Becoming More Like Jesus A friend of mine was dumbfounded that I would think of helping someone who had hurt me deeply. I must admit, I, too was surprised by my response because my flesh wanted to punch someone in the face. But I heard the Holy Spirit respond to my friend through my voice. “We don’t respond to people according to how they have treated us. We respond to...
Preemptive Strike Day 13
Strengthening of Families Family life is hard. It requires the constant need to put another’s need above your own. It requires unconditional love, sacrifice, and hard work. It requires constant forgiveness. It requires a revelation of God’s love. I know too many families strained, distant, not in fellowship. It breaks my heart. In 2020, I want to see children come home, marriages strengthen and siblings reconciled. Pray with me. “Father,...
Preemptive Strike Day 12
Discovering Your “Such a Time as This” Esther was a young girl that was thrust into royalty. She could have lived her life safely and quietly in the luxury of the King’s Court. Initially when hearing about the unfair treatment of her people, she did what most of us would do. She considered herself insignificant to make a change. But Mordecai quickly reminded her, “she had a Royal position” for...
Preemptive Strike Day 11
Success Deuteronomy 28, in my opinion, is what the life of a believer should look like. It is a conditional Old Testament promise that epitomizes the heart of God for His children. If the nation of Israel obeyed, all of these blessings would come upon them. Now, we all know, they could not and did not obey perfectly. We also know, we cannot nor do we obey perfectly. But the...
Preemptive Strike – Day 1O
Better Days are Ahead When my kids were little, we use to quote scripture at the dinner table. One time I quoted the scripture, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard what God has prepared for His children.” My son in his 2nd grade arrogance said, “well if eye has not seen it, nor ear heard it, how do you know it’s good?” That’s a good question. As we are...
Preemptive Strike-Day 9
As some of you may know, my church is going through a major transition. It is a difficult season. Some are questioning if we will survive this transition, many are disillusioned, many are grieving. But as we transition through this season, I have hope. I am encouraged. My hope is not in the leadership at our church nor our governing body (although I have confidence in both). But my hope...
Preemptive Strike – Day 8
I’m getting older. It’s the preferred option to dying. I know God has so much left for me to do. I want to walk in health as I finish my race. I want the strength and stamina to run after grandchildren, travel the world speaking, and help others in need. I want to leave a legacy. This requires health. My prayer for 2020 and beyond is for divine health. Pray...
Preemptive Strike – Day 7
I’m reading the book of Exodus this morning. It’s almost comical how the children of Israel vacillated between two opinions: “God is good” and “Why did you bring us out here to die?” The children of Israel had a victim mentality. It’s easy to read Exodus and judge the Children of Israel. They had seen the plaques, the parting of the sea, the cloud and fire guiding them, the water...
Preemptive Strike – Day 6
Our parents did the best they knew how. But still, sometimes 50 years later, we may still be dealing with strongholds and unresolved issues left by our childhood. Over the last two days, one of my childhood strongholds has risen its ugly head. I have overcome certain aspects of this stronghold, but yesterday, the Holy Spirit revealed a different aspect. Once recognized, I took authority over the lie it and...
Preemptive Strike – Day 5
Praying for my pre-Christian Loved One’s In 2020, I want to see some very precious family members come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Paul prophesied to the prison guard, “You and your household shall be saved.” I’m speaking that over my family. I want to see me and my family on fire for God. How about you? Pray with me. “Father, I thank you that you love (name your...