Planned Victory

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-the knowledge of Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Fill my consciousness constantly and complete Your joy in me as I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name…

Memory verse: Jeremiah 15:19 ESV

Therefore thus says the Lord: “If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them.” 

Verse of the day: Isaiah 55:6

6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found;    call upon him while he is near;”

Today’s reading: Isaiah 23-25; Philippians 1

Planned Victory

A bad sun-burn is not planned. No one has ever planned to come home after a vacation with blisters on their shoulders. How do such things happen?

Paul tells us, in Ephesians 5:17, "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is".

Then he writes of several things that wind up in sin and to steer clear. We have it in scripture. We have guidelines. So, why do we sin? We have not wisely planned to live in victory over sin. If we are unprepared to step over sin, we step in it.

Free will. How do we get to the place where we can actually teach the ones coming up in the faith how not to sin? We must follow the Word. We must understand what the Lord's will is. The Lord's will is for us to learn to exist and live in victory over sin. Living in victory over sin is a peaceful, joyful, and comfortable place but it has to be learned.

Much of life on this planet is spent in our seeking physical comfort while in spiritual distress.

It is the choice of days-soul peace or sensual satisfaction?

The book of Life is in our possession. This sword of the spirit will live inside our hearts, souls, and minds if we so choose-if we plan-if we seek understanding of God's will for us.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Holy is Your name, oh Lord God. Place that consuming desire in me to know Your Will with all my heart. I want to live loving You with all that I am. Forgive me for planning to sin.  

Worthy God-worthy of all the praise I can muster and so much more; glory and honor are Yours!

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen