Day 31: Make It Personal

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Sunday, January 31^st, 2016
Exodus 12:14-13:16
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Psalm 25:16-22
Proverbs 6:12-15
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1eAYN6v

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, “This is done because of what the Lord did for me when I came up from Egypt.” – Ex 13:8

God instructed the people of Israel to remember the Passover, even after they were established in the Promised Land. He told them exactly what to tell their children: “This is done because of what the Lord did for me.”

God wanted every Israelite to personalize the Passover. He didn’t ask them, many generations down the road, to remember the Exodus by saying, “This is done because of what God did for our ancestors,” or “This is done because of what God did for your great great grandmother.” God asked every Israelite – even if they hadn’t been there in person – to boldly proclaim: God did this for me.

Jesus died on the Cross for you. Yes, His blood was poured out as a sacrifice for all mankind. Specifically, however, He gave His life for you. You must recognize that everything God has done for any man or woman in history was for you. Make it personal. As you read testimonies of miracles in the Bible, declare, “God, thank You for doing this for me!”

Prayer:

Father, I know Jesus’ death on the Cross was for me! I know the Exodus – the permanent release from the enemy – was for me! Thank You for giving everything for my sake. I receive Your blessings over my life.

View today’s post on our website: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-31-make-it-personal/

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-31-sacrifice-and-redemption/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-31-undignified-worship/

Day 30: The Fear of God

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Saturday, January 30^th, 2016
Exodus 10:1-12:13
Matthew 20:1-28
Psalm 25:1-15
Proverbs 6:6-11
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1gs0jPd

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. – Ps 25:14

David explains the benefits of a healthy, Biblical fear of God: guidance and instruction from heaven (v 12), prosperity that endures for generations (v 13), and covenant intimacy (v 14). Proverbs describes the fear of the Lord as, “The beginning of knowledge” (Prov 1:7). But none of the benefits David describes can be fully inherited before we embrace a healthy fear of God!

So what is a healthy, Biblical fear of God? When the Bible talks of fearing God, it describes a sense of reverence: awe and wonder at everything God has done, and is willing to do, for His people. We are not forced to fear God the way children fear an abusive Father. We are invited to fear God as we contemplate the sacrifice He has made for us on the Cross. A Biblical fear of God will not cause us to run from Him; but to Him!

As Jesus describes the fear of God to His disciples in Matthew 10:27-31, He cautions, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (v 28). The word He uses for fear is the Greek phobeo (Strong’s #5399): to revere, venerate, and treat with deference and obedience! To fear God means to worship Him with everything we have – even our lives!

Prayer:

Father, teach Me what it means to fear You in a healthy, Biblical way. I know You invite me into Your presence to make my requests and needs known. Help me to never fear Your presence, but to fear what it would be like to be apart from you even for one moment!

View today’s post on our website: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-30-the-fear-of-god/

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-30-dont-accept-compromise/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-30-your-eternal-reward/

Day 29: Divine Protection

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Friday, January 29^th, 2016
Exodus 8:1-9:35
Matthew 19:13-30
Psalm 24:1-10
Proverbs 6:1-5
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1a0jSew

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail. – Ex 9:26

For the duration of the ten plagues in Egypt, God’s people were protected. When God sent flies to cover the land, He promised, “I will make a difference between My people and your people” (Ex 8:23). When God sent pestilence to kill the livestock in Egypt, He promised, “Nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel” (Ex 9:4). When God rained down hail to kill every man and beast in the fields of Egypt, “Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail” (Ex 9:26).

Even though the world came crashing down around them, the people of Israel were protected. As Egypt was paying the price for rebellion against God, the children of Israel stayed safe and sound. The message for us is this: no matter what’s happening around you – a recession, a drought, or the worst storm the world has ever seen – God promises to protect you because you are His!

There should be a notable difference in your life, compared to the people around you who do not know God. There should be something about you that attracts others into God’s Kingdom. You are the recipient of God’s favor, His protection, and His provision! Pray that His hand would be all over you, no matter what is going on around you!

Prayer:

Father, thank You for making me shine. I know You put a wall of protection around me at all times. No matter what is happening in the world around me, I will not fear; for You are with me!

View today’s post on our website: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-29-divine-protection/

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-29-young-rich/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-29-can-you-be-perfect/

Day 28: You Are God’s Mouthpiece!

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Thursday, January 28^th, 2016
Exodus 5:22-7:25
Matthew 18:21-19:12
Psalm 23:1-6
Proverbs 5:22-23
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1jZmQAO

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

…the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “I am the Lord. Speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say to you.” – Ex 6:29

Moses didn’t have to come up with the words he would speak to Pharaoh on his own. God promised that He would provide the speech; all Moses had to do was simply recite it.

Jesus gave His disciples a similar message: “But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit” (Mk 13:11).

God will inject us into situations in which we feel unqualified, unprepared, and wholly inadequate. But when He does, He promises to speak through us. God will give us an audience with rulers (read: your boss, your co-workers, and other influential people in your life). He does not do it to see what we will say; He does it so the world will see what He will say through us.

We are God’s mouthpieces. God is looking for humble servants who rely on His Holy Spirit to speak through them. Don’t be afraid to open your lips and let His words come out! Be confident! God will give you His speech when you need it most.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for filling my heart with Your word and my mouth with speech. I know that You will never put me in a tough situation and then leave me hanging. You are God and You speak through me!

View today’s post on our website: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-28-you-are-gods-mouthpiece/

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-28-dont-settle-for-yes/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-28-valley-of-miracles/

Day 27: Miracle-Working Power

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Wednesday, January 27^th, 2016
Exodus 4:1-5:21
Matthew 18:1-20
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 5:15-21
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/M2dacN

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.” – Ex 4:2

As far as Moses was concerned, he was just holding a rod. But God wanted to make something clear to His servant Moses: God will take whatever is in your hand, and use it for His glory.

And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. – Ex 4:3

Apart from the word of God, the rod was just a rod. But once God told Moses what to do with the rod, it became a tool for supernatural breakthrough. The rod, coupled with obedience to God’s spoken word, produced supernatural results. By itself the rod was just a piece of wood; but with God’s voice it became a supernatural testimony.

From that day forward, the rod would be a symbol of God’s miracle-working power. With this rod, Moses would part the Red Sea (Ex 14:16). With this rod, Moses would cause water to come out of a rock (Ex 17:6)! God later promised us, through David, that His “rod and staff” would comfort us (Ps 23:4). The rod represents God’s ability to work through whatever you have in your hand to make miracles happen!

So, what do you have in your hand? What seemingly simple things do you have in your possession? What you have matters little; how you use it matters most.

Prayer:

Father, I submit everything in my possession to Your plan and purpose for my life. Use it as You see fit! Everything I have is Yours, because You have given it to me!

View today’s post on our website: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-27-miracle-working-power/

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-27-unity/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-27-what-is-in-your-hand/

Day 26: Crying Out to God

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Tuesday, January 26^th, 2016
Exodus 2:11-3:22
Matthew 17:10-27
Psalm 22:1-18
Proverbs 5:7-14
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1mZ2I4n

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. – Ex 2:24

When God hears, He remembers. When we cry out to Him, He focuses His attention on the concern that causes us to cry out. To cry out means to “call out for help” (Strong’s #2199). If the children of Israel had never cried out, God could not have heard their groanings and responded accordingly!

God wants to hear your complaints. In fact, if you want God to act on your behalf, He needs to hear your complaints! God tells us, “Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted” (Is 43:26). God doesn’t want you to face life’s trials and tribulations on your own; He wants to contend with you and fight for you!

What are you going through? What’s frustrating you? Have you cried out to God about your situation? Let it all out. Get in your room, shut the door, and scream at the top of your lungs! Call out to God. Praise Him and thank Him in advance for His help. Then, watch Him respond by profoundly impacting your situation for the better.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:6-7

Prayer:

Father, You always care about what I’m going through. Whenever I cry out to You, You are faithful to listen. I know You hear my prayers and mount an attack on my behalf. Thank You!

View today’s post on our website: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-26-crying-out-to-god/

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-26-turn-aside-and-see/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-26-the-power-of-praise/

Day 25: The Key to Answered Prayer

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Monday, January 25^th, 2016
Genesis 50:1-Exodus 2:10
Matthew 16:13-17:9
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 5:1-6
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/KWDmp2

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” – Matt 16:19

The keys to the kingdom of heaven represent the authority of Jesus Christ. Whoever has the keys has the power to open and shut the door. Jesus has given you the authority you need to see heaven come to earth!

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. – Lk 10:19

Your prayer life will be transformed when you realize you carry the authority of Jesus Christ. Whatever you command on earth will take place in heaven! In other words, the angels of heaven move in parallel with the requests you make here on earth! When you declare supernatural breakthrough, the windows of heaven will open up and pour out the resources needed for heaven to invade earth.

You are filled with God’s Holy Spirit: the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead (Rom 8:11). It’s time to step up and step out in the authority Jesus has given you. It’s time to command earth to start looking more like heaven in Jesus’ name!

Prayer:

Father, thank You for trusting me with the authority of heaven. Thank You for blessing me with the power of the name Jesus Christ. I accept the responsibility of declaring Your word out over every dark situation in my life, and commanding light to come forth!

View today’s post on our website: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-25-the-key-to-answered-prayer/

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-25-good-for-evil/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-25-supernatural-growth/

Day 24: Alone Time With God

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Sunday, January 24^th, 2016
Genesis 48:1-49:33
Matthew 15:29-16:12
Psalm 20:1-9
Proverbs 4:20-27
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1isnUiD

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat down there. Then great multitudes came to Him… – Matt 15:29-30

Jesus repeatedly took time to withdraw and pray. There were always more people who needed healing. There were always multitudes who needed to hear the Gospel preached. Yet regardless of the need in front of Him, Jesus refused to sacrifice His alone time with God.

The time alone with God Jesus enjoyed in in Matt 15:29 prepared Him for the healing service that took place in Matt 15:30. Jesus, “…went up on the mountain and sat down” (v 29). He put a premium on His prayer time, and got alone to pray when He had the chance. Because Jesus spent time receiving instructions from His Father, all His prayers were answered. “The multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel” (Matt 15:31).

Alone time with God is absolutely essential if you are going to walk out your destiny. Personal intimacy with God is the most important qualification for seeing your prayers answered. Put everything on hold and get alone with God. He will make it worth your while!

Prayer:

Father, I need alone time with You! Help me to block out all distractions and simply focus on You. Your presence is all I need. Your love makes me whole!

View today’s post on our website: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-24-alone-time-with-god/

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-24-different-day-same-god/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-24-dont-forget-to-ask/

Day 23: Are You With Me?

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Saturday, January 23^rd, 2016
Genesis 46:1-47:31
Matthew 15:1-28
Psalm 19:1-14
Proverbs 4:14-19
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1hMCvTn

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

“I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again…” – Gen 46:4

Jacob was caught between a rock and a hard place: if he stayed in Canaan, he might starve; but if he journeyed to Egypt, he might die! As Jacob sat and thought about whether to go down to Egypt, God came to him in a vision. “I will go down with you,” God said. That was all Jacob needed to hear. He arose and went.

God gave Moses the same promise in Exodus, as He called Moses into the Promised Land. Moses knew he couldn’t stay in the wilderness; but he also knew the road to God’s inheritance would be full of obstacles. So what did he do? He talked to God. He asked God, “Will You go with us?” And God answered: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Gen 33:14). That was all Moses needed to hear. He arose and went.

Is God calling you into the unknown? Has He called you to the Promised Land – a place filled with opportunity and abundance – but left the details of how exactly you are going to get there unclear? Ask Him to come with you. Invite Him to lead you into the unknown, and volunteer to follow His lead. Refuse to take one single step until He directs your path. Then, set out with full confidence as He communicates His plan for you.

God’s Presence is enough. He is all you need! God will protect you from all your enemies, and promote you to His best for your life. If He goes with you, you cannot fail!

Prayer:

Father, thank You that You are with me! I know that I don’t have to fear, for You are with me. I know that I don’t have to doubt, for You are with me! Because You are with me, nothing can stand against me!

View today’s post on our website: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/354-2/

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-23-tradition/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-23-just-passing-through/

Day 22: You Do It!

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Friday, January 22^nd, 2016
Genesis 44:1-45:28
Matthew 14:13-36
Psalm 18:37-50
Proverbs 4:11-13
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1ePLAbm

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” – Matt 14:16

The multitudes had been following Jesus for days. They were tired, and they were hungry. The disciples didn’t know what to do, so they came to Jesus for help. “Send them away,” they pleaded (v 15). “They need to buy something to eat.”

Jesus turned the tables on His disciples with His simple response: “You do it,” He told them. “You give them something to eat.”

God has already equipped you to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead and cast out demons (Matt 10:8). He filled you with His Holy Spirit. He told you that because His Spirit is in you, you can go out and do even “greater works” than Jesus performs in Scripture (Jn 14:12). So, why are we still crying out to God and asking Him to do things He commands us to do in Scripture?

You do it. You don’t need to send the sick away! Command disease to flee in Jesus’ name. You don’t need to wonder if miracles can happen! Command creation to take shape according to God’s word, just as God did in the beginning. God has equipped and encouraged you to do everything He has called you to do. So let’s get started!

Prayer:

Father, give me boldness to step out and do the things I see Jesus do in Scripture. I want to heal the sick and cleanse the lepers. I want to raise the dead and cast out demons. I want to come alive in You!

View today’s post on our website: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-22-you-do-it/

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-22-banish-your-grief/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-22-are-your-expectations-too-low/

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