Unshakable Hope
Unshakable Hope Declaration We are building our lives on the promises of God. Because his Word is unbreakable, our hope is unshakable. We do not stand on the problems of life or the pain in life. We stand on the great and precious promises of God.
Luke 1:45 "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!"
Series: STRENGTH
Week 1 - God's Promises |
Week 1: God's Great and Precious Promise
Promises are the stitching in the spine of the Bible. Since the beginning of time, God’s relationship to man has been shaped by specific requirements and promises, unchangeable decrees that define the outflow of history. During the course of these lessons, you will discover the hope, the Unshakable Hope, that comes from building your life on the promises of God. Each lesson will explore a different promise and person of Scripture. And in each lesson we will embrace the declaration. Would you say it out loud?
Promises are the stitching in the spine of the Bible. Since the beginning of time, God’s relationship to man has been shaped by specific requirements and promises, unchangeable decrees that define the outflow of history. During the course of these lessons, you will discover the hope, the Unshakable Hope, that comes from building your life on the promises of God. Each lesson will explore a different promise and person of Scripture. And in each lesson we will embrace the declaration. Would you say it out loud?
Day 1 ACTS 26:1-6 (Amp)
1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are [now] permitted to speak on your own behalf.” At that, Paul stretched out his hand [as an orator] and made his defense [as follows]: 2 “I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, since it is before you that I am to make my defense today regarding all the charges brought against me by the Jews,3 especially because you are an expert [fully knowledgeable, experienced and unusually conversant] in all the Jewish customs and controversial issues; therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 “So then, all the Jews know my manner of life from my youth up, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation [the Jewish people], and in Jerusalem.5 They have known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify to it, that according to thestrictest sect of our religion, I have lived as a Pharisee.6 And now I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. |
AMP Note: Paul probably is referring to the school of Shammai, which flourished from 30 b.c. to a.d. 20. Gamaliel, Paul’s teacher in the school of Hillel (22:3), discussed and interpreted the teachings of both schools, and often agreed with the teachings of Shammai, so Paul was familiar with Shammai as well as Hillel.
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ACTS 26:28-31
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time [and with so little effort] you [almost] persuade me to become a Christian.”29 And Paul replied, “Whether in a short time or long, I wish to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these chains.” 30 Then the king stood up, and [with him] the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them;31 and after they had gone out, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything worthy of death or [even] of imprisonment.” |
PSALM 37:3-6
3 Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and feed [securely] on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in Him also and He will do it. 6 He will make your righteousness [your pursuit of right standing with God] like the light, And your judgment like [the shining of] the noonday [sun]. |
Day 2 HEBREWS 11:7-19
7 By faith [with confidence in God and His word] Noah, being warned by God about events not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his family. By this [act of obedience] he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which comes by faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called [by God], obeyed by going to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went, not knowing where he was going.9 By faith he lived as a foreigner in the promised land, as in a strange land, living in tents [as nomads] with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs of the same promise. 10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has foundations, [an eternal, heavenly city] whose architect and builder is God.11 By faith even Sarah herself received the ability to conceive [a child], even [when she was long] past the normal age for it, because she considered Him who had given her the promise to be reliable and true [to His word]. 12 So from one man, though he was [physically] as good as dead, were born as many descendants as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand on the seashore. 13 All these died in faith [guided and sustained by it], without receiving the [tangible fulfillment of God’s] promises, only having seen (anticipated) them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 Now those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own.15 And if they had been thinking of that country from which they departed [as their true home], they would have had [a continuing] opportunity to return.16 But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God--the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested [that is, as the testing of his faith was still in progress], offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises [of God] was ready to sacrifice his only son [of promise]; 18 to whom it was said, “Through Isaac your descendants shall be called.” 19 For he considered [it reasonable to believe] that God was able to raise Isaac even from among the dead. [Indeed, in the sense that he was prepared to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God] Abraham did receive him back [from the dead] figuratively speaking. |
Like Isaac and Jacob, we are also "fellow heirs of the same promise"
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Day 3 EXODUS 34:10
10 Then God said, “Behold, I am going to make a covenant. Before all your people I will do wondrous works (miracles) such as have not been created or produced in all the earth nor among any of the nations; and all the people among whom you live shall see the working of the Lord, for it is a fearful and awesome thing that I am going to do with you. |
MATTHEW 8:5-13
5 As Jesus went into Capernaum, [a A Roman military officer commanding a hundred men].centurion came up to Him, begging Him [for help], 6 and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, with intense and terrible, tormenting pain.”7 Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”8 But the centurion replied to Him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.9 For I also am a man subject to authority [of a higher rank], with soldiers subject to me; and I say to one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”10 When Jesus heard this, He was amazed and said to those who were following Him, “I tell you truthfully, I have not found such great faith [as this] with anyone in Israel.11 I say to you that many [Gentiles] will come from east and west, and will sit down [to feast at the table, and enjoy God’s promises] with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven [because they accepted Me as Savior],12 while the sons and heirs of the kingdom [the descendants of Abraham who will not recognize Me as Messiah] will be thrown out into the outer darkness; in that place [which is farthest removed from the kingdom] there will be weeping [in sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [in distress and anger].” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it will be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was restored to health at that very hour. |
Day 4 PSALM 33:6-9
6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, And all their host by the breath of His mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as in a wineskin; He puts the deeps in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear and worship the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. 9 For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. |
God spoke and it was done. He commanded and it stood fast.
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James 1:17
17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow .cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. |
Hebrews 10:23
23 Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]; |
Hold tight to the confession of our hope. Don't waver!
God - who promised - is reliable! is trustworthy! and faithful to His word. "Faith is a different language. It sees through obstacles and over mountains. It believes the best and hopes unswervingly. What do people hear when you open your mouth? Are they hearing faith? Are they able to see what you're believing for? Our confession should line up with the Word of God. Our confession is meant to be an affirmation of truth and a declaration of God's Word and his will." Brian Houston; There is More |
Romans 4:18-21
18 In hope against hope Abraham believed that he would become a father of many nations, as he had been promised [by God]: “So [numberless] shall your descendants be.” 19 Without becoming weak in faith he considered his own body, now as good as dead [for producing children] since he was about a hundred years old, and [he considered] the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God,21 being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised. |
Against hope, Abraham believed in the promises of God.
He was aware of his physical limitations but God was bigger.....Abraham could look at his situation square on and look at the facts but still trust in God. He did not doubt or waiver concerning the promise of God. He was fully convinced because he knew that God had the power to do what God had promised. |
HEBREWS 6:17-18
17 In the same way God, in His desire to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable nature of His purpose, intervened and guaranteed it with an oath,18 so that by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge would have strong encouragement and indwelling strength to hold tightly to the hope set before us. |
We are heirs of the promise to the unchangeable nature of God's purpose |
Day 5 TITUS 1:1-3
1 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God’s chosen ones and [to lead and encourage them to recognize and pursue] the knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness,2 based on the hope and divine guarantee of eternal life, [the life] which God, who is ever truthful and without deceit, promised before the ages of time began,3 and at the appointed time has made known His word and revealed it as His message, through preaching, which was entrusted to me according to the command of God our Savior-- |
Joshua 21:45
45 Not one of the good promises which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel failed; all had come to pass. |
1 KINGS 8:56
56 “Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, in accordance with everything that He promised. Not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He spoke through Moses His servant. |
2 CORINTHIANS 1:20-22
20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God.21 Now it is God who establishes andconfirms us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and who has anointed us [empowering us with the gifts of the Spirit];22 it is He who has also put His seal on us [that is, He has appropriated us and certified us as His] and has given us the [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as a pledge [like a security deposit to guarantee the fulfillment of His promise of eternal life]. |
ROMANS 8:28
28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. |
Day 6 MATTHEW 7:24-27
24 “So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man[a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish (stupid) man who built his house on the sand.27 And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell--and great and complete was its fall.” |
ISAIAH 55:8-11
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts higher than your thoughts. 10 “For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, Making it bear and sprout, And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; |
2 Peter 1 3:4
3 For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.4 For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature. |
AMP Note: There is no “secret knowledge” or “better way” or alternative belief system which God has revealed to some unique group or teacher. The truth is available to everyone. Through His promises, we know that He provides everything necessary for a dynamic spiritual life. He also equips us because His divine power has been bestowed on us so that we don't have to live in bondage to our "disreputable desires" but can be transformed to be more like Jesus (sharers of the divine nature.) |
Day 7 REFLECTION
Week 2: You Will Know God: God’s Promise to All |
God’s Promise: “They will all know me.” (Hebrews 8:11 NIV)
My Promise: I will make the knowledge of God my highest pursuit.
Imagine while on a walk you saw a brand new computer on the side of the road. Would you ever in a million years think that computer assembled itself by accident? You would not think to yourself, “Isn’t it amazing how all of these parts came together through a big bang and random chance to form such a complex and functional piece of equipment? Perhaps billions of years of explosions and chance occurrences finally gave us this advanced design!” You would know without a doubt there was a designer for that intricacy and a builder for that complexity. In the same way, God has made himself known to us through the intricacy of the world’s design. Our society is prone to applaud the atheist. The person who proudly proclaims, “There is no God!” is seen as being enlightened. The Bible has another description for this person: a fool. Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”God wants all to know him, and he has given us evidence all around us.
My Promise: I will make the knowledge of God my highest pursuit.
Imagine while on a walk you saw a brand new computer on the side of the road. Would you ever in a million years think that computer assembled itself by accident? You would not think to yourself, “Isn’t it amazing how all of these parts came together through a big bang and random chance to form such a complex and functional piece of equipment? Perhaps billions of years of explosions and chance occurrences finally gave us this advanced design!” You would know without a doubt there was a designer for that intricacy and a builder for that complexity. In the same way, God has made himself known to us through the intricacy of the world’s design. Our society is prone to applaud the atheist. The person who proudly proclaims, “There is no God!” is seen as being enlightened. The Bible has another description for this person: a fool. Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”God wants all to know him, and he has given us evidence all around us.
Day 8 HEBREWS 8:10-12
10 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their minds [even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding], And engrave them upon their hearts [effecting their regeneration]. And I will be their God, And they shall be My people. 11 “And it will not be [necessary] for each one to teach his fellow citizen, Or each one his brother, saying, ‘Know [by experience, have knowledge of] the Lord,’ For all will know [Me by experience and have knowledge of] Me, From the least to the greatest of them. 12 “For I will be merciful and gracious toward their wickedness, And I will remember their sins no more. |
God rewires our thoughts and ability to understand by engraving His laws on our hearts....so that when we "reboot" we are like a new person - we think differently God promises that all will know Him |
JEREMIAH 9:23-24
23 Thus says the Lord, “Let not the one who is wise and skillful boast in his insight; let not the one who is mighty and powerful boast in his strength; let not the one who is rich boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] abundance;24 but let the one who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me [and acknowledges Me and honors Me as God and recognizes without any doubt], that I am the Lord who practices lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for in these things I delight,” says the Lord. |
This verse contrasts what the world delights and boasts in (skills, knowledge, strong and mighty, material riches) against what the Lord delights in and says that we should recognize the significance of knowing and acknowledging God. |
1 CORINTHIANS 13:12
12 For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]. |
All men are fully known by God but our understanding of God is limited. We know of Him what He has revealed to us by His creation, through the Word and through the Holy Spirit. |
JEREMIAH 16:21
21 “Therefore,” [says the Lord] “behold, I will make them know-- This time I will make them know My power and My might; And they will know and recognize [without any doubt] that My Name is the Lord.” |
God will make Him known! |
EZEKIEL 28:25-26
25 ‘Thus says the Lord God, “When I gather the house of Israel from the nations among whom they are scattered, and I manifest my Holiness in them in the sight of the nations, then they will live in their own land which I gave to My servant Jacob.26 They shall live in it securely; and they will build houses, plant vineyards and live securely when I execute judgment on all those around them who despise them. Then they will know [with clarity and confidence] that I am the Lord their God.”’” |
Through Israel's history and example, we see that God desires to be known. |
Day 9: EZEKIEL 34:25-31
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25 “I will make a covenant of peace with them and will eliminate the predatory animals from the land so that they may live securely in the wilderness and sleep [safely] in the woods. 26 I will make them and the places around My hill (Jerusalem, Zion) a blessing. And I will make showers come down in their season; there will be [abundant] showers of blessing (divine favor).27 Also the tree of the field will yield its fruit and the earth will yield its produce; and My people will be secure on their land. Then they will know [with confidence] that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bars of their yoke and have rescued them from the hand of those who made them slaves.28 They will no longer be prey to the nations, and the predators of the earth will not devour them; but they will live safely, and no one will make them afraid [in the .day of the Messiah’s reign]. 29 I will prepare for them a place renowned for planting [crops], and they will not again be victims of famine in the land, and they will not endure the insults of the nations any longer.30 Then they will know [with assurance] that I the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are My people,” says the Lord God.31 “As for you, My flock, the flock of My pasture, you are men, and I am your God,” says the Lord God.
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AMP Note: One day when Jesus visited the synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4:16-21), He was handed the roll of the book of Isaiah to read aloud. He turned to Is 61, which tells what His coming to the world would mean. Jesus read only a few lines of the chapter, stopping in the middle of a sentence, and said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). He had just read of His coming to preach the Gospel, to proclaim release to the captives, to give sight to the blind, to set free the bruised, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. He stopped there, for the rest of the chapter could not be fulfilled until His second coming, of which Isaiah’s prophecy tells. The following section in Ezekiel (vv 24-31) is telling about the same Messianic reign of which so many Scripture passages speak, the Messianic reign for which Jesus promised to return to earth (Matt 24:30; 25:31-34; Rev 1:7, 8; see also Luke 1:32, 33; Acts 1:10, 11)
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EZEKIEL 38:23
23 Thus I shall magnify Myself and demonstrate My greatness and sanctify Myself, and I will be recognized and will make Myself known in the sight of many nations; they will know [without any doubt] that I am the Lord.”’ |
EZEKIEL 39:27-29
27 When I bring them back from the nations and gather them out of their enemies’ lands, then I shall show Myself holy [and My justice and holiness will be vindicated] through them in the sight of many nations.28 Then they will know [without any doubt] that I am the Lord their God because I made them go into exile among the nations, and then gathered them to their own land. I will leave none of them there [among the nations] any longer.29 I will not hide My face from them any longer, because I will have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,” says the Lord God. |
Day 10 1 KINGS 8:56-61
56 “Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, in accordance with everything that He promised. Not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He spoke through Moses His servant.57 May the Lord our God be with us as He was with our fathers; may He not leave us nor abandon us [to our enemies],58 that He may guide our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways [following Him] and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His precepts which He commanded our fathers.59 Let these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, so that He will maintain the cause and right of His servant and of His people Israel as each day requires,60 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no one else.61 Therefore, your hearts are to be wholly devoted to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as [you are doing] today.” |
After Solomon's prayer of dedication of the Temple, he stood and blessed the whole assembly with this supplication which we can adopt and make our own:
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2 CORINTHIANS 10:5
5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, |
God's word and His promises are the best weapon against even sophisticated arguments that come from proud and arrogant people that claim there is no God. When I focus and meditate and become intentional about about applying His word....knowing that all His promises are true - then no weapon formed against me will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). |
JOHN 17:3
3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true [supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the] Christ whom You have sent. |
When we know God and accept Jesus as the Christ, accept His sacrifice for our sins, we are no longer in bondage to sin and we no longer have to be held captive to the decay and corruption of the world. This is eternal life and we can live for Him in the newness of that life. |
PSALM 14:1-2
1 The [spiritually ignorant] fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have committed repulsive and unspeakable deeds; There is no one who does good. 2 The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the children of men To see if there are any who understand (act wisely), Who [truly] seek after God, [longing for His wisdom and guidance]. |
Is there anyone that seeks God? Romans 3:11 quotes this psalm. Romans 10:20 quotes Isaiah 65:1 "I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me." |
PSALM 53:1-2
1 The [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt and evil, and have committed repulsive injustice; There is no one who does good. 2 God has looked down from heaven upon the children of men To see if there is anyone who understands, Who seeks after God [who requires Him, who longs for Him as essential to life]. |
PSALM 10:4
4 The wicked, in the haughtiness of his face, will not seek nor inquire for Him; All his thoughts are, “There is no God [so there is no accountability or punishment].” |
Day 11 ROMANS 1:18-25
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18 For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth,19 because that which is known about God is evident within them [in their inner consciousness], for God made it evident to them.20 For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense. 21 For even though .they knew God [as the Creator], they did not honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking [godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened.22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools,23 and exchanged the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God for an image [worthless idols] in the shape of mortal man and birds and four-footed animals and reptiles.24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their own hearts to [sexual] impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin],25 because [by choice] they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
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AMP Notes (v21): Anyone who attributes the existence of the world to chance or to a different creator is already guilty of deliberately rejecting God, because to deny the true God one must set aside common sense
AMP Notes (v23): Paul’s indictment of idolatry (images) is logical and devastating. He emphasizes that idols are essentially copies of living creatures, whether in human form (as, for example, in ancient Greek myth) or otherwise (as in Egyptian idolatry and metaphysics). These lifeless images are clearly powerless, and even the living creatures which they supposedly represent are either nonexistent hybrids and monsters, or else ordinary creatures on earth who could hardly create so much as a grain of sand. |
Day 12 PSALM 19:1-3
1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And the expanse [of heaven] is declaring the work of His hands. 2 Day after day pours forth speech, And night after night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there [spoken] words [from the stars]; Their voice is not heard. |
Creation speaks but their voice is not heard by those who's hearts are either distracted or hardened by the world |
EXODUS 6:6-8
6 Therefore, say to the children of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will free you from their bondage. I will redeem and rescue you with an outstretched (vigorous, powerful) arm and with great acts of judgment [against Egypt]. 7 ~‘Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who redeemed you and brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 ~‘I will bring you to the land which I [lifted up My hand.]swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel); and I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord [you have the promise of My changeless omnipotence and faithfulness].’” |
I love how this verse ends the promise with "I am the Lord". Although nothing else is needed, in case we miss the point, the Amplified explains that these 4 words means that we have the promise of God's unchanging omnipotence and faithfulness as a guarantee of the promise. |
ROMANS 11:33-36
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways!34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor? 35 Or who has first given to Him that it would be paid back to him? 36 For from Him [all things originate] and through Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all things [directed]. To Him be glory and honor forever! Amen. |
God's large and in charge! Who can challenge Him? How futile that we in our small minds think that we know better. |
Day 13 EXODUS 3:13-15
13 Then Moses said to God, “Behold, when I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers (ancestors) has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?”14 God said to Moses, “.I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “You shall say this to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”15 Then God also said to Moses, “This is what you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob (Israel), has sent me to you.’ This is My Name forever, and this is My memorial [name] to all generations. |
AMP Note (v14): Related to the name of God, YHWH, rendered Lord, which is derived from the verb HAYAH, to be AMP Note (v15): To know the names of God is to understand His many attributes and grasp the godly characteristic which the name denotes (Ex 6:3; 1 Kin 8:33 ff; Ps 91:14; Is 52:6; 64:2; Jer 16:21). AMP Note (v15): God’s name is His self-revelation. |
REVELATION 1:8
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega [the Beginning and the End],” says the Lord God, “Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all].” |
AMP Note (v8): An expression of God’s absolute supremacy over all things. |
HEBREWS 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. |
He rewards those who earnestly seek Him are rewarded WITH HIM! |
PHILIPPIANS 3:7-11
7 But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life].8 But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him--a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ,9 and may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from [my obedience to] the Law and its rituals, but [possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.10 And this, 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], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did];11 Lit if somehow.so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead. |
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Day 14 REFLECTION
Week 3: Stamped with God’s Image: God’s Promise Through Adam and Eve |
God’s Promise: “Let us make mankind in our image.” (Genesis 1:26 NIV)
My Promise: I will embrace my role as God’s image-bearer.
Did you know God made us to be more like him than anything else in all creation? The Bible says we were made in his image. We are the only part of God’s glorious creation with this special description. This means you were made and are being made into God’s image. You are a diamond, a rose and a jewel; purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. The New Testament describes a progressive work of God to shape us into his image. As we fellowship with God, read his Word, obey his commands, and seek to understand and reflect his character, something wonderful begins to emerge. God comes out of us. We say things God would say. We do things God would do. We forgive, we share, and we love. It is as if God is scrubbing the smudge off an old coin. In time, an image begins to appear. God’s goal is simply this: to rub away anything that is not of God so that the inborn image of God can be seen in us. We are image-bearers of God, and we can celebrate that promise.
My Promise: I will embrace my role as God’s image-bearer.
Did you know God made us to be more like him than anything else in all creation? The Bible says we were made in his image. We are the only part of God’s glorious creation with this special description. This means you were made and are being made into God’s image. You are a diamond, a rose and a jewel; purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. The New Testament describes a progressive work of God to shape us into his image. As we fellowship with God, read his Word, obey his commands, and seek to understand and reflect his character, something wonderful begins to emerge. God comes out of us. We say things God would say. We do things God would do. We forgive, we share, and we love. It is as if God is scrubbing the smudge off an old coin. In time, an image begins to appear. God’s goal is simply this: to rub away anything that is not of God so that the inborn image of God can be seen in us. We are image-bearers of God, and we can celebrate that promise.
DAY 15 GENESIS 1:26-31
26 Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and over the entire earth, and over everything that creeps and crawls on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 And God blessed them [granting them certain authority] and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subjugate it [putting it under your power]; and rule over (dominate) the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth.”29 So God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you;30 and to all the animals on the earth and to every bird of the air and to everything that moves on the ground--to everything in which there is the breath of life--I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so [because He commanded it].31 God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good and He validated it completely. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day. |
I am made in God's image - not a physical likeness but with a spiritual personality and moral likeness Max says that we shouldn't look at others negatively but should remember that everyone was created in the image of God. The Scriptures command us to do the same: 2 Corinthians 5:16 says, [because Christ's love compels us (vs 14)...]"So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." |
GENESIS 5:1-2
1 This is the book (the written record, the history) of the generations of [the descendants of] Adam. When God created man, He made him in the likeness of God [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness].2 He created them male and female, and blessed them and named them Lit Adam.Mankind at the time they were created. |
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Ephesians 4:24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. |
Day 16 GENESIS 2:4-25
4 This is the history of [the origin of] the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day [that is, days of creation] that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens--5no shrub or plant of the field was yet in the earth, and no herb of the field had yet sprouted, for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to Lit work.cultivate the ground,6 but a Or flow of water.mist (fog, dew, vapor) used to rise from the land and water the entire surface of the ground--7 then the Lord God formed [that is, created the body of] man from the .dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being [an individual complete in body and spirit]. 8 And the Lord God .planted a garden (oasis) in the east, in Eden (delight, land of happiness); and He put the man whom He had formed (created) there.9 And [in that garden] the Lord God caused to grow from the ground every tree that is desirable and pleasing to the sight and good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the [experiential] knowledge (recognition) of [the difference between] good and evil. 10 Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four [branching] rivers.11 The first [river] is named Pishon; it flows around the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold.12 The gold of that land is good; bdellium (a fragrant, valuable resin) and the onyx stone are found there.13 The name of the second river is Gihon; it flows around the entire land of Cush [in Mesopotamia].14 The third river is named Hiddekel (Tigris); it flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. 15 So the Lord God took the man [He had made] and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may freely (unconditionally) eat [the fruit] from every tree of the garden;17 but [only] from the tree of the knowledge (recognition) of good and evil you shall not eat, otherwise on the day that you eat from it, you shall most certainly.die [because of your disobedience].” 18 Now the Lord God said, “It is not good (beneficial) for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [one who balances him--a counterpart who is] Lit like his opposite.suitable and complementary for him.”19 So the Lord God formed out of the ground every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name.20 And the man gave names to all the livestock, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for Adam there was not found a helper [that was] suitable (a companion) for him.21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place.22 And the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man He made (fashioned, formed) into a woman, and He brought her and presented her to the man.23 Then Adam said,“This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed or embarrassed. |
Lord God - AMP Note: Heb YHWH (Yahweh), the Hebrew name of God which traditionally is not pronounced by the Jews, usually rendered Lord. See front material, Principles of Translation
AMP Note (vs 8) This is a reference, not to the creation of plant life in general, but to the planting of specific plants in the Garden of Eden (2:8, 9) AMP Notes (vs12) It is often difficult to match the names or descriptions of ancient gems and other materials with their contemporary equivalents. Modern research indicates this may instead be carnelian, a red gemstone. AMP note (vs 17) Both spiritually and physically, physical death in the sense of becoming mortal; they were created immortal Question to ponder: the tree of knowledge was the recognition of good and evil...they did not need to eat of this tree because there was no evil to recognize. In rebellion, they sinned and introduced evil in the world and now they recognized that they were naked (had done wrong) and hid from the Lord |
COLOSSIANS 3:5-11
5 So put to death and deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body [with its sensual, self-centered instincts] immorality, impurity, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is [a kind of] idolatry [because it replaces your devotion to God].6 Because of these [sinful] things the [divine] wrath of God is coming Two early mss do not contain this phrase.on the sons of disobedience [those who fail to listen and who routinely and obstinately disregard God’s precepts],7 and in these [sinful things] you also once walked, when you were habitually living in them [without the knowledge of Christ].8 But now rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene (abusive, filthy, vulgar) language from your mouth.9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its evil practices,10 and have put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self-- 11 a renewal in which there is no [distinction between] Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, [nor between nations whether] .barbarian or.Scythian, [nor in status whether] slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all [so believers are equal in Christ, without distinction]. |
A derogatory term used to describe uneducated, uncultured people who were not fluent in the Greek language |
2 CORINTHIANS 3:18
18 And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit. |
Sanctification by the Spirit is progressive |
PSALM 17:15
15 As for me, I shall see Your face in righteousness; I will be [fully] satisfied when I awake [to find myself] seeing Your likeness. |
I will be fully satisfied, lacking nothing, when I am in the presence of God
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Day 18 GENESIS 9:6
6 “Whoever sheds man’s blood [unlawfully], By man (judicial government) shall his blood be shed, For in the image of God He made man. |
God will demand an accounting of the shedding of someone's blood because we are made in the image of God. |
JAMES 3:9
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God. |
We are to tame the tongue because out of our mouth we both praise God and we curse men who have been made in God's image. |
1 JOHN 3:1-3
1 See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.2 Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory].3 And everyone who has this hope [confidently placed] in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (holy, undefiled, guiltless). |
By yielding to the Holy Spirit, we can be transformed into the image of Jesus. But we will not achieve perfection until He is fully revealed to us - when we see Him and can be transformed in His presence. |
EPHESIANS 4:20-24
20 But you did not learn Christ in this way!21 If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him],22that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires,23 and be continuallyrenewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude],24and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]. |
1 CORINTHIANS 15:49
49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthly [the man of dust], Two early mss read “let us also.”we will also bear the image of the heavenly [the Man of heaven]. |
ROMANS 8:29
29 For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers. |
Day 19 ROMANS 5:1-9
1 Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).2 Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our .hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power].3 And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance;4and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope andconfident assurance [of eternal salvation].5 Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 While we were still helpless [powerless to provide for our salvation], at the right time Christ died [as a substitute] for the ungodly.7 Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man [one who is noble and selfless and worthy] someone might even dare to die.8 But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.9 Therefore, since we have now been justified [declared free of the guilt of sin] by His blood, [how much more certain is it that] we will be saved from the The “wrath of God,” with the definite article in Greek, anticipates the outpouring of God’s wrath on rebellious sinners in the tribulation period (cf Rev 6:16, 17).wrath of God through Him. |
Amp Notes:
In the NT the word “hope” expresses a cherished desire along with the confident assurance of obtaining that which is longed for Our earthly struggles should cause us to keep our eyes off of ourselves and focused on Jesus. Our struggles produce endurance which produces spiritual maturity which leads to the recognition that there is more than what this life offers...we have the hope of eternal life! AND Hope does not disappoint! |
EPHESIANS 2:1-10
1 And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins,2 in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God].3 Among these [unbelievers] we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires of Lit flesh.human nature [without the Holy Spirit] and [the impulses] of the [sinful] mind. We were, by nature, children [under the sentence] of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind].4 But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us,5 even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace--His undeserved favor and mercy--you have been saved from God’s judgment). 6 And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus,7[and He did this] so that in the ages to come He might [clearly] show the immeasurable andunsurpassed riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus [by providing for our redemption].8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].10For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above--spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. |
Why is there evil in the world? Because before we were made alive in Christ, we were dead in our sins....and anything rotting...smells! Anyone that is living for themselves and not God are actually following the prince of the power of the air. This spirit is at work in those who are disobedient. |
Day 20 ROMANS 5:10-21
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more certain, having been reconciled, that we will be saved [from the consequences of sin] by His life [that is, we will be saved because Christ lives today].11 Not only that, but we also rejoice in God [rejoicing in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received and enjoy our reconciliation [with God]. 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, so death spread to all people [no one being able to stop it or escape its power], because they all sinned.13 Sin was [committed] in the world before the Law [was given], but sin is not charged [against anyone] when there is no law [against it].14 Yet death ruled [over mankind] from Adam to Moses [the Lawgiver], even over those who had not sinned Lit in the likeness of Adam’s transgression.as Adam did. Adam is a type of Him (Christ) who was to come [but in reverse--Adam brought destruction, Christ brought salvation]. 15 But the free gift [of God] is not like the trespass [because the gift of grace overwhelms the fall of man]. For if many died by one man’s trespass [Adam’s sin], much more [abundantly] did God’s grace and the gift [that comes] by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to [benefit] the many.16 Nor is the gift [of grace] like that which came through the one who sinned. For on the one hand the judgment [following the sin] resulted from one trespass and brought condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift resulted from many trespasses and brought justification [the release from sin’s penalty for those who believe].17 For if by the trespass of the one (Adam), death reigned through the one (Adam), much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in [eternal] life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18 So then as through one trespass [Adam’s sin] there resulted condemnation for all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.19 For just as through one man’s disobedience [his failure to hear, his carelessness] the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one Man the many will be made righteous and acceptable to God and brought into right standing with Him.20 But the Law came to increase and expand [the awareness of] the trespass [by defining and unmasking sin]. But where sin increased, [God’s remarkable, gracious gift of] grace [His unmerited favor] has surpassed it and increased all the more,21 so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness which brings eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. |
We were enemies when Jesus reconciled us to the Father. That means, WE were not seeking reconciliation, WE did not choose Him but He chose us. Anyone that has been reconciled to God have been reconciled not because of anything they did, not because they decided to get right but because God reached down through the Holy Spirit to draw us to Him in response to the working grace of Jesus. You may have decided to get right with God, but you didn't do that on your own. That decision didn't happen BEFORE Christ chose to die for you. That decision happened in response to what HE did. AMP Notes: Salvation is available to all people who respond and place their personal trust in Christ. |
Day 21 REFLECTION
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Week 4: The Devil’s Days Are Numbered: God’s Promise About Satan |
The Bible presents a real and present foe of our faith. His name is the devil. In the Bible, he is a created angel fallen from heaven. The Greek word for devil is diabolos, which shares a root with the verb diaballein, which means, “to split.” The devil is a splitter, a divider, and a wedge driver. He divided Adam and Eve from God in the garden and would like to separate you from God as well. He wants to take unbelievers to hell and make life hell for believers. Do such thoughts sound outdated? Although the Bible clearly describes Satan as a living being and not simply a symbol of evil, a minority of Christians believe this truth today. Some Christians even refute the existence of Satan, and this couldn’t please him more. If people do not believe in his existence, he is free to work his evil. Don’t fall into this trap!
God’s Promise: “The God who brings peace will soon defeat Satan and give you power over him.” (Romans 16:20 NCV)
My Promise: I will acknowledge Satan but worship God.
God’s Promise: “The God who brings peace will soon defeat Satan and give you power over him.” (Romans 16:20 NCV)
My Promise: I will acknowledge Satan but worship God.
Day 22 ROMANS 16:20
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The [wonderful] grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. |
The work of Satan will ultimately fail and God will prevail through His people. This verse echoes God's prophetic curse on the serpent in Genesis 3:15, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." God give's us grace to handle every situation and has given us the weapons to defeat Satan and disarm him in our lives until his final defeat! |
EPHESIANS 6:10-18
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His [boundless] might.11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.13 Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].14 So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), 15 and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. 16 Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all Lit the saints.God’s people. |
AMP Notes:
[draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier] Lit girded your loins, a phrase often found in the Bible, is an urgent call to get ready for immediate action or a coming event. The phrase is related to the type of clothing worn in ancient times. Before any vigorous activity the loose ends of clothing (tunics, cloaks, mantles, etc.) had to be gathered up and tucked into the wide band worn around the midsection of the body. The band (usually about six inches wide) also served as a kind of pocket or pouch to carry personal items such as a dagger, money or other necessary things. Gird up your mind or gird up your heart are examples of variants of this phrase and call for mental or spiritual preparation for a coming challenge. A reference to the Roman soldiers’ shoes which were studded with hobnails to give them stability on the battlefield. Here the Greek word refers to the large Roman soldiers’ shield designed to protect the entire body. It had an iron frame and was covered in several layers of leather. When soaked in water before a battle the shield could put out the fiery missiles thrown at them by the enemy. |
Day 23 EZEKIEL 28:12-19
12 “Son of man, take up a dirge (funeral poem to be sung) for the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “You had the full measure of perfection and the finishing touch [of completeness], Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13 “You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The ruby, the topaz, and the diamond; The beryl, the onyx, and the jasper; The lapis lazuli, the turquoise, and the emerald; And the gold, the workmanship of your settings and your sockets, Was in you. They were prepared On the day that you were created. 14 “You were the anointed cherub who covers and protects, And I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked in the midst of the stones of fire [sparkling jewels]. 15 “You were blameless in your ways From the day you were created Until unrighteousness and evil were found in you. 16 “Through the abundance of your commerce You were internally filled with lawlessness and violence, And you sinned; Therefore I have cast you out as a profane and unholy thing From the mountain of God. And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the stones of fire. 17 “Your heart was proud and arrogant because of your beauty; You destroyed your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I lay you before kings, That they might look at you. 18 “You profaned your sanctuaries By the great quantity of your sins and the enormity of your guilt, By the unrighteousness of your trade. Therefore I have brought forth a fire from your midst; It has consumed you, And I have reduced you to ashes on the earth In the sight of all who look at you. 19 “All the peoples (nations) who knew you Are appalled at you; You have come to a horrible and terrifying end And will forever cease to be.”’” |
AMP Notes: This speech, though not addressed directly to Satan, seems to be spoken against his evil nature expressing itself in and through the human ruler who grants to himself the honors due only to God. Here may be seen also a foreshadowing of “the beast” who is to attribute to himself divine rights in the time of the end (Dan 7:8-28; 2 Thess 2:1-12; Rev 13; 19:20). |
ISAIAH 14:12-15
12 “How you have fallen from heaven, O son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, You who have weakened the nations [king of Babylon]! 13 “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly In the remote parts of the north. 14 ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ 15 “But [in fact] you will be brought down to Sheol, To the remote recesses of the pit (the region of the dead). |
Many students of the Bible have felt that the passage which follows applies to Satan (cf Luke 10:18). It is clear from the larger context that the passage addresses the king of Babylon, but that does not rule out a secondary reference to Satan. Many commentators are of the opinion that the arrogance expressed here is satanic, and that the passage correctly represents Satan’s attitude because he was working through the Babylonian ruler. The Hebrew for this expression is translated “Lucifer” (“light-bringer”) in The Latin Vulgate, and is translated this way in the King James Version. But because of the association of that name with Satan, it is not used in this and other translations. Some students feel that the application of the name Lucifer to Satan, in spite of the long and confident teaching to that effect, is erroneous. The application of the name to Satan has existed since the third century a.d., and is based on the supposition that Luke 10:18 is an explanation of Is 14:12, which many authorities believe is not true. “Lucifer,” the light-bringer, is the Latin equivalent of the Greek word “Phosphoros,” which is used as a title of Christ in 2 Pet 1:19 and corresponds to the name “radiant andbrilliant Morning Star” in Rev 22:16, a name Jesus called Himself. This passage here in Is 14:12ff clearly applies to the king of Babylon.star of the morning [light-bringer],
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Day 24 PROVERBS 6:16-19
16 These six things the Lord hates; Indeed, seven are repulsive to Him: 17 A proud look [the attitude that makes one overestimate oneself and discount others], a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that creates wicked plans, Feet that run swiftly to evil, 19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even half-truths], And one who spreads discord (rumors) among brothers. |
Father, I want to be pleasing to you today! I want to be filled with Your Holy Spirit today and follow His leading and not the evil influences of the devil.
Allow me to be humble in spirit (confident in you) and not prideful. Let me be secure in my identity in Christ but keep me from overestimating myself and discounting others Build up my Christ-like integrity so that I speak the truth in love and do not try to exaggerate to build up my self-importance Let me not take anyone out through unkind words or in gossip Let me be swift in running to You and not following the crowd Let me guard my brother by keeping things in confidence and let me not speak evil of anyone that is antagonistic against me. Help me to keep the peace as far as is possible for me. Holy Spirit let me not be one to create division and discord but to bring unity even among my co-workers |
PROVERBS 8:13
“The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the Lord includes the hatred of evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way, And the perverted mouth, I hate. |
Father, create in me a clean heart and let all the words of my mouth be a witness to You and reflect You to others Lysa Terkhurst: |
1 TIMOTHY 3:6-7
6 and He must not be a new convert, so that he will not [behave stupidly and] become conceited [by appointment to this high office] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil [for his arrogance and pride]. 7 And he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside the church, so that he will not be discredited and fall into the devil’s trap. |
Father, I thank you for the plans that you have for me. Holy Spirit, let me be humble in my service to You and let me not seek out anything that would glorify me but would only point others to You |
1 PETER 5:8-9
8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.9 But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack--rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] |
Holy Spirit, keep me guarded by the truth in Your word and let me be reminded of all Your instructions. Keep me alert so that I am aware of the schemes of the devil so that I don't become weakened in my faith but that I keep my eyes on You and look to You for my deliverance. Thank you for giving me the weapons of spiritual warfare so that I can walk in the victory that has already been won! Schemes are sneaky! They come disguised as reminders of past problems and challenges and how we have been mistreated. They come as triggers pushing our buttons making us shutdown and ignore the promptings of the Spirit. They come disguised as advice prized by the culture of our day but in opposition to what Jesus would have us to do or respond to a difficult or challenging situation causing us to fall into temptation to defend our rights and entitlements which actually cause division and takeaway your peace. |
Day 25 JOHN 10:7-15 (ESV)
7So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.12He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. |
Jesus is the DOOR. Al other "options" or worldviews are thieves and robbers coming to steal or salvation and our inheritance...they would have us believe that Jesus is not the only way and they can pick-and-choose what feels right to them. If the devil gets us to believe in these worldviews, then he will steal, kill and destroy those who fall prey to his schemes. Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. The other worldviews are described as being led by "hired hands" who will run in the face of destruction |
2 Corinthians 4:1-4
1Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. |
We renounce the devils schemes - disgraceful and underhanded ways
Those that don't see the truth of the gospel can't see that they are perishing |
Day 26 Matthew 4:1-11
1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" 5Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you,' and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" 7Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." 10Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" 11Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. |
The devil was tenacious but he wasn't victorious. Jesus didn't shout at him, He quoted and relied on the power of the written Word which has been given to us to equip us for everything. Jesus stood firm and the devil left Him! 2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. Hebrews 13:20-21 20Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen |
Day 27 Matthew 13:19
When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. |
Colossians 2:13-15
13And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. How did Jesus disarm and openly shame spiritual authorities? By making us alive in Christ. We were dead in our trespasses.....sin brought on death - that is the power of sin. But when Jesus took on our sin, He paid the debt for our sin by dying on the cross. Through His sacrifice on the cross for our sin, He disarmed and openly - for everyone to see - He died a criminal's death although He was not guilty - we were the criminals. But when we put our faith IN CHRIST and accept through faith the gift, accepting that He died on our behalf, Satan is disarmed. Satan will try to make us feel guilty...he will declare us guilty criminals....but we can respond in faith that Jesus declared us not guilty! Satan still prowls around "like a lion" [he's not a lion...he has a big roar] but the power to condemn has been taken away. This too then is a source of our new life. Not only do we not fear the wrath of God, but neither do we fear the accusations of Satan. Our freedom from both these fears is based on the death of Jesus. The record of our debts, that gave Satan his power to condemn, and gave God the legal necessity of just punishment, has been wiped away by the blood of Jesus. Therefore, we are alive with Christ, and forever safe from God’s wrath and Satan’s accusation. As Peter says, “we have been born again to a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3). Live in the joy of this hope. Preach this to yourself morning and night. Resist the devil with this. Come boldly to the throne of grace with this. You have new life — forever. -- John Piper |
In verse 14, Paul referred to the forgiveness offered by God using two important themes. The first was the legal aspect, where the debt and punishment are cancelled. The second is the restoration of the relationship we have with God. Paul also referred to God metaphorically crucifying sin; this implies a total rejection as well as death. In other words, God not only forgives our sins and gives us a restored relationship, He completely destroys and rejects that sin.
In verse 15, these authorities Paul references are likely spiritual authorities, similar to his words in Ephesians 6:12. The context of the passage is entirely spiritual, not political. He is speaking about the power of Jesus over the forces of spiritual darkness. Rulers and authorities are terms used for spiritual entities in Ephesians 3:10 and 1 Peter 3:22. How did Jesus disarm and openly shame spiritual authorities? According to Paul, "by triumphing over them in [Christ]."... that is by the work done through His death on the cross that brings victory over spiritual evil. |
1 John 4:4
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. |
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. |