WORD 4 Today 12/31: You will eat the old grain of the previous year and will clear out the old to make room for the new. Leviticus 26:10 HCSB; You will have such a surplus of crops that you will need to clear out the old grain to make room for the new harvest! NLT2; You will have such a surplus of crops that you won’t know what to do with them when the new harvest is ready! TLB

Confess: As I review this past year I’m reminded of all the BLESSINGS of God in my life.  I’ve got to CLEAR OUT the old to MAKE ROOM for the new things God has in store for me today!  The BLESSINGS of God make me RICH! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/30: The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties. Romans 8:37 GW; But in all these things we have full victory through God who showed his love for us. NCV; No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. NLT2

Confess: Whatever difficulties or challenges I face, I’m reminded that God LOVES me & OVERWHELMING VICTORY is mine.  I declare this by faith today! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/29: 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; And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ESV; And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.NLT2

Confess: God is WORKING GOOD for me in every DETAIL of my life!  I KNOW this, I BELIEVE this, I RECEIVE this by faith- P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/28: For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. 1 John 5:4 NKJV; For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. NLT2

Confess: Today I’m reminded that I’m a CHILD of God.  It is in my DNA to OVERCOME!  My victory is ASSURED through FAITH!  I will ALWAYS believe God no matter what circumstances may say. - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/27: …Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper." 2 Chronicles 20:20 NKJV; Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed. NLT2

Confess: As a believer I declare SUCCESS & PROSPERITY in my life.  No matter what comes I OVERCOME.  I will STAND FIRM & be continually blessed! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/26: Today I my 39th anniversary.  Here is a verse I love to share: “You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NLT2 

Confess: Whatever HARD times I’ve gone through God has ALWAYS been there & brought me THROUGH!  I will learn from these seasons & grow as a believer & give GLORY to God!  Amen! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/25: And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 NKJV

Confess: With the angels I declare: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!" Luke 2:14 HCSB; As a believer this Christmas I proclaim the FAVOR & LIFE of God! Amen! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/24: ‘Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.’ Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:36-38 NKJV

Confess: Today I’m reminded that NOTHING is impossible with God.  Just like Mary I DECLARE: “Let is be TO ME according to YOUR WORD”!  AMEN! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/23: For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

Confess: Thank You Jesus for ALL YOU’VE DONE for me!  Today I declare I will live for You!  This Christmas CHRIST is the CENTER of my life.  Amen! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/22: You got me out of every scrape, and I saw my enemies get it. Psalm 54:7 MSG; You have rescued me from all of my troubles, and my own eyes have seen my enemies fall. CEV; For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies. NLT2

Confess: Even when I’ve foolishly got myself into bad things God COMES THROUGH every time!  I don’t deserve it but I THANK GOD for His amazing grace & rescuing me from bad things.  He ALWAYS causes me to TRIUMPH & the end is VICTORY for me!  Hallelujah! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/19: Oh, look! God's right here helping! GOD's on my side, Psalm 54:4 MSG; God is my helper! The Lord is the provider for my life. GW; God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my life. HCSB; But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! NLT2

Confess: Everyday I can COUNT on God!  He is CLOSE by & HELPS me continually.  He is my PROVIDER & SUSTAINER of my life.  Wow God you are AWESOME! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/18: Let my heart be sound (sincere and wholehearted and blameless) in Your statutes, that I may not be put to shame. Psalm 119:80 AMP; Let my heart be filled with integrity in regard to your laws so that I will not be put to shame. GW; And let me live whole and holy, soul and body, so I can always walk with my head held high. MSG

Confess: Today I declare there is NO SHAME in my life!  I trust in the Lord with ALL MY HEART.  I know that God is WORKING all things for my good! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/17: Let arrogant people be put to shame because they lied about me, {yet} I reflect on your guiding principles. Psalm 119:78 GW; Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments. NLT2; Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds; they tried to sell me a bill of goods, but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel. MSG

Confess: No matter how arrogant people respond to me I will ALWAYS follow the guiding principles of the WORD.  I concentrate on God’s Word & it fills my mind each day! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/16:  Let your compassion reach me so that I may live, because your teachings make me happy. Psalm 119:77 GW; Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. NLT2; Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to. MSG

Confess: Goodness & MERCY follow me ALL the days of my life.  God’s Word brings happiness to my life.  When I receive REVELATION from above I can’t handle contain my joy!  Praise the Lord! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/15: Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Psalm 119:76 NLT2; Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight! just the way you promised. MSG

Confess: The COMFORTER, the Holy Spirit, is at work in my life.  All the PROMISES of God are coming to PASS in my life!  God holds tightly to me & I cling tightly to His Word for me! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/14: I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Psalm 119:75 NLT2; I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have humbled me. NRSV; I can see now, GOD, that your decisions are right; your testing has taught me what's true and right. MSG

Confess: When God disciplines or corrects me I freely accept that from above.  Any trials or troubles I face will TURN AROUND & bring GLORY to God & BLESSING to me! Amen!!! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/13: Those who reverently and worshipfully fear You will see me and be glad, because I have hoped in Your word and tarried for it. Psalm 119:74 AMP; May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. NLT2; When they see me waiting, expecting your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad. MSG

Confess: May others respond in joy when they SEE the BLESSINGS of God on my life.  God’s Word ALWAYS comes through in my life!  My HOPE & EXPECTATION in Him causes many to PRAISE & GLORIFY the Lord! - P. Rick

3: Those who reverently and worshipfully fear You will see me and be glad, because I have hoped in Your word and tarried for it. Psalm 119:74 AMP; May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. NLT2; When they see me waiting, expecting your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad. MSG

Confess: May others respond in joy when they SEE the BLESSINGS of God on my life.  God’s Word ALWAYS comes through in my life!  My HOPE & EXPECTATION in Him causes many to PRAISE & GLORIFY the Lord! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/12: You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. Psalm 119:73 NLT2; With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you. MSG

Confess: Whatever comes I OVERCOME.  God has made me in His image.  I am a CHILD of God.  It is NATURAL for me to follow God’s Word.  Wisdom & understanding come easily to me each day! I always have the SENSE to follow God’s revealed Word! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/11: It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might LEARN Your statutes. Psalm 119:71 AMP; It was good for me to suffer so I would learn your demands. NCV; My suffering was good for me, for it TAUGHT me to pay attention to your decrees. NLT2; My troubles turned out all for the best— they forced me to learn from your textbook. MSG

Confess: No matter what suffering or difficulties I may face today I am CONFIDENT in the care from above.  Whatever happens I am a STUDENT of God’s Word & it is EASY for me to learn from my trials.  Thanks God! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/10: Arrogant people have smeared me with lies, {yet} I obey your guiding principles with all my heart. Their hearts are cold and insensitive, {yet} I am happy with your teachings. Psalm 119:69-70 GW

Confess: No matter what lies or slander is spoken about me I will ALWAYS stick with God’s Word.  His word guides me every day of my life.  Even when others are cold & insensitive I will be warm and sensitive to others.  Happiness & joy are a daily part of my life.  I am HAPPY with God’s word for me! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/9: You are good, and you do good things. Teach me your laws. Psalm 119:68 GW; You are good, and you do what is good. Teach me your demands. NCV; You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. NLT2; You are good, and the source of good; train me in your goodness. MSG

Confess: God is GOOD & the SOURCE of all good in my life.  I am being TRAINED & TAUGHT in the goodness of God!  Today I DECLARE the goodness of God surrounds me & provides for my life!  - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/8: Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now Your word do I keep [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]. Psalm 119:67 AMP; I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. NLT2; Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place, but now I'm in step with your Word. MSG

Confess: Whatever difficulties, troubles or discipline comes in my life I will ALWAYS closely FOLLOW your Word.  I will ALWAYS keep in STEP with what you say & reveal to me! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/7: Be good to your servant, GOD; be as good as your Word.  Train me in good common sense; I'm thoroughly committed to living your way. Psalm 119:65-66 MSG

Confess: God is GOOD & good things come my way.  I am COMMITTED to living for & pleasing Him in everything I do.  Goodness & mercy will follow me ALL the days of my life. - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/6: I am a friend to everyone who fears you and to everyone who follows your guiding principles. Psalm 119:63 GW; I am a friend to anyone who fears you— anyone who obeys your commandments. NLT2; I’m a friend and companion of all who fear you, of those committed to living by your rules. MSG

Confess: It’s easy for me to make friends with people who love God & follow His Word.  Today I declare that new friends are coming my way!  Amen! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/6: I am a friend to everyone who fears you and to everyone who follows your guiding principles. Psalm 119:63 GW; I am a friend to anyone who fears you— anyone who obeys your commandments. NLT2; I’m a friend and companion of all who fear you, of those committed to living by your rules. MSG

Confess: It’s easy for me to make friends with people who love God & follow His Word.  Today I declare that new friends are coming my way!  Amen! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/5: At midnight I wake up to give thanks to you for the regulations, which are based on your righteousness. Psalm 119:62 GW; In the middle of the night, I get up to thank you because your laws are right. NCV; I get up in the middle of the night to thank you; your decisions are so right, so true—I can't wait till morning! MSG

Confess: When I wake up in the middle of the night I am THANKFUL for the blessings of God!  I am not bothered when I wake up during the night.  I will consider any prayer projects that are brought to mind. - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/4: Without any hesitation I hurry to obey your commandments. Psalm 119:60 GW; I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. NLT2; I was up at once, didn't drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders. MSG

Confess: It is EASY for me to follow God’s lead & do what He says!  I am QUICK to follow His Word for my life today!  Thanks God! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/3: I have thought about my life, and I have directed my feet back to your written instructions. Psalm 119:59 GW; I thought about my life, and I decided to follow your rules. NCV; I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. NLT2

Confess: This is a good time to THINK & CONSIDER my life & the direction I am taking.  I am DETERMINED to follow God’s Word for me.  He gives me direction & protection because I am a DOER of the Word! - P. Rick

WORD 4 Today 12/2: With all my heart I want to win your favor. Be kind to me as you promised. Psalm 119:58 GW; I prayed to you with all my heart. Have mercy on me as you have promised. NCV; With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. NLT2

Confess: Today I declare, God’s favor hunts me down & His BLESSINGS are on my life as well.  Every promise & blessing from the Lord belongs to me.  I stake my claim in the PROVISION of God.  ALL my needs are met! - P. Rick

A WORD TO THE WISE…

By Dwila Flynn

Christmas 2019

I have this thing with God.  Every year, as the Christmas season approaches, I ask God for some fresh insight or revelation about Christmas to think about during the season so that Christmas will always be new and fresh—not old, redundant, or stale to me. 
 

As I contemplated Christmas in early November, the “wise men” came to mind. The Bible has very little to say about these men.  Here is a little bit of what it records. 
 

(Mat 2:1-2 NLT)  Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, {2} "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship Him."

History records that these men were astrologers who were considered the most intelligent of their time.  Their positions were similar to Daniel and his three friends in the Babylonian Empire spoken of in the book of Daniel.  The historians postulate that these men came from Persia, India, and Northern Africa.  It is likely that there were more than just three “wise men” that came. They each likely had an entourage of men with them.  Tradition says there were three because three gifts are mentioned—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

If historians are correct, it is interesting that these wise men came from various distant lands yet they arrived in Jerusalem at the same time declaring the same thing—“…we have seen His star AS IT AROSE and have come to worship Him,”  They watched for the star to come, and then all followed that star SEEKING to find “Him”.

These astrologers were avid star gazers and saw this special star come up in the sky.  They obviously knew of Jewish prophecies that connected a “star” with a Jewish “king” that was to come. They all felt compelled to seek after the one connected with this special star.

While pondering this, this phrase came by the Holy Spirit—“Wise men still SEEK Him.” We see this phrase all over Christmas cards and signs at this time of year.  But, upon closer reflection, the phrase presents valid revelation.  Webster’s dictionary defines the word “seek” as: 1) to go in search of; 2) to look for, 3) to try to discover. 

Ahh, now we see the revelation.  Just as the Biblical “wise men” had to go in search of, look for, and try to discover where Israel’s prophesied king was, so wise men and women today will diligently be in search of, look for and try to discover Jesus.  Those “wise men” traveled for as much as two years, over hundreds of miles, across tough terrain, and in all kinds of weather.  They show us that SEEKING IS INTENTIONAL AND TAKES EFFORT. 

As we celebrate Christmas this year, determine to intentionally put forth the effort to SEEK Jesus.  You may be amazed at what you discover!  Have a Merry Christmas!  

WORD 4 Today 12/1: No matter where I am, your teachings fill me with songs. Psalm 119:54 CEV; Your laws have become like psalms to me in this place where I am only a foreigner. GW

Confess: Everyday I find new ways to express God’s word in songs, hymns or as a spiritual song.  I’ll sing & make melody in my heart to the Lord! - P. Rick