DIG for Monday the 31st of March…..speak out what you need…..Proverbs 23 v 7 and Proverbs 18 v 21

These two verses in Proverbs are very important in my life, and should be thus in the life of every believer.

They tell us that the direction of our life goes in the direction of our thoughts and our words.

We are what we think and we are what we say.

Now, you may be thinking but that this is New Age, mind over matter, nonsense.

But that is not the case; the truth is that this is a Biblical law!

So with this truth under our belts we really should be operating in this law, we should be thinking better and speaking out in a more positive manner.

I realise that you can take this truth in one of two ways; you can let it condemn you and have you thinking “so it is all my fault then” or you can let it be a positive message where you are thinking “so I can change my life for the better then”.

Let me remind you that condemnation comes from the enemy so I would suggest that you should let this truth put you in a more positive frame of mind.

Think in a more positive manner and speak out more positive words over your life, I can testify that this works.

I am working on a declaration of appropriation at the moment for when I finish secular work and move into a life of ministry; this is just a posh name for writing down some good scriptures to speak out over my life on a daily basis.

In this declaration I will speak out that I am blessed by the work of my hands, that I will live in abundance and that I will have plenty of ministry to do; thinking this way and speaking this out will make the ministry a success.

Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord that I can alter my life by the way I think and by what I say; thank you that this is what You have set in place”.

Proverbs 23 v 7…..For as he thinketh in his hearts so is he…..

Proverbs 18 v 21…..Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof

Advertisement

DIG for Sunday the 30th of March…..now that’s a crazy amount of wine; what amazing abundance…..John 2 v 6

The provision of the Lord is bountiful and abundant; we saw that yesterday when we looked at Philippians 4 v 19.

There are many examples of how abundant the provision of the Lord is and one of my favourites is when Jesus turned the water into wine at the wedding in Cana.

Jesus turned water into wine in 6 water pots, each pot being 2 or 3 firkins (John 2 v 6).

A firkin is about 41 litres, so the minimum amount of wine provided by Jesus was 492 litres (or 656 normal sized bottles) but it could have been a lot more; in any ones view that is a lot of wine.

And it was good wine; we see that when the ruler tasted the wine (John 2 v 10).

Not only was the wine plentiful but it was also good, it was the best.

The provision of the Lord is like that too, not only is it abundant and plentiful but it is the best.

Of course it is the best, as it is provided out of the riches of his glory though Christ Jesus (Philippians 4 v 19).

Jesus came so that we might have life in abundance (John 10 v 10), and a life that is lived in health and prosperity (3 John v 2).

His provision is extravagant; I said in the sermon toady that His provision is almost silly in how abundant it is.

We have been given all that we need spiritually and physically already through the finished work of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1 v 3 and Philippians 4 v 19).

We truly are a blessed people in the provision that He has for every single one of us.

Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord for all that you have already provided for me through the finished work of Jesus Christ”.

John 2 v 6……And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece

DIG for Saturday the 29th of March…..all our needs met out of His supply; that should be more than enough…..Philippians 4 v 19

Philippians 4 v 19 has to be one of the most reassuring verses in Scripture.

It is a verse that I am taking to heart at the moment having just made a big decision with regards to secular work and the ministry.

Paul writes to the Philippians urging them not to trust in their own ability to provide, but to trust in the Lord instead.

He says that the Lord will be their provider (Philippians 4 v 19).

He will meet all their needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

The same is true for us.

Do you think that there is any lack in glory, do you think that the Lord is on a budget, do you think that the Lord has to keep a nest egg hidden away for a rainy day?

No, of course He does not, His provision is abundant and plentiful; indeed it is endless.

We already have all that we need provided right now through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

We have all the spiritual blessings we need already (Ephesians 1 v 3).

God has made physical provision for us already (1 Kings 17 v 1 to 10, see the provision made ready in advance for Elijah).

Our provision for all that He wants us to do is already here (or there), waiting and ready for us to walk into.

We are blessed, loved and highly favoured with His abundant provision in place for us.

Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord that you have already made ready all the provision I will ever need in this life”.

Philippians 4 v 19…..But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus

DIG for Friday the 28th of March…….encourage, edify and exhort; that’s what we are here for…..Hebrews 10 v 25

It was my birthday today, and I have had a great day; I’ve had some lovely cards, nice presents and a few goodies to eat.

I have also had some wonderfully encouraging messages from many people from all around the world.

Social media is a great tool when used properly, and one of its uses is for us to encourage, edify and exhort one another.

Encouragement, edification and exhortation are all spoken about in the Word, and they are things that we should all be involved in as born again believers.

The writer to the Hebrews encourages them to meet together for the purpose of exhorting one another, that literally means to call near, and means to comfort (Hebrews 10 v 25 and Hebrews 3 v 17).

Paul encourages the believers in Rome to edify their neighbours, this means to confirm or build up (Romans 15 v 2).

Paul advises the saints in Corinth to edify, exhort and encourage men through prophesy (1 Corinthians 14 v 3).

And we know that what we see being said to believers in the Word is also being said to us.

We are to encourage, edify and exhort; the way of the world is more likely to see people being discouraged, pulled down and pushed away.

We need to be in the way of the Word and not the way of the world.

It is lovely to be encouraged and built up; it is also a blessing to do that for others.

Go on, give it a try; encourage, edify and exhort someone today.

Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord for those that encourage, edify and exhort me; let people come across my path for me to do the same.”

Hebrews 10 v 25…..Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much more, as ye see the day approaching

DIG for Thursday the 27th of March……gender equality in the church; oh yes…..Galatians 3 v 28

I was sent an interesting link yesterday from a friend who does not share the same beliefs as we do.

It was a video clip of a pastor teaching that women should not speak in church, especially when the pastor was preaching; she should not even say “amen” in agreement and there was absolutely no way that she should teach.

Now I have to say that I agree with her sentiments; that this pastor must be in error.

We see a number of women being mentioned in the Word as being involved in ministry.

Paul (the man that many people think hated women) mentions many women in his epistles.

Priscilla is a prime example; we see her in ministry with her husband and we see her teaching Apollos (Acts 18 v 25 and 26)

In the eyes of the Lord I do not believe that there is any difference between a Christian man and a Christian woman (and also between people of different race and class) (Galatians 3 v 28).

If we are born again we are righteous, holy and perfect in our spirit (the part that The Lord looks at); in fact in this part of our “being” we are all like Jesus.

We are all the same!

Yes, we may have different roles and gifts, however we are all the same in the eyes of the Lord and there should be no inequality in the body of Christ for gender (race or class).

Don’t let inequality in to your fellowship.

Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord that in your eyes we are all the same; all righteous, holy and perfect, just like Jesus”.

Galatians 3 v 28…..There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male or female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus

DIG for Wednesday the 26th of March…..this armour is offensive as well as defensive…..Ephesians 6 v 13

The Roman army was an amazing fighting machine, with the best equipment available to defend themselves.

We’ve all seen drawings and pictures of Roman soldiers using their shields to form a defensive structure, with their feet and legs also covered in armour, thus forming an impenetrable barrier.

They also used their armour for attacking the enemy.

They would kick with the metal on their feet and shoes, they would head butt the enemy using their helmets, they would beat the opposing soldier with their shield and of course they had their swords (normally short swords for close contact fighting).

They were at their best and most fearsome when on the attack.

It is also important to realise that in this picture of Roman soldiers that we see in Ephesians 6 v 14 to 17, that there is no armour for the back.

We see lots of armour but it is only of use when facing the enemy; we have our helmet and breastplate and our shield that we can hold up in front of ourselves.

Our enemy is to be faced and fought; we do not run away.

In James we read that as well as submitting to God we are to resist the devil (James 4 v 7).

Resist means to stand against and oppose, and it is a positive action, it is not a passive resistance; it means to fight.

We are at our best and most fearsome when on the attack, on the attack against the enemy and the death and destruction that he wants to sow into our lives and the lives of those around us.

He is afraid of the power and authority that the Lord has given you; use it to fight against him and see him flee.

You have no defence against the enemy if you turn your back and run, but you have plenty if you stand, resist and fight.

Speak this out today…..”Thanks you Lord for the weapons you have given me to fight against the enemy, and thank you for the power and authority you have given me to yield them”.

Ephesians 6 v 13…..Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand

DIG for Tuesday the 25th of March…..we have an amazing array of weaponry ourselves…..Ephesians 6 v 13

The “whole armour of God” as discussed in Ephesians 6 is a very impressive array of fighting technology.

In the context of the day this picture is based upon the armour and weapons used by a Roman soldier.

At the time the Roman army was the most impressive and powerful fighting machine, equipped with the latest fighting technology.

They had the best equipment available and were pushing aside every bit of resistance against them; they were powerful and they were winning.

And this is how we should live our lives as born again believers, in power and in victory.

We have an amazing array of weaponry provided for us through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

We have the Word of God, described as the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6 v 17).

We have the gift of righteousness; we were made righteous at our salvation (2 Corinthians 5 v 21 and Ephesians 6 v 14).

We have the truth, the truth about Jesus Christ and His finished work.

We have our salvation (and everything that goes with “sozo”) as the most amazing gift of grace through faith.

We have peace, all the peace we will ever need (Ephesians 6 v 15)

We have the most powerful weapons available at our fingertips and we should be using them to wipe the floor with the enemy.

Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord for all the weapons that you have made freely available to me through the finished work of Jesus Christ”.

Ephesians 6 v 13…..Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand

DIG for Monday the 24th of March…..there is so much more to the Christian life than just your salvation, your ticket into heaven…..Ephesians 6 v 11

Salvation is a wonderful thing, a life changing event, an eternity changing event.

Through trusting in Jesus’ finished work we are saved and we do indeed have a “ticket into Heaven” (Romans 10 v 9 and 10).

The sad fact however is all that for some Christians this is all that Jesus has done for them; but the truth is that Jesus has purchased so much more for us through His amazing finished work.

This is highlighted in the “armour of God” passage in Ephesians 6.

This passage talks about all the mighty weapons we have from the Lord, in this case for our battle against the enemy.

Paul does talk about salvation, he writes about our helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6 v 17).

He also writes about righteousness, peace and faith, among other things (Ephesians 6 v 14 to 17).

When we were saved we were made righteous (2 Corinthians 5 v 21).

When we were saved God put all the peace we will ever need into our born again spirit (Galatians 5 v 23).

When we were saved we were given THE measure of faith and it was THE faith of Christ (Romans 12 v 3 and Romans 3 v 22).

His passage from Paul tells us that we have received so much more than just a “ticket into Heaven” at our salvation, and we see this truth right throughout the Word (especially when we look at the Greek meaning of the word “sozo”).

We have so much available to us right now, here on earth, through our salvation in Christ Jesus.

Jesus wants us to live an abundant life, a life of health and abundance; he appropriated this for us at the cross (John 10 v 10 and 3 John v 2).

If you are a born again believer this evening you have so much more from Jesus than just your ticket into Heaven; you have been given all spiritual blessings already (Ephesians 1 v 3) and have all you need, right now, for life and Godliness (2 Peter 3 v 1).

What good news!

Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord for my salvation, and thank you for everything that this involves; including righteousness, peace and faith”.

Ephesians 6 v 11…..Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil

DIG for Sunday the 23rd of March…..do what you are told until you are told otherwise…..1 Kings 17 v 7 to 9

There is so much for us to learn from the life of Elijah; we saw yesterday in DIG that the Lord has already made provision for us in anything He has asked us to do.

We are going to see today that we should do what the Lord tells us; we see that repeatedly in the life of Elijah.

He is told to go to the brook and he does (1 Kings 17 v 3 to 5).

He is told to go to a town called Zarephath and he does (1 Kings 17 v 8 to 9).

So Elijah did what he was told, but it is very interesting to see what happened in between these two life-changing events.

While he was there in God’s will having his requirements met the brook dried up.

Now he could have left and tried to find water somewhere else, however he stayed at the brook.

Now why did he stay; he stayed because God had told him to go to the brook and had not told him to go elsewhere.

Even in times of difficulty for Elijah, he stayed where God had told him to be.

This is an important lesson for all of us; you see if we are somewhere where God wants us to be we should not leave or go somewhere else even if the going gets tough.

We should remain and do what we are doing until God tells us something else.

Too many people move on and give up too early, even when they are in the will of God; even when they are at the brook like Elijah for example.

Do what you are told until you are told otherwise is one of the main lessons from the life of Elijah.

Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord for the example of Elijah; help me to keep doing what you have asked me to do”.

1 Kings 17 v 7 to 9…..And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee

DIG for Saturday the 22nd of March…..His provision is already in place for you…..1 Kings 17 v 4 and 9

I have been led to read about Elijah this week, and also to prepare a message for tomorrow from the account of his life.

There are so many things that we can learn from the life of Elijah.

One of the most important is that whatever the Lord asks you to do He has prepared provision for you so that you can do it; He has prepared provision for you in advance.

This is what we see in the life of Elijah and this is what we can trust Him to do for us.

He was told to go to the brook Cherith (1 Kings 17 v 5), and the Lord said that He had commanded the ravens to feed him there.

We don’t read that He will command the ravens, we read that He has already commanded them; the provision for Elijah was made ready in advance.

We then see the Lord telling Elijah to go to Zerephath and that a widow woman would sustain him there.

We do not read that we will command the widow, we read that He has already commanded her; once again we see that the Lord has put provision in place before the event.

This is a wonderful picture of how the Lord is our provider; whatever His plan and purpose is (and He has a plan and purpose for every single one of us) He has already made provision for us.

What good news.

When He asks us to do something or go somewhere we can trust that He has made the provisions for us to be successful.

What a good God.

Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord that you made already made provision for my every need in every situation”.

1 Kings 17 v 4 and 9…..And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there……Arise, and get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee