Daily Devotions

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We Need More Than Politicians

What we need more than better politicians is an awakening move of God (at least)… in the Church, then the nation. God will never share, with mere political parties, the power He has designed to be exercised through the Church. “Politicians are not to be looked to for complete social reform… The politicalrallyposterChurch has been losing influence in America because it has been relying on politics to stop the moral and spiritual decay in society. Politics will not catalyze the change; it is simply a reflection of the environment. If the environment is rooted in Christian values, the politics of America will be rooted in Christian values… The spiritual revival and renewal of Christian faith needed in America will never originate from Washington. Once the spiritual climate changes, Washington will be changed. If the American Church thinks her salvation […] comes from Washington and a God-fearing president, then her hope is rooted in a counterfeit… God’s Church is not dependent on elections; it is dependent upon His Word, which declares, ‘… I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’” (Matt 16:18) (Dennis Lindsey)  If we are not careful, we can just get to looking around and saying, “‘Such and such’ is what’s going on” and forget that God is at work.
(This is the third excerpt from Marty Gabler’s article “What is Going On?“. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.)


 

Peace and Riots

worldgodhandsAs the people of God assemble today, may they be assured of God’s peace that passes all understanding and seeks to dwell in their hearts by the power of the risen Christ. May they realize and embrace the unity of the Body of Christ and the strength of oneness in our Lord as they boldly make prayers unto God for the salvation of our nation.  “Confuse the speech of my enemies, O Lord! I see violence and riots in the city,” (Ps.55:9, GNT)  “Felix, who knew Christians didn’t go around starting riots…” (Acts 24:22a, Living Bible)


 

Rejoicing for the Nation

rejoicingpeople1“This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps.118:24)  On this passage Clarke basically says that since the Lord has called us to triumph, this is the day He has appointed for that purpose. He seems to be claiming it for himself, as should we—this time period, this season, even this very day is the day of our triumphing in Christ. This is rejoicing for what the Lord had done for the nation. V.23 “This is the Lord’s doing.” Now, as then, mere man does not have the answers for our nation. Let us lift our voices to the throne of God that we may rejoice in what Jehovah has done in our nation. Rejoice and be glad!


 

Not Shrink Back

Hopefully, we will not shrink back and think we can opt out of choosing to respond to our Lord’s “Come on” (Matt.14:29). If we refuse to cooperate shrinkawayfromwith God’s intent stirring within us, there will be repercussions. For one, not moving forward in God’s direction can leave us to simply become a victim of our present circumstances instead of changing them.  For another, we get cheated out of destiny and fulfillment that would make our lifetime bring glory to God.  For another, we suffer the consequences of disobedience, (which are too varied and numerous to list here.)  Believe it or not, just like it was hard for Jonah to fight cooperating with God, it is not easy for a son to ignore or defy the cry of a son’s heart.
(This excerpt is from the article “Bid Me Come” written by Kathy Gabler.)


 

Part of Something Bigger

firebucketwaterYou are part of something that is bigger than you are and it is still standing and it is still advancing. (1) The wall is still standing. You and I may only be small pebbles in its makeup but we are part of that wall. (2) You and I may not be Gideon but we are part of that which does not consider the odds. We consider Him who has called us.  (3) You and I may not be the whole bucket of water that is being thrown on the fire but we are drops that are putting out flames. (Heb.12:3, GW) “Think about Jesus, who endured opposition from sinners, so that you don’t become tired and give up.”  We are praying you discover daily that you are part of something bigger than you are. (Marty’s Daily Discovery as heard on TEXAS PRAISE RADIO at the bottom of the hour 24 hours/day.)


 

Prayers and Partnership for the Nation

As you consider your musings throughout the day, as you hear news broadcasts and partake in discussions about current events, may the Lord usagodshandsencourage you for the future of our nation and your vital part in assuring that future. May you be encouraged that your prayers and partnership are significant in His workings in America. May you receive His assurance that you shall not be moved out of purpose nor off the foundation of God Almighty. Let’s claim (Ps.46:5) “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved:  God shall help her, and that right early.” Also (Ps.62:6) “He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved.” We are praying you discover daily that God is your defense.   (Marty’s Daily Discovery as heard on TEXAS PRAISE RADIO at the bottom of the hour 24 hours/day. www.txpraise.com)


 

USA at a Tipping Point

The people of God already have a King and Redeemer and no politician can replace Him. Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God is our redeemer and Messiah. “We have had conservative presidents but not one has called the nation to a fast. Conservativism will not replace godliness.” (D. Gentry) worldtippingpointAnd while mentioning conservativism, consider a poignant measure on the future of the matter: “The weakened Republican Party will not be successful in opposing important policy shifts. It will be engaged in an internal ideological struggle. Its main question will be the extent to which it can continue to accommodate the ideas of its religious faction and yet expand its base to appeal to a broad coalition who sees the religious right as the albatross around the neck of the party.” (S.Soleyn) We are standing at a tipping point in this nation that we have not quite approached to date and, for the most part, are not even aware of. The Church was never meant to place itself or its hope in the hands of political parties, candidates or governing or judicial entities created by men. The Church will only function the way it was created and ordained to function, standing on the foundation of the rule of God, that is, Kingdom principles. When the king of Sodom opened his arms wide to include Abraham in the economy of his own kingdom, Abraham quickly re- sponded: Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ (Gen.14:22-23) You become a lackey for the one who fills your pocket and they never let you forget they are the one that did it. (Excerpt from Marty’s article “What is Going On?”)


 

Harassment Cut Off

holdinghanddownI had three more promptings to pray, “Hands off,” in the weeks that followed.  On one occasion, I had a vision as I prayed and I actually saw hands falling off at the wrist.  I quickly said, “Lord, I was not thinking so viciously.  That’s not my fault!”  However, the vision was not about any person being maimed, it was simply assurance that not only was the interference and harassment being stopped, but the ability to continue to interfere and harass was being cut off in that matter also.  Thank you, Father.
(This is the eleventh excerpt from Kathy Gabler’s article “Hands Off!“. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.)


 

Prayer to Heal the Land

prayflaghandsAs the people of God assemble today, may they join hearts and minds and prayer and persevere for the purposes of God in our nation. May they lift their voices together and cry out for a turning to righteousness and the healing of this land.
”If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chron.7:14, KJV)


 

First Things First

putfirstthingsThere are people and things that are continually vying for our attention and our loyalty. How often have we allowed the little things to tempt us, distract us and hinder us? How far up on the list have we let “minor” items inch toward “major” positions in recent years? Habits, indulgences and expenditures tend to creep ever upward among priorities and can eventually press biblically-based convictions out of position.  May the Lord help us to keep things in the order that the wisdom of biblical values would put them. (Matt.8:22, Msg) Jesus said, “First things first. Your business is life, not death. Follow me. Pursue life.” We are praying you discover daily that you are keeping Christ at the head of the list of things that are important and worth living for.   (Marty’s Daily Discovery as heard on TEXAS PRAISE RADIO at the bottom of the hour 24 hours/day.)
www.txpraise.com