THE WORD OF GOD AS A HAMMER

Daily Devotion

TEXT: Jeremiah 23:29
Is not my word like as a fire? Saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

DEFINITION
A hammer is a tool with a heavy metal head for breaking things, driving in nails, etc. It can also be the wooden mallet used by an auctioneer. In some cultures, a hammer is also used for pounding – solid are hammered until they become pulp or powder.

CONTEXT
God was speaking against false prophets in Jeremiah 23. In verse 29, God describes the nature of His word. Amongst others, His word is like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces.
God said that since the false prophets had chosen to speak their own words and not God’s, He would disgrace them. The passage suggests that the disgrace would come because their word would lack power. It would not be able to “break the rocks”. Thus, they shall be put to great shame.
I another sense the word of God as a hammer could break their stony hearts or arrogant and rebellious lives to pieces, such that those who can see their destruction would certainly laugh at them.

RELEVANCE
The word of God as a hammer is useful against:
1. The spirit of pride
2. Demos who manifest violently, especially the demons of insanity. They can be overpowered with the hammer of God. Thus weakened of pulverized, they are easy to cast out.
3. False prophets. The word of God as a hammer can be used to overrule their prouncements, so that their words would lack effect. Moreover, you could ask the hammer of God to deal with them until they surrender to Jesus.
4. The word of God as a hammer is also useful against the spirit of divination. This spirit manifests often through utterance of false prophecies or demonic tongues during church/fellowship programs. They can be crushed with the hammer of God.
5. The word of God as a hammer can be used to deal with manifestations of the spirit of Jezebel. The spirit of Jezebel is responsible for immorality.

PRAYER POINTS
1. By the word of God as a hammer, I speak against very false prophets in this country in Jesus’ name.
2. I use the word of God as a hammer against occultism in the body of Christ Jesus’ name.
3. The word of God as a hammer, come against religions cults in this country   in Jesus’ name.
4. I come directly against the spirit of insanity with the hammer of the word of God in Jesus’ name.
5. Jezebel spirit, the word of God as a hammer is against you in Jesus’ name.
6. Heavenly father, let your word like a hammer break every stony and rebellious heart in Jesus’ name.
7. You false prophets, I break your stronghold with the word of God as a hammer in Jesus’ name.
8. Spirit of divination; be terminated with the word of God as a hammer in Jesus’ name.
9. All demonic tongues during church programmes, be crushed by the word of God as a hammer in Jesus’ name.
All agents of immorality in the church of God, I come directly against you with the word of God as a hammer. Be destroyed in Jesus’ name.

The 4 Rs


“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:8, NLT)

As I consider how God Power works in and through all believers, I believe it is best explained by what I like to describe as the “4 Rs”: Relationship, Revelation, Reflection, and Redemption. All of these Rs are connected to and interrelated with each other.

Relationship

We have a relationship with almighty God through his Son, Jesus Christ. This relationship is established by receiving Christ as our personal Savior and trusting in his saving work on the cross.

Revelation

The relationship we have with God, when it is alive and growing, leads to revelation. As we spend time in God’s Word, he reveals his will to us. In Jeremiah 33:3 we read, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (NIV). As we spend time in God’s Word, he will guide and direct our steps as we trust in him. All of this becomes a reality in our lives as we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and transform us from within.

Reflection

After something is revealed to us, we must reflect upon it. What does this mean? What should we do with what has been revealed to us? How does this impact our lives and the world around us? Does this revelation require action on our part? This really is the beginning of God Power working its way in and through our lives.

We have a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son; the Holy Spirit reveals God’s will to us; and we must reflect on what is revealed to us in order to move forward in the strength and wisdom of the Spirit. All of these principles are interrelated. When we are faced with the claims of Christ, we must make a decision. We must be careful to act in whatever way God is directing us when his will is revealed to us. God Power enlightens us in the process of revelation. It directs us to make right decisions and empowers us to follow through on those decisions.

Redemption

Once we decide to act on what has been revealed to us, we are in a position to redeem our world for God and his purposes. Because of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we understand that we are living in a world that in its present form is passing away. Everything we can see and touch is in the process of perishing. But we know that we can converterlate the perishable items of time, talent, and treasure of this world into the imperishable values and treasure of the world to come. The New Testament instructs us, “Make the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16, NLT), and “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5, NLT).

If you were to ask a friend, What does the word redemption mean? they might be a little perplexed. The definition of redemption according to Merriam-Webster is the act of making something better or more acceptable, the act of exchanging something for some kind of award. Other definitions include repurchasing something or making a deliverance or rescue. We could also include the idea of exchanging something by using something else of value. To redeem something essentially means to buy it back or regain possession of it. It is a “recover and restore” process.

When we decide to move into the redemption phase of God’s revelation, we are not merely making the most of something. We are actually intentionally seizing an opportunity for a special work.

The 4 Rs are intertwined and represent a cycle. They also intersect with the “soak, sow, and flow” principle. Since this is a circular illustration, I’ve also added a “grow” component to the “soak, sow, and flow” that takes the process one step further. I believe this concept is best illustrated by what I like to refer to as a “Sonburst of Revelation.” This is actually a circle that represents a continuing reference to a key revelation from God.

Take a moment to really consider your life. Do you move through the 4 Rs or do you often get “stuck” at one place in the cycle? What steps can you take to be more intentional in continuing to move around the circle?

God Power empowers us to intentionally seize an opportunity from God for his special work.

In this new month apply the 4 Rs and let it power works for you

Happy New Month

31 PRINCIPLES FOR ETERNAL IMPACTATIONS      

              
Principle 1
Give Your Heart to God

Text: Proverbs 23:26 “Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes delight in my ways.”



As we consider a life guided by the principles of God, we must begin by making sure that we have truly given our hearts to God.  Once God has your heart, he is able to guide and direct you in every area of your life.

There are many examples in the Bible of God working through individuals who had surrendered their hearts to him.  David had a heart that was after God, and God used him in a mighty way.  Zaccheaus had a burning desire to see Jesus, and he responded immediately when Jesus called him.  Caleb showed faith in the power of God in the face of what looked like insurmountable odds.  He followed God wholeheartedly and, unlike most of the others who died in the wilderness because of their disobedience, was allowed to enter the Promised Land.  Samuel listened to and obeyed the Lord and as a result was used by God as a prophet and judge to the people of Israel.  When God approached Gideon, who was the least in his father’s household, God recognized a heart that would respond and be obedient to him.  Daniel’s heart was so committed to God that God felt free to reveal secrets to him.

Each one of these individuals had a heart that was fully devoted to God, and all of these people are role models for us today.  Their significance in the Bible narrative begins with their relationship with God.  Likewise, our significance begins with our relationship with God.  When God has your heart, he has everything that relates to you and your life.  All of our giving springs out of the genuine relationship that we have with our heavenly Father.  As we develop and deepen that relationship, God will work in us and through us.

Heart Deposit:
Have you given your heart fully to God?  Ask him to be first in your life.

Impactation begins
with a relationship with God

Related Verses:
“After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.’” —Acts 13:22

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”  —Mark 12:30

THE POWER OF GOD’S WORDS


TEXT: Isaiah 55:11
“In the same way, the promise that I make does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend.”

When we dig into God’s Word, we learn about his indescribable power and greatness. God can create whatever he wants, even out of nothing! God’s counsel and his plans stand forever. We can either place ourselves in a position to receive his blessing or not. God’s Word is powerful. Active. It accomplishes. Wherever it is sent, it prospers. To fulfill God’s purposes, we need to absorb all that is contained in God’s Word. As we do so, we learn more about the mind of God and open ourselves to receive his direction. By his Word we are renewed inwardly. His Word is like discovering the treasure of treasures: “

“For the one who finds me has found life and received favor from the Lord.” —Proverbs 8:35

“So then from now on we acknowledge no one from an outward human point of view. Even though we have known Christ from such a human point of view, now we do not know him in that way any longer” (2 Corinthians 4:16). Only the Word of God can renew us and give us true direction. All other pursuits are in vain if they are substitutes for the Word of God in our lives.

The bottom line? There is no way for one to be an effective Converterlator without knowing the Word of God. Along with the Holy Spirit, the Word is the primary means for bringing transformation to our values, attitudes, and mindset. It is also the means for nourishing and fueling the very roots of our being. It is by God’s Word that we learn about the will of God and how to implement and execute the plans he reveals to us through his Word.

With our access to technology these days, there are many ways to access God’s Word! If you have a Bible, start reading it today and select a verse for memorization and meditation. Go online and access a reading program; two that are popular and easily available are through http://www.biblegateway.com and http://www.navigators.org. Many Christian organizations also offer great Bible reading helps through their websites which you can get by searching Google

Unlike other written documents, God’s Word is living and powerful. One of my favorite Bible verses is Hebrews 4:12, the verse that opened this chapter: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.” God’s Word works in us and through us! Every day, we need to have his Word actively operating in our lives.

How much of God’s Word do you have memorized? How can you make this a priority in your life?

Converterlators know the Word of God and allow it to actively operate in their lives on a daily basis.