Day 15 of 30: Move!

The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest. The Lord said to Moses, Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward!  Exodus 14:14, 15.

Today,I would like to take you to another post I read recently,  Featured Bible Studies Being Still Doesn’t Mean Doing Nothing written by Ron Edmondson.

 Exodus 14:14“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

I’ve heard well meaning people use it as an indicator that, because we are on the winning team, we will never face another battle. Not true.

Here’s something you need to understand about this verse, before you try to live it. The verse doesn’t mean you don’t have an assignment. It doesn’t mean the assignment you have won’t be difficult. It doesn’t mean doing nothing.

Consider the next verse:  Exodus 14:15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.”

In other words…get going! Do what you’re supposed to do! Don’t stand there in fear…MOVE ON!

The Israelites were going to cross the sea. It would be something they had never done before. Have you ever walked through a wall of water, on ground that used to be the bottom of the sea?

Seriously, have you? The Israelites were going to have to trust that God would part the waters and dry up the land. Keep in mind, this command was given before the sea had even started to separate. They had to believe that the water would divide. They then had to believe the wall of water wouldn’t drop and fish wouldn’t fall on their head as they drown. They had to believe that crossing the sea was a better option than surrendering to the Egyptians. It wasn’t doing nothing. It was walking by faith.

The verse, then, means that if you are moving at the direction of God…if you are following His plan for your life…if you are being obedient…you don’t have to fear the outcome. You don’t have to worry about the provision of God for your journey. You don’t have to wonder if God will do as God said He will do. He’s got your back! He’s got the ultimate victory. You can rest in Him. You can be still!

Being still doesn’t mean doing nothing!
Have you been “standing still” when you need to be moving?Quit making excuses and act on what you know God has called you to do! 

Today's passage is Exodus 14:5-31. 

Exo 14:5  And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? 

Exo 14:6  And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him: 

Exo 14:7  And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them. 

Exo 14:8  And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. 

Exo 14:9  But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. 

Exo 14:10  And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. 

Exo 14:11  And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? 

Exo 14:12  Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. 

Exo 14:13  And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 

Exo 14:14  The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. 

Exo 14:15  And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: 

Exo 14:16  But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 

Exo 14:17  And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 

Exo 14:18  And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 

Exo 14:19  And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 

Exo 14:20  And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 

Exo 14:21  And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 

Exo 14:22  And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
Exo 14:23  And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 

Exo 14:24  And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 

Exo 14:25  And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. 

Exo 14:26  And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. 

Exo 14:27  And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 

Exo 14:28  And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. 

Exo 14:29  But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Exo 14:30  Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. 

Exo 14:31  And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses. 

Day 14 of 30: Lions, Bears, and Giant's! Oh, How Faith Groweth!

Remember the story from Sunday school of David and Goliath.  The young boy who killed the giant of the land with a sling shot.  This story is told to millions around the world and is a favorite in Sunday schools and childrens' church.  This biblical account retold has taught us of one young boy's faith in his Living God. However, his faith did not begin with Goliath?  His faith grew over time and experience as he trusted and learned who his God was, and who he, David, was in relation to his God.

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David was young and tending his father's sheep. Following his father's instructions, he went to serve his elder brothers and their commander by bringing his brothers some food and a gift of cheese to their commander.  David's father also asked him to bring back a token, so that he would know his boys were doing well.  

As David arrived his brothers and the host of soldiers were shouting the battle cry and  heading out for battle in fighting with the Philistines, army against army.  

Hearing and seeing the uproar, David left the food with the baggage keeper, and ran out among the soldier's to greet his brothers.  David heard a champion soldier of the Philistines step out and boast,"I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together." (1 Samuel 17:10)  

David watched as all of his fellow Israelites fled from Goliath, terrified.  Then he boldly said, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Isreal?   For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (vs. 26)  

Eliab, David's oldest brother, became angry with David.  Why?  Eliab accused David of being "presumptuous" and having "evilness of heart"?  We read earlier in the passage that David was actually following the instructions of his father, serving his brothers.  Was Eliab acting out of fear?  Was he angry with David, because David seemed to be stirring up trouble; and without saying the words, calling the Israelite soldiers and his own brothers "yellow"?  

David's reply, "What have I done now?  Was it not a harmless question?"  Does this mean David was a bit of a trouble maker in the past, showing up his brothers maybe?  David then turned away from his oldest brother (almost as if, he was boldly saying, "get out of my face"), and asked the same question.  The men gave him the answer again.

Word traveled fast as the words of David were repeated through the host of soldiers till they reached Saul, who sent for David.  

Saul told David, "You are NOT ABLE to fightagainst the Philistines.  You are but an adolescent (a child), and he has been a warrior from his youth."  (I have heard preached by many great preachers, Faith begins where our ability stops!  Saul was looking at ability, walking by sight.  David was walking by faith in the living God he knew and trusted.)

David was not new to walking in faith.  He knew that His God was a Living God who delivers him from all evil.  We see this in David's reply, "Your servant (David) kept his father's sheep.  And when there came a lion or again a bear and took a lamb out of the flock.  I went out after it and smote it and delivered the lamb out of its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard and smote it and killed it.  Your servant killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God."

David said, "The Lord Who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine."

What was Saul to say to that except, "Go, and the Lord be with you."

You know the rest of the account.  David killed the giant, giving God the Glory.  Victory was his.

Our faith increases as we get to know our Living God, the God within us, our Father.  We get to know Him through His Living Word, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17  David's faith had grown as he had been delivered protecting his father's flock of sheep from the lion, and again from a bear.  David knew going into this fight, that it was not his ability, but His God's ability that would deliver him just as it had before.  He had faith in the Living God, faith that had grown from trust and experience in God.  

We often wait until their is a crisis to pray for help, pick up our bibles, or go to church.  During a crisis is not the time to begin to build faith. It is in our daily lives, in the little things, we do each and every day that we exercise and increase faith, by hearing and hearing His Word, getting to know who He is so that we already trust Him when that big crisis comes into our lives. 

Read 1 Samuel Chapter 17.  There is much more to learn about faith in this chapter, like:  Why did David choose five smooth rocks from the stream when he only needed one to take down Goliath?  David knew God's power, why did he choose to use rocks and a sling shot to take down Goliath, when all he had to do was speak it out? 

1Sa 17:1  Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. 

1Sa 17:2  And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. 

1Sa 17:3  And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. 

1Sa 17:4  And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 

1Sa 17:5  And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. 

1Sa 17:6  And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. 

1Sa 17:7  And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. 

1Sa 17:8  And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. 

1Sa 17:9  If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. 

1Sa 17:10  And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. 

1Sa 17:11  When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. 

1Sa 17:12  Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. 

1Sa 17:13  And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 

1Sa 17:14  And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul. 

1Sa 17:15  But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem. 

1Sa 17:16  And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. 

1Sa 17:17  And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren; 

1Sa 17:18  And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. 

1Sa 17:19  Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 

1Sa 17:20  And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. 

1Sa 17:21  For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army. 

1Sa 17:22  And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. 

1Sa 17:23  And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them. 

1Sa 17:24  And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. 

1Sa 17:25  And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. 

1Sa 17:26  And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 

1Sa 17:27  And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. 

1Sa 17:28  And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. 

1Sa 17:29  And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 

1Sa 17:30  And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner. 

1Sa 17:31  And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him. 

1Sa 17:32  And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. 

1Sa 17:33  And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. 

1Sa 17:34  And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 

1Sa 17:35  And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 

1Sa 17:36  Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. 

1Sa 17:37  David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. 

1Sa 17:38  And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. 

1Sa 17:39  And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. 

1Sa 17:40  And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 

1Sa 17:41  And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. 

1Sa 17:42  And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. 

1Sa 17:43  And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 

1Sa 17:44  And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. 

1Sa 17:45  Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 

1Sa 17:46  This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 

1Sa 17:47  And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands. 

1Sa 17:48  And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 

1Sa 17:49  And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. 

1Sa 17:50  So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. 

1Sa 17:51  Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. 

1Sa 17:52  And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. 

1Sa 17:53  And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents. 

1Sa 17:54  And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent. 

1Sa 17:55  And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell. 

1Sa 17:56  And the king said, Enquire thou whose son the stripling is. 

1Sa 17:57  And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 

1Sa 17:58  And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite. 

Day 13 of 30: Inside Out

Just because He invites you to come as your are doesn't mean you should stay as your are.  God's Word changes us, it changes us from the inside out!

Change comes as you hear the Word of God, and hear the Word of God, and hear the Word of God:  "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32.  God's Word is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12).  It is sharper than a two-edged sword.  Once you hear it, transformation within begins.  Continue to hear it and transformation is inevitable (Romans 10:17)

What is transformation?

¹trans·form

 verb \tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm\       (from the merriam-webster online dictionary)

: to change (something) completely and usually in a good way

transitive verb

1

a :  to change in composition or structure

b :  to change the outward form or appearance of

c :  to change in character or condition :  convert

We all are familiar with the transformation process of the caterpillar into the butterfly, but we do not snuggle into a cocoon and pop out as a butterfly.  When we are transformed, what are we transformed into?  What change in composition or structure takes place within us?  What outward change takes place?  What change in character or condition takes place in us?  How do we know the transformation is underway.  How do when know when it is complete?  

Ask the one who first knew you before you were born (Jeremiah 1:5). He knows your thoughts. He knows what you are going to do before you do it.  He holds the answers to your transformation.  

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

Today's passage:

Rather than reading one passage today, here are a few scriptures to answer your questions.  As you continue in daily prayer and time with Him in His Word, you will find many more.  

 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Rom 12:2

What does transformation look like?

  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.  Galations 5:19-26

 A caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.  What will I transform into?

 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  2 Corinthians 3:18 

When does this transformation take place? 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17

How does the transformation begin?

  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  Romans 10:9,10

  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.   Galations 2:20

When will the tranformation reach completion? 

 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.   Phillippians 1:6 

Day 12 od 30: The Power is in the Seed

In the Christianese language, we know of seed being money that we sow as offerings, whether it be in church, through an organization, or handing the money to a widow to go buy groceries.  We see the law of sowing and reaping in the Word, and most of us understand the basics of how it works.

Today, I encourage you to take the time to listen to this video regarding Luke 17:6.   Planting your Garden by Rev. Steve Houpe  

Rev. Houpe gives a great analogy of the power that is within the seed.  The soil does what it is designed to do, and when the seed is planted it grows according to it's kind.  "Your life (the garden), is a direct result of the seeds you have been planting."  "Everything you need in life is in the seed (the Word of God)." 



Today's passage is Luke 17:5-17.  What did the apostles say to Jesus?  Why did Jesus tell them about faith, rather than increasing their faith?  What did Jesus tell the leper who turned back and glorified God?

Luk 17:5  And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 

Luk 17:6  And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. 

Luk 17:7  But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 

Luk 17:8  And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 

Luk 17:9  Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 

Luk 17:10  So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. 

Luk 17:11  And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 

Luk 17:12  And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 

Luk 17:13  And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 

Luk 17:14  And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 

Luk 17:15  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 

Luk 17:16  And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 

Luk 17:17  And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 

Luk 17:18  There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 

Luk 17:19  And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. 

Day 11 of 30: Every Which Way But One?

Have you ever headed in a direction that you just knew was right?  An investment that seemed like a sure thing, but turned sour.  A decision that later you realized was the wrong one?  The devil uses deception as his primary tool to lead us off the right path.

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 KJV

What do we do when we face these trials and tests in our lives?  What do we do when faced with deception of the enemy?  We speak the Word.  We count it all joy.  We thank God that even though our situation may be a fact at the moment, it is not our Truth.  He is our truth.  His Word will be accomplished.  (refer to Day 9 message).  Allow your faith to change the outcome.  Have faith in God.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

What is the path like for the believer in Christ?  Jesus says that He came that you might have live and have it abundantly in every way, every area of your life.  He did now say that trials would not come your way, but he said that you can live an abundant life if you choose Him.

 "...I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life,..." Deuteronomy 30:19

Today's passage is an example of what Jesus did when deception came into His path, and He follows by telling us what to say and do when deception enters our own paths.  Mark 11:12-25 KJV

 What did Jesus do when deception came to him? 

In today's passage, Jesus saw a fig tree full of leaves far off, but as he approached no figs were to be found.

What did Jesus do when he found no figs on the tree?  Why?

Later, how did Peter react when he realized the fig tree was dead?  And, why was Peter amazed?

How did Jesus respond to Peter?

Mark 11:12-25 KJV

Mar 11:1  And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, 

Mar 11:2  And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. 

Mar 11:3  And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. 

Mar 11:4  And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. 

Mar 11:5  And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? 

Mar 11:6  And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. 

Mar 11:7  And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. 

Mar 11:8  And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. 

Mar 11:9  And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: 

Mar 11:10  Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. 

Mar 11:11  And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. 

Mar 11:12  And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 

Mar 11:13  And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 

Mar 11:14  And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. 

Mar 11:15  And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; 

Mar 11:16  And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. 

Mar 11:17  And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. 

Mar 11:18  And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. 

Mar 11:19  And when even was come, he went out of the city. 

Mar 11:20  And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 

Mar 11:21  And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. 

Mar 11:22  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 

Mar 11:23  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 

Mar 11:24  Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 

Mar 11:25  And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 

Day 10 of 30: Are your eyes in focus?

 "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."  Isaiah 55:11

In a world full of doubt and deception, we can count on God's Word.  His Word is always fulfilled.  Despite our struggles, tests, trials, we can do as David did and always turn our focus back to God.  

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.   Psalm 138:7-8.

Romans 10:17 tells us that hearing the Word is what builds our faith, which enables us to withstand the storms that blow through from time to time.  We walk through these troubles in victory by focusing on God.  Keeping our eyes on Him, His purpose, His Will; because His Word will not return void.  

David's life reflected the trust we can have in God, and is an example of how God walks with His children every step of the way.  Notice David reminds himself of God's promises and also sings and prays the Word of God throughout the Psalms.  David relied on God's power, the power of His Word (Heb 4:12). 



Today's passage is an example of David in prayer and song praising God with His whole heart, Psalm 138 (KJV). 

Psa 138:1  A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. 

Psa 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. 

Psa 138:3  In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. 

Psa 138:4  All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. 

Psa 138:5  Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD. 

Psa 138:6  Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. 

Psa 138:7  Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. 

Psa 138:8  The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. 

Day 9 of 30: by EVERY word...

Praying through the Word of God is more than just isolated passages.  This series contains 30 chosen passages to practice and develop a habit of praying as you study and read the powerful Word of God gaining wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.  Remember, "God's Word in my mouth has just as much power as God's Word in His mouth,"because God's Word is still God's Word when it comes out of your mouth.

Digging a little deeper, Matthew 4:4 says,  "But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God." (KJV)

We live and are upheld and sustained by every word that comes from from the mouth of God..... every word, not just selected passages.  


Today's passage is Hebrews 11.  

This chapter defines faith, and tells us of examples of faithful Men and Women of God's Word.  This Chapter goes further than the faith of these men and women on earth.  What else does this chapter share?  These men and women had faith, but were they perfect?  Did they still walk through tests and trials in their lives?  What else can you glean from this chapter?

Heb 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

Heb 11:2  For by it the elders obtained a good report. 

Heb 11:3  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 

Heb 11:4  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 

Heb 11:5  By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

Heb 11:7  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 

Heb 11:8  By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 

Heb 11:9  By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 

Heb 11:10  For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 

Heb 11:11  Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 

Heb 11:12  Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 

Heb 11:13  These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 

Heb 11:14  For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 

Heb 11:15  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 

Heb 11:16  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 

Heb 11:17  By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 

Heb 11:18  Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 

Heb 11:19  Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. 

Heb 11:20  By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 

Heb 11:21  By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 

Heb 11:22  By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 

Heb 11:23  By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. 

Heb 11:24  By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 

Heb 11:25  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 

Heb 11:26  Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 

Heb 11:27  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 

Heb 11:28  Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 

Heb 11:29  By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 

Heb 11:30  By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 

Heb 11:31  By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 

Heb 11:32  And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 

Heb 11:33  Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 

Heb 11:34  Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 

Heb 11:35  Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 

Heb 11:36  And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 

Heb 11:37  They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 

Heb 11:38  (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 

Heb 11:39  And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 

Heb 11:40  God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. 

Day 8 of 30: God Answered

An example of one righteous man in history who prayed God's Word is Daniel.

Daniel was a man considered alongside Noah and Job (Ezekiel 14:14-20) by God.  Reading through the life of Daniel, you will see he was punished for persisting in praying to only His God and in victory faced the Lions.   

Daniels life reflects a life of prayer, and a God who answers those prayers.   Daniel, in our passage today (Daniel 9:1-19), begins by reading the Word of God, the prophecy of Jeremiah from 66 years before, and realizes the prophecy will be fulfilled soon as the 70 years is completed.

"'This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt,' declares the LORD, 'and will make it desolate forever.'" (Jeremiah 25:11-12; see also Jeremiah 29:10; 2 Chronicles 36:20-21 and Zechariah 1:12)

Daniel begins to pray for his people, intercede for them.  He begins to pray from the Word of God he was reading.  He knew God would keep His promise (Daniel 9:4)  The exile was to end in a few more years.  Daniel spoke that promise back to God in his prayer in Daniel Chapter 9.  

Daniel knew it was his people's own fault they were in the exile in the first place, because they continued to turn away from Him.  He also realized the people were still sinful and had not really changed.  God, though, had made a promise--70 years of exile.  

While reading this passage today, take note how Daniel prays for His people.  How can we learn from this prayer when praying for our nation, the world, our extended family members?  

What passages, promises of God, can you pray on behalf of the people in your life?  

Daniel's prayers were from the stand point of the Old Covenant (the Law), before we were bought and paid for with the life of Jesus Christ.  How might you pray for others, family, cities, and nations under the New Covenant?

Today's passage is Daniel 9:1-19 (KJV).

Dan 9:1  IN THE first year of Darius son of Ahasuerus, of the offspring of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans-- 

Dan 9:2  In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the books the number of years which, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass by before the desolations [which had been] pronounced on Jerusalem should end; and it was seventy years. [Jer. 25:11, 12; 29:10.] 

Dan 9:3  And I set my face to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes; 

Dan 9:4  And I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, Who keeps covenant, mercy, and loving-kindness with those who love Him and keep His commandments, 

Dan 9:5  We have sinned and dealt perversely and done wickedly and have rebelled, turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances. 

Dan 9:6  Neither have we listened to and heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. 

Dan 9:7  O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us confusion and shame of face, as at this day--to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, to those who are near and those who are far off, through all the countries to which You have driven them because of the [treacherous] trespass which they have committed against You. 

Dan 9:8  O Lord, to us belong confusion and shame of face--to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers--because we have sinned against You. 

Dan 9:9  To the Lord our God belong mercy and loving-kindness and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him; 

Dan 9:10  And we have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God by walking in His laws which He set before us through His servants the prophets. 

Dan 9:11  Yes, all Israel has transgressed Your law, even turning aside that they might not obey Your voice. Therefore the curse has been poured out on us and the oath that is written in the Law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against Him. [Lev. 26:14-45; Deut. 28:15-68.] 

Dan 9:12  And He has carried out intact His [threatening] words which He threatened against us and against our judges [the kings, princes, and rulers generally] who ruled us, and He has brought upon us a great evil; for under the whole heavens there has not been done before [anything so dreadful] as [He has caused to be] done against Jerusalem. 

Dan 9:13  Just as it is written in the Law of Moses as to all this evil [that would surely come upon transgressors], so it has come upon us. Yet we have not earnestly begged for forgiveness and entreated the favor of the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and have understanding and become wise in Your truth. [Deut. 4:29; 28:15ff.] 

Dan 9:14  Therefore the Lord has kept ready the calamity (evil) and has brought it upon us, for the Lord our God is [uncompromisingly] righteous and rigidly just in all His works which He does [keeping His word]; and we have not obeyed His voice. 

Dan 9:15  And now, O Lord our God, Who brought Your people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand and secured Yourself renown and a name as at this day, we have sinned, we have done wickedly! 

Dan 9:16  O Lord, according to all Your rightness and justice, I beseech You, let Your anger and Your wrath be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain. Because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people have become a reproach and a byword to all who are around about us. 

Dan 9:17  Now therefore, O our God, listen to and heed the prayer of Your servant [Daniel] and his supplications, and for Your own sake cause Your face to shine upon Your sanctuary which is desolate. 

Dan 9:18  O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and look at our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You for our own righteousness and justice, but for Your great mercy and loving-kindness. 

Dan 9:19  O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, give heed and act! Do not delay, for Your own sake, O my God, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.