the WORLD, and everything in it, why couldn’t He use man to write and translate the Bible? I never claimed to be a Biblical Scholar, but I do know God. I write by the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom and knowledge that He’s instilled in me over the years, so I can testify that He still speaks through so many people, including me. If you have any doubts about the Holy Bible, think about Who God is, and then ask yourself if it’s possible that this could’ve been solely written and translated by Him, through man. You’ll find the answer in the Holy Spirit.

The only way to truly resist the enemy is to seek God. Everything you do, each day, need to be about God. Always ask yourself will this exalt God, or is He going to be proud of this. Live according to the principles taught in the bible. Try your best to keep His commandments, and live in Love, as Jesus pointed out to us. Remain slow to anger and quick to forgive, and always look to serve your fellow man, as if you were serving Jesus Himself. Take a moment to breathe, and spend some alone time with Him, praying, and meditating on His word. Sometimes just sitting quietly for an hour, just in deep thought about the love of God, and what He teaches in His word, helps keep you centered. This helps you build up your spiritual muscles, so that you can fight against the attacks of the enemy. If you don’t do these things, then you’re spiritually weak, and it’s much more difficult to resist the enemy.

When we looked at the story of when Jesus was tempted by the enemy, He actually had conversations with him. Jesus fought back with the sword, the Word of God, and finally told Him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Matt. 4:10). This is the key to being able to resist evil—your main concern is serving God and God only. The first step to walking away from evil is to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. If you’ve done that, then from the time your feet hits the floor in the morning thank God, and pray without ceasing throughout the day. Do everything with Jesus in mind, because everything that He did in His life, He had us in mind. If you don’t know Jesus, then take a few minutes to take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verses today are: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455618&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/today-on-radio
http://www.joycemeyer.org/OurMinistries/Broadcast/

I love you!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

Today's scriptures are about Christ, our Passover. The blood of Christ protects us from the evils of the world. When God’s wrath is upon the earth, we will be passed over, when we're under the protection of the mighty Lamb of God. The first Passover started with Moses, when he was attempting to get Pharaoh to free the people of Israel, from the bondage in Egypt. God was going to cast a plague upon the land that would kill all of the firstborn. He instructed Moses and the Israelites to take a blemish free Lamb, and sacrifice it. It's written: Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. (Exo. 12:7) They then were to cook the Lamb over an open fire, and eat it that night with bread cooked without yeast. When God came through with the plague, He vowed the Passover all of the homes that were marked with blood. This was the beginning of an everlasting ordinance, to mark the day that God freed the Israelites from the enemy.

Does this all sound a bit familiar? As I was reading through this story, I started to think about the things that Jesus said at the Last Supper. It was as similar scenario, but Jesus came to free all mankind from the hands of the enemy. We've been enslaved by evil since the beginning of time, and Jesus was the Sacrificial Lamb, brought here to protect us, when God allows evil to completely plague the earth. Jesus’ blood not only cleanses us from unrighteousness, and grants us eternal life, but it also offers protection under the covenant of God. That's a reason to rejoice!

It's written: And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. (Mark 14:22-24) Most Christians practice this ceremony as often as every Sunday, and some once a month. No matter how often you do it, just as God commanded the people of Egypt, you do it as a symbol of God's everlasting love and protection. He shed innocent blood to atone for the sins of the wicked, because He loves us. Be careful to know the commitment you make, and do it with a pure heart. Paul warns us to be true the covenant of Holy Communion.

Now I'm sure many may question, if every Christian is covered under this covenant, why do so many bad things happen to “good people”? There are many explanations, and some we won’t receive until we reach Heaven. Using the old example of the Passover, we have to stay under the protection of those two doorways, which are marked with the blood. Had the people of Israel stepped outside on the day of the Passover, when the plague was coming through, they would’ve fallen victim to it as well. God gave them specific boundaries, and it was up to them to stay within them.

The Apostle Paul explained it best in his letter to the Church of Corinth, that he had written when word got back to him that they had been sinning, and bragging about it. Paul said: Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Cor. 5:6-8NIV) A little sin could spread into a huge mess, in the life of a Christian, so if you step outside of the covenant of God, into a life of Sin, that blood no longer protects you from it’s effects. It isn't until you repent, and ask for forgiveness that you can come back under total protection of the Lord.

As I look around at the state of our world today, it saddens my heart. I see so many things in a different light. Sin is "the norm" right now, and people actually brag and boast, and even commercialize it for the world to see. With no regard of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave His life to protect us from just that. Sin is a plague, and what could end up killing us, so we must be careful, and ready at all times. If you've already accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, you're halfway there. You must still serve the Lord, and keep His commandments. It isn't that hard to love God with all of your heart, but it most certainly could be if you aren't keeping your eye on Him at all times, preparing for His return.

If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, then you are like the Egyptians; you have no protection from the plague of sin. The Lamb has been sacrificed, so in order to receive that much needed protection, all you have to do is ask Jesus to be your Savior. He's a simple prayer away; so let me know if you need someone to pray with. My favorite verse today is: Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1-2)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455411&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/today-on-radio
http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional

I love you!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

Today's scriptures are about being perfect in the Lord. Okay, so I know you’re already asking yourself, “How could God ask us to be perfect, when we were taught that nobody’s perfect, but Jesus Christ?”, and that is a fair question to ask. Sin will always be around, and each man, in the flesh, is subjected to it. Hence the sacrifice of a blemish free, spotless Lamb, to atone for the sins of all. When Jesus died on the cross, He took on the weight of sin, for all mankind. When He was resurrected, and ascended into Heaven to be with God, He blessed us with the Holy Spirit. Since then, when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we’re baptized with His Holy Spirit, which in turns gives us the ability to be righteous, perfect, or sin free. How many times have you heard me, or other people, explain this? I’m sure it’s been many, but do you truly understand it? If I say to you today, that you can be perfect, just as Jesus was, would you believe me? God expects us to be perfect, but not on our own strength, because the flesh is weak, and easily swayed to sin. However, we’re made perfect by the blood of Christ, and it’s only by Him that we can live perfected, each day of our life. It’s the Word of God, which was manifested into flesh that gives us the ability to be perfect. It’s written: The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (Psalm 19:7-9) You notice that everything points to “the LORD”? God never expected us to be anything but human, but when He gets a hold of us, He’s expecting perfection, because that’s who He is, and we’re made in His likeness. All He needs from us is our faith and trust. Paul wrote just that, in his letter to the Philippians; he told them “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6), and that was true then, now, and forever. We know God, and if He’s ever commanded us to do something, He’s always going to give us the resources to get it done. No one will ever give a first grader a calculus exam, and expect them to pass it with an A+. Now there are some exceptionally gifted children, that may be able to pull that off, but they’re few and far between. Abraham, Paul, Peter, David, Solomon, James [and I could go on and on], were all regular human beings like you and me, but God chose to use them in extraordinary ways, because of their Faith. James pointed that out to us in his epistle, and it’s written: Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”And he was called the friend of God. (James 2:21-23) Wow! God is perfect, and He commands us to be perfect, so the only way for us to obey that command is to seek it from Him. We’re never going to be without sin, but perfection comes from our Faith. If He knows we’re doing our best to love Him with all of our heart and soul, that’s perfect enough for Him. There was only one Jesus, or one Abraham, but I was created to be the perfect Saundra, and you to be the perfect you, in Christ. Don’t ever forget that. If you don’t know who Christ is, that’s your first step for perfection. Pray and ask Him to be Lord of your life today. Feel free to take the God quiz, and see where you are in your faith. My favorite verse today is: Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:20)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455320&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943225
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Daily Devotional Day & Night

Happy Friday!

Today's scripture's are about having the boldness of Christ. As we read stories about Jesus, we could get a great sense of His confidence in Himself, because of His relationship with God. He was a great example of how we should live everyday. He gives us the power necessary to overcome any obstacle we may face. In His Name we could ask for anything we need or desire, within the laws of God, and by Faith it shall be given to us. When we stay in tuned with the Holy Spirit, He'll give us clear guidance as to what we should ask for, and how to be prepared to receive them. Did you know that when you invited Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior you inherited His power? We are no longer under the power of the enemy or the flesh, because we are Children of God! We should walk in confidence in knowing that the almighty Lord is in complete control of our life. As my airplane was taking off on last Friday, I realized how much I don't like flying, because the concept of it is beyond my comprehension. However, I know that planes were created to better get us where we need to go, and I will fly through my fear of the unknown, because I know that God will take care of me. I work late hours, and after work I go to the gym, and run errands sometimes. Most people would be afraid, because as we know predators usually lurk at night, but I'm not afraid because I've asked God to watch over me, and He does. I listen to my Holy Spirit, and He will give me the guidance I need to stay safe. I can honesty say that there aren't a lot of things I fear, because I know I’m protected by the Blood of the Lamb. I do have some fears, doubts, and insecurities, but they are usually brought on by guilt, or lies from the enemy, and the world’s ways of thinking. According to the world, especially in the United States, our credit score, assets, education, outer appearance, and prestige measure us. Who are you, if you lack any of these things? God knows where you've been, where you are, and where you're headed, and in order for you to know these things you must boldly ask for the answers. Some people say that we shouldn't question God, but if we don't seek answers to the questions or reservations we have, how would learn where we need to be? Isn't it refreshing to be able to say, “this is where I went wrong, and I know not to do that anymore”? Mistakes are a part of life, and are meant to help us grow, but they could only hinder us if we don't stand up with confidence in the fact that we’ve been forgiven. The Lord said to Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I (Jeremiah): “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the LORD said to me: “ Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. (Jer. 1:6-8) How many times have God told you to do something and you answered Him with, "but God I can't do this"? I can't begin to tell many times I've said that. God made these promises not only to Jeremiah, but also to all of us. We all have the power of prophecy through the Holy Spirit, and we've been chosen to do great things. We have something that Jeremiah didn't have, and that's the power of the blood of Jesus. God knew us before we were formed in the womb, and predestined us to complete a task, and nothing could stop us from getting there, not even us. Our hesitations could cause us to stay in the wilderness, but we'll eventually reach our promised land. As of today drop all fear, and pick up the power of Jesus Christ, and you don't have to look far for it, because you've had it all along. Boldly accept your inheritance, and live like a true child of God. If you don't know Jesus, then you should be very afraid. Get to know Him now, and live like the Kings and Queens you were created to be, with grace, poise, and prominence. My favorite verse today is: Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455184&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone and you're enjoying the end of another workweek. I'm doing well, TGIF! I'm so happy the weekend is here. They postponed the game tonight, I'm guessing because of the rain. It'll be held tomorrow at Bishop McNamara at 2pm. I'm so grateful, because it's supposed to be a little warmer, and sunny. It also gives the boys one more day to get prepared. A lot of people have already written them off, but I think they'll put up a good fight. I have a leadership meeting at church tomorrow, and we're discussing the option of starting an After School program, I think we've found a good opportunity. Please pray that we could all come up with one main goal, and are able to help the children, and parents. My niece Jazmine's birthday is tomorrow as well, Happy Birthday Jazzy Mama! I can't wait to see her, let's see if she could go skating, I don't know yet, because I haven’t discussed it with my sister. I’m always making plans without permission, but that’s what Aunties do. Enjoy your weekend, and be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about Jesus’ sacrifice for the Church. There is always going to be a question of why God does the things that He does, but it's written that He won't be fully revealed to us until we reach Heaven (Deut 29:29, 1 John 3:2). The main question is why does God require a blood sacrifice in order to forgive sins? That question has been in my heart all week, but I wasn't able to come up with a concrete answer. The next step was to "seek ye first", so I started researching the function of blood, to see if I could find its significance. Overall, blood has a number of functions in the human body, such as helping cleans and remove toxins, transport nutrients, regulate body temperature, works a sealant when the skins is punctured, and balances our pH, just to name of few. It most import to our survival. Without it none of our organs could function, nor will our heart beat. Now knowing the importance of blood, and the fact that it's naturally a cleanser, it's easier to see why it would be significant in the forgiveness of sins. God didn't require just any blood for atonement of sin, He required pure healthy blood as a sacrifice, and that's why Jesus was born. Jesus was created to take away the sins of the "Church", which is comprised of all mankind. The church isn't a building; it's you and me. Jesus was without sin, and very valuable to the world. Receiving salvation through Him, allows us to be covered with his Righteous blood. It cleanses us, keeps us connected to God, protects us from the wiles of the devil, heals us when we’re hurt, and blesses us with the nutrient of Holy Spirit. Before Jesus came to this earth, there was word of the Messiah coming as Lord and Savior, and throughout His entire life He had a immense responsibility, and knew that He would have to die. Because He was in the flesh, He had the opportunity to choose whether He wanted to continue on the path He was brought here to walk. He unselfishly carried our each command that God had given Him. He came to save everyone who's lost, and love us no matter how much we may fall. It's up to us to be open to Him and receive His love. He's there, and will come to anyone who earnestly asks. I'm going to leave you with this today, so it's not coming from me, but from His Living Word: This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:5-10) Jesus gave His entire life for us, not just the act of being tortured and killed, but also His service. He made sure we have every tool we need to have a wonderful life. It's up to us to take our Salvation and allow it to cleanse our church, and be ready to receive all the miracles offered through Faith in Him. He loves us like no other could; just look at what He's done for us. Please pray and invite Him into your life, repent for your sins, and watch the doors start to open. My favorite verse today is: Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. (Ephesians 5:2)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455149&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5569835&ct=7613823

I love you!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying this "Terrific Tuesday". I'm doing well, but wishing I could still be at home in bed. It's really gray and raining out, and that's a recipe for sleep. I'm already looking forward to the weekend, as usual. My Dad's birthday starts tomorrow, and ends on Thursday the 29th (long story). He's doing well, really enjoying his job, he and my sister work together, and they help the mentally disabled live a somewhat "normal life", by helping them get jobs, and assisting them through their workday. It's a wonderful and rewarding position to have, and they're both very good at it. It's truly a blessing to have the Spirit of a Servant, which is a character trait of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for my co-worker who's been nursing her sick son over the last few days, he's okay, just fighting a cold/flu. Also pray for another co-worker's Mom, who's sick in the hospital; prayers for a speedy recovery and a good rehabilitation facility. Thanks again for your prayers, have a wonderful day; be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about the healing power of Jesus Christ. We are healed by the magnificent power and mercy of Jesus. There are several accounts of healing by Jesus and His disciples, in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In most cases Jesus asked His followers if they believed they could be healed. Jesus could see right through people, and what He saw was their heart. The act of healing or being healed is a gift by grace. Sickness is a part of life for some people, and we're afflicted because of a direct penalty of sin, fear, or a lack of Faith. In the bible it’s recorded that when people heard Jesus was coming to their part of town, they came from miles around to see Him. It's written in Matthew 14:35-36: And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well. These people had so much Faith in Him, because of what they'd heard He could do, and that Faith and persistence paid off. Jesus is not far away, and we don't have to wait until He comes to town to receive healing, because He lives in our heart. We have the healing power of the Holy Spirit ready to be used anytime we need Him. We have the Power in His Name to heal others, because we are His disciples. We must be sure do our best to maintain our Righteousness. When we sin, we must confess and repent as soon as possible. God cannot look on sin, so it's important to carefully weigh our decisions, and use haste. There are consequences to every action, whether negative or positive. There are some diseases that are "irreversible" according to world, but God is the ruler of all things. When we pray and ask to be healed, we must stand on Faith. We must continue our walk ask if we're already healed. We must claim it in the Name of Jesus and it will be done. In today's world, people depend more on medicine and doctors for healing. As we discussed yesterday, God is above anything scientific. God has the last say, but be very careful not to test Him. Some of us push the limits, and live a reckless life, but expect to be healthy and vibrant. We will pay for our actions, and I speak from experience. A few years ago, I stayed in my doctor's office. I was always in poor health. At one time, I was taking at least 8 different medicines a day. That's a lot for a seemingly healthy 25-year-old woman. I was indirectly killing myself, and God called me to change my ways. I begged to be healed, and He answered my cry, but first I needed to submit. Over the last year, I've noticed that all of my major issues have subsided tremendously. No more pills, and quarterly doctor's visits. God is Awesome! When we let go of self, and take on the mind of Jesus, we'll begin to stand on His promises. We could take some lessons from Job, even when he was afflicted he kept Faith in God. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior, then get to know Him. If you've lost the connection with Him then you cannot receive healing, or heal anyone else, until you rekindle your relationship. You have the power by the blood of the Lamb; the question is do you believe it? Can you imagine the changes we could make, with a little Faith? My favorite verse today is: Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. (Matthew 8:17)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455132&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5492525&ct=7535843

I Love You!