Sep 17 23
The Influence of a Faithful Believer
“He will even deliver the one [for whom you intercede] who is not innocent; yes, he will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.” Job 22:30 AMP
The verse above has had a special place in my heart for more than 30 years because it reminds me of one of the many advantages of living a life that honors God. Because I am a devoted Christ-follower, the Lord has promised to honor my prayers when I pray for deliverance for the unsaved, and even for fellow Christians who have gotten off course. The answers to my prayers may be delayed for a time, but they are guaranteed by God Himself – IF I will refuse to give up and quit praying. Luke 18:1 (TLB) says, “One day, Jesus told His disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer, and to show them that they must keep praying until the answer comes.” Scripture tells us plainly that we are to persevere in prayer “until the answer comes.”
The devil and his minions will try to convince us that you and I have to resign ourselves to standing by helplessly while people we care about are defying God and making bad choices. The truth is, though, that as believers in right standing with God, our prayers “have tremendous power.” (James 5:16 AMP) I heard a godly man say, “Even when we feel small and helpless, we can change lives through prayer.” Hallelujah!
One translation of Job 22:30 says, “Even those who are guilty will be forgiven, because you obey God.” (CEV) You cannot control what other people do, but as a faithful follower of Christ, you can have a tremendous influence on their lives when you pray and stand on scriptural promises like this one. Who is it that the Lord is calling you to persevere in prayer for today?
Lord, teach me how to live a Christ-centered life. Make me faithful to pray as an intercessor who is fully alert, and continually giving thanks to God. (Colossians 4:2 TPT) Show me who it is You want me to persevere in prayer for each day. Thank You that You will deliver those for whom I intercede who are not innocent, because of my righteousness in Christ, and my wholehearted devotion to You!
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Sep 10 23
Words for the Weary
“The Lord God has given me His words of wisdom so that I may know what I should say to all these weary ones. Morning by morning He wakens me and opens my understanding to His will.” Isaiah 50:4 TLB
This was one of the first Scriptures that the Lord gave me when He called me into service over 30 years ago. I still confess it almost daily because it reminds me that the Holy Spirit continually equips me to minister to others with God’s own “words of wisdom,” according to “His will.” I especially appreciate that the Lord enables me to encourage “weary ones” – people who are suffering, heartbroken, discouraged, or worn out.
Not long ago, God showed me that this Scripture also means that He will give me His words of wisdom to encourage myself. When I am feeling worn out and weary, the Spirit of God will prompt me to confess and declare the specific divine promises that will energize not only my faith, but every fiber of my being, so that I can persevere and “finish my course with joy.” (Acts 20:24 AMP)
If you are a follower of Christ, then you have been called into service, too. And the Holy Spirit is available to equip you with the very words of God to “say to all these weary ones” just what they need to hear most. When you follow the Spirit’s leading, you will speak “the words of eternal life” that will make an eternal difference in people’s lives for the glory of God! (John 6:68 NIV)
Lord, help me to spend regular time in Your presence and Your Word, feeding on Your promises, and hiding them in my heart. (Psalm 119:11) Give me Your words of wisdom, so that I may know what to say to the weary ones I come in contact with in my daily life. Teach me how to declare the Scriptures that will energize my faith, and every fiber of my being, so that I can finish my course with great joy. Thank You that as I minister to others in Your name, I will reap an abundant harvest of spiritual and earthly blessings!
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Sep 3 23
Great is His Mercy
“[The Lord] has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:10-12 NKJV
Thanks to my husband, Joe, our 12-year-old grandson, William, is a major Godzilla fan. Over the years, Will has amassed an impressive collection of Godzilla figures, along with many Godzilla-related monsters. When one of his new figures lost its tail, my son, John, contacted the manufacturer about the problem. Not only did the company send the new part that his figure needed, but they sent Will an additional figure worth almost two hundred dollars. Needless to say, John was amazed, and his son was overjoyed.
William knew right away that it was God who provided him with the new figure at no cost. When I asked him if he had any idea why the Lord would do such a thing, he responded, “I don’t know. It’s not because I deserved it.” My first thought after hearing his answer was, “This child understands God’s grace better than most adult Christians do!”
As I pondered these things, the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance some verses from Psalm 103: “[The Lord] has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (v. 10-13 NKJV) I love how the NIV translation says, “He does not treat us as our sins deserve.” Think about that. “So great is His mercy toward [us],” that He will never “treat us as our sins deserve.” We may make some mistakes, and we may have to experience some natural consequences of our poor choices, but God will walk through the valleys with us, and cause even our mistakes to work together for our good. (Romans 8:28) Hallelujah!
My grandson, William, loves God with all of his heart, and wants to please Him. But he doesn’t do everything right. Even so, the Lord did “exceedingly abundantly” above Will’s expectations because of His great mercy. (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV) And He will do the same for YOU, as you live your life for Him!
Lord, when I am worried, concerned, or confused, help me to keep my mind and heart focused on You and Your promises, instead of the problem. Make Yourself real to me now in healing, comforting, and life-changing ways. Remind me often that because of my faith in You, and my reverence for You, You will never treat me as my sins deserve. Thank You that as I live a Christ-centered life, I will continually experience the greatness of Your mercy!
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Aug 27 23
Strength in Times of Loss
“I am sad and tired. Say the Word, and make me strong again.” Psalm 119:28 ERV
This month, our “miracle duck,” Larry, would have turned 23 years old. If you have been reading my writings for very long, then you know how the Lord has used this precious pet of ours to teach us valuable lessons about love, life, and the kingdom of God. Larry’s breed of duck typically lives, at the most, six to eight years. So you can understand why people called him our “miracle duck.” Our vet liked to say, “Larry is defying science!” How true that was.
Sadly, the last year or two of Larry’s life were not easy ones. He was blind, he had a double heart murmur, and he could hardly walk. He had gotten used to Joe and me carrying him around, something he would never have allowed us to do when he was healthy and proud. In his old age, I got to hold him, hug him, and sing to him daily. He and I grew even closer during those last two years.
Seeing Larry suffer made me begin praying for him to die quickly and peacefully. As he continued to hang on, our twelve-year-old grandson, William, asked my husband, “Grandpa, why do you think Larry is still here?” Joe’s reply was, “Maybe he doesn’t want to leave us.” As I pondered Joe’s response, I began whispering to Larry, “It’s okay to let go.”
One morning, I was asking the Lord to take Larry from us, not knowing that at that very moment, Larry’s life was ebbing away. Only an hour or so later, Joe discovered Larry’s lifeless body, and both of us began sobbing as we held him for the last time. Gone forever was our little “miracle duck” who had been a member of our family for almost 23 years.
As I sought the Lord for comfort and consolation, He led me to a verse of Scripture in Psalm 119: “I am sad and tired. Say the Word, and make me strong again.” (Psalm 119:28 ERV) As I prayed this verse back to the Lord, I heard Him whisper to my spirit, “YOU say the Word.” I knew then that speaking the Word of God in faith to myself continually would minister the comfort and strength to my heart that I so desperately needed. I began saying, “I will not grieve or be depressed, for the joy of the Lord is my strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10 AMP) The more I declared God’s promises to myself, the stronger I felt, and the easier it became to think about Larry without sobbing my heart out.
If you have suffered a loss of some kind, and you are feeling “sad and tired,” declare God’s Word to yourself night and day, and let it be a healing balm to your hurting soul!
Lord, in times of sorrow, please help me to turn to You first for wisdom and healing. Remind me of Your precious promise which says, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13 NIV) Thank You that as I continually “say the Word,” You will “make me strong again”! (Psalm 119:28 ERV)
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Aug 20 23
Torn Between Two Desires
“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires…” Philippians 1:21-23 NLT
Last month, I was hospitalized with stroke symptoms. My first reaction was to tell the Lord that if He was calling me home to heaven, then I was perfectly okay with that. I had turned 70 years old a couple of months before, and I had a sense of satisfaction about leaving my earthly life behind. My husband, Joe, and I had shared 50 wonderful years together. I had raised two sons, and seen my three grandchildren, and I had great peace about going home to be with the Lord.
After I underwent numerous medical tests, the doctors admitted that they had no real way of preventing me from having a disabling or fatal stroke. My family history told them that it was very likely, though. My mother had a stroke when she was in her 50s. Her father had a stroke. And her sister had a stroke. The doctors told me that the odds were against me, especially with my own history of high blood pressure.
One of my favorite verses of Scripture, which I have hung on my wall at home, says, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” (Philippians 1:21 NLT) As I pondered this verse, the Holy Spirit began to minister to me. He reminded me of the precious verses that followed this one, which helped me to see the bigger picture of my situation. “But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires…” (v. 22-23) I realized then that if the Lord didn’t call me home right away, it was because He had “more fruitful work for Christ” for me to do. And the fact was, that I was okay with that, too.
If you have experienced health problems of your own, and you have been “torn between two desires,” the fact that you are reading this message means that God has more fruitful work for Christ for YOU to do. Let me leave you with this precious promise from the Lord today: “We have become His poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny He has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!” (Ephesians 2:10 TPT)
Lord, I am so grateful that You have re-created me in Christ to do good works in Your name. I believe that You have given me special talents, skills, and gifts that You ordained to be used for Your glory. Help me to make the most of these gifts, and to put them to good use in Your kingdom. Thank You that as I cooperate with You, and give You first place in my life, You will ensure that I fulfill my God-given purpose and potential all the rest of my days!
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Aug 13 23
At Our Wits’ End
“They were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress.” Psalm 107:27-28 NIV
I did a search on what it means for someone to be “at their wits’ end,” and I found the perfect description – “to be overwhelmed with difficulties and at a loss as to what to do next.” God’s people in the above passage felt like that. Perhaps you have felt like that at one time or another, too. I know that I have.
Sometimes, we are faced with difficulty and indecision because, instead of following the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we are attempting to live by our own “wits” – our own intelligence, insight, and cleverness. Those are the times when the Lord waits for us to cry out to Him, so He can bring us out of our distress, as the Scripture above says.
Many years ago, when I was a young mother, I began having serious health problems. I saw countless doctors and specialists, and took dozens of prescription drugs, but my problems only got worse instead of better. To say that I was at my wits’ end would be an understatement. I was not walking closely with God at the time, but I “cried out to the Lord in my trouble,” and pleaded with Him for healing. My best friend was a registered nurse at a prestigious medical center, and she convinced me to see a specialist there who she was certain could help me. This woman examined me and knew immediately what my problem was. She took me off all of the drugs I was on, and she gave me new prescriptions, and she told me that it would take more than a year for my body to heal. As it turned out, she was right. God used this woman and her wisdom to bring me “out of my distress.” And when I found out some years later that this doctor had become world famous, and that an entire hospital had been named for her, I realized what great lengths the Lord had gone to on my behalf.
The Amplified translation of “at their wits’ end” says, “all their wisdom has come to nothing.” Perhaps you are in a situation today that has you feeling as though all of your own wisdom has come to nothing. The Lord already has a custom-made solution for you, and He will reveal it to you as you “cry out” to Him and seek to do His will!
Lord, teach me to live by Your wisdom, instead of my own wits. Remind me often that You have promised to give Your followers wisdom when we call upon You. (James 1:5; Jeremiah 33:3) Teach me to pray promise-centered prayers, instead of problem-centered ones. Thank You that as I turn to You in times of trouble, You will bring me out of my distress!
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Aug 6 23
God will Work on Your Behalf
“I will work, and who can hinder or reverse it?” Isaiah 43:13 AMP
Here is a promise for God’s people when we are praying and trusting Him for His mighty intervention, and the odds are stacked against us, and we can see no signs of relief. Each time the Lord has given me this precious promise, I have sensed Him saying to me – “Even though it looks like nothing is happening, I’m telling you that I am working on your behalf behind the scenes, and nothing and no one will be able to prevent or undo what I am doing for you!”
One reason why the Lord has promises like these in His Word is so that you and I will refuse to doubt Him when it seems as though people, or the devil himself, are gaining the upper hand in our situation. God reassures us that no devil in hell and no person on earth can stop Him from acting on our behalf. And if we will stay in faith and keep our expectations high, we will see the Lord doing what only He can do.
In the book of Job, we find this man of God declaring to the Lord, “I know that You can do everything and that Your plans are unstoppable.” (Job 42:2 GW) Think of the situations that you are facing right now that have you so concerned. Do you really believe that God’s good plans for you are “unstoppable”? If not, I urge you to confess your doubts to the Lord, and ask Him to forgive you, and to increase your faith in Him and His eternal promises.
Today, I encourage you to say what I say at times like this – “Dear God, I thank You that You are working on my behalf right now, and no one can hinder or reverse it!”
Lord, grant me a biblical worldview, instead of a worldly one. Help me to have Your perspective in every situation and circumstance. Remind me to spend undistracted, unhurried time in Your presence and Your Word on a regular basis. Deliver me from the fear and doubt that can rob me of Your best. Thank You that as I walk closely with You throughout each day, I will discover for myself that Your good plans for me are unstoppable!
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Jul 30 23
Your Future Will Be Extraordinary!
“Although your former state was ordinary, your future will be extraordinary.” Job 8:7 CEB
Here is a promise from God for you if you have ever felt that your life was “ordinary.” The Lord is saying to you that He has plans for you up ahead that will be “extraordinary” indeed.
This promise meant a lot to me when I first saw it many years ago when I was a stay-at-home mom. I desperately wanted God to use me in extraordinary ways, and I prayed that He would. It wasn’t long before the Lord put me to work in His kingdom in ways that enabled me to be on national radio with a famous personality and a Congressman, as well as on local TV. Then, a well-known publisher offered me a book deal, and wound up publishing my devotionals in a series of best-selling books. Suddenly, I was reaching more people than ever before with God’s life-changing love and truth. And I continue to trust Him to do even more “extraordinary” things in my life in the days ahead.
One translation of Job 8:7 (CEV) says, “Your future will be brighter by far than your past.” Maybe your past wasn’t what you hoped it would be. Perhaps you think that you have missed too many opportunities, suffered too many disappointments, or made too many mistakes. Maybe you think that you are too young or too old to be mightily used by God. Or that you don’t have the training, skills, or education to do great things in the name of Jesus. Never fear – the Lord is saying to you today that He has a very bright future in store for you, and that your past will pale in comparison to it. Trust Him. Ask Him for extraordinary things. Believe Him for new opportunities and blessings. And watch your fondest dreams come to pass!
Lord, today I ask that You use me to touch and change lives for Your glory. Use me to draw them to You and Your life-changing truth. Use me to help instill in them a growing passion for Your presence and Your Word. Equip me with everything I need to be a world-changer for Christ. Make me a powerful witness for Your glory in every area of my life. Thank You that as I seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, You will give me more opportunities to make a difference in this world for You, and my future will be extraordinary!
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Jul 23 23
Who Told You It’s Not Working?
“My word, which comes from My mouth, is like the rain and snow. It will not come back to Me without results. It will accomplish whatever I want and achieve whatever I send it to do.” Isaiah 55:11 GW
For months, I had been praying and declaring God’s Word over a situation, and I was becoming discouraged and frustrated when it seemed as though I wasn’t getting any results. Thoughts came to my mind saying, “This isn’t working!” And I immediately heard in my spirit, “Who told you it’s not working?” I instantly felt convicted, and I knew in my heart that it was the Spirit of God admonishing me, and that the enemy had been working on my mind to try to get me to let go of the Word of God.
Scripture says, “My word, which comes from My mouth, is like the rain and snow. It will not come back to Me without results. It will accomplish whatever I want and achieve whatever I send it to do.” (Isaiah 55:11 GW) This is God’s promise that when we pray His Word back to Him, and continually declare it in faith, it will never be “without results.” Instead, “It WILL accomplish” God’s will and purpose for our situation, if we refuse to give up praying and believing.
Perhaps today, you are on the verge of talking yourself out of some blessings and rewards that the Lord has in store for you. So much time has passed by without any sign of your prayers being answered, that your hopes are beginning to fade. You are not reading this by accident, dear one. Don’t believe the enemy’s lies that say your faith in God and His Word are in vain. Dig your heels in, stay in faith, and let this promise from the Lord strengthen your heart – “We must continue to hold firmly to our declaration of faith. The One Who made the promise is faithful”! (Hebrews 10:23 GW)
Lord, today I ask You to give me a precious promise from Your Word whenever I am going through difficult times. Help me to believe that You are willing to prove Yourself faithful to Your Word if I will just keep my confidence in You. Remind me often that You said that if I would “cling” to Your Word with patience and faith, it would eventually “produce a huge harvest.” (Luke 8:15 NLT) Thank You that Your Word WILL work when I put it to work!
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Jul 16 23
Don’t Waste Your Breath
“Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.” Proverbs 23:9 NLT
When I was getting Christian counseling when my children were very young many years ago, I learned that I was spending too much of my time and energy trying to help people who had no real desire to change their dysfunctional behavior. These folks would call or visit me and seek my advice about different situations, and even though I gave them wise counsel, they always seemed to do the opposite of what I recommended. Then I would end up feeling frustrated and totally drained.
Scripture tells us, “Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.” (Proverbs 23:9 NLT) A lot of Christians these days are wasting precious time and energy trying to help people who don’t really want their help. They don’t realize that Satan uses these foolish folks to distract them from their God-given purpose and potential. The devil loves to keep believers focused on those around us who are needy, self-absorbed, or destructive, knowing that we can’t serve the Lord with wholehearted devotion when we are entangled in other people’s messes.
Proverbs says, “Save your breath for the wise – they’ll be wiser for it; tell good people what you know – they’ll profit from it.” (Proverbs 9:7-9 MSG) God will put people in our path who will benefit from our sound advice, and they are the ones we should focus on helping on a regular basis. This doesn’t mean that we should only spend our time and energy on those who are receptive to our help. We want to reach out to as many people as possible. BUT, when we see that certain people are habitually ignoring our good advice, it might be best to distance ourselves from their dysfunction so that they cannot drain the life out of us and get us off track. Ask yourself today, “Am I wasting my breath on fools?”
Lord, I regret and repent for all of the time and energy I have wasted on people who have remained unreceptive to my attention and my assistance. Give me wisdom and discernment to know who You desire me to minister to. Fill me with patience and understanding so that I can help those You put in my path without becoming frustrated or discouraged. Teach me to spend regular time in Your presence and Your Word so that YOU can minister to ME according to my needs. Thank You for all of the precious people that You will help through me!
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*Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!
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