The disciples in the early church appointed deacons to take care of much of the serving as they realized that they should focus on prayer and the word (Acts 6:1-4). Should our churches or personal lives be any different? Prayer and the word are so foundational to our lives.

The early church continued steadfastly in the word and prayer (Acts 2:42). We need God's word to build our faith (Rom 10:17) and we must pray in faith for our prayers to be effective (Mark 11:23-24). It is also a powerful spiritual weapon (Heb 4:12) with which we can resist the attacks of satan (Eph. 6:17). When we resist him by speaking the word, the Bible says he must flee from us (James 4:7).

When we pray according to God's word, he hears us and gives us the requests of our hearts (1 John 5:14-15). The word has power to change us (1 Thess 2:13) and is a beacon to guide us through life (James 5:16b) but when we come together as Christians in unity even greater power is released (Acts 2:1-4; 4:31). In Deuteronomy 32:30 we are told that one can put a thousand to flight but two can put ten thousand to flight.

Often in our Christian walk we can be distracted by our desire for the spectacular and forget the essentials that open up to the supernatural. Consistency is the key, a firm foundation. Faith and patience receive the promises (Heb 6:12). Never tire of what is essential; God is faithful.

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In reflecting on the word salvation, it is clear that it includes prosperity. In the word we are told that the wealth of the wicked is saved up for the righteous (Prov 13:22), that’s us. God said he would meet all of our need according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19). God wants to open the windows of heaven on us and pour out such a blessing we cannot contain it (Mal 3:10).

However, we are to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and then all these things will be added to us (Matt 6:33). In fact, the word also says that often we do not receive because we ask with the wrong motivation; we ask for selfish reasons (James 4:3). I think what the Lord is saying is that if we seek after him, his heart and his presence, then it’s his highest desire to bless us as his children.

We don’t come to him just to get stuff. Getting stuff will never satisfy, only our relationship with Jesus will do that. True prosperity is far more than getting stuff. True prosperity is to live the abundant life that God does; peace, fullness, wholeness, purpose, serving God and having our needs met. (John 10:10). God wants to pour his blessings through us so his work can be done on this earth (2 Cor 9:10). Think about that last scripture this Christmas time.

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You have probably heard the expression: “like water off a ducks back”? People use this to refer to hurtful words and the treatment we sometimes receive from others. With a brave face we will often say, ah, that didn’t hurt me; I just brushed it off: “like water off a ducks back. When ducks get out of water you notice that the water never penetrates their feathers, it just slides right off. 

As Christians, what should be our defense when things come against us? Well, first and foremost we need to know who we are in Christ. If we are secure in that relationship then: “no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper” (Isa 54:17). You need to search the word and see who you are and what you have in Christ. The bible says that in him you are more than a conqueror (Rom 8:37), you are a son or daughter of God (Gal 3:26), nothing can separate you from God’s love (Ro 8:39), you can do all things in God’s strength (Phil 4:13) and all God’s promises are yes and amen (2 Cor: 20).

Jesus was so confident in his relationship with his heavenly Father that he could wash his disciple’s feet (John13:3-15). He could deal with the opposition and hatred of the leaders he confronted and: “for the joy that was set before him”, could go to the cross (Heb 12:2). Paul in all His persecution and suffering could say: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:13). Look to Jesus (Heb 12:2) and all the buffeting and opposition will not penetrate you but will just slide away: “like water off a ducks back”.

Pass this on. Take a look at our website for information on our book: On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Coming soon, free chapter download.

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"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not" Isa 58:11 (KJV). What a wonderful verse.

If you are looking to God for direction in your life right now, then be assured that he is continually guiding you. Keep trusting and he will "direct thy paths" (Prov 3:4-6). If you feel like you are in a spiritual drought then be encouraged because the Lord will satisfy you. This verse reminds me of Isa 27:3 which says that God is the keeper of the vineyard and he waters it moment by moment. Isaiah says we will be like a watered garden and you know what that means - we will grow and mature and produce fruit. You may not feel like you are producing any good fruit right now but keep letting God water you through the word, stay in faith and patience and you will see the harvest. Not only that but this verse also says we will be like a spring of water which never runs dry. This is very similar to John 7:38 which tells us that SPRINGS OF WATER will flow continuously from our innermost being. Verse 37 tells us what to do to enable this to happen - go to Jesus and drink. Spending time with the master and in his word, will cause us to get well and truly watered and cause the run off to affect the lives of others.

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." (Psalm 119:165 KJV).

Peace of mind can be an elusive state to pursue. God told us that the peace he gives us is so very different from anything the world has to offer (John 14:27). The peace the world talks about is usually a very transient state, experienced when circumstances and situations around us allow us a time of tranquility. The peace God gives us is a state of inner peace and well-being in Christ, when we rest in him regardless of the turmoil around us.

Jesus said, "come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt 11:28). Jesus goes on to tell us to take his yoke and learn from him (Matt 11:28-30). In being yoked to Jesus, he bears the load and we can walk in his promises (Psalm 23:2-3).

How do we walk in God's peace and cease striving in our own strength? In Isaiah 26:3, we are told we can have perfect peace if we stay our minds on God and trust him. How do we "stay our minds on him"? Well, we need to immerse ourselves in his word and let it renew our minds (Rom 12:2). As we spend time with God in praise, worship and meditating scripture; inner peace, stillness and tranquility return. God doesn't bring confusion (1 Cor 14:33), he brings peace and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on the water, his eyes were initially fixed on the author of peace (Matt 15:28-29). Peter lost his peace when he lost focus and saw the turmoil around him. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the word, and let peace reign in the storms of life. Jesus can quell the storms (Mark 4:39).

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