The Place of Power

Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me.

Acts 1:8 (KJV)

   Look at it! Think of it! A hundred and twenty men and women having no patronage, no promise of any earthly favor, no endowment, no wealth—a company of men and women having to get their living by common daily toil, and busied with all the household duties of daily life—and yet they are to begin the conquests of Christianity!  To them is entrusted a work which is to turn the world upside down. None so exalted but influence of this lowly company shall reach them, until the throne of the Caesars is claimed for Christ. None so far off but the power of this little band gathered in an upper room shall extend them until the whole world is knit into brotherhood! Not a force is there on the earth, either of men or devils, but they shall overcome it, until every knee shall bow to their Master, and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord.

   A thing impossible, absurd, look at it as you will, until you admit this—they are to be filled with the Holy Ghost. Then difficulties melt into the empty air. Then there is no limit to their hopes, for there is no limit to their power. Their strength is not only “as the strength of ten,” it is as the strength of the Almighty. This is Christ’s idea of Christianity; the idea not of man—it is infinitely too sublime—the idea of God!—Mark Guy Pearse

Quench not the Spirit of God

Quench not the Spirit.

1 Thess 5:19 (KJV)

    In order that you may not quench the Spirit, you must make it a constant study to know what is the mind of the Spirit. You must discriminate with the utmost care between His suggestions and the suggestions of your own deceitful heart. You will keep in constant recollection what are the offices of the Spirit as described by Christ in the Gospel of John. You will be on your guard against impulsive movements, inconsiderate acts, rash words. You will abide in prayer. Search the Word. Confess Christ on all possible occasions. Seek the society of His people. Shrink from conformity to the world, its vain fashions, unmeaning etiquette. Be scrupulous in your reading. “What I say unto you, I say unto you all, watch!” “Have oil in your lamps.” “Quench not the Spirit.” –Bowen

As the Wind

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

John 3:8 (KJV)

     We know that the wind listeth to blow where there is a vacuum. If you find a tremendous rush of wind, you know that somewhere there is an empty space. I am perfectly sure about this fact: if we could expel all pride, vanity, self-righteousness, self-seeking, desire for applause, honor, and promotion—if by some divine power we should be utterly emptied of all that, the Spirit would come as a rushing mighty wind to fill us. –A.J. Gordon

Are you Sealed?

In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise

Eph 1:13 (KJV)

   The Lord puts a seal upon His own, that everybody may know them. The sealing is your case is the Spirit producing in you likeness to the Lord. The holier you become, the seal is the more distinct and plain, the more evident to every passer-by, for then will men take knowledge of you that you have been with Jesus. –Andrew Bonar

At the Command of the Lord, MOVE

At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed

Num 9:23 (KJV)

      This is the secret of peace and calm elevation. If an Israelite, in the desert, had taken it into his head to make some movement independent of Jehovah; if he took it upon himself to move when the crowd was at rest, or to halt while the crowd was moving, we can easily see what the result would have been. And so it will ever be with us. If we move when we ought to rest, or rest when we ought to move, we shall not have the divine presence with us. –C.H.M.

Have to have an Education?

God uses the uneducated—Acts 4:13

The Spirit of God knows which way to go. . . .will you trust him?

This devotion comes from Extra Devotions, one of FMM's free Ebooks.

The Spirit of God knows which way to go. . . .will you trust him?

“Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”

Isaiah 48:17 (KJV)

 

The Spirit of God knows which way to go. . . .will you trust him?

The Spirit of God knows which way to go. . . .will you trust him?

“Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”

Isaiah 48:17 (KJV)

 

Get the Free E-book Extra Devotions Here

How to Build a Personal Library

How to Build a Personal Library

 

       To start building a personal library, you will greatly benefit by composing a list of books which would like to own. It may also be helpful to decide what type(s) of book(s) you want in your library, examples include: classics, fantasies, biographies, information books, or a variety of these four. When you have a rough plan in mind, now is the time to proceed to actually securing the books. Some of the books you want you might acquire by working for someone to earn a book or a certain selection of books (and thus save some cash); others may be found at garage sales, book sales, or library sales for less than they are actually worth; or you can buy books new at a store or online. Before purchasing or working for a book, take a good look at it and ask the Lord to give you discernment on whether or not you should have this book. As you compile books in this manner, a bookshelf will probably be useful. You may purchase a new book shelf at a store, or you can find one at a rummage sale. If neither of these options is desirable, you may build your own bookshelf or possibly do some work for someone who has an old bookshelf that they would like to get rid of.  Once you have a bookshelf you now need to decide how you will arrange your books on the shelves: will you arrange them by topic? Alphabetical order? Subject? Type? Etc. Your possibilities are endless, so be creative. Next, you may want to develop some type of label to put inside your books so that you can identify that they are yours—this will come in handy if you loan some out. You may also want to keep a notebook to write down when you have completed a book and who (if anyone) has borrowed your books. Your library is now started and you can continue to build it over the years.

A Life In Sync With the Spirit

A Life In Sync With the Spirit

 

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill

Psalms 43:3 (KJV)

 

     O that we would submit to God and let Him guide us with the illumination of His Spirit (light) that is always in line with His Word (Truth). Let God have all of you. Don’t try to figure everything out, just trust the Lord. It is much better to have a relationship with the Lord where you hear His voice than a head knowledge of the entire Bible. Heart knowledge always produces more change than sheer willpower based on head knowledge.

    Today, depend on the Lord and rest in Christ. Listen for the Holy Spirit, ask Him for direction and obey. Stop worrying and stressing about living a perfect Christian life and simply follow the convictions and guidance of the Spirit. You will be amazed how God protects us, warns us, empowers us, and uses us for His glory when we live this way.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 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. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. ¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Romans 8:1-9,14 (KJV)

Focusing on the Mark---an article from Dec 2011

Focusing on the Mark          By Ryan Marks  (December 2011)

 

“Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Tim. 2:11-13 NIV1984).

 

   In the midst of this Christmas season, let’s remember to draw near to the Lord. This year the Lord has brought a lot of changes to my life. Near the beginning of the year the Lord began to show me that I was to leave the Royal Rangers ministry that I loved, and very soon, my fulfillment and calling to that ministry vanished. I was not burnt out, but being prepared to leave. In the midst of the season in which He  prepared me to leave and actually doing so, the Lord gave me a platform and four messages came forth: in May, a message titled, Doing Things God’s Way When Times Get Tough; later on  that month, Pursuing God, then in July, Forgiveness; and finally in August, Hunger. In all of these devotions, the Holy Spirit used me as a pipe to share a message that I needed right then and would need later that year. Those messages came forth in the midst of change and some uncertainty about what was next, but God used them.

    Now, at the end of this year, I have looked back at how much I wrote on and emphasized having an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit; and, that it is the very thing I have struggled to have this year. I am learning just how essential the Holy Spirit is, and just how essential pressing into the presence of God is and how precious a devotional time with God is.

   The Lord has worked this year even though it has been a rollercoaster in my life. We all must remember to Focus on the Mark: our relationship with the Lord; with Holy Spirit, Christ’s Spirit. It is this relationship that determines how we will live, walk, talk, and make decisions. If there is nothing else that you remember from Devo Blast this year, remember this:

Staying in tune with the Spirit is the most important thing.

Remember: Focus on the Mark! He has a plan even if we can’t see it.

Yielded Ground

    Yielded Ground. The Bible tells us not to give place, that is opportunity to the Devil (Eph 4:27). When we do, we yield ground in the domain of our heart. Bitterness, lust, envy, fears, hate, discouragement, and depression our matters of our heart. They are the fruit of Satan getting his foot in the door. When we trust in the Lord, we have peace that passes all understanding. Is there something you’re struggling with? Examine your heart in the a quiet, solitary place before the Lord.

 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:6-7 (KJV)

   Remember the things that you have learned in your Walk. Recall with Joy that your names are written in Heaven! Recall the fact that God is sovereign and reigns over all. There is no logical reason to worry when God holds everything in His hand. Nothing can defeat God’s perfect will.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you

Phil 4:8-9 (KJV)

 

     Have you surrendered “ground” in the domain of your heart to the world, the flesh, or the devil? Examine yourself in a quiet place. Get still before God. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you have violated guarding the gate ways of your soul (your eyes and ears that pave the way to your mind and heart). Some areas to consider if you have given Satan an opportunity in are: the music you listen to, the people you are buddy-buddy with, talk shows, podcasts, false prophets/teachers you sit under, books you read, television programs, advertisements, businesses, organizations/people you are partnered with.

      Re-read the Scriptures mentioned today. Are you letting the Peace of God reign in your life? Whatever is not of Faith is sin (Romans). Let the Peace of God rule (call the shots) in your life.

 

 

God Directs our Steps Part 2

Another thought I want to leave with you is another thing I have experienced recently. What do you do when everything seems to crash around you. People are going crazy, deception is rampant and the world just seems to spinning out of control? ONE THING: depend on the Lord. Trust in Him. He knows what's going on, He has a plan, God is sovereign over all of history and definitely our lives.

Psalm 11

New King James Version (NKJV)

Faith in the Lord’s Righteousness

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

11 In the Lord I put my trust;
How can you say to my soul,
“Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
² For look! The wicked bend their bow,
They make ready their arrow on the string,
That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.
³ If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?

⁴ The Lord is in His holy temple,
The Lord’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.
⁵ The Lord tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
⁶ Upon the wicked He will rain coals;
Fire and brimstone and a burning wind
Shall be the portion of their cup.

⁷ For the Lord is righteous,
He loves righteousness;
His countenance beholds the upright.

God Directs our Steps Part 1

    Today, I want to share some thoughts from some recent Scriptures that the Lord has been encouraging me with.

   I was attempting to make a life changing decision recently and experienced what many would consider a rejection. However, in the midst of that time, I just had a peace. "Ok God, you have a different plan. I trust in You, I am not going to try to figure this out. I prayed, searched the Scriptures, got counsel beforehand, but You have a plan. I trust You, Lord"

  On my drive home, the Holy Spirit brought this Scripture to mind:

Proverbs 19:21

New King James Version (NKJV)

²¹ There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

 

 

    I don't know the way, but guess what, God does. I don't have to worry about what my future will be and stress and worry because God is sovereign!

 

    God directs our steps. False teaching today suggests that God gives us the big picture and not step by step direction. While God can reveal the future to us, Scripture solidly teaches that He guides our steps, not otherwise.

 

Proverbs 16:9

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.

 

Proverbs 20:24

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁴ A man’s steps are of the Lord;
How then can a man understand his own way?

Flowing in the Spirit does not mean flowing in emotion.

Flowing in the Spirit does not mean flowing in emotion.

(Romans 8:1-7)

The Spirit of God knows which way to go. . . .will you trust him?

The Spirit of God knows which way to go. . . .will you trust him?

“Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”

Isaiah 48:17 (KJV)

 

Thought 350: Evangelism from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

 

 

Thought 350

Evangelism

Simply live and share your Faith in Jesus.     

 That is evangelism in a nut shell.

 

Why evangelize? Because Jesus said to.

 

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20 KJV

     Evangelism as displayed in Acts is simply following the prompting of the Holy Spirit to share Jesus. Christ is asking, “Will you allow me to use you? You are just the instrument that I want to work through in ________ particular instance, but I won’t force you to do the job: you must willingly choose to.”

Are you willing, but don’t feel effective?

        Don’t worry about what you can see. God can use you without your knowledge. It may appear that your obedience is fruitless, but God can still work! Some sow, some nurture the growing seed, and some harvest. If your desire and actions are to spread the message of Jesus, just keep on diligently working.

Feel paralyzed by fear?

        Ask the Lord to give you His strength and opportunities to share your Faith. Then be obedient as the Holy Spirit prompts you—you may be asked to move out of your comfort zone, but that is a way that you will conquer fear. We are in a battle against the World, the Flesh, and the Devil so it will not always going to be easy to obtain victory. Sometimes, perhaps, but be prepared and ready for challenges that require Faith, Patience, Longsuffering, and Intense Battle.

 

Thought 346: Pick up Snakes? from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

 

 

Thought 346

Pick up Snakes?

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 KJV

¹⁵ And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. ¹⁶ He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; ¹⁸ they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

¹⁹ So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. ²⁰ And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.   Mark 16:15-20 NKJV

 

“Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” Psalms 91:13 KJV

¹ Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. ² And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. ³ But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. ⁴ So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” ⁵ But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. ⁶ However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

⁷ In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. ⁸ And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. ⁹ So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. ¹⁰ They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary. Acts 28:1-10 NKJV

 

Thought 304: I will take hold of your hand from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 304

I will take hold of your hand

“I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.”

Isaiah 42:6,7 KJV

 

   Isn’t it great to know that the Lord has called us in righteousness! And that He will take hold of your hand! He will make us into a covenant for the people and a light to the world. Isn’t it wonderful when the Lord uses us as an instrument to open eyes that were blind to Christ, to free captives from the prison of a stronghold that has held them and to share the victorious freedom of Christ to those who sit far back in prison of darkness? I thank the Lord for using me to be a light to others in the past and for the future when He will use me—do you? May we cling to this Scripture.

 

Thought 288: Hear, Do, Say--What God tells you from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 288

Hear, Do, Say—What God tells you

“What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.”  Matthew 10:27 KJV

 

Reflect on the meaning of this verse and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you its meaning.