Can You Hear Me Now?

By DR. David Jeremiah – Posted May 01, 2017

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14

Recommended Reading: Matthew 7:7-12

The ebb and flow of mankind’s connection to God is woven throughout the Bible. In the beginning, there was a strong and intimate connection of trust. When the serpent deceived Adam and Eve, their relationship with God was broken. Instead of remembering the goodness of God in giving them life and abundantly providing for them, they believed they could attain more on their own.

The struggle between prideful self-sufficiency and trust in a kind and generous God continues today. The ministry of Jesus was an open invitation to a restored connection with God. When He taught His disciples to pray, He was inviting them back into a relationship with God as “our Father.” Jesus paid the ultimate price so that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Just as a father does not despise his children’s weakness or need for help, God provided the perfection of Christ so that everyone could be welcomed in. Will you call out to Him today and trust Him with your life and challenges?

There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.
Brother Lawrence

JESUS IS GOD’S SATISFACTION

By Joseph Prince – Posted May 01, 2017

   

Leviticus 1:9

…And the priest shall burn all (the pieces of the bull) on the altar as a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.

When Jesus was on the cross, He did more than just die for your sins. His one sacrifice did not just remove your sins, but it also clothed you in His righteousness and perfection. Jesus became the true “burnt sacrifice”.

In the Old Testament, whenever someone offered a burnt sacrifice, the perfection of the animal came on him. In the same way, every perfect attribute of Jesus your “burnt sacrifice” comes on you when you take Him as your Savior. And because God sees you clothed with Christ, you have the same acceptance and favor with Him that Jesus has!

When Jesus was offered on the cross, the fire of God brought out His perfections like perfume to God. In that one sacrifice, Jesus’ obedience and perfections rose as “a sweet aroma to the Lord”, which is what is emitted when the offering is burnt. This “sweet aroma” speaks of a savor of rest to God. Jesus’ perfect sacrifice gave God so much satisfaction that He rested.

You can also rest in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, knowing that what He did, He did for you—“Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma”. (Ephesians 5:2) You can rest knowing that God the

Father is satisfied with you because His Son’s sacrifice has caused His heart to rest with regard to you. You can rest because Jesus is God’s satisfaction for you.

Today, as you come before God, say, “Father, I thank You that Jesus is such a delight and joy to You. He satisfies Your heart completely. And what He did, He did for me.

Because Jesus so satisfies You, I know that You are satisfied with me. Because Jesus is Your delight, I am also Your delight. Because Jesus so pleases You, I know I please You too. And because Jesus is my righteousness and perfection, I stand righteous and perfect before You.”

Beloved, when you speak of Christ and His finished work, it goes up to God as a sweet-smelling aroma, a savor of rest. And if God can rest in the perfect sacrifice of His Son, you can too!

Thought For The Day

You can rest because Jesus is God’s satisfaction, delight, righteousness and perfection for you.

Use the Keys

By Joyce Meyer - Posted May 01, 2017

…They who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing. 
—Psalm 34:10 

Jesus said, I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19). 

As a believer, you have authority to live a life of victory and to forbid the devil to torment you. It is not lawful for him to destroy you in heaven, so it is not lawful for him to destroy you during your days on earth. Use the keys of the kingdom of heaven that Jesus has passed to you. Loose God’s blessings upon your efforts and bind the evil works that come against the fruit of your labors today.

Failure is Not Final

By Joel Osteen – Posted May 01, 2017

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

“But I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” 
(Phillipians 3:13, NLT)

TODAY'S WORD:

Are you down on yourself today because of past mistakes you’ve made or because you’re not where you want to be in life? God knows every poor choice, every difficulty, every wrong turn you may have made, and He’s already planned your comeback! In scripture, Jonah took a detour, so to speak. It took him a little bit longer, but because he called out to God, because he believed, God not only rescued him, but God got him to his final destination. 

Friend, know today that failure is not final. God always has the final say. Mistakes don’t have to keep you from your destiny. God’s plan can override every setback. Your world may be in turmoil today in a relationship, in your finances or health. But know this: not only will God rescue you; He will set your feet on a rock and lead you to your final destination in life. Remember, the promise He placed on the inside of you didn’t go away because you had some personal failures. No, that failure is only temporary but His Word remains forever! Keep hoping, keep believing because He will move you into the blessing and victory He has prepared for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, thank You for Your hand of victory and blessing that is on my life. Today, I shake off the past, I shake off failure, I shake off poor choices and trust that You are restoring me and leading me into the plan You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen!