Daily Bible Devotional

I Will Pour My Spirit Upon All Flesh

Vanessa Collins — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:31:31 +0000

Scriptural Lesson

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Joel 2:28

Meditation

We often hear that everyone is talented and gifted in some area. But if you have not yet discovered your area, it can be very frustrating. You may seem to be surrounded by people that know what they want out of life and they seem to be equipped to get it. It may not be the same for you. You may not have discovered your passion. This can make you feel that you are not as special, talented or gifted as others. This is not the case.

In the Old Testament, there were people that were, for lack of better words, more special than others. This “special” designation came from God Himself. He would allow His Spirit to interact with only a special group of people. You had to be a king, priest or a prophet to be able to interact with the Spirit of God on a regular basis. If you were not lucky enough to be part of one of these groups, you had to get with someone from one of these groups to hear from God. It seemed as if God didn’t just talk to anybody. You had to be special. There was no “open door” policy in heaven.

In the New Testament, all of that changed. The sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross literally opened up heaven. Along with the wonderful gift of salvation, we received the gift of the Holy Spirit. As God promised in Joel, He poured His Spirit upon all flesh. You do not have to be born into a privileged family or have a special occupation to receive this gift. You don’t have to consult a king, priest, pastor or prophet to talk to God. He is right there with you right now!

No one in the Body of Christ is more special than someone else. You may be extremely talented and gifted or you may not. You may live what others judge to be a “sanctified life” or you may be a real cut up. In any case, you are special and important to God. You can access Him at anytime. Through the Holy Spirit there is an open door policy in place in heaven. You can go boldly before the throne of grace at anytime and commune with God. Isn’t it nice to be special?

Affirmation

Father I thank you for the Holy Spirit. I will no longer entertain thoughts of worthlessness or poor self esteem. It is so good to know that I am so special to You. I can come to you at anytime. I am gratefully rejoicing that you have poured your Spirit out upon me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

I Am For You

Vanessa Collins — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:44:17 +0000

Scriptural Lesson
For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:
Ezekiel 36:9

Meditation
As we have discussed before, Israel was in a state of confusion. They had turned from God. As a result, they would experience the wrath of God. They would be in captivity, driven from their land. This was a direct result of their disobedience.

Even when God was angry with Israel, He still spoke words of hope and restoration. Israel would be punished for turning from God and turning to idols. However, God would not let them be totally destroyed. He would restore them. It is here that we find our promise for today.

God told Israel that He was for them. If God be for you, who can be against you? This does not mean no one will be against you. It compares the power of God being for you against the powerlessness of anyone else that would be against you.

Meditate on our scripture, “I am for you”. Hear God say this to your spirit. He is for you. He is not just in you, but He is for you. He is cheering for you. He is by your side. He wants you to be successful. He loves you.

Notice that He also tells Israel that He would turn to them and that they would be tilled and sown. This speaks of being taken care of. He would see to them and make sure that they had everything that they needed to grow. What an awesome God.

As Christians, God has also promised to tend to us in a similar fashion. We remember in John chapter 15 where Jesus explains the true vine. Jesus tells us that God will be the gardener. He will tend and care for us. But He will also prune us so that we are fruitful. Even though pruning is not always pleasant, it is necessary for our growth. We will be better for it.

So remember, God is for you. No situation that you are facing is designed to overtake or conquer you. You are more than a conqueror because God is for you.

Affirmation
God is on my side. He cares about me and my situation. I will trust Him and know that He will take care of me. I am gratefully rejoicing for the promise that God is for me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

I Shall Put My Spirit In You

Vanessa Collins — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:47:17 +0000

Scriptural Lesson
And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.
Ezekiel 37:14

Meditation
We continue to look at the story of Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones. As we saw yesterday, Ezekiel was instructed to prophesy to a valley of dry bones which represented the nation of Israel. God promised to restore Israel and make the nation a mighty army. We also looked at how the dry bones could represent things of today such as broken dreams or bad situations. We established that we, just as Ezekiel did, could prophesy to our situations and see the miracle of God’s restoration.

Today’s promise is found in that same story. God tells Israel that He will put His spirit in them and they shall live. This has been fulfilled today through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Although we know this intellectually, many times we don’t understand the importance of it. Just think about it. God’s has put His spirit in you. The almighty power of the universe lives in you. Not only does the earth show forth God’s glory, you show forth His glory.

That power makes it possible for you to live. Not just have breath, but to live, to have an abundant live. Everything you need is within you because God is within you. He leads and guides you. He protects you. He supplies your needs. All you have to do is believe.

It’s easy to believe when everything is going well. However, it is when things are difficult that believing becomes challenging. However, you are well able to meet this challenge. Determine that you will obey God’s Word. Speak to your circumstances. Prophesy words of hope to your situation. Then trust God. Know that God has spoken it and performed it.

Affirmations
God’s spirit lives inside of me. I am His child. I will obey His Word. I will prophesy hope to my situation and trust God to restore. I am gratefully rejoicing for the promise that God has put His spirit in me so that I can live. In Jesus Name, Amen.

I Will Cause Breath to Enter You

Vanessa Collins — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:56:33 +0000

Scriptural Lesson
Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
Ezekiel 37:5

Meditation
One of the first stories you probably heard from the book of Ezekiel was about the valley of dry bones. According to Ezekiel, God took him to a valley of dry bones where he was to prophesy to the bones that God would put muscle and skin on them. God told Ezekiel that he would also breathe into the bones and bring life to them. From this, these bones, which represented the nation of Israel, would know that the Lord was God.

We have also heard exegesis on what these dry bones represent in our lives today. Some believe these bones represent our dreams and hopes that have somehow become deferred. Some believe that these dry bones represent the spirituality of man without God. Whatever these bones represent, they experienced total restoration through God.

One of the interesting things in this chapter is how God used Ezekiel to be part of the solution. Although God could have addressed these bones without Ezekiel, there appear to be dominion principles represented here that need to be examined more closely.

The first thing God does is show Ezekiel the problem. Without acknowledging there is a problem, the solution will not be sought after. He then asks Ezekiel if he thinks these bones can live. Although Ezekiel doesn’t know the answer, he does not give God a negative response. He defers to God and tells him that only he knows. However, the question that God ask Ezekiel starts him thinking about the solution.

God then instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones. Ezekiel must speak to the bones and tell them how God is going to restore them. But that’s not all. Once the muscle and skin was on the bones, the bones were not alive. Ezekiel had to prophesy to the wind and tell it to breath into the bones. It was only then that life came into the bones and they became a mighty army.

Do you have a few dry bones around that need restoration? Are you looking for a prophetic word from the Lord that would speak live into your dry situation? You already have it, the Word of God. You don’t have to wait for a prophet to stand you up and speak a word of hope to your situation. You can prophesy to your dry bones. Speak to the resources that you need in order to accomplish the dreams and goals that you have. Speak life into your situation, whether it is health, finances, relationships, or peace of mind. You have the authority and ability to do it. You have the Spirit of God living on the inside of you.

Affirmations
I have the Spirit of God living on the inside of me. I can speak to my dry bones the Word of God and see miraculous changes. I am gratefully rejoicing for the promise that God will cause breath to enter my dry bones and they will live. In Jesus Name, Amen.

I Will Make the Crooked Places Straight

Vanessa Collins — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:37:17 +0000

Scriptural Lesson
Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
Isaiah 45:1-3

Meditation
The power of the prophetic word is often not understood until its fulfillment. God used Isaiah is such an awesome way that many theologians cannot believe that Isaiah wrote the entire book that bears his name. They believe that the second part of the book of Isaiah had to be written by someone else because there is no way Isaiah could have prophesied, by name, the king that God would use to rebuilt the temple, 150 years before it happened. However, God knows who He will use.

God promises Cyrus that He will give him treasures and riches that are hidden. He will do this so that Cyrus will know that the Lord is the God of Israel. He also promises to make the crooked places straight and break in pieces the gates of brass and cut in sunder the bars of iron. Forget about opening doors. God is promising here to break down the doors. What a mighty God we serve.

There is nothing that is too hard for God. There is nothing that is outside of God’s reach. God can speak of events 150 years before they happen. Cyrus would be born for a purpose.

We were also born for a purpose. God is also with us. He will go before us. God will break into pieces that gates that hold us back from our destiny. God will also give us treasures and hidden riches so that we will know that He is God. And God will make our crooked places straight.

Are there things that are holding you back? Does it look like doors are closing before you one after another? Does the path before you look crooked and hard to maneuver? Don’t despair. God will lead and guide you. He will make your crooked paths straight.

Affirmations
God is with me. There are no doors that can hinder me from my destiny. God will lead and guide me on my path. I am gratefully rejoicing for the promise that God will make my crooked places straight.

I Will Not Leave Thee

Vanessa Collins — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:40:12 +0000

Scriptural Lesson
And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
Genesis 28:15

Meditation
Jacob found himself in a very interesting place. Upon the coaching of his mother, he had stolen his brother’s blessing. His brother had vowed to kill him so Jacob was on the run. He was headed to his uncle’s home in the hopes of finding a wife and giving his brother some time to cool off. But would his brother ever “cool off”? Esau was known for being hot headed. Jacob had really done it this time. Esau was determined to get him and there was no one who could save him.

As Jacob travels to his uncle’s, he stopped along the way to sleep. Apparently sleeping outside, he takes stones to make a pillow. That night he dreams of a ladder that reaches heaven with angels of God ascending and descending. He then sees God at the top of the ladder. It is here that we find our promise for today.

God confirms his covenant with Jacob, as He did with Abraham and Isaac. He promises to multiply his seed as the dust on the earth and to give to him the land he promised his father and grandfather. God promises to be with Jacob and to keep him wherever he goes. He also assures him that He will bring him back to this land and that He will not leave Jacob until He had done what He has promised.

What does this reveal about the nature of God? The first thing it shows us is God’s faithfulness to those He has chosen. Jacob was a trickster. Jacob had not only stolen Esau’s blessing but had tricked him out of his birthright. However, he was now chosen by God and God was going to stand by him. We also see that God does not leave work undone. Although Jacob would be gone for at least 14 years, God promised to bring him back on the land and not leave him.

This is also true of God in the life of the believer. Jesus assures us in Matthew 28:20 that He will be with us until the end of the world. No matter what we are going through or what we face, God is always with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. We can depend on that.

Affirmations
God is with me. He will keep me wherever I go. He will bring me into my land of promise. I am gratefully rejoicing for the promise that God will not leave me. In Jesus Name.

You Shall Be a Peculiar Treasure Unto Me

Vanessa Collins — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:40:18 +0000

Scriptural Lesson
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Exodus 19:5-6 (King James Version)

Meditation
The children of Israel were precious to God. They were His chosen people. He did not choose them because they were better than other people. He chose them because…He chose them. He does not give us reason. All we know is that they were chosen.

It appears that God wanted a people that He could have intimate relationship with. He wanted a people that appreciate Him for who he was, God Almighty. He wanted them to know His strength and respect it. He would do mighty things for them, but in return He wanted them to obey His voice. If they did, they would be a peculiar treasure to Him, a kingdom of priest and a holy, consecrated nation.

Not only is this promise for us today as believers, but it is repeated, in 1 Peter 2:9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

We are a treasure to God. Imagine that, a treasure to the Almighty God. We must show forth His praise and recognize that He called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We are no longer in the darkness of sin. We can now walk according to the spirit.

Are you acting like a treasure to God? Do you appreciate not only what He has done for you but who He is to you? If so, show forth His praise and let others know about the goodness of God.

Affirmations
I am precious to God. I am important to God. I am chosen, royal, holy and peculiar. I will recognize my importance to Him by showing forth His praise. I am gratefully rejoicing for the promise that I am a peculiar treasure to God. In Jesus Name, Amen.

I Will Give Thee Riches and Wealth

Vanessa Collins — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:17:14 +0000

Scriptural Lesson
Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
2 Chronicles 1:12 (King James Version)

Meditation
It is often interesting to hear how couples met. Can you imagine Solomon answering the question, “So how did your parents meet”? In order to be truthful, he would have to say that his father first saw his mother taking a bath on a roof top. He sent for her and that was all she wrote. He would have to include the fact that she was married to another man at the time. Then, of course, he would have to add that his father had is mother’s husband killed because he had gotten her pregnant. Then for good measure, he could throw in the fact that the child was killed by God because of what happened. Not a typical, romantic story that you would want to share with your friends. However, it was Solomon’s story.

With all of this family drama, God still chose Solomon to lead Israel. It was a big job. But to help him out, God paid a visit to Solomon in a dream and told him to ask for whatever he wanted. Instead of wealth and riches or political strength, Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge so that he could do a good job.

God’s response to Solomon is where we find our scripture for today. Although this was a promise directly to Solomon and not a blanket promise to everyone, it does reveal the heart and nature of God. God was so impressed with his answer that He told him that He would give him wisdom and knowledge plus all of the stuff he didn’t ask for, like wealth, riches and honor. What does this reveal about God?

It appears that God did not have a problem with Solomon being wealthy. He did not have a problem with Solomon being honored among men. He did not have a problem with Solomon being very successful. God didn’t appear to have a problem with the fact that He chose Solomon to be king, but that Solomon would not be perfect. In fact, the riches and wealth were going to attract Solomon to some things that would eventually turn Solomon’s heart away from God. God freely gave those things to Solomon, knowing that Solomon would make mistakes and even with all of his wisdom, he would make some wrong choices.

The same can be said about us. With all of the anointing that we have, we still make wrong choices. There are consequences for those choices, but God never turns His back on us. Neither does His nature change towards us. The scripture tells us that God gives richly all things to enjoy and that He takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servants.

Affirmations
God gives me richly all things to enjoy. God takes pleasure in the prosperity of his servants. Not only am I a servant of God but I am a child of God. I ask God for more wisdom and knowledge so that I can make better choices. I am gratefully rejoicing for scriptures that reveal God’s heart. I, too, can have wealth, riches and honor. In Jesus Name, Amen

The Just Shall Live By Faith

Vanessa Collins — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:48:27 +0000

Scriptural Lesson
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Habakkuk 2:2-4

Meditation
Very little is known about Habakkuk except that he was a prophet and author of the book which bears his name. The book of Habakkuk is a snap shot of a conversation between God and Habakkuk. Habakkuk asks God a question, got an answer that he did not like, asked God a follow up question, received additional information, and then tells God thank you in a prayer and a song.

Habakkuk wanted to know how long would there be corruption in Judah. They had laws but they were not enforced. As a result, people were getting away with everything. God answers Habakkuk and tells him don’t worry. He is about to destroy Judah with the Chaldeans.

That was like taking a machine gun to kill a fly. That was not the answer that Habakkuk was looking for. He just wanted his people to treat each other fairly. Why would God use a nation that was more sinful than Judah to correct her? And why them? They were the most treacherous, evil people they knew. And furthermore, they did not even believe in God. They were idol worshippers. They would beat God’s people and then they would worship their idols. In Habakkuk’s mind, God needed to think this through.

God’s response to Habakkuk’s concerns is where we find our promise for today. The Lord was going to use the Chaldeans to chastise Judah, but He would also destroy the Chaldeans because of their evil doings. No one was getting away with anything. God told Habakkuk to write it down; even though the vision may not come right away, just wait on it. In the end, it would happen just as God said it would. The just shall live by his faith.

It seems as if God was telling Habakkuk not to worry so much about the injustices around him, but to remember his faith. These words are good for us also. We sometimes get caught up in why the ungodly prosper while we struggle. We must take our focus off of them and focus on God. We live by our faith. Notice, this verse does not say that the just shall live by faith, it says that the just shall live by “his” faith. You cannot live by other people’s faith. You must live by your faith.

What do you believe? Whatever it is, that is what you will experience. If you believe that God is limited, then you will experience the limits of God. If you believe that God is unlimited, you will experience the fullness of God. As Jesus said, “According to “your” faith, be it unto you”.

Affirmations
I am the righteousness of God and I live by my faith. I believe in the power of God and I see that power at work in my life every day. I am gratefully rejoicing for the promise I can live by my faith. In Jesus Name.

I Will Answer Thee

Vanessa Collins — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:29:52 +0000

Scriptural Lesson
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3 (King James Version)

Meditation
Sometimes the simplest things can seem so hard, especially when we look for it to be complicated. Take communication for instance. Although talking is easy, communication takes a little more work. Anyone can say words. However, to be an artful communicator, you must make sure that your words relay the message that you intended to the right person and that they understood your message. Even though this make take a little more effort on our part, it does not have to be hard.

Communication with God is not as hard as some make it out to be. Some people believe that you have to be at a certain place, at a certain time, in order to hear from God. Other say that you have to act a certain way in order for God to talk to you. And then there are others that say God will not talk to you unless you are like them.

God gives very simple instructions on how to reach Him. You don’t have to have a special number, sit or lay a special way, or go to a special place. He tells us to just call on Him. That’s it. Just call on Him. He promises that if we call on Him, He will answer us. Not only will He answer us, but He will show us great and mighty things that we don’t know about.

Have you ever asked God about something and then at some point received an answer that you know was from God? Perhaps the answer revealed knowledge that you just didn’t know on your own. You figured out something that you know you could not have figured out if it had not been for what we call “divine intervention”. You may call it instinct or the universe talking. It is God talking. He may drop something directly into your spirit or He may lead someone to give you the answer. You may come across the answer in a book or see a billboard on the expressway. Either way, God is communicating with you. Just make sure that you take the time to listen. When we do all the talking in prayer, we can’t hear the answers that are being revealed.

So, before you call your good girl friend or your buddy, call on God. He’s not too busy. He’ll answer. He’s waiting on your call.

Affirmations
I have great communication with God. He talks to me and I listen. He is never too busy to take my call. I am gratefully rejoicing for the promise that God will answer me. In Jesus Name.