Morning Verse
"Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." John 4:14
He who is a believer in Jesus finds enough in his Lord to satisfy him now, and to content him for evermore. The believer is not the man whose days are weary for want of comfort, and whose nights are long from absence of heart-cheering thought, for he finds in religion such a spring of joy, such a fountain of consolation, that he is content and happy. Put him in a dungeon and he will find good company; place him in a barren wilderness, he will eat the bread of heaven; drive him away from friendship, he will meet the "friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Blast all his gourds, and he will find shadow beneath the Rock of Ages; sap the foundation of his earthly hopes, but his heart will still be fixed, trusting in the Lord. The heart is as insatiable as the grave till Jesus enters it, and then it is a cup full to overflowing. There is such a fulness in Christ that He alone is the believer's all. The true saint is so completely satisfied with the all-sufficiency of Jesus that he thirsts no more--except it be for deeper draughts of the living fountain. In that sweet manner, believer, shalt thou thirst; it shall not be a thirst of pain, but of loving desire; thou wilt find it a sweet thing to be panting after a fuller enjoyment of Jesus' love. One in days of yore said, "I have been sinking my bucket down into the well full often, but now my thirst after Jesus has become so insatiable, that I long to put the well itself to my lips, and drink right on." Is this the feeling of thine heart now, believer? Dost thou feel that all thy desires are satisfied in Jesus, and that thou hast no want now, but to know more of Him;, and to have closer fellowship with Him? Then come continually to the fountain, and take of the water of life freely. Jesus will never think you take too much, but will ever welcome you, saying, "Drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved."
Evening Verse
"He had married an Ethiopian woman." Numbers 12:1
Strange choice of Moses, but how much more strange the choice of Him who is a prophet like unto Moses, and greater than he! Our Lord, who is fair as the lily, has entered into marriage union with one who confesses herself to be black, because the sun has looked upon her. It is the wonder of angels that the love of Jesus should be set upon poor, lost, guilty men. Each believer must, when filled with a sense of Jesus' love, be also overwhelmed with astonishment that such love should be lavished on an object so utterly unworthy of it. Knowing as we do our secret guiltiness, unfaithfulness, and black-heartedness, we are dissolved in grateful admiration of the matchless freeness and sovereignty of grace. Jesus must have found the cause of His love in His own heart, He could not have found it in us, for it is not there. Even since our conversion we have been black, though grace has made us comely. Holy Rutherford said of himself what we must each subscribe to--"His relation to me is, that I am sick, and He is the Physician of whom I stand in need. Alas! how often I play fast and loose with Christ! He bindeth, I loose; He buildeth, I cast down; I quarrel with Christ, and He agreeth with me twenty times a day!" Most tender and faithful Husband of our souls, pursue Thy gracious work of conforming us to Thine image, till Thou shalt present even us poor Ethiops unto Thyself, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Moses met with opposition because of his marriage, and both himself and his spouse were the subjects of an evil eye. Can we wonder if this vain world opposes Jesus and His spouse, and especially when great sinners are converted? for this is ever the Pharisee's ground of objection, "This man receiveth sinners." Still is the old cause of quarrel revived, "Because he had married an Ethiopian woman."
The Bottomline is :
There was great hatred between the Samaritans and the Jews. Christ's road from Judea to Galilee lay through Samaria. We should not go into places of temptation but when we needs must; and then must not dwell in them, but hasten through them. We have here our Lord Jesus under the common fatigue of travellers. Thus we see that he was truly a man. Toil came in with sin; therefore Christ, having made himself a curse for us, submitted to it. Also, he was a poor man, and went all his journeys on foot. Being wearied, he sat thus on the well; he had no couch to rest upon. He sat thus, as people wearied with travelling sit. Surely, we ought readily to submit to be like the Son of God in such things as these. Christ asked a woman for water. She was surprised because he did not show the anger of his own nation against the Samaritans. Moderate men of all sides are men wondered at. Christ took the occasion to teach her Divine things: he converted this woman, by showing her ignorance and sinfulness, and her need of a Saviour. By this living water is meant the Spirit. Under this comparison the blessing of the Messiah had been promised in the Old Testament. The graces of the Spirit, and his comforts, satisfy the thirsting soul, that knows its own nature and necessity. What Jesus spake figuratively, she took literally. Christ shows that the water of Jacob's well yielded a very short satisfaction. Of whatever waters of comfort we drink, we shall thirst again. But whoever partakes of the Spirit of grace, and the comforts of the gospel, shall never want that which will abundantly satisfy his soul. Carnal hearts look no higher than carnal ends. Give it me, saith she, not that I may have everlasting life, which Christ proposed, but that I come not hither to draw. The carnal mind is very ingenious in shifting off convictions, and keeping them from fastening. But how closely our Lord Jesus brings home the conviction to her conscience! He severely reproved her present state of life. The woman acknowledged Christ to be a prophet. The power of his word in searching the heart, and convincing the conscience of secret things, is a proof of Divine authority. It should cool our contests, to think that the things we are striving about are passing away. The object of worship will continue still the same, God, as a Father; but an end shall be put to all differences about the place of worship. Reason teaches us to consult decency and convenience in the places of our worship; but religion gives no preference to one place above another, in respect of holiness and approval with God. The Jews were certainly in the right. Those who by the Scriptures have obtained some knowledge of God, know whom they worship. The word of salvation was of the Jews. It came to other nations through them. Christ justly preferred the Jewish worship before the Samaritan, yet here he speaks of the former as soon to be done away. God was about to be revealed as the Father of all believers in every nation. The spirit or the soul of man, as influenced by the Holy Spirit, must worship God, and have communion with him. Spiritual affections, as shown in fervent prayers, supplications, and thanksgivings, form the worship of an upright heart, in which God delights and is glorified. The woman was disposed to leave the matter undecided, till the coming of the Messiah. But Christ told her, I that speak to thee, am He. She was an alien and a hostile Samaritan, merely speaking to her was thought to disgrace our Lord Jesus. Yet to this woman did our Lord reveal himself more fully than as yet he had done to any of his disciples. No past sins can bar our acceptance with him, if we humble ourselves before him, believing in him as the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
The patience of Moses was tried in his own family, as well as by the people. The pretence was, that he had married a foreign wife; but probably their pride was hurt, and their envy stirred up, by his superior authority. Opposition from our near relations, and from religious friends, is most painful. But this is to be looked for, and it will be well if in such circumstances we can preserve the gentleness and meekness of Moses. Moses was thus fitted to the work he was called to. God not only cleared Moses, but praised him. Moses had the spirit of prophecy in a way which set him far above all other prophets; yet he that is least in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than he; and our Lord Jesus infinitely excels him, Heb 3:1. Let Miriam and Aaron consider whom it was they insulted. We have reason to be afraid of saying or doing any thing against the servants of God. And those are presumptuous indeed who are not afraid to speak evil of dignities, 2Pe 2:10. The removal of God's presence is the surest and saddest token of God's displeasure. Woe to us, if he depart! he never departs, till by sin and folly we drive him from us.
Eph.6:10-20 A Warfare Prayer - Before Starting Your Day
GETTING DRESSED: Putting on God’s Armor PrayI’m (we’re) strong in You Lord, empowered through my (our) union with You; I (we) draw strength from You, that strength which Your boundless might provides I (we) put on the whole armor which You supply, God, that I (we) may be able successfully to stand up against all the strategies and deceits of the devil. For I (we) wrestle not with flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the master spirits who are the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly spirit sphere. Therefore, I (we) put on your complete armor, God, that I (we) may be able to resist and stand my (our) ground. I (we) stand, I (we) hold my (our) ground, having tightened the girdle of truth around my (our) loins, having put on the breastplate of righteousness (integrity. moral rectitude, right-standing with God); and having shod my (our) feet in preparation, promptness, and readiness with the Gospel of Peace. I (we) lift up over all the covering shield of faith, upon which I (we) can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked one I (we) take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.I (we) pray at all times, on every’ occasion, in every season, in the spirit, with all manner of prayer and entreaty. I (we) keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints I (we) pray that freedom of utterance may be given me (us), that I (we) may speak boldly the mystery of the Gospel for which I am (we are) an ambassador. I (we) pray I (we) may declare it boldly and courageously as I (we) ought to do GOING TO WORK. In Jesus name, Amen!"
Gracious God, I acknowledge that You are worthy of all honor, glory and praise. I am thankful for the victorious work of Your Son, Jesus Christ at Calvary for me. I appropriate His victory for myself now as I willingly surrender every area of my life to Your will.
Thank you for the forgiveness and righteousness that has been given to me as Your adopted child. I trust in Your protection and provision daily. I know that your love for me never ceases.
I rejoice in Your victory, my Lord, over all the principalities and powers in the heavenlies. In faith I stand in Your victory and commit myself to live obediently for You my King.
I desire that my fellowship with You become greater. Reveal to me those things that grieve You and enables the enemy to secure an advantage in my life. I need the Holy Spirit's powerful ministry in my life; bringing conviction of sin, repentance of heart, strengthening my faith and increasing perseverance in resisting temptation.
Help me to die to self and walk in the victory of the new creation You have provided for me. Let the fruits of the Spirit flow out of my life so that You will be glorified through my life.
I know that it is Your will that I should stand firm and resist all of the enemy's work against me. Help me to discern the attacks upon my thoughts and emotions. Enable me to stand upon Your Word and resist all the accusations, distortions and condemnations that are hurled against me.
It is my desire to be transformed through the renewing of my mind, so that I will not compromise with the ways of the world, or yield to the enemy's attacks, but be obedient to Your will.
I draw upon those spiritual resources that You have provided me and I attack the strongholds and plans of the enemy that have been put in place against me. I command in the name of Jesus Christ that the enemy must release my mind, will, emotions and body completely. They have been yielded to the Lord and I belong to Him.
Lord, enable me to become the person You created me to be. Help me as I pray to be strong in faith. Show me how to apply Your Word in my life each day. I know that I wear the full armor of God when I am committed to and stand firmly upon Your Word. I want You to have the supreme place in my life.
I surrender myself completely to You, Lord. You are always faithful and You extend Your grace to me constantly, even when I do not realize it. I claim Your promise of forgiveness and cleansing in its fullness. In faith, I receive the victory today that you have already put in place for me. I do this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior with a grateful heart. In the name and power of the Blood of Jesus, Amen
For Prosperity:Since I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things are added to me. There may be a shortage of food in the cupboard and money in the bank, but my God supplies all my need according to His riches in glory. El Shaddai is my source. I speak light into the darkness. Lack of clothing I speak to you. Lack of finances I speak to you. Lack of food I speak to you. Lack of transportation I speak to you. "If God be for me, you cannot be against me. Be removed from my life and be cast into the sea". Provisions, food, clothing and money, I speak to you, "Come into my life. Come into the life of my family. Righteousness finds it's way to me. Healing finds it's way to me. Prosperity finds it's way to me. Financial blessings come upon me and overtake me". Jesus is preeminent in my life. Therefore, all grace is abounding toward me. So I can have a sufficient supply in every area of my life to give into every good work of God. I am a giver. I am a sower. Therefore, I am a reaper. Harvest day has arrived. Jesus became poor on the cross so I could be rich. Prosperity is part of the atonement and my spiritual right. I resist lack and poverty in Jesus name. I will not live below my covenant rights I AM PROSPEROUS. Today will be a good day. Every weapon of Satan planned for me will turn on him. This day, I am more than a conqueror. Today will be filled with blessings from God. All spiritual and natural blessings for this day have been arranged for me before the foundation of the earth. I can't lose. “According to Philemon 1:6, “That the sharing of my faith may produce full understanding of every good thing which is in me in my identification with Christ Jesus,†I am now releasing my faith by, confessing this to be the greatest day of my life. “This is the day that the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.†I am a recreated being, “old things have passed away and all things have become new.†I am created into His glorious image and likeness. I am His workmanship and am complete in Christ. I am full of His Spirit and divine power. I have the fruit of His Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, meekness, temperance, and faith. I am humbly submitting myself to the authority of His Holy Word because He and His Word are one. I am obedient to His commandments and He enlarges my capacity to receive “revelation†knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and ability in all things that pertain to life and Godliness. I am God’s property; I have “been bought with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.†Therefore, I am free from the curse of the law. All that satan represents shall not have dominion over me, such as sin, sickness, poverty, fear, doubt, worry and confusion. I speak directly to every mountain of satanic adversity in my life and command them to go in the Name of Jesus. They cannot stay; they must go in Jesus’ name. I am prospering in my spirit, soul, body, and finances, for I am a liberated person. Jesus said, “I will know the truth and the truth will make me free.†I am “standing fast in the liberty wherein Christ has made me free. “I am a disciplined person, I study God’s Word daily, and I meditate upon its precepts. I confess who Christ is, what He has done and what He is doing in and through me now. I am acting upon truths and I am expecting God to meet all my needs and “to do super-abundantly above all I dare ask, hope, dream, or desire†in every area of my life I am a. beautiful person full of God’s forgiveness and love. I forgive as God has forgiven me. I love as God has loved me. Therefore, His faith is working in me by love. Through the abundance of God’s grace, I have received the gift of righteousness and am now reigning in this life by Christ Jesus. “Christ has been made worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing.†I am now a joint heir with Christ and “as He is, so am I, in this world.†God has made me worthy to receive all that Jesus represents. Praise God, I am everything that the Word declares that I am. I am sharing my faith by confessing every good thing, which is in me in Christ Jesus. I believe my faith is now working effectually and that all of my needs and desires have already been supplied by His riches in glory through Christ Jesus. I worship with all my heart, soul, and strength. I lift up my voice and hands in praise and adoration to His glorious name, for He is worthy of praise and He has made me worthy to praise His name. In Jesus Name; Amenâ€
Lord Jesus, I commit my life to You totally, spirit, soul, and body. I ask that You bend, break, and mold me into the person that You want me to be. Lord, teach me to trust in You and to live and walk by faith in You and Your Word. I commit to You, Lord, to take accountability and responsibility in my walk with You and Your Word. No more will the enemy’s devices and the deceptions of the old man easily sway me. I purpose to firmly fix my eyes and heart on You, Lord, totally today. I press, push and apprehend all that you have for me today, keeping in the back of my remembrance that the enemy loves a lazy or slothful mind. satan, I come against you and all hosts of hell and I reject everything that you would have for me today. satan, I refuse all snares, pits, and traps that you have set to draw me away from my Lord Jesus Christ. I rebuke you, satan, and all your hosts in the name of Jesus from every assignment you have assigned against me or my family, my property, my health and my finances. Father I ask and believe for Your best in my life today and that Your will and purposes be done in and through me. I also ask that You keep me in Your perfect will and make me a yielded vessel fit for Your work today. I place myself under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trustâ€, for I chose to dwell in the secret place of the Most High. In Jesus Name, amen.:HALLELUJAH! JESUS IS ALIVE! WE ARE THE CHURCH AND THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST US. WE ARE A PEOPLE OF POWER AND WARFARE, CONQUERING AND POSSESSING OUR INHERITANCE. A SUPERNATURAL CHURCH OF LOVE, PRAISE AND MINISTRY, BEING FORMED INTO THE IMAGE OF JESUS CHRIST. WE ARE SUBMITTED, OBEDIENT, AND COMMITTED PEOPLE. BY FAITH, I AM SAVED. BY FAITH IN JESUS, I AM DELIVERED. BY HIS STRIPES, I AM HEALED. BY GOD'S LOVE, I AM FORGIVEN. BY HIS MERCY, I AM RESTORED. WE ARE A BODY OF BORN – AGAIN BELIEVERS RUNNING IN THE HUNDREDS. THE WORD TRAINING CENTER IS FAMILY PROSPERING: SPIRITUALLY, EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY AND FINANCIALLY. WE ARE A GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL PEOPLE. I AM BLESSED AND I AM A BLESSING TO OTHERS AROUND ME. WE SPEAK THE WORD. WE LIVE THE WORD. WE LIFT OUR HANDS AND GIVE A SHOUT OF VICTORY! HALLELUJAH AND JESUS IS LORD!
catcmo2006
