Your Prayer Room is Your War Room

Your prayer room is where the warrior does battle against the unseen powers of the spiritual realm. Pray earnestly to your Father with a sincere heart. Answers may come in quite unusual ways, but He always hears and responds for your best.

July's Message, Day 1:

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-8 NIV

If you've seen the movie, then you already know it. Your prayer room is in fact your "War Room." We wrestle, remember, not against flesh, but against the evil powers of the spiritual realm. Pray like a warrior, succinct and simple is powerful. Eloquence and many words are not required unless you feel led by the Spirit to do so. God in fact knows precisely all the circumstances and what needs to be done, but He dearly loves to hear your prayers as they are a sweet incense to Him. Just pray as best you can according to His Word, His will, and His ways, often impossible to fully know, but simply have a sincere heart and mind and tell your Father what you're feeling. He's always there and hears, even if answers are delayed or seem to never come, and look for answers that come in quite different ways than expected. Pray persistently like a warrior and battles will be won.

Pray, Praise, and Confess

Our prayers should be powerful, effective, and healing. We need to pray diligently, praise Him wholeheartedly, and confess and repent of our sins sincerely. Freedom from the bondage of sin is a remarkable and miraculous thing.

June's Message, Day 30:

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16 NIV

Three very powerful spiritual principles are mentioned here, and if done consistently and appropriately, bring about both spiritual and physical healing, in a most effective way. The three principles are: prayer, praise, and confession. Please note that final sentence, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Righteous is the key word, and the two most important ways to become righteous is to continually acknowledge and praise God with your whole spirit and in sincere truth; and to wholeheartedly confess and turn from your sins. To confess and repent, means to acknowledge and turn away from that which is contrary to God, and all sin is contrary to God. Confess to Him first, and if you have a trusted spiritual companion, confess it to them, too. Confessing and repenting frees ourselves from that burdensome sin and releases God's grace of forgiveness. Freedom from the power of sin is freedom indeed, and that freedom is powerful, and effective, and healing.

Pray Fearlessly

Be fearless, live fearlessly, and pray fearlessly. Let God's Spirit guide and direct your words to bring about His good and perfect will. It's not always about what you want or think is best, but it's always about Him. If Jesus deferred to the will of the Father, don't you think you should, too?

June's Message, Day 29:

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:18-20 NIV

To be most effective, we need to pray according to God's will and ways. The trouble, however, is that we oftentimes are not quite certain what God's will precisely is for any given situation. We as humans, are very short-sighted and see things only from our limited and imperfect human perspective, not God's perfect and all-knowing perspective. That's one reason why we have the Holy Spirit within us - to help us and guide us in our prayers and petitions. Sometimes we just need to let God's Spirit take the reins and guide the words of our prayers. It may seem a bit odd sometimes, but the Holy Spirit always knows how to pray and intercede, and the spoken word has great power, whether we understand it all or not. Be guided by the Spirit in your prayer and in all things, and like Paul, you can become fearless in prayer, fearless in your testimony, fearless in proclaiming the Gospel, and living a fearless life. When guided and living by His Spirit, there is no fear, just great strength and effectiveness. 

The Warrior Wrestles in Prayer

Epaphras, not a particularly well known Biblical character, but God knows him well. He was a prayer warrior, a prayer wrestler, an interceder who stood in the gap, and witnessed God's miracles unfold in the lives of others. We all need an Epaphras in our court, and better still, maybe you should be one like him.

June's Message, Day 28:

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. Colossians 4:12 NIV

Don't you wish you had an Epaphras always wrestling and interceding in prayer for you? So that day in and day out you would be empowered to stand firm in God's will, to be spiritually mature, and fully assured of all God's provision and promises? We all need an Epaphras on our team, in our prayer circle, one who willingly stands in the gap for the well-being of others. Better still, maybe you are an Epaphras, or maybe you should be? Maybe God has put that calling on your life, to be the prayer warrior who never backs down, knows that God answers prayer, and one who has the faith to move mountains. There is nothing more gratifying than to see prayer answered in powerful ways. It doesn't take eloquence, it just takes a willing heart to pray and ask for God's hand to move on the behalf of others. Be a prayer warrior, be a prayer wrestler, be an Epaphras and witness the miracles of God firsthand. What a blessing that truly is.

Pray Like Jesus

Pray like Jesus did. Fervently, passionately, effectively, and frequently. If it was deemed essential to Jesus, how much more so for us? 

June's Message, Day 27:

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Hebrews 5:7 NIV

Read that again. Jesus, the Son of God, perfect and without sin, setting His divinity aside and acting as man, offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to God the Father, on a daily basis and most notably on the night in which He was betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus, the God-Man, set Himself aside and deferred in reverent submission to God the Father in all things to bring about our salvation and God's plan and perfect will. Jesus often, probably daily or even multiple times a day, went off alone to pray and did everything according to the Father's will. The point should be clear. If Jesus felt it was essential to commune with God the Father that frequently, that fervently, and that passionately, on a daily basis, how much more so do you think our prayer and communication with Him is essential? Jesus is our life example in all things, and He has given us these word pictures to guide and direct our lives. Pray often, pray fervently, pray passionately. Take time to talk and listen to God. 

Are You Working for Your Inheritance?

For Sunday:  It’s time to be bold, it’s time to answer the call, and it’s time to be in persistent prayer. He wants to bestow bountiful blessings upon you. You need an understanding mind, a willing spirit, and a humble and sincere heart.

June's Message, Day 26: For Sunday

Today just pray and contemplate the wonders and majesty of our God. Maybe you need to ask for strength to continue His ministry, or maybe you need to answer His call to serve Him, or maybe you just need to be more diligent in your prayer and focus on how you can do more for Him. Your double portion is within reach, you just have to ask, answer, and pray.

Day 20:

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him, Psalm 145:8,13,14,17-20a NIV

Day 21:

Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. Isaiah 61:7-8 NIV

Day 22:

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 2 Kings 2:9-11 NIV

Day 23:

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 1 Kings 3:5,9-14 NIV

Day 24:

But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

1 Samuel 1:5,10,11,20 NIV

Day 25:

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26 NIV

He wants to doubly bless you, and He wants to use you mightily in His service. What is the Divine Whisper saying to your heart? Are you answering His call to ministry and service?

Every Name in All Creation

Look to the stars, myriad in number, He knows each by name. He knows you even better, and had His mind on you before He even made it all. What an awesome God we serve.

June's Message, Day 25:

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26 NIV

He created every star, calls each of them by name, and knows precisely their location in the heavens. How much more does He love us and knows each of us by name, and numbers the very hairs on our head. We serve an awesome God, all-knowing and all-powerful, yet to each of us, His children, He is also patient, loving, merciful, and gracious beyond compare. When you lift up your eyes and view the majesty of the heavens and all the infinite complexity and beauty of all creation, remember that He had you in mind even before He made it all.

Persistently Pray and He'll Make a Way

Hannah persistently prayed with a humble heart. Solomon answered the call with a noble request. Elisha boldly asked to be mightily used by God to do His ministry. If your heart is right and you're willing to be devoted to the Lord's service, your double portion inheritance might just be waiting on His wings.

June's Message, Day 24:

But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” 1 Samuel 1:5,10,11,20 NIV

Hannah was blessed with all she needed, but the one thing that eluded her was having a son, and that was her single heart's desire. She prayed earnestly for that son and vowed to dedicate him to the Lord for all his days to be in His service. Hannah's heart had sincere intent and motivation, and yes, with just a little joy wanted to fulfil herself. The Lord saw her heart and answered her prayer, and Samuel became a powerful priest and prophet.

So what can we learn from these three double portion scenarios? Well, you might be bold like Elisha and simply with a righteous heart ask for a double portion to continue doing the work of the Lord's ministry. Or, you may just answer God's call on your life to serve Him, like Solomon, knowing that He'll provide everything you need and so much more to accomplish His will through your life. Finally, you may just have to persevere and be persistent in your prayers, like Hannah, knowing that what you may be desiring, may very well be what God's looking for, too. Boldly ask, answer His call, persistently pray. If your heart is right and what you desire can be used mightily by God, He just may doubly bless you with your double portion inheritance from the King.

A Noble Answer Deserves a Double Portion

Answer God's call in a humble and noble way, and you just may get a double portion of what you need and so much more. He's just waiting to lavish it all on you.

June's Message, Day 23:

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 1 Kings 3:5,9-14 NIV

Here we see God asking young king Solomon what his heart's desire would be. Once more we see a sincere and properly motivated heart, and God responding in the affirmative. Note that not only did God grant Solomon's request for a discerning heart to govern his people, but God gave Solomon a double portion of this Godly wisdom, such that, "There will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be." Solomon has exclusivity for all time as to his ability to govern with discerning wisdom. That's immensely remarkable in and of itself, but there's so much more. Because of Solomon's humble and noble request, God also doubly blessed Solomon with what he didn't ask for - wealth and honor, and again in such double portion fashion that during his lifetime, Solomon had no equal matching his wealth or honor among the kings of that time. Now that's God's way of divvying out a double portion. God gave Solomon a double portion of what he asked for, wisdom, rivaling none throughout all time, and a double portion of what he didn't ask for, wealth and honor, rivaling none of that time. Amazing, how our God will doubly bless us, if we just answer His call in a humble and unselfish way.

Ask for a Double Portion

If you ask with a sincere heart and the right motivation for a double portion inheritance to do the work of God, you just might get it. Let the apprentice exceed his master, let our children out-perform us, and may the next generation bring about greater accomplishment for the Kingdom of God than we could ever imagine.

June's Message, Day 22:

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 2 Kings 2:9-11 NIV

What an amazing scene! Can you imagine seeing your mentor being taken up to heaven (raptured) on a horse-drawn chariot, all ablaze with God's holy fire, in a whirlwind, no less? But Elijah was not the first person raptured up to heaven, as we see in Genesis 5:24 (NIV), "Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." I don't think Enoch's rapture was quite as spectacular as Elijah's, but then again, only God knows.

As Elijah's prophet apprentice, Elisha was not being selfish by asking to inherit a double portion of Elijah's spirit, but with a sincere and properly motivated heart, was just asking for the opportunity to carry on Elijah's prophet ministry for God in a most powerful way. God most certainly granted his request. We often think of Elijah as God's quintessential prophet, and for good reason. He is noteworthy for many miracles, especially calling down fire from heaven to consume the sacrificial offering in the battle with the prophets of Baal, and also the raising of a dead boy to life. But we often overlook the prophet ministry of his apprentice, Elisha, who actually did receive a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit and was able to perform more miracles than his master, including bringing two people back to life. The apprentice outdid his master, with a double portion of his inheritance. So, if you ask for "double" with a sincere heart and motivation to do the work of God, you just might be doubly blessed by God to do just that. Mentors, pray that your young apprentices exceed your expectations and accomplish more than you ever could yourself. Parents, pray that your children receive their "double portion" and reach milestones that you could only dream about. Pray, all of us, that the next generation receives their double portion inheritance and changes this world to a place where God's righteousness reigns. 

Doubly Blessed Children of God

No shame, no disgrace, just a double portion of His inheritance and everlasting joy. It's great to be a child of the King, our Loving Father, the Lord Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth.

June's Message, Day 21:

Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. Isaiah 61:7-8 NIV

In the Bible, a double portion of the father's possessions went to the firstborn son as his inheritance. The other sons would receive a single portion as their inheritance. So being firstborn and a double portion go hand-in-hand. Christ is called God's firstborn, firstborn over all creation, and firstborn from the dead. We the church of believers, are also a type of firstborn of Christ. Therefore, God wants to bless us doubly, exchanging our sin and shame for life eternal, and exchanging our disgrace for joy in our double inheritance of everything He has for us. God's supply is limitless, and none can fathom what treasures He has in store for us who love Him. Stand firm in your inheritance from God, as you are a doubly blessed child of the Almighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth.

This is Our God

Turn to Him for every concern and need. He is trustworthy, faithful, and true. He is always there for you, never forsaking or leaving you. That's who our God is.

June's Message, Day 20:

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him, Psalm 145:8,13,14,17-20a NIV

This is a great Psalm to keep filed in your mind so you can refer to it often. It reminds us of every good thing that the Lord is and does for us. Whatever your need, whatever your state of mind, whatever your circumstances, He is always there for you, to help you, to give you peace, to show you His love, to bring you His joy, to provide for your needs, to reassure you in times of sorrow and pain, and to give you the strength to carry on. He is trustworthy, faithful, and true in all that He is and all that He does. Be at peace and put your heart at ease, for He is always with you and will never forsake you. 

Men of God

For Sunday:  Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there striving to be all that they can be for God, for their spouse, for themselves, and for their children. It’s a daunting task to be that godly man of character, but never look back, move constantly forward and towards the better, and one day you’ll look at the man in the mirror and be truly amazed at what God has done.

June's Message, Day 19: For Sunday, Father's Day

It's time men, to break the chains of bondage that are keeping you from becoming the godly man of character that God wants you to be, and to be the Christ-like loving husband and father that you know you can be. It starts with just two things: prayer, for God to help and empower you, and reading His Word, to let it change and transform you. The pain remains until you change.

Day 13:

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17 NIV

And:

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. John 15:26 NIV

And:

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13 NIV

Day 14:

Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 14:9 NIV

Day 15:

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Revelation 3:17-18 NIV

Day 16:

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7 NIV

Day 17:

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:19-21 NIV

Day 18:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:25-28,31,33 NIV

The Divine Whisper is always there to help you, empower you, transform you, and mold and shape you like clay in the hands of the Potter. Just be the clay.

Love Your Wife as Christ Loves You

Husbands, love your wife as Christ loves you, sacrificially unto death. There is nothing more important than the vibrancy and sanctity of the marriage union.

June's Message, Day 18:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:25-28,31,33 NIV

The New Testament frequently speaks metaphorically about the marriage between Christ, the groom, and the church, His bride. All believers from the time of Christ onward are part of the church. There is no greater love than that which Christ sacrificially gave of His life for us. In the same way, husbands, you are to unconditionally and sacrificially love your wife. That means putting her and her needs first, caring for, respecting and honoring, and loving her so deeply, more than yourself, so as to willing give up your life for her if need be. That's Christ's love for us, and husbands, Jesus expects no less from you toward your spouse. So husbands, here is the hierarchy in the expression of your love: God first, wife second, self third, children forth, then all other family members and others. There is nothing more sacred than the marriage union and commitment to each other, surpassing your responsibility to your children. Couples often put children ahead of the marriage union to the detriment of the marriage. This is understandable, but couples, if your marriage is in turmoil so too, will be your children. Husbands, if your hierarchy is amiss, you need to get it right. This is God's expectation, your responsibility, and if not in order, your relationships will always go awry. 

Men of Godly Character

Men, you can truly be the man of godly character that God wants you to be. Get right with God. Get yourself in order. All your relationships will improve if you do. Respect and honor come by being a godly man of character, not by demanding it.

June's Message, Day 17:

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:19-21 NIV

Men, we are admonished by the Lord to be loving, caring, compassionate, patient, supportive, and understanding towards our spouses, parents, and children. We are to lead by example in our words and deeds, in our relationship with God, and in our interpersonal relationships. We should be encouragers and positive supporters, not belittling or crass or negative or suppressive or oppressive. We should guide and direct with godly wisdom and character. Respect and honor come to us by living in this way, not by demanding it. The best way to be one of authority is to exercise power in well-controlled and beneficial ways. The single most important thing you can do to improve your relationship with your spouse, family, and children is to work daily on your relationship with God. Finally, keep working on yourself. Pray each day for God to help and empower you to become the godly man of character that He wants and knows you can be. You can be that man. 

Rib to Rib

Let nothing hinder your prayers. Husbands and men, you are called to be the spiritual head of the household and you have direct accountability to Christ. Seek the best of counsel, that of your spouse, and heed it. Two have become one.

June's Message, Day 16:

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7 NIV

Men, for the next couple days these messages are directed at you. Ladies, now might be a good time to encourage the man in your life to actually read a message or two.

Men, we are first and foremost called to be considerate and respectful in every way to not only our spouses, but to all women, treating them each as if they were our mother or sister or daughter. It would be a very good thing to always keep that in the forefront of your mind. As to the "weaker partner," I might say only in the sense of absolute physical strength, but in no other way are they weaker, and in many unique ways, stronger. God chose to create Eve from the rib of Adam, his side, the middle of his body, not his head to be over him, and not his foot to be under him, but from his side to be equal and complementary to him. We were designed by God to be bone of the same bone, side by side, hand in hand, hip to hip, joined together to be one. One heart, one mind, in one accord, two in unity. We were not made to be mirror images of each other, but to be unique in our respective attributes so as to be complementary to each other, one filling the voids in the other, one whose strengths override the other's weaknesses. Each, as complete individuals, but better together still. The power of two in one.

Finally, I hope you didn't miss it, tucked in there at the end of the verse, "So that nothing will hinder your prayers." Men, the buck stops with you and you have direct accountability to Christ Himself. It is your responsibility to have yourself in order and your household in order. You are called to be the spiritual head of the family, and that responsibility rests solely on you. Seek your spouse's counsel in everything and heed it, but it is you, in the end, who is accountable to Christ. If it seems as if your prayers are hindered, then start the checklist with you. 

Are You Running in the Right Race?

The last thing you want to do is end up at the finish line being wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. If pride and Ego have taken the place of God in your life, it's time for an abrupt change. You're running in the wrong race. You need Him.

June's Message, Day 15:

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Revelation 3:17-18 NIV

A frank, harsh, reality check delivered by Jesus Himself, to those of us who have shunned God for the praise and delight of Ego. It isn't just simply about having wealth, but more so the mindset that, "I don't need God." It's the, "I'm smarter, stronger, better, faster, more talented, better looking, already have everything I need, and can do it all on my own," attitude. With all that, "Why on earth would I need God?" Well, it's simple, you're blinded by, and living in the lie of pride. You can have all that and be all that, but without God, the reality is that you're wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus' own words. Don't fall into the same trap that turned Lucifer into Satan. Pride is insidiously and parasitically destructive. You need Him.

It's How You Finish the Race and Where It's Taken You

The righteous walk in His ways and will be rewarded. The rebellious stumble and fall and will ultimately lose the race. It's all about how you finish and where the race has taken you.

June's Message, Day 14:

Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 14:9 NIV

Living each day, walking in His ways, the way of truth, will ultimately bring honor and success to you. Though the journey may be long and tough, victory will come. We have seen over and over again, that our God loves His children to walk in the light of His Word, His ways, and His will. Just as we as parents, revel and delight in our children being obedient, well-behaved, and showing godly character. Righteous character is rewarded and prized, but rebellious character will always bring conflict, lost opportunities, instability, and ultimately dishonor. The rebellious may appear to be outwardly and temporarily successful and possessing it all, but what truly matters is how the race is finished and where the race has taken you. Remember, it is better to lose it all here and gain eternity, than to have it all here and lose a heavenly eternity.

Our Advocate, the Spirit of Truth

Our Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom I call the "Divine Whisper," dwells within us to show us all truth and to direct us through it. We just have to have spiritual ears to hear His still small voice and be obedient to it.

June's Message, Day 13:

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17 NIV

And:

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. John 15:26 NIV

And:

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13 NIV

God is truth and His Word is truth. God reveals His truth to us both through His written Word and as Himself through the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, the Spirit of Truth. All believers have access to the Holy Spirit for He resides within you, forever. As Jesus said, the Holy Spirit reveals to us the truth of God and guides us in and through it, notably by pointing to the finished work of Christ on the Cross. Our Trinity God is three-in-one as a unity, one essence but as three unique persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each display uniqueness in what they do. One God in three persons, if you will. That is why we see the Holy Spirit testifying and pointing to Christ, our Savior, the God-Man, and Christ always points and directs us to the Father, who sends us the Holy Spirit. They are all one God, but interact and work uniquely as three persons of their one essence of being. God is obviously complex and beyond human comprehension, and that is precisely why the Holy Spirit dwells within us to help make sense of it all, so we know Him and His truth all the better.

Freedom in His Truth

For Sunday:  Be God’s person of noble character, who knows His truth and lives in it. Be contagious and spread His truth to all you meet. Be known as a godly person of truth and integrity. This world is in short supply and dire need of people just like you.

June's Message, Day 12: For Sunday

Break free from the bondage of the lies of this world. Know Him and His truth and live in the light of His Word. Let your reputation be one of noble character and integrity. Go viral and spread the Good News of His truth.

Day 6:

But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand. Isaiah 32:8 NIV

Day 7:

So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance;

truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Isaiah 59:14 NIV

Day 8:

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord. Zechariah 8:16-17 NIV

Day 9:

They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him. Mark 12:14-17 NIV

Day 10:

Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. John 7:16-18 NIV

Day 11:

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 NIV

And:

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 NIV

The Divine Whisper always speaks truth. You just have to listen and pay attention. Wash your mind and cleanse your heart with His truth and never let truth leave you.

He and His Word Are Truth

His truth and His Word will set you free. The "truth" of this world is often just assumptions, ideas, or theories. If the truth of this world is all you know, one day you'll be distraught to find out you've been living in bondage to a lie.

June's Message, Day 11:

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 NIV

And:

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 NIV

What is truth? Pilate asked Jesus this very question on the day of His crucifixion (John 18:37-38 NIV), and the same question plagues us still today, even with all our knowledge and advances in technology. It plagues us because one must understand that truth does not come from technology or science or the knowledge and understanding of man. Science and our understanding of it all are based on assumptions which may or may not be true. "Facts", are more often assumptions, ideas, or theories, not necessarily truth. Jesus answered the question of truth loud and clear. Truth comes only from God, the One who knows it all and made it all, and through His revealed Word. The truth will set you free, but you must learn it from Him and His Word. If you're relying on the world to give you its facts and "truth", you, at some point, will be sadly disappointed, misled, and held in bondage to a lie.

Let Truth Precede You

Be God's person of truth. Bring glory to God by doing His will. Truth always wins in the end and you'll never feel guilty or ashamed along the way. Let your good reputation precede you.

June's Message, Day 10:

Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. John 7:16-18 NIV

The person of truth seeks to glorify God, not self. To follow God and to serve God and to do the will of God is to be that person of truth. Although this truth does not immediately bring recognition, in due time it will. Not only will God recognize you as one of truth, but your fellow man with see it and know it, too. Godly character and integrity always win in the end, and you won't ever feel guilty or ashamed along the way. Let your good reputation speak for itself. Always do the right thing, and great will be your reward, both here and in heaven.

Integrity and Truth

Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and give unto God what is God's. Truth and integrity speak clearest when doing so puts our self at risk.


June's Message, Day 9:
They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him. Mark 12:14-17 NIV

 Godly truth and integrity are not swayed by the whims of man, nor political correctness, nor the current societal ideology. Truth is simply righteous correctness in all regards, even if being truthful is not to your gain or advantage. Truth and integrity speak clearly when saying and doing so puts yourself at risk for punishment. That's truth and that's integrity, regardless of who knows besides yourself and regardless of the consequences you may face. We must do what we must do, we must follow the laws of our governing bodies, and we must be respectful of those in authority. Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and give unto God what is God's. We are called to be obedient citizens and if there are things that need to be changed, there are proper ways and channels to do just that. Remember, exercise your freedoms while performing your duties. Freedom is never free.

Be Contagious

One can make a difference. One can be contagious. Start at home and take it everywhere you go. Truth, justice, righteousness, and honesty. Be a blessing and spread it like the plague.

June's Message, Day 8:

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord. Zechariah 8:16-17 NIV

Yes, here it's said once again; truth, justice and righteousness, and honesty. Imagine if we could all muster up these characteristics and use them in our interactions with each other daily. Sounds almost like heaven. But God desires for us to do just that each day in our interactions here on earth. Speak the truth. Render true and sound judgment that is unbiased. Have an attitude of blessings toward everyone. Be honest in all your dealings with others. It just takes one to start it off, it just takes one to keep it going, it just takes one to make it contagious. Start at home, take it to the office, bring it everywhere you go. Be a contagious Christian of noble character and let it spread and take hold of everyone you meet.

Deep Inside Your Heart

Where is justice and righteousness? Where can truth and honesty be found? Timeless questions with a simple answer. They reside deep in your own heart. It's time to set them free.

June's Message, Day 7:

So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Isaiah 59:14 NIV

Written a few thousand years ago, these words from Isaiah sound as if they were written for the world today. The bottom line, as Solomon said, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV) Fallen people are fallen people, troubled societies are troubled societies, and back then, they experienced all the strife and turmoil that we do now. Where is justice and righteousness to be found? Where have truth and honesty hidden themselves? The answer is simple, but you must look deep. First and foremost, those noble qualities reside in the One who made us. Secondly, those same qualities reside deep within the hidden chasms and crevices of our hearts. They've just been chained and sequestered, longing to be free, but kept in captivity by sin and the stress and strife of life. So if you find yourself asking the question, "Where have these noble qualities gone, and where could they possibly be found?", the answer lies deep within your own heart. They are there, waiting to be set free, longing to change the status quo and make this world a better place. Yes, the answer lives within you.

Noble Character Stands Out

To be a cut above the rest means you have to live the noble life, in thoughts, words, actions, and deeds. If you consistently display exemplary character, you'll always stand out from the crowd.

June's Message, Day 6:

But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand. Isaiah 32:8 NIV

To be noble is to be distinguished from the normal, a status above the rest. Noble character itself is an exalted moral and mental state of excellence. It is admirable dignity in the way in which a person conducts every aspect of their being. It is attitudes and behaviors that are noteworthy, outstanding, exceptional, and exemplary. If you have true noble character, you will be known as one who is renowned, acclaimed, and distinguished. Do you remember, "The Proverbs 31 Woman, The Wife of Noble Character"? That's noble. And that's what we are all called to be and can be through Him. Stand out from the crowd and live the noble life. Be the one known as the best of the best. 

He Goes Before You and Wins

For Sunday:  Be a positive influencer and difference-maker. Let His character show through and enable you to create change that brings hope to the lost and needy of this wrecked world. Remember, the battle is the Lord’s.

June's Message, Day 5: For Sunday

Let God fight and win your battles. Your job is to conduct yourself as His envoy, representing Him with the best of character and integrity. Then the world can never hold anything against you.

Day 30:

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV

And:

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 NIV

And:

For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4 NIV

Day 31:

It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. Psalm 44:3 NIV

And:

In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. Psalm 45:4 NIV

Day 1:

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8 NIV

Day 2:

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace. 2 Corinthians 1:12 NIV

Day 3:

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12 NIV

Day 4:

Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. Romans 13:2-4a NIV

The One who fights for you and wins, lives within you. Let the Divine Whisper go before you, but also make sure you're following hard after.

Exercise Your Freedoms, Perform Your Duties

Be obedient to authority, but also be willing to bring about positive change. Exercise your freedoms, while you're performing your duties. We can have it both ways.

June's Message, Day 4:

Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. Romans 13:2-4a NIV

God has ordained and instituted every position of authority from the world leaders to each of us as individual leaders in our homes. We live in social networks and the proper functioning of these networks is essential for our well-being. Yes, it is difficult to be politically correct all the time and difficult to live in such a fallen world with so many things going wrong. Yet, still, so many things are right. We are called to be obedient to authority, but that doesn't mean we don't have recourse when things go awry. We are fortunate in this country that we can vote, petition, write letters of complaint, and have multiple channels available to us to make things right. One person can make a difference. Exercise your freedoms while performing your duties and responsibilities. That's what has made our nation great. We can have it both ways. Just make sure it's done right, in the right way, going through the proper channels. Be a person of character and integrity that will bring about positive change. 

Say Yes with Kindness

Just try it. Love your enemies. Turn the other cheek. Kill them with kindness. Look past the negative and see not the retaliation, but the hurt and frustration. Let it go and let peace and joy reign in your heart and mind.

June's Message, Day 3:

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12 NIV

"Love your enemies," and "turn the other cheek." And my favorite adage, "kill them with kindness." Forgive me, but oftentimes it works quite well. We've heard them all before, but have you put them to good use? We live in a difficult world where stress and strife, anger and frustration, and pain and sorrow are the norm. All of us need to vent and sometimes we just happen to be the recipient of someone's frustration and it's oftentimes not truly directed at us. But we receive it. How we react to it is key. If we take it personally and internally it will eat at us and gnaw away at us till we become bitter. We can choose to let it slide, brush it off, and realize the where and why from whence it comes. That's not always easy, but it sure makes it much less stressful for us. Just let it go. Understand it, and know that you do it, too. It's just an unfortunate part of human nature and the stressful world we live in. Let God and peace reign in your heart and mind and let joy fill your thoughts, words, and deeds. You'll be the much better for it.

Boast in Him

With a clear conscience you can boast. Boast in Him, with a heart for Him and a heart for others. His grace is sufficient for you.

June's Message, Day 2:

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace. 2 Corinthians 1:12 NIV

When you exude integrity and godly character with sincerity, you can boast in your humility. Boast, that is, not with words, but with a clear conscience in your actions and the way in which you've conducted yourself with others. If it shows, you don't need to say it. If it is, you don't need to bring attention to it. To be this godly person requires that you rely on Him and the wisdom of His Word, not the wisdom and ways of the world. His grace alone is sufficient if you let it continually wash you clean. If you truly have a heart for Him, you will have a heart for others as well. So boast. Boast in Him and what He's done for you.