February 2nd
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”
“For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?”
Psalm 46:1-3 and Psalm 56:13
Someone has said that the only to fear is “fear itself.” I do not accept that statement, for there are many things to fear. We can fear death, diseases, losing all the belongings that we have, evil men and women and all they can do to us. Yes there are myriads of things we can fear and I am sure you could add much to this list.
But as believers we need not fear, for God has not given us the spirit of fear but of a sound mind. Death is not a fear to one who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ, for absent from the body and present with the Lord, which is much better and greater than anything on this earth. Why fear diseases, yes they can make us miserable and even take our life, but what did we say about death. Losing all that we have, well Scripture tells us that He will supply all our needs. Evil men and women, well Christ met them and they nailed Him to a Cross (Only because it was in the plan of God). Remember that nothing can come into the life of a believer unless first it goes through the sieve of God, He must allow it or it cannot come unto us. Also Scripture tells us not fear what man can do to us, but rather fear He who after our body is dead has power over our spirit.
For God is the refuge and strength to those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. One day the mountains will be moved into the sea and the earth removed, but He will reign supreme and those who trusted in Him will spend eternity seeing Him face to face.
February 1st
“Wise men layup knowledge.”
Proverbs 10:14
When there is a genuine hunger and thirst for knowledge it will lead to a life in a struggle for “Truth.” God’s knowledge is a gem far more valuable than diamonds or rubies. It cannot be stolen and it is worth more than all the applause of men. No matter the cost get the knowledge of God.
“The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
Exodus 14:14
Abraham Lincoln said: “I am not so much concerned whether God is on my side as I am that I am on God’s side.” If we are on the side of God and righteousness, then we are sure to win. God’s cause will never suffer defeat!
January 29th
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.“
Matthew 5:11-12 and Hebrews 10:35
Tradition tells us that Isaiah the prophet was put into a hollow log and sawed in half by the evil King Manasseh. The Apostle Peter was crucified upside down, a few years ago ten men were beheaded by Muslims because they refused to deny their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Persecution against those who take the name of Christ as their Saviour has and always will be until Christ comes back.
Christ tells us that “Blessed are ye” when we are persecuted and reviled, when we are slain for His name sake. “Rejoice” for our reward will be great in heaven. There will be a great reward in eternity if we do not pull back and remain faithful. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives as we follow our Lord and Saviour. That we may be witnesses to the world around us and that we continue under the guidance of the Word of God, Christ our Saviour and the Holy Spirit. Its not our strength which will prevail, for Christ already has the victory. May we be overcomers through Christ our Lord.
January 28th
“They said unto her, thou art mad.”
Acts 12:15
Herod the king killed James the brother of John with the sword, and also put Peter into prison. He put him into the hands of four bands of soldiers with four soldiers in each band to keep him from escaping. He planned on killing Peter also after Easter.
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
vs 5 and 6; Peter was sleeping in the prison bound with two chains between two soldiers. Remember fervent prayer was being held for his release and what happened?
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.”
verse 7. When the angel brought him forth from the prison he went to the house as they were praying for him. But when they heard he was knocking at their door, they did not believe. They were praying for his release and when it happened they were unbelieving. Is that how we pray, we pray fervently for an answer and when the answer comes find ourselves in disbelief. If we pray without faith…
Matthew 21:22: “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
During slavery, slaves were forced to wear masks as to symbolically mark them as not having a voice and to be owned and under the control of another person.
January 27th
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
I Peter 5:8
Our enemy, the devil, prowls around as a roaring lion looking for whoever he can find to devour. We need to be alert, as if the lion is just around the corner. He constantly roams around for easy prey. Don’t be easy prey, be serious with your life, Be alert! For a roaring lion a charging bull and a wicked ruler, to a helpless people, will destroy and enslave them. Our only help is in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:11-18