Joshua 1:8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (NKJV).
Last time, we looked at the importance of following the first clause of Joshua 1:8, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth," that it is crucial that we know what God's Word says.
Today, let's look at the second clause of Joshua 1:8, "but you shall meditate in it day and night." The Hebrew word for "meditate" is “hâgâh” (haw-gaw’), which means "to murmur (in pleasure); to ponder--imagine, meditate, mutter, roar, speak, study, talk, utter."
The list of synonyms in the definition for the Hebrew word "meditate" is reflected in the way the following versions state our Joshua 1:8b clause:
--"meditate on it" (TNIV)
--"think about what it says" (NIRV)
--"study it" (NCV)
--"recite it" (HCSB)
--"Ponder and meditate on it" (Message)
The second verse of the first chapter of the Book of Psalms says that "His [the blessed man's] delight is in the law of the LORD; and on His law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2, NIV, words added in brackets by author, for clarity). One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Psalm 119. While I encourage you to read that chapter at least once a month, let's look at four verses specific to our Joshua 1:8b clause. As you read them, ask yourself if you can honestly echo the words.
"I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways" (Psalm 119:15). "I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees" (v. 48). "Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long" (v. 97). "My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises" (v. 148, NIV).
God wants us to read, study, memorize, recite, speak, pray, ponder, think about, meditate in and on His Word. When are we to do all that? According to Joshua 1:8, we should meditate on God's Word "day and night." Even when we're going about our daily business, God's Word should be coming to mind and on the tip of our tongue.
Even when we're asleep, if we have hidden God's Word in our heart, I believe God's Word continues to work in us. If "He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over [His people] will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:3-4, NIV, words in brackets added by author, for clarity), and since He is the Word (John 1:1), and since His Word is "living and active" (Hebrews 4:12, NIV), it makes sense that the Word of God continues to work in us, even when we're asleep. Think about that--God's living, active, powerful Word works within your mind, heart, and spirit--day and night.
What this has to do with weight loss: When you think about your weight-loss journey, what do you think about? Make a conscious choice to pay attention to the thoughts that flit through your mind throughout the day (or stay for a while). If those thoughts tend to be negative, self-defeating, then you have some work to do, and God's Word can help you renew your mind. Give it a try. Remember, your thoughts become spoken words and actions and habits, so they're important.
Confession:
Because I love God's Word and because I want success in every area of my life, I read, memorize, study, meditate on, think about, speak and pray the powerful Word of God every day.
Showing posts with label Heb. 4:12. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heb. 4:12. Show all posts
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #116 [Get prayers answered, 6th condition]
Psalm 119:65 "Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD" (NIV).
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first five:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
4) Pray with the right motive, which is God's glory.
5) Pray from the place of right relationship.
Today, we will look at the sixth condition to answered prayer: 6) Pray according to the Word of God. If you want an absolute "Yes!" to your prayer, pray a promise or precedence from God's Word. When you back up your petition with God's "quick and powerful Word" (Hebrews 4:12, KJV), God is obligated to hear and answer.
Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (NKJV). It is the Word of God that produces faith, the faith that makes prayer dynamic.
Is there a "rock" in front of you? Hear what the LORD declares, "Is not my word like fire...and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29, NIV). Find out what God's Word has to say about your situation, pray that Word, claiming it with absolute faith, and you will see that "rock" crumble!
Paul reminds us that "everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4, NIV). That hope is far from an "I hope it will happen." The Greek word for "hope" is ĕlpis (elpece'), which means "anticipation, expectation, confidence." When your hope is centered in God's Word, you are confident when you pray, and you expect and anticipate that the answer will manifest.
What is your level of commitment to praying God's Word? The psalmist says, "I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises" (Psalm 119:147-148, NIV).
Each of us has experienced someone making a promise and not following through or saying something that was, in actuality, a lie. Meditate on the fact and give thanks that "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19, NIV). Praise God that He does what He says, and He fulfills every promise.
Beloved, read the Book, know the Book, believe the Book, act on the Book, and pray the Book! Listen to the God-breathed words and echo what the psalmist prayed so long ago, "You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise" (Psalm 119:57-58, NIV).
What this has to do with weight loss: How often, when referring to your weight-loss journey, do you say, "I hope __________"? Do you know what God's Word has to say about food, health, patience, endurance, etc.? Find a verse to stand on, for your weight-loss journey, meditate on it, claim it, pray it, and watch God fulfill it in your life and body.
Confession:
I search God's Word for what He has to say about my situation, and when I pray, I pray the powerful Word of God, confident that God, who never lies, is true to His Word, and His Word will be fulfilled in my circumstances.
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first five:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
4) Pray with the right motive, which is God's glory.
5) Pray from the place of right relationship.
Today, we will look at the sixth condition to answered prayer: 6) Pray according to the Word of God. If you want an absolute "Yes!" to your prayer, pray a promise or precedence from God's Word. When you back up your petition with God's "quick and powerful Word" (Hebrews 4:12, KJV), God is obligated to hear and answer.
Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (NKJV). It is the Word of God that produces faith, the faith that makes prayer dynamic.
Is there a "rock" in front of you? Hear what the LORD declares, "Is not my word like fire...and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29, NIV). Find out what God's Word has to say about your situation, pray that Word, claiming it with absolute faith, and you will see that "rock" crumble!
Paul reminds us that "everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4, NIV). That hope is far from an "I hope it will happen." The Greek word for "hope" is ĕlpis (elpece'), which means "anticipation, expectation, confidence." When your hope is centered in God's Word, you are confident when you pray, and you expect and anticipate that the answer will manifest.
What is your level of commitment to praying God's Word? The psalmist says, "I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises" (Psalm 119:147-148, NIV).
Each of us has experienced someone making a promise and not following through or saying something that was, in actuality, a lie. Meditate on the fact and give thanks that "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19, NIV). Praise God that He does what He says, and He fulfills every promise.
Beloved, read the Book, know the Book, believe the Book, act on the Book, and pray the Book! Listen to the God-breathed words and echo what the psalmist prayed so long ago, "You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise" (Psalm 119:57-58, NIV).
What this has to do with weight loss: How often, when referring to your weight-loss journey, do you say, "I hope __________"? Do you know what God's Word has to say about food, health, patience, endurance, etc.? Find a verse to stand on, for your weight-loss journey, meditate on it, claim it, pray it, and watch God fulfill it in your life and body.
Confession:
I search God's Word for what He has to say about my situation, and when I pray, I pray the powerful Word of God, confident that God, who never lies, is true to His Word, and His Word will be fulfilled in my circumstances.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #87 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part V]
Last time, we looked at how the Accuser of the Brethren throws darts of doubt, in an attempt to cause the believer to question his/her salvation. The Helmet of Salvation is meant to remind the believer that he/she has access to grace and mercy.
The Helmet of Salvation is also meant to remind the believer that he/she can claim "deliverance from evil or danger" (2nd definition of "salvation" in Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary), but the believer must know and speak the promises of safety found in the Word of God. That is why Ephesians 6:17 directs us to "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" [emphasis mine]. It is the Word of God, our Sword of the Spirit, which will deal the death blow to our enemy who attempts to engage us in fights of fright.
Yes, fear is Satan's number one weapon. If he can get you to feel concerned, anxious, worried, or afraid, he knows he is getting the upper hand in the battle, and he will double his efforts to defeat you. Look at the area of life that gives you pause, recognize the one behind your fear (whether that fear seems benign or malignant), and lift up the Sword of the Spirit, which is "sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12), to destroy the two-edged broad sword of doubt and fear wielded by Satan.
Next time, we will look at areas of fear and focus on specific promises you can use to combat the fear that the enemy would seek to use to bury you. Until then, ask yourself this question: What do I fear the most? Make a list, if you need to. You'll know the thing you fear the most by the feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach.
II Kings 6:16 [NIV]
"'Don't be afraid,' the prophet [Elisha] answered [his servant]. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'" [Note: Information added in brackets by author, to clarify meaning.]
What this has to do with weight loss: For most of us, it seems as if we're in one battle after another, either to lose weight or to keep it off. Whether it's battling insurance to obtain weight-loss surgery or the temptation to revert to old, unhealthy eating behaviors (which comes from a fear of failure or even from a fear of success), be assured that, just like Elisha knew, "those [heavenly helpers] who are with [you] are more than those [evil imps] who are with [the enemy]" (II Kings 6:16, author's paraphrase). Recognize and utilize the host of heavenly help at your disposal, and you will win the war.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, help me to take a fearless look at that fear which I've given in to much too often. Help me to uncover every concern, analyze every anxious thought, wear down every worry, and fight every fear, and may I seek out Your Word for the power to do so. I pray in the Name of the One who, during the fiercest storm, is present and says, 'Take courage. It is I. Be not afraid' (Matthew 14:27). Amen."
Go forth today, and courageously name your fear.
The Helmet of Salvation is also meant to remind the believer that he/she can claim "deliverance from evil or danger" (2nd definition of "salvation" in Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary), but the believer must know and speak the promises of safety found in the Word of God. That is why Ephesians 6:17 directs us to "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" [emphasis mine]. It is the Word of God, our Sword of the Spirit, which will deal the death blow to our enemy who attempts to engage us in fights of fright.
Yes, fear is Satan's number one weapon. If he can get you to feel concerned, anxious, worried, or afraid, he knows he is getting the upper hand in the battle, and he will double his efforts to defeat you. Look at the area of life that gives you pause, recognize the one behind your fear (whether that fear seems benign or malignant), and lift up the Sword of the Spirit, which is "sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12), to destroy the two-edged broad sword of doubt and fear wielded by Satan.
Next time, we will look at areas of fear and focus on specific promises you can use to combat the fear that the enemy would seek to use to bury you. Until then, ask yourself this question: What do I fear the most? Make a list, if you need to. You'll know the thing you fear the most by the feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach.
II Kings 6:16 [NIV]
"'Don't be afraid,' the prophet [Elisha] answered [his servant]. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'" [Note: Information added in brackets by author, to clarify meaning.]
What this has to do with weight loss: For most of us, it seems as if we're in one battle after another, either to lose weight or to keep it off. Whether it's battling insurance to obtain weight-loss surgery or the temptation to revert to old, unhealthy eating behaviors (which comes from a fear of failure or even from a fear of success), be assured that, just like Elisha knew, "those [heavenly helpers] who are with [you] are more than those [evil imps] who are with [the enemy]" (II Kings 6:16, author's paraphrase). Recognize and utilize the host of heavenly help at your disposal, and you will win the war.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, help me to take a fearless look at that fear which I've given in to much too often. Help me to uncover every concern, analyze every anxious thought, wear down every worry, and fight every fear, and may I seek out Your Word for the power to do so. I pray in the Name of the One who, during the fiercest storm, is present and says, 'Take courage. It is I. Be not afraid' (Matthew 14:27). Amen."
Go forth today, and courageously name your fear.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #80 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part VIII]
Last time, we looked at the first of 4 practical ways to guarantee that you can extinguish every flaming weapon of Satan, by thinking thoughts of faith. Today, let's look at the second way to "hold up the shield of faith, to stop the fiery arrows of the devil" (Ephesians 6:16).
To extinguish every dart, you must speak faith. Words are powerful, so powerful that the Word says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21, NKJV). With faith words, Jesus said we could move a mountain (Matthew 17:20).
If you want to be able to stop the enemy's fiery darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression, you must use the Word of God to do so. Jesus Himself used God's Word to counter every temptation of the devil (Matthew 4:1-11), and you'd be wise to do the same. In the heat of battle, you won't have time to grab your Bible and Concordance, so you must prepare by hiding God's Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). If you do that, you will have the mightiest weapon of warfare on the tip of your tongue, and you will pull down every stronghold (II Corinthians 10:4).
Revelation 12:11 [Amplified]
"They overcame him [the accuser of the brethren, Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..."
What this has to do with weight loss: You will be on the receiving end of Satan's whispers of doubt, discouragement, and depression, even in the area of weight issues, and he will seek to hear you repeat them. If you desire to defeat his words, speak God's words of faith, hope, and love, even about your body and its ability to release weight. Which words will you speak today?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, Your Words are 'light to all who find them, and health to all their flesh' (Proverbs 4:22). I need that light and health today, Lord. I know that Your Word is 'alive and powerful' (Hebrews 4:12), and with it, I will defeat every dart of the devil. May Your faith-filled Word be in my mouth and on my tongue throughout this day. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking words of faith, to defeat words of doubt, discouragement, and depression.
To extinguish every dart, you must speak faith. Words are powerful, so powerful that the Word says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21, NKJV). With faith words, Jesus said we could move a mountain (Matthew 17:20).
If you want to be able to stop the enemy's fiery darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression, you must use the Word of God to do so. Jesus Himself used God's Word to counter every temptation of the devil (Matthew 4:1-11), and you'd be wise to do the same. In the heat of battle, you won't have time to grab your Bible and Concordance, so you must prepare by hiding God's Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). If you do that, you will have the mightiest weapon of warfare on the tip of your tongue, and you will pull down every stronghold (II Corinthians 10:4).
Revelation 12:11 [Amplified]
"They overcame him [the accuser of the brethren, Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..."
What this has to do with weight loss: You will be on the receiving end of Satan's whispers of doubt, discouragement, and depression, even in the area of weight issues, and he will seek to hear you repeat them. If you desire to defeat his words, speak God's words of faith, hope, and love, even about your body and its ability to release weight. Which words will you speak today?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, Your Words are 'light to all who find them, and health to all their flesh' (Proverbs 4:22). I need that light and health today, Lord. I know that Your Word is 'alive and powerful' (Hebrews 4:12), and with it, I will defeat every dart of the devil. May Your faith-filled Word be in my mouth and on my tongue throughout this day. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking words of faith, to defeat words of doubt, discouragement, and depression.
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