John 3:31-36 (TPT)
31 “For the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks from the natural realm. But the One who comes from above is above everything and speaks of the highest realm of all! 32 His message is about what he has seen and experienced, even though people don’t accept it. 33 Yet those who embrace his message know in their hearts that it’s the truth.

34 “The One whom God has sent to represent him will speak the words of God, for God has poured out upon him the fullness of the Holy Spirit without limitation. [without measure] 35 The Father loves his Son so much that all things have been given into his hands.[all things/people/authority] 36 Those who trust in the Son possess eternal life; but those who don’t obey the Son will not see life, and God’s anger will rise up against them.”

In our passage today, John the Baptist tells his disciples about the need for them to now support Christ and his disciples; to be excited and joyful about the Savior and his followers increasing in influence. John reminds his disciples they have an earthly job to do to share the gospel, but it is always imperative to exalt the One who came from God and carries the fullness of the Spirit. As we trust in Christ and obey his Word, we too are given the fullness of the Spirit. However, we must choose to operate in the Spirit rather than in our human understanding—our flesh cannot understand the ways of the Spirit. When we invite the Spirit to fill us, we may release the work of the Spirit to bring spiritual health and healing to those around us. Certainly, we can engage in ministry in our flesh, but it will never accomplish what the work of the Spirit can do through us as we trust and obey the Word. The anointing of the Spirit brings freedom and unlimited power for redemption and restoration. Let us pray for the work of the Spirit in our hearts and through our lives. Praise God!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Gift of the Spirit; the limitless Spirit of eternal life and wholeness. I cling to and trust you in all things to guide my paths. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 Peter 4:7-11 (TPT) Prayer and Love
7 Since we are approaching the end of all things, be intentional, purposeful, and self-controlled so that you can be given to prayer.

8 Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins.

In our passage today, I am left pondering the intentional love of God laid down for us as his children. Therefore, it is our response to that love that we be equally as intentional, purposeful, and self-controlled with our commitment to pray for one another; all believers because Satan uses our human weakness for his advantage to get us to disobey God. Peter knows what it is like to be “sifted like wheat” by Satan and feel unworthy of the love of Christ, yet because of the restorative work of grace, he urges God’s children to focus on echoing God’s love as a protective act. The word “echo” is translated “to be so closely joined with something that you become its echo.” In other words, we become so connected to Christ that we replicate his forgiveness and love toward one another. Committing and growing in prayer and love are a part of getting us ready for Christ’s return, as well as serves as an enclosure (canopy) which covers and conceals our sin as the Spirit brings restoration from the inside out.

Prayer: Father, thank you for covering me with your love. Help me to use love to cover others while you are working deep within all your children. I want to be an encourager of your pure love while not being an enabler for promoting sinful acts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

May 25, 2020
1 Peter 4:1-5 (TPT) Living in the Grace of God
4 Since Christ, though innocent, suffered in his flesh for you, now you also must be a prepared soldier, [arm ourselves for a battle] having the same mind-set, [attitude—learn to think like Christ] for whoever has died in his body is done with sin. [after we have suffered in our flesh we are done with sin] 2 So live the rest of your earthly life no longer concerned with human desires but consumed with what brings pleasure to God. 3 For you have already spent enough time doing what unbelievers love to do—living in debauchery, sensuality, partying, drunkenness, wild drinking parties, and the worship of demons. [idolatry] 4 They marvel that you no longer rush to join them in the excesses of their corrupt lifestyles, and so they vilify you. 5 But one day they will have to give an account to the one who is destined to judge the living and the dead.

Today we celebrate Memorial Day. We remember the soldiers who gave their lives protecting our freedom. We thank God for them, honor their sacrifice, and pray God’s rewarding grace over them. As believers, we need to remember we are like soldiers, but we stand against the spiritual enemy—the power of sin—that comes to rob our spiritual freedom. We suffer as we lay our unrighteous desires and inclinations down; parts of us die, but after we have made the decision and stayed the course in our commitment to Christ, grace comes to liberate us and separate us from that which tries to destroy us. The Spirit of God sets us free, so we may live for his glory!

Prayer: Thank you Father, for sending some of your children to fight for our country’s freedom. Help me to never forget the price that was paid, so I could live and worship you. You desire to help me live fully human under divine leadership. So help me, by your grace, to step into the restoration process of remaking me in the image of Christ each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ephesians 2:1-7 (TPT) Made Alive with Christ
2 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

How deeply does God love you? Listen up! He loves you so much he found a way to raise you from dead living! All believers share in the likeness of his resurrection. In fact, you are an example to the world of the incredible wealth of God’s love, grace, and kindness. Therefore, out of a spirit of gratitude for all he has done for us, we respond by living in obedience to God. We stand against the devil, because obeying God has become the greatest desire of our hearts. Because of our connection to Christ, we are not subjected to God’s anger. Instead, he permeates our lives with the Spirit, so we may reveal to the world the depth of our love and worship.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your extravagant love, grace, and kindness toward me. I am so grateful for the blood of Jesus covering me and helping me live in a way that honors you.

Luke 24:44-53 (TPT)
44 Then he said to them, “Don’t you remember the words that I spoke to you when I was still with you? I told you that everything written about me would be fulfilled, including all the prophecies from the law of Moses through the Psalms and the writings of the prophets—that they would all find their fulfillment.”

45 He supernaturally unlocked their understanding to receive the revelation of the Scriptures, 46 then said to them, “Everything that has happened fulfills what was prophesied of me. Christ, the Messiah, was destined to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 Now you must go into all the nations and preach repentance [grace and conversion] and forgiveness of sins so that they will turn to me. Start right here in Jerusalem. 48 For you are my witnesses and have seen for yourselves all that has transpired. 49 And I will send the fulfillment of the Father’s promise [the Holy Spirit] to you. So stay here in the city until the mighty power of heaven falls upon you and wraps around you.”

The Ascension of Jesus
50 Jesus led his disciples out to Bethany. He lifted his hands over them and blessed them in his love. 51 While he was still speaking out words of love and blessing, he floated off the ground into the sky, ascending into heaven before their very eyes! 52 And all they could do was worship him.

Overwhelmed and ecstatic with joy, they made their way back to Jerusalem. 53 Every day they went to the temple, praising and worshiping God.

When we read the Word of God sometimes we struggle to understand the meaning for our lives, because we try to make sense of things from a purely human point of view. However, the Word of God—spoken through Christ—is described as spirit and life, so we need help spiritually processing the Word. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to make the Word alive to our spirits by bringing forth revelation (communicating divine Truth).

In our passage today, the disciples are having trouble putting all the pieces together regarding Christ, so he supernaturally unlocks their human understanding and helps them receive revelation. Christ—the Anointed One—does the same thing for us as we connect. The Lord was there in the beginning, hung on the cross to make repentance a way of life, commissions believers to help others turn toward salvation in the power of the Spirit, and will one day return for his faithful. He knows the WHOLE story, because he wrote it. So whatever you face today, he is able to lead you through it; the revelation of Christ is your Guide. Let the love of Christ wrap the power of heaven around you, today, as you live the Word. Then turn to tell someone else about the goodness of God. Praise God for today we celebrate Ascension Day; Christ is exalted, sits at the right hand of the Father, and rules as Lord of All! Hallelujah!

Prayer: Lord, unlock my understanding each day in the Spirit to help me make the connections that will lead me into abundant life. As well, help me share those revelations with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 16:16-24 (TPT)
16 Soon you won’t see me any longer, but then, after a little while, you will see me in a new way.”

17 Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean, ‘Soon you won’t see me,’ and, ‘A little while after that and you will see me in a new way’? And what does he mean, ‘Because I’m going to my Father’?” 18 So they kept on repeating, “What’s the meaning of ‘a little while’? We have no clue what he’s talking about!”

19 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and it was obvious that they were anxious to ask him what he had meant, so he spoke up and said, 20 “Let me make it quite clear: You will weep and be overcome with grief over what happens to me. The unbelieving world will be happy, while you will be filled with sorrow. But know this, your sadness will turn into joy when you see me again! 21 Just like a woman giving birth experiences intense labor pains in delivering her baby, yet after the child is born she quickly forgets what she went through because of the overwhelming joy of knowing that a new baby has been born into the world.

22 “So will you also pass through a time of intense sorrow when I am taken from you, but you will see me again! And then your hearts will burst with joy, with no one being able to take it from you! 23 For here is eternal truth: When that time comes you won’t need to ask me for anything, but instead you will go directly to the Father and ask him for anything you desire and he will give it to you, because of your relationship with me.24 Until now you’ve not been bold enough to ask the Father for a single thing in my name,[to ask in the fullness of I AM] but now you can ask, and keep on asking him! And you can be sure that you’ll receive what you ask for, and your joy will have no limits!

In our passage today, Jesus wants to help his disciples better understand what is about to happen; Jesus is going to die a physical death on the cross for the sins of humanity in order to save believers from spiritual death and eternal separation from God. Following the resurrection and ascension of Christ, the Father will send the Spirit of Christ to be the saving spiritual life within those who will receive his Gift by faith. The Father does not want anyone to perish, but he requires faith in Christ and cooperation with the Spirit. Ponder this reality; Immanuel is being formed and should be growing within believers. We now see Christ in a new way; in the core or womb of our being we carry the Savior and it is the work of the Holy Spirit to reveal the divine presence guiding us. We labor by faith for the Spirit to exalt Christ in us by obeying the Word and sacrificing our own selfish inclinations. Together as believers we are the Church and we labor to reveal Christ in our lives to the world. For this reason, it is essential that we grow up in Christ.

Prayer: Father, thank you for salvation in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Help me to cooperate with your plan for my salvation. Give me a heart for sharing your love with others. Open my eyes to see your presence within me and lead me to reveal the beauty of your presence to those around me by how I live. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 Peter 3:8-12 (NLV) Teaching for All Christians

8 Last of all, you must share the same thoughts and the same feelings. Love each other with a kind heart and with a mind that has no pride. 9 When someone does something bad to you, do not do the same thing to him. When someone talks about you, do not talk about him. Instead, pray that good will come to him. You were called to do this so you might receive good things from God. 10 For “If you want joy in your life and have happy days, keep your tongue from saying bad things and your lips from talking bad about others. 11 Turn away from what is sinful. Do what is good. Look for peace and go after it. 12 The Lord watches over those who are right with Him. He hears their prayers. But the Lord is against those who sin.”

God comes with expectations for those who belong to him. He expects us to remain connected in his love; to care deeply about one another, as well as grow. We are to model the love, concern, and kindness of our Lord. This passage today is written to believers in order to teach them how to treat other believers. Spiritual maturity and leadership come to mind for me. The truly mature believer realizes his or her call to model righteousness even when immature believers operate in his or her flesh (sin). Maturity calls us to confront the offending believer in love then turn to pray and speak blessings over those who have mistreated us. We are to express unlimited forgiveness. When Peter was upset with a spiritual family member, he went to Jesus and asked, “How many times do I have to forgive my fellow believer who keeps offending me? Seven times?” Jesus answered, “Not seven times, Peter, but seventy times seven times! (Matt. 18:21-22). At first glance this may seem unfair, but God uses the immaturity in others to work for the maturity of his leaders. “It takes a grinding wheel to sharpen a blade, and so one person sharpens the character of another” (Pro. 27:17).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sharpening my character as I seek to love everyone around me. I realize some will be easy to love and some will not, but help me to pray and speak blessings over all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 14:27 (TPT)
27 “I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!”

The gift of peace Jesus leaves with us reflects a sense of wholeness; a characteristic of the messianic kingdom. If we are submitting our souls (mind/will/emotions) to the Spirit of peace, we cannot also yield to fear. It is not possible to submit to both peace and fear at the same time, because they originate from two entirely opposite spiritual realms—we must choose our master. God has not given us a spirit of fear and the love imparted by God to believers has the ability to drive out fear (2 Tim. 1:7, 1 John 4:18). If we are going to live our lives in the wholeness of God, we will need to exercise courage—confidence in God’s perfect love for us. When we operate courageously, we are not deterred by fear. Remember, it is God’s good pleasure to give us the Kingdom (Luke 12:32). So, be careful not to yield to fear; rather, be courageous in your living and know God is with you wherever you go.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the courage to live in the midst of challenging times and thank you for the peace that occupies my spirit, soul, and body. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 Peter 3:13-15a Suffering for Doing Good
13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.

In our passage today, Peter challenges us, as Christians, to truly love one another. When people insult or mistreat us, we are to turn and bless them. That is a challenge isn’t it? Our tongues are not to engage in evil slander of others; it is the work of evil and God turns his face against those who do it! God sees when we do the right thing in loving others especially when the right thing is not happening to us.

A big issue for humanity right now (in the midst of Covid-19) is the abuse of power and the tongue is leading the way. Intimidation is used to gain control over others. Many times it functions under the pretense of caring for people. Intimidation is defined as: the act of making others timid or fearful by either “real or implied threats.” At the core of an intimidator is a self-serving agenda for power. When we read Scripture, we are able to identify both the intimidators and the true leaders, because God has revealed their hearts to us by letting us observe their actions. The Pharisees were intimidators and Jesus who is love incarnate never agreed with them or their tactics. In fact, he rebuked them and ticked them off. Remember, true leaders are always extending wisdom tools that build hope while empowering and encouraging others toward a better future.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the assurance that you see when I suffer for doing what is right. Help me to be diligent as I prepare people for the future. Cause me to operate in love rather than fear. Help me to be a source of encouragement and empowerment for your Kingdom and glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 66:8-20 The Voice
8 
Everyone, bless our True God!
    Let praise-filled voices be heard near and far—at home and on foreign soil!
9 
Praise the One who gives us life and keeps us safe,
    who does not allow us to stumble in the darkness.
10 
For You have put us to the test, O God;
    You have refined us as silver is refined.
11 
You trapped us with a snare;
    You have laid upon our backs a heavy burden.
12 
You allowed us to be conquered and let our enemies run over us.
    We journeyed through dangers, through fire and flood,
But You led us finally to a safe place, a land rich and abundant.

God goes to great lengths in order to bring his people into salvation and deliverance from evil; he does so while extending us freedom of choice. Our passage this morning is a great example of how God loves us and allows us to choose our master. Satan desires to tempt (lure) us into his evil bidding and foolish living in order to later beat us down and destroy our lives. God protects us while testing us during our journey through the wilderness of foolish living. His purpose for allowing such experiences is so we will know and recognize the Truth of his wisdom in contrast to the foolishness of evil. When we know the Truth, we will choose, invite, and trust the Lord to lead our lives into the eternal abundance his wisdom. The psalmist understood the journey and praised God—the Giver of Life and Wisdom—for it. Can we end by focusing on the word “finally?” Truth is not that the Lord “finally” chose to lead us into abundance. Rather, Truth is that we “finally” turned from evil, chose to make Christ Lord of our lives, and that decision opened the door to his eternal goodness that he desired for us from the beginning.

Prayer: I praise you, Almighty God, for your amazing goodness and wisdom leading my life. Thank you for your protection, refining process, and power that guides me toward the Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.