Reflections from Judges Chapter 5:

Choosing God over Self

Scripture

Read: Judges Chapter 5

Key Scripture:

“Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I, even I, will sing to the Lord; I will praise the Lord, the God of Israel, in song.” Judges 5:3

Judges Chapter 5: Observation

Judges chapters 4 and 5 are very similar as they both recount the same incidents. Chapter 4 is a historical account of what happened in Israel when the Lord led Barak and Deborah to war against Sisera, while chapter 5 is a detailed and heartfelt praise song to God for winning the battle for them.

In the Bible, Deborah is not the only woman who sang a praise song to God. Other women, including Miriam (Exod. 15:20-21), Hannah (1 Sam. 2:1-10), and Mary (Luke 1:46-55), also sang with deep gratitude to God.

Deborah and Barak begin their song by praising God for the leaders and men of Israel who willingly presented themselves for battle against Sisera (v. 2). They continue by recalling a time in Israel’s history when the Lord similarly rescued them from their enemies during the Exodus from Egypt (vv. 4-5).

Deborah reflects on the hardship and intimidation they faced until she arose as a leader in Israel. She praises God again for the leaders and volunteers who went to battle and invites others to praise God with her (vv. 6-12).

In verses 13-18, Deborah and Barak praised God for the tribes who came out to fight with them. But they also called out the tribes who refused to come out and stayed back as spectators. Specifically, in verse 23, the city of Meroz is cursed because they did not come out “to help the Lord against the mighty.”

Deborah and Barak continue by praising God for Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, who struck and crushed Sisera’s head with a tent peg, killing him instantly (vv. 24-27).

In verses 28-30, we see that Sisera was an evil man who used women as tools to fulfill his lusts. In the end, a simple woman with a household tool brought him down.

Deborah’s song ends with this powerful declaration.

“So may all your enemies perish, Lord! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” Judges 5:31a

As we see in Judges 5, the ultimate glory for the victory went to God, not Barak, Deborah, or even Jael, who personally killed Sisera.

“Then the land had peace forty years.” Judges 5:31b

Judges Chapter 5: Application

Praising God

Just like Deborah took time to sing praises to God, let us be intentional about looking back over our lives and praising God for our victories. There’s not a time that God has failed you. It may have felt like a battle, but He sustained you, strengthened you, and made a way. Therefore, let’s be in the habit of consistently honoring God for His faithfulness and celebrating all the things He has brought us through.

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.” Psalm 105:1-2

Fulfilling our Calling

Some of the tribes remained spectators and did not come out to fight with Deborah and Barak. God wants us to be actively engaged in doing the work He has called us to do in each season of life. He does not want us to sit back and do nothing with our calling. It is a sin to know the right thing to do but choose complacency instead. We are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only (Jas 1:22).

When we don’t show up to do God’s work, the church leadership – pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc., get burdened with roles that do not belong to them. The role of leadership is “to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church” (Eph. 4:11-12 NLT). They cannot do all the work by themselves.

Jael, a simple housewife, killed a powerful and highly influential warlord with a common household item of her day – a tent peg. To obey God and step out in faith, He does not require us to be the most powerful, have the most influence, advanced training, or special skills.

God does not call all of us to the same ministry, but whatever He has placed in our hands to do, He expects us to use it diligently for His glory. He called Deborah to public ministry as a Judge and Prophetess, while Jael had a simpler life. God made us all differently and is delighted to use us all to further His kingdom agenda.

Victory Over the Enemy

“At her feet he sank, he fell; there he lay.
At her feet he sank, he fell; where he sank, there he fell—dead.” Judges 5:27

When I reflect on Sisera’s death at the hands of Jael, I am reminded that it was God who orchestrated the events from start to finish. Sisera seemed indomitable, yet he died at the hands of a woman.

The devil may throw many things our way, and sometimes we may face situations that seem impossible. It is crucial to remember that Jesus has been victorious over sin and Satan. Jesus’ last words on the cross, “It is finished,” is our testimony that our victory over Satan is perfectly perfect and completely complete (John 19:30).

We can look back on our lives and praise God for drawing us to Him, orchestrating the events that led to our salvation, and literally transferring us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son, Jesus Christ (Col. 1:13-14). We also look ahead with hope and anticipation, knowing that Jesus will surely return to bring justice to His enemies and to rule and reign forever (Rev. 11:15-18).

So, if you feel like the devil is after you today, remind him that just like victory came to Israel when Sisera died, you already have total and complete victory over him in Christ (1 Cor.15:57; Rom.8:37). Then, surrender yourself completely to God, resist the devil, and he will surely flee!

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• Is your heart filled with gratitude or discontent?
• Do you consistently praise God for His unwavering faithfulness to you?
• Are you a spectator, or have you fully embraced God’s call on your life?
• Are you appropriating the victory that Christ won for you?

Prayer

Lord, I am eternally grateful for Your kindness, mercy, and faithfulness toward me. Thank You for saving me and providing for me through all the seasons of my life. When my heart is tempted to slip into discontent, fill me with joy through the Holy Spirit. Help me to burst into songs of praise and gratitude to You as I recall all the ways You have shown Yourself faithful.

May love and gratitude overflow into all areas of my life so that my life reflects Your glory “like the sun when it rises in its strength” (Judg. 5:31). In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Footnotes

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© Reflections from Judges Chapter 5: Praising God for Victory. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author, unless otherwise indicated.

The post Judges Chapter 5: Praising God for Victory appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

This is the sixth devotional in a series on renewing the mind. To read the first five devotionals, click the links below.

1. Change the Way You Think
2. The Benefits of Renewing Your Mind
3. Transformation: How Does it Happen?
4. Practical Ways to Renew Your Mind
5. Breaking Down Strongholds

Spiritual Warfare: Victors, Not Victims

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

Have you ever seen a cartoon of an ostrich with its head buried in the sand? According to the popular myth (which, by the way, is not true), ostriches bury their heads to avoid predators.

1 Peter 5:8 plainly states that the devil prowls around looking for victims to devour. However, as Christians, we are not to shake in our boots or bury our heads in the proverbial sand out of fear.

The devil may have power, but his power is no match for Jesus, the Lion of Judah, and the authority we believers have through our relationship with Christ.

Spiritual warfare is our response against the devil and the tactics that he uses in his attempts to derail us from fulfilling God’s mission. It is a fight of faith, and not fear, meaning that we believe and trust what God’s Word says about us as we exercise our God-given authority over the devil (1 Timothy 6:12). As Paul puts it in Ephesians 6:10-18, we put on the full armor of God and take our confident stand against whatever the devil throws our way knowing that God’s protection is bullet-proof.

Jesus Christ purchased our freedom by His death and resurrection. God gave Jesus victory on our behalf and empowered us to live as conquerors and overcomers through the power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells permanently in us (Romans 8:37).

Our part is to stay spiritually alert through prayer and the Word (Ephesians 6:18). Just like Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness, we speak the Word and refute Satan’s lies.

We do not stay ignorant of the devil’s tactics (2 Corinthians 2:11). Instead, we should be quick to recognize that we are not fighting against people but against Satan.

We are to yield ourselves to God wholeheartedly by walking in love, avoiding strife, and maintaining peace (Ephesians 4:27). When we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil by believing and speaking the Word consistently, he flees from us (James 4:7).

Below are 10 Scriptures on spiritual warfare. You need them! So, if you are unfamiliar with the Scriptures, take time to study them and meditate on them consistently.

You can download a free PDF of the ten Scriptures below by clicking HERE.

God’s grace surrounds you.

10 Scriptures on Spiritual Warfare

“… thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

^“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

^“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19

“The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” 1 John 3:8

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lam band by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,and have it to the full.” John 10:10

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© Spiritual Warfare. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author unless otherwise indicated.

The post 10 Scriptures on Spiritual Warfare appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

This is the fifth devotional in a series on renewing the mind. To read the first four devotionals, click the links below.

1. Change the Way You Think
2. The Benefits of Renewing Your Mind
3. Transformation: How Does it Happen?
4. Practical Ways to Renew Your Mind

Breaking Down Strongholds

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

A stronghold in the mind is an area of resistance in our thinking that goes against the Word of God and His plans for us.

The Bible makes it clear that Satan is a liar (John 8:44). Therefore, when we believe his lies about who God is and who we are, we end up with fortified strongholds or thought patterns that keep us in bondage.

We eventually move in the direction of our dominant thoughts. So, if we do not counteract the lies with the truth of God’s Word, we will not enjoy the blessings God has already gifted us, and we will not live our lives to our full potential in Christ.

Is there an area of your life that is resisting change?

Perhaps you may struggle with low self-esteem, pride, anger, anxiety, or an addiction. Or you may be confused and doubting God’s Word because you opened your mind to the ideologies and reasonings of this world. There is hope!! Paul instructs us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Simply put, we must pay attention to what we are thinking. God’s Word is truth (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160). When we recognize an attitude or thought pattern that goes against the Word, we should go to God in prayer and ask for His help. Then, we replace the lies with the truth of Scripture – we align our thoughts with Christ.

Typically, it takes a long time for a negative thought pattern to fully develop into an attitude. Therefore, we must patiently stay in the Word and allow it to transform and change us.

Below are 10 Scriptures on renewing the mind and breaking down strongholds I previously saved on my Notes App. If you are unfamiliar with the Scriptures, I encourage you to study them and meditate on them consistently.

You can download a PDF copy of the ten Scriptures below by clicking HERE.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you.

10 Scriptures on Breaking Down Strongholds and Renewing the Mind

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2 NIV

“for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 NIV

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 1:13 NIV

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 NIV

“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:20-23 NIV

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© Breaking Down Strongholds. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author unless otherwise indicated.

The post 10 Scriptures on Breaking Down Strongholds appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

This is the fourth devotional in a series on renewing the mind. To read the first three devotionals, click the links below.

1. Change the Way You Think
2. The Benefits of Renewing Your Mind
3. Transformation: How Does it Happen?

Practical Ways to Renew Your Mind

In my last three devotionals, we have been reviewing the subject of renewing our minds with the Word. Today, I am sharing practical ways to renew your mind and how I work this out in my personal life.

On a practical level, I make time to read the Word every day. I am not great at memorizing, but as I re-read the Scriptures, I remember them more and more. I also listen to the Word on the Dwell Bible audio App or the YouVersion Bible App.

I meditate on the Scriptures. Think about what I read, ask questions about the Scriptures, use my imagination, and consider how it connects with other verses. I pay attention to what the Scriptures say about God and how the verses apply to my life. For example, is God calling me to repent and turn in a different direction? Is He directing me to take steps of faith?

I pray through the Scriptures, personalize them, and ask God to give me the desire and power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). Sometimes, I make declarations and statements of faith from the Scriptures.

I pay attention to identifying negative thought patterns that bombard my mind. Then, I search the Scriptures to find the truth that counteracts the toxic thought pattern simmering in my mind (2 Corinthians 10:5).

After I locate the Scriptures, I typically save them on the Apple Notes App on my phone or a prayer App I use where I can easily find them. Sometimes, I write them out on index cards and carry them around. At other times, I use sticky notes and stick them in accessible locations, such as my bathroom mirror. Then, I commit to meditating on the Scriptures until I receive a breakthrough in that area of my life.

Personal Experience

I was teaching a class one day when someone made a disparaging comment about my ability to communicate. This minor incident sent my mind into a negative spiral until public speaking became a huge mountain. I basically lost my desire to speak in front of an audience. To counteract my negative mindset, I found Scriptures that specifically mentioned speaking. Then, I committed to meditating on them consistently. I’m grateful that the Word works, and the experience is now fully in my past.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

I encourage you to ask God to expose any lies you have been believing. Find Scriptures that counteract the lies. Then, commit to consistently renewing your mind with the truth of God’s Word.

God is the one who transforms us; our part is to draw near to Him and abide in His Word.

Reflect

What specific actions will you take to transform and become more like Christ?

Prayer

Lord, I pray that I may know your thoughts, which are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8). Help me to actively replace my negative thoughts with Your Word. To practice a daily upgrade of my thinking with Your Word so that I may be transformed into who You created me to be and do the things that You created me to do. In Jesus, name, Amen!

Footnote

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

© Practical Ways to Renew Your Mind. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author unless otherwise indicated.

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Transformation: How Does it Happen?

This is the third devotional in a series on renewing the mind. To read the first two devotionals, click the links below.

1. Change the Way You Think
2. The Benefits of Renewing Your Mind

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

The Greek word for transform in the verse above is metamorphoó, which is the root of the English words “metamorphosis” and “metamorphize.” [SOURCE] Remember the life cycle of the butterfly from elementary school – egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Keeping the butterfly in mind, transformation means a thorough and dramatic change in form, appearance, or character. Bringing it to our Christian walk, transformation refers to a thorough change in our thoughts and attitudes from the inside out as a result of our relationship with Jesus Christ and His Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

If you are like me, and you were born again as an adult, the people who knew you before you met Christ should be able to see a change in your life. There should be a difference between you before Christ (BC) and you after Christ.

After I gave my life to Christ, I experienced an immediate transformation from the inside out. There was a definite and marked difference in my behavior and outlook on life. However, I still had to grow and mature as a Christian. (And I am still growing and maturing!!!)

There was still tons of growth and transformation ahead of me, so I started my journey of renewing my mind and replacing lies that I previously believed with the truth of God’s Word. I continue changing how I think to align with God’s Word. As I stay consistent, the Holy Spirit transforms and changes me from one level of glory to another.

Obviously, transformation is not a one-day-and-done experience. I have learned and continue to learn to remain patient with myself and bask in the comfort of the Holy Spirit as God works out the kinks in my soul. I am grateful that I am not where I used to be, as I also look ahead to where God is taking me.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Reflect

• What did your transformation look like when you were born again?
• In what areas of your life is God inviting you to change from the inside out?

Prayer

Father, I am so grateful that You saved and called me to glorify You with my life. It’s a relief to know that You love me too much to leave me the way I am. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and patience towards me. I lay down my self-will and emotions and ask that You transform and change me to think and act like my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the power of Your Spirit, who lives permanently in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!!

Footnote

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© Transformation: How Does it Happen? Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author unless otherwise indicated.

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Reflect

Footnote

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© The Benefits of Renewing Your Mind. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author unless otherwise indicated.

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Change the Way You Think: Renewing Your Mind

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

I want to fulfill God’s plan and purpose for my life. I desire to please Him and to be a fruitful ambassador for Christ. But how can I live out God’s will for my life without defaulting to my preconceived thought patterns, attitudes, and actions?

In Romans 12:2, Apostle Paul instructs us as followers of Jesus Christ not to adopt and be at ease with this world’s way of perceiving and doing things. Instead, we should change our thoughts and attitudes to align with the Word of God so that we can be transformed into the image of Christ.

We are three-part beings – spirit beings who have souls and live in physical bodies. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Corinthians 5:8-9; James 2:26.)

Our spirit is made perfect and complete at the new birth. Our soul (mind, will, and emotions), however, does not get born again. We don’t receive a new mind at the new birth. Christ died on the cross for our sins, and we received an awesome salvation package at the new birth. However, our victory as Christians here on earth partly depends on whether we allow the power of the Word to transform us through the help of the Holy Spirit.

What Does it Mean to “Renew the Mind?”

Renewing the mind is the process of putting on the mind of Christ and unlearning the natural, self-focused, world-driven ways in which we were previously conditioned. It involves changing the way we think by putting off our former mind habits and putting on the holy character of Christ marked by fruitfulness.

 ^“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

It is only when we commit to focusing on and meditating on God’s Word that we can grow spiritually to a mature state where we will be able to discern God’s will for our lives. Our minds and thoughts will no longer be clouded and confused by the distractions and negativity of this world. We will have the spiritual and mental clarity to know the will of God for our lives because when we focus on the Word, we are in close fellowship with the Holy Spirit, who knows all things.

We do not have to stay trapped in negative, defeating thought patterns. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Comforter. He is committed to helping us change the way we think and act as we yield ourselves entirely to Him.

What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:12 NIV

Reflect

How have you committed to renewing your mind and growing more spiritually mature?

Prayer

Father, I thank You for providing the blueprint for me to discern Your will for my life. I ask that You forgive me for all the times I have gone my own way. I surrender my life completely to You. Today, I am asking You to give me an unquenchable desire to study, meditate on, and obey Your Word.

Refine and transform me from the inside out. Help me to change the way I think and act to align with Your Word so that I become the person You created me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Footnote

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© Change the Way You Think. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author unless otherwise indicated.

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Missed opportunity?

Lord, will You Redeem my Lost Time?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV 

We are in the second quarter of 2023, and many people have already abandoned their New Year resolutions or declarations. Whether it is weight loss, a financial goal, or a better you goal, all is not lost. Missed opportunities can lead to the Lord redeeming your lost time. He’ll be the One to get you through your earthly journey to your eternal reward when you keep a forward focus on Him.

“…keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:2a NLT

How many of us have wasted time or missed opportunities because we didn’t listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit when He said, “Now go, or stop now.” Instead, we decided to do what we thought was best, thinking we knew better. “…Leaning on our own understanding,” (Proverbs 3:5b).

God wants His children to walk in wisdom, and we can do so by letting Him guide our path. When we do, we won’t miss opportunities because we aren’t making the same wrong choices.

Disobedience doesn’t have to result in a permanent loss if we have a repentant heart. When we ask for forgiveness, we can ask God if He will redeem our lost time.

God’s Favor in Redeeming Lost Time:

Jonah’s Story

The story of Jonah is a perfect example of missed opportunity, repentance, and God redeeming Jonah’s time. God told Jonah to go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against their evil deeds. God didn’t tell Jonah His plan; He simply told him to go.

For several reasons, Jonah decided he would not obey God. The Ninevites were vicious, wicked, violent people who were merciless toward their enemies. Furthermore, Jonah knew that if he preached against them, they might actually repent and serve God. Jonah wanted them to suffer God’s wrath.

Doing things his way, Jonah disobeyed the assignment, no longer forward focusing on God. However, God would get his attention in the belly of a big fish. There, Jonah repents, and God allows the fish to release him, but he’s still not in Nineveh yet.

Once free, Jonah still had to choose to obey God, and he did. He proclaimed the Lord’s message; the people had a right response, and the Lord relented from the disaster that He said He would bring upon them.

So, have you missed opportunities because of leaning on your own understanding? Are you in need of God redeeming your time? Why not write a prayer and ask the Lord for forgiveness? Confess your sin, receive freedom, ask God to redeem your time, and step out in obedience to Him.

Be Blessed,

M. Featherson.

About Michele

Michele Featherson is a lover of Jesus Christ, wife to her best friend of 29 years, and mother to two amazing, God-fearing sons. One of her greatest desires is to change the lives of people, both young and old, through sharing God’s Word. She enjoys breaking Biblical principles down so others can understand and apply them to their lives. Michele is the creator of Michminutes, an Instagram page that offers a daily word of inspiration.  She believes that although our lives may be busy, we are never too busy to talk with the Triune God.

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Since I was a kid, I have always looked forward to Christmas with excitement and anticipation. When I was a young girl in Nigeria, I looked forward to my puffy Christmas dress and spending time with my hoard of cousins in the village. As a grown-up, I still enjoy some Christmas traditions annually. Every Christmas season, I listen to Christmas songs on the radio, go out to see lights, open gifts on Christmas morning, and listen to my kids play carols on the piano. But I have learned that none of these activities focus on Jesus Christ.

A couple of years ago, Asheritah Cuicui introduced me to studying the names of Jesus through her devotional, “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus.” I have come to learn more about who Jesus Christ is and who I am in Him as I have spent time meditating on His many names/titles. Each name of Jesus Christ gives us insight into His nature and character. As we get to know Him more, we can worship Him with awe and fellowship more intimately with Him.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, I invite you to study the names of Jesus with me. I have shared three of His names in this article as short devotionals. To read an earlier article that I wrote titled “Reflecting on the Meaning of Immanuel: God with Us,” click HERE.

I pray that God will give you wisdom and revelation so that you may know Christ and live fully for Him.

Merry Christmas!!

Prince of Peace

The Hebrew word translated as peace is shalom, and according to Strong’s concordance means completeness, soundness, and welfare.

Jesus is our Peace with God

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 NIV

Because of our sins, we were enemies of God and separated from Him (Ephesians 2:13). But Jesus restored our relationship when He took on our sins and died the death we deserved on the cross. Jesus reconciled us to a peaceful, intimate, wholesome relationship with God (Romans 5:1,10; Colossians 1:19-20). Now we are joined to God and can fellowship with Him (1 John 1:3). Sin (and its consequences) has lost its hold on us.

Jesus is our Peace with others

Because we are in Christ, the Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in peace with others, have fellowship with one another, and live in unity (Ephesians 4:3).  He empowers us to be peacemakers with our neighbors, friends, and foes (James 3:18).

Jesus is our Peace within

In Him, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). He makes us whole and complete, just like Himself (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).  When trials come to test our faith, His peace comforts and strengthens us. His peace is not temporary or fleeting. It goes beyond our emotions and does not depend on our circumstances (John 16:33).

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

Thank you, Lord, for being my Peace!

Prayer

Father, we thank You for reconciling us to You through Your Son, Jesus, our Prince of Peace. As we continue to exercise faith in Your word, empower us even more, to pursue peace in all our relationships. Help us embrace Your peace daily, even through the trials of life, so that we will be continually comforted and strengthened by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Light of the World

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12 NIV

Light is synonymous with eternal life, holiness, truth, goodness, freedom, and wholeness. On the other hand, darkness symbolizes spiritual deadness, sin, evil, falsehood, captivity, and fear.

Before we came to Christ by putting our faith in Him as the Lord of our lives, we were in darkness. Having received the life of Christ, we are now children of light (Ephesians 5:8-9).

The light of Jesus frees us from sin and all its consequences. As we follow Jesus by abiding in His Word and obeying Him, the light of His Word guides our path and frees us from confusion and the traps of the enemy. His light exposes our self-centeredness and ungodly motives and directs us to repentance and holiness.

When we encounter people living in darkness, Jesus’ light reflects through us to attract them into His kingdom. Our good deeds shine for all to see as we yield to the Holy Spirit and walk in love.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for Your light that has freed us from sin. May Your light shine into the hidden recesses of our hearts and expose all areas of darkness in our minds, emotions, and attitudes. Use us as vessels to shine Your light for others to come to You and receive Your eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Lion of Judah

Lion of the Tribe of Judah is one of Jesus’ Messianic titles. In my language, Igbo, we praise Him as “Agu n’eche mba.”

Judah was one of the 12 sons of Abraham’s grandson, Jacob (also called Israel). When Jacob was dying, he blessed Judah and referred to him as a lion’s cub and lion. Jacob prophesied over Judah that he would overcome his enemies and the scepter of kingship would never depart from him (Genesis 49: 8-10).

“Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you. You are a lion’s cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion, he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.” – Genesis 49: 8-10 NIV

The tribe of Judah went on to produce kings, including David. Jesus descended from the family line of Judah and David and is also known as the Root and Son of David.

Jesus as a Lion

When I think about a lion, multiple words and phrases flash through my mind, including:

• King of the Jungle
• Powerful
• Stately
• Authoritative
• Fierce
• Devours

Lions are fierce and fearful. When they roar, all enemies scatter. But on the flip side, lions are protective of their family/pride, who rely on them for safety.

Multiple Scriptures describe God as a lion who roars in power against the wicked but defends those who trust in Him. (See Joel 3:16; Jeremiah 25:30-31; Isaiah 31:4.)

Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Like a lion, He is all-powerful, yet He humbled Himself, and “like a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7), He died on the cross, shed His blood, and resurrected in victory against the devil, sin, and death.

Jacob’s blessing was a Messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ as the descendant of Judah who will reign forever.

Jesus will come back to rule the world. The scepter refers to authority, which will never depart from Jesus. He will destroy Satan, judge the nations, and rule for eternity. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and every knee will bow before Him (Revelation 19:16).

Prayer

Jesus, we worship, adore, and praise You, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. We ask that You forgive us for the times we have trivialized Your power and authority and have not feared You as we should. Thank You so much for protecting and defending us from the traps of the enemy and for being so good to us.

Jesus, we will be forever grateful for Your Spirit that You have given us as a gift. Remind us when we are doubtful and fearful that You dwell in us by Your Spirit. Therefore, when we open our mouths to speak, You roar through us to bring things in conformity to Your (not our) will. AMEN!!

I am grateful to my friend, Rebecca, for her contribution to the section on Prince of Peace.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© Three Names of Jesus: Devotionals. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted, without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author, unless otherwise indicated.

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God Loves Us As He Loves Jesus Christ

The Bible is filled with awesome truths about who God is and who we are to Him. However, I find some specific Scriptures exceptionally breathtaking, one of which I will be highlighting today.

In John 17, as Jesus was praying for all believers before His crucifixion, He prayed that we, the body of Christ, would experience complete unity so that the world would know that God loves us just as He loves Him, Jesus.

“I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are one: I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and [definitely] recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them [even] as You have loved Me.” John 17: 22-23 AMPC (Emphasis, mine.)

The Scripture above is an astounding truth for us to believe and live by – to know with certainty that the Creator of the Universe loves us as He loves His Son.

As I reflected on how amazing it is to be loved by God, just as He loves Jesus, I decided to go to the Word to find out how He demonstrated this enormous, immeasurable love to us.

Here’s what I found.

God Gave Jesus to us as a Gift

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIV

Typically, we demonstrate our love to others by spending time with them and showering them with gifts and favors.

God proved His infinite love for us by sending Jesus, whom He dearly loved, to the cross to die in our place. And we didn’t even deserve it! God gave us the gift of Jesus’ life while we were still in our sinful state. The same Jesus He loved so much, He sacrificed for us on the cross. If that is not proof that God loves us as He loves Jesus, then I do not know what else can be more convincing.

Jesus, who is not only the Son of God but also the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15) and His perfect representation (Hebrews 1:3), also expressed that He loves us as the Father loves Him.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9 NIV

God continues to demonstrate His love towards us through the Holy Spirit. God poured His love into our hearts to overflow when we put our faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:5). It is because of the power of God’s love in our hearts that we do not lose hope in life. Instead, we are empowered to obey God’s command to love Him with all we are and love others as ourselves.

Questions

• Do you believe that God loves you as He loves Jesus?
• Have you opened your heart wide to receive the fullness of God’s love?
• Do you love God back?
• Are you remaining and dwelling in God’s love and allowing it to overflow to others?

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for loving me with the depth, height, and breadth of love that You love Jesus. Give me a revelation of Your infinite love for me. Teach me to think and act like you love me, and help me love others through Your Spirit’s power. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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Except where indicated, Scriptures are from the NIV.

© God Loves Us (As He Loves Jesus Christ). Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

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