John Eldredge: Bedtime Prayer from Walking With God

My dear Lord Jesus, I come to you now to be restored in you, to be renewed in you, to receive your love and life, to take refuge in you. I honor you as my Sovereign, and I surrender every aspect of my life totally and completely to you. I give you my body, soul and spirit; my heart, mind, and will. I cover myself with your blood, and I ask your Holy Spirit to restore my union with you, renew me in you, and lead me in this time of prayer. [Sometimes I add “my imagination” or “my sexuality” if I sense consecration is needed there. And because we have children, we consecrate our sons as well.]

I bring the kingdom of God and the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ over my home, my bedroom, my sleeping—all through the hours of this night and the new day. I bring the full work of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout my home tonight—the atmosphere in every room, over every object and furnishing, all media, throughout the ceilings, walls, and floors and all places in them, from the land beneath to the roof above and to the borders of my domain.

And in the authority of Jesus Christ I bring the full work of Jesus between me and all people now—their spirits,souls, and bodies, their sin and warfare. [I name those people now.] I command the judgment of the Lord Jesus Christ on every foul power and black art. I bring the cross and the blood of Christ, I bring his resurrection and life, his authority and rule and dominion against every hex, vex, and incantation. Against every spell, all rituals, and all ritual devices, all satanic rituals and satanic ritual devices.Against every vow, dedication, and sacrifice. Against every word, every judgment, and every curse. I send it all to the abyss in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and in his name.

I now bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fullness of his work against Satan and his kingdom. I bring the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ against every foul and unclean spirit—every ruler, power, authority, and spiritual force of wickedness [Ephesians 6:12]. I command all foul and unclean spirits bound from my home and from my household [remember,“bind the strong man”], together with all their underlings, backups,and replacements, in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and in his name.

I announce the kingdom of God over my home and my house this night. I summon the angels of the Lord Jesus Christ and ask them to build a shield of protection around me and my home [Hebrews 1:14]. I ask your Spirit to fill my home with your presence and to go forth and raise up prayer and intercession for me this night. All this I pray in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to his glory. Amen.

Source: Ransomed Heart Ministries by John Eldredge

The Daily Verse: Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Jesus' words here don't say "toughen up and press through your difficult circumstances alone." If you're going through a time of grief, mourning, sadness, heartache - be reminded that he says you'll be comforted. Don't beat yourself up if you need to lean on Him - that's what He wants you to do.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

Boyd Bailey: Angel of God…

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20

There is angelic activity in the unseen world of spiritual activity. These creations of God carry spiritual significance in your life, as they serve as God’s messengers and His protectors. They helped Joseph overcome his fears by assuring him that the Holy Spirit was the creator of his circumstances, therefore God had a greater purpose at work.

Do you look for evidence of angelic work around you? Have you considered that Christ has created your circumstances for His greater purpose? We know Jesus had thousands of angels at His side waiting to engage the enemy, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). Angels are at the Almighty’s disposal to come to your aide.

Furthermore there are good and bad angels that vie for your attention. Once an angelic emissary presented to God, but Satan was in the mix, “One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them” (Job 1:6). Demons seek to accuse and destroy you with lies, while angels from the Lord lace their language with truth and hope. What voice do you consider when you feel pressure and fear?

Thank God for your guardian angels, but do not take them for granted, or use them as an excuse for foolish behavior. “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…” (Psalm 91:11). Reckless living is not an excuse for the deployment of heavenly help. The devil attempted to lure Jesus into presuming on His Heavenly Father’s favor during a time of weakness, but He resisted him with Scripture.

“Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:" 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' ”Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' (Matthew 4:5-7)"

Angels are your confidence and security that Christ is in control. Take comfort in knowing that the enemy is being engaged on your behalf by a superior force and firepower. Use the Bible as your weapon of choice, as Satan and His demons cringe and retreat at the sight of truth. Indeed, look out for and listen to the angelic voices in others.

Am I aware of and grateful to God for His angels who surround and protect my family and me? Do I lean into the Lord, His word and angelic support when confronting Satan?

Related Readings: Genesis 19:15; Psalm 78:49; Matthew 13:49; Acts 23:8

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

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My thoughts!
Amazing and comforting thoughts:

1. Angels are at the Almighty’s disposal to come to your aide.
2. Thank God for your guardian angels, but do not take them for granted, or use them as an excuse for foolish behavior. “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…” (Psalm 91:11).
3. Angels are your confidence and security that Christ is in control. Take comfort in knowing that the enemy is being engaged on your behalf by a superior force and firepower.

The Daily Verse: Exodus 17:12

But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. Exodus 17:12

The people of Israel defeated their enemies, the Amalekites, by the hand of God working through Moses, Aaron and Hur. Though Moses played the lead role in the scene, Aaron and Hur, who held his hands up when he grew weary, were just as important. Whether you're in Moses' shoes or those of Aaron and Hur, be reminded that you play a vital role in the manifestation of God's work.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

Boyd Bailey: A Sensitive Husband…

“Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” Matthew 1:19

Men in general and husbands in particular can lack sensitivity, unless the Holy Spirit tames them with truth. A husband can be so caught up in winning that he loses the respect of his wife. Husbands have to work at being sensitive, while it seems to come more naturally for their wives. However, husbands who are sensitive to God learn sensitivity with their spouse. When the Holy Spirit harnesses a man’s heart, sensitivity accompanies his actions.

Does sensitivity mean a passive and weak husband? On the contrary, it frees a man to hear from God and administer grace to his wife and children. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). Sensitivity means a husband prays for his wife, he listens to her heart, offers gentle advice, values who’s she is and he encourages her with patient love.

A sensitive husband loves his wife in an understanding way. “In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together” (1 Peter 3:7a NLT). A husband who walks in humility is a life long student of how to love his bride. He understands that her needs change with each season of life, and he is able to apply his understanding love at her point of need.

Therefore, husbands speak privately to your wife with sensitivity and grace. Never publically disgrace or embarrass her. Learn from her the art of sensitive living. Moreover, wives trust the Lord to mold your husband into being a godly man. Win them over with character not craftiness; “Your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives” (1 Peter 3:1b NLT).

Practice the presence of God in everyday life and you will become sensitized by the Holy Spirit’s calming affect. It is that gentle work of the Spirit in your soul that grows gentle giants for God. Sensitivity is strength not weakness, wisdom not foolishness, humility not pride and love not judgment. Sensitive souls seek God first before they react in anger.

Listen to Jesus respond to a hard heart with a sensitive spirit, “Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Mark 10:21).

How can I love and lead my wife with sensitivity and love? How can I model for my husband what it looks like to be sensitive, and to love in an understanding way?

Related Readings: Genesis 19:14; Deuteronomy 20:7; 1 Corinthians 7:36; Hebrews 13:4

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: Philippians 4:11,12

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:11,12

Don't allow your circumstances to determine your level of contentment. Rather, allow your contentment to influence your circumstances.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

Boyd Bailey: Engaged To Marry…

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together she was found to be with child though the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:18

Marriage engagement is an exciting and sobering time. It is exciting because of the anticipation of being together with the one you believe God has destined for you to live with for the rest of your life. It is sobering because of the responsibility to love and care for another person in an unselfish and giving way. Indeed, the engagement period is preparation for marriage. For example, use this window of time to pay off debt and heal any fractured relationships.

Wise young couples are not just infatuated with each other and the upcoming wedding, but they are also practical to prepare for marriage. They may enroll in classes on money management from a Biblical perspective, or invest time in completing and discussing a marriage assessment around everyday issues like parenting, spiritual leadership, finances, conflict resolution, decision-making, communication, and sex. Pre-marital instruction and application can save couples from unnecessary conflict down the marriage road.

Furthermore, wise couples pray for a mentor couple that can shepherd their relationship during this engagement time, meeting with them over dinner or coffee and listening to their lessons learned during their years of marriage and managing expectations. Be wise to spend much more time in marriage preparation than in wedding planning. One is an event that is over in a few hours, while the other is how you plan to spend the rest of your life together.

Lastly, Christ is the cornerstone of any engagement. Keep Him front and center in your conversations and decision-making. Ask Him for the grace to communicate with people who may have agendas different from your dream wedding. Make sure your wedding ceremony honors Jesus Christ by keeping the content grounded in Scripture, and that the look and the feel of the service honor the Lord. The marriage engagement time is God’s gift to prepare your heart, your mind, your soul, your relationships, your finances and your faith.

How can I best prepare my heart, mind and finances for marriage? Who is a mentor couple that can invest in us during our engagement and on into our marriage?

Related Readings: Genesis 19:14; Deuteronomy 20:7; 1 Corinthians 7:36; Hebrews 13:4

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey