February 21 Be a Witness

I have appeared unto thee … to make thee a witness … Delivering thee from the people. (Acts 26:16,17)

You’re not called to be a judge, and you’re not called to be a lawyer; you’re called to be a witness to God’s saving and keeping power in your life. Only talk about the God you’ve experienced! Tell people what He’s done for you. Their God may be a distant deity who doesn’t get involved. Or He may be angry with them because He’s an auditor, and their books don’t balance. When nine out of ten people don’t go to church, there’s got to be a reason. We’ve been called to be “salt and light,” but if the light is not shining and the salt is not doing its job, how will they ever be reached and won? (See Matthew 5:13–14.)

Please notice what God said to Paul, for it’s a key for you. He promised to “deliver him from the people” (Acts 26:17). Some of us need to be delivered from the people! Love them; lead them; lay down your life for them—but don’t be afraid of them. If you’re anointed, then your authority comes from God, not them. When you’ve heard clearly from Him, you can face anybody! When God fills you with His Spirit, you’ll receive a new boldness. Look at Peter; a few days ago he was denying Jesus and running from a mere girl; now he’s preaching to multitudes and winning them to Christ. What happened? He was empowered by the Holy Spirit!

 

Today God wants to fill you with His Spirit, to set you free from the people, and make you a witness. Will you let Him?^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 52). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 20 Where Would You Be?

O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
(Psalm 107:1)

There’s not one of us today who has not needed and benefited from God’s mercy. When Adam and Eve sinned God could have scrapped everything and started all over again. But He was merciful. He gave them the promise that their seed would redeem back what they had lost. When Jonah refused to go to Nineveh, God could have killed him and found someone else to go in his place. But God knew what was in Jonah just as He knows what’s in you and me, and He gave him another chance.

Sometimes God allows us to fall, for it’s then that we realize that without Him we are nothing. Quit acting as if you’ve made it by yourself! Don’t let the devil deceive you into thinking that your deliverance was at least in part some act or power of your own. Listen: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5). Did you hear that? His mercy saved you and brought you to this point.

Ray McCauley, who pastors a great church of 20,000 in Johannesburg, tells of a night in a hotel when he saw a man who was stone drunk. Ray looked at him in disgust. Suddenly God said to Ray, “The only difference between him and you—is Me!” Before God saved John Newton he was a slave trader, a drunk, and a violent man. After God saved him, he wrote the words, “Twas grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home!”

 

Why don’t you lift up your heart today and begin to thank Him for His mercy and His grace. Without it, where would you be?^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 51). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 19 Start Testifying

Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!
(Psalm 107:2, TLB)

You have more potential than you think! You can achieve more than most people expect of you. You can go as far as your faith will take you! People may have said you won’t make it, but there’s another opinion—God’s! God sees potential in you that not even you know is there. You may be saying to yourself today, “I’ve gone too far; I can’t come back.”

Don’t you believe it for one minute! It doesn’t matter where you have been. God is the God of second chances. Listen: “Now the Word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time” (Jonah 3:1). When God decides to restore you, it doesn’t matter what they say about you. When God raises you up, no demon in hell can keep you down!

If God has been good to you, shout it from the rooftops! Nobody else really knows what God has done for you. Nobody else knows how far you’ve come. Nobody else knows what you’ve been through. But you know. It may have taken you a little longer than everyone else, but God has given you the victory, so don’t let the devil steal your testimony. He’d love to silence you because he knows if you tell what God has done for you, someone else is going to be set free!

 

So has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 50). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 18 You’ve Been Loved

Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
(Ephesians 4:32)

God’s looking for people with enough compassion to stop and ask, “How are you today?” And then stay around long enough to hear the answer! When people have been hurt, they need special care, extra attention, and unconditional love. They have to be held a little closer and prayed over a little longer. Instead of always expecting someone to bless you, why don’t you reach out to help a brother or sister who’s in need today. After all, it was God’s grace that brought you through. Now it is your turn to help and encourage someone else who’s experiencing a similar problem.

I know pastors who trusted their associates only to be betrayed. Now they’re unable to minister. I know people who’ve been “used” by leaders and then discarded like an old coat. Today, they’re crippled by unforgiveness and distrust. If you feel this way, then come spend some time with Jesus. He’ll heal your wounds and tear down your walls of unforgiveness. If not, bitterness will stop you dead in your tracks! (See Mark 11:25,26.)

Today He’s saying to you, “I know you’re hurting, but I’m going to heal you. I know your weaknesses, but I’m going to strengthen you. I know you need a lot of help, but I’m going to be your support. I know you’ve been abandoned, but I’m going to stand by you!” (Hebrews 13:5).

 

That kind of love will set you free to love others, and enjoy God’s best in your life. Why settle for less?^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 49). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 17 His Hand at Work

The steps of the good men are directed by the Lord … if they fall, it is not fatal, for the Lord holds them with His hand.
(Psalm 37:23–24, TLB)

God has children like Jacob who walk with a limp. Are you one of them? Has something so painful happened that it’s affected every area of your life? Do you find it difficult to trust people? Have you become your own worst critic? Maybe you think your ministry or your career is over, or worse, it never got off the ground—you’ve been crippled! If that’s where you are, then read the following verses: Psalm 84:7; Proverbs 4:18; 1 Timothy 4:15.

God loves to use people just like you, for when they’re successful, they’re not arrogant like some who think they deserve it. They’re a little warmer, a little more willing to reach out and embrace others without fear of rejection. They understand that without God they would never have survived. They have a “Joseph spirit.”

Look how he treated his once-hateful brothers. Not only did he forgive them but he fed them. You ask how can someone do that? Because Joseph saw the hand of God at work in all his circumstances. Have you seen His hand in yours yet? Listen: “God sent me before you to preserve you … and save your lives by a great deliverance” (Genesis 45:4–7). God has a way of bringing us out of bondage and then making us remember where we came from.

 

When we begin to experience success, He reminds us that He opened the door of our prison. He gave us favor in the eyes of men. Now it is our turn to bless others.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 48). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 16 Be of Good Cheer

Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God, that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.
(Acts 27:25)

You’ll never reach your destiny without going through some storms! Paul wrote, “For many days … the storm continued raging … and we finally gave up all hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20). But look how he handled it. First, he kept his joy while all around him others were falling apart and making mistakes. You say “How did he do it?” Listen: “For there stood by me this night the angel of God, to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid … God has granted all those who sail with you’ ” (Acts 27:23–25). God protects what He owns; that means you! He keeps what you commit to Him. It is the uncommitted areas of your life that Satan can attack and the storms can destroy. Have you committed it all to Him yet? Don’t go a step further until you do!

Next, Paul kept before him a picture of future victory, while others were worrying about present circumstances. God has already arranged your future; let that sink in! God used that shipwreck to reach an entire population with the Gospel. Listen to what happened before they left that island: “They honoured us in many ways, and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed” (Acts 28:10, NIV). Child of God, stop worrying; God has everything under control! If you’re a child of God, then you’re not a victim of circumstances!

 

Your future is not in the hands of people—it’s in the hands of God. If He’s on your side, success is inevitable. Just submit to Him, trust Him, and be of good cheer.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 47). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 15 It’s in God’s Hands

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.
(Genesis 50:20, NIV)

When God wants you in a palace, nobody else can keep you in a pit! Your future is not in the hands of others, it’s in the hands of God! Your assignment doesn’t always require the cooperation of everyone else, but it does require the cooperation of one person—you!

Are others saying and doing things that affect your life negatively? Joseph’s brothers made the wrong decision in hating him. Potiphar’s wife made the wrong decision in accusing him. The butler made the wrong decision in forgetting him. But God never forgot him! He arranged every step Joseph took, all the way to the throne.

The purposes of God will always overcome the plans of men. No one else can prevent God from using you, blessing you or giving you success—except you. God has a reason for everything. When you cannot understand it, stand on His Word, remember His faithfulness, and trust Him. He’ll even make the wrong decisions of those around you work for your good. Don’t look for someone to blame; look for the hand of God at work.

 

Paul says, “And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans” (Romans 8:28, TLB).
Just make sure you are!^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 46). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 14 God’s Gifts

He gives them to each one, just as he determines.
(1 Corinthians 12:11, NIV)

You’ve been given something God can use; find it and make it available to Him today! List what you’ve received. Check the people with whom God has given you favor and access. Raise everything you possess at this moment to its highest level of excellence, then watch God move on your behalf!

Don’t copy anybody else—be yourself. You’re unique! Everything you need you already possess in “seed” form. Water it, protect it, and develop it. Don’t just spend your life trying to correct your weaknesses; begin defining and developing your strengths. Those strengths are the weapons God has given you for warfare. He’s not interested in what you can’t do, He just wants to know what you’re willing to do. Your limitations won’t stop God from using you if your heart’s right.

Jeremiah said, “Behold I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But God said, “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” (Jeremiah 1:7). The “supernatural” is simply God adding His super to your natural. Start acknowledging the strengths and the good things God has placed within you. Paul said your faith will become strong “by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you” (Philemon 1:6).

 

Expect your strengths and your gifts to continue growing because, “He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 45). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 13 Use the Power

I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority … to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
(Luke 10:18–19)

You have not been called to defeat Satan; Jesus did that two thousand years ago. You’ve been called to enforce his defeat! Paul says that Jesus disarmed Satan and made a public spectacle of him at the cross. (See Colossians 2:15, NIV.)

When General MacArthur met with the supreme commander of the Japanese forces at the end of World War II, he walked over to him, ripped the glittering metals from his chest and stood on them. He took out his sword, broke it in two, and as the world watched, he declared total victory for all the allies and enforced the terms of surrender on the enemy. That’s what Jesus did for you at the cross! When He died and rose again, He stripped the devil of his power, took the sword out of his hand, and declared, “All power in heaven and earth is given to Me. Go therefore” (Matthew 28:18–19).

Go in His power!

Go in His authority!

Go in His Name!

 

Use that authority today!^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 44). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 12 Pray for Boldness

Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants … boldness.
(Acts 4:29)

Recently I was reduced to tears as I listened to a pastor from Pakistan tell of a Muslim family who had given their lives to Christ and joined his church. One day Islamic soldiers came to their home and took their baby. They held it upside down by its feet with a sword to its head and told the family to “renounce their faith in Christ.” When they refused, the soldier cut off the baby’s head and hung it by its feet from a tree as a warning to the villagers not to attend that church.

The pastor who told us the story said, “This family is not asking for your sympathy, they’re asking for prayer so that they’ll be strong.” What a challenge! We sit surrounded by God’s blessings and benefits, yet most of us haven’t even told the people we work with or live with about Jesus. Have you? Forty years ago, Hudson Taylor cried, “I cannot go on living unless I tell the people of China about Jesus!” He personally trained one thousand missionaries and an army of native workers and planted the church in that nation. Today it’s a hundred million strong—and growing! Boldness is the child of compassion!

These disciples were not praying for lighter burdens—they were praying for stronger backs! Here is a prayer we all need to pray today: “Lord, grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your Word!”

 

If we don’t tell a lost world about Jesus, who will?^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 43). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 10 Father Knows Best

No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
(Luke 9:62)

The prodigal asked for it all and got it; but it turned out to be the worst thing that ever happened to him. I thank God for the times He’s said “no” to me. How about you? The Bible says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death!” (Proverbs 14:12). Trust Him when He says “no” and thank Him when He pulls back on the reins. It’s better to be alone with Jesus than surrounded by people or things that will ruin you.

Are you a prodigal somewhere between the blessing you used to have and the famine that’s just about to hit your life? Things will keep getting worse until you stop walking in your will and start walking in God’s. Jesus said the shepherd went looking for his lost sheep, the woman went looking for her lost coin, but nobody went looking for the prodigal son. He took himself away, he let himself down, he picked himself up, and he brought himself back. Nobody’s going to do this for you. You know the way back, and you have to take the first step. When he left home he said, “Give me,” but when he came back, he was saying, “Forgive me.” That’s still the way it works!

Listen: “When he was a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck and kissed him … and said, ‘For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found’ ” (Luke 15:20–23).

 

Today your Father is waiting for you to come home. Don’t put it off—come now!^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 41). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 9 First and Last Laugh

The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh?” Sarah … bore a son to Abraham … at the very time God had promised. And Sarah said, God has brought me laughter.
(Genesis 18: 13; 21:2–6, NIV)

The first time Sarah laughed in unbelief; the next time she laughed in victory. But between the first and the last laugh she went through the worst time of her life. Twice Abraham betrayed her to save himself. A heathen king took her to his harem and would have raped her had God not stepped in to rescue her. Only a woman who has idolized her husband could begin to understand what she experienced that night. Between the first laugh and the last you’ll do a lot of growing. You’ll rejoice when one arrives, and mourn when another departs. Sometimes you’ll feel like you can’t go a step further, but through it all you’ll learn to trust Him more than you ever dreamed.

Child of God, when you share your testimony, don’t just tell how you started or where you are today; tell them what God has brought you through, for those are the very things they are struggling with, too. Go ahead, tell them about the awful “trying of your faith” that preceded your coming forth as gold. Don’t leave them feeling defeated because they named it and claimed it and still didn’t get it. King Abimelech’s tent was in Gerar, which means “the halting place.” There will be times when you’ll feel like your life has come to a screeching halt; you’re getting nowhere. Maybe that’s where you are today. If it is, please know this: God will be faithful to you!

 

Not only will He bring you through, but like Sarah, you’ll laugh again as you watch Him fulfill His promises in your life.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 40). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 8 Bury It, Move On

Pulling down of strongholds … casting down imaginations … bringing into captivity every thought.
(2 Corinthians 10:4–5)

Today God’s giving you the power to pull down those old strongholds that have ruled your life; He’s giving you authority to cast down those imaginations that have had such influence over you and to bring into captivity every thought that doesn’t line up with His Word. If you don’t, they’ll refuse to relinquish their hold over you. God will not do this without you, but He will do it through you! Old thought patterns and unhealed wounds will always try to re-establish control over you. Be careful who your friends are! If they can barely stay afloat themselves, how can they lift you? What you need is release, not reinforcement.

As long as these old issues reign in your life, Christ’s seat is taken. If they are on the throne, then Christ is still on the cross. Put Christ on the throne and your past on the cross.

In the Old Testament a priest could not come into God’s presence if he had touched anything dead. (See Numbers 19:11.) What a picture. If you are going to walk with God, you must bury the past. Forgive those who’ve hurt you—including yourself; then move on with God. Don’t even “touch” those old dead issues anymore. The issue is not whether you remember, but how you remember. God is able to take the sting out of the memory and still leave the sweet taste of victory intact.

 

No longer will you be limited by what you have been through. Instead you’ll be enriched! (See Romans 8:28.)^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 39). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 11 Valley of Dry Bones

Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.… I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live.
(Ezekiel 37:4–5)

Child of God, the answer to the dryness and the disorder in your life is to “hear the Word of the Lord!” Read Ezekiel 37. First, there was a “shaking” and then there was a “coming together” (vs.7). Is God shaking you up? Rejoice, that means He’s “putting things together” for you. That’s the way He works! Ezekiel saw dry bones, but God saw a great army. Ezekiel saw the present chaos, but God saw the final victory. You may feel like you’re in a “dry place” at the moment, but God’s about to send a wind into your valley! He’s going to speak life into those circumstances you’re standing in!

God can put life back into your dead business, your dead marriage, your dead ministry, and even your dying body. If you believe His Word, then stand up and declare it over your circumstances. (See Mark 11:23.) In Old Testament times “restoration” sometimes meant getting back seven times as much as you’d lost. (See Proverbs 6:31.) It doesn’t matter what you were before the enemy attacked you, he miscalculated! He attacked a Sunday school teacher and gave birth to a prophet! He attacked your little savings account and started a harvest “seven times greater”! The trials and tribulations you’re going through right now are just stepping stones to greater blessing! What God did in Ezekiel’s valley, He can do in your life today.

 

Why don’t you take a little time out and begin to praise Him for what He is about to do for you!^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 42). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 7 Being Qualified

You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.
(Matthew 25:23, NIV)

Before you decide to reach for more, remember, God’s watching you with what you already have! It’s in the day of small beginnings that He teaches you patience and consistency; He teaches you to handle the pressures that accompany His blessing and caring. You must be qualified before you’re promoted. Listen: “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s?” (1 Timothy 3:5, NIV). If you can’t handle a small area—don’t ask God to enlarge your territory.

If you want to know who God will use, look at Philip. He began as a deacon, waiting on tables and doing whatever had to be done. When he had proven himself faithful, he was made an evangelist, and he took Samaria for God. Listen to the test he had to pass: “Choose several men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3, NIV). Are you known to be “full” of the Spirit? David said, “I have been anointed with fresh oil” (Psalms 92:10). Your anointing must be fresh every day. That means time out and time alone with Jesus. It is God’s job to baptize you, but it is your job to stay filled. (See Ephesians 5:18.)

And what about wisdom? You can have lots of knowledge—but no wisdom! Knowledge can be gained from a book, but wisdom comes from walking with God. Jesus said, “Come to Me … learn of Me” (Matthew 11:28, 29).

 

You must do both! Your future depends on it! Take some time today and get alone with God.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 38). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 6 Learning From Crisis

Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you … But rejoice.
(1 Peter 4:12–13)

Crisis never surprises God! Anyone He ever uses seems to move from one crisis to another. Listen to Paul: “People are watching us as we stay at our post … when we are praised and when we are blamed; slandered and honoured; true to our word though distrusted; ignored by the world but recognised by God; terrifically alive though rumoured to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives but refusing to die; immersed in tears yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts yet enriching many; having nothing yet having it all!” (2 Corinthians 6:4–10, TM). God never promised you a rose garden, but He’ll stand with you on the battlefield, meet with you in the storm, and turn your prison into a place of praise and thanksgiving.

Your crisis will attract his power and bring His strength into your situation. Listen again: “For My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). One of my mother’s favorite songs was “Standing Somewhere in the Shadows You’ll Find Jesus!” The disciples experienced Him in the storm in a way they never knew Him before. Even Jesus learned obedience by the things which He suffered (see Hebrews 5:8). You’re not losing—you’re learning! Child of God, let the crisis you are going through today drive you into “the secret place.”

 

There you’ll discover God’s power, God’s protection, and God’s purposes.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 37). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 5 Under Attack?

“Lest Satan should take advantage of us.
(2 Corinthians 2:11)

Do you feel like Satan has singled you out for special attack? Perhaps you’re wondering, “Why would he even bother with me?” The answer is influence! Job’s influence was a constant irritant to the devil. Listen to what God said about Job: “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him?” (Job 1:8). That’s why Satan attacked his health, his children, his finances, his marriage and his career! Daniel’s influence was touching a whole nation—so Satan hindered the answer to his prayers for twenty-one days (see Daniel 10:11–15).

You can’t get God’s attention without getting Satan’s, too! Whatever glorifies God enrages him. Have you noticed that there are seasons when you feel no adversity or opposition whatsoever? And other seasons when everything you have is under attack. Here’s something you need to know: Humans multiply—demons don’t. Satan doesn’t have enough demons to assign them all to your case, so he picks his times and places carefully.

In Daniel’s story we learn that the moment demons attack us, angels are dispatched to minister to us and protect us. Where do banks position security guards? Wherever the treasure is! Satan’s after the deposit of God in your life. He has seen the shipping invoice with your name on it, and he’s out to intercept it.

 

You are at a major turning point, and something good is going to happen to you.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 36). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 4 Replaying Your Past

Behold I will do a new thing.
(Isaiah 43:19)

Realize it’s not God who’s bringing up your past! He says, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions … and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). If Satan’s been replaying your past, it’s because he’s running low on material! He has nothing fresh to hit you with. All he can do is rearrange the old pictures and try to defeat you. Don’t let him!

Focusing on tomorrow will help you to move away from yesterday! God said, “Behold I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth … will make a way” (Isaiah 43:19). He’s going to make a way for you. As surely as Pharaoh and Herod wiped out every baby boy to get at Moses and Jesus, so Satan will do whatever it takes to keep you from reaching your destiny. No matter what your past is like, your future is worth fighting for, and he knows that!

If you seek God, He’ll show you a ministry that can come from the mess you are presently in. God can bring healing to the brokenness in others through the very things you’ve experienced. Examine the attacks you’ve gone through and then ask the Holy Spirit what you are being qualified for. Mike Murdock says, “The pain you can feel is the pain you can heal!”

 

Start looking at “the joy that is before you” (see Hebrews 2:2), and you’ll be able to endure the present circumstances!^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 35). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 3 Be a Finisher

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”
(John 4:34, NIV)

Jesus was a “finisher,” and He wants you to be one, too. (See Hebrews 12:2.) His obsession was to complete His assignment. He thought it, He talked it, He lived it. He even said, “No man, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Look out! Satan will always attack when something important is about to be birthed in your life. It may be the birth of a ministry, a revelation, or even a child that God will use. Your difficult child may be a child of destiny; that’s why they come under attack more often than your other children. They have an assignment which the enemy has discerned.

Satan has tried to destroy me many times because he discerned my future. I just heard that the first Spanish edition of The Word for Today has been published. Again I’m reminded of his strategy—destroy the author, and the book will never be born. The battle is always over your future. Discern what the struggle in your life is about, and you’ll take a giant step towards victory.

Sometimes you’ll be tempted to give up. Listen: “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). You may have lost a few battles but the war is not over! You may have been wounded, but He’ll restore you and give you the grace to get back on your feet again. This time you’ll win. If you quit, God can do nothing more for you.

 

Stand and fight, and He’ll come to your aid. He’ll give you strength and bring you through in triumph. His Word to you today is “be a finisher!”^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 34). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

February 2 Enabling Grace

My grace is sufficient for thee.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)

The word “grace” here simply means “all of God you need for all you’re going through.” When you believe God for something, it may take time for it to become a reality. As a result, the spirit of “discouragement” will try to latch onto you and drag you down. The enemy will whisper, “You’re not going to get it.” Child of God, don’t buy it! Satan is a liar and the father of lies (see John 8:44). He wants you to think there is no help in God and no balm in Gilead. God may not come when you want Him to, but He’ll always be right on time—if you wait on Him. Listen: “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalms 84:11). His delays are not His denials.

God has never said anything to you that He couldn’t back up. He’s never promised you anything He couldn’t deliver, so disregard your circumstances, stand on the promise that He has given to you, and declare, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Never be in a position where you’re too good or too busy to ask God for help, or think that you can make it on your own. That’s pride! Before a fall there is pride; after pride there’s always destruction. Check your attitude today. You can’t do anything without God! (See John 15:5.) You can’t breathe without Him; you can’t think without Him; you can’t even get out of bed in the morning without Him. Don’t even try it!

 

Reach for His enabling grace, and you’ll discover it’s sufficient for you today.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 33). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.