Wisdom Keys for 4/1/14

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 4/1/14: WISDOM KEYS FROM MIKE MURDOCK

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!

Your dreams and goals are worth any fight, any waiting, any price.

DON"T GIVE UP!

Your perseverance demoralizes the enemy.

DON"T GIVE UP!

Patience is a weapon.

DON'T GIVE UP!

Luke 9:62

But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Wisdom Keys for 3/31/14

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 3/30/14 WISDOM KEYS BY MIKE MURDOCK

KEEP WALKING

Picture this. You are in your car.

You are driving in a heavy hailstorm.

You don't stop... but keep driving knowing you will move out of the storm's range.

Remember Joseph. Remember David.

Every day of adversity is simply a stepping stone toward the throne.

Keep walking.

Isaiah 43: 2, 3

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
3 “For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.

Wisdom Keys For 3/30/14

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 3/30/14: WISDOM KEYS FROM MIKE MURDOCK

REMEMBER WHO IS WITH YOU

Two are better than one.

God said it. Believe it.

You are never, never, never alone in this world.

Invisible, but undeniable, your Creator is standing beside you this very moment, even as you are reading these very words.

Hebrew 13:5, 6

5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”

6 so that we confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
What will man do to me?”

Wisdom Keys For 3/29/14

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 3/29/14: WISDOM KEYS FROM MIKE MURDOCK

WALK PURE TODAY

You are the offspring of a Holy God.

This explains your insatiable appetite to live a holy and pure life.

Sin happens. Don't cover it up. Bring it to God.

REPENTANCE IS THE GOLDEN DOOR TO THE NEXT SEASON OF YOUR LIFE!

Isaiah 59:1-2

Behold, the Lord's hand is not so short
That is cannot save;
Nor is His ear so dull
That it cannot hear.
But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God,
And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

Wisdom Keys For 3/28/14

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 3/28/14: WISDOM KEYS FROM MIKE MURDOCK

IDENTIFY ADVERASIAL PEOPLE

When Satan launches an attack against you, it is usually through a person.

Your enemy is anyone who attempts to stop the will of God from being fulfilled in your life.

Identify and avoid anyone who breaks your focus through stirring up strife and division.

Romans 16:17

"Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them

Wisdom Keys For 3/27/14

 THOUGHT FOR TODAY 3/27/14 WISDOM KEYS FROM MIKE MURDOCK

TRUST GOD. LOVE PEOPLE

God never commanded you to trust people.

God commanded you to love people and trust Him.

Know the difference.

Your joy and victory depend on it.

Psalm 118:8:

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord
Than to trust in man."

Wisdom Keys for 3/26/14

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 3/26/14: WISDOM KEYS FROM MIKE MURDOCK

AVOID VICTIM MENTALITY

Any wounded animal attracts attack.

Weakness is an invitation to bullies.

So don't talk or think like a victim of your circumstances.

You are more than a conqueror!

Act like it! Talk like it!

Roman 8:35, 37

35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us

Wisdom Keys For 3/25/14

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 3/24/13: WISDOM KEYS FROM MIKE MURDOCK

FIND SOMEONE ELSE IN TROUBLE

Your worth is determined by the kinds of problems you are willing to solve for someone.

Mechanics solve car problems.

Lawyers solve legal problems.

Doctors solve physical problems.

You are a walking solution to someone in trouble.

Find them.

"And if you give yourself to the hungry
And satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
Then your light will rise in darkness
And your gloom will become like midday.
11 “And the Lord will continually guide you,
And satisfy your desire in scorched places,
And give strength to your bones;
And you will be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail."
Isaiah 58:10-11

Wisdom Keys For 3/24/14

WISDOM KEYS FROM MIKE MURDOCK

EXPECT RESCUE

Adversity is just a page, not a whole book. Adversity is just hell's attempt to abort the next season of blessing God has scheduled for your life. They eyes of your Father are upon you. Expect a miraculous rescue.

The Lord sustains all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed down. (Psalm 145:14)

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you" (Isaiah 43:2)

Wisdom Keys for 3/23/14

 WISDOM KEYS BY MIKE MURDOCK

REMEMBER THE POWER OF PRAISE

Praise is your verbal and physical response to the greatness of God.

Music, singing, worship, create an atmosphere for miracles. You are responsible for the climate you create around you.

The atmosphere you permit determines the product you produce.

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
To execute vengeance on the nations
And punishment on the peoples,
To bind their kings with chains
And their nobles with fetters of iron,
To execute on them the judgment written;
This is an honor for all His godly ones.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 149:6-9

Wisdom Keys for 3/22/14

FOCUS ON FASTING

Adversity is a season of unusual attack. So, consider using unusual weapons.

Fasting is a feared weapon in battle. it is a tool that sharpens your spiritual sensitivity to God. Use it! MIKE MURDOCK

“Is this not the fast which I choose,
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free
And break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6

WISDOM KEYS FOR 3/21/14

One cannot multiply. Increase begins with two. Jesus promised results from the Prayer of Agreement. Make a list of seven effective intercessors for your life. Contact them. They are your Circle of Protection.  Mike Murdock

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:19-20   

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/20/14

Psalm 150:3

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

The choir prepared to sing. They had come from all over the state to be a part of this event. Hundreds of people were joining their voices together in praise of God. They hoped that other people would take notice. God was worthy of their time, talents, and devotion. Many in the choir felt they had little else to give, other than their voices. They sang beautifully. They poured out their hearts. Hundreds of people heard them, and the Spirit of God was shared by them all.

Prayer: Music is a language that speaks to us all. Let me make a joyful noise unto You, Lord. My heart sings Your praises forever and ever. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/19/14

Psalm 150:2

Praise Him for his mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

Jeff was beside himself. His wife had gone into labor hours ago, and a nurse had just come out to tell him that there were complications. There was a good chance that they might lose either the mother or the child. Jeff could only wait and pray. Time passed slowly, but when everything was finally done, both mother and child were fine, and Jeff prayed a silent prayer of thanks.

God does mighty acts in our lives. There are times when things don't always work out the way we want them, but God is there to pick us up and help us deal with our trials. Praise the Lord that He is good and kind. His goodness is unending, and we are always in His care.

Prayer: I cannot begin to understand all that You have done, Lord, but I praise You for what I have seen and felt. You have given so much. Thank You. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/18/14

Psalm 150:1

Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

Before there were churches, before there were preachers, before Christ came to this earth, God had created His sanctuaries. On the mountaintops, God was worshipped. In the valleys, God was worshipped. In the forests, by lakesides, in caves; wherever God's handiwork was found, there He was worshipped.

We can praise God anywhere. Church isn't a place, it is an entity made up of living parts. Wherever we gather in the name of God, there is His sanctuary. Lift your voices to the Lord. Praise Him wherever you may be. He is with you where you are.

Prayer: I will praise and worship You with all my heart and mind and soul. Hear my words, Lord, and be pleased by the love I have for You. Amen

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/17/14

Psalm 149:5

Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.

Carol dreaded going into the nursing home. She had been in others in the past, and she had never felt very good about them. There was something very sad and depressing about them. As she entered the front door, she was surprised that she wasn't met with moans and groans, but with the sound of singing. She followed the sound to a large community room. There, dozens of men and women sat together around a piano, singing songs from their younger days. None of the people looked unhappy. Quite the contrary, they looked joyful and content. Carol moved quietly into the group and began to sing along. Perhaps at last she had found a place where she could be comfortable.

The older segment of our population is a wonderful resource that we have. Too often they are shoved out of the way and not allowed to enjoy their golden years. God loves His oldest children. When they join together, they have a blessed opportunity to continue to grow and enjoy life.

Prayer: Number me among the saints of the body of Christ, O Lord. When I feel like groaning about the way things are, fill my heart with song, instead. Amen

Wisdom From The Psalms for 3/16/14

Psalm 149:4

For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

Jesus looked around at the people of Nazareth. There were people of all kinds there. He knew that He had been sent to them all, but He also knew that there were some who would reject Him. He knew there would also be those who would accept Him readily: His people. His people were the poor and oppressed. They were the slaves and the widows and the orphans. They were the outcasts: prostitutes and tax collectors and lepers. In a world where so much value was placed on beauty, His people were the dregs. But he had something to offer them that would make them beautiful. Through His grace, His people would be elevated to the level of angels, and even higher. In God's wisdom, the last-His people-would be first, and the first would be last. Jesus set out, looking to find His people.

Are we His people? Do we accept Him, and fashion our life to His will, or do we reject Him, continuing to live by our own rules? Christ will beautify the meek with salvation. It is in our meekness that we realize our need for God. Let God beautify you, and you will find His pleasure.

Prayer: Make me meek, Lord. Break my spirit of willfulness and recreate me with Your beauty. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/15/14

Psalm 149:3

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

A man once said, "I couldn't enjoy myself in heaven. There's too much singing and dancing there for my taste. They started up a long time ago, and it doesn't look like they're anywhere near ready to stop. Ever since Jesus was born, they've had one big, long celebration."

Indeed, since the birth of Jesus Christ, there had been great reason to dance. Death lost all its power, and eternity was opened to all who would choose it. There is reason to dance and sing. Christ came among us, and He is with us to this day. He has given us eternal life and has offered us everything we need to live happy and full lives on earth. Rejoice! Christ has come this day. And He will never leave us alone.

Prayer: Come into my heart, dear Lord. I have waited for Your coming, and I am ready to share my life with You. Be close by me, Lord, and fill me with song and dance and joy. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/14/14

Psalm 149:1

Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

Pete took his dinner from the oven and sat down at the table to eat. He hadn't decided whether or not to go to church. For some reason the spirit just didn't seem to be moving him. Maybe he was getting too old for Christmas. As he bowed his head to pray over his meal, he heard the voices of distant carolers singing familiar old Christmas songs. His head flooded with joyous memories of the days of Christmases past. The spirit so absent moments before surged through him. With a lightness of heart, Pete dug into his meal, eating quickly to insure that he wouldn't be late for the Christmas Eve service.

Prayer: Fill my heart with songs of praise and joy. Send the light of the world into my life, and shine forth through me so that others might see how wonderful You are. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/13/14

Psalm 148:11, 13

Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth... Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

The wise men never took their eyes from the star. They had spent the better part of their adult lives watching for this very star to usher in the new Messiah. A new age was come upon the earth, and they devoted everything they had to meet it when it started. They had traveled for months, hoping for little more than a glimpse of the new babe who would set the world straight. Three of the most powerful men of the world committed themselves to worshipping the baby Jesus. Nothing was more important in all the world.

Is that true for us? Is Jesus the most important thing in all the world? Christ comes to us anew each Christmas, and we must ask ourselves what He means to us. For some, He will make us willing to give up everything to follow Him. For others, He will make us willing to begin the journey of the faith. Regardless of where we are in our faith, He will come to meet us there, and He will come with love and understanding.

Prayer: Come to me, O Lord. Search my heart to find where I am in my walk of faith. Walk with me, Lord. Help me to make Christ the most important person in my life. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/12/14

Psalm 148:5

Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.

The shepherds sat in their fields, watching over their flocks. The evening was mild, and the night sky was clear. The stars shone brilliantly, especially the one toward Bethlehem. The sheep were calm and silent.

Little did the band of shepherds know that a visit was being planned for them. So great was their devotion, belief, and faithfulness, that they were to be among the first to know of the Messiah's birth. The shepherds had a special tie with their God. They lived each day of their lives close to His creation. The depended upon Him to provide for their needs. They continually praised the name of the Lord, for He took good care of them.

Those who live in close communion with God have a better understanding of His will and His ways. If we will devote ourselves to God, He will reveal Himself to us in so many ways. Rejoice in God's creation. Embrace it, and know God.

Prayer: I wait in anxious anticipation of the coming of Your Son once more. Reveal Him to me in new ways, Lord. Let Him be born in my heart anew. A

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/11/14

Psalm 148:3

Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

All the children were so disappointed. The snows had been so heavy that the power lines had been knocked out. No Christmas lights twinkled. No record players spun out carols. With the trees unlit, something seemed to be missing.

Then, a wonderful thing happened. The clouds parted, and a huge, glowing moon peeked through. The ice and snow below sparkled with brilliant light. The landscape came alive, and in the breeze, the icicles twinkled in the branches. Children came forth from every house to see the most spectacular display of lights ever imagined. God had supplied what the power company could not. In all their lives, the children could not hope to find trees and lights more beautiful than the ones God gave them this Christmas.

Prayer: Everything we create, Lord, is a poor imitation of the beauty You have created in nature. Let our lives be lit up with your glorious stars, suns, and moons. Let each of these lights be reminders of Your light. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/10/14

Psalm 148:2

Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

Becky was an angel in the school play. She and a group of her friends got to tell the whole world about the birth of baby Jesus. Becky realized what an important part she had. If it weren't for her, the shepherds wouldn't know about Jesus, and the kings wouldn't find their way. No one would watch over Jesus, if it weren't for the angels. Yes, Becky knew that Mary and Joseph were important, but she thought that just maybe the angels were the most important characters in the entire story.

The angels in heaven above are still rejoicing over the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Two thousand years has not diminished their enthusiasm. Likewise, all the angels in heaven above rejoice when there is a soul saved. Let all the earth and all of heaven praise the Lord, for He alone is worthy to be praised.

Prayer: Let my voice join the heavenly host in worshipping and praising Thee, O Lord. Thank You for Your unending love. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/9/14

Psalm 147: 16, 17

He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?

Toby wasn't afraid of anything, but that made him foolish rather than brave. He had heard the weather forecast and had laughed it off. After all, he was a good driver, and nothing would happen to him as long as he was careful. But the roads were treacherous, and the snow was blinding. He wasn't sure exactly where he was, and the gas gauge was near empty. Toby cursed himself for always thinking he could handle every situation. It was beginning to dawn on him that maybe there were things bigger than he was.

God is too powerful to take lightly. He has created in nature awesome forces, which are much too big for any one person to handle. Winter is a keen reminder of the power of nature. The cold temperatures, the ice and snow, and the darkness; they all add to the tremendous power. The wise woman or man will acknowledge his limitations, conceding to nature its supremacy and admitting to God that he, indeed, reigns above all else.

Prayer: Wisdom is the one thing I lack most often, Lord. Teach me to be honest with myself. Let me do the things I can, but help me to understand what things I cannot do. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/8/14

Psalm 147:6

The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.

The message came to the small town: "I will arrive to select one of you to dine with me. Put on your best behavior. You will be judged accordingly." The townspeople knew that Jesus was a special man, and so they dressed in their finest clothes. The merchant stood at the front of the line, followed by the carpenter, the tent maker, and the miller. A poor girl came along and tried to get in line. The merchant shoved her aside and called her a name. The carpenter threatened to hit her, and the tent maker pushed her into the dirt. The miller raised a boot to kick her, but stopped. The four men realized that they were being watched. They looked up to see Jesus watching their behavior. Christ stepped forward and took the girl by the hand. He said, "Come. Dine with me."

To the others, He said, "Depart from me. You know me not, and so I neither know you."

This story was written about 1700 years ago. Though it is not from the Bible, it reflects well the sentiment of God toward the poor and abused. He will raise up the afflicted, but the abuser will He cast aside. Look kindly upon the poor, viewing them with Christ's own eyes. Then will He be real in you.

Prayer: In my desire to impress You, Lord, let me not neglect my duty to my neighbor. Stretch forth my hands as You would Your own. Help me to help others. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/7/14

Psalm 147:5

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding in infinite.

The snow was falling in chunks, now. The blizzard had begun six hours ago, and the world had ground to a halt; at least, the world in northwest New York State. It was astonishing to watch the snow accumulate, not into mounds, but into mountains. Somewhere, Stuart had learned in his childhood that no two snowflakes were ever the same. Incredible! The Lord never ceased to create. Billions of snowflakes fell to earth, and not one matched any other. How could people doubt that some creative force was behind the universe?

When we stop to admire the many miracles in nature, we are met with the indisputable evidence of a mastermind who brought everything into being. The power of the Lord is beyond our comprehension, and His wisdom and understanding are beyond our knowing. We should be thankful that the Lord has given us so much beauty. We are blessed by the Lord's continuing creativity.

Prayer: Dear Father, You have shared so many good things with me. Let me fully appreciate them all. Show me the wonders of this world, and let me receive them with the wonder and amazement of a child. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/6/14

Psalm 147:5

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding in infinite.

The snow was falling in chunks, now. The blizzard had begun six hours ago, and the world had ground to a halt; at least, the world in northwest New York State. It was astonishing to watch the snow accumulate, not into mounds, but into mountains. Somewhere, Stuart had learned in his childhood that no two snowflakes were ever the same. Incredible! The Lord never ceased to create. Billions of snowflakes fell to earth, and not one matched any other. How could people doubt that some creative force was behind the universe?

When we stop to admire the may miracles in nature, we are met with the indisputable evidence of a mastermind who brought everything into being. The power of the Lord is beyond our comprehension, and His wisdom and understanding are beyond our knowing. We should be thankful that the Lord has given us so much beauty. We are blessed by the Lord's continuing creativity.

Prayer: Dear Father, You have shared so many good things with me. Let me fully appreciate them all. Show me the wonders of this world, and let me receive them with the wonder and amazement of a child. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/5/14

Psalm 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Mae sat by the window of her apartment, watching the children playing in the snow below. She wished she could have fun like that once more. Even the companionship and feeling of belonging would be nice. At present, all she had was her cat, Morgan, and he wasn't much for conversation.

Mae was shaken from her reverie by a knock at the door. As she opened it, she was met by the greetings of her neighbors from one floor below. Bearing gifts of food and drink, they asked if they might come in to share the evening with her. Glowing with a warmth long forgotten, Mae invited them in to celebrate a new, blossoming friendship.

We have been given the power to bring joy to the lives of others. In this season of God's gift of joy to us, we ought to think of ways that we might spread happiness to those who have little to be happy about. God heals the broken hearts of His children, often through His servants: you and me. Reach out in love to heal the wounds of loneliness and despair.

Prayer: Make me an agent of Your love and care, Father. Send me forth with a message of mercy and joy. Use me to heal the emotional wounds of my neighbors. Amen

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/4/14

Psalm 146:9

The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

Teri had never been on her own before. She had married fresh out of high school, and her husband had taken care of her for twenty years. When he died, she was suddenly faced with making it on her own for the first time in her life. The whole idea frightened her. More than anything else, she was afraid of being alone. She thought she could make it, if only she had someone to turn to for help and consolation.

God is our consolation and help. When we are alone against the world, we most need His strength. He offers us all the help we need, if we will but ask. He loves to help His children, and He will not turn us away.

Prayer: Lord, grant me rest in Your loving arms. I can handle anything, just as long as I know that You are with me. Preserve me in times of weakness and frustration. Amen

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/3/14

Psalm 146:3

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

Jack called at meeting in the chairman's absence. During the meeting, he outlined a new proposal for restructuring a part of the firm. It was voted on and approved, ignoring the rules that stated that no action could be taken in the chairman's absence. When the chairman returned, he reconvened the meeting, overturned the decision, and reminded the entire council of their bylaws. Jack was reprimanded for usurping authority that was not his, and things got back to normal.

It is always wise to seek answers from the true authority. Decisions made by people unqualified to make them often end in disaster. When we put our trust in the wrong places, we may end up being hurt. The only safe place to put our trust is in God. He will guide us in our decisions, He will give us sound direction, and He will always be honest and truthful with us.

Prayer: I look to many sources for guidance, Lord, but no one can offer me the help You can. Help me place my total trust in You. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 3/2/14

Psalm 145:18

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Florence had fallen twice, and she was deathly afraid of falling again. The last time she had laid in her apartment for hours before anyone discovered her. The problem was solved when her daughter brought her a beeper that was directly patched into the local hospital. Should Florence fall again, all she had to do was push the button on the beeper, and the ambulance would come immediately. The fear of being left without help was resolved, and Florence could get on with a normal life again.

We need a lifeline like Florence's. For all spiritual needs, we have one in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ is always as close as a prayer. In our times of need, we can call out to Him and He will be there with us immediately. Christ gives us the assurance we need to live full lives, for we need have no fear of life when He is present with us.

Prayer: In times of joy, in times of sorrow, in times of need, I thank You, Lord, for being there when I call upon You. Amen