{"total":292,"page":1,"per_page":500,"delta":1776357146,"posts":[{"id":107,"title":"AN ENTIRELY NEW SELF","body":"\u003Ch3\u003EAN ENTIRELY NEW SELF\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEphesians 5:8 describes the essential change of nature which occurs at salvation. It doesn\u0027t say you were in darkness; it says you were darkness. Darkness was your nature, your very essence, as an unbeliever. Nor does it say you are now in the light; it says you are light. God changed your basic nature from darkness to light. The issue in this passage is not improving your nature. Your new nature is already determined. The issue is learning to walk in harmony with your new nature.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy do you need the nature of Christ within you? So you can be like Christ, not just act like Him. God has not given us the power to imitate Him. He has made us partakers of His nature so that we can actually be like Him. You don\u0027t become a Christian by acting like one. We are not on a performance basis with God. He doesn\u0027t say, \u0022Here are My standards, now you measure up.\u0022 He knows you can\u0027t solve the problem of an old sinful self by simply improving your behaviour. He must change your nature, give you an entirely new self the life of Christ in you which is the grace you need to measure up to His standards.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat was the point of His message in the Sermon on the Mount: \u0022Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven\u0022 (Matthew 5:20). The scribes and Pharisees were the religious perfectionists of their day. They had external behaviour down to a science, but their hearts were like the insides of a tomb, reeking of death. Jesus is only interested in creating new persons from the inside out by infusing in them a brand-new nature and creating in them a new self. Only after He changes your identity and makes you a partaker of His nature will you be able to change your behaviour.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Jesus, thank You for rescuing me from the kingdom of darkness and transferring me into Your marvellous light. I choose to walk as a child of light today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-11T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/035-entirely-new-self"},{"id":132,"title":"SURVIVING A CRISIS ","body":"\u003Ch3\u003ESURVIVING A CRISIS\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA house divided against itself falls (Luke 11:17).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan\u0027s strategy is to use a problem situation to put you and your spouse at odds with each other. Jesus said, \u0022A house divided against itself falls\u0022 (Luke 11:17). Many times I have said to parents, \u0022Don\u0027t let this pull you apart.\u0022 Inevitably they glance at each other, because that\u0027s precisely what\u0027s been going on.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022If you would have been more firm with our child, this wouldn\u0027t have happened,\u0022 one blames.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022It\u0027s because you didn\u0027t set the standards by having family devotions every night,\u0022 the other retorts.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOr if they did have devotions, \u0022You just read to the children, you never communicate with them!\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022If you were home more often, I\u0027d have more time to communicate with them!\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere may be a grain of truth in every statement above. But it\u0027s history, and tearing each other down will only make the problem worse. You must be united in order to survive the crisis. Character-bashing is from the pit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMany parents are intimidated by a child\u0027s threats or find it easier to give in to a temper tantrum than not to. But you cannot let a rebellious child rule the home. It takes an iron will and the grace of God to stand your ground and not let your child control you. Sad are the children whose parents let them rule the roost. Even sadder are the children whose parents rule without love. If you manage to control through loveless intimidation and force, your child will be emotionally crippled. Rules without a relationship lead to rebellion.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAny crisis in the home can make or break you. You can choose to grow through the crisis and become a better person than you were before. Romans 5:3,4, encourages, \u0022We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I refuse Satan\u0027s strategy to divide our home by quenching our love or overemphasizing rules. Help me do my part to keep our home united in You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-27T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/131-surviving-crisis"},{"id":134,"title":"BELIEVING IN CHRIST\u0027S AUTHORITY","body":"\u003Ch3\u003EBELIEVING IN CHRIST\u0027S AUTHORITY\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETruly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, \u0022Move from here to there,\u0022 and it shall move, and nothing shall be impossible to you. Matthew 17:20.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat does it take to effectively exercise Christ\u0027s authority over spiritual powers? Can any Christian do so regardless of his level of spiritual maturity? If so, why aren\u0027t we more consistent in demonstrating our authority over Satan\u0027s kingdom?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI believe there are at least four qualifications for demonstrating authority over rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm. We\u0027ll consider them over the next few days.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe first qualification is belief. In the spiritual realm, if you don\u0027t believe you have authority, you\u0027re not going to exercise it. If your belief is weak, your expression of it will also be weak and ineffective. But if you grasp with confidence the authority that Christ has conferred upon you, you will exercise it with confidence.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EImagine a rookie traffic copy approaching a busy intersection to direct traffic for the first time. They told him at the academy that all he had to do was step into the street and hold up his hand and the cars would stop, but he\u0027s not so sure. He stands on the curb, tweets his whistle weakly, and sort of waves at an oncoming car, which roars by him. His authority is diminished by his lack of confidence.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENow imagine a seasoned officer coming on the scene. He sizes up the situation, steps into the street carefully but confidently, gives a blast on his whistle, and stretches out his hand and the cars stop. There\u0027s no doubt in his mind that he\u0027s in control in that intersection because he has a settled belief in his authority.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou may consider yourself just a \u0022rookie\u0022 at stopping the devil\u0027s traffic in your life. But Jesus Christ is a seasoned veteran, and you\u0027re in Him. Build your faith in your authority by studying how Jesus operated against the powers of darkness in the Gospels and how we are commanded to do so in the Epistles.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, enlarge my belief that I have been given authority over principalities and powers in Christ, and help me act on that belief.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-28T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/132-believing-christs-authority"},{"id":135,"title":"TRUE HUMILITY","body":"\u003Ch3\u003ETRUE HUMILITY\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHumble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you (James 4:10).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe second qualification for demonstrating authority over rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm is humility. Humility doesn\u0027t mean that you\u0027re always looking for a rock to crawl under because you feel unworthy to do anything. In exercising our authority, humility is placing confidence in Christ, the source of our authority, instead of in ourselves. Jesus didn\u0027t shrink back from exercising His authority, but He showed tremendous humility because He did everything according to what His Father told Him to do.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPride says, \u0022I resisted the devil all by myself.\u0022 False humility says, \u0022God resisted the devil; I did nothing.\u0022 True humility says, \u0022I resisted the devil by the grace of God.\u0022 Apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5), but that doesn\u0027t mean we\u0027re not supposed to do something. We exercise authority humbly in His strength and in His name.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESeeing humility as self-abasement is similar to seeing meekness as weakness. The Lord was meek, but He wasn\u0027t weak. Meekness is great strength under great control. Humility is confidence properly placed. We are to \u0022glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh\u0022 (Philippians 3:3).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPride is a killer. Pride says, \u0022I can do it.\u0022 No you can\u0027t. We absolutely need God and each other.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, I know You can remove Your blessing from me if I move out from under Your protection and authority. I acknowledge today that You are in charge of my life.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-29T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/133-true-humility"},{"id":137,"title":"SPIRIT-INSPIRED BOLDNESS","body":"\u003Ch3\u003ESPIRIT-INSPIRED BOLDNESS\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBe strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe third qualification for demonstrating authority over rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm is boldness. A Spirit-filled Christian is characterized by a true, godly sense of courage and boldness in spiritual warfare. On the eve of taking authority over the Promised Land, Joshua was challenged four times to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6,7,9 and 18). When the early church prayed about their mission of sharing the gospel in Jerusalem, \u0027the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak the word of God with boldness\u0027 (Acts 4:31). Spirit-inspired boldness is behind every successful advance in the church today.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe opposite of boldness is cowardice, fear and unbelief. Notice what God thinks about these characteristics:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murders and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:6-8).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat\u0027s pretty serious - cowards lined up at the lake of fire alongside murderers, sorcerers and idolaters! It should serve to motivate us to exercise authority with boldness (2 Timothy 1:7).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA lot of Christians I meet fear the dark side of the spiritual world. It\u0027s true that a little knowledge can be a dangerous and frightful thing, but a growing knowledge of the truth is liberating. Seminary students have told me, \u0022I used to be afraid of that stuff, but now I know who I am in Christ, and I\u0027m not afraid anymore.\u0022 That\u0027s exactly the perception we should have.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, increase my courage to light candles of truth and dispel the darkness in Your name. I will fear only You today, not the enemy.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-30T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/134-spirit-inspired-boldness"},{"id":139,"title":"DEPENDENCE ON GOD","body":"\u003Ch3\u003EDEPENDENCE ON GOD\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe fourth qualification for demonstrating authority over rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm is dependence. A Spirit-filled life is dependent on God the Father. Even Jesus and the Holy Spirit modeled this dependency. Jesus said: \u0022I can do nothing on My own initiative\u0022 (John 5:30); \u0022Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you\u0022 (John 17:7NIV); \u0022But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak\u0022 (John 16:13).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESpiritual authority is not an independent authority. We don\u0027t charge out on our own initiative like some kind of evangelical ghostbusters to hunt down the devil and engage him in combat. God\u0027s primary call is for each of us to focus on the ministry of the kingdom: loving, caring, preaching, teaching, praying, etc. However, when demonic powers challenge us in the course of pursuing this ministry, we deal with them on the basis of our authority in Christ and our dependence on Him. Then we carry on with our primary task.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENor is the spiritual authority of the believer an authority to be exercised over other believers. We are to be \u0022subject to one another in the fear of Christ\u0022 (Ephesians 5:21). There is a God-established authority on earth which governs the social structures of government, work, home and church (Romans 13:1-7). It is critically important that we submit to these governing authorities unless they operate outside the scope of their authority, command us to do something against God\u0027s will, or restrict us from doing what God has commanded. Then we must obey God rather than men.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, it\u0027s a great relief to know I can depend on You. You are the Rock, the Almighty, unchanging, full of glory. I praise You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-01T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/135-dependence-god"},{"id":140,"title":"AN INTACT BELIEF SYSTEM","body":"\u003Ch3\u003EAN INTACT BELIEF SYSTEM\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Jesus Christ, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following (1 Timothy 4:6).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne problem with Christian maturity is trying to base spiritual growth on practical sections of the Scriptures and spending too little time internalising the doctrinal sections. Each of Paul\u0027s letters tends to fall into two major parts. The first part is generally doctrinal, such as Romans 1-8, Ephesians 1-3, Colossians 1-2, etc. These sections reveal what we need to know about God, ourselves, sin and salvation. The second half of each letter is the practical section: Romans 12-15, Ephesians 4-6, Colossians 3-4, etc. These passages describe what we need to do to live out our faith in daily experience.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn our zeal to correct the problems in our lives - doubt, temptation, satanic attack, conflict in families, friendships and churches which are falling apart - we jump to the practical instructions of God\u0027s Word. We want a quick fix, a rule or instruction, which we can apply like a Band-Aid to make things better.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPerhaps you have already discovered that a Band-Aid approach to daily living doesn\u0027t work. Why not? Because when you don\u0027t understand the truth pertaining to your position in Christ, you have no ground for success in the practical arena. How can you rejoice in hope and persevere in tribulation (Romans 12:12) without the confidence of knowing you have been justified by faith and have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen your basic belief system about God and yourself is shaky, your day-to-day behaviour system will be shaky. But when your belief system is intact and your relationship with God is based on truth, you\u0027ll have very little trouble working out the practical aspects of daily Christianity. Show me someone who knows who they are in Christ and who is filled with the Holy Spirit, as taught in the first half of the Epistles, and I will show you someone who will instinctively live according to the second half of the Epistles. It will be the \u0022natural\u0022 thing to do.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELoving Father, I desire to know what I need to know about You so I can live the way You desire for me to live.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-02T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/136-intact-belief-system"},{"id":142,"title":"OUR CHILDREN, SATAN\u0027S TARGETS","body":"\u003Ch3\u003EOUR CHILDREN, SATAN\u0027S TARGETS\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThese words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons (Deuteronomy 6:6,7).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChristian children and teenagers populating our schools, attending our churches, and living in our homes are the targets of Satan\u0027s strategy. Many Christian young people hear voices as if a subconscious self is talking to them. Satan seeks to destroy our families and churches by seducing our children away from their parents and from God (1 Timothy 4:1).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIs every evil thought in our mind the \u0027voice\u0027 of Satan or a demon? No, the flesh - that part of our brain that urges us to operate independently of God and to centre our interests on ourselves - also introduces sinful thoughts and suggests evil deeds. Furthermore, input from worldly movies, music, books, TV, etc. also introduces evil ideas into our minds. As we grow in Christ, we learn to say no to the deeds of the flesh and walk in the Spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut the world and the flesh are not the only culprits, even though we tend to place most of the blame on them. The devil and spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12) are shrewdly at work introducing evil suggestions as thoughts or inner voices. Just as we learn to deal with worldly and fleshly influences, so we must learn to distinguish Satan\u0027s subtle, personal influence and resist him, and we must teach our children to do the same. Whether your child\u0027s evil thoughts are coming from the world, the flesh, or the devil, you need to help him bring \u0027every thought captive to the obedience of Christ\u0027 (2 Corinthians 10:5).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur children aren\u0027t saying much about Satan\u0027s seduction in their lives because most of them don\u0027t know that he\u0027s at the heart of it. Satan is the great deceiver. He doesn\u0027t march into their lives accompanied by a brass band. He slyly worms his way in through the opportunities they and we give him. And since kids haven\u0027t been taught what the Bible says about Satan\u0027s strategies, they blame themselves, and their sense of guilt and fear of punishment further contributes to their silence.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather God, raise up a standard of truth to defeat the enemy in my children\u0027s lives, and help me teach them to resist the enemy themselves.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-03T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/137-our-children-satans-targets"},{"id":144,"title":"THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LEADERSHIP","body":"\u003Ch3\u003ETHE RESPONSIBILITY OF LEADERSHIP\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShepherd the flock of God among you . . . not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God (1 Peter 5:2).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur ability to speak with authority stems from the same source as was true of Jesus Himself. The authority Jesus possessed was not based on any earthly position, but in the quality, conduct and character of His life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe true shepherd exercises spiritual leadership with the heart of a servant. As servants, we are subject to the needs of those we are called to lead. That\u0027s why Jesus said we will know His disciples by their love. The requirements to be a spiritual leader in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are all character requirements. All of this is made possible by the indwelling presence of God, the Holy Spirit. Peter writes, \u0022Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock\u0022 (1 Peter 5:2,3).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou never hear Jesus say, \u0022You do this because I\u0027m God.\u0022 What happens to a marriage relationship when a husband authoritatively demands obedience because he is the head of the home? Nothing good let me assure you. The spiritual head of a home, church, Sunday school class, Bible study group, etc. assumes his responsibility by meeting the needs of those under his care. Being a leader is an awesome responsibility, not a right to be demanded. A wise leader listens carefully to the counsel of his charges and depends on the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit\u0027s enablement, he can live a righteous life out of which he can lead with loving authority.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs spiritual leaders, we must be like Christ and base our leadership in the quality, conduct and character of our life. We may speak with authority if what we say is true according to God\u0027s Word and when our character is Christ like.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I desire greater humility so I can properly lead and teach in areas where You have given me responsibility.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-04T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/138-responsibility-leadership"},{"id":145,"title":"ONE FEAR-OBJECT","body":"\u003Ch3\u003EONE FEAR-OBJECT\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIt is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, and He shall be your dread (Isaiah 8:13).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA severe storm hit the East Coast, and the Coast Guard was summoned to respond to a ship in crisis. A young sailor, new on board, was terrorized by the prospect and proclaimed, \u0022We can\u0027t go out. We\u0027ll never come back!\u0022 The seasoned captain responded, \u0022We must go out. We don\u0027t have to come back.\u0022 Duty called and responsibility overcame fear.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf we\u0027re going to walk by faith, there can be only one fear-object in our lives, and that\u0027s God. We are responsible to Him. He is the ultimate fear-object because He is omnipotent and omnipresent. The fear of the Lord is healthy because it is the one fear that expels all other fears (Isaiah 8:11-14). All other fear-objects pale in comparison to our holy God. We need to be like David who proclaimed before Goliath, \u0022Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?\u0022 (1 Samuel 17:26). The Hebrew army saw Goliath in relation to themselves and cowered in defeat. David saw Goliath in relation to God and conquered in His strength.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen the 12 spies checked out the Promised Land, 10 of them came back and responded; \u0022We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us\u0022 (Numbers 13:31). They didn\u0027t see God in the land; they saw giants (verse 33). With that perspective, \u0022all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night\u0022 (Numbers 14:1).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJoshua and Caleb responded, \u0022Do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they shall be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them\u0022 (Numbers 14:9). The people did rebel. They accepted the majority report instead of listening to Caleb and Joshua. By accepting the Canaanites\u0027 will over God\u0027s will, they elevated the power and eminence of the Canaanites over the omnipotence and omnipresence of God. To honour God as the ultimate fear-object is to worship Him. To be controlled by any other fear-object is to allow it to usurp God\u0027s place in our lives.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I want to be a God-pleaser in all I do today, not a man-pleaser or a coward.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-05T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/139-one-fear-object"},{"id":146,"title":"APPEARANCE, PERFORMANCE AND STATUS","body":"\u003Ch3\u003EAPPEARANCE, PERFORMANCE AND STATUS\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJust as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him (Psalm 103:13).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you seek your identity or sense of worth in the temporal values of this world instead of in Christ, your family can become a threat to your pursuits in the following three ways.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAppearance. What image is more appealing to a woman: a youthful, athletic figure or the sometimes sagging frame of a responsible mother? Say good-bye to the bikini with those stretch marks! Mothers who are hooked on appearance may end up resenting their children for robbing them of their girlish figures.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPerformance. If you get your identity from your work, your primary goal may be to climb the corporate ladder. That means working some evenings and weekends to get ahead. \u0022I\u0027d like to be at your Little League game, son,\u0022 you say, \u0022but I can\u0027t. I\u0027ll make it up to you later.\u0022 Only later may be too late in some cases. What about performing well as a husband\/father or wife\/mother? Granted, few outside your home will see that performance. But God will and your children will! And in 20 years the world will see the results of your performance in the lives of your godly, well-adjusted children.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStatus. Getting married and having children used to offer a woman favourable social status. Now a wife\/mother is \u0022just\u0022 a housewife. A status-seeking woman will see her family as a bother or a hindrance. But what\u0027s wrong with being a responsible, caring mother? What can be more challenging and satisfying than raising godly children today? Perhaps it\u0027s too challenging for some; that\u0027s why they are opting out.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf your sense of worth comes through your identity in Christ and your godly character, then your family will serve as the essential foundation for your personal development, since God works primarily through committed relationships.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me see my family as Your instruments to turn my focus to eternal values instead of temporal rewards.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-06T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/140-appearance-performance-and-status"},{"id":148,"title":"SATAN\u0027S PRIMARY STRATEGY","body":"\u003Ch3\u003ESATAN\u0027S PRIMARY STRATEGY\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit? (Acts 5:3).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan\u0027s primary strategy is deception. He will introduce his thoughts and ideas into your mind and deceive you into believing that they are yours. It happened to King David. Satan \u0027moved David to number Israel\u0027 (1 Chronicles 21:1), an act God had forbidden, and David acted on Satan\u0027s idea. Did Satan walk up to David one day and say, \u0022I want you to number Israel\u0022? I doubt it. David was a godly man and he wouldn\u0027t have obeyed Satan. But what if Satan slipped the idea into David\u0027s mind in first-person singular? What if the thought came to David as \u0022I need to know how large my army is; I think I\u0027ll count the troops\u0022?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf Satan can place a thought in your mind - and he can - it isn\u0027t much more of a trick for him to make you think it\u0027s your idea. If you knew it was Satan, you\u0027d reject the thought, wouldn\u0027t you? But when he disguises his suggestion as your idea, you are more likely to accept it. That is his primary deception. If you knew where the thought came from, you wouldn\u0027t be deceived.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI don\u0027t think Judas realized that it was Satan\u0027s idea to betray Jesus (John 13:2). It probably came to him as a way to prompt Jesus to deliver Israel from the Romans. Ananias and Sapphira might have thought that it was their idea to withhold some of their offering while getting the strokes and attention from others who believed they had given everything. If they knew that it was Satan\u0027s idea, they probably wouldn\u0027t have done it (Acts 5:1-3). If Satan can get you to believe a lie, he can control your life. That\u0027s why it is truth that sets you free (John 8:32).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere is one common characteristic shared by everyone in bondage: They all lie. The alcoholic lies about their drinking. The anorexic lies about their eating. The first step to recovery is to get out of denial, stop lying and start telling the truth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I really want Your truth and the freedom it brings in my life at all times. Help me face up to the truth, receive it and act on it today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-07T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/141-satans-primary-strategy"},{"id":150,"title":"OUR DEFENCE AGAINST SATAN","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOUR DEFENCE AGAINST SATAN\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe devil does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature for he is a liar, and the father of lies (John 8:44).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan\u0027s power is in the lie. He has no power over you except what you given him when you believe his lies. You break his power when you expose the lie. Scripture says, \u0027We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one\u0027 (1 John 5:19).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow much deception is actually going on in Christians today I can only speculate. In my ministry I encounter it in nearly every counselling session. Many Christians I talk to struggle with oppressive thoughts, but they are afraid to tell anyone for fear that others will think they have a mental problem. Seldom do they realize that these distractions reflect the battle which is going on for their minds, even though Paul warned us: \u0022The Spirit explicitly says that in latter times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons\u0022 (1 Timothy 4:1).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESince Satan\u0027s primary weapon is the lie, your defence against him is the truth. Dealing with Satan is not a power encounter; it\u0027s a truth encounter. When you expose Satan\u0027s lie with God\u0027s truth, his power is broken. That\u0027s why Jesus said: \u0022You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free\u0022 (John 8:32). That\u0027s why He prayed: \u0022My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth\u0022 (John 17:15,17 NIV). That\u0027s why the first piece of armour Paul mentions for standing against the schemes of the devil is the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14). Satan\u0027s lie cannot withstand the truth any more than the darkness of night can withstand the light of the rising sun.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I seek Your boldness today to defeat the enemy\u0027s lies in my life and in the lives of those around me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-08T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/142-our-defence-against-satan"},{"id":153,"title":"ALL THINGS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EALL THINGS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAll things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted (Mark 11:24).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf God wants it done, can it be done? Yes! \u0022All things are possible to him who believes\u0022 (Mark 9:23). If God wants me to do it, can I do it? Of course! \u0027I can do all things through Him who strengthens me\u0027 (Philippians 4:13).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat are the \u0027all things\u0027 mentioned in those verses? Is this \u0027miracle-a-moment\u0027 living? Can we just name it and claim it? No. \u0027All things\u0027 pertains to God\u0027s will. What God makes possible is the doing of His will; what He empowers us to do is what He desires done. Every miracle outside the will of God is made possible by the god of this world. Satan can work miracles, but he cannot please God (Matthew 7:20-23).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJesus shocked His disciples when He cursed a fig tree that bore no fruit for Him. The next day Peter noticed the tree was withered from the roots up. When Peter pointed it out to Him, Jesus answered, \u0022Whoever says to this mountain, \u0027Be taken up and cast into the sea,\u0027 and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted\u0022 (Mark 11:23,24).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECan such a miraculous thing happen by prayer and faith? Yes, if we understand what a God-wrought miracle is. A miracle from God is a supernatural intervention in the fixed order of the universe for the sole purpose of establishing His kingdom. A true miracle can only be accomplished by God and only to help fulfil His redemptive purpose.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMoving a mountain into the sea fulfils no redemptive purpose. Besides, given enough time and earth-moving equipment, we could accomplish that without God. The point Jesus is making is this: If God wants it done it can be done. Nothing can keep us from doing the will of God, if we believe. Nobody can stop us from being the person God wants us to be. \u0027Mountains\u0027 are often obstacles standing in the way of accomplishing God\u0027s will. Faith removes such barriers.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I ask that I will be so sensitive to Your Spirit and full of faith that my prayers will be in harmony with Your will.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-10T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/144-all-things"},{"id":154,"title":"RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ERIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe one who practises righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous; the one who practises sin is of the devil (1 John 3:7,8).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod\u0027s Word is the basis for righteous judgment. Is the person proclaiming the Word of God? Is it biblically true? Accepting the fact that God\u0027s Word is both foundational and central, however, is not the only criterion. Satan will quote Scripture. He even had the audacity to quote it to Jesus. Any organization can make up a doctrinal statement. I have even encountered hard-core Satanists who have infiltrated the church and occupied leadership positions in evangelical ministries.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPaul warned, \u0022For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their deeds\u0022 (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI know of a false teacher who teaches the Bible. In fact, he teaches the Bible very well, but his moral life is decadent. Two of our seminary students were mesmerized by his intellectual brilliance. I personally wouldn\u0027t care to do intellectual battle with him, but I wouldn\u0027t want to battle Satan intellectually either. This man indulges the flesh in its corrupt desires and despises authority, which are traits identified in 2 Peter 2:10 as those of a false prophet.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI\u0027m always amazed at how gullible some people are and how easily deceived. \u0022He\u0027s such a wonderful speaker!\u0022 \u0022What a charismatic person!\u0022 \u0022I could feel the electricity in the air!\u0022 They\u0027re not judging righteously; they\u0027re judging by appearance (or worse, by how they feel). John wrote, \u0022Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment\u0022 (John 7:24); and \u0022little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil\u0022 (1 John 3:7,8).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Father, I desire the capacity for righteous judgment based on Your Word to deal effectively with the enemy\u0027s subtle schemes.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-09T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/143-righteous-judgment"},{"id":165,"title":"UNDER THE SAME YOKE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EUNDER THE SAME YOKE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECome to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light (Matthew 11:28-30).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMatthew 11:28-30 contains a beautiful description of the purpose and pace of the Spirit-filled walk. Jesus invites you to a restful walk in tandem with Him, just as two oxen walk together under the same yoke. \u0022How can a yoke be restful?\u0022 you ask. Because Jesus\u0027 yoke is an easy yoke. As the lead ox, Jesus walks at a steady pace. If you pace yourself with Him, your burden will be easy. But if you take a passive approach to the relationship, you\u0027ll be painfully dragged along in the yoke because Jesus keeps walking. Or if you try to race ahead or turn off in another direction, the yoke will chafe your neck and your life will be uncomfortable. The key to a restful yoke-relationship with Jesus is to learn from Him and open yourself to His gentleness and humility.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe picture of walking in the Spirit in tandem with Jesus also helps us understand our service to God. How much will you get done without Jesus pulling on His side of the yoke? Nothing. And how much will be accomplished without you on your side? Nothing. A yoke can only work if both are pulling together.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPaul said, \u0022I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth\u0022 (1 Corinthians 3:6). You and I have the privilege to plant and water, but if God isn\u0027t in it, nothing will grow. However if we don\u0027t plant and water nothing will grow. God has chosen to work through the church, in partnership with you, to do His work in the world today. He\u0027s the lead ox. Let\u0027s learn from Him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Jesus, I want You to be my yoke-mate today. Keep me from going ahead or lagging behind. I want to walk step-by-step with You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-11T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/145-under-same-yoke"},{"id":166,"title":"TRUSTING YOUR CHILD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETRUSTING YOUR CHILD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you (2 Corinthians 7:16)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen I was 14 years old my family moved off the farm in Minnesota where I was born. But I never adjusted to our new home in Arizona. When I was only 15 my parents let me take a bus back to Minnesota to work on the farm for the summer. The following summer I drove an old car back to Minnesota by myself. The family I stayed with asked if I would like to live with them and finish high school in Minnesota. To my great joy my parents said it was okay.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat impact did my parents\u0027 trust have on me? I never wanted to do anything to lose their trust. Their trust in me was a great driving force in my life and the greatest gift they ever gave me. Next to the Holy Spirit in me, that trust has been the greatest deterrent to immorality. Even years later when I was in the military and thousands of miles from home I didn\u0027t want to lose their trust.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you effectively communicate your love, trust and respect to your children, they will learn to value these qualities so much that they will never intentionally do anything to lose them. Then when they are introduced to Christ, they will also value His love, trust and respect. \u0022But my child isn\u0027t trustworthy,\u0022 you say. Neither are you completely trustworthy. Yet God has entrusted you with the gospel. That gives you something to live up to. What can you possibly gain by communicating anything less than your trust in your child?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPaul wrote to the church at Corinth: \u0022I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you\u0022 (2 Corinthians 7:16). But Corinth was a messed up place. Is Paul\u0027s statement a bunch of psychological hype? No, I don\u0027t think so. Paul\u0027s confidence was in the Lord, and he knew that the work God had begun in the Corinthian believers would be completed. Under the inspiration of God, he also knew that expressing belief and confidence in them was foundational for building them up.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, for the love and trust You have expressed to me which frees me to love and obey You. Help me encourage my children by communicating my love, trust and respect to them.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-12T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/146-trusting-your-child"},{"id":167,"title":"SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESolid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:14)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA good systematic theology is the foundation upon which we build our lives. It is to our walk with God what our skeleton is to our body. It holds us together and keeps us in the right form. But right doctrine is never an end in itself. True doctrine governs our relationship with God and man. Many Christians have a relationship with God that is only theological, not personal. Those accustomed to the word of righteousness should be sensitive to the personal leading of the Holy Spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESolomon started with a love for God. He \u0022became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. And all the earth was seeking the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom which God had put in his heart\u0022 (1 Kings 10:23, 24). He had the ability to discern, but moral demise led to his downfall. His wives turned his heart away, and he was no longer accustomed to the words of righteousness. His heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord, and the kingdom of God was torn in two.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI\u0027m not sure my senses would have been trained if God hadn\u0027t called me into the ministry of setting captives free. If we are going to minister in a world of deception, we had better learn to rely on God and not lean on our own understanding. We need more than intellectual discernment; we need spiritual discernment. All spiritual discernment is on the plane of good and evil. Because the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit, we should be able to sense when something is right or wrong.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Holy Spirit is our first line of defence. Our personal relationship with God is made possible by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit who does not silently sit by in the face of danger, but prompts us to choose what is true and right.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, for the protection of Your indwelling Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the times I have failed to discern good from evil because I ignored or overlooked Your guidance.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-14T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/148-spiritual-sensitivity"},{"id":168,"title":"CHOOSING TRUTH","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECHOOSING TRUTH\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth (Ephesians 6:14)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPersons in bondage are not liberated by what I do as the pastor\/counsellor, but what they do with my help. It\u0027s not what I believe that breaks the bonds; it\u0027s what they believe, confess, renounce and forgive. Notice the progressive logic of Scripture:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI am the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth (John 16:13)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth (John 17:15, 17)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth (Ephesians 6:14)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFinally, brethren, whatever is true let your mind dwell on these things (Philippians 4:8)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen Satan harasses you, you may be prone to languish in the shadows of your misery. You cry out for God to deliver you, like Jesus miraculously and instantaneously delivered the demonised people in the Gospels. But when you read through the Epistles, it is obvious that your deliverance has already been accomplished in Christ\u0027s work on the cross and His resurrection. Since you are with Christ in the light, you never again need to live in the shadows.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou must choose the truth and assume your responsibility to exercise your authority and resist the devil. From your position in Christ, you must resist the devil, renounce participation in his schemes, confess sin and forgive those who have offended you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, Your truth gives me life and leads me in the everlasting way. I embrace Your truth to direct my steps today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-15T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/149-choosing-truth"},{"id":169,"title":"THE LURE OF SATAN\u0027S COUNTERFEITS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE LURE OF SATAN\u0027S COUNTERFEITS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations (Deuteronomy 18:9)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe lure of the occult is almost always on the basis of acquiring knowledge or power. We desire the power that comes from unusual insight and a knowledge of the unknown. We want to experience a power that is spiritual and supernatural in origin. In a sense these are God-given desires, but they are intended to be fulfilled by the knowledge and power which comes from God. However, Satan is busy trying to pass off his counterfeits for God\u0027s knowledge and power as the real thing. If he can get you to accept his versions of knowledge and power, he has a foothold in your life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe lure of satanic knowledge and power is nothing new. God\u0027s people have been warned against it from the earliest times. The command in Deuteronomy 18:9-12 is as viable for us today as it was for the Israelites under Moses\u0027 leadership. We live in a contemporary Canaan where it is socially acceptable to consult spiritualists, mediums, palm-readers, psychic counsellors and horoscopes for supernatural insights and abilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis was clearly brought home to me while I was finishing my doctorate in a class I took on business forecasting. One of the men in the class presented a paper describing a scenario of the future he had researched. He excitedly explained that we were on the threshold of new frontiers in the mind: astral projection, telepathic images, levitation, etc. This public school principal was promoting New Age and the occult and the other class members were eating it up.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAfter the class had enjoyed several minutes of lively discussion I asked, \u0022In all your exploration of your subject, did you ever ask yourself if it is right for people to get involved in it?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Oh, I\u0027m not interested in whether it\u0027s right or not,\u0022 he replied. \u0022I just know it works.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I have no question that it works,\u0022 I argued. \u0022The question we need to answer is not whether or not it works, but whether or not it\u0027s right. What you are presenting is as old as Bible history.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECreate in me a constant thirst for knowing You, Lord, and a readiness to recognize and reject Satan\u0027s counterfeits.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/150-lure-satans-counterfeits"},{"id":170,"title":"WAKE UP!","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EWAKE UP!\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThere shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritualist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe dark side of Satan\u0027s version of spiritual knowledge and power mentioned by Moses - ritual sacrifice, witchcraft, sorcery - is also thriving in our culture, though not as openly as some of the more socially acceptable New Age practices. Our police departments are trying to tell parents today \u0022Wake up! Your kids are not just into drugs and illicit sex. They\u0027re into Satanism. We\u0027ve seen the blood and the mutilated animals.\u0022 It\u0027s getting so bad that one of the animal control agencies in our area will no longer release a black dog or cat at Halloween for fear that it will become the victim of satanic ritual abuse.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe man who heads up our campus security belongs to a group of security officers from campuses across Southern California, which meets once a month. When it was our school\u0027s turn to host the meeting, he asked me to speak to the group about spiritual phenomena in our culture. \u0022There aren\u0027t many Christians in the group,\u0022 he said, \u0022but they\u0027ll be on our campus, so I want you to speak to them.\u0022 I agreed to do so.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt was a veteran crowd of former military men and police officers. When I started talking about the rise of Satanism and ritual abuse in our community, there wasn\u0027t a doubter or a scoffer in the bunch. Every one of them had a story to share about finding grisly evidence of Satanism being active on their respective campuses.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEvery aberration of spiritual knowledge and power that Moses warned the Israelites to avoid in Canaan from \u0022harmless\u0022 horoscopes to unthinkable atrocities of animal and human sacrifice is in place and operating in our culture today. We must wake up to the reality that \u0022our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness\u0022 (Ephesians 6:12).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMighty Lord, equip me today not just to stand my ground against the enemy but to actively reclaim in Jesus\u0027 name territory he has stolen.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-17T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/151-wake"},{"id":171,"title":"DO IT ANYWAY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDO IT ANYWAY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhile we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAfter I had driven home the point that nobody or nothing can keep us from being what God wants us to be, one of my students gave me this nugget of truth from an unknown author.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople are unreasonable, illogical and self-centred.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELove them anyway.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDo good anyway.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESucceed anyway.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDo good anyway.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHonesty and frankness make you vulnerable.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBe honest and frank anyway.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Eby the smallest people with the smallest minds.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThink big anyway.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople favour underdogs but follow only top dogs.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFight for the underdog anyway.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBuild anyway.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople really need help, but may attack you if you help them.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHelp people anyway.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGive the world the best you\u0027ve got and you\u0027ll get kicked in the teeth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGive the world the best you\u0027ve got anyway.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I purpose today not to listen to my detractors or look to the left or the right, but to stay on the clear, sure path You have set before me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-18T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/152-do-it-anyway"},{"id":172,"title":"WHAT WE TREASURE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EWHAT WE TREASURE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19,20)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are material goods that Jesus identifies as \u0022treasures upon earth.\u0022 And there are immaterial goods which Jesus calls \u0022treasures in heaven.\u0022 Treasures upon earth have two characteristics.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, all natural things decay. What rust doesn\u0027t destroy, moths or termites will. Second, because of the value of earthly treasures, there is always a concern for security. It is hard to be anxiety-free if we are worried about our possessions. The more we possess, the more we cause others to covet, hence the reason why \u0022thieves break in and steal.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOn the other hand, treasures in heaven are beyond the reach of thieves and secure from the ravages of moths and rust. Paul puts it this way: \u0022discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come\u0022 (1 Timothy 4:7,8).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat do you treasure in your heart? What would you exchange for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Would you exchange these qualities for a new car, a cabin in the hills, a boat in the marina, exceptional status at the top of the corporate ladder?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAchievement is determined by who or what you serve. There is a moral healthiness and simple, unaffected goodness present in the single-minded person that is absent from the one serving many masters. Jesus said, \u0022No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious\u0022 (Matthew 6:24,25).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere will be no peace serving two masters. To whichever master we yield, by that master we shall be controlled.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, the treasures of this world call out to me temptingly. I trust You to give me what I need and not what I selfishly desire.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-19T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/153-what-we-treasure"},{"id":173,"title":"FOCUS ON THE SIGNIFICANT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFOCUS ON THE SIGNIFICANT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf any man\u0027s work remains, he shall receive a reward (1 Corinthians 3:14)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESignificance is a time issue. What is forgotten in time is of little significance. What is remembered for eternity is of great significance. Paul wrote to Timothy: \u0022discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come\u0022 (1 Timothy 4:7,8). If you want to increase your significance, focus your energies on significant activities. Those that will remain for eternity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBrian was a pastor of a small church who attended one of my classes at the seminary. He was in his mid-thirties and married when he found out he had cancer. The doctors gave him less than two years to live.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne day Brian came to talk to me. \u0022Ten years ago somebody gave a prophecy about me in church,\u0022 he began. \u0022They said I was going to do a great work for God. I\u0027ve led a few hundred people to Christ, but I haven\u0027t had a great work for God yet. Do you think God is going to heal me so the prophecy can be fulfilled?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMy mouth dropped open in shock. \u0022You\u0027ve led a few hundred people to Christ and don\u0027t think you have accomplished a great work for God? Brian, I know some big-name pastors in large churches who can\u0027t make that claim. I know some great theologians who have probably never led anyone to Christ. If a few hundred people are believers today because of you, and they have influenced who knows how many other people for Christ, I\u0027d call that a great work for God.\u0022 (Brian is now with the Lord, having completed his significant ministry of reaching hundreds for Christ.)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs children of God, we are in the significant business of collecting treasures for eternity. What we do and say for Christ, no matter how insignificant it seems in this world, will last forever. There are no insignificant children of God, because our life is eternal.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I desire to use wisely the time You have allotted to me. May my life count for gold, silver and precious jewels, not wood, hay and stubble.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-20T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/154-focus-significant"},{"id":174,"title":"FENCES AROUND THE LAWS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFENCES AROUND THE LAWS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou are not under law, but under grace (Romans 6:14)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn His ministry, Jesus often violated the traditional instructions surrounding the observance of the Sabbath because they were a clear distortion of God\u0027s commandment. A common practice, born out of a desire to protect a known law or principle, is to establish additional rules to keep us from breaking the laws or violating the principles. We establish fences around the laws, but within a short time the fences become laws.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor instance, we are not to be unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14,15). To ensure that this doesn\u0027t happen, we sometimes build a fence around the law by establishing additional rules such as, \u0022You can\u0027t associate with or date a non-Christian.\u0022 That may be advisable in some cases, but don\u0027t make it a law. Some have gone to the extreme by requiring that their children never associate with non-Christians. This makes the Great Commission a formidable task!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere\u0027s another example. A common practice in many churches, left over from the Prohibition era, is to require total abstinence from alcohol. Again, that may be wise in many cases, but the Bible instructs against strong drink and drunkenness and teaches us to do all things in moderation. The major biblical concern is not the alcohol, but whether we\u0027re being a stumbling block to a weaker brother. Total abstinence may actually keep some from the medicine they need or it may be detrimental when relating to a weaker brother.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe point is that we can easily distort the true Word of God by adding our own traditional practices and making them equal with the original intent of God. We may need to stand against Pharisaic practices as the Lord did before we find ourselves in bondage to man-made traditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Father, make me sensitive to the spirit of Your law and non-judgemental toward others no matter what their practices may be. Help me preserve the unity of the Spirit.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-21T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/155-fences-around-laws"},{"id":175,"title":"POSITIVE BELIEVING","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EPOSITIVE BELIEVING\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFaith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you believe you can, you can.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you think you are beaten - you are.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you think you dare not - you don\u0027t.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you want to win but think you can\u0027t,\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is almost a cinch you won\u0027t.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you think you\u0027ll lose - you\u0027ve lost.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor out in the world we find that success begins with a fellow\u0027s will.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s all in the state of mind.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELife\u0027s battles don\u0027t always go to the stronger or faster man,\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut sooner or later the man who wins\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIs the one who thinks he can.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis poem, whose author is unknown to me, reflects the popular view of life known as the power of positive thinking. The Christian community has been somewhat reluctant to buy into this view and for good reason. Thinking is a function of the mind that cannot exceed its input and attributes. Attempting to push the mind beyond its limitations will only result in moving from the world of reality to fantasy.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Christian, however, has far greater potential for success in life in the power of positive believing. Belief incorporates the mind but is not limited by it. Faith actually transcends the limitations of the mind and incorporates the real but unseen world. The believer\u0027s faith is as valid as its object, which is the living (Christ) and written (Bible) Word of God. With the infinite God of the universe as the object of Christian faith, there is virtually no limit to the spiritual heights that positive believing can take you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, You have said that I can accomplish great things with faith the size of a tiny mustard seed. May my life today be marked by the power of positive believing.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-22T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/156-positive-believing"},{"id":176,"title":"SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGive your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong (1 Kings 3:9 NIV)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDiscernment is an overlooked spiritual discipline in many churches. But in reality, spiritual discernment should be our first line of defence against deception. It\u0027s that \u0022buzzer\u0022 inside, warning you that something is wrong. For example, you visit someone\u0027s home and everything appears in order. But you can cut the air with a knife. Even though nothing visible confirms it, your spirit detects that something is wrong in that home.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe first step to understanding discernment is to understand the motive that is essential for employing it. In 1 Kings 3:9, Israel\u0027s king Solomon cried out to God for help. God answers: \u0022Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart\u0022 (verses 11,12). The motive for true discernment is never to promote self, to amass personal gain, or to secure an advantage over another person - even an enemy.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Greek word for discernment \u2018diakrino\u2019 simply means to make a judgment or a distinction. Discernment has one primary function - to distinguish right from wrong. In 1 Corinthians 12:10 discernment is the divinely enabled ability to distinguish a good spirit from a bad spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDiscernment is not a function of the mind; it\u0027s a function of the Holy Spirit which is in union with your soul\/spirit. When the Spirit sounds a warning, your mind may not be able to perceive what\u0027s wrong. Have the courage to acknowledge that something is wrong when your spirit is troubled. Share what you are sensing with others, and ask the Lord for wisdom.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Father, for the discernment Your Holy Spirit provides. Without You I couldn\u0027t avoid the land mines the enemy places in my path.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-24T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/158-spiritual-discernment"},{"id":177,"title":"MANAGING OUR PROBLEMS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EMANAGING OUR PROBLEMS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAn overseer must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (1 Timothy 3:4)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA pastor friend of mind came face-to-face with a parent\u0027s worst fear, his teenage daughter had become pregnant before marriage. Perry was struggling with prickly questions. Should he resign his pastorate? Should he encourage an abortion to cover his embarrassment and save face? Should he put her on the pill to avoid future problems?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI reminded him, \u0022The primary goal for your life to be the father and husband that God wants you to be has not been blocked by this unfortunate event. If there was ever a time that your wife needed a godly, committed husband and your daughter a loving, supportive father, it\u0027s now.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022But, Neil, what about being the pastor God wants me to be?\u0022 Perry argued. \u0022Doesn\u0027t this disqualify me from being a pastor?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI directed him to one of the requirements for an elder in 1 Timothy 3:4,5: managing his household well and keeping his children under control. I said, \u0022Even the best managers in the world have problems; they just know how to manage them. You didn\u0027t instruct your daughter to sleep with her boyfriend. That was a sinful decision she made. How are you going to manage your home now for the good of the family? Instructing your daughter to get an abortion so you can save face is mismanagement. Kicking her out of the house is mismanagement. But standing by your daughter, comforting your wife, walking in the light, and speaking the truth in love is managing your household well.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESpiritual leaders face the same temptations and difficulties other Christians do; they just face them in a fishbowl and their struggles are more visible. It\u0027s not a lack of problems that determines the quality of our ministry, but how we handle the problems we have.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I want to walk in the light even in problem situations. Help me face the difficulties of my life and seek Your way of resolution.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-23T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/247-managing-our-problems"},{"id":204,"title":"THE GENUINE PROPHET","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETHE GENUINE PROPHET \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf [the prophets] has stood in My council, then they would have announced My words to My people, and would have turned them back from thir evil way and from the evil of their deeds (Jeremiah 23:22). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEvery true prophet of God in the Old Testament was an evangelist. His ministry drew people back to God and His Word. The call to righteousness was the standard which separated the genuine prophet from the imitation, as the prophet Jeremiah wrote. If you come across someone who claims to be a prophet, but who is not involved in calling people to a righteous walk with God, you may be dealing with a counterfeit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the New Testament, the gift of prophecy has one primary purpose: to reveal unrighteousness and bring conviction. Paul wrote that, as a result of prophecy \u0022The secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you\u0022 (1 Corinthians 14:25).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Lord revealed through Jeremiah another criterion for distinguishing a true prophet from a false prophet: \u0022I have heard what the prophets have said who prophecy falsely in My name, saying, \u0027I had a dream, I had a dream!\u0027..... The prophet who has a dream may relate his dream, but let him who has My word speak My word in truth. What does straw have in comon with grain?\u0022 (23:25,28). God is warning His people against prophets who value their dreams above His Word.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod is not saying that dreams are unimportant. Indeed, He often spoke to people in the Bible through dreams before the full revelation of Scripture was complete. But in comparison to the nutritious grain of His Word, dreams are mere straw. If you feed straw to cattle, they\u0027ll die. They will sleep on it, but they won\u0027t eat it because it has no nutrients. Similarly, dreams may be of some value, but they are never to be equated with God\u0027s Word as the basis for our faith or our walk.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, for the power of Your Word, which cuts through falsehood and brings to light everything hidden in darkness.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-13T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/204"},{"id":205,"title":"CHRIST, OUR RULER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECHRIST, OUR RULER\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:1,2)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe live in a world that is under the authority of an evil ruler. Originally God created Adam and his family to rule over creation. But Adam forfeited his position of authority through sin, and Satan became the rebel holder of authority to whom Jesus referred as \u0022the ruler of this world\u0022 (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). During Jesus\u0027 temptation, the devil offered Him \u0022all the kingdoms of the world and their glory\u0022 (Matthew 4:8) in exchange for His worship. Satan\u0027s claim that the earth \u0022has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish\u0022 (Luke 4:6) was no lie. He took authority when Adam abdicated the throne of rulership over God\u0027s creation at the fall. Satan ruled from Adam until the cross. The death, resurrection and ascension of Christ secured forever the final authority for Jesus Himself (Matthew 28:18). That authority was extended to all believers in the Great Commission so that we may continue His work of destroying the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll of us were born spiritually dead and subject to the ruler that Paul called \u0022the prince of the power of the air\u0022 (Ephesians 2:2). But when we received Christ, God \u0022delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son\u0022 (Colossians 1:13). Our citizenship was changed from earth to heaven (Philippians 3:20). Satan is the ruler of this world, but he is no longer our ruler, for Christ is our ruler.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut as long as we live on the earth, we are still on Satan\u0027s turf. He will try to rule our lives by deceiving us into believing that we still belong to him. As aliens in a foreign, hostile kingdom, we need protection from this evil, deceptive, hurtful tyrant. Christ has not only provided protection from and authority over Satan, but He has equipped us with the Sprit of truth, the indwelling Holy Spirit, to guide us into all truth and help us discern the evil one\u0027s schemes (John 16:13).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, I affirm that You are my Lord today. I choose to be a bondservant to Christ and to no other.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-02T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/029"},{"id":206,"title":"LIFE ON THE CUTTING EDGE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ELIFE ON THE CUTTING EDGE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWho by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong (Hebrews 11:33,34)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIs faith a risk? Of course. But failing to step out in faith is to risk missing real life. I have been challenged by the following thought from an unknown author.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERisk\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo laugh is to risk appearing the fool.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo weep is to risk appearing sentimental.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo reach out for another is to risk involvement.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo place our ideas, our dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo love is to risk not being loved in return.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo live is to risk dying.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo hope is to risk despair.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo try is to risk failure.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERisks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave; he has forfeited freedom.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat a privilege for us to be able to walk by faith in God Himself, armed with all the promises of His Word. I suppose we all desire the security of the solid tree trunk, but the fruit is out on the limb. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The timid soul asks, \u0022What do I stand to lose if I do it?\u0022 The fruit-bearing Christian asks, \u0022What do I stand to lose if I don\u0027t do it?\u0022 Real life is lived on the cutting edge.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, help me stand up for what is right, to reach out and love others, and to dare to believe.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-24T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/030"},{"id":207,"title":"BELIEVING TRUTH IS A CHOICE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022color: #ff0000;\u0022\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003EBELIEVING TRUTH IS A CHOICE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWithout faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFaith is the biblical response to the truth, and believing truth is a choice. Faith is something you decide to do, not something you feel like doing. Believing the truth doesn\u0027t make it true; it\u0027s true, so we believe it. The New Age Movement and the \u0022name it and claim it\u0022 adherents are distorting the truth by saying that we create reality through what we believe. We can\u0027t create reality; we can only respond to reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFaith must have an object. It\u0027s not the idea that you merely \u0022believe\u0022 that counts; it\u0027s what or who you believe in that counts. Everybody believes in something, and everybody walks by faith according to what he or she believes. But if what you believe isn\u0027t true, then how you live won\u0027t be right. Thus, \u0022Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ\u0022 (Romans 10:17).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYour faith is only as great as your knowledge of the object of your faith. If you have little knowledge of God and His Word, you will have little faith. That\u0027s why faith can\u0027t be pumped up. Any attempt to live by faith beyond what you absolutely know to be true is presumption. If you only believe what you feel, you will be led through life by one emotional impulse after another. The path of truth begins with the truth of God\u0027s Word. Believe the truth and walk by faith according what you believe, and then your feelings will line up with what you think and how you behave.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe can\u0027t decide for ourselves what we would like to believe and then believe it, expecting God to respond to our faith. God is under no obligation to man. There is no way we can cleverly word a prayer in such a way that God must answer it. He is under obligation only to Himself. He will always stay true to Himself and keep His Word and His covenants with mankind. It is not our place to determine what is true or try to persuade God to capitulate to our will. He is the truth. We are to ask according to His will and desire His will above all else.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I believe in You and Your Word. Help my faith grow as I enlarge my knowledge of You as my faith-object.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-03T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/031"},{"id":208,"title":"GOD\u0027S INDICATORS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EGOD\u0027S INDICATORS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWatch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI played sports as a young man and I have the scars on my knees to prove it. The incision of my first knee surgery cut across a nerve and I had no feeling around that area of my leg for several months. Sometimes I would sit down to watch TV and, without thinking, rest a cup of hot coffee on my numb knee. I couldn\u0027t feel anything, but before long I could sure smell something: my skin burning! For a while I had a neat little brown ring on the top of my knee.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYour emotions are to your soul what your physical feelings are to your body. Nobody in their right mind enjoys pain. But if you didn\u0027t feel pain, you would be in danger of serious injury and infection. And if you didn\u0027t feel anger, sorrow, joy, etc. your soul would be in trouble. Emotions are God\u0027s indicators to let you know what is going on inside. They are neither good nor bad; they\u0027re amoral, just part of your humanity. Just like you respond to the warnings of physical pain, so you need to learn to respond to your emotional indicators.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESomeone has likened emotions to the red light on the dashboard of a car that indicates an engine problem. There are several ways you can respond to the red light\u0027s warning. You can cover it with a piece of duct tape, \u0022I can\u0027t see the light now,\u0022 you say, \u0022so I don\u0027t have to think about the problem.\u0022 You can smash out the light with a hammer. \u0022That\u2019ll teach you for glaring in my face!\u0022 Or you can respond to the light as the manufacturers intended for you to respond by looking under the hood and fixing the problem.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou have the same three options in responding to your emotions. You can respond by covering over them, ignoring them, stifling them. That\u0027s called suppression. You can respond by thoughtlessly lashing out, giving someone a piece of your mind, and flying off the handle. I call that indiscriminate expression. Or you can peer inside to see what\u0027s going on. That\u0027s called acknowledgment.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor the next few days, we will explore these responses and see why the first two are inappropriate.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, thank You for my emotions. Give me the courage to be emotionally honest and the grace to face the truth.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-25T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/032"},{"id":209,"title":"CHANGING CHRISTIAN PRACTICES","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECHANGING CHRISTIAN PRACTICES\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition, as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words (Matthew 6:7)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJesus taught that Christian practices should be consistent with the inward condition of the heart. Holding to external practices that no longer correlate with the heart is repugnant to God. Jesus railed against praying in vain repetitions and putting on a gloomy face while fasting. Consistency cries for an affirmative answer to the question, \u0022Is it real?\u0022 The Christian community searches for truth while the world searches for reality. These are large, overlapping circles, but I\u0027m convinced that we must be real in order to be right. Change is most needed when Christians sit stoically week after week reciting endless creeds in utter hypocrisy.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETragically, those who are coming to a church simply to fulfil a religious obligation are the most resistant to change. They have resisted the need to change under the instruction of the Word and are in a state of carnality. They are not coming to the changeless Christ and saying, \u0022Change me so I may be like You.\u0022 Time-honoured faith and long-established practices often become intertwined in their thinking. When you advocate a different practice, they think you are tinkering with their faith!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EParadoxically, the ones who have a real Christian experience are the ones who are free to change their Christian practices. They are committed to the substance of their faith, not the form. Form always follows function, but people have a tendency to fixate on the form.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOrganizational renewal will not bring spiritual renewal. When the spiritual tide is out, every little tadpole wants his own little tide pool to swim in. When the spiritual tide is in, the fish swim in one big ocean where someone is synchronizing every move. When the Holy Spirit is leading, almost any organization will work. But when He isn\u0027t, it doesn\u0027t matter how good the program and organization is, it won\u0027t work.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I will not rest my faith on my Christian practice, but I will base my faith and practice on the truth of Your Word.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-04T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/033"},{"id":210,"title":"SUPPRESSION OF EMOTIONS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESUPPRESSION OF EMOTIONS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long (Psalm 32:3 NIV)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESuppression of emotions is a conscious denial of feelings (repression is an unconscious denial). Those who suppress their emotions ignore their feelings and choose not to deal with them. Suppression is an unhealthy response to your emotions.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EKing David had something to say about the negative impact of suppressing his feelings in his relationship with God: \u0022When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Let everyone who is godly pray to You while You may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him\u0022 (Psalm 32:3,6 NIV). David is not saying that God takes Himself out of our reach. When extraneous circumstances loom larger to you than God, it will not take long for your emotions to overcome you. When suppressed emotions build up within you like \u0022mighty waters,\u0022 you won\u0027t turn to God. Your emotions will be in control. It\u0027s important to open up to God while you can, because if you bottle up your feelings too long, it will disrupt the harmony of your relationship with Him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDavid also commented on the impact of suppression on relationships with people: \u0022I said, \u0027I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle, while the wicked are in my presence.\u0027 I was dumb and silent, I refrained every from good; and my sorrow grew worse\u0022 (Psalm 39:1,2).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDon\u0027t cover over your emotions. Suppression isn\u0027t good for you, for others, or for your relationship with God. God knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, and others can sense that something is wrong, because more is communicated nonverbally than verbally. When the verbal doesn\u0027t match the nonverbal, people believe the nonverbal. If we don\u0027t accurately express what we believe, people will believe our nonverbal messages about what we believe. Don\u0027t leave room for guesswork. Instead, \u0022Speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbour, for we are members of one another\u0022 (Ephesians 4:25).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I want to live in honest agreement with You and others. Give me the grace to speak the truth in love.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-26T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/034"},{"id":211,"title":"THE PRIMARY LABORATORY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE PRIMARY LABORATORY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWives, be subject to your husbands. Husbands love your wives. Fathers, do not exasperate your children (Colossians 3:18-21)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod works in our lives primarily through committed relationships. Your family is the primary laboratory for your character development. This is precisely the order of Scripture: Establish your identity in Christ, then focus on living out who you are at home. Notice the order in Colossians 3:10-25.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod\u0027s great goal for His children is that we conform to His image: \u0022Put on the new self\u0022 (verse 10). Our identity is no longer in racial, religious, cultural or social ties: \u0022There is no distinction but Christ is all and in all\u0022 (verse 11)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECharacter is the focus of development once identity is established: \u0022Put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience\u0022 (verse 12)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECharacter is developed in the context of relational living \u0022Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other\u0022 (verse 13)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELove is the highest level of character development: \u0022Beyond all these things put on love\u0022 (verse 14)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe means by which all this is accomplished is Christ in you. \u0022Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you\u0022 (verses 15,16)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe primary setting for character development is the home. \u0022Wives, be subject to your husbands. Husbands love your wives. Children, be obedient to your parents. Fathers, do not exasperate your children\u0022 (verses 18-21)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs a parent you are not just shaping your child\u0027s behaviour, you are developing his character. Training a child means discipling him to be Christ like. Don\u0027t be a phoney at home; your spouse and children will see right through it. You can\u0027t model perfection, but you can model growth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me be the spouse and parent You want me to be by remaining committed to be a growing child of God.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-05T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/035"},{"id":212,"title":"INDISCRIMINATE EXPRESSION OF EMOTIONS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EINDISCRIMINATE EXPRESSION OF EMOTIONS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:19,20)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnother unhealthy way to respond to emotions is to thoughtlessly let it all hang out, to tell anybody and everybody exactly how you feel. The apostle Peter is a great example of indiscriminate expression. Peter was the John Wayne of the New Testament, a real door slammer. He had no problem telling anyone what was on his mind or how he felt. I like to refer to him as the one-legged apostle because he always had one foot in his mouth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeter\u0027s impulsive nature got him into trouble more than once. In one setting, he was the spokesperson for God, and Jesus said to him, \u0022Blessed are you Simon Barjonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven\u0022 (Matthew 16:17). Then moments later he spoke for Satan, and Jesus had to rebuke him: \u0022Get behind me, Satan\u0022 (verses 22,23).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt was Peter who missed the point on the mount of transfiguration by suggesting that they build three tabernacles to honour Moses, Elijah and the Master. It was Peter who impulsively whacked off the ear of Caiaphas\u0027 servant during Jesus\u0027 arrest in Gethsemane. And it was Peter who promised to follow Jesus anywhere, even to the death, then swearing only hours later that he never knew Him. The fact that Peter became a leader in the New Testament church is evidence of the powerful transformation effected by the Holy Spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIndiscriminate expression of emotions may be somewhat healthy for you, but it may be unhealthy for others. \u0022There, I\u0027m glad I got that off my chest,\u0022 you may say after an outburst. But in the process you just destroyed your wife, husband, or children. Paul admonished: \u0022Be angry, and yet do not sin\u0022 (Ephesians 4:26). If you wish to be angry and not sin, then be angry the way Christ was: Be angry at sin. He turned over the tables, not the moneychangers.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, teach me to express myself in a gracious way so I don\u0027t hurt others as I seek emotional release.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-27T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/036"},{"id":213,"title":"UNDER SPIRITUAL ATTACK","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EUNDER SPIRITUAL ATTACK\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA seminary student stopped by my office to tell me he was having difficulty getting to school on time. What should have been a five-minute drive lengthened to 45 minutes because a voice in his mind kept telling him to turn at intersections. Not wanting to disobey what he perceived to be the \u0022still, small voice of God,\u0022 he was treated to a tour of the city almost every morning.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA pastor\u0027s wife, desperately needing the comfort of the Holy Spirit and desiring His leading, passively believed that whatever entered her mind was from God. She soon found herself bound by fear and plagued by condemning thoughts.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese examples underscore the wisdom of John Wesley\u0027s words: \u0022Do not hastily ascribe things to God. Do not easily suppose dreams, voices, impressions, visions or revelations to be from God. They may be from Him. They may be from nature. They may be from the devil. Therefore, do not believe every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they be from God\u0022 (Martin Wells Knapp, Impressions, Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1984, p.32).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn a survey of 1700 professing Christian teenagers, 70 percent admitted to hearing voices, like there was a subconscious self, talking to them. I don\u0027t believe they are psychotic or paranoid schizophrenic. There is a battle going on for their minds. I have shared with many tormented people that they aren\u0027t going crazy but are under spiritual attack. They usually respond, \u0022Praise the Lord, someone understands.\u0022 It\u0027s freeing to know this truth, because if there is a battle going on for our minds, we can win that war.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, today I choose to test the spirits and assume my responsibility to think upon that which is true.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-06T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/037"},{"id":214,"title":"ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR EMOTIONS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EACKNOWLEDGING YOUR EMOTIONS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHelp me, O LORD my God. With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the LORD (Psalm 109:26,30)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENancy was a college student with an inability to express the anger and resentment she felt. \u0022My roommate gets to the point sometimes where she just explodes emotionally to let off steam. I have deep feelings too, but I\u0027m not sure that a Christian is supposed to let off steam.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI opened my Bible to Psalm 109:1-13 and read David\u0027s angry words against an enemy. \u0022What\u0027s that doing in the Bible?\u0022 Nancy gasped. \u0022How could David pray all those evil things about his enemy? That\u0027s pure hatred.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022David\u0027s words didn\u0027t surprise God,\u0022 I answered. \u0022God already knew what he was thinking and feeling. David was simply expressing his pain and anger honestly to his God.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI encouraged Nancy that when she is able to dump her hurt and hatred before God she probably won\u0027t dump it on her roommate in a destructive way. I also reminded her that David was as honest about his need for God as he was about expressing his feelings. He closed the psalm by praying: \u0022Help me, O LORD my God. With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the LORD\u0022 (verses 26,30).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI think the way David acknowledged his feelings is healthy. If you come to your prayer time feeling angry, depressed or frustrated, and then mouth a bunch of pious platitudes as if God doesn\u0027t know how you feel, do you think He is pleased? Not unless He\u0027s changed His opinion about hypocrisy. In God\u0027s eyes, if you\u0027re not real, you\u0027re not right.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAcknowledging your emotions also involves being real in front of a few trusted friends. During his travels, Paul had Barnabas, Silas or Timothy to lean on. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus expressed His grief to His inner circle of Peter, James and John. If you have two or three people like this in your life, you are truly blessed.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that I can be real and honest with You. Help me develop a few trusted friends who will also welcome my emotional honesty.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-28T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/038"},{"id":215,"title":"THE PEACE OF GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE PEACE OF GOD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPeace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you (John 14:27).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeace on earth. That\u0027s what everybody wants. But nobody can guarantee external peace because nobody can control other people or circumstances. Nations sign and break peace treaties with frightening regularity. Couples lament that there would be peace in their home \u0022if only he\/she would shape up.\u0022 No one can guarantee peace at home or on the job site. However, we should always strive to be peacemakers. Jesus said, \u0022Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God\u0022 (Matthew 5:9). Paul instructed, \u0022If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men\u0022 (Romans 12:18).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut let\u0027s face it, peace with others isn\u0027t always possible, because peace doesn\u0027t just depend on us. Peace on earth is what we want; peace with God is what we have; the peace of God is what we need.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeace with God is something you already have (Romans 5:1). It\u0027s not something you strive for it\u0027s something you received when you were born again. The Prince of Peace reconciled you to God by shedding His own blood.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe peace of God is something you need to appropriate daily in your inner world in the midst of the storms which rage in the external world (John 14:27). There are a lot of things that can disrupt your external world because you can\u0027t control all your circumstances and relationships. But you can control the inner world of your thoughts by allowing the peace of Christ to rule in your heart on a daily basis (Colossians 3:15). There may be chaos all around you, but God is bigger than any storm. I keep a little plaque on my desk, which reminds me \u0022Nothing will happen to me today that God and I cannot resolve.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe peace of Christ will rule in your heart when you \u0022let the word of Christ richly dwell within you\u0022 (Colossians 3:16). And when you turn to Him in prayer, \u0022the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus\u0022 (Philippians 4:7).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrince of Peace, rule in my heart today. Give me Your peace and make me a peacemaker in all my relationships.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-07T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/039"},{"id":216,"title":"PERSEVERING THROUGH TRIBULATIONS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EPERSEVERING THROUGH TRIBULATIONS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConsider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (James 1:2,3)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere certainly are a lot of distractions, diversions, disappointments, trials, temptations and traumas, which come along to disrupt the process of becoming the person God wants you to be. Every day you struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil, each of which are opposed to your success at being God\u0027s person.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut Paul reminds us that the tribulations we face are actually a means of achieving our supreme goal of maturity: \u0022We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us\u0022 (Romans 5:3-5). James offers similar encouragement: \u0022Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing\u0022  (James 1:2-4).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMaybe you thought your goal as a Christian was to escape tribulations. But God\u0027s goal for you is maturity in Christ; becoming the person He designed you to be. And tribulation just happens to be one of the primary stepping-stones on the pathway. That\u0027s why Paul says we exult (meaning to express heightened joy) in our tribulations. Why? Because persevering tribulations is the doorway to proven character, which is God\u0027s goal for us.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur hope lies in proven character, not in favourable circumstances or in the manipulation of others. Neither circumstances nor people can keep you from being what God wants you to be. Trials and tribulations are the most common means for bringing about His goal for your life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me see my trials as stepping-stones, not obstacles. Give me grace to persevere and develop proven character.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-29T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/216"},{"id":218,"title":"LOGICAL CONSEQUENCES","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ELOGICAL CONSEQUENCES\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo not hold back discipline from the child (Proverbs 23:13).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome children are effectively disciplined when they must experience the natural consequences of their disobedience. For example, if your child fools around and misses his bus at school, you may choose to let him walk home instead of picking him up yourself. If he procrastinates on a school project you have urged him to complete, let him receive a bad grade instead of bailing him out by doing the project yourself. For many children the pain of the natural consequence is enough to prompt a change in behaviour the next time. Strong-willed children may respond best to this means of discipline. They often have to learn the hard way.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUse wisdom when employing this method. Some natural consequences may be too severe when other methods of discipline could be used. For example, making a child walk home from school alone may not be advisable in dangerous neighbourhoods or bad weather.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESometimes you may want to plan a negative consequence that is logically related to your child\u0027s misbehaviour. Logical consequences are effective because they teach children to be responsible. For example, if your child carelessly spills his milk, a logical consequence is for him to clean up the mess.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELogical consequences help avoid power struggles between child and parent. They can also greatly reduce nagging, correction and spanking. When your child completes the consequence, the incident is over, and hopefully he has learned to avoid the problem in the future.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUsing natural consequences for discipline may require some extra work on your part. For example, you may need to teach your child how to use a sponge mop, operate the washing machine, etc. Don\u0027t look for the easiest method of discipline, look for the best. What may be convenient may not be correct. What works best for one child may not work well for another. Logical consequences teach cause and effect and can be used as a positive reinforcer.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, grant me the wisdom to discipline my children for their future good as You discipline me for my good.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-30T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/042"},{"id":219,"title":"THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE SPIRIT OF TRUTH\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth (John 16:13)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s not hard to know the truth if you are the truth, and speaking with authority would come quite naturally if you\u0027re God! Discernment is also easier if you know, as Jesus does, what\u0027s in the hearts of men (John 2:24,25). Though we don\u0027t possess those attributes, we do have the Holy Spirit. If we are going to continue the work of Jesus, we must yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to control and guide us. Then we can know the truth, speak with authority, and discern good and evil.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe have as our guide the Spirit of truth. When Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, He said, \u0022when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you\u0022 (John 16:13, 14). This promise has primary reference to the apostles, but its application extends to all Spirit-filled believers (1 John 2:20-27). The Holy Spirit is first and foremost the Spirit of truth, and He will lead us into all truth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen Jesus prayed, He requested, \u0022I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. Sanctify them in the truth. Thy word is truth\u0022 (John 17:15,17). Truth is what keeps us from the evil one. John wrote, \u0022The whole world lies in the power of the evil one\u0022 (1 John 5:19), because Satan \u0022deceives the whole world\u0022 (Revelation 12:9). The only way to overcome the father of lies is by revelation, not research or reasoning. Many in higher education lean on their own understanding and believe only in what can be validated by research. Truth is God\u0027s will made known through His Word. The Holy Spirit\u0027s role is to enable us to understand the Word of God from God\u0027s perspective. Jesus says, \u0022You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free\u0022 (John 8:32).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, forgive me for leaning on my own understanding. Fill me with Your Spirit and lead me into all truth today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/043"},{"id":221,"title":"ONLY GOD IS GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EONLY GOD IS GOD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe serpent said \u0022you will be like God, knowing good and evil\u0022 (Genesis 3:4,5)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdam was the first to be tempted by the notion that he could \u0022be like God\u0022 (Genesis 3:5), which is the essence of the self-centred worldview that Satan promotes. Satan has seduced millions into believing that they are God. The New Age Movement is promoting this lie on a grand and international scale.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHowever, the biblical account of creation clearly establishes that only God the Creator is truly God. Adam and his descendants are not gods; we are created beings that cannot exist apart from God. The diabolical idea that man is his own god is the primary link in the chain of spiritual bondage to the kingdom of darkness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe problem with man\u0027s attempt at being his own god is that he was never designed to occupy that role. He lacks the necessary attributes to determine his own destiny. Even sinless, spiritually alive Adam in the Garden of Eden before the Fall wasn\u0027t equipped to be his own god. Contrary to what the New Agers tell us, the potential to be a god never was in you, isn\u0027t in you now, and never will be in you. Being God is God\u0027s capacity alone.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you desire to live in freedom from the bondage of the world, the flesh and the devil, this primary link in the chain must be renounced. The self-centred worldview which Satan and his emissaries are promoting must be replaced by the perspective that Jesus introduced to His disciples in the wake of Peter\u0027s self-preserving rebuke in Matthew 16: \u0022If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it\u0022 (verses 24,25). In the next several days, we will examine the view from the cross.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, forgive me for the occasions when I have usurped Your place in my life. You are my Lord and my God.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/045"},{"id":223,"title":"DENYING SELF","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDENYING SELF\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself (Matthew 16:24)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA primary reason why we struggle to fulfil Christ\u0027s Great Commission is because we are guilty of a great omission. We fail to deny ourselves.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDenying yourself is not the same as self-denial. Students, athletes and cult members practice self-denial, restricting themselves from substances and activities that keep them from reaching their goals. But the ultimate purpose of self-denial is self-glorification. The ultimate purpose of denying self is to glorify God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJesus was talking about denying yourself in the essential battle of life. The scramble for the throne, the struggle over who is going to be God. Jesus doesn\u0027t enter into that battle - He\u0027s already won it. He occupies the throne and graciously offers to share it with us. But we want to be king in our lives by ourselves. Until we deny ourselves that which was never meant to be ours - the role of being God in our lives - we will never be at peace with God, or ourselves and we will never be free.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou were not designed to function independently of God, nor was your soul designed to function as master. You will either serve God and His kingdom or Satan and his kingdom. Self-seeking, self-serving, self-justifying, self-glorifying, self-centred and self-confident living is in actuality living and serving the world, the flesh and the devil. On the other hand, denying yourself is not self-mortification. God is not trying to annihilate you, He is trying to restore you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you deny yourself, you invite God to take the throne of your life, to occupy what is rightfully His, so that you may function as a person who is spiritually alive in Christ. Denying yourself is essential to spiritual freedom.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, too many times I have tried to live independently of You. I deny myself today and yield the throne of my life to You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-02T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/047"},{"id":224,"title":"PICKING UP THE CROSS DAILY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EPICKING UP THE CROSS DAILY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf anyone wishes to come after Me, let him take up his cross (Matthew 16:24)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe cross we are to pick up on a daily basis is not our own cross but Christ\u0027s cross. We are closely identified with His cross however, because we have been crucified with Christ and no longer live; Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20). His cross provided forgiveness from what we have done and deliverance from what we were. We are forgiven because He died in our place; we are delivered because we died with Him. We are both justified and sanctified as a result of the cross.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo pick up the cross daily means to acknowledge every day that we belong to God. We have been purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18,19). When we pick up the cross, we affirm that our identity is not based in our physical existence but in our relationship with God. We are identified as children of God (1 John 3:1-3) and our life is in Christ, who is our life (Colossians 3:3,4).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs a result of this acknowledgment, we stop trying to do our own thing in order to live daily to please our heavenly Father. We stop trying to become something we aren\u0027t, and we rest in the finished work of Christ, who made us something very special.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJesus said, \u0022Whoever wishes to save his [natural] life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it\u0022 (Matthew 16:25). Those who strive to establish their identity and seek to establish purpose and meaning in their natural life will someday lose it. We can\u0027t take it with us! We must take up our cross daily by acknowledging that life only finds meaning in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that because of the cross, I can soar in the heavenlies with You. You are my life.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-03T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/048"},{"id":227,"title":"FOLLOWING HIM","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFOLLOWING HIM\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf anyone wishes to come after Me, let him follow Me (Matthew 16:24)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESeeking to overcome self by self-effort is a hopeless struggle. Self will never cast out self, because an independent self-motivated by the flesh still wants to be God. We must follow Christ by being led by the Holy Spirit down the path of death to self-rule. As Paul wrote: \u0022we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus\u0027 sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh\u0022 (2 Corinthians 4:11).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis may sound like a dismal path to walk, but I assure you that it is not. It is a tremendous experience to be known by the Shepherd and to follow Him as obedient, dependent sheep (John 10:27). The fact that we are led by the Spirit of God, even when it results in the death to self-rule, is our assurance of sonship (Romans 8:14). We were not designed to function independently of God. Only when we are dependent on Him and intent on following Christ are we complete and free to prove that the will of God is good, acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESelf-rule is motivated by self-interest and supported only by self-centred resources. When we come to the end of our resources, we discover God\u0027s resources. God will let us do our thing and patiently wait until self-interest and self-rule leave us spiritually and emotionally bankrupt. We can turn to God any time we weary of trying to run our own lives independently of Him. He doesn\u0027t force Himself on us; He just simply says, \u0022If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him follow Me.\u0022 Are you willing to forsake self-rule and follow Him?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELoving Shepherd, I desire Your will for my life, and I purpose today to follow You in obedience and dependence.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-04T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/051"},{"id":229,"title":"THE VIEW FROM THE CROSS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE VIEW FROM THE CROSS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? (Matthew 16:25,26)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThree guidelines from these verses summarize the view from the cross, which we must adopt to counteract the self-centred worldview promoted by the god of this world.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, we must sacrifice the lower life to gain the higher life. If you want to save your natural life (i.e. find your identity and sense of self-worth in positions, titles, accomplishments and possessions and seek only worldly well-being), you will lose it. At best you can only possess these temporal values for a lifetime, only to lose everything for eternity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFurthermore, in all your efforts to possess these earthly treasures, you will fail to gain all that can be yours in Christ. Shoot for this world and that\u0027s all you\u0027ll get, and eventually you will lose even that. But shoot for the next world and God will throw in the benefits of knowing Him in this present life as well. Paul put it this way: \u0022Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come\u0022 (1 Timothy 4:7,8).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, sacrifice the pleasure of things to gain the pleasure of life. What would you accept in trade for the fruit of the Spirit in your life? What material possession, what amount of money, what position or title would you exchange for the love, joy, peace and patience that you enjoy in Christ? Nothing, we all probably agree. Victory over self comes as we learn to love people and use things instead of using people and loving things.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThird, sacrifice the temporal to gain the eternal. Possibly the greatest sign of spiritual maturity is the ability to postpone rewards. It is far better to know that we are the children of God than to gain anything that the world calls valuable. Even if following Christ results in hardships in this life, He will make it right in eternity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, You alone are God. Help me to choose the higher life today instead of seeking the pleasures of this world.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-05T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/053"},{"id":232,"title":"RIGHTING WRONGS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ERIGHTING WRONGS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBy this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples (John 15:8)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow can you know if you\u0027re being led by the Spirit or the flesh? Very simple - look at your behaviour. If you respond to a given situation by exercising love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, you are following the Spirit\u0027s lead (Galatians 5:22,23). If your reactions and responses reflect the deeds of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21, you are following the flesh.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat do you do when you discover you are not walking by the Spirit? Acknowledge it for what it is. You have consciously or unconsciously chosen to live independently of God by walking according to the flesh. Walking according to the Spirit is a moment-by-moment, day-by-day experience. Acknowledge your sin to God, seek the forgiveness of anyone you may have offended, receive forgiveness, and be filled with the Spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere are a couple of things to consider when you are faced with righting fleshly wrongs.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, the scope of your confession should only be as broad as the scope of your offence. If you lashed out at a relative with angry words, you need only confess to God and that relative. If you entertain a secret, lustful thought or proud attitude without any overt, offensive behaviour, you need only confess it to God. Confession literally means to agree with God. When you recognize an internal fleshly response, immediately acknowledge it in your mind. That\u0027s it; just agree with God and walk in the light.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, the process of restoring a relationship through confession and forgiveness is a step of spiritual growth. Your role as a spouse, parent, friend, co-worker, or fellow-Christian is to model growth, not perfection. If you\u0027re trying to keep up a front of Christian perfection in order to encourage saints and win sinners, forget it, it will never happen. But when you openly admit and ask forgiveness for your fleshly choices, you model the kind of spiritual growth that will touch saints and sinners alike.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I sometimes walk according to the flesh. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so the fruit of the Spirit will be evident in my life today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-06T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/056"},{"id":233,"title":"YOUR CHILD\u0027S SELF-PERCEPTION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EYOUR CHILD\u0027S SELF-PERCEPTION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETrain up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYour primary responsibility as a parent is to lead your child to Christ and help him establish his identity in Christ. When a child comes into the world, he is completely dependent on his earthly parents to feed him, change his dirty diapers and provide shelter. Childhood and adolescence is the process of moving from total dependence as a child to total independence as an adult. In the process of finding out who they are as individuals, children gradually move away from many of the people, thoughts, and ideas they have experienced through their parents and move toward the people, thoughts, and ideas which they have made their own.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA child is capable of understanding God\u0027s love and protection and receiving Jesus Christ as Saviour at a very early age. But understanding his spiritual identity is a process that takes place over the years of his childhood. It is the process of shifting his dependence from parents to God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChildren wrestle with identity around age 12. Researchers of cognitive development say that most 12-year-olds can think as adults. They are capable of abstract thinking and understanding symbolism. This is significant when you remember that Jesus appeared out of obscurity at age 12. Furthermore, the Jewish bar mitzvah has been celebrated for centuries when a boy turns 12, the age at which Jews believe that a boy becomes a man. Many churches have confirmation for children at or near the age of 12.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI believe age 12 is the approximate time in a child\u0027s life when we should help him establish his spiritual identity. Evangelicals have tended to minimize junior high ministry and focus on high school. High school is too late for some kids to be challenged with their spiritual identity. Don\u0027t make that mistake with your children. You must begin early helping them understand who they are as children of God and what their identity means to them spiritually. Seeing themselves as God sees them is the most important perception your children will ever have. If your kids don\u0027t find their identity in Christ, they will find it in the world.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHelp me guide my children into a relationship with You, dear Father, so they may establish their identity in Christ.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/daily-devotional\/057"},{"id":236,"title":"SPIRITUAL IDENTITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESPIRITUAL IDENTITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETherefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God (Galatians 4:7)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs you consider the importance of your spiritual identity and the spiritual identity of your children, meditate on these passages:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ (Galatians 3:26,27)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnd because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, \u0022Abba! Father!\u0022 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God (Galatians 4:6,7)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God\u0027s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy (1 Peter 2:9,10)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESee how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And anyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:1-3)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMom and Dad, do you want your sons and daughters to purify themselves?  Then find out who you are as a child of God, and help your children establish the same eternal relationship by discovering their identity in Him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, continue to show me who I am in Christ that I may encourage my children in their relationship with You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-08T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/236"},{"id":237,"title":"SECURITY IN ETERNITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESECURITY IN ETERNITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18:2)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe key to experiencing security in your life is to depend on things that are eternal, not temporal. Christians often feel insecure because they are depending on temporal things they have no right or ability to control. For example, some people rely on their money for material security instead of relying on God\u0027s promise to supply all our needs. The safest place to keep money a few years ago was a savings and loan institution. But many have failed and the security people had placed in them was shattered. Only eternal investments are secure.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI believe God is shaking the foundations of the world. Natural disasters are on the increase, kingdoms are being toppled, political boundaries are being redrawn, and anarchy reigns in many poor countries. Scripture warns us that such conditions would precede the second coming of Christ (Matthew 24). This shouldn\u0027t alarm us, we should be excited. Christ\u0027s return will be the day of the church for those who have stored up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecurity only comes from relating to that which is anchored in eternity. Jesus said that we have eternal life and that no one can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:27-29). Paul declared that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:35-39) and that we are sealed in Him by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13,14). How much more secure can you get than that? When your ultimate trust is in temporal values and relationships, you are always subject to insecurity because these things are subject to failure and can be lost. The greatest sense of security you can experience is the by-product of taking a firm grip on values and relationships that will endure as long as God Himself.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, my Rock, thank You for the peace and security that comes from trusting in You instead of temporal values.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/237"},{"id":239,"title":"EQUP YOUR CHILDREN","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EEQUIP YOUR CHILDREN\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty (1 Chronicles 29:11).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDuring a conference, I noticed a lady who wouldn\u0027t sing with the rest of the group and seemed quite agitated. She slipped me a note after a morning session: \u0022Please don\u0027t leave town without helping me. I have been diagnosed as having multiple personalities and a dissociative disorder.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDuring our time together the Lord revealed that when she was seven years old a terrifying dark presence appeared in her room. It told her it would kill her unless she granted its request to share her body. The presence didn\u0027t leave until the day we met togeher. Later she wrote:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I started hearing voices and having imaginary friends when I was seven years old. Bulimia began at the age of 10, promiscuity at age 12. I spent 10 years in a cult. When I came out of the cult I sought deliverance at the suggestion of a Catholic priest. But, I beat up the priest and left bruised myself. It frightened me so badly I never did anything about it again. I am now of a sound mind; the voices are gone. I feel clean and fresh inside for the first time I can remember. I don\u0027t live in a tiny corner of my mind or outside my body. I live inside now with my Lord\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI wish that this woman\u0027s experience of childhood seduction was an exception. But I have counseled hundreds of adults who can trace their problems back to childhood. That\u0027s why it\u0027s critical that you teach your children the reality of the spiritual world and equip them to defeat Satan\u0027s attempts to seduce them with his lies.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Father, help me teach my children that resisting an evil presence in their room is as important as avoiding strangers on the street.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-21T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/239"},{"id":241,"title":"THOSE WHO OPPOSE US","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHOSE WHO OPPOSE US\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOur struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EVirtually all evangelical Christians and even many liberals agree that Satan is a living being who is an evil force in the world. Historically, Christian confessions of faith have always included statements about belief in a personal devil - not that every person has his own personal devil, but that the devil is an actual personage rather than merely an impersonal force. But when you talk about demons being alive and active in the world today, a lot of Christians bristle, \u0022Hold on there. I believe in the devil, but I don\u0027t buy that stuff about demons.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMy question to these people is: How do you think Satan carries on his worldwide ministry of evil and deception? He is a created being. He is not omnipresent, omniscient or omnipotent. He can\u0027t be everywhere in the world tempting and deceiving millions of people at the same moment. He does so through an army of emissaries (demons, evil spirit, fallen angels, etc.) who propagate his plan of rebellion around the world. It is clear from the context of Ephesians 6:12 that the rulers, powers, and forces which oppose us are spiritual entities in the heavenlies (the spiritual world).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDisbelief in personal demonic activity (or an inordinate fear of demons) is further evidence of the static that Satan perpetrates in our minds to distort the truth. In the classic Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis wrote: \u0022There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve their existence. The other is to believe and feel an unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather God, I announce that You are the only legitimate fear-object and sanctuary, and I renounce all demonic activity in my life.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-11T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/241"},{"id":243,"title":"THE REALITY OF DEMONS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE REALITY OF DEMONS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, \u0022I will return to my house from which I came.\u0022 Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself (Luke 11:24,26)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Bible does not attempt to prove the existence of demons any more than it attempts to prove the existence of God. It simply reports on their activities as if its first readers accepted their existence. Nor did the early church fathers have a problem with the reality and personality of demons. Origen wrote: \u0022In regard to the devil and his angels and opposing powers, the ecclesiastical teaching maintains that the beings do indeed exist; but what they are or how they exist is not explained with sufficient clarity. This opinion, however, is held by most that the devil was an angel; and having apostatised, he persuaded as many angels as possible to fall away with himself; and these, even to the present time, are called his angels.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELuke 11:24-26 gives us a helpful view into the personality and individuality of evil spirits. We can glean several points of information about evil spirits from this passage.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDemons can exist outside or inside humans\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey are able to travel\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey are able to communicate\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEach one has a separate identity\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey are able to remember and make plans\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey are able to evaluate and make decisions\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey are able to combine forces\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey vary in degrees of wickedness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut you need not fear Satan and his demons as long as you cling to God\u0027s truth. Their only weapon is deception. Irenaeus wrote, \u0022The devil can only go to this length, as he did at the beginning, to deceive and lead astray the mind of man into disobeying the commandments of God, and gradually to darken the hearts\u0022. If you continue to walk in the light, you don\u0027t need to be afraid of the darkness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I accept the reality of the spiritual world and Your rule over it. I will walk in the light and not fear the darkness.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003Cstrong\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-12T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/243"},{"id":245,"title":"IF YOUR FAITH IS OFF","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EIF YOUR FAITH IS OFF\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWe walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen my son, Karl, was about eight years old, I introduced him to the game of golf. I gave him a little starter set of clubs and took him out to the course with me. Karl would tee up his ball and whale away at it with his mightiest swing. Usually he sprayed the ball all over the place. But since he could only hit it 60 or 70 yards at best, his direction could be off by 20 degrees and his ball would still be in the fairway.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs he grew up and got a bigger set of clubs, Karl was able to drive the ball off the tee 150 yards and farther. But if his drive was still 20 degrees off target, his ball no longer stayed in the fairway; it usually went into the rough. Accuracy is even more important for golfers who can blast a golf ball 200 to 250 yards off the tee. The same 20-degree deviation which allowed little Karl\u0027s short drive to remain in the fairway will send a longer drive soaring out of bounds.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis simple illustration pictures an important aspect of the life of faith: Your Christian walk is the direct result of what you believe about God and yourself. If your faith is off, your walk will be off. If your walk is off, you can be sure it\u0027s because your faith is off. As a new Christian, you needed some time to learn how to \u0027hit the ball straight\u0027 in your belief system. You could be off 20 degrees in what you believed and still be on the fairway because you were still growing and had a lot to learn. But the longer you persist in a faulty belief system, the less fulfilling and productive your daily walk of faith will be. As you grow older you will find yourself stumbling through the rough or out of bounds spiritually if the course you have set for your life doesn\u0027t agree with Scripture.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor many adults, a mid-life crisis is the result of basing their concept of success and fulfilment on the world instead of on the Word of God. Tragically, many of our children and teenagers are heading for the same fall because their beliefs are not founded on Scripture. As a result, their lives are often bankrupt before they leave high school.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Teach me Your truth today that I may walk in it\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/245"},{"id":247,"title":"SUCCESS IN GOD\u0027S EYES","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESUCCESS IN GOD\u0027S EYES\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0022Be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you then you will have success\u0022. Joshua 1:7,8\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA helpful perspective of success in the Christian life is seen in Joshua\u0027s experience of leading Israel into the Promised Land. God said to him: \u0022Be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success\u0022 (Joshua 1:7,8).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWas Joshua\u0027s success dependent on other people or circumstances? Absolutely not. Success hinged entirely on his obedience. If Joshua believed what God said and did what God told him to do, he would succeed. Sounds simple enough, but God immediately put Joshua to the test by giving him a rather unorthodox battle plan for conquering Jericho. Marching around the city for seven days, then blowing a horn wasn\u0027t exactly an approved military tactic in Joshua\u0027s day!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut Joshua\u0027s success was conditional on obeying God regardless of how foolish His plan seemed. As Joshua 6 records, Joshua\u0027s success had nothing to do with the circumstances of the battle and everything to do with obedience. That should be your pattern too. Accept God\u0027s goal for your life and follow it obediently.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDon\u0027t take this truth lightly. You can be successful if you commit yourself to being what God has called you to be and follow Him obediently. You can be successful in business and remain in God\u0027s will even when your competition conducts business under the table and cheats on taxes. You can run for public office and win with a campaign that doesn\u0027t compromise God\u0027s will. Remember: You can be a failure in the eyes of the world and a success in the eyes of God - and vice versa.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I want to be a success in Your eyes. Help me to be strong and courageous in doing Your will.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-14T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/247"},{"id":249,"title":"OUR RELATIONSHIP TO SIN","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOUR RELATIONSHIP TO SIN\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConsider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEven though you are dead to sin, sin\u0027s strong appeal may still cause you to struggle with feeling that you are more alive to sin than you are to Christ. But Romans 6:1-11 teaches us that what is true of the Lord Jesus Christ is true of us in terms of our relationship to sin and death. God the Father allowed His Son to \u0022be sin\u0022 in order that all the sins of the world - past, present and future would fall on Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). When He died on the cross, our sins were on Him. But when He rose from the grave, there was no sin on Him. When He ascended to the Father, there was no sin on Him. And today, as He sits at the Father\u0027s right hand, there is no sin on Him. Since we are seated in the heavenlies in Christ, we too have died to sin.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChrist already died to sin, and because you are in Him, you have died to sin too. Sin is still strong and appealing, but your relationship with sin has ended. I\u0027ve met many Christians who are still trying to die to sin, and their lives are miserable and fruitless as a result because they are struggling to do something that has already been done. \u0022For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death\u0022 (Romans 8:2).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERomans 6:11 summarises what we are to believe about our relationship to sin because of our position in Christ. It doesn\u0027t matter whether you feel dead to sin or not; you are to consider it so because it is so. People wrongly wonder, \u0022What experience must I have in order for this to be true?\u0022 The only necessary experience is that of Christ on the cross, which has already happened. When we choose to believe what is true about ourselves and sin, and walk on the basis of what we believe, our right relationship with sin will work out in our experience. But as long as we put our experience before our belief, we will never fully know the freedom that Christ purchased for us on the cross.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, teach me not always to believe what I feel about my relationship to sin, but to believe the truth that I am dead to it.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-15T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/249"},{"id":251,"title":"YOUR CHOICE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EYOUR CHOICE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETherefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. Romans 6:12,13\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn Romans 6:1-11 Paul uses the past tense to emphasize that we died to sin the moment we placed faith in Christ. For example: \u0022We who died to sin\u0022 (verse 2); \u0022Our old self was crucified with Him\u0022 (verse 6); \u0022For he who has died is freed from sin\u0022 (verse 7). Since these verses are past tense, indicating what is already true about us, we can only believe them.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOn the basis of what Romans 6:1-11 instructs us to believe, Romans 6:12, 13, tells us how to relate to sin. Sin is a taskmaster that demands service from its subjects. You are dead to sin, but you still have the capacity to serve it by putting your body at sin\u0027s disposal. It\u0027s up to you to choose whether you\u0027re going to let your body be used for sin or for righteousness. Satan, who is at the root of all sin, will take advantage of anyone who uses his or her body as an instrument of unrighteousness. For example, it is impossible to commit a sexual sin and not use your body, and sin will reign in your mortal body.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo further illustrate, suppose your pastor asks to use your car to deliver food baskets to the needy, and a thief asks to use it to rob a bank. It\u0027s your car and you can choose to lend it however you want, for good or for evil. Which would you choose? There should be no question!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYour body is also yours to use to serve either God or sin and Satan, but the choice is up to you. That\u0027s why Paul wrote so insistently: \u0022I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship\u0022 (Romans 12:1). Because of Christ\u0027s victory over sin, you are completely free to choose not to give yourself to obey sin as your master. It is your responsibility not to let sin reign in your mortal body.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I renounce every use of my body as an instrument of unrighteousness, and I yield it to You today as a living sacrifice.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-16T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/251"},{"id":253,"title":"WINNING THE BATTLE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EWINNING THE BATTLE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere\u0027s a wonderful example of what can happen to a Christian when the strongholds of the mind are overthrown by God\u0027s truth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJeannie is a beautiful and talented woman in her mid-twenties. As an active Christian for 13 years, she sings in a professional singing group, writes music, leads worship at her church, and oversees a discipleship group.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJeannie recently attended one of my conferences. As I saw her smiling at me from her seat at the conference, what I didn\u0027t know was that she was bulimic, having been in bondage to the strongholds of food and fear for 11 years. When she was home alone she would be captivated by Satan\u0027s lies about food, her appearance, and her self-worth for hours at a time. She had submitted to counselling without success. All the while she believed that the thoughts prompting her to induce vomiting were her own based on a traumatic experience from her childhood.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen I was talking during the conference about destroying strongholds, I happened to be looking at Jeannie \u2013 quite unintentionally - when I said, \u0022Every person I know with an eating disorder has been the victim of a stronghold based on the lies of Satan.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022You have no idea how that statement impacted my life,\u0022 she told me the next morning. \u0022I have been battling myself all these years, and I suddenly understood that my enemy was not me but Satan. That was the most profound truth I have ever heard. It was like I had been blind for 11 years and could suddenly see. I cried all the way home. When the old thoughts came back last night, I simply rejected them for the truth. For the first night in years I was able to go to sleep without vomiting. The truth has set me free.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you think Jeannie\u0027s experience of finding freedom in Christ is unique, you\u0027re wrong. Winning the battle for the mind is possible for everyone who is in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, help me take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ today. I choose to think upon that which is true.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-17T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/253"},{"id":256,"title":"WHO\u0027S RESPONSIBLE FOR CONVICTION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EWHO\u0027S RESPONSIBLE FOR CONVICTION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this - not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother\u0027s way. Romans 14:13\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI grew up with a good, moral background, and I even went to church, but I wasn\u0027t a Christian. In those days I really enjoyed beer, especially on a hot day after mowing the lawn. When I received Christ as a young man, I joined a church that preached total abstinence from alcoholic beverages. I wasn\u0027t a drunk, so I decided to scratch that rule and keep my beer.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMy beer drinking wasn\u0027t excessive, but two years later the Lord convicted me about it. With the conviction came the power to obey. So I gave it up. I\u0027m so glad that no one laid a guilt trip on me or made an issue over my drinking an occasional beer.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESometimes we are tempted to play the role of the Holy Spirit or the conscience in someone else\u0027s life on issues where the Scriptures are not crystal clear: \u0027Christians don\u0027t drink or smoke\u0027; \u0027You should spend at least 30 minutes a day in prayer and Bible study\u0027; \u0027Buying lottery tickets is not good stewardship\u0027. I\u0027m convinced that the Holy Spirit knows exactly when to bring conviction on issues of conscience. It\u0027s part of the process of sanctification that He superintends. When we attempt to play His role, we often do little more than convey criticism and rejection. Our job is to accept people and let the Holy Spirit bring conviction in His time.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod has given us the ministry of reconciliation, not condemnation. Paul wrote, \u0022God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation\u0022 (2 Corinthians 5:19). There is a time and place to confront Christians about immoral behaviour. But when we do so, it is only because we care about their relationship with God and desire to protect others.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, teach me to confront others in love when I must and to accept others in love as You have accepted me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-18T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/256"},{"id":258,"title":"DISCIPLINE -V- JUDGMENT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDISCIPLINE -V- JUDGMENT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBrethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Galatians 6:1\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAre there any occasions when Christians should confront each other on matters of behaviour? Yes. We are required by God to confront and restore those who have clearly violated the boundaries of Scripture (Matthew 18:15, 16). But let me alert you to an important distinction in this area: Discipline is an issue of confronting observed behaviour which you have personally witnessed (Galatians 6:1), judgment is an issue of character. We are instructed to confront others concerning sins we have observed, but we are not allowed to judge their character (Matthew 7:1; Romans 14:13). Disciplining is our responsibility; judging character is God\u0027s responsibility.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor example, imagine that you just caught your child telling a lie. \u0022You\u0027re a liar,\u0022 you say to him. That\u0027s judgment, an attack on his character. But if you say, \u0022Son, you just told a lie,\u0022 that\u0027s discipline. You\u0027re holding him accountable based on an observed behaviour.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOr let\u0027s say that a Christian friend admits to you that he cheated on his income tax return. If you confront him as a thief, you are judging his character and that\u0027s not your responsibility. You can only confront him on the basis of what you see: \u0022By cheating on your taxes, you are stealing from the government and that\u0027s wrong\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMuch of what we call discipline is nothing less than character assassination. We say to our disobedient child: \u0022You\u0027re a bad boy\u0022. We say to a failing Christian brother or sister \u0022You\u0027re not a good Christian\u0022. Such statements don\u0027t correct or edify, they tear down character and convey disapproval for the person as well as his problem. Your child is not a liar, he\u0027s a child of God who has told a lie. Your Christian friend is not a thief, he\u0027s a child of God who has taken something which doesn\u0027t belong to him. We must hold people accountable for their behaviour, but we are never allowed to denigrate their character.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EForgive me, Father, for judging others. Enable me to discipline in love those I care about and for whom I am responsible.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-19T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/258"},{"id":261,"title":"BEYOND THE BOUNDARY OF GOD\u0027S DESIGN ","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EBEYOND THE BOUNDARY OF GOD\u0027S DESIGN\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEvery other sin that a man commits is outside his body, but the immoral man [fornicator] sins against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESex glands are a God-given part of our autonomic nervous system. Normal sexual functioning is a regular, rhythmic cycle of life. But when Jesus said, \u0022Everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart\u0022 (Matthew 5:28), He was describing something beyond the boundary of God\u0027s design for sex. The word for lust is epithumos. The prefix epi means, \u0022to add to,\u0022 signifying that something is being added to a normal drive. Jesus challenged us not to add onto the God-given sexual drive by polluting our minds with lustful thoughts. The only way to control your sexual drive is to control your thought life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESexual lust demands physical expression, and that\u0027s where Romans 6 comes into play. We are not to let sin reign in our mortal bodies (verse 12) by using our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness (verse 13). Whenever you use your body wrongly through a sexual offence, you give Satan a foothold and your sexual problem becomes a spiritual problem. A missionary shared with me at the end of a conference that he was finally free after 20 years of bondage to lust. He sought counselling for his problem during his preparation for missionary service and on every furlough, but he never gained lasting victory until he realized that it was a spiritual problem that needed a spiritual solution.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScripture indicates that sexual sins are in a class by themselves because they require the use of the body. Virtually every person I have counselled regarding a spiritual conflict has confessed some kind of sexual aberration.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I yield my sexual life to You as an expression of loving worship. I choose today to assume responsibility for my thoughts.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-22T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/261"},{"id":263,"title":"BE SUBMISSIVE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EBE SUBMISSIVE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESubmit yourselves for the Lord\u0027s sake to every human institution. 1 Peter 2:13\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe world system in which we were raised says that you are nothing, so compete, scheme, achieve and strive to get ahead. The Bible teaches that you are something, so be submissive. Here\u0027s how Peter said it: \u0022You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God\u0027s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light; for once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy\u0022 (1 Peter 2:9, 10).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnly after that affirmation of us being the people of God does Peter say, \u0022Submit yourselves for the Lord\u0027s sake to every human institution\u0022 (verse 13), and \u0022Servants, be submissive to your masters\u0022 (verse 18). He even relates it to the home: \u0022In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands\u0022 (1 Peter 3:1).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESubmission is not a dirty word; it is a liberating word. We are all under God\u0027s protective authority, and we can only be free if we seek it and submit to it. Coming under authority is your protection. Living free is your opportunity to be all that God created you to be.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are two types of people who will never live up to their potential in Christ: those who can\u0027t do what they are told to do and those who won\u0027t do anything unless they are told. Don\u0027t wait to be told what you are already free to do. Step out in faith and live up to your potential in Christ. You can bring light into a dark world if you will allow Christ to shine through you. You don\u0027t need a greater position; bloom where you are planted. Stop waiting for the big opportunity and seize the one you have. Someone in your world of influence desperately needs what Christ can do through you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, forgive me for my rebellious spirit. Teach me to be submissive and respectful to those in authority over me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-23T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/263"},{"id":265,"title":"BLOCKED GOALS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EBLOCKED GOALS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth. Ephesians 5:9\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne morning I rose early, had my devotions and started making a special breakfast for my family. I was stirring the muffin mix, singing and feeling great when my sleepy-eyed son, Karl, wandered into the kitchen. He grabbed a box of cereal and an empty bowl and headed for the table.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Hey, Karl, just a second. We\u0027re not having cereal this morning. We\u0027re going to sit around the table together and have a big breakfast with muffins\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I don\u0027t like muffins, Dad,\u0022 he mumbled, opening the cereal box.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Wait, Karl, I insisted, starting to get annoyed. \u0022We\u0027re going to sit around the table together and have a big breakfast with muffins\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022But I don\u0027t like muffins, Dad,\u0022 he repeated.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI lost it. \u0022Karl, we\u0027re going to sit around the table together and have a big breakfast with muffins!\u0022 I barked. Karl closed the cereal box, threw it in the cupboard, and stomped back to his room. My great idea had suddenly turned to shambles. I had to spend the next several minutes apologizing to Karl for my outburst.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELike me, I\u0027m sure you have suffered your share of blocked goals. You had this great plan to do something wonderful for God, your church, your family, or a friend. Then your plan was thrown into disarray by hectic daily events over which you had no control. You didn\u0027t get your way at the board meeting. Your child decided to be the lead guitarist in a rock band instead of becoming a doctor like you planned.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you base your life on the success of plans that are subject to people and circumstances, your life will be one long, emotional roller coaster ride. And the only way to get off the roller coaster is to walk by faith according to the truth of God\u0027s Word. Who you are must not be dependent on the cooperation of others or favourable circumstances. Decide to become the spouse, parent, leader or worker God wants you to be. No one can block that goal except you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, show me today where I have allowed people or circumstances, instead of You, to determine what You want me to be.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-11T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/265"},{"id":266,"title":"SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN LIVING","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN LIVING\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWe are to grow up in all aspects into Him. Ephesians 4:15. It was for freedom that Christ set us free. Galatians 5:1\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are two concepts that determine the victory and fruitfulness of a Christian. The first concept is maturity. Paul wrote: \u0022We are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ\u0022 (Ephesians 4:15, 13). God has given us everything we need to grow to maturity in Christ (2 Peter 1:3). But Satan is opposed to our maturity and will do anything he can to keep us from realizing who we are and what we have in Christ. We must experience victory over the dark side before we can fully mature.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe second concept of the successful Christian life is freedom. Paul declared: \u0022It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery\u0022 (Galatians 5:1). This verse not only assures us that God wants us free, but also warns us that we can lose our freedom by returning to the law.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBefore we received Christ, we were slaves to sin. But because of Christ\u0027s work on the cross, sin\u0027s power over us has been broken. Satan has no right of ownership or authority over us. He is a defeated foe, but he is committed to keeping us from realizing that. He knows he can block your effectiveness as a Christian if he can deceive you into believing that you are nothing but a product of your past, subject to sin, prone to failure, and controlled by your habits. As long as he can confuse you and blind you with his dark lies, you won\u0027t be able to see that the chains which once bound you are broken. You are free in Christ, but if the devil can deceive you into believing you\u0027re not, you won\u0027t experience the freedom which is your inheritance. I don\u0027t believe in instant maturity, but I do believe in instant freedom, and I have seen thousands of people set free by the truth. Once a person is free, you would be amazed at how quickly he or she matures!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I rejoice that it was for my freedom that You came to set me free. Remind me today to walk in Your freedom.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-12T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/266"},{"id":267,"title":"AN INDISPENSABLE PREREQUISITE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EAN INDISPENSABLE PREREQUISITE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENow this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent (John 17:3 NIV)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe focus of my ministry, both as a pastor and a seminary professor, has been the interrelated ministries of discipling and Christian counselling. I have been a discipler and a counsellor of countless individuals. I have also taught discipleship and pastoral counselling at the seminary level and in churches and leadership conferences across the country. Much of my interaction with people has been to expose the insidious reality of Satan\u0027s relentless assault of deception on the Christian\u0027s mind. He knows that if he can keep you from understanding who you are in Christ, he can keep you from experiencing the maturity and freedom which is your inheritance as a child of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI am intrigued by the overlap of the ministries of discipling and counselling. Christian discipleship focuses on truth and tends to be future-oriented, provoking spiritual growth and maturity. Christian counselling considers the past to correct problems and address areas of weakness. Your past has shaped your present belief system and will determine your future unless it is dealt with. Biblically, discipleship and counselling are not separate ministries. Both are intensely personal ministries which are necessary to apply the truth to set people free from their past and establish them complete in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFurthermore, it is my conviction that discipleship and counselling must both start where the Bible starts: with knowledge of God and our identity in Christ. If we really knew God, our behaviour would change radically and instantly. That\u0027s what happened in Scripture. Whenever heaven opened to reveal the glory of God, individual witnesses were immediately and profoundly changed. I believe that the greatest determinant of mental and spiritual health and freedom is a true understanding of God and a right relationship with Him. A good theology is an indispensable prerequisite to a good psychology.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFather, I am eternally grateful to You that in Christ I am a saint dwelling in the heavenlies instead of a sinner wallowing in the mud.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-13T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/267"},{"id":268,"title":"UNDERSTANDING WHO YOU ARE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EUNDERSTANDING WHO YOU ARE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI enjoy asking people, \u0022Who are you?\u0022 It sounds like a simple question requiring a simple answer, but it really isn\u0027t. For example, if someone asked me, \u0022Who are you?\u0022 I might answer, \u0022Neil Anderson\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022No, that\u0027s your name. Who are you?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I\u0027m an American\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022No, that\u0027s where you live\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI could also say that I\u0027m five feet nine inches tall and a little over 150 pounds - actually quite a little over 150 pounds! But my physical dimensions and appearance aren\u0027t me either. If you chopped off my arms and legs, would I still be me? If you transplanted my heart, kidneys or liver, would I still be me? Of course! Now if you keep chopping, you\u0027ll get to me eventually because I\u0027m in here somewhere. But who I am is far more than what you see on the outside.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe may say with the apostle Paul that we \u0022recognize no man according to the flesh\u0022. But we tend to identify each other and ourselves primarily by physical appearance (tall, short, stocky, slender) or by what we do (plumber, carpenter, nurse, engineer, clerk). Furthermore, when asked to identify ourselves in relation to our faith, we usually talk about our doctrinal position (Protestant, evangelical, Calvinist, charismatic), our denominational preference (Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Independent), or our role in the church (Sunday school teacher, choir member, deacon, usher).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut is who you are determined by what you do, or is what you do determined by who you are? That\u0027s an important question, especially as it relates to Christian maturity. I subscribe to the latter. I believe wholeheartedly that your hope for growth, meaning and fulfilment as a Christian is based on understanding who you are - specifically your identity in Christ as a child of God. Your understanding of who you are in Christ will greatly determine how you live your life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord Jesus, I know I am complete in You. Don\u0027t allow me to fall back into fleshly attributes today in an attempt to impress others or You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-14T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/268"},{"id":269,"title":"A NEW CREATURE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA NEW CREATURE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDan and Cindy were a fine young Christian couple who were preparing for ministry on the mission field. Then tragedy struck: Cindy was raped. As hard as she tried to get back to normal life, Cindy couldn\u0027t shake the horrible memories and feelings from her experience.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESix months after the tragedy, Dan and Cindy attended a church conference where I was speaking. During the conference Cindy called me in tears. \u0022Neil, I know God can turn everything into good, but how is He going to do that?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Wait a minute, Cindy,\u0022 I said. \u0022God will work everything out for good, but He doesn\u0027t make a bad thing good. What happened to you was evil. God\u0027s good thing is to show you how you can walk through your crisis and come out of it a better person\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022But I just can\u0027t separate myself from my experience,\u0022 she sobbed. \u0022I\u0027ve been raped, Neil, and I\u0027ll be a victim of that all my life\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022No, Cindy,\u0022 I insisted. \u0022The rape happened to you, but it hasn\u0027t changed who you are, nor does it have to control you. You were the victim of a terrible, ugly tragedy. But if you only see yourself as a rape victim for the rest of your life, you will never be free. You\u0027re a child of God. You can\u0027t fix the past, but you can be free from it\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll of us have a number of hurtful, traumatic experiences in our past, which have scarred us emotionally. You may have grown up with a physically, emotionally or sexually abusive parent. Any number of traumatic, emotional events can clutter your soul with emotional baggage that seems to limit your maturity and block your freedom in Christ. You must renounce the experiences and lies that have controlled you and forgive those who have offended you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs a Christian, you are primarily the product of the work of Christ on the cross. You are literally a new creature in Christ. The \u0027old you\u0027 is gone and\u00a0the \u0027new you\u0027 is here.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, thank You for working all things for good in my life, even the effects of evil attacks meant for my harm and destruction.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-15T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/269"},{"id":270,"title":"OUR DYNAMIC POWER SOURCE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOUR DYNAMIC POWER SOURCE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E..the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. Ephesians 1:19\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn Ephesians 1:19-21, Paul gives us a peek at the dynamic source of our authority in Christ. He explains that the authority at our disposal flows from the reservoir of power, which raised Jesus Christ from the dead and seated Him at the Father\u0027s right hand. That power source is so dynamic that Paul used four different Greek words in verse 19 to describe it: power (dunameos), working (energeian), strength (kratous), and might (ischuos). Behind the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ lies the mightiest work of power recorded in the Word of God. And the same power that raised Christ from the dead and defeated Satan is the power available to us to overcome the works of Satan in our daily lives.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPaul opens our eyes to the expansive scope of Christ\u0027s authority that is: \u0022far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come\u0022 (Ephesians 1:21). Think about the most powerful and influential political or military leaders in the world. Imagine the most feared terrorists, crime kingpins and drug barons. Think about Satan and all the power of darkness marshalled under his command. Jesus\u0027 authority is not only above all these human and spiritual authorities past, present and future, but He is far above them. We share the same position because we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies, which enable us to live in freedom and victory over demonic intrusion and influence.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDon\u0027t be deceived. You are not under Satan\u0027s power or subject to his authority. You are in Christ above all demonic rule, authority and power.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReigning with You, Lord - what a liberating thought! I praise You today for the power You share with me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-16T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/270"},{"id":271,"title":"IDENTIFYING A CHRISTIAN LEADER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EIDENTIFYING A CHRISTIAN LEADER\u00a0\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThere will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 Peter 2:1\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat comes to mind when you hear the terms false prophets and false teachers? Many people tend to thing of Eastern mystics and gurus, the spokespersons for no biblical religions or dynamic cult leaders - people who are recognizably outside the boundaries of the Christian church. But the apostle Peter devoted an entire chapter in one of his letters (2 Peter 2) to false prophets and teachers who operate within the church. False teachers may operate in our churches disguised as workers of righteousness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENotice that the lure of false teachers is not primarily their doctrine: \u0022And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned\u0022 (verse 2). What does Peter mean by \u0027follow their sensuality\u0027? He is talking about Christians who evaluate a ministry based on the outward appearance and charm of its leaders. We say, \u0022He\u0027s such a nice guy\u0022; \u0022She\u0027s a very charismatic person\u0022; \u0022He\u0027s a real dynamic speaker\u0022; \u0022She\u0027s so sweet and sounds so sincere\u0022. But is physical attractiveness or a syrupy personality a biblical criterion for validating a ministry or a teacher? Of course not! The issue is always truth and righteousness. A Christian leader should be identified by his commitment to the truth, his righteous life and his servant\u0027s heart.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear God, keep me from playing to the grandstand. I want only to live for You. Keep me accountable as a person of truth, righteousness, and love, ever fearful of discrediting Your name.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-17T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/271"},{"id":272,"title":"SPRING-LOADED TOWARD THE SPIRIT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESPRING-LOADED TOWARD THE SPIRIT\u00a0\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWalk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen we first became Christians, we were like one-third horsepower lawn mower engines. We could accomplish something, but not very much because we weren\u0027t very mature. Our ambition as Christians is to become engines that can power earth-moving machinery - real powerhouses for the Lord. But neither a lawn mower nor a bulldozer can accomplish anything without gas. And neither can we accomplish anything apart from Christ (John 15:5). No matter how mature you are, you can never be productive unless you are walking in the Spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen it comes to the choice between walking according to the flesh and walking according to the Spirit, our will is like a toggle switch. The new Christian\u0027s will seems to be spring-loaded toward fleshly behaviour. He is still the unwitting victim of a thoroughly trained flesh that only knows how to operate independently of God. The mature Christian\u0027s will is spring-loaded toward the Spirit. He makes occasional poor choices, but he is learning to crucify the flesh and walk in the Spirit on a daily basis.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you re hoping for a magic formula or a list of foolproof steps for walking in the Spirit, you will be disappointed. The moment you reduce the Spirit-filled walk to a formula or an intellectual exercise, you probably won\u0027t be Spirit-filled anymore.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Holy Spirit is a \u0027He\u0027 not an \u0027it\u0027. Our walk with God is a personal experience, not a mechanical or legalistic formula. We see the immorality of fleshly indulgence everywhere, but simply preaching against it and telling people to shape up is not God\u0027s answer. The law is powerless to give life (Galatians 3:21). Reintroducing the law to believers won\u0027t work. But if we learn to walk by the Spirit, we won\u0027t carry out the desires of the flesh. Let\u0027s encourage others to do the same.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I desire to be patient with others in their walk of faith as You are patient with me. Help me have a gracious response and a gentle answer to others today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-18T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/272"},{"id":273,"title":"WITH ALL PRAYER AND PETITION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EWITH ALL PRAYER AND PETITION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWith all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe mother of one of my seminary students was a psychic. She said to him once, \u0022Jim, have you been praying for me?\u0022 \u0022Of course I have, Mother\u0022. \u0022Well, don\u0027t,\u0022 she insisted, \u0022because you\u0027re disturbing my aura\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI say pray on! We never know completely the effects of our prayers, but we do know that God includes prayer as part of His strategy for establishing His kingdom and ensuring our spiritual victory.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne of the most dramatic deliverances I have observed happened in a man who was a high priest in the upper echelons of Satanism. Six months after he was set free he gave his testimony in our church. At the close of his testimony I asked him, \u0022Based on your experience on \u0027the other side,\u0027 what is the Christian\u0027s greatest strategy against demonic influence?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Prayer,\u0022 he answered forcefully. \u0022And when you pray, mean it. Fervent prayer thwarts Satan\u0027s activity like nothing else\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat is prayer? It is communication with God by which we express our dependence on Him. God knows what we need in our battle with the powers of darkness, and He is more ready to meet our needs than we are to ask. But until we express our dependence on Him in prayer, God may not act. In prayer we say, \u0022You are the Lord, not I. You know what\u0027s best, I don\u0027t. I\u0027m not telling You what to do, I\u0027m asking\u0022. Prayer is a means by which God guides and protects His children.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPraying in the Spirit is God\u0027s way of helping us pray when we don\u0027t know how \u0022The Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us\u0022 (Romans 8:26). Helps (sunantilambano) depicts the Holy Spirit\u0027s role of coming alongside us in our condition of human frailty and spiritual vulnerability and bearing us to the other side of spiritual protection and victory.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that prayer is such a powerful weapon in my arsenal against the powers of darkness.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-19T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/273"},{"id":275,"title":"CHILDREN NEED MODELS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECHILDREN NEED MODELS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYour children need to see how you handle failure even more than how you handle success. If you make a mistake, you need to own up to it and ask forgiveness if the situation calls for it. If you don\u0027t model how to deal with your own fleshly responses, how are they going to learn how to own up to their mistakes and resolve them biblically?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne Sunday morning my daughter wasn\u0027t ready when I wanted to leave for church. I fumed about it until I exploded with anger. After the service I was about to say grace before a meal when I felt the convicting hand of God weighing heavily upon me. I stopped and asked my family to forgive me for my outburst of anger. I didn\u0027t confess my daughter\u0027s tardiness because it wasn\u0027t my responsibility. Nor did I ask their forgiveness in hopes that my daughter would own up to her tardiness. I asked their forgiveness because my outburst of anger was a deed of the flesh. I had to ask forgiveness to be right with God myself.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou never lose esteem in your child\u0027s eyes when you do what God requires you to do. You gain esteem because you are an honest person, and in the process you are modelling what they need to do when they blow it. Children need models, not critics. Modelling is what establishes our credibility to \u0022bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord\u0022 (Ephesians 6:4).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me model a life of obedience and honesty before my children and others who look to me as an example. And when I fail, give me grace to admit my mistakes and resolve my conflicts.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-21T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/275"},{"id":276,"title":"OUR ESSENTIAL IDENTITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOUR ESSENTIAL IDENTITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThen God said, \u0022Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness\u0022 (Genesis 1:26)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdam was created physically and spiritually alive. He possessed eternal life from his first breath and enjoyed God\u0027s abiding presence in the Garden of Eden.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFurthermore, unlike the animal kingdom that operated by divine instinct, Adam was created in the likeness of God with a mind, emotions and will, giving him the ability to think, feel and choose. No other created being can make that claim.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAfter creating Adam, God said, \u0022It is not good for the man to be alone\u0022 (Genesis 2:18). So He created a suitable helper for him: Eve. They both enjoyed a sense of belonging to God and each other. Not only that, God gave them a purpose: to \u0022rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth\u0022 (Genesis 1:26). Adam and Eve didn\u0027t have to search for significance; they had it in their relationship with God. And because God was present with them, they lived in perpetual safety and security.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEternal life, identity, purpose, significance, security and a sense of belonging are all attributes of mankind created in the image of God. Adam and Eve experienced these attributes in full measure, and we were destined to enjoy them too. But when Adam sinned, he died spiritually and forfeited everything God had provided. Being separated from God, Adam\u0027s glowing attributes became glaring needs.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs children of Adam born separated from God, we come into the world with these same glaring needs. We wander though life striving to make a name of ourselves, looking for security in temporal things, and searching for significance apart from God. Is it a hopeless quest? No! We are able to fulfil these needs by establishing a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Everything Adam enjoyed in the garden before he sinned is now at our disposal.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELoving heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sin so I may have eternal life. And thank You that in Christ my need for identity, significance, security and a sense of belonging can be met.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-22T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/276"},{"id":277,"title":"THE BELIEVER\u0027S TENT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE BELIEVER\u0027S TENT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThen the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (Genesis 2:7)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBiblically, life means to unite and death means to separate. When Adam became a living being, his soul was in union with his body. When he died, his soul separated from his body.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs long as you are alive, your soul is united with your body. But when that separation occurs, you do not cease to exist. Paul said that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Your primary identity is not found in your physical existence. Paul said, \u0022From now on we recognize no man according to the flesh\u0022 (2 Corinthians 5:16).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEven though your principal identity is more than physical, in this temporal life you cannot function without your physical body. Your immaterial self needs your material self, and vice versa. You need your physical brain to control your movements and responses, and you need your immaterial mind to reason and make value judgments. Your brain is like a computer and your mind is the programmer. The finest human brain can\u0027t accomplish anything in a corpse that lacks a mind. And the most brilliant mind cannot function in a brain damaged by Alzheimer\u0027s disease.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 Paul referred to the believer\u0027s body as a tent, the temporary dwelling place of the soul. Using his illustration, I must confess that my tent pegs are coming up, my poles are sagging, and my seams are becoming frayed! At my age I\u0027m just glad that there\u0027s more to me than the disposable earth suit I walk around in.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou don\u0027t exist for your body; it exists for you. That\u0027s why Paul said, \u0022I beat my body and make it my slave\u0022 (1 Corinthians 9:27 NIV). In order to fulfil your purpose for being here, you need to manage your body well through exercise, balanced diet and adequate rest.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me to not overemphasize or underemphasize the significance of my physical life but stay in step with Your view.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-23T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/277"},{"id":278,"title":"SPIRITUALLY ALIVE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESPIRITUALLY ALIVE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnd this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life. He who does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:11, 12 NIV)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen God breathed life into Adam, he was both physically and spiritually alive. Adam was spiritually alive because his soul was in union with God. We were never designed to be separated from God or to live independently of Him. We were born to be spiritually alive.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor the Christian, to be spiritually alive is to be in union with God. This concept is repeatedly presented in Scripture by the prepositional phrase in Christ. Being in Christ is the theme of the New Testament. Like Adam, we were created to be in union with God. But Adam sinned and his union with God, and ours as well, was severed. It is God\u0027s eternal plan to bring human creation back to Himself and restore the union He enjoyed with Adam at creation. That restored union with God, which we find in Christ, is the essence of our identity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you were born again, your soul was united with God and you came alive spiritually, as alive as Adam was in the garden before he sinned. As the New Testament repeatedly declares, you are now in Christ, and Christ is in you. Since Christ who is in you is eternal, the spiritual life you have received from Him is eternal. You don\u0027t have to wait until you die to get eternal life; you possess it right now!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe apostle John wrote, \u0022He who has the Son has the life\u0022 (1 John 5:12). He probably remembered Jesus\u0027 statement to Martha, \u0022I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die\u0022 (John 11:25, 26). After Jesus said this to Martha, He added, \u0022Do you believe this?\u0022 (Verse 26).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Word of God is clear. Because of Jesus, we will continue to live spiritually even after we die physically. Do you believe this?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Father, I declare my wholehearted belief that my spiritual life - eternal life - is in You. Help me live today with eternity\u0027s values in view.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-24T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/278"},{"id":279,"title":"THE EFFECTS OF THE FALL","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE EFFECTS OF THE FALL\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETherefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned (Romans 5:12)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUnfortunately, the idyllic setting in the Garden of Eden was shattered. Genesis 3 tells the sad story of Adam and Eve\u0027s lost relationship with God through sin. The effects of man\u0027s fall were dramatic, immediate and far-reaching, infecting every subsequent member of the human race.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat happened to Adam and Eve spiritually because of the fall? They died. Their union with God was severed and they were separated from God. God had specifically said: \u0022You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die\u0022 (Genesis 2:17 NIV). They ate and they died.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDid they die physically? No. The process of physical death was set in motion, but they were alive physically for several hundred more years. They died spiritually; their souls were separated from God. They were banished from God\u0027s presence. They were cast out of the Garden of Eden and guarding the entrance were cherubim waving a flaming sword (Genesis 3:23, 24).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAfter Adam, everyone who comes into the world is born physically alive but spiritually dead, separated from God. Paul wrote, \u0022As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live\u0022 (Ephesians 2:1 NIV).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow did Jesus remedy this problem? In two dramatic life-changing ways. First, He died on the cross to cure the disease that caused us to die -\u00a0sin. Romans 6:23 begins, \u0022The wages of sin is death.\u0022 Then He rose from the dead to give us spiritual life. The verse continues, \u0022but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.\u0022 Jesus Himself said, \u0022I came that they might have life\u0022 (John 10:10).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe bad news is that, as a child of Adam, you inherited spiritual death. But the eternally good news is that, as a child of God through faith in Christ, you will live forever because of the life He has provided for you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, heavenly Father, for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins and then raising Him from the dead so I may have life.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-25T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/279"},{"id":280,"title":"DEAD TO SIN","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDEAD TO SIN\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEven so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts (Romans 6:11, 12\u003C\/strong\u003E)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESin is the condition into which all descendants of fallen Adam are born (Romans 5:12). Sin is living our lives independently of God. It\u0027s the result of being deceived by Satan to believe that meaning and purpose in life may be achieved apart from a personal relationship with, and obedience to, the Creator of life (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20; 1 John 5:12). In the non-Christian, sin permeates the old nature, dominates the old self, and perpetuates the deeds of the flesh. Satan is at the heart of all sin (1 John 3:8). He deceives people into believing a lie and counsels them to rebel against God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you received Christ you died to sin and its power to dominate you was broken. Satan and sin have not died; they are still strong and appealing. But you no longer have to sin because you are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ (Romans 6:11). You are not dead to sin because you consider it so; you consider it so because it is so. In Christ you have already died to sin.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPaul goes on to say that we are not to use our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness (verse 13). If we do, we allow sin to rule in our mortal bodies. For example, it is virtually impossible for someone to commit a sexual sin and not use his body as an instrument of unrighteousness, allowing sin to rule. Ask the Lord to reveal to your mind how you have wrongly used your body, especially sexually. Renounce that wrong use and then submit your body to God as a living sacrifice. It is your responsibility not to let \u0022sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts\u0022 (Romans 6:12).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELoving Lord, I know that sin\u0027s power over me has been broken. Help me live today in the light of that truth by renouncing sin and submitting my body to You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-26T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/280"},{"id":281,"title":"THE WILL OF GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE WILL OF GOD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself (John 7:17)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EKnowing the will of God is not just a twenty first-century problem. People were struggling at the time of Christ. Some people were saying of Him, \u0022He\u0027s a good man\u0022. Others were saying, \u0022He leads the multitude astray\u0022 (see John 7:12). How could these people know whether He was leading them into truth?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESeizing the opportunity, Jesus set forth standards of divine guidance. His first admonition was, \u0022My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself\u0022 (John 7:16, 17). The essential prerequisite to know the will of God, according to Jesus, is a willingness to do it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat is the will of God? God\u0027s will for those who believe in Him is to be alive in Christ for the purpose of establishing His kingdom by overcoming the evil one and becoming fully the people He has called us to be. Notice the opening words of the Lord\u0027s Prayer: \u0022Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven\u0022 (Matthew 6:9, 10). When praying this prayer, we are asking for God\u0027s will to be accomplished on earth as it presently is in heaven. Apparently God\u0027s will is being perfectly executed in heaven but not on earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAre you totally committed to do God\u0027s will without knowing for sure what it is? Do you hold any reservations about turning your will over to God? Do you really believe that God\u0027s will for you is good, acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2)? If God is God and you call Him Lord, doesn\u0027t He have the right to exercise His will in your life?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, may Your will be accomplished in my thoughts, words and deeds today as it is being accomplished in heaven.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-27T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/281"},{"id":282,"title":"A HIGHER PRIORITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA HIGHER PRIORITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETwo significant events in my life brought into clear focus the priority of relationship over achievement. Before being called into the ministry, I worked as an aerospace engineer on the Apollo program. I will never forget the day the lunar lander touched down on the moon. This bold headline dominated the front page of the Minneapolis Star: \u0027Neil Armstrong Lands on the Moon\u0027. It was an achievement I was proud to be part of.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut the really big news came months earlier on page 7 in the third section: \u0027Heidi Jo Anderson, born to Mr. and Mrs. Neil Anderson, Northwestern Hospital, March 12, 1969\u0027. That may not sound like big news to you, but it was to her mother and me. Heidi totally took over my den and captured an entire shelf in the refrigerator. She altered our sleeping pattern and restricted our social calendar. But she was ours to hold, to hug and to care for.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat does God care about moon shots? They are deeds to be outdone. Somebody will always come along and do it better, faster and higher. What God cares about is little people like Heidi Jo Anderson because they will be with Him forever.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe second significant event in my life was receiving my first doctoral degree. But it turned out to be one of the most anticlimactic days of my life. I heard no applause from heaven, and I don\u0027t believe my achievement added so much as an asterisk to my name in the Lamb\u0027s Book of Life. I was a child of God before that day and I was still a child of God afterward.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut what happens in heaven when one sinner repents? Applause! Why? Because a relationship with God is eternal, while earthly achievements last only for time. Have you sacrificed the eternal to gain the temporal? Have you ignored personal and spiritual relationships in your pursuit of human achievements? Relationships must always have a higher priority than temporal achievements.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, amidst the busyness of my schedule and clutter of my possessions, help me cherish and nurture my relationships today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-28T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/282"},{"id":283,"title":"SEEKING GOD\u0027S FACE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESEEKING GOD\u0027S FACE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMy heart says of you, \u0022Seek His face!\u0022 Your face, LORD, I will seek (Psalm 27:8 NIV)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022If the sun is shining in the morning, I\u0027ll do it\u0022. \u0022If he\u0027s there when I open the door, I\u0027ll know he\u0027s the one\u0022. \u0022If I pass the class on world missions, I\u0027ll be a missionary. If not, I\u0027ll be a local pastor\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe all know better than this, but it\u0027s amazing how often scenarios just like these pop into our minds. Such propositions are referred to as \u0027laying a fleece\u0027 before the Lord or \u0027seeking a sign\u0027.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe term fleece comes from the account of Gideon. In Judges 6, Gideon is called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon questions whether God is even for Israel (verse 13), and he doubts his own ability (verse 15). So he asks God for a sign (verse 17). God gives him one, and then tells him to tear down the altar of Baal. Gideon is afraid to go during the day, so he goes at night.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThen he questions again whether God will deliver Israel. This time he puts a lamb\u0027s fleece on the ground. If God will deliver Israel, then the lamb\u0027s fleece will be wet in the morning and the ground around it will be dry. The next morning it is so. That ought to satisfy him, right? Wrong! Wanting to be sure, and hoping that God won\u0027t get too mad, Gideon asks Him to do it again, but this time with the opposite result (i.e. the fleece dry and the ground wet). Not exactly the stuff heroes are made of. But God answers Gideon\u0027s request and then He reduces Gideon\u0027s army down to 300 men!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe whole point of the passage is that God, not man, is the deliverer. God chose a man desperately seeking assurance and reduced an army down to nothing so that the victory would clearly be His. The fleece wasn\u0027t a means of demonstrating faith; it was just the opposite. And it certainly wasn\u0027t used to determine God\u0027s will. God had already told Gideon what to do. Gideon was questioning the integrity of God, just as we do if we ask for a fleece when God has already shown us His will. \u0022An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign\u0022 (Matthew 12:39). As God\u0027s people, let\u0027s seek the face of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, forgive me for the times I have looked for sign instead of seeking Your face. I commit myself today to walk only in the faith revealed in Your Word.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-29T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/283"},{"id":284,"title":"DEALING WITH THE DARK WORLD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDEALING WITH THE DARK WORLD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA few years ago I was speaking in a Southern California church on the subject of the New Age Movement. My text was 1 Timothy 4:1. After my message, I was surrounded at the front of the sanctuary by people wanting to hear more about freedom from spiritual conflicts caused by demonic influences.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESitting about halfway back in the sanctuary was a 22-year-old woman who had been weeping uncontrollably since the service ended. As I approached the young woman, I could hear her sobbing, \u0022He understands! He understands!\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELater Nancy described to me her horrible childhood, which included an abusive father and a grandmother who identified herself as a black witch. \u0022When I was three years old, I received my guardians - spirit guides\u0022. She continued, \u0022they were my companions, telling me how to live and what to say. I never questioned if having spirit guides was anything but normal until my mother took me to Sunday school\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Would you like to get rid of your spirit guides?\u0022 I asked.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere was a long pause. \u0022Will they really leave, or will I go home and be thrashed by them again?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022You will be free,\u0022 I assured her. An hour later Nancy was free.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENancy\u0027s experience is not an obscure, erratic blip in the contemporary Christian community. In face, in more than 20 years of ministry as a pastor, counsellor, seminary professor and conference speaker, I have met and ministered to more Christians in bondage to the dark side of the spiritual world than you may believe. Christians are woefully unprepared to deal with the dark world of Satan\u0027s kingdom or to minister to those who are in bondage to it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYes, as Timothy warned, \u0022deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons\u0022 are real. But as you daily embrace Christ and His truth, you will be able to recognize Satan\u0027s lies and choose the truth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Jesus, for being the way, the truth, and the life. I know You are my weapon for overcoming the evil one.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-30T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/284"},{"id":285,"title":"THE BONDAGE BREAKER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE BONDAGE BREAKER\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:36)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe contrast between bondage and freedom in a believer\u0027s life is beautifully illustrated in the following letter from a successful professional man.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDear Neil\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMy emotional troubles were probably rooted in my childhood experiences with horror movies, Ouija boards, etc. I clearly remember fearing a visit from devilish forces after I saw the movie titled The Blood of Dracula.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMy father had a pretty hot temper and was given to emotional outbursts. My survival response was to sulk and blame myself for upsetting him. Bottling my emotions inside became a way of life. As I grew into adulthood, I continued to blame myself for any and all personal shortcomings and misfortunes.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThen I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour. I grew spiritually over the next several years, but I never enjoyed complete peace. There was always a lingering doubt about my relationship with God whom I saw as distant and stern. I had difficulty praying, reading the Bible and paying attention to the pastor\u0027s sermons. I seriously questioned the purpose of life. I experienced horrible nightmares that woke me up screaming.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt was during my time of prayer with you that I finally found freedom in Christ. Now when I read God\u0027s Word, I understand it like never before. I have developed a more positive attitude, and my entire relationship with my Lord has\u00a0completely changed. Since our meeting, I haven\u0027t had one nightmare.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI\u0027m not saying that every spiritual problem is the result of direct demonic activity. But you may be in bondage because you have overlooked or denied the reality of demonic powers at work in the world. Your inheritance in Christ is the basis for your complete freedom promised in Scripture.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHelp me not to be a spiritual ostrich today, but to be alert to my enemy\u0027s tactics and to Your truth.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-31T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/285"},{"id":286,"title":"YOUR POSITION IN CHRIST","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EYOUR POSITION IN CHRIST\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESubmit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDaisy was one of the first persons I dealt with who was caught in spiritual conflicts and suffered from demonic influences. She was a Christian and a university graduate, but she had severe mental and emotional problems that developed after her father divorced her mother. Within a period of five years, Daisy had been institutionalised three times as a paranoid schizophrenic. After about three weeks of counselling with me, Daisy finally found the nerve to bring up the nighttime visitation of snakes.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022What about the snakes?\u0022 I asked.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022They crawl on me at night when I\u0027m in bed,\u0022 she confessed.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022What do you do when the snakes come?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I run in to my mother. But they always come back when I\u0027m alone\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Why don\u0027t you try something different,\u0022 I continued. \u0022When you\u0027re in bed and the snakes come, say out loud, \u0027In the name of Christ, I command you to leave me\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I couldn\u0027t do that,\u0022 Daisy protested. \u0022I\u0027m not mature enough or strong enough\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022It\u0027s not a matter of your maturity; it\u0027s a matter of your position in Christ. You have as much right to resist Satan as I do\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDaisy squirmed at the prospect. \u0022Well, I guess I could do that\u0022. Daisy sighed, sounding like she had just agreed to take castor oil.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe next week when Daisy walked in she said, \u0022The snakes are gone!\u0022 If her problem had been strictly a neurological or chemical imbalance, taking authority over the snakes in Jesus\u0027 name wouldn\u0027t have worked. But in Daisy\u0027s case, the problem was spiritual.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJames wrote: \u0022Resist the devil and he will flee from you\u0022 (James 4:7). But if you don\u0027t resist him, he doesn\u0027t have to go. Or if you just pull the covers over your head in fear and say, \u0022O God, do something about these demonic influences\u0022, the evil spirits don\u0027t have to leave. Resisting the devil is your responsibility based on the authority you possess in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Father, thank You for providing me with such wonderful power. Help me not to be afraid to use it for my sake and others.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-01T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/286"},{"id":287,"title":"FACING A DECISION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFACING A DECISION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShow me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths (Psalm 25:4 NIV)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn today\u0027s and tomorrow\u0027s devotionals, I would like to share with you 10 questions you\u0027ll want to ask yourself and pray about when you\u0027re faced with a decision. The first five are generic. They represent moral issues and godly wisdom that are normative for all times.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E1 Have you prayed about it? Prayer was never intended to be a fourth - down punting situation in which we ask God to bail us out of our hasty decisions. It was intended to be a first-down huddle. We aren\u0027t supposed to ask God to bless our plans; we\u0027re supposed to ask God for His plans.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E2 Is it consistent with the Word of God? In our culture, ignorance of God\u0027s Word is no excuse since resources abound. I believe that every home should have at least a concordance, a Bible dictionary, a topical Bible, a good commentary, and a study Bible with notes. Most pastors would love to share what God has to say about a given matter. If they wouldn\u0027t, you have called the wrong pastor!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E3 Can I do it and be a positive Christian witness? A seminary student stopped by my office and told me about a job he had been offered. It would take care of his financial needs, but he had some reservations concerning the sales pitch he was required to use. I asked him if he could use the sales technique and be a positive witness for Christ. He didn\u0027t take the job.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E4 Will the Lord be glorified? Can I do this and give glory to God? In doing it, would I be glorifying God in my body? Am I seeking the glory of man or the glory of God? Am I doing this to be noticed by man or am I seeking to please the Lord?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E5 Am I acting responsibly? God doesn\u0027t bail us out of our irresponsibility. But when we are faithful in little things, He will put us in charge of greater things. Don\u0027t get ahead of God\u0027s timing or you will be over your head in\u00a0responsibilities. Seek to develop your life and message, and God will expand your ministry.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Lord, help me take a good, hard look at these questions and then avoid at all costs any compromise with Your will in my life today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-02T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/287"},{"id":288,"title":"CHANGING DIRECTIONS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECHANGING DIRECTIONS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGuide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Saviour, and my hope is in You all day long (Psalm 25:5 NIV)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe next five questions to ask yourself regarding God\u0027s will are to help you when facing a change in direction.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E1 Is it reasonable? God expects us to think. His guidance may transcend human reasoning, but it never excludes it. God doesn\u0027t bypass our mind; He operates through it: \u0022Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be babes, but in your thinking be mature\u0022 (1 Corinthians 14:20). We are warned in Scripture not to put our mind in neutral. We are to think and practice what we know to be true (Philippians 4:8,9).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E2 Does a realistic opportunity exist? Closed doors are not meant to be knocked down. If you have a hopeless scheme, let it go. If it isn\u0027t God\u0027s timing, wait. If a realistic opportunity exists, and all the other factors are in agreement, then take the plunge. God may open a window of opportunity, but it will close if not taken advantage of. The faithless man asks, \u0022What do I stand to lose if I do?\u0022 The faithful man asks, \u0022What do I risk losing if I don\u0027t?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E3 Are unbiased, spiritually sensitive associates in agreement? Be careful not to consult only those who will agree with you. Give your advisors permission to ask hard questions. Don\u0027t be afraid of \u0027no\u0027 answers. If it isn\u0027t God\u0027s will, don\u0027t you want to know before you make the mistake of acting impulsively?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E4 Do I have a sanctified desire? Don\u0027t think that being in the will of God must always be an unpleasant task. The joy of the Lord should be our strength. I find my greatest joy in serving God and being in His will. But don\u0027t get the idea\u00a0that if everything is wonderful, you must be in the will of God. Is this a desire to satisfy a lust of the flesh or a Spirit-filled desire to see God\u0027s kingdom established and people helped?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E5 Do I have a peace about it? This is an inner peace. Is the peace of God guarding your heart and mind?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you have been able to answer yes to all 10 of these deciding factors, what are you waiting for?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that I can trust You with the details and direction of my life today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-03T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/288"},{"id":289,"title":"THE LAWS OF GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE LAWS OF GOD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENow you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness (Luke 11:39)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Talmud, a collection of ancient rabbinic writings, relates the story of Rabbi Akiba, who was imprisoned. Rabbi Joshua brought him some water, but the guard spilled half of the container. There was too little water to both wash and drink, and Rabbi Akiba faced the possibility of death for lack of water if he chose to use the water for ceremonial washing. He reasoned, \u0022He who eats with unwashed hands perpetuates a crime that ought to be punished by death. Better for me to die of thirst than to transgress the traditions of my ancestors!\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJesus responded harshly to such reasoning. \u0022You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!\u0022 (Matthew 23:24). The Lord cautions that the weightier matters of the law (such as justice and mercy) are overlooked when attention focuses on strict observances of religious practices. This leads to a corresponding negligence of the eternal laws of God. Jesus told people to pay more attention to cleansing their hearts and not be like their leaders who cleanse only their hands.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe laws of God are liberating and protective. They are restrictive only when they protect us from the evil one. The rules of any institution should ensure the freedom of each individual to reach his or her God-given potential. They should serve as a guide so we don\u0027t stray from our purpose, and they should protect us from those who abuse the system.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe principle that Jesus modelled could be stated as follows: If people are commanded to follow a traditional practice that makes life more difficult and no longer contributes to the purpose of the organization, then we must not participate as a matter of religious conscience. Jesus simply didn\u0027t observe such traditions, and He defended His disciples for not observing them as well.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You for reminding me, Lord, that the law kills but the Spirit gives life. Help me walk in that freedom today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-04T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/289"},{"id":290,"title":"RECKLESS ABANDON","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ERECKLESS ABANDON\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI do not want you to become sharers in demons (1 Corinthians 10:20)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhile Christians have been questioning the reality of demonic influence in the church, the world has charged into the spiritual realm with reckless abandon. The Western world is experiencing a massive paradigm shift in its worldview, as best seen in the rise of the New Age Movement, the acceptance of parapsychology as a science, the growing popularity of the supernatural, and the increasing visibility of Satanism in our culture. New Age mysticism, which gathered its greatest strength with the influx of Eastern religions in the 1960s, has been popularised by a host of celebrities in the 1980s. It\u0027s commonplace to hear channellers (mediums) on radio and TV talk shows boasting about their spirit guides (demons).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut the New Age Movement is not just a celebrity issue. New Age philosophy is making significant inroads into business, education and even religion across our nation. Recently I challenged two my students to attend, for the sake of research, a New Age conference being held two blocks from our school. When they arrived at the door and discovered the cost to be $65 each, they started to walk away. But two strangers approached them saying, \u0022We were told to give you these tickets\u0022. My wide-eyed students took the tickets and walked in.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey reported to me that one of the speakers led conference participants in a meditation exercise. He challenged everyone to imagine a spirit guide coming alongside. The speaker concluded the exercise by saying, \u0022Now invite your spirit guide to come in\u0022. I could hardly believe it. The devil is giving altar calls just two blocks from Biola University!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDoes the spread of New Age and the occult worry you or frighten you? It need not. In Christ you have every resource to defuse and dispel any threat of darkness in your life or family. Stand on the truth of His Word and walk in the light of your identity in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKeep me alert today, Lord, to inroads the devil is attempting in my world that I may tear down his strongholds with the weapons of the Spirit.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-05T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/290"},{"id":291,"title":"THE DEFINITION OF DISCIPLESHIP","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE DEFINITION OF DISCIPLESHIP\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEncourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJesus\u0027 primary call to His disciples is seen in His words \u0022Come to Me\u0022 (Matthew 11:28) and \u0022Follow Me\u0022 (Matthew 4:19). Mark records: \u0022He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him, and that He might send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out the demons\u0022 (Mark 3:14, 15). Notice that Jesus\u0027 relationship with His disciples preceded His assignment to them. Discipleship is the intensely personal activity of two or more persons helping each other experience a growing relationship with God. Discipleship is being before doing, maturity before ministry, and character before career.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEvery Christian, including you, is both a disciple and a discipler in the context of his Christian relationships. You have the awesome privilege and responsibility both to be a teacher and a learner of what it means to be in Christ, walk in the spirit and live by faith. You may have a role in your family, church or Christian community which gives you specific responsibility for discipling others, such as husband\/father, pastor, Sunday school teacher, discipleship group leader, etc. But even as an appointed discipler, you are never not a disciple who is learning and growing in Christ through your relationships. Conversely, you may not have an \u0022official\u0022 responsibility to disciple anyone, but you are never not a discipler. You have the opportunity to help your children, your friend, and other believers grow in Christ through your caring and committed relationship with them.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESimilarly, every Christian is both a counsellor and counselee in the context of his Christian relationships. A good counsellor should be a good discipler, and a good discipler should be a good counsellor. Biblically, they are the same role. Your level of maturity may dictate that you do a lot of Christian counselling. But there will still be times when you need to seek or receive the counsel of other Christians. There will never be a day when we don\u0027t need each other.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, help me remember that I will never be so mature that I need not receive godly counsel from my brothers and sisters in Christ.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-06T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/291"},{"id":292,"title":"MODELING GROWTH","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EMODELING GROWTH\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProve yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves (James 1:22)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI am learning about pastors and missionaries across the country who are preaching against the very sins they are committing themselves. Nationally known Christian personalities who vehemently condemn immorality have themselves been found to be hiding an immoral lifestyle. Those of us who are called to preach or teach God\u0027s Word must put it on first. We must get on our knees before God as we prepare the message and say, \u0022God, is this Scripture true in my life?\u0022 If not, we had better be honest enough to say to those who hear us, \u0022I wish I were a better example of this passage than I am, but I\u0027m still growing in this area.\u0022 To proclaim the Word of God as if it were true in your life when it\u0027s not is a lie.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThose of us who receive the Word are also vulnerable to self-deception if we fail to put it into practice. We hear a sermon or a lesson and say, \u0022Wow! What a great truth!! and hurry off to share it with someone else without processing it ourselves and applying it to our own lives. James said that hearers of the Word who are not also doers of the Word deceive themselves.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy are we afraid to admit it when our lives don\u0027t completely match up to Scripture? I believe it\u0027s because many of us have a perfection complex. We think we have to model perfection and not admit to something less. But we can\u0027t model perfection, because we\u0027re not perfect; we can only model growth. The people around us need to know that we are real people in the process of maturing. They need to see how we handle failure as well as how we handle success. When we model this kind of honesty in the Christian community, we greatly reduce the possibility of the deceiver gaining a foothold.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, forgive me for the times I have placed the quest for earthly perfection ahead of growth in You and Your Word. Help me model growth in my life today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-07T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/292"},{"id":293,"title":"OUR TRANSFER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOUR TRANSFER\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHe delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPerhaps you have heard the illustration of the two dogs. Some people say that we have two natures within us vying for control of our lives. They claim that our old sin nature, which we inherited from disobedient Adam, is like a big dog. Our new nature, which we inherited through Christ\u0027s redemptive work, is like another big dog. These two dogs are bitter enemies, intent on destroying each other. Whenever you involve yourself in worldly thoughts or behaviour, you are feeding one of the dogs. Whenever you focus your mind and activities on spiritual things, you are feeding the other dog. The dog you feed the most will eventually grow stronger and overpower the other.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis dramatic illustration may motivate Christians toward saintly behaviour, but is it accurate based on who we really are in Christ? Since God \u0022delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son\u0022 (Colossians 1:13), can we still be in both kingdoms? When God declares that we are \u0022not in the flesh but in the Spirit\u0022 (Romans 8:9), can we be in the flesh and in the Spirit simultaneously? When God says that \u0022you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord\u0022 (Ephesians 5:8), can you possibly be both light and darkness? When God states, \u0022if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come\u0022 (2 Corinthians 5:17), can we be partly new creature and partly old creature?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut be careful. Can a Christian sin? Of course! \u0022If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us\u0022 (1 John 1:8). But having sin and being sin are two completely different issues. When we choose to walk by the flesh we will sin, but, as 1 John 2:1 reminds us, we don\u0027t have to: \u0022My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe will spend the next few days exploring the scriptural bases for this truth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow liberating to know today, Lord, that I am in the light, that I am a new creature, and that my new nature is firmly anchored in Your work of reconciliation.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-08T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/293"},{"id":294,"title":"A RADICAL, INNER TRANSFORMATION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA RADICAL, INNER TRANSFORMATION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBy the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain (1 Corinthians 15:10)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you believe that you are part light and part darkness, part saint and part sinner, you will live in a very mediocre manner with little to distinguish you from the non-Christian. You may confess your proneness to sin and strive to do better, but you will live a continually defeated life because you perceive yourself to be only a sinner saved by grace who is hanging on until the rapture. Satan knows he can do nothing about who you really are, but if he can get you to believe you are no different from the natural person, then you will behave no differently from the natural person.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy does this profile describe so many Christians? Because we are ignorant of our true identity in Christ. God\u0027s work of atonement in changing sinners to saints is His greatest accomplishment on earth. The inner change, justification, is effected at the moment of salvation. The outer change in the believer\u0027s daily walk, sanctification, continues throughout life. But the progressive work of sanctification is only fully effective when the radical, inner transformation of justification is realized and appropriated by faith.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022But didn\u0027t I read somewhere that Paul referred to himself as the chief of sinners?\u0022 you may wonder. Yes, but he was referring to his nature before his conversion to Christ (1 Timothy 1:12-16). He made a similar statement of self-depreciation in 1 Corinthians 15:9, but continued by saying: \u0022But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain\u0022 (verse 10). Paul knew that who he was before Christ and who he became in Christ were two separate identities.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you claim to be just a sinner, what will you do? You will sin! You are professing that sin is at the core of your identity. That\u0027s not what the Bible teaches. Why don\u0027t we just believe God that Jesus is at the core of our being and then begin to live like it by His Spirit?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Father, that I am complete in Your Son Jesus and that my identity is rooted in Him and not in my sin.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003Cspan\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-09T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/294"},{"id":295,"title":"SALVATION IS REGENERATION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESALVATION IS REGENERATION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHe has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat does the Bible specifically say about our nature? The Greek word for nature is used in this way only twice in the New Testament. Ephesians 2:1-3 described the nature we all shared before we came to Christ: \u0022And you were dead in your trespasses and sins . . and were by nature children of wrath\u0022. What was your basic nature before you were born again spiritually? You and every other Christian \u0022were by nature children of wrath,\u0022 dead in sin, subject to Satan\u0027s power, living completely to fulfil sinful lusts and desires. This is the condition of every unbeliever today.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe second occurrence of the word is in 2 Peter 1:4 describing our nature after we came to Christ: \u0022He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you came into spiritual union with God through your new birth, you didn\u0027t add a new, divine nature to your old, sinful nature. You exchanged natures. Salvation isn\u0027t just a matter of God forgiving your sins and issuing you a pass to heaven when you die. Salvation is regeneration. God changed you from darkness to light, from sinner to saint. There is a newness about you that wasn\u0027t there before. If God hadn\u0027t changed your identity at salvation, you would be stuck with your old identity until you died. How could you expect to grow to maturity if you didn\u0027t start as a transformed child of God? Becoming a partaker of God\u0027s nature is fundamental to a Christian\u0027s identity and maturity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe are no longer in Adam, we are in Christ. We can still choose to walk according to the flesh, but why should we want to? \u0022You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him\u0022 (Romans 8:9).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, may my understanding of who I am in Christ grow today so that I may walk in the victorious life You secured for me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-10T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/295"},{"id":296,"title":"FREE OF SATAN\u0027S BONDAGE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFREE OF SATAN\u0027S BONDAGE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGod is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENobody loses control to Satan overnight; it\u0027s a gradual process of deception and yielding to his subtle influence. It is my observation that no more than 15 percent of the evangelical Christian community is completely free of Satan\u0027s bondage. These people consistently live a Spirit-filled life and bear fruit. The other 85 percent are struggling along fruitlessly at one of at least three levels of spiritual conflict.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, a believer may lead a fairly normal Christian life on the outside while wrestling with a steady barrage of sinful thoughts on the inside: lust, envy, greed, hatred, apathy, etc. These people have virtually no devotional life. Prayer is a frustrating experience for them, and they usually struggle with interpersonal relationships and a problem-filled thought life. Most Christians in this condition have no idea that they are in the middle of a spiritual conflict. Approximately 65 percent of all Christians live at this level of spiritual conflict.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe second level of conflict is characterized by those who are plagued by condemning evil thoughts and strange \u0022voices\u0022 which seem to overpower them. They wonder if they are mentally ill. Yet the majority of Christians at this stage still fail to see their struggle as a spiritual conflict. Approximately 15 percent of all Christians fall into this category. Most of these people are depressed, anxious, paranoid, bitter, or angry, and they may have fallen victim to drinking, drugs, eating disorders, etc.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt the third level of conflict, the individual has lost control and hears voices inside his mind, which tell him what to think, say and do. These people stay at home, wander the streets talking to imaginary people, or occupy beds in mental institutions or rehab units. Sadly, about 5 percent of the Christian community falls victim to this level of deception and control.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI don\u0027t say these things to frighten you but to encourage you to walk daily in the light. As you walk in the light, you need not fear the darkness at any level. Every child of God can and should be free in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Lord, I choose to walk in the light today and set aside the sinful thoughts and deeds that so easily entangle me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/296"},{"id":297,"title":"CONFORMING TO THE IMAGE OF GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECONFORMING TO THE IMAGE OF GOD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor this is the will of God, your sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn a personal sense, God\u0027s will for our lives is that we conform to the image of God, something the apostle Paul makes clear in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 \u0022For this is the will of God, your sanctification.\u0022 In his letter to Roman Christians, Paul writes, \u0022For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son\u0022 (Romans 8:29) and adds in 1 Timothy 1:5 \u0022The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.\u0022 Divine guidance will never come to those whose primary goal is not first and foremost conforming to the image of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere is no instruction in the Bible concerning career choice, where we live, or who we should marry. There is, however, an abundance of instruction on how we\u0027re to relate to our employer and behave on the job we already have (Colossians 3:22-25). And there is much about how to relate with one another (Colossians 3:10-14) and live with our families (Colossians 3:18-21).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Bible overwhelmingly instructs that to do God\u0027s will means living in harmony with God and man: \u0022\u0027You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.\u0027 This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, \u0027You shall love your neighbour as yourself.\u0027 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets\u0022 (Matthew 22:37-40).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe whole purpose of the Bible is to teach us how to have a relationship with God and live in harmony with one another. We do this by assuming our responsibilities for today and trusting God for tomorrow.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI\u0027m not sure the Lord cares primarily whether you are a carpenter, teacher or doctor. But He does care what kind of carpenter, teacher or doctor you are. Determine to be the person He has called you to be. No one can prevent you from being God\u0027s person except you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I want to be Your person today, to live in harmony with You and with those around me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-14T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/297"},{"id":298,"title":"HOW MUCH WE CARE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHOW MUCH WE CARE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAccept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God (Romans 15:7)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are four concepts we deal with as parents in communicating with our children: authority, accountability, affirmation and acceptance. We usually line them up this way:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe exert our parental authority over them.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe demand that they be accountable to us.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen they respond to our authority and comply by being accountable, we affirm them.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen they put together a positive track record of affirmative behaviours, we convey our love and acceptance.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe reason we have such difficulty communicating with our children is that we have it all backward. Look at God\u0027s approach to us as His children. At which end of the list does our heavenly Father start? He starts by expressing His love and acceptance (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Our children won\u0027t care how much we know until they know how much we care. Paul instructs us to \u0022accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God\u0022 (Romans 15:7).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen your child shares something personal with you, what is he looking for initially? Not a lecture, not a list of rules he must obey, but acceptance and affirmation. \u0022Tell me I\u0027m all right,\u0022 he begs. \u0022Give me some love and hope.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you know that you are unconditionally loved and accepted by God and affirmed in your identity as His child, you voluntarily submit to His authority and hold yourself accountable to Him. Similarly, when your child knows that you love him and accept him regardless of his failures, he will feel safe sharing his problems with you and responding to the direction you give. Children who know they are loved are free to be themselves, free to grow, and free to be the people God wants them to be.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I know I can\u0027t be a perfect parent, but help me trust You day by day to be the affirming, accepting parent You want me to be.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-15T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/298"},{"id":299,"title":"PUT UP THE SAIL!","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EPUT UP THE SAIL!\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit (John 3:8)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat does it take to be the selfless, loving Christian we desire to be? What is needed to move us beyond our inconsequential selfish, fleshly pursuits to deeds of loving service to God and others?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, it requires a firm grasp on your identity in Christ. You can\u0027t love like Jesus loved until you accept the reality that, since you are in Christ, His divine nature is united with your spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, you must begin to crucify daily the old sin-trained flesh and walk in accordance with who you are: a child of God whose spirit is filled with God\u0027s Spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe fact that the Holy Spirit resides in us and that we can live according to His leading is an awesome but elusive concept to many. The problem is not new. Nicodemus was a learned man, but he couldn\u0027t comprehend life in the Spirit. So Jesus told him, \u0022the wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going, so is everyone who is born of the Spirit\u0022 (John 3:8). Trying to reduce life in the Spirit to a formula is like trying to capture the wind.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESomeone reflecting on the mysteries of walking by the Spirit said, \u0022I think we need to pull in the oars and put up the sail!\u0022 I like that. When we walk by the Spirit, we stop striving. We are no longer driven; we are led. \u0022For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God\u0022 (Romans 8:14). When we come to the end of our resources, we discover His.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, help me to quickly set aside human resources today so I may walk in the strength and adequacy of Your Spirit.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003Cspan\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-16T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/299"},{"id":300,"title":"PLAN A V PLAN B","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EPLAN A V PLAN B\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETrust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5,6)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUntold numbers of Christians are spiritually unaware and defeated in their daily lives. They don\u0027t realize that there is a battle going on for their minds. When struggling believers perceive the nature of the conflict and realize that they can be transformed by the renewing of their minds, they will experience freedom.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFaith is God\u0027s way to live and reason is man\u0027s way, but faith and man\u0027s ability to rationalize are often in conflict. It\u0027s not that faith is unreasonable, nor am I suggesting that you ignore your responsibility to think. On the contrary, we are required by God to think and choose. God is a rational God and He does work through our ability to reason. The problem is that our ability to reason is limited. The Lord said: \u0022As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts\u0022 (Isaiah 55:9). We are incapable of determining God\u0027s thoughts through human reasoning; therefore we are dependent on divine revelation.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESo we can live God\u0027s way: operating by faith, which I like to call Plan A. Or we can live our way: operating by our limited ability to reason, which is Plan B. Plan B is based on our tendency to rationalize, \u0022I don\u0027t see it God\u0027s way\u0022 or \u0022I don\u0027t believe it,\u0022 so we do it our way. Solomon urged us always to live God\u0027s way when he wrote: \u0022Do not lean on your own understanding\u0022 (Plan B), but \u0022in all your ways acknowledge Him\u0022 (Plan A)(Proverbs 3:5, 6).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe strength of Plan A in your life is determined by your personal conviction that God\u0027s way is always right and by how committed you are to obey Him. The strength of Plan B is determined by the amount of time and energy you invest in entertaining thoughts which are contrary to God\u0027s Word. You may really know God\u0027s way is best. But the moment you begin to entertain thoughts or ideas that are contrary to God\u0027s Word, you have established Plan B as an escape route in case Plan A should fail. Is it rational to choose our way over God\u0027s way?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I want to be done with self-centred, mediocre planning. I choose to submit my will to Your perfect way and trust You for the outcome.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-17T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/300"},{"id":301,"title":"THE SOURCE OF PLAN B","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE SOURCE OF PLAN B\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet not [the doubting] man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:7, 8).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you continue to vacillate between God\u0027s Plan A and your Plan B, your spiritual growth will be stunted, your maturity in Christ will be blocked, and your daily experience as a Christian will be marked by disillusionment, discouragement and defeat. Where do Plan B thoughts come from? There are two primary sources.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, your flesh still generates humanistic thoughts and ideas. Your flesh is that part of you which was trained to live independently of God before you became a Christian. At that time there was no Plan A in your life; you were separated from God, ignorant of His ways, and determined to succeed and survive by your own abilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you were born again, God gave you a new nature and you became a new person, but nobody pressed the CLEAR button in your brain. You brought with you into your new faith all the old Plan B habits and thought patterns of the flesh. So while your new self desires to live dependently on God and follow Plan A, your flesh persists in suggesting Plan B ways to live independently of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, there is a person active in the world today who has opposed Plan A in God\u0027s human creation since the Garden of Eden. Satan and his demons are relentless in their attempts to establish negative, worldly patterns of thought in your mind that will in turn produce negative, worldly patterns of behaviour.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe essence of the battle for the mind is the conflict between Plan A, living God\u0027s way by faith, and Plan B, living man\u0027s way by following the impulses of the world, the flesh and the devil. You may feel like you are the helpless victim in this battle, being slapped back and forth like a puck in a match between rival hockey teams. But you are anything but helpless. In fact, you are the one who determines the winner in every skirmish between Plan A and Plan B.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that I can live above the world, the flesh and the devil as long as I choose Your plan for my life.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-18T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/301"},{"id":302,"title":"GOD\u0027S FEEDBACK SYSTEM","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EGOD\u0027S FEEDBACK SYSTEM\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0022For I know the plans that I have for you,\u0022 declares the LORD, \u0022plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope\u0022 (Jeremiah 29:11)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI believe that God desires all His children to be successful, significant, fulfilled, satisfied, joyful, secure, and to live in peace. From birth you have been developing in your mind a means for experiencing these values and reaching other goals in life. Consciously or subconsciously you continue to formulate and adjust your plans for achieving these goals.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut sometimes your well-intended plans and noble-sounding goals are not completely in harmony with God\u0027s plans and goals for you. \u0022How can I know if what I believe is right?\u0022 you may be wondering. \u0022Must I wait until I am 45 years old or until I experience some kind of mid-life crisis to discover that what I believed was wrong?\u0022 I don\u0027t think so. I believe that God has designed us in such a way that we can know on a regular basis if our belief system is properly aligned with God\u0027s truth. God has established a feedback system that is designed to grab your attention so you can examine the validity of your goal.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat system is your emotions. When an experience or relationship leaves you feeling angry, anxious or depressed, those emotional signposts are there to alert you that you may be cherishing a faulty goal that is based on a wrong belief. If our goals are blocked, we become angry. If our goals are uncertain, we feel anxious. If we perceive our goals as impossible, we become depressed because the heart of depression is hopelessness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECan any God-given goal be blocked, uncertain or impossible? Put another way, if God wants something done, can it be done? Of course! The question is do we have a biblical understanding of success, significance, fulfilment, satisfaction, joy, security and peace? When we see and pursue these values from God\u0027s perspective, we will reach our goals because they are God\u0027s goals for us.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me recognize when my goals today are not in line with Yours and make the proper adjustments in my belief system.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-19T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/302"},{"id":303,"title":"GOD WORKS IN THE ORDINARY ","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EGOD WORKS IN THE ORDINARY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHe [God] Himself has said, \u0022I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you\u0022 (Hebrews 13:5)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA devout Christian heard an urgent news report on his radio that a flash flood was within minutes of entering the peaceful valley where he lived. Immediately he went to his knees and prayed for safety. The words were still on his lips when he became aware that water was gushing under his door. He retreated to the second floor and finally onto the roof of his house.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhile he sat on the roof, a helicopter flew by and the pilot asked over the loudspeaker if they could lift him off. \u0022It\u0027s not necessary since I have the Lord\u0027s protection,\u0022 he replied.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMoments later the house began to break up and he found himself clinging to a tree. A police boat, braving the waters, approached him for rescue, but he assured them that the Lord would save him. Finally, the tree gave way and the man went to his death.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStanding before the Lord, he asked, \u0022Lord, I\u0027m glad to be here, but why didn\u0027t You answer my prayer for safety?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Lord responded, \u0022Son, I told you over the radio to get out of there Then I sent you a helicopter and a motor boat!\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENowhere in the Bible are we given the idea that God works only in the extraordinary. Much of the time He supernaturally works through His created order. Many people think God is present only when there is a miracle and that He leads only through signs and wonders.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are people who always look for a sign. They walk by sight, not by faith. To them, God is only present in the miraculous. God was \u0027really\u0027 at the church service if something unusual happened. Many desire and look for \u0027visitations\u0027 from God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut how does that square with God\u0027s omnipresence and the fact that He will never leave us or forsake us? Isn\u0027t God at every church service? Since God created the fixed order of the universe, would you expect Him to work primarily within that fixed order or outside of it? If God gave us a watch, would we be honouring Him more by asking Him what time it is or by simply consulting the watch?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, forgive me for looking for signs when I only need to trust Your Word and live by Your promises.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-20T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/303"},{"id":304,"title":"PLACED INTO CHRIST","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EPLACED INTO CHRIST\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll unbelievers have an old nature that is characterized by sin. Before you came to Christ you were one of those individuals. You were a sinner because it was your nature to sin. This \u0027natural man\u0027 cannot accept or understand the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat happened to the old you at salvation? You died - not the physical you, of course, but that old inner self which was empowered by the old nature you inherited from Adam (Romans 6:2-6; Colossians 3:3). What was the method of execution? Crucifixion with Christ. Paul announced in Galatians 2:20: \u0022I have been crucified with Christ.\u0022 And in Galatians 6:14, Paul disclaimed any right to boast \u0022except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.\u0022 At salvation you were placed into Christ, the one who died on the cross for your sin. Being in Christ, your old self died with Him there.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENotice the remarkable difference. In Adam you had an old self; in Christ you have a new self. In Adam you had a sin nature (Ephesians 2:1-3); in Christ you are a partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). In Adam you were in the flesh (Romans 8:8); in Christ you are in the Spirit (Romans 8:9). In Adam you could only walk after the flesh; in Christ you may choose to walk after the Spirit or after the flesh.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAren\u0027t you glad to be a new creature in Christ?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Jesus, that You have set me free from my old sin nature and that I can choose to walk after the Spirit today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-22T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/304"},{"id":305,"title":"NO LONGER UNDER OBLIGATION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ENO LONGER UNDER OBLIGATION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOur old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy did the old self need to die? The old self was independent and disobedient to God, so it had to die in order that \u0022our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin\u0022 (Romans 6:6). Death is the ending of a relationship, but not of existence. Sin hasn\u0027t died; it is still strong and appealing. But when your old self died with Christ on the cross, your relationship with sin ended forever. You are no longer \u0022in the flesh\u0022 but \u0022in Christ\u0022 (Romans 8:9). Your old self (the sinner) and your old nature (characterized by the sin which was inevitable since you were separated from God) are gone forever because you are no longer separated from God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDoes this mean that you are now sinless? By no means. The death of your old self formally ended your relationship with sin, but it did not end sin\u0027s existence. Sin and Satan are still around, and they are strong and appealing. But by virtue of the crucifixion of the old self, sin\u0027s power over you is broken (Romans 6:7, 12, 14). You are no longer under any obligation to serve sin, to obey sin, or to respond to sin.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou commit sin when you wilfully allow yourself to act independently of God as the old self did as a matter of course. When you function in this manner you are violating your new nature and your new identity. Such actions must be confessed and forsaken.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEven though the old self, which you were in Adam, is dead, you still have to contend with the flesh. The way you learned to live your life before Christ is still programmed into your mind. Knowing that your old self was crucified with Christ makes it possible for you to choose not to sin. You no longer have to walk after the flesh; you may now walk after the Spirit. You are free.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, help me overcome the fleshly ways I followed before coming to You. I choose today to be tuned in to Your Spirit.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-23T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/305"},{"id":306,"title":"DEATH OF THE OLD SELF","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDEATH OF THE OLD SELF\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA pastor visited me a few years ago, and he was in real turmoil. \u0022I\u0027ve been struggling to live a victorious Christian life for 20 years. I know what my problem is. Colossians 3:3 says: \u0022For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.\u0027 I\u0027ve been struggling all these years because I haven\u0027t died like this verse says. How do I die, Neil?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Dying is not your problem,\u0022 I said. \u0022Read the verse again, just a little slower.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.\u0027 I know, Neil. That\u0027s my problem. I haven\u0027t died.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Read it once again,\u0022 I pressed, \u0022just a little bit slower.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022For you have died\u0022 and suddenly a light switched on in his understanding. \u0022Hey, that\u0027s past tense, isn\u0027t it?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Absolutely. Your problem isn\u0027t dying; you\u0027re already dead. You died at salvation. No wonder you\u0027ve been struggling as a Christian. You\u0027ve been trying to do something that\u0027s already been done, and that\u0027s impossible. The death Paul talks about in Colossians 3:3 isn\u0027t something God expects you to do; it\u0027s something He expects you to know, accept and believe. You can\u0027t do anything to become what you already are.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThanks to the incredible redemptive work of Christ in your life, your old self has been replaced by a new self, governed by a new nature, which was not there before (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your old self was destroyed in the death of Christ and your new self sprang to life in the resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). The new life, which characterizes your new self, is nothing less than the life of Jesus Christ implanted in you (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:4).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I\u0027m so grateful that I don\u0027t have to work for new life. You have already paid the price, done the job, and handed me the prize.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-24T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/306"},{"id":307,"title":"THE SPIRIT\u0027S CONVICTION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE SPIRIT\u0027S CONVICTION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God (2 Corinthians 7:9)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI\u0027m often asked, \u0022How can I tell the difference between the devil\u0027s accusations and the Holy Spirit\u0027s conviction?\u0022 Every Christians is faced with the choice of walking by the Spirit or by the flesh on a daily basis. The moment you choose to walk according to the flesh, the Holy Spirit brings conviction because what you have just chosen to do is not compatible with who you really are. If you continue in the flesh, you will feel the sorrow of conviction.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022How do I know which kind of sorrow I\u0027m experiencing?\u0022 you may ask. \u0022The devil\u0027s accusation and the Spirit\u0027s conviction both make me feel sorrowful.\u0022 Determine whether your feelings reflect thoughts of truth or error, and you will identify their source. Do you feel guilty, worthless, stupid, or inept? That\u0027s a sorrow provoked by accusation because those feelings don\u0027t reflect truth. Judicially, you are no longer guilty, you have been justified through your faith in Christ, and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. You are not worthless; Jesus gave His life for you. You are not stupid or inept; you can do all things through Christ. When you find lies lurking beneath your feelings of sorrow - especially if your feelings persistently drive you into the ground - you are being falsely accused. To disarm the sorrow of accusation you must submit yourself to God and resist the devil and his lies.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut if you are sorrowful because your behaviour doesn\u0027t reflect your true identity in Christ, that\u0027s the sorrow according to the will of God which is designed to produce repentance. It\u0027s the Holy Spirit calling you to admit on the basis of 1 John 1:9, \u0022Dear Lord, I was wrong.\u0022 As soon as you confess and repent, God says, \u0022I\u0027m glad you shared that with Me. You\u0027re cleansed; now get on with life.\u0022 And you walk away from that confrontation free. The sorrow is gone, and you have a positive new resolve to obey God in the area of your failure.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, for the \u0027tough love\u0027 of Your Holy Spirit in bringing me to repentance when I sin.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-25T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/307"},{"id":308,"title":"ACCUSATION AND CONVICTION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EACCUSATION AND CONVICTION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA graphic example of the contrast between accusation and conviction is found in the lives of Judas Iscariot and Simon Peter. Somehow Judas allowed Satan to deceive him into betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Luke 22:3-5). When Judas realized what he had done, he was so remorseful that he hung himself. Was his suicide the result of Satan\u0027s accusation or of God\u0027s conviction? It had to be accusation because it drove Judas to kill himself. Accusation leads to death; conviction leads to repentance and life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeter also failed Jesus by denying Him. It apparently began with pride as the disciples argued over who was the greatest among them (Luke 22:24-30). Jesus told Peter, \u0022Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat\u0022 (verse 31). That\u0027s right - Jesus allowed Satan to put Peter through the mill because Peter had given the enemy a foothold through pride. But Jesus also looked at Peter and said, \u0022I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers\u0022 (verse 32).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeter vowed to die with Jesus, but Jesus told him that he would deny Him three times (verses 33, 34) which he did. The remorse Peter felt was every bit as painful as that which Judas experienced. But Peter\u0027s sorrow was from conviction that led to his eventual repentance and restoration to Christ (John 21:15-17). When your feelings of remorse drive you from God, you are being accused by Satan. Resist it. But when your sorrow draws you to confront Christ and confess your wrong, you are being convicted by the Spirit. Yield to it through repentance.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Revelation 12:10, Satan\u0027s continuing work is to accuse the brethren. But the good news is that Christ\u0027s continuing work is to intercede for us as He did for Peter (Hebrews 7:25). We have a persistent adversary, but we have an even more persistent, eternal advocate who defends us before the Father on the basis of our faith in Him (1 John 2:1).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI rejoice, Lord, that You are constantly defending me against accusation before the Father.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-26T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/308"},{"id":309,"title":"FALSE SELF-CONCEPTS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFALSE SELF-CONCEPTS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe thoughts of the righteous are just, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful (Proverbs 12:5)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFalse self-concepts are very common in people under demonic attack. Many will state that they are different, that the Christian life won\u0027t work for them as it does for others, and that they are not entitled to claim God\u0027s promises. Many of those in spiritual conflict fear a mental breakdown and are filled with anxiety. Almost all feel unloved, worthless and rejected. They have tried everything they can think of to improve their self-image, but nothing works. Most of these suspect that their problem is spiritual in nature, but they have no one to turn to. The subject of demonic influence is not taught in their churches, and there is a terrible stigma attached to those who are afflicted by anything demonic. Even when they are helped, few people will stand up and testify of their newfound freedom.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStephanie, one of our undergraduates at Biola University, had been deceived into such a bad self-concept that she developed anorexia. She was admitted to an eating-disorder clinic and underwent extensive counselling, but with little progress. One of my students suspected a spiritual problem and brought Stephanie to see me. After two counselling sessions, she was free of the oppression. Stephanie returned to the clinic to tell her counsellor about her freedom in Christ. The counsellor told her she was only on a temporary high. If so, Stephanie is still on it, because today she enjoys her freedom in Christ while serving the Lord on the mission field!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMental health is usually defined as being in touch with reality and living relatively free of anxiety. Anyone under spiritual oppression would fail on both counts and may consider themselves mentally ill. I have encountered hundreds who have feared mental illness only to discover that a spiritual battle was going on for their mind. The way to win this battle is to submit to God and resist the devil.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I\u0027m thankful that I can overcome Satan in my life today by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. Thank You for these powerful instruments of freedom.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-27T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/309"},{"id":310,"title":"THE ONLY LIMIT TO FAITH","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE ONLY LIMIT TO FAITH\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFaith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Romans 10:17)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen people struggle with their faith in God, it\u0027s not because their faith-object is insufficient. It\u0027s because people have unreal expectations of God. They expect Him to operate a certain way or answer prayer a certain way - their way, not His - and when He doesn\u0027t comply they say, \u0022Forget You, God.\u0022 But God doesn\u0027t change; He\u0027s the perfect faith-object. Faith in God only fails when people hold a faulty understanding of Him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you want your faith in God to increase, you must increase your understanding of Him as the object of your faith. If you have little knowledge about God and His Word, you will have little faith. If you have great knowledge of God and His Word, you will have great faith. Faith cannot be pumped up by coaxing yourself, \u0022If only I can believe! If only I can believe!\u0022 Any attempt to push yourself beyond what you know about God and his ways is to move from faith to presumption. You choose to believe God according to what you already know to be true from His Word. And the only way to increase your faith is to increase your knowledge of God, your faith-object (Romans 10:17).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Well,\u0022 you may say, \u0022that means there\u0027s a limit to our faith.\u0022 Yes, there\u0027s a limit. But God isn\u0027t controlling it; you are. As the object of your faith, He is infinite. The only limit to your faith is your knowledge and understanding of God, which grows every time you read your Bible, memorize a new Scripture verse, participate in a Bible study, or meditate on a scriptural truth. Can you see the practical, tangible potential for your faith to grow as you endeavour to know God through His Word? It\u0027s boundless!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFurthermore, it is important to know that God is under no obligation to us. There is no way you can cleverly word a prayer so that God must act on your behalf. If God declares something to be true, you simply believe Him and live according to what is true. If God didn\u0027t say it, no amount of faith in the world will make it so. Believing doesn\u0027t make God\u0027s Word true; His Word is true, therefore I believe it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Lord, increase the boundaries of my faith today as I increase my understanding of You through Your Word.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-28T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/310"},{"id":311,"title":"WHAT GOD HAS PROVIDED","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EWHAT GOD HAS PROVIDED\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself (Galatians 6:3)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan promotes his lies in the world by encouraging us to self-deception. We deceive ourselves when we think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. \u0022But I know who I am,\u0022 you say. \u0022I\u0027m a child of God, I\u0027m seated with Christ in the heavenlies, I can do all things through Him. That makes me pretty special.\u0022 Yes, you are very special in the eyes of God. But you are what you are by the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10). The life you live, the talents you possess, and the gifts you have received are not personal accomplishments; they are expressions of God\u0027s grace. Never take credit for what God has provided; rather, take delight in accomplishing worthwhile deeds that glorify the Lord.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFurthermore, we deceive ourselves when we think we are wise in this age (1 Corinthians 3:18, 19). It is the height of intellectual arrogance to assume wisdom without the revelation of God. \u0022Professing to be wise, they became fools\u0022 (Romans 1:22). Sometimes we are tempted to think we can match wits and intellect with the god of this world. But we are no match for him. Whenever we think we can outsmart Satan on our own, we are prime candidates to be led astray by his craftiness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHowever, Satan is no match for God. It is important for us not to lean on our own understanding, but to employ the mind of Christ and acknowledge Him in all our ways (Proverbs 3:5, 6; 1 Corinthians 2:16). We overcome the lies of Satan by divine revelation, not human research or reasoning. Satan is not impressed with our intellect; he is defeated by God\u0027s omniscience.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me not to think more highly of myself than I ought, nor to demean myself, because I am created in Your image.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-29T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/311"},{"id":312,"title":"STRONGHOLDS OF THE MIND","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESTRONGHOLDS OF THE MIND\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWe are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe nature of the battle for your mind is clearly presented in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: \u0022For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe first thing you need to know about the battle for your mind is that it is not fought on the plane of human ingenuity or ability. You can\u0027t outsmart or outmuscle the flesh or the devil on your own. Your weapons must be \u0027divinely powerful\u0027 if you are going to win a spiritual conflict.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe main targets that must be destroyed are the \u0027fortresses\u0027 in the mind. The King James Version uses the word strongholds. Strongholds are negative patterns of thought, which are burned into our minds either through repetition over time or through one-time traumatic experiences.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThoughts determine behaviour, and thought patterns determine temperaments. Strongholds are revealed in un-Christ like temperaments and behaviour patterns. A mind-set impregnated with hopelessness causes us to accept as unchangeable something known to be contrary to God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow are these destructive strongholds established in our minds? Usually they are the result of a number of subtle steps which lead us away from God\u0027s plan for us and mire us in Plan B behaviour. We will look at these steps and how we should respond to them over the next several days.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I determine to prepare my mind for action today and avoid passivity in my thinking, because Satan loves passivity.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-30T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/312"},{"id":313,"title":"HOW YOU WERE PROGRAMMED","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHOW YOU WERE PROGRAMMED\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESee to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men rather than according to Christ (Colossians 2:8)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe first step toward the formation of strongholds in our minds can be called \u0022environmental stimulation.\u0022 You were designed to live in fellowship with God and fulfil His purposes, but you were born physically alive and spiritually dead in a hostile world (Ephesians 2:1,2). Before you came to Christ, all your stimulation came from this environment. Every day you lived in this environment you were influenced by it and preconditioned to conform to it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe worldly stimulation you were exposed to was both brief and prevailing. Brief stimulation includes individual events, situations, places and personal encounters you experienced. Books you read, movies you watched, music you listened to, and traumatic events you experienced or witnessed, such as a car accident or a death in the family, influenced you. You learned a way (which may or may not have been God\u0027s way) to cope with these experiences and resolve the conflicts they produced.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPrevailing stimulation consists of long-term exposure to your environment, such as the influence of your family, your friends and peers, your neighbourhood, your teachers, and your job. If you grew up separated from God, and were raised in a non-Christian environment, you developed a philosophy of how to survive, cope and succeed in this world apart from God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you became a Christian your sins were washed away, but your predisposition to think and behave a certain way, which you developed as you adjusted to your environment, remained programmed in your mind. In fact, you can become a born-again believer and continue to live on the basis of the lifestyle you developed while living independently of God. That is why Paul insists that we be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI know I was saved in a moment, Lord. But my character still needs daily transformation. Help me be as patient with others in their transformation as You are with me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-31T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/313"},{"id":314,"title":"AT THE THRESHOLD OF TEMPTATION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EAT THE THRESHOLD OF TEMPTATION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe grace of God has appeared instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age (Titus 2:11,12)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYielding to temptation is another step toward a stronghold being established in your mind. Whenever you are stimulated to conform to Plan B instead of God\u0027s Plan A for your life, you are experiencing temptation. The essence of all temptation is the invitation to live independently of God and fulfil legitimate needs in the world, the flesh or the devil instead of in Christ. That\u0027s the great contest. And Satan knows just which buttons to push to tempt you away from dependency on Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe moment you are tempted to get your need met in the world instead of in Christ, you are at the threshold of a decision. If you don\u0027t immediately choose to take that thought \u0022captive to the obedience of Christ\u0022 (2 Corinthians 10:5), you will begin to consider it as an option. And if you begin to mull it over in your mind, immediately your emotions will be affected and the likelihood of yielding to that temptation is increased.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Scriptures teach us that God has provided a way of escape from every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). But the escape is right at the threshold of the temptation. If you don\u0027t control the temptation at the threshold, you run the risk of allowing the temptation to control you. Rare is the Christian who can turn around after directing his will toward Plan B.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor example, a man or woman sees a pornographic picture and is tempted toward lust. They have the opportunity to respond by saying something like, \u0022My relationship with sin has ended. I choose to take this thought captive to the obedience of Christ. I\u0027m not going to look at it or think about it.\u0022 And they separate themself from the picture immediately and escapes the lust.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut if they hesitate at the threshold, stare at the picture, and begin to fantasize about it, they will trigger an emotional landslide producing a physical response that will be difficult to stop. They must capture the tempting thought in the threshold or it will probably capture them.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear God, I want to be obedient to Your perfect plan for my life today. I don\u0027t want to give in to Plan B thinking. Strengthen my will to obey.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-13T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/314"},{"id":315,"title":"WHEN STRONGHOLDS BECOME ENTRENCHED","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EWHEN STRONGHOLDS BECOME ENTRENCHED\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier (2 Timothy 2:4)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce your consideration of a temptation has triggered an emotional response leading to a Plan B choice, you will act upon that choice and own that behaviour. You may resent your actions or claim that you are not responsible for what you do. But you are responsible for your actions at this stage because you failed to take a tempting thought captive when it first appeared at the threshold of your mind.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople who study human behaviour tell us that if you continue to repeat an act for six weeks, you will form a habit. And if you exercise that habit long enough, a stronghold will be established. Once a stronghold of thought and response is entrenched in your mind, choosing to act contrary to that pattern is extremely difficult.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELike environmental stimulation, a stronghold of the mind can be the result of a brief encounter or a prevailing atmosphere. For example, a woman goes into a deep depression every time she hears a siren sound. It turns out that she was raped 20 years earlier while a siren was wailing in the distance. In the weeks and months after the rape, the sound of a siren triggered traumatic memories. Instead of resolving that conflict, she relived the tragedy in her mind, deepening the emotional scars and locking herself into a thought pattern she cannot seem to break. That\u0027s a stronghold.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOther strongholds are the result of a prevailing pattern of thinking and responding. Imagine, for instance, a nine-year-old child whose father is an alcoholic. When the father comes home drunk and belligerent every night, the child is simply scared stiff of him. They scurry out of sight and hide. As the child continues in their defensive reaction to their hostile alcoholic father, they form a pattern of behaviour. Ten years later, when they faces any kind of hostile behaviour, how do you think they will respond? They will run away. The deeply ingrained pattern of thinking and responding has formed a stronghold in their mind.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, don\u0027t allow the enemy to deceive me into weak-willed actions that dilute my testimony and effectiveness as a believer.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-14T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/315"},{"id":316,"title":"RECOGNIZING YOUR STRONGHOLD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ERECOGNIZING YOUR STRONGHOLD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHostility is a stronghold. Plan A from God develops the character and the knowledge to love your enemy, pray for him, and turn the other cheek. If you cannot help being pugnacious or argumentative in a threatening situation, it\u0027s because you have learned to cope that way and your Plan B response has become entrenched as a stronghold.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EInferiority is a stronghold. Plan A says that you are a child of God, a saint who is inferior to no mortal. If you are constantly shrinking back from people because of feelings of inferiority, it\u0027s because the world, the flesh and the devil have carved a negative, Plan B groove in your mind over the years.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EManipulation is a stronghold. Do you feel like you must control the people and circumstances in your life? Is it nearly impossible for you to give a problem to God and not worry about it? Somewhere in your past you developed a pattern of control that now masters you. It\u0027s a stronghold.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022line-height: 1.5em;\u0022\u003EAnorexia and bulimia are strongholds. A 99-pound woman stands in front of a mirror believing that she is fat. She is the victim of negative thought patterns about herself, which have been burned into her mind and direct all her activities concerning her body and the proper use of food.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESomewhere in the past you may have consciously or unconsciously formed patterns of thinking and behaving which now control you. That\u0027s a stronghold. Satan works through strongholds to keep our minds from focusing on Christ. But, thank God, as we appropriate God\u0027s truth we are set free.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, reveal to me and help me deal with any strongholds in my life. I claim Your truth in my life over Satan\u0027s lies.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-15T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/316"},{"id":317,"title":"RENEWING YOUR MIND","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ERENEWING YOUR MIND\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf the strongholds in your mind are the result of conditioning, then you can be reconditioned by the renewing of your mind. Anything that has been learned can be unlearned. Certainly this is the major path of renewal in the New Testament. Through the preaching of God\u0027s Word, Bible study and personal discipleship, you stop being conformed to this world and experience the transformation of the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf your past experiences were spiritually or emotionally devastating, then counselling and Christ-centred support groups will help the transformation. Since some of these strongholds are thoughts raised up against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5), learning to know God as a loving Father and yourself as His accepted child is your starting place.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut you\u0027re not just up against the world and the flesh. You\u0027re also up against the devil who is scheming to fill your mind with thoughts which are opposed to God\u0027s plan for you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENotice how Paul uses the word for thoughts (noema) in 2 Corinthians in relation to Satan\u0027s activity. We\u0027ve already seen it in 2 Corinthians 10:5: \u0022We are taking every thought [noema] captive to the obedience to Christ.\u0022 Why do these thoughts need to be taken captive? Because they may be the enemy\u0027s.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn 2 Corinthians 3:14 and 4:4, Paul reveals that Satan is responsible for our spiritual hardness and blindness when we were unbelievers: \u0022But their minds [noema] were hardened. The god of this world has blinded the minds [noema] of the unbelieving.\u0022 In 2 Corinthians 11:3 and 2:11, Paul states that Satan actively plots to defeat and divide believers: \u0022I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds [noema] should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. We are not ignorant of his [Satan\u0027s] schemes [noema].\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf Satan can place his thought in your mind - and he can - it isn\u0027t much more of a trick for him to make you think it\u0027s your thought. That\u0027s the deception.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn the name of Jesus, I renounce and refuse any thoughts that are raised up against the knowledge of God.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-16T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/317"},{"id":318,"title":"IGNORING THE ENEMY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EIGNORING THE ENEMY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAs you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him (Colossians 2:6)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are three ways of responding to the demonic taunts and barbs being thrown at you during your daily walk with Christ, and two of these ways are wrong.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, the most defeated people are those who consider demonic thoughts and believe them. A subtle thought is shot into your mind: \u0022You don\u0027t pray, read your Bible, or witness like you should. How could God love you?\u0022 That\u0027s a bald-faced lie because God\u0027s love is unconditional. But you start thinking about your failures and agreeing that you\u0027re probably not very lovable to God. Pretty soon you\u0027re sitting in the middle of the street going nowhere.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese Christians are totally defeated simply because they have been duped into believing that God doesn\u0027t love them, or that they will never be a victorious Christian, or that they are a helpless victim of the past. There is no reason why they can\u0027t get up immediately and start walking again, but they have believed a lie and the lie controls their life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe second response is just as unproductive. You try to argue with the demons: \u0022I am not ugly or stupid. I am a victorious Christian.\u0022 You\u0027re proud that you don\u0027t believe what they say, but they\u0027re still controlling you and setting your agenda. You\u0027re standing in the middle of the street shouting at them when you should be marching forward.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe are not to believe evil spirits, nor are we to dialogue with them. Instead, we are to ignore them and choose the truth. You\u0027re equipped with the armour of God; they can\u0027t touch you unless you drop your guard. With every arrow of temptation, accusation or deception they shoot at you, simply raise the shield of faith, deflect the attack, and walk on. Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. The way to defeat the lie is by choosing the truth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn the face of the lies the enemy throws at me today, Lord, I choose and embrace Your truth.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-17T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/318"},{"id":319,"title":"THE OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF LIFE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF LIFE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnd Jesus answered saying to them, \u0022Have faith in God\u0022 (Mark 11:22).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe sun is perhaps the most credible object of faith for the world. It appears to be immutable. It has always been there, 24 hours of every day, 365 days a year. Without the sun, people couldn\u0027t live. If the sun didn\u0027t rise tomorrow morning, what would happen to the world\u0027s faith? All of humanity would be thrown into confusion.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf we have such great faith in the sun, why don\u0027t we have even greater faith in the Son who made the sun and all the rest of the fixed order of the universe?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur faith is in God. Genuine faith is born out of knowledge of the will of God and exists only to fulfil that will. Faith is not a means of getting man\u0027s will done in heaven; it is the means of getting God\u0027s will done on earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAfter hearing me speak on spiritual conflicts, a young man came by to talk about his personal life. He said he\u0027d had several experiences of not being able to speak the name of Jesus aloud. I asked him about his faith. He thought he had made a decision for Christ years earlier in an evangelistic meeting. He tried living with some American Indians to continue his spiritual journey, but that proved to be disastrous. He finally ended up living in a pastor\u0027s home where he was helped with the assurance of his salvation. The pastor encouraged him to just go live by faith.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe young man said to me, \u0022I\u0027ve been trying to live by faith for three years, and it has been one trial after another.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Faith in what?\u0022 I asked.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHe didn\u0027t know how to respond. This young man was trying to live by faith in faith. But faith itself is not a valid object. The only valid object for faith is God and the revelation we have of Him in His Word. Faith is the operating principle of life. The only difference between Christian and non-Christian faith is the object. God must be the object of our faith.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord God, I place my faith in You alone today. Help me not to allow anyone or anything to take Your place as the object of my faith.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-18T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/319"},{"id":320,"title":"HOPE FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHOPE FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBeloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:2,3).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs children of the sinful first Adam, we were obstinate and ornery, helpless and hopeless, with nothing in ourselves to commend us to God. But God\u0027s love overruled our unloveliness. Through Christ God provided a way for us into His family. As God\u0027s adopted child, you have been given a new identity and a new name. You\u0027re no longer a spiritual orphan; you\u0027re a son or daughter of God. Romans 8:16, 17, tells us, \u0022The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u0027re beginning to think you are some one special as a Christian, you\u0027re thinking right - you are special! Your specialness is not the result of anything you have done, of course. It\u0027s all God\u0027s doing. All you did was respond to God\u0027s invitation to be His child. But as a child of God, in union with God by being in Christ, you have every right to enjoy your special relationship with your new Father.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow important is it to know who you are in Christ? There are countless numbers of Christians who struggle with day-to-day behaviour because they labour under a false perception of who they are. They see themselves as sinners who hope to make it into heaven by God\u0027s grace, but they can\u0027t seem to live above their sinful tendencies. Why can\u0027t they live the victorious Christian life? Because they have a misperception of who they are in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut look again at the hope-filled words of 1 John 3:2,3. What is the believer\u0027s hope? That he will someday be changed into Christ\u0027s image? That\u0027s part of it, but that\u0027s only a future hope. What is your hope for today and tomorrow? That you\u0027re a child of God now! You must see yourself as a child of God in order to live like a child of God. The blessed hope for the believer is \u0022Christ in you, the hope of glory\u0022 (Colossians 1:27).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Father, for the glorious hope of being Your child. I want to live in the security and blessing of that reality today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-19T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/320"},{"id":321,"title":"A BLAMELESS CONSCIENCE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA BLAMELESS CONSCIENCE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men (Acts 24:16).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFolklore advises, \u0027Let your conscience be your guide\u0027. This has serious limitations since our conscience is a function of our mind. Having been conformed to this world, the conscience can be programmed wrongly. It is always true to its own standard. Until we come to Christ, the standard is the world system in which we were raised. Many people are falsely guided by a guilty conscience - not a true guilt, but a psychological guilt usually developed in early childhood. Satan works through this stronghold to accuse the brethren day and night (Revelation 12:10).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople like this are usually perfectionists who labour under condemnation, even though the Bible says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). They aren\u0027t led; they are driven. They constantly look for affirmation. They have a tendency to be man-pleasers. Paul said, \u0022If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ\u0022 (Galatians 1:10). If you are striving to please men, of whom are you a bondservant?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESince our minds were conformed to this world, we need to renew them in such a way that what we believe is in accordance with truth. Chapter 14 of Romans deals with how we should walk in regard to non-moral issues. Paul says, \u0022The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves\u0022 (Romans 14:22).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHowever, we are to restrict our freedom if it causes a weaker brother to stumble. We never have the right to violate another person\u0027s conscience. Paul says, \u0022I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men\u0022 (Acts 24:16). Be very cautious about going against your own conscience once you are committed to Christ. The Holy Spirit does work through our consciences as He seeks to renew our minds.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that my mind and conscience can be renewed daily through the power of Your Word.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-20T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/321"},{"id":322,"title":"SEATED WITH CHRIST","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESEATED WITH CHRIST\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGod made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-6)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe New Testament clearly reveals that Christ\u0027s power and authority over Satan and his kingdom have been conferred to those of us who are in Christ. In Ephesians 2:4-6, Paul explains that when Christ was raised from the dead, those of us who have believed in Him were also resurrected from our condition of spiritual death and made alive \u0022together with Christ.\u0022 It\u0027s only logical that the head (Christ) and the body (His church) should be raised together.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFurthermore, when God seated Christ at His right hand and conferred on Him all authority (Ephesians 1:20,21), He also seated us at His right hand and conferred on us through Christ all authority because we are \u0022together with Christ.\u0022 The moment you receive Christ, you take possession of what God did for you 2000 years ago. Your identity as a child of God and your authority over spiritual powers are not things you are receiving or will receive at some time in the future; you have them right now. You are a spiritually alive child of God right now. You are seated in the heavenlies with Christ right now. You have power and authority over the kingdom of darkness right now. We have the authority because of our position in Christ, and we have the power when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPaul also related this life-changing truth in his letter to the Colossians: \u0022In Him [Christ] you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority\u0022 (Colossians 2:10). Notice again that the action is past: We have been made complete. When? At the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. And since Christ is the God-appointed head over all rule and authority, and since we are seated with Him in the heavenlies, we have the authority and power to live responsible lives.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, help me want to live responsibly, to claim my position as Your child, and to grow to full stature in You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-21T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/322"},{"id":323,"title":"INTERNAL INTERFERENCE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EINTERNAL INTERFERENCE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWe are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error (1 John 4:6)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople who know they are having spiritual problems usually have severe perceptual problems too. Satan seems to be more present, real and powerful to them. These types of people usually hear opposing arguments in their head. They are constantly confronted with lies, told to get out of the counselling setting, or threatened with harm or embarrassment.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne dear lady I was ministering to suddenly bolted for the door. \u0022Tell me what you\u0027re hearing,\u0022 I said.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022You\u0027re going to hurt me,\u0022 she answered fearfully.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022That\u0027s a lie,\u0022 I assured her. Slowly she returned to her chair.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome people experience internal interference when demonic powers are confronted by the truth. They may become dizzy or glassy-eyed. If you proceed without regard for their reaction, they may lapse into catatonia.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe goal in helping people find freedom in Christ is to avoid all demonic activity which would short-circuit their ability to participate in the process. With this in mind, I usually begin the time of ministry with prayer, acknowledging God\u0027s presence, claiming His authority, and binding the enemy to silence.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI require one major point of cooperation from all those who want help: They must tell me what inner opposition they are experiencing. If they have a thought that is contrary to what we are doing, they are to share it with me. Some thoughts can be very hostile or threatening. Others will be very deceptive, such as \u0022This isn\u0027t going to work\u0022. The power of Satan is in his lie. The moment the counselees bring the contrary thought to light, the power of it is broken. The power for the Christian is in the truth. That is why it is truth that sets us free.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I desire to be a committed student of Your Word. I know the truth of Your Word dispels the darkness in my life. Thank You for this powerful weapon.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-22T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/323"},{"id":324,"title":"LIVING TODAY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ELIVING TODAY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness (2 Peter 3:11)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI believe in setting goals and making plans. But biblical vision for the future and godly goals for ministry or work have no value if they don\u0027t provide direction for our steps today. Goals for tomorrow that don\u0027t prioritise present activities are nothing more than wishful thinking. We make plans for tomorrow in order to establish meaningful activities for today. We need to ask the Lord each day if we are still on target, and give Him the right to order mid-course changes in direction.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome people don\u0027t like to set goals because they feel goals only set them up for failure. But a goal should never be a god. It should be a target, not a whip. Other people become obsessed with goals for tomorrow. Biblically, the will of God is almost entirely directed at living responsibly today. Legitimate goal setting should support that.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Are you trying to tell us that we aren\u0027t to make any plans for the future or establish any goals for our ministry or work?\u0022 No, I\u0027m trying to say that the primary focus of God\u0027s will is that we seek to establish His kingdom by becoming the person He wants us to be today.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMost people want to know what God has in store for them tomorrow. That\u0027s why prophecy has always been a popular subject. Most prophecy teachers know that the critical issue concerning the Lord\u0027s second coming is \u0022What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness\u0022 (2 Peter 3:11). Jesus said, \u0022But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow\u0022 (Matthew 6:33, 34). Biblical prophecy is given to us as a hope (the present assurance of some future good) so we will have the courage to live righteously and confidently today.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, help me live in the present and not worry about tomorrow, accepting only Your will and guidance for my future.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-23T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/324"},{"id":325,"title":"FREED FROM LEGALISM","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFREED FROM LEGALISM\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGod made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:5,6)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWalking by the Spirit is not legalism, the opposite extreme from license. Paul said: \u0022If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law\u0022 (Galatians 5:18). Stringently striving to obey Christian rules and regulations doesn\u0027t enable the Spirit-filled walk; it often kills it (2 Corinthians 3:6). We\u0027re told in Galatians 3:13 that the law is really a curse, and in Galatians 3:21 that it is impotent, powerless to give life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELaying down the law - telling someone that it is wrong to do this or that - does not give them the power to stop doing it. Christians have been notorious at trying to legislate spirituality with don\u0027ts: Christians don\u0027t drink, don\u0027t smoke, don\u0027t dance, don\u0027t attend movies, don\u0027t play cards, don\u0027t wear makeup, etc. But legalism can\u0027t curb immorality. In fact, laying down the law merely serves to heighten the temptation. Paul said that the law actually stimulates the desire to do what it forbids (Romans 7:5)! When you tell your child not to cross a certain line, where does he immediately want to go? Forbidden fruit often seems to be the most desirable.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeither will a Spirit-filled heart be produced by demanding that someone conform to a religious code of behaviour. We often equate Christian disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, regular church attendance, and witnessing with spiritual maturity. All these activities are good and helpful for spiritual growth. But merely performing these admirable Christian exercises does not guarantee a Spirit-filled walk.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDoes this mean that establishing rules is wrong? Of course not. God\u0027s law is a necessary protective moral standard and guideline. But the means by which we live a life of freedom is not the law but grace. Within the confines of God\u0027s law, we are free to nurture a spirit-to Spirit relationship with God, which is the essence of walking in the Spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me encourage other believers to freedom in their walk with You and not impose on them a religious code of behaviour.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-02T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/325"},{"id":326,"title":"FREE TO CHOOSE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFREE TO CHOOSE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Spirit-filled walk is neither characterized by license nor legalism, but liberty. Paul stated that we are \u0022servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty\u0022 (2 Corinthians 3:6,17)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI believe that our freedom in Christ is one of the most precious commodities we have received from our spiritual union with God. Because the Spirit of the Lord is in you, you are free to choose to live a responsible and moral life. You are no longer compelled to walk according to the flesh as you were before conversion. And now you are not even compelled to walk according to the Spirit. You are free to choose to walk according to the Spirit or to walk according to the flesh.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWalking according to the Spirit implies two things. First, it\u0027s not passive. We\u0027re talking about walking in the Spirit, not sitting in the Spirit. One of the most dangerous and harmful detriments to your spiritual growth is passivity - putting your mind in neutral and coasting. The Christian classic War on the Saints, by Jessie Penn-Lewis, was written to combat such passive thinking. Sitting back and waiting for God to do everything is not God\u0027s way to spiritual maturity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, we\u0027re talking about walking in the spirit, not running in the Spirit. The Spirit-filled life is not achieved through endless, exhausting activity. We mistakenly think that the harder we work for God, the more spiritual we will become. That\u0027s a subtle lie from the enemy. Satan knows that he may not be able to stop you from serving God by making you immoral, but he can probably impede your service by simply making you busy. Our service for God can become the greatest detriment of our devotion to God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I desire to walk according to the Spirit today at Your pace, not sitting passively through inactivity or running myself ragged by becoming too busy.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-03T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/326"},{"id":327,"title":"A COMPASSIONATE COUNSELOR","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA COMPASSIONATE COUNSELOR\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBut go and learn what this means, \u0022I desire compassion, and not sacrifice\u0022 (Matthew 9:13).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI used to ask my seminary students two questions:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E1 What attributes, strengths and characteristics would you look for in a person with whom you could share your deepest personal problems?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E2 Would you be willing to commit yourself to become that kind of person - someone others could confide in?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe essential prerequisite for a Christian counsellor is to become the kind of person with whom others feel confident in sharing the problems of their present and past. Christian counselling doesn\u0027t require a college degree, although those who counsel professionally can be greatly helped by receiving Bible-based training. Whether you sit on the platform or in the pew, whether you sit at a desk in a counselling clinic or at a dining room table, God can use you to minister to people with problems if you are compassionate.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can\u0027t really help a person unless you hear his whole story, and you won\u0027t hear it unless you are the kind of person he can trust. People don\u0027t care how much we know until they know how much we care. Compassion is not a question of learning a professional technique; it\u0027s a question of Christian character and love.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECounselling seeks to help people deal with the present by resolving conflicts from the past. Many of these conflicts relate to areas of bondage where Satan-induced strongholds have been erected in the mind. People cannot grow and mature because they are not free. The goal of Christian counselling - whether done by a pastor, a professional counsellor, or a friend - is to help people experience freedom in Christ so they can move on to maturity and fruitfulness in their walk with Him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, increase my compassion so I can be an effective counsellor of others. Keep me from jumping to self-righteous conclusions.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-04T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/327"},{"id":328,"title":"WALKING BY FAITH","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EWALKING BY FAITH\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAs you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith (Colossians 2:6,7)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome Christians believe that walking by faith means being carried along by a mysterious, ethereal, indescribable inner sense called \u0022faith.\u0022 But the walk of faith is much more practical and definable than that. Walking by faith simply means that you function in daily life on the basis of what you believe. Your belief system determines your behaviour. If your behaviour is off in a certain area, you need to correct your belief in that area because your misbehaviour is the result of your mis-belief.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022But how can I know what I really believe?\u0022 you may ask. Take a few minutes to complete the following statements as concisely and truthfully as possible.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI would be more successful if . . .\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI would be more significant if . . .\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI would be more fulfilled if . . .\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI would be more satisfied if . . .\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI would be happier if . . .\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI would have more fun if . . .\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI would be more secure if . . .\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI would have more peace if . . .\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhatever you believe is the answer to these statements constitutes your present belief system.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAssuming that your basic physiological needs (food, shelter, safety, etc.) are met, you will be motivated in life by what you believe will bring your success, significance, fulfilment, satisfaction, happiness, fun, security and peace. If what you believe about these eight values does not line up with what God says about them, your walk of faith will be off to the same degree that your belief is off.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, enable me to grow in my understanding of Your Word today so my faith-walk will be strengthened.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-05T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/059-walking-faith"},{"id":329,"title":"THE TWO ADAMS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE TWO ADAMS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESo then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men (Romans 5:18).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe reason so many Christians are not enjoying the maturity and freedom, which is their inheritance in Christ, is because they hold wrong self-perceptions. They don\u0027t see themselves as they really are in Christ. They don\u0027t understand the dramatic change that occurred in them the moment they trusted in Him. They don\u0027t see themselves the way God sees them, and to that degree they suffer from a poor self-image. They don\u0027t grasp their true identity. They identify themselves with the wrong Adam.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EToo many Christians identify only with the first Adam, whose sad story of failure is found in Genesis 1-4. Sure, you inherited physical life from Adam. But if you\u0027re a Christian, that\u0027s where the similarity ends. You are now identified with the last Adam, Jesus Christ. You are not in Adam; you are in Christ. You are seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6). The difference between the two Adams in your history is eternally profound. You need to be sure you\u0027re identifying with the right one.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe first thing we notice about Christ, the last Adam, is His complete dependence on God the Father. The first Adam was tempted to live independently of God and chose to believe the serpents lie about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But Jesus was totally dependent on the Father (John 5:30; 6:57; 8:42; 14:10; 17:7).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA second vital difference between the two Adams relates to spiritual life. Adam was born physically and spiritually alive. But when Adam sinned, he died spiritually. Like the first Adam, Jesus was born spiritually alive as well as physically alive. But unlike the first Adam, Jesus did not forfeit His spiritual life at some point through sin. He kept His spiritual life all the way to the cross. There He died, taking the sins of the world upon Himself. Now in His resurrected, glorified body, Christ lives on today and for all eternity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAre you identifying with Jesus Christ, the last Adam, today?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Father, for the last Adam - Jesus Christ - through whom I am saved and sealed. I purpose by Your help to live in my true identity today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-07T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/329"},{"id":330,"title":"IN CHRIST","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EIN CHRIST\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETruly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBeing in Christ, and all that it means to Christian maturity and freedom, is the overwhelming theme of the New Testament. For example, in the six chapters of the Book of Ephesians alone there are 40 references to being in Christ and having Christ in you. For every reference to Christ being in you, there are 10 to you being in Christ. Being in Christ is the most critical element of our identity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut we weren\u0027t born in Christ. We were born in sin, thanks to the first Adam. What is God\u0027s plan for transforming us from being in Adam to being in Christ? We must be born again (John 3:3). Physical birth only gains us physical life. Spiritual life, the eternal life Christ promises to those who come to Him, is only gained through spiritual birth (John 3:36).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat does it mean to be spiritually alive in Christ? The moment you were born again your soul came into union with God in the same way Adam was in union with God before the Fall. Your spiritual union with God is complete and eternal because it is provided by Christ, the last Adam. As long as Christ remains alive spiritually, you will remain alive spiritually - and that\u0027s for eternity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EContrary to what many Christians believe, eternal life is not something you get when you die. You are spiritually alive in Christ right now. That\u0027s how you got to be in union with God, by being born again spiritually. You\u0027ll never be more spiritually alive than you are right now. The only thing that will change when you die physically is that you will exchange your old earthbound body for a new one. But your spiritual life in Christ, which began when you personally trusted Him, will merely continue on.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESalvation is not a future addition; it\u0027s a present transformation. And that transformation occurs at spiritual birth, not physical death. God\u0027s Word promises, \u0022He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life\u0022 (1 John 5:12). Eternal life is something you possess right now because you\u0027re in Christ. Believe it. Rejoice in it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that my eternal salvation is a present-day reality. I rejoice in this wonderful security and assurance.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-08T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/330"},{"id":331,"title":"THE TRUE CHAIN OF COMMAND","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE TRUE CHAIN OF COMMAND\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name (Luke 10:17).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt was an eye-opening experience for the disciples to discover that the demons were subject to them in Jesus\u0027 name. Subject (hupotasso) is a military term meaning \u0027to arrange under\u0027. It pictures a group of soldiers snapping to attention and following precisely the orders of their commanding officer.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPerhaps the disciples suffered under the same misconception that blinds many Christians today. We see God and His kingdom on one side and Satan and his kingdom on the other side. Both kingdoms seem to be very powerful, and here we are, stuck in the middle between the two, like the rope in a tug of war. On some days God seems to be winning and on other days the devil appears to have the upper hand. And we don\u0027t seem to have anything to say about who wins the battle.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut the disciples came back from their mission with a new perspective, a true perspective. Spiritual authority is not a tug of war on a horizontal plane; it is a vertical chain of command. Jesus Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18); He\u0027s at the top. He has given His authority and power to His servants to be exercised in His name (Luke 10:17); we\u0027re underneath Him. And Satan and his demons? They\u0027re at the bottom, subject to the authority Christ has invested in us.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy, then, does the kingdom of darkness exert such negative influence in the world and in the lives of Christians? In a word, the lie. Satan is not an equal power with God; he is a vanquished foe. But if he can deceive you into believing that he has more power and authority than you do, you will live as if he does! You have been given authority over the kingdom of darkness, but if you don\u0027t believe it and exercise it, it\u0027s as if you didn\u0027t have it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAuthority is the right to rule based on position. You have the authority to do the will of God because of your position in Christ. It\u0027s an authority you could never have independent of God, so you need to remain dependent on Him to live victoriously.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI praise You, Lord, for the inexhaustible supply of power to defeat the enemy, which You have provided for me in Your Son, Jesus Christ.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-09T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/331"},{"id":332,"title":"A DISTORTED IDENTITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA DISTORTED IDENTITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGrace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:2, 3).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022If our identity in Christ is the key to wholeness,\u0022 you may ask, \u0022why do so many believers have difficulty with self-worth, spiritual growth and maturity?\u0022 Because we have been deceived by the devil. Our true identity in Christ has been distorted by the great deceiver himself.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis deception was brought home to me a few years ago when I was counselling a Christian girl who was the victim of satanic oppression. I asked her, \u0022Who are you?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I\u0027m evil,\u0022 she answered.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022You\u0027re not evil. How can a child of God be evil? Is that how you see yourself?\u0022 She nodded.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENow she may have done some evil things, but she wasn\u0027t evil. She was basing her identity on the wrong equation. She was letting Satan\u0027s accusations of her behaviour influence her perception of identity instead of letting her identity - as a child of God in Christ - influence her behaviour.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESadly, a great number of Christians are trapped in the same pit. We fail, so we see ourselves as a failure, which only causes us to fail more. We sin, so we see ourselves as a sinner, which only causes us to sin more. We\u0027ve been sucked into the devil\u0027s futile equation. We\u0027ve been tricked into believing that what we do makes us what we are. And that false belief sends us into a tailspin of hopelessness and defeat.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDon\u0027t be deceived. You are not a product of what you do or don\u0027t do. You are a product of who you are in Christ and His work on the cross. You are not saved by how you behave but by how you believe. God\u0027s Word assures us, \u0022Beloved, now we are children of God, and everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure\u0022 (1 John 3:2,3).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Lord, I pray that my mind will be renewed by Your Word today so I may overcome the old, fleshly programming I have believed and lived by.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-12T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/332"},{"id":333,"title":"SATISFACTION IN LIFE","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: large;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESATISFACTION IN LIFE\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: large;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatisfaction in life comes from living righteously and seeking to raise the level of quality in the relationships, services, and products you are involved with. Matthew 5:6 says, \u2018Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.\u2019 Do you really believe that? If you did, what would you be doing? You would spend more time feeding your spirit than trying to satisfy your fleshly desires. Have you ever tried to satisfy the flesh? It can\u2019t be done. The more you feed it, the more it wants.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat causes you to become dissatisfied? It\u2019s usually because the quality of the relationship, service, or product has diminished. I often ask people when they became dissatisfied. Inevitably they identify the time when the quality of a relationship, the service rendered or the product produced diminished.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatisfaction is a quality issue, not a quantity issue. You will achieve greater satisfaction from doing a few things well than from doing many things in a haphazard or hasty manner. The key to personal satisfaction is not in broadening your involvements but in deepening them through a commitment to quality.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe same is true in relationships. If you are dissatisfied in your relationships, perhaps you have spread yourself too thin. Solomon wrote: \u2018A man of many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother\u2019 (Proverbs 18:24). It may be nice to know a lot of people on the surface, but you need a few good friends who are committed to a quality relationship with each other. We all need the satisfaction that quality relationships bring.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPaul accomplished what he was called to do. He left a lot undone, but he fought the good fight, finished his course and kept the faith. Jesus also left a lot undone, but He did His Father\u2019s will and was able to say, \u2018It is finished.\u2019 You may not be able to do all you want to do for Christ in your lifetime, but you can live obediently and faithfully day by day.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong style=\u0022font-size: 13.008px;\u0022\u003ELord, I desire the satisfaction that comes from righteousness and quality in my relationships and activities.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong style=\u0022font-size: 13.008px;\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/strong\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-14T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/333"},{"id":370,"title":"THE HOLY SPIRIT\u0027S GUIDANCE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE HOLY SPIRIT\u0027S GUIDANCE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA young pilot had just passed the point of no return when the weather changed for the worse. Visibility dropped to a matter of feet as fog descended to the earth. Putting total trust in the cockpit instuments was a new experience to him, for the ink was still wet on the certificate verifying that he was qualified for instument flying.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe landing worried him the most. His destination was a crowded metropolitan aiport he wasn\u0027t familiar with. In a few minutes he would be in radio contact with the tower. Until then, he was alone with his throughts. His instructor had practically forced him to memorise the rule book. He didn\u0027t care for it at the time, but now he was thankful.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFinally he heard the voice of the air traffic controller. \u0022I\u0027m going to put you on a holding pattern,\u0022 the controller radioed. \u003Cem\u003EGreat!\u003C\/em\u003E thought the pilot. However, he knew that his safe landing was in the hands of this person. He had to draw upon his previous instructions and training, and trust the voice of an air traffic controller he couldn\u0027t see. Aware that this was no time for pride, he informed the controller, \u0022This is not a seasoned pro up here. I would appreciate any help you could give me\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022You\u0027ve got it!\u0022 he heard back.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor the next 45 minutes, the controller gently guided the pilot through the blinding fog. As course and altitude corrections came periodically, the young pilot realised the controller was guiding him around obstacles and away from potential collisions. With the words of the rule book firmly placed in his mind, and with the gentle voice of the controller, he landed safely at last.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Holy Spirit guides us through the maze of life much like that air traffic controller. The controller assumed that the young pilot understood the instructions of the flight manual. His guidance was based on that. Such is the case with the Holy Spirit; He can guide us if we have a knowledge of God\u0027s Word and His will established in our minds.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, as I face this new day, I choose to be sensitive to Your voice and resolutely committed to doing Your will.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-08T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/370"},{"id":371,"title":"A WHOLE-BRAIN GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA WHOLE-BRAIN GOD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnd I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself (John 12:32)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome researchers have suggested that our brains have two hemispheres. We are led to believe that each hemisphere functions slightly differently from the other.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen God works through the church, He doesn\u0027t bypass our minds. And neither does He bypass one hemisphere for the sake of the other. We only have one brain and one mind. We have a whole-brain God. Without Christ, the cognitive people are \u0022always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth\u0022 (2 Timothy 3:7). Without Christ, the intuitive people are \u0022led on by various impulses\u0022 (2 Timothy 3:6).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeither the rationalist nor the mystic will ever come to Christ by reason or intuition. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. He is the truth. He draws both the rationalist and the mystic to Himself when neither leans on his own understanding.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECognitive-oriented Christians strive to be right and search for wisdom and knowledge. Intuitive-oriented Christians are zealous for reality and power. We need the biblical balance: \u0022We preach Christ crucified, the power of God and the wisdom of God\u0022 (1 Corinthians 1:23,24).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, keep me from being too rigid or too flexible in my thinking and learning. May my mind be balanced by the truth.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-19T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/184-whole-brain-god"},{"id":372,"title":"MAINTAINING YOUR FREEDOM","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EMAINTAINING YOUR FREEDOM\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIt was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1)\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Revolutionary War was a hard-fought battle, and many lives were lost in order to ensure the freedom of our country. There is always a price to pay for freedom, and the moment we take our freedom for granted, we run the risk of losing it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFreedom in Christ from our sinful nature and the god of this world is the inheritance of every believer. Christ has set you free through His victory over sin and death on the cross. But if you have lost a measure of your freedom because you have failed to stand firm in the faith or you have disobeyed God, it is your responsibility to do whatever is necessary to maintain a right relationship with God. Your eternal destiny is not at stake; you are secure in Christ. But your daily victory in Him will be tenuous at best if you fail to assume your responsibility to maintain your freedom in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember: you are not the helpless victim of a tug-of-war between two nearly equal heavenly superpowers. Compared to Satan\u0027s limited attributes, God is immeasurable in His omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience - and you are united with Him! Sometimes the reality of sin and the presence of evil may seem more real than the reality and presence of God, but that\u0027s part of Satan\u0027s deception. He is a defeated foe, and we are in Christ, the eternal Victor. That\u0027s why we worship God: to keep His divine attributes constantly before us in order to counter Satan\u0027s lies. A true knowledge of God and our identity in Christ is the greatest determinant of our mental health. A false concept of God and the misplaced deification of Satan are the greatest contributors to mental illness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAre you walking in freedom today?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI praise You, Lord, for the awesome freedom I enjoy in Christ. Strengthen my will so I may choose to walk in freedom daily.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-21T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/186-maintaining-your-freedom"},{"id":373,"title":"THE SOURCE OF ALL HOPE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE SOURCE OF ALL HOPE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God (Psalm 43:5).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESometimes the depression resulting from a seemingly impossible situation is related to a wrong concept of God. David wrote: \u0022How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long will my enemy triumph over me?\u0022 (Psalm 13:1,2 NIV). Had God really forgotten David? Was He actually hiding from David? Of course not. David had a wrong concept of God, feeling that He had abandoned him to the enemy. David believed a lie about God, and consequently he lost his focus. His situation seemed hopeless, and hopelessness is the basis for all depression.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut the remarkable thing about David is that he didn\u0027t stay in the dumps. He evaluated his situation and realized, \u0022Hey, I\u0027m a child of God. I\u0027m going to focus on what I know about Him, not on my negative feelings.\u0022 From the pit of his depression, he wrote: \u0022I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation\u0022 (Psalm 13:5 NIV). Then he decided to make a positive expression of his will: \u0022I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me\u0022 (verse 6). He wilfully moved away from his wrong concept and its accompanying depression and returned to the source of his hope.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf Satan can destroy your belief in God, you will lose your source of hope. But with God, all things are possible. He is the source of all hope. You need to learn to respond to hopeless-appearing situations as David did: \u0022Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God\u0022 (Psalm 43:5).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf Satan can\u0027t destroy your concept of God, then he will seek to destroy your concept of who you are as a child of God. He can\u0027t do anything about your position in Christ, but if he can get you to believe it\u0027s not true, you will live as if it\u0027s not, even though it is. The two most important beliefs you possess are who God is and who you are as His child.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbove all, Father, help me focus continually on who You are and who I am in Christ, and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-26T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/191-source-all-hope"},{"id":374,"title":"PREDISPOSED TO DO HIS WILL","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EPREDISPOSED TO DO HIS WILL\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo one, after putting his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EImagine, if you would, a door in the path ahead of you. God\u0027s will is on the other side of that door. We crave to know what it is. Will God show us what\u0027s on the other side of that door? No. Why not? Because we have to resolve an issue on this side of the door first. If He is Lord, He has the right to determine what\u0027s on the other side of the door. If we don\u0027t afford Him that right, then we are not acknowledging Him as Lord.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy do we want to know what\u0027s on the other side of that door? Isn\u0027t it because we want to reserve the right to determine whether or not we will go through it? Some boldly walk halfway through, but keep their foot in the door just in case they don\u0027t like what they see and want to go back. It\u0027s going to be awfully hard to continue walking with God if your foot is stuck in the door. Jesus said, \u0022No one, after putting his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God\u0022 (Luke 9:62).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne man probably spoke for many when he said, \u0022I\u0027m so used to running my own life. I\u0027m not sure I even can or want to trust someone else. Besides, God would probably haul me off to some mission field I can\u0027t stand.\u0022 What we need to realize is that if we did give our heart to the Lord, and God did call us to that mission field, by the time we got there, we wouldn\u0027t want to be anywhere else.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDo you believe that the will of God is good, acceptable and perfect for you (Romans 12:2)? That\u0027s the heart of the issue. In the Lord\u0027s Prayer we are taught to approach God with the intent that His will be accomplished on earth. It makes no sense to petition God if we are not predisposed to do His will.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYour will be done on earth as it is in heaven, Lord. I open my heart for You to enter and accomplish Your purposes in me today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n","date":"2026-01-27T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/192-predisposed-do-his-will"},{"id":375,"title":"CHILDREN AND THE OCCULT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECHILDREN AND THE OCCULT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBe on the alert, stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13\u003C\/strong\u003E).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe school administration in a Christian high school found out that nearly every student in the school had played \u0027Bloody Mary\u0027, a popular party game among some groups of children. A common version of the game requires a child to go into a completely darkened bathroom alone, spin around six times, face the mirror, and call upon Bloody Mary to show herself. In many cases these children saw something frightening in the mirror. There was no physical explanation for seeing anything in a totally dark room. These children had unwittingly opened themselves up to the god of this world.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBloody Mary is only one of the more \u0027innocent\u0027 ways our children are giving Satan a foothold in their lives. Games like the Ouija board and Dungeons and Dragons are other common means by which children are introduced to the occult. The music, movies, magazines, television programs, and substances our children are exposed to create gaping doors of opportunity for Satan to seduce them. At one public high school in Southern California, 133 students were referred to the school psychologist during the first six weeks of classes because of their involvement with Satanism and the occult. Most children don\u0027t even realize the spiritual bondage they are submitting to when participating in these activities. What\u0027s worse, most parents don\u0027t either.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChildren are dabbling in all kinds of occult experiences: astral projection, table lifting, fortune-telling, astrology, crystals or pyramids, automatic writing, tarot cards, palm reading, spirit guides and blood pacts. In addition, the New Age Movement, permeating our society and our public education system today, is the source of many pitfalls. Much of the world\u0027s attempt to amuse and entertain our children leads them into darkness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENo matter how many dark doorways beckon to your children, Christ is the ultimate door to freedom. He is the truth and the light that dispels the lies of Satan and the darkness of the world. Teach yourself and your children to know and choose the truth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me equip my children to recognize and dispel the darkness in the worldly amusements and entertainment which surround them.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-28T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/193-children-and-occult"},{"id":376,"title":"FEAR NOT!","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFEAR NOT!\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31)\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFear is a powerful controller. It either compels us to do what is irresponsible or it impedes us from living responsibly. Recently a denominational executive spoke in our chapel, and his opening statement was, \u0022As I travel among our pastors, I\u0027m overwhelmed by the realization that the number one motivation in their lives is fear of failure\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAfter several years of teaching evangelism and overseeing evangelistic outreaches, I can tell you with confidence that the number one reason people don\u0027t share their faith is fear. Agoraphobia, fear of being in public, is one of the fastest growing psychological disorders. Fear of failure, fear of the devil, fear of man, fear of everything is plaguing our society.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDo you know that the most frequent command of Jesus in the Gospels is \u0022Fear not\u0022? In anticipation of Israel\u0027s entrance into the Promised Land, God tells His people four times \u0022Be strong and courageous\u0022 (Joshua 1). The writer of Proverbs says, \u0022The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion\u0022 (Proverbs 28:1).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe fact that God doesn\u0027t look favourably on cowards and unbelievers is made evident in Revelation 21:8: \u0022But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.\u0022 Does it surprise you that cowardly, unbelieving people are listed in a rogue\u0027s gallery with murderers and liars?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is a characteristic of the Spirit-filled life to be bold (Acts 4:31). The early church didn\u0027t pray for \u0027divine appointments\u0027; they prayed for boldness. God\u0027s kingdom can only be established by faithful and courageous people\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I purpose to be strong and courageous in Your name, ready and trustworthy to accomplish Your will.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-29T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/194-fear-not"},{"id":377,"title":"CONFLICTING WORLDVIEWS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECONFLICTING WORLDVIEWS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Western world today sees reality in two tiers. The upper tier is the transcendent world where God and angels - as well as ghosts and ghouls - reside, a world which is understood through religion and mysticism. The lower tier is the empirical world, which is understood through science and the physical senses. In two-tier mentality, the spiritual world has no practical bearing on the natural world; we have excluded it from our understanding of reality. Most attempts at integrating theology and psychology include only God and humanity (fallen and redeemed) and exclude the activity of Satan and demons.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn stark contrast to the secularism of the West, two-thirds of the inhabitants of the world hold an Eastern worldview. They live and operate believing that spiritual forces are an everyday reality. These people appease their gods with peace offerings and perform religious rituals to ward off evil spirits. To the common people in Third World nations, religious practice or superstition has more practical relevance in daily life than science.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is easy for those of us raised in the West to dismiss the Eastern worldview as inferior on the basis of the \u0027success\u0027 of the Western world. But both are worldly systems and neither reflects biblical reality. The West tries to ignore the reality of the spiritual world and the East tries to appease it or naively enter into it. The Bible clearly depicts the reality of the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. God\u0027s Word tells us we can have victory over the former by being transferred into the latter.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMany Christians either exclude the supernatural from their worldview altogether or consign it to the transcendental tier where it will have no effect on their lives. By doing so they not only exclude God\u0027s power from their theology and practice, but they also explain all human failure - even that which is induced by demonic influence - as the result of psychological or natural causes.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I accept the worldview presented in Your Word. Help me deal victoriously with the reality of demonic forces in my world.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-30T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/195-conflicting-worldviews"},{"id":378,"title":"DO NOT BE DECEIVED","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDO NOT BE DECEIVED\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo not be deceived: \u0022Bad company corrupts good morals\u0022 (1 Corinthians 15:33).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIs it really possible for Christians to deceive themselves? Yes, it is very possible. We deceive ourselves when we think the unrighteous will inherit the kingdom of God. I heard about a young person living a sexually permissive lifestyle and asserting, \u0022My lifestyle doesn\u0027t make any difference. God loves me and I\u0027m forgiven.\u0022 But 1 Corinthians 6:9,10(NIV), states, \u0022Do not be deceived; Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.\u0022 Living a brazenly sinful life is strong evidence of an unrighteous standing before God. You are deceived if you believe that your lifestyle does not need to line up with your profession.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe also deceive ourselves when we think we can continually associate with bad company and not be corrupted (1 Corinthians 15:33). When I was a young Christian, I used to listen to records by an evangelist in New Orleans who was called \u0027The Bourbon Street preacher\u0027. This man lived in the red-light district and claimed to have a ministry to prostitutes and other questionable characters. But according to 1 Corinthians 15:33, anyone who stays in that environment too long will get into trouble. And that\u0027s just what happened to this evangelist. He became so entangled with the seedy side of Bourbon Street that he eventually lost his ministry.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDoes this mean that we shouldn\u0027t minister to those with bad morals? No, we must share Christ with them. But if we immerse ourselves in their environment, our ministry will eventually diminish and our morality will be affected for the worse. John wrote, \u0022Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning\u0022 (1 John 3:7, 8).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStay anchored in God\u0027s Word and don\u0027t be deceived.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, forgive me for little compromises I have made with the world. I desire to live in complete harmony with my profession of faith.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-31T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/196-do-not-be-deceived"},{"id":379,"title":"UNMET SPIRITUAL NEEDS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EUNMET SPIRITUAL NEEDS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:17).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOver the last three decades, people in the West have begun to sense that there is more to life than science has revealed and their senses have experienced - and of course, they\u0027re right. On the surface this new hunger may sound encouraging to those of us with a Christian worldview, but in fact the same people who are disillusioned with the materialistic world are also disillusioned with established religion. Instead of turning to Christ and His church, they are filling their spiritual void with old-fashioned occultism dressed in the modern garb of parapsychology, holistic health, Eastern mysticism and numerous cults marching under the banner of the New Age Movement.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAttempting to meet spiritual needs apart from God is nothing new. Christ encountered a secularised form of Judaism during His earthly ministry that was bound to its traditions instead of to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The religious leaders of the day didn\u0027t recognize the Messiah as their spiritual deliverer. They perceived the oppressor to be Rome, not Satan, the god of this world. But Jesus came to undo the works of Satan (1 John 3:8), not Caesar.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan\u0027s ultimate lie is that you are capable of being the god of your own life, and his ultimate bondage is getting you to live as though his lie is true. Satan is out to usurp God\u0027s place in your life. And whenever you live independently of God, focusing on yourself instead of the cross, preferring material and temporal values to spiritual and eternal values, he has succeeded. The world\u0027s solution to this conflict of identity is to inflate the ego while denying God the opportunity to take His rightful place as Lord. Satan couldn\u0027t be more pleased - that was his plan from the beginning.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMighty God, I renounce any inclination within me that I am capable of being the god of my life. You alone are Lord and King.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-01T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/197-unmet-spiritual-needs"},{"id":380,"title":"YOUR ADVOCATE","body":null,"date":"2026-02-27T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/223-your-advocate"},{"id":381,"title":"SUCCESS COMES IN CANS, PART I","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESUCCESS COMES IN CANS, PART I\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI do believe; help my unbelief (Mark 9:24).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESomeone has said that success comes in cans and failure in cannots. The \u0027Twenty Cans of Success\u0027 taken from God\u0027s Word, will expand your knowledge of our faith object, the Almighty God. Building your faith by internalising these truths over the next two days will help lift you from the miry clay of the cannots to the reality that in Christ you can do all things.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETwenty Cans of Success\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E1 Why should I say I can\u0027t when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E2 Why should I lack when I know that God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E3 Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E4 Why should I lack faith to fulfil my calling, knowing that God has allotted to me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E5 Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God (Psalm 27:1; Daniel 11:32)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E6 Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life when He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E7 Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God always leads me in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E8 Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it (1 Corinthians 1:30; James 1:5)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E9 Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God\u0027s loving kindness, compassion and faithfulness, and have hope (Lamentations 3:21-23)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E10 Why should I worry and fret when I can cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, thank You for Your loving care reflected in the incredible promises in Your Word.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/198-success-comes-cans-part-i"},{"id":382,"title":"SUCCESS COMES IN CANS, PART II","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESUCCESS COMES IN CANS, PART II\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe righteous man shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBelieving that you can succeed at Christian growth and maturity takes no more effort than believing you cannot succeed. So why not believe that you can walk in faith and in the Spirit; that you can resist the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil; and that you can grow to maturity as a Christian. Allow the \u0022Twenty Cans of Success\u0022 you began yesterday to encourage you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETwenty Cans of Success (continued)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E1 Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is (2 Corinthians 3:17)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E2 Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says I am not condemned because I am in Christ (Romans 8:1)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E3 Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E4 Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad luck when the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit (Galatians 3:13,14)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E5 Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can learn to be content in all my circumstances (Philippians 4:11)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E6 Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin on my behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E7 Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that nobody can be against me when God is for me (Romans 8:31)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E8 Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through his indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:33; 2:12)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E9 Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all things through Christ (Romans 8:37)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E10 Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (John 16:33)?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI rejoice in Your eternal promises, Lord. You are a Rock that never crumbles.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-03T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/199-success-comes-cans-part-ii"},{"id":383,"title":"DEMONSTRATING WHAT WE BELIEVE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDEMONSTRATING WHAT WE BELIEVE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEven so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself (James 2:17).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFaith is an action word. We cannot passively respond to God. You may have heard the story of the circus performer who strung a wire over a river and proceeded to ride across it on a unicycle. When he returned, everyone applauded. Then he asked, \u0022Who believes I can do that with a man on my shoulders?\u0022 Everyone responded in affirmation. He said, \u0022All right, who will hop on?\u0022 The person who hops on is the person who really believes. Faith is not just giving credence to something or someone. Faith is demonstrated reliance upon something or someone.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFaith has the same operating dynamic as agape love. When we refer to love as a noun, we\u0027re talking about character: patience, kindness, etc. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). When we say that God is love, we are describing His character. Paul says the goal of our instruction is love (1 Timothy 1:5); therefore, the goal of Christian education is character transformation.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen love is used as a verb, it is expressed by action: \u0022For God so loved the world that He gave\u0022 (John 3:16). If we say we love someone and do nothing on their behalf, it\u0027s only sentimentality and not agape love. True love is expressed by meeting the needs of others.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFaith has a similar dynamic. When using faith as a noun, we\u0027re talking about what we believe. But if we\u0027re talking about faith as a verb, then it is expressed in the way we live. James says it like this: \u0022Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, \u0027You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.\u0027 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder\u0022 (James 2:17-19).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe devil believes in the existence of Jesus and knows that God\u0027s Word is true. But he doesn\u0027t seek to glorify Jesus or to obey Him. He seeks his own glory, being a rebel at heart.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe demonstrate what we believe by how we live our lives. If we believe it, we will do it. If we don\u0027t, then what we believe is just wishful thinking.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me put feet to my faith every day and not rely on past accomplishments.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-04T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/200-demonstrating-what-we-believe"},{"id":384,"title":"CONFESSING WHAT WE BELIEVE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECONFESSING WHAT WE BELIEVE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation (Romans 10:9,10).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne primary means by which we express our belief is confession - verbally expressing what we believe. In fact, God requires us to take our stand in this world. Jesus says, \u0022For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels\u0022 (Mark 8:38).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn rebuking the Pharisees, Jesus said, \u0022For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned\u0022 (Matthew 12:37). And in Mark 11:23, He said, \u0022Whoever says to this mountain, \u0027Be taken up and cast into the sea,\u0027 and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him.\u0022 Notice that Jesus does not say we shall have whatever we believe, but we shall have whatever we believe and confess. Confession gives expression to what is believed. The confession of the mouth must accurately express the belief of the heart.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo defeat Satan, we must speak forth the Word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). In our English translations, two different words are used for the \u0027Word\u0027 of God. The most common is logos and it indicates the whole revealed Word of God (John 1:1). The other word is rhema. There is only one Word of God, but the emphasis of rhema is in its expression. We are to hide the whole Word (logos) in our hearts, and when Satan attacks, we stand against him by confessing God\u0027s Word (rhema).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EConfessing what we believe gives proof to our faith. Confession doesn\u0027t create faith; faith makes possible true confession. Confession is agreeing with God. It is living in the light by letting our life and our mouth demonstrate what we believe in our heart.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, I desire that what my heart believes and what my mouth confesses today line up with the truth of Your Word.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-05T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/201-confessing-what-we-believe"},{"id":385,"title":"THE FATHER OF LIES","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE FATHER OF LIES\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHe [the devil] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies (John 8:44).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlyce was one of the most pathetic-looking young women I have ever met. She was so skinny that she literally had no more body fat to lose. She had lost her job three days earlier, and her vacant eyes conveyed that she had lost all hope for her life. She was a very talented girl and a committed Christian in many ways, but she was also a Darvon junkie who had even been arrested once for illegal possession of prescription drugs.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I want you to tell me who you think you are,\u0022 I said to Alyce.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I\u0027m just a no-good failure,\u0022 she whimpered.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022You\u0027re not a failure,\u0022 I responded. \u0022You\u0027re a child of God.\u0022 She continued to pour out the negative self-talk and evidences of demonic deception she had been living under, and I continued to counter her negativism with the good news of her identity in Christ. The more we talked, the more aware I became of Christ\u0027s presence ministering to Alyce. We tested the spirit that was harassing her, and she knew firsthand that she had been deceived. Astonished, she said, \u0022Do you mean to tell me that my whole problem has been deception, that I have been listening to a pack of lies?\u0022 Today she\u0027s free.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe prevailing theme of the New Testament is the position we enjoy in Christ through our faith in Him. That\u0027s the good news: Christ in you and you in Christ. If there is a prevailing negative theme in the New Testament which capsulated the opposition we face in Satan, I believe it is deception. There are at least three avenues through which Satan will attempt to dissuade you from God\u0027s truth and deceive you into believing his lies: self-deception, false prophets\/teachers, and deceiving spirits. We are vulnerable to Satan\u0027s deception in these areas if we fail to clothe ourselves daily with the spiritual armour of the belt of truth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I put on the belt of the truth of Your Word today and stand against the deception of Satan.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-20T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/275-father-lies"},{"id":386,"title":"FALSE GUIDANCE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFALSE GUIDANCE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAs for the person who turns to mediums and to spiritists, to play the harlot after them, I will also set My face against that person and will cut him off from among his people (Leviticus 20:6).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe craving for esoteric, \u0027extra\u0027 knowledge in our culture was starkly illustrated to me when two conferences, both open to the public, were recently held in Pasadena, California. One was a major world conference on international missions and about 600 people attended. At the same time, a New Age conference was being conducted nearby, and more than 40,000 people showed up! That\u0027s our society today. People don\u0027t want to hear what God has to say. They want information and direction from someone else that \u0027knows\u0027: a psychic, a channeler, a palm-reader, a card-reader, or the spirit of a dead friend or relative. All you have to do is change the wording from medium to channeler and demon to spirit guide and a gullible society accepts it!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Scriptures are very clear on the subject of seeking knowledge and direction for our lives from anyone but God. We\u0027re about as far away from that stance on the purveyors of psychic and spiritual advice as we can be. We have people channelling on TV and radio programs and they\u0027re considered celebrities. I read recently that more women in Los Angeles consult spiritists than professional counsellors. You can attend a psychic fair in practically any city in our land and get a personal spiritual \u0027reading\u0027. The reader is either a fake or a spiritual medium that enters a trance and seemingly receives instruction for you from the spiritual world. Far from being seen as a blight on society, these people are often revered as highly as doctors and ministers for their \u0027expertise\u0027.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDon\u0027t allow yourself to be sucked in by these \u0027experts\u0027 no matter how socially acceptable they may be. Nothing is condemned more by God in Scripture than false guidance. All the wisdom and knowledge you need is available in your relationship with God and His Word.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather God, forgive me for seeking guidance from sources outside Your authority. I commit myself to renew my mind through Your Word.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-06T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/230-false-guidance"},{"id":387,"title":"THE PROPER USE OF PROPHECY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE PROPER USE OF PROPHECY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God (Romans 8:14).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Bible says there is only one intermediary between God and man, and that is Jesus. False prophets and teachers often function like intermediaries. When God sent the prophet Nathan to David, it was for the purpose of bringing conviction in order to establish righteousness. In the church age, bringing conviction is a primary ministry of the Holy Spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe proper use of the gift of prophecy would reveal unrighteousness in order to establish people in Christ. Once people are living righteously with the Lord, the Holy Spirit will lead them. False gifts will not consistently promote holiness but often will specify decisions concerning direction in life. That function is the role of the Holy Spirit alone (Romans 8:14).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome churches encourage their members, including the immature, to come into the fullness of the Spirit with manifestations. I ask, \u0022Why not the fullness of the truth?\u0022 It\u0027s the fullness of the truth the Holy Spirit has promised to lead us into. I\u0027m deeply concerned for young converts in ministries that push for them to seek total manifestations of the Spirit. Many have not had the time to understand the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets. The church at Corinth had similar problems. They were exhorted by Paul to get back to the basics of faith, hope and love, and govern very closely the use of tongues and prophecies in public worship because God does everything decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA pastor received a letter from a former staff member who was dismissed for moral reasons. The letter contained a prophecy for the pastor\u0027s church. I asked, \u0022Why would God give a prophecy for your church through this man?\u0022 I suggested that they shouldn\u0027t even read it since it would function like a curse. Everything that happened in the church would be evaluated by the prophecy (either to substantiate it or invalidate it).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf a person or church is earnestly seeking the Lord, God will work through the lines of authority He has established in His Word.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, protect me from false teaching and guide me into all truth by Your Spirit.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-24T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/279-proper-use-prophecy"},{"id":389,"title":"THE VALUE OF COUNSEL","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE VALUE OF COUNSEL\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhere there is no guidance, the people fall, but in abundance of counsellors there is victory (Proverbs 11:14)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENo one person has complete knowledge, and everyone has a limited perspective on the truth. God has structured the church in such a way that we need each other. I have made some dumb decisions that would never have been made if I had consulted someone. However, some people will only consult those who agree with them. That\u0027s a sign of immaturity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt the same time, the counsel of others does have to be weighed. There is a fascinating account in Acts 21 where the Holy Spirit seemed to be warning Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Disciples in Tyre \u0027kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem\u0027 (21:4). Then a prophet named Agabus gave a visual demonstration by binding himself and saying, \u0022This is what the Holy Spirit says: \u0027In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt [Paul] and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles\u0027\u0022 (21:11).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEveryone began begging him not to go. Then Paul answered, \u0022I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.\u0022 And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, \u0022The will of the Lord be done!\u0022 (21:13,14).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWas the Holy Spirit guiding the disciples and Agabus? The information was mostly true, but the conclusion of the disciples wasn\u0027t. The Holy Spirit wasn\u0027t trying to prevent Paul from going; He was preparing Paul for the coming persecution. Paul was right in not wanting to take the easy way out.  The missionary Hudson Taylor went against advice, and circumstances nearly destroyed him. But he, more than anyone, opened up China to the gospel. Sometimes people can tell you the truth, but they draw selfish conclusions. Sometimes we need to ascertain our own motives as well as those of the people we seek counsel from, for our motives can be in error as well. The value of counsel is to get an unbiased opinion from a spiritually sensitive person, which you can add to the recipe of ingredients God is giving to guide you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, grant me the patience to gather information and seek godly counsel for my decisions.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-17T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/241-value-counsel"},{"id":390,"title":"WEEP WITH THOSE WHO WEEP","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EWEEP WITH THOSE WHO WEEP\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEarly in my pastoral ministry I received one of those middle-of-the-night telephone calls that every pastor dreads: \u0022Pastor, our son has been in an accident. They don\u0027t expect him to live. Could you please come to the hospital?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI arrived at the hospital about one in the morning. I sat with the parents in the waiting room hoping and praying for the best but fearing the worst. About 4:00 a.m., the doctor came out to give us the worst: \u0022We lost him\u0022.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe were devastated. I was so tired and emotionally depleted that instead of offering them words of comfort; I just sat there and cried with them. I couldn\u0027t think of anything to say. I went home feeling that I had failed the family in their darkest hour.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESoon after the accident the young man\u0027s parents moved away. But about five years later they stopped by the church for a visit and took me out to lunch. \u0022Neil, we\u0027ll never forget what you did for us when our son died,\u0022 they said. \u0022We knew you loved us because you cried with us.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne of our challenges in the ministry is in learning how to respond to others when they honestly acknowledge their feelings. I find a very helpful principle in the conversations between Job and his friends. Job said: \u0022The words of one in despair belong to the wind\u0022 (Job 6:26). What people say in an emotional crisis is irrelevant other than to convey how deeply hurt they are. We have a tendency to fixate on words and ignore the hurt. When grief-stricken Mary and Martha greeted Jesus with the news of Lazarus\u0027 death, He wept (John 11:35). Paul\u0027s words crystallize it for us: \u0022Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep\u0022 (Romans 12:15). We are not supposed to instruct those who weep; we are supposed to weep with those who weep.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, teach me to love like You love. Give me the freedom to respond emotionally to those who are in pain.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-26T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/281-weep-those-who-weep"},{"id":391,"title":"SELF-CENTERED VS. GOD-CENTERED","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESELF-CENTERED VS. GOD-CENTERED\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou are not setting your mind on God\u0027s interests, but man\u0027s (Matthew 16:23).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe apostle Peter is a glaring example of the struggle between self and Christ-centred living. Only moments after Peter confessed the fundamental truth that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-16), he found himself in league with the powers of darkness. Having just blessed Peter for his noble confession, Jesus announced to him and the other disciples the suffering and death that awaited Him at Jerusalem. \u0027And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, \u0022God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You\u0027\u0022 (verse 22).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJesus responded: \u0022Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God\u0027s interests, but man\u0027s\u0022 (verse 23).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJesus\u0027 memorable rebuke seems mercilessly severe. But the fact that He identified Satan as the source of Peter\u0027s words describes precisely and appropriately the character of the advice Peter tried to give: Save yourself at all costs. Sacrifice duty to self-interest, the cause of Christ to personal convenience. Peter\u0027s advice was satanic in principle, for Satan\u0027s primary aim is to promote self-interest as the chief end of man. Satan is called the \u0027prince of this world\u0027 because self-interest rules the secular world. He is called the \u0027accuser of the brethren\u0027 because he does not believe that even a child of God has a higher motive than self-service. You can almost hear him hissing, \u0022All men are selfish at heart and have their price. Some may hold out longer than others, but in the end every man will prefer his own things to the things of God.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat\u0027s Satan\u0027s creed, and unfortunately the lives of all too many Christians validate his claims. Satan has deceived them into thinking they are serving themselves when in fact they are serving the world, the flesh, and the devil. But the Christian worldview has a different centre. Jesus confronts our humanistic, self-serving grids and offers the view from the cross. Only from this centre can you escape the bondage of the one whose sole intent is \u0022to steal, and kill, and destroy\u0022 (John 10:10).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELoving Father, help me forsake self-centred attitudes and actions in order to take up my cross daily and serve You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/242-self-centered-vs-god-centered"},{"id":392,"title":"BEING EMOTIONALLY HONEST","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EBEING EMOTIONALLY HONEST\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpeaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:15).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can guard your intimate relationships by monitoring how you verbally express your emotions to them. For example, you\u0027re having a terrible day at the office, so you call home and say to your wife, \u0022Honey, I\u0027m having a bear of a day. I won\u0027t be home until about 6:00 p.m. and I have a meeting at church at 7:00. Could you have dinner ready when I get home?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you hit the front door you discover that your wife doesn\u0027t have dinner ready as you\u0027d hoped. \u0022For crying out loud,\u0022 you blaze at her, \u0022I wanted dinner ready at six o\u0027clock! That\u0027s why I called you!\u0022 Is your wife really the cause of your emotional outburst? Not really. You had a terrible day and you\u0027re tired, hungry and stressed out. It\u0027s not her fault. Anything could have set you off.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERather than level your wife, why not be emotionally honest? When it comes to acknowledging emotions with your inner circle, honesty is the best policy. But be sure to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnother important guideline for acknowledging and expressing your emotions is to know your limitations. Be aware that if you\u0027re on the edge emotionally - angry, tense, anxious, depressed - it\u0027s not a good time to make decisions on important issues. Your emotions may push you to resolve what you\u0027re struggling with, but you may regret your resolution if you push too hard. You\u0027re going to say things you\u0027ll later regret. Somebody\u0027s going to get hurt. You\u0027re far better off to recognize your emotional limits and say, \u0022If we keep talking I\u0027m going to get angry. May we continue this discussion at another time?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBeing emotionally honest lets others off the hook. When you honestly convey how you feel, others know you are not primarily mad at them and that the problem is not their fault. They can also love you better by meeting the needs you express.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, enable me to be an honest and real person today, speaking the truth in love in all my relationships.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-27T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/282-being-emotionally-honest"},{"id":393,"title":"EXPRESSING YOUR NEEDS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EEXPRESSING YOUR NEEDS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you have legitimate needs in a relationship, and they are not being met, should you risk expressing your needs? Yes, but express them in such a way that you don\u0027t impugn the other person\u0027s character or act as his conscience. For example, you may feel unloved in a relationship and say, \u0022You don\u0027t love me any more.\u0022 Or you feel that your spouse doesn\u0027t value you and say, \u0022You make me feel worthless.\u0022 Or you feel a distance developing between you and your friend and say, \u0022You never write or call.\u0022 You have expressed your need, but you have played the role of the conscience in that person. You are usurping the role of the Holy Spirit. And by pushing off your need as his problem, he will probably respond by getting defensive, further straining the relationship.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat if you expressed your needs this way: \u0022I don\u0027t feel loved any more\u0022; \u0022I feel like a worthless, unimportant person\u0022; \u0022I miss it when we don\u0027t communicate regularly\u0022? By changing the \u0022you\u0022 accusation to an \u0022I\u0022 message, you express your need without blaming anyone. Your non-judgemental approach allows God to deal with the person\u0027s conscience. The other person is free to respond to your need instead of defend himself against your attack.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen we assume the responsibility of another person\u0027s conscience, we misdirect that person\u0027s battle with God to ourselves, and we are insufficient for the task. We are under the commandment of God to love one another. So when a legitimate need is made known, trust God to bring the conviction that will move that person to meet the need.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, enable me to express my needs and seek Your supply without judging or criticizing others.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-19T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/243-expressing-your-needs"},{"id":394,"title":"GOD\u0027S CONCEPT OF HAPPINESS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EGOD\u0027S CONCEPT OF HAPPINESS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGodliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6 NIV)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe world\u0027s concept of happiness is getting what we want. All merchandising is based on this idea. To really be happy, we need a flashier car, sexier cologne, or any number of items that are better, faster or easier to use than what we already have. We watch the commercials, read the ads, and pursue all the latest fashions, fads and fancy doodads. We buy into the lie that we\u0027re not really happy until we get what we want.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod\u0027s concept of happiness is summed up in the simple proverb: \u0022Happy is the man who wants what he has.\u0022 As long as you are focusing on what you don\u0027t have, you\u0027ll be unhappy. But when you begin to appreciate what you already have, you\u0027ll begin to experience the joys of life. Paul wrote to Timothy: \u0022Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that\u0022 (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EActually, you already have everything you need to live a joyful life. You have Christ. You have eternal life. You are loved by a heavenly Father who has promised to supply all your needs. No wonder the Bible repeatedly commands us to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18). If you really want to be happy, learn to be thankful for what you have and not covet what you don\u0027t have.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, today I want to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, knowing that You will add to my life all that I need. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-28T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/283-gods-concept-happiness"},{"id":395,"title":"ONE BASIS FOR TEMPTATION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EONE BASIS FOR TEMPTATION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful (Titus 3:14).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe all have basic human needs to feel loved, accepted and worthwhile. When these needs go unmet, it\u0027s very important that we express them to our family members and fellow Christians in a positive way and allow others to minister to those needs. I believe that one basis for temptation is unmet legitimate needs. When you are too proud to say, \u0022I don\u0027t feel loved.\u0022 or when you push others away by saying, \u0022You don\u0027t love me anymore,\u0022 your need for love goes unmet. So Satan comes along with a tempting alternative: \u0022Your spouse doesn\u0027t love you like you deserve. But have you noticed the affectionate gleam in your work colleague\u0027s eye?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOther than Himself, God\u0027s primary resource for meeting your needs and keeping you pure is other believers. The problem is that many go to Sunday school, church and Bible study wearing a sanctimonious mask. Wanting to appear strong and together, they rob themselves of the opportunity of having their needs met in the warmth and safety of the Christian community. In the process, they rob the community of the opportunity to minister to their needs. By denying the fellowship of believers the privilege of meeting your legitimate needs, you are acting independently of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou are vulnerable to the temptation of thinking that you can have your needs met in the world, the flesh and the devil. Instead, follow the guidance of Hebrews 10:24,25: \u0022Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, grant me the humility to confess my needs and hurts to my Christian family in order to allow You to meet my needs in Your way.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-20T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/244-one-basis-temptation"},{"id":396,"title":"GOD\u0027S GOAL FOR YOU","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EGOD\u0027S GOAL FOR YOU\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMake every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love (2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA good summary of God\u0027s goal for you is found in 2 Peter 1:3-10. Your primary role is to diligently adopt God\u0027s character goals - goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love, and apply them to your life. Focusing on God\u0027s goals will lead to ultimate success: success in God\u0027s terms. Peter promises that, as these qualities increase in your life through practice, you will be useful and fruitful, and you will never stumble. That\u0027s success!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENotice also that there is no mention in this list of talents, intelligence or gifts that are not equally distributed to all believers. Your worth isn\u0027t determined by those God given traits. Your worth is based on your identity in Christ and your growth in character, both of which are equally applicable to every Christian. Those who are not committed to God\u0027s goals for character will never fulfil their primary purpose for being here. According to Peter, they have forgotten who they are. They are out of touch with their true identity and purpose in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod loves you and will never leave you. You are forgiven by God and are His child. You have established your identity in Christ and live today in union with God. You are becoming increasingly characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. If you really believed everything that is true about you, would you be successful? Would you feel good about yourself? Should you feel good about yourself? Of course! God has not called you to be a failure, so follow His scriptural formula and be the success He has called you to be.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that I can do all things today through Your Son, Jesus, who strengthens me. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-29T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/284-gods-goal-you"},{"id":397,"title":"LIVING IN HARMONY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ELIVING IN HARMONY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38, 39).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen I was born physically I had a father. As Marvin Anderson\u0027s son, is there anything that I could possibly do which would change my blood relationship to him? What if I ran away from home and changed my name? Would I still be his son? Of course! We\u0027re related by blood and nothing can change that. But is there anything I could do which would affect the harmony of our relationship as father and son? Yes, indeed! The harmony of our relationship was interrupted countless times by my behaviour.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the spiritual realm, when I was born again I became a member of God\u0027s family. God is my Father and I enjoy an eternal relationship with Him through the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18, 19). I am a child of God, in spiritual union with Him by His grace that I received through faith. My relationship with God was forever settled when I was born into His family. But is there anything I can do which will interfere with the harmony of my relationship with God? Absolutely. Living in harmony with God is based on the same issue as harmony with my earthly father: obedience. When I don\u0027t obey God, the harmony of our relationship is disturbed and my life is usually miserable as a result.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI love my heavenly Father and I want to be in harmony with Him so I strive to obey Him. But even when we are in disharmony because of my disobedience, my relationship with Him is not at stake because we are related by the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul was convinced that nothing could separate him from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39). Jesus said, \u0022My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand\u0022 (John 10:27, 28 NIV). Focus on your obedience to God so you may live in harmony with Him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, heavenly Father, for the eternal relationship I enjoy with You because of the precious blood of Jesus. Teach me to obey that I may live in harmony with You. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-21T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/245-living-harmony"},{"id":398,"title":"TOTALLY ALIVE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETOTALLY ALIVE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETherefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou are comprised of at least two major parts: your material self and your immaterial self. The outer man is your physical body, and the inner man is your soul\/spirit that includes the ability to think, to feel, to choose (mind, emotions and will are often collectively identified as the soul), and to relate to God (spirit). Your body is in union with your soul\/spirit, and that makes you physically alive.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs a Christian, your soul\/spirit is in union with God as a result of your conversion, and that makes you spiritually alive. When God created Adam, he was totally alive - physically and spiritually. But because of Adam\u0027s sin and subsequent spiritual death, every person who comes into the world is born physically alive but spiritually dead. Being separated from God, you lacked the presence and wisdom of God in your life, so you learned to live independently of God, centering your interests on yourself. This learned independence from God is characteristic of the flesh or the old nature.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you were born again, your soul\/spirit was united with God and you came alive spiritually, as alive as Adam was in the garden before he sinned. As the epistle of Ephesians repeatedly declares, you are now in Christ, and Christ is in you. Since Christ who is in you is eternal, the spiritual life you have received from Him is eternal. You don\u0027t have to wait until you die to get eternal life; you possess it right now! Our hope does not lie in the preservation of the outer man. It lies in the developing nature of the inner man. Our soul is in union with God and we are being renewed day by day. We will eventually lose our physical life, but not our spiritual life. Our emphasis should be on what is eternal, not on what is temporal.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I won\u0027t lose heart over the setback in my life today because my hope lies in my eternal union with You. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-30T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/285-totally-alive"},{"id":399,"title":"OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter (Ecclesiastes 8:5,6 NIV).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI had dear friends who were being used by the Lord in full-time ministry. Some difficulty developed in their marriage so they consulted a pastor\/counsellor. The wife\u0027s response after the initial meeting was negative, but they continued with this particular counsellor because other people they respected said he was a good man. Over the next year, the ministry my friends were in, as well as our relationship, deteriorated. A short time later their pastor\/counsellor was exposed for having sex with a number of counselees.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe damage he did to several women was incredible. He justified his behaviour by explaining, \u0022What we do in the flesh doesn\u0027t matter. Only what we do in the spirit counts!\u0022 My friends were confronted with an ultimatum by their ministry group: \u0022Choose your ministry or choose him.\u0022 They chose to stay with him! Why won\u0027t people judge righteously? \u0022Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil\u0022 (1 John 3:7, 8). The authoritative, arrogant spirit of this man had some kind of hold on many since half his church stayed with him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe initial discernment of my friends was correct, but they ignored the warning of the Holy Spirit. I believe discernment is a critical part of our walk with God. This divine enablement is our first line of defence when our ability to reason is insufficient. Jesus demonstrated spiritual discernment throughout His earthly ministry. We need to learn how to develop our ability to discern good from evil, truth from lies.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Father, I want to have a wise and discerning spirit. Teach me to be responsive to Your leading so I can have my senses trained to discern good and evil. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-22T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/246-our-first-line-defence"},{"id":400,"title":"THE CHRISTIAN\u0027S MAGNA CARTA","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE CHRISTIAN\u0027S MAGNA CARTA\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFinally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might (Ephesians 6:10).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Christian\u0027s Magna Charta of protection from Satan and his evil power is Ephesians 6:10-18. The first thing you should see in this passage about receiving God\u0027s protection is that our role is not passive. God requires us to be active participants in the spiritual defence that He has provided for us. Notice how often we are commanded to take an active role (emphasis added): Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armour of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm (verses 10-13).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou may be wondering, \u0022If my position in Christ is secure and my protection is found in Him, why do I have to get actively involved? Can\u0027t I just rest in Him and let Him protect me?\u0022 That\u0027s like a soldier saying, \u0022Our country is a major military power. We have the most advanced tanks, planes, missiles and ships in the world. Why should I bother with wearing a helmet, standing guard or learning how to shoot a gun? It\u0027s much more comfortable to stay in camp while the tanks and planes fight the war.\u0022 When the enemy troops infiltrate, guess who will be one of the first soldiers to get picked off!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod, our \u0027commanding officer\u0027. has provided everything we need to secure victory over the evil forces of darkness. But He says, \u0022I\u0027ve prepared a winning strategy and designed effective weapons. But if you don\u0027t do your part by staying on active duty, you\u0027re likely to become a casualty.\u0022 You can\u0027t expect God to protect you from demonic influences if you don\u0027t take an active part in His prepared strategy.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I choose to be strong in You today and actively stand in the strength of Your might. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-01T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/286-christians-magna-carta"},{"id":401,"title":"YOUR BEST DEFENCE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EYOUR BEST DEFENCE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou are from God, little children, and have overcome [evil spirits]; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you came to life in Christ, Satan didn\u0027t curl up his tail and pull in his fangs. He is committed to foul up your life through his deception to \u0027prove\u0027 that Christianity doesn\u0027t work, that God\u0027s Word isn\u0027t true, and that nothing really happened when you were born again.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou don\u0027t have to be a defenceless hockey puck at the mercy of Satan and his demons. God has already supplied the protection you need to ward off any and every attack in the spiritual realm. You just need to know what God has provided and to apply it to your own experience. Your best defence against the god of this world is to live a righteous life in Christ. Some Christians are a little paranoid about evil powers, suspecting that demons lurk around every corner just waiting to possess them. That\u0027s an unfounded fear.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur relationship to demonic powers in the spiritual realm is a lot like our relationship to germs in the physical realm. We know that germs are all around us: in the air, in the water, in our food, in other people, even in us. But do you live in constant fear of catching some disease? No - unless you\u0027re a hypochondriac! You know enough about wellness to eat the right foods, get enough rest, and keep yourself and your possessions clean. If you live a balanced life, your immune system will protect you. It\u0027s the same in the spiritual realm. Demons are like little invisible germs looking for someone to infect. We are never told in Scripture to be afraid of them. You just need to be aware of their reality and commit yourself to live a righteous life in spite of them.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EShould you come under attack, deal with it and go on with life. Remember: the only thing big about a demon is its mouth. Demons are habitual liars. In Jesus Christ, the Truth, you are equipped with all the authority and protection you need to deal with anything they throw at you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I know that living a righteous life is my pathway to experiencing freedom. I renounce Satan\u0027s lies and choose righteousness today. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-25T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/190-your-best-defence"},{"id":402,"title":"NOT AVAILABLE IN THE SECULAR WORLD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ENOT AVAILABLE IN THE SECULAR WORLD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen we boldly and humbly exercise the authority that Christ has conferred upon us over the spiritual realm, we experience the freedom from bondage that Christ promised (John 8:32). It\u0027s a freedom that the secular world can\u0027t produce, as a friend of mine discovered.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChristy, a young woman, came to my friend Barry because of the horrible abuse she suffered growing up. Barry dealt with Christy on family and social issues, and Christy complied with his suggestions. But she didn\u0027t get any better. After working with Christy for nearly four years, Barry brought her to me. \u0022Tell me about your childhood friends, Christy,\u0022 I probed. \u0022The only other girl on our block lived across the street from me, so we were friends.\u0022 \u0022What was her family like?\u0022 Christy lowered her eyes. \u0022Her mother did strange things in their home,\u0022 she almost whispered. \u0022Did these strange things involve candles and sacrifices, sometimes even killing animals?\u0022 \u0022Yeah.\u0022 Christy\u0027s neighbour finally moved away. But every night the witch appeared to Christy in her room and talked with her.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI led her through the steps to freedom, and she exercised her authority in Christ and dismissed the evil influence from her life. It came back occasionally, and sometimes Christy failed to stand against it because she was \u0022just tired of fighting the battle.\u0022 But when she stood her ground on Christ\u0027s authority, she was free. Satan can do nothing about your position in Christ. But if he can, he will cloud your perspective and thus diminish your faith and dull your effectiveness in the spiritual battle.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather God, I don\u0027t want my effectiveness in spiritual battles to be hindered by a clouded understanding of my position in Christ. Help me take my stand against the enemy today with Your truth.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-23T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/157-not-available-secular-world"},{"id":403,"title":"IF HE WILLS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EIF HE WILLS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMy food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work (John 4:34).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI\u0027m sometimes impressed by how much people can accomplish when they believe in themselves. When I worked on the Apollo space program in the 1960s, we bid on a contract for the space shuttle. The technology to build the type of rocket it would take to boost that size payload into space had not yet been developed, but NASA believed that given enough time and resources, it could be done. Ten years later it was.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome who believe only in science exhibit greater faith than Christians. How much more should we be able to accomplish if the object of our faith is God? Every commandment of God comes with a promise: \u0022For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes\u0022 (2 Corinthians 1:20). God will never command us to do something that He will not empower us to do. It is never a question of whether God can, but if He wills. If He wills, then we can, if we believe. Those predisposed to do His will understand what it is (John 7:17), and by the grace of God will do it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is critical to realize that God is under no obligation to man. God is only under obligation to Himself and to the covenants He has made with us. We don\u0027t need God jumping around in heaven catering to our every whim! There will never be a day when we say something and God has to do it because we said it. We cannot box God in.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere was a woman in my pastorate who wouldn\u0027t let me pray for her dying husband if I concluded my prayer with, \u0022Be it done according to Thy will.\u0022 I will never apologize for bowing to a higher authority. We are told to pray, \u0022Thy will be done.\u0022 Any other way would put us in the position of the Lord. The independent use of God\u0027s Word and divine attributes is precisely how Satan tempted Jesus. Jesus withstood the temptation to act independently of God the Father and declared that His food was to do the will of His Father who sent Him. That is our food as well.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that You have all the power I need to accomplish Your will for my life today. I tap into Your vast power source by faith to accomplish great things for You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-25T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/159-if-he-wills"},{"id":404,"title":"THE TOTAL REALM OF REALITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE TOTAL REALM OF REALITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESeek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA common question I am asked by those who believe the Bible and accept the reality of the spiritual world is, \u0022When is a problem spiritual and when is it psychological or neurological?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur problems are never not psychological. Our mind, will and emotions, along with developmental issues, always contribute something to the problem and are necessary for the resolution. At the same time, our problems are never not spiritual. God is always present. Furthermore, it is never safe to take off the armour of God. The possibility of being deceived, tempted and accused by Satan is a continuous reality. Our culture assumes that any problem related to the mind must be psychological or neurological. Why can it not be spiritual? We must take into account the total realm of reality: body, soul and spirit. If we don\u0027t, we will polarize into a psychotherapeutic ministry that ignores spiritual reality or some kind of deliverance ministry that ignores developmental issues or human responsibility.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe diagnosis and resolution of our problems must take into account both the psychological and the spiritual. I have assured hundreds of people under spiritual attack that they are not going crazy, but that there is a battle going on for their minds. The relief this insight brings to people is incredible. I fully acknowledge that some problems are caused by chemical imbalances or glandular disorders. For these you had better see your family physician. But it seems that the last possibility to be considered is always the spiritual and only after every other possible natural explanation has been exhausted.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESince we are instructed to seek first the kingdom of God, why not check out the spiritual area first? Frankly, I approach every problem hoping it is spiritual in nature, because I know on the authority of the Word of God that the problem is resolvable. If the battle is for the mind, we can win that war.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather God, keep me tuned to the reality of the spiritual world and mindful of the problems that come when I fail to seek a spiritual solution to my daily problems.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-26T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/160-total-realm-reality"},{"id":405,"title":"THE GOALS YOU SHOULDN\u0027T SET","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE GOALS YOU SHOULDN\u0027T SET\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe joy of the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI was speaking at a church conference when a woman who was attending invited me to her home for dinner with her family. The woman had been a Christian for 20 years, but her husband was not a Christian. After I arrived it didn\u0027t take me long to realize that the real reason she had invited me to dinner was to win her husband to Christ. I discovered later that the woman had been severely depressed for many years. Her psychiatrist insisted that her depression was endogenous and she staunchly agreed. But I believe her depression stemmed from a wrong goal.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor 20 years she had based her success as a Christian on winning her husband and children to Christ. She had prayed for them, witnessed to them, and invited guest preachers home to dinner. She had said everything she could say and done everything she could do, but to no avail. As the futility of her efforts loomed larger, her faith faltered, her hope dimmed, and her depression grew. Her husband adequately provided for the physical needs of his family. He simply didn\u0027t see any need for God. I shared with him about my life and ministry during our visit, but I didn\u0027t force my faith on him. I trust that I was a positive witness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the meantime, his wife\u0027s increasing depression was destroying her witness. You should, of course, desire that your loved ones come to Christ, and pray and work to that end. Your goal is to be a positive witness by becoming the spouse or parent God has called you to be. Then you must leave the results to God. Assuming responsibility for the salvation of your loved ones is beyond your ability. Every loved one can choose not to respond to Christ. Depression often signals that you are desperately clinging to a goal you have little or no chance of achieving, and that\u0027s not a healthy goal.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me discover the joy of letting You do Your work Your way.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-27T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/161-goals-you-shouldnt-set"},{"id":406,"title":"OUR VULNERABILITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOUR VULNERABILITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESimon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail (Luke 22:31,32).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is critical that Christians understand their vulnerability to demonic influence. Those who say a demon cannot influence a believer\u0027s life have left us with only two possible culprits for the problems we face: ourselves or God. If we blame ourselves, we feel hopeless because we can\u0027t do anything to stop what we\u0027re doing. If we blame God, our confidence in Him as our benevolent Father is shattered. Either way, we have no chance to gain the victory that the Bible promises us.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn reality we are in a winnable war against the defeated kingdom of darkness. But the lies of Satan can gain a measure of control if we believe them. What right did Satan have to sift Simon (Peter) like wheat? The context reveals that Peter and the other disciples were arguing about who was going to be the greatest in the kingdom of God. In other words, they were exercising pride. Sinful pride affords Satan a huge opportunity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeter protested that he was willing to die or go to prison for the sake of Christ. But Jesus told him that, before the day was over, Peter would deny Him three times, and he did. There are many believers who profess their faith and commit themselves to behave appropriately but can\u0027t seem to follow through. Why? We dare not overlook the reality of Satan and the ground we give him through pride and disobedience.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod intervened in the early church and struck down Ananias and Sapphira because they allowed Satan to fill their hearts to lie to the Holy Spirit. The word filled in Acts 5 is the same word found in Ephesians 5:18: \u0022Be filled with the Spirit.\u0022 God delivered a dramatic message early: To whichever source you yield, by that source you shall be filled or controlled.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, I ask forgiveness for any ways I have allowed Satan to control me. I want to be controlled wholly by You. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-28T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/162-our-vulnerability"},{"id":407,"title":"DOING GOD\u2019S WORK","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDOING GOD\u2019S WORK\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe LORD will continually guide you (Isaiah 58:11). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAn important concept of God\u2019s will is that God can only guide a moving ship. He is the rudder, but if the ship isn\u2019t under way, it can\u2019t be directed. Willingness to obey His will gets the ship moving.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn Acts 15:36 Paul had decided to revisit the churches he helped establish on his first missionary trip. The churches were being strengthened and increasing in number (Acts 16:5). Luke reports: And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and when they had come to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a certain man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to     him, and saying, \u0022Come over to Macedonia and help us\u0022 (Acts 16:6-9).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESometimes God\u2019s leading does not make sense. If God wanted Paul to go to Macedonia in the first place, why didn\u2019t He make it easier and faster by having Paul travel by land to Caesarea and sail to Macedonia? Because God starts us out on a life course to fulfil a certain purpose and then, only when we are ready, He gives us course corrections. Like a good river pilot, He steers us away from troubled waters, and like a good coach, He never puts us in the game until we are ready. I believe in divine guidance as described in Isaiah 58:11.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut the context reveals that there are prerequisites that have to be satisfied. We are sometimes like a person who seeks to be an athlete by simply suiting up for the race. That\u2019s not how the skills are gained. It\u2019s in the course of dedication, training, and the contest itself that one gains the skill of an athlete. It\u2019s in the doing of God\u2019s work that His will becomes known.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Father, that You oversee every turn in the road of my life. I want to faithfully heed Your guidance today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-29T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/163-doing-god%E2%80%99s-work"},{"id":408,"title":"FREE FROM THE FEAR OF DEATH","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFREE FROM THE FEAR OF DEATH\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EO death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:55) \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMost phobias can be reduced to a fear of man or death. Death looms over many as the ultimate fear-object. The fact that death is imminent is clearly established in Scripture: \u0022It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment\u0022 (Hebrews 9:27). But Christians need not fear death. Jesus removed death as a legitimate fear-object by taking away its power when He died for our sins. Jesus Himself said, \u0022I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die\u0022 (John 11:25, 26).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEven though we will eventually die physically, we will continue to live spiritually. Every child of God is spiritually alive, and even physical death cannot separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38). Paul says, \u0022For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain\u0022 (Philippians 1:21). Why? When we physically die, we will receive a resurrected body and be far better off than we are today.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETry putting something else into Paul\u2019s formula; for instance, \u0022For me to live is success.\u0022 Then to die would be what? Loss! \u0022For me to live is a good physical body.\u0022 Again, to die would be loss. I often ask people, \u0022What is the worst thing that could happen to you?\u0022 \u0022Well, I could die,\u0022 they answer. To which I respond, \u0022Then you have nothing to fear, since the Bible says death may be the best thing that could happen to you!\u0022 The ultimate value is not physical life but spiritual life. If our life is hidden in Christ, then we won\u2019t suffer loss when we physically die. We can only gain. We can say confidently with Paul, \u0022O death, where is your sting?\u0022 The person who is free from the fear of death is free to live today.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that You have freed me to live fully in the here and now. I leave the time of my departure in Your hands.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-30T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/164-free-fear-death"},{"id":409,"title":"ALREADY ACCEPTED","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EALREADY ACCEPTED\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFellowship with God is not an abstract theological concept, but a living relationship. Living in continuous agreement with God is to walk in the light. Satan can\u2019t accuse me if I live in the light, but walking in the light is not moral perfection (1 John 1:8). We are not sinless, but the confession mentioned in 1 John 1:9 brings us into agreement with God about our present moral condition before Him. What makes it possible to be this open with God about our condition is the fact that we are already His children. Our eternal state is not at stake, only our daily victory.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe don\u2019t have to pretend with God in the hope that He will accept us. As His children we\u2019re already accepted, so we are free to be honest with Him. We have no relationship to lose, only fellowship to gain. Knowing that we\u2019re secure in Christ, we can express ourselves honestly to Him. He already knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). Knowing that we are forgiven, let\u2019s come before His presence with thanksgiving.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod is our Father, and like any parent He doesn\u2019t appreciate grumbling, complaining children, especially since this Father sacrificed His only begotten Son for us. He will not be very interested in our list of demands if we haven\u2019t been obedient to Him. I also don\u2019t think He is going to be very interested in helping us develop our own kingdoms when we are to work at establishing the only one that will last His!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo sit in the presence of my Father who loves me, who has made an incredible sacrifice so I can be there, doesn\u2019t have to be a dismal, failing experience. He invites us into His presence just as we are, because in Christ our weakness and sin have been covered: \u0022Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience\u0022 (Hebrews 10:22).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, God the Creator, that You have opened up the way for me to approach You and enjoy fellowship with You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-31T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/165-already-accepted"},{"id":410,"title":"PERCEPTIONS AND EMOTIONS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EPERCEPTIONS AND EMOTIONS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Lord\u2019s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassion\u2019s never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22, 23). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn a general sense, your emotions are a product of your thought life. If you are not thinking right, if your mind is not being renewed, if you do not perceive God and His Word properly, it will be reflected in your emotional life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne of the best scriptural illustrations of the relationship between perceptions and emotions is found in Lamentations 3. In verses 1-6, Jeremiah expresses despair, as he wrongly perceives that God is against him and that He is the cause of his physical problems. In verses 7-11,18, he vents his feelings of entrapment and fear. If your hope was in God, and these words were a correct portrayal of God, you would probably feel bummed out too.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat was Jeremiah\u0027s problem? His perception of God was way off centre. God wasn\u0027t the cause of his affliction. God isn\u0027t a wild beast waiting to chew people up. But Jeremiah wasn\u0027t thinking right, perceiving right, or interpreting his circumstances right, so he wasn\u0027t feeling right or responding right either. Suddenly, Jeremiah\u0027s countenance changes: \u0022This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord\u2019s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness\u0022 (verses 21-23).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat a turnaround! Did God change? Did Jeremiah\u0027s circumstances change? No. His perception of God changed and his emotions followed suit. You are not shaped so much by your environment as you are by your perception of your environment. Life\u0027s events don\u0027t determine who you are; God determines who you are, and your interpretation of life\u0027s events determines how well you will handle the pressures of life. In reality we have very little control over our emotions, but we do have control over our thoughts, and our thoughts determine our feelings and our responses. That\u0027s why it is so important that you fill your mind with the knowledge of God and His Word. You need to see life from God\u0027s perspective and respond accordingly.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, continually adjust my perception of my environment to match Your perspective found in Your Word.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-06T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/202-perceptions-and-emotions"},{"id":411,"title":"THE DEFINITION OF DISCIPLINE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE DEFINITION OF DISCIPLINE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIt is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons, for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (Hebrews 12:7). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere is a major difference between discipline and punishment in child raising. Punishment is past-oriented. Punishment is paying your child back for hurting you in some way. Punishment says, \u0022You ruined my day, so I\u2019m going to ruin yours.\u0022 Its motive is revenge. We are clearly instructed not to take revenge (Romans 12:19). Only the Lord knows how much vengeance is dished out in the name of discipline.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA humbled mother told me about an incident of vengeance she had with her daughter. \u0022Neil, Mandy destructively poked several small holes in my toothpaste tube, so I did the same to her tube of toothpaste. \u2018See how you like it,\u2019 I said to her. Then Mandy looked at me with a crushed expression on her face. \u2018You\u2019re not supposed to return evil for evil,\u2019 she said. I suddenly realized that my act of revenge benefited neither of us.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDiscipline is future-oriented. In Hebrews we read: \u0022All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness\u0022 (12:11). We don\u2019t punish our children for doing something; we discipline them so they won\u2019t do it again. Discipline superintends future choices. Discipline is proof of our love, not license to even the score.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur discipline of our children is modelled after God\u2019s discipline of us. We know we are God\u2019s dearly loved children, not unloved illegitimate children, by His discipline. God disciplines us so that we may share in His holiness. Scripture acknowledges that discipline is not joyful at the time it is administered, but what joy ever comes from an undisciplined life? The same is true in your child\u2019s life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather God, I desire to parent my children in the same way You parent me: with wisdom and love.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-01T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/166-definition-discipline"},{"id":412,"title":"A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat effect did the Fall produce in Adam\u0027s mind? He and Eve lost their true perception of reality. We read in Genesis 3:7, 8, that they tried to hide from God. Doesn\u0027t that reveal a faulty understanding of who God is?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow can you hide from God? After the fall, Adam and Eve weren\u0027t thinking straight. In essence, when Adam and Eve sinned, their minds were robbed of the true knowledge of God. In God\u0027s original design, knowledge was relational. Knowing someone implied an intimate personal relationship. You can see it in Genesis 4:1: \u0022Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived\u0022 (KJV). Yet we don\u0027t generally equate knowledge of someone with personal intimacy.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBefore the fall, Adam and Eve knew God, not sexually of course, but in the intimacy of a close, personal relationship that we associate with marriage. They knew God by being with God. When they sinned and were banished from the garden, Adam and Eve lost their relationship with God and the knowledge of God, which was intrinsic to that relationship. And you and I inherited Adam and Eve\u0027s darkened mind. Before Christ, we knew something about God, but we didn\u0027t know God because we had no relationship with Him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe necessity of being in relationship to God in order to know God comes into sharp focus in John\u0027s announcement: \u0022The Word\u0022 - logos in the Greek - \u0022became flesh\u0022 (John 1:14). The word logos represented the highest form of philosophical knowledge. For the Greeks, saying that the logos became flesh was the same as saying that ultimate knowledge became personal and relational. God was announcing to the world through John: The true knowledge of God, which can only be discovered in an intimate relationship with God, is now available to the world through God in the flesh - Jesus Christ. In Christ we are able to know God personally, not just know about Him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I thirst for deeper intimacy in my relationship with You. I want to know You more personally today\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-07T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/203-personal-relationship"},{"id":413,"title":"A REBELLIOUS GENERATION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA REBELLIOUS GENERATION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe live in a rebellious generation. Many feel it is their right to sit in judgment of those in authority over them. Christians are no exception. We critique the choir and criticize the sermon. We would be far better off if we entered into the worship experience and let the Word of God sit in judgment of us. Rebelling against God leads to nothing but trouble.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs our commanding general, the Lord says, \u0022Get into ranks and follow Me. I will not lead you into temptation, and I will deliver you from evil.\u0022 But we sometimes say, \u0022No, I don\u2019t want to follow today.\u0022 So we fall out of ranks, do our own thing, and get shot. Then we blame God for not protecting us. We are also tempted to rebel against human authority. We have two biblical responsibilities in regard to God-ordained authority figures: pray for them and submit to them. The only time God permits us to disobey earthly leaders is when they require us to do something morally wrong before God or if they attempt to operate outside the realm of their authority.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStudy the following passages of Scripture to further understand our response to authority: civil government (Romans 13:1-5; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-16); parents (Ephesians 6:1-3); husband (1 Peter 3:1,2); employer (1 Peter 2:18-21); church leaders (Hebrews 13:17). Being submissive to God-ordained authority demonstrates faith. As you submit to God\u2019s line of authority, you are choosing to believe that God will protect you and bless you, and that all will go well with you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAsk God to forgiven you for those times you have not been submissive, and declare your trust in God to work through His established lines of authority.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, Forgive me for areas of my life where I tend to rebel against authority. Help me demonstrate my faith in You through submission.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-02T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/167-rebellious-generation"},{"id":414,"title":"LOVING OTHERS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ELOVING OTHERS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them (Luke 6:32).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor many people, loving others is a nebulous concept. Fortunately, agape love is very clearly defined in the Scriptures. When love is used as a noun in Scripture, it is referring to character. For example: \u0027God is love\u0027 (1 John 4:8); \u0027Love is patient, love is kind,\u0027 etc. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELove is the highest of character attainments: \u0022The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith\u0022 (1 Timothy 1:5).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELove is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), the means by which a true disciple of Christ is identified (John 13:35). The attention given to love in passages such as 1 Corinthians 13 and 1 John 4 reveals its importance to God in our interpersonal relationships, of which the family is primary.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAgape love is not dependent on the person being loved, but on the lover. You may like someone because of who he is; but you love him because of who you are. God loves us not because we are lovable, but because God is love. If it were any other way, God\u0027s love would be conditional. If you performed better, would God love you more? Of course not. God\u0027s love for us is not based on our performance, but on His character. Love is also used as a verb in Scripture. \u0022For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son\u0022 (John 3:16). Used this way, love is grace in action. It is giving unconditionally to meet the needs of another.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you say you don\u0027t love someone, you have said more about yourself than about that person. Specifically, you\u0027re saying that you haven\u0027t attained the maturity to love him unconditionally (Luke 6:32). The grace of God enables you to love others in a way that people without Christ cannot. God doesn\u0027t command you to like your family, your neighbours and your co-workers because you can\u0027t order your emotions to respond. But He does instruct you to love them. You can always choose to do the loving thing and trust that your feelings will follow in time.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Father, for bestowing on me the greatest love of all by sending Jesus. Teach me to love others as You have loved me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-04T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/228-loving-others"},{"id":415,"title":"THE NATURAL PERSON","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE NATURAL PERSON\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnd you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1,2). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3, Paul distinguishes between three types of people in relation to life in the Spirit: natural persons, spiritual persons and fleshly persons. In the next few days we will examine the critical differences pertaining to spiritual life, which exist between these three kinds of individuals.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEphesians 2:1-3 contains a concise description of the natural person Paul identified in 1 Corinthians 2:14. This person is spiritually dead, separated from God. Living independently from God, the natural person sins as a matter of course. The natural person has a soul in that he can think, feel and choose. But his mind - and subsequently his emotions and his will - is directed by his flesh, which acts completely apart from the God who created him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe natural person may think he is free to choose his behaviour. But since he lives in the flesh, he invariably walks according to the flesh and his choices reflect the \u0022deeds of the flesh\u0022 listed in Galatians 5:19-21. The natural person\u2019s actions, reactions, habits, memories and responses are all governed by the natural world. The natural person will struggle with feelings of inferiority, insecurity, inadequacy, guilt, worry and doubt. The natural person lives independently of God and His purposes and does not respond to life in harmony with God\u2019s plan for him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELiving in a stressful age with no spiritual base for coping with life or making positive choices, the natural person is even more subject to physical ailments, such as tension or migraine headaches, nervous stomach, hives, skin rashes, allergies, asthma, some arthritis, spastic colon, heart palpitations, respiratory ailments, etc. Doctors agree that many physical problems are psychosomatic. Possessing peace of mind and the calm assurance of God\u2019s presence in our lives positively affects our physical health, since the Spirit gives life to the body (Romans 8:11).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, thank You for redeeming me from my former life governed by sin and Satan and giving me peace of mind and calm assurance.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-03T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/168-natural-person"},{"id":416,"title":"SATAN\u0027S DEFEAT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESATAN\u0027S DEFEAT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHe [Christ] disarmed the rulers and authorities [and] made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him (Colossians 2:15). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn Colossians 2:15, Paul identifies something very important that happened at the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Not only were we made alive in Christ, but Satan was also disarmed and defeated. His defeat is not pending, nor is it future; it has already happened.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf Satan is already disarmed, why don\u0027t we experience more victory in our lives? In a word, the lie. Satan roams around like a hungry lion, looking and sounding ferocious. In reality his fangs have been removed and he has been de-clawed, but if he can deceive you into believing that he can chew you up and spit you out, he can control you, which is just what he wants to do. He is gumming Christians to death!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe very reason Christ conferred His authority on us was to demonstrate to the kingdom of darkness who is really in control in this world. In Ephesians Paul wrote that his call was \u0022to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carries about in Christ Jesus our Lord\u0022 (Ephesians 3:9-11).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow are we doing at making Christ\u0027s victory known to \u0022the rulers and authorities in heavenly places,\u0022 which is God\u0027s eternal purpose? In many quarters, not very well. Some of us are still saying, \u0022What rulers and authorities?\u0022 We\u0027re not sure that demons even exist. How are we ever going to get our job done in the world if we don\u0027t believe what God says about the kingdom of darkness? Others of us are cowering in the corner pleading, \u0022O God, please help us! The devil is roaring at us!\u0022 And God responds, \u0022I\u0027ve done all I\u0027m going to do. I defeated and disarmed Satan at the cross. I conferred all authority on you in Christ. Now open your eyes. Realize who you are and start demonstrating the authority you already possess.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn Your name, Lord, I will take an active stand against the devil and his demons, renouncing both apathy and fear\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-05T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/229-satans-defeat"},{"id":417,"title":"THE SPIRITUAL PERSON","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE SPIRITUAL PERSON\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22,23). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe spiritual person also has a body, soul and spirit. Yet this individual has been remarkably transformed from the natural person he was before spiritual birth. At conversion, his spirit became united with God\u2019s Spirit. The spiritual life which resulted from this union is characterized by forgiveness of sin, acceptance in God\u2019s family, and the realization of personal worth. The soul of the spiritual person also reflects a change generated by spiritual birth. He can now receive his impetus from the Spirit, not just from the flesh. His mind is being renewed and transformed. His emotions are characterized by peace and joy instead of turmoil.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is our responsibility to choose not to walk according to the flesh, but to walk according to the Spirit. As the spiritual person exercises his choice to live in the Spirit, his life bears the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). As a spiritual person, your body is the dwelling place of God. We should offer our bodies as a living sacrifice of worship and service to Him. The flesh, conditioned to live independently from God under the old self, is still present in the spiritual person. But he responsibly crucifies the flesh and its desires daily as he considers himself dead to sin.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022That all looks and sounds great,\u0022 you may say. \u0022But I\u2019m a Christian and I still have some problems. I know I\u2019m spiritually alive, but sometimes my mind dwells on the wrong kinds of thoughts. Sometimes I give in to the deeds of the flesh. Sometimes I entertain the desires of the flesh instead of crucifying them.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe description of the spiritual person is the ideal. It\u2019s the model of maturity toward which we are all growing. God has made every provision for you to experience personally the description of the spiritual person in His Word (2 Peter 1:3). You will grow as a spiritual person and glorify God in your body as you learn to crucify the flesh and be filled by the spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELoving Lord, it is liberating to know that Your Spirit actually dwells in me. I choose to walk as a spiritual person today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-04T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/169-spiritual-person"},{"id":418,"title":"THE FLESHLY PERSON","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE FLESHLY PERSON\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. (1 Corinthians 3:2,3). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe spirit of the fleshly person is identical to that of the spiritual person. The fleshly person is a Christian, spiritually alive in Christ and declared righteous by God. But that\u0027s where the similarity ends. Instead of being directed by the Spirit, this believer chooses to follow the impulses of his flesh. As a result, his mind is occupied by carnal thoughts and his emotions are plagued by negative feelings. And though he is free to choose to walk after the Spirit and produce the fruit of the Spirit, he continues to involve himself in sinful activity by wilfully walking after the flesh.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHis physical body is a temple of God, but he is using it as an instrument of unrighteousness. He has the same troubling physical symptoms experienced by the natural person because he is not operating in the manner God created him to operate. He is not presenting his body to God as a living sacrifice. Since he yields to the flesh instead of crucifying it, the fleshly man is also subject to feelings of inferiority, insecurity, inadequacy, guilt, worry, and doubt.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESeveral years ago I did some research to discover how many Christians are still the victims of their flesh. I asked the same question to 50 consecutive Christians who came to me to talk about problems in their lives: \u0022How many of the following characteristics describe your life: inferiority, insecurity, inadequacy, guilt, worry, and doubt:\u0022 Every one of the 50 answered, \u0022All six.\u0022 Here were 50 born-again, righteous children of God who were so bogged down by the flesh that they struggled with the same problems of self-doubt, which inundate unbelievers who only live in the flesh.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf I asked you the same question, how would you answer? I imagine that many of you would admit that some or all of these six traits describe you. It is evident to me that a staggering number of believers are still confused about their spiritual identity in Christ and its implications for their daily lives. We are struggling with the behaviour aspect of our growth because we are still struggling with the belief aspect of our growth - who we are in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, help me live above my fleshly desires today by exercising my spiritual inheritance at every temptation. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/170-fleshly-person"},{"id":419,"title":"LIVING BELOW OUR POTENTIAL","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ELIVING BELOW OUR POTENTIAL\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Sprit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please (Galatians 5:17). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAre you stymied in your growth because of feelings of inferiority?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo whom or to what are you inferior? You are a child of God seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDo you feel insecure? Your God will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EInadequate? You can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGuilty? There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWorried? God has offered to trade His peace for your anxiety (Philippians 4:6,7; 1 Peter 5:7; John 14:27).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDoubt? God provides wisdom for the asking (James 1:5).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy is there often such great disparity between these two kinds of Christians: spiritual and fleshly? Why are so many believers living so far below their potential in Christ? Why are so few of us enjoying the abundant, productive life we have already inherited? Part of the answer is related to the process of growth and maturity as the individual believer appropriates and applies his spiritual identity to his day-to-day experience. And yet there are countless numbers of Christians who have been born again for years - even decades - and have yet to experience significant measures of victory over sin and the flesh, a victory which is their inheritance in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnother part of the answer is due to our ignorance of how the kingdom of darkness is impacting our progress toward maturity. We have a living, personal enemy - Satan - who actively attempts to block our attempts to grow into maturity as God\u0027s children. We must know how to stand against him. Paul wrote about Satan: \u0022We are not ignorant of his schemes\u0022 (2 Corinthians 2:11). Perhaps Paul and the Corinthians weren\u0027t ignorant, but a lot of Christians today surely are. We live as though Satan and his dark realm don\u0027t exist. And our naivet\u00e9 in this area is exacting a crippling toll from our freedom in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Lord, I stand against Satan\u0027s schemes to pollute my life with deeds of sin and the flesh. I embrace my inheritance as a child of God today. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-06T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/171-living-below-our-potential"},{"id":420,"title":"HELP FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHELP FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words. He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26,27) \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe really don\u0027t know how to pray or what to pray for, but the Holy Spirit does and He will help us in our weakness. Help is a fascinating word in Greek (sunantilambano); two prepositions placed in front of the word take. The Holy Spirit comes alongside, bears us up, and takes us to the other side. The Holy Spirit connects us with God. He intercedes for us on our behalf. The prayer that the Holy Spirit prompts us to pray is the prayer that God the Father will always answer.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow does the Holy Spirit help us in our weakness? I didn\u0027t know, but one evening while preparing a message on the topic of praying in the spirit I tried something. I said, \u0022Okay, Lord, I\u0027m setting aside my list, and I\u0027m going to assume that whatever comes to my mind during this time of prayer is from You or allowed by You. I\u0027m going to let You set the agenda.\u0022 Whatever came to my mind that evening was what I prayed about. If it was a tempting thought, I talked to God about that area of weakness. If the busyness of the day clamoured for attention, I discussed my plans with God. I dealt with whatever came to my mind. I wasn\u0027t passively letting thoughts control me though. I was actively taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELet me warn you that if you passively listen to your thoughts, you may end up paying attention to a deceiving spirit (1 Timothy 4:1). If you try this kind of praying, you will find out how personal God really is. If God determined and prioritised our prayer list, He would begin with personal issues that affect our relationship with Him. \u0022Come on,\u0022 God says. \u0022You keep telling others you have a personal relationship with Me. Let\u0027s get personal!\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, teach me what it means to pray in the Spirit at the deep, personal levels of our relationship.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-07T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/172-help-holy-spirit"},{"id":421,"title":"THE ISSUE OF CONTROL","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE ISSUE OF CONTROL\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe fruit of the Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:22,23) \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMore times than not, the need to control our children comes from the false belief that our identity and worth derives from how well our children behave. Think it through: If your worth comes from something outside yourself, your tendency is to control the people and factors on which your worth is based.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELook at sick dictators like Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein who control their subjects through ruthless force and intimidation. But there is no one more insecure than a controller, because he labours under the false belief that the external affairs of this world are determining who he is, not God and his response to Him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe fruit of the Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:23), not child or spouse control. If your identity is in Christ and your heart is set on being the person God wants you to be, nobody can block that goal but you. \u0022But what if my child rebels?\u0022 you ask. Your child can\u0027t stop you from being the father or mother God wants you to be. Only you can do that. In reality, during a crisis of rebellion, your child and your spouse need you to be the parent God wants you to be more than ever. Massive research has shown that the best children come from parents who love their children and manage their behaviour. The worst children come from loveless controllers. The second best children are raised by permissive parents who love unconditionally.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere\u0027s the point: You may not always be able to control your child, but based on your position and character in Christ, you can always love him. Loving your child is dependent only on you and your response to God. Controlling him is somewhat dependent on the cooperation of your child. Your identity and security in Christ do not depend on things you have no right or ability to control.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, continue to mature me as a loving parent and keep me from trying to control my children from selfish motives. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-08T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/173-issue-control"},{"id":422,"title":"THE TRUTH OF CHRIST\u0027S VICTORY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE TRUTH OF CHRIST\u0027S VICTORY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him (Colossians 2:15) \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne of the common objections to the ministry of setting captives free performed by Jesus and the apostles is the apparent lack of instruction on the subject in the Epistles. Let me offer another perspective which may help clarify the issue and suggest how we should confront demonic influence in our own lives and minister to others in bondage.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPrior to the cross, divinely empowered agents - such as Jesus and His specifically appointed apostles - were necessary to take authority over demonic powers in the world. But something radical happened at the cross and in the resurrection that changed the nature of spiritual conflicts forever.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, Jesus\u0027 death and resurrection triumphed over and disarmed the rulers and authorities of the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 2:15). Prior to the cross, \u0022All authority in heaven and on earth\u0022 had not yet been given to Christ. But Matthew 28:18 assures us that the resurrected Christ is now the seat of all authority. Because of the cross, Satan is a defeated foe and he has no authority over those who are in Christ. Affirming the truth of Christ\u0027s victory and Satan\u0027s defeat is the primary step to successfully combating the enemy\u0027s attempts to intimidate you and hassle you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, in Christ\u0027s death and resurrection every believer is made alive with Him and is now seated with Him in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:5,6). You no longer need an outside agent to effect authority for you; you now reside in Jesus Christ who has all authority. In order to resist the devil, you need to understand and appropriate your position and authority in Christ. Freedom is your inheritance as a Christian. It is your responsibility to put on the armour of God and resist the devil.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Jesus, for making me a partaker with You in defeating the devil. Help me fulfil my responsibility to resist him today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-09T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/174-truth-christs-victory"},{"id":423,"title":"USING YOUR UNIQUE GIFTS AND ABILITIES","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EUSING YOUR UNIQUE GIFTS AND ABILITIES\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo the work of an evangelist; fulfil your ministry (2 Timothy 4:5)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor the Christian, true fulfilment in life can be summarized by the popular bumper sticker slogan, \u0022Bloom where you\u0027re planted.\u0022 Peter said it this way: \u0022As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another\u0022 (1 Peter 4:10).Your greatest fulfilment in life will come when you discover your unique gifts and abilities and use them to edify others and glorify the Lord.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod allowed me to understand this vital principle before entering the ministry while I was still employed as an aerospace engineer. I knew God wanted me to be an ambassador for Him where I worked, so I started a breakfast Bible study in the bowling alley next door. My announcement about the Bible study had only been posted in our office about an hour before a Jewish fellow pulled it off the wall and brought it to me. \u0022You can\u0027t bring Jesus in here,\u0022 he objected. \u0022I can\u0027t do otherwise,\u0022 I said. \u0022Every day I walk in here Jesus comes in with me.\u0022 He was not impressed with my response! One of the men who found Christ in the Bible study took over when I left Honeywell to enter seminary. A few months later I went back to visit my friends in the Bible study. \u0022Do you remember the Jewish fellow?\u0022 the leader asked. \u0022Sure, I remember him,\u0022 I said, recalling his brash opposition to our Bible study. \u0022Well, he got sick and almost died. I went to the hospital and visited him every night. Finally I led him to Christ.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI was ecstatic at the realization that I had become a spiritual grandparent. The sense of fulfilment was exhilarating. And it all happened because I started a simple little Bible study where I worked in order to do what Paul said: \u0022Do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry\u0022 (2 Timothy 4:5).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, I want to bloom where I am planted and resist the defeating temptation to compare myself to others. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-10T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/175-using-your-unique-gifts-and-abilities"},{"id":424,"title":"TEMPTATION\u0027S HOOK","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETEMPTATION\u0027S HOOK\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBlessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:6) \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFood is the ultimate appetite, since it is necessary for survival. So we eat to live, but when we begin to live to eat, food no longer satisfies. Instead, it consumes us, and millions of people feel powerless to control their appetite for food. When your body is deprived of necessary nutrients, you naturally crave those foods that will keep you healthy and keep your immune system functioning. If you eat to satisfy those natural cravings, you will stay healthy and free. But when you turn to food to relieve anxiety or satisfy a lust for sweets, salt, etc., you will lose control and the results will negatively affect your health.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is no coincidence that Paul mentioned misuse of food in conjunction with his sober warning that \u0022in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons\u0022 (1 Timothy 4:1). One of the evidences of the last days will be those who \u0022advocate abstaining from foods\u0022 (verse 3) which are intended to meet a legitimate need. Every eating disorder I have dealt with had a spiritual component, yet virtually no counsellors treating anorexia and bulimia expose the spiritual problem.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA pastor\u0027s wife wrote to me after a conference: Dear Neil, I was bulimic for 11 years. But now I can be in the house alone all day with a kitchen full of food and be in peace. When a temptation or lie from Satan pops into my mind, I fend it off quickly with the truth. I used to be in bondage to those lies for hours and hours each day, always fearing food. Now I\u0027m rejoicing in the freedom that the truth brings.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETemptation\u0027s hook is the devil\u0027s guarantee that what we think we want and need outside of God\u0027s will can satisfy us. Don\u0027t believe it. You can never satisfy the desires of the flesh. Only sustaining right relationships, living by the power of the Holy Spirit, and experiencing the fruit of the Spirit will satisfy you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather God, protect me from giving in to the world, the flesh, and the devil. Keep me abiding in You so I can bear the fruit of righteousness. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-11T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/176-temptations-hook"},{"id":425,"title":"PRESERVING UNITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EPRESERVING UNITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBeing diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3) \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI really don\u0027t mind taking a stand on biblical grounds and living with the conflict that comes from those who oppose the gospel. I think that is part of our calling. What grieves God is when our ministry and work is stopped because well-intentioned people resist the inevitable and needlessly fight change.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI tell my students that the greatest asset they will have in their early years of ministry is older, mature saints in the church. The greatest liability they will have is old saints who have stopped growing years ago. All these saints do is censor. They reflect no more love or kindness now than they did 20 years ago. They don\u0027t worship - they critique the worship service. They no longer sit under the judgment of Scripture - they sit in judgment of the pastor. They no longer bear fruit - they actually prevent it. They insist that they are right when what they need to be is holy.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMature saints have learned to restrict their freedom for the sake of weaker believers. Their faith doesn\u0027t rest in traditions, so they gladly accept changes in style of ministry that will reach the younger generation.  Another problem arises when young Christian leaders act impulsively as change agents without giving thought to what the consequences will be to the fellowship. Any movement forward that results in the loss of fellowship is not an improvement. We must be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit. Such change agents seem to be unaware that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. The modern generation wants it now. They seem to have forgotten the fact that God does everything decently and in order. He is not the author of confusion.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, please don\u0027t allow me to sit, soak and sour, but to remain open-minded, light-hearted and non-judgemental.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-12T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/177-preserving-unity"},{"id":426,"title":"GOD GENTLY GUIDES","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EGOD GENTLY GUIDES\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnd your ears will hear a word behind you, \u0022This is the way, walk in it,\u0022 whenever you turn to the right or to the left (Isaiah 30:21)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn a telephone conversation a lady asked, \u0022Dr. Anderson, my pastor says my favourite television evangelist is a false teacher. Is he right?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt a ministerial retreat, a pastor stopped me and said, \u0022Neil, I\u0027ve been at this church three years and there\u0027s this situation. After finishing his description he asked \u0022Do you think God is calling me out of there?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA seminary student stopped by my office and asked, \u0022You\u0027ve met with my girlfriend and me twice now. Do you think we should get married?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGood questions. Important questions for those asking them. They all hinge on the answer to a much larger question: Does God communicate His will to us? If so, how?   Each of these fine Christians was looking for direction or confirmation of God\u0027s leading.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPossibly they lacked the spiritual discernment to make the right decision. They were thinking that I, like the referee in a game, would make the right \u0022call\u0022 for them. I can advise and share what I know Scripture teaches, but only God can give divine guidance.   You can know God\u0027s will for your life. Ephesians 5:17 instructs us, \u0022Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.\u0022 God doesn\u0027t instruct us to do something we cannot do. The will of God is knowable.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the first place, we have the Bible, God\u0027s Word, which the Holy Spirit will enlighten for us as we meditate on it, providing us with remarkably clear guidance in most areas of our life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, we usually can experience the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit in areas not specifically covered by God\u0027s Word - if we are spiritually free and desire to do His will.   I have come to deeply believe that God gently guides our steps as we choose to walk with Him. I believe in divine guidance. I believe that God wants to make His presence known in our lives and in our ministries.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, keep me sensitive to Your leading by staying close to You and giving my will to You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-13T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/178-god-gently-guides"},{"id":427,"title":"FOLLOWING OUR SHEPHERD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFOLLOWING OUR SHEPHERD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI had the privilege of feeding and caring for the sheep on the farm where I was raised. I discovered that sheep aren\u0027t the smartest animals on the farm. Sheep need to be shepherded. Left to themselves in a lush pasture, they will keep eating until it kills them. They need a shepherd to make them \u0022lie down in green pastures\u0022 (Psalm 23:2) so they don\u0027t eat themselves to death!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Lord often pictured our relationship with Him in Scripture like that of a shepherd and his sheep. Those of us who live in the West don\u0027t have a correct picture of what it means to be led like sheep. Western shepherds drive their sheep from behind the flock, often using dogs to bark at their heels. Eastern shepherds, like those in Bible times, lead their sheep from in front.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI watched a shepherd lead his flock on a hillside outside Bethlehem during a visit to the Holy Land. The shepherd sat on a rock while the sheep grazed. After a time he stood up, said a few words to the sheep, and walked away. The sheep looked up and followed him. It was fascinating! The words of Jesus in John 10:27 suddenly took on new meaning to me: \u0022My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESheep without a shepherd become disoriented and scatter. Rams arise from the flock and butt heads to determine who will lead. The ones with the hardest heads win. Without a shepherd, we too are left to the mercy of hardheaded, driven people or we wander around directionless, eating ourselves to death. The Spirit-walk is one of being led, not driven. God won\u0027t make you walk in the Spirit, and the devil can\u0027t make you walk in the flesh, although he will certainly try to draw you in that direction. You are free to choose to follow the leading of the Spirit or the desires of the flesh (Romans 8:14).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGentle Shepherd, thank You for searching for me when I was lost and for comforting me when I am hurt. I long to follow You today. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-14T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/179-following-our-shepherd"},{"id":428,"title":"NO MIDDLE GROUND","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ENO MIDDLE GROUND\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHe who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters (Luke 11:23).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe early church included in its public declaration of faith, \u0022I renounce you, Satan, and all your works and ways.\u0022 The Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and many other liturgical churches still require this renunciation as part of confirmation. For some reason it has disappeared from most evangelical churches. Consequently, we have mislaid a very important truth: We must not only choose the truth but recognize and renounce the counterfeit. There is no middle ground with truth. Jesus said, \u0022He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters\u0022 (Luke 11:23).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are not many paths to God; there is only one way (John 14:6). Christians are not being narrow-minded when they stand on what God has declared. The literal meaning of repentance is a change of mind. This is not merely mental acknowledgment. The idea is that \u0022I used to think, believe and walk one way, but now I think, believe and walk a new way.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople who say \u0022I believe the Bible, but I also believe what I learned that is contrary to the Word of God\u0022 are deceived and living in bondage. The first step to freedom in Christ is to renounce previous or current involvement with satanically inspired occult practices or false religions. Any activity or group that denies Jesus Christ, offers guidance through any source other than the absolute authority of the written Word of God, or requires secret initiations must be forsaken. No Christian has any business being part of a group that is not completely open about all they do. God does everything in the light because in Him there is no darkness at all. We are to walk in the light.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGreat Deliverer, bring to my mind deceptions from Satan I need to renounce and remove so I can walk completely in the light. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-15T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/180-no-middle-ground"},{"id":431,"title":"SUBMIT TO GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESUBMIT TO GOD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:14 NIV). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAccording to John, new Christians are like little children whose sins are forgiven and who have entered into the knowledge of God. Mature saints are likened to old men who have a deep knowledge of God. In between are the young men, growing Christians whose chief characteristic is that they have overcome the evil one.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENo wonder we don\u0027t have very many mature saints in the Western world. We scarcely recognize that there is an evil one, let alone overcome him! Until you have overcome the evil one, you may not have a lot of mental peace. If you are attempting to deal with deceiving thoughts by trying to rebuke them, you\u0027ll be like the person treading water in the middle of the ocean whose life\u0027s purpose is to keep 12 corks, which are bobbing close by, submerged with a little hammer! Acknowledge the presence of the corks, but ignore them and swim to shore!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDon\u0027t pay attention to deceiving spirits. The whole thrust of Scripture directs us to choose truth. We dispel the darkness by turning on the light. If tempting thoughts plagues you, bring the issue before God and seek to resolve that which is keeping you from having perfect fellowship with Him. The devil isn\u0027t the primary issue - he is only taking advantage of the fact that your fellowship with God has been broken.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJames 4:7 has the right priorities: \u0022Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.\u0022 The primary issue is to submit to God. Satan knows that if he can keep our minds distracted, we won\u0027t have much of a prayer life with God. Prayer is the vital link for God\u0027s guidance. If we are going to walk with God through the darkness, we must have the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, thank You that as I submit to You and resist the devil, Satan must flee and I will be free. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-16T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/181-submit-god"},{"id":432,"title":"OPEN DIALOGUE WITH YOUR CHILD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOPEN DIALOGUE WITH YOUR CHILD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELike apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances (Proverbs 25:11).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll discipline must be based on prior instruction. Make a clear statement of your expectations for a given situation and the consequences for disobedience. Ask your child to repeat what you say to make sure he understands. Then invite his questions and comments. Honest and open dialogue after disobedience is a powerful means of discipline. Even parental silence communicates volumes.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat is the motivating deterrent behind a verbal confrontation? The fear of being called into accountability. We find that in our relationship with the Lord. We fear Him because we are going to stand before Him someday and give an account of our lives (2 Corinthians 5:10, 11) - not to be punished but to be rewarded. Knowing that we are going to be personally accountable before the Lord is a great driving force in our lives. We want to hear Him say, \u0022Well done, good and faithful servant.\u0022 Your child feels the same way about having to answer to you. He doesn\u0027t want to look bad in your eyes. That\u0027s why it\u0027s often difficult for him to confess his misdeeds in a confrontation.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you sit down with him it will be easy for him to say, \u0022I\u0027m sorry,\u0022 a little harder for him to say, \u0022Will you forgive me?\u0022 and hardest for him to say, \u0022I did it.\u0022 Helping your child learn to speak the truth in love will take a lot of love and skill on your part, especially if your child is prone to lying. If you allow him to establish a pattern of deception as a means of avoiding confrontation, you are in for a lot of pain during his adolescence. You must work toward honest confession or any method of discipline will be ineffective.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me develop honesty and openness with You so I can model and teach these qualities to my children.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-17T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/182-open-dialogue-your-child"},{"id":433,"title":"YOUR CHILD\u0027S IDENTITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EYOUR CHILD\u0027S IDENTITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s all too easy for children to find their identity wrapped up in external values like performance and appearance. Why? Largely because those are the values their parents and teachers glorify and reinforce. Children are applauded if they\u0027re cute, if they say funny things, or if they hit home runs. Thanks to the adults in their lives, it doesn\u0027t take long for children to internalise and begin to live by three pervasive principles.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E1 If I am physically attractive and others admire me, I will be special.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E2 If I perform well and accomplish great things, I will be accepted.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E3 If I obtain social status and others recognize me, I will be significant.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut what about the child who isn\u0027t very cute or entertaining? What about the child who never wins a starring rule in the school play or strikes out most of the time? Tragically, children like these are often compared, rejected, or ignored by the adults in their lives. They begin to question their identity and doubt their worth. Satan takes advantage of the false values our society promotes. Children may struggle with identity and self-acceptance because their parents struggle with the same issues. Children who grow up with false principles for identity and acceptance don\u0027t automatically grow out of them when they reach adulthood. As adults they continue to base their identity on these external guidelines and tend to perpetuate them in their children. If you are going to help your child realize his identity and acceptance in Christ, you must lead the way by doing so in your own life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, give me wisdom to teach my children and grandchildren what it means to be a child of God and to be in Christ. Forgive me for the times I have promoted false values before them. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-24T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/097-your-childs-identity"},{"id":434,"title":"FEELINGS OF ANGER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFEELINGS OF ANGER\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice (Ephesians 4:31). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFeelings of anger should prompt us to re-examine what we believe and the mental goals we have formulated to accomplish those beliefs.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMy daughter Heidi helped me with this process one Sunday morning while I was trying to hustle my family out the door for church. I had been waiting in the car for several minutes before I stomped back into the house and shouted angrily, \u0022We should have left for church 15 minutes ago!\u0022 All was silent for a moment, then Heidi\u0027s soft voice floated around the corner from her bedroom: \u0022What\u0027s the matter, Dad? Did somebody block your goal?\u0022 She was blocking my goal to get to church on time, but she wasn\u0027t blocking my goal to be the husband and father God wants me to be. The only one who can block that goal is me.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA wife and mother may say, \u0022My goal in life is to have a loving, harmonious, happy family.\u0022 Who can block that goal? Every person in her family can block her goal - not only can, they will! A homemaker clinging to the belief that her self-worth is dependent on her family will crash and burn every time her husband or children fail to live up to her image of family harmony. She will probably be a very angry woman, which could drive family members even farther away from her and each other. Her major goal in life should be to become the wife and mother God called her to be.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA pastor may say, \u0022My goal in ministry is to reach this community for Christ.\u0022 Good goal? It is a wonderful desire, but if his self-worth is dependent on that desire being fulfilled, he will experience tremendous emotional turmoil. Every person in the community can block his goal. Pastors who continue to believe that their success is dependent on others will end up fighting with their boards, praying their opposition out of the church or quitting. Make it your goal to be what God has called you to be. No one can keep you from reaching that goal but you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, help me see Your long-range view of life so I can learn not to blow up at minor, short-term irritations. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-25T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/098-feelings-anger"},{"id":435,"title":"DEALING WITH ANXIETY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDEALING WITH ANXIETY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChristians have frequently relied upon a sense of peace as evidence of the Holy Spirit\u0027s leading. It is common to hear people say, \u0022I just don\u0027t have a peace about it.\u0022 I think that is legitimate. I would be concerned about the person who proceeds when his spirit is disturbed. God doesn\u0027t lead through anxiety. We are to cast our anxiety upon Jesus, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStill, a lot of money is spent on the temporary \u0027cure\u0027 of anxiety. People consume alcohol, take illegal drugs, turn to the refrigerator, and have sex, mindlessly repeat mantras, and escape to cabins, boats and motor homes - all to reduce their anxiety. One lady said, \u0022Whenever I feel anxious, I go on a shopping spree!\u0022 Prescription drugs are regularly dispensed for the ailments brought on by anxiety. The bartender, drug pushers, occult practitioner, and other peddlers of escapism all have one thing in common: They really don\u0027t care about the consumer. They are out to make a profit. Even worse, when the temporary \u0027cure\u0027 wears off, we have to return to the same world with the added problem of hangovers and other negative consequences of fake healers.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EInternally, we desperately need the peace of God: \u0022Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus\u0022 (Philippians 4:6,7). The awareness of a troubled spirit should drive us to find the peace of God by turning to Him and assuming our responsibility to use our minds.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, for breaking through so many of my old anxieties and setting me free. I ask You to free me from those that remain. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-27T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/100-dealing-anxiety"},{"id":436,"title":"CONFRONTING SPIRITUAL OPPOSITION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECONFRONTING SPIRITUAL OPPOSITION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne of the main reasons I fumbled and failed in my early days of ministering to people in bondage was because I laboured under a number of misconceptions about the spiritual world. Perhaps you are struggling with some of these same faulty ideas that keep Christians in darkness. We\u0027ll consider these misconceptions over the next several days.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne common misconception is that demons were active when Christ was on earth, but their activity has subsided today. Christians who hold this extreme view in light of what God\u0027s Word says and what is transpiring in the world today are not facing reality. The New Testament clearly states that believers will wrestle against the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). Paul goes on to itemize the pieces of spiritual armour that we are to put on in order to defend ourselves against \u0022the flaming missiles of the evil one\u0022 (verses 13-17).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Paul again specifies that believers are engaged in a spiritual battle against forces that oppose the knowledge of God. If dark spiritual powers are no longer attacking believers, why would Paul alert us to them and insist that we arm ourselves against them? The powers and forces that Paul wrote about in the first century are still around at the dawn of the twenty-first century, evident in the popularity of the New Age Movement and the proliferation of Satanism and the occult. God\u0027s people wrestling against dark spiritual forces is not a first-century phenomenon, nor is it an option for the Christian today; it\u0027s unavoidable. The kingdom of darkness is still present and Satan is intent on making your life miserable and keeping you from enjoying and exercising your inheritance in Christ. Your only options in confronting spiritual opposition are how and to what extent you\u0027re going to wage the battle.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Father, that I don\u0027t battle the forces of darkness alone. You have provided all the weapons I need to overcome and stand free. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-28T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/101-confronting-spiritual-opposition"},{"id":437,"title":"THE REALITY OF THE SPIRITUAL WORLD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE REALITY OF THE SPIRITUAL WORLD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYour adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere\u0027s another common misconception about the spiritual world that must be dispelled: What the early church called demonic activity we now understand to be mental illness. One counsellor argued, \u0022There is no way his problem can be demonic; he\u0027s a paranoid schizophrenic.\u0022 Simply accepting secular psychology\u0027s definition of a human problem in no way establishes the actual cause of the problem. Terms such as schizophrenia, paranoia, psychosis, etc. are merely labels classifying symptoms. But what or who is causing the symptoms? Is it a neurological or hormonal problem, or perhaps a chemical imbalance? Certainly these options must be explored. But what if no physical cause is found? Then it must be a psychological problem. But which school of psychology do you choose: biblical or secular?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy not explore the possibility that the problem may be spiritual? We should not be surprised that secular psychologists, limited to a natural worldview, supply only natural explanations for mental problems. They offer their explanation from a viewpoint with no concept of God, much less the demonic. Even many Christians who vociferously reject the scientific community\u0027s explanation for the origin of the species naively accept the secular psychologist\u0027s explanation of mental illness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EResearch based on the scientific method of investigation of human spiritual problems is not wrong; it\u0027s just incomplete. It ignores the reality of the spiritual world because neither God nor the devil submits to our methods of investigation. Hebrews 11:6 says, \u0022Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is.\u0022 Science is inadequate to explain matters of faith. We must trust God\u0027s Word to explain the reality of the spiritual world.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI praise You, Father, that I don\u0027t have to accept fallible man\u0027s knowledge as the last word on life. I know Your Word stands above all human reasoning and will remain forever in heaven.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-29T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/102-reality-spiritual-world"},{"id":438,"title":"THE ENEMY\u0027S POTENTIAL","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE ENEMY\u0027S POTENTIAL\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow can anyone enter the strong man\u0027s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? (Matthew 12:29)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnother common misconception of the spiritual world is that some problems are psychological and some are spiritual. This misconception implies a division between the human soul and spirit, which does not exist. There is no inner conflict that is not psychological, because there is never a time when your mind, emotions and will are not involved.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESimilarly, there is no problem that is not spiritual. There is no time when God is not present or when it is safe for you to take off the armour of God. The tendency is to polarize into a deliverance ministry, ignoring the realities of the physical realm, or a psychotherapeutic ministry, ignoring the spiritual realm. Dr. Paul Hiebert, a missions specialist, contends that, as long as believers accept a two-tier worldview with God confined to the supernatural and the natural world operating for all practical purposes according to autonomous scientific laws, Christianity will continue to be a secularising force in the world.If your worldview does not recognize the activity of the god of this world in human problems, it is at best incomplete and at worst a distortion of reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnother misconception is that Christian aren\u0027t subject to demon activity. The prevailing belief among evangelicals today is that Christians cannot be severely oppressed by demons. Even the suggestion that demonic influence can be part of the problem often prompts the hasty disclaimer, \u0022Impossible! I\u0027m a Christian!\u0022 Nothing has done greater damage to diagnosing spiritual problems than this untruth. If Satan can\u0027t touch the church, why are we instructed to put on the armour of God, to resist the devil, to stand firm, and to be alert? If we aren\u0027t susceptible to being wounded or trapped by Satan, why does Paul describe our relationship to the powers of darkness as a wrestling match? Those who deny the enemy\u0027s potential for destruction are the most vulnerable to it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, I don\u0027t want to be ignorant in matters of the spiritual world. Remove all blinders from my eyes so I may see clearly and share the truth with others. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-30T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/103-enemys-potential"},{"id":439,"title":"A TRUTH ENCOUNTER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA TRUTH ENCOUNTER\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESatan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14,15).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnother common misconception of the spiritual world is that demonic influence is only evident in extreme or violent behaviour and gross sin.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMost Christians suffering from demonic activity lead relatively normal lives while experiencing serious personal and interpersonal problems for which no cause or solution has been found. Since they relegate satanic involvement only to mass murderers or violent sex criminals, these ordinary problem-plagued individuals wonder what\u0027s wrong with them and why they can\u0027t just \u0027do better\u0027. Satan\u0027s first and foremost strategy is deception. It is not the few raving demoniacs who are causing the church to be ineffective, but Satan\u0027s subtle deception and intrusion into the lives of \u0027normal\u0027 believers.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne Christian psychotherapist who attended my conference on spiritual conflicts and counselling said, \u0022I discovered that two-thirds of my clients were having problems because they were being deceived by Satan - and so was I!\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA final misconception that must be dispelled is that freedom from spiritual bondage is the result of a power encounter with demonic forces.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFreedom from spiritual conflicts and bondage is not a power encounter; it\u0027s a truth encounter. Satan is a deceiver, and he will work undercover at all costs. But the truth of God\u0027s Word exposes him and his lie. His demons are like cockroaches that scurry for the shadows when the light comes on. Satan\u0027s power is in the lie, and when his lie is exposed by the truth, his plans are foiled. When God first disciplined the early church in Acts 5, He did so in a dramatic way. Peter confronted Ananias and Sapphira: \u0022Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?\u0022 (Verse 3). God wanted the church to know that Satan the deceiver can ruin us if he can get us to believe and live a lie.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf I could infiltrate a church, a committee, or a person undetected, and deceive them into believing a lie, I could control their lives! That\u0027s exactly what Satan is doing, and his lie is the focus of the battle.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, enable me to stay alert to the enemy\u0027s wiles and arm myself with Your truth.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-31T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/104-truth-encounter"},{"id":440,"title":"THE POWER OF THE BELIEVER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE POWER OF THE BELIEVER\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen I was a boy on the farm, my dad, my brother and I would visit our neighbour\u2019s farm to share produce and labour. The neighbour had a yappy little dog that scared the socks off me. When it came barking around the corner, my dad and brother stood their ground, but I ran. Guess who the dog chased! I escaped to the top of our pickup truck while the little dog yapped at me from the ground.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEveryone except me could see that the little dog had no power over me except what I gave it. Furthermore, it had no inherent power to throw me up on the pickup; it was my belief that put me up there. That dog controlled me by using my mind, my emotions, my will, and my muscles, all of which were motivated by fear. Finally I gathered up my courage, jumped off the pickup, and kicked a small rock at the mutt. Lo and behold, it ran!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan is like that yappy little dog: deceiving people into fearing him more than God. His power is in the lie. He is the father of lies (John 8:44) who deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9), and consequently the whole world is under the influence of the evil one (1 John 5:19). He can do nothing about your position in Christ, but if he can deceive you into believing his lies about you and God, you will spend a lot of time on top of the pickup truck! You don\u0027t have to out shout him or outmuscle him to be free of his influence. You just have to out truth him. Believe, declare, and act upon the truth of God\u0027s Word, and you will thwart Satan\u0027s strategy.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI have learned from the Scriptures and my experience that truth is the liberating agent. The power of Satan is in the lie, and the power of the believer is in knowing the truth. We are to pursue truth, not power.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather God, when Satan is badgering and confusing me, remind me that Your Holy Spirit within me is greater than all the evil around me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-01T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/105-power-believer"},{"id":441,"title":"SATAN\u0027S VOICE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESATAN\u0027S VOICE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBeloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPaul warned us against the deception that comes through demonic influence (1 Timothy 4:1). John also cautioned us to test the spirits and to distinguish the spirit of truth from the spirit of error (1 John 4:1-6). Satan\u0027s demonic forces are at work attempting to pollute your mind with lies in order to keep you from walking in the truth. Hannah Whitehall Smith wrote:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are the voices of evil and deceiving spirits, who lie in wait to entrap every traveller entering these higher regions of spiritual life. These spiritual enemies, whoever or whatever they may be, must necessarily communicate with us by means of our spiritual faculties, and their voices, as the voice of God, are an inward impression made upon our spirit. Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit may tell us by impressions what the will of God is concerning us, so also will these spiritual enemies tell us by impression what is their will concerning us, though not, of course, giving it their name\u0022 (Quoted from Martin Wells Knapp, Impressions, Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishing, Inc., 1984, pp. 14-15).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDue to the deceptive nature of his impressions, Satan\u0027s voice may not always be detected objectively. You need to pray in order to disassociate yourself from deceiving spirits.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, I commit myself unreservedly to Your will. If I have been deceived in any way, I pray that You will open my eyes to the deception. I command in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that all deceiving spirits depart from me, and I renounce and reject all counterfeit gifts (or any other spiritual phenomena).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, if it is from You, bless it and cause it to grow that Your body may be blessed and edified through it.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-02T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/106-satans-voice"},{"id":442,"title":"A SOLID BELIEF SYSTEM","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA SOLID BELIEF SYSTEM\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, \u0022Abba! Father!\u0022 (Romans 8:15).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClaire attended a church college ministry I was involved in several years ago. On a physical, material level, Claire had absolutely nothing going for her. She had a dumpy figure and a bad complexion. Her father was a drunken bum who had deserted his family. Her mother worked two menial jobs just to make ends meet. Her older brother, a drug addict, was always in and out of the house.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen I first met Claire I was sure she was the ultimate wallflower. I didn\u0027t think there was any way she could compete for acceptance in a college-aged society, which is attracted to physical beauty and material success. But to my delight, I learned that everybody in the group liked Claire and loved to be around her. She had lots of friends. And eventually she married the nicest guy in our college department. What was her secret? Claire simply believed what she perceived herself to be: a child of God. She accepted herself for who God said she was in Christ, and she confidently committed herself to God\u0027s great goal for her life: to be conformed to His image and to love people. She wasn\u0027t a threat to anyone. Instead, she was so positive and caring toward others that everyone loved her.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClaire\u0027s experiences illustrate the importance of establishing our Christian lives on what we believe instead of how we behave. She knew that she couldn\u0027t compete with the world, so she gladly accepted her spiritual heritage, believed God, and lived accordingly. We need a firm grip on God\u0027s Word before we will experience much success at practical Christianity. We need to understand who we are as a result of who God is and what He has done. A productive Christian behaviour system is the by-product of a solid Christian belief system, not the other way around.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You for the Claires in my world, Lord, who reflect Your beauty. Forgive me for focusing on myself instead of looking to You and seeking Your eternal qualities. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-03T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/107-solid-belief-system"},{"id":443,"title":"THE SEDUCTION OF OUR CHILDREN","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE SEDUCTION OF OUR CHILDREN\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBring them [your children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat are parents, Sunday school teachers, youth workers, and pastors to do in the face of Satan\u0027s assault on the minds of our children? Let\u0027s begin by stating what we can\u0027t do. First, we can\u0027t bury our heads in the sand. This is not the time to respond in denial or claim that our Christian kids are immune to this kind of problem. Satan\u0027s seductive activities are aimed at destroying the church at its point of greatest vulnerability: the family.The enemy is after Christian families in general and the families of Christian leaders in particular. Half of all my counselling regarding demonic influence has been with Christian leaders and their families.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, we can\u0027t run in fear. Remember: Thanks to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Satan is a defeated foe. The war against the seduction of our children is a winnable war. If we retreat instead of advance, we forfeit ground to the enemy that doesn\u0027t belong to him. We must exert our authority in Jesus Christ and claim His victory in the lives of our children. How can we do that? First, we must become aware of the spiritual nature of the world we live in. Our children are growing up in a seductive world. Many of the things that surround them are subtly influenced by the New Age Movement, the occult, and Satanism.Second, we need to understand how parents and parenting styles can either assist or block the resolution of a child\u0027s spiritual conflicts. If a child comes from a dysfunctional home, it\u0027s rather pointless to deal with his problem only to send him back into the home that caused the problem in the first place.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThird, we need definite strategies for protecting our children from spiritual assault and helping them resolve their spiritual conflicts. This is a winnable war, and it is a war we must win for the sake of our kids and the cause of Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Father, keep me alert to spiritual opposition and bondage in my children, and equip me to assist them in appropriating Your freedom.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-04T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/108-seduction-our-children"},{"id":444,"title":"NEW AGE THINKING","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ENEW AGE THINKING\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet them know that you, whose name is the LORD - that you alone are the Most High over all the earth (Psalm 83:18 NIV).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe New Age Movement is very attractive to the natural person who has become disillusioned with organized religion and Western rationalism. They desire spiritual reality but doesn\u0027t want to give up materialism, deal with their moral problems, or come under authority. I\u0027ve discovered six unifying factors in New Age thinking. We will consider three of them today and three tomorrow.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe first is monism - the belief that all is one and one is all. It says we all swim in one great cosmic ocean. History is not the story of humanity\u0027s fall into sin and its restoration by God\u0027s saving grace. Rather, it is humanity\u0027s fall into ignorance and the gradual ascent into enlightenment. Monism is a counterfeit to the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:21. That unity is possible only when we are united together in Christian fellowship.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, all is God. If all is one, including God, then one must conclude that all is God - trees, snails, books and people are all of one divine essence. A personal God is abandoned in favour of an impersonal energy force or consciousness, and if God is no longer personal, He doesn\u0027t have to be served. New Agers say, \u0022When I was a little child, I believed in God. When I began to mature, I stopped believing in God. Then I grew up and realized that I was God.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA third unifying factor refers to a change in consciousness. If we are God, we need to know we are God. We must become cosmically conscious, also called \u0022at-one-ment\u0022 (a counterfeit of atonement), self-realization, god-realization, enlightenment, or attunement. Their faith has no object; neither does their meditation, so it becomes an inward journey. To us, the essential issue is not whether we believe or mediate, but whom we believe in and what we meditate upon. We believe God and meditate upon His law day and night.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I affirm that I am nothing, can do nothing, and will amount to nothing apart from You. You are the object of my faith and life today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-05T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/109-new-age-thinking"},{"id":445,"title":"NEW AGE DECEPTION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ENEW AGE DECEPTION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThere is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5)\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe fourth unifying factor of the New Age Movement is a cosmic evolutionary optimism. There is a New Age coming. There will be a new world order with a one-world government. New Agers believe in a progressive unification of world consciousness eventually reaching the \u0027omega point.\u0027 This is a counterfeit kingdom and we know who its prince is.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFifth, New Agers create their own reality. They believe they can determine reality by what they believe, so by changing what they believe, they can change reality. There are no moral absolutes because there is no distinction between good and evil.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESixth, New Agers make contact with the kingdom of darkness. Calling a medium a \u0027channeler\u0027 and a demon a \u0027spirit guide\u0027 has not changed the reality of what they are. They are in contact with the god of this world instead of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Recently I received a call from a lady who was concerned about the turn of events in a small group she was attending. It had started out as a group of supposedly Christian women. The one woman began to function as a medium, and they thought they were hearing from God. They recorded six hours of videotape, and in that six hours, five different personalities can be identified in the medium. The group was convinced they were hearing from God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and two angels. The lady functioning as a medium was later identified as not being a Christian. In the tape her eyes roll back in a trancelike state. At one point a voice says through her, \u0022It\u0027s going to snow here tomorrow.\u0022 I\u0027m surprised that when it didn\u0027t snow the next day, they couldn\u0027t see the snow job being done on them! How can a thinking person, professing to be a Christian, consider this as anything other than demonization? But it isn\u0027t just lonely homemakers who are being deceived. This deception is invading every area of society today.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, keep me alert to the deception of New Age thinking around me, and help me dismiss the darkness I encounter with the light of Your truth.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-06T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/110-new-age-deception"},{"id":446,"title":"YOUR NEW SKIPPER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EYOUR NEW SKIPPER\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWe are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh - for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die (Romans 8:12, 13).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen I was in the Navy, we called the captain of our ship \u0027the Old Man\u0027. Our Old Man was tough and crusty and nobody liked him. He used to go out drinking with all his chiefs while belittling and harassing his junior officers and making life miserable for the rest of us. He was not a good example of a naval officer. So when our Old Man got transferred to another ship, we all rejoiced. It was a great day for our ship. Then we got a new skipper - a new Old Man. The old Old Man no longer had any authority over us; he was gone - completely out of the picture. But I was trained under that Old Man. So how do you think I related to the new Old Man? At first I responded to him just like I had been conditioned to respond to the old skipper. I tiptoed around him expecting him to bite my head off. That\u0027s how I had lived for two years around my first skipper. But as I got to know the new skipper, I realized that he wasn\u0027t a crusty old tyrant like my old Old Man. He wasn\u0027t out to harass his crew; he was a good guy, really concerned about us. But I had been programmed for two years to react a certain way when I saw a captain\u0027s braids. I didn\u0027t need to react that way any longer, but it took several months to recondition myself to the new skipper.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou also once served under a cruel, self-serving skipper: your old sinful self with its sinful nature. The admiral of that fleet is Satan himself, the prince of darkness. But by God\u0027s grace you have been transferred into Christ\u0027s kingdom (Colossians 1:13). You now have a new skipper: your new self that is infused with the divine nature of Jesus Christ, your new admiral. As a child of God, a saint, you are no longer under the authority of your old Old Man. He is dead, buried, gone forever. So why do you still react as if your old skipper were still in control of your behaviour? We\u0027ll answer that question tomorrow.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPraise You, Lord, that my relationship with my old skipper, that old sinful self, is gone. I choose to live today in the realty of my new nature in Christ.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-07T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/111-your-new-skipper"},{"id":447,"title":"YOUR LIFE APART FROM GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EYOUR LIFE APART FROM GOD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:13,14).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy do you still react as if your old skipper were still in control of your behaviour? Because while you served under it, your old self trained and conditioned your actions, reactions, emotional responses, thought patterns, memories, and habits in a part of your brain called \u0027the flesh\u0027. The flesh is that tendency within each person to operate independently of God and to center his interest on himself. An unsaved person functions totally in the flesh (Romans 8:7,8), worshipping and serving the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). Such persons \u0022live for themselves\u0022 (2 Corinthians 5:15), even though many of their activities may appear to be motivated by selflessness and concern for others.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you were born again, your old self died and your new self came to life, and you were made a partaker of Christ\u0027s divine nature. But your flesh remains. You brought to your Christian commitment a fully conditioned mind-set and lifestyle developed apart from God and centred on yourself. Since you were born physically alive but spiritually dead, you had neither the presence of God nor the knowledge of God\u0027s ways. So you learned to live your life independently of God. It is this learned independence that makes the flesh hostile toward God. During the years you spent separated from God, your worldly experiences thoroughly programmed your brain with thought patterns, memory traces, responses, and habits that are alien to God. So even though your old self is gone, your flesh remains in opposition to God as a pre-programmed propensity for sin, which is living independently of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBe aware that you no longer have to obey that pre-programmed bent to live independently of God. You are a child of God, and you are free to put to death those fleshly deeds and obey Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I make a fresh declaration of dependence on You for today. I renounce all my old tendencies to live independently of You. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-08T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/112-your-life-apart-god"},{"id":448,"title":"CHANGING YOUR BEHAVIOUR","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECHANGING YOUR BEHAVIOUR\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWalk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA careful distinction must be made concerning your relationship to the flesh as a Christian. There is a difference in Scripture between being in the flesh and walking according to the flesh. As a Christian, you are no longer in the flesh. That phrase describes people who are still spiritually dead (Romans 8:8), those who live independently of God. Everything they do, whether morally good or bad, is in the flesh. You are not in the flesh; you are in Christ. You are no longer independent of God; you have declared your dependence upon Him by placing faith in Christ. But even though you are not in the flesh, you may still choose to walk according to the flesh (Romans 8:12,13).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou may still act independently of God by responding to the mind-set, patterns and habits ingrained in you by the world you lived in. Paul rebuked the immature Corinthian Christians as \u0022fleshly\u0022 because of their expressions of jealousy, strife, division and misplaced identity (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). He listed the evidences of fleshly living in Galatians 5:19-21.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUnbelievers can\u0027t help but live according to the flesh because they are totally in the flesh. But your old skipper is gone. You are no longer in the flesh and you no longer need to live according to its desires. Getting rid of the old self was God\u0027s responsibility, but rendering the flesh and its deeds inoperative is our responsibility (Romans 8:12). God has changed your nature, but it\u0027s your responsibility to change your behaviour by \u0022putting to death the deeds of the body\u0022 (Romans 8:13). You will gain victory over the flesh by learning to condition your behaviour after your new skipper, your new self which is infused with the nature of Christ, and learning to transform your old pattern for thinking and responding to your sin-trained flesh by renewing your mind (Romans 12:2).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, knowing that I am no longer controlled by sin is such a liberating concept. I can walk today in freedom from my old self, the world system, and the devil. Praise Your name! \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-09T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/113-changing-your-behaviour"},{"id":449,"title":"SATAN\u0027S THREEFOLD TEMPTATION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESATAN\u0027S THREEFOLD TEMPTATION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world (1 John 2:16). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou will be better prepared to resist temptation in your life when you realize that, according to the Scriptures, there are only three channels through which Satan will entice you to act independently of God. They are summarized in John\u0027s instructions to believers concerning our relationship to this world: \u0022Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever\u0022 (1 John 2:15-17).The three channels of temptation are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe lust of the flesh preys on our physical appetites and their gratifications in this world.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe lust of the eyes appeals to self-interest and tests the Word of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe pride of life stresses self-promotion and self-exaltation.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan confronted both the first Adam and the last Adam through each of these three channels of temptation. Notice how Satan used precisely those three channels to deceive Eve: \u0022When the woman saw that the tree was good for food [lust of the flesh], and that it was a delight to the eyes [lust of the eyes], and that the tree was desirable to make one wise [pride of life], she took from its fruit and ate\u0022 (Genesis 3:6). The first Adam failed miserably and we still suffer the results of his failure. But the last Adam - Jesus Christ - met Satan\u0027s threefold temptation head-on and succeeded triumphantly.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn Him we have the resources and the power to conquer every temptation Satan throws at us.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear God, please tear down any pride or self-deception I may have concerning Satan\u0027s strategies of temptation. I know I can never become complacent about spiritual warfare.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-11T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/115-satans-threefold-temptation"},{"id":450,"title":"THE LUST OF THE FLESH","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE LUST OF THE FLESH\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe lust of the flesh is not from the Father, but is from the world (1 John 2:16).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan first approached Eve through the channel of the lust of the flesh. He planted a doubt in her mind about the fruit of the tree when he said: \u0022Has God said, \u0027You shall not eat from any tree of the garden\u0027?\u0022 (Genesis 3:1). Eve answered, \u0022God has said, \u0027You shall not eat from it or touch it\u0027\u0022 (verse 3). But Satan had piqued her appetite for the forbidden fruit, and she \u0022saw that the tree was good for food\u0022 (verse 6). Yielding to the lust of the flesh contributed to Adam and Eve\u0027s downfall.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan also challenged Jesus through the channel of the lust of the flesh. Our lord had been fasting for 40 days when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness at the point of His apparent vulnerability: \u0022If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread\u0022 (Matthew 4:3). Satan is not omniscient, but he\u0027s not blind either. He learned about Jesus\u0027 apparent vulnerability to physical temptation by watching Him go without food for 40 days. He\u0027s watching you too, looking for soft spots of vulnerability in your appetites for food, rest, comfort and sex. Temptation is greatest when hunger, fatigue and loneliness are acute. The temptation of the lust of the flesh is designed to draw us away from the will of God to serve the flesh (Galatians 5:16,17).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen Satan tempts you through the channel of the lust of the flesh, he will invite you to fulfil your needs in ways that are outside the boundary of God\u0027s will. Whenever you feel enticed to meet a legitimate need by acting independently of God, you are being tempted through the lust of the flesh. When you resist the temptations of the lust of the flesh, you are declaring your dependence on God for your needs. As such you are remaining \u0022in the vine,\u0022 tapping into the resources Jesus referred to in John 15:5. But when you yield to temptation in this area, your fruitfulness as a Christian will suffer because apart from Christ you can do nothing.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou are a strong, fruit vine, Lord, and I will not wither as long as I remain in You. Strengthen me today to resist the temptation to meet my needs apart from You. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-12T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/116-lust-flesh"},{"id":451,"title":"THE LUST OF THE EYES","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE LUST OF THE EYES\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe lust of the eyes is not from the Father, but is from the world (1 John 2:16) \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe second channel of temptation through which Satan came to Adam and Eve related to his lie concerning the consequences of disobeying God. God had said that death would accompany disobedience, but Satan said, \u0022You surely shall not die!\u0022 (Genesis 3:4). He was appealing to Eve\u0027s sense of self-preservation by falsely assuring her that God was wrong on the issue of sin\u0027s consequences. \u0022Don\u0027t listen to Him; do what\u0027s right in your own eyes,\u0022 he urged. The forbidden fruit was a delight to her eyes (verse 6), so she and Adam ignored God\u0027s command in order to do what appeared to serve their own best interests.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe lust of the eyes subtly draws us away from the Word of God and eats away at our confidence in God. We see what the world has to offer and desire it above our relationship with God. We begin to place more credence in our own perspective of life than in God\u0027s commands and promises. Fuelled by the lust for what we see, we grab for all we can get, believing that we need it and deceived that God wants us to have it. Wrongly assuming that God will withhold nothing good from us, we lustfully claim prosperity. Instead of trusting God wholeheartedly, we adopt a \u0022prove it to me\u0022 attitude.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat was the essence of Satan\u0027s second temptation of Jesus: \u0022If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down [from the pinnacle of the temple]\u0022 (Matthew 4:6). But Jesus wasn\u0027t about to play Satan\u0027s \u0022show me\u0022 game. He replied, \u0022It is written, \u0027You shall not put the LORD your God to the test\u0027\u0022 (verse 7). God is under no obligation to us; He is under obligation only to Himself. There is no way you can cleverly word a prayer so that God must respond to it. That not only distorts the meaning of prayer but puts us in the position of God. The righteous shall live by faith in the written Word of God and not demand that God prove Himself in response to our whims or wishes, no matter how noble they may be. We are the ones being tested, not God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EForgive me, Father, for the times I have listened to the enemy\u0027s lies and tried to meet my needs the way I saw fit. You are God, not me. I look to You to supply all my needs in Your own way.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-13T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/117-lust-eyes"},{"id":452,"title":"THE PRIDE OF LIFE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE PRIDE OF LIFE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world (1 John 2:16).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe third channel of temptation is at the heart of the New Age Movement: the temptation to direct our own destiny, to rule our own world, to be our own god. Satan tantalized Eve concerning the forbidden fruit: \u0022The day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil\u0022 (Genesis 3:5). Satan\u0027s offer was an exaggerated appeal to our God-instilled propensity to rule. \u0022Don\u0027t be satisfied ruling under God,\u0022 he seemed to say, \u0022when you have the potential to be like God.\u0022 When Eve was convinced that \u0022the tree was desirable to make one wise\u0022 (verse 6), she and Adam ate. Satan\u0027s promise that the couple would become like God was nothing more than a lie. When Adam and Eve yielded to his temptation, they didn\u0027t become the gods of this world as he claimed they would. Instead, they fell from their position of rulership with God, and Satan became the god of this world by default - exactly as he had planned.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan tried the same ploy with Jesus: \u0022All [the kingdoms of the world and their glory] will I give You, if You fall down and worship me\u0022 (Matthew 4:9). When you think about it, Satan\u0027s offer was pretty ridiculous. Why would Jesus be tempted to worship Satan in exchange for the world when He already owned the universe? So He replied, \u0022Be gone, Satan! For it is written, \u0027You shall worship the LORD your God, and serve Him only\u0027\u0022 (verse 10). The temptation of the pride of life is intended to steer us away from the worship of God and destroy our obedience to God by urging us to become our own god.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhenever you feel that you don\u0027t need God\u0027s help or direction, that you can handle your life without consulting Him, that you don\u0027t need to bow the knee to anyone, beware: That\u0027s the pride of life. Whenever you stop worshipping and serving God, you are in reality worshipping and serving Satan - which is what he wants more than anything else. Instead, your life should be characterized by worshipful humility and obedience to God (1 Peter 5:5-11; John 15:8-10).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, help me resist the temptation to be more than You have called me to be when I wrongfully assume Your role as captain of my soul.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-14T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/118-pride-life"},{"id":453,"title":"ACTIVE FAITH","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EACTIVE FAITH\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works (James 2:18). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen my son Karl was just a toddler, I would stand him up on the table and call for him to jump from the table into my arms. Did Karl believe I would catch him? Yes. How did I know he believed? Because he jumped. Suppose he wouldn\u0027t jump. \u0022Do you believe I will catch you, Karl?\u0022 I might coax, and he may nod yes. But if he never jumps, does he really believe I will catch him? No. Faith is active, not passive. Faith takes a stand. Faith makes a move. Faith speaks up.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are a lot of Christians who claim to have great faith in God but are spiritually lethargic and don\u0027t do anything. Faith without action is not faith; it\u0027s dead, meaningless (James 2:17,18)! If it isn\u0027t expressed, it isn\u0027t faith. In order to believe God and His Word, we must do what He says. If you don\u0027t do what He says, you don\u0027t really believe Him. Faith and action are inseparable.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESadly, one of the common pictures of the church today is of a group of people with an assumed faith but little action. We\u0027re thankful that our sins are forgiven and that Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for us, but we\u0027re basically cowering in fear and defeat in the world, just hanging on until the rapture. We treat the church as if it\u0027s a hospital. We get together to compare wounds and hold each other\u0027s hands, yearning for Jesus to come take us away. The church is not a hospital; it\u0027s a military outpost under orders to storm the gates of hell. Every believer is on active duty, called to take part in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19,20). Thankfully the church has an infirmary where we can minister to the weak and wounded, and that ministry is necessary. But our real purpose is to be change agents in the world, taking a stand, living by faith, and accomplishing something for God. You can say you believe God and His Word. But if you are not actively involved in His plan, are you really a mature believer?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, if I\u0027m not moving forward by faith and taking ground today, I\u0027m only treading water or slipping backward. Nudge me forward today, Lord.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-15T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/119-active-faith"},{"id":454,"title":"THE CHOICE OF FORGIVENESS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE CHOICE OF FORGIVENESS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBe kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMost of the ground that Satan gains in the lives of Christians is due to unforgiveness. We are warned to forgive others so that Satan cannot take advantage of us (2 Corinthians 2:10,11). God requires us to forgive others from our hearts or He will turn us over to the tormentors (Matthew 18:34,35).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy is forgiveness so critical to our freedom? Because of the cross. God didn\u0027t give us what we deserve; He gave us what we needed according to His mercy. We are to be merciful just as our heavenly Father is merciful (Luke 6:36). We are to forgive as we have been forgiven (Ephesians 4:31,32). Forgiveness is not forgetting. People who try to forget find that they cannot. God says He will \u0022remember no more\u0022 our sins (Hebrews 10:17), but God, being omniscient, cannot forget. \u0022Remember no more\u0022 means that God will never use the past against us (Psalm 103:12). Forgetting may be a result of forgiveness, but it is never the means of forgiveness. When we bring up the past and use it against others, we haven\u0027t forgiven them. Forgiveness is a choice, a crisis of the will. We choose to face and acknowledge the hurt and the hate in order to forgive from the heart.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESince God requires us to forgive, it is something we can do. (He would never require us to do something we cannot do.) But forgiveness is difficult for us because it pulls against our concept of justice. We want revenge for offences suffered. But we are told never to take our own revenge (Romans 12:19). \u0022Why should I let them off the hook?\u0022 we protest. You let them off your hook, but they are never off God\u0027s hook. He will deal with them fairly - something we cannot do. If you don\u0027t let offenders off your hook, you are hooked to them and the past, and that just means continued pain for you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStop the pain; let it go. You don\u0027t forgive someone merely for his or her sake; you do it for your sake so you can be free. Your need to forgive isn\u0027t an issue between you and the offender; it\u0027s between you and God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I stand amazed at the example of Your forgiveness. I desire to grow in my willingness to forgive those who have hurt me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-16T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/120-choice-forgiveness"},{"id":455,"title":"THE COST OF FORGIVENESS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE COST OF FORGIVENESS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EForgive your brother from your heart (Matthew 18:35 NIV).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EForgiveness is agreeing to live with the consequences of another person\u0027s sin. Forgiveness is costly; we pay the price of the evil we forgive. Yet you\u0027re going to live with those consequences whether you want to or not; your only choice is whether you will do so in the bondage of bitterness or the freedom of forgiveness. That\u0027s how Jesus forgave you. He took the consequences of your sin upon Himself. All true forgiveness is substitutional, because no one really forgives without bearing the penalty of the other person\u0027s sin.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy then do we forgive? Because Christ forgave us. God the Father \u0022made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him\u0022 (2 Corinthians 5:21). Where is the justice? The cross makes forgiveness legally and morally right: \u0022For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all\u0022 (Romans 6:10).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow do you forgive from the heart? First, you acknowledge the hurt and the hate. If your forgiveness doesn\u0027t visit the emotional core of your past, it will be incomplete. This is the great evangelical cover-up. Christians feel the pain of interpersonal offences, but we won\u0027t acknowledge it. Let God bring the pain to the surface so He can deal with it. This is where the healing takes place.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAsk God to bring to your mind those you need to forgive.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMake a list of all those who have offended you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESince God has forgiven them by His grace, you can forgive them too. For each person on your list, say: \u0022Lord, I forgive (name) for (offences).\u0022 Keep praying about each individual until you are sure that all the remembered pain has been dealt with. Don\u0027t try to rationalize or explain the offender\u0027s behaviour.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EForgiveness deals with your pain, not another\u0027s behaviour. Remember: Positive feelings will follow in time; freeing yourself from the past is the critical issue.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I desire to be free from the hurt and the hate of offences in my past. Today I move beyond desiring to forgive and asking Your help to forgive. Lord, I forgive _________ for ___________. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-17T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/121-cost-forgiveness"},{"id":456,"title":"CALLED TO BE A SAINT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECALLED TO BE A SAINT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETo those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours (1 Corinthians 1:2). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHave you noticed that one of the most frequently used words of identity for Christians in the New Testament is saint? A saint is literally a holy person. Yet Paul and the other writers of the Epistles used the word generously to describe common, ordinary, everyday Christians like you and me. For example, Paul\u0027s salutation in 1 Corinthians 1:2 reads: \u0022To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.\u0022 Notice that Paul didn\u0027t say that we are saints by hard work. He clearly states that we are saints by calling.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome of us have bought into the mentality that saints are people who have earned their lofty title by living a magnificent life or achieving a certain level of maturity. No way. The Bible says you are a saint because God called you to be a saint. You were \u0022sanctified in Christ\u0022 - made a saint by participating in the life of the only true holy one, Jesus Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMany Christians refer to themselves as sinners saved by grace. But are you really a sinner? Is that your scriptural identity? Not at all. God doesn\u0027t call you a sinner; He calls you a saint - a holy one. If you think of yourself as a sinner, guess what you will do: You\u0027ll live like a sinner; you\u0027ll sin. Why not identify yourself for who you really are: a saint who sins. Remember: What you do doesn\u0027t determine who you are; who you are determines what you do.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESince you are a saint in Christ by God\u0027s calling, you share in Christ\u0027s inheritance. That which is true of Christ is now true of you, because you are in Christ. It\u0027s part of your identity. You are not the great \u0022I Am,\u0022 but with Paul you can say, \u0022By the grace of God I am what I am\u0022 (1 Corinthians 15:10). Your grace and Your calling in my life are totally undeserved, but it is my privilege to claim my inheritance.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Father. Thank You, Jesus.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-18T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/122-called-be-saint"},{"id":457,"title":"HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHOW TO TREAT PEOPLE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBe devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honour (Romans 12:10).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA pastor came to see me one day asking, \u0022How can I get out of my church?\u0022 \u0022Why do you want out?\u0022 I asked him. \u0022What\u0027s wrong with your church?\u0022 \u0022I\u0027ve got a bunch of losers in my church.\u0022 \u0022Losers? I wonder if they are really losers or if they just see themselves as losers because that\u0027s how you see them.\u0022 He agreed that it was probably the latter. And he was right, because there are no losers in the kingdom of God, none whatsoever.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow can a child of God be called a loser? As important as it is for you to believe in your true identity as a child of God, it is equally important that you perceive other Christians for who they are and treat them accordingly. I believe that the greatest determinant of how we treat people is how we perceive them. If we see people as losers, we will begin to believe that they are losers. And if we believe they are losers, we will treat them like losers and they will mirror our behaviour and act like losers. But if we perceive our brothers and sisters in Christ as redeemed, righteous saints, we will treat them as saints and they will be greatly helped in behaving as saints.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen Paul led Onesimus, a runaway slave, to Christ, he sent him back to his master and told Philemon to accept him as a beloved brother (Philemon 16). We need to perceive and treat all believers, regardless of their socio-economic strata, as beloved brothers. Peter instructed husbands to treat their wives as fellow heirs of the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYour spouse, regardless of their faults, is your spiritual equal and must be treated accordingly. The New Testament clearly states that we are saints who sin. Any child of God who says he doesn\u0027t sin is called a liar (1 John 1:8). But we are not to focus on one another\u0027s sins. Instead we are called to perceive the Christ like nature in each other, believe in each other as saints, and build each other up.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that love covers a multitude of sins. Help me to be loving and accepting of others today instead of critical.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-19T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/123-how-treat-people"},{"id":458,"title":"THE PROPER USE OF WORDS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE PROPER USE OF WORDS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow do we express our perceptions of people? Primarily by what we say to them. Studies have shown that in the average home, for every positive statement, a child receives 10 negative statements. The school environment is only slightly better; students hear seven negative statements from their teachers for every one positive statement. No wonder so many children are growing up feeling they are losers. Parents and teachers are conveying that perception every day in how they talk to their children.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese studies go on to point out that it takes four positive statements to negate the effect of one negative statement. You probably verify that finding every time you wear a new suit or dress. A number of your friends may say, \u0022Oh, what a good-looking outfit.\u0022 But it only takes one comment like \u0022It\u0027s really not you\u0022 to send you scurrying back to the store for a refund. We affect others significantly by what we say about them, and what we say is significantly determined by how we perceive them. If we could memorize just one verse from the New Testament, put it into practice and never violate it, I believe we would resolve half to three-fourths of the problems in our homes and churches. The verse is Ephesians 4:29. Isn\u0027t it amazing that you and I have the power to give grace to others through the proper use of our words? If we said nothing to put others down, and only built up others as Ephesians 4:29 commands, we would be part of God\u0027s construction crew in the church instead of members of Satan\u0027s wrecking crew.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, I know my tongue is capable of blessing or cursing others. Guard my words today so I may edify others through what I say. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-20T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/124-proper-use-words"},{"id":459,"title":"SEALED IN HIM ","body":"\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: large;\u0022\u003ESEALED IN HIM\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EHaving also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise Ephesians 1:13 \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EAfter King Saul disobeyed  God (1 Samuel 15), we\u0027re told that \u0022the Spirit of the LORD departed  from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him\u0022 (1 Samuel  16:14). This is a difficult passage for two reasons. First, it seems to  imply that a person can lose the Holy Spirit by an act of disobedience.  But it must be understood that the presence of the Holy Spirit in the  Old Testament was selective and temporary. The Spirit involved with Saul  was probably the same Spirit involved with David in verse 13: a special  equipping of the Spirit for ruling as God\u0027s anointed king. This unique  equipping is not the same as the personal relationship in the Spirit  that we enjoy with God as His children today. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EBeginning after the  cross, the church is identified by the indwelling presence of the Holy  Spirit, who forever unites the children of God with their heavenly  Father (Ephesians 1:13, 14). Jesus promised that no one shall snatch us  out of His hand (John 10:28), and Paul assured that nothing - not even  disobedience - can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39). We  are secure in Christ and indwelt by His Spirit through faith in the work  of Christ on the cross.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EThe second problem  concerns the bothersome idea that an evil spirit could come from the  Lord. But we must remember that God is supreme, and He can use Satan and  his emissaries as a means to discipline His people as He did with Saul.  It is not inconsistent with the nature or plan of God to use anything  to accomplish His will. Even the church is permitted to turn a grossly  immoral member over to Satan \u0022for the destruction of his flesh, that his  spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus\u0022 (1 Corinthians 5:5).  Why? Allowing people to experience the natural consequences of their  actions has always been an effective means of discipline. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EDo you want to do the  devil\u0027s bidding? Go ahead, and maybe the painful consequences you  suffer from your immorality will turn you back to God. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EThank You, Lord,  for sealing me in Christ by Your Spirit. Help me live obediently today  as an expression of thanks for what you have done. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-10-26T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/099-sealed-him"},{"id":460,"title":"BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EBLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIt is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy (1 Corinthians 4:2). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAn important concept about the will of God that my students hear at seminary is, \u0022Bloom where you are planted.\u0022 Be the best you can be at your present assignment, and stay there until God calls you elsewhere. Oftentimes my students will say, \u0022There are no openings to serve at my church!\u0022 My response, \u0022Oh, yes there are. They\u0027re probably begging for someone to teach third-grade boys.\u0022 The momentary silence reveals this thought: \u0022But anyone can teach third-grade boys. I had something bigger in mind.\u0022 Like maybe an opening in the Trinity! Take the opportunity before you and teach those third-grade boys. Decide to be the best teacher they\u0027ve ever had. You may start with only three little boys, but at the end of that year you\u0027ve got 12 boys excited about God, Sunday school and church.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext year, when the personnel committee needs to fill leadership positions, they say, \u0022We need some new life on the Christian education committee.\u0022 Somebody aware of the fruit you are bearing says, \u0022There\u0027s this guy doing a bang-up job with our third graders. Let\u0027s ask him to be on the committee.\u0022 Now that you are on the Christian education committee, decide to be the best committee member you can be. It won\u0027t be long before they recognize your initiative and say, \u0022We could use this person on the board.\u0022 Determine to become the best possible board member you can. Then an opening develops for an intern and guess who the people suggest! People hearing of your faithfulness and aware of the fruit you are bearing ask you to consider a full-time pastoral position.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESo you become the best youth pastor, small group pastor, or college minister you can possibly be. Before long you\u0027ll be bearing so much fruit that other churches will be inquiring about your availability. God guides those who bloom where they are planted.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI want to be faithful in the small things, Lord, so You will advance me to greater responsibilities in Your timing and according to Your will.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-22T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/126-bloom-where-you-are-planted"},{"id":461,"title":"DISCERNING THE TRUTH","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDISCERNING THE TRUTH\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you accept prophetic utterances as valid for today, I would encourage you to test them in the following ways.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, is the person giving the prophetic utterance living a balanced and righteous lifestyle? You must carefully evaluate the person announcing, \u0022Thus saith the Lord.\u0022 Also, be on guard for the person who wants to bring a \u0022new thing.\u0022 If it is true, it\u0027s not new. If it is new, it\u0027s not true.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, is the person committed to building God\u0027s kingdom or his own? Is Christ being lifted up or is he?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThird, does the prophetic utterance establish confidence in the Word of God and is it consistent with a balanced presentation of it? Are people going to have a greater dependency on God\u0027s revelation or man\u0027s inspiration? Are prophetic utterances a substitute for the serious, personal study of God\u0027s Word?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFourth, does the use of the spiritual gift bring unity to the church and build up the body? Be careful in this test because those who hold to a form of godliness but deny its power are not in balance either. They will quench the Spirit through censorship and very little will be accomplished in the church. They can cause disunity as well.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELast, do the spiritual manifestations bypass the mind? God operates through our mind; Satan bypasses it. If a person takes on a medium-like trance, be assured it is occultic. God renews our mind and brings back to our mind all that He has taught us. We are to think so as to have sound judgment. All of us receive input from a myriad of sources today. With Satan still using false prophets in his battle for your mind, determine to discern the truth God wants you to know to set you free and keep you free.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I want to be so in tune with your Word that I can discern error and darkness even when it appears as truth and light. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-23T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/127-discerning-truth"},{"id":462,"title":"WHAT GOD WANTS DONE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EWHAT GOD WANTS DONE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBe anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you feel anxious in a task or a relationship, your anxiety may be signalling the uncertainty of a goal you have chosen. You are hoping something will happen, but you have no guarantee that it will. You can control some of the factors, but not all of them. For example, a teenager may believe that her happiness at school depends on her parents allowing her to attend a school dance. Not knowing how they will respond, she is anxious. If they say no, she will be angry because her goal is blocked. But if she knows all along that there is no possible chance of them saying yes, she will be depressed because her goal will not be achieved. When you base your future success on something that can never happen, you have an impossible, hopeless goal. Your depression is a signal that your goal, no matter how spiritual or noble, may never be reached.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome forms of depression can be caused by chemical imbalances. But if there is no physical cause for the depression, then that depression is the expression of hopelessness. No God-given goal can be blocked, uncertain or impossible. With God all things are possible. If God issued a command that could not be obeyed, it would undermine His authority. If God wants it done, it can be done. The real question is: What does God want done? The answer? He wants us to be what He has called us to be. And if that\u0027s what God wants done, no situations or circumstances of life can keep you from being the engineer, homemaker, parent, or leader God has called you to be.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me keep my eyes on what You want done in my life, not on the seemingly impossible hindrances that keep me from growing in You. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-24T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/128-what-god-wants-done"},{"id":463,"title":"THE DEATH OF FEAR","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE DEATH OF FEAR\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion (Prov 28:1)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow do you respond to fear situations in your life? The following steps will help you identify and hopefully eliminate any irrational fears.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, \u003Cem\u003Eanalyse your fear\u003C\/em\u003E. Most people aren\u2019t aware of what is controlling their lives. If you are suffering with anxiety attacks, determine when they first occurred. What experience preceded the first attack? People struggling with agoraphobia can usually identify one precipitating event. It is often associated with some tragedy or failure in their lives, such as a marital affair or an abortion. Satan takes advantage of victimised people if they don\u2019t seek a scriptural solution to their crisis (Psalm 38:18).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, \u003Cem\u003Edetermine where God\u2019s place in your life has been usurped. \u003C\/em\u003EIn what ways does any fear prevent you from responsible behaviour or compel you toward irresponsible behaviour? You may need to confess any situations where you\u2019ve allowed your actions to be controlled by fear (Psalm 28:1). We will always live less than a responsible life if we fear anything other than God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThird, \u003Cem\u003Ework out a plan of responsible behaviour.\u003C\/em\u003E A college student shared with me that she was living in terror of her father. They hadn\u2019t spoken to each other in six months. Obviously there was irresponsible behaviour on both their parts. I suggested that she take the initiative that evening and say, \u201cHi, Dad!\u201d. We reasoned that there were three possible responses he could give. First, he could get mad. Second, he could respond with a greeting. Third, he could remain silent. It was the possibility of the third response that created the most fear.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe then discussed the fourth point: \u003Cem\u003EDetermine in advance what your response will be to any fear-object. \u003C\/em\u003E\u00a0The young woman and I talked about what her response would be in each of those three cases we had mentioned. I then asked her if she would be willing to carry out our plan. She agreed to do it. I got a call that evening from a happy daughter who exclaimed, \u201cHe said \u2018Hi\u2019 back\u201d.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDo the thing you fear the most, and the death of fear is certain.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrayer: Lord, give me the courage to meet my fears head-on and the persistence to overcome them in Your strength\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-16T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/240-death-fear"},{"id":464,"title":"DELIGHT IN THE LORD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EDELIGHT IN THE LORD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDelight yourself in the LORD,and He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJeremiah said, \u0022The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick\u0022 (17:9). With that description, you can imagine what the heart is capable of desiring. Delighting in what the world offers will only temporarily satisfy those desires and will sicken your heart even more. But if you delight in the Lord, your desires will change.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI believe this process unfolds as we seek to do God\u0027s will. I had very little desire to read until I came to Christ. Now I read volumes. After I received Christ, I wanted to serve Him full time. I had completed engineering school and was preparing to do anything God wanted - except go back to school. But within a year, I could hardly wait to get to seminary. It was the best educational experience of my life and the only one I enjoyed up to that point. Since then I have finished four more degrees. If we delight in the Lord, He changes our desires!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe struggle between the desires of the flesh and the desires of righteousness. Jesus told us, \u0022Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied\u0022 (Matthew 5:6). Do you believe that? I guarantee that if you try to satisfy the desires of the flesh, you will never satisfy them. The more you feed them, the greater the hunger. When we first come to Christ, nothing contests our will more than the lusts of the flesh: \u0022For the flesh sets its desires against the Spirit, and Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another\u0022 (Galatians 5:17). Our will is like a toggle switch, but it\u0027s initially spring-loaded to the flesh. As we delight in the Lord, it becomes spring-loaded to the Spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMy heart\u0027s desire, Father, is to be totally responsive to You and to delight in whatever gives You glory.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-18T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/183-delight-lord"},{"id":465,"title":"UNDERSTANDING THE SUPERNATURAL","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EUNDERSTANDING THE SUPERNATURAL\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures, or the power of God (Matthew 22:29). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDee, a bright young woman and a pastor\u0027s daughter, developed physical symptoms that were later diagnosed as multiple sclerosis. \u0022When did you first become aware of the symptoms?\u0022 I asked. \u0022I started feeling the first tingling sensations right after a special time of devotions I had with the Lord,\u0022 Dee replied. \u0022What was so special about your devotions that day?\u0022 \u0022My devotions were in 2 Corinthians 12, and I read the passage where Paul told about his thorn in the flesh. Paul said God\u0027s power was perfected in his weakness, and I wanted God\u0027s power in my life too. So I asked God to give me a thorn in the flesh.\u0022 \u0022Do you know what Paul\u0027s thorn in the flesh was?\u0022 I asked, shocked. \u0022Some sort of physical problem, wasn\u0027t it?\u0022 \u0022Well, we\u0027re not told how it was manifested, but 2 Corinthians 12:7 clearly states that it was a \u0027messenger of Satan,\u0027 literally an angel of Satan - a demon! Paul never asked for it. In fact, he prayed three times that it be removed. Dee, I think Satan took advantage of your unscriptural prayer and afflicted you with these symptoms. I strongly recommend that you renounce your request for a thorn in the flesh and pray that any influence by Satan be removed from your life.\u0022 Dee received my counsel and we prayed together. She began to feel better. The symptoms disappeared and she resumed her normal activities.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBy excluding the supernatural from their worldview, many Christians exclude God\u0027s power from their theology and practice, becoming subject to Satan\u0027s power. Furthermore, they also explain all human failure - even that which is induced by demonic influence, such as Dee\u0027s symptoms, as the result of psychological or natural causes. We typically exhaust every natural explanation first, then say, \u0022Well, there\u0027s nothing left to do but pray.\u0022 Why don\u0027t we first determine if there is a spiritual explanation? Spiritual conflicts are by far the easiest to resolve.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, keep me sensitive to the spiritual nature of the battle, and protect me from the fiery darts the evil one hurls at me today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-12-13T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/465"},{"id":466,"title":"YOUR UNIQUE ROLE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EYOUR UNIQUE ROLE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWe are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod has a unique place of ministry for each of us. It is important to your sense of fulfilment that you realize exactly where that place is.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe key is to discover the roles you occupy in which you cannot be replaced, and then decide to be what God wants you to be in those roles. For example, of the five billion people in the world, you are the only one who occupies your unique role as husband, father, wife, mother, parent, or child in your home. God has specially planted you to serve Him by serving your family and the community where you live.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAssuming the responsibility of our primary roles is too challenging for some, but it is the only path of fulfilment. You will never be fulfilled trying to become something you\u0027re not. You occupy a unique role as an ambassador for Christ where you work and live. These are your mission fields and you are the worker God has appointed for the harvest there. Your greatest fulfilment will come from accepting and occupying God\u0027s unique place for you to the best of your ability. Sadly, so many miss their calling in life by looking for fulfilment in the world.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFind your fulfilment in the kingdom of God by deciding to be an ambassador for Christ in the world. Paul said, \u0022Do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry\u0022 (2 Timothy 4:5).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, keep me sensitive to the ministry You have for me in the ordinary places of my daily life.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-20T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/466"},{"id":467,"title":"OUR GREATEST MOTIVATION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOUR GREATEST MOTIVATION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo worship God is to acknowledge His divine attributes. He doesn\u0027t need us to tell Him who He is. We need to keep our minds renewed to the reality of His presence. Notice how this is brought out in 2 Corinthians 5:9-11: \u0022Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERealizing that God knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, we should be motivated to live our lives to please Him. Someday we\u0027re going to stand before Him and give an account. The judgment that Paul is talking about in this passage is not for punishment, but for rewards. We don\u0027t fear God because of the possibility of punishment: \u0022There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love\u0022 (l John 4:18). We have already been judged as to where we will spend eternity. But how we spend eternity depends on how we respond to God in this lifetime.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI personally don\u0027t want to limp into heaven and have Him say, \u0022Well, okay, come on in.\u0022 I want to stand before God someday and hear Him say, \u0022Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.\u0022 That\u0027s the greatest motivation in my life. As a child I didn\u0027t fear the spanking of my father nearly as much as I feared being accountable to him and facing his disappointment. I\u0027m not disappointed with God and I sure don\u0027t want Him disappointed with me.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, may the reality of my eternal salvation motivate me to wholehearted, grateful obedience today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-22T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/467"},{"id":468,"title":"EVERY CHRISTIAN\u0027S RESPONSIBILITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EEVERY CHRISTIAN\u0027S RESPONSIBILITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHumble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6,7)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESeveral weeks after one of my conferences, a friend shared with me the story of a dear Christian woman who had attended. She had lived in a deep depression for several years. She \u0027survived\u0027 by leaning on her friends, three counselling sessions a week, and a variety of prescription drugs. During the conference, this woman realized that her support system included everybody and everything but God. She had not cast her anxiety on Christ and she was anything but dependent on Him. She took her conference syllabus home and began focusing on her identity in Christ and expressing confidence in Him to meet her daily needs. She radically threw off all her other supports (a practice I do not recommend) and decided to trust in Christ alone to relieve her depression. She began living by faith in God, rather than men, and renewing her mind according to Scripture. After only one month, she was a completely different person.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe support of a caring community can become a poor substitute for our own personal relationship with God. Persons who want to move forward in Christian maturity can certainly benefit from the discipling of others. And those who seek freedom from their past can be helped through the counselling of others. But ultimately every Christian is responsible for his or her own maturity and freedom in Christ. Nobody can make you grow. That\u0027s your decision and daily responsibility. We absolutely need God, and we also need the support of one another. Thankfully, none of us walks through the disciplines of personal maturity and freedom alone. The indwelling Christ is eagerly willing to walk with us each step of the way.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I affirm my total dependence on You for daily growth, victory and freedom. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-23T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/468"},{"id":469,"title":"WHOLENESS AND MEANING IN LIFE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EWHOLENESS AND MEANING IN LIFE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESeveral years ago a 17-year-old girl drove a great distance to talk with me. I have never met a girl who had so much going for her. She was cover girl, pretty, with a wonderful figure. She was immaculately dressed. She had completed 12 years of school in 11 years, graduating with a very high grade point average. As a talented musician, she had received a music scholarship to a Christian university. And she drove a brand-new sports car her parents gave her for graduation. I was amazed that one person could have so much.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EShe talked with me for half an hour and I realized that what I saw on the outside wasn\u0027t matching what I was beginning to see on the inside. \u0022Mary,\u0022 I said finally, \u0022have you ever cried yourself to sleep at night because you felt inadequate and wished you were somebody else?\u0022 She began to cry. \u0022How did you know?\u0022 \u0022Truthfully, Mary,\u0022 I answered, \u0022I\u0027ve learned that people who appear to have it all together are often far from being together inside.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOften what we show on the outside is a false front designed to disguise who we really are and cover up the secret hurts we feel about our identity. Somehow we believe that if we appear attractive or perform well or enjoy a certain amount of status, then we will have it all together inside as well. But that\u0027s not necessarily true. External appearance, accomplishment and recognition don\u0027t necessarily reflect or produce internal peace and maturity. All the stuff and status you can acquire don\u0027t add up to personal wholeness. Millions of people climb those ladders to success, only to discover when they reach the top that they are leaning against the wrong wall! Wholeness and meaning in life are not the products of what you have or don\u0027t have, what you\u0027ve done or haven\u0027t done. You are already a whole person and possess a life of infinite meaning and purpose because of who you are - a child of God. The only identity equation that works in God\u0027s kingdom is you plus Christ equals wholeness and meaning.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather God, I wouldn\u0027t trade the wholeness and meaning You have brought to my life for anything the world can produce. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-01-24T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/469"},{"id":490,"title":"REFLECTING REALITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EREFLECTING REALITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor as he thinks within himself, so he is (Proverbs 23:7).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETelling someone that they shouldn\u0027t feel the way they do is a subtle form of rejection. They can do little about how they feel. The real problem is that they have a wrong perception of their situation which is making them feel the way they do. You can\u0027t change how you feel, but you can change what you think.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor example, suppose your dream of owning your own home was in the hands of a lending institution which was screening your application for financing. All your friends are praying for the loan to be approved. But you get home one evening to find a message on your phone machine that you didn\u0027t qualify. Where would you be emotionally in just a matter of seconds? At the bottom!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENow suppose you\u0027re getting ready to break the bad news to your spouse that your dream house is still only a dream. Then you listen to the next message on the machine which tells you that the first message was a mistake. You actually did qualify. Now where are you emotionally? The top! What you first believed didn\u0027t reflect truth, so what you felt didn\u0027t reflect reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EImagine the real estate agent, who knows that you qualified, stopping by to congratulate you before you heard the second message on the machine. He expects to find you overjoyed, but instead you\u0027re in despair. \u0022Why are you depressed?\u0022 he asks. \u0022You should be happy.\u0022 But his encouragement is meaningless until he tells you the truth about your loan. If what you believe does not reflect truth, then what you feel does not reflect reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe order of Scripture is to know the truth, believe it, walk according to it, and let your emotions be a product of your obedience. When you believe what you feel instead of the truth, how will your walk be? As inconsistent as your feelings. But when you believe and act on the truth, your feelings will reflect reality. Jesus said, \u0022If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them\u0022 (John 13:17).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I commit myself to follow Your Word and do right. I want to enjoy the positive emotions that come from obedience.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-12T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/490"},{"id":497,"title":"LIVE RESPONSIBLY TODAY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ELIVE RESPONSIBLY TODAY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETherefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself (Matthew 6:34). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETrusting God for tomorrow is a question of our worth. Jesus said, \u0022Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?\u0022 (Matthew 6:26). Birds are not created in the image of God. We are! Birds will not inherit the kingdom of God, but we shall. Birds are mortal; mankind is immortal. If God takes care of the birds, so much more will He take care of us.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat\u0027s why the apostle Paul could write, \u0022My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus\u0022 (Philippines 4:19). Matthew 6:30,31 states: \u0022If God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then.\u0022 God lays His own reputation on the line. If we trust and obey, He will provide. This is a question of God\u0027s integrity. \u0022For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own\u0022 (Matthew 6:32,34).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod\u0027s will is that we live responsibly today and trust Him for tomorrow. Are we people of little faith, or do we really believe that the fruit of the Spirit will satisfy us more than earthly possessions? Do we really believe that if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we shall be satisfied? Do we really believe that if we seek to establish God\u0027s kingdom, God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory? If we do, then we will seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to us (Matthew 6:33).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord for so faithfully caring for me. I gladly cast all of my cares about today to You. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-09T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/497"},{"id":498,"title":"GODLY GOALS AND DESIRES","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EGODLY GOALS AND DESIRES\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHas He [God] said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19). \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne key to successful living is learning to distinguish a godly goal from a godly desire. A godly goal is any specific orientation reflecting God\u0027s purpose for your life that does not depend on people or circumstances beyond your ability or right to control. Who do you have the ability and right to control? Virtually no one but yourself. The only person who can block a godly goal or render it uncertain or impossible is you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBy contrast, a godly desire is any specific orientation that depends on the cooperation of other people or the success of events or favourable circumstances you cannot control. You cannot base your self-worth or your personal success on your desires, no matter how godly they may be, because you cannot control all the people or circumstances that affect fulfilment.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen people or circumstances block our goals, we get angry. If our mentally perceived goal is uncertain, we feel anxious. If the goal appears impossible, we get depressed. But what God-given goal can be blocked, uncertain or impossible? With God all things are possible, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. No one can keep us from being what God wants us to be except us.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENotice how God distinguishes between goals and desires. John wrote, \u0022My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin\u0022 (1 John 2:1). Certainly God desires that we don\u0027t sin, but His status as God and His purposes cannot be blocked by anyone who exercises his will against repentance. But it is God\u0027s desire that everyone repent even though not everyone will. God accomplished His goal when Jesus said, \u0022It is finished.\u0022 What God has determined to do, He will do, so we can be all that He created us to be.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, show me Your purposes for my life and help me make them my goals. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-10T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/498"},{"id":521,"title":"A STRUGGLING SAINT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA STRUGGLING SAINT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate (Romans 7:15).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPerhaps the most vivid description of the contest with sin which goes on in the life of the believer is found in Romans 7:15-25. In verses 15 and 16, Paul describes the problem: \u0022For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not wish to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENotice that there is only one player in these two verses - the \u0022I,\u0022 mentioned nine times. Notice also that this person has a good heart; he agrees with the law of God. But this good-hearted Christian has a behaviour problem. He knows what he should be doing but, for some reason, he can\u0027t do it. He agrees with God but ends up doing the very things he hates.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EVerses 17-21 uncover the reason for this behaviour problem: \u0022So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which indwells me. If I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.\u0022 How many players are involved now? Two: sin and me. But sin is clearly not me -  it\u0027s only dwelling in me. Sin is preventing me from doing what I want to do.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDo these verses say that I am no good, that I am evil, or that I am sin? Absolutely not. They say that I have something dwelling in me that is no good, evil, and sinful, but it\u0027s not me. If I have a sliver in my finger, I could say that I have something in me that is no good. But it\u0027s not me who\u0027s no good. I\u0027m not the sliver. The sliver, which is stuck in my finger, is no good. I am not sin and I am not a sinner. I am a saint struggling with sin, which causes me to do what I don\u0027t want to do.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERomans 6:12 tells us that it is our responsibility not to allow sin to reign in our lives. Sin will reign if we use our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13). We must renounce every such use and submit our bodies to God as instruments of righteousness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You Lord, that I don\u0027t have to sin. You made it possible for me to control sin\u0027s power over me. You delivered me from the wages of sin and blessed me with the gift of eternal life in Christ.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-24T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/521"},{"id":522,"title":"BEYOND THE BOUNDARY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EBEYOND THE BOUNDARY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAll things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMost of us won\u0027t often be tempted to commit obvious sins such as armed robbery, murder or rape. Satan\u0027s tack is to entice us to push something good beyond the boundary of the will of God until it becomes sin. He treats us like the proverbial frog in the pot of water: gradually turning up the heat of temptation, hoping we don\u0027t notice that we are approaching the boundary of God\u0027s will and jump out before something good becomes sin.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEverything is good and lawful for us because we are free from sin and no longer under the condemnation of the law. But the following statements reveal how we can wrongly take good things beyond the boundary of God\u0027s will:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Ephysical rest becomes laziness\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Eability to profit becomes avarice and greed\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Eenjoyment of life becomes intemperance\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Ephysical pleasure becomes sensuality\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Einterest in the possessions of others becomes covetousness\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Eenjoyment of food becomes gluttony\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Eself-care becomes selfishness\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Eself-respect becomes conceit\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Ecommunication becomes gossip\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Ecautiousness becomes unbelief\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Eanger becomes rage and bad temper\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Eloving kindness becomes overprotection\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Ejudgment becomes criticism\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Esexual freedom becomes immorality\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Econscientiousness becomes perfectionism\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Egenerosity becomes wastefulness\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Eself-protection becomes dishonesty\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Ecarefulness becomes fear\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I seek Your balance in my life today to do what is profitable without being mastered by anything, even good things.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-14T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/522"},{"id":523,"title":"NEW WINE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ENEW WINE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENew wine must be put into fresh wineskins (Luke 5:38).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJesus taught that the forms of our Christian practice must change. In His parable of the garment and the wineskin in Luke 5:36-39, the garment and the wineskin are the external dress and the container, not the substance of our faith. They represent the religious customs, practices and traditions in which the substance of our faith is packaged. Jesus is stating a fact - the garment needs mending and the old wineskin is old! What worked before isn\u0027t working anymore. Times change, cultures change, and what worked 20 years ago may not work today. But what doesn\u0027t change is the object of our faith.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0027Time-honoured faith\u0027 and \u0027long-established practice\u0027 blend together and become indistinguishable to the status quo. When someone advocates another form of practice, it becomes apparent that the security of the old wineskins rests in the long-established practice instead of the time-honoured faith.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe reasoning behind the resistance is logical: \u0022I came to Christ singing that song,\u0022 or \u0022It worked for me. I don\u0027t see why it won\u0027t work for my children.\u0022 We have to ask, \u0022Is it relevant? Does it relate?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe older generation is the stable force in our churches. They are faithful and mature, and they represent the financial stability that every church needs. They also make up the boards and committees that determine the style of ministry, but they have a tendency to perpetuate long-established practices that are meaningful to them.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis problem is more sociological than spiritual. Why is it that a good, Bible-believing church which faithfully carries out its ministry struggles to hold onto its young people, when down the street a contemporary ministry rents a store building and has four times more young people in a matter of months? Because the contemporary ministry relates to the young and their style of music. It caters to their desire for expression and participation.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf we fail to provide new wineskins, we will be ill equipped to serve the \u0022new wine\u0022 - the next generation of believers.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me never to cling to the old ways just because they make me feel comfortable.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-15T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/523"},{"id":524,"title":"AN EVERLASTING LOVE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EAN EVERLASTING LOVE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness (Jeremiah 31:3).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne night I came home from work and my wife Joanne met me at the door. \u0022You better go talk to Karl,\u0022 she said solemnly. \u0022I think Karl threw his hamster, Johnny, this afternoon.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI went to Karl and asked him point blank, \u0022Did you throw Johnny this afternoon?\u0022 He denied it firmly. Unfortunately for poor Karl, there was an eyewitness that afternoon. Again I confronted Karl, this time with one of those oversized plastic whiffle bats, which make a lot of noise on a child\u0027s behind without inflicting too much damage. \u0022Karl, tell me the truth. Did you throw Johnny?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022No.\u0022 Whack! No matter how much I threatened, Karl wouldn\u0027t confess. I was frustrated. Finally I gave up.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA couple of days later Joanne met me at the door again. \u0022You better go talk to Karl. Johnny died.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI found Karl in the backyard mourning over his little hamster. Karl and I talked about death and dying, then we buried Johnny. \u0022Karl, I think you need to pray now,\u0022 I said.  \u0022No, Dad. You pray.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Karl, Johnny was your hamster. I think you need to pray.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFinally he agreed. This was his prayer: \u0022Dear Jesus, help me not to throw my new hamster.\u0022 What I couldn\u0027t coax out of him with a plastic bat, God worked out in his heart.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy did Karl lie to me? He thought if he admitted to throwing his pet, I wouldn\u0027t love him. He was willing to lie in order to hold onto my love and respect, which he feared he would lose if he admitted his misbehaviour. I reached down and wrapped my arms around my little son. \u0022Karl, I may not approve of everything you do, but I\u0027m always going to love you.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Father God, for Your unconditional love for me. You are such a wonderful parent.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-21T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/524"},{"id":525,"title":"BE GOD-CENTERED","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EBE GOD-CENTERED\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHe [Jesus] called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God, and to perform healing (Luke 9:1,2).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENotice how Jesus equipped His disciples for ministry. He knew that when they began preaching the kingdom of God and healing the sick, demonic powers would bring opposition. So He specifically gave them power and authority over demons.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELater Jesus sent out 70 of His followers on a similar mission, and they \u0022returned with joy, saying \u0027Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name\u0027\u0022(Luke 10:17). These missionaries were spiritually in tune enough to know that demons existed and that they were a force to be reckoned with in their ministry. Jesus\u0027 followers had been eyewitnesses as the evil spirits opposed the Master, and they probably anticipated the same treatment. Perhaps they even started out on their mission with pangs of fear and doubt about encountering demonic resistance. But they came back astonished at the victory they experienced over evil spirits.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut Jesus quickly brought the issue of spiritual conflicts into perspective: \u0022Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven\u0022 (Luke 10:20). Jesus sent out the 70 to preach the gospel and to heal, but all they could talk about when they came back was how they sent the demons running. \u0022Don\u0027t be demon-centred,\u0022 Jesus replied. \u0022Be kingdom-centred, be ministry-centred, be God-centred.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat\u0027s a good warning. As you learn to exercise authority over the kingdom of darkness in your life and in the lives of others, you may be tempted to see yourself as some kind of spiritual freedom fighter, looking for demons behind every door. But it\u0027s truth that sets you free, not the knowledge of error. You are not called to dispel the darkness; you are called to turn on the light. You would have no authority at all if it weren\u0027t for your identity as a child of God and your position in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, Your light is strong enough to overcome the deepest darkness. Praise You!\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-28T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/525"},{"id":526,"title":"FREE TO LIVE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EFREE TO LIVE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law (Galatians 5:18)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPaul said that walking according to the Spirit is not license: an excessive or undisciplined freedom constituting an abuse of privilege. As a Christian you may see the phrase \u0022You are not under the Law\u0022 in Galatians 5:18 and exclaim, \u0022Wow, I\u0027m free! Walking in the Spirit means I can do anything I want!\u0022 Not at all. In the previous verse Paul wrote, \u0022You may not do the things that you please.\u0022 Being led by the Spirit doesn\u0027t mean you are free to do anything you want to do. It means you are finally free to live a responsible, moral life - something you were incapable of doing when you were the prisoner of your flesh.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce I was invited to speak to a religion class at a Catholic high school on the topic of Protestant Christianity. At the end of my talk, an athletic-looking, street-wise student raised his hand and asked, \u0022Do you have a lot of don\u0027ts in your church?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESensing that he had a deeper motive, I answered, \u0022What you really want to ask me is if we have any freedom, right?\u0022 He nodded.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Sure, I\u0027m free to do whatever I want to do,\u0022 I answered. \u0022I\u0027m free to rob a bank. But I\u0027m mature enough to realize that I would be in bondage to that act for the rest of my life. I\u0027d have to cover up my crime, go into hiding, or eventually pay for what I did. I\u0027m also free to tell a lie. But if I do, I have to keep telling it, and I have to remember who I told it to and how I told it or I will get caught. I\u0027m free to do drugs, abuse alcohol, and live a sexually immoral lifestyle. All of those \u0027freedoms\u0027 lead to bondage. I\u0027m free to make those choices, but considering the consequences, would I really be free?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat appears to be freedom to some people isn\u0027t really freedom, but a return to bondage (Galatians 5:1). God\u0027s laws, from which we seek to be free, are not restrictive, but protective. Your real freedom is your ability to choose to live responsibly within the context of the protective guidelines God has established for our lives.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, for the privilege I have to choose to live in freedom. Help me not to abuse that privilege today and find myself in bondage.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-01T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/526"},{"id":527,"title":"LIMITING ANXIOUS FEELINGS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ELIMITING ANXIOUS FEELINGS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECast all your anxiety on Him [God] because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELet\u0027s assume you have sought God\u0027s will for a certain direction, and you believe that He has led you to make specific plans. The problem is you are still worried about whether your plans will come about as you have hoped. When I\u0027m facing such situations, I try to follow the six steps described below to limit my anxious feelings.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, state the problem. A problem well stated is half solved. In anxious states of mind, people can\u0027t see the forest for the trees. Put the problem in perspective. Will it matter for eternity? The danger at this juncture is to seek ungodly counsel. The world is glutted with magicians and sorcerers who will promise incredible results. Their appearance may be striking. Their personality may be charming. But they are bankrupt of character. Avoid them (Psalm 1:1).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, separate the facts from the assumptions. Since we don\u0027t know what\u0027s going to happen tomorrow, we make assumptions, and we usually assume the worst. If the assumption is accepted as truth, it will drive your mind to its anxiety limits. Therefore, you must separate assumptions from facts.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThird, determine what you have the right or ability to control. You are responsible for that which you can control, and you are not responsible for that which you can\u0027t. Don\u0027t try to cast your responsibility onto Christ; He will throw it back.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFourth, list everything you can do which is related to the situation that is under your responsibility. When people don\u0027t assume their responsibility, they turn to temporary cures for their anxiety, like eating, TV, sex or drugs.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFifth, once you are sure you have fulfilled your responsibility, see if there is any way you can help others. Turning your attention away from your own self-absorption and onto helping people around you is not only the loving thing to do, but it also brings a special inner peace.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESixth, the rest is God\u0027s responsibility, except for your prayer, according to Philippians 4:6-8. So assume your responsibility, but cast your anxiety on Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me recognize the difference between today\u0027s responsibilities and anxieties, then put them in their proper places.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-16T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/527"},{"id":528,"title":"THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe accuser of our brethren who accuses them before our God day and night (Revelation 12:10)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext to temptation, perhaps the most frequent and insistent attack from Satan to which we are vulnerable is accusation. By faith we have entered into an eternal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result, we are dead to sin and alive to God, and we now sit with Christ in the heavenlies. In Christ we are important, we are qualified, we are justified. Satan can do absolutely nothing to alter our position in Christ and our worth to God. But he can render us virtually inoperative if he can deceive us into listening to and believing his insidious lies, accusing us of being of little value to God or other people.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan often uses temptation and accusation as a brutal one-two punch. He comes along and says, \u0022Why don\u0027t you try it? Everybody does it. Besides, you can get away with it. Who\u0027s going to know?\u0022 Then as soon as we fall for his tempting line, he changes his tune to accusation: \u0022What kind of a Christian are you to do such a thing? You\u0027re a pitiful excuse for a child of God. You\u0027ll never get away with it. You might as well give up because God has already given up on you.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe have all heard Satan\u0027s lying, hateful voice in our hearts and consciences. He never seems to let up on us. Many Christians are perpetually discouraged and defeated because they believe his persistent lies about them. And those who give in to his accusations end up being robbed of the freedom that God intends His people to enjoy.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe good news is that we don\u0027t have to listen to Satan\u0027s accusations and live in despair and defeat. Satan is not your judge; he is merely your accuser. When Satan\u0027s accusations of unworthiness attack you, don\u0027t pay attention to them. Instead respond, \u0022I have put my trust in Christ, and I am a child of God in Him. I have been rescued by God from the fire of judgment, and He has declared me righteous. Satan cannot determine a verdict or pronounce a sentence. All he can do is accuse me - and I don\u0027t buy it.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord God, when Satan accuses me and reminds me of my past, help me resist him and remind him of his future.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-22T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/528"},{"id":529,"title":"THE LIGHT TO OUR PATH","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE LIGHT TO OUR PATH\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe live in a world where the flip of a switch instantly lightens or darkens a room. The lamps in biblical times, on the other hand, burned brightly but required proper tending. If not cared for, they would become a dwindling flame. God\u0027s Word uses the metaphor of a lamp to teach us about guidance for our lives. And it provides the opportunity for some graphic applications of this teaching.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEarnestly seeking the clear teaching of God\u0027s Word allows the lamp to burn brightly and us to stay on the path. When we fail to acknowledge our theological bias and limited perspective, the light lessens and our path becomes twisted. The lamp flickers when form replaces function and traditions push aside the commandments of God. The light dims when we stay away from God\u0027s Word and the fellowship of believers. It goes out when we serve another master.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESometimes we overlook the obvious: God\u0027s will is expressed by His Word. As a child, I didn\u0027t struggle with knowing my earthly father\u0027s will. He clearly expressed it to me. I learned early on that we lived together peacefully if I was quick to obey. Being a farm boy, it made sense to help my father establish his kingdom (the family farm). Farmers know from nature that we reap what we sow. Not only that, I stood to inherit the family farm along with my brother and sisters as my father had with his sisters. Yet I wonder how many Christians realize that what they are presently sowing in the kingdom of God is what they will reap for all eternity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod\u0027s will is revealed to us in His Word. There is no substitute for being \u0022diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth\u0022 (2 Timothy 2:15). The Bible is a light to your path.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, don\u0027t let anything enter my life today that would dim Your glorious light. I choose to find my way by the light of Your Word.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-29T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/529"},{"id":530,"title":"COMBATING SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECOMBATING SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked from Him (1 John 5:14,15)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are several specific needs that we should consider as targets for prayer in spiritual warfare. One need relates to the condition of blindness that Satan has inflicted on unbelievers (1 Corinthians 4:3,4). People cannot come to Christ unless their spiritual eyes are opened. Theodore Epp wrote, \u0022If Satan has blinded and bound men and women, how can we ever see souls saved? This is where you and I enter the picture. Spoiling the goods of the strong man has to do with liberating those whom Satan has blinded and is keeping bound. This is where prayer comes in.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPrayer is a primary weapon in combating spiritual blindness. The apostle John wrote: \u0022If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him\u0022 (1 John 5:14,15). Then he immediately challenged believers to apply this principle by asking God to bring life to unbelievers (verse 16). Our evangelistic strategy must include authoritative prayer that God\u0027s light would penetrate satanic blindness.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe also need to pray, as Paul did in Ephesians 1:18,19, that the eyes of believers may be enlightened to understand the spiritual power, authority and protection that is our inheritance in Christ. As long as Satan can keep us in the dark about our position and authority in Christ, he can keep us stunted in our growth and ineffectual in our witness and ministry. We need to pray for each other continually that Satan\u0027s smoke screen of lies will be blown away and that our vision into the spiritual realm will be crystal clear.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, remind me frequently to pray against the deception, which the enemy uses to block my vision of Your will for my life.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-17T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/530"},{"id":531,"title":"YOUR CONCEPT OF GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EYOUR CONCEPT OF GOD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMost people in spiritual conflict have a distorted concept of God. Mentally they may have embraced correct theology, but emotionally they feel something different. True concepts of God are filtered through a grid of negative experiences to produce false concepts of God. These false concepts must be replaced by truth in order for freedom to be realized.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA pastor\u0027s wife who came to me for counselling told me about her rigidly moral home which was dominated by her demanding mother. The father was a wimp who knew better than to interrupt the mother\u0027s tirades against their daughter\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022You really love Jesus, don\u0027t you?\u0022 I asked the pastor\u0027s wife.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Oh, yes,\u0022 she responded.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022And you really love the Holy Spirit?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Yes, I do.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022But you don\u0027t even like God the Father, do you?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EShe could only respond with tears. Her concept of the heavenly Father was distorted by the image of her earthly father. She perceived Jesus and the Holy Spirit as actively involved with her, but in her mind God the Father, like her earthly father, just sat around passive and uncaring while she went through torture in her life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI often ask, \u0022If you performed better, would God love you more?\u0022 Most people know the right answer: no. But when I ask if they feel loved by God, most express that they show more love and concern for their own children than they expect God to show for them (see Luke 11:9-13). This is all part of Satan\u0027s strategy to raise up thoughts against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). If the enemy can keep people from a true concept of God, he can destroy their hope in God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Father, I don\u0027t want any distorted concepts of You to come between us. Correct me where my concepts are wrong so I can know You in complete truth.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-23T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/531"},{"id":532,"title":"ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit (Rom 8:5)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe centre of all spiritual bondage is the mind. That\u2019s why the battle must be fought and won if you are to experience the freedom in Christ He purchased for you on the cross. Paul wrote: \u2018For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ\u2019 (2 Cor 10:3-5)\u003Cbr \/\u003EBefore you came to Christ, bad habits and sinful thought patterns were established as you learned to live your life independently of God, Your non-Christian environment taught you to think about and respond to life in a non-Christian way, and those patterns and responses were ingrained in your mind as strong-holds. When you became a Christian, your old fleshly habits and patterns weren\u2019t erased; they are still a part of your flesh, which must be dealt with on a daily basis. Thankfully, however, you are not just a product of your past; you are a new creature in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) and now you are primarily the product of the work of Christ on the cross.\u003Cbr \/\u003EOld strongholds can be destroyed. Patterns of negative thinking and behaviour are learned, and they can be unlearned through disciplined Bible study. Some strongholds are the result of demonic influences and spiritual conflicts from past and present mental assaults. If people believe Satan\u2019s lies, those lies will control their lives. These people need to be freed from the shackles of Satan\u2019s lies by God\u2019s truth. Jesus said: \u2018You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free\u2019 (John 8:32).\u003Cbr \/\u003EVictory is truly available for those who are in Christ. There is a war raging for our minds, but we are on the winning side, for we are more than conquerors in Christ!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EToday, Lord, I tear down all thoughts established in my mind against the knowledge of You. I choose to believe who You are and who I am in Christ. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-21T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/532"},{"id":533,"title":"A CHANGE IN OUR VERY ESSENCE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA CHANGE IN OUR VERY ESSENCE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou were formally darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (Eph 5:8)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEphesians 2:1-3 describes our nature before we came to Christ; \u2018You were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air\u2026. and were by nature children of wrath\u2019. Before we became Christians our very nature was sin, and the result of our sins was death (separation from God). As such, we served ourselves and Satan as a matter of course.\u003Cbr \/\u003EBut at salvation God changed our very essence; we became \u2018partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust\u2019 (2 Peter 1:4). You are no longer in the flesh; you are in Christ. You had a sinful nature before your conversion, but now you are a partaker of Christ\u2019s divine nature. You are neither eternal nor divine, but you are eternally united with Christ\u2019s divinity. Paul said it this way: \u2018You were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light\u2019 (Ephesians 5:8); \u2018Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature\u2019 (2 Corinthians 5:7). In the face of Satan\u2019s accusations that we are no different, we must believe and live in harmony with the fact that we are eternally different in Christ.\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe New Testament refers to the person you were before you received Christ as your old self, (old man in the King James Version). At salvation your old self, which was motivated to live independently of God and was therefore characterized by sin, died (Romans 6:6) and your new self, motivated by your new identity in Christ and characterized by dependence on God, came to life (Galatians 2:20).\u003Cbr \/\u003EYour old self had to die in order to sever your relationship with sin which dominated it. Being a new person doesn\u2019t mean that you are sinless (1 John 1:8). But since your old self has been crucified and buried with Christ, you no longer need to sin (1 John 2:1). You sin when you choose to act independently of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, thank You for the hope that comes from knowing that my old self is dead and that I am now a new creature in Christ.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-10T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/533"},{"id":534,"title":"RELATIONSHIP, NOT REGIMEN","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ERELATIONSHIP, NOT REGIMEN\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death (Romans 8:2)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWalking according to the Spirit is more a relationship than a regimen. Think about your marriage as an illustration. You may have started out relying on some rules for effective communication, meeting each other\u0027s sexual needs, etc. But if after several years you can\u0027t even talk to each other or make love without following an outline or list of steps, your marriage is still in infancy. The goal of a marriage is to develop a relationship that supersedes rules.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOr think about prayer. Perhaps you learned to pray using the simple acrostic ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication. But if you have been a Christian for a few years and your prayer life is no deeper than an acrostic, you\u0027ve missed the point of prayer. Prayer is not a formula; it\u0027s the language of your relationship with God. Similarly, walking in the Spirit is essentially a relationship with the indwelling Spirit, which defies quantification.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEven though Scripture doesn\u0027t give us a formula, it does help us see what the Spirit-filled walk is and what it is not. Helpful parameters are found in Galatians 5:16-18: \u0022Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESo how do you walk by the Spirit? If I answered by giving you a rigid formula, I would be putting you back under the law. The Spirit is not an \u0027it\u0027; the Holy Spirit is a \u0027He\u0027 - a person. Walking by the Spirit is a relationship issue, not a legal issue or ritualistic exercise. It is a walk with God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOver the next several days we will examine what the Spirit-walk is and what it is not.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, thank You that my life in You is a relationship, not a set of rules.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-30T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/534"},{"id":535,"title":"THE ESSENCE OF TEMPTATION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE ESSENCE OF TEMPTATION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI have found that many Christians struggle with the distinction between temptation and sin. Bombarded by tempting thoughts, they conclude that there must be something pretty sick about them. But even Jesus was \u0022tempted in all things as we are.\u0022 But finish the verse: \u0022Yet without sin.\u0022 As long as we are in the world, we are exposed to temptation just like Jesus was. But He didn\u0027t sin, and we don\u0027t have to sin either (1 Corinthians 10:13).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe basis for temptation is legitimate human needs. We will either look to the world, the flesh and the devil to have our needs met, or we will look to Christ who promises to meet our needs (Philippians 4:19). The essence of temptation is the invitation to live independently of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe power of temptation depends on the strength of the strongholds that have been developed in our minds as we learned to live independently of God. If you were raised in a Christian home where magazines and television programs of questionable moral value were not allowed, the power of sexual temptation in your life will not be as great as for someone who grew up exposed to pornographic materials. Why? Because your legitimate need to be loved and accepted was met by parents who also protected you from exposure to illegitimate means of meeting your needs. The person who grew up in an environment of immorality may experience a greater struggle with sexual temptation simply because that stronghold in the mind was well established before they were born again.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJesus was tempted to meet His own physical needs by using His divine attributes independently of the Father to turn a rock into bread. But instead He responded, \u0022Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God\u0022 (Matthew 4:4). We also must respond to temptation by relying on God to meet our needs.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Jesus, help me not to listen to the voice of the tempter today but to run to You as the source for meeting all my needs.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-13T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/535"},{"id":536,"title":"YOUR JOURNEY TOWARD CHRIST","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EYOUR JOURNEY TOWARD CHRIST\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy (John 10:10).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow do evil spirits interfere with our lives? Let me answer with a simple illustration. Imagine that you are standing at one end of a long, narrow street lined on both sides with two-story row houses. At the other end of the street stands Jesus Christ, and your Christian life is the process of walking down that long street of maturity toward Him. There is absolutely nothing in the street that can keep you from reaching Jesus. So, when you receive Christ, you fix your eyes on Him and start walking.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut since this world is still under the dominion of Satan, the row houses on either side of you are inhabited by beings who are committed to keeping you from reaching your goal. They have no power or authority to block your path or even slow your step, so they hang out of the windows and call to you, hoping to turn your attention away from your goal and disrupt your progress by tempting you, accusing you and deceiving you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat is the enemy\u0027s goal in having his demons jeer you, taunt you, lure you, and question you from the windows and doorways along your path? He wants you to slow down, stop, sit down, and, if possible, give up your journey toward Christ. He wants to influence you to doubt your ability to believe and serve God. Remember: he has absolutely no power or authority to keep you from steadily progressing in your walk toward Christ. And he can never again own you, because you have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and you are forever in Him (1 Peter 1:18,19). But if he can get you to listen to the thoughts he plants in your mind, he can influence you. And if you allow him to influence you long enough through temptation, accusation and deception, he can control you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf I could influence you to believe a lie, could I control your life? Yes. Let\u0027s fix our eyes on Jesus, \u0022the author and perfecter of faith\u0022 (Hebrews 12:2) and take \u0022every thought captive to the obedience of Christ\u0022 (2 Corinthians 10:5).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I know this world is a crazy, unsafe place, full of obstacles and impediments. I trust You today to protect me from the enemy, to light my path, and to watch over me with Your sure presence.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-20T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/536"},{"id":537,"title":"HE\u0027S ALWAYS THERE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHE\u0027S ALWAYS THERE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the early 1980s I counselled a Christian young woman who was languishing in deep spiritual, mental and emotional torment. She wrote:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDear God,\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere are You? How can You watch and not help me? I hurt so bad, and You don\u0027t even care. If You cared You\u0027d make it stop or let me die. I love You, but You seem so far away. I can\u0027t hear You or feel You or see You, but I\u0027m supposed to believe You\u0027re here. Lord, I feel them and hear them. They are here. I know You\u0027re real, God, but they are more real to me right now. Please make someone believe me, Lord. Why won\u0027t You make it stop? Please, Lord, please! If You love me You\u0027ll let me die.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA Lost Sheep\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMany Christians I deal with are filled with such confusion that their daily walk with Christ is unfulfilling and unproductive. When they try to pray, they begin thinking about a million things they should be doing. When they sit down to read the Bible, they can\u0027t concentrate. When they have an opportunity to serve the Lord in some way, they are brought up short by discouraging thoughts of self-doubt.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHaving found freedom, \u0022The Lost Sheep\u0022 penned a response to her own prayer based on her new understanding of God\u0027s provision in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMy Dear Lost Sheep,\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou ask Me where I am. My child, I am with you and I always will be. You are weak, but in Me you are strong. I am so close that I feel everything you feel. Be crucified with Me and I will live in you, and you shall live with Me. I will direct you in paths of righteousness. My child, I love you and I will never forsake you, for you are truly Mine. Love, God\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELoving Shepherd, thank You for tending me and feeding me daily, showing me that I am precious to You.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-27T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/537"},{"id":538,"title":"HOW WE PERCEIVE OURSELVES","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHOW WE PERCEIVE OURSELVES\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16,17)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELydia is a middle-aged woman who was dealt a bad hand in life right from the beginning. Memories of ritual and sexual abuse that she suffered as a young child have haunted her continually throughout her Christian life. When she came to see me, her damaged self-image seemed beyond repair. As she told me her story, Lydia displayed little emotion, but her words reflected total despair.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen she concluded, I asked, \u0022Who are you, Lydia? How do you perceive yourself?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I\u0027m evil,\u0022 she answered stoically. \u0022I\u0027m just no good for anybody. People tell me I\u0027m evil and all I do is bring trouble.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022You\u0027re not evil,\u0022 I argued. \u0022How can a child of God be evil? Is that how you perceive yourself?\u0022 Lydia nodded.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is never pleasant to see the evil one express his ugly personality through a victim like Lydia. But realizing that she is primarily the product of the work of Christ on the cross instead of the victim of her past, she was able to throw off the chains of spiritual bondage and begin living according to her true identity as a child of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENothing is more foundational to your freedom from Satan\u0027s bondage than understanding and affirming what God has done for you in Christ and who you are as a result. We all live in accordance with our perceived identity. In fact, we cannot consistently behave in a way that is inconsistent with how we perceive ourselves. Your attitudes, actions, responses and reactions to life\u0027s circumstances are often determined by your conscious and subconscious self-perception. If you see yourself as the helpless victim of Satan and his schemes, you will live like his victim and be in bondage to his lies. But if you see yourself as the dearly loved and accepted child of God that you really are, you will more likely live like a child of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Jesus, that You have made me more than a conqueror. Because of Your love and power, I can live as a victor instead of a victim today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-12T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/538"},{"id":539,"title":"OVERPOWERING THE CAPTORS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOVERPOWERING THE CAPTORS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow can anyone enter the strong man\u0027s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? (Matthew 12:29)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA prime target for our authoritative prayer is the \u0022strong man\u0022 mentioned in Matthew 12:29. Jesus was saying that you cannot rescue people from the bonds of spiritual blindness or demonic influence unless you first overpower their captors. Satan\u0027s power is already broken, but he will not let go of anything he thinks he can keep until we exercise the authority delegated to us by the Lord Jesus Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen we pray we are not trying to persuade God to join us in our service for Him; prayer is the activity of joining God in His ministry. By faith we lay hold of the property in Satan\u0027s clutches which rightfully belongs to God, and we hold on until Satan turns loose. He will hold on to these people until we demand their release on the basis of our authority in Christ. Once Satan is bound through prayer, he must let go.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUnderstanding the spiritual nature of our world should have a profound effect on our evangelistic strategy. All too often we proclaim the virtues of Christianity to unbelievers like someone standing outside a prison compound proclaiming to the inmates the virtues of the outside world. But unless someone overpowers the prison guards and opens the gates, how can the prisoners experience the freedom we\u0027re telling them about? We must learn to bind the strong man before we will be able to rescue his prisoners.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command Satan to release those loved ones in my family who are blinded to the truth and whose thoughts are raised up against the knowledge of God and to return them from enemy territory.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-18T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/539"},{"id":540,"title":"THE BATTLE OF THE MIND","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE BATTLE OF THE MIND\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 7:25; 8:1)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERomans 7:22,23, pinpoints the battleground for the contest between me and sin: \u0022For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere does my desire to do what\u0027s right reside? Paul uses the phrase \u0022the inner man,\u0022 referring to my new self where my spirit and God\u0027s Spirit are in union. This is the eternal part of me. And where does sin wage its war to keep me from doing what I really want to do? In the physical members of my body (James 4:1). Sin operates through my flesh, that learned independence that continues to promote rebellion against God. This is the temporal part of me. Where then do these two opponents wage war (Galatians 5:17)? The battleground is my mind. That\u0027s why it is so important that we learn how to renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPaul concluded his description of the contest between sin and the new self with the exclamation: \u0022Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?\u0022 (Romans 7:24). Notice that he didn\u0027t say, \u0022Sinful man that I am!\u0022 Wretched means miserable, and there is no one more miserable than the person who has allowed sin to reign in his mortal body. If we use our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness, we give the devil an opportunity in our lives, and he brings only misery.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe good news is that Romans 7:24 is followed by Romans 7:25 and Romans 8:1: \u0022Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.\u0022 The battle for the mind is a winnable war.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Jesus, for knowing me, understanding me, and providing for me a way of escape for every possible temptation.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/540"},{"id":541,"title":"SPIRITUAL AND UNSPIRITUAL LEADERS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESPIRITUAL AND UNSPIRITUAL LEADERS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Lord knows how to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority (2 Peter 2:9,10).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe apostle Peter reveals two ways by which we can identify false prophets and false teachers who operate within the church. First, they will be involved in immorality of some kind, indulging \u0022the flesh in its corrupt desires.\u0022 They may be discovered in illicit activities involving sex and\/or money. They may be antinomian, claiming that God is all love and grace so we don\u0027t need to abide by any law. Their immorality may not be easy to spot, but it will eventually surface in their lives (2 Corinthians 11:15).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, false prophets and teachers \u0022despise authority\u0022 and are \u0022daring, self-willed.\u0022 These people have an independent spirit. They do their own thing and won\u0027t answer to anybody. They either won\u0027t submit to the authority of a denomination or board or they will pick their own board that will simply rubber-stamp anything they want to do.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are historic leadership roles in Scripture: prophet (preaching and teaching), priest (pastoring and shepherding), and king (administration). Only Jesus in His perfection is capable of occupying all three roles simultaneously. I believe we need the checks and balances of a plurality of elders in the church, distributing the three critical roles to more than one person. No one can survive his own unchallenged authority. Every true, committed Christian in a leadership role needs to submit himself and his ideas to other mature believers who will hold him accountable.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe need spiritual leaders like those described by Peter: \u0022Shepherd the flock of God among you, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock\u0022 (1Peter 5:2,3). Are you praying for your spiritual leaders to be conformed to God\u0027s standard of leadership or yours?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGreat Shepherd, protect me from irresponsible spiritual leaders, mere \u0022hired hands\u0022 who run away in times of crisis, instead of shepherds. Give my pastor a true shepherd\u0027s heart.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-10T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/541"},{"id":542,"title":"THE ULTIMATE FAITH-OBJECT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE ULTIMATE FAITH-OBJECT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever (Hebrews 13:8)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe fact that you claim to believe is not the issue of faith. It\u0027s what you believe or in whom you believe that will determine whether or not your faith will be rewarded. Everybody walks by faith every day. Every time you drive on the highway, you do so by faith. Are the objects of your faith on the highway reliable? Most of the time they are because most drivers drive safely. But you may have been involved in an accident because you placed your faith in another driver who proved to be untrustworthy.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat happens when the object of your faith fails you? You give up on it - maybe not immediately, but how many failures would you tolerate before saying never again? Once faith is damaged or lost, it is very difficult to regain. Your belief isn\u0027t the problem; it\u0027s the object of your belief that either rewards or destroys your faith. If your marriage partner has been unfaithful to you, or a friend or relative has hurt you badly, your faith in that person is weak because he or she did not live up to your trust. When faith in a person is shattered, it may take months to rebuild it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome faith-objects, however, are solid. You set your watch, plan your calendar, and schedule your day believing that the earth will continue to revolve on its axis and rotate around the sun at its current speed. If the earth\u0027s orbit shifted just a few degrees, our lives would be turned to chaos. But so far the laws governing the physical universe have been among the most trustworthy faith-objects we have.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe ultimate faith-object, of course, is not the sun, but the Son. It is His immutability - the fact that He never changes - that makes Him eminently trustworthy (Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6). He has never failed to be and do all that He said He would be and do. He is eternally faithful.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAll I have needed Your hand has provided. Great is Your faithfulness, Lord, unto me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-19T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/542"},{"id":543,"title":"YIELDING CONTROL","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EYIELDING CONTROL\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor we are not ignorant of his [Satan\u0027s] schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe generally agree that Christians are vulnerable to the enemy\u0027s temptation, accusation and deception. But for some reason, we hesitate to admit that Christians can lose their freedom and can surrender to demonic influences. However, the evidence of Scripture is abundant and clear that believers who repeatedly succumb to Satan can come under bondage.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDemonic control does not mean satanic ownership. You have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb, and not even the powers of hell can take your salvation away from you (1 Peter 1:17-19; Romans 8:35-39). Satan knows he can never own you again. But if he can deceive you into yielding control of your life to him in some way, he can neutralize your growth and your impact in the world for Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESince we live in a world whose god is Satan, the possibility of being tempted, deceived and accused is continuous. If you allow his schemes to influence you, you can lose control to the degree that you have been deceived. If he can persuade you to believe a lie, he can control your life.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe term demon possessed never occurs in the Bible after the cross. We lack theological precision as to what demon possession constitutes in the church age. But don\u0027t come to any conclusion that you can\u0027t be affected by Satan. We are more a target than we are immune to his strategies. However, we have all the sanctuary we need in Christ, and we have the armour of God to protect us.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, for the armour You have provided to protect me from Satan. Keep me aware of his schemes today and help me resist him in the power and authority You provide.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-11T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/node\/543"},{"id":900,"title":"KEEPING AN HONEST ACCOUNT","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKEEPING AN HONEST ACCOUNT\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe deceive ourselves when we say we have no sin, the scripture doesn\u2019t say that we are sin; it says that is possible for us to sin and for sin to reside in our mortal bodies (Romans 6:12). We are not sinless saints; we are saints who sin. It\u2019s important to keep honest account of our failures and pick up our cross daily. When we become aware of a discrepancy between our identity and our behaviour, we must confess it and deal with it. The person who deceives himself by ignoring these sinful discrepancies and allowing them to build up is headed for a great fall.\u003Cbr \/\u003EThose of us who live in earthquake-prone Southern California keep hearing about \u2018the big one\u2019, which is thought by many to be inevitable along the San Andreas fault. Whenever we experience minor earthquakes (up to about 4.0 on the Richter scale), we may be frightened by them a bit, but we also see them as a good sign. These little tremors mean that the plates in the earth\u2019s crust beneath us are shifting. As long as the crust is adjusting this way it\u2019s unlikely that \u2018the big one\u2019 will hit. It\u2019s when we don\u2019t get any minor earthquakes for several months or years that the danger of a major, devastating quake increases.\u003Cbr \/\u003ESimilarly, living in the light, holding ourselves accountable to God, and confessing and dealing with sin on a daily basis prevents the major spiritual crises from building up in our lives. If we keep saying, \u2018I don\u2019t have any sin,\u2019 or if we fail to acknowledge our shortcomings and settle our differences with people as God convicts us of them, we\u2019re in for \u2018the big one\u2019. We will eventually lose our health, our family, our job, or our friendships. Unacknowledged sin is alike a cancer which will grow to consume us.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I know Your guidance is for my benefit. I refuse to allow stubbornness and pride to render me insensitive to Your nudges and warnings in my life today.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-06-26T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/050-keeping-honest-account"},{"id":901,"title":"OVERCOMING THE EVIL ONE ","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOVERCOMING THE EVIL ONE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:14\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst John 2:12-14 describes three levels of Christian growth in relation to sin. The first level is compared to \u0022little children\u0022 (verse 12). Little children in the faith are characterized by having their sins forgiven and possessing a knowledge of God. In other words, they are in the family of God and have overcome the penalty of sin, but they haven\u0027t grown to full maturity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe second level is \u0022young men\u0022 (verses 13, 14), those who have overcome the evil one. These are aggressively growing believers who are strong because the Word of God abides in them. They know the truth and how to use it to resist Satan in the battle for their minds. They are no longer in bondage to uncontrollable habits, and they have resolved the personal and spiritual conflicts which keep many Christians from experiencing freedom in Christ. They are free, and they know how to stay free.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe third level is \u0022fathers\u0022 (verses 13, 14), those who have developed a deep personal knowledge of God. Their faith is securely founded on a close, intimate, loving relationship with God which is the goal of our spiritual growth. What about your faith? Are you a \u0022child,\u0022 a \u0022young man\u0022 or a \u0022father\u0022? Is it your daily goal to grow to maturity in your faith? Have you overcome the evil one?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHaving challenged us to combat sin\u0027s power in our lives through a commitment to growth, John goes on to describe the avenues through which Satan tempts us: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. We will consider these avenues over the next few days.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, please shake me good if I become stagnant, stale or static in my spiritual growth. I want to grow into Your image of me.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-10T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/114-overcoming-evil-one"},{"id":902,"title":"SOWING AND REAPING","body":"\u003C!-- \u003Cfont class=titleLg\u003EReferences:\u003C\/font\u003E--\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: x-large;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial;\u0022\u003ESOWING AND REAPING\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: medium;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial;\u0022\u003EDo not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap\u003Cem\u003E (\u003C\/em\u003EGalatians 6:7) \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EThe  Scriptures are full of warnings about self-deception. James 1:26  reminds us that we deceive ourselves when we think we are religious but  do not bridle our tongue. There is nothing that grieves God more than  when we bad-mouth people instead of building them up with our speech. We  are never to use our tongues to put others down. Instead we are to  edify one another in what we say and thereby give grace to those who  hear us. If your tongue is out of control, you\u0027re fooling yourself to  believe that you have your spiritual life together. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EWe  also deceive ourselves when we think we will not reap what we sow  (Galatians 6:7). As Christians we sometimes think we are exempt from  this principle, but we are not. Even though our sins are forgiven, we  will have to live with the results and consequences of our thoughts,  words and actions whether good or bad. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003ESince  I was privileged to be raised on a farm, I witnessed every year the law  of cause and effect. If we didn\u0027t sow good seed in the spring, we  didn\u0027t reap a good crop in the fall. If we didn\u0027t feed the sheep, they  died. Our young people have difficulty grasping this simple sow-and-reap  truth. Living from weekend to weekend or party to party, they fail to  prepare themselves for the future. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EYour  life may be measured by what you reap, but it is determined by what you  sow. For example, if you want a friend, be a friend. What you get out  of life is what you put into it.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003ELord,  guard me from the self-deception of thinking You will always cover for  me or pull me out of the jams I get myself into. Help me learn to sow  what I hope to reap. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial; font-size: small;\u0022\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-25T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/129-sowing-and-reaping"},{"id":903,"title":"PRAISING GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: x-large;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial;\u0022\u003EPRAISING GOD\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: medium;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial;\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EEnter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name\u003C\/em\u003E (Psalm 100:4) \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;\u0022\u003EPraise  and thanksgiving are part of every level of prayer. They are continuous  as we walk in the light. To come before God with thanksgiving is no  different than coming before our earthly parents with an attitude of  gratitude. Nothing disturbs a parent more than a child who is always  demanding, forever complaining, and never satisfied. How would you feel  if you\u0027ve given as much as you can as a parent and your child still  wants more, more, more? On the other hand, how would you feel toward the  child who snuggles up and says, \u0022Thanks for being who you are. I just  love you and I know you\u0027re doing the best you can for me.\u0022 What a great  parent-child relationship. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;\u0022\u003ECan you imagine approaching God and demanding, \u0022I want more!\u0022 \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;\u0022\u003EAnd He responds, \u0022I gave you My only begotten Son.\u0022 \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;\u0022\u003E\u0022But I want more!\u0022 \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;\u0022\u003EWe  ought to start every day by saying, \u0022Thank You, heavenly Father. I  deserved eternal damnation, but You gave me eternal life. How may I  serve You today? \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: medium;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;\u0022\u003EPraising  God is acknowledging His attributes. I try to be aware when I pray that  God is the ever-present, all-powerful, all-knowing, loving heavenly  Father. I don\u0027t praise Him because He needs me to tell Him who He is. He  knows who He is. I am the one who needs to keep His divine attributes  constantly in my mind. I try to keep the knowledge of God\u0027s presence  foremost in my thoughts. No matter where I go, He is with me. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;\u0022\u003EI\u0027m  always disturbed when I hear people asking God to \u0022be there.\u0022 It\u0027s like  we are questioning His omnipresence. The same goes for asking God to be  with our missionaries. We have the assurance of Scripture that He will  be with them unto the ends of the earth. We can confidently acknowledge  that He will neither leave us nor forsake us. We ought to thank God for  His presence and ask Him to bring to our minds anything that may be  keeping us from having perfect fellowship with Him. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather God, teach me to practise the awareness of Your presence and accept the sufficiency of Your attributes. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial; font-size: small;\u0022\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-26T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/130-praising-god"},{"id":904,"title":"RAISING GREAT KIDS","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERAISING GREAT KIDS\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMake my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose (Phil 2:2)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMost Christian parents would do the right thing if they were sure what the right thing was. But what does a good parent do? Should you try to control your children? Is loving them the same as controlling them? Is controlling them the same as disciplining them? What kinds of parents produce the following?\u003Cbr \/\u003E1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Children who have a good self-image and are happy being who they are.\u003Cbr \/\u003E2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Children who conform to the authority of others and have the capacity to get along with their teachers and other authority figures.\u003Cbr \/\u003E3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Children who follow the religious beliefs of their parents, attend the church of their parents.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe two most powerful influences in parenting are control and support. Parental control is defined as the ability to manage a child\u2019s behaviour. You can coerce your kids through intimidation, verbally batter them into submission, lay a guilt trip on them, or firmly establish boundaries and provide choices.\u003Cbr \/\u003EParental support is defined as the ability to make a child feel loved. You need to do more than simply tell your child that you love him in order to help him feel loved. You must be physically and emotionally available in such a way that your child knows that you love him. Your love comes across in the way you communicate with and touch your child throughout the day.\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe best children come from parents who can manage their behaviour and communicate their unconditional love. The worst children come from homes where they are controlled but not loved. You may not be able to managed your child\u2019s behaviour, but by the grace of God you can love him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear Lord, I need Your wisdom today to help me love my children unconditionally and manage their behaviour.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/060-raising-great-kids"},{"id":905,"title":"BEHAVING YOUR WAY INTO GOOD FEELINGS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EBEHAVING YOUR WAY INTO GOOD FEELINGS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. John 13:17\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat happened to mankind emotionally as a result of the Fall? For one thing, we became fearful and anxious. One of the first emotions expressed by fallen humanity was fear (Genesis 3:10). Today fear is crippling our relationships and activities. Fear is a result of the Fall. If fear is controlling your life, then faith is not.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnother emotional by-product of sin is shame and guilt. Before Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:25). God created them as sexual beings. Their sex organs and sexual activity were holy. But when they sinned, they were ashamed to be naked and they had to cover up (Genesis 3:7). Many people mask their inner self in fear that others may see them for who they really are.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMankind also became depressed and angry after the Fall. Cain brought his offering to God and, for some reason, God was displeased with it. As a result, \u0022Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, \u0027Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up?\u0027\u0022 (Genesis 4:5-7).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI believe God established a principle here which echoes all through the Bible: You don\u0027t feel your way into good behavior; you behave your way into good feelings. There are tons of things you don\u0027t feel like doing, but you do them. I never feel like going to the convalescent hospital to minister. And the moment I step in the door, the smell alone does away with any positive feelings of wanting to continue on. But I always leave feeling great; I\u0027m glad I went. Good feelings follow right behavior. Jesus said, \u0022If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them\u0022 (John 13:17).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, help me do what You want me to do even when it seems unpleasant. I seek Your blessing for obedience.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-08T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/204-behaving-your-way-good-feelings"},{"id":906,"title":"THE POWER TO CHOOSE","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003C!-- \u003Cfont class=titleLg\u003EReferences:\u003C\/font\u003E--\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003ETHE POWER TO CHOOSE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: medium;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EChoose for yourselves today whom you will serve. . . . As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD\u003C\/em\u003E (Joshua 24:15) \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EAdam  and Eve\u0027s sin also affected the area of their will. Do you realize that  in the Garden of Eden they could only make one wrong choice? Everything  they wanted to do was okay except eating from the tree of the knowledge  of good and evil (Genesis 2:16,17). They had the possibility of making  a myriad of good choices and only one bad choice - \u003Cem\u003Eonly one \u003C\/em\u003E! \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EEventually, however, they made that one bad choice. As a result, you and I are confronted every day with a myriad of good \u003Cem\u003Eand \u003C\/em\u003Ebad  choices. You can choose to pray or not pray, read your Bible or not  read your Bible, go to church or not go to church. You can choose to  walk according to the flesh or according to the Spirit. You and I face  countless choices like that every day, and we eventually make some bad  ones. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EOther  than the Holy Spirit in your life, the greatest power you possess is  the power to choose. Someone has said that pure Christianity lies in the  exercise of the will. The animal kingdom operates out of divine  instinct. But we are created in the image of God, which means we have a  self-operated, independent will. The essence of temptation is to  function independently of God. The basis for temptation is legitimate  needs. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003ESinful  behavior is often a wrong attempt at meeting your basic needs. The real  issue here is are you going to get your needs met by the world, the  flesh and the devil, or are you going to allow God to meet your needs  \u0022according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus\u0022 (Philippians 4:19)?  It\u0027s an issue of identity and maturity. The more you understand your  identity in Christ, the more you will grow in maturity. And the more  mature you become, the easier it will be for you to choose to live your  life in dependence on your heavenly Father. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003ELord, I determine to exercise my great power of choice to live in moment-by-moment dependence on You today. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial; font-size: small;\u0022\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-09T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/205-power-choose"},{"id":907,"title":"HUMANITY\u0027S BASIC NEEDS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHUMANITY\u0027S BASIC NEEDS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: medium;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial;\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EMy God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus\u003C\/em\u003E (Philipp\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: medium;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eians 4:19)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EAdam  and Eve were created spiritually alive. The attributes they experienced  before the Fall became glaring needs after the Fall. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003E1. \u003Cem\u003EAcceptance was replaced by rejection, therefore we have a need to belong. \u003C\/em\u003EEver  since Adam and Eve\u0027s sin alienated them from God and disrupted human  relationships, we have experienced a deep need to belong. Even when  people come to Christ and fill their need to belong to God, they still  need the acceptance of people. You will never understand the power of  peer pressure in our culture until you understand the legitimate need to  belong and the fear of rejection we all share. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003E2. \u003Cem\u003EInnocence was replaced by guilt and shame, therefore we have a need for a sense of worth. \u003C\/em\u003EMany  psychologists agree that people today generally suffer from a poor  sense of worth. The secular psychologist responds by trying to stroke  the human ego and psychologist responds by trying to stroke the human  ego and encourage us to improve our performance. Your worth as a person  is not an issue of giftedness, talent, intelligence or beauty. It\u0027s an  identity issue. Your sense of personal worth comes from knowing who you  are: a child of God. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003E3. \u003Cem\u003EAuthority  to rule over creation was replaced by weakness and helplessness,  therefore we have a need for strength and self-control. \u003C\/em\u003EThere is no one more insecure than a controller. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, not spouse - or child - control. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EOnly  Christ can meet the most basic needs of humanity such as life,  identity, acceptance, security and significance. These needs are  eternal, unlike our physical needs. If we present Christ as meeting only  our physical needs, we will have stiff competition from every  humanistic organization. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003EFather God, I reject any counterfeit fulfillment Satan offers me. I will live by every word that proceeds from Your mouth. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-family: Arial; font-size: small;\u0022\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-10T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/206-humanitys-basic-needs"},{"id":908,"title":"THREE LEVELS OF PRAYER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHREE LEVELS OF PRAYER\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God\u0027s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI have observed three approaches to prayer which progress from level to level. The first level is petition. We are encouraged to let our requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6). If it helps us to keep a list of daily prayer reminders, we should do so. However, most people weary of this, and their devotional life disappears over time. Often they don\u0027t see immediate results from their prayers, so they conclude that more can be accomplished if they just get busy for the Lord.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027ve progressed to the second level when prayer becomes personal. We have discovered a new dimension when we are comfortable in His presence and don\u0027t feel obligated to talk. It\u0027s much like a marriage relationship. A mature couple can ride together in the car for hours, enjoying each other\u0027s company, without having to say a word. I can just be with God and I\u0027m learning to listen.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERealizing that I need not feel obligated to keep the conversation going when I\u0027m with God has changed my prayer life dramatically. This kind of prayer makes my relationship with God a 24 hour-a-day experience. Setting aside special times for prayer is still important. But when we leave our quiet time, the sense of God\u0027s presence should remain with us throughout the day.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI call the third dimension of prayer true intercession. True intercessors hear from God. They know how to pray and what to pray for. In my observation, there are very few true intercessory prayer warriors. The ones I know of are usually older than 50 and most are women. They pray privately in their homes and often at night. Every church has at least one or two of them. Share your family needs with them. When these people pray, things happen because they don\u0027t just talk to God, they listen to Him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFather, I want to grow in all dimensions of prayer to the point that I sense Your presence and hear Your voice.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-11T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/207-three-levels-prayer"},{"id":909,"title":"THE FEAR OF MAN","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE FEAR OF MAN\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe LORD is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me? The LORD is for me among those who help me; therefore I shall look with satisfaction on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. (Psalm 118:6-8)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDavid\u0027s question in Psalm 118:6 introduces a common fear among Christians: the fear of man. The timid man is quick to respond to the question, \u0022I\u0027ll tell you what man can do to me. He can abuse me, he can fire me from my job, and he can even kill me.\u0022 \u003Cbr \/\u003ETrue, but Jesus tells us to lay those fears aside: \u0022Do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell\u0022 (Matthew 10:28). If you fail to take God as your refuge, the fear of man will control your life. \u003Cbr \/\u003EGod appointed Saul to be the first king of Israel and commanded him to utterly destroy Amalek, along with all of his family, followers and possessions. Unfortunately, Saul didn\u0027t completely obey. Samuel confronted Saul, and after Saul\u0027s excuses ran out, he confessed, \u0022I have sinned . . . because I feared the people and listened to their voice\u0022 (1 Samuel 15:24). Then the Lord rejected Saul as king of Israel. More than one king has fallen for fearing man more than God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESuppose you are intimidated by your boss. You work in fear of him from eight to five. What power does he have over you? He could fire you! How could you overcome that power? You could quit or be willing to quit. By not allowing your boss to hold the job over your head, you would free yourself from his intimidations. God\u0027s Word says, \u0022Do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts\u0022 (1 Peter 3:14,15).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI\u0027m not suggesting that you rebel against your boss or become irresponsible. Servants are to obey their masters, and we are to work heartily as for the Lord rather than men (Colossians 3:22,23). However, when you make God your sanctuary, you free yourself to live a responsible life. If you lose your job in the process, you have the assurance that God will meet all your needs.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I want to be a God-pleaser, not a people-pleaser. Give me strength to stand up for the truth no matter what the cost.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-13T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/209-fear-man"},{"id":910,"title":"YOUR CHILD\u0027S MUSIC","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: medium;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYOUR CHILD\u2019S MUSIC\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELet the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts Colossians 3:16 (NIV)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMusic is second only to television in influencing and shaping the values of our children. How can you help your children recognise the subtle seduction to evil in some contemporary music and encourage them to make wise choices about what they listen to? Here are some practical suggestions:\u003Cbr \/\u003E1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Avoid the \u2018do as I say, not as I do\u2019 syndrome. Before you can help your child evaluate their music, you\u2019d better evaluate your own (Matthew 7:4,5). The lyrics of some soft rock, easy listening, and country-western tunes are as suggestive and immoral as those performed by heavy metal groups. One of the best ways to teach your child to avoid harmful lyrics is by modelling the same behaviour.\u003Cbr \/\u003E2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Be willing to find middle ground. Your personal taste in music should not be the determining factor for what you allow your child to listen to. Nor should your child\u2019s taste determine what you listen to. Try to find some middle ground with your child when it comes to the kinds of music you will allow in your home. The key is to teach your child to be moderate and discerning, just as you are.\u003Cbr \/\u003E3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stay informed and involved. When was the last time you looked through your child\u2019s music collection or sat down with them to listen to and discuss the lyrics of their favourite songs? You won\u2019t be able to understand the impact of the music in their lives unless you are aware of it and what they think about it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETake time to listen to your child\u2019s emotional struggles and notice how the music they listen to influences their behaviour. Be as encouraging about their good choices of music as you are corrective of the bad choices. Some day they will thank you for the harmony you helped bring to their lives.\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGuide me, Father, as I train my children to choose music and entertainment that is positive and uplifting.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022font-size: small;\u0022\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-11T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/235-your-childs-music"},{"id":911,"title":"GIVE YOUR CHILD TO GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EGIVE YOUR CHILD TO GOD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalm 37:5\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can and should uphold Christian values and standards in your own home. But when your child leaves your home, he leaves with his own values, beliefs and personal agenda. This is the first half of the prodigal son story (Luke 15:11-32). The prodigal son wanted to do his own thing, so his father let him. I don\u0027t think the father would have let the boy rule in his home, but he did let him go. We don\u0027t like to see our children fail or make mistakes like that. When they do, we are too quick to rescue them from the natural consequences of their actions. \u003Cbr \/\u003EThe father in the story welcomed his son home after the boy came to his senses. His repentance was complete: \u0022Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son\u0022 (verse 21). The critical insight we need is offered by the father: \u0022This son of mine was dead, and has come to life again\u0022 (verse 24). When your child is out of your sight, only God can bring him to his senses, bring him home, and give him life. \u003Cbr \/\u003EYou can\u0027t go everywhere your child goes, but God can. He is the child\u0027s heavenly Father, and He is fully capable of protecting him. \u003Cbr \/\u003EI know of a dear lady who has buried two sons and witnessed the miracle healing of her husband from a near-fatal car accident. But her hardest trial was discovering that her beloved third son was struggling with homosexuality. Months of dark depression were lifted in one day when she realized that her son belonged to God, so she gave her boy to Him. For 11 years she didn\u0027t hear from him. Then one day he called and said he had a Mother\u0027s Day present for her. He had come back to the Lord! \u003Cbr \/\u003EGod is in control. When you pray you release Him to do what only He can do in your child\u0027s life. And when you pray, He can mold your parenting style so you can do what He has called you to do in raising your child.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I release my children to Your care and protection, and I relinquish my will for them in favor of Your will.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-12T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/208-give-your-child-god"},{"id":912,"title":"LOOKING FOR THE GOOD IN YOUR CHILDREN","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELOOKING FOR THE GOOD IN YOUR CHILDREN\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet us pursue the things that make for peace and the building up of one another (Romans 14:19).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is difficult to estimate the damage done by saying to a child:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou\u0027ll never amount to anything.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou can\u0027t do anything right, can you?\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhy can\u0027t you be like him?\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou\u0027re no son of mine!\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI\u0027m not going to invest any more money in you.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou\u0027re just like all the other kids.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy not communicate your trust instead and give your child something to live up to? See the potential, not the problems. Looking for the good in your children will bring out the best in them and you.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EImagine how Peter felt when Jesus looked at him and said, \u0022You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas (which translated means Peter [rock])\u0022 John 1:42. Peter went on about his business of fishing. Sometime later Jesus called him to be a disciple. After Peter\u0027s great confession that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus said to him, \u0022You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church\u0022 Matthew 16:18. What confidence Jesus expressed in a smelly, uneducated fisherman who would later deny Him three times!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWould you have chosen Peter and expressed confidence in Him? Would you have stuck with Peter after he betrayed you? Jesus did, and He is sticking with you, too. He has entrusted you with His message, gifted you to serve, and blessed you with children. Are you trustworthy? Not completely. But His trust sure gives you something to live up to, doesn\u0027t it? Your trust in your child can do the same for him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELoving Father, help me not to focus on my children\u0027s limitations and weaknesses but to notice and affirm their potential.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-04-25T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/280-looking-good-your-children"},{"id":969,"title":"SPIRITUALLY AWARE","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESPIRITUALLY AWARE\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESolid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:14)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn many counseling cases I am able to sense in my spirit that something is wrong or that the real issue has not surfaced. Sometimes I seem to know what it is, but instread of blurting it out, I test it. For example if I discern that the counselee may be in bondage to pornography, I don\u0027t say, \u0022You\u0027re addicted to porn, aren\u0027t you?\u0022 Rather, I test the impression at the appropriate time by asking something like, \u0022Have you ever struggled with sexual addictions?\u0022 If the Spirit\u0027s discernemnt in me is matched by His conviction in the counselee, usually the problem surfaces and we can deal with it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHave you ever \u0027known\u0027 that someone was a Christian before he or she even said anything about it? Have you ever sensed a compatible spirit with other believers? There is nothing magical about that; it\u0027s just the presence of the Holy Spirit bearing witness with your spirit. At other times the Holy Spirit warns you that the spirit controlling another person is not a compatible spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf we would learn to be more spiritually aware in our churches and homes, God could keep us from plowing head-on into so many disasters. In the Western world our cognitive, left-brain orientation all but excludes discernment as our essential guide for navigating through the spiritual world. But the writer of Hebrews identified discernment as a mark of maturity: \u0022Solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their sensese trained to discern good and evil\u0022 (5:14)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA good systematice theology is the essential foundation upon which we build our lives. It is like the skeleton of our body. But dead orthodoxy is just that: dead! It is the Holy Spirit that gives life to the body. The church is in desperate need of biblically orthodox peple who have also learned to be spiritually discerning.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIncrease me sensitivity to the spiritual world, Lord, and keep me from the dangers of viewing life only from a human perspective. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-14T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/238-spiritually-aware"},{"id":970,"title":"REPROGRAMMING THE MIND","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EREPROGRAMMING THE MIND\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESince we came into this world physically alive but spiritually dead, we had neither the presence of God in our lives nor the knowledge of His will. Our minds were programmed to live independently of Him. We were mentally conformed to this world.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen we became Christians, nobody pushed the CLEAR button in our preprogrammed minds. Even as Christians we can still allow our minds to be programmed by the world. So what must we do?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, \u0022Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind\u0022 (Romans 12:1). How do you renew your mind? By filling it with God\u0027s Word.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESecond, Peter directs us to prepare our minds for action (1 Peter 1:13). Do away with fruitless fantasy. To imagine yourself doing things without ever doing anything is dangerous. But if you can mentally prepare yourself in advance to obey the truth, you can motivate yourself toward productive living - as long as you follow through by doing what you imagine.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThird, take every thought captive in obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Practice threshold thinking. Evaluate every thought by the truth, and don\u0027t let your mind entertain thoughts contrary to the will of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFourth, turn to God. When your commitment to do the will of God is being challenged by thoughts from the world, the flesh, or the devil, bring it to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6). By doing so you are acknowledging God and exposing your thoughts to His truth. Your double-mindedness will dissolve \u0022and the peace of God . . . shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus\u0022 (Philippians 4:7).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFifth, assume your responsibility to think. \u0022Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things\u0022 (Philippians 4:8).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I commit myself to practice these steps daily in order to bring my mind under Your control.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil T Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-28T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/224-reprogramming-mind"},{"id":1099,"title":"SPIRITUAL WAR","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESPIRITUAL WAR\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name.  John 17:11 NIV\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Christian worldview perceives life through the grid of Scripture, not through culture or experience. And Scripture clearly teaches that supernatural, spiritual forces are at work in the natural world. For example, approximately one-fourth of all the healings recorded in the Gospel of Mark were actually deliverances from demon activity. The woman whom Jesus healed in Luke 13:11,12 had been the victim of a \u0022sickness caused by a spirit\u0022 for 18 years.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMany people I have counseled came with physical problems which disappeared shortly after the demonic influence was dealt with. The most common symptoms I have seen are headaches, dizziness, allergies, nausea and general pain throughout the body. The most conservative estimate by medical doctors is that 50 percent of their patients are suffering psychosomatic illnesses. Biblically, it is reasonable to expect that if a person\u0027s personal and spiritual problems are resolved, the physical body will be benefited. Stress is a leading cause of heart disease and cancer. The peace of God alone will cure many diseases.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI\u0027m not saying that everyone who is ill or in pain is being terrorized by a demon. But I am convinced that many Christians battle physical symptoms unsuccessfully through natural means when the essence of the problem and the solution is spiritual. \u0022He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you\u0022 (Romans 8:11).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe fact that Jesus left us \u0022in the world\u0022 (John 17:11) to wrestle against \u0022spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places\u0022 (Ephesians 6:12) is a present-day reality. Supernatural forces are at work on planet Earth. We live in the natural world, but we are involved in a spiritual war.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDear God, keep me alert to the spiritual conflicts occurring around me and ready to respond in Your authority and power.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-03T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/227-spiritual-war"},{"id":1100,"title":"KEEP ON WALKING","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EKEEP ON WALKING\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWho is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God. Isaiah 50:10\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe life led by the Spirit of God is marvelous. Sensing His presence, living victoriously, and knowing the truth are characteristics of a free person. But what if you couldn\u0027t sense His presence? What if God, for some reason, suspended His blessings? What would you do if you were faithfully following God and suddenly all external circumstances turned sour?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMy family and I have been through two extremely dark periods in our life. There were days I wasn\u0027t sure if we were going to make it. If it wasn\u0027t for the message of Isaiah 50:10, I\u0027m not sure we would have survived spiritually. Isaiah is asking if there is a believer, somebody who fears the Lord, walking in darkness. He is not referring to the darkness of sin or even the darkness of this world. He is talking about the darkness of uncertainty--that blanket of heaviness that settles in as though a black cloud has drifted over our very being. God has suspended His conscious blessings.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat is a person to do during these times? Isaiah tells us that no matter how dark it gets, we are to keep on walking. In the light we can see the next step. The path ahead is clear. We know a friend from an enemy and we can see where the obstacles are. But when darkness settles in, every natural instinct says to drop out, sit down, stop! We become fearful of the next step.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIsaiah says don\u0027t stop; keep on walking. Keep walking in the light of previous revelation. If it was true six months ago, it is still true. I try never to make a major decision when I am down. Rather, I wait until the cloud lifts and everything is clear and in focus again.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E If God\u0027s ministry of darkness should envelop you, understand that God has not left you; He has only suspended His conscious presence so that your faith will not rest on feelings or be established by unique experiences or blessings. Listen to Isaiah\u0027s advice: Keep on walking. Never doubt in the darkness what God has clearly shown you in the light.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, for guiding me through the darkness of my trials with the light of Your truth.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-15T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/211-keep-walking"},{"id":1101,"title":"CREATING OUR OWN LIGHT","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECREATING OUR OWN LIGHT\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBehold, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with firebrands, walk in the light of your fire and among the brands you have set ablaze. This you will have from My hand; and you will lie down in torment. Isaiah 50:11\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen your way suddenly gets dark, don\u0027t light your own fire. Our natural tendency when we don\u0027t see life God\u0027s way is to do it our way. Resist the urge to create your own light.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn Isaiah 50:11, God is not talking about the fire of judgment; He\u0027s talking about fire that creates light. When we try to find our way out of the darkness by our own devices instead of waiting for God\u0027s light, God will allow it, but misery will follow.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELet me illustrate. God called Abraham out of Ur into the Promised Land. In Genesis 12, a covenant was made in which God promised Abraham that his descendants would be more numerous than the sands of the sea or the stars in the sky. Abraham lived his life in the light of that promise, then God turned out the light.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESo many years passed that his wife Sarah could no longer bear a child by natural means. God\u0027s guidance had been so clear before, but now it looked like Abraham would have to assist God in its fulfillment. Who could blame Abraham for creating his own light? Sarah supplied the match by offering her handmaiden to Abraham. Out of that union came the Arab nation which has been in conflict with the Jewish nation ever since. Abraham created his own light, God allowed it, and misery followed.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe may not have to wait as long as Abraham did, but our darkness may last for weeks, months, and possibly for some exceptional people, even years. But God is in control and He knows exactly how big a knothole He can pull us through. When your faith is stretched to its limit and you are about to break, He will pull you through to the other side and you will never go back to the shape you were in before.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe dark times are difficult, Lord, but I thank You for how I have grown and matured as I have trusted You through them.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-16T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/212-creating-our-own-light"},{"id":1102,"title":"LIVING WATER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ELIVING WATER\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, \u0022From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water\u0022. John 7:37,38\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe story is told of a prospector in the last century who had to make a four-day journey across a burning desert. He couldn\u0027t carry enough water to make the journey without dying of thirst, but he was assured there was a well halfway across the desert. So he set out and sure enough there was a well right where the map indicated. But when he pumped the handle, the well only burped up sand. Then he saw this sign: \u0022Buried two feet over and two feet down is a jug of water. Dig it up and use the water to prime the pump. Drink all the water you want, but when you are done, fill the jug again for the next person.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESure enough, two feet over and two feet down was enough water for the prospector to prime the pump or to finish his journey. Should he pour the water down the well or should he drink it?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo tell you the truth, I\u0027d drink the water that was buried! I don\u0027t know who wrote the sign on that rusty old pump. It could be a cruel joke. I\u0027d pour that water down a worthless well only to watch my life drain away for lack of water.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFaith always has an element of risk, but there is one factor in the above story that doesn\u0027t exist when it comes to God. I know who wrote the sign. When I pour myself into a life of faith, I know that out of my inner being shall flow rivers of living water. God said so, history verifies it, and I, for one, can testify that it is true. In the final analysis, God is not only true, He\u0027s right.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere is more than enough water in God\u0027s well for everyone, but the pump is only activated by faith. Remember: \u0022Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him\u0022 (Hebrews 11:6).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, You have proven Yourself trustworthy. Your river of living water never dries up or becomes polluted.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-17T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/213-living-water"},{"id":1103,"title":"HIS ACCEPTED, ADOPTED CHILD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHIS ACCEPTED, ADOPTED CHILD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBeloved, now we are children of God. 1 John 3:2\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHaving a right relationship with God begins with settling once and for all the issue that God is your loving Father and you are His accepted, adopted child. That\u0027s the foundational truth of your spiritual heritage. You are a child of God, you are created in His image, you have been declared righteous by Him because you trust that what Christ accomplished in His death and resurrection is applicable to you. As long as you believe that and walk accordingly, your daily experience of practical Christianity will result in growth. But when you forget who you are, and try to produce in your daily experience the acceptance God has already extended to you, you\u0027ll struggle. We don\u0027t serve God to gain His acceptance; we are accepted so we serve God. We don\u0027t follow Him in order to be loved; we are loved so we follow Him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat\u0027s why you are called to live by faith (Romans 1:16, 17). The essence of the victorious Christian life is believing what is already true about you. Do you have a choice? Of course! Satan will try to convince you that you are an unworthy, unacceptable, sin-sick person who will never amount to anything in God\u0027s eyes. Is that who you are? No, you are not! You are a saint whom God has declared righteous. Believing Satan\u0027s lie will lock you into a defeated, fruitless life. But believing God\u0027s truth about your identity will set you free.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYour perception of your identity makes such a big difference in your success at dealing with the challenges and conflicts of your life. It is imperative to your growth and maturity that you believe God\u0027s truth about who you are.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Bible says, \u0022See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are\u0022 (1 John 3:1). Tragically, many believers are desperately trying to become something they already are, while others are living like something they aren\u0027t. It\u0027s true: \u0022Beloved, now we are children of God\u0022 (1 John 3:2).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord God, I affirm anew that I am Your blood-bought child. The evil one cannot touch me as long as I live according to my position in Christ.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-18T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/214-his-accepted-adopted-child"},{"id":1104,"title":"AUTHORITY AND POWER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EAUTHORITY AND POWER\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHe [Jesus] called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons. Luke 9:1\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJesus gave His disciples both authority and power over demons. What\u0027s the difference? Authority is the right to rule; it\u0027s a positional issue. A policeman has the right to stop traffic at an intersection because of the position of authority represented by his badge. Similarly, Jesus gave His disciples His badge to carry. They had the right to rule over the demons because of their position as followers of the One to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given (Matthew 28:18).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn contrast, power is the ability to rule. A policeman may have the authority to stop traffic, but he doesn\u0027t have the physical ability to do so. If he tries to stop traffic by his own power, he will probably get run over. However, if you move a 20-foot-square cement block into the middle of the intersection, it may not have any authority to make cars stop, but it certainly has the ability to do so!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENo good manager would delegate responsibility to his underlings without also delegating authority to them and equipping them with the ability to get the job done. Jesus charged His disciples with the responsibility to proclaim the kingdom of God. Had He not also given them authority and power in the spirit world, the demons would have just scoffed at their feeble attempts and sent them running for cover (as they did the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe truth is that, while in yourself you don\u0027t have the ability to resist Satan and his demons, in Christ you do. The Israelites looked at Goliath fearfully and said, \u0022We can\u0027t fight him.\u0022 But young David looked at Goliath and said, \u0022Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?\u0022 (1 Samuel 17:26). The army saw Goliath in relation to themselves and trembled; David saw Goliath in relation to God and triumphed. When you encounter the spiritual enemies of your soul, remember: \u0022Be strong in the Lord [your authority], and in the strength of His might [your power]\u0022 (Ephesians 6:10).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Father, for Your authority and power. Help me view my circumstances in light of what You can do, not according to what I can\u0027t do.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-19T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/215-authority-and-power"},{"id":1105,"title":"OUR ACCESS TO CHRIST\u0027S AUTHORITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EOUR ACCESS TO CHRIST\u0027S AUTHORITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened. Ephesians 1:18\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDo we enjoy the same claim to Christ\u0027s authority in the spiritual realm as those who were personally sent out by Him? Absolutely! In fact, because of the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ, and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we have an even greater advantage in spiritual warfare than the first disciples did. They were with Christ (Mark 3:14,15), but we are in Christ. That was Paul\u0027s great news in the opening lines of his letter to the church at Ephesus. Ten times in the first 13 verses he reminded us that everything we have is the result of our intimate, personal relationship with the resurrected Christ and His indwelling Spirit.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHaving firmly established the reality of our position in Christ, Paul expressed his heart\u0027s desire for Spirit-filled believers in this prayer:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:18-20).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur problem with identity and self-perception as Christians is not that we aren\u0027t in Christ; it\u0027s that we don\u0027t see it or perceive it; we\u0027re just not conscious of it. We are not supposed to pursue power because we already have it in Christ. We are to pursue truth and pray that our eyes will be opened to our rich inheritance in Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs long as we fail to perceive our access to Christ\u0027s authority over the kingdom of darkness, we will fail to exercise that authority in our lives, and we may live in bondage.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOpen my eyes, Lord; I want to see Jesus. Open my ears and help me listen, abide in You, and draw strength moment by moment.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-20T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/216-our-access-christs-authority"},{"id":1106,"title":"UNINHIBITED SPONTANEITY","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EUNINHIBITED SPONTANEITY\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. Psalm 100:1,2\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHave you ever planned a major fun event and then asked yourself, \u0022Are we having fun yet?\u0022 Fun in uninhibited spontaneity. Chances are the last time you really had fun it was a spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment activity or event. Big events and expensive outings can be fun, but sometimes we plan and spend all the fun right out of them. I\u0027ve often had a lot more fun in an impromptu pillow fight with my children.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe secret to enjoying uninhibited spontaneity as a Christian is in removing non-scriptural inhibitors. Chief among the inhibitors of Christian fun is our fleshly tendency to keep up appearances. We don\u0027t want to look out of place or be thought less of by others, so we stifle our spontaneity with a form of false decorum. That\u0027s people-pleasing and Paul suggested that anybody who lives to please people isn\u0027t serving Christ (Galatians 1:10).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI really like the uninhibited joy I see in King David, who knew the joy of being in the presence of the Lord. He was so happy about returning the ark to Jerusalem that he leaped and danced before the Lord in celebration. He knew there was joy in the presence of God. But Michal, his party-pooping wife, thought his behavior was unbecoming to a king, and she told him so in no uncertain terms. David said, \u0022Rain on you, lady. I\u0027m dancing to please the Lord, not you or anybody else. And I\u0027m going to keep dancing whether you like it or not\u0022 (my paraphrase of 2 Samuel 6:21). As it turned out, Michal was the person God judged in the incident, not David (2 Samuel 6:23). You\u0027ll find a lot more joy in pleasing the Lord than in trying to please people.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFrankly, I think it\u0027s fun being saved. Being free in Christ means that we are free to be ourselves. We\u0027re free from our past, free from trying to live up to other people\u0027s expectations, free from sin and the evil one. What a joyful, uninhibited, spontaneous life for those who are free in Christ!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, thank You for the joy of serving You, joy that is not detrimental to body, soul or spirit.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-21T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/217-uninhibited-spontaneity"},{"id":1107,"title":"THE COUNTERFEITS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETHE COUNTERFEITS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUnless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins. John 8:24\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn assessing counterfeits to Christianity, no criterion is more important than the Person of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote: \u0022I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent\u0027s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough\u0022 (2 Corinthians 11:3,4 NIV).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOther religions may talk about Jesus, but they present Him in another way than He is presented in Scripture. They may talk about the same historical Jesus, but not about the Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, and the great I AM. Jesus said, \u0022Unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sin\u0022 (John 8:24). If you believe in Jesus in any other way than how He is presented in the Bible, you will receive an altogether different spirit instead of the Holy Spirit and an altogether different gospel instead of the gospel of grace.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe counterfeit spirits which are at work in the cults and the occult are nothing like the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, \u0022But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you\u0022 (John 16:13,14). The Holy Spirit always leads us back to Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe counterfeit gospel is not a gospel of grace because the blood of bulls and goats will never take away sin, so you are left with a gospel of works. But the real Jesus died for our sins, the Spirit of truth has come, and we are marvelously saved by grace.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I want to be so filled with the knowledge of Your truth that I may quickly recognize and turn from all counterfeits of the gospel.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-22T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/218-counterfeits"},{"id":1108,"title":"GOD-SENT CHRISTIANS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EGOD-SENT CHRISTIANS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf I were asked to determine the spiritual vitality of any religious group using only one criterion, I would evaluate its representative leaders. Are they a group of individuals vying for power, arming themselves with arguments to defend their position and exert their will? Or are they servant leaders knit together by the Holy Spirit who are collectively trying to discern God\u0027s will?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESimilarly, if I wanted to determine the spiritual vitality of an individual using only one criterion, I would evaluate whether the person desires to live according to the will of God, or if he desires to do his own thing. The prayer of a vital, growing Christian is, \u0022Make me know Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths\u0022 (Psalm 25:4).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce our will is bent in the right direction, Jesus raises the additional question of motive: \u0022He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him\u0022 (John 7:18). The person who is true glorifies the one who sent him.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis is perfectly modeled in the Godhead. Notice first the example of Jesus: \u0022For I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me\u0022 (John 8:42). The Holy Spirit acts in the same way. In John 16:13,14, Jesus said, \u0022He [the Spirit] will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak. . . . He shall glorify Me.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI can take this one step further. Are you ready for this? Jesus said in John 20:21: \u0022As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.\u0022 Granted, that was said to the apostles, but we are all under the Great Commission. Do you want to be true? Then glorify the One who sent you! People who know they are God-sent and are committed to live like that, glorify God. Self-sent people seek their own glory.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EToday, Lord, I purpose to reflect my appointment as Your sent-one by glorifying You instead of myself.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-23T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/219-god-sent-christians"},{"id":1109,"title":"TRYING TO CONTROL OTHERS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETRYING TO CONTROL OTHERS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETrust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen a person\u0027s self-worth or success hinges on the achievement of a goal which can be blocked or which is uncertain or impossible, how will he respond to those who frustrate his goals? Often he will attempt to control or manipulate the people or circumstances who stand between him and his success.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor example, a pastor\u0027s goal is to have the finest youth ministry in the community. But one of his board members blocks his goal by insisting that a music ministry is more important. Every attempt by the pastor to hire a youth pastor is vetoed by the influential board member who wants to hire a music director first. The pastor wrongly perceives that his sense of worth and success in ministry is on the line. So he shifts into a power mode to push the stumbling block out of the way. He looks for a way to change the opposition\u0027s mind or remove him from the board because he believes that his success in ministry is dependent on reaching his goal of a great youth ministry.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA mother believes that her self-worth is dependent on her children behaving in a certain way. Her goal is to raise perfect little Christians who will become pastors or missionaries. But as the children reach their teen years and begin to express their independence, their behavior doesn\u0027t always match their mother\u0027s ideal. So instead of helping them grow through adolescence and releasing them into adulthood, she tries to control them.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is not hard to understand why people try to control others. They believe that their worth is dependent on other people and circumstances. This is a false belief as evidenced by the fact that the most insecure people you will ever meet are manipulators and controllers of others. But people who are secure in their identity in Christ don\u0027t need to control others. Their goal is to be the leader, spouse, parent or employee that God wants them to be because nothing can keep them from being what God wants them to be but themselves.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I affirm that my worth is based on my relationship with You and that I am free to become the person You want me to be.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/220-trying-control-others"},{"id":1110,"title":"HEARING VOICES","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHEARING VOICES\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe voice of the LORD is powerful, the voice of the LORD is majestic. Psalm 29:4\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe concept of hearing \u0022voices\u0022 is openly espoused in the secular media. The main character in the popular movie Field of Dreams hears an inner voice while standing in his cornfield at night. It\u0027s loud, direct and very spooky! At first he\u0027s a little freaked out by the voice, but he is intrigued enough to test the voice\u0027s advice. It leads to a grand adventure that culminates in meeting the ghost of his deceased father, reconciling with him, and saving the family farm from foreclosure. Was the movie just an entertaining fantasy or is Satan subtly promoting \u0022nice\u0022 little spirit guides that will resolve all our problems?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAccording to New Age brain\/mind researcher Willis Harmon, many people hear voices, but few are willing to admit it to anyone but their closest friends. \u0022It\u0027s just one of those things we don\u0027t talk about,\u0022 said the president of the Institute of Noetic Sciences in Sausalito, California. \u0022I\u0027ve talked to businessmen, scientists, educators, well-educated professional people, and not only is it reasonably common, it\u0027s cherished. It\u0027s invited\u0022 ( Los Angeles Times, June 1989, part V, p.1).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENew Age proponents like Harmon are trying to give credibility to a phenomenon that was once understood as mental illness. Psychiatrists prescribe antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenics and others who admit that they hear voices. A common bit of advice among recovering alcoholics is: \u0022Don\u0027t pay attention to the committee in your head.\u0022 People seldom share the mental struggle going on inside them for fear that people will think they are going crazy. But I have counselled hundreds of troubled people who were hearing voices and every one of the voices was demonic. The only exceptions are legitimate cases of multiple personality disorder. You need to know that inner voices which don\u0027t line up with God\u0027s Word are the suggestions of a real devil that must be countered and dispelled by the truth (1 Timothy 4:1).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I reject all voices in my mind, real or imagined, and accept only the authority of Your Word and Your Spirit\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/221-hearing-voices"},{"id":1111,"title":"CLEAR, LOVING COMMUNICATION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ECLEAR, LOVING COMMUNICATION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHe who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him. Proverbs 18:13\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I can\u0027t get a handle on my problems, Neil,\u0022 Ruth complained. \u0022I know my children are struggling at school, but they won\u0027t share it with me. Why won\u0027t they talk to me?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Do you really want to know, Ruth?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Of course!\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022They probably don\u0027t feel they can trust you,\u0022 I responded.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022What do you mean they can\u0027t trust me? I\u0027m their mother!\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Let me illustrate,\u0022 I said. \u0022Suppose your 15-year-old daughter came home one day and said that her best friend was taking drugs. What would you say to her?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERuth paused for a moment, then said, \u0022I\u0027d probably tell her to find another friend.\u0022 \u0022Exactly! And that\u0027s why she doesn\u0027t share that kind of information with you.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELike a lot of parents, Ruth was in the habit of reacting to her kids before she knew what was really going on. Two or three reactions like this from you and your child is ready to clam up forever. Whenever your child tells you about \u0022my friend\u0027s problem,\u0022 there is a very good chance that he\u0027s the one with the problem. He will drop little hints about his \u0022friend\u0022 to see your reaction. If you are hasty and judgmental, you can bet he won\u0027t share any more. You must listen without judgment and hold the advice until you are sure you know the whole story.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClear, loving communication in your family is imperative if you are going to foil Satan\u0027s attempt to seduce your child. After all, if you don\u0027t listen when he tells you about his school problems, he may not bother to tell you about his evil thoughts. And if you criticize him when he admits his mistakes, he won\u0027t want you to know about the terrifying dark presence he experiences in his room at night. Faulty communication doesn\u0027t necessarily cause spiritual problems in your child, but it can certainly block or delay the resolution of those problems.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, make me a parent my children can trust and be comfortable with, and deliver me from being harsh and critical\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-02-26T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/222-clear-loving-communication"},{"id":1112,"title":"HOW GOD WORKS","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHOW GOD WORKS\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him. Deuteronomy 8:6\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI believe in miracles, and I accept as fact every one recorded in the Bible. I believe that our entire Christian experience is a miracle. It simply cannot be explained by natural means. And God\u0027s power is seen in other miraculous ways today, but must He always prove Himself by stepping outside His created order? If God doesn\u0027t primarily guide us through His Word (which never changes) and take into account the fixed order of the universe, how can we ever have any stability? How can we make any plans if God doesn\u0027t reveal His ways and then stay consistent with them?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod is not capricious in His dealings with man. He has clearly established His ways and He is faithful to them. I believe God has revealed His ways and we are to walk in them. The question is, how does God work through human responsibility and the natural order of the universe to bring about His will? Somehow He works through a less-than-perfect church, orchestrating human affairs in such a way as to guarantee the outcome of the ages. What really impresses me is His timing, not His miraculous interventions.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENotice how Jesus responded to those who insisted on a sign: \u0022An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet\u0022 (Matthew 12:39). Satan wanted a sign too. He said, \u0022If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down\u0022 (Matthew 4:6). To this Jesus responded, \u0022Do not put the Lord your God to the test\u0022 (verse 7 NIV ). Jesus was saying that the sign we need is the Word of God, and we are to use the Word to guard against Satan\u0027s temptations to force the Lord to prove Himself.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI think it is better to prove ourselves to God rather than demand He prove Himself to us. We are the ones being tested, not God. \u0022Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth\u0022 (2 Timothy 2:15).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I want to be responsible to use the gifts You have given me and lay aside sin and fruitless activities.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-09T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/233-how-god-works"},{"id":1113,"title":"HIS DISCIPLE","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EHIS DISCIPLE\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice. Romans 12:1\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAn African pastor was overwhelmed by rebels who demanded that he renounce his faith. He refused. The night before they took his life, he wrote the following lines on a scrap of paper:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI am part of the \u0022Fellowship of the Unashamed.\u0022 I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I\u0027ve stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won\u0027t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don\u0027t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMy face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought , compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI won\u0027t give up, shut up, let up, or burn up till I\u0027ve preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnd when He comes to get His own, He\u0027ll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, develop in me the perseverance and faithfulness to pursue Your goal for my life even in the face of rejection.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-10T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/234-his-disciple"},{"id":1114,"title":"GOD\u0027S PROTECTION","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EGOD\u2019S PROTECTION\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBut resist [the devil], firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world (1 Pet 5:9)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI cannot accept someone saying, \u201cThe devil made me do it.\u201d No, he didn\u2019t make you do it: you did it. Somewhere along the line you chose to give the devil a foothold. He merely took advantage of the opportunity you gave him. You have all the resources and protection you need to live a victorious life in Christ every day. If you\u2019re not living it, it\u2019s your choice. When you leave a door open for the devil by not resisting temptation, accusation or deception, you are vulnerable. And if you continue to allow him access to your life he can gain a measure of control over you. You won\u2019t lose your salvation, but you will lose your daily victory.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMany Christians today who cannot control their lives in some area wallow in self-blame instead of acting responsibly to solve the problem. They berate themselves and punish themselves for not having the willpower to break a bad habit, when instead they should be resisting Satan in an area where he has obviously robbed them of control. Anything bad that you seemingly cannot stop doing, or anything good which you cannot make yourself do, could be an area of demonic control.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGod\u2019s protection from demonic attack is not something you can take for granted irrespective of how you behave. This protection is conditional on your willingness to respond to God\u2019s provision. We are told to put on Christ and make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14), to put on the armour of God and to stand firm (Ephesians 6:11), to submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7). If we irresponsibly ignore God\u2019s resources by failing to obey these commands, how can we expect Him to protect us?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrayer: Thank you Lord, for the clear direction and mighty weapons You have provided for victory in spiritual warfare.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-15T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/239-gods-protection"},{"id":1115,"title":"LIVING ABOVE LIFE\u0027S CIRCUMSTANCES","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ELIVING ABOVE LIFE\u0027S CIRCUMSTANCES\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EI have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Philippians 4:11\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome of us tend to assume that it is God\u0027s will if the circumstances are favorable and it isn\u0027t God\u0027s will if the circumstances are unfavorable. Next to the Bible, I would guess that more Christians are \u0022guided\u0022 by this means than any other. Yet of all the possible means of guidance, this is the least authoritative and trustworthy.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI had the privilege of pastoring a church that purchased new property and went through a building program. Through most of the process the circumstances didn\u0027t seem favorable. Twice I sat with the mayor, who was also a local real estate agent, and asked him if he thought our plans were feasible. He advised us not to make the land trade, and he didn\u0027t think the city would allow us to build. He knew the real estate and the political climate better than anyone in the city. But the land swap increased our assets by millions and the city planning commission voted 7-0 in favor of our building plans.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou may have to set sail by the tide, but you\u0027d better be guided by the stars or you\u0027re going to end up on the wrong shore. Circumstances may have their effect on your plans, but you have a far greater accountability to God. Make sure you follow Him, not the tide of circumstances.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI heard a motivational speaker say, \u0022I don\u0027t like to recruit Christians because when the going gets tough they quit, concluding that it must not be God\u0027s will.\u0022 Generally speaking, I believe that Christians should live above life\u0027s circumstances and not be guided by them.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlso be careful about applying too much significance to unusual circumstances or coincidences. \u0022It must be God\u0027s will. Why else would that book by lying there!\u0022 It could be God\u0027s will, but I would never take that kind of a sign on its own merit. I have helped many people in occultic bondage who have made bizarre associations or attached far too much significance to irrelevant events.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I determine to test all guidance by Your Word and not to be swayed away from Your will by circumstances or popular opinion\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-01T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/225-living-above-lifes-circumstances"},{"id":1116,"title":"A LIBERATING FRIEND","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EA LIBERATING FRIEND\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESurely You desire truth in the inner parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51:6 \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAbsolute truth is the revelation of God\u0027s Word, and we must live that truth in the inner self. When David lived a lie he suffered greatly. When he finally found freedom by acknowledging the truth, he wrote, \u0022How blessed is the man . . . in whose spirit there is no deceit\u0022 (Psalm 32:2). When David later reflected on the same incident, he wrote, \u0022Surely You desire truth in the inner parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place\u0022 (Psalm 51:6 NIV).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe are to lay aside falsehood and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15,25). A mentally healthy person is one who is in touch with reality and relatively free of anxiety. Both qualities should epitomize the Christian who renounces deception and embraces the truth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDeception is the most subtle of all satanic strongholds. Have you ever noticed that all people with addictive behaviour lie to themselves and others almost continuously? The alcoholic lies about his drinking, the anorexic lies about her eating, and the sex offender lies about his behaviour. Lying is an evil defense prompted by the father of lies, Satan (John 8:44).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe first step in any recovery program is to get out of denial and face the truth. Truth is never an enemy; it is always a liberating friend. People in bondage to the lie grow weary of the darkness. They hate to sneak around, lie and cover up. \u0022God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all\u0022 (1 John 1:5). We must \u0022walk in the light as He Himself is in the light\u0022 (1 John 1:7). There is great freedom when truth dispels the anguish of living a lie.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChoosing the truth may be difficult for you if you have been living a lie for many years. You may need to seek professional help to weed out the defense mechanisms you have depended on all this time to survive. The Christian needs only one defence: Jesus. Knowing that you are forgiven and accepted as God\u0027s child sets you free to face reality and choose the truth.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELord, I choose the truth, and I renounce all self-deception and rationalization of wrong behaviour and attitudes.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-02T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/226-liberating-friend"},{"id":1117,"title":"TEST EVERYTHING","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ETEST EVERYTHING\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo not put out the Spirit\u0027s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. 1 Thessalonians 5:19,21 \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlvin was discouraged and defeated. For several years he believed he had a special gift of prophecy from God. But over a period of months his personal life began to fall apart. By the time he came to see me he had been unemployed for two years, he was being cared for by his father, and he was a slave to prescription drugs.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlvin and I read 1 Thessalonians 5:19,21. I said, \u0022Alvin, Satan can counterfeit spiritual gifts. That\u0027s why the Scriptures instruct us to put everything to the test.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlvin admitted, \u0022I think my problems began when I failed to test the \u0027gifts\u0027 of tongues and prophecy conferred on me by false teachers.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Would you be willing to put your gift of tongues to the test?\u0022 I asked. Alvin really wanted to be free. \u0022Yes,\u0022 he answered.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI instructed Alvin to begin praying aloud in his \u0022spiritual language.\u0022 As he began to chant an unintelligible prayer, I said, \u0022In the name of Christ and in obedience to God\u0027s Word, I command you, spirit, to identify yourself.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlvin stopped in the middle of his chanting and said, \u0022I am he.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Are you the \u0027He\u0027 who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, buried, raised on the third day, and who now sits at the right hand of the Father?\u0022 I asked.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlvin almost shouted the response: \u0022No! Not He!\u0022 I led Alvin through a prayer renouncing Satan\u0027s activity in his life, and he was free from that deception.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI am not against spiritual gifts, even prophecy and tongues. I am committed to obeying Scripture, and 1 Corinthians 14:39 says, \u0022Desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.\u0022 But Scripture also requires that all spiritual phenomena be tested. I believe that false prophets and teachers flourish today simply because Christians accept their ministry without testing the spirits behind it.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeavenly Father, help me to stay alert to spiritual seduction and reject all phenomena that do not come from God.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-07T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/231-test-everything"},{"id":1118,"title":"SATAN\u0027S SHOW OF POWER","body":"\u003Ch2\u003ESATAN\u0027S SHOW OF POWER\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce I counselled a former high priest of Satanism who desperately wanted to be free of the demonic powers who had ruled his life. But Satan was not about to let go of him without a fight. As I tried to talk to him, Harry ranted and raved and rolled around the office like a crazy man. The demons who controlled Harry were using his mind, his will, his muscles, and his emotions in a noisy display of resistance. But I just sat still. I learned a long time ago that Satan\u0027s show of power is just another facet of his deception designed to provoke fear. He knows that if he can deceive us into being afraid of him, fear will control our lives instead of faith.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESatan \u0022prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour\u0022 (1 Peter 5:8). Why does a lion roar? To paralyse its prey with fear. Once its victim is immobilized by fear, the lion can easily subdue it and kill it. But because of our position, authority, and protection in Christ, Satan can\u0027t touch us. If you cower in fear at Satan\u0027s show of power, then he has you on the defensive. But Peter instructed, \u0022Resist him, firm in your faith\u0022 (1 Peter 5:9). Satan is defeated; believe it and stand up to him. When you do, he has no choice but to eventually back down.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs the devil roared at me through Harry, I began to read Scripture aloud and pray in a normal, controlled voice that the enemy would be bound in silence. After I had spent several minutes taking authority in Christ through prayer and reading Scripture, Harry fell flat on his stomach in front of me. \u0022Lord Jesus, I need You!\u0022 he cried out. I led him in a prayer of commitment to Christ. And when Harry finally stood up, he was free. He embraced me with a childlike joy he had never experienced before. The devil\u0027s bark is much bigger than his bite. Stand firm in the faith and resist him, and he will flee.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrayer: Lord, help me be bold and not fearful in the face of Satan\u0027s attacks. I want to walk in freedom and help others find freedom as well.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u00a0 Neil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2025-11-21T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/125-satans-show-power"},{"id":1135,"title":"ASKING \u0022WHY?\u0022","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EASKING \u0022WHY?\u0022\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. Luke 5:36\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDetermining the purpose of a Christian practice, and whether it is appropriate, requires an answer to the question, \u0022Why?\u0022 \u0022We have always done it this way before\u0022 is unacceptable. Christian practices continue for years, often outliving their purpose, until someone asks, \u0022Why do we do that?\u0022 Characteristically, the defenses come up as though you were challenging what they believe!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor instance, having three church services a week is generally practiced by evangelical Christians, but few know why. Originally, Sunday morning was for instruction and worship, Sunday evening was for evangelism, and the Wednesday service was for prayer. Today few churches have three services for those same purposes. In many churches, evangelism has switched to Sunday morning (if there is an evangelistic service). Sunday evenings range from body life gatherings to an informal repeat of the morning service. Wednesday stopped being a prayer meeting years ago in most churches.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFew people can say why they have an adult fellowship group and, consequently, most never fulfill the greatest purpose for which they exist. Without a clear purpose, planning dribbles down to who is going to be the teacher and what is the next monthly social! The purpose of fellowship groups is to provide a base for incorporating new people into the church, going after those who stray, and meeting the needs of one another. Routine activities that lack purpose produce mindless participation. How is God going to guide such a group?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe greatest avenue for productive change is to clarify the purpose of any existing ministry or group. I sat with the leaders of an adult group and helped them hammer out a purpose statement. Some major changes took place in their class. Within two years they had doubled. Asking \u0022Why?\u0022 forced them to evaluate their purpose and ministry, and necessary changes came.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrayer: Lord, I purpose not to waste my time or effort on traditions that are no longer valid vehicles for ministry.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-03-08T00:00:00+00:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/232-asking-why"},{"id":2301,"title":"BELIEVE IN GOD","body":"\u003Ch2\u003EBELIEVE IN GOD\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWithout faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6) \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe life of Wilma Rudolph, the great Olympic sprinter, is a remarkable story of faith. Wilma was born with health problems that left her crippled. \u0022Will I ever be able to run and play like the other children?\u0022 Wilma asked her parents.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Honey, you have to believe in God and never give up hope,\u0022 they responded. \u0022If you believe, God will make it happen.\u0022 Taking her parents\u0027 counsel, she painfully struggled to walk. By the time she was 12, to the delight and surprise of many, Wilma no longer needed her braces. She went on to play basketball on her championship high school team and win three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you hear inspiring stories of faith like Wilma Rudolph\u0027s, do you sometimes wonder, \u0022What could I accomplish if I took God at His Word?\u0022 Faith is the foundational principle of the Christian life. Believing who God is, what He says, what He has done, and what He will do defines the kingdom of God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFurthermore, faith is the essence of the Christian\u0027s day-to-day activity. Paul wrote: \u0022As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him\u0022 (Colossians 2:6). How did you receive Christ? By faith. How then are you to walk in Him? By faith. In Scripture, walking refers to the way you conduct your everyday life. Victorious Christian living and spiritual maturity are determined by our belief in God.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe tend to think of faith as some kind of mystical quality that belongs only in the realm of the spiritual. But everybody walks by faith. It is the most basic operating principle of life. The question is, in what or in whom do you believe? We are challenged to believe in God and take His Word seriously.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThank You, Lord, that Your Word stands forever in heaven. I can trust in You and Your Word despite my changing feelings and circumstances. \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeil Anderson\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDaily in Christ, Copyright \u00a9 1993 Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408.\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.harvesthousepublishers.com\u0022\u003Ewww.harvesthousepublishers.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPurchase from\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.christianbook.com\/daily-in-christ-a-devotional\/neil-anderson\/9780736901512\/pd\/1522?event=ESRCG\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristian Book (US)\u003C\/a\u003E or\u00a0\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Daily-Christ-Joanne-Anderson-Neil\/dp\/0736901515\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1658404839\u0026amp;sr=8-1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmazon (UK)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","date":"2026-05-20T00:00:00+01:00","url":"https:\/\/www.ficm.org.uk\/devotion\/013-believe-god"}]}