by George Runyan | Mar 19, 2016 | Devotional, Podcast
Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Multitudes throughout the ages have known what it is to mourn. We may mourn the passing of a loved one, the loss of a child, a war casualty, calamities, or the loss of property such as a house or finances. Consider the oppression people suffer throughout the world. Modern day news coverage allows us to observe people weeping and lamenting their present day circumstances. Because of these first-hand observations, many become moved with compassion to share their resources with those who are suffering. Many times believers have experienced the prompting of the Holy Spirit to reach out in practical ways to those in need. There is a good reason why Jesus called the Holy Spirit “the Comforter.” Only the Spirit of God can completely comfort those who are mourning. True comfort can only be brought by what Jesus promised in Matthew 5:4.
Have you ever been hindered by your lack of words or ability to comfort another? Have you ever felt helpless during times when a person has experienced the death of a loved one, a calamity of some kind, or when their life is being oppressed by some difficult circumstance? At these times, it can be humanly impossible to bring comfort. As a believer, we have received the necessary grace from the Holy Spirit, to come alongside an individual and speak a word of comfort through the inspiration He gives. There will be a day in which we will know the totality of the Spirit’s comfort. The Scriptures speak of the day in which all our tears will be wiped away. “He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death, there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
The only answer for the conditions found in a fallen world, is found in Christ. The believer has the answers dwelling within through the person of the Holy Spirit. All His fruit, His gifts, and His power is available to those who have put their faith in Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit freedom and total access to use you for the glory of God.
As the old gospel song declares, “The Comforter has come, the Holy Ghost from heaven, the Father’s promise given.” Today, allow His comfort to be your portion. He will give you peace and assurance in every situation. He will use you to minister comfort to another.
by George Runyan | Mar 18, 2016 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The poor in spirit are all those who have suffered under this world’s system. These are the oppressed, neglected, and underclass who are the majority of people in the world. Jesus came for such as these. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19). The kingdom of God goes to the deepest areas of an individual’s life, to heal the broken spirit. The good news is that there is a King who reigns in heaven and cares about the hurting of this world. Christ redeems those who have been made captive in their circumstances through a system controlled by Satan’s kingdom. Although they might suffer in this life, they are to rejoice in the promise that the kingdom of God “belongs to them.”
There is a change coming! Even if one’s circumstances are oppressed, the Holy Spirit has come to first make the human spirit alive. To the one who is born again, He makes available the experience of a deep abiding joy which the world cannot steal. All of this begins in the spirit and finds its way into the chambers of the soul. Paul’s prayer for the church at Thessalonica was “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit, soul, and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
This explains why so many persecuted believers are able to have such joy in the midst of oppression which comes through the systems of the world. This also explains why believers are able to stay afloat through the many struggles that take place in life. Even during financial setbacks, sickness, or relational difficulties, they still remain strong. One who is strong in their spirit, knowing they have been given the kingdom, is able to rise up in this life and demonstrate God’s provision. God makes them rich in their spirit and strong in their kingdom lifestyle.
Today, allow the Holy Spirit to establish you in His grace regardless of your circumstances. Claim your portion in Christ and rest in all He has promised for the future. Father, thank You for all of Your promises, beginning with this promise of Your blessing to my spirit.
by George Runyan | Mar 17, 2016 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 6:13 – For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.
What a powerful declaration of truth! Jesus directs everything back to the Father. The Holy Spirit was poured out on believers to work the works of the Father in the earth. The first thing the Holy Spirit established was God’s reign in the earth. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came on those waiting for Him in the upper room. He began to rule in the lives of individuals. From this place of His ruling flowed power, power to transform and govern in the lives of those who have trusted in Christ. “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say,’ Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:20-21).
The Lord revealed how He was working in the earth through the apostles and the early church. The same Holy Spirit power continues today. The productivity of His rule and power is a manifestation of His glory. Ultimately, we will share in the fullness of His glory when Christ returns, but for now, the glory is revealed through committed, Spirit-filled lives. Jesus said, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Paul instructed the church to “Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12). This is the work of the Spirit, releasing the kingdom of God to those who believe and using each believer for the glory of God.
The kingdom of God is now and is yet to be some day. I say now, because the Holy Spirit lives in the believer and helps us do the will of God. It is in the future, because there is yet a day when Christ Jesus will gather to Himself all that are His. Together with Christ, we will judge this world and the angels. The Scriptures declare that we will rule with Him in eternity. The writers of the New Testament continually establish a balance between then and now. Our responsibility is to examine our lives and determine if the Lord is indeed ruling. This is a daily process in our thoughts and actions toward others. Our calling is to present to the world a lifestyle that is led by the Lord. Corporately, we are to be a people that demonstrate the goodness of God. We are to bring to bear an influence, first by prayer and then by our actions. The direct influence of God’s kingdom in the earth is because of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Consider the testimony of the apostles and the early believers in Acts 15:3-4.
Father, help me examine my life and honestly determine where Jesus is reigning as Lord. Help me see those areas I have yet to surrender to Your rule. I pray for Your kingdom rule in every part of my life, for Your glory.
by George Runyan | Mar 16, 2016 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 6:13 – Deliver us from evil.
Evil surrounds us in the world system. Paul teaches in Ephesians 2:2 that the devil is the prince of the power of the air. He is the prince of this world and the world’s systems. The phrase “the prince of this world” speaks about the world’s systems and governments. Evil forces are behind the world’s systems. The good news is that this prince has been judged (John 16:11). The prince of the world killed the Prince of Life, whom God has raised from the dead (Acts 3:15). This was the beginning of deliverance and freedom for the inhabitants of the earth. Today, a man reigns from heaven, the man Christ Jesus.
We too, have power over the evil one because of Jesus. Jesus told His disciples, “I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19). Through faith and obedience we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. Our deliverance from evil began with Jesus’ sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Majesty on High. The Father and Jesus poured out their Holy Spirit to bring refreshing from their presence. Jesus instructed the disciples to “wait in Jerusalem, until they were given power from on high” (Acts 1:8). The word “power” in the original language meant authority. Jesus gave His disciples authority to proclaim to the nations the good news of the kingdom of God. Jesus is now reigning as King! Speaking to the philosophers on Mars Hill, Paul proclaimed, “God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:30).
The power or authority which the Lord released on the Day of Pentecost is still being released today. We cannot overcome the evil one without the power of God. It is the Holy Spirit who gives believers power and authority against the kingdom of darkness. Prayer was the beginning of the early believer’s preparation. The work of God continues today through the prayers of God’s people. God’s grace of power is released through faithful, obedient sons and daughters. Our deliverance is not automatic, but effectual through righteous prayer. See James 5:16.
Father, I ask to be delivered from evil. Strengthen me with the spirit of obedience. Thank You for giving me Your faith and authority to obey and live Your life of righteousness. Thank you for giving me the overcoming life of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
by George Runyan | Mar 15, 2016 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 6:13 – Lead us not into temptation.
Why would Jesus teach us to pray this way when Scripture clearly teaches, “God tempts no man” (James 1:13)? Jesus was modeling for His disciples how to be led by God. Jesus knew that He was being led into temptation for our sakes. Jesus was aware that He would stand between heaven and hell for all mankind. As He contemplated the cross with all the sufferings He was about to endure, He knew that the enemy would come one more time to tempt Him. Jesus was teaching His disciples to yield completely to the Father. If the Father chose for them to go through temptation, He would keep them in that hour. God Himself does not tempt any man, but life is full of temptation. Our prayer should be for God to lead us around or through those times of temptation.
Scriptures declare, “I will never leave you nor forsake you, that you can boldly say the Lord is my helper, in Him will I trust” (Hebrews 13:5-6). Is that your testimony in the Holy Spirit? Do you know He is always with you? There may be times when you do not sense His presence, but will you trust His Word of promise? The Holy Spirit is the promise of the Father and of the Son. Jesus said, “I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever” (John 14:16).
Today, look to Jesus who is the author and the finisher of our faith. He authored and finished the work for you. He was tempted in every way, yet He did not sin. Temptation surrounds us beloved, but Jesus has overcome on our behalf. Pray for His overcoming life to fill you and to guide you in all that you do.
Are you presently facing temptation? Call on the Father and ask Him to lead you through this time. Ask Him to use the hour of temptation to strengthen you. Ask Him for grace to overcome the evil one. Give the reins of your life to the Holy Spirit and watch Him work the mighty works of God in and through you.
