August Devotions

Click on date below to read the devotion for that day:

1 - Worth Dying For

Bible Reading: John 3:16; 15:13; Romans 5:5-8; I John 3:16; 4:10

The devil would have us think that we are not worthy of God's love and attention.  We are sinners, after all, unable to please God and destined for hell.

Of course, our enemy does NOT want us to understand this great truth:  while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. His love flowed out to us even when we didn't want it, didn't think we needed it, and didn't value what He'd done. Why did He die? Because we are worth it to Him, worth redeeming or buying back from satan, worth suffering to heal, and worth the pain that bought us eternal salvation.

The next time the devil tries to tell you how worthless you are - remember, to God, you're worth dying for!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that your great love counted us worth dying for. AMEN

Thought for the Day: Even though we've sinned and deserve death, God sees us as persons of worth.

Suggestion for prayer: Remember those with low self-image.

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2 Other People's Values

Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:2; I Peter 3:16; 4:4

Did you ever stop to think of how much we depend on the values of others for our sense of self worth? We look to others for "feedback" about who we are, and whether we are of value.

But what if others do not see us correctly? They can misunderstand us and misread our actions. Or what if we misinterpret what they say about us? We may be over-sensitive and take an innocent remark as an insult. Or what if their values are worldly and put us down because we don't follow their immoral ways of thinking?

We can be damaged by the world's distorted views of us. We need to hear what God is saying about us instead of judging ourselves by the values of others.

Prayer: Jesus, open our eyes to how You see us so that our self-image will not be distorted by the values of others.

Thought for the Day: "When people give us negative feedback, we internalize it and think or feel badly about ourselves." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for insight about the opinions of other people.

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3 - A Sane Self-Image

Bible Reading: Galatians 1:3-5; Romans 1:28-32; 12:2-3

Our culture today appears to be going crazy. Even the commercials on TV are full of blaring insanity, wild video, and clashing sounds.  In the midst of all this confusion, how can we have a sane view of ourselves?

Paul tells us not to be conformed to the world's way of thinking.  That's good news, because we'd have to believe we're nuts for sure. Then he tells us to think of ourselves with "sober judgement", which could also be translated "sound minded" or "sane".  Our self-image then can NOT come from the world's view of things.  We must be transformed - changed from the inside out - by renewing, making new and fresh our thoughts through God's Word.  To have a sane self-image, we must receive a new way of thinking about ourselves from God.

Prayer: Lord, let me look to Your Word for a sane self-image. AMEN

Thought for the Day: " A new, correct and liberating way of thinking about ourselves can come to us from God." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for a renewing of your mind.

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4 Fun House Images

Bible Reading: John 8:32; James 1:22-25

Have you ever visited a "Fun House" at a carnival or amusement park?  You walk through a hall of distorting mirrors that make you seem short and fat, tall and thin, or contorted in some way.  You giggle about it, but when you exit the hall, you leave those distorted images behind.

If you depend on the viewpoint of others to determine your self-worth, it's like looking in those distorted mirrors in the fun house. If you keep looking in their "mirrors" telling you that you are ugly, stupid, too fat or too thin, or too something, soon you will only see yourself as they do - a reflection of their thoughts and not the "real you".

Instead, look into God's mirror - His Word.  It shows you who you are without any distortion.  Come back and look again and again - so you can remember what you look like in God's eyes.

Prayer: Lord,  everyday help me to remember to gaze into the mirror of Your Word. AMEN

Thought for the Day: "The Word of God reflects a true image of us. But we must see this true reflection more than once in a while to correct the confusion that comes from continually passing through the hall of mirrors." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for the scriptures to be reflected in your life.

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5 - Made in Whose Image?

Bible Reading: Genesis 1:27; 2:7, 22; Ephesians 5:23-24

Although we are not always aware of it, society is trying to give us a "make over", to fit a certain image and likeness.  Oh, it looks good on the outside - but what about the character traits this image promotes? Lying, cheating, stealing, committing adultery - these are the values that we are presented with in the media today.

When we look into God's Word, we are told we are created in HIS image - we bear the stamp of His likeness, created in Christ to be like Him in true holiness and righteousness. And God did not create human beings like He created everything else - the Bible tells us that we were formed - we were especially shaped by His hand.  Rejoice in the fact that you are unique, special, made in the image of God!

Prayer: Father, thank you for making me special. AMEN.

Thought for the Day: "We are victimized by a variety of circumstances, lied to, defrauded, and led away from the wonderful but staggering truth of Scripture that we are made in God's image." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray that the truth of our Creator be revealed.

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6 - What Eve Believed

Bible Reading: Genesis 3:1-7; 2 Corinthians 11:3

Eve was made in the image of God, formed and shaped by God's Hand from Adam's rib.  She was like God already.  Why was the serpent able to convince her to eat the forbidden fruit?  She didn't believe that she was what God said she was. "For God knows," the serpent claimed, "that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

Eve believed a lie - and lost everything because of it.  She was not secure about being made in God's image, and was looking to someone else to reassure her of her value, instead of believing what God had told her.

Don't be like Eve. God said you are valuable because you are formed, shaped, and created in His image. Believe what God says about you.

Prayer: Lord, I believe that You are my Creator, and that I am of incalculable worth to you. AMEN

Thought for the Day: "To the degree that you have looked into God's mirror and know who you are, to that degree you are invulnerable to the temptation to try to become someone or prove you are someone." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for understanding of being made in God's image.

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7 - "But I'm worth it!"

Bible Reading: I John 4:4-6

A popular hair dye commercial tells you how wonderful AND expensive it is, and then the model always says, "I'm worth it!" This is an example of getting your self image from worldly values.  First of all, this commercial tells you that there is something wrong with the way you look - your hair is mousy, or gray, or dull - not exciting enough for you to be attractive.  Then it tells you that you are stupid because you've been using all those other hair color products that don't work very well.   Then it conditions you to use their product constantly because you want to keep up that image (and keep your roots from showing).

Now coloring your hair is not a sin, but buying into that false image is dangerous. From the world's viewpoint, this all makes sense somehow - that your self worth is dependent on your hair color and outward appearance.  If you have given your life to Jesus, you can overcome this falsehood by understanding Christ living inside of you is what gives you value. His wisdom and power is greater than that of the world and enables you to overcome the world's deceitful nonsense.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to discern false messages in the media that will damage my self-image in You. AMEN

Thought for the Day: Realizing who you are in Christ beings with grasping that you are unique, made in God's image, not by trying to fit man's image.

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for those deceived by worldly image.

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8 - Important to God

Bible Reading: Luke 12:6,7, Psalm 139:17-18, Jeremiah 29:11,

What do you think is really important to God? World peace, the environment, hunger or war? All of these things are concerns to us, but what does God think about the most? YOU.  Little sparrows are not worth much, and God remembers them all. But of more worth than sparrows to Him is YOU.

"How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me...(Psalm 139:17-18a, TLB). He is thinking about you and His plans to prosper you and to give you a hope and a future!

So the next time you are feeling unimportant and "left out", remember, right now, this very second, God is thinking about YOU.

Prayer: Lord,  help me to remember that You are always thinking about me and have plans for me. I don't need to fear the future if I trust in You. AMEN.

Thought for the Day: "Dear Child: Relax. You matter to me. I have good plans for you. And I never forget you for a moment. (signed) God" - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for the unnoticed and passed-over ones.

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9 - World Conformity

Bible Reading: Romans 12:2, I Peter 1:13-14

There is a great deal of pressure in our world to conform to its styles, thoughts and morals.  Every day on TV, the radio, the newspaper and in movies we are being squeezed into its mold. We are led to believe that our self-worth depends on looking like, thinking like and being like everyone else. There is a false standard of beauty, of right and wrong, and of thinking that is proclaimed to be "up to date", fashionable and desirable.

But what are the results of this conformity? Frustration, because most of us cannot quite capture the "look" of the top models and movie stars. Depression, because we don't feel like we "measure up". Despair, because we never quite "fit in". We feel insignificant and unworthy.

What is God's solution? To be transformed into a new creature by renewing our minds with His Word. Look to Him for your worth. He will make you all you were meant to be.

Prayer: God, help me not to be squeezed into the world's false mold, but to be changed by renewing my mind with Your Word. AMEN

Thought for the Day: "The deep, inner deficit in our feeling of significance that gives rise to these destructive lifestyles is evidence of world conformity. The renewed mind, by contrast, thinks as Jesus said we should. "Don't be afraid," he said. We can relax and be secure in our standing with him." - Stanley C. Baldwin.

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for discernment against world conformity.

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10 - God's Inheritance

Bible Reading: Ephesians 1:18-22

Most of us at times are guilty of wishing that an "rich uncle" would die and leave us an inheritance to help us with the financial burdens of life. In reality, we expect much and usually get very little in the form of an inheritance. We are disappointed and miserable at what has been left to us.

Did you know that God has an inheritance? Sounds impossible, doesn't it? What does the Bible say is God's inheritance? The answer is US. And is He the least bit disappointed? Not at all. God considers US a rich and glorious inheritance. He is satisfied in what He has received in us. Shouldn't we then also highly value ourselves as well?

Prayer: Father God, thank you for the high value you set on me. AMEN

Thought for the Day: God owns it all, but sees US as His true riches.

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for families bickering over inheritances.

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11 - Buyer's Remorse

Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11, I Corinthians 6:20; 7:23; Revelation 5:9

Did you ever go shopping and end up buying something you regretted? It ended up being the wrong size, uncomfortable, broke easily, or had some defect or flaw? Suppose you found out that you could have bought it another place for half the price? And on top of it all, it was "clearance" merchandise and you couldn't return it? What a sinking feeling!

The Bible tells us that we are bought at a price - the shed blood of Jesus Christ. And what does He think of this purchase? Does He have "buyers remorse" and want to send us back for a refund? The Bible says NO! He is satisfied with His purchase. He knew what He was buying and He's not sorry He did it. He still thinks that YOU are "worth dying for".

Prayer: Jesus,  thank you for your awesome purchase of salvation for us! AMEN

Thought for the Day: "A good question for determining the value of anything is this: How much would a knowledgeable person be willing to pay for this? Our Lord, who knows us best, values us enough to pay the price of the cross that we might belong to him." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for wisdom when shopping.

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12 - Presented to His Majesty

Bible Reading:  I Corinthians 4:13-14; Jude 1:24-25

Perhaps the highest honor we can receive today in American would be to meet the President. In England, the highest honor is to be presented to the Queen. Think what that would mean to an ordinary person. To be introduced as someone important and worthy of notice - how awesome that would be!

Did you know that Jesus Himself is going to present us to the Heavenly King, marching us into the glorious presence of God and present us as someone worth knowing? And Jesus will not mumble our names and rush us away, but solemnly announce us with great joy.

Sometimes here on earth, we are overlooked, rejected or ignored. But Jesus, who gave His life for us, will proudly present us to God as persons of great worth.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for esteeming me so highly. AMEN

Thought for the Day: Jesus' esteem, freely given to each believer,  is worth more than any worldly honor, even being presented to the Queen.

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for those who feel rejected.

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13 - Are you inferior?

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 1:25-31; 2 Corinthians 10:10-12

When we compare ourselves to others (something Paul said NOT to do), we often not only feel inferior, in some ways we may BE inferior. For example, I cannot sing like a bird or an opera star, I can hardly "carry a tune in a bucket". So as a singer, I'm inferior. I also do not excel at any sport. As a "jock", I'm inferior. I also do not look like the fashion models, nor can I act like the movie stars do.

Does this matter to God? Not at all. Paul himself was considered unimpressive and his speech contemptible. He didn't seem like much to some of his listeners. But because of God, Paul literally turned the world upside-down and on fire for Christ through his anointed preaching and teaching.

Are you inferior in some way? I have GOOD news for you! You are   right where God can use you! Submit your inferiority to Him and He will do wonders with your life.

Prayer: Father, turn my weakness into your strength, and my foolishness into your wisdom. AMEN

Thought for the Day: Comparisons with others are subjective and unreliable. The true test of your worth is found by looking into the mirror of God's Word.

Suggestion for prayer: For those misled by the "comparison game".

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14 - Our "Givens"

Bible Reading: John 3:27, Romans 12:3, 6; I Corinthians 4:6-7

When you are born, you are either beautiful or ugly, smart or dumb, strong or weak. You may grow up to be athletic or not, or have some "natural advantage" over others, or perhaps be physically challenged. These are your "givens", what has been bestowed upon you by birth. Or perhaps you have defects that have been caused by disease or accident. These are things over which we have no control, and therefore are nothing to boast about or be ashamed of.

Therefore you should neither feel inferior or superior about these things. You should not take pride in your good characteristics, nor be embarrassed concerning those things you feel are not acceptable. They are simply the "way things are". The GREAT news is that God loves you just as you are. And Jesus esteemed you "worth dying for".

Prayer: Father, help me to accept my "givens" and use what I have to glorify you. AMEN

Thought for the Day: "Our 'givens' do not originate with us and are neither to our credit nor our blame... What you should do is decline to take as your responsibility what is God's work." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for eyes to see beyond the surface.

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15 - Developing Character

Bible Reading: 2 Peter 1:5-11

The media abounds in accounts of people that we formerly admired for outward skills and appearance, who have been found to be of poor moral fiber. Idol after idol has toppled as some character flaw is revealed. This is the very reason the Bible tells us not to compare ourselves to them.

Since we can't boast on our inherited abilities or appearance, what makes a truly superior person? Good CHARACTER is the key. And good character traits CAN be developed according to the scriptures. Through study of the Word, submission to Christ, and yielding to the Holy Spirit, any one can develop faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. No matter what skills you may have or lack, you can develop good character and receive a rich welcome into Christ's eternal kingdom.

Prayer: Father, show me how to develop the character traits that are pleasing to you. AMEN

Thought for the Day: "If anyone can properly be identified as inferior, it is the person deficient in character, not in skills...The good news in all this is that you do not need to be inferior, because good character traits, which are true marks of your quality as a person, can be developed." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for those blind to character flaws.

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16 - Self-doubt

Bible Reading: Judges 6:11-16, I Thessalonians 5:24.

God's people were living in defeat because of the oppressive Midianites, who swarmed down and devoured Israel's harvests. Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress, hoping to hide from them and salvage some grain, when an angel appeared to him, calling him "mighty warrior", and announcing that Gideon would deliver Israel from the enemy.

But Gideon was full of self-doubt. He whines that the Lord has abandoned Israel and that he is too weak to be of any help. Gideon feels that he is not worthy or able to save Israel. But God said, "Go in the strength that you have. Am I not sending you?"

Because the Lord is with us, we do not need to be captive to self-doubt. When God sends us to do a task, He also gives us the ability to accomplish it. To God, availability is more important than ability. Turn away from self-doubt and meditate on God's strength.

Prayer: Father, I make myself available to be enabled by you. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.

Thought for the Day: "Instead of bemoaning your inferiority, then, be sensitive to the voice of God calling you to be something better ... if God is calling you to a work, he will enable you to do it." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for available workers for God's harvest.

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17 - "Barley-Loaf People"

Bible Reading: Judges 7:10-15; 2 Corinthians 2:14

Barley is considered an inferior grain and in Biblical times was worth only half the price of wheat. Barley is practically nonexistent today because it is so inferior. It was the bread eaten by the poorest people in Bible times.

Even after being reassured by God, Gideon still does not feel like a "mighty warrior". God tells him to go down with his servant into the enemy camp, if he is still afraid. Gideon overhears a conversation between two soldiers. One has had a dream that Midian is defeated by a "barley loaf" that collapses his tent. The other soldier interprets that to mean that Gideon will win the war.

Are you are "barley-loaf person"? Do you feel inadequate, inferior, practically non-existent as compare to the enemy? Here is good news! God can turn "barley-loaf people" into mighty warriors, and you ALWAYS can be victorious in Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, make me into a mighty warrior in you. AMEN

Thought for the Day: "...Gideon needed assurance. But the point is that he was open and responding and following God one step at a time. That is what we must do." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray for encouragement for those who feel defective.

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18 - Pride vs. Self-Esteem

Bible Reading: Romans 12:3; Galatians 6:3-4

Won't building your self-esteem or sense of self-worth lead   to the sin of pride? Isn't it dangerous to think highly of yourself? Won't it cause you to be "puffed up" - the opposite of humility? The Bible does not say NOT to think of yourself at all, it says not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to. Pride is putting on airs, appearing bigger than we are in actuality. Pride is exalting yourself above others, engaging in the "comparison game", assuming a value of yourself not justified by reality.

Using sober judgement, the Bible tells us to test our own actions, not by comparing ourselves with others, but by looking into the mirror of God's Word. Then if our character and actions are godly, we can glory, exult or take pride in ourselves. We can feel good about ourselves because we are pleasing God.

Prayer: Jesus, I thank you that you have led me and I take pride in what you have accomplished in me. AMEN

Thought for the Day: "Pride, then, is exalting oneself above others or assuming a self-congratulatory stance not justified by the facts.   Self-esteem, by contrast, does not depend on comparison with others. It is based on truth not illusion." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray that God will help us to have a sober view of ourselves.

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19 - Your New Name

Bible Reading: Ephesians 1:1-2; I Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; Revelation 3:12

In the Bible, God changed the names of several people to something better. Abram "exalted father" was changed to Abraham   "father of a multitude ". Sarai "contentious" was changed to Sarah "princess". Jacob "supplanter, deceiver" was changed to Israel "prince with God". Simon "hearing" was changed to Peter "stone".  In each case the new name was a symbol of marvelous changes brought by God, within and without.

When we come to God, we have the name "Sinner". This name is characteristic of our behavior without Christ - sinners destined for hell. However, when we become Christians, God gives us a new name - Saint! Saint means "holy, set apart for a holy use, consecrated". This is how God sees us in Jesus. This is what we are.

Prayer: Jesus, let me see myself as you do - consecrated, set apart to you . AMEN

Thought for the Day: "...God intends us to become holy in character and practice. Saint is a name into which we grow. Sinner is a name we are to cast off as no long descriptive of us." - Stanley C. Baldwin

Suggestion for prayer: Pray to become like your new name: SAINT.

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20 - Devices of the Adversary

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:11

Right now, in the conference rooms of hell, are being set forth plans to defeat you, designed by demons: discouragements, weariness, doubt, frustrations. This is an approach that gets to where you live. 2 Corinthains. 2:11 says "we are not ignorant of his [satan's] devices". These are devices to defraud us to his gain. He is a liar,claiming things that are not true to take advantage of us. These devices, weapons, wiles, stratagems are designed for our defeat.

This is the bad news. The good news is that we are not IGNORANT of satan's devices. The Bible makes them plain, so not only can we be aware of them, but can defeat them. One of the biggest lies the devil tells is that we are not worthy of God's love. He brings up every failure, every defeat, every shortcoming we have to convince us of this. But we declare according to God's Word in Jesus Name that we are worth dying for!

Prayer: Lord, teach me to see the devil's devices so with your help I can outwit him in my life. AMEN

Thought for the Day: There are no new thoughts in hell; just new twists on old ideas.

Suggestion for prayer: Those living in defeat.

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21 - Thought Attacks

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Everybody has heard of "heart attacks", where your heart goes into spasm, disrupting the flow of blood and causing damage and perhaps death. Did you know that you can have "thought attacks" that can cause mental and spiritual damage, and could lead to eternal death if not treated?

If you are having evil, destructive thoughts, guess who they come from? Not the HOLY Spirit. These thoughts have a malignant purpose: an evil attack or plan.  And if not resisted, these thoughts will be fashioned together to form strongholds of the adversary in our minds. When evil thoughts creep into your mind, recognize the source, and take them captive in Jesus Name!

Prayer: Jesus, teach me to recognize thoughts not of you and cast them out. AMEN

Thought for the Day: Prevent "thought attacks" by renewing your mind with the Word.

Suggestion for prayer: For sound minds.

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22 - Doctrinal Ambushes

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:14

Another type of attack from satan involves "the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming". This attack is designed to suck you out of your place of security, and involves those lying in wait or ambush through craftiness and scheming. How do men do this? With "winds of doctrine" - fancy new religious ideas that blow through our minds to try to deceive us.

In Ephesians 4:14 the word translated sleight of men or trickery is kubeia. It refers to loaded dice against which no man can win. These false doctrines are "loaded" with enough truth to seem legitimate, but if you ask God for wisdom, you will see the lie there. Don't be ambushed! Test every doctrine by the Word.

Prayer: Father, give me insight into the ambushments set against me that I might escape out of the deadly trap of false doctrine. AMEN

Thought for the Day: Those who play around with false doctrines cannot win eternal life.

Suggestion for prayer: For those in bondage to cults.

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23 - Counterfeit Methods

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:11

When the devil sets out to deceive us, he creates a "perfect" counterfeit of the real thing. The word for these counterfeit methods is  Methodeia - scheme, art, wile, stratagem, or method of the devil to destroy souls by fallacy, the different means, plans and schemes used to deceive, entrap, enslave, and ruin the souls of men. It refers to the systematizing of error and making it such a perfect counterfeit of the truth that only those who are experienced in truth can detect it. 

I am told that bank tellers are trained to recognize counterfeits, not by studying the false, but by carefully studying real currency. That way they can detect the slightest flaw that would identify the false. In the same way, as we study the true Word of God and place it deep in our memory, we can immediately see the flaw in the counterfeit.

Prayer: Open my eyes to your truth, O God, and plant your Word deep within my heart. AMEN

Thought for the Day: "A man's method of sinning is the devil's method of damning his soul." - Finis Jennings Dake

Suggestion for prayer: For a thirst for the Word.

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24 - "A plate full of circumstance and a cup of trouble"

Bible Reading: Isaiah 54:17

The word for weapon in this verse is a very general word, meaning anything fashioned with a design in mind, such as a dish or cup. The devil's weapons are not always obvious, like a spear or sword. He tries to take you by stealth by things you aren't expecting, such as a "plate full of circumstance or a cup of trouble".   Then the devil tries to make you "swallow" the trash he has fashioned for your destruction.

But the Bible declares that NO weapon, no matter how cunning, that has been fashioned in hell against you shall prosper! It shall not succeed in Jesus Name IF you are aware of satan's devices and are prepared to resist him.  The next time circumstances seem to be against you or trouble fills your life, don't let it succeed in defeating you.  Believe God for victory!

Prayer: Father, I declare that no weapon that the enemy has fashioned against me shall succeed in Jesus' Name! AMEN

Thought for the Day: Don't eat from the devil's dishes.

Suggestion for prayer: For those in dire circumstances.

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25 - Got the "Blahs"?

Bible Reading: I John 3:19-20

At times, do you feel an strange numbness inside?  You just don't "feel good"? Though things are better than ever before and you know there is no sin in your life, yet you have a nagging sense of failure. You feel that you just aren't "good enough".  You have a bad case of the "blahs". There is a growing doubt that God is directing your life. A voice from "somewhere" that says "God isn't leading you". This feeling seems to be confirmed by circumstances. You begin to feel more unworthy and guilty. You just can't quite pin it down. You feel your hope in the future begin to crumble. Something tells you "You're no Christian! God could never love you."

These thoughts are designed for your defeat! Start examining each thought before the Lord.  When your heart condemns you, remember God is greater than your heart! He will begin to show the LIE in these thoughts to you. Jesus says! "I do not want these weapons to prosper against you." Then, cast them down in the Name of Jesus! This is how we set our hearts at rest in God's presence, and confirm that we are HIS.

Prayer: Father, you are greater than my heart, and when it condemns me, I come to you for rest. AMEN

Thought for the Day: The "blahs" come from listening to satan as he whispers, "blah, blah, blah" to our hearts. The "hurrahs" come from listening to God say, "I do not condemn you; be at rest in my presence."

Suggestion for prayer: For those who are living in defeat.

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26 - Holding on to the World's Coat Tail

Bible Reading: Hebrews 4:12

Many people today want the power of God, but they don't want to give up their favorite sins: their gossiping, their horoscopes, and their love of money. You can't be a Christian and hold on to the coat tail of the world.

The Word of God is powerful because it cuts to the heart. When we look into it; as a mirror we see the holiness of God alongside of all of our sins and imperfections. And it pricks our consciences and makes us long to inquire of the Lord and rid ourselves of our sin. The Word of God is powerful because it cleanses of sin. The Word is a two-edged sword: it cuts to the quick to convict us of sin, and then, with confession, cuts the sin out. Don't hang on the world's coat tail: cut yourself loose with the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.

Prayer: Father, cut me loose from the world's coat tail. Set me free from sin to serve You. AMEN

Thought for the Day: The world wears a garment of heaviness. Only God provides a robe of praise and joy.

Suggestion for prayer: For those trying to be a Christian and worldly at the same time.

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27 - "Keeping all the bases covered"

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:24

In baseball, the players have to "keep all the bases covered", so no one will sneak in a run or steal a base. When we say we are "keeping all the bases covered", we mean we are trying to do everything we can to make it. But in religion, this is not a good idea.  Many times in Israel, God's people got in trouble because they were trying to "keep all of their bases covered". They worshipped their God, but also the gods of all the nations around them.

Many today in this country are trying to do the same thing. They are Christians and also witches. They go to church on Sunday, and meditate with the Hindus on Tuesday. They believe in faith healing and and in crystal power too. They believe in the power of God and kundalini,  the power of the serpent that lays in the curve of your spine (according to Yoga). They practice the healing arts along with the marital arts. But the Bible makes it clear that you cannot serve two masters. Follow Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus purify my heart to seek only you. AMEN

Thought for the Day: New Age may be the rage, but following New Age will outrage God.

Suggestion for prayer:

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28 - Dressed for Success

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:20-25; Colossians 3:12; I Peter 2:1

Many books have been published lately telling us how to "Dress for Success", wearing "power suits" and the correct colors. These emphasize the need to conform to a certain standard to be acceptable in the business world.

Did you know that the Bible tells us how to "dress for success" also? There are things we must not wear: anger; rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. And it also tells us which things we must clothe ourselves with: compassion, kindness, humility; gentleness, patience and love. Read the Bible and learn how to "dress for success" today!

Prayer: Father, dress me up in your "power suit" so that I may be successful in your kingdom. AMEN

Thought for the Day: Put on God's clothing for heavenly fashion!

Suggestion for prayer: Those caught up in fashion's whirl.

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29 - The Chosen

Bible Reading:  I Peter 2:4-10

Remember when you were a kid, and the other kids were choosing up teams for a game ? Remember how good it felt if you were chosen first? Or how awful it felt to be rejected?

It still hurts to be rejected. But the good news is that God has not rejected us because of our sins. Instead He has chosen us to be his dearly beloved children.

All we have to do is to accept his love and confess our sins. Then we become God's chosen people.

Prayer: God I chose to follow you. Thank you for choosing me to be on your team, accepted forever. AMEN

Thought for the Day: You are God's choice for all eternity. Don't reject Him.

Suggestion for prayer: For those feeling rejected.

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30 - Intelligence

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 1:18-21

The world values intelligence. The more college degrees a person has, the more he is worth. We look to these "experts" and "professionals" for wisdom and guidance.

But God did not choose man's intelligence or worldly wisdom to announce his plan of salvation. Instead, he chose the "foolishness of preaching" to proclaim salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. That is why so many intelligent people stumble over it.

Don't stumble over this awesome gift because it doesn't come in wrapped in an intellectual package. Receive God's salvation today!

Prayer: Jesus, I receive the "foolishness of preaching", my eternal salvation! AMEN

Thought for the Day: Man's wisdom is often our stumbling block against receiving God's grace.

Suggestion for prayer: For preachers striving to bring God's Word to an arrogant world.

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31 - Weakness

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 1:26-31; 2 Corinthians 12:10

The world despises weakness and trembling. It values strength and cunning. Or should I say, the world values the appearance of strength and cunning, for who knows but God what lies in the heart?

God, however, has deliberately chosen the weak, the lowly, the despised things of the world to proclaim His message: so that the end result will not be an occasion for man to boast. "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord".

Are you weak, lowly, despised? Good! You are right where God can use you! IF you turn to Him, He turns our weaknesses into His strength.

Prayer: Lord, I bow  to you and give you all my weaknesses. Fill me with Your strength. AMEN

Thought for the Day: The weakest man who trusts in God is mightier than the strongest man who trusts in himself.

Suggestion for prayer: For those who trust in their own strength.

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Inspiration for those devotions #1-19 comes from "If I'm created in God's Image, Why Does It Hurt to Look in the Mirror? A True View of You" by Stanley C. Baldwin, Aglow Publications, Lynwood, WA, ©1989

Devotions #20-25 inspired by a message entitled  "Devices of the Adversary" preached on 2/14/87 on TV by Rev. Jack Hayford

Congratulations! If you have made it this far, you have experienced a month of growth in the Lord Jesus Christ. It may have been painful at times, but your faithfulness to God's Word and discipline in daily spending time with Him has reaped rewards here and for all eternity. Keep up the good work and join us NEXT month for more devotions from God's Word. If you haven't kept up with the devotions, don't waste time feeling guilty, just resolve with God's help to make more room for Him in your life.

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