Daily Bread - March 22, 2004

But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.

This is the day that I have made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Rejoice before the tempter tempts you. Be glad before the tempter tempts you. From a thankful heart, express the fruit of joy and gladness, and you will see the difference in the outcome of your day that I made for you. Many will spend their day warring with adversaries that they did not have to war against because they went down paths of lamenting. Greet me not with tears of complaints, but greet me with gladness. I have said, "Serve me with gladness and come before my presence with singing." First, present me with a bouquet of praises, instead of a flood of tears that water the thorns that have created the pains in your life. Replace the weeping willows of the mourner with a high new song of life and victorious expectation. Resist the temptation to bring to me a deep death song of the blues and of mourning. Many are controlled by grief, sorrow, and regret; therefore, they come to me as weak lamenting worshippers of their problems and their emotions. Wear not the willows given you by unbelief, but rather adorn yourself with the garment of praise. Wear not sackcloth and ashes, but wear the breastplate of faith and love. Where is your helmet?

Your helmet is the hope of salvation. Did you come to my throne with the hope of salvation or with your head bowed to your troubles?

I have not appointed you unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by Jesus Christ. Who can you comfort and edify while you are in deep mourning?

I have given you righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation upon your head. I have already worn the garments of vengeance for you; therefore, cast off the willows you adorned yourself with, and put on the armor of light that shines through praise. Remain dressed in the armor of righteousness that I have placed on the right hand and on the left. Remain dressed in the whole armor of God then will you be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Do not remove your helmet of salvation. Many remove their helmet of salvation in the morning and adorn themselves with crowns of lamenting expressions. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and come forth with great rejoicing in the Lord. Let your soul be joyful in me, for I have clothed you with the garments of salvation. I have covered you with the robe of righteousness. I am causing righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations; therefore, arise and take hold of my strength and rejoice in the goodness of your God. Remember the mercies of David. I will not turn away your face from me, for you are anointed. Remember, you are clothed with salvation, so shout aloud for joy. You are budding like the horn of David, and a lamp for your feet is given for your path. Arise up, and cast off the willows for a garment. Be adorned with the garment of praise. You are accepted in the beloved, and all your problems are already worked out in my victory. I have clothed your enemies with shame and placed a crown of praise upon your head.

Amos 3: 7 - 8

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?