A Word In Due Season
1st Week of July 2011

07/01/11
TRUTH BRINGS FREEDOM

Scripture:  John 8:32  "You will know the truth and the truth will make you free."

The devil desires to hold us in bondage by deception so he works on our minds like he did with Adam and Eve in the garden and with Jesus in the wilderness.  He deceived Adam and Eve by telling them that they would become wise like God if they ate the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.  Satan also attempted to deceive Jesus by offering Him the kingdoms of the world if He would just bow down and worship him.

In this same way, the devil tries every tactic to destroy our faith and lure us away from God's truth by telling us that we need to be free.  He points out that the grass is greener on the other side and entices us to step over.  He makes promises, but never tells us the true consequences of our responses.  He tempts us in the areas that we are most vulnerable, trying to destroy our trust in God's laws and boundaries.  At some point, the door opens, a grand temptation presents itself, and we have a choice to make, God's way or our way.

This story illustrates the problems that we face when we get out from under God's laws and boundaries.  A family was crossing the Atlantic on an ocean liner.  They took their bird with them and secured him in a cage for a safe voyage where he was sheltered, fed, and cared for.  Along the way he was even petted and loved because he was precious to the family.  However, the bird desired to be free and wanted to enjoy a more exciting life.  He felt he was capable of exploring the ocean on his own and when the opportunity presented itself, he left his cage.  He began to soar away from all that he thought was bondage.  He enjoyed his release for a season, but after awhile, he began to experience the consequences of his choice.  The winds became stronger the further he flew from his cage.  There was no place to rest, no food, no shelter, and no one to hold and love him.  He found himself overcome with fear and anxiety as he tried to figure out how to solve his problems.  He discovered that the boundaries of his master were not so bad after all.  He made his way back to the ship, his cage, and a very happy family.

Like this example, the laws and boundaries of God are not meant to deprive us of any good thing.  They are given to us for our benefit and for reasons that we may not understand.  God's boundaries separate us from sin and death and give us life (Romans 8:2).  When we step out of God's boundaries, we leave His covering and we forfeit our promise of provision, protection, and rest.  We step into the area where the law of sin and death rule.  Like the bird that left his cage, anxiety and fear attack us and our problems begin to overwhelm us.  Yet, even in our darkness, our Father never stops loving us and continually waits and watches for our return.  We must understand that the world has no true freedom to offer.  It is God's truth that sets us free and when the Son makes us free, we are free indeed (John 8:36).  +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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A Word In Due Season
2nd Week of July 2011

07/04/11
BLESSED NATION

Scripture:  Psalms 33:12  "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."

The fifty-six men who signed our Declaration of Independence, which was approved on July 4, 1776, committed an act of treason against the British Crown.  As they signed this incredible Declaration, they mutually pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.  Of those who signed, two became Presidents of the United States, three became Vice Presidents, and several others became either State Governors or U. S. Senators.  However, there were many signers who suffered greatly.  Four died of wounds from the war and five were imprisoned.  Several lost their wives and children as their homes were attacked.

The oldest signer of the Declaration was 70 year old Benjamin Franklin, whose faith was strong in God.  Speaking of God, He said:

       "Have we now forgotten this powerful Friend?
        Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?
        I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live,
            the more convincing proofs I see of this truth --
            that God governs in the affairs of men.
        And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice,
            is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?
        We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings,
            that 'except the Lord build the house,
            they labor in vain that build it.'
        I firmly believe this."

Benjamin Franklin was convinced that all was vain unless the Lord was God and Builder of this nation.  The freedom we enjoy has been purchased with tears and blood.  We have reaped the noble sacrifice of these brave men, and every American life has been touched by the document they signed.  Because of their sacrifice, we have experienced a "Blessed nation whose God is the Lord ... And we are STILL one nation, under God. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/05/11
DON'T GET WEARY

Scripture: Galatians 6:9 "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Weariness and discouragement are two of Satan's strongest devises. He may not succeed in tempting you to do something evil, but he knows that if he can discourage you long enough, he will wear you out and that will cause you to give up. If you give up, then you will fail to reap what God has ordained for you. Daniel 7:25 says, "The devil shall speak great words against the most High and shall wear out the saints of the most High."

Because you are a child of the most High, Satan's goal is to wear you out by speaking great words contrary to what God has spoken to you. It's the same method that he used on Adam and Eve. He comes to you with discouraging thoughts and words that plant questions in your mind, "Hath God said?" He tried the same thing on Jesus, questioning Him, "If you be the Son of God..." The devil continued tempting Jesus until he saw that he couldn't wear Jesus out. He then left Jesus for a season. Satan doesn't give up easily. His plan was to come back at a more opportune time. He uses the same strategy on us. However, Paul told us to put on the whole armor of God and stand against the wiles or strategies of the devil. This word 'stand' in this instance means to stand and get ready for the next battle. Our conflict with Satan will not be over until Jesus returns and takes us home.

Jeremiah 12:5 says, "If you have run with footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with the horses?" In other words, if you can't make it when things are easy, how do you expect to make it when things get really rough? Life is not always going to be easy. With every assignment that God appoints to you, there comes a challenge. You can either faint and give up or finish the course. The choice is yours, but if you intend to reap God's rewards you must complete the season. You must run the last step if you expect to finish the race. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/06/11
MATCHING SHOES

Scripture: Isaiah 52:7 (NLT) "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!"

The prophet Isaiah declared that the feet of the messengers who bring good news are considered to be beautiful. Their words of good news offer peace, salvation, and a sure confirmation that God is sovereign and that He reigns over all this Earth and also in the personal lives of mankind. This is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and there is no better news. When Jesus was born, the angels declared, "Peace on Earth." And when the Apostle Paul listed the important items of our spiritual armor, he included a covering for our feet. He said, "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News" (Ephesians 6:15). He knew the importance of walking in peace and recognized that no spiritual battle could be won when the mind was in disarray and confusion.

In the natural, correct shoes are necessary for every day of life, but particularly for times of battle because there is no sitting down or resting your feet on the battlefield. You can't engage in battle with two left boots or two right boots on your feet. It will cause you to be clumsy and slow. Neither can you stand properly or walk very far with your boots or shoes on the wrong feet. It will make you miserable and tire you out. And if there is just a slight difference in the height of the two shoes, it will cause discomfort and throw your spine out of alignment, affecting your entire back and body. Irregular shoes or boots will be a great hindrance in your every day walk but more so when you are engaged in a battle.

Our spiritual walk is the same, we must make sure that we have matching shoes. Not just for our own benefit, but also for the world that is watching our lives. We are a book that is read of all men. They can tell if we have two left shoes on and they can also discern if we have an odd match. We can't allow ourselves to wear one shoe of peace and another shoe of confusion. We can't have one shoe that walks in faith and the other that treads about in doubt. We can't speak of goodness at the same time that we act unkindly towards others. We can't have one shoe of love and one of bitterness. We can't speak words of grace and blessings at the same time that we are criticizing and cursing. We can't pretend to be patient when the world is looking at our uncontrolled temper. We can't act in obedience if one of our feet is walking in rebellion and disobedience anymore than we can stand in darkness while we are standing in the light. Both feet must agree on the direction they intend to take and they must be properly fitted for the walk. The Lord has made it very plain. If we want our feet and our personal walk with the Lord to be considered beautiful in the eyes of others, we must bring the good news of peace and salvation, the news that God reigns. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/07/11
STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

Scripture: I Kings 19:7 "... the journey is too great for you."

God created us and gave us common sense so that we could take care of ourselves. Yet many times, we fail to do this. Eventually without the proper nourishment and rest that we need, we tend to become discouraged mentally and often collapse physically. When we continually neglect ourselves, the journey becomes too great for us. And when we extend our energies to the breaking point, we find ourselves wanting to give up. Even professional counselors tell us that our problems will look totally different and diminish in our minds when we exercise, rest, and get proper nourishment.

In I Kings, chapter eighteen, Elijah stood from morning to noon watching the prophets of Baal try to call down fire from heaven, and then from noon to the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prepared an altar for God. He took twelve stones and built the altar. He put wood upon it and cut the sacrificial bull into pieces and placed it upon the altar. He dug a trench around the altar and had twelve barrels of water poured upon it. He then called down fire from heaven, which consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and all the water. After this, he participated in killing the 450 prophets of Baal that had challenged God. He then knelt down and prayed seven times until the promise of rain came. When the clouds began to form, he ran seventeen miles from Mt. Carmel to Jezreel and even outran Ahab's chariot.

At the end of all of this, when Jezebel threatened Elijah's life, he went a day's journey into the wilderness to escape. I Kings 19:4 records that Elijah finally became so worn out that he told God, "I've had enough; Take away my life. I've got to die sometime, and it might as well be now." God recognized the real problem. Rather than taking Elijah's life, God responded to his prayer by allowing him to rest and He sent angels to nourish Elijah with food and water. The angels said, "Arise and eat, the journey is too great for you." Elijah was tired and ready to quit, but God was not through with him. God was planning to send him forth to do another great work.

Many times in life's battles, we reach this point and feel that God must be finished with us. It seems that our greatest work is behind us and our exhaustion tells us that we can't go on. There is just no strength left in our weary bodies, and like Elijah, we just want to quit. My friend, do not give up, for God is not finished with you yet. Daniel 7:25 tells us that Satan's work is to "defy the Most High God and wear down the saints with persecution." Your battle may seem as severe as Elijah or even Job's. You may have lost your property, health, friends, and children. Your spouse may even be encouraging you to curse God and die. Your job may be demanding all of your energies. Your strength may be gone and it may seem that you have nothing left to give, but remember that Satan is simply trying to wear you down. You must resist him and find rest in God, for without God's help, the journey will indeed be too great for you. However, as you cease from your own labors and allow God to minister to you both spiritually and physically, you will find strength for your journey. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/08/11
DEAD SNAKE

Scripture: Luke 9:1 "He called His twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils."

 A few days ago I had one of those mornings that you have every now and then. The electrical power had gone off during a storm the night before, which caused my alarm clock to shut off. When I woke up the next day, I tried to hurry through my morning routine in order to not be late, but then I noticed that there was a snake on my front porch. I ran to the garage to get the shovel so that I could kill it but discovered that the lights had not come back on in the garage. I had to fumble around in the semi darkness and deal with the switches in the fuse box so that I could turn the power back on. I must confess that the fuse box intimidates and frightens me. I dreaded having to deal with it, so I prayed and finally overcame the mental challenge. I turned the lights back on, found the shovel, and went back to battle the snake. But to my surprise, when I started trying to kill it, I discovered that it was already dead. All of my fears were to no avail. I supposed one of the neighborhood stray cats had done the job for me.

After all the confusion, panic, and fear was over, I thought about how many times we face these same sorts of challenges in the spirit. The enemy surrounds us with confusion and darkness and then gives us a frightening vision of what he can do to our lives. He boldly threatens unemployment and financial ruin. He gives symptoms of debilitating and life threatening diseases. He tells us that our relationships with those we love are in jeopardy. He emphasizes every one of our weaknesses and assures us that we will never be able to accomplish our goals. He even tries to scare us with the weather and the world news. Fear is his main strategy and all he has to do is make his lies look real. Even a dead or plastic snake can be frightening.

After I thought on these matters, I recalled our true position in the spiritual realm, for God did not create us to live in fear of the devil. God's word says that He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. God has given us spiritual power and authority over all devils and there is nothing that can touch our lives unless God allows it. Yet, too often, we panic and run around in confusion and darkness as we try to fight the battles that the devil brings to our door. Just looking at the problems that are before us cause fear in our soul because the devil's threats look so real. We fail to remember that he has already been defeated by the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us. Jesus said, "It is finished!" He came to give us abundant life and the battle was won on Calvary. His work is complete and available to us today. If we can keep our minds stayed on Jesus when the enemy presents himself, we can have peace in every situation. The victory belongs to us, so let us remember who we are in Christ and understand that the devil is just a dead snake. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
www.widsonline.com
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A Word In Due Season
3rd Week of July 2011

07/11/11
THE ACCUSER

Scripture: Revelation 12:10 "For the accuser of our brothers is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."

The enemy of our soul works overtime in the department of accusations. He is at our heart's door continually reminding of us of our present sins and past failures regardless of how little or how great they may be. He leaves nothing undone because he knows the negative effect his words of condemnation will have upon us. He does not speak with truth and the thoughts that he plants in our minds become mental hurdles that we have to overcome. His reminders become heavy weights and burdens as we attempt to run the race that God has set before us.

Several times in my life, I have had a recurring memory of an incident that happened when I was a child. I was walking home from school and I took a strawberry from the garden that was near the road. It wasn't a sudden thing. My actions were premeditated. I had to go out of my way and walk around the block slowly so that everyone else would be gone and not see me when I came back to take the strawberry. Taking the strawberry sounds so much better than stealing it. That memory became a stronghold in my mind because I had never dealt with my deed. That was over fifty-five years ago and it still grieved my spirit. It is true that I have done many other things that are far worst since then, but I have always been quick to confess my sins and find forgiveness in the eyes of the Lord. When I have confessed my sins, God has always been faithful to forgive me and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. He washes me whiter than snow and I am never plagued with guilt. I didn't know this truth when I was a young child but I now realize that I was having this recurring memory because, in all of these years, I had never confessed this sin, nor asked forgiveness for it.

The devil was always there to remind me because he knew that my transgression was not covered by the blood of Jesus. He still had an open door to accuse me and to make me feel guilty. You may ask, "Does God hold us that tight to the law?" I would say, "No". We would all be in big trouble if He did. But I do believe that the Lord saved this particular incident in my mind so that it could be used as an example for this season to let you know that God wants all of us free from the evil spirit of condemnation. He wants us to know that we can be released from the devil's accusations by simply asking forgiveness for our sins. If you have a recurring memory that brings condemnation, simply confess it to the Lord. Call the sin out by name, ask for forgiveness, and then allow God to wash away the stain with the precious blood of Jesus. You will be amazed at the sweet release that you will feel in your spirit when you get God involved in forgiving your transgressions. Remember that the devil is the one who seeks to keep you in bondage but God is faithful. God's Word declares that the accuser has been cast down and that you can overcome him and his accusations "By the blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony" (Revelation 12:11). +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/12/11
SHADOWS OF DEATH

Scripture: Psalms 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me ... "

David faced death many times as he was a man of war with a great reputation in battle. He had been chased by King Saul who hurled javelins at him, and even had to flee from his own son, Absalom, who sought to kill him. Many times David ended up hiding in caves and crying out to God for deliverance as he experienced the darkness of death. Yet in each case, he put his trust in God and came out with a renewed faith that even though he was standing right in the shadow of death itself, he had nothing to fear. The Lord was with him! David's faith brought him to the conclusion that the Lord was right there beside him, guarding him and leading him every step of the way. The knowledge of God's presence with him dispelled every fear and anxiety that he had.

We find it easy to walk by faith when all reports are good and we are walking in the light. We are able to boldly speak good confessions, and the songs of victory linger in our hearts. We find it easy to shout "Praise the Lord" and "Hallelujah" and rejoice in the goodness of God. But when the bad reports come and the sun sets, we change our tune. Fear strikes as we sense the darkness and see the shadows closing in on us. It is not so easy to have faith when we are facing an uncertain valley. The darkness of the valley begins to wear us out with mental conflict because we turn our eyes away from Jesus and focus on the shadows. Like a small child left in a dark room, we imagine all sorts of things as the shadows themselves begin to torment us and become very real.

There are many kinds of valleys that will challenge you. The shadows of those valleys can be very real and overwhelming. You may face the possibility of physical death or the death of a loved one. It may be the death of a precious relationship when divorce occurs or friendships dissolve. You may even face a situation like David did when his son rebelled and revolted against him. Or possibly your career opportunities and financial security may encounter sudden failure. Death and disappointment in any area brings darkness, and that darkness brings fear. Your only hope in these situations is to focus on the light who is Jesus. He will comfort you with the Word of God and restore your soul as He walks with you through the valley. As His light begins to dawn, the shadows disappear, for darkness cannot hide the light. In His light you will discover that the valley is full of green pastures and still waters. You will have no need to be afraid of the shadows for the Lord is with you. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/13/11
CATCH GOD'S VISION

Scripture: Isaiah 54:1 & 3 "Sing, O barren, you that did not bear; break forth into singing ... For you shall break forth on the right hand and on the left ..."

God has big dreams for you and His dreams are for good and not evil. He has hopes and plans for your future (Jeremiah 29:11). Before you were ever born He formed you into the vessel that He wanted you to be. You are His workmanship and He designed every detail of your being. He gave you a unique personality and endowed with gifts and various talents to enable you to perfect your calling and perform the work that He has ordained for you. No task is too small and no vision too great. Each has its own significance and importance in the eyes of God.

God continues His work in you even now, teaching and training you, leading you, and strengthening you for the destiny that is set before you. Yet, you must catch His magnificent vision for your life. You do this by focusing on the things that interest you, for God placed those desires within you by design. He makes no mistakes. Your likes and dislikes are not accidents or coincidental. They are there for specific reasons. As you submit yourself to God, He will cause your gifts and talents to make room for you. Never give up. You are on the brink of a miracle and a breakthrough.

Up to now, your life may have been barren as the prophet Isaiah described, but he says, "Sing," and then in verse three he says, "Enlarge your borders." In other words, get mentally and physically ready for a change. Expand yourself because something is happening in the spiritual realm even though you can't see it in the natural at this time. Soldiers learn their weapons and prepare for battle long before they engage in conflict. So it is with you. Begin to prepare for something special in your life because it may be ready to happen. God does things suddenly, but He looks for those who are willing, obedient, and prepared. Ask God to seal within you a determination to finish the course that He has set before you. Strive to obey Him and do His good pleasure with an eagerness to please Him. Don't be discouraged about past failures. Just sing with faith in your heart, for when God begins to move in your life, you will break forth on the left hand and on the right. His work in and through you will be bigger than you are and more than you could ask or imagine. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/14/11
FROM SADNESS TO JOY

Scripture:  Psalms 30:11  "You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.  You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy."

Dealing with someone who is sad, disappointed, and depressed can be a very discouraging ordeal.  Most of us, at some point, have been down this path with those whom we loved and desperately wanted to help, but unfortunately our efforts to rescue them out of the pit did not work.  We empathized with them but instead of drawing them out of their sorrow and grief, we have fallen into the same pit with them.  We ended up allowing their misery to dominate our lives.    

I remember that my dad had a better remedy for these kinds of situations.  Instead of joining the darkness, he always brought light.  He created a victory in the midst of defeat.  My problems as a child were minor, but there were times that I became sad or would pout when things were not going my way.  When my dad saw me entertaining a negative mood of this sort, he would begin to tease me.  He would say funny things, make ridiculous faces, and often physically tickle me in order to draw me out of my self imposed doom and gloom.  It usually only took a few minutes for him to have me in good spirits and laughing hysterically.  His positive response to my needs turned my mourning into joy and caused me to forget the sadness that was in my heart.

My dad passed away many years ago, but I still have someone who can successfully turns my mourning into joy.  His name is Jesus.  He understands all of my heart aches and pains.  He listens to my problems as I rehearsed them over and over again, but He never crawls into the pit with me.  He doesn't make funny noises or ridiculous faces and He never tickles me, but He is very present in my life and knows what I need to strengthen and encourage me.  Jesus is present in your life as well.  You just need to recognize that He is near and receive His personal ministry to you.  He can change your darkness into light and bring happiness back into your life.  He knows you better than you know yourself.

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/15/11
A SOLID FOUNDATION

Scripture:  Matthew 7:24  "Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock."

Jesus said that there are two foundations that we can build our life upon, the shifting sand or the solid rock.  Those who build upon the rock are the ones who hear God's words and then, in faith, act upon those words.  Everyone wants to be able to endure the raging storms of life and remain intact, but unfortunately many times we choose the shifting sand as our foundation.  We fail to realize the weakness of our structure until the rains come and we find ourselves in jeopardy.

It is easy to get into this situation in all areas of life and build our faith upon the shifting sands.  We may look to our jobs or our financial portfolio as our source and security, but this is not a solid foundation, for the market can fail and riches can very quickly come to an end.  Financial security is only found when we trust in the Lord God, who has promised to supply all of our needs according His riches.  He said that He would never forsake the righteous and that their seed would never have to beg for bread.  It is also wonderful to know that we have national security, but if that is where our trust is, we are misguided and not resting upon a sure foundation.  For total protection, we must abide under the shadow of the Almighty and find shelter under His wings (Psalms 91).  God alone must be our fortress, for He is the only one who can keep us safe in all of our ways.  Nothing is forever except the foundation of God's love, mercy, and grace.  Relationships will fail, but the Lord will stick closer than a brother.  Fame and honor will cease, but God will always be there.

The angel spoke to the church of Laodicea and said, " You say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing (Revelation 3:17)."  This church was lukewarm, which meant that it was neither hot, nor cold.  They thought that they were doing fine, but according to the angel they were really wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.  Their foundation was not built upon a solid rock.  Instead, it was based upon the material things that they had collected.  They were blind to their apparent lack, for they didn't realize that their material goods had left them wretched and miserable and that the nakedness of their spiritual life was exposed.  They weren't aware that a raging storm could sweep their security away in a moment's time.

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
www.widsonline.com
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A Word In Due Season
4th Week of July 2011

07/18/11
THE KING'S CHAMBERS

Scripture: Song of Solomon 1:4 "Draw me, we will run after Thee: the King hath brought me into His chambers."

Solomon's Song tells us of the plight of the Shulamite woman who spoke to the King about her desire to be close and intimate with him. She said, "Draw me, and I will run after you." Just like the Shulamite, we have a sincere desire to enter the private chambers of the King. Our heart longs to find that intimate place of fellowship with the Lord and seek out His purpose for our lives. However, the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches take precedence over our spiritual desires and we fail to set aside quality time just for the Lord, our King. Our "spirit is so willing, but our flesh is so weak" (Matthew 26:40-31)." We want to be like Mary and choose the good part, but instead we are like Martha and we allow ourselves to be overburdened with the duties of life. Jesus came and lived in a body of flesh so that He could be touched with the same weaknesses that you and I encounter. We see Him sleeping in the boat and drawing away from the crowds when His energies were spent. Yet, He continually arose a great while before the day to spend time with the Father and often spent the entire night in prayer. We also see Jesus as a young child in the temple learning about His Father's business rather than playing with the other children. His personal desires always came second to the will of the Father. He made His communion with His Father the priority of His life.

Our desire is to have this same spiritual discipline that Jesus had. Yet the hunger and thirst is not always there to cause us to follow after that desire. God is the answer to this dilemma. We must ask God to draw us supernaturally to Him. When He begins to draw us, we will want to run after Him. His presence will energize us and cause us to have a supernatural desire to study His word and commune with Him. The hunger and thirst in our spirit will cause us to seek for Him because nothing else will be able to fill that void. It will be like a natural hunger and thirst that forces us out of our comfort zone to find and prepare food and drink for our bodies. If you desire to discipline yourself in this area, pray this simple prayer as often as you think of it, "Lord, draw me supernaturally to You so that I will run after You. Bring me into Your chambers." Then write yourself some reminders and place them where they can't be missed. Rest in the fact that God will begin this supernatural work on the inside of you and trust Him to change your focus. You will return to your first love and He will become your passion and priority as He creates an unquenchable desire within you. When God supernaturally draws you into the chambers of His presence, you will never be the same. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/19/11
ORDAINED TO BRING FORTH FRUIT

Scripture: John 15:16 "You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain."

God has ordained different places and missions for each of us to fulfill. When we are in the place that He has ordained for us, we bring forth fruit and our fruit remains or continues to produce. God blesses our efforts and our works do not return unto Him void but accomplish what He desires. When God sends us forth, He meets every need for our journey, and regardless of the hardships, He provides a joy and a peace that passes all understanding. This explains why ministers work so very hard for so very little, how pastors are able to cope with church politics, and why missionaries forsake all, travel to foreign fields, and live in austere conditions. They are chosen and ordained for such a work and are joyful in it.

It's very important to find the place that God has ordained for you, for you must be planted in the right place to thrive and bring forth fruit. Trying to fit into someone else's chosen place will only bring frustration and lack because God's gifts and His anointing is not there to sustain you. God may choose to plant you in a large field or a small field but He makes no mistakes. Wherever He places you, it will be a good plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Your particular calling includes a future and a hope and that future includes fruit that will remain throughout eternity.

Daniel 11:32 declares that in these last days, "The people who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." This is a different day and a new season. God has chosen you and brought you to the kingdom for such a time as this and He wants you to fulfill Daniel's prophecy. The Lord wants you to be strong and do mighty exploits in His name, but this will only happen as you totally surrender your life to the Lord and allow Him to plant you in His chosen field. When you yield yourself to His design, the fruit that He has ordained for your life will come forth and it will remain. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/20/11
COVERED WITH DARKNESS

Scripture: Isaiah 50:3 "I clothe the heavens with blackness."


A storm hit our area one mid-afternoon and it became pitch black outside. The sky had been clear and the sun had been visible just a few hours earlier, but in a very short amount of time all light was shut out by the impending storm clouds. The only hint of light was the lightening as it flashed across the sky. It was darker than night, for at least at night time, the stars shine and the moon reflects the light of the sun. It was as though a cloak had suddenly been thrown across the earth and had separated the earth from the lights of the heavens. Like Isaiah declared, it seemed that God was clothing the heavens with blackness.

When all of this was happening, I had no thought or fear that the darkness that presently surrounded me would prevail forever. I did pray for safety, but I went about my business and occasionally looked outside to view the storm and the darkness. I did not allow the circumstances to affect me because I knew that the storm had an end and that it would eventually run its course. I believed that things would return to normal and had no doubts that the sun would shine again. When the storm finally ended, I had to clear away the limbs that had fallen across my path and then travel down roads that were flooded. Yet, in the end, God protected me and I was safe from all harm. I am sure that somewhere in our area God's covenant of the rainbow was visible.

We know a lot about nature and we should seek to know just as much about God. If we truly knew God, we would experience much more peace when we are challenged with the storms of life. I am not talking about the physical storms, but those things that challenge us in areas of our health, wealth, and emotional well-being. If we could just trust our lives to God, we would be still and calm when the thunder rolled, the lightening flashed, and the fierce winds of adversity blew against us. We would not panic or allow circumstances to force us into unwise decisions while we were entrapped in the valley of darkness. If we understood that God controlled the darkness, our confidence in His judgment would save us from a lot of grief concerning our own future. We would remember the storms and the darkness of the past that we had safely made it through and would have hope for our present deliverance. Terror would not be able to prevail in our soul because we would know that the storm that rages so fiercely around us has no power except for that which God allows.

God's plan for our lives does not always make sense. Yet, we do know that in the seasons of darkness we discover a deeper devotion within us for the Lord of our life and we develop a greater faith in His might and power. In the darkness, we come to understand that God is faithful in all things and at all times, and that we live by His promises and not by His explanations. When the water gets too deep, the fire burns too hot, the way becomes too long, and the darkness covers our soul, we know that His promises are still true. Even though God may not explain the darkness that is hovering over us, we know that we can trust in Him, for He is the light within our soul. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/21/11
UNDERSTANDING GOD'S LOVING KINDNESS

Scripture: Psalms 107:43 "Whoever is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord."

Is it possible to understand the loving kindness of the Lord? David said that we could if we would simply observe the things that happen to God's people. In this psalm, David presented four pictures of deliverance. He told of travelers who were guided out of their distress (vs. 4-9), prisoners who were released from prison (10-16), sick who were restored to health (vs. 17-22), and sailors who were saved from a storm (vs. 23-32).

David said that if we are wise, we can get a revelation of God's love and kindness by looking at the way He dealt with His people in the past. In the four stories in this psalm, there was a problem, a prayer, and God's provision. Each time the people failed God or got into trouble, the scripture says, "Then they cried out to the Lord." When they cried out to God, His heart was touched by their trust and faith in Him and He responded to their cry. Like any father, God was moved by the tears of His children and had compassion for their pain. He possessed tremendous love and kindness towards them and manifested His feelings by being quick to forgive and to deliver them from their situations.

Many times we feel that we have failed God and fallen short of His desire for our lives. Like those in this psalm, we find ourselves wandering in the wilderness of confusion, in dungeons of despair, sick in our body, or tossed to and fro in the storms of life. We finally come to our "wit's end" as spoken of in verse twenty-seven. We are not sure what to do or where to turn. We have no solutions and our hopes begin to fail. Because of our distress, we tend to lose sight of the never-ending love and kindness of the Lord. We come to a point that we need a new and fresh revelation of the nature of God. If we consider this psalm, we can better understand God's nature. God is love and His nature is kindness. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His mercies never come to an end. Regardless of our failures towards God, He is still full of love and kindness. If we desire to be wise, we need only to "Cry out to the Lord" in our distress, for He is ready to forgive and anxious to deliver. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/22/11
THORN IN THE FLESH

Scripture: II Corinthians 12:7 "There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan."

The Apostle Paul suffered many afflictions for the sake of the gospel. He was beaten, stoned, put in prison, and shipwrecked on the open sea. He also endured other perils and God delivered him out all of them except one. There was one thing that Paul could not overcome even though he prayed about it three different times. We are not sure what he suffered but he called it a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan. This weakness in Paul's life caused him much distress and Satan used it to torment Paul. When Paul prayed about this situation, the only answer that he received from God was, "My grace is sufficient for you; for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

I recently got a thorn in my foot and it disabled my entire body. I could not walk on that foot. From the moment the thorn entered my life, it was speaking tormenting messages to me in the form of physical pain. All of my thoughts were focused on that tiny thorn and the first thing on my agenda was to get it out of my foot. The thorn was so small that I had to use my reading glasses and a magnifying glass to even see it. When I removed the thorn from my foot, I wondered how something that small in comparison to the size of my entire body could bring me into subjection to it. The thorn was such a little thing, but it had control of my life and was able to divert me from what I had planned to do by forcing me to give my undivided attention to it.

We experience thorns in our lives from time to time, which are not physical. Like Paul's thorn, these thorns are messengers of Satan in our lives. They come against us in various ways and are meant to hinder and disabled us from walking in God's will. They cause us to stumble along in life and disable us from our best performance. They distract us and speak defeat into our lives. They are such small things compared to the vision that God has for us, but they cause such great pain in our lives that we take note of them. These messengers speak harsh words of condemnation, intimidation, and fear. They play on our disappointments, physical handicaps, addictions, and financial hardships. They may come from without or they may come from within us, but whatever the source, they constantly remind us of our shortcomings and failures. They are little and insignificant but they destroy our vision for a better future. Through the pain they inflict upon our souls, they are able to steal our faith, hope, joy, and peace.

All of us must personally deal with the thorns in our own flesh. We must pray for God's deliverance but rest in Him if His answer is, "His grace and His strength are sufficient." As simple as that answer sounds, it is true, for God is enough and God is all that we need. Our relationship with Him is more important than any thorn that seeks to intrude into our lives. God alone is necessary. We must trust in Him and lean upon Him, for His grace is greater than any pain that we may have to endure and His strength is greater than our weakness. In His time and at His choosing, He will manifest His glory and remove the thorns from our life. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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A Word In Due Season
5th Week of July 2011

07/25/11
HEALING FOR OUR LAND

Scripture: II Chronicles 7:14 "If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

We are living in very serious times. It seems that every nation is in the midst of division, danger, distress, and turmoil. Evil lurks on every corner and there is heartache around each bend. Each day has new unpleasant surprises. Droughts, storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, political unrest, national financial upheaval, violent protest, and wars or rumors of war. Yet in midst of all this distress, God offers hope to His people and to those who are called by His Name. Regardless of who we are or where we live on this Earth, we must respond to this urgent call from God to pray for our land.

In the mighty prayer scripture above, God gives us a big "If" and much of our deliverance rests upon our reactions to His instructions. God gives us the elements to find forgiveness and healing for our land. These elements include humility, prayer, a heart that seeks after God, and repentance of sins. Healing comes in many forms. It can be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. God is not limited in any area, but He is limited by our complacent attitude and lack of faith and action.

God said, "If we humble ourselves," "If we pray," "If we seek after Him," and "If we repent of our sins," then He will respond. It is that simple. God is listening and ready to answer, but our answer depends upon our own actions. God challenges His own people and declares that our deliverance rests upon our own shoulders. If you are one of God's people and if you are called by His Name, you have a responsibility to join this mandate of prayer. Determine to be one of those who will join together in one accord and pray so that healing can come to all nations and to your own individual life. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/26/11
EXPECT TO BE RESCUED

Scripture:  Psalms 27:13-14  (Living Bible)  "I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, ...  Don't be impatient.  Wait on the Lord, and He will come and save you!  Be brave, stout hearted, and courageous.  Yes, wait and He will help you."

We see many instances in God's Word where God delivered those who waited upon Him and trusted in Him.  Our circumstances may look bleak at times, but they probably do not measure up to a fiery furnace or a lion's den.  Our giants may look big but are usually not as fierce as David's Goliath.  And consider Moses' mother who had to put her infant son to float on the river.  All she could do was patiently wait and trust in God's goodness because her only hope in saving her son was to release him to God.

The psalmist said he was expecting God to rescue him again.  This was neither the first time nor the last time that he would trust God for deliverance.  We often think that if we can just make it through the current ordeal and challenge that we are facing, things will get better and we can live happily ever after.  But like the psalmist, we usually find that something else follows that takes even greater faith.  In Ephesians chapter six, Paul said, "Put on the whole armor of God and having done all, stand."  The word 'stand' translates into "stand and get ready for the next battle."  Life is not easy and never will be, for we have a vicious enemy who roams about looking for those whom he can destroy.  Yet, for every challenge there is a victory that can be had if we trust in the Lord for deliverance.

The psalmist said, "I'm expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so I'm just going to wait until He comes."  Waiting takes patience and courage.  When a natural disaster strikes, such as a flood, you often see people stranded in their homes waiting for someone to come and rescue them.  They never give up hope because they know that there are those who are aware of their situation and who care about what happens to them.  Like the psalmist waiting on God, whatever your circumstance, don't give up on God.  Expect to be rescued!  God is coming to your aid and will save you.  The first three verses of this Psalm in the Living Bible say, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; He protects me from danger - whom shall I fear?  When evil men come to destroy me, they will stumble and fall.  Though a mighty army marches against me, my heart will not fear!  I am confident that God will save me." +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/27/11
SET YOUR AFFECTIONS

Scripture:  Colossians 3:2  "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Sometimes it is hard to have heavenly attitudes and actions when we live in the natural world.  We have so many needs and passions and there are so many things to distract us.  However, because we are born again and share in Christ's resurrection, Paul tells us that we are to exhibit a new life before the world.  Regardless of the temptations that surround us, we are "to seek those things which are above where Christ is seated."  To seek means that we must put forth an effort to find those things that please God and then set our affections on them.  It's not just "happenstance."

Paul not only told us to set our affections on things above but continued to exhort us to assume personal responsibility for this new life in Christ (Verse 5 and 6).  He says, "You mortify your members."  In other words, you must put to death any evil desires that would cause you to sin.  You must disallow your affections and thoughts to dwell on sensual desires, for they will eventually draw you into sin.  You are to "put off all anger, wrath, blasphemy, filthy communication, and lies".  It is up to you to guard your emotions and your mouth.  You are to "put on the new man" by renewing your mind with the knowledge of Christ and be conformed into His image by the study of His Word.  You are then to let God's Word dwell within you so that you can teach and admonish one another in wisdom.  You must let the peace of God rule in your heart instead of strife and everything that you say or do is to be done in the Name of the Lord Jesus.

In all these things you have to make the choice and the effort to set your affections on things above and not on the things of Earth.  God does not override your spirit and force you to think about Him or on things concerning Him.  Colossians 3:1-2 in The Message Bible says, "So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it.  Pursue the things over which Christ presides ... Don't be absorbed with the things right in front of you ... See things from God's perspective." +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/28/11
PROGRESSIVE REVELATION

Scripture:  Isaiah 30:21  "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left."

I took my son and daughter-in-law to the airport and as we approached the terminal, my daughter-in-law began to give me instructions.  She said, "Follow the Terminal C signs, get in the middle lane, stay to the left, and proceed towards the tickets - passenger level."  It was comforting to know that someone in the car knew exactly how to get to the right place.  My only responsibility was to be obedient and follow the directions one step at a time as they were spoken and needed.  If I had been told that I needed to stay in the left lane too soon, I would have been in the wrong lane at the wrong time and would have ended up exiting the airport from the opposite direction that I came.  The instructions that I received were very simple and progressive.  They were also very timely.  I could not proceed to the second step until I had completed the first step without making an error.

This is a picture of our walk with the Lord.  Too many times we get frustrated because God has not shown us the entire map of His plan for our lives.  Maybe He has put a dream or vision in our heart, but fulfilling it seems like a great mystery.  It is as though we can see it on the other side of the canyon, but it seems there is no bridge to get us there.  Reaching our destiny is progressive and can only be completed as we proceed one step at a time.  Each level will have its own tests, trials, and training that will strengthen us for the next level.  Once, when I was in a dilemma and seeking God for directions about what to do, the Lord shocked me with His answer, "You haven't completed my first instructions yet."  This was a revelation.  All the while, I thought that I was waiting on God but in reality He was waiting on me to obey Him.

The children of Israel were instructed to follow the cloud by day and the fire by night.  These were such simple instructions.  Their only hope of provision and protection and reaching the Promised Land was to trust God and follow His guidance. The same God that led the Israelites through the wilderness one step at a time also told Isaiah that he would be led in the same manner. The same God that led the Israelites through the wilderness one step at a time also told Isaiah that he would be led the same manner.  Isaiah was told that he would hear a voice in his ears that would tell him when to turn to the left or when to turn to the right.  God said His directions would be simple, precise, and accurate.  Just like Moses and Isaiah, we know that we can depend on God's voice.  In John 10:4-5 Jesus said, "My sheep follow me, for they know my voice, and a stranger they will not follow."  Reaching your destination depends on you hearing, recognizing, and following the Lord's voice.  His voice will be gentle and quiet and His instructions will be as simple as, "This is the way, walk in it." +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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07/29/11
SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

Scripture:  Ephesians 6:17  "Take ... the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."

The battles that rage against us are not carnal in nature, but spiritual and mighty.  The encouraging news is that the Lord did not leave us defenseless in our battle against these forces of evil.  Instead, He provided us with an entire spiritual armor.  This armor of God is designed to cover us from the top of our head to the soles of our feet and includes the shield of faith that will quench all the fiery darts that the devil hurls at us.  Last but not least the Lord also gave us the sword of the Spirit, which is defined as the Word of God.  The Lord left nothing open to the enemy.  All that we are required to do is to put on the armor, lift up the shield of faith, and then use the sword.  The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is the only offensive weapon that is mentioned.  The rest are defensive.

When we encounter a conflict with an individual, we often write it off as a personality issue or difference in opinion.  We endeavor to keep the peace at any cost and hope that the problem will dissolve on its own.  When we are attacked by one adversity after another, we often think that it is just bad luck.  When these circumstances persist, however, we come to the conclusion that our real enemy is in disguise and that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood.  We realize that we are engaged in a spiritual battle and we need the spiritual armor that Paul spoke about in order to be victorious in the matter.

When I come up against a snake in the natural, I never use my own hands in an effort to defeat it because I know that I do not have enough physical strength.  I have learned that a sharp shovel is my best weapon and that it is well worth the time and effort to stop and get it before I do battle.  The same is true in the spiritual realm.  We must be prepared before we enter the battle.  We cannot depend upon carnal weapons or our own strength because we are not fighting against flesh and blood.  We need the sword of the Spirit, for the Word of God always encourages, gives direction, and births faith.  In one particular spiritual conflict that I encountered, the Lord spoke these words to my heart, "Don't do battle without your shovel."  

The enemy always seeks to provoke a reaction in the natural, but we must learn to always wait upon God and respond only in the spirit.  The devil wants us to speak nonsense out of our mouths instead of the Word of God because he is not strong enough to resist this powerful weapon that is sharper than a two-edged sword.  The Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, points out our own errors, and gives light to every dark situation.  This is the same weapon that Jesus used when the devil sought to tempt Him.  Jesus simply said, "It is written" and then quoted a portion of the Word of God.

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved    
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