Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a priority...it is a true expression of agape love and it honors God. Understanding forgiveness is key and leads us to experience the fearless freedom it offers.

Forgiveness is not minimizing, excusing, or agreeing with the offense. We must see sin for what it is and recognize who the true offender is. Remember, our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places...against the author of anger, fear, frustration, hurt, pain, sin and confusion.

Separating the sin from the sinner opens up our heart to forgiveness of our fellow human beings...it allows God to shed His Healing Light and Truth on the stronghold of the offense...and the darkness loses its power.

Forgiveness does not always lead to reconciliation. Jehovah is Holy and He calls us to holiness. He also calls us to guard our hearts. There are certain relationships and circumstances that we should not expose ourselves to because they are not born of The Holy Spirit. We can forgive the offense...love and pray for the sinner...but must diligently separate ourselves from sin.

If we seek God and His truth...listen to the whisper of The Holy Spirit...He will enable us to forgive others and ourselves...lead us to the people, places and situations that He ordains, according to His purpose.

We have certainly all sinned and fall short of God's glory. But, as believers, we are to be imitators of Christ. And if we make forgiveness a priority, we will indeed experience peace, healing, wholeness and freedom...and honor Him with a clean heart.

Proverbs 19:11
A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Monday, July 30, 2018

Stepping Into His Will

When we drift, we most likely will experience some sort of spiritual crisis. No matter where we may find ourselves in such a painful season as this, we must always remember God’s love for us never changes. His love is perfect and completely independent of our humanity.

As we turn back to Him, we may find there are consequences for stepping out of His will. However, as believers, we can take comfort that there is never an eternal penalty for our sin. The Lord is always mighty to cover us with His comfort, grace, and mercy. And, He alone is the sustainer of our soul and spirit.

When we repent and draw near to The Father, He offers forgiveness, restoration and spiritual renewal. And regardless of the circumstances, He can repurpose our pain. He will equip us to realign our lives with His will, all for His glory. We must have faith and trust Him...as we wait for Him to generously return us to joy of our salvation.

Lamentations 3:40
Let us examine and probe our ways, And let us return to the LORD.

Psalm 51:2
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Luke 15:20
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

Deuteronomy 4:29
But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.

Psalm 13:5
But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

Psalm 54:4
Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Friday, July 27, 2018

Free of Condemnation

Satan loves to condemn. Every time you stumble, every time you fall, he is there to point an accusing finger at you. He wants to focus your thoughts on your own weaknesses and failures rather than on God’s strength.

In contrast, the Holy Spirit convicts us. He gently says, “Now, that wasn’t right.” But that isn’t condemning – that is convicting. He wants us to put our thoughts on Jesus, who is ready to hear our confession and wash us of our sin.
Jesus doesn’t condemn you – He’s interceding for you.

God is for you. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father making intercession for you. And the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you to give power to help you overcome your weaknesses. With this divine Trinity on your team, how can you possibly lose?

“Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.”

#nocondemnation #freeinchrist #growiningupintheword #livingword #breadoflife #balmofgilead #helpforhurtinghearts #thebalmofgileadministries #hurtingheartsrestored #bible #truth #biblicalcounseling #healingtherootsthatbind

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Through Christ

Father God,

I pray that today and every day we will become more aware of who You Are...Your Grace, Sovereignty, Power, Protection, Eternal Love and Mighty Mercy...may we learn to not place limits on You and what You alone can do in us and through us in order to accomplish Your Perfect Plan.

I pray that in those moments when we are at our weakest, we will have a willing heart to receive all that You are; partner with You, and walk in Your Peace and Strength.

Remind us, Lord, of who we are in You...that we are already overcomers through the Blood of Christ...and may we become more aware every day of who we are in our true, authentic identity in You.

I praise You and thank You, Father God, for all that You Are today and every day and for Your Precious Promises and our adoption into Your Kingdom.

In Jesus Christ's Holy and Righteous Name...Amen!

#livingword #growingupintheword #thebalmofgilead #swordofthespirit #dailydevotional #dailybread #swordofthespirit #thebalmofgileadministries #hurtingheartsrestored #powerofgod #abundantlife #biblicacounseling #bible #truth

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Pray, Let Go, And Let God

Nothing is more grieving than loving someone bent on destruction. Feeling powerless can drive us to insane levels of trying to save our loved ones from the consequences of their poor choices by fixing, managing, and trying to change and control their lives.
-
Often we don’t even realize that we may be hindering the work of the Holy Spirit that convicts, leads them to a place of brokenness,
surrender, and repentance.
-
Our greatness act of love must be to pray, let go and surrender them to God.  When we get out of the way, our loved ones stop looking to us to be their savior and turn to their true Savior Jesus Christ who has the power to heal, restore, redeem and set free.
-
Whether it’s a spouse, child, sibling or a friend, we must release them to the care of God, yet it’s difficult to do because many of us have a misconception about what it means to let go and release. The following poem was written byJune Hunt. It’s a beautiful picture of releasing. -
Releasing You:
-
Releasing you is not to stop loving you but loving you enough to stop leaning on you.
-
Releasing is not to stop caring for you but to care enough
to stop controlling you.
-
Releasing is not to turn away from you, but it is to turn to Christ trusting His will over you.
-
Releasing is not to harm you but realizing my help has been
harmful to you.
-
Releasing is not to refuse you but to refuse to keep reality
from you.
-
Releasing is not to prove my power over you, but it is to admit that I am powerless to
change you.
-
Releasing is not to stop believing in you, but it is to believe the Lord alone will build character in you.
Releasing is not to condemn the past but to cherish the
present and commit our future to the Lord. -June Hunt
-
To let go means to get out of the way, release our loved ones at the foot of the cross and offer them up to the care of God.
-
#prodigals #lovingaprodigal #surrender #lettinggo
#trustinggod #powerless #thebalmofgileadministries #helpforhurtinghearts
#brokenthingsmadenew #emotionalhealing #healingthewoundedheart #jesusheals

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

The Lord Surrounds His People

May The Lord surround and strengthen us, and place us in His perfect peace.

May His power rest on us and be made perfect in our weaknesses...according to His omniscient might...and all for the richness of His glory.

May He anoint us and fill us with the bounty of His Holy Spirit, until our cup overflows.

And may we never be shaken in our trust in Him, as He completes the good and gracious work He ordained in us long ago.

You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.
~Psalm 139:5

But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.'
~2 Corinthians 12:9

I pray that out of the riches of His glory, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,
~Ephesians 3:16

...being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully...
~Colossians 1:11

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service.
~1 Timothy 1:12

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
~Philippians 4:13

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
~Philippians 1:6

He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
~Psalm 62:2

Monday, July 23, 2018

Garment of Praise

Lord, I worship You. You are my Lord and King, my precious Redeemer. There is no other God like You, entirely full of goodness, grace, and mercy. 

You heal us when we are brokenhearted and bandage our wounds. You build us up when we are weak in our soul. You are great and powerful  O Lord, and You understand all things, even what is in my heart.

Thank you that I don't have to live with sadness hurt or depression. Thank you that you have put gladness in my heart. This day I put on the Garment of Praise in exchange for the spirit of heaviness, and I glorify you as Lord of all.


“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,  to proclaim freedom for the captives  and release from darkness for the prisoners, to comfort all who mourn,  and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise  instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. “
Isaiah 61:1-3

“I waited patiently for the Lord, And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.”
Psalm 40:1-3

“Do you not know?  Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,     and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. “
Isaiah 40:28-31



Friday, July 20, 2018

Think On These Things

It can be difficult in our humanity to rid ourselves of the clutter in our thoughts. Circumstances and situations can evoke emotions within us that can be difficult to cope with.

It takes an active, conscious effort to partner with God in the valleys...to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ...to think, practice and dwell on truth and that which is holy and pleasing unto Him.

"Finally, 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, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9)

"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..." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)


Thursday, July 19, 2018

God's Gift To You


No matter where you are today in your life, take a moment to reflect on what God has done for you...

Take time to meditate on the complexity of God's Perfection in His Divine Plan and how He lovingly and deliberately included you in His purpose...

That long ago before the heavens and earth were created, He formed you in His mind and intricately planned your identity and eternal inheritance.

No matter what your circumstances are today...thank Him for what He has carefully constructed, revealed and promised to you...the greatest Gift ever unwrapped...The Mystery of Christ.

"To them, God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which[a] is Christ in you, the hope of glory." 
Colossians 1:27
 
"Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past."
1 Corinthians 2:7

"...that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself,.."
Colossians 2:2

" Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,..."
Romans 16:25

"...to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Colossians 1:27


Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Freedom from Fear

God's immutable Word tells that us He has not given us a spirit of fear. Walking in a state of perpetual fear is bondage; a spiritual battle only conquered through God and His truth.

Reacting to protect ourselves from eminent danger is a healthy fear response. In contrast, being a slave to fear produces crippling hopelessness, doubt and uncertainty...all strongholds of the enemy. False emotions beget a faulty belief system, which robs us of our peace and derails us from our authentic path of freedom.

As with any darkness, a spirit of fear is demolished by light and truth...and that Truth is The Word of God. We must don the Sword of The Spirit...read, believe, absorb and apply The Word. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

Praise The LORD that He has called us into His marvelous light...that through Christ we are free and fearless...and that He is with us always!

Joshua 1:8-9
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Romans 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Eternal Perspective

A key factor in achieving peace in the midst of adversity is maintaining our eternal perspective. This strengthens our resolve as we wait patiently on The Lord. We focus on our Lifeboat, Who provides a refuge of still waters, regardless of the surrounding stormy seas.

Eternal perspective is gained through prayer and intimate fellowship with The Father, help from The Holy Spirit, saturation in the scripture, and by consciously removing our gaze from the worldly temptations Satan surrounds us with.

Eternal perspective lends a Godly view...the REAL big picture...and assists us in overcoming temptations and weathering storms, while maintaining perfect peace of mind.

When we look through the Christ lens, we experience love and grace, and we extend the same to others. We have everlasting peace, because we understand we were carefully crafted with purpose; that God intends for us to live an abundant, fruitful life, not one constantly tainted with misery, regret and uncertainty. As our faith is strengthened in the presence of our Savior, we glean more of Who our God really is and we gain a more personalized understanding of His design for us.

Our eternal perspective is founded in God's truth and is steeped in His cherished promises. We are enabled to make each day count for our King, because we have our eyes on the prize. So, at the end of an enormously tough day or season, we know with all that we are, it is virtually non-existent when compared to the reward of an eternity with Jesus.

Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

John 14:2
In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, set your minds on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

Revelation 3:21
To the one who is victorious, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ--if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ...

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

2 Samuel 22:31
As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Monday, July 16, 2018

Prayer For Those Struggling Wth Forgiveness

A Prayer For Those Struggling With Forgiveness...


Holy and Heavenly Father God,

You promise if we confess our sins, You are faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. LORD, I realize unconfessed sin keeps me in torment and bondage, a heavy load of shame and guilt that You do not desire for me to bear. I hereby confess these sins and surrender this burden to You, LORD; and I take Your yoke instead.

Jesus, YOU ALONE carried on The Cross the weight of every sin, of all mankind! You alone are the atoning sacrifice! You alone are the way to reconciliation with The Father! You alone rescued me from the domain of darkness and transferred me to Your Kingdom of Heaven! Jesus, I thank You and praise You for what You have done for me; that I am forgiven, set free, and a new creation purposed to spend Eternity with You. I claim this victory today and every day, in the Holy and Righteous Name of Jesus!

LORD, I pray for Your sweet and cleansing gift of forgiveness. I surrender my will to You and ask for Your presence and guidance in my life. I am dependent upon You alone to meet my needs, and I will not look for a substitute in anyone or anything else. I pray You will set my mind on things above and show me how to see myself and others as You see us, as precious children of The Living God. Show me how to be transparent before You; remind me that Your love is pure, and Your arms are open wide.

LORD, I praise You and thank You for the ways you have forgiven me. Teach me how to forgive myself and others, as many times as it takes, that I may receive the precious freedom You so graciously promise. For, those You set free, are free indeed!

In the Name of Jesus, I pray for You to demolish any strongholds, any barriers, that prevent me from accessing Your free gifts of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Show me more every day how to yield to You, Precious Savior; how to receive and to be a carrier of Your grace, according to Your will. Give me a clean heart, filled with the full measure of Your mercy and love, that I may extend the same to others. Set me free, LORD. Sanctify me. Wash me whiter than snow and cover me with Your Grace.

In the Name of my Precious Savior, Jesus Christ,
Amen!

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Friday, July 13, 2018

Stand on the Promises of God


All the present troubles, temptations and tears will be removed as The New Jerusalem will replace the former things, according to His timing and in fulfillment of His Word.

He has promised there will be no more sorrow, sin, affliction or idolatry...no more ill effects of the enemy and this sin-stained world.

He will dwell with His people in harmony and righteousness. His Kingdom will come and every knee will bow to His Majesty...

And He shall reign forever and ever!

Hallelujah!

Revelation 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Isaiah 65:17
See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

Jeremiah 1:12
The LORD said to me, 'You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.'

Revelation 21:2
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

Romans 14:11
It is written: 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Revelation 22:14
Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Walk In Love

As humans in a fallen world, it is inevitable that we will all face some form of rejection, abandonment, temptation and persecution in our lives.

But, we can take heart that God took human form as Jesus Christ and was also rejected, abandoned and persecuted. He suffered in ways far beyond what any of us will ever face or can possibly comprehend. He completely knows and understands our pain and suffering. After all, the burden of sin...OF ALL MANKIND...rested on our unblemished Christ Jesus...alone.

Yet, He loved and sacrificed...He showed mercy, grace, forgiveness and compassion, regardless of the tumultuous circumstances He faced.

To put on the attitude of Christ is to respond in love to those who persecute and spitefully use us...to forgive and pray for them, in spite of the struggle.

A Godly response...one rooted in His Truth and Grace casts Light into the darkness...soothes the sting...removes the strongholds...binds up our wounds...and heals us with His Truth and Eternal Love.

Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

John 13:34
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.

Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.

Acts 7:60
Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

A Prayer For Spiritual Growth

Holy and Heavenly Father God,

Thank You, LORD, for You have blessed me with the mind of Christ and today I walk in freedom. I chose to continue to grow and live an abundant life in the full measure of Your love. Jesus, You are my greatest, truest friend. You laid down Your life for me and spilled Your Precious Blood, so I could come to know You. You are the Counselor on High and The True Physician; my Advocate, Shepherd, Rock, Living Well of Salvation, Strong Tower of Strength…and, LORD Jesus, I run to You!

Father, thank You for Your gift of forgiveness, faith, and revelation. I now know who I am, to Whom I belong, and I live with hope and purpose. My identity is sealed in Christ and I am a new creation. I am saved, loved, chosen, holy, blameless, adopted, predestined, accepted, forgiven, joint-heir with Jesus, filled with the richness of Your Grace, and the praise of Your Glory! I am a beloved child of The Living God, rooted in Truth, fed by the Living Waters. I am redeemed, and I seek only an authentic and fruitful life in Christ Jesus.

Today and every day, I choose to operate in Your Spirit of Truth, Mercy, Grace, and Wisdom. My mind is fixed on You, LORD, as You have given me eyes that see great and unsearchable things, and ears that hear the whisper of Your Holy Spirit. You promise to never separate from me and I am very confident of this: if there is a drought around me, I will not wilt; if I pass through deep waters, I will not drown; if I pass through the fire, I will not be scorched. I will not grow weary or faint, for You will sustain me and uphold me with Your righteous hand. You alone provide all that is needed to sustain my tree of life. And, LORD, I rest because I know You are always there; at the tip top of the mountain or in the deepest valley, Your love never fails!

Today I am capable of love, because You loved me first. I am the lighted city on the hill, and You are the Lamp to my feet. I have a fertile heart, pliable for Your purpose, ready to yield Your Fruits of The Spirit. Jesus, You are The Vine, I am the branches; apart from You I can produce nothing that is fruitful. So, I draw on Your Living Waters today to grow, nourish and refresh the spiritual fruits budding in the garden of my life. I praise You for cleansing my heart, for restoring my life, and for my wholeness of healing. My heart rejoices in praise for the mighty work You have begun in me! Thank You, Jesus, for the hope and heritage I have in You.

In the Holy and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things,
Amen!

John 15:5
I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.

Philippians 1:6
For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

John 10:10(b)
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 4:14
But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.

Monday, July 9, 2018

From Faith to Faith

Faith is not a feeling or emotion and often defies all human logic or reasoning. But, through faith, we gain understanding and Everlasting Truth.

Faith is choosing to take God at His Word....though unseen, the evidence of God and what He accomplishes through His command is all around us.

When we chose to take Him at His Word, we need to get into The Word...bring God into the situation, and align our emotions with His Truth.

Having faith in Him and trusting His Truth brings an unchanging, unwavering, unlimited resource and reality into our circumstances.

When we choose to walk in faith and are obedient to The Will of God, we have created a partnership with an unmatched Leader and LORD over all, who loves us and longs for our good...who created us in His image...desires to transform us and bring us from faith to faith...from glory to glory.

Let us walk in obedient faith and be blessed by His reward for our devotion...for our Father is faithful...and a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

John 11:40
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”

Hebrews 11:6
But without 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 diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:3
By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.

1 Peter 1:25
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Psalm 33:4
For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.

1 Corinthians 1:9
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:24
The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we confess, for He who promised is faithful.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Fortress of Hope

Regardless of what you may be facing today, place your trust in the Fortress of hope, and you will not be shaken.

God is the giver and foundation of your faith. He is the author of salvation and eternal life. He commands all things seen and unseen. He provides the promise of an abundant life and desires to fulfill that for you. He has the omniscient ability to untangle the snares of adversity and part the stormy sea. He alone knows the path to peace.

He has a plan for your life, including all the seemingly impossible predicaments. Trust God. Surrender it to Him with unwavering faith. Pray without ceasing. Open your heart to receive how He may want to heal and instruct you, hone your character and strengthen your faith. God is certainly able to bring you through it with an awesome testimony of His greatness, all for His glory.

Just let your soul rest in Him, for He is the unlimited source of your help, hope, peace, comfort and strength.

And remember...at the end of the day, come what may, you have been promised eternity with Jesus.

Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere, so that after you have done God's will, you will receive what He has promised.

Psalm 37:39
The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

Psalm 25:5
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.

Psalm 27:4
Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.

Psalm 62:1-2
Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.


Thursday, July 5, 2018

Perfect Peace

This is a formal invitation to get on your knees and LET GO AND LET GOD! Should you decide in confident faith to approach The Throne of Grace and make your requests known to Him, you are promised a parting gift of peace and protection beyond all human comprehension.

THANK YOU JESUS!

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 3:6
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

In God We Trust

God bless all of our brothers and sisters who have sacrificed so much for our nation in the name of freedom; thank you for your bravery, commitment and service to our country.

Praise, honor and glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His sacrifice...that we may be called children of The Living God...and be truly free for Eternity.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Psalm 56:4
In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?

Galatians 3:26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Discerning True Needs


It can be so difficult at times to discern what our true needs are. The enemy expertly exploits human emotions. He utilizes shackles of fear, doubt, and insecurity to produce a false sense of need and a skewed perception of joy. Temptations are often disguised as legitimate needs, as Satan understands that human beings desire rapid results and easy solutions. Thus, one enters a cycle of seeking pleasure in people, places, and things that offer only a false sense of fulfillment. The end result is despair and emptiness, as only a personal relationship with Jesus leads to true joy, peace, and eternal security.

How comforting it is to know that applying Scripture enables us to thwart temptation! There is power in the Name of Jesus and He is the Good Portion! By seeking Jesus and aligning our emotions with God’s Truth, we gain eternal perspective and partner with an unparalleled, unmatched, all-powerful, omniscient resource; YAHWEH is His Name!

Father God,

Thank You today and every day for Your spiritual and emotional provision and protection. Lead us, LORD, to follow the example of Your precious Son when faced with temptation and the lies of the enemy. In The Name of Jesus, we take every stray thought captive to the obedience of Christ! LORD, we seek and serve only You; remind us always of the power in Jesus’ Name! Lead us to patience and pursuits of the Spirit; give us eyes and ears that discern only Your Truth, Father, and bless us with Your everlasting peace and joy. LORD, strengthen our hearts’ resolve and guide our minds to things above as we walk with You. We praise You for the promise of Eternity and the glorious riches made possible through the priceless, precious Blood of Your beloved Son, and we give You all the glory!

In The Name of Jesus we pray,
Amen.

John 6:48
“I am the bread of life.”

John 4:14
“But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life."

Lamentations 3:24
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him."

Job 8:21
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with a shout of joy.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 10:5
We tear down arguments, and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Matthew 4:10
"Away from me, Satan!" Jesus declared. "For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.'"

James 2:19
You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that, and shudder!

2 Corinthians 10:4
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Amos 4:13
For behold, He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, the One who turns the dawn to darkness and strides on the heights of the earth, the LORD, the God of Hosts, is His name."

Monday, July 2, 2018

Endurance

Perseverance and patience are virtues that we may not willingly welcome into our spiritual transformation. In order for our character to be honed with these, it means we must face difficulties and hardships. These often occur in clusters, sometimes resulting in whole seasons of despair. We grow weary and worn from the battle, and sometimes feel as though we cannot possibly proceed another day in this way. We feel frustrated, even angry, and may begin to believe that God is far away and doesn't hear our pleas for mercy.

While these seasons can be tremendously difficult to endure, we must not lose hope. Perhaps the outcome is irrelevant, because the lesson lies in the process of moving through the mountain. Thus, we can pray for God to remove our obsession with the problem and expel our own expectations of acceptable solutions; acknowledge that He alone is on The Throne, has the absolute answers and is equipped for the battle. We can ask the Teacher to reveal what He would have us learn in these trials; pray for Him to strengthen our resolve while we wait upon Him. We can carelessly continue to claw forward, or we can allow Him to carry us; pray for His comfort and strength of endurance, rest in His embrace, and ask that He pour His refreshment into us. We should reconcile the situation in ourselves; accept His portion, provision, help and healing. We must pray persistently for the fulfillment of His promises over our lives; claim the victory with confidence and in Christ's Name.

But most of all, we must persist in our trust and faith in The LORD. We must pray for patience and perseverance, regardless of how we "feel" and get real with ourselves and God in our prayers. He already knows about yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is intimately acquainted with our weaknesses and the struggles we face. He knows the best possible outcome for every problem. He has already designed all the ways He intends to shape us. Regardless of the cause of the issue, He can tailor it to a useful and beautiful benefit for His purpose. And always remember, our faith is tested under pressure; if faith is never stretched and forced into action, we simply do not grow. He knows exactly what we need to become the authentic being He designed, and what it takes to bend and form us according to His purpose!

And when He deems it time to prevail and we have our blessed breakthrough, we can reflect on all of the marvelous miracles we are able to see in our hindsight. We must praise Him for sustaining us with His righteous hand...for increasing our faith...for fulfilling His promises...and for maturating our character with spiritual patience and perseverance.

Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere, so that after you have done God's will, you will receive what He has promised.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

Luke 21:19
By your patient endurance, you will gain your souls.

Romans 2:7
To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.

Romans 5:3-4
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!