Stay inspired in the word.

Greetings,

What is the secret to overcoming temptation? Every believer will be tempted by the enemy. Therefore it makes sense to know how to resist temptation. It is a weapon the enemy never tires of using against us. The secret? Continually store God’s Word in our hearts.

Psalm 119:11 (NKJV) – “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”

If you’re wondering how God’s Word helps you overcome, remember that His Word not only causes us to be aware of God’s feelings about sin, but it is so powerful that it actually changes our thoughts as well. His Word literally reprograms our thinking with the values and wisdom of God!

That’s really needed because when man fell, our thoughts were affected. This world programs us to think incorrectly. We think good is boring and sin is fun—-until it destroys our happiness.

Society and culture make the problem even worse! The Word of God will replace wrong thinking with truth. It causes us to want to please God, rather than live in rebellion to Him.

Father, fill my heart and mind with Your desires and thoughts. Transform me from the inside out. Cause me to see life the way You see it. Help me see through the lies of the enemy. Teach me to understand how destructive and damaging sin is, to both me and to those I love. At the same time, help me understand how profoundly rewarding life is when it is lived in accordance with the principles found in Your Word.

Today, I’m worshiping with William McDowell and “Only You Can Satisfy.”

We love you and are praying for you. Be INSPIRED!

Pastor

Greetings,

Can we ever learn all the knowledge found in the Word of God? It can seem like such a daunting task. I’m talking about 66 books, 1,189 chapters, and—depending upon the translation, 31,102 verses and up to 807,362 words. That’s a lot to understand and become familiar with.

So can we ever really learn everything in the Bible?

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) - “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

We will never grasp all of the riches found in scripture. There are too many hidden treasures and layers of meaning for us to live long enough to see them all, but we can learn how to understand the Bible and know the heart of its author. God delights in revealing things in His Word that you have never noticed before, even though you have read the same passage numerous times.

The secret to grasping its wisdom is to be consistent and keep reading it again and again, from Genesis to Revelation. Enroll in a good daily program that will help you read through the entire Bible every year. They are available for free on the internet. Read it daily.

Also do word studies. Individual characteristics of God and His attributes come alive as we study them. You will be amazed at what you’ll learn from God’s Word and how it will strengthen and help you to stand. The Holy Spirit will become your teacher.

Pray the Word back to God. It’s one of the most powerful forms of prayer there is, because you are praying His forever settled Word!

Father, I thank You for the Word of God. It is truly a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Please keep leading me, according to Your Word. Help me learn the teachings that are found in Scripture for they contain wisdom and life. My soul thrives upon the bread of Your Word.

Today, I’m worshiping with Vicki Yohe and “In the Waiting.”

We love you and are praying for you. Be INSPIRED!

Pastor

Greetings,

What voices are you listening to? Remember how Israel was terribly affected by the bad report of the ten spies about the Promised Land? They listened to the wrong voices and were terrified when they heard about massive, well-defended cities and huge giants. Because they did, Israel spent an additional 40 years wandering in the wilderness.

But listen to what those same enemies were saying about the people of God:

Joshua 2:10-11 (NKJV) – “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. [11] And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”

Can you believe it? The enemy was so afraid of Israel, their hearts were melting with fear! But even though the enemy was terrified of them, Israel continued to live in fear and unbelief rather than faith. Forty years were wasted when they could have been enjoying God’s blessings. Listening to the wrong voices will keep you from enjoying God’s promises and the destiny that He has planned for you.

Is listening to the wrong voices preventing you from entering into your Promised Land? They can make you angry, depressed, worried, stressed and afraid. Listen to God and go for it!

Lord, I thank You for Your promises to me. I’m so grateful that You are also working on the other side of my situation to make my enemies afraid of me. With You on my side, I cannot fail.

Don’t let me waste the time that could be spent enjoying health, strength and victory as I experience Your promises, living in fear, doubt, anxiety and defeat. Give me the courage to confront my enemies and step into my Promise Land that I may receive all You have for me.

Today, I’m worshiping with James Fortune and “I Trust You.”

We love you and are praying for you. Be INSPIRED!

Pastor

Greetings,

A copy is nearly always a poor substitute for an original. It’s reflected in the price you’re asked to pay for it too. Whether it’s a painting or a purse, a copy is worth only a fraction of an original. This is why it’s always a mistake to imitate someone else—with this one exception:

Ephesians 5:1 (NKJV) – “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.”

We are instructed to imitate God in the way we live. That means we should try to become like Him as much as possible. When God sees His own characteristics in us, He loves and values our resemblance to Him the same way a father enjoys it when children look and act like him. When our lives reflect the Father, the world is able to see a glimpse of Him in us.

Today Lord, would you help me to live according to the old song, “To be like Jesus; to be like Jesus, on earth I long to be like Him…“ I pray that I can become so much like You, that others will see You in me. Let my life reflect Your love, kindness and compassion. Cause the beauty of who You are to shine through me and draw others to you.

This day, I’m worshiping with Melodie Malone and “Holy Ground.”

We love you and are praying for you. Be INSPIRED!

Pastor