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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Jul 10 23
Pleading the Promises of God
“Put Me in remembrance [remind Me of your merits]; let us plead and argue together. Set forth your case, that you may be justified (proved right).” Isaiah 43:26 AMP
Devoting myself to the Scriptures has radically changed my prayer life in many ways. One of the verses that has had the biggest impact on me is Isaiah 62:6 (AMP), which says: “You who [are His servants and by your prayers] put the Lord in remembrance [of His promises].” Since I have discovered the power behind praying the promises of God, my percentage of answered prayer has increased dramatically. Still, there have been some promises that I stood on for years, without success.
One of these promises, in particular, was on my mind and heart one morning when I sought the Lord in prayer and Scripture reading. As I asked Him to speak to my heart, He led me to Isaiah 43:26 (AMP), which says: “Put Me in remembrance [remind Me of your merits]; let us plead and argue together. Set forth your case, that you may be justified (proved right).” God revealed to me that in order to see a breakthrough in the area I sought Him about, I had to not only pray His promises on the subject, but I had to “plead” the promises. There was a tremendous amount of spiritual warfare involved in this instance, and I was going to have to state my case before the forces of darkness by declaring aloud the Word of God in faith.
From then on, I memorized the promises that the Lord led me to claim, and I began pleading them with passion and persistence, thanking God in advance for the answer. In only a matter of weeks, breakthrough came. And the Lord did things on my behalf that I will never stop praising Him for.
What promises from God have you been standing on with little results? Perhaps it’s time for you to stop praying them, and to begin pleading them, while praising God before your answer manifests. State your case before heaven and hell, and watch the Lord move mountains on your behalf!
Lord, teach me how to put You in remembrance of Your promises, according to Your Word. Help me to spend regular, focused time in the Scriptures. By Your Spirit, highlight the promises that You want me to pray and stand on for myself and others. When there is resistance in the spiritual realm set against Your will for me and mine, teach me how to plead Your promises with passion. Thank You that You will richly reward my persistence and my faith!
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Jul 2 23
God’s Protection and Peace
“With perfect peace You will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust You.” Isaiah 26:3 GW
Isaiah 26:3 is one of the most frequently quoted verses in Scripture. For years, I have been confessing to the Lord, “You will keep me in perfect peace because my mind is stayed on You, and I trust in You!” (NKJV)
One morning, the Holy Spirit was ministering to me about a certain situation that called for me to stand firm in my faith. And He led me to the God’s Word translation of Isaiah 26:3, which says that the Lord will “protect those whose minds cannot be changed,” because they trust in Him. I knew then that wavering in my situation was not an option for me, because only by standing firm would I have God’s protection and provision.
The very next verse in this passage says, “Trust the Lord always, because the Lord, the Lord alone, is an Everlasting Rock.” (Isaiah 26:4 GW) You and I are simply never going to find anyone who is more worthy of our trust than our all-knowing and all-powerful God. When He instructs you to stand firm in some way, don’t let your mind be changed by anyone or anything. Then you will have the protection and peace that He promises in His Word!
Lord, remind me often that Your Word says, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” (Isaiah 7:9 NIV) Help me to spend time in Your presence and Your Word on a regular basis, knowing that it is the Word of Your grace that builds my faith. (Acts 20:32) Guard me from the doubt and unbelief that would cause me to stray from Your Truth and Your perfect will for me. Cause me to continually seek the approval of God, rather than the approval of people. (John 12:43; Galatians 1:10) Thank You that as “my whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You,” I will have Your divine protection and peace! (Psalm 63:8 AMPC)
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Jun 25 23
Wait for God to Intervene
“Since ancient times no one has heard or perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who intervenes for those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 64:4 NET
Perhaps you have heard me talk about my almost-new dishwasher breaking down, and how it took the better part of a year to get the matter resolved. After a dozen service visits, and a host of parts on the machine being replaced, it still wasn’t working properly. I eventually had to file a formal complaint against the manufacturer with my state’s Attorney General’s office, and appeal to them for help.
During those weeks when my husband, Joe, and I were waiting to hear the results of our complaint, there were times when we discussed buying a new dishwasher on our own. We had been praying the whole time, but it just didn’t look like the Lord was going to intervene on our behalf in the matter. One morning, though, God brought to my remembrance Isaiah 64:4 (NET), which says that He “intervenes for those who wait for Him.” And I sensed the Lord speaking to my heart, “Wait – I have something better for you.”
It was around this time that I heard a godly man say, “God does not want to keep good things from us. Rather, He keeps us from settling for second best.” I decided to keep praying and waiting, trusting that God was indeed going to intervene on our behalf.
Eventually, the Lord provided us with a brand-new dishwasher, with every option we could ever want, at absolutely no cost to us. Not only that, but it was the first dishwasher that Joe didn’t have to install himself, because the manufacturer delivered it with a “white glove” service and installation. And Joe and I were so thankful that we waited on God for His best.
Scripture instructs us to “Imitate those who through faith AND patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12 NKJV) Today, I encourage you to exercise your patience along with your faith, and watch the Lord do what only He can do!
Lord, when I have a need, or a decision to make, help me to turn to You first for wisdom, discernment, and guidance. Teach me how to exercise patience so that I will not miss out on Your absolute best. If I need to do some research for my situation, show me where to look, and who to consult. Guard me from confusion and hastiness, and don’t allow me to be misled in any way. Thank You that as I follow Your lead, I will receive all the blessings, breakthroughs, and opportunities that You have in store for me!
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Jun 18 23
Released and Free
“But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2 NLT
The Scripture above is often quoted when the topic of healing is discussed. I have prayed this precious promise from God, and stood on it in faith many times over the years when I have needed healing, and I have experienced its power for myself.
One day during my private devotional time with the Lord, He showed me that I wasn’t receiving all of the benefits of this verse of Scripture. And He had me focus on the second part of this verse, which reads, “And you will go FREE, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.” (NLT) The NIV translation says, “And you will go out and leap like calves RELEASED from the stall.” The Holy Spirit revealed to me that Malachi 4:2 doesn’t just promise God’s faithful ones healing – but it also promises that we will be released from whatever has us bound, and we will experience a freedom that can only come from the Lord Himself.
Sometimes, we are bound by our own bad habits. Other times, Satan and his demons are oppressing us. And then there are cases where we have allowed others to do us harm because we have failed to use godly wisdom in establishing boundaries for our relationships. The good news is that whatever, or whoever, has been holding us captive cannot keep a hold on us when the supernatural delivering power of Almighty God comes on the scene.
The very next verse in this passage says, “‘Then you will tread upon the wicked as ashes underfoot,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Malachi 4:3 TLB) Now, put these verses together as promises from God, and believe that He is willing and able to heal you, release you, and cause you to overcome everything and everyone that is coming against you. I can tell you from personal experience that it is just a matter of time before the Lord shows up and brings His Word to pass!
Lord, I thank You that because I fear and reverence You, You have healing in store for me when I take You at Your Word. I ask that You release me and set me free from everything that is hindering me from fulfilling my God-given purpose and potential. Remind me that You have given me authority over all the power of the enemy, and teach me how to make the most of that authority. (Luke 10:19) Thank You that as I take my stand in faith, I will prove to be the overcomer You have destined me to be!
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Jun 11 23
You Must Speak for Me, Lord
“Lord, You must defend me. Lord my God, You must speak for me.” Psalm 38:15 ERV
In this psalm of his, David the shepherd-king talks to God about his suffering and afflictions, and how they have made him open to attacks and threats from his enemies, and even from some of his own loved ones. He writes: “But I am deaf to all their threats. I am silent before them as one who cannot speak. I choose to hear nothing, and I make no reply. For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God.” (Psalm 38:13-15 NLT)
Think for a moment about how much faith it must have taken for David to resist answering his opponents himself. We know that David was famous for his boldness and courage, and yet here, he makes up his mind to be “silent before them,” and to remain “deaf to all their threats.” He is not just telling the Lord that he is waiting on Him to answer his enemies, but he is proving it by choosing “to hear nothing” and to “make no reply.”
Sometimes, when I am in a tense situation, and I am tempted to open my mouth and begin trying to defend myself, a loved one, or God Himself, I sense the Holy Spirit reminding me of a verse in Second Timothy: “Steer clear of foolish discussions which lead people into the sin of anger with each other. Things will be said that will burn and hurt for a long time to come.” (2 Timothy 2:16-17 TLB) That’s when I realize that I am about to say something that I am going to regret, and that could very well damage an important relationship. And I make a quality decision to remain silent, and to let someone else have the last word.
There are times when the Lord will lead us to follow David’s example when we are under attack. We may be tempted to defend ourselves against the onslaught of others, but doing so could cost us our victory. In every situation, we must turn to the Lord and ask for His divine strategy in order to perform His will and gain the upper hand. As we wait on Him to fight our battles for us, we can declare with confidence and conviction, “Lord, You must defend me. Lord my God, You must speak for me!”
Lord, whenever I am in a tense situation, and I am tempted to say something that I might regret, prompt me by Your Spirit to silently pray, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3 ESV) Teach me how to rely on You to fight all of my battles for me. When You do want me to speak, please give me the right words at the right time, according to Your promise. (Matthew 10:19-20 NLT) Thank You that as I cooperate with Your battle plan, You will make certain that I end up having the “upper hand”! (Deuteronomy 28:13 TLB)
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Jun 4 23
Forgive and Forget
“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.” Proverbs 19:11 MSG
I am going to share with you something very personal today because I believe the Lord wants me to, and I hope that it will help you. Several years ago, I found out about my mother’s death on Facebook. Through an unusual series of events, I woke up that morning, checked my smartphone, and discovered messages of condolences that were meant to encourage me.
The initial shock of finding out that my mother was dead had me reeling. But then, I sensed the Holy Spirit warning me not to become angry or offended. And He brought to my remembrance Proverbs 19:11 (NIV), which says, “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” I knew the Lord was strongly saying to me, “LET IT GO.”
As I spent some time alone with God that morning, He showed me the Amplified translation of Proverbs 19:11: “Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, and it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].” I could bear not seeking revenge, but to not be resentful toward the person responsible was unthinkable. Even so, in obedience to God, I decided that I would not try to find out who the culprit was. And to be honest, I still don’t know. And you know what? I actually have great peace about the whole situation, and I have almost completely forgotten about it.
The Message Bible translation of Proverbs 19:11 says, “Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.” Today, I am asking you to resist getting offended when others hurt you or someone you love. Show them the mercy that God has shown you in Christ, and know that as you sow seeds of mercy, you will reap a harvest of mercy when you need it most!
Lord, remind me often that You said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Proverbs 5:7 NASB) On the basis of Your Word, I pray that I would always be “gentle and ready to forgive” others, and that I would “never hold grudges.” Help me to remember that because You have forgiven me, I “must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13 TLB) Thank You that as I continually walk in love, I will experience the indescribable peace, joy, and well-being that are my inheritance in Christ!
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May 28 23
Our Side Outnumbers Them
“Don’t be afraid, for our side outnumbers them.” 2 Kings 6:16 NET
These are the words of the prophet Elisha to his servant who couldn’t see “the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha,” until the prophet prayed for him, saying, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” (2 Kings 6:17 NIV) It’s a lesson for all of us when we are facing trials and troubles, and we don’t see the Lord’s activity on our behalf.
You can’t blame Elisha’s servant for feeling fearful when he sees the massive Aramean army bearing down on them. He cries out, “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15 NIV) Elisha reassures his servant with the words, “Don’t be afraid, for our side outnumbers them.” (2 Kings 6:16 NET)
God wants His devoted ones to remember that those who are with us to protect us ALWAYS outnumber those who are against us to destroy us. Our God is infinitely more powerful than any foe that might oppose us, and He is committed to protecting His faithful ones, especially when they call on Him for help. (Psalm 91:15)
I don’t know what you are facing today, but if you are a child of God, then I can tell you this with absolute certainty – the Lord already has a custom-made solution for your problem, and no earthly or spiritual enemy will be able to prevent your rescue IF you will cling to Him and His promises with all your might. If you doubt that, then I urge you to pray, “Lord, open my eyes so that I may see!”
Lord, when I am confronted with trouble and distress, remind me that You have called me to “walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) Reassure me that You are prepared to fight all of my battles for me, and help me to cooperate with You every step of the way. (Deuteronomy 20:4) Give me “eyes to see” the reality of the unseen world in ways that will encourage my heart. (Matthew 13:16) Make me as “bold as a lion” so that fear won’t keep me from Your best outcome. (Proverbs 28:1) Thank You that as I follow Your plan for my deliverance, Your rescue operation will manifest on my behalf!
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May 21 23
This is God’s Doing
“Help me, O Lord my God! Save me because of Your unfailing love. Let them see that this is Your doing, that You Yourself have done it, Lord.” Psalm 109:26-27 NLT
When my husband, Joe, and I moved to Pennsylvania with our young sons many years ago, his job was in New Jersey, and he resolved himself to a long commute until he retired. Some years later, his company closed down, and he went through a painful period of unemployment. Both of us thought Joe had no choice but to look for another job in New Jersey, because salaries there were so much higher than here in PA. I began earnestly praying that the Lord would intervene in a mighty way on Joe’s behalf, so that my husband could find an excellent-paying job within our own state, and so that the long commutes that were taking a toll on him would be a thing of the past. And I asked God to do it in a way that would cause everyone to know that it was HIS doing. Suddenly, God opened a door, and Joe was offered a job right here in our region of Pennsylvania, with a salary much higher than any he was offered in New Jersey. People we knew were constantly telling us that it was a miracle, and God got all the glory.
Whenever I think of this experience, I can’t help thinking of some verses in Psalm 109: “Help me, O Lord my God! Save me because of Your unfailing love. Let them see that this is Your doing, that You Yourself have done it, Lord.” (Psalm 109:26-27 NLT) I have memorized these precious verses, so that I can pray them regularly in all kinds of situations. What is it that I’m asking the Lord to do when I pray these Scriptures?
I am asking Him to not only rescue me or my loved one, but I am asking Him to do it in such a way that there will be no doubt in my mind, and in the minds of others, that divine intervention was involved. Why? So that those who are against me (including the devil himself) may know that God is on my side, and that He fights my battles for me. And so that they may come to believe that God is real, and that He protects and provides for His devoted ones – that they too may want a relationship with Him.
When you are in trouble, don’t just pray for God to rescue you. Pray that He will do it in such a way that everyone will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was God Himself who did it!
Lord, when I am faced with a need or challenge of any kind, remind me that You desire that I come to You for assistance before anyone else. Help me to see You as the all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful God that You are. Teach me to spend regular time in Your Word, soaking up Your Presence, and praying Your promises back to You. Thank You that as I look to You to do the miraculous, You will show up in a big way, and You will get all the glory!
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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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May 14 23
