DAILY DEVOTIONALS: 10.10.20 ------ 10/5/20-10/9/20

Down-size Me By: John UpChurch Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.- Matthew 5:3, ESV You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. - Matthew 5:3, MSG Let's try to regain the shock value in the way Jesus opened His Sermon on the Mount. We're too familiar with the statements and too far removed from the time to hear it like the original listeners. Imagine going to a fast food restaurant, ordering an enormousvalue meal, and the cashier hitting you with this question: "Would you like to down-size your meal for a dollar less?" Or imagine a car salesperson pausing before you sign the papers and saying, "You know what? That extended warranty is overpriced. Let's getrid of it." Now you have an idea how much impact Jesus had and why the audience was so astounded. Just like we expect people to push us to buy more, the Jews at the time expected their rabbis to tell them the things they needed to do, the rules they needed to abideby. They came expecting to learn the ten steps required to earn God's favor, but Jesus crumpled up that idea and threw it out. Instead, He revealed that God's favor and blessings come to those who are poor in spirit. There's more to it, however, than simply feeling beaten down or contrite. The poor in spirit—the ones at the end of their ropes—are those who realize they've gone as far as human effort can get them. In terms of salvation, that's not very far. Here's how John Gill puts it: The greater part of mankind are insensible of this their condition; but think themselves rich, and increased with goods: there are some who are sensible of it, who see their poverty and want, freely acknowledge it, bewail it, and mourn over it; are humbledfor it, and are broken under a sense of it; entertain low and mean thoughts of themselves; seek after the true riches, both of grace and glory; and frankly acknowledge, that all they have, or hope to have, is owing to the free grace of God. (John Gill, commentary on Matthew 5:3) The poor in spirit don't just feel bad; they feel bad because they realize how destitute their condition. When we truly understand that "karma points" and charitable acts amount to nothing more than drops of food coloring in the ocean, then we've gottenthe point: We can't even approach the kingdom of God, let alone enter it, through our own efforts. Looking for Fruit Galatians5:16-26 As believers, we all want the fruit of the Spirit, but how can we know if we truly have it? Even unbelievers can display these qualities when conditions are positive. This nine-fold fruit of the Spirit is not what we do, but who we are, and it is primarily on display in Christians when circumstances are unfavorable. Two characteristics help us recognize these traits in our lives. Fruitful believers are not controlled by their environment. Everyone experiences trials and pain, but those who are filled with the Spirit do not lose His fruit because of their situations. They keep their joy even when difficulties overwhelm.If someone speaks harshly, they respond with kindness. Because the Holy Spirit is in control, He is free to produce His fruit no matter what the circumstances are. Even though such believers may feel pain, anger, or a desire for revenge, they choose to trust the Lord to protect them and direct the outcome. Filled with the Knowledge of His Will “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that yemight be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” (Colossians 1:9) Paul has chosen a particular word, pleroo, to describe an action that “fills to the top” so that the knowledge about which he prays has no more space to fill. While speaking to his friends in Rome, Paul said that he was “persuaded of you, my brethren,that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another” (Romans15:14). This includes the kind of knowledge (Greek epignosis) of God’s will that stresses precise and complete understanding of that will for our lives. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.... thatby these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.” These “things” (the knowledge, the precious promises) enable us to escape “the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2Peter 1:3-4). This magnificent and complete knowledge of His will includes the wisdom (Greek sophia) to use the knowledge acquired by experience. And even that grace God made to abound “toward us in all wisdom and prudence” (Ephesians 1:8),which, since it comes from God, is “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James3:17). The wonderful knowledge and wisdom that God has provided for us includes a spiritual understanding (Greek pneumatikos sunesis), an ability to put complicated matters together with the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). Indeed, “he that is spiritualjudgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man” (1 Corinthians 2:15). “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7). HMM III Lessonsfrom Colossians “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, fromGod our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Colossians 1:2) Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae is especially instructive to those who would seek a close relationship with the Lord Jesus. Chapter 1 provides a breathtaking summary of the purpose for which we are saved and the eternal changes that take place at salvation: “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body ofhis flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight” (Colossians 1:21-22). Chapter 2 provides clear warnings about the spiritual battle that is taking place and precise insights on gaining victory over the world: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished inthe faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). Chapter 3 insists that our responsibility is to take advantage of what has been provided by Christ and to live as Christ-ians: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians3:1-2). Chapter 4 gives practical instructions for our day-to-day relationships through the lives of the godly people who worked with Paul: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, thatye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:5-6). HMM III God Chats in the Closet by Max Lucado Religious leaders loved to make theater out of their prayers. The show nauseated Jesus. In Matthew 6:6 He said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who cannot be seen. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and He will reward you.” The words surely stunned Jesus’ audience. The people were simple farmers and stonemasons. They couldn’t enter the temple. But they could enter their closets. The point? He is low on fancy, high on accessibility. You need not woo him with location! Or wowhim with eloquence. It’s the power of a simple prayer. The Bible Stands! “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” (Psalm119:160) Very few books survive very long. Only a few survive past the first printing, and science books especially get out of date in just a few years. But one book is eternal! The Bible stands! Even its most ancient chapters are still accurate and up to date. Furthermore, despite all the vicious attacks of both ancient pagans and modern humanists, it will continue to endure. Jesus said: “Heaven and earthshall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33). Even after everything else dies and all the bombastic tirades of skeptics and secularists are long forgotten, the Word endures. “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah40:8). Note the oft-repeated testimony to this same effect in Psalm 119. In addition to the comprehensive promise of today’s text, this great “psalm of the word” also contains these affirmations: “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven....Thy testimonieshave I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart....The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting:...Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever” (Psalm119:89, 111, 144, 152). Founded forever, inherited forever, settled forever, lasting forever! God is eternal, and His Word was true from the beginning. People may, in these last days, arrogantly think they can “take away from the words of the book of this prophecy” (Revelation 22:19), but such presumptionwill only “take away [their] part out of the book of life,” and the Bible will still stand. “The word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1Peter 1:25). HMM Bring Your Children to Jesus by Max Lucado Lamentations2:19 says, “Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children.” Dads– we can be loyal advocates, stubborn intercessors. We can take our parenting fears to Christ. In fact, if we don’t, we’ll take our fears out on our kids. Fear turns some parents into paranoid prison guards. On the other hand, fear can also create permissive parents. High on hugs and low on discipline. Permissive parents. Paranoid parents. How can we avoid the extremes? We pray. Prayer is the saucer into which parental fears are poured to cool. When you send them off for the day, do so with a blessing. When you tell them good night, cover them in prayer. Pray that your children have a profound sense of place in this world and aheavenly place in the next. Certain Hope “Who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of thesoul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.” (Hebrews 6:18-19) The noun “hope,” when used in the New Testament, does not imply a wishful attitude but rather a joyous and confident expectation in something promised that will certainly come to pass—in most cases, something good. Note especially the few times it is used witha descriptive adjective. First, in a stirring benediction, Paul tells us that our good hope comes from both “our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father” (2 Thessalonians2:16). Furthermore, such hope is given to us along with “everlasting consolation,” or comfort, that shall last forever. The Father and Son have done this “through grace” that brings eternal salvation. Next, we are taught to be “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). This blessedhope can be none other than “our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1). He will certainly return, and this return will be glorious. Furthermore, we have a hope that is actively alive. “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1Peter 1:3). We have been (past tense) born again from the dead just as surely as Christ has been raised from the dead, for His resurrection accomplished it. Our hope, under grace, is guaranteed by Jesus Christ: “A better hope...by the which we draw nigh unto God” (Hebrews 7:19) than that which was possible underlaw. In fact, it is a glorious hope (2 Corinthians 3:11-12) by comparison. This kind of hope can be “an anchor of the soul.” JDM Fruitfulin Every Good Work �That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasingin the knowledge of God.� (Colossians1:10) There are many admonitions in Scripture insisting that the child of God maintain a lifestyle that reflects the holy character of the Savior. The unique phrase �walk worthy� appears only three times in the New Testament: once in our text today; once in Ephesians 4:1, where we are asked to �walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called�; and once in 1 Thessalonians 2:12, where we are admonished to �walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.� Paul�s admonition to the church at Colossae was to live in such a way that everything would be �all pleasing� to our Lord. The Galatian church was struggling with members who were trying to keep the �old� Jewish law. Paul argued, �Do I now persuade men, orGod? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ� (Galatians1:10). Paul insisted to the Thessalonians, �As we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts� (1Thessalonians 2:4). Since we are to �walk worthy,� we are to be �fruitful in every good work.� Indeed, �we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them� (Ephesians2:10). None of this should be a surprise. When God drew us to Himself (John6:44), brought the necessary conviction of our sin, Christ�s righteousness, and the judgment to come (John16:7-8), what was �dead in trespasses and sin� (Ephesians2:1) had to become a �new creature� (2Corinthians 5:17), �created in righteousness and true holiness� (Ephesians4:24). That �new man� is then empowered to �walk worthy.� HMM III Compound Blessing - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com The way we grow up often impacts what we do in life. I want to share with you a story from my dear friend and ministry partner William Agbeti about his upbringingand how it informs our ministry outreach today. William writes, "When I was growing up, I lived in a compound house. We were ten families, including mine, with a combined population of some 30 people. There were five in my family numbered 5. Mom and Dad andI slept on the same bed. The others slept on a mat on the floor by the bed. The other compound house next to ours had close to 60 persons. It was much bigger and lots noisy. All the families that lived in the compound house slept in what can best be describedas pigeon holes. "We were crammed into small spaces and shared a common bath. Our compound house had no toilet facility. Everyone had to cross a major road to attend to nature'scall five minutes away at a public toilet. On many occasions, judging from how people walked on the way to the public toilet, with squeezed bots, one could deduce the level of alert or alarm that the individual was dealing with! We had neither electricitynor running water in the compound house. My parents never used a refrigerator, radio or even a stove. Those were high level, out of reach luxuries. A particular compound friend of mine, let's call him Jay, had it tougher than I did. He could not be fed bythe relatives he stayed with - a perpetually drunk uncle and a prostitute auntie. Oftentimes, I had to secretly share my food with him. "In an attempt to help feed him most times, I introduced him to "crab catching" at the beach. We would go to the beach at dawn, hunt for crabs, cook and enjoythem at home. It was pure heaven, as we ate the crabs and drank the spicy hot soup we made with them. Much later, I extended our little hunting expedition to cover groundhogs hunting. This became so successful, that I started feeding not only one, but severalfriends with succulent fried, boiled or grilled meat, accompanied by super-taste-bud-crushing, hot red pepper and corn meal. I could easily have become rich in those days, making my own brand of "knockout" peppers! Back then, little did I know God was preparingme to feed hundreds of children today. "My involvement in our Ministry's feeding program today has its origins and blessings from a compound house. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the wayhe should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it." There is human training and divine training. Both work for the same good. My childhood "training and experience" was a compound blessing." This story is a "Jungle Chronicle" akin to my Friday featureThe Farm Chronicles. I think it is important for you, as a reader of The Daily Jot, to gain an understanding of the "what" behind those of us who are leading this ministry and why we are so passionate about providing news analysis from a prophetic worldviewand feeding, clothing, and giving water to those in greatest need. The Failure of History by John UpChurch For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans5:6) To their credit, my two little girls sat patiently as the Cherokee peace chief explained his slit ears, metal breastplate, and high-heeled shoes. On the table in front of him sat a rifle, swan feathers, a clay mug, and other shards of the past. This is exactlywhat I love to do on a Saturday morning. You see, I love the way history feels because I�m something of a nostalgia junky. The narratives that draw together people, locations, and wars latch onto me. The connections that run through mountains, rivers, and small towns dig under my skin. The historyof grace absorbs me. I have to be careful, though. Otherwise, I�d spend too much time living back there and not paying attention to grace here and now. There�s something in history that we often overlook. Sure, learning about the past supposedly keeps people from repeating mistakes (though I�ve yet to see that be the case). And we need to see where we�ve come from, to understand the ebbs and cycles in thestory of civilization. But it�s more than that. History�much more than just a learning tool�is the story of human failure. If that sounds morbid, it is. The big picture of our history is how humans have failed to love, failed to live up to God�s standards. There are tiny currents that push back againstthe raging waters of failure (and those are some great stories to focus on), but the overall direction has been clear. An Authentic Voice - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. -2 Chronicles16:9 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/an-authentic-voice/- Listen The term "know-it-all" usually has negative connotations. But Jesus literally is a know-it-all because He's omniscient, whichmeans all-knowing. Jesus knows everything, yet He made himself vulnerable and open during His earthly ministry. For instance, He reached out to thewoman at the well in Samaria, and she ended up believing as a result. He engaged her in conversation, and after she realized that He knew everything about her, she "left her water jar beside the welland ran back to the village, telling everyone, 'Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?'" (John 4:28-29 NLT). So the people from the village went to see Him. Why? Because she was an authentic voice. Everyone knew her story. She was infamousfor her immorality, so when she talked about Jesus, people had to take notice. Sometimes we think we have to be perfect to be used by God when it's actually the very opposite. God seems to go out of His wayto choose the most unlikely people to be instruments that He uses. Have you ever noticed that? God often chooses people who have had a rough life, but they've come to trust in Him. And they're willing to put their lives outthere for the Lord to use. The Bible says, "The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed tohim" (2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT). Maybe you're saying, "Well, I don't have anything to bring to the table." Then you're a perfect candidate. If you pray, "Lord, whatever I have, I give it to you. I offer it to you. Would you use me?"then watch out. I'm confident that God will answer a prayer like that. f Resurrection Man - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. -Matthew 12:40 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/resurrection-man/ - Listen Some messages aren't urgent, but other messages are. For instance, if your child is running toward the street when a car is approaching, you will yell, "Stop!"And you'll yell it with urgency because your child's life depends on it. When Jonah went to the city of Nineveh to preach the message God gave him, the Bible tells us that he cried out, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!"(Jonah 3:4 NKJV). That wasn't the first time Jonah cried out. After three days and three nights in the belly of a fish, Jonah said, "I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction,and He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice" (Jonah 2:2 NKJV). And God gave him a second chance. In fact, Jesus validated the story of Jonah when He used it to illustrate His own death. He said, "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the bellyof the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40 NKJV). Jonah took the same desperation he felt in the belly of that fish and carried it with him as he spoke to the people of Nineveh. This was a man who had beentransformed. Jonah was a resurrection man. If you've encountered Jesus Christ, then you, too, are a resurrection person. Unbelievers are looking for someone who is real. Jonah was an authentic voice,and the people of Nineveh recognized that. In the same way, if you can be real and authentic, if you can admit it when you make a mistake, and if you simply seek to be the best follower of Jesus thatyou possibly can be, then you will reach people for Him. Qualified to Inherit �Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering withjoyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.� (Colossians1:11-12) Having been �made strong with all strength� through �his glorious power,� we are then enabled to complete the assignment that God has granted to us on Earth. The power of God �is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think� (Ephesians3:20). The same power displayed when God raised Jesus �from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places� (Ephesians1:20) is more often needed on Earth for �patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.� The word for �patience� in this text describes a quality of temper that does not easily succumb under suffering. That emphasis is not merely a contextual byproduct. Muchof the godly life demands a temperament that opposes cowardice or despondence. We should �glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope� (Romans5:3-4). Many of our brothers and sisters in history suffered beyond human endurance, ultimately giving their lives for the Kingdom of God. �But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it� (Romans8:25). Therein lies the longsuffering that does not hastily retaliate after a wrong. This temperament opposes wrath and revenge. These godly traits, earned and experienced only while on Earth, reveal us to be �partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.� Now, we are �kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time� (1Peter 1:5). Later, He will present us �faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy� (Jude1:24). HMM III A Crown without Jewels by Ryan Duncan Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. � Hebrews 4:16 Like most kids who grew up in the church, I was enrolled in Awana the moment I had the ability to memorize John 3:16. Not that I�m complaining, I enjoyed the evenings of games and Bible stories. However, like every Bible club for small children, Awana had its share of speed bumps. One such bump appeared during a lesson where a young woman was sharing her testimony. She had just finished telling everyonethe story of how her grandfather accepted Christ on his deathbed when a hand shot up in the back of the audience. "Does this mean we can do whatever we want as long as we say sorry before we die?" asked the child. I can vaguely remember the look of panic that came into the woman's eyes when she discovered her class was trying to cheat the system. Torn between theologyand a group of minors, she opted for the easiest answer. "Well, yes, God will forgive you if you ask him," then reaching down to her jacket, she pulled out the tiny crown pin reserved only for the best children in the club, "but it also means you will have fewer jewels in your crown when you get to heaven." I'm not bothered that our leader chose to use this explanation; it's hard to describe the grace of God to a room full of third graders hoppedup on gummy bears. What does bother me is the number of adult Christians who still believe this idea to be true. �I grew up in a Christian household.� �I accepted Christ when I was only seven.� Many Christians will take these statements and present them as proof of their superiority. Proof that the person who just gave their life to Christ is somehow "Second Class." Thankfully, Jesus didn't see it that way, and said as much in the parable of thevineyard Delivered, Translated, Forgiven �Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.� (Colossians1:13-14) The central message of the gospel lies in Christ�s sacrifice and resurrection. There is much more, of course, to our salvation. The immediate result is described in the two short verses of our text. We have been delivered �from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God� (Acts26:18). We have been delivered �from unreasonable and wicked men� (2Thessalonians 3:2) and �from every evil work,� and are preserved �unto his heavenly kingdom� (2Timothy 4:18). Ultimately, we have been delivered �from the wrath to come� (1Thessalonians 1:10). We have also been �translated� into the eternal kingdom of the Lord Jesus. We will �not come into condemnation� but have been turned �from death unto life� (John5:24). Our life prior to salvation was darkness, but we have been made �light in the Lord� (Ephesians5:8). No longer are we aliens outside of God�s family, but we have been �accepted in the beloved� (Ephesians1:6). Furthermore, all of our sins have been forgiven, and we are �justified freely by his grace� (Romans3:24). That forgiveness and justification seal us �unto the day of redemption� (Ephesians4:30). And since this is an eternal transaction brought about by a transcendent Creator, we have been raised �up together, and made [to] sit together in heavenly places� (Ephesians2:6). Already we have the �earnest of our inheritance� (Ephesians1:14) and the assurance that we will �obtain a better resurrection� (Hebrews11:35). In this life, we may struggle with human rejection. David�s comment seems appropriate: �I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge� (Psalm71:7). HMM III Our Heart's Desires Psalms145:17-21 If you could have anything in the world, what would it be? Your answer reveals a lot about who you are. The psalmist writes, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Ps.37:4). There is nothing wrong with desires--they motivate us to achieve great things. But not all of our yearnings come from God. Consider your aspirations and what they say about who you are: Do you hope for a position of authority in order to be in control? Longing for personal advancement in order to manipulate others reveals a lack of integrity, whereas a godly person craves righteousness. A Little Over a Lifetime by Max Lucado Will I learn what God intends? If I listen, I will. A little girl returned from her first day at school. Her mom asked, “Did you learn anything?” “I guess not,” the girl responded. “I have to go back tomorrow and the next day and the next day...” Such is the case with learning. And such is the case with Bible study. Understanding comes a little at a time over a lifetime. James said: “The man who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and makes a habit of doing so is not the man who hears and forgets. He puts that law into practice and wins true happiness.” (James1:25). God Works Within Us Ephesians3:20-21 Let these words slowly sink into your understanding: “able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (v. 20). What an amazing description of God’s ability to work within us. Yet so often our focus is mainly on what we want Him to do around us: If He would change this situation or fix that problem, then my life would be better. But He invites us to think and ask bigger—He wants to change us! How to Break the Power of the Past - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward callof God in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:13-14 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/how-to-break-the-power-of-the-past/- Listen On New Year's Eve in New York City a few years ago, people had the opportunity to put unhappy reminders of the previous year into a giant shredder. A lot of people showed up. One person said she felt liberated after she put a photograph of her ex-fianc� and his new girlfriend into the shredder. Another person wantedto shred away her high cholesterol, her high blood pressure, and her bills. That sounds fun, but shredding things won't necessarily make them go away. I don't have a big shredder, but I do have a great Savior. And He can help you put your sins behindyou. The apostle Paul said, "But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for theprize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV). "Forgetting those things that are behind" doesn't mean that Paul failed to remember them. Rather, it means those things no longer influenced or affected him. This means that, like Paul, you break the power of the past by living for the future. You don't have to be controlled by your past failures or sins. And one sure way toforget your past is to not repeat your mistake. Learn from it. As I like to say, learn how to fall forward. This simply means that if you stumble, you want to remember the very difficult lesson you just learned, so you don't do it again. Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62 NKJV). To run this race of life well and to finish it well, we need to look to Jesus. Because it doesn't matter if you start well, it matters if you finish well. A Vision for Lost People - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. -John 4:35 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/a-vision-for-lost-people/- Listen Sometimes as Christians, we see nonbelievers as the enemy. Remember, we were all nonbelievers at one time. Nonbelievers are not the enemy; they're under the control of theEnemy. The Bible says that "Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. Theydon't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT). So let's understand that and see nonbelievers as Jesus sees them: as sheep without a shepherd. We want to see them come to believe in Jesus. Why not set a goal for the coming year to lead 10 people to Christ? Maybe you're thinking, "But what if I don't meet that goal? What if I only lead three people to Christ?" That is still good. It's better than not leading anyone to Christ. And it's better than no goal at all. Look for opportunities to start evangelistic conversations. I thinkif you were to say today, "Lord, I want to lead someone to Christ this year. Lead me to do that," you would see results. Would you dare to pray a prayer like that? You'll have to leave your comfort zone, but you'll be glad you did. One of the greatest joys I know is seeing someone come toJesus. Jesus said, "You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest" (John 4:35 NLT). Don't just think of the world. Think of your world. Lift up your eyes in your family. There are people ready to come to Jesus. Lift up your eyes in your neighborhood. Thereare people ready to come to Jesus. Lift up your eyes in your community. There are people ready to come to Jesus. God can reach them through you. A Godly Heart Psalms37:1-8 The Lord promises to give us the desires of our hearts. But many people take this passage out of context, forgetting that their own mindset plays a vital part in bringing it to fruition. As my mother once said, "Where your mind goes, your feet go, so becareful what you think about." What is your responsibility when it comes to claiming promises from God? Delight yourselves in the Lord (Ps.37:4). Christians should rejoice in God and desire to walk in obedience. The Lord must have first place in your life before you can claim the promise in this verse. Commit your way to the Lord (v. 5). Allow God to change any aspect of your ambition that is not His will. A Worldly Heart 2Peter 2:9-18 God warns us against misguided desires, because sinful passions can lead to emptiness, suffering, disappointment, pain, and even death. Wise believers let the Father direct their yearnings--and then make changes if necessary. Impure desires have been part of the "flesh" nature since the fall of man, and they can be hard to see in ourselves. Instead of obvious things like theft, drugs, or immorality, they often involve more subtle attitudes and behaviors, like hoping for a rival'sdownfall, despising authority (2Peter 2:10), obsessing about wealth (1Tim. 6:9), or even speaking arrogant and vain words. Since worldly passions can cause great damage (2Peter 2:18), believers are to deny them (Titus2:11-12). But we can't overcome these desires on our own. Submitting to God's Spirit is the only way to live righteously. Run for Him - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? -Galatians 5:7 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/run-for-him-2/ - Listen Discouraging things can happen when you follow Jesus. Life doesn't always go the way you hoped it would go. Tragedies befall you. People let you down. You ask questionsthat go unanswered, and sometimes you wonder if you can keep going. But whom did you sign up to follow? I signed up, if you will, to follow Jesus. Jesus always has been what He promised to be for me. He's never failed me once. He's neverlet me down. And He's the author and finisher of my faith, which means that God finishes what He starts. He started a work in your life, and He wants to continue it. But for that to happen, you need to keep your eyes on Jesus, who ran His race for you. He had His back ripped open by a Roman whip when He was lashed 39 times. After that, He picked up a huge cross and carried it through the streets of Jerusalem. Then theynailed His hands and feet to that cross, and He hung there. The people cried out in unison, "Crucify Him!" His own disciples were largely in hiding. One of His own handpicked friends, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Him. How easily Jesus could have said, "I'm done here, people. No one apparently understands why I've come to this world and what I'm about to do, so I'm not going to do it."And He would have been justified. So why did Jesus do it? What kept Him going? Hebrews 12:2 gives us the answer: "Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame" (NLT). What was the joy awaiting Him? It was you and me. He knew what His death and resurrection would accomplish, and that was the joy that kept Him going. He ran His race for us. And we need to run our race for Him. A Worldly Heart 2Peter 2:9-18 God warns Impure desires have been part of t he "flesh" nature since the fall of man, and they can be hard to see in ourselves. Instead of obvious things like theft, drugs, or immorality, they often involve more subtle attitudes and behaviors, like hoping for a rival's downfall, despising authority(2Peter 2:10), obsessing about wealth (1Tim. 6:9), or even speaking arrogant and vain words. Since worldly passions can cause great damage (2Peter 2:18), believers are to deny them (Titus2:11-12). But we can't overcome these desires on our own. Submitting to God's Spirit is the only way to live righteously. VISIT: PROPHECY WATCHER WEEKLY NEWS: HTTP://PROPHECY-WATCHER-WEEKLY-NEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM