My Morning Meditation

By Bill Strain

My heart, I believe is what I prayed when I got saved, and that is Lord Jesus used me to bring hope, peace, and life to my family, friends, and all I come in contact with.

God gave me a verse when I first got saved.

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” (John 15:16 NKJV)

My Morning Meditation with God is a year of everyday verses and what I believe God wanted me to share about that verse or verses.

God kept speaking to my heart, especially the closer I got to end to write in a book. Time after time on my daily posts, I have had many comments like “That is what I need,” “You helped me understand that verse,” and many other comments and thank yous. So I said okay to God.

I pray each day that someone opens my book and God will speak to them and touch them. God loves you, my friend. My prayer is still God used me.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781639039074

Book preview

January 1

My Morning Meditation

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)

I’m a New Creation

A new year can be new beginnings, and the best way to start is to become a new creation. Listen, I have need saved for a long time, but there are times I just need a new boost, a new refreshing, a new outlook, or just a new touch from the one who made me new. His name is Jesus.

Jesus wants to touch us afresh every day. My prayer is a brand-new touch is what I need every day. So I say, Here I am, Jesus. Mold me and make me. I give you every aspect of my life.

If you are tired of the old self, try Jesus. Ask him for a new touch.

Being a new creation in Christ means that you have been renewed. You are, in God’s eyes, brand-new. The old sinful person you once were has gone as a result of your being completely renewed through Christ. In fact, the word renew can be defined as changing into something new and different, something better.

That really sums up what renewal in Christ means in that we were remade into something better. For some of us, it may have been quite a struggle to remove the old sinful self and totally renovate our lives. It may continue to be a struggle, this is spiritual warfare, but know this stay steadfast in your relationship with God.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV)

We are new in Christ, and He never stops working on us. I asked God to touch all of you today. Jesus, let your word revitalize each of us today. He will continually work in your life to renew you and rid yourself of the stains of sin that may continually plague you. So make up your mind. Choose Jesus. He chose you before you were born. He has equipped you and has strengthened you through His word.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11 NKJV)

You are a mighty warrior, and we are dressed for battle. Look at the armor He has equipped you in.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:14–17 NKJV)

For 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 6:12 NKJV)

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1 NKJV)

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2 NKJV)

January 2

My Morning Meditation

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

A Farmer sows seed. What does he get? It depends on what he sows or plants. Corn get corn, green beans gets green beans, etc. It all depends on what he sows.

Life is the same. Our choices, what we do, is what we get. Running from or Running to God. (Galatians 6:7–9 NKJV)

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:8 NKJV)

Stop and think what is it that you fear?

Many times what you are thinking has not actually happened. These are only on imaginations, things that have never come to pass. Maybe what you heard or saw on TV, books, pictures, or what others have told you, they have not really happened. These are thoughts and arguments in your mind.

And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15 NKJV)

Our choices can take us in many directions. We pay the price for bad choices.

to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV)

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalms 103:12 NKJV)

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV)

Casting down imaginations, (casting down arguments NKJV) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV)

January 3

My Morning Meditation

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5 NKJV)

Do we know who the vine is? Jesus is speaking about himself here. He wants us to know who He is and wants us to know Him and the life He brings to us. He also wants us to know what is available to us through Him.

The vine is the sustainer of the branch. We are the branches if we believe in Jesus and have surrendered our lives to Jesus. When we call on the name of Jesus, He will save us. This connects us to the vine, and we become the branches.

For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. (Romans 10:13 NKJV)

In that same verse, Jesus says, He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit. Abide means living with and connected to Jesus our life source. Like a wire connected to the source of electric giving power through that wire as long as it is connected. As long as we are connected to Jesus, we bear much fruit.

Jesus goes on to say for without Me, you can do nothing. This would be if we were unplugged from Jesus our source. This is what you and I can do through Jesus as long as we are connected. As long as we are abiding in Jesus, Jesus is the Word. The Word is our life source to stay connected.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:12–14 NKJV)

Jesus wants us to be a powerhouse that generates His power through us to reach others. As we produce fruit, bringing souls to Jesus and encouraging others to do the same, we bear much fruit. Fruit-bearing branches will be pruned at a certain time so they can bear more fruit. Kind of like when your house adds more things that would require a boost of power, maybe adding more circuit breakers to box or the amperage would need to be upgraded. For us to grow and be an effective Christians we need to stay connect to Jesus. He gives us more power through the Holy Spirit. When we lack power or you see yourself maybe losing power, ask the Holy Spirit to refill us with His power. We need more than one glass of water to sustain us; we run dry if we don’t drink more. As Christians, we need to drink more often and ask Him to fill us again when we run dry.

I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:1–8 NKJV)

January 4

My Morning Meditation

But He answered and said, It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ (Matthew 4:4 NKJV)

This was Jesus teaching us how to fight our battles. How to overcome in spiritual warfare.

A little background, in the previous chapter, we read that Jesus was be baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. After John raised Jesus up from under the water, the heavens opened. Let’s read.

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:16–17 NKJV)

Then the Holy Spirit led Jesus into secluded place for prayer and fasting to be tempted by the devil.

Have you ever been tempted by the devil? If you are a Christian, I guarantee that you have and maybe even right now. The Bible says in Acts 1:8, You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you. This is what happened to Jesus. Let’s read.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. (Matthew 4:1–3 NKJV)

When we are tempted, it is never by God. There is a difference between temptation and testing. Testing is some type of trial of our faith (1 Peter 1:7).

And temptations are when we are drawn away of our own desires. (James 1:14)

Jesus was tempted by the devil the same as you and me, the lust of flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life (1 John 2:16), yet never giving into it. He overcame by the Word of God. Jesus knew who He was and who was tempting Him.

We need to know who we are in Jesus, and we overcome temptation by speaking the word. Also, we have the blood of Jesus that covers us. Jesus came to this world for that purpose, to shed His blood for our sins.

And they (us) overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (Revelation 12:11 NKJV)

Remember, we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood. It is a spiritual war.

For 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 6:12 NKJV)

We need to look at the weapons we have for this warfare.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4 NKJV)

January 5

My Morning Meditation

And He said to me, Son of man, can these bones live? So I answered, O Lord GOD, You know. (Ezekiel 37:3 NKJV)

Without Jesus, we are dead in our trespasses. We are as the dead man walking. Jesus said, I come to give you life, that means prior to Jesus coming in our life we are dead in our sins. When people would confront me about my life without Jesus, they were really prophesy to this dead person! Me. When we share Jesus to the lost, it is like us prophesying to these dead bones.

Again He said to me, Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!’

Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. (Ezekiel 37:4–5 NKJV)

The great commission includes all of these benefits.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalms 103:2–5 NKJV)

This is what Jesus commanded His disciples to do. Go preach the gospel, this is part of the gospel. Gospel means good news. Look at the benefits of preaching the good news.

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8 NKJV)

God is not willing that any should perish. Jesus came to set the captive free. Without Jesus, we only think we are living and free. Money can’t buy happiness, peace, or joy. Have you ever seen a hurst be followed by a brinks carrying all that person’s riches to be buried with them? No, of course not.

This is what Jesus said as He started His ministry.

The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed. (Luke 4:18 NKJV)

God doesn’t want to steal life from you, but He wants to give life to us. He wants to give life back to those dry bones.

For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. (John 5:21 NKJV)

January 6

My Morning Meditation

For 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 6:12 NKJV)

Familiar Spirits

Many unknowingly function under the influence of familiar spirits.

A familiar spirit is any demonic assignment that surveys and studies people, territories, and bloodlines of families. The goal of their assignment is to gather spiritual intelligence that will open doors to instigate distraction, destruction, and death. They enter and gain power in people’s lives by words spoken, how we live and act, things we have done, while operating unawares through people, places, and things. They are evil spirits (demons) that are very familiar with you.

Familiar spirits attach themselves to you through something or someone you are extremely familiar or comfortable with. But all the while their agenda is unknown to you. A person can willfully form a relationship with a familiar spirit oftentimes simply through ignorance. This is why it’s critical to know what you are inviting into your home and heart.

This verse instructs the Levites to teach people the difference between what is holy and what is common.

That you may distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean. (Leviticus 10:10 NKJV)

My prayer is that you will close your eyes to the natural and open them to the supernatural. No longer walk by sight but instead walk by faith.

Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:9–10 NKJV)

Thorns of the Flesh

If the devil can hijack your mind (your soul), your flesh will follow. When we are born again, the Spirit of God comes to live in our spirit, and we belong to Jesus. Even so, we can be oppressed by demonic forces because demons operate through the flesh (human nature). We need to keep close to God where we’re less likely to fall prey to our fallen human nature.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I plead the blood of Jesus and declare that no weapon formed against me will prosper. I cancel every demonic strategy against me and the ones I am called to be connected with, to be covered by, or to cover. Amen.

No one knows what you need to be delivered from better than you do! Remember that deliverance is a continual process. I am continually seeking deliverance for my life because I strive to grow closer to God.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2 NKJV)

Scripture says we can go from glory to glory as we press in to be transformed more and more into the image and likeness of Christ. Let the Holy Spirit make you look more like Jesus every day.

I want to encourage you that no matter what you’re going through, keep your head up and smile. When you do this you can and are walking by faith. When people go through life ugly, mean, nasty, and sad, they are manifesting the absence of a merry heart. A merry heart will make a joyful face.

In His Word, God gives us all wisdom and knowledge needed for Godly living. You have what you need to expose and dispose every scheme of the enemy in your life. Jesus has the victory and so do you because Christ in you is the hope of glory.

Dear Father, with grateful hearts, we thank You that we are sons and daughters of Your blessings, called by You, chosen by You, and blessed by You with favor for the calling and for the anointing. Amen!

Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:16–18 NKJV)

January 7

My Morning Meditation

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:16 ESV)

God gave me a verse when I first got saved many ago. I know it is there for everyone, but sometimes a Word from Father God stands out and speaks to us in a special way. This verse did that for me and has become a foundation for me.

God chose us before the foundation of the earth and our existence. He has a plan for each and every one of us in the entire world. This verse became my calling in a special way, and God gave me a heart to evangelize. To share what Jesus did in my life, so here it is.

He took a very broken, abusive alcoholic-like level of drinking along with so many other things that I didn’t have answers for. The day after we buried my dad, I heard I believe it was the voice of God saying to me, Now what are you going to do with Jesus? I looked up to see where the voice was coming from. I said, Jesus, if you are real, change my life. God delivered me that day of alcohol, drugs, and life of riotous living.

All I know is when I called on Jesus and invited Him into my heart a miracle took place. It felt like the weight of my world was lifted off me. He completely changed my life and gave me a burden for others.

I have seen many come to Jesus just by sharing what He has done for me in my life. He can and will do the same for you. The whatever I asked from my verse was and is give me souls. I said, Lord, use me, help me to speak into people’s lives and He has and still does. I give Him all the glory.

So if you don’t know this, I challenge you to call on Him and see what He can do in your life.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 NKJV)

Jesus is your answer to all of your questions about life, death, and eternity. God bless you.

January 8

My Morning Meditation

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34–35 NKJV)

As a Christian, we live by another set of principles. Jesus said it is a new commandment, and it is love.

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8 NKJV)

To the flesh, this commandment is completely contrary. Love your enemy. Do good. That seems, in my own thinking seems totally opposite of what the flesh thinks.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15 NKJV)

What are the things of the world? Before I was saved, greed, I wanted it all. Whatever I saw, women, cars, money, I wanted it, and I am going to have attitude. This is what God says about that.

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16 NKJV)

These three sins are the same the devil plays on all of us. The devil used these same tactics from the beginning with Adam and Eve. What we see, we desire, and want, or I can do better than him or her. The same old traps, lust, greed, and pride.

A song I learned as a small boy says be careful little eyes what you see. Father God is looking down with love, this is why we need to seek God first. He knows what we need.

January 9

My Morning Meditation

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1 NKJV)

What do you do first when there is trouble? Who do you call?

Obviously, if it is an emergency, we need to take proper action. The first thing many do is panic. Don’t you think God already knows what’s going on? God is our refuge and strength. Jesus is already on it.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NKJV)

While we need to take immediate action, try whispering the name of Jesus while taking action.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. (Psalms 34:19 NKJV)

We all have troubles, but God is our refuge and strength. While alive in this world, I can guarantee you, trouble is going to come your way, but God is our refuge and strength.

Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah (Psalms 46:2–3 NKJV)

Sounds like someone has made up their mind. Sounds like David has decided to hide God’s Word in their hearts. You may say David wrote that. God is saying here that He inspired David and is saying He’ll do the same for you.

The Word of God is alive and powerful and still works for us today. The Word is the sword in our spiritual equipment. Use it. Read it.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; (Ephesians 6:17 NKJV)

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalms 46:10 NKJV)

God is our present help. But you don’t know what I am going through. You are right, but God does. This is why we need to read and memorize scripture. God will bring His word and give peace.

God is right now. Right now God is. Jesus made a way. Jesus has already been there. Call on His name.

January 10

My Morning Meditation

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23–25 NKJV)

Let us hold unswervingly our confession of hope in the Lord Jesus. Do not be moved from your hope in Jesus because He is faithful who promised us eternal life.

Also, we need to consider one another, encouraging one another in the hope of our calling by loving one another through our good works by not forsaking the assembling or gathering in church as we worship together as one body.

I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! (Psalm 122:1 ESV)

By doing this, we are encouraging and exhorting to press in and continue in our hope as we see the day of Jesus’s returning growing closer.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. (Psalms 100:4 NKJV)

By doing this, we enter into cooperate worship, and God will join us even if it is only two or three.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV)

This is why we need to gather together to worship. We need to praise Him always, and by doing it together, God will bless us with His presence. As we praise God, we are casting all our cares upon Jesus, and we will sense God’s peace.

Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! (Psalms 150:1–6 NKJV)

January 11

My Morning Meditation

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 NKJV)

What new thing does God want to do in you?

So many of us are stuck in a rut on the side of that road. We are so used to the routine, or just I don’t believe that. So God Himself said to you try this or do that like lay hands on the sick, speak to that situation in your life like your money, your mountain, would you resist Him?

God does everything decently and in order. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His Word (the Bible) is alive and well. He not only wants you to believe it but wants us to act on it.

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 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. (Mark 16:17–18 NKJV)

God’s Word is still the same, and in the last days, He will pour out His spirit on all flesh.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. (Acts 2:17 NKJV)

Where do you fit in here? God is calling. Are you hearing?

January 12

My Morning Meditation

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2–3 NIV)

Trials. What do you think of when you think of trials? We say I don’t understand. I gave my life to Jesus. Why am I being tested like this? The Bible says consider or count it all joy when you face many trials.

Joy, it doesn’t feel like it. God is trying to work something out in our lives. Being a Christian isn’t easy street. It seems like the world is against you. You struggle all the time with different things, but mostly God is wanting us to look on the inside. God is pointing something out to you and me. He is trying to help us to see who we are.

God is paying attention to how we handle things. What I see for myself it comes down to attitude. The Bible says count the trials as pure joy. He has given us tools to make our lives better. He wants us to learn how to use them.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10 NKJV)

Know who you are. Be strong in Lord. If God said it, it’s good enough for me.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11 NKJV)

He is saying to you and me to put it on. We have to be determined. We have to change our own minds. The Word is our weapon. In the name of Jesus, the Word, I come against you devil, you liar and thief, take your hands off my mind. I have the victory in Jesus. I put on the mind of Christ, the helmet of salvation. I take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. I speak that word. I take authority over every situation because God has given it to me.

The devil is a liar. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. What are you going to do about it? Would you let someone come into your house and take what they want? Would you let someone in that wants to harm you or your family? Absolutely not, then why let them in your house? Your mind, your body, to take your peace, your joy?

You are a child of God, and greater is He that is in you then he the devil that’s in the world. Change your tune, change what you speak, and change what you feed your soul, which is your mind, your emotions, and your will.

Read Ephesians chapter six, start at verse 10, and read it over and over until it becomes part of you. It is Jesus in you. It is the Holy Spirit in you. You are the temple of the living God.

January 13

My Morning Meditation

Sing, O barren, You who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, You who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate Than the children of the married woman, (says the LORD.)

Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, And your descendants will inherit the nations, And make the desolate cities inhabited. (Isaiah 54:1–3 NKJV)

Brothers and sisters in Jesus, what are you pregnant with? What is being birthed through you? I know my purpose. Do you know yours? God has a purpose for each one of us. Some of us know our purpose while others are still in the process of uncovering it while others (Christians) are like lukewarm just sitting by the pool but not getting in. When we know our purpose, God uses it to enable us to renew His kingdom here on earth. In order to increase His kingdom, we must continually do (go into all the world) our purpose and let our light shine.

But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses (to tell people about Me) both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8 AMP)

Just like Moses had a staff, God uses what we have, what we give Him. What do you have, or just say use me God even though you think you have nothing. Where has God placed you? God’s purpose for you is right where you’re at. You are special, the only one of your kind. God will use that, if you give it to Him. Do you see any signs of what you think or maybe what you like to do. When you give yourself wholly to Jesus, He will use what you give Him.

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 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. (Mark 16:17–18 NKJV)

Don’t let God’s purpose for your life become stale and feel old to you. Allow God to use and renew His purpose in such a way that it feels as fresh as the day you first uncovered it.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)

Ask Him to expand your purpose and show you specifically the ways you can contribute to renewing His kingdom in the same way He has renewed your life and purpose.

January 14

My Morning Meditation

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NIV)

If you do this, this is what you will get. This verse does exactly that. If someone began a sentence with the word, and which you should not, you would be expecting something to come. That is what this versus doing.

Try to follow what I’m saying here. Do you want the peace of God, which transcends all understanding? And if you do, you will also get this as well along with the peace of God. It will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is a promise that God is making for you and me. This promise is conditional base on the two previous verses. All the promises of God are conditional. They are just like you tell your children when they are little. That is, if you do this, then I will give you that.

These verses are like steps or instructions we have to follow.

Step 1: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Step 2: Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Step 3: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:4–6 NIV)

So what is your situation today? When situations come up, they will take it to God in prayer and petition Him.

Lord, I’m bringing anxiousness and worry to you, Father God, in Jesus’s name. I can’t carry them, I’m casting all my cares upon you Jesus because you care for me. Lord, I’m bringing, whatever it is, fill in your need. I am bringing it to you, Father God, in Jesus’s name. I’m bringing my sickness to you. I’m bringing… I’m bringing it, Father God, right now in Jesus’s name.

I feel the peace of God right now while I’m preparing this meditation as I’m praying for you and me. I am petitioning you, Lord, to touch our hearts and minds with peace right now, in Jesus’s name, amen.

January 15

My Morning Meditation

If God says to Jesus it is time to go get my children, would you be ready? Jesus is speaking to some about end times about this question.

And they asked him, Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?(Luke 21:7 ESV)

Jesus said for them and now for us who are alive right now to learn the story of the fig tree. What is Jesus talking about when he made that statement? He is talking about Israel. He is saying, Israel. The end is coming when you see the fig tree, Israel.

Then He spoke to them a parable: Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. (Luke 21:29–32)

If we take a look at the history of Israel, we see many ups and downs, times of victory taking the land that God promised after being slaves in Egypt. Israel has had many horrible things to endure, like the Holocaust, but God in 1948 reestablished them in their own county, never to be taken away from them again.

Israel is the key to Jesus’s return for His church. He tells us to learn the parable of the fig tree. Watch and listen to all the threats and attacks against them. This is how Jesus answered their question about the end times before he spoke them about the fig tree.

And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:25–28 NKJV)

Stay close to Jesus. Keep your lamps full.

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ (Matthew 25:1–8 NKJV)

January 16

My Morning Meditation

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV)

This God saying to Israel while in captivity. The captivity was allowed by God. God allows things to get our attention. Sometimes we bring the captivity of our minds, our feelings, our emotions on ourselves because we’ve drifted away from Him or not seeking Him with all our hearts. God loves us, and His intentions for us are only good.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)

God’s thoughts toward us are for good. This should encourage us in every situation. God has good plans for your life.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)

You will find peace about your situations if, God says, If you seek Me with all your heart. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek God first in every situation, and then the blessings will come, and then your needs will be met.

God’s plan for your life was made before we were ever born. God through the gift of salvation by believing that by confessing with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe with our hearts God raised Him from the dead we will be saved. It doesn’t matter what you have done. We serve a God of second chances. Bring it all to Jesus. The blood of Jesus cleans us from all our sin.

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:29–30 NKJV)

January 17

My Morning Meditation

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10 ESV)

God wants us to know something. He says stop being so busy about things that really aren’t worth worrying about and be still and know. Know what? Know that I am God and will be exalted in all the earth.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6–7 NKJV)

What are you being still for? Are we just sitting back and waiting until God does His thing? Now we are to exalt the Lord Jesus and proclaim what He has done. Are we doing that. He will be praised.

Our waiting with expectation is not just hoping something is going to happen, but knowing and expecting. Our praises and exalting God brings us the victory. This is God’s instruction for us.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. (1 Peter 5:8–10 NKJV)

What are you speaking or saying after we ask God to do something? Knowing God always has us. What obstacles are in their way?

So Jesus answered and said to them, Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. (Mark 11:22–24)

As we waiting with expectation, knowing God is in control, we as eagles soar above and watch what God does. God says speak to the problem and believe it is going to happen.

There is victory in Jesus, our savior.

January 18

My Morning Meditation

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. (Matthew 27:50–53 NKJV)

What did God give us when Jesus died on the cross that day?

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. It says at that moment of His death, after He shed His Blood, At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split. (Matthew 27:50–53)

The curtain in the temple separated everyone from the holy of holies, except for the high priest, he made atonement for the sins by sacrificing and shedding the blood of a lamb for the sins of the people. Then the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’s resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

This same power that rose Jesus from the grave dwells in us. Jesus gave us open access to the Father. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, shed His blood for our sins.

The same power that commands the dead to wake lives in us.

The same power that moves mountains when He speaks lives in us.

The same power that can calm a raging sea lives in us.

The same power God never changes.

You have open access to God through Jesus. He wants you to know who you are and what He has given you.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NKJV)

January 19

My Morning Meditation

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9 NKJV)

This verse is a follow up of talking about sowing and reaping. God is saying if we sow to the flesh, we will reap corruption but is we sow to the spirit we reap life everlasting. Let’s face it, life itself is a struggle because we are human, and we are in the flesh. We battle all the time to bring the flesh into subjection. It is spiritual war for each of us. It all begins with the mind. We are tempted and tried all the time.

This is why God tells us not to