ACCESS TO AN OVERCOMING LIFE

David Wilkerson Today A Ministry of World Challenge

thursday,  May 28, 2015 ACCESS TO AN OVERCOMING LIFEby David Wilkerson     When Jesus walked the earth, He made Himself accessible to the whole population. He taught in synagogues, on hillsides, on boats. He healed the sick, performing wonders and miracles. He lifted His voice at the feasts, crying, “I am the living water. Come to Me, and I will satisfy your thirsty soul.” Anyone could draw near to Him and be satisfied. But our Lord’s invitation was mostly ignored. He cried over the people, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathered her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” ( Matthew 23:37). He was saying to Israel, “I’m here now, available to you. I’ve told you to come to me for healing and to have your needs met. But you won’t come.” How did Jesus respond to the people’s rejection of Him? He declared, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (23:38). The word Jesus uses for desolate here signifies loneliness, waste, unfruitfulness. He said, “Your church life, your household, your spiritual walk—they are all going to dry up and die.” Think about it. If parents don’t seek God daily, their children certainly won’t. Instead, their home will be filled with worldliness, spiritual barrenness, a loneliness beyond description. Eventually, that family will end up in total desolation. Keep in mind, Jesus spoke these warnings in a day of grace. He added, “Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 23:39). The meaning here is, “I’ve given you all the access you need to live an overcoming life. But you’ve ignored My offer. I’m sorry, but your decision is going to bring desolation to your life and home. And you won’t see Me again until eternity.” When was the last time you came to God to find everything you needed for life? Were you in trouble, facing a crisis with your family, your job, your health? There’s nothing wrong with appropriating access to God in times of severe need. Isaiah writes, “Lord, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them” (Isaiah 26:16). The Psalmist testifies, “I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble” (Psalm 142:1-2). Read this devotional online  Text only version of this devotional

THE END OF A FAMINE by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

THE END OF A FAMINE by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

THE END OF A FAMINE THE END OF A FAMINE By David Wilkerson       Published: 12/17/2014 - 12:00am In Ruth 1:6 we read, “The Lord had visited his people in giving them bread.” The word came to Naomi that the famine in Judah was over—that once again God had visited His people with plenty of bread  and blessings. Memories of past blessings flooded Naomi’s soul, and she began to yearn for the holy  place. She was sick of Moab and its idolatry and death. So “she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return . . . wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was . . . and they went on the way to return” (Ruth 1:6-7). Naomi’s daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, said good-bye to parents, friends, and family. They told their lifelong loved ones they would be gone for good, that they were going to Judah—a place where God was “visiting His people.” Today, once again the Lord is visiting His people! Once again a famine has ended! Here at Times Square Church and in other churches around the world, the pure Word of God is going forth. When the Lord visits His people, He “gives them bread.” During this last famine of the Word, while others fled to today’s Moab—worldliness, lethargy, coldness, pleasure, and success—a holy remnant has persevered. They endured the self-exaltation of TV evangelists, the sordid sensuality that swept into God’s house, the foolishness in the pulpit, and the mockery of backslidden Christians. They prayed, fasted, and interceded. And now the Lord has heard their cry and is visiting His people. Why is Times Square Church packed with hungry seekers? Because word has gotten out that God is here! People are hearing that a word from God is flowing. The same is true in other places, as the news spreads that a visitation of God is taking place. The famine is over! God has sent bread from heaven and if you haven't yet tasted it, then get out of Moab and go back to where God is visiting His people! This is what Naomi and her two daughters did. Their departure for the border of Judah represented a move toward the Lord. They were being drawn by the Spirit of God, attracted by the news of His visitation.   Today, in the same way, in the Spirit I see untold thousands heading home, back to the fullness of Christ—away from the hype, the emptiness of the gospel of ease and prosperity, the double standards and half-heartedness.     by David Wilkerson | December 17, 2014                                         [May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011]

THE MANIFESTATION OF HIS PRESENCE by David Wilkerson | October 3, 2013 [May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011]

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Moses sought God for a continual manifestation of His presence: "That I may know thee . . ." (Exodus 33:13). And God answered him, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest" (verse 14).

Moses' request would be quite enough for most believers. We all want the presence of God—leading us, guiding us, empowering us, blessing us. Really, what more could any believer desire? Yet having the assurance of God's presence was not enough for Moses. He knew there was more and he cried out, "I beseech thee, shew me thy glory" (verse 18).

God did show Moses His glory. But it did not appear in some luminous cloud or in an earthshaking demonstration of power. No, God expressed His glory in a simple revelation of His nature: "The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin" (Exodus 34:6-7). God's glory was a revelation of His goodness, mercy, love and compassion!

I have heard many Christians say, "Oh, how the glory of God came down in our church last night! There was such incredible praise, and people were slain by the Spirit." But that isn't proof of a manifestation of God's glory. It has nothing to do with God beyond human emotions. It doesn't include a revelation of who He is!

Some may argue, "But what about the disciples' experience on the Mount of Transfiguration? Wasn't that a manifestation of God's glory? There was an overpowering light and the miraculous appearance of Moses and Elijah."

But God's glory was not in Moses or Elijah or in the spectacular light. Rather, His glory was in Jesus: "His face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. . . . Behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:2 and 5).

God was saying, "Here is my glory personified—in Christ!" Indeed, Jesus is the fulfillment of all God said He was to Moses: gracious, merciful, longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression of sins. And now the Lord was saying, "Here is a living picture of My glory. It is all embodied in My Son!"
 

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TENACIOUS FAITH

David Wilkerson Today
A Ministry of World Challenge

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

TENACIOUS FAITH
by Gary Wilkerson

“Have I neglected to do something He has asked of me? I want nothing in my
life to hinder what God wants to do.”

God is forever bringing His people to this point. Why? Because before He can
bring about His best, He has to do something deep in us. He wants to give us
His victory, but He also wants our complete devotion.

The first six chapters of Joshua describe the glorious work God did among His
people over a few years’ time. Israel had just been freed after 400 years in
bondage. They had emerged from 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. And
after all this, God had blessed them. Now they were at the border of Canaan,
the land flowing with milk and honey He had promised them years before. So they
crossed over—and what happened? Immediately Joshua turned to the younger
generation of men and separated them unto God. Scripture uses the word
“circumcised” to describe their preparation, but the deeper meaning is,
“They were made ready.”

Why did Joshua do this? Now that they had crossed over, they faced the thick,
impenetrable walls of Jericho. Taking this enemy would be impossible for the
ragtag Israelites. Yet God was telling them, “I have blessed you these recent
years. You have experienced My incredible riches. But your work is not yet
finished.”

How did the Israelites prepare for this battle? They didn’t sharpen their
swords and shine their armor. Instead, the preparation took place inside their
hearts. God commanded them to circle the city singing songs, praying, and
waiting on Him. Finally, He had them raise up trumpets and issue a single
blast. In an instant, those mighty walls came tumbling down!

Joshua and his men then performed mighty exploits, defeating their enemies,
inheriting greater lands and seeing victories as never before. In fact, Joshua
did something even Moses did not do—he defeated thirty-one kings. That was a
tenfold increase over the number of kings Moses had defeated. I believe this is
a picture of what the Lord wants to do in all our lives. He wants to bring a
tenfold increase, pour out His Spirit in amazing ways, and have us believe He
wants to do it all. In short, He wants us to possess a tenacious, unwavering
faith.



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THIS IS THE VICTORY

David Wilkerson Today
A Ministry of World Challenge

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013

THIS IS THE VICTORY
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

“This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John
5:4).

Have you failed? Is there a sin that easily besets you? Do you feel like a
weakened coward, unable to get the victory over secret sin? But with that
weakness in you, is there also a consuming hunger for God? Do you yearn for
Him, reach to Him? That hunger and thirst is the key to your victory. That
makes you different from all others who have been guilty of failing God. That
sets you apart. You must keep that hunger alive. Keep thirsting after
righteousness. Never justify your weakness, never give in to it, and never
accept it as a part of your life.

Faith is your victory. Abraham had weaknesses; he lied, almost turning his wife
into an adulteress. But Abraham "believed God, and it was counted unto him as
righteousness." God refused to hold his sin against him—because he believed!

Sure, you have failed. Maybe yesterday—or even today! But do you believe
Jesus has the power to ultimately free you from sin's power? Do you believe the
cross of Jesus means sin's bondage is broken? Do you accept the fact that He has
promised to deliver you from the snare of Satan?

Let me tell you exactly where I believe the victory lies. Let your heart accept
all the promises of victory in Jesus. Then let your faith tell your heart, "I
may not be what I want to be yet but God is at work in me, and He has the power
to loose sin's hold on me. It may be little by little, but the day will come
when faith will conquer. I will not always be a slave. I am not the devil's
puppet and I will not be his victim. I am a weak child of God, wanting the
strength of Jesus. I am going to come forth as pure gold tried in the fire. God
is for me! I commit it all to Him who is able to keep me from falling and
present me faultless before the throne of God—with exceeding great joy."




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WHY IS IT HARD FOR CHRISTIANS TO PRAY?

David Wilkerson Today
A Ministry of World Challenge

TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2013

WHY IS IT HARD FOR CHRISTIANS TO PRAY?
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

Scripture makes it clear that the answer to everything in our lives is prayer
mixed with faith. The apostle Paul writes, "Be careful (anxious) for nothing;
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). Paul is telling us, "Seek
the Lord about every area of your life and thank Him ahead of time for hearing
you!"

Paul emphasizes that we are always to pray first and not as a last
resort—going to our friends first, then to a pastor or counselor, and finally
ending up on our knees. Jesus tells us, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and
his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew
6:33). We are to go to the Lord first!

Our ministry receives heartrending letters from multitudes of broken
Christians. Families are breaking up; people who walked faithfully with Christ
for years are living in fear and defeat. Each of these people has been overcome
by something—sin, depression, worldliness, covetousness—and year after year,
their problems seem to get worse.

Yet, what shocks me most about their letters is that very few of these
Christians ever mention prayer. They turn to tapes, books, counselors, call-in
radio programs, therapies of all kinds, but rarely to prayer.

Why is it so hard for Christians to seek God for their desperate needs when
they are in times of crisis? After all, the Bible stands as one long testimony
that God hears the cries of His children and answers them with tender love.

* "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto
their cry" (Psalms 34:15).
* "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all
their troubles" (verse 17).
* "This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing
according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us,
whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him"
(1 John 5:14-15).
* "All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall
receive" (Matthew 21:22).

These promises are overwhelming evidence of God's care.





Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/22287?src=devo-email


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HE MADE YOU NEW!

David Wilkerson Today
A Ministry of World Challenge

MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2013

HE MADE YOU NEW!
by Gary Wilkerson


Have you been set free? You probably think, “Of course! I’ve been washed,
redeemed, made holy by Jesus, and I live for Him. ”

Now here’s a follow-up question: Does your everyday life reflect the glorious
freedom you have just described? Would your friends, your spouse, your children
say you’ve been set free? Or are you like multitudes of Christians who feel
they are on a spiritual seesaw? Is your walk with Christ continually up and
down, seemingly spiritual one moment and carnal the next?

We accept by faith the great truths about Jesus’ work for us—salvation,
redemption, sanctification, deliverance. Yet for many of us, these are
“spiritual truths” that exist in another world. We sing and rejoice at
church each week over what Jesus has done for us—but is His gift of freedom a
reality in our daily lives?

At times we all struggle to remain pure in thoughts and actions. Maybe this
week you said something unkind to your spouse and you have been stewing,
“What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I be a blessing in my marriage?”

Whenever we fail in our walk with God, we wonder, “Has God really set me
free?” Perhaps at times you even question your salvation. Friend, that
isn’t freedom. So what does it mean to really be set free in Christ? The
first evidence of this comes from Jesus, who says, “Which of you by being
anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? . . . Seek first the kingdom
of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you”
(Matthew 6:27, 33, ESV).

Christ offers the same words to all of us who fret about our spiritual lives:
Do not be anxious! It does not matter how broken down you feel about your walk
with Him. He declares, “You are a new creation” (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).
The moment you chose to follow Jesus, He made you new—and that never changes.
Even when you think you have strayed too far, Jesus says the opposite:
“Don’t be anxious. I have provided everything for you to have fellowship
with Me.”





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STRENGTH TO STAND

David Wilkerson Today
A Ministry of World Challenge

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2013

STRENGTH TO STAND
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Without it, we have no
power to stand. Beloved, we must be on guard, because guilt and condemnation
over sin absolutely destroy the joy of the Lord!

Many Christians are in this bondage right now. They fail to accept full and
free pardon and believe they have no right to be joyful. Throughout Scripture,
God pours out His oil of gladness on those who have learned to hate their sin
and love His righteousness. That's what the Word says of Jesus: "Thou hast
loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath
anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows" (Hebrews 1:9)

People who have laid down their sins and are walking with the Lord may have a
struggle that is yet unsettled. But there is such a drawing toward the Lord in
them, such a hunger, that the outcome is inevitable: they will have joy!

Suppose Jesus appears in the flesh, dressed as an ordinary man, and sits next
to you. A wounded, defeated Christian, wearing a look of gloom, guilt,
condemnation and fear, you fail to recognize Him as He begins to talk to you:

"Do you really love the Lord?" He asks.
You probably would answer, "Very much so!"
"You've sinned, haven't you?"
"Y-y-yes," you answer.
"Do you believe He forgives all who confess and turn from their sin?"
"Yes, but . . . I'm sorry, sir. I believe I've hurt my Savior, truly wounded
Him."
"If you’ve confessed, why haven't you received His forgiveness??"
"I've done it so many times!"
"Do you believe He will forgive 499 times—each time you confess and repent?"
"Yes."
"Do you hate your sin? Do you still want Him?"
"Oh, yes!"
"Then why are you letting the devil rob you of the victory of the cross, the
power of the blood of the Lamb? Why aren't you appropriating His joy and
looking up?"

Beloved, don't quit and give up your joy in the Lord. You have a right to
praise Him—to sing, shout and be happy in the Lord—because you have a
Father who forgives!

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012

STAND STILL AND WAIT
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

God speaks to His people by the voice of His Spirit: "Thine ears shall hear a
word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the
right hand, and when ye turn to the left" (Isaiah 30:21).

The voice of His Spirit comes to us primarily through the Scriptures. He may
open up a biblical passage that will be the key to our deliverance. But before
we can hear His voice of direction, God requires something of us: We are to
stand still and wait for Him to act.

This word is not a suggestion but a commandment. It is the secret to our total
victory and deliverance. Indeed, the Lord commanded His people to stand still
on many occasions.

In Joshua 3 we read of another crossing Israel had to make, at the Jordan
River. God instructed the people: "When ye are come to the brink of the water
of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan" (Joshua 3:8). Then the Lord added:
"As soon as the soles of the feet of the priests . . . shall rest in the waters
of Jordan . . . the waters of Jordan shall be cut off . . . and they shall stand
upon an heap" (verse 13).

God was saying, "When you get to the water, plant your feet in it and just
stand there. Be still, rest. Just wait for Me to act and I will part the waters
for you!"

The Hebrew word for stand still in this passage means "stop all activity, cease
all striving." Yet, how many Israelites obeyed when they came to the Jordan? As
they stood with their feet in the water, many must have thought, "How do we
know this is going to work?"

Some might have been tempted to build some sort of pontoon bridge and try to
get across on their own ingenuity. But that would have been in vain.

God did act on that occasion — He parted the waters. Israel's act of
obedience was accompanied by faith — and God answered their faith!




Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/19925?src=devo-email

HOW CAN WE KNOW THE WAY?

David Wilkerson Today

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

HOW CAN WE KNOW THE WAY?
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

It must have shocked Jesus to hear Thomas say, "Lord, we know not whither thou
goest; and how can we know the way?" (John 14:5). Thomas was really saying,
"Jesus, You speak so intimately about going to Your Father, but we don't know
Him as You do. How can we know the way to the Father?"

This was a confession. Thomas was admitting, "Lord, we know You. We've been
intimate with You for the past three years, but we have no revelation of who
the Father is — of His love, His care, His tenderness. Please, before You go,
show us the Father." Yet, that is just what Jesus had been doing for the past
three years. His disciples had missed the revelation.

If we fully understand that we have a loving, caring heavenly Father, why would
we ever be downcast when the enemy comes against us? Why would we despair over a
financial burden that seems overwhelming? Why would we wonder why we cannot seem
to get victory over a besetting sin?

Listen carefully to Jesus' answer to Thomas. It has everything to do with us:
"If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also" (John 14: 7).

Then Philip speaks up: "Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us" (verse
8). Jesus could not believe what He was hearing. You can almost hear the
incredulity in His voice as He answers Philip: "Have I been so long time with
you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the
Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" (verse 9).

In other words: "Thomas, Philip, my precious disciples, how can you ask this?
You say you know Me, that we are intimate. Yet how could you miss the
revelation I have spent the past three years giving you? Don't you yet see that
all the mighty works I did were the Father in Me revealing who He is, what He is
like, what He wants to be to you? All I taught you was from His heart, not
Mine."

Jesus' whole life was an illustrated sermon. Day by day, with every miracle He
performed and every parable He taught, He was expressing who the Father is. And
He sent His Holy Spirit so His followers could do even greater works and keep
revealing the Father's love to new generations.
 

Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/19267?src=devo-email

NEVER FORGET WHAT HE DID FOR YOU
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

Jesus told a parable about a servant who had been forgiven a great debt
(Matthew 18:23-35). This man found grace and mercy with his master but then he
took that grace and mercy for granted. Immediately after he was forgiven, he
went out and began to choke a man who owed him a small, insignificant amount,
demanding, "Pay me what you owe me!" When the debtor asked the man for mercy,
the man refused and had the debtor jailed.

Why was this man so judgmental? Why did he lack mercy? It was because he did
not consider his own unworthiness. He did not understand how hopeless and
exceedingly sinful his own life was. He did not appreciate the danger he had
been in, how close to death he had been before he'd been shown mercy. When the
master found out what the ungrateful man had done to the other debtor, he had
him thrown into jail for life.

While I was working on this message, the Lord stopped me and said, "David,
forget your message right now. I want to talk to you about your judgmental
spirit, your lack of mercy."

I thought, "Me, Lord? I'm one of the most merciful preachers in America." But
He began to review all the things I had said to young preachers, things I had
blurted out sharply. Then He reminded me of all the insensitive things I'd said
to people who had failed, people I'd given up on.

That session absolutely wiped me out. I wept before the Lord. When I asked God
how this could be, He answered, "You've forgotten what I did for you, the
incredible mercy I showed you. How many times did I dig you out of something
that could have destroyed you? You wouldn't be here without My mercy."

Beloved, before you can offer mercy to someone else, you must look at the pit
where you would be without God's mercy. Only then can you say, "Oh, God, I know
what You did for me and You can do the same for my friend who is in sin. At one
time I was just as wicked in Your sight. I can't judge this friend, because You
had mercy on me."

That is where you must begin!

Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/19093?src=devo-email

FULL OF HOPE

David Wilkerson Today

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

FULL OF HOPE
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

Joshua and Caleb were among the twelve spies sent to spy out the Promised Land.
They didn't shed tears, bemoaning the conditions they had found. Rather, they
rejoiced after searching out the land and came back full of hope, faith and
vision.

Do you know Christians like this? They are always rejoicing. You know they are
enduring awful trials, yet they seem to know how to get hold of God in the
midst of their situation.

What about you? Are you always down, always complaining? Perhaps your personal
problems or family situations have possessed you and eaten up your soul.
Beloved, no matter what you are going through, you are precious to God. If you
come to Him with a repentant heart and a hungry soul, He will give you His
vision and hope.

Joshua and Caleb had a revelation of their value in God's eyes and they knew
Israel was special to the Lord. That was the key to their hopeful, victorious
spirit. Joshua said, "If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into
this land, and give it us" (Numbers 14:8). In other words, "Because He delights
in us, we are as good as in the land already."

This is the same revelation David had: "He brought me out and delivered me
because He delighted in me." Likewise, every victorious Christian today has
this same revelation of the loving heavenly Father: "We can't fail! All our
enemies are meat for us, because we are precious to the Lord. He delights in
us."

Let me reveal to you the great mercy of God in the preaching of Joshua and
Caleb. Israel had spent the night in rebellion, wallowing in unbelief, weeping
as though God had forsaken them, and finally appointing a captain to lead them
back to Egypt. Yet the Lord sent Joshua and Caleb to them and they told the
people, "In spite of your night of confusion — in spite of all your misery
and complaining — God delights in you. He will lead you forward. Fear not,
for you are precious to Him" (see Numbers 14:9).

Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/18866?src=devo-email

DOES GOD AFFLICT HIS CHILDREN?

David Wilkerson Today

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

DOES GOD AFFLICT HIS CHILDREN?
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

Does God afflict His own children? Listen to the psalmist's answer: "For thou,
O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest
us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to
ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest
us out into a wealthy place" (Psalm 66:10-12).

The psalmist is saying, "Lord, You put me in waters so high over my head that I
thought I would drown. You put me into the fire, to try me as silver is tried.
You brought me into a net, laid affliction on me, caused men to trounce on me!"

Why did God allow such afflictions? It was because He was bringing His beloved
child into a "wealthy place." In the original Hebrew this phrase means "a place
of abundant fruitfulness." God is saying, "I'm taking you through all these hard
places to make you fruitful for My kingdom."

Yet not all afflictions are from the hand of God. Many troubles come from the
devil himself, straight from the pits of hell. "For he [God] doth not afflict
willingly nor grieve the children of men" (Lamentations 3:33). God says, "I get
no joy out of afflicting My children. That is not My purpose in allowing
troubles." No, the Lord allows our afflictions only for His eternal purposes,
to bring us into a "wealthy place."

I cringe with amazement as I remember all the sorrows, trials, deep waters,
flaming fires and powerful afflictions I have seen over the years. And usually
when afflictions came, they came not just one at a time, but in bundles. Many
times I thought, "There is no way I can make it through this." Even the
memories of afflictions are painful — memories of slander, chastenings of the
Lord, ministry trials, personal buffetings, family problems, bodily pains and
aches. Yet, as I recall those years of suffering, I can say with assurance,
"God's Word is true. He brought me out of every affliction that came upon me
and I praise Him!"

Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/18497?src=devo-email

ARE YOU READY TO FIGHT?

Hello everyone, as I read this message, I was encouraged to share it with you. If you would like more of these messages, at the buttom is a link of the site you can subscribe to the devotionals  "Of David Wilkerson today". May God Bless you.

David Wilkerson Today

MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

ARE YOU READY TO FIGHT?
by Gary Wilkerson

Don’t settle for partial victories just because you are weary, frustrated or
feeling helpless. God never stops at half a victory. The moment you feel so
tired you can’t take one more step is often the moment He is about to give
the greatest victory — when the breakthrough is about to come.

The church is not meant to be composed of masses and crowds who want comfort,
pleasure and everything handed to them on a silver platter. The church is meant
to be like “Gideon’s 300,” warriors who say, “God, I know this is going
to be a fight. I know it is going to be wearisome and will even cause tears to
flow but, God, I’m with You in this battle!”

You may feel that you have prayed the last prayer you’re ever going to be
able to pray about the need that is pressing you. You are exhausted but you
must stay in the fight. Don’t stop praying and don’t give up. Yes, it has
been a long day! Nighttime is coming and inside you are saying, “It’s time
for me to sleep.”  But instead God says, “No, no, the fight is just
starting.”

What has happened to the all-night prayer meetings in churches? What has
happened to people waiting on God? What has happened to people who fast and
pray for a breakthrough?

The church was called into battle. It was not begun just to have good services
and a nice building with lights that go off and on during the music. That’s
not why we’re here! We are here to do battle against the gates of hell
because we have a promise that hell will not prevail (Matthew 16:18). We do not
have a promise that it won’t be strenuous or that all we have to do is whisper
and the gates of hell will not prevail. No! There is going to be a battle and
Satan is not going to give up easily — but we have a promise.

It’s going to take a battle! Are you ready to fight?
 

Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/18436?src=devo-email

YOU CAN OUTRUN CHARIOTS

Hello Everyone, I wanted to share this daily devotional I received today. It is such a blessing.

David Wilkerson Today

MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

YOU CAN OUTRUN CHARIOTS
by Gary Wilkerson

Jezreel was known as a city of chariots. It excelled in warfare because of its
vast fleet of iron vehicles made for swift movement in battle. Chariots
represent the strength of man. They signify the power to speed ahead with great
agility, the ability to accomplish something through a powerful, dominating
resource.

Today there is a "chariot lifestyle" — one of comfort and ease, where all our
needs are provided. If we need something, we write a check for it. If we want to
do something, we go ahead and do it.

To a Christian, the chariot lifestyle can have great appeal. In the world's
standard of success, we see impressive "chariots" and "stallions." These are
the means, the material wealth, that provide people with ease, security and
comfort at all times.

But the servant of God does not seek those things primarily. Instead, he seeks
to obey his Master's voice and pursue the concerns of His kingdom. The
Christian learns early in his faith walk that by pursuing the Lord first, "all
these things will be added to him" (Matthew 6:33).

This same believer sometimes may find himself without the needed resources to
do certain things for his family. He doesn't see his calling or ministry being
fulfilled, so he is tempted to think, "The resources are out there, and the
world is using them to great effect but I don't have any of them. I need them
to accomplish God's work. How can I get hold of them?"

Elijah knew better than to look to the world's resources. Imagine the scene as
he addressed King Ahab. There stood the king, perched high in his brilliant
chariot, towering over the lowly prophet. Yet Elijah spoke boldly to Ahab:
“Prepare your chariot and go down” (1 Kings 18:44, ESV).

Next we read, "The hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his
garment and ran before Ahab to . . . Jezreel" (1 Kings 18:46). God's man outran
a chariot over a distance of many miles! How did Elijah accomplish this? The
phrase "gathered up his garment" means, essentially, “to gird up your
loins” which means that he prepared himself.

The apostle Paul tells us we have been called by God to run a race. Peter
refers to this race also when he tells us to gird up the loins of our mind.
He's saying we need to prepare ourselves for the contest by reinforcing our
belief and trust in the Lord. When you see chariots in front of you carrying
people swiftly toward their goals, don't despair. Do not be dismayed at the
power they have and you lack. God has a different way for you. When you set
your eyes on the Father and let His powerful hand come upon you, you too can
outrun chariots.

Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/18242?src=devo-email

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