Vancouver, Canada, artist Wendy Tsao transformed some popular dolls into worthy role models for young girls. Straight out of the box, the dolls wore revealing clothes and heavy makeup. But Tsao removed the eye shadow and lipstick. She stitched new outfits to match the new identities she gave the dolls. Tsao recreated one doll to be Jane Goodall, a famous wildlife scientist. Another became Dr. Roberta Bondar, the first female Canadian astronaut.
Rahab, a prostitute who lived in Jericho, had a similar transformation. When a pair of spies knocked on her door, her change began (James 2:25). She knew the spies were members of God’s special nation Israel, but she hid them and negotiated for the lives of her family during the upcoming battle (Joshua 2:1-24).
After the Israelites demolished Jericho, Rahab joined their nation. She married a Jewish man named Salmon. The couple had a son named Boaz and Rahab became part of the lineage of Jesus! (Matthew 1:5). None of this would have been possible without faith. The writer of Hebrews included Rahab in a list of people who were known for their belief in God. “It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God” (Hebrews 11:31).
Do any areas of your life need to be remade? Can you imagine being free of anxiety, doubt, or addiction? If we put our faith in ourselves—in our own willpower or ability to change—we’ll be disappointed. But by trusting in the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can have victory over the sin and fear that plagues us. Jesus helps us become more like Him as we sincerely seek His ways. Through faith in God, even our weaknesses can be turned into strength! (Hebrews 11:34).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 5:17-42
More:
Read Psalm 119:97-105 and 1 Peter 2:1-3 to learn about God’s plan for our spiritual growth.
Next:
Do you believe you can overcome patterns of sin through Jesus’ power—even if you’ve struggled with the same sin for a long time? Why or why not?
godlove on October 14, 2016 at 5:45 am
Jennifer, this devotional today touches on a particularly sensitive spot for me. Along my path on this journey, I have slowly picked up sinful habits which are turning out to be real dark strongholds in my life. After trying for years to end it through my own efforts and failing repeatedly, I eventually realised that only the power of the Holy Spirit could help me completely overcome the sinful pattern which I let myself develop. Sometimes I struggle with the thought that I’m unable to exercise sufficient self-control (fruit of the Spirit) to enable me simply stop it once and for all. For years again, I have prayed and begged, fasted and pleaded, asking God to help me take it away but it always seems to show its ugly head again, even after I think I finally got rid of it. It’s very tough sometimes but I refuse to get discouraged, like Hebrews 12:3-4 says “Consider [Jesus] who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” I haven’t identified what I’m doing wrong which is preventing me from enjoying full deliverance and healing but I keep praying with the confident belief that no matter how long I have struggled with it, Jesus Christ’s power can and will remake me, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13). Thanks Jennifer. Blessed weekend to all.
gagirllive on October 14, 2016 at 8:20 am
Praying for you today, godlove. “The righteous falls seven times but gets back up again.” (Proverbs 24: 16) Be encouraged, dear one.
sandy229 on October 14, 2016 at 11:37 am
I will keep you in my prayers godlove 🙂
hsnpoor on October 14, 2016 at 7:01 pm
I’m praying for you too and for me, as well, godlove. I have a stronghold that I treat like a worrisome pet instead of the dark enemy that it really is. That Proverb is a really good word, GG.
godlove on October 14, 2016 at 11:26 pm
Thanks very much gagirl, for your encouragements and also for that verse from Proverbs; it’s good to bookmark for me. And thanks also to sandy and hsnpoor for your prayers. As we pray for one another, I pray our prayers all get answered ( 🙂 ), for the glory of His Name. Be blessed, dear sisters.
godlove on October 14, 2016 at 11:38 pm
(I can’t see the end of my comment so I re-post) As we pray for one another, I pray our prayers all get answered, for the glory of His Name. Be blessed dear sisters 🙂
Gary Shultz on October 14, 2016 at 5:46 am
Hi Jennifer, one of the best answers to the “Next” question is, because I stand (write) before you. I can’t say it will be easy, but Christ is enough, and in the more section is one of the parts that must be played, holding fast to God’s word and letting it permeate the body, soul, and spirit. Without the regular use of God’s word you are doomed for failure. You must have a defined, regular time with God to allow His presence to bathe you in mercy and to under pin your advance in grace with His hand and power. It makes an answer easy as to why the world or individuals are so messed up today, they have walked away from God, choosing to feed on a diet supplied by what is evil. Just as intervention started with Adam & Eve’s failure it must continue today. A most foolish thought is that we alone can resolve or rationalize our failure and break free from sin. Don’t treat the cross so cheaply. Thanks Jennifer, we’d love to hear from you.
phae on October 14, 2016 at 6:05 am
I believe, but it seems believing is not enough. I’ve tried several times to stop this same sin, but I always get back to it. I sometimes feel that, the devil has worn for that part of my life. hmm
gagirllive on October 14, 2016 at 8:26 am
The devil is a liar and every sin is a lie. Do you know what lie you are believing? Talk to God about it. The power to overcome is in God, not you. Praying you will experience His victory, phae. Be encouraged. God is willing and able to help you.
dondavis777 on October 14, 2016 at 6:52 am
Hi Jennifer, I was addicted to drugs most of my life. The last 7 were the worst. I’ve been clean for close to 15 yr. This what God has shown me maybe some of this or all will help you or anyone who reads it.
James 2:14-26 New Living Translation (NLT)
Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead
14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.
25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works
——————————————–
Mark 9:24 English Standard Version (ESV)
24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Romans 10:17 New King James Version (NKJV)
17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
• How do we hear the Word of God?___________________________________________
• I must do my part. God is always faithful to do His part. Example: After I pray for a job I must get off the couch and go put in applications. God will open & close doors.
The Enemy & what he does. (knowledge is power)
John 8:43-45 New King James Version (NKJV)
43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.
Matthew 4:3 English Standard Version (ESV)
3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
• Who is the devil and what does he do?_________________________________
• He tempts & lies to us to get us not read or pray etc. Through thoughts (fiery arrows) the mind is where the war is. Don’t buy the lie. Recognize Truth, if it’s not Truth it’s a lie. There are no gray areas. He tries to divide us, distract us from Jesus. We are children of God, So he hates us.
James 1:14 New King James Version (NKJV)
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
• If there is no desire, there is no temptation.
• So what is the enemy (devil) going to tempt you with?____________________(maybe old self?)
Matthew 16:24 New King James Version (NKJV)
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
• Take up his cross is the denying of self (crucifying self, no one said it would be easy. Sometimes this goes against feelings or want to’s) I do it because I love Jesus
Romans 12:2 New Living Translation (NLT)
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
John 14:15 New King James Version (NKJV) 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.
Luke 10:27 New King James Version (NKJV)
27 So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”
John 16:33 New Living Translation (NLT)
33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 New Living Translation (NLT) 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
• He is showing you a way out right now through this lesson
• A desire is a desire is a desire. You are want to do something. Same feeling no matter what it is. Remember feelings aren’t always truth. Truth is the Word of God. Does the feeling line up with the Word of God?
• The enemy will tempt/lie to me not to live as a child of God. This a new life and it will feel referent. Remember it not about feelings. It’s about Truth and the Truth will set you free
Luke 10:27 New King James Version (NKJV)
27 So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”
youssef1777 on October 14, 2016 at 7:59 am
AS LONG YOU KNOW THE LORD WITH YOU . THERE IS NOTHING TO FEAR .
youssef1777 on October 14, 2016 at 8:07 am
GOD OWNER WHO BELIEVE IN HIM AND TRUST THAT HE IS CAN HELP YOU WHEN YOU FACE BIG PROBLEM .
gagirllive on October 14, 2016 at 8:16 am
Nice story about the dolls, Jennifer, but I have to say it falls short of the glory of God. 🙂 It is a perfect example of how man, at best, can only do make-overs. Yes, the dolls were remade to reflect a more positive image by removing the make up and changing the clothes. If only life were that simple for us fallen creatures. Makeovers won’t suffice for what ails us. We need a change from the inside out—a transformation, a metamorphosis. Praise God Almighty—He has done just that for us through Jesus Christ! In Him we are not remade—we are recreated. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5: 17) In Him we have been given everything we need, “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1: 3, 4) In our struggle with besetting sins we must remember to do what James tells us. “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter return to morning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4: 7-10) There is victory in Jesus Christ. There is power in His name to break every chain. Thanks, Jennifer. A very blessed weekend to everyone.
sandy229 on October 14, 2016 at 10:27 am
You are so right GAgirl, change begins from within 🙂 God can change us from the inside out!! Thank you for your comments, they are spot on!! Have a Shalom weekend!!
hsnpoor on October 14, 2016 at 7:55 pm
Puts me in mind of Tasha Cobbs “Break Every Chain”. There is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain!
massageman on October 14, 2016 at 8:17 am
Thank you for todays devotional .. very much needed….. all of us can at one time or another can fall and we do…it is good to know that we have a God that can and will raise us up from the depths of despair and sin ….
gagirllive on October 14, 2016 at 8:28 am
Amen, massageman!
envirotact on October 14, 2016 at 10:05 am
Whenever I read the story of Rahab, I always wonder how difficult or easy it was for her to convince her family to believe her. They would be moving closer to the battle – not further away, and they would be hiding in a house of ill repute with a daughter/sister/granddaughter who had grieved them greatly. I plan to ask her one day how that conversation went.
sim jing ying on October 14, 2016 at 10:38 am
The joy of the Lord is my strength through the Holy Spirit, there’s nothing to worry as Jesus Christ fights all troubles for me, all we need to say Amen and three words when I think about Jesus Christ “Nothing is impossible”.
sandy229 on October 14, 2016 at 11:02 am
Amen sim jing ying!! The joy of the Lord is our strength and nothing is impossible with Jesus Christ!
Shalom
sandy229 on October 14, 2016 at 11:09 am
The sacrifice of Christ is both the proof of His love and the standard of our own love (Philippians 2:4-8). Christ’ love is shown, not only in a heroic deed of self-sacrifice, but in a daily life of compassion.
We should show God’s love practically to others and give to those in need. John clearly teaches us that our knowledge and love of God will be evident by our obedience to His Word and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are not to simply talk about love, but to love practically by giving to and caring for those in need. Simply put, if we know and love Jesus, then we are to live and love as He did. (1 John 3:16-18).
Shalom
sandy229 on October 14, 2016 at 11:12 am
So this is the comment I meant to put on ODB, but I posted it here by mistake, so that’s why it’s not in topic.
sandy229 on October 14, 2016 at 11:36 am
The concept of faith, according to God’s Word entails understanding that; 1) the entire creation, visible and invisible, is the result a Creator’s direct, intelligent action and not the product of blind chance (Hebrews 11:3); 2) historic figures have encountered this Creator in personal ways, evidencing He is more than merely a force and that He is a personal God who relates to those who seek Him in providential and redemptive ways (Hebrews 11:2, 4-39); 3) any worthy approach to God, with true faith, must believe these 2 propositions–if faith is to have starting place and a realizable goal (Hebrews 4:11/Revelation 12:11)
We should understand that the Holy Spirit makes us Holy, set apart by the blood of Jesus, therefore obedience is to be our response. Also we should seek to be honest, sincere and pure in every relationship and thirst for God’s word. We should apply it to our life so we will grow. The Holy Spirit sets us apart for the purpose of obedience and holy living, so we should live in holiness and honor the Lord, knowing that our salvation was bought at the great and precious price of His own blood. In response to all God has done for us, we should choose to dedicate the rest of our days to doing His will.