March 1 (Audio) What Did Jesus Do for You?

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“FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE”
(John 3:16).

Jesus, You are the God who saves me.  It does not matter what I have done in the past that are causing me to feel tainted, ashamed and guilty today…that are causing me to feel like a failure and a loser…that are causing me to feel condemned and blamed.  It is not what I did that matters.  The only thing that matters is what You, Jesus, did for me.

“FOR GOD DID NOT SEND HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO CONDEMN THE WORLD, BUT TO SAVE THE WORLD THROUGH HIM” (John 3:17).

Jesus, You are my Savior.  It does not matter what others have done to break my spirit…what others have done to pour pain and contempt on my life…what others have done to bring abandonment and rejection into my heart.  It is not what others did that matters.  The only thing that matters is what You, Jesus, did for me.

Your saving Power is bigger than my own sins and mistakes and far greater than others’ sins and mistakes rendered to my life.

“FOR THE SON OF MAN CAME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE WHAT WAS LOST"
(Luke 19:10).

I love You, my Savior!

March 2: The Spirit of Truth

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“BUT WHEN HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, COMES, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH” (John 16:13).

Perfect Father, I will not be shaken.  You know that I have an enemy…the father-of-lies.  I celebrate that You have not abandoned me here on this earth as an orphan to deal with the father-of-lies and his deception all by myself.  You furnished me with the Spirit of Truth.

“HE WILL NOT SPEAK ON HIS OWN; HE WILL SPEAK ONLY WHAT HE HEARS, AND HE WILL TELL YOU WHAT IS YET TO COME. 14HE WILL BRING GLORY TO ME BY TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE AND MAKING IT KNOWN TO YOU” (John 16:13, 14).

God, how delighted I am that the Spirit of Truth does not stand on His own, but extracts His Truth from Jesus, taking from what belongs to Jesus and making it known to me.  Jesus is the Way, the TRUTH and the Life.

”ALL THAT BELONGS TO THE FATHER IS MINE. THAT IS WHY I SAID THE SPIRIT WILL TAKE FROM WHAT IS MINE AND MAKE IT KNOWN TO YOU” (John 16:15).

How comforted I am that Jesus obtains everything from You, Perfect Father.  All that belongs to You belongs to Jesus.

How encouraged I am, God, that You stand by me...Father…Son…and Holy Spirit, to make sure I am properly equipped with the Truth.  I am not alone in my battle against the OLD MAN...the negative destructive beliefs instilled in my mind by the father-of-lies.

However, I realize that my mind can be a bearer of the NEW MAN and Truth or a bearer of the OLD MAN and negative destructive beliefs … that it is my responsibility to submit to Your Truth…that I have an obligation to surrender my own understanding in exchange for Your Truth.

I love You, God of Truth!

March 3: You Have an Obligation

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“But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.  And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you” (Romans 8:10-11).

God, You fill me with Your Spirit.  I belong to You.  My spirit is alive because of Your Presence.  Your Righteousness dwells in my spirit.

“Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it”
(Romans 8:12).

God, I realize that I have an obligation…to live by Your Spirit…to surrender to Your Presence…to surrender my thoughts, emotions and actions to Your  Presence...to Your Righteousness that lives in my spirit.

“For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:13,14).

God, I authorize Your Spirit to lead my thoughts…to lead my emotions …and to lead my actions and reaction, because those who are led by Your Spirit are sons of God.  Be my Righteousness. Be my God!

I honor You by obeying Your Spirit!

March 4: Truth Produces Sincere Love

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“NOW THAT YOU HAVE PURIFIED YOURSELVES BY OBEYING THE TRUTH SO THAT YOU HAVE SINCERE LOVE FOR YOUR BROTHERS, LOVE ONE ANOTHER DEEPLY, FROM THE HEART.  23FOR YOU HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN, NOT OF PERISHABLE SEED, BUT OF IMPERISHABLE, THROUGH THE LIVING AND ENDURING WORD OF GOD”
(1 Peter 1:22, 23).

Precious God, I acknowledge that I need to purify myself first before I can deeply love someone from the heart.  I purify myself by accepting and believing the Truth about myself, other people and  about You.

Majesty, I desire to love deeply and sincerely from my heart.  Show me Your Truth about myself.  Show me who I really am, created as Your workmanship, so I can feel loved, accepted and good.  I know that I am not able to love anyone deeply and sincerely from my heart if I feel that I am bad, unlovable and unacceptable.

Most High, I desire to love You deeply from my heart.  I surrender my beliefs about You to Your Truth.  Sometimes I believe that You do not love me.  Sometimes my heart believes that You want to punish and harm me.  Sometimes I believe that You do not favor me.  Purify me by Your Truth so that I may love You sincerely from my heart.

May I surrender my heart to Your Truth every time my heart does not feel right about someone…every time someone hurts me…every time someone fails me.  Show me the Truth about the people in my life…their feeling of unacceptance and unworthiness…so that I can love them deeply from the heart.   

I honor You by Obeying the Truth!

March 5: Keep Watch!

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“THEN HE RETURNED TO HIS DISCIPLES AND FOUND THEM SLEEPING.  "SIMON," HE SAID TO PETER, "ARE YOU ASLEEP? COULD YOU NOT KEEP WATCH FOR ONE HOUR?  WATCH AND PRAY SO THAT YOU WILL NOT FALL INTO TEMPTATION. THE SPIRIT IS WILLING, BUT THE BODY IS WEAK" (Mark 14:37-38).

Dear Jesus, I have found out that I cannot keep watch for one hour.  When temptation comes, I think I am ready for it.  My spirit is so willing.  I even have a plan and everything ready to overcome the temptation.  However, when temptation comes, my body is too weak…and I fall.

Although I know everything is possible for You, Jesus, and I know I can just cry out to You to save me from shame or the belief that I am not loved… in the heat of the moment…I am not willing.  I am not willing to let go of the shame.  I am not willing to accept the Love You hold out to me.  I am not willing to believe that You can save me in the moment…and I fall.

"If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Jesus, without You I cannot do anything.  I cannot keep watch for one hour against temptation.  I surrender my unwillingness to You.  I submit my natural tendency to fall asleep during temptation, to You.  I offer You my habitual reactions towards other people’s actions.  May I remain in You.

Thank you, Jesus, that You are willing!

March 6: Life Storms Are Opportunities

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“BE JOYFUL IN HOPE, PATIENT IN AFFLICTION, FAITHFUL IN PRAYER”
(Romans 12:12).

Abba Father, I want to be patient during my affliction, regarding distress with acceptance and tolerance.  May I not consider the storms of life as something bad and harmful, trying to get out of them as soon as possible.  Rather, may I stay, be patient, and learn.

“FURTHERMORE WE HAVE HAD FATHERS OF OUR FLESH WHICH CORRECTED US, AND WE GAVE THEM REVERENCE: SHALL WE NOT MUCH RATHER BE IN SUBJECTION UNTO THE FATHER OF SPIRITS, AND LIVE?  FOR THEY VERILY FOR A FEW DAYS CHASTENED US AFTER THEIR OWN PLEASURE; BUT HE FOR OUR PROFIT, THAT WE MIGHT BE PARTAKERS OF HIS HOLINESS”
(Hebrews 12:9, 10).

Abba Father, may I consider my life storms as opportunities to become a partaker of Your Holiness…to embrace Your Truth…to experience Your Love…to obtain Your Hope.  May I consider storms as favorable circumstances to become free from crippling beliefs…that I am just a blob of nothingness…that I am just a piece of dirt…that I am worthless.

“NOW NO CHASTENING FOR THE PRESENT SEEMETH TO BE JOYOUS, BUT GRIEVOUS: NEVERTHELESS AFTERWARD IT YIELDETH THE PEACEABLE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO THEM WHICH ARE EXERCISED THEREBY” (Hebrews 12:11).

Abba Father, may I realize that if I hide from my own heart, run from my own pain, or blame my painful emotions on something or someone else, I will miss the opportunity to receive the peaceable fruit of righteousness, which is given to those who have been trained by Your discipline.

“WHEREFORE LIFT UP THE HANDS WHICH HANG DOWN, AND THE FEEBLE KNEES; AND MAKE STRAIGHT PATHS FOR YOUR FEET, LEST THAT WHICH IS LAME BE TURNED OUT OF THE WAY; BUT LET IT RATHER BE HEALED” (Hebrews 12:12, 13).

I love You, Abba Father!

March 7: Overcome Evil with God

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“DO NOT BE OVERCOME BY EVIL, BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD.”
 (Romans 12:21).

Everlasting Father, I delight in You.  May I not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

“THE GOOD MAN BRINGS GOOD THINGS OUT OF THE GOOD STORED UP IN HIS HEART, AND THE EVIL MAN BRINGS EVIL THINGS OUT OF THE EVIL STORED UP IN HIS HEART. FOR OUT OF THE OVERFLOW OF HIS HEART HIS MOUTH SPEAKS”
(Luke 6:45).

Father, I realize that I can only overcome evil with good if good has been stored up in my heart, for out of the overflow of my heart I will act and react.  If I have been filling my heart with hatred, hopelessness and the negative destructive beliefs of the father-of-lies, I will only act and react out of hatred, hopelessness and negative destructive beliefs.  However, if I have been filling my heart with Your Love, Hope and Truth, I will act and react with Love, Hope and Truth.

“LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD DEEDS AND PRAISE YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN” (Matthew 5:16).

Perfect Father, I realize that Love, Hope and Truth come directly from You, Most High.  I do not bring these qualities into existence by myself, even after I become a Christian.  Exchange my hatred for Your Love.  Exchange my hopelessness for Your Hope.  Exchange the negative destructive beliefs instilled in my mind by the father-of-lies for Your Truth.

 “THE GOOD MAN BRINGS GOOD THINGS OUT OF THE GOOD STORED UP IN HIS HEART.”

I honor You for being my God!

March 8: May You Know the Truth

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“NOW THE SERPENT WAS MORE SUBTLE AND CRAFTY THAN ANY LIVING CREATURE OF THE FIELD WHICH THE LORD GOD HAD MADE” (Genesis 3:1).

Precious Jesus, I have come to experience that the enemy, the father-of-lies, is indeed very crafty.  Many different things happened to me throughout my life, but I have discovered that it was not what people said and did to me that influenced me the most, but what I came to believe about myself BECAUSE of what others said and did to me.  What shaped my life the most were not circumstances and abuse, but what the crafty one told me about myself during these happenings…that I am hopeless…that I am helpless…that I am powerless.

“THEREFORE PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD, SO THAT WHEN THE DAY OF EVIL COMES, YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND YOUR GROUND, AND AFTER YOU HAVE DONE EVERYTHING, TO STAND. STAND FIRM THEN, WITH THE BELT OF TRUTH BUCKLED AROUND YOUR WAIST…”
(Ephesians 6:13-14).

Jesus, how I value Your Truth!  I have noticed that the truth people give me is not nearly as powerful as the Truth You disclose.  When people tell me the truth, the belief in my mind instilled by the crafty one might continue to exist, but when You tell me the Truth, I am released from what I came to believe about myself…that I am an alien…that I am deformed…that I am not special.

“AND YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE”
(John 8:31).

How I love You, God of Truth!

March 9: You have a Purpose

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"AS THE FATHER HAS LOVED ME, SO HAVE I LOVED YOU. NOW REMAIN IN MY LOVE. IF YOU OBEY MY COMMANDS, YOU WILL REMAIN IN MY LOVE, JUST AS I HAVE OBEYED MY FATHER'S COMMANDS AND REMAIN IN HIS LOVE.  I HAVE TOLD YOU THIS SO THAT MY JOY MAY BE IN YOU AND THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE COMPLETE” (John 15:9-11).

Abba Father, I have often wondered about my purpose in life.  I realize to have a purpose is a very important part of my life, because You made me this way…to want a purpose.

I have noticed something else about my life…that my life falls apart as soon as I do not feel loved by You, Abba Father.  It is then when I become very sad.  It is then when I think this life is not worth it.  It is then when I feel purposeless.

"AS THE FATHER HAS LOVED ME, SO HAVE I LOVED YOU.  NOW REMAIN IN MY LOVE…JUST AS I…REMAIN IN HIS LOVE.”

Abba Father, thank you for showing me that my fist purpose is to remain in Your Love…through Jesus, Your Son.  Your Love is my lifeline!  Your Love is indispensable for the maintaining and sustaining of my life.  Without it, life is full of hopelessness and hatred.  Without it, being a Christian does not make sense.  Without it, I have no joy.

“I HAVE TOLD YOU THIS SO THAT MY JOY MAY BE IN YOU AND THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE COMPLETE”

Abba Father, draw me into Your perfect Love.  Fulfill my desire for Your Love through Your son, Jesus, because this is my first purpose in life.  Help me to realize that it is my responsibility to come to You to be loved, instead of looking for Your Love in all the wrong places.

“THE FATHER HIMSELF LOVES YOU BECAUSE YOU HAVE LOVED ME AND HAVE BELIEVED THAT I CAME FROM GOD” (JOHN 16:27).

Thank you, God, for Your Love!

March 10: The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus

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 “FOR IF, WHEN WE WERE GOD'S ENEMIES, WE WERE RECONCILED TO HIM THROUGH THE DEATH OF HIS SON, HOW MUCH MORE, HAVING BEEN RECONCILED, SHALL WE BE SAVED THROUGH HIS LIFE! (Romans 5:10).

Precious Jesus, for a long time after I had become a Christian, I believed that my sins had been forgiven…now I was on my own.  You did Your job…now it was my turn to do mine…to start the process of getting rid of the hatred, jealousy and fear that live in my heart.

But You are showing me that there is MORE…MUCH MORE than just forgiveness, that is available to me…that You are not done with Your job in me.  In fact, it has only begun!  I was reconciled through Your death…now I need to be saved through Your Life.

“THROUGH CHRIST JESUS THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE SET ME FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH”(Romans 8:2).

Jesus, thank you for showing me that fear, hatred or jealousy does not live in my heart as single separate entities.  These emotions are reactions to the OLD MAN, the set of negative destructive beliefs instilled in me by the father-of-lies.  These emotions will only go away if the negative destructive beliefs are replaced with new positive constructive beliefs.

“KNOWING THIS, THAT OUR OLD MAN IS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM, THAT THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED, THAT HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN” (Romans 6:6).

Jesus, I rejoice that You came to redeem me from the OLD MAN, the set of negative destructive beliefs that are responsible for the hatred, jealousy and fear in my heart. 

I bring the OLD MAN, the negative destructive beliefs in my mind, to You to ask You to replace them with new positive constructive beliefs so I should not serve sin anymore.

Thank you, Jesus, for saving me!

March 11: So Have I Loved You

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Perfect Father, sometimes the father-of-lies tells me that You do not love me.  Sometimes he even ads that You do not love me because I am not worthy to be loved.  

“HE WAS A MURDERER FROM THE BEGINNING, NOT HOLDING TO THE TRUTH, FOR THERE IS NO TRUTH IN HIM. WHEN HE LIES, HE SPEAKS HIS NATIVE LANGUAGE, FOR HE IS A LIAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES.  YET BECAUSE I TELL THE TRUTH, YOU DO NOT BELIEVE ME!” (John 8:44, 45)

Father, I am aware of the murderer’s lies.  There is no truth in him.  I will believe You…that You love me as much as You love Your son, Jesus.

“…THAT THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE ARE ONE:  I IN THEM AND YOU IN ME. MAY THEY BE BROUGHT TO COMPLETE UNITY TO LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT YOU SENT ME AND HAVE LOVED THEM EVEN AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME.” (John 17:22-23).

Perfect Father, sometimes the father-of-lies tells me that You DO love me, but only under certain circumstances…like when I am good, but, I am not allowed to experience pain, for when the pain shows, You would stop loving me.

“FOR I AM CONVINCED THAT NEITHER DEATH NOR LIFE, NEITHER ANGELS NOR DEMONS, NEITHER THE PRESENT NOR THE FUTURE, NOR ANY POWERS, NEITHER HEIGHT NOR DEPTH, NOR ANYTHING ELSE IN ALL CREATION, WILL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD” (Romans 8:38-39).

Thank you, Perfect Father, that nothing separates me from Your Love…not even my pain of abandonment, shame or condemnation.

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE THE FATHER HAS LAVISHED ON US, THAT WE SHOULD BE CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD! AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE! (1 John 3:1).

I love you, Father, for loving me!

March 14: Why Do I Still Sin?

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Dear God, since I have received Jesus as my Savior, why am I still struggling with sin?  Did Jesus not save me from sin?  Why do I still hate?  Why am I still jealous?  Why do I covet?  Why do I sometimes feel that I am being controlled by the father-of-lies himself?

“But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness” (Romans 8:10).

Precious Savior, I came to realize that the reason why I still sin after I have received You as my Savior is that my mind, which controls my body, is still dead.  My mind is still filled with the OLD MAN, the negative destructive beliefs instilled by the father-of-lies since childhood.  I still live under the beliefs that I am not special, that I am not good enough, that I am a failure.  This causes me to sin---to hate…to be jealous…to covet.

“WE KNOW THAT OUR OLD (UNRENEWED) SELF WAS NAILED TO THE CROSS WITH HIM IN ORDER THAT [OUR] BODY [WHICH IS THE INSTRUMENT] OF SIN MIGHT BE MADE INEFFECTIVE AND INACTIVE FOR EVIL, THAT WE MIGHT NO LONGER BE THE SLAVES OF SIN” (Romans 6:6).

Jesus, I will not despair.  You not only saved my spirit, but my mind as well, that I might no longer be a slave to the lies of the father-of-lies. 

“Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation…if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:12, 13).

Precious Savior, today I understand that I have a commitment…a duty…a responsibility---to bring my mind with all its wrong beliefs, to You, one by one, so that You can bring it Truth.  My mind will then be set free from the negative destructive beliefs of the enemy…and I will stop coveting, hating and be jealous.

“THE MIND GOVERNED BY THE FLESH IS DEATH, BUT THE MIND GOVERNED BY THE SPIRIT IS LIFE AND PEACE” (Romans 8:6).

I love you, Jesus, for saving me!

March 15: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

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"TURN TO ME AND BE SAVED, ALL YOU ENDS OF THE EARTH;
FOR I AM GOD, AND THERE IS NO OTHER” (Isaiah 45:22).

I once had a dream where I was swimming in a tidal pool in the ocean.  At first, it was low tide and the water was very calm and smooth, but then the tide came in.  More water started spilling into the pool, causing the water in the pool to become rough and turbulent.  I looked around me and started panicking, but suddenly I became aware of someone holding me in the water.  It was Jesus!  He turned my face so I would only look at Him and said, “When the water becomes rough and scary, only look at me.  Look, I am holding you.  You will not drown.”

Dear Jesus, when the waters in my life become uneven and bumpy, may I steadily fix my eyes on You, instead of concerning myself with the ups and downs of life around me.  I have noticed that the instant I take my eyes off the circumstances and look to You, the hopelessness vanishes from sight.

Jesus, when the waters become even rougher and more turbulent, may I give no mind to the disturbing conditions, but willfully only keep Your face in view.  I have noticed that the moment I look to You, the darkness is swallowed up.

Precious Savior, when the waters become tumultuous and violent, may I give no regard to the crisis, but intentionally rivet my eyes on You.  I know that the minute I look to You, the fear will evaporate, for You are God.  There is no other.

I will turn to You and be saved!

March 16: What Do You Do with Jesus?

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"WHAT SHALL I DO, THEN, WITH JESUS WHO IS CALLED CHRIST?" PILATE ASKED.
THEY ALL ANSWERED, "CRUCIFY HIM!" (Matthew 27:22).

What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?

“JESUS STOOD AND SAID IN A LOUD VOICE, "IF ANYONE IS THIRSTY, LET HIM COME TO ME AND DRINK” (John 7:37).

Jesus, what do I do with You when I am thirsty…when I feel like an outcast …when I feel that nobody loves me…when I feel that this life does not make sense?  I come to You to receive a drink of Your Hope, Love and Truth.

“WHEN JESUS SPOKE AGAIN TO THE PEOPLE, HE SAID, "I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. WHOEVER FOLLOWS ME WILL NEVER WALK IN DARKNESS, BUT WILL HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE." (John 8:12).

Jesus, what do I do with You when the darkness of despair closes in around me…when I feel there is nothing left to live for?  I follow the Light of Life that You  provide for my darkness.

“FOR IF, BY THE TRESPASS OF THE ONE MAN, DEATH REIGNED THROUGH THAT ONE MAN, HOW MUCH MORE WILL THOSE WHO RECEIVE GOD'S ABUNDANT PROVISION OF GRACE AND OF THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS REIGN IN LIFE THROUGH THE ONE MAN, JESUS CHRIST” (Romans 5:17).

Jesus, what do I do with You when I discover that I can will that is right, but I cannot perform it?  I receive You as my abundant Provision of Grace and my Gift of Righteousness every day…moment-by-moment. 

I love You

March 17: Jesus was Abandoned on Your Behalf

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“FROM THE SIXTH HOUR UNTIL THE NINTH HOUR DARKNESS CAME OVER ALL THE LAND. 46ABOUT THE NINTH HOUR JESUS CRIED OUT IN A LOUD VOICE, "ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?"—WHICH MEANS, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
(Matthew 27:45-46).

Jesus, I worship You with gladness.  You have become to me Immanuel… God with me.

Jesus, You have never forsaken me.  When I was accused…Your Comfort was available.  When I felt lost and scared…You were there to show me the way out.  When feelings of hopelessness and despair flooded my mind…You kept very close with Your Hope.  When I was being betrayed…You were faithful.  When I thought no one knew about the abuse…You were attentive so You could bring me Truth.  When I thought no one cared…You interceded for me.

“GOD HAS SAID, "NEVER WILL I LEAVE YOU; NEVER WILL I FORSAKE YOU"”
(Hebrew 13:5).

Jesus, how precious is Your Presence…when I go back to the places where I thought I had been forsaken, I find that You had been at my side all along.  You were forsaken so I would never be.

I love you, Immanuel!

March 18: A Relationship of Obedience and Revelation

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“JESUS GAVE THEM THIS ANSWER: "I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, THE SON CAN DO NOTHING BY HIMSELF; HE CAN DO ONLY WHAT HE SEES HIS FATHER DOING, BECAUSE WHATEVER THE FATHER DOES THE SON ALSO DOES. 20FOR THE FATHER LOVES THE SON AND SHOWS HIM ALL HE DOES” (John 5:19).

Jesus, I have taken notice of the relationship between You and the Perfect Father.  I have noticed that You do not do anything by Yourself.  You only do what the Father shows You.  As a result, the Father reveals Himself to You…showing You all He does.

“WHOEVER HAS MY COMMANDS AND OBEYS THEM, HE IS THE ONE WHO LOVES ME.  HE WHO LOVES ME WILL BE LOVED BY MY FATHER, AND I TOO WILL LOVE HIM AND SHOW MYSELF TO HIM"
(John 14:21).

Jesus, I have taken notice of the relationship You want me to have with You…to love You and obey You in my action and in my thoughts…to only do what You show me to do.

Jesus, I have taken notice of the result of loving You and doing only what You show me to do.

HE WHO LOVES ME WILL BE LOVED BY MY FATHER, AND I TOO WILL LOVE HIM AND SHOW MYSELF TO HIM" (John 14:21).

If I love You, Jesus, by not doing my own thing and thinking my own thoughts and only do what You show me to do…You will reveal Yourself to me.  I will perceive Your Love during times when I feel unloved.  I will experience Your Hope when I feel hopeless.  I will come to know Your Truth when I feel trapped in the lies of the father-of-lies.

May I have the same relationship with You as You had with the Father…a relationship of obedience and revelation.

I love You with my obedience!

March 19: He Makes His Secrets Known to You

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“WHOEVER HAS MY COMMANDS AND OBEYS THEM, HE IS THE ONE WHO LOVES ME.  HE WHO LOVES ME WILL BE LOVED BY MY FATHER, AND I TOO WILL LOVE HIM AND SHOW MYSELF TO HIM"
(John 14:21).

Precious God, how priceless is Your unfailing Love.  You long to reveal Your secrets to us...Your mysteries…Your ways.

“HOW PRICELESS IS YOUR UNFAILING LOVE! BOTH HIGH AND LOW AMONG MEN FIND REFUGE IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS” (Psalm 36:7).

Perfect Father, You understand the secret of how to feel loved.  Show me the sheltered places under Your wings where I can take refuge when I do not feel loved.  Gather my roots to grow deep down into Your everlasting Love.  Teach me how to remain in Your Love.

“SO IF THE SON SETS YOU FREE, YOU WILL BE FREE INDEED” (John 8:36).

Jesus, You grasp the secret of being set free from the OLD MAN, the negative destructive beliefs instilled in my mind by the father-of-lies.  I pray that You will take what is Yours and make it known to me.  Lead me into the whole Truth, so that I will no longer be a slave to believing that I am fatally flawed.  Sanctify me with Your Truth so that I can be free indeed.

“SINCE THEY DID NOT KNOW THE RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT COMES FROM GOD AND SOUGHT TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN, THEY DID NOT SUBMIT TO GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Romans 10:3).

My Father, You understand the secret of Righteousness.  Teach me Your Righteousness, so I would not seek to establish my own.  I know that my own righteousness is counterfeit and brings You no glory, since it does not last.

Thank you for making Your secrets known to me!

March 20: Your OLD MAN Was Crucified

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KNOWING THIS, THAT OUR OLD MAN IS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM, THAT THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED, THAT HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN” (Romans 6:6).

Jesus, You have saved me from the OLD MAN…the set of negative destructive beliefs instilled in my mind by the father-of-lies since childhood.  The OLD MAN is filled with beliefs of shame, abandonment and condemnation.  I have many negative destructive beliefs living in the OLD MAN.  Some of them are beliefs of shame…that I am bad if I make a mistake…that I am bad if I feel despondent…that I am bad if I do not succeed.

I realize that the father-of-lies deforms our character …warps our nature…disfigures our personality with his negative destructive beliefs of shame…and then he makes us ashamed of who we have become through him.  Shame is a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or improper act or remark.

“YOU ARE ALREADY CLEAN BECAUSE OF THE WORD I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU”
(JOHN 15:3).

Jesus, You are my Hope!  You have nailed the OLD MAN, the negative destructive beliefs instilled in my mind by the father-of-lies, to the cross.  You got rid of shame on the cross.  I do not have to feel ashamed of my mistakes… or when I feel despondent… or when I do not succeed.

“WHEN HE HAD RECEIVED THE DRINK, JESUS SAID, "IT IS FINISHED." WITH THAT, HE BOWED HIS HEAD AND GAVE UP HIS SPIRIT.” (JOHN 19:30).

Jesus, You are my Savior!  You have spoken me clean from shame with the words, “It is finished.” 

I honor You, my Savior!

March 21: Two Opposing Purposes

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“FOR THEY THAT ARE AFTER THE FLESH DO MIND THE THINGS OF THE FLESH; BUT THEY THAT ARE AFTER THE SPIRIT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT” (Romans 8:5).

Perfect Father, You know how I am formed.  You understand that my life is based on one of two purposes:  the purpose of living according to the natural flesh…or the purpose of living in accordance with the Spirit of Jesus. 

“HE THAT COMMITTETH SIN IS OF THE DEVIL; FOR THE DEVIL SINNETH FROM THE BEGINNING”
(1 John 3:8).

Perfect Father, You know that the goal of these two purposes are opposing… conflicting… incompatible.  The natural flesh nature wants to please the father-of-lies…but the Spirit, the Perfect Father.  The natural flesh nature obeys the OLD MAN, the set of negative destructive beliefs instilled in our mind by the father-of-lies since childhood…the Spirit obeys the NEW MAN, Jesus.  I realize that at any given moment in my life, I am living either to please You, Perfect Father…or to please the father-of-lies.  There is no middle ground!

FOR THIS PURPOSE THE SON OF GOD WAS MANIFESTED, THAT HE MIGHT DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL” (1 John 3:8).

You, Father, are exalted forever!  You sent Jesus to destroy the works of the father-of-lies…to destroy the OLD MAN, the set of negative destructive beliefs instilled in our mind since childhood.

“Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation…if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will LIVE” (Romans 8:12, 13).

But I understand that I have an obligation…either to live according to the natural flesh nature and obey the OLD MAN…or to live according to the Spirit and allow Your son, Jesus to put to death the OLD MAN, the negative destructive beliefs instilled in our mind by the father-of-lies.  May I choose to live according to Your Spirit.

I honor You, Perfect Father!

March 22: Be Mindful When You Open the Door

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“BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK; IF ANYONE HEARS AND LISTENS TO AND HEEDS MY VOICE AND OPENS THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO HIM AND WILL EAT WITH HIM, AND HE [WILL EAT] WITH ME” (Revelation 3:20).

Precious Jesus, remind me often to be mindful for whom I open the door to my heart.  I know my heart is vulnerable…susceptible to attack…easily hurt.

“BUT WHEN HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, COMES, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH. HE WILL NOT SPEAK ON HIS OWN; HE WILL SPEAK ONLY WHAT HE HEARS”
(John 16:13).

May I discern between the voice of Truth of the Holy Spirit and the empty voice of the father-of-lies.  I know that when the Spirit of Truth knocks, He will offer me Hope, Peace and Joy.  He will never knock with a voice of despair.  When the Holy Spirit knocks, He will propose Light, Power and Truth.  He will never suggest darkness, powerlessness and deceit.  When the Spirit of Truth knocks, He will set before me Wholeness, Holiness and Wisdom.  He will never put forward brokenness, unrighteousness and confusion. 

“HE WILL BRING GLORY TO ME BY TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE AND MAKING IT KNOWN TO YOU.  ALL THAT BELONGS TO THE FATHER IS MINE” (John 16:14, 15).

Jesus, I imagine the fellowship when I unlock the door and let You in.  I imagine the togetherness when You discharge Your Hope to me.  I imagine the companionship when You pour out Your Power.  You will come right in and sit down to dine with me…and I will be filled with Wonder.

I honor You, Spirit of Truth!

March 23: Be Mindful When the Enemy Knocks

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“THE THIEF COMES ONLY TO STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY” (John 10:10)

Jesus, let me stay in Your Truth.  Let me be mindful when the father-of-lies knocks on the door of my heart.  I know my heart is vulnerable…susceptible to attack…easily hurt.

“He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him” (John 8:44).

Jesus, let me stay in Your Hope.  Let me keep my heart’s door shut... locked...bolted and barred, when the murderer knocks.  I know the accuser only needs a sliver of an opening to push the door wide open and rush in.  When he detects an opening, he loses no time.  He hauls with him everything he is able to drag in…condemnation… abandonment…and shame.

When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44).

Jesus, let me stay in Your Love.  I know that once I have welcomed the negative destructive beliefs of the father-of-lies into my heart, it is extremely hard to remove them again.  It is far better to keep the door to my heart shut from the start than to try and close it once I have given the father-of-lies right of entry. 

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).

Jesus, let me stay in Your Righteousness.  I know that it is through my thoughts the roaring lion finds an open door.  May I submit each thought to You for approval before I start accepting, believing, and obeying it.  May I reject each thought that is not from You…keeping the door to my vulnerable heart shut and padlocked.

And the father-of-lies will be powerless to control my emotions and actions with his negative destructive beliefs.

March 24: Do Not Mind Read

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“SO I TELL YOU THIS, AND INSIST ON IT IN THE LORD, THAT YOU MUST NO LONGER LIVE AS THE GENTILES DO, IN THE FUTILITY OF THEIR THINKING.  THEY ARE DARKENED IN THEIR UNDERSTANDING AND SEPARATED FROM THE LIFE OF GOD…”
(Ephesians 4:17, 18).

Jesus, lead me by Your Truth.  Let me be watchful of mind reading.  Let me be aware that trying to read another person’s mind is a very dangerous open door for the father-of-lies to deliver rejection, unworthiness and shame to my vulnerable heart.  I know that the father-of-lies is an opportunist.  Speculating and taking for granted another person’s reasons for enactment could give access to darkness of despair.  Assuming another person’s motives could unlock helplessness, powerlessness and hopelessness. 

YOU, HOWEVER, DID NOT COME TO KNOW CHRIST THAT WAY.   SURELY YOU HEARD OF HIM AND WERE TAUGHT IN HIM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TRUTH THAT IS IN JESUS
(Ephesians 4:20, 21).

Jesus, may I live in accordance with the Truth that is in You.  Remind me to not assume the truth…to not assume that I know why someone did or said something. 

“THEREFORE, REJECTING ALL FALSITY AND BEING DONE NOW WITH IT, LET EVERYONE EXPRESS THE TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, FOR WE ARE ALL PARTS OF ONE BODY AND MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER” (Ephesians 4:25).

Jesus, You are my Truth.  May I put off mind reading, to be made new in the attitude of my mind by Your Truth.  May I do this every day…each time someone says something that is hurtful…so I might reject all falsities and walk in Your Truth.

Thank you for Your Truth!

March 25: The OLD MAN and the NEW MAN

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“THAT YE PUT OFF CONCERNING THE FORMER CONVERSATION THE OLD MAN, WHICH IS CORRUPT ACCORDING TO THE DECEITFUL LUSTS” (Ephesians 4:22).

Precious Jesus, I realize that the OLD MAN is the set of negative destructive beliefs instilled in my mind by the father-of-lies.  I realize that the OLD MAN is corrupt by deceitful desires that come from the father-of-lies.  I realize that the OLD MAN causes me to be filled with suspicion, hatred and jealousy, because it has caused abandonment, shame and condemnation in my heart.  I realize that I have learned to deal with the OLD MAN through defense patterns of hiding, running and blaming because of the pain it has caused in my heart.

“AND BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND; AND THAT YE PUT ON THE NEW MAN, WHICH AFTER GOD IS CREATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUE HOLINESS” (Ephesians 4:23-24).

Thank you Jesus that You have made a NEW ME, created in Christ Jesus, available to me.  This NEW ME, created in Christ Jesus, is renewed in the spirit of its mind.  This NEW ME, created in Christ Jesus, is created in true Righteousness and Holiness.

“KNOWING THIS, THAT OUR OLD MAN IS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM, THAT THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED, THAT HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN” (Romans 6:6).

Jesus, I am filled with Joy, because You came to set me free from the OLD MAN.  I realize that no matter how hard I try, I am not able to set myself free from the OLD MAN, the negative destructive beliefs of the father-of-lies.  It is a God-sized job.

I will identify the OLD MAN in me and offer him to You, Jesus…to be exchanged for the NEW ME, created in Christ Jesus. 

March 26: It Is Finished!

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“NO, IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM WHO LOVED US” (Romans 8:37).

I bring my heart into Your Presence, Jesus…into Your Wholeness…into Your Holiness…into Your Truth.  You remove all condemnation, so I am allowed to make mistakes.  You remove all shame, so I am allowed to be despondent.  You remove all abandonment, so I am not afraid to be alone.

“KNOWING THIS, THAT OUR OLD MAN IS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM, THAT THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED, THAT HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN” (Romans 6:6).

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.  Jesus has nailed all shame to the cross.  I have been spoken clean by the words, “It is finished!”

“WHEN HE HAD RECEIVED THE DRINK, JESUS SAID, "IT IS FINISHED." WITH THAT, HE BOWED HIS HEAD AND GAVE UP HIS SPIRIT.” (John 19:30).

I sing to You a new song, Jesus, because it is finished.  The condemnation has been overcome!  I have been spoken clean from the condemning words that I am bad.  The shame has been defeated!  I have been spoken clean from the shameful words that I am just a piece of dirt.  The abandonment has been conquered!  I have been spoken clean from the disheartening words that I have been forsaken.

Glory to Your Name!

March 27: Discipline Means Training to Correct

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“OUR FATHERS DISCIPLINED US FOR A LITTLE WHILE AS THEY THOUGHT BEST; GOD DISCIPLINES US FOR OUR GOOD, THAT WE MAY SHARE IN HIS HOLINESS”
(Hebrew 12:10).

Perfect Father, I have many negative destructive beliefs planted in my mind by the father-of-lies.  Usually, the first thing I do when one of these beliefs is triggered is to flee from it.  I would actually get up and walk away when I feel shamed in someone’s presence.  At that moment, all that matters to me is to withdraw and hide.  However, today I realize that You are asking me to do something different when shame, condemnation or abandonment is triggered…YOU ARE ASKING ME TO STAY!

“ENDURE HARDSHIP AS DISCIPLINE; GOD IS TREATING YOU AS SONS. FOR WHAT SON IS NOT DISCIPLINED BY HIS FATHER?” (Hebrew 12:7).

Perfect Father, You are showing me that if I stay in Your Presence when shame, condemnation or abandonment is triggered…You will turn it into Holiness, because You are treating me like a son…a daughter.  You are using the same shame, abandonment and condemnation the enemy uses to HURT me…to HEAL me.

"MY SON, DO NOT MAKE LIGHT OF THE LORD'S DISCIPLINE, AND DO NOT LOSE HEART WHEN HE REBUKES YOU, BECAUSE THE LORD DISCIPLINES THOSE HE LOVES" (Hebrew 12:5, 6).

May I endure hardship as a training to correct, Father, to turn the abandonment into belongingness…to turn the shame into confidence…to turn the condemnation into acceptance.

“NO DISCIPLINE SEEMS PLEASANT AT THE TIME, BUT PAINFUL. LATER ON, HOWEVER, IT PRODUCES A HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TRAINED BY IT” (Hebrew 12:11).

May I become trained, corrected and healed by Your discipline, Perfect Father, so that it will produce a harvest of Righteousness and Peace in me. 

March 29: Do not Be Burdened by the Yoke of Condemnation

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“THEREFORE, THERE IS NOW NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, BECAUSE THROUGH CHRIST JESUS THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE SET ME FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH” (Romans 8:1, 2).

Precious Jesus, I praise you for the wondrous things You have done for my heart. You have set me free from the power of condemnation…of being declared wrong, bad and doomed.

However, I realize that I have an obligation…to live under the management of Christ Jesus, where condemnation has been deprived of its power.

“FOR GOD HAS DONE WHAT THE LAW COULD NOT DO, [ITS POWER] BEING WEAKENED BY THE FLESH [THE ENTIRE NATURE OF MAN WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT]. SENDING HIS OWN SON IN THE GUISE OF SINFUL FLESH AND AS AN OFFERING FOR SIN, [GOD] CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH [ SUBDUED, OVERCAME, DEPRIVED IT OF ITS POWER OVER ALL WHO ACCEPT THAT SACRIFICE]”
(Romans 8:3 AMP)

God, You have done what I cannot do…being weakened by my natural flesh nature.  You have freed me from disapproval.  Draw me into the freedom that You provide through Your law of the Spirit of Your Life. 

God, I know that I am weak…that I have the tendency to place myself under the government of the father-of-lies who rules with beliefs of condemnation.  Pull me under Your government of Truth, Love and Hope.

“IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST HAS SET US FREE. STAND FIRM, THEN, AND DO NOT LET YOURSELVES BE BURDENED AGAIN BY A YOKE OF SLAVERY” (Galatians 5:1).

God, let me stay in Your Holiness.  Let me dwell in Your Freedom.  Let me abide in You, for those who are governed by You are set free from being declared wrong, bad and doomed.

March 30: Your Father in Heaven is the Taskmaster

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“TAKE CARE NOT TO DO YOUR GOOD DEEDS PUBLICLY OR BEFORE MEN, IN ORDER TO BE SEEN BY THEM; OTHERWISE YOU WILL HAVE NO REWARD [RESERVED FOR AND AWAITING YOU] WITH AND FROM YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN”
(Matthew 6:1 AMP).

Perfect Father, how encouraged I am that You are aware of all the good works I do.  I know that the good works (and the purpose) that count are the ones that You, Father, have chosen for me before I was even formed.  I celebrate that You chose me for these specific tasks You had in mind.  Many days I wake up and wonder, “What are the good works my Father has prepared for me for this day?” 

“FOR WE ARE GOD'S WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS TO DO GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED IN ADVANCE FOR US TO DO” (Ephesians 2:10).

Abba Father, I look to You for my reward.  The good works and the purpose You have prepared for me, I am doing for You….not the recipients of the good deeds.  You are the taskmaster…the employer…the manager.  I am only accountable to You. 

“THEN YOUR FATHER, WHO SEES WHAT IS DONE IN SECRET, WILL REWARD YOU” (Matthew 6:4).

I serve You, God, with my good works!

March 31: Why Don’t You Stay?

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Everlasting Father, I have discovered that I am a runner.  I run away from pain.  I run away from feeling that I am invisible…from feeling that I don’t count…from feeling that I am a mistake.

I found out that I run from pain, because I believe that it is not safe to stay.  I believe that the pain is going to destroy me if I stay and face it.

I found out that I run from pain, because I believe that it is a sin to experience feelings of shame, condemnation or abandonment and that I need to get out of it as soon as possible.

I found out that I run from pain, because I believe that if I run away from it…the pain will go away and I will be safe.

“NO TEMPTATION HAS SEIZED YOU EXCEPT WHAT IS COMMON TO MAN. AND GOD IS FAITHFUL; HE WILL NOT LET YOU BE TEMPTED BEYOND WHAT YOU CAN BEAR. BUT WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED, HE WILL ALSO PROVIDE A WAY OUT SO THAT YOU CAN STAND UP UNDER IT” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

God, You are everything I need.  If I stay and face my pain, I will not be destroyed by it, because You will not allow the father-of-lies to tempt me beyond what I can bear, and You Yourself will provide a way out of the pain.

God, wash out my eyes to see that the pain is not sin; it is merely the temptation from the father-of-lies to convince me to run and hide from You, so that I would not experience Your Love, Truth and Hope in my life.  The sin is my wrong reaction to pain.

God, help me to be still.  If I run away from my pain instead of facing it, the pain would only get worse and lead me farther and farther away from You…into sin.  But, if I stay and face it, You will have a chance to heal me.

"I AM THE VINE; YOU ARE THE BRANCHES. IF A MAN REMAINS IN ME AND I IN HIM, HE WILL BEAR MUCH FRUIT; APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING” (John 15:5).