December 31: IT’S DONE!

“Then He Who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ And he said to me, ‘IT IS DONE! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.'” (Revelation 21:5, 6)   1. Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I am whole and complete in Christ, in Whom everything begins and ends, having come full circle in my destiny as it relates to His Kingdom purposes in Creation. These words are not only faithful and true, they are indelibly written upon the tablets of my heart. Everything that has happened in my life – every experience, whether positive or negative – has been working together to bring me into Him in His fullness. He is not just THE Alpha (The “A”) – He is MY Alpha! My “A!” He is my beginning, my starting point, my personal Genesis, my eternal source and history. He is not just THE Omega (The “Z”) – He is MY Omega! My “Z!” The Author of my faith is the Finisher of my faith. The One Who began a good work in me will complete it until the day of the Lord. He will finish what He started in me! He is my destiny, my eternity, the consummation of my life experiences, my latter that is greater than my former, my happy ending . . . the One Who has been there all along, declaring the end from the beginning. The One Who has ever lived to make intercession for me in order to save me to the uttermost! I am utterly saved – utterly fulfilled – utterly complete – utterly vindicated — utterly in Christ! 2. Today I will look at every unanswered petition, every unmet need, every unfulfilled wish, every incomplete dream in my life, and boldly declare by the God-kind of faith, “It is done . . . finished . . . consummated . . . executed . . . complete!” 3. Today I will drink freely of the water of life and be totally satisfied and filled. Out of my own belly will flow rivers of living water. I am filled with the Spirit! 4. Today I will walk in the full revelation and demonstration of my sonship in Christ. Even though I am a son, I will learn obedience through my suffering and I will come through every fiery trail – no matter how hot – absolutely smoke-free! 5. Today I will overcome instead of looking for an escape. Deliverance is no longer my desire — my ultimate goal is to inherit all things! The Kingdom has come in me! Christ’s work is finished in my behalf, and the travail of His soul is satisfied! 6. Today I will love His appearing – His revelation — in all aspects of my earth-life! 7. Today I will see all things made new, and today I will live in the now!

I decree that it is done! In Jesus’ name, amen!

October 9: WILDERNESS ADVENTURE!

 

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the WILDERNESS . . .” (Matthew 3:1)

“While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called “the Baptizer,” was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: ‘Change your life. God’s kingdom is here.’ John and his message were authorized by Isaiah’s prophecy: Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road smooth and straight!” (Matthew 3:1-3 – The Message)

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the WILDERNESS . . . From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:1, 17)

 

1.  Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I am not afraid of the wilderness experience, for the preaching of the Kingdom always begins in the wilderness . . . away from the organized paths and paved roads . . . away from the structure of the world system . . . in a place where I must walk by the faith that relies entirely on God’s ability to make ways in the wilderness, and streams in the desert  (Isaiah 43:19).

2.  Today I will repent of long-held paradigms of my personal wilderness, rethinking my present position as Jacob did when he had the vision of heaven’s gate (“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.’ And he was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God . . . the gate of heaven!'” – Genesis 28:16, 17). Awaking from my sleep today, I will see my salvation, right where I am in the now, embracing my own wilderness, and saying, “How awesome is THIS place!”

3. Today I will recognize the power and potential that is present in what I have in my hand, for that is where the Kingdom is. The Kingdom is not just at hand, it is at MY hand – it is “handy” — so I will do what I know to do today with excellence and with all of my might  (Ecclesiastes 9:10)!

4.  Today I will find a river of life in the wilderness as John the Baptist did, and I will follow his example and get busy with the work of the Kingdom . . . where I am . . . with what I have to work with . . . just as I am.

5. Today I will preach (prophetically) that the Kingdom is here (Matthew 4:17).

6. Today I will say (conversationally) that the Kingdom is here (Matthew 4:17).

7.  Today I will be happy in the wilderness, and today I will live in the now!

 

Father, help me to discern why I am in the wilderness today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

August 21: MAKE CONTACT!

 

 

“Then He turned to the host. ‘The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be – and experience – a blessing. They won’t be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned – oh, how it will be returned! – at the resurrection of God’s people.'” (Luke 14:12-14 – The Message)

 

1. Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because the love of God in me is enlarging my heart to such a size that it is having to break out (and break free) of the little fortress of selfish interests that I have built around it in a vain attempt to protect it from harm. My enlarged heart will reach out to make contact with someone, even if it is risky . . . even if it is dangerous . . . because there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear!

2.  Today I will love the unlovable and touch the untouchable. The Christ in me will flow like a river of reconciliation to those who have been rejected and refused. I will gladly fill the role of a good Samaritan when the opportunity presents itself and, in so doing, the Kingdom will come and the will of the Father will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

3. Today I will not be overly and unnecessarily concerned with protecting my reputation when it comes to reaching out to someone who really needs my help. I will lay down my life for them, by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

4.  Today I will make time for people and will show a genuine interest in what is happening in their lives. I will show respect for others and make the people around me feel important and special — by making eye contact when we speak; by a firm handshake; by listening and reacting appropriately; by calling people by their names; by displaying good manners; by being thoughtful and considerate; by being helpful and generous; by showing them the real Jesus.

5. Today I will pray for someone else’s needs, taking them as seriously as I would take my own.

6. Today I will communicate to others on their level – relating to them in a real way. I will not be insensitive or judgmental, accepting people as they are and ushering them to the mercy seat of the Christ Who loves them unconditionally.

7. Today I will be kind to strangers, knowing that I may be unwittingly entertaining angels (Hebrews 13:2), and today I will live in the now!

 

Father, help me to make the right contacts today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

April 2: KINGDOM KEYS!

 

 

 

And that’s not all.  You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom,

keys to open any and every door:  no more barriers between heaven and earth,

earth and heaven.  A yes on earth is a yes in heaven.  A no on earth is no in heaven.

(Matthew 16:19 The Message)

 

1.       Today I will live in the now!  I will live in the now by accepting the responsibility that rests in the reception of the Keys of the Kingdom.  There was transference of authority and a transition of power that transpired when Jesus transmitted those Keys to His church in the earth and, as a part of that church, I am a shareholder in His authority!

 

2.       Today I will make a positive difference in the world by bringing about positive changes in my life.  I cannot alter my world without being willing to alter myself, and I can’t change myself until I change my mind!  I will, therefore, stop ignoring the obvious Kingdom Keys in my mental and emotional possession today and will use them to transform my losing patterns into winning skills.

 

3.       Today I will do something significant to improve my attitude so that I can impact others for good and better the conditions around me.  Through my own Kingdom Keys, I have the power within me to make definite demands on heaven that will affect my inner world—my thought processes, my personality, my world-view—causing His will to be done in my mind as it is in heaven!

 

4.       Today I will reject any form of a victim mentality because I am empowered by His authority.  His Kingdom Keys in my mouth will help to advance His rule on the earth in my sphere of influence, so I will talk up my victories in Him and play down my weaknesses.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

 

5.       Today I will believe for the impossible, using the Kingdom Keys of faith and vision.  I will take the lid off the box and let the dreams flow and grow to expand my borders and broaden my horizons.  I will see my problems in a whole new way today and will find a second wind within me that will enable me to easily overcome them.  I will run and not be weary; I will walk and not faint!

 

6.       Today I will be a building block in the true church and the gates of Hades, the unseen realm, will not prevail against me in my endeavors to advance the Kingdom.  Keys to deliverance and the pulling down of strongholds will be easily accessible to me today.

 

7.       Today I will use the Keys to unlock my destiny as a liberator, a visionary and a reconciler.   A new door is opening for me today, and today I will live in the now!

 

Father, thank You for the Keys to Your Kingdom.

Help me to use them effectively today.  In Jesus’ name, amen

February 6: BE FREE!

 

Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description,

careless in the care of God.  And you count far more to him than birds.

(Matthew 6:26 The Message)

 

1.       Today I will live in the now!  I will live in the now because I am free!  He/she whom the Son makes free is free indeed.  I know the truth, and the truth that I know sets me free.  Where the Spirit of the Lord is (where the Spirit is Lord), there is liberty!

 

2.       Today I will live free from small-mindedness and limited vision.  I will not feel obligated to think on a lower level just because the people around me are inclined to do so.  I can love them unconditionally and still move toward my higher purpose and larger destiny.  Today I can see the big picture of my life!

 

3.       Today I will live free from religious tradition.  I will gladly discard whatever still exists in my belief system that is archaic, passé, or irrelevant, in an effort to repent my way into the NOW Kingdom where God lives.  My liberated mind will prevent tradition from making the Word in my life ineffective.

 

4.       Today I will free myself from the captivity of living in the past, and from the weight of my own emotional baggage, by practicing the power to forgive.  I will allow myself to breathe today’s fresh air, no longer having to struggle with memories that suffocate my soul and attempt to create a claustrophobic atmosphere for my spirit to contend with.

 

5.       Today I will live free from fear and worry.  I will consider the lilies of the field and will observe the freedom with which the birds of the air demonstrate a faith, a trust, and a confidence that reveal the Kingdom.  I am free to let faith come to me by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

 

6.       Today I will live free from doubt and unbelief.  I am emancipated to receive the evidence of things not seen and to allow my God-like faith to give substance to those things for which I hope.

 

7.       Today I am free to let God be God, and to allow myself to be His unique workmanship.  He is the only true God, and He has set me free to be the only true me!  I will celebrate my freedom today, and today I will live in the now!

 

Father, help me to walk in real freedom today.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

January 25: KINGDOM, COME!

 

Your Kingdom come.

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  (Matthew 6:10)

 

Therefore, since we ARE RECEIVING a Kingdom which cannot be shaken,

let us have grace….  (Hebrews 12:28)

 

1.       Today I will live in the now!  I will live in the now because I am a part of His Kingdom, and His Kingdom is coming now!  The King is reigning in my life now.  His government is increasing now.  The kingdoms of this world are becoming the Kingdoms of our God and of His Christ, now.

 

2.       Today I am not encumbered with the pointless rules and regulations of religion, because the Kingdom of God is not meat or drink, but it is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  I will interpret my day be these three things and will make seeking them my first priority.

 

3.       Today is a day to demonstrate righteousness.  He who knew no sin became sin for me that I might become the righteousness of God in Christ, and it is from this righteousness consciousness that my self-esteem and confidence flow today.  By this I am able to show that He has made me the head and not the tail.

 

4.       Today is a day to walk in peace—not as the world gives—but as Jesus Himself shares His supernatural peace with me.  I let not my heart be troubled because I have the peace that passes understanding.  I will not be agitated, frustrated or anxious today, because of my Kingdom right to walk in Kingdom peace.

 

5.       Today is a day to celebrate joy in the Holy Ghost.  I will not be sad or depressed today because His joy is in me and, therefore, my joy is full!  The Kingdom joy working in me will be my strength and will give me the winner’s edge.

 

6.       Today I will seek the Kingdom first in every situation.  Before I have a chance to think about it in the natural…before I analyze it or react emotionally…I will look for the Kingdom before  I do anything else about anything at all.  He is reigning in and through me today, and every name that is named must bow to His Name!

 

7.       Today I live a life that shows the world that I am a royal subject of the ultimate Kingdom and, therefore, I cannot fail or lose or be defeated.  Jesus the King shall reign forever and ever, and He is my Lord, my personal friend, my elder brother.  Today I say, “Long live the King!” and today I will live in the now!

 

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven – today.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

January 9: REJOICE TODAY!

 

This is the day the Lord has made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it.  (Psalm 118:24)

 

1.       Today I will live in the now!  I will live in the now because I understand and appreciate the energizing power of rejoicing in the now.  Today I joyfully celebrate the present and all of the possibilities that it presents.  I exercise my will—I will rejoice, and I WILL be glad in this day!  Today I choose to wear the garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness.  I choose happiness!  I choose joy!

 

2.       Today I will resist the temptation to whine, complain, murmur, grumble, mourn, lament, moan and groan, be depressed, feel sorry for myself, feel down and out, feel dejected, feel discontented, feel oppressed, be sad or even be in a bad mood.  Instead, my merry heart will do me good like a medicine…I will glory in my infirmities (for when I am weak, then I am strong)…I will count it all joy when I fall into various trials…I will leap for joy at persecution…the joy of the Lord will be my strength!

 

3.       Today I will laugh, finding the humor in my current situations.  I will recognize what is funny, and I will not hesitate to enjoy it.  I will not waste today by living in regret, but with joy I will draw water out of the wells of salvation.  I will even find the proper way to appreciate the absurd and the ridiculous.  I will let God use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise around me.

 

4.       Today I will enter the Kingdom by becoming like a little child…laughing…playing…having fun…not taking life too seriously.  I will make the effort to enjoy my day.  I will smile at people.  I will be a pleasure to be with.  People will enjoy my company today because my joy will be both attractive and infectious.  I will be a blessing to others.

 

5.       Today, for the joy that is set before me, I will endure my cross.  I will know the reality of the resurrection and, therefore, will see no situation as hopeless.  Life will always triumph over death.  I will celebrate my life.  The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will live big in me today!

 

6.       Today I will be optimistic.  I will see the glass half full.  I will think positively.  I will think on those things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report.  I will walk in the Mind of Christ.  I will be proactive in dealing with the people around me and with all of their issues.  My joyful mind will cause me to think like a winner!

 

7.       Today I will be thankful to God and grateful for my life.  I will make melody in my heart to the Lord in an attitude of praise and worship.  I will be renewed by the refreshing laughter of Christ in my spirit.  This is my day that the Lord has made—I will rejoice and be glad in it and, today, I will live in the now!

 

Father, help me to remember to rejoice today.  In Jesus’ name, amen.