Tag: Spirit

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How Do the Godly Fall So Low?

MARCH 28

MATTHEW 5:28_But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her…

Just like Jesus’ lesson on the heart connection between murder and uncontrolled anger, now He will teach a heart connection between sexual sins and your ability to live free from bondage.

King David was more than just a God-fearing man. He is consistently referred to as a man after God’s heart. We’ve already discussed the importance of the heart being the center of your spirit. To call David a man after God’s heart is a compliment from God to David.

For all the godliness of David’s life, how he led the Israelites to love and obey God, what is the first thing most people think when they hear his name? Bathsheba, right? A few people may think of Goliath first, but the next thought is, Bathsheba.

Go back to Proverbs 6 (KJV), “33A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.” It will forever be connected to his name. This is not to be interpreted that God did not forgive. He did forgive, and even promised to always have a descendant of David upon the throne.

How did such a godly man fall so low? He looked—too long. Job 31:1 (KJV), “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?”

PRAYER

Saving God, Help me make a covenant with my eyes. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Christ can help me avoid shame—Praise Him!

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Less of You?

MARCH 24

MATTHEW 5:24_first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Nothing in this life is worth the bondage caused by the spirits of darkness. Spiritual bondage is void of light—a place of deep darkness. It thrives on anger, bitterness, hate, and unforgiveness. Spiritual bondage weakens the soul and brings it into despair. Again, nothing in life is worth allowing your spirit, heart, and soul to be in bondage.

Be reconciled. Come in freedom, and offer your gift. God receives your gift with joy and blesses you. As you grow physically and spiritually, your gift will grow, shining in your countenance and in your life. It will cause you to gain wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Your light will bless all who cross your path: “all that are in the house.”

God possesses the greatest treasure—love. He bestows love upon you—which flows to other people. The more you love God, the more you’ll find you have the ability to love people. The more you love God, the more you’ll find self-sacrifice becomes a byproduct of your life—because you learn to love others more than yourself.

Do you want your life to be more of Jesus, and less of you?

PRAYER

God of Love, I want who You are to shine in my life. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Christ loves me—He wants me to love His people!

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Ever Felt That Pain?

 MARCH 17

MATTHEW 5:22 _But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment…

Jesus’ explanation of His transformation of the Law begins with but I say unto you. The word but implies a change. The scales have balanced as far as killing and punishment, but if there is more to life than the physical, then there is another way in which to kill someone—anger. Ever felt that pain?

When Jesus refers to your brother, it is not biological, but a fellow human being. Particularly a Christian brother. Anger shown between Christians must be very painful to Jesus. After all, these are the people who claim to be His disciples—the people who are supposed to be salt—the people who are supposed to be light. Even if what they say is right, when it is said in hot tempered anger it destroys any good which may be done. 

Anger wounds the spirit and is very destructive to the soul of both the one inflicted, and the one causing the infliction. This is not just losing your temper. This is malicious, mean, anger. To destroy fellow humans with mean-tempered, explosive anger, is in the category with those who kill.

Once again, life is serious business.

PRAYER

Merciful God, Help me not to be an angry person. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Christ makes us brothers—He wants me to be patient!

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… Satisfied!

FEBRUARY 9

MATTHEW 5:13_Ye are the salt of the earth but…

Another feature of incredible salt is it causes thirst. Why is that a good thing? Water promotes good health. If you quench thirst with water it’s a very good thing! Milk and fruit juices are also healthy drinks, but when you are truly thirsty nothing satisfies like water! 

This teaching about salt is a spiritual lesson. Jesus says He is Living Water. His water totally quenches thirst. Once inside you, Jesus’ water is like a well continually springing up into everlasting life (John 4:10,14 KJV). 

The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit is living water. The Spirit teaches, guides, and directs your spirit to the truths of the Bible. Nothing satisfies a genuinely thirsty spirit like truth.

Perhaps you have friends who are thirsty—desperately thirsty. Maybe they have tried to quench their thirst with the world’s water. Perhaps that led them to make wrong choices, which only added more desperation to their thirst.

The world can never satisfy what only Jesus can supply.

As a salty friend, keep your friends thirsty and help them find the satisfaction of Living Water.  

  PRAYER

God of Truth, I want to be salt to the people You bring into my life. I want to help them find Your Living Water. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.               

Christ is Living Water—I want to lead others to Him!

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Getting Salty

FEBRUARY 7

MATTHEW 5:13_Ye are the salt of the earth but…

How would you feel if someone referred to you as a salt-of-the-earth kind of person? Would you feel complimented or insulted? If Jesus made the reference, be sure it was a compliment—a very high one at that! 

Why would Jesus want you to be like salt? Have you ever heard of salting food to preserve it? The water moisture in food can attract and grow mold and bacteria. Salt dries out the moisture, thus salt is a good food preservative. Salt is a natural preservative—nothing artificial. I realize there is much controversy about all kinds of foods, salt being one of them, but if it’s a natural food just stay with the lesson of moderation in all things. 

Remember, you consist of three parts: body, soul (mind, will, emotions), and spirit. Whenever one part is neglected, your overall health can be damaged. The Bible gives healthy advice for all your parts. They all connect. What damages the soul can make the spirit sick. What damages the spirit can make the body sick. If you’ve ever heard of holistic healing, that’s what it is.

In this particular teaching Jesus is addressing the spirit.

PRAYER

Mighty God, Help me be a spiritual preservative to all the people You bring in my path. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.                

Christ is a preservative for my spirit—I want to be salt!