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When Gamaliel Speaks, The High Council Listens

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In Acts 5 the Apostles were teaching about Jesus in the temple. The High Counsel (the Sadducees) didn’t like it, so they sent jailers to arrest them and put them in jail. While in jail, God sent an angel of the Lord to release them from jail without the jailers even noticing. Then, because the Angel of the Lord told them to, they went back to the temple to teach more.

When they were supposed to be brought before the High Council the next day, they weren’t in the jail. They were found at the temple, again. The High Priest was furious and wanted to put them to death immediately. Scripture says:

But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. Acts of the Apostles 5:29

Because the High Council was all worked up with anger… This is what happened:

But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men!
Acts of the Apostles 5:34‭-‬35

Gamaliel explained to the High Council what happened when others interfered with God’s plans, the Council had a change of heart. They let the Apostles go. On Gamaliel’s advice that if the Apostles were up to no good, it would fall apart like past situations.

We find that when it is of GOD, nothing anyone says or does can stop it, change it, or interfere with it. GOD will make it happen regardless.

We need to keep that in mind when we think we can control everything in life. When evil is involved, it gets really ugly; fast. Even with GOD in control, things can be ugly, but if we let Him do His thing, it all turns out good. His plans are perfect.

What situation do you find yourself in today? Whatever it is, God is in control. Trust Him with the outcome and answer. His promises will never fail us. He’s the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is right by your side. Reach out to Him. He’s waiting for you.

Dear Father YAH, I pray for the state of the world and circumstances we find ourselves in. YOU know those who are ill. Whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual. I lift up all of them, myself included, and ask for healing and transformation for Your good. Thank You for Your word, because it is a lamp to my feet. You show me the way. I pray that we see Your light and follow it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Flee From Capture

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When this scripture says to save yourself and flee, God is offering you an out to escape being ensnared and becoming a slave to wickedness. See what 1 Corinthians 10 says below.

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.
1 Corinthians 10:12‭-‬14

Satan makes evil things look sweet and wonderful. Masterfully wording things and masking situations so that you don’t see the truth of the matter. He appeals to our human nature. Human nature will always choose sin. Always!

As the scripture tells us, the wicked will be destroyed.

When we’re in the word of God, we learn to discern evil and wicked things. We know not to allow ourselves to become enslaved in unrighteous behaviors and thoughts. When we pay attention to God, we know better.

As the cliche says, “Just say NO!”

That scripture in the image at the top sounds so familiar with the things going on in the world. A wink here, a nod there, and a nudge here… Wickedness ensures.

How are you handling the wickedness around you? I pray for people, places, and situations. At this point, prayer is the best answer; until God reveals a plan He wants us involved in.

Dear Yahweh, I lift up the world to You. Only You can deal with everything going on. There are evil people and things, there are sick people and they’re lives ones trying to do what they can, there’s all the political shenanigans going on, and lost souls involved in it all. I pray the lost will become found, the sick healed, and harmony within the body of Christ. I pray for the world leaders to come into alignment with You, LORD God. I know this is all part of Your grand plan, Father YAH. We don’t understand, but even so, YOU are in control. We simply need to heed to You. Trust and obey. Thank You in advance, YAH, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

at Jesus' feet

Who Do You Serve?

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Matthew 6 scripture image

“A general maxim laid down; no man can serve two masters, much less two gods; for their commands will some time or other cross or contradict one another, and their occasions interfere.” Matthew Henry

Generally speaking, serving more than one can become quite cumbersome. At some point, the two will intersect. It will be at that point you will have to choose. Human nature will always choose sinfulness. It’s just how it is.

We all have a bent toward something in the secular world. It can be anything. When the secular becomes your choice, you will be out of alignment with GOD. Once out of alignment, you will not be blessed with GOD’s promises.

It tells us more in 1 Timothy:

Anyone who has a different teaching does not agree with the true teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that shows the true way to serve God. This person is full of pride and understands nothing, but is sick with a love for arguing and fighting about words. This brings jealousy, fighting, speaking against others, evil mistrust, and constant quarrels from those who have evil minds and have lost the truth. They think that serving God is a way to get rich. Serving God does make us very rich; if we are satisfied with what we have. We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out. 1 Timothy 6:3-7

The caution is given three times. That seems pretty important; don’t you agree? GOD uses the number three a lot in scripture. There’s a symbolic link between the trinity and His Word. Three is very important. So, if warned three times… we must take it to heart or suffer the consequences.

We are encouraged by GOD that He will provide our needs when we trust and obey HIM to the fullest. We are of more value to HIM than all the creatures that move on this earth and in the skies. HE is our FATHER. We are his firstborn.

If we had but more faith, we should have less care. Matthew Henry

We need to have faith and trust GOD to care for and meet our needs. When we worry and carry on we only add more stress to our lives. It’s not worth it.

GOD tells us in Revelation 2:

8 “Write this to the angel of the church in Smyrna:
“The One who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again, says this: 9 I know your troubles and that you are poor, but really you are rich! I know the bad things some people say about you. They say they are Jews, but they are not true Jews. They are a synagogue that belongs to Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 “Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death.

The book of Revelation is the prophecy of what’s to come. We need to take heed of it. TRUST GOD.

How does this look in your life? What are you doing to trust and obey GOD and have faith in HIM?

Dear YAH, ABBA, I lift everyone up to YOU. I pray that they will put all their cares at YOUR feet; at the foot of the throne and leave them with YOU. Please show us what to do and how to live, to have all the faith we can muster in YOU. Thank YOU for all YOU do and continue to do in our lives. I pray for the ill, physically, mentally, and spiritually. YOU are THE Great Physician and can heal us in all ways. I trust YOU. I adore, honor, and glorify YOU, YAH, in all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The LORD Knows!

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Proverbs 15 scripture image

Okay, the book of Proverbs is brutal on the unsaved souls and the foolish people. However, if we aren’t foolish and we’re saved and we trust and obey GOD, HE has great blessings for us.

Who doesn’t like to be blessed? I know I do.

So, let’s take a closer look at some of the verses in Proverbs 15:

    • V.3 – The Lord’s eyes see everything; He watches both evil and good people.
      1. Because the Lord is omniscient, He can see and know everything.
      2. By watching both evil and good, He will know what to do with each one.
    • V.8-9 – The Lord hates the sacrifice that the wicked offer, but he likes the prayers of honest people. The Lord hates what evil people do, but he loves those who do what is right.
      1. Hate is a strong word here. What does the Lord mean by hate here?
        ~Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines hate like this:
        To dislike greatly; to have a great aversion to. It expresses less than abhor, detest, and abominate unless pronounced with a peculiar emphasis.
        Why would the Lord hate? He cannot and will not put up with evil wrongdoing. Offering something wicked and doing evil things is detestable and abominable. It’s basically criminal.
    • V.11 – The Lord knows what is happening in the world of the dead, so he surely knows the thoughts of the living.
      1. This verse goes well with v. 3. You cannot avoid the Lord knowing everything.
    • V. 14 – People with understanding want more knowledge, but fools just want more foolishness.
      1. This verse goes well with all the verses. When we have understanding and are knowledgeable of the Word and are born-again believers, we hunger for it. Fools; well, are just foolish and they hunger for foolishness.
    • V. 18-19 – People with quick tempers cause trouble, but those who control their tempers stop a quarrel. A lazy person’s life is like a patch of thorns, but an honest person’s life is like a smooth highway.
      1. This scripture is self-explanatory. When there are trouble-makers, there is trouble. Those who control themselves keep things from being thorny. Honest people can have a smooth highway. To a degree, yes. However, that’s not to say that honest people never encounter fools; because they do. It’s how honest smart people handle life’s situations that can make life hard or smooth. Some hard life situations can be used to help build our faith and make us spiritually stronger.
    • V. 24-26 – Wise people’s lives get better and better. They avoid whatever would cause their death. The Lord will tear down the proud person’s house, but he will protect the widow’s property. The Lord hates evil thoughts but is pleased with kind words.
      1. These verses pretty much sum up all of what I mentioned above. Wisdom is best. Foolish pride is bad. As the last sentence says: The Lord hates evil but is pleased with kindness.

“Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” —Jackie Chan

Life is hard. We know that. The thing is… depending on our attitude and lifestyle, we can make it harder; or not. It’s our choice. Which choice do you go with? If your choice is anything but living the Lord’s way, you’re going to be quite miserable in your life.

“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” —Henry James

One other bit of scripture:

‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”‘ John 13:34-35

How can I pray for you? Contact me through the form below:

Dear ABBA YAH, I pray for all the readers of this article/devotional. I pray that they choose You and Your way, living wisely. I lift up those who are ill, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I pray for healing and recovery. I also pray for Your will and that you will get the glory and honor no matter the outcome of our lives. Thank You, Lord, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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Learn To Be Satisfied

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In today’s day and age, there’s this mindset that people want it all and they want it now and believe they deserve it. That attitude flies in the face of GOD’s word. GOD is not selfish and self-centered. He doesn’t teach us to be selfish.

In the Word, Paul teaches us that we don’t need everything and we don’t need it now, to be satisfied in life. GOD will provide when something is really needed. We can become so busy thinking only about ourselves that we forget about GOD. If we want to be blessed by GOD we need to point to HIM in all things. All we have to do is read HIS word to find His will for our lives.

We find, also, in GOD’s word that he commands us to love HIM and only HIM, that we’re not to have any other gods. When we take our eyes off of GOD and start fretting about what we need and want, we make those things our god.

What are you focusing on that could become your god? We all do it. It’s our human nature. Satan would love nothing more than to catch you in his traps and keep you in bondage. He’s the ultimate deceiver. HE can make himself look like GOD in his word trickery and ensnare you. Look what he did to Eve in the garden.

Repent and turn to GOD and trust HIM for all your needs.

How can I pray for you? Leave me a message below:

Dear Father GOD, I lift up the readers of this blog. I pray that they seek YOU, find YOU, and surrender fully to YOU. I praise, honor, glorify, adore, and love YOU, GOD. I lift up all the sick; physically, mentally, and spiritually. I trust YOU, GOD, to meet all their needs and that they know and trust YOU in their lives; as well as myself. I can get sidetracked, GOD. I pray that my gaze is fixed on YOU and that I get vertically aligned and stay on the straight and narrow path that leads to YOU in heaven. I pray this for all the readers here too. I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

at Jesus' feet

Gain Wisdom From God!

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Let’s look at what wisdom is as defined by Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary.

WISDOM:

  1. The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or practice. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper, and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion. It differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Prudence then is a species, of which wisdom is the genus [(in philosophical and general use) a class of things that have common characteristics and that can be divided into subordinate kinds.] Wisdom gained by experience is of inestimable value.
    Example: It is hoped that our rulers will act with dignity and wisdom; that they will yield everything to reason, and refuse everything to force.
  2. In Scripture, human learning; erudition; knowledge of arts and sciences.
    Example: Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. Acts 7.
  3. The quickness of intellect; readiness of apprehension; dexterity in execution; as the wisdom of Bezaleel and Aholiab. Exodus 31.
  4. Natural instinct and keen discernment. Job 39.
  5. In Scripture theology, wisdom is true religion; godliness; piety; the knowledge and fear of God, and sincere and uniform obedience to his commands. This is the wisdom that is from above. Psalm 90. Job 28.
  6. Profitable words or doctrine. Psalm 37.
    The wisdom of this world, mere human education; or the carnal policy of men, their craft and artifices in promoting their temporal interests; called also fleshly wisdom. 1 Corinthians 2. 2 Corinthians 1.
    The wisdom of words, artificial or affected eloquence; or learning displayed in teaching. 1 Corinthians 1 and 2.

We’ll focus on number 5 in this blog entry.

Wisdom is true religion; godliness; piety; the knowledge and fear of God, and sincere and uniform obedience to his commands.

God is telling us to be wise in His word, commands, obedience, reverence to Him, and how we live out our Christly lives for Him.

What are we doing with Jesus Christ the Messiah in the world? We need to be about the Father’s business sharing the gospel, planting seeds, and winning souls for YAH. What does that look like in your life? Let’s interact. Leave a comment and let’s share and chat.

For me, it’s this blog, it’s all the things I share on social media, and the in-person interactions I participate in. Nowadays, in-person interaction isn’t what it used to be, because of the chaos surrounding the virus and the fear created by it.

Many people fear getting ill and dying. I do not. Why? Because, even in death, I know where my spirit is going in the afterlife. It’s going to heaven to be with Jesus. There’s no fear in that. Why are you afraid? What do you fear and why?

Dear Abba YAH, I lift up all these lives to You. I pray that they acquire great wisdom of and from YOU. I pray that we’ll be about YOUR business spreading the gospel of Jesus, The Good News. Take away the fear of humans, YAH. Help us reach out to in-person interaction and be Your family. I love, honor, glorify, and adore YOU, YAH. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How can I pray for you? Contact me and I’ll get some prayer warriors on it, right away. Including me.



Also, take a minute to check out related blog posts linked below this post. They offer some great insight.

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Loving God is Knowing God

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Proverbs- 1 John scripture image

GOD knows! You can’t hide anything from HIM. So, to me, it’s mind-blowing… even though HE knows us, intimately; no matter how wretched we are, HE still loves us enough to give us a Savior to reconcile us to Himself.

Do you know GOD? By that question, I mean, do you LOVE GOD? Because, if you LOVE GOD, you’re HIS child; a child of GOD. Because of this love of GOD/Jesus/Holy Spirit, we have eternal life in heaven through HIM.

What’s holding you back or limiting you from knowing GOD/loving GOD? Why is it holding you back/limiting you from knowing GOD/loving GOD? Nothing in this world is powerful enough to snatch us from GOD and HIS love for us. HIS children. The only thing is, us limiting ourselves because of some fear. Fear is a liar and is from the devil. Stop believing the lies of the devil. Free yourself from your own prison of fear.

Dear YAH,  El Shaddai, Emmanuel, I pray for those who know YOU, but are holding themselves back and that they would allow you to break those chains. I pray for those who don’t know YOU… I pray that they will know YOU… I pray that they accept YOU as their one true Savior and GOD. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest D9

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Hebrews 8:7-13 image

Day 9

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:7‭-‬13

Greek: διαθήκη
Transliteration: diathēkē
Pronunciation: dee-ath-ay’-kay
Definition: From G1303; properly a disposition that is (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): – covenant testament.
KJV Usage: covenant (20x), testament (13x).
Occurs: 33
In verses: 30

So, this scripture is talking about a covenant, a divine contract, between God and the people. Apparently, the first covenant (contract) was faulty. God found fault with the people. So, the 1st covenant/contract was made obsolete. The people breached the contract and made it devoid. Henceforth, a new covenant had to be put in place. God will and did put his laws in the people’s minds and write it on their hearts. The people will already know God because of this; not requiring anyone to be taught of Him.

Covenants/Contracts are a very serious big deal. They are even more powerful and important than a promise.

How does this apply to our lives today? Well, contracts are very relevant in today’s world. They’re used in all sorts of situations, from leasing a place to live, to businesses conducting business. Even between two people who want a structure of some sort to something they’re doing together. Heck, people even call a marriage a contract.

As I stated above, they’re very serious and a big deal. It’s a serious issue when a contract is breached. Serious consequences happen when it’s breached.

We need to have integrity and honesty in place. We need to keep our end of the deal or suffer the bad consequences.

Dear Father God. Thank You for Your covenant with us (me and the readers of this blog and all of Your children). I pray that we keep our end of the deal. I pray for direction and guidance in our lives. You know we get terribly distracted in life. I pray for focus and redirection when that happens. Nobody likes to suffer. Although, at times, we must be put to the test and come out better for You. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus, Our High Priest D9

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Day 9

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord , when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:7‭-‬13

Greek: διαθήκη

Transliteration: diathēkē Pronunciation: dee-ath-ay’-kay

Definition: From G1303; properly a disposition that is (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): – covenant testament.

KJV Usage: covenant (20x), testament (13x).

Occurs: 33
In verses: 30

So, this scripture is talking about a convenant, a divine contract, between God and the people.

Apparently, the first covenant (contract) was faulty. God found fault with the people. So, the 1st covenant/contract was made obsolete. The people breached the contract and made it devoid. Henceforth, a new covenant had to be put in place. God will and did put his laws in the people’s minds and write it on their hearts. The people will already know God because of this; not requiring anyone to be taught of Him.

Covenants/Contracts are a very serious big deal. They are even more powerful and important than a promise.

How does this apply to our lives today? Well, contracts are very relevant in today’s world. They’re used in all sorts of situations, from leasing a place to live, to businesses conducting business. Even between two people who want a structure of some sort to something they’re doing together. Heck, people even call a marriage a contract.
As I stated above, they’re very serious and a big deal. It’s a serious issue when a contract is breached. Serious consequences happen when it’s breached.
We need to have integrity and honesty in place. We need to keep our end of the deal; or suffer the bad consequences.

Dear Father God. Thank You for Your covenant with us (me and the readers of this blog and all of Your children). I pray that we keep our end of the deal. I pray for direction and guidance in our lives. You know we get terribly distracted in life. I pray for focus and redirection when that happens. Nobody likes to suffer. Although, at times, we must be put to the test and come out better for You. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest D8

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Hebrews 8:1-6 Image

Day 8

Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands. And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.” But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. Hebrews 8:1‭-‬6

Greek: μεγαλωσύνη
Transliteration: megalōsunē
Pronunciation: meg-al-o-soo’-nay
Definition: From G3173; greatness that is (figuratively) divinity (often God himself): – majesty.
KJV Usage: Majesty (2x), majesty (1x).
Occurs: 3
In verses: 3

The dictionary defines majesty as this:
supreme greatness or authority; sovereignty

A supreme ruler. God is our supreme ruler. He gave this title and honor to Jesus to represent Himself as our creator; as our High Priest.

How does this apply to our life, today? How do we apply it to our life?

We need to give God the credit He is due. We owe him our lives. He created us. He can take us down just as quickly as He gave us life. Remember the scriptures where people died when they didn’t trust and obey God? Look it up. Don’t take my word for it.

Defiant behavior will be addressed by God in due time. He can unleash His wrath on us at any time. He doesn’t need our permission. Also, He can go on with or without us. We are here because of Him, not us. God has the final word and He is the final authority of all. This is the part where we need to have the fear of God in us. We need to revere Him and have reverence for Him.

So, at the end of the day, we need to trust and obey God and surrender our all to Him. He knows what He’s doing. Even when we don’t know what He’s doing. It’s for our own good.

Yes, I’ve messed up, lots. Satan makes life confusing and difficult for us. We simply need to understand that he started this whole mess of fallen man. Remember Adam and Eve, how satan deceived them in the Garden? Satan is still at it and he doesn’t let up. In fact, the more aligned with God you are and being an example of Jesus in your life, the more satan deceives you to steer you wrong. Know his wiles. Stomp him down in Jesus’ name. At the name of Jesus, satan is unable to even stand… he crumbles and withers. Keep Jesus’ name on your lips, in your mind, and in your daily living.

Dear Abba Yah, Father God, I thank You for all You do and continue to do in the life of Your children. I pray for all of us to keep ourselves in Your word and to be an example of You to draw the lost to You. I thank You, in Jesus’ name, amen.