We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. James 3:2
The tongue is like the rudder of a large ship. This small instrument steers the entire vessel. When we bridle our tongues through God’s ability, we can control any evil appetite. By speaking God’s word over our areas of weakness, we tap into the Holy Spirit’s power.
In the face of anger, I can say, “Love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4). As I meditate on God’s word and speak it aloud from a believing heart, the wake of sin in my life begins to part, and I can walk through without sowing seeds of strife.
Jesus spoke God’s word when he was tempted by the devil. The devil cannot read our minds. That is why we must speak aloud the word of God. By doing this, we wreak havoc on the enemy of our souls. He is unable to stand against the force of the word of God spoken by a believer.
Verbalizing Scripture has a positive effect on our entire being. When we do this, we enable the Holy Spirit to order our lives accordingly. After all, this is how we entered into the Kingdom of God. Romans 10:8-9 describes it this way: “’But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.’ that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Dear victorious Lord,
I choose to speak your word over the iniquity in my life. I thank you for your overcoming power that enables me to walk free from sin and spiritual darkness. I thank you for your liberty. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Upper Hand
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. 1 John 5:4
The pull of sin weighs heavy on every man. Its power can submerge us to the depths of depravity. The enemy wants to drown us in its wake. But God has given us the upper hand. Those of us who have found new life in Christ have been crucified with Him. We can now walk in victory by trusting in Christ’s finished work at the cross.
We can count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ (Romans 6:11). When Christ died, we died. When he rose from the dead, we were resurrected with him. We have been granted supreme victory over sin. We must receive this truth by faith. Through faith in him, we can walk out the triumph wrought by Christ alone at Calvary.
Thankfully, we walk this line with a safety net. When we fall, the Lord is there to forgive us, cleanse us, and set us back on our feet. Overcoming sin is often a process, but in Christ we already have been given the victory.
Dear Father God,
Thank you for the victory I have in you over sin. By faith I claim your triumph over the tendency I have to stumble spiritually. I declare that you have made me more than a conqueror through you. I believe that your work at Calvary defeated sin's strength in my own life, and I receive your overcoming power in my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
The pull of sin weighs heavy on every man. Its power can submerge us to the depths of depravity. The enemy wants to drown us in its wake. But God has given us the upper hand. Those of us who have found new life in Christ have been crucified with Him. We can now walk in victory by trusting in Christ’s finished work at the cross.
We can count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ (Romans 6:11). When Christ died, we died. When he rose from the dead, we were resurrected with him. We have been granted supreme victory over sin. We must receive this truth by faith. Through faith in him, we can walk out the triumph wrought by Christ alone at Calvary.
Thankfully, we walk this line with a safety net. When we fall, the Lord is there to forgive us, cleanse us, and set us back on our feet. Overcoming sin is often a process, but in Christ we already have been given the victory.
Dear Father God,
Thank you for the victory I have in you over sin. By faith I claim your triumph over the tendency I have to stumble spiritually. I declare that you have made me more than a conqueror through you. I believe that your work at Calvary defeated sin's strength in my own life, and I receive your overcoming power in my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sin's Cure
O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 7:24-7:25a
We all fall short of God’s glory, yet in differing ways. Some feel the pull of sexual temptation while others struggle with an inordinate passion for money. Some think too highly of themselves, while still others are given to self-condemnation and depression.
No matter what our weaknesses are, there is only one time-tested cure for the tendency to sin – faith in Jesus Christ. As we surrender to Him, we find forgiveness and freedom. Forgiveness comes as we confess and forsake our sin. We then receive a spiritual bath from the hand of our loving Lord.
Victory is secured when we declare the promises of God. The Bible expresses that we are to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). Scriptures like this show us that we are identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We can also find verses that specifically address an area of temptation we are facing. When we speak such verses aloud, we follow the pattern of our Lord who spoke the word of God in the face of the devil’s temptation.
As we meditate on God’s word, we renew our minds to kingdom realities and righteous living. By hiding God’s word in our hearts, we ready ourselves for the struggles of the flesh and the onslaughts of the evil one.
By depending on Jesus and his word, we experience ever-increasing victory. This does not mean that we always get it right. The road to overcoming bad habits can often be characterized by a baby who takes a few steps forward and falls only to get back up and repeat the cycle. But God will enable us to overcome.
It is also helpful to gain strength from a fellow believer who can provide encouragement and accountability. If we will pursue the Lord, he will take us through the process, making us stronger and stronger as we journey on to become more like Christ.
Dear Lord,
I count myself as dead to sin and alive to God in Christ. I know this is how you see me in Christ. Lord I thank you for the victory I have in you. Your word says that I am an overcomer! I choose to speak your word in the face of temptation. Teach me to gain the victory through every battle that I endure. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Romans 7:24-7:25a
We all fall short of God’s glory, yet in differing ways. Some feel the pull of sexual temptation while others struggle with an inordinate passion for money. Some think too highly of themselves, while still others are given to self-condemnation and depression.
No matter what our weaknesses are, there is only one time-tested cure for the tendency to sin – faith in Jesus Christ. As we surrender to Him, we find forgiveness and freedom. Forgiveness comes as we confess and forsake our sin. We then receive a spiritual bath from the hand of our loving Lord.
Victory is secured when we declare the promises of God. The Bible expresses that we are to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). Scriptures like this show us that we are identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We can also find verses that specifically address an area of temptation we are facing. When we speak such verses aloud, we follow the pattern of our Lord who spoke the word of God in the face of the devil’s temptation.
As we meditate on God’s word, we renew our minds to kingdom realities and righteous living. By hiding God’s word in our hearts, we ready ourselves for the struggles of the flesh and the onslaughts of the evil one.
By depending on Jesus and his word, we experience ever-increasing victory. This does not mean that we always get it right. The road to overcoming bad habits can often be characterized by a baby who takes a few steps forward and falls only to get back up and repeat the cycle. But God will enable us to overcome.
It is also helpful to gain strength from a fellow believer who can provide encouragement and accountability. If we will pursue the Lord, he will take us through the process, making us stronger and stronger as we journey on to become more like Christ.
Dear Lord,
I count myself as dead to sin and alive to God in Christ. I know this is how you see me in Christ. Lord I thank you for the victory I have in you. Your word says that I am an overcomer! I choose to speak your word in the face of temptation. Teach me to gain the victory through every battle that I endure. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Favor Flows
Favor flows
It trickles down
Cascading from the mountain tops in springtime
Received by those trusting in Jesus
The gift of grace perpetually offered
Never earned
A twin of faith
Grace follows where faith begins
Grace produces fruit
Born from roots planted
Deep in the Source
Not by self effort
No perspiration
The stream becomes a river
As we gaze upon the Grace-giver
© Copyright 2009 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
It trickles down
Cascading from the mountain tops in springtime
Received by those trusting in Jesus
The gift of grace perpetually offered
Never earned
A twin of faith
Grace follows where faith begins
Grace produces fruit
Born from roots planted
Deep in the Source
Not by self effort
No perspiration
The stream becomes a river
As we gaze upon the Grace-giver
© Copyright 2009 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Light Dispels Darkness
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
The door swung open; wind’s invisible hand grabbed the handle and pulled. Rays of light revealed debris scattered where darkness reigned just a few seconds before. Cigarette butts and empty beer cans peppered the cement floor. And from behind an old paint-splattered ladder that leaned against the wall, peered two eyes. They belonged to a large rat that had tunneled its way into the dingy space. Rays of light shimmered on dirt and dust swirling in the air. The unkempt closet reeked of alcohol.
The light of the Son reveals sin hidden in the depths of our hearts. The Spirit’s wind unmasks us. His truth brings conviction, and with his presence comes deliverance and healing. His blood scours our every sin-stain so that we may rejoice in the liberty we were created for. God loves us too much to leave us in our present condition. The road to greater holiness begins with a prayer. Lord, search our hearts, cleanse us, and make us more like you!
Dear Lord,
Search my heart. Reveal to me the sin that lives inside me. Convict me and lead me on your path of righteousness. Make me holy as you are holy. Create in me a clean heart oh God, and show me how to practically live out your will. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
The door swung open; wind’s invisible hand grabbed the handle and pulled. Rays of light revealed debris scattered where darkness reigned just a few seconds before. Cigarette butts and empty beer cans peppered the cement floor. And from behind an old paint-splattered ladder that leaned against the wall, peered two eyes. They belonged to a large rat that had tunneled its way into the dingy space. Rays of light shimmered on dirt and dust swirling in the air. The unkempt closet reeked of alcohol.
The light of the Son reveals sin hidden in the depths of our hearts. The Spirit’s wind unmasks us. His truth brings conviction, and with his presence comes deliverance and healing. His blood scours our every sin-stain so that we may rejoice in the liberty we were created for. God loves us too much to leave us in our present condition. The road to greater holiness begins with a prayer. Lord, search our hearts, cleanse us, and make us more like you!
Dear Lord,
Search my heart. Reveal to me the sin that lives inside me. Convict me and lead me on your path of righteousness. Make me holy as you are holy. Create in me a clean heart oh God, and show me how to practically live out your will. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
For Freedom
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1
On July 4th we celebrated our nation's independence from British oppression. The American victory in the revolutionary war secured for us the freedom to establish a democracy founded on Christian principles. Many men lost their lives in pursuit of this triumph. Their blood bought our national freedom. Similarly, Christ won the pivotal victory for the souls of men when he died and rose again. He disarmed the kingdom of darkness and made an open spectacle of the devil and his forces on the cross (Colossians 2:14-15). When we allow ourselves to be governed by Jesus the King of Kings, we experience spiritual and emotional freedom.
Surrendering to Christ liberates us from the shackles that bind us. The word of God is a declaration of our independence in Christ. The Scriptures are replete of great and precious promises for the believer whose allegiance is with the Sovereign of the universe. Jesus bought us our emancipation by dying for us in our place. He set us free for our own sake – for the sake of our freedom. Let's remember what Christ did for us and look to those who have not yet been spiritually awakened. Let's pray for those lost in darkness and share our faith with them, when we have the opportunity.
Dear Lord,
I surrender all to you. I thank you for dying for me in my place. I choose to follow you all of my days and I ask you to forgive me of my sin. I understand that you bought my freedom for me on the cross. You have delivered me from darkness and You have translated me into the kingdom of your dear Son. Help me Lord to live to see others find freedom in You. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2009 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
On July 4th we celebrated our nation's independence from British oppression. The American victory in the revolutionary war secured for us the freedom to establish a democracy founded on Christian principles. Many men lost their lives in pursuit of this triumph. Their blood bought our national freedom. Similarly, Christ won the pivotal victory for the souls of men when he died and rose again. He disarmed the kingdom of darkness and made an open spectacle of the devil and his forces on the cross (Colossians 2:14-15). When we allow ourselves to be governed by Jesus the King of Kings, we experience spiritual and emotional freedom.
Surrendering to Christ liberates us from the shackles that bind us. The word of God is a declaration of our independence in Christ. The Scriptures are replete of great and precious promises for the believer whose allegiance is with the Sovereign of the universe. Jesus bought us our emancipation by dying for us in our place. He set us free for our own sake – for the sake of our freedom. Let's remember what Christ did for us and look to those who have not yet been spiritually awakened. Let's pray for those lost in darkness and share our faith with them, when we have the opportunity.
Dear Lord,
I surrender all to you. I thank you for dying for me in my place. I choose to follow you all of my days and I ask you to forgive me of my sin. I understand that you bought my freedom for me on the cross. You have delivered me from darkness and You have translated me into the kingdom of your dear Son. Help me Lord to live to see others find freedom in You. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2009 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Agree with God
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” 1 John 2:8
There is no greater enemy to our relationship with God than self denial. When confronted with our sin, we should agree with God. Confession of sin is simply the practice of agreeing with what God has said about our failures. And it is a turning away from practices that are harmful to our spiritual life.
King David fell into sin by lusting after and commiting adultery with Bathsheeba. Then he murdered Bathsheeba's husband. When Nathan the profit confronted David regarding his sin, David responded with meekness. He repented of his sin and allowed God to cleanse his soul. Even though David commited two horrible sins, God completely forgave him and David was later called a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). David did, however, have to experience the consequences of his actions.
If we, with a heart of humility, confess our sin to God, he will be faithful to forgive us and will cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We must kneel before we stand. We do not need to confess our sins to a person; we can go directly to the Lord. There are times, however, when it is beneficial for us to share our shortcomings with someone mature in the Lord. This can serve as a means of accountability and encouragement for us.
When we agree with God concerning our sin and seek to repent of our behavior, we find: forgiveness, restored fellowship with God, and spiritual freedom. Let’s be quick to run to Jesus when we stumble. He will never condemn us; instead he will open up his arms to us and offer us the grace we need to overcome.
Dear Holy Lord,
Shine the spotlight of your glory into the recesses of my heart. Reveal to me any hidden sin I may have. Wash me in your precious blood and enable me to live in a way that pleases you. Lord I choose to follow you wholeheartedly. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
There is no greater enemy to our relationship with God than self denial. When confronted with our sin, we should agree with God. Confession of sin is simply the practice of agreeing with what God has said about our failures. And it is a turning away from practices that are harmful to our spiritual life.
King David fell into sin by lusting after and commiting adultery with Bathsheeba. Then he murdered Bathsheeba's husband. When Nathan the profit confronted David regarding his sin, David responded with meekness. He repented of his sin and allowed God to cleanse his soul. Even though David commited two horrible sins, God completely forgave him and David was later called a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). David did, however, have to experience the consequences of his actions.
If we, with a heart of humility, confess our sin to God, he will be faithful to forgive us and will cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We must kneel before we stand. We do not need to confess our sins to a person; we can go directly to the Lord. There are times, however, when it is beneficial for us to share our shortcomings with someone mature in the Lord. This can serve as a means of accountability and encouragement for us.
When we agree with God concerning our sin and seek to repent of our behavior, we find: forgiveness, restored fellowship with God, and spiritual freedom. Let’s be quick to run to Jesus when we stumble. He will never condemn us; instead he will open up his arms to us and offer us the grace we need to overcome.
Dear Holy Lord,
Shine the spotlight of your glory into the recesses of my heart. Reveal to me any hidden sin I may have. Wash me in your precious blood and enable me to live in a way that pleases you. Lord I choose to follow you wholeheartedly. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
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