Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Glory to Glory

Let us live a life that truly reflects our transformation in Christ and the the essence of our Father God, whose image we are created in.

A life that is full of love, grace, peace, mercy, forgiveness, joy and freedom.

A lighted life that clearly indicates to others that there IS a Redeemer and a Savior...a real reason for hope in this shattered, decaying world.

May we live in a way that gives weight to our testimony and clearly shows the regenerating power of The Holy Spirit.

May the unbelievers, the broken children of God, see His light as a roaring fire within us...may they find their way home to our Father...and join us in Eternity.

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

John 3:21
But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.

1 John 1:5-6
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

John 15:8
This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Promise Keeper

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, October 24, 2019

The Lord Will Fight for You

Why is our relationship with God so important? Why is taking the time to pray, to present our requests to Him, and get to know Him, so important?

Because “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
— Psalm 37:23 (ESV)

When we know our Creator, and not just know of Him, we get to know how He thinks and how He sees. We understand Him, and how He understands us, and we bury His promises within our hearts that keep our feet fastened to the road that He’s laid out before us.

“At that time I [Moses] commanded Joshua: “You have seen with your own eyes all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings [to keep safe His people]. The LORD will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.”
— Deuteronomy 3:21-22 (NIV)

We, are Joshua.

Whether you are a seasoned Christian who has directly experienced the hand of God with your own eyes, or are a new Christian who doesn’t yet understand how the King of Kings is working in your life, we both can look back and reflect on where we have been, and where we are going…

Just as Moses reminded Joshua, I am reminding you: look back and remember all the valleys of lows; see where you have come and know that God is faithful.

We have a good, good God — a God that desires all of our soul, our heart, our mind, and our strength; not for Himself, alone, but for our benefit; so that His goodness can be poured out, and over us, in the form of His unconditional love, comfort, provision, and protection.

Whether you fully understand this or not, make the choice to believe now, and you will understand later: we are not to fear what is to come; God Himself will fight for us, just as He always has done.

“Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the LORD your God fights for you, just as he has promised.”
— Joshua 23:10 (NIV)
-
@ktmarmstrong
When Faith Leaps

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Guarded Treasure


Let us be steadfast in truth and protect the precious treasure entrusted to us through the indwelling of The Holy Spirit.

May we be vigilant in our watch, guarded against temptation and doubt in this lawless and decaying world.

For, what seems to be even the most meager compromise concerning God's Word, can lend the enemy treacherous jurisdiction to wreak havoc in our hearts.

1 Corinthians 10:12
So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.

2 Peter 3:17
Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard not to be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.

2 Peter 1:10
Therefore brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble...

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called "knowledge,"

Ephesians 5:6
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on the sons of disobedience.

Proverbs 4:23
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

God Heals Brokenness

God can heal your broken heart, you just have to be willing to surrender all the broken pieces. He makes broken things new, gives us beauty for ashes and a life of abundance and purpose beyond our pain. You may not have had a choice of becoming a victim, but you have a choice to stay one.

Give your hurts over to the One who can heal and mend your wounded heart. When you do that – Your Precious Savior will leave His fingerprints all over your heart, and you will come to a realization in the depth of your soul as Job came to know that - your Redeemer Lives! And that you are a precious child of the living God, deeply loved, who holds every one of your tears in a bottle. Let Him comfort you as He applies His soothing healing balm to your hurting heart. Jesus is the Balm of Gilead. 

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved for you are the one I praise.
Jeremiah 17:14

I have come to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me [a]to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind,  To set at liberty those who are [oppressed;
 Luke 4:18

Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
Psalm 51:8
  
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
Psalm 51:17

Monday, October 21, 2019

From Strength to Strenght

Lord, I worship You for all that You are. You are my Lord in the good times as well as it difficult; on the mountaintop as well as in the valley. I praise you in times of great blessing as well as in times of great challenge. It is because of You that I can stand strong, even when I feel weak. For I know that when I am weakest, You show Yourself strong.

I am grateful for YOUR salvation, deliverance, protection, goodness, and blessings in my life every day. I know that everything I have comes from YOU. Because of your great strength, I go from glory to glory and "strength to strength" no matter what happens in my life.

Thank you for your faithfulness to never leave me or forsake me in all seasons of life and giving me the faith to overcome just as you overcame and declared that nothing can separate me from your great love.

I desire to give you glory in all that I do despite the circumstances so that others can see that nothing is impossible for you, my LORD, my GOD, and my KING, for there is no fear in your great love. For your perfect love casts away all fear.

In Jesus, Name, Amen.

“Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.”
Isaiah 54:10-


 “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Corinthians 12:10
 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Psalm 46:1-2

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Luke 1:37

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.

 1 John 4:

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Forgiveness

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.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

In Hard Times

In hard times we’ve learned three things…

We’re stronger than we’ve ever imagined.

Jesus is closer than we’ve ever realized.

And we’re loved more than we ever knew.

Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 9:10
“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.”

Psalm 22:8
"Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him."
Exodus 14:13-14

“And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.’”

Psalm 91:7
“A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.”

Nahum 1:7
“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Counsel of The Lord

There are a plethora of self-help books available offering various theories and approaches to dealing with the rooted issues of negative emotions and behaviors. Modern day psychology is valuable in understanding the soul (mind, emotions, and will). This is the area that gets sick. The rooted systems in our life can make our souls extremely sick. A psychology approach can diagnose the problem and offer solution. However, since the solution offered is rooted in humanism and, therefore, manmade, there is no true long-term healing that can occur. At best it can help change behavior, and give you tools for self-discipline, or positive thinking. That is not freedom.

There is no lasting victory because it does not deal with sin. It does not allow for the blood of Christ to cleanse us and change us. It merely puts a band-aid over symptoms. It may address anxiety, depression, outward manifestations and symptoms of deeper issues – but often the first solution offered is medication and never gets to the root. So people are not getting the true healing they are seeking.

As Christians, we know that only God has the power to heal us from the inside out and set us free. That is true victory. He doesn’t just change behaviors; He transforms, renews, restores, redeems and breaks the chains of bondage.

Psalm 147:3 says “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Isaiah also tells us that God is the “Wonderful Counselor.” John 14:6 says “the Holy Spirit is the Counselor.” Therefore, true freedom is found only by applying biblical truths to the wounds of our heart. Jesus is the balm of Gilead. He is the ointment that heals the wounds of God’s hurting children.

Friday, October 11, 2019

God Is Love



God is the author and originator of love. HE IS LOVE. It is because of His love that we exist and are also able to love.

There is absolutely nothing that can alter The Father's pure, authentic, unconditional love for His precious children. He will never leave or forsake us. His love cannot be earned; the debt has already been paid in full. His love is based on Who He is, not who we are or what we do or think.

Choose His love. It is a holy, perfect, perpetual gift that guarantees grace and freedom. And it can be unwrapped every day...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.

Romans 5:8
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

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

Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!

1 John 4:9
This is how God's love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.

Romans 8:32
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?

Romans 8:39
neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Jesus Is the Balm of Gilead




A balm is a fragrant ointment or preparation used to heal or soothe the skin. In biblical times, there was an area east of the Jordan River called Gilead known for its spices and ointments with soothing and healing properties. People traveled there from all over the region to soothe many ailments and wounds.  Therefore, the “Balm of Gilead” was known for its high-quality ointment with healing properties, and the Bible uses the term metaphorically as an example of healing and soothing powers.

The prophet Jeremiah was anguished to the depth of his heart over the rebellion of God’s people who refused to turn from their wicked ways and be healed by the mighty hand of their God causing him to cry out

 “Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there? When then is there no recovery for the daughter of my people?” (Jeremiah 8:22)

Sadly, there is no healing or recovery for those intent on rebelling against God.

How about you? Are you done rebelling against God?  Do you want to be healed?  Is your heart so hardened and broken over what you have done or what has been done to you that you just know there is no hope for you, and you’ll never be the same?

The one who created your heart has the power to mend it and make you new. He can give you the oil of joy for mourning.  He is the lover of your soul and the great physician. Jesus Christ is the Balm of Gilead. 

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Wait On The Lord

May we be unmovable in truth and hold tight to the righteousness of The Lord.

May we sow from The Spirit...drawing our strength from Jesus and never growing weary in our service to The King.

And may our Holy Heavenly Father continue to sanctify, restore, transform and sustain us as we prepare for our final destination.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Job 17:9
Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

2 Thessalonians 3:13
And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

Revelation 3:21
He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Monday, October 7, 2019

Joy Comes In The Morning

Take heart brethren, for no matter what temporary trials are troubling your heart today, it is in no comparison to the glorious paradise that awaits those who are in him.

Keep the faith...fight the good fight...give it to our Abba God...and readily receive His grace. For, His mercies are unending and everlasting! He will refresh, restore and strengthen you, according to His promises.

Be confident and unashamed, boldly approaching The Throne of Grace. And may incomprehensible, everlasting joy be yours every morning...forevermore!

2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Colossians 3:4
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Titus 2:13
...while we wait for the blessed hope--the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...

1 John 2:28
And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

1 John 3:2
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Friday, October 4, 2019

Stepping Back 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.

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Fix Your Thoughts

 
It is so easy to let our thoughts run away from us. You know, the inward chatter that goes on all day. The voice when you get up in the morning, the musing on the drive to work, the stewing over events on the way home. Inner thoughts are powerful.

They create emotions which in turn cause actions. Paul is saying that we have to take ownership of our inner dialog.

It is so easy to be negative, anxious, angry, doubtful, bitter or carnal in our thinking. Instead, we need to be responsible for what we think and deliberately focus on true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praise worthy thoughts. What a difference this discipline would bring to our life.

Father, I give you my thought life. I want you to be Lord of both my conscious and unconscious part of my being. You know my thought process. You know my habitual thinking patterns. I bring them to you. I ask that you help me today, begin a habit of focusing on true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praise worthy thoughts.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Never Alone!

Heavenly Father,

We praise You for the promise of Your refuge and the covering of Your comfort...for the promise of Your balm on the broken hearted and crushed in spirit.

Lord, we claim the victory that we are never alone, never orphans...that You have prepared a way for us to dwell with You eternally...and we pray for Your guidance and protection in our temporary dwelling place.

Lord, we praise You that You are always near, and we call upon You in truth for healing in our hearts...in our homes...in our communities...in our world.

Lead us by still waters and bless us with strength and endurance; keep us on Your ordained and anointed path of light and love...and we praise You that because of Your plan, we have purpose!

Jesus, we need You every minute of every day! We pray for Your Kingdom...for You to remove all sorrow and wipe the tears from our eyes...for the day when every knee bows to You, Almighty Father God! For You are worthy!

Thank You, Lord, for deliverance and for making Your home in our hearts. Cleanse and purify us, according to Your will.

In The Name of Jesus Christ, our precious Savior, we praise You and pray these things,

Amen.

Psalm 34:18
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit

Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.

Psalm 145:18
The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.

Psalm 73:28
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.

James 4:8(a)
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

Romans 14:11
It is written: "As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God."

Revelations 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Believe!


Faith in God is our means to overcoming every trial and temptation that we are faced with in our humanity.

When we turn away from temptation and turn to Him with absolute confidence, we will be victorious through Him.

He is a faithful God of unlimited power and resources. He knows all about yesterday, today and tomorrow. He knows exactly how much we can bear and He knows the course through every conceivable situation.

Believe and receive His deliverance...and witness His promises over your life fulfilled, according to His Will for you in Christ.

Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

1 Corinthians 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

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

Mark 9:23
"If You can?" echoed Jesus. "All things are possible to him who believes!"

John 11:40
Jesus replied, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God."

2 Peter 2:9
...if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

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

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.