Theinnermaninme

"…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3 : 13 - 14) As things are settling back into normalcy after the global pandemic, you may look back at months marred by loss and disappointment. Jesus understands the longing and necessity for new beginnings. For every person that comes to Him in brokenness, He washes away the old and makes a brand-new creation. He continues to mold us into vessels He can use. Consider the man lying by the Pool of Bethesda who had been ill for 38 years. When Jesus asked if he wanted to be healed, his despair was evident.  Jesus gave three commands: Rise, take up your bed, and walk! If the man had remained on the mat, it could have tied him to his pessimistic state. He needed to get up and get moving forward. Perhaps, this year’s events have left you hurting and longing for relief. Hope, help, and hea...

"What then shall we say to these things? If God  is  for us, who  can be  against us?" (Romans 8 : 31) What hope resides in today’s key verse! When it seems that everything is working against us – a deadly virus, enforced isolation, supply shortages, loss of income – God is right beside us. Not one ounce of defeat can be found in this verse or the ones before and after it. Paul agrees that yes, we will suffer in this world, but it is nothing compared to the glory that awaits. We look with eager anticipation for what God will do on our behalf (Romans 8:18-25). Paul says that yes, we will experience weaknesses, but the Spirit will help us (Romans 8:26). His power shines through most brightly at those points (II Corinthians 12:9). The Psalmist declared that it was good that he had been afflicted, because he learned to trust in God’s Word (Psalm 119:71), to run to the secret place of the Most High, and to dwell under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). The sun c...

  "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us  is  God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 1 : 21 - 22) Elisha was Elijah’s successor – a man of God, handpicked by God, to do the work of God. God commanded Elijah to anoint Elisha to be the prophet in his place (1 Kings 19:16). Elijah had no vote. Why is that important? If a man had chosen Elisha, he would have felt compelled to meet his expectations. When God picks and places someone, He anoints him to fulfill his divine destiny. God sent Moses to anoint Joshua. God sent Samuel to anoint David. God, through Jesus Christ, chose Saul on the road to Damascus. If they would have been appointed and anointed by a mere man, they would have lived up to their human opinions and expectations. However, they were empowered by God to do what no one else could do. When you are anointed by God, the walls of Jericho fall. You stand fearlessly in front of ...

  God’s Got You "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." (John 10 : 28) How comforting to know that God holds us securely in His hand, cradling us with great care and compassion. If you find yourself exhausted in the middle of a difficult season, be assured of several things. Every detail of your life is filtered through the loving fingers of our Father. Nothing and no one can tear you away from Him. He is not shocked or alarmed by the drama or tragedy in your life. Whatever you perceive as your greatest weakness, whatever is lacking in you, in the place that you feel the ugliest and the least lovable…you are His. Now and forever. He will not disown or throw you away. You are precious in His sight. He cannot wait to swoop you up and pull you in close. Zephaniah 3:17 says that He delights in you as He sings with joy. Imagine His lips on your forehead as He hums a lullaby. You belong to Him. Run to Him as...

  POWER OF THE BLESSING "Death and life  are  in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18 : 21) Our words carry weight. One careless remark can open a wound that lasts a lifetime. One sincere compliment can restore hope. We impact the direction of our children’s lives when we speak life and blessing over them. When we tell them of the good that they can do – instead of constantly focusing on the negative – they wake up to the possibilities of God in their lives. Throughout the Bible, we see the power of blessing. Abraham blessed Isaac who blessed his son, Jacob. When he blessed his twelve sons, his words shaped their destinies and the future of Israel. When Jacob laid his hand upon each son, those young men were not yet mighty or distinct in any way. However, the words that Jacob spoke in heavenly places were brought into their lives for the unfolding of God’s plan. We have the power and the privilege to speak words like “I see...

T RAIN UP A CHILD "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22 : 6) If we point our children in the direction of the Cross, when they grow up, they will not be lost. Parents, we have a part to play in this principle! We must prioritize our children and practice Godly balance in our homes. They are gifts, not inconveniences. No matter what life throws their way, our children need to live with the assurance that we will be there for them. We must encourage our children and celebrate the uniqueness God placed in each of them. We must help them identify their strengths, develop their abilities, and work through their shortcomings. Remind them that, in God’s hands, they are masterpieces-in-the-making! We must value our children equally – no playing favorites. God has a plan for each young life in our homes. Our own natural aversions or appreciation towards certain traits should never taint our attitudes or actions toward...