DAY 1: THE MARK

---

Do you know who you are? Do you have the Mark? 

Welcome to day 1 of the 21-day fast, themed The Fight for Holiness. 

This is one of the four 21-day fasts the HOLY SPIRIT instructed us to keep this year. All of them are focused on children, the youth, and their generation. To kick off this fast, let me share a vision the LORD showed us. 

In this vision, there was a little boy standing defiantly against a huge monster with one hand stretched out as if to say to this huge ugly monster:

1. I am not afraid of you,

2. I refuse to bow to you, and 

3. This is as far as you can go. Proceed no further. 

The little boy in the vision was living 1 John 4:4. 

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater
than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

The LORD was showing us, this is what HE wants for all the children and young adults in WeRemnant and their generation. HE wants the least among them to be as bold as the LION of the TRIBE of JUDAH living inside of them. But young people cannot be so fearless and bold without understanding who they are. 

“You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD. 37 And you shall put it on a blue cord, that it may be on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. 38 So it shall be on Aaron’s forehead …” Exodus 28:36-38

Many people know about the mark of the beast, 666. But did you know that GOD marked HIS children first, and satan just copied it? When GOD was setting up the first major house of worship for HIMSELF, the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, HE gave Moses instructions on how to build it, down to the very detail of the uniform the High Priest (top priest) must wear while working in the Tabernacle. Without this uniform, he could not enter into the Presence of GOD. 

Part of this uniform, called the Garment of the High Priest, had a turban with a gold base or crown. The crown had the inscription, “HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” This was to remind Aaron, the High Priest, that he was standing before the HOLY GOD on behalf of GOD’s people. 

Fast forward to KING JESUS’ sacrifice and resurrection. The LORD is still marking HIS children today. Not with a physical crown; rather, something much stronger – HIS HOLY SPIRIT. 

“In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 1:13

This is amazing! The seal of the HOLY SPIRIT marks us that we belong to KING JESUS CHRIST. Therefore, the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD is now living with us and in us all the time. Meaning, we are always in the Presence of GOD.

Continuously being in the Presence of GOD comes with access to the Power of GOD, such that monsters must bow to little children. 

Over the course of this week and this fast, we will explore what it means to be Holy unto the LORD, and the practical applications to that reality. 

If you have not accepted KING JESUS CHRIST into your heart, asking HIM to live inside of you and seal you with HIS HOLY SPIRIT, now is the time. If you have, now is the time to declare that you know you are sealed with the seal of the HOLY SPIRIT. 

Pray this prayer today: 

KING JESUS CHRIST, I would love for you to come and live inside of me. I open my heart to YOU; please move in. I want to be YOURS so that I am forever fearless and bold. LORD, please mark me with YOUR HOLY SPIRIT. I want every other spirit that sees me to know I am already taken, for monsters to be afraid of me, in KING JESUS’ Holy Name, amen. 

Do you listen to what other people say about you? Watch this video to see who you really are in CHRIST JESUS.  

Have you ever been called out of your name? When we were kids, it used to be fighting words for someone to call you a name, other than your given name. And don’t let anyone call your brother or sister a name! The fight was on! 

The older I got, the more I realized that my identity, my worth, and my value are not determined by what someone else calls me. It didn’t change me one bit - unless I let it change me. Really, the only thing that matters is what GOD calls me.  

Did you know that, in Bible days, names were extremely important? Their meanings carried great importance. Take, for instance, “Jabez.” Check this out: 

“Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez saying, ‘Because I bore him with pain.’ Jabez called out to the God of Israel, saying, ‘If only You would greatly bless me, and enlarge my territory. Let Your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I might not suffer pain.’ Adonai granted what he asked.” 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 TLV

When Jabez’ mother named him, she cursed him with pain. But because he cried out to the LORD, Jabez’ pain was turned into joy. 

And then there’s Abraham. His original name was “Abram” which means “exalted father,” while “Abraham” means “father of many.” GOD HIMSELF changed his name from Abram to Abraham when HE gave Abraham the promise that he would be the father of nations.  

“For My part, because My covenant is with you, you will be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer will your name be Abram, but your name will be Abraham, because I make you the father of a multitude of nations.” Genesis 17:4-5 TLV

These are only two examples of the importance of a name – of how GOD can redeem a name and change a name for HIS glory. 

So what about you? Do you know what your name means? What are you called? 

More importantly, what does GOD call you? Did you know that HE has a name especially for you…and it’s a name of great importance because of who you are to HIM! 

“Adonai called Me from the womb, from My mother’s belly He named Me.” Isaiah 49:1b TLV

Many of us have trouble realizing who we are in CHRIST JESUS. We want to be like friends and other people because we struggle with identity. Or we mindlessly accept what other people call us. We accept what they think about us, rather than what GOD has ordained us to be. We listen to the lies of others rather than the truth of the Word of GOD. 

Ask the LORD what HE calls you. Because this is the only name that matters. HE will reveal HIS name for you, and the meaning too. In the meantime, check this out and read it out loud: 

1. I am CHOSEN (1 Peter 2:9) 
2. I am LOVED (Jeremiah 31:3) 
3. I am an OVERCOMER (1 John 5:4) 
4. I am ROYALTY (1 Peter 2:9) 
5. I am REDEEMED (Galatians 3:13) 
6. I am GOD’s CHILD (Romans 8:16) 
7. I am GOD’s MASTERPIECE (Ephesians 2:10) 

Let us pray: 

LORD, forgive me for trying to be like others, rather than YOU. Forgive me for listening to their lies, rather than the truth of YOUR Word. LORD, show me my identity in YOU. Let me know who YOU have created me to be. Let me know what YOU call me - and shut my ears to what others say about me. LORD, I want to be like YOU. Make me more like YOU, I pray. In JESUS’ Name. Amen and amen.  

What are you focusing your mind on? What goes into your mind enters your heart. Watch this video. 

“But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, satan! You are a stumbling block to Me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but the things of men.’ 24 Then Yeshua said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wants to follow after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’” Matthew 16:23-25

What are you setting your mind on?  

The mind is a very interesting space; it is a door or window to a person. It can get easily distracted. This is one of the biggest issues with my mind – my ability to get distracted so easily. We as Christians have found that we have to constantly watch what we are thinking about, because if we allow ourselves to get distracted and go down the rabbit hole of worry, we open the door to a host of problems. As we can see in the verse above, Peter got himself into a heap of trouble just because he thought he could set JESUS straight. He lost sight of what GOD was trying to do and left a door open to satan. He allowed a brief alignment with his mind and the world, and Boom! The enemy found an entry point. 

What are you setting your mind on? I want you to pause right this moment; do not proceed with reading this devotion. Check your heart: What has your mind been wrapped up with lately? What does your heart or mind look like? Be truthful and score yourself right now. On a scale from 1 to 10, what score will you give your mind? If you keep your mind on things of GOD, give yourself a 10. If you keep it on things of this world, give yourself a 1. 

Is your mind on the cares of the world, the worries, fears, unforgiveness, bitterness? Is it on hustling to make the next check, the report you got from the doctor, the report you got from your children’s school? What are you setting your mind on? Is it on the things of men? Your promotion at work or the ability to pay for school for next semester? What are the cares of this world that has opened the door of alignment to the enemy?  

Let us take a different look at our mind. Please see the verses below: 

“‘You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house.’ ... 12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the Lord. ...14 So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God.” Haggai 1: 9,12,14

The people here also got caught up in the affairs of the world. It did not occur to them that the temple was in ruins. We know the popular verse that we are the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT. What does that temple look like right now? Let us think of the beams, roof, windows - what do they all look like right now? Would the LORD be pleased if HE came to inspect HIS temple, the temple HE spilled HIS own blood for? Would HE find ruins? How good have we made sure that the grass is not overgrown? Have we inspected what is growing in the yard? Have foxes come in and planted tares? Are there weeds everywhere? How well have we kept HIS temple?  

Pray this prayer today:  

LORD, I anticipate YOU coming to inspect me every day; humbly I bow before and fear YOU. I ask that YOU stir me to repentance. I ask YOU, SPIRIT of YESHUA, to stir me and cause me to fall on my knees. I repent of keeping my mind on the things of the world. LORD, remove pride, and open my eyes to see the true condition of my heart, of YOUR temple. Yes, as YOUR deep calls out to my deep…I respond. Amen! 

Do you know how to pray the kind of prayer that releases results? The kind of prayer that shows you who you are? Watch this video. 

Many of us have heard of the LORD’s prayer. KING JESUS CHRIST used this template to teach HIS disciples how to pray.  

“Therefore, pray in this way: ‘Our Father in heaven, sanctified be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done  on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from the evil one. 14 For if you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.’” Matthew 6:9-15

According to Jewish culture, young children from the age of three, as soon as they can speak and repeat simple words, are taught how to pray. By age five or six, children were attending synagogue (in modern times, “church”) and memorizing the Torah, which consists of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Not only did these Jewish disciples know how to pray but they knew the Law of GOD, as stated in HIS WORD.  Therefore, when the disciples requested KING JESUS to teach them to pray, it was not a simple phrase.  

The disciples were admitting the method of prayer taught them from a young age was not producing the same results KING JESUS’ prayers were producing. In fact, they had never seen the eyes of blind people opened, or demons run away, or cripples start walking when they prayed! The question was a reasonable one: KING JESUS, teach us how to pray.  

Notice something else about their request. They judged the quality of prayer by its effectiveness – meaning, prayer releases results. Something should happen when we pray. So, what causes these results? What happens when CHRISTians pray? 

CHRISTian prayer is two-way communication with GOD.  

The first thing KING JESUS did was refer to GOD as HIS FATHER. Yes, because KING JESUS CHRIST is the SON of GOD, and HE is also the WORD of GOD. HE is inside HIS FATHER and HIS FATHER is inside HIM. HIM and HIS FATHER are ONE. While KING JESUS CHRIST was in a human body, the SPIRIT of GOD, called the “HOLY SPIRIT” lived inside of HIM. Let’s look at the Scriptures.  

“In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were made through Him, and apart from Him nothing was made that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overpowered it.” John 1:1-4

“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe because of the works themselves.” John 14:11

KING JESUS was telling HIS disciples that when HE prayed, HE knew Who HE was and HIS position as GOD’s SON. But one could easily say, “That’s JESUS, not me.” 

Not so! Because KING JESUS came into the world, sacrificed HIS life on the Cross, and resurrected on the third day, to make us sons of GOD if we believe in HIM.  

The disciples were not just learning how to pray; they were also learning who they were: sons of GOD. This is a spiritual designation that applies to both male and female genders. There are no other genders with GOD. You are a son of GOD because you believe in KING JESUS CHRIST. Therefore, you too can pray the way KING JESUS taught HIS disciples to pray and experience the same power in your prayers that KING JESUS did.  

“But whoever did receive Him, those trusting in His name, to these He gave the right to become children of God. 13 They were born not of a bloodline, nor of human desire, nor of man’s will, but of God.” John 1:12

“Amen, amen I tell you, he who puts his trust in Me, the works that I do he will do; and greater than these he will do, because I am going to the Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14

Just like it says in John 1:12, and John 14:12-14, you are a son of GOD – meaning, the Power of GOD is released when you pray in the Name of KING JESUS CHRIST. When you pray just like JESUS prayed, you will get the results in prayer that JESUS got, because GOD is your FATHER as well.  

Pray this prayer: 

Oh, KING JESUS CHRIST, thank YOU for enduring the sacrifice of the Cross to make me a son of GOD. Now GOD is my FATHER. FATHER, I thank YOU for all YOU have given me. Teach me how to pray to YOU, how to talk to YOU, like KING JESUS talked to YOU so I can change my life and my world with YOUR Power that is made available to me through prayer. I want to know YOU like KING JESUS CHRIST knows YOU. I want to love YOU like KING JESUS loves YOU. I want to talk to YOU the way KING JESUS talks to YOU; bring me close to YOU, amen.  

You have been chosen and set apart by GOD for a special purpose. Watch this video for revelation and practical application. 

Chosen. Do you remember playing sports when we were kids? There were two captains – one for each team. And each captain would proceed to choose those he wanted on his team. Invariably, the captains would begin by choosing those players with exceptional athletic prowess – while those of us who were not so skilled were selected last. 

Chosen. Or maybe you remember some of the movies. Many movies have been made in which people were selected – or chosen – for a specific purpose. Consider, for instance, Star Wars, The Matrix, The Island, Maze Runner, and more. 

Chosen. Did you know that you have been chosen – selected for a specific purpose? Check this out: 

“God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:2 NLT

GOD chose you long ago – even before you came to HIM! How incredible is that? And because HE chose you, HE is making you holy. Being holy is simply being set apart for a specific purpose. Chosen. Selected.  

Being chosen to be holy comes with both responsibilities and benefits – just like anything else. When you are chosen for a job, you have the responsibilities and benefits of an employee. When you are chosen to play on a sports team, you have the responsibilities and benefits of an athlete. 

We will get to the benefits of holiness later...but what are the requirements of being chose to be holy? Obedience to GOD and cleansing from sin and all of the junk that’s in our lives (see 1 Peter 1:2 above). 

Again, it’s similar to being an athlete. See: 

“Don’t you know that in a stadium the runners all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win! 25 Every competitor exercises self-control in all respects. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we do it to receive an imperishable one. 26 So I run in this way—not aimlessly. So I box in this way—not beating the air. 27 Rather, I punish my body and bring it into submission, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 TLV

So what does this mean, practically? It’s time to examine yourself. Take a good, hard, honest look at your life as you answer these questions: 

1. Are you serving GOD with your whole heart and life? Or are there areas of your life that you are holding back from HIM? Maybe the friends that you hang out with, the people you listen to, the types of videos that you watch, the conversations that you have, the type of language that you use? 
2. Are you obeying GOD? Or maybe you are having trouble with lying or anger or cursing or pornography or a bad attitude, or being disrespectful to your parents or to others in authority? 
3. Are there things that you are holding on to which really need to be cleansed out of your life? Perhaps unforgiveness or bitterness or selfishness or pride or a confused identity? 

Know this – you have been chosen. You are special. You are loved. You have been selected by GOD.  

You have been chosen for holiness.  

Are you willing to fight for holiness? 

Pray this prayer today: 

Thank YOU, LORD, for choosing me to be holy. Thank YOU for setting me apart and making me special. FATHER, forgive me for where I have been disobedient to YOU. I repent of every area that does not please YOU. Cleanse me, LORD, of everything – every sin, every iniquity, every transgression, everything that is simply junk in my life. Help me to discipline myself, just like an athlete, such that I will be pleasing to YOU. In JESUS’ Name. Amen and amen. 

How do you respond to stressful situations? Watch this video to discover the importance of renewal by the SPIRIT of GOD.   

“He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:4-5 AMP

Do you find that you spend more time in the soul realm rather than in the SPIRIT? How do you respond to stressful situations? When you need healing, promotion or admission into a program, do you give a soulish response or a SPIRIT-led response? 

As I read the verses above, the LORD highlighted verse five. We will break up the verse into two parts:  

First, washing through regeneration (new birth). “Regeneration” here means new birth, new generation. Looking at the birthing process, as many of us know, any animal being birthed goes through a birth canal; blood is often involved. The LORD sees it as an actual bath, not of the vessel like a bathtub, but an actual bath through the Blood of JESUS. 

Next, renewal by the HOLY SPIRIT. The subject of renewal can never come to an end. Imagine if you have a membership to a gym, you have to renew your membership monthly or yearly to stay as an active member. Everyone needs and must be renewed constantly by the HOLY SPIRIT. This keeps us current with the condition of our temple, the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT.  

I looked for a few Scriptures that talk about renewal, and reading these again gave me a sense of why the HOLY SPIRIT is needed.  

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

“To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

“So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”

2 Corinthians 4:16

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

Without the HOLY SPIRIT there is no renewal taking place. Have you ever seen a house that was over 20, 30, 50 years old and found that there was never a reason to repair something in the house? Roofs last 20 years, at least, air conditioning units have to be replaced after 20 years, washers and dryers have a 10 to 15-year life warranty.  

Now imagine if you meet someone who believes all they need is just salvation, the washing of new birth. This is the moment the brand-new house is ready; the HOLY SPIRIT moves in, and the individual does not see the importance of renewal.  

We have to be at the Thone of Grace and realize that we cannot live a life of holiness without constant renewal in the way we think, respond, live and so on. Renewal will and should birth hunger; it should push us to want to look more like JESUS. It should cause us to look at the state of our temple and keep another score card rating how clean and well-kept the temple is. 

Prayer 

My LORD, renew my thinking, renew my desire for YOU and my continuous disdain for the things of this world. I humbly ask that YOU open my eyes to see where I have gotten comfortable with my growth in YOU and where I am not seeking more of YOU. In JESUS’ Name. Amen! 

Have you ever wondered what your purpose is while you are here on earth? Watch this video for insight into GOD’s purpose for you. 

Earlier we discussed the LORD’s Prayer, the template KING JESUS used to teach HIS disciples how to pray. The first thing KING JESUS addressed was their identity. HE told them they were children of GOD; therefore, they could call GOD, “FATHER.” Next, HE taught them about their purpose.  

Many people ask, “Why am I here, what is my purpose?” KING JESUS spells it out perfectly. Let’s take a look.  

“Therefore, pray in this way: ‘Our Father in heaven, sanctified be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’” Matthew 6:9-10

The reason we are all here on this earth is to do the will of our FATHER in Heaven. That is the reason HE did everything that HE did.  

From the beginning when GOD created man, HIS intention was for man to represent HIM on earth (Genesis 1:26-28). 

How do we know this for sure? Because KING JESUS told us HIS purpose for coming to the earth was to do the FATHER’s will (John 4:34). 

“Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in the same way.’” John 5:19 NASB

If we are to be molded or conformed into the Image of KING JESUS CHRIST, then that means doing the FATHER’s will is the reason we were created.  

But how do we become like CHRIST? 

1. Renew your mind with the WORD. 

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 TLV

2. Pray and ask the SPIRIT of KING JESUS to change you from the inside out. 

3. Fast – which is what you are doing now. Also consider fasting from social media, switching the music you listen to, and what you are watching. Ask yourself: While the beat, storyline, or even your favorite character is in that super popular movie, does the content glorify GOD? If KING JESUS was in the room with you, would you watch that, listen to it, do that? If the answer is “no,” then stop doing it.  

Your purpose is to do the will of GOD, your FATHER, on the earth. The next question is: How will you know what HIS will is? 

Simple. Ask HIM. If you don’t hear anything, keep asking until you do.  

Pray this prayer: 

KING JESUS, thank YOU for teaching me that I am a son of GOD, the CREATOR of everything. I am asking YOU, oh my FATHER, what did YOU create me to be and to do for YOU? My purpose is to fulfill YOUR will on the earth. Please teach me YOUR will, and I will do it. Amen.  

Righteousness is holiness in action. Now that you have repented of your sins, how do you put your faith into action? It’s time to renounce all evil.  

A preschooler does yoga trances in school as part of the curriculum. A sixth-grade class makes clay models of idols (false “gods”) in a history lesson and places them around the classroom to “ward away evil spirits.” Third graders participate in mindfulness activities at school. A 12-year-old boy kills himself as a result of participating in a social media challenge. Elementary schools welcome “after school satan” clubs. Children’s books on how to perform magic spells are obtainable in libraries, major stores, online, TikTok, etc. YouTube videos explaining how to read tarot cards are easily accessible. Cartoons depict seances around crystal balls summoning evil spirits. 

Spirit animals, self-mutilation, identifying as another gender or even as an animal, using “they/them” pronouns, collecting and wearing crystals – all of these have become acceptable in today’s society. 

As you can see, we are confronted every day with evil and, if we aren’t careful, we come into agreement with it through the music that we listen to, through the things that we do or wear, through the social media that we accept, through all of the things that were just mentioned. 

During this 21-Day Fast in our Fight for Holiness, our focus for the first week has been on repentance. Now, during this second week, our focus is on renouncing – forsaking all evil. 

Yes, you have repented – praise GOD!!! Yes, the Blood of JESUS has cleansed you – hallelujah!!! Yes, you are forgiven, thank YOU JESUS!!!  

But in our quest for holiness, we must take the next step: Righteousness. Righteousness is holiness in action. And part of this “action” is to renounce every evil. Check this out: 

“But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways....” 2 Corinthians 4:2a

What does it mean to “renounce?” It means to forsake or deny all of those things that are not pleasing to GOD – the disgraceful, underhanded ways – which means that there is a change in our behavior. 

Think of it this way...when two people get married, part of their covenant (promise) to each other is to “forsake all others.” They commit to each other for the rest of their lives, and they give up all other boyfriends and girlfriends, as well as anything that might tempt them to cheat on their spouses – even in their thoughts. 

And, yes, there is accompanying change in behavior. Some may have to delete phone numbers or block social media accounts so as not to be tempted. Others may have to change the types of friends they hang around. Why? Their focus is now on their husband or wife. They must forsake – renounce – all others. 

In the same way, our focus is now on GOD – not on ourselves, not on our own pleasures, not on what makes us feel good. We have committed our lives to GOD through repentance. Now we are making a covenant (promise) with GOD that we are HIS, totally and completely. And so, we forsake – renounce – all others so as not to cheat on GOD. 

And, yes, there must be an accompanying change in behavior. Take a moment to stop and evaluate yourself: 

1. Is your music pleasing to GOD? If HE was sitting right beside you while you listen to it, would HE approve? 
2. Is what you wear pleasing to GOD? If HE was standing in front of you, would HE approve? 
3. Is the language that you use please to GOD? If HE was talking with you on the phone, would HE approve of the type of language that you use? 
4. Take a look around your bedroom, around your house, around your closet – are the things that are there pleasing to GOD? 

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” then it’s time to make a change. You may have to throw away jewelry, crystals, posters, or clothing. You may have to change your music. You may have to block some people on your phone. 

It’s time to forsake all others. Don’t wait – don't delay – the time is now to renounce every evil agreement, in JESUS’ Name. 

Let us pray: 

Heavenly FATHER, thank YOU for cleansing me of all sin. I now dedicate myself completely to YOU. HOLY SPIRIT, please show me all the ways that I have come into agreement with evil. Please help me to take the action needed to forsake all others. LORD, I don’t want to cheat on YOU. I am all YOURS. Today, I renounce every evil agreement, in JESUS’ Name, and I commit myself totally to YOU. Thank YOU, LORD, for YOUR love, mercy, and grace, and for giving me the strength that I need in this walk with YOU. In JESUS’ Name, amen and amen. 

Admit it. We need help. Watch this to see what happens when we depend on GOD and ask HIM to deliver us from evil.   

Just admit it. We need help. We can’t live this life without help...especially a life of holiness! In fact, JESUS HIMSELF taught the disciples to pray that the FATHER would help us and deliver us from evil. Check this out: 

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” Matthew 6:13 TLV

This week we are discovering what it means to renounce evil. One definition of “renounce” is to separate oneself. And in this Scripture, the word “deliver” means to draw to oneself. This gives an image of JESUS delivering – drawing us to HIMSELF – while we are renouncing – separating ourselves from evil. We are literally going towards CHRIST and away from everything that is not like HIM. 

As we discussed previously, renouncing takes action.  

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” Titus 2:11-12 ESV

So, as JESUS is delivering us, drawing us close to HIM, we are responding in like manner by renouncing – separating ourselves from, forsaking – ungodliness and worldly passions. We choose to be self-controlled, upright, and godly. We give up the one (ungodliness) for the other (righteousness in CHRIST). 

One of my daily prayers is asking the HOLY SPIRIT to reveal any place that I may have come into agreement with evil – whether intentionally or inadvertently. Why? Because I want to give up the one (ungodliness) for the other (righteousness in CHRIST) – renouncing evil agreement and being delivered to JESUS. 

Well, thank GOD that HE hears and answers prayers! This week, we have had several kids staying with us. As we sat down to watch TV together one afternoon, we noticed that the first show that appeared under our “watched” list was: “Crystals: Healing, Manifestation & Alchemy.” Our family looked at each other in astonishment. We know very well that crystals do not have healing powers – only GOD is the ONE who heals. And we know that when we watch these types of shows, we come into agreement with the evil that it is publicizing and supporting.  

It wasn’t until the following day that we also found that a trial subscription has been started – through our account – with Gaia, a channel that offers a “unique blend of yoga, meditation, personal transformation and alternative healing content.” So, not only had someone decided to begin to watch the “Crystals” show (which was offered on Gaia), but they also started a trial subscription to a channel that screams, “Watch out! You want evil? We got it!”  

We discovered that it was one of the children who is staying with us for a short time. My husband immediately cancelled the subscription and hid the remote controls to the TV. I immediately anointed the TV and renounced every evil agreement. Why? Because even though we did not intentionally purchase anything that does not please GOD, someone used our account to do so. So, we inadvertently came into agreement with evil. 

But GOD is gracious. HE answered our prayer to deliver us from evil.  

And HE will do the same for you.  

Are you willing to sacrifice for HIM? Are you willing to give up – separate yourself from, forsake – evil, and draw near to KING JESUS CHRIST?  

If so, join me in this prayer: 

FATHER, I am ready. I am ready to surrender everything to YOU. My greatest desire is to come near to YOU. But I really need YOUR help because I know that it may not be easy. Please deliver me from evil. Draw me close to YOU. Show me where I’ve come into agreement with evil, whether intentionally or inadvertently. LORD, I repent, and in JESUS’ Name, I renounce every evil agreement. I dedicate myself to YOU, LORD. Thank YOU for helping me. Thank YOU for delivering me from evil. In JESUS’ Name, amen. 

Are you attracted to the river of this world or the River of the LORD? Be honest with yourself and watch this video for more insight. 

“When the man went out eastward with a line in his hand, he measured a 1,000 cubits. Then he led me into the water—water to the ankles. 4 Again he measured a 1,000, and led me into the water—water to the knees. Again he measured a 1,000, and he led me into the water—water up to the waist. 5 Again he measured a 1,000, and now it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen, water to swim in—a river that could not be crossed.” Ezekiel 47:3-4

HOLY SPIRIT brought verses 3-4 into my view sometime last week and I kept thinking about the 1,000 cubits. When I searched the internet, I discovered that a thousand cubits is 1,750 feet. This is striking because the first time the angel measured a thousand cubits, the water only came up to Ezekiel’s ankle! Ask yourself, dear reader, how far have you gotten into knowing the LORD? If 1,750 feet only got to Ezekiel’s ankle, then where am I in the River of GOD?

What river are you swimming in?

The enemy has his own river, funny enough. Let us take a brief look at Revelation 12:15-16.

“And from out of his mouth, the serpent spewed water like a river after the woman, in order to sweep her away with a flood. 16 But the earth came to the aid of the woman. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had spewed from his mouth.” Revelation 12:15-16 TLV

The river the enemy has for this world can only drown anyone who steps into it. This river is meant for drowning and nothing else. It comes in fast; the people caught up in it don’t notice the speed at which the flood is coming. This river comes in like a flood and destroys; it is meant for the children of GOD, those HE has preserved as HIS own. But one thing I find very interesting here is that the earth opened up and swallowed the river.

Do you feel overwhelmed at this moment, like you are losing your breath? Do you feel like flood waters are crashing over you? Remind the earth of Revelation 12 and ask the LORD to open up the earth so it can swallow up the river that has come from the enemy’s mouth.

Interesting enough, as I researched about the river that satan has, I noticed that the Euphrates River is attributed to the enemy too. See Revelation 16:12:

“The sixth angel poured out his bowl over the great river Euphrates; and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east.” Revelation 16:12

As I looked into the Euphrates River, I found that the first war took place in that region (see Genesis 14). Nimrod began his kingdom there (see Genesis 10:8–12). Babylonian idolatry sprang up in the region and will be judged there (see Zechariah 5 and Revelation 18).

Pride, what a deceiver pride is! Pride can make you think that you have gotten very deep in the LORD. Pride can slowly dull your senses and have you standing forever in ankle-deep water. Renounce pride, sin, idolatry, anger, and unforgiveness in JESUS’ Name.

But the River of the LORD is slow moving; there is no destruction here. The LORD might be slow (in our timing) but HE will never delay. HIS timetable is very much different than ours. This is HIS way of doing things; HE does not move at our pace. We would expect 1,750 feet to be over our heads, but it is only at our feet. The ways of the LORD indeed are way past discovering.

Before we pray, I want to ask you to do something. As I stated in the beginning, a thousand cubits is 1,750 feet. I will ask you to please multiply 1,750 by four – remember, the angel measured four times. What is your answer? What is the first digit of your answer? Brethren, I was floored! The number seven is GOD’s number. It was not a mistake that HE had the angel measure four times; HE was reaching out to us in our time, telling us that River is fully HIM!

Prayer:

LORD, may we see YOU more clearly, know YOU more dearly, follow YOU more nearly, day by day. Let us not get weary of YOUR speed; forgive us for being attracted to the river of this world, the river that drowns. Let us steadily grow in YOU until we no longer have control to stand in YOUR River, in JESUS’ Name!

Everyone wants to get to Heaven, but no one wants to die. It’s time to die. Watch this video for revelation. 

Our society is inundated with secular thoughts and ideologies. It’s all about “me.” What can I get? How much money can I make? How far can I get ahead? More, more, more, I need more! I need to go to the best schools, to have the best career, to be better than everyone else. Do what makes you happy. Do what feels good – because if it feels good, it must be good. Follow your heart! Me, me, me, me, me. 

But this life of holiness is in direct opposition to what society tells us. This life of holiness requires us to give up ourselves in complete surrender. This life of holiness requires us to die to self and to live for CHRIST. Check this out: 

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NLT

This life of holiness requires death. JESUS died for us – how much more should we be willing to give our lives for HIM? 

In this life of holiness, we must count the cost. We must practice the pursuit. And then we will receive the reward. 

Count the Cost 

The cost is great. It requires us to renounce, to forsake, to give up our lives, our passions, our pursuits, and our desires. Galatians 5:24-25 says: 

“Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well.” Galatians 5:24-25 NASB

Let’s take just a minute to consider: What are the things that you are most passionate about in this life? Video games, sports, looking beautiful, your friends, your career, your education, your money, something else? According to this Scripture, we crucify those passions and those desires! We put them to death so that they don’t even exist anymore. In fact, in the book of Luke, JESUS says: 

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters—and yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:26-27 TLV

What?!? We are supposed to hate our own family??? JESUS uses this to illustrate how fully our devotion must be to HIM, over everyone and everything else. This is not a matter of putting HIM first in your list of priorities, with other priorities closely following. No – this is a matter of HIM being the only thing that matters. There should not even be a comparison or a competition! There should be nothing else on our list of priorities. Why? Because everything else has been crucified. 

There is no comparison with JESUS. There is no competition with JESUS. There is only JESUS. 

In the same passage of Scripture, JESUS goes on to say: 

“So in the same way, whoever does not renounce [give up] all that he has, cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33

This, brothers and sisters, is the cost. 

Practice the Pursuit 

So, once we have given up everything, then what’s left? We pursue HIS passions, HIS desires, HIS purpose for our lives. The Apostle Paul describes this in the book of Colossians: 

“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 NLT

It is very important to replace the old with the new. If we don’t, then the old temptations will come back and try to take over your life again. Replace the old cycles with new cycles. Replace old friends with new friends. Replace old hobbies with new hobbies. Replace old TV shows with new TV shows, or better yet, by spending quality time in the Presence of the LORD. 

Receive the Reward 

Don’t be discouraged – this is simply the fight for holiness. And there is a reward. Check this out: 

“Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him.” Romans 6:5-8 NLT

Sin loses it power in our lives! Hallelujah! And not only that – when we die to ourselves, we gain true, eternal, lasting life with KING JESUS! Hallelujah! 

In this fight for holiness, in this death to self, we must realize that KING JESUS CHRIST is not concerned about our happiness. HE is concerned about how holy HE is in you. 

It’s time to die. 

Prayer:  

KING JESUS CHRIST, I willingly surrender everything to YOU. All of my passions, all of my desires, all of my relationships, all of my dreams mean nothing. I put these things to death, and I choose YOU. YOU are my passion. YOU are my desire. YOU are Who I long to live for. Please continue to help me in this fight for holiness. Thank YOU, LORD. In JESUS’ Name, amen. 

 Owning up to the truth is the first step to freedom. Watch this video for insight on how to be free.   

Have you ever done something and you were too ashamed to tell anyone? Do you think you will get in trouble if you do? You might get in trouble with people, but GOD will be so very proud of you.

Some time ago, a high school student came to me, confessing that she had cheated on a test. No one caught her, but there was a weight in her heart that would not leave. She felt so bad and had no peace. As soon as she confessed, we prayed, asking GOD for forgiveness, and the weight on her heart lifted. She was filled with peace again.  

Recently, a young man came to me and confessed he had a problem with pornography. As soon as he confessed, he said it was like a dark cloud lifted off of him. While he still had to go through a process of asking for forgiveness, rejecting that lifestyle, and changing his behavior, the first step was confession. 

But why does GOD love truth so much? After all, HE is GOD and already knows what we did wrong. Why confess it? 

“Surely You desire truth in the inner being. Make me know wisdom inwardly. 9Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 10 Let me hear joy and gladness, so the bones You crushed may rejoice. 11 Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.” Psalm 51:8-11

“So confess your offenses to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.” James 5:16

 The Bible teaches us that part of being free from anything that holds us back, any sin we have committed, is to confess. Telling the truth, owning up to our sins, is the first step to being forgiven and healed. GOD does not like coverups. The LORD says directly that a person who covers up his sins, will not do well in life. See Proverbs 28:13: 

“One who covers up his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

Another important question to ask and answer is “what is sin?” Sin is anything done against the laws of GOD; therefore, sin is disobedience to GOD, which is lawlessness. But how do you know the laws of GOD? By reading the Bible. Let’s look at some of the basics of GOD’s law, the Ten Commandments. 

“You shall have no other gods before Me. … 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. 7 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. 8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy … 12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. 13 You shall not murder. 14 You shall not commit adultery. 15 You shall not steal. 16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:3-17 

Ask the HOLY SPIRIT who lives inside of you if you have broken any of these laws. If you have, confess it, own up to it, tell GOD you are sorry, and HE will forgive you. Some sins need to be confessed out loud to someone you trust that can help you through the process of changing behaviors, so you don’t sin again. Ask GOD to show you who HE wants you to confess to. The LORD will lead you. If you need help with this, download the Remnant Tribe app, and request prayer. We will pray along with you.  

Remember, GOD is not ashamed of you. HE wants you to come clean so HE can forgive you and clean you from the sin. HE wants to give you the power to move forward with life, filled with joy and good success.

Pray this prayer: 

Dear KING JESUS CHRIST, thank YOU for not being ashamed of me. I have sinned in so many areas [name the ones you remember]. I ask you to please forgive me. I also ask you to show who to confess my sins to so that my heart and mind may be healed, and they can help me change my behaviors, so I do not sin again. Please fill me with YOUR joy and peace today. In KING JESUS CHRIST’s Holy Name, amen.

 Can you find joy even in times of testing? Are you able to pass the test? Watch this video.  

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter varioustrials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

Trial Resulting in Joy 

James 1:2 is not one of my favorite verses. To be very honest with you, it does not feel natural at all. It makes me wonder what James was going through when he wrote it. Only a person who can identify with pain or trials is able to write such a verse. This was his response to being persecuted; it was not some joy or brief joy but ALL joy! 

I looked into the word “encounter;” it means to fall into suddenly. So, this is a sudden trial, we have no way to prepare for it and the HOLY SPIRIT wants me to respond with Joy – not fear, not tears, not screaming, not crying but JOY!  

This is the reason to stay away from the feeling of happiness. Being happy is very fleeting; it has no substance; it is only around when things are good. There is no strength or backbone to being happy. But JOY, wow, this is where we want to be; this is the emotion that lasts through the good times and the bad times. The joy from the LORD has a backbone; it is not broken easily; it is not easily swayed. This is why we don’t want joy produced by situations or ourselves; we want the joy of the LORD. The joy of the LORD is present when you suddenly face various trials you were not prepared for. 

Please note that “trial” (peirasmos) in verse two means trial, probation, testing, being tried; temptation; calamity, affliction. 

Tempted/Testing By Desire 

“But each one is tempted when he is dragged away and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is full grown, it brings forth death.” James 1:14-15

In this same chapter, James now talks about another type of test or trial. He is referencing temptation but using the same word as he did in verse two. There is a trial, or temptation that drags an individual away. The meaning of “dragging” here is literally to be dragged away from the right thing. While the first testing in verse two is sudden and by the end of verse four it is producing endurance, the end of verse 14 is producing death. We have to watch our desires very carefully; we have to ask questions. What is the foundation of my desire; what really birthed this desire in me? 

Faith produces or gives birth to endurance, but personal desire gives birth to sin when temptation is involved.  

Solution 

Circumcise your heart. We have to be honest with ourselves and actually cut off the barrier between ourselves and YESHUA.  

“Thus says ADONAI to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem: ‘Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. 4 Circumcise yourselves to ADONAI and remove the foreskins of your heart.’” Jeremiah 4:3-4

Circumcision is not an easy thing to do, and it causes much pain. Interesting, though, is that the LORD did not ask us to come to HIM so HE can do the circumcision of the heart. HE said that we should do it. HE is asking us to take the knife and actually cut off the foreskin around our heart. 

Prayer: 

LORD, in the period of testing, be our Source of Joy. Help us not to be blinded and consumed with pain which is our natural response. Teach us how to respond with Joy at ALL times. FATHER of Lights, reveal when our own desires have crept into our hearts so we can cut it off removing any foreskin on our hearts. We want only YOUR desires in our hearts, and we choose to circumcise our hearts to YOU over and over again. In JESUS’ Name. Amen. 

If CHRIST set us free, then why are we still struggling in depression, sickness, etc? Watch this video for freedom in JESUS. 

“Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.’ ... 36So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:34,36 NLT

Wow. Freedom. Freedom from slavery to sin. Freedom from death. Freedom from the curse. Freedom from sickness and illness. Freedom from the demonic. Freedom from generational curses. Freedom from witchcraft. Freedom from ourselves. Freedom. 

This is the freedom that can only be found in CHRIST JESUS. The enemy can’t offer it. Only JESUS.  

In fact, during this morning’s corporate prayer, an intercessor saw a snake wrapped around someone’s neck. We simply entered into the Presence of the KING, poured our love upon HIM, confessed sin and renounced agreement with the enemy, and continued worshipping the KING. Towards the end of our time together, another intercessor saw a serpent. Its head was raised, and it was looking at us. Then it simply turned around and slithered away. Hallelujah! Freedom! 

Galatians 5:1a NASB says, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free...”

Because of CHRIST JESUS, we are now able to live in freedom from the consequences and power of sin. Hallelujah! This is the freedom we find when we first repent and then renounce every agreement with evil.  

Since we consist of three parts – spirit, soul, and body (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23) – freedom is manifested in our spirits, our souls, and our bodies.  I learned the freedom that comes from renouncing very practically when the act of renouncing (spirit and soul) brought about a physical healing (body). 

More than 15 years ago, I had three herniated discs in my back. They were so badly herniated that they were pressing the nerves affecting my entire left leg, leaving me in excruciating pain and 24-hour pain killers. In fact, I was unable to walk and was assisted by a wheelchair. I had back surgery, and thankfully, the surgery was successful. However, in the midst of all the doctor’s visits, my physician informed me that I would have to return to have additional surgery sometime in the future, because he said that I had a “bad back.” 

Of course, I continued to pray that the LORD would completely heal my back so that surgery would not be needed. 

All was well until about six months ago. My left leg was again in pain, reminiscent of what happened previously. All indications pointed to a back problem, and the possibility of surgery. The pain started off slowly and progressed until I was unable to sleep, unable to comfortably get out of bed, unable to walk without pain. All the while, I continued to pray, until one day, I said, “GOD, if YOU don’t heal my leg, I’m going to need to go to the doctor.”  

That night, I went into midnight prayer, asking GOD for the source of my back issues and for the solution. As I continued to press in, the HOLY SPIRIT reminded me that I had back problem as a child in the fifth grade – so I knew that there must have been something that happened during childhood. I went back into prayer and asked, “HOLY SPIRIT, what happened when I was a child? What is the source?” 

All this time, while I was praying at the midnight hour, I was walking back and forth in pain. And suddenly, I knew! Thank YOU, HOLY SPIRIT, for YOUR kindness in revealing the source. 

When I was a child of about four or five years of age, my cousin’s family would visit us periodically. My cousin is six months older than me, so we were very close. We would play around and get into various activities. One of these activities made me feel very guilty. I didn’t know that it was wrong, but it sure felt like it! Even with that, I willingly agreed. I began to dread my cousin’s visits. At one point, I put a stop to it, and asked GOD to forgive me. As I grew older, and I realized that what I’d done was sin, I repented again (this time, with understanding). 

During this midnight hour, the HOLY SPIRIT revealed that, though I’d repented, I had never renounced agreement with the evil spirit behind these activities. I immediately called out the spirit and renounced agreement with it, in JESUS’ Name. 

Instantly, the pain in my leg left! This happened the very second that I renounced evil agreement! Thank YOU JESUS! The HOLY SPIRIT revealed both the source and the solution...and healing happened, hallelujah!!! Freedom had come to my spirit, my soul, and my body! 

So, what about you? Have you ever wondered why you’re depressed? Why you have nightmares? Why you are cutting yourself? Why there’s a sickness that you have not overcome? It may be that you are holding on to sin that you haven’t confessed. It may be that you are holding on to unforgiveness, and have allowed bitterness to set in. It may be that you have not renounced agreement with the evil one.  

If you are ready for freedom to come, it’s time to get rid of what’s holding you back. It’s time to confess. It’s time to renounce. It’s time to find the freedom that is only found in CHRIST JESUS. 

Let’s pray: 

KING JESUS CHRIST, I confess my sins to YOU. HOLY SPIRIT, please reveal every place where I am holding on to something that doesn’t please YOU, even if I’ve forgotten about it. Uncover the deep places in my life. FATHER, I want to be free. I renounce and forsake every evil agreement that I’ve made, in JESUS’ Name. Thank YOU for setting me free. Amen and amen. 

What do tattoos, crystals, tarot cards, and sage have in common? Watch today’s video. 

Do you know why crystals, ouija boards, tarot cards, stones, looking intensely into mirrors, water, and reflective objects, burning sage, burning papers that have things written on them in blood, then saying some prayers or ancient words, are wrong? Do you know why cutting yourself, getting tattoos, and coating stones or crystals with blood, oil, and/or water are wrong? Do you know why wearing crystals that bring special properties like love, joy, warding off evil, and any other “powers, positive vibes, aura” around your neck is wrong?

Do you know why it is right to wear a cross that does not have KING JESUS still hanging on it? 

All these are modern forms of altars. 

What is an altar? An altar is a place of exchange between a person and a spirit. It’s a place where people connect with spirits, good or evil, giving the spirit something they like. The spirit then comes to listen to their prayers. The spirit then answers those prayers and gives the person what they asked for. 

Remember, we said prayer is talking to a spirit. When CHRISTians pray, we are talking to our FATHER, through the help of the HOLY SPIRIT, in the Name of KING JESUS CHRIST. 

Think of it this way. Imagine you want to write a letter and mail it to a friend in a refugee camp. Yes, in some parts of the world, we still have to mail letters! Let’s say you don’t know how to write the letter in your friend’s language. You would need a translator to help you write the letter. You would need an envelope and postage stamp to mail the letter. This is payment for the post office to deliver the letter to your friend in the refugee camp. If you don’t have the right postage, your letter could end up in the wrong place, get lost in the mail, or be returned to you. But with the right postage, the letter will be delivered to your friend. It’s the same thing with prayer. 

Just like you directed the letter to your friend, we direct our prayers to the FATHER, like KING JESUS did when HE taught HIS disciples how to pray in Matthew 6:9. Then we need the envelope and postage; that is the sacrifice that KING JESUS made for all of us through the Cross and HIS resurrection. But who is the Translator helping to write the letter? Who is helping us to pray the right prayers? The HOLY SPIRIT.

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 NKJV

CHRISTians have an altar; it is the altar of the Cross. At the Cross, KING JESUS gave HIS lifeblood as a sacrifice so that GOD the FATHER can hear us when we pray. The HOLY SPIRIT helps us to pray so we say the right things. In exchange, GOD gives us more of HIMSELF and the good things HE has planned for us. 

But the ouija boards, crystals, tarot cards, and all these other things are altars as well. Just like KING JESUS made a sacrifice about 2,000 years ago that we are still using today, other people have made promises to demons and dedicated the stones, crystals, ouija boards and the like to them. They have prayed over the items before selling them and made agreements with the demonic spirits such that, when people wear the crystals, play the ouija board game, use the tarot cards, look at a reflective object and say specific words (incantations) and prayers, the demonic spirit will appear to accept their sacrifice, and answer their prayers.

Wait a minute! What sacrifice? Excellent question! Remember, KING JESUS CHRIST gave HIS lifeblood so we can access GOD the FATHER through the altar of the Cross?

When people access these demon gods through those other altars, they have to pay the price themselves. The price is always lifeblood. The demon gods now have access and permission into the person’s life, and they start controlling them. Suddenly things start going wrong in their lives and they don’t know why. 

“Do you not know that to whatever you yield yourselves as slaves for obedience, you are slaves to what you obey—whether to sin resulting in death, or to obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching under which you were placed; and after you were set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.” Romans 6:16-18 TLV

But why are tattoos wrong? 

“You are not to make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead or make any tattoo marks upon yourself. I am Adonai.” Leviticus 19:28 TLV

Because GOD, the ONE we serve and love said so. One of the reasons HE said so was because spirits are attracted to blood and blood sacrifices. A sacrifice is a form of worship. When we give our blood by cutting ourselves for the dead, we are worshipping the dead. When we make a tattoo on our skin, we are offering worship to what the artwork represents. 

If you have tattoos or have done any of the things we talked about today, GOD still loves you and the sacrifice of KING JESUS CHRIST can cleanse you completely. 

If you have any of the items we talked about today in your home, college dorm room, and other places, stop. Go get them and throw them out.  

Let’s pray. 

FATHER GOD, in the Name of KING JESUS CHRIST, I am so sorry for all I have done that has not pleased YOU. Forgive me for opening myself up to demonic gods to influence and control my life. Please cancel all these demonic altars that I have raised up or been a part of in KING JESUS’ Name. Wash me clean by YOUR blood and set me on the right path. I destroy the other altars, and I cling to the altar of the Cross. Every tattoo that I have on my body, I ask that YOU forgive me, and by YOUR BLOOD I break any agreements with the spirits they represent, in KING JESUS’ Name, amen. 

What is your passion? Your motive? Your desire? What do you crave? Watch this video for insight and revelation. 

“Where do quarrels and conflicts among you come from? Don’t they come from this, namely your passions that battle within your body parts? 2 You crave and have not. You murder and you envy, yet you cannot get it. You fight and you wage war. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives so you may spend it on your passions. 4 You adulteresses! Don’t you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:1-4

James was talking to the Church in the chapter; he was pretty harsh in this chapter too, calling them adulteresses. Before we even go to verses two and three, can we talk about verse one? James was clear here, stating that not all quarrels and fights in the church that should be attributed to satan; he does not get the credit here. James was clear to state that the credit goes to the believers, those in the Church. They had passions fighting within them that should not be there. If you go to a church where there are constant quarrels and fights going on, I would ask you to really question if you should be there. Do you feel that turmoil as you walk in? Do you feel that wrestling? Be careful before you find yourself battling passions you did not even know existed within you.

Going back to our reason for today’s devotion, let us take a look at verse two and that word “crave.” This word is a verb, and it means to feel a powerful desire for (something). Then in verse three, James moves on to “motive;” what does this word mean? According to the dictionary, it is a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious. Remember the passion James talked about in verse one?

Have you found that you ask and ask and also promise that your desire is truly GOD’s desire? There is a lot of self-reflection here that a lot of us are not comfortable with. What is my motive and passion? Does it align with the Word of GOD? Is there a fight/battle going on in my mind?

The HOLY SPIRIT was very focused on making sure we weighed our hearts in the first half of chapter four. There is an interesting progression going on here; verse one talks about passion, verse two about crave and verse three is motive.

Let us take a look at one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, when GOD married Israel. I just love this chapter because I can feel the LORD’s tenderness towards Israel, the Church, and you and me.

“‘I clothed you with embroidery and put sandals of fine leather on you. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. 11 I adorned you with jewelry, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace on your neck. 12 I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears and a crown of glory on your head. 13 So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your raiment was of fine linen, silk and embroidery. You ate fine flour, honey and oil. You became exceedingly beautiful, and advanced to the kingdom. 14 Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect, through My splendor, which I bestowed on you.’ It is a declaration of Adonai.” Ezekiel 16:10-14

I chose to include verses 10 through 13 so we could see that Israel’s beauty was not because she did or had anything. The LORD, YESHUA did it all! HE clothed HIS Bride with the most beautiful garments; HE gave her so much gold and silver, she even had a crown of glory. She was and is radiant! But there is something here that she missed, and we miss a lot of times. She thought her beauty was all because of her. ADONAI is quick to remind us that her beauty was perfect through HIS splendor.

I hear you asking: “What does ‘splendor’ mean?” Well the dictionary says it means magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur. The LORD put HIS magnificent and splendid appearance on HIS Bride. This is what we look like in the spirit realm.

Do we recognize that anything we have or have achieved is because of HIS splendor? What is our motive each morning when we wake up? Do we come with requests, or do we just sit and bow before HIM asking what HIS desire is for that day?

Prayer:

LORD, bring us back to YOUR motive, the reason YOU choose the cross. Let YOUR passion be our passion. We kneel before YOUR throne and just listen. We don’t come with any request today; we come just to hear YOUR Heart. JESUS, YOU are our motive, desire and passion. Let us crave YOU and YOUR Presence every minute we live. Thank YOU so much for changing our garments and making us the most beautiful Bride. It is indeed YOUR splendor and glory we wear for the world to see. Amen.

GOD gives us secrets in HIS Word. Watch this video to discover power moves so that you can level up in the SPIRIT!  

It’s time to level up! You’ve been doing things one way all your life, but now you’ve found a better way. The old way of doing things won’t work in this new life of freedom. The old things that you used to do will only keep you down. But the Word of GOD gives us secrets in how to level up – how to replace the old with the new – how to advance – how to get ahead.

Are you ready for the secrets? For the power moves? Here we go!

Power Move #1: The one you feed will surely succeed.

Galatians 5:16-17 NLT says: “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.”

You are right in the middle of the match of your lifetime between two forces: the HOLY SPIRIT…and your own sinful nature. They are so opposite that they are constantly fighting each other. Which one will win? Well, the one that you feed, of course. And which one will lose? The one that you starve. 

How do you feed one force and starve the other? This secret is found just a few verses later in the same chapter. Check it out:

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:24-25 NLT

The answer? Kill your own sinful desires. Nail them to the Cross. And live by the SPIRIT. 

OK – let’s be a little more specific. This leads us to the next power move.

Power Move #2: Replace the old with the new.

It’s not enough to just stop doing something. You have to replace it. Break the old cycles of death and form new cycles of life. Repent and renounce…and then reset and revive! Kill the old nature and live in the resurrection life of KING JESUS CHRIST! 

The Bible is filled with this power move – replacing the bad with the good, the negative with the positive. Take, for example, Galatians 5:19-23. Get ready – this is a very practical Scripture. As we read it, answer this question: “Where do I find myself in this list? Am I on the side of the sinful nature, or am I with the SPIRIT?” Here goes:

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:19-23

Where do you find yourself in this passage? Verses 19-23 tell us what to stop – what to confess and renounce. Verses 22-23 tell us what to start – to reset, replace, and revive in our lives. In your personal time, go back and study this Scripture, as well as Colossians 3:5-17.

Power Move #3: Kidnap your thoughts.

2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB says: “We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ”

Do you remember the “match of a lifetime” that we talked about earlier? Much of it takes place in your mind; it’s the battle of the mind. That’s why this power move is to kidnap your thoughts. You have got to retrain your mind in how to think in order to level up in the SPIRIT. Philippians 4:8 gives us the secret of what we should be thinking about.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT

You have to be intentional about this. Instead of thinking about lies, think about the truth. Instead of thinking about gossip, think about what’s pure and lovely. Instead of thinking about getting back at someone, think about something that’s worthy of praise.

These are just three secrets to how to level up in the SPIRIT. Get into the Word of GOD to discover more.

Let’s pray.

FATHER, thank YOU for giving us access to YOUR secrets. Thank YOU for giving us YOUR power to get rid of the old cycles that lead to death, and institute new cycles that lead to life. LORD, I’ve confessed sin and renounced evil agreement. Now it’s time to go to the next level. Help me to retrain my thoughts and my behavior such that I will follow the lead of YOUR SPIRIT rather than the desires of my sinful nature. Thank YOU, LORD. In JESUS’ Name. Amen and amen.

What must you give up in your life today to enable you to follow KING JESUS more effectively? Watch this video for insight. 

In our society today, many people place more importance on money than on KING JESUS CHRIST. This is an example of idolatry – the worship of anyone or anything other than KING JESUS CHRIST. Anything you live for, give all your time, attention, and give all your money to, is an idol. While some people make money their idol, others have made sports, video games, pornography, friends, fashion, drugs, and even people their idols. 

Are you living to please people? You can’t wait to play that next video game? Is the amount of money you make the determination of your self-worth? Do you have to be that IG IT girl or guy with the latest, most expensive stuff? If that’s you, well you’ve just identified your idols.  

There is nothing wrong with having friends, working hard to make money and being successful and other positive fun things like video games or wearing nice clothes.  But when they rule your thoughts, take up more time then you spend reading your Bible to learn about GOD, and you spend everything you have to acquire them, those things have become idols. 

When we have idols in our heart, we are breaking the very first commandment of GOD.

“You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3 NKJV

Breaking this commandment comes with serious consequences that can cause us to miss GOD’s best for us entirely. Take a look at the story of the rich young ruler. 

“Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ So Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: “Do not commit adultery.” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not bear false witness,” “Do not defraud,” “Honor your father and your mother.”’ And he answered and said to Him, ‘Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.’ Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.’ But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Mark 10:17-22 NKJV

This young man was almost there; he was almost one of the disciples. His name may have been mentioned in Scripture and remembered for generations, like Peter or John. But today, no one knows his name. We don’t even know if he made it to Heaven because he chose his idol over KING JESUS CHRIST. 

He had followed all the laws of GOD and was eager to follow KING JESUS CHRIST. But his idol, money and all his wealth, got in the way.  When KING JESUS CHRIST told him to sell everything and give it to the poor, HE was showing all of us how to deal with the idols in our hearts. Radically get rid of it. Cut it out completely. 

Do the hard work of dropping, stopping, getting rid of that thing you love so much, and replacing it with spending time with KING JESUS. 

Ask yourself today: What must you give up in your life today to enable you follow KING JESUS more effectively? What must you give up to spend more time with GOD? What idol is the HOLY SPIRIT identifying to you that needs to go? Don’t delay. Deal with it today. 

Let’s pray. 

KING JESUS CHRIST, search me, oh GOD, and identify the idols in my heart and in my life – my pursuits and possessions that do not align with YOUR perfect plan for my life. Once identified, please give me the wisdom and strength to get rid of them, to remove them from my heart and my life. Help me to throw out the things that compete with my love for YOU and my time with YOU. In KING JESUS’ Name, amen.