Sunday September 24, 2023: Never Lose Hope Monday September 25, 2023: Excessive Baggage Will Cost You Tuesday September 26, 2023: What's in Your Bosom Bag? Wednesday September 27, 2023: Purified by Fire and Water Thursday September 28, 2023: Of What Account Is He? Friday September 29, 2023: All the Prisons, All the Places Saturday September 30, 2023: Who’s to Blame? Sunday October 1, 2023: Think How You Would Feel Monday October 2, 2023: God Planned for Us To Be Free Horizons Unlimited PDF Archive 
Sunday September 24, 2023
Never Lose Hope Ecclesiastes 9:4, NIV: Anyone who is among the living has hope-even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! As long as there is life in us, we should have hope. "The hope of the righteous is gladness..." (Proverbs 10:28, NASB). Our dreams, passions, and desires may not yet be a reality, but hope holds on to them for a future manifestation.
Where life no longer exists, hope also ceases to exist. Anyone who is hopeless is also helpless. Ecclesiastes 9:4 contrasts a living dog with a dead lion. While a living dog will never be a lion in life, a dog can enjoy its existence while it remains alive. In contrast, regardless of how a dead lion was admired for its stately stride and its regal presence, it is dead: it is hopeless and helpless. It does not even command fond memories.
The life in us is what keeps hope alive. God places certain things in every human heart to cause each person to recreate those things for the good of others. Every dream, desire, and passion within us can become a reality if we hold on to hope. In fact, God expects us to hope for better things in life. Our Father Himself is the substance, the basis, for this hope. When we refuse to let go of our hope, faith becomes the very audience of the invisible in our lives (Hebrews 11:1).
Heavenly Father, since my childhood, I have had hopes and dreams that could only have come from You. The older I become, the more I realize that what I hope for does not benefit me alone. My hope is in You to bring to pass Your will in the earth. My hope is that Your Word will become a reality to all people so that they can understand its practical application in their lives.
My hope is that these words I write will penetrate hearts and affect the lives of others long after I have ceased to record what You speak to my heart. I believe I receive this. I believe it is done because I have hope in You and Your promises. "Sustain me according to Thy word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope" (Psalm 119:116, NASB). Thank You for it, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Back to list Monday September 25, 2023
Excessive Baggage Will Cost You Genesis 14:14, NLT: When Abram learned that Lot had been captured, he called together the men born into his household, 318 of them in all. He chased after Kedorlaomer’s army until he caught up with them in Dan. Airlines inform each passenger of the amount of luggage allowed on each trip for the price of the ticket. However, a person can bring as much as he or she is willing to pay for. In other words, everything over the predetermined allowable amount becomes the customer’s responsibility.
Had Abram left Lot behind, as God told him to do, then he would not have had to concern himself over the weight of his excess baggage. He would not have been responsible for his safety and care.
Cute little puppies grow into large dogs. Children who plead for a puppy need to understand their responsibility for the dog. Parents rob them of a very important piece of maturity when they release them from the responsibility of their choice.
These same children whose parents rob them of such learning experiences may fail later in life to support and care for their own children, especially those born out of wedlock. When parents assume the responsibility of the puppy-turned-dog, they can expect to do the same for the infant-turned-teenager.
My mother made it very clear who would support any babies brought home to whom she didn’t give birth. When I bore a child out of wedlock at age twenty-five, I had my own apartment, worked every day, and paid for the baby-sitter, my baby’s food, clothing, and medical care. And I did it without the help of welfare. Why? It was because I understood that my son was my responsibility for my moment of lustful pleasure. Guess what? That infant was the last one I bore out of wedlock!
What has God spoken to you in His Word? Any violation of His Word will carry with it consequences and responsibilities. Have you counted the cost? Are you discouraged because your paycheck has sprouted wings? Check to see how much excessive baggage you have brought onboard. Did you say, “But that is my child, grandchild, or other family member?” We must be responsible for our decisions, and require others to do the same. It will cut down on the excess.
Back to list Tuesday September 26, 2023
What's in Your Bosom Bag? Ecclesiastes 7:9, KJV: Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. In Luke 6:38, Jesus said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." When Jesus said that men would give into your bosom, anger was not one of the things He was talking about people giving you in return for your giving.
As we are all aware, the words "rage," "indignation," and "vexation" are synonymous with "anger." However, you may not know that the Hebrew word for "anger" here also includes the meanings "grief" and "sorrow." The Bible does mention some grief and sorrow that we are to bear, but this is not it. When you allow situations and circumstances, and sometimes even people, to cause you unnecessary grief and sorrow, then according to the Bible, you are a fool: "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools" (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
Do not allow "stuff" and "things" to upset your spirit. The word "fools" here means "stupid" or "silly." When things occur that you do not agree with, or when someone does something to you that is unfair or unkind, stop before you react. During that pause, make this heartfelt choice: "I refuse to act stupidly and silly and allow this to cause me grief or sorrow." This way, you stay in control of your life. Believe me, the opposite, releasing control of your life to anyone else, is downright stupid and about the silliest thing you can do.
Therefore, instead, choose to keep your bosom open to the kind of return that Jesus had in mind for His followers. Protecting your bosom is your responsibility. Promises for godly provision are God's job, but He can't let His blessings into your bosom if you have allowed anger to occupy the space.
Father, I thank You that You have not given me a spirit of stupidity. Therefore, I elect to keep anger out of my bosom, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Back to list Wednesday September 27, 2023
Purified by Fire and Water Numbers 31:23, KJV: Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean.... Have you wondered why you had to endure certain difficult and at times painful things that came knocking at the door of your life? I can assure you that God loves you too much to destroy you, but He also loves you enough to purify you for what He has called you to do. This is a lesson that is learned, not just known. It seems to take time and repeated survivals before we get the message.
The sons of Levi did not qualify to offer a sacrifice and an offering in righteousness until God refined, purified, and purged them as gold and silver.
Those challenges that are always in your face are just that-challenges. They are meant to be overcome. They are already defeated and conquered. They are allowed so that you and I will settle it, that as God's children, we have already won.
God told Israel, "When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned." Both parts of this statement are promises. Promise one is that your journey will take you through some very hot, scorching times. Promise two is that there will be no burning. In fact, you will not even be singed. But nowhere does it promise that you will avoid the fire in order not to be scorched.
I can personally promise you when you remain faithful to God's voice and His Word, the day will come when the test, the trial, and the temptation will become a season of rejoicing because your attitude and approach will have changed. You'll thank God for counting you worthy for service following some time on the obstacle course.
I have learned to look for God in every test because I expect to find Him as His Spirit takes me by the hand as we go through together.
Have you ever seen young children not wanting to hold their parents' hand because they want to try something new and different? Don't go there, please. The Lord may permit you to experience the new and the different, but never allow your hand to be removed from His, for He knows the way that is best for you to take. Trust Him.
Back to list Thursday September 28, 2023
Of What Account Is He? Isaiah 2:22, NIV: Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? When we put our trust in humans, we abandon ourselves to total dependence on them as though they were superior to us. No human is superior to another, yet we will readily accept what a person writes or says and totally ignore the written and spoken words of God.
Once, I joined my late husband for a day trip. It was a broadcast night for my live radio show, The Choice Is Yours. I was impressed to test the equipment at 4:15 p.m., though I normally did not check it before 9:00 p.m. Because I would not be returning before 10:30 for the 11:00 P.M. airing, I obeyed the prompting in my spirit. (At that time, the broadcast aired at 11:00 p.m. Our new broadcast time is 9:30 p.m.)
When I checked the equipment, I found a problem. I called the radio station, and it turned out that it could not be fixed that night. I had prayed and operated in my authority, and it still was not functioning.
A voice said, "What are you going to do now?" I knew that I was supposed to do the broadcast, so I asked, "Father, what would You have me do?" I remembered that in the church service the night before I had said, "Do what you can do; then God will do what you can't do."
I called the station and said, "I'll do the broadcast through the telephone. I'll trust that the people are out there, as they always are. I'll explain that there are equipment challenges; however, if they will still call in, we'll respond by the Spirit of God."
The radio audience called, the Spirit told me what to say, and we had one of the greatest and most anointed broadcasts ever. More men called that night than ever before, and I prayed with an anointing I had never experienced.
Dear Father God, how comforting it is to know that our trust in You causes the supernatural to occur. You told us not to trust in friends (Micah 7:5), in chariots (Psalm 20:7), or in princes (Psalm 118:9). But You said that in Jesus' name shall the Gentiles trust (Matthew 12:21). You validate that trust, and Your people receive Your blessings. You are the Almighty, my Father God, and I love You.
Back to list Friday September 29, 2023
All the Prisons, All the Places Philippians 1:12-13, KJV: But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places. I have learned that the uncomfortable places I sometimes find myself in can be used as the most unique pulpit to preach from. For instance, several years ago while on vacation, I was playing ball with my granddaughter. Suddenly, I fell and was knocked unconscious for a short time. After regaining consciousness, I yielded to my son's insistence to go to the hospital so the doctor could verify what I already believed to be true: that no weapon formed against me could prosper.
I wasn't pleased to have my vacation interrupted by being admitted into a hospital emergency room. However, instead of grumbling and complaining, I asked the Lord to use me while I was there.
When I returned from having MRI and CAT scans, a new patient was in the room with me. I could hardly wait for the doctors and nurses to leave the room so I could minister to her.
The woman initiated the conversation because she was a nervous wreck, fearful about notifying her family. The Spirit of peace and comfort arose in me, and I began to comfort her with the same comfort I had received from God (2 Corinthians 1:4). She calmed down, acknowledging her salvation and thanking me for being there for her. I felt great! So take the negative situation the devil has sent your way to harm you, and count it all joy. Begin to rejoice--not for the problem, but in the midst of it. Then ask the Lord for an opportunity to be used in the middle of the "whale's belly".
Back to list Saturday September 30, 2023
Who’s to Blame? Proverbs 5:14, NKJV: “I was on the verge of total ruin, in the midst of the assembly and congregation.” Attending church faithfully is not a guarantee for victory, prosperity, or divine health, if you fail to adhere to and apply to your life the Word of God that you hear.
It is important to attend the assembly and fellowship with the congregation because they can be used by God to encourage you in your Christian walk. All of us need that. But anyone who does not adhere to the Word of God taught cannot succeed in spiritual matters because they are rejecting God’s Word. One either rejects God and listens to the devil, or rejects the devil and listens to God. Those are your only options.
It is easy to blame the devil and others when we find ourselves in circumstances that are less than favorable. The truth is we are to blame for not choosing God and His best for us. It means giving up some things we thought we enjoyed. It means changing relationships and refusing to go places and looking at things our eyes should not be observing. Salvation is free but living the Christian life will cost you and, if you know what I know, you will gladly pay.
Like many of you, I had to come to the brink of disaster before I yielded to the promptings of the Lord. I was in the assembly and I fellowshipped with the congregation thinking that what I was doing would keep me safe from the enemy’s influence.
I prided myself on being able to take care of myself and do for myself whatever I thought needed to be done. I was strong and intelligent and treated others as I wanted to be treated, but I was spiritually deformed and empty. I failed to apply the Word of God to my life that I had been taught.
You do not have to arrive at the verge of total ruin before making the right choice to serve the Lord. Today, say this with me, “Dear Lord, I am a sinner, please forgive me. Lord Jesus, come into my heart and live Your life through me. Amen".
Back to list Sunday October 1, 2023
Think How You Would Feel Hebrews 13:3, KJV: Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Before I ever stepped inside a jailhouse I had never thought much about what it was like not to be able to make choices as to my coming and going. Since I started ministering in the correctional facilities, I now realize what a difficult position that is. Some of the people incarcerated are indeed criminals; others however, are innocent. Some get caught in the system's web and others were in the wrong place at the wrong time. All I know is that Jesus hung on the tree at Calvary so each one could receive Him as their Savior. They can experience eternal life in the future and enjoy victory while still here in the earth.
The scripture above tells us to remember those who are bound as though we are bound with them, and those who suffer as though it was happening to us. That certainly changes my attitude. I suspect that I thought like many people. I thought that since I had kept my nose pretty clean and I was not there, that they had the problem, not me. Therefore I could pretty much ignore the issue.
This verse changed my thinking. It made me realize that the only difference between us was that they had been caught, and the grace of God had looked beyond my faults and saw my need. In fact, I have come to believe that it was the same grace that allowed them to be caught. They would have self-destructed if they continued in the direction they were going. They would not be still long enough to learn how to break free in Christ.
I usually say to the residents of those facilities that since they are in a correctional facility, they can use their time there to help correct what caused them to be there in the first place. They can purpose in their hearts never to return to prison for failing to learn what they needed to learn while they were there.
Remember, we cannot prevent anyone from being bound, nor can we eliminate life's adversities. However, when we see ourselves as "bound with them", then the compassion of Christ will rise up in us to pray for them, visit them, and love them.
Back to list Monday October 2, 2023
God Planned for Us To Be Free Galatians 1:4, KJV: Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father. It was always God's plan for His children to be free. But our freedom cost Jesus an awesome price. God was willing to pay that price because of the value He placed on what needed to be ransomed: you and me.
When something of value is lost or stolen from a person and that person wants it back badly enough, he will pay according to the value he has placed on it. Nothing on earth is more valuable to God than His human creation. He proved it by sending His most precious gift, Jesus, to restore humanity to Himself.
Jesus destroyed every stronghold and satanic influence over mankind. Sometimes our ignorance of the devil's defeat, along with our decisions not to adhere to Jesus' teaching, makes it appear that we are still under some kind of curse. But that is deceit from the deepest hole of hell. We have been redeemed from all curses. We are reconciled to a loving, forgiving Father. Jesus is able to keep us from stumbling and falling.
Since Christ is sin-free, He is able to present you established, without spot blemish or blame, before the presence of God's glory. He simply needs your cooperation. Decide now to cooperate with Him today. You'll be so glad you did.
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