Something of Value…

What is the most difficult thing you struggle with these days? Relationships? Emotions? Success at work, or in school, or in parenting?

The heart of every issue we face in this life is spiritual. We are not physical beings having temporary spiritual experiences; we are spiritual beings having a temporary physical experience.

Treat every moment as if it counts for all eternity.  And that means, do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14. Because love is eternal. 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Pride, selfishness, judgment, feeling you’re right all the time … will gain you nothing but arguments and empty dissatisfaction. But love triumphs over all. Romans 8:31-39. Even if you “lose” that earthly fight, it’s worth it to win the heavenly rewards that come from choosing to love.

And the rewards are all the greater when that person you are loving is persecuting you. Revelation 2:10, Matthew 5:9-12. Interesting, isn’t it? When people insult us, mock us, or do evil things against us for our love for God and for others, they are actually helping to pile up a mound of eternal treasure for us in heaven.

So, rejoice next time someone repays your loving acts with evil attacks. Forgive them. And love them all the more. For great is your reward. 2 Corinthians 4. Not only in heaven, but here on earth. Romans 12:9-21. For a heart full of love and grace is a heart full of joy and freedom. Romans 12:9-21.

And when you get to heaven, you will have something of value to lay at your Savior’s feet. Dare to Become a Kingdom Culture Leader

 

Taking Our Thoughts Captive

Make sure the voice you’re listening to is God’s

Do you find it difficult to wake up for a quiet time? Have you felt busy? Weary? Dry? Angry? Discouraged? Bitter? Lonely? Worthless?

We were created for oneness with Christ and with each other, listening to and obeying the Head together as one body, and using all our gifts to build each other up and bring forth His kingdom here on earth. Matthew 22:37-40, John 14:15-15:17, Ephesians 3:16-5:21.

So it comes as no surprise that our enemy wants to block that from happening. John 10:10, Ephesians 6:10-20. And the place where he wages war is in our minds. To not give in to his schemes, we must take our thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

• Stand on the Truth. Just because you believe something doesn’t mean it’s true. Only what God says is true. John 8:31-32, 42-47. To test your thoughts for enemy lies, run them through this sieve:

1. Does it agree with the Word—not just one or two passages, but all of it? The Word is best interpreted by the Word. Luke 4:9-12.
2. Does it agree with God’s character—especially His love? Matthew 22:37-40, 1 John 3:16b.
3. Does it draw us closer to Christ? John 14:15-15:17, James 4:7-8.

• Don’t mind-read; stick to the facts. The Accuser sets us against our brothers and against God’s purposes. So, be quick to surrender your opinions over to Jesus and ask Him how He sees that person or situation. Don’t imagine hidden actions or motives behind people’s words. Instead, listen. James 1:19. If the meaning is unclear, ask, “When you said…, did you mean…?” Only God is omniscient; only He can read a mind. James 4:11-12, Matthew 7:1-5, 1 Peter 5:5-6.
• Look for what God’s doing and follow Him there. Don’t just act on your thoughts. Seek the Lord’s. Proverbs 3:5-7, Isaiah 55:6-9. Talk with Him, not only in your quiet times, but all day long. Get in the habit of surrendering your every moment to become His. Ephesians 6:18. Pray with those you work with, live with, mentor, or lead before making a decision. Together, ask God what He wants to do, and then share with each other what He’s saying to your hearts. John 10:1-5, 27.
• Purpose to do the opposite of what the enemy is doing. Sometimes the enemy’s plans are more visible than God’s. Is he keeping you from your quiet times? Then set aside an even longer time to be with Jesus. Is he discouraging? Then worship. Is he causing dissension? Then forgive, ask forgiveness, and pray for those who persecute you.

Visit www.MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com for more encouragement, Bible studies and books to help you draw closer to Christ.

“ Some … think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? … For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”2 Corinthians 10:2-12

Diving into the Depths of God’s Love

 

Most of us live a bit of a see-saw ride with God. One day we’re up, the next we’re down. One week we’re full of Him, the next we’re dry and empty. We can’t always recognize what went wrong, but we seem to move from feeling close to feeling far, then close, then far again.

Have you ever felt that way? In and out of the throne room? What would it be like to dive in deep with the Lord and just stay there?

Like a fresh spring of water welling up inside that never goes dry. Psalm 87:7, John 4:14. Like eagle’s wings to soar over everything that stands in our way. Deuteronomy 32:11, Exodus 19:4. Like victory in every battle. Romans 8:35-39. Like rest and peace, whether storms rage or not. Isaiah 30:15. Like abiding in Him and never leaving His embrace. John 14-15.

Do you want that? Your King is standing in front of you now. His deep heart of love is saying to you, “Stop your busy schedule and look at Me. I know you love Me, or you wouldn’t serve Me so faithfully. But I’m calling you to be still. To gaze into My eyes and see My great love for you burning there, the flames of passion that took Me to the cross, where I laid down all My abilities and gifts and God-qualities and died in your place so you could be free—not bound by chains of legalism or performance, not weary of running hard and getting nowhere in man’s eyes. No. I created you for Myself. Formed you for the purpose of knowing Me, enjoying Me, becoming one with Me.

“I didn’t call you to burn out, but to burn so brightly for Me, empowered by My love and My Spirit, that the darkness around you is dissipated by the single flame that is your heart of love for Me.

“When others look at you, what do they see? Can they see Me? Or do they just see you busy? Do they see you burning with passion for My name, for My fame? Or do they just see you burned out?

“Look at My hand reaching out for you. See the nail scar there? I paid it all for you already. It’s done. It’s finished. No need to work hard to gain My approval. I already approve.

“So take My hand now. Let’s you and I become one. Not just on your up days. But every day. Speak to Me. Listen to Me. Walk with Me. Ask Me what to do in the big circumstances and in the small.

“I didn’t leave you here to do this all on your own. I created you for relationship. So look into My eyes. Dive into My embrace. And stay here with Me, even when you step out into the dark world. Let Me be the Light that empowers you and shines through you.

“In your own light and power you will burn out, become discouraged, even fail. Whether you’re here or there makes no difference, only that you are in Me. Then you will be exactly where I want you to be.”

(For a free guide to knowing God’s voice, sign up on our Home Page at MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.)

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8 (NKJV)

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?  … O my God, my soul is cast down within me; Therefore I will remember You. …  Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and billows have gone over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life…. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42 (NKJV)

Psalm 46:10, John 14:15-15:26, Philippians 2:1-16, Revelation 1:14, Galatians 1:10, John 8:12, Matthew 22:37, Romans 2:4, Proverbs 3:5-7.

Whose Side Am I On?

Fight the Good Fight

Life is a battle. Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 1 Peter 5:8. We face difficulties every day. Sometimes we fight well, but other times, it’s as if we’ve forgotten which side we’re on. We hurt others, fight against God’s plans, act without praying, believe what the enemy tells us instead of what Jesus says…. John 8:42-47.

How do we stay on our King’s side, fighting as one for the things of His heart? Psalm 45:1-5.

1. Know Who your Commander is. Love is His name, and love is His command. 1 John 4:16b, Matthew 22:37-40, John 14:15. If what you’re thinking or doing is not loving God and loving others, check your motive for another master (like pride, control, doubt, self-defense, religious pride, anger, selfishness, revenge, etc.) Galatians 5:1-25.
2. Know who your enemy is. We have a real enemy, but it’s not our brother. Ephesians 6:12. Am I jealous, judging, attacking, ignoring, looking down on others, assuming things about people and talking behind their backs, running over them rather than listening and praying with them, forcing others to do what I want instead of seeking God for what He wants, or oppressing my brother/sister in any other way? Matthew 7:1-5, James 4:11-12. Don’t fight against your brother. Fight for him against the real enemy. 1 Peter 5:8-9.
3. Know your Sword. Ephesians 6:17. The Word is best interpreted by the Word. John 1:1. So be careful not to let the father of lies twist Scripture or distract you from the Truth with arguments based on tradition, reasoning, doubt, or even your own imagination. John 8:42-47, Luke 4:9-11. Rather, make sure your stand 1) agrees with the Word, not just one portion, but all of it, 2) agrees with God’s character, especially His love, 3) draws you/others closer to Him.
4. Fight for the things your King fought for. Jesus is our example, and He only did what His Father was doing. John 5:19, 1 John 2:5-6. If it wasn’t something Jesus fought for, should you be fighting?
5. Surrender to your King. Pride is at the root of every conflict, and our King opposes pride. 1 Peter 5:5, James 4:1-2. So, no matter how right you believe you are, lay all your thoughts, opinions, ideas, agendas, goals, plans, actions and desires at Jesus’ feet, and ask Him for His. Isaiah 55:6-9. Get into the Proverbs 3:5-7 habit of seeking God to direct your paths, rather than leaning on your own understanding. James 4:6, Psalm 45:4, Philippians 2:1-15, John 14:15, 1 John 5:3, 2 John 6. Walk in humble surrender, and win!

“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (NKJV)

 “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)

More Than A Conqueror Books

“We’re not just about books. We’re about books that make a difference in the lives of those you care about.”

Looking for a powerful gift?

If you’re looking for a truly valuable present that just might change lives, try these new Bible studies hot off the press by Mikaela Vincent…

Dare to Be a Man of God: Deep Bible studies for young men today on listening to God’s voice and winning life’s battles. Available now at www.MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.

Delight to Be a Woman of God: Deep Bible studies for single women today on listening to God’s voice, walking in the Spirit, unlocking your beauty, and finding true love, happiness and freedom. Available now at www.MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.

A lot has changed for young people today since the Lord and I originally wrote Dare to Become a Man of God and Delight to Become a Woman of God for my middle schoolers and other spiritual children several years ago. Although those versions are still useful for ages 10-14, older teens and singles today need all the deeper depths with Christ, all the greater freedom, and all the more power to walk in the Spirit, truth, wisdom and purity.

So, the Lord woke me up this past May with plans and layout for six books He completed in six months of long quiet times with Him! There is no way I could have ever humanly done that but for the power of His Spirit and His constant voice writing these for me. The result is all six are available now.

In addition to the two Bible studies for teens and singles in the above photos, He also produced both lined and unlined war room prayer journals to accompany them:

Dare to Be a Man of God Prayer Journal (with lines) and Dare to Be a Man of God Prayer Journal (without lines). Available now at www.MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.

Delight to Be a Woman of God Prayer Journal (with lines) and Delight to Be a Woman of God Prayer Journal (without lines). Available now at www.MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.

Share these with your family, friends, youth directors, singles leaders, Bible study teachers … and help shape the future of our country and even the world!

A Lifestyle of Fear of the Lord

Fear of the Lord is wisdom.

When you think about God, what do you think of normally? His love? His grace? Do you fear Him? What does that look like?

The Israelites feared the Lord when His presence descended upon the mountain in a cloud, in fire, and in deep darkness. “We will die if we hear the voice of the Lord our God any longer,” they said, and they implored Moses to listen to God for them. Deuteronomy 5:22-32.

Have you ever been afraid of the Lord? That the nearness of His presence might change you into someone you don’t want to be? Or that He will ask you to do something you don’t want to do? Or that if you walk too close to God others will think you’re strange?

It’s a possibility. God had Moses turning water into blood and sticks into serpants. He even glowed. That’s pretty weird. 2 Corinthians 3:7-18.

But being afraid that God will make you feel or do something strange or uncomfortable is not true fear of the Lord. That’s a fear induced by the father of lies who wants you to believe God’s not safe or trustworthy. John 8:42-47.

True fear of the Lord draws you in to the rest and safety of obedience and trust. Psalm 91. In fact, those who walk in fear of the Lord wouldn’t dare make a decision without asking Him what He wants to do first. Proverbs 3:5-7, Luke 22:42. They understand His Sovereignty and are thankful for it. They don’t want to do things their  own way because they know the consequences. Instead, they choose the blessings of walking in oneness with Him. Psalm 115:13, Galatians 5.

So, what would it look like to fear the Lord in your own life?

• How would you begin your day? Surrender your schedule to Him.
• How would you make decisions? Ask Him what He wants to do, listen for His answer, obey. Psalm 25:12.
• How long would your quiet times be? As long as He leads.
• How would you respond to your spouse, your children, that annoying neighbor, and the people around you in traffic? In His love. Psalm 118:4, Matthew 22:37-40.
• How would you serve Him? With all your heart. Deuteronomy 10:12.

To know the Lord is to love Him. And to love Him is to obey Him.  John 14:15. And to obey Him is to fear Him. Galatians 1:10.  To fear the Lord is wisdom. Proverbs 9:10.

“Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate His rule with trembling.” Psalm 2:11 (NIV)

“What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 10:12 (NIV)

“The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Psalm 19:23 (NIV)

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)

“Blessed are those who fear the Lord.” Psalm 112:1 (NIV)

Making My Time His Time

Be still and know that I am God.

Busyness—it’s a main scheme the enemy uses to keep us from our quiet times and from becoming one with our King.

Think about it. How often have you been tempted to skip a quiet time because you couldn’t fit it into your busy day?

And it’s such a sneaky scheme, isn’t it? Don’t you feel important—even right or righteous—when you’re busy doing good things for the King?

“Mary… sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’

“‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

Martha wasn’t totally off. After all, serving God is a main theme in the Bible. Colossians 3:23. But Jesus calls us to more than just hard work that leaves us exhausted. He calls us to oneness with Him. To not just serve Him like a slave, but to know Him intimately as a wife knows her husband. Hosea 2:16. To love Him with all our hearts. Matthew 22:37. And that takes spending time with Him, listening to His voice.

So, how do we realign our schedules with His so busyness doesn’t overtake our relationship with Christ?

Have a quiet time. Matthew 6:33. You must make it a priority to sit at His feet every day or everything you’re doing for your King will miss the key ingredient—Him.

Burnout happens when we’re doing more than God has asked us to, or we’re doing it in our own strength.

But Jesus only did what His Father was doing. John 5:19. And so can we, if we regularly lay our schedules before the Lord, asking Him,

1. “What are Your priorities for my life and work this season?”
2. “What am I doing that You haven’t asked me to do?”
3. “What am I not doing that You’ve asked me to do?”
4. “What am I doing in my own strength, rather than in Yours?”
5. “What am I wasting my time on? And what do You want me to change in that activity to make it Yours?”
6. “Which tasks do You want me to invite others to help me with, or even to do instead of me? And whom do You want me to ask?”
7. “How do You want me to mentor others and train them up to also surrender to You and do only what You’re doing?”

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says, ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none ofit.’” Isaiah 30:15 (NIV) 

^“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted.” Psalm 46:10a (ASV)