Daily Spiritual Meditations - October 28

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Standing Firm - Sword of the Spirit 28 by SGLY Ministry

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
John 1:1,14 NKJV

Jesus is the Word of God. Therefore Jesus is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17)

When we are dressed in the Armor of God we are covered completely by Jesus and we can stand firm in Him who is Truth, Prince of Peace, Righteousness, Author of Salvation and Faith and the Word of God.
We can hold Him up as our sword against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against the mighty powers in this dark world and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLT.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 KJV

All these demonic forces are no match for Jesus Christ for He has already claimed victory as He defeated them on Calvary’s cross. So we need to clothe ourselves in the Full Armor of God which is Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Dear God, when I think about all the demonic forces that surround me daily in the unseen world, this dark world, and in heavenly places, I am so thankful I know You and can wear Your Armor daily for protection. Thank You God for Your Son who is the Armor that covers me daily and helps me to firmly stand in truth and shine His light forth into this dark world to defeat evil.

Today: Hold up the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and stand firm in the victory Christ has won.

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The LORD God is my strength

Habakkuk 3:19 ‘The LORD God is my strength - He will make my feet like those of a deer, equipping me to tread on my mountain heights.’

- It is God Who gives you the strength that you need.
- He does not withhold strength, but He dispenses His strength to us.
- With His strength we can achieve what may have seemed impossible.
- His strength equips us to face any challenge that life may bring our way!

PRAYER: Lord, may Your strength flow into my life right now as I once again declare that You are the Strength of my life. Strengthen me in the issues and challenges that I am facing, so that I can emerge victorious through Your strength. Amen.

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God’s Love Never Fails by Max Lucado

One stumble does not define or break a person. Though you failed, God’s love does not. Face your failures with faith in God’s goodness. Like Joshua, when he stood on the eastern side of the Jordan, God could see the upcoming mishap. Still, he tells you what he told Joshua: “Arise, go. . .you and all this people, to the land which I am giving” (Joshua 1:2).

There’s no condition in that covenant. God’s Promise Land offer does not depend on your perfection. It depends on his. In God’s hands no defeat is a crushing defeat. Psalm 37:23-24 reminds us the steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall, it isn’t fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand. It’s essential you understand this— God’s grace is greater than your failures!

From Glory Days

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Seven Characteristics of Mercy By Rick Warren

“The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy.” (James 3:17a NLT, second edition)

Mercy is like a diamond; it is multi-faceted. Today we’re going to look at seven facets of mercy, because I guarantee if you’ll learn how to be an agent of mercy, it will transform your relationships.

Mercy means being patient with people’s quirks. How do you get more patience for your kids, spouse, or friends? The Bible says in James 3:17, “The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy” (NLT, second edition). The wiser you become, the more patient and merciful you become.
Mercy means helping anyone around you who is hurting. You cannot love your neighbor as yourself without being merciful. Proverbs 3:27 says, “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it” (TEV). But God is not simply watching what you do. He’s watching your attitude: “[When you] show mercy, do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:8 NIV).
Mercy means giving people a second chance. When somebody hurts us, we normally want to get even or write that person off. But the Bible says, “Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ” (Ephesians 4:31-32 CEV).
Mercy means doing good to those who hurt you. Mercy is giving people what they need, not what they deserve. Why should we do it? Because that’s what God does with you: “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because [God] is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36 NIV).
Mercy means being kind to those who offend you. You’ve got to be more interested in winning people to Christ than in winning the argument. Jude 1:22-23 says, “Show mercy to those who have doubts. Save others by snatching them from the fire of hell. Show mercy to others, even though you are afraid that you might be stained by their sinful lives” (GW).
Mercy means building bridges of love to the unpopular. This is what I call premeditated mercy, because you intentionally build friendships with people who don’t have friends or who are not accepted at work or in society. When the Pharisees questioned why Jesus ate with tax collectors and other unpopular people, Jesus said, “‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners” (Matthew 9:13b NLT, second edition).
Mercy means valuing relationships over rules. Romans 13:10 says, “Love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.” If you want to show mercy, put people before policies. Put their needs before procedures. Put relationships before regulations. Choose love over law.

Talk It Over

In today’s cultural climate, why is it often easier to be more interested in winning the argument than in winning people to Christ?
If mercy means valuing relationships over rules, what do you need to change about the way you interact with your coworkers? What about with your children?
How can you be intentional this week about showing mercy to people around you who are hurting?

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Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

It is so easy to begin to worry. I can recall countless nights I stayed awake worried about the next day. I lost a lot of sleep worried about forgetting something the next day.

Worry is a bad thing. It keeps you from sometimes sleeping, eating, or even just enjoying life. That’s why the Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Because if we’re using up all our energy worrying about the next day, we’re not enjoying today. God doesn’t want us going through life bogged down with worry and cares. Instead, He wants us to trust Him, that He will take care of things.

God doesn’t want us going through life burdened with worry and cares. – @studentdevos

So today, if you have a bad habit of worrying about things, decide to make a change for good. Decide to stop worrying about things that may or may not happen and enjoy the things God has provided for you today. As you break the habit of worry, you’ll find that you’ll begin enjoying life more each day!