January 2015 Spirit Food

As we go into 2015, let’s keep our focus on Jesus and His Word!

The scripture tells us in Joshua 1:8 “…but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

To meditate means much more than just contemplation. The idea here is that one should reflect upon God’s Word in a thoughtful way, appropriating its truths personally and applying them to life.

In Philippians 4:8 it says “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”

Here are some truths from the Word to meditate on:

God knows you intimately – Matthew 10:30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Think about that … even as much as we love our spouse, child, pet, friend, etc.; we don’t …

See yourself as God sees you - Psalm 1:3 – “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”

When we maintain an intimate relationship with our Abba, Heavenly Father, He sees us through the blood of Jesus, sin free and joint heirs with Jesus! God wants you to see yourself the way He sees you—“like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper”. So see yourself like a tree planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in your season. See yourself as one who will not wither, whose health will not fail. See whatever you do prospering!

You are prosperous – Genesis 39:2 “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man …” Read the story … Joseph was sold as a slave … he had nothing (material wise); but he had a relationship with God, and that made him a prosperous man. Your relationship with Jesus makes you a prosperous person! Our Heavenly Father does not want you to feel helpless because you are not of the world. When you accepted Jesus as the Lord of your life, you became a Joint Heir with Jesus and a citizen of Heaven! (John 17:16) You are of God and therefore need not be subject to the world’s systems. Whatever the world’s situation is, fear not because “God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 4:19) So, when you see the circumstances or the bad things that are happening in the world, keep your focus on Jesus and His Word. Look at the unshakable, eternal Word of God. Your heart will become stable and you will see your God supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus! Speak to that checking/savings account balance and call for it to grow. And remember the reason Our Heavenly Father provides increase is to enable the spreading of His Good News throughout the earth. Therefore, tithe.

You are righteous – When you accepted Jesus as the Lord of your life, it was an act of faith caused by hearing the Good News that Almighty God sent Jesus into this world to redeem mankind. At that time, the Holy Spirit came to dwell within you. Your sins (past, present and future) were forgiven, washed by the blood, shed by Jesus, leading up to and during His crucifixion. Philippians 3:9 “… that which is through the faith of Christ (the anointed one, and his anointing), the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Think about it: He has redeemed you from the penalty, judgment, and condemnation of sin, forever!

You are accepted – Receive it! Grow your personal relationship with Him!

John 1:12 I am God's child. John 15:15 I am a friend of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 I have been justified. 1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. 1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body. Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ. Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. You are secure – In Hebrews 13:5 it says “… I will never leave you nor forsake you.” This quotation is one of the most emphatic statements in the New Testament. In Greek (which the New Testament was originally written in) it contains two double negatives, similar to saying in English, “I will never, ever, ever forsake you.” Jesus uses the same technique to express the certainty of eternal life for believers in John 10:28, where it says “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” Therefore, fear not! Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation. Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God. Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven. 2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. 1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. You are significant – Believe it!

John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. 1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God's temple. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God. Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship. Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

As you meditate on these scriptures, receive each as a personal expression of love towards you personally from your Heavenly Father. Develop your deeper personal relationship with Jesus. Comprehend, and have a working knowledge of His love, being able to let it flow through you into others on this earth.