Season 1

Episode 181: Matthew 6

Today's meditation is on Matthew 6
I don't do my good deeds publicly to be admired by others. The Father doesn't reward deeds done for show. When I give to someone in need, I do it quietly -- even anonymously when possible -- rather than to call attention to my acts of charity. Grandstanding may result in an earthly reward, but I don't do good deeds to win worldly praise. When I demonstrate generosity, I do it with pure motives and without drawing attention to myself. I give secretly, and Father God, who sees everything, rewards me openly. 
The same is true of my prayers. I don't pray publicly on streets corners, or pray loudly in church where everyone can see and hear me. I don't pray in order to be admired by others. But I go away by myself and commune with my Father privately. He hears my prayers and answers them. What more reward could I possibly hope for?
And I don't babble on and on when I pray, repeating empty phrases. I know God isn't impressed with many words, or when I make the same requests repeatedly. God knows exactly what I need even before I ask him. 
When I pray, I pray like this:
Father God, may the glory of your name be the center on which my life turns.
Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven.
Thank you, Father, my Provider, for giving me each day, everything I need for life and godliness.
Thank you for forgiving me of my sins, as I release forgiveness to those who have wronged me. 
Thank you, Father, for giving me the strength and authority to resist the enemy and his temptations. I know that when I resist him, he flees from me. Father you are the King who rules and with power and glory forever.
Amen. So be it.
And when I pray, I forgive the faults of others. I know that if I forgive those who sin against me, God will also forgive me. But if I refuse to forgive others, how then can God forgive me if I remain in the perpetual sin of unforgiveness?
When I fast, I don’t make it obvious and pretend to be spiritual in order to gain the admiration of others. Rather, I brush my hair and wash my face, and walk around tall with a smile on my face. And no one knows I'm fasting, except for the Father. He knows what I do in private. He sees everything, and will reward me.
I don't work hard to store up earthly treasures. The treasures of this world don't last. They can be stolen by thieves, decay and lose their value. Instead, I work diligently to store up my treasures in heaven, where they will last for eternity and never lose their value. I know that the desires of my heart are shown by what I pursue and esteem as treasure.
The eyes of my spirit are like a lamp that shines revelation-light in my being. When my heart is unclouded, the light floods in. So I keep my vision clear, and my attention on heavenly things. If I shift my focus to the things of this world, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. How profound that darkness would be if the light of truth couldn't enter. 
I cannot serve two masters at the same time. For I will hate one and love the other or I will be devoted to one and despise the other. I cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
So I do not to worry about everyday life—whether I have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Life is so much more than food, and my body is more than clothing. I love to watch the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but Father God feeds them. And I know I am far more valuable to him than the birds are. What good would worrying do anyway? It can't add a single moment to my life.
And why would I worry about my clothing? Look at the flowers of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet King Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as these flowers are. I know that if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for me. So I will walk and live by faith.
So I forsake my worries. Why would I say, ‘What will I eat? What will I drink? What will I wear?’ These are the things that unbelievers chase after. Father God already knows all my needs. So, above all, I constantly seek God's kingdom and his righteousness, and all these less important things will be given to me abundantly. God takes care of the rest making sure I have more than enough of everything I need.
I refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes my way one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 180: Matthew 5:21-48

Today's meditation is on Matthew 5:21-48
Jesus did not come to abolish the law. He came to fulfill it, and give us a new commandment. In effect, he raised the bar. 
Just because I haven't committed murder, does not that mean I am blameless. If I hold anger in my heart toward a fellow believer, I am still subject to judgement. If I demean and insult a fellow believer, I have to answer to the congregation. And if I call down curses upon a fellow believer, I am in danger of the fires of hell. So, I keep my anger under control and strive to always act in love. 
Likewise, I know that worshipping God while I am in unforgiveness with someone, is fruitless. If I remember that someone has something against me, I go at once to apologize to the one who is offended. After I have been reconciled, I come before the altar and present myself to God. 
If at all possible, I avoid going to court against someone, but come to terms before we go to trial. It is better to settle differences quickly out of court than risk an unfavorable decision by the judge.
God looks on the heart. If I entertain sin in my thoughts, if I imagine it and dwell on it, I have already committed the sin in my heart. It is better to remove the temptation at any cost, than to risk spending eternity in hell. 
I do not make vows by heaven or earth or anything in them. I just let my words ring true. I simply say "Yes" or "No". Anything beyond that springs from the deceiver.
I demonstrate mercy and forgiveness, and don't repay an evil act with another evil act. If someone insults me by slapping me on the right cheek, I turn and offer my other cheek as well. If someone is determined to sue me for my coat, I give him the shirt off my back as a gift in return. And should people in authority take advantage of me, I go the extra mile and do more than what they demand. 
I generously share what I have with those who ask for help, and I don't close my heart to the one who comes to borrow from me. 
I do not just love my neighbors, but I love my enemies as well. I pray for those who persecute me. I bless those who curse me and do something wonderful for the one who hates me. In doing so, I act as a true child of my Father in heaven. For he is kind to all by bringing the sunrise to warm and rainfall to refresh. Whether a person does what is good or evil, he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 
There is no reward in loving only the loveable. Unbelievers do that much. If I limit my kindness only to my friends then I am no different from the ungodly. Since I am the child of a perfect Father in heaven, I strive for his perfection.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 179: Matthew 5:3-20

Today's meditation is on Matthew 5:3-20
God blessed me when I was poor and realized my need for him. What happiness is mine, for he has given me the realm of heaven's kingdom here on earth. 
What delight comes to me when I wait upon the Lord. I have found what I longed for. 
God blessed me when I mourned, and he comforted me. 
What blessing comes to me when gentleness and humility live in me. For he has promised that I will inherit the whole earth and reign with him. 
God blesses and enriches me because I hunger and thirst for righteousness and in him, I am satisfied. 
God blesses me when I am merciful, and he has demonstrated great and tender mercy to me.
God blesses me with bliss because my heart is pure and my eyes are opened to see more and more of him.
God blesses me with joy because I am a peacemaker. He calls me his true child.
God blesses me when I am persecuted for doing right. I experience the realm of heaven's kingdom here on earth.
When people mock me, persecute me, lie about me and say all sorts of evil things against me because I love and follow Christ, I am blessed. Instead of being upset, I'm filled with a joy and peace that no one can take away from me. And I know that I have a great reward waiting for me in heaven. Even the ancient prophets were rejected. 
I am the salt of the earth. I will not lose my flavor, lest I be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 
My life lights up the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. I will not hide my light, but let it shine brightly before others, so that my good deeds will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to Father God in heaven.
Jesus did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. He came to fulfill them and perfect what was written. Every prophecy of the Messiah was accomplished through his birth, life, death and resurrection. Not the smallest detail of God's law has disappeared, but Jesus achieved the purpose of each one through his life and his sacrifice on the cross.
I will not ignore God's Word, but will obey it and teach others to do the same. And God will call me great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
I cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven through my works or through my own righteousness, but praise God I don't have to. I have the righteousness of Christ in him. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 178: 2 Corinthians 13

Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 13
Christ is not weak or feeble in his dealings with me, but mighty and powerful within me. Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives robed with God's power. I, too, am weak in my co-crucifixion with him, but I now live in God's triumphant power together with him. The power of God dwells in and flows through me.
My soul is strengthened and healed as I hold steadfast to my faith. I have experienced Jesus Christ himself living in me. This is the test of genuine faith. 
I will not do what is wrong by refusing correction. I do the right thing. I cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. I am glad to seem weak to others, because I know that I am actually strong in Christ and in the process of becoming fully equipped and mature.
God in his merciful wisdom and correction doesn't tear me down, but strengthens me and builds me up. 
So, I am joyful. I am growing to maturity in my Christian walk. I encourage others. I live continually in peace and harmony, and God the source of love and peace, mingles with me. 
I greet my brothers and sisters in Christ with a sacred kiss. The grace and joyous favor of my Lord Jesus Christ, the unambiguous love of God, and the precious communion I share with the Holy Spirit are mine continually.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 177: 2 Corinthians 11-12

Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapters 11 & 12
God is jealous for me. I have been promised to him like a pure bride to one husband. I belong to Christ, and my pure and undivided devotion to him will not be corrupted. I will not be deceived as Eve was by the deceitful and clever lies of the serpent. And will not put up with whatever anyone tells me, or allow my thoughts to be corrupted and lose my single-hearted devotion and pure love for Christ. I will not accept a spirit and gospel that is false, but will stay true to the Spirit and gospel I have embraced. If someone preaches a different Jesus than the one I know from scripture, or a different kind of Spirit, I will reject them along with their deceitful message.
I don’t consider myself inferior, for even though I may be unskilled as a speaker, I’m not lacking in revelation knowledge. 
I humble myself to honor others and tell them of God’s Good News without expecting anything in return. I am not a financial burden to anyone. For God provides me all that I need. I have never been a burden to others, and I never will be. Because of my love for others and my trust in God.
As the reality of Christ lives within me, I will continue doing what I have always done, and rely on God alone as my source. God knows my heart. I thank God for spiritual discernment, for even Satan disguises himself to appear as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. 
Some may say I'm foolish, and I will admit that I am a fool for Christ. A descendant of Abraham through faith. If I boast, I would rather boast not about my accomplishments, but about the things that show how weak I am. God, the Father of my Lord Jesus, who is worthy of eternal praise, knows I am not lying.
Boasting about myself will do no good. I will boast only about my weaknesses. I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what I demonstrate with my life and work.
I thank God that if any thorn of the flesh, any circumstance or any messenger from Satan comes against me, God has provided more than enough grace for me, and his power finds its full expression through my weakness.
So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I'm weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in and working through me. My weakness doesn't defeat me, it delights me! When I'm surrounded by troubles on every side, when I face insults, hardships and persecutions, my love for Christ makes me stronger still. My weakness becomes a portal to God's power. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me, and it is able to perform supernatural signs, startling wonders and awesome miracles.
I will gladly spend all that I have and all that I am for others, even though at times it seems that the more I love, the less I am loved.
Still, I do not take advantage of anyone. I am a servant of Christ, and everything I do is meant to build up others and make them stronger in their faith.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 176: 2 Corinthians 10

Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 10
I strive to act with the gentleness and kindness of Christ, and not from human motives. Even though I am usually humble and timid, when necessary, I am also bold and outspoken.
Although I am human, I don’t wage war as humans do. I do not live by the standards of the world, but by the Spirit's wisdom and power. I use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. I do not use manipulation to achieve my aims. Instead, my spiritual weapons are energized with divine power. I destroy every proud obstacle, and dismantle the defenses behind which people hide, that keep them from knowing God. I demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. I capture like prisoners of war every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to Christ. 
I belong to Christ. And if I seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to me by the Lord, it is only because that authority builds up others. It doesn't tear them down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.
When it comes to the Word of God, I am forceful. I don't compare myself to others, using fellow humans as the standard of measurement. That would be pointless.
I will not boast about things done outside the authority I've been given by God. I will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given me. I do not reach beyond these boundaries.
Nor do I boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, I work to develop my faith so that the boundaries of my work will be extended. I will preach the Good News wherever God leads me, not concerned about territories or interfering with someone else's work. If I boast, I will boast only about the Lord.
I know that bragging about myself doesn't count for anything. To have the Lord's approval and commendation is of far greater value.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 175: 2 Corinthians 9

Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 9
I am eager to do my part in the ministry of giving. I give willingly -- passionately even, not grudgingly. And I know that my enthusiasm is contagious and will result in even greater giving from others.
I am sowing seed for the future. A stingy sower will reap a meager harvest, but the one who sows from a generous spirit will reap an abundant harvest. Giving flows from my heart, not out of reluctance or in response to pressure, or from a sense of religious duty. It springs up freely from the joy of giving -- and God loves hilarious generosity. 
God is my source, and he is more than ready to overwhelm me with every form of grace so that I will have more than enough of everything -- every moment and in every way. God makes me overflow with abundance in every good thing I do. Not only do I always have everything I need, but I have plenty left over to share with others. It is written: 
“Because he has sown extravagantly and given to the poor, his kindness and generous deeds will never be forgotten.”
This generous God who supplies abundant seed for the farmer and then bread to eat, is even more extravagant toward me. First he supplies my every need, plus more. Then he multiplies the seed as I sow it, so that the harvest of my generosity will grow. 
I am abundantly enriched in every way as I give generously on every occasion. And those who receive thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of others are met, and they joyfully express their thanks to God.
Because of this extraordinary grace which God has lavished on me, and my obedience to the Gospel of Christ, they will affectionately remember me in their prayers. I thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 174: 2 Corinthians 8

Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 8
God in his kindness has poured out his grace upon me. He has filled me with super-abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity to others -- no matter what my circumstances. I give generously and spontaneously, with a cheerful heart, not only what I can afford, but far more. And I do it of my own free will. But my first action was to give myself to the Lord wholly and completely, holding nothing back. 
I strive to excel in whatever I do -- in my unstoppable faith, in powerful speech, in revelation knowledge, in passionate devotion, and in love. I excel also in grace-filled generosity.
God has not commanded that I give, but giving is a demonstration of how genuine my love is.
I have experienced the extravagant grace of my Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was infinitely rich, yet for my sake he became poor, so that by his poverty I could become rich beyond measure. 
So, I will finish what I have started, letting the eagerness I had in the beginning be matched now by my giving, as an act of worship. I give in proportion to what I have. And I know that in God's eyes, the size of the gift doesn't matter. Whatever I give is acceptable if I give it eagerly. And give according to what I have, and not what I don’t have. I do not give to make life easy for others and hard for myself. But I give where I am led by God and in the amount he impresses upon me. I have been blessed with plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, if I'm in need, others will share with me. This is the way things work in God's economy -- an equal sharing of abundance. As it is written, those who gathered much didn't have too much, and the one who gathered little didn't have too little.
My service glorifies the Lord and shows my eagerness to help. I am careful to be honorable before the Lord, but I also want everyone else to see that I am honorable. I am open both to the Lord's inspection and to man's. I am enthusiastic and confident in my service and bring honor to Christ, through my love for others. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 173: 2 Corinthians 7

Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 7
Because I have these wonderful promises, and because of my deepest respect and worship of God, I cleanse myself from everything that can defile my body or spirit. I remove anything from my life that contaminates me, and I work toward completing the development of holiness within me.
I have not done wrong to anyone, nor led anyone astray, nor taken advantage of anyone. My brothers and sisters in Christ are permanently in my heart, and they will stay there throughout my life. I have the highest confidence, and with an open heart, I take great pride in and boast about the body of Christ. My church family greatly encourages me. When I think of them, my heart is encouraged and overwhelmed with joy, even when I'm going through difficult times. 
In the natural, there may seem to be no rest for me. At times, conflict seems to come from every direction, with battles on the outside and emotional turmoil on the inside. But God always knows how to encourage the depressed. In his presence, I am filled with peace and my heart leaps for joy.
I realize that moments of pain in my life have caused me to repent and change my ways. It's the kind of sorrow God intends, sorrow that brings gain, not loss. Sorrow that led me away from sin and resulted in salvation. There is no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
Good fruit was the result. This godly sorrow produced in me an earnestness and eagerness to do what is right. I experienced indignation and alarm. And it awakened a holy longing within me, a passion for God and a zeal to do everything necessary to make things right. In the sight of God I humbled myself, becoming loyal and faithful. 
Now, my mind is at ease. I follow God's Word with fear and deep respect. I put my complete confidence in God alone.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 172: 2 Corinthians 6

Today's meditation is on 2nd Corinthians Chapter 6
As God’s partner, I do not take his marvelous grace for granted, allowing it to have no effect on my life. At just the right time, he heard me. On the day of salvation, he helped me.
Indeed, the “right time” is now. This is the time of his favor. Today is the day of salvation.
I live in such a way that no one will stumble because of me. I don't place obstacles in anyone's way that would hinder them from coming to salvation. In everything I do, I show myself authentic in every way; a true proclaimer of God's Word. 
I patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. I do not lose courage in times of stress. I prove myself by my lifestyle of purity, my spiritual insights and understanding, my patience, by showing kindness, by the Holy Spirit within me, and by my sincere and uncritical love. 
I faithfully speak the truth by the power of God working through me, and with the mighty weapons of righteousness -- the sword of the Spirit in one hand and the shield of faith in the other. I serve God whether people honor me or despise me, whether they slander me or praise me. I remain steadfast and true, even when I'm called an impostor. I am sometimes ignored, even by those who know me. 
I have been close to death, but I am still alive. I have been knocked down, but continue to get up again. Even though my heart aches sometimes, I still have joy. I may suffer, yet in every season, I am always found rejoicing. Even if I may not be considered rich by the world's standards, I give spiritual riches to others. I may not own a lot of worldly things, yet I have everything.
I speak honestly, and my heart is open. There is no lack of love on my part, but love has been withheld from me by others. 
I do not team up with those who are unbelievers in mismatched alliances. Righteousness cannot be a partner with rebellion. And light cannot live with darkness. There can be no harmony between Christ and the devil. So, how can I be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and demons? For I am the temple of the living God. 
God promised that he would live in me, and walk with me. He promised to be my God and that I would be his. He called me out from among unbelievers, and asked me to separate myself from them. I don't so much as touch evil things. God has welcomed me. He is my father, and I am his daughter. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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