June 30 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Satan's Head is Crushed   Daily Scripture Ephesians 1:19-22 “and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,” Encouragement  As the first chapter in Ephesians states: Christ is the head of the church, of which you and I make up a part of the body; and His incomparably great power is for us who believe. GOD wants us to comprehend what happened to satan at the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. His head was crushed! All things were put under the feet of Jesus! While growing up in Southern Illinois where there are several kinds of snakes, many of which are poisonous, I was a witness to many snakes being killed. You may not be aware of this, but a snake’s body will continue to move after death, even if the head is detached from the body! Let’s compare that in the spiritual sense to GOD’s judgment on the serpent (satan) after he tricked the first man and woman into disobeying GOD. GOD said that satan would strike the heel of the woman’s offspring, fulfilled by Jesus dying on the cross. BUT He said that satan’s head would be crushed! That’s a death blow! Take Action! The only way satan can affect those who have been purchased by the blood of Jesus is to try his same old tricks of getting us to disobey GOD by appealing to our human nature. We used to follow the ways of this world, and of satan, the ruler of the kingdom of the air. As one who has been purchased with the blood of Jesus, choose today to deny the cravings of your flesh and refuse to follow its desires and thoughts. GOD has raised us up with Jesus and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms. Satan’s head is crushed, and you can live as one alive from the dead by the incomparable riches of GOD’s grace expressed in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection!  Come into His Presence Father God, thank You for crushing Satan's head. You are truly my defender and my rescuer. Help me to realize the fullness of my authority over Satan's attempted tricks. In Jesus' name, amen. Judy Swindle Teacher & Mentor Email Judy

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

June 29 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      God's Incomparably Great Power   Daily Scripture Ephesians 1:18-20 “That you may know His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead!” Encouragement  In November 2015, I was privileged to preach the gospel at a crusade in Punabaras, Nepal, before a crowd of 5,000+ people; most of whom prayed to receive Jesus into their lives. In addition, for most of them, this was the first time they had heard the gospel message. My life has been dramatically changed by a part of the gospel that I preached about the resurrection of Jesus. It made a familiar story come alive to me. It states as follows: “His friends took His body off the cross and laid it in a tomb… He laid there dead for 3 days. He was as dead as any man you have ever seen is dead, but GOD was about to show the whole world that Jesus was not just a holy man, a teacher, a miracle worker and a prophet. Some say He was a good man and a prophet, but not the Son of God, but GOD proved they are wrong! After three days of laying dead, the power of the Creator of the Universe came into the lifeless body of Jesus Christ, and He rose from the dead, stood up in that tomb, and walked out alive! Hallelujah!!” When I finished preaching that portion of the gospel, the people began clapping and cheering! Take Action! How long has it been since you cheered when someone spoke about the resurrection of Jesus? GOD wants our human minds to grasp the “incomparably great power which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead”! That body was dead and lifeless. It had been in the tomb for 3 days. The power that entered that dead lifeless body was so strong that Jesus walked out alive! In Ephesians 1:19, Paul prays for us as believers to know God’s incomparably great resurrection power. In Ephesians 3:16, Paul also prays that “He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man”. Come into His Presence Father God, today we take the promises of God as ours. We step out in faith and trust You. Prove the doubt and unbelief of the world wrong through us. In Jesus' name, amen. Judy Swindle Teacher & Mentor Email Judy

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

June 28 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      What Do You Really Want?   Daily Scripture Romans 7:14-15 “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Encouragement  Free will is a remarkable gift God has given mankind. We can really do almost anything we want. Some things I don’t want to do – and obviously won’t, like jumping in front of a freight train. I can think of many other slightly more rational things I don’t want to do, but do anyway. Example: Getting mad at a rude driver who whips in front of me and slams on his brakes to make a turn. We are all slaves to certain sins, usually because we’re addicted to a bad habit. We know God hates pornography, yet many Christians are addicted to titillating websites. What Christian counselor hasn’t heard the words, “I really don’t want to indulge in pornography. But I just can’t stop.” A counselor might respond, “Do you really want to stop?” Common answer: “Yes, but you don’t understand The urge to drool over that stuff is too strong.” Here’s a truth that hurts: “Yes, we can stop. When we tie our will to God’s will for us, the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to stop. Apply God’s Word Paul freely admits that in his flesh he is a slave to sin. He goes further to point out in Romans 7:21-24 that even the law by itself lacks to force to help him stop sinning. The upshot, however, is Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Yes! The Holy Spirit gives us the power to stop our bad habits. That’s one of God’s innumerable benefits. God’s great grace avails His Spirit. But it’s not automatic. We, God’s people, must tie our will to His to release the Spirit’s supernatural power into our lives. Am I fully victorious? Honestly, no. But I no longer lament that I “just can’t stop.” When I want to stop badly enough, when the fleshly enjoyment I get out of plunging ahead becomes a stench in my nostrils instead of a drive to keep getting mad at rude drivers and making nasty comments, I’ll keep doing it. Come into His Presence Lord God, like Paul I’m a wretched man. But with the continual urging of Your Spirit, I’m determined not to stay wretched. We know that wretchedness and holiness are water and gasoline in our lives. They never will mix. Thank You for the work of Your Spirit! In Jesus' Name, amen. Mark Bacon Teacher & Mentor Email Mark

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

June 26 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      The Christian Household - Part 2   Daily Scripture Psalms 127:3-5 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”   Encouragement  Let us first address the wounds of loss of children with a prayer: “Heavenly Father, please surround those who have lost children; whether from abortion, miscarriage, or passing away. Please shower them with your grace and compassion.” This is Part 2 of our Christian Household discussion. Part 1 was all about us laboring in vain. Part 2 is all about realizing the blessings that children are from our Father. As the scripture says plainly, children are a blessing from our Heavenly Father. They are a heritage, which means they are something we inherited from God Himself. They are a reward and gift. We love the analogy of children being arrows in the hand of a warrior. Yes! For the Kingdom of God that is exactly what children are: arrows to be thrust into the nations of the world to spread Jesus’ fame! Come on! Apply God’s Word So, what are you going to do with your future children (for the young marrieds), your growing children (parents), your grown children (empty-nesters), and your grandchildren (grandparents)? Unless you voluntarily give it up, your influence, big or small, should never end in your children’s and loved one’s lives. They are arrows in your hands. Our family loves archery! The word ‘sin’ is actually an archery term meaning ‘to miss the mark.’ As parents (influencers) how are we directing (aiming) our children in this life? Are we going to miss the mark with them? And what “target” are we pointing them toward? These are sobering questions we must answer. May God give us grace to lead and influence well!   Come into His Presence My Heavenly Father, I ask for Your wisdom in how I raise up my kids, influence my loved ones, and partner with You to build a Godly, Christian home. Reveal sin in my household where there must be repentance, reveal every weak area that the enemy can get into so we can protect the walls, provide resources and opportunities for me to show Your love, truth and grace so that my family serves and loves You. In Jesus’ Name, amen. Jarrod Herald Pastor Email Jarrod

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

June 25 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      The Christian Household - Part 1   Daily Scripture Psalms 127:1-2 “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.”   Encouragement  There is a song that I'm reminded of. The words are: "Jesus be the center of my life Jesus be the center of my life From beginning to the end It will always be, it's always been You Jesus, Jesus. Nothing else matters, Nothing in this world will do 'Cause Jesus You're the center, Everything revolves around You Jesus You" When Jesus is not my center, whatever I do is meaningless, because the motive of my heart is not devoted to King Jesus. People can busy themselves very easily with pleasures of this world, but when the purposes of my heart are not the purposes of the Father's heart, in the end all of it is just labor in vain and meaningless. Apply God’s Word I will strive daily to put aside vain labor, living my life without meaning and purpose. Let me not go another moment of giving into complacency or mediocrity. I will allow King Jesus to revive my heart, passion and dreams within me that might be lying dormant. In my family we have created a fun cheer that we say that helps promote Jesus as the center of our family. Maybe you might consider doing the same thing with yours. Our cheer goes like this, "we are a strong family unit, and Jesus is our King!"   Come into His Presence King Jesus, reign in my heart, renew and transform my mind, so that I will remain focused on You. Stir me, Lord Jesus, to righteousness, so that I will lead my children along the paths of righteousness. Heavenly Father, my will is that Your will be done in my life. Lord, thank You that my life is meaningful, because I choose to make You the center of it. I live only for You, Lord Jesus, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Jarrod Herald Pastor Email Jarrod

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

June 24 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Spiritual Inheritance   Daily Scripture Exodus 20:4-6 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”   Encouragement  To everyone reading this right now, this is such good news for our families now and families to come! Listen, the Lord God promises that for the sins we commit, and if we’re not repentant, we will most likely see those sins and judgment fall upon our children’s children (to the third and fourth generations.) What? That’s not good news, Jarrod! I know, I know. Read on. “BUT SHOWING MERCY TO THOUSANDS, TO THOSE WHO LOVE AND KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” Yes, Lord. What a powerful blessing and promise from our everlasting Heavenly Father. This kind of word from God makes you want to repent of everything (which we should do) just so the generations to come from our bloodline are blessed. Let’s teach our children, grandchildren, and loved ones to truly live for God, honor and love Him! My family and I are direct benefactors of this truth from Exodus 20:4-6. My grandparents honored the Lord and raised my parents in God’s presence, Word, and grace. Now my siblings and their families, and my wife, children and I serve the Lord. On my mother’s side of the family they have traced Christians and Ministers of the Gospel all the way back to the 1600’s! I have often wondered, which one of my distant ancestors should I thank for loving and honoring the Lord so much that 400+ years later their great grandchildren (many times over) are still serving Jesus! Apply God’s Word Let me encourage you, it’s NOT too late for your loved one to step into their Spiritual Inheritance. The inheritance they have in the Lord Jesus comes through you! Yes, it comes through you. It’s only been in recent history that natural inheritance from parents given to their children happens when the parent passes away. It used to be that parents would give their children the inheritance while they are still alive; so that parent can see their children enjoy the blessings of the inheritance. Now, ask Holy Spirit how, when and where you can help your loved ones receive from their spiritual inheritance now. Tell them about Jesus’ love and grace; God’s wonderful Word and plans. Teach your children and grandchildren how to experience, pray to, and speak with God.   Come into His Presence My Heavenly Father, thank You for being so true to Your Word. You are more faithful than words could ever express, more than thoughts could comprehend. Thank You that Your Word says that generations in my bloodline that I may never meet will receive mercy from You if they love You and keep Your commandments. I step into this truth today and pray that You will shower my future generations with Your everlasting love. In Jesus' name. Amen. Jarrod Herald Pastor Email Jarrod

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

June 23 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      I Confess... I'm Guilty   Daily Scripture Ephesians 6:4 “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”   Encouragement  I confess, as a father, I am guilty of this. I have provoked my children to wrath (to anger) by my reactions to things around me. Whether it was something they did or not. No, I’m not a loose cannon and looking for a fight, but I have failed in training my children how to appropriately respond to situations at times. Another word used for “provoke” is “exasperate.” Let’s keep it simple and to the point. Dictionary.com warns me that exasperate means “to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely.” Ouch! So, when I am teaching my children about the things of the Lord and life, I must remain calm, kind, and clear when teaching them. If I don’t, I run the risk of sinning myself and pushing my child away with shame, anger, and irritation. My example is so important to my kids so I must respond with grace and love to protect that influence. Apply God’s Word Although this scripture passage is directed at fathers, this application right now applies to all people. No matter what conversations or situations you face today, make sure you choose the proactive response of humility, grace, and love. Your response, good or bad, will determine your overall influence. You see, when we exasperate our kids or someone else, we are destroying the opportunity to share God’s Word, grace and love! Let me ask you, is your influence going to annoy someone or draw them closer? Is your response to a bad situation going to make someone second guess your Christianity or ask questions about the peace you have?   Come into His Presence My Heavenly Father, I submit to Your tender mercies and grace. You have it all together. Help me, lead me, guide me into caring for my children and others around me in such a way that it draws them to You. Holy Spirit, fill me so I can be more like Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, amen. Jarrod Herald Pastor Email Jarrod

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

June 22 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Supernatural Parenting!   Daily Scripture Deuteronomy 6:4-5 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”   Encouragement  Truly, the greatest thing we could teach the children that we influence each day is to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength! We learn from Deuteronomy 6 the greatest commandment of all: to love our God. What if the central focus of your life, your marriage, your household was to love God with everything you are? What would future generations of your bloodline look like? What would the impact of the lives of your neighbors, friends, co-workers around you look like because you made the Joshua declaration: “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord!”? Apply God’s Word Every day we get to influence and impact our children to live their lives in the ways of the Lord. Our responses or reactions to life teach and impact our children way more than the words that we train them with. When we live a life saturated with the Lord's unconditional love, that saturation will overflow and saturate our children. Then their saturation will saturate others and the love of the Father reaches lives we've never even met or seen before. Each and every response that we make has the ability to point our children toward our source of strength for each day, our Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Let's be real with where we are; if we need to repent and turn from sin in order to get back on the path of righteousness, then let's do it with encouragement and passion to raise supernatural children. And then run with that passion and lead our children along this path of righteousness for Jesus' sake.   Come into His Presence Heavenly Father, I love You with all of me. All my strength, my devotion, my thoughts, I choose to honor You. Help me to lead others in this passionate life with You. In Jesus’ Name, amen. Jarrod and Elizabeth Herald Pastors Email Jarrod

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org