He Is Who He Is

Praise The Lord God Almighty that He IS Who He says He IS!

He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He never waivers in His love for His precious children. His Word is immutable, His promises are unbreakable and His plan is unshakable.

No matter where we are today, His love, mercy and grace endures forevermore! He IS our perfect, faithful and unchanging Father.

Hallelujah!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
-Hebrews 13:8

I AM WHO I AM
-Exodus 3:14

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
-Psalm 100:5

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
-2 Corinthians 1:20

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come--the Almighty.
-Revelation 1:8

Living Abundantly

Would it make any difference to you today if you received the truth that Jesus came that you may have life, and to also have it abundantly?

How much different would your life be if you understood that God has a specific, fruitful plan for you; one that is immeasurable by man?

God does have a distinct, predestined purpose for all of His precious children...both individually and collectively...and it is far beyond anything we can possible conceive in our humanity.

Our unchanging, unwavering Provider has unlimited resources and He is exceedingly able to bless us far beyond our heart's desire...according to His power that is at work within us...today, tomorrow and forevermore!

All of the trials, temptations, fears, possessions, pain and worldly pleasures we attain or experience on Earth are temporary. But, a life that is sustained through The Holy Spirit is exceedingly abundant and eternal. Through His provision of truth, freedom and grace...we should not just be alive, but experiencing our lives abundantly!

Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do infinitely more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,

Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:11
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will...

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Romans 16:25
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past,

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Living Abundantly

Would it make any difference to you today if you received the truth that Jesus came that you may have life, and to also have it abundantly?

How much different would your life be if you understood that God has a specific, fruitful plan for you; one that is immeasurable by man?

God does have a distinct, predestined purpose for all of His precious children...both individually and collectively...and it is far beyond anything we can possibly conceive in our humanity.

Our unchanging, unwavering Provider has unlimited resources, and He is exceedingly able to bless us far beyond our heart's desire...according to His power that is at work within us...today, tomorrow and forevermore!

All of the trials, temptations, fears, possessions, pain and worldly pleasures we attain or experience on Earth are temporary. But, a life that is sustained through The Holy Spirit is exceedingly abundant and eternal. Through His provision of truth, freedom, and grace...we should not just be alive, but experiencing our lives abundantly!

Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do infinitely more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,

Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:11
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will...

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Romans 16:25
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past,

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that y

The Greatest Gift

May we forever be clothed in grace and mercy; love the unlovable and forgive the unforgivable.

May we diligently seek to view others through the Christ lens of pure, agape love...honoring our Holy, Heavenly Father by abiding in the ultimate expression of His righteousness.

For, in that day when we are fully completed in His likeness, these three will have remained: faith, hope and love. But, the greatest of these is love.

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 13:8
Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law.

Galatians 5:14
The entire Law is fulfilled in a single decree: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

1 Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

He Is With You Always

Let not your hearts be troubled, dear brothers and sisters, for you are never alone. If even for a moment you feel lonely, abandoned or rejected, speak God's truth into your life.

The Sovereign Lord of Hosts and The Creator of ALL things will never leave or forsake you! You are not orphaned; you are not rejected; and you are never alone in Him. You have a family, an eternal inheritance and an identity sealed by the Author of love and life.

Through the intercession of Christ and the gift of The Holy Spirit, our Father is with us ALWAYS...in this temporary dwelling place and beyond. This is His eternal promise to His precious children!

John 14:16-18
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

John 14:17-19
that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also.…

Hebrews 13:5
because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Matthew 28:20
and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age

Doing His Will

If God brings you to something, He has already ordained and anointed you with what you need in order to accomplish His will.

He has already blessed you with the promise of His presence. He will not allow you to proceed alone. Partner with Him...trust Him...be courageous and receive His provision. The power of The Cross resides within you through the indwelling of The Holy Spirit!

Remember all that The Lord has done for you: He has, after all, delivered you eternally from the bondage of sin! He has eternal, unlimited resources...He does not make false, empty promises...and He will see His command through to completion. Nothing can come against Him!

Do not receive any whispers except those of The Holy Spirit. Any fear, doubt or negativity is not from God. Bring any uncertainty to The Throne of Grace for exchange. Lean into Him and stand on His Word. Ask The Lord to speak to your heart...to show you how He has anointed and equipped you...and how to stay the course on His authentic path.

Stay strong in Christ. Have faith in the Creator of the heavens and Earth, and the Author of humanity...be blessed and be a blessing in The Name of The Lord, according to His will!

Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Jeremiah 1:12
Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it."

2 Chronicles 15:7
But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.

Isaiah 41:10
"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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.

2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Hebrews 10:36
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Battle Is Won

We are victorious conquerors through Jesus Christ!

He has overcome all and the battle of our salvation is already secured. Nothing can separate Him from us!

So, have courage and faith and give your struggle to Him...stand and see The Lord work on your behalf. For, if God is for us, nothing can stand against us!

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?

Isaiah 41:10
'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

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!"

2 Chronicles 20:17
You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you.

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!

Fisher of Men

Praise God for His precious, perfect plan to send His Son to dwell among us..to shed His blood as an atoning sacrifice for our sins...to be raised on the third day, that we might be also risen with Him and saved from eternal death.

Thank you, Jesus, that You are a Fisher of men...that You came that the lost may be found; the hurting may be healed; that sinners may be saved.

Thank You, Jesus, that we ALL may call upon You...and in Your Name, be redeemed, restored and reconciled...and dwell in The House of The Lord forever.

John 3:17
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Matthew 18:11
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Mark 2:17
On hearing this, Jesus told them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Matthew 4:19
"Come, follow Me,'" Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

1 Timothy 1:15
This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

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

Acts 2:21
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Romans 10:9
that if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:10
For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.

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.

Using Words Wisely

The spoken word can have a powerful impact on the listener. Once spoken, our words are irreversible. They can bless or curse; heal or hurt; be gentle or incite anger; edify or tear down; be useful or destructive. Although we have no power over how our words are received, we do have stewardship over what we say...and how we say it.

The mighty Word of God says that the tongue is “a world of wickedness among the parts of the body,” that “death and life are in the power of the tongue,” and that “the one who guards his mouth preserves his life.” Our words have immense power! While righteous words are life-breathing, careless speech can have devastating consequences.

LORD God, help us to be quick to listen, slow to anger and slow to speak. Show us how to guard and tame our tongues. Bend our speech to be useful and gentle, seasoned with grace and wisdom. Lead us to speak truth in love...like honey to the soul of the recipient. Forgive us, LORD, for any unrighteousness we commit with our words; protect and heal us us from the careless words of others. Teach us how to utilize our words to bless, comfort and edify one another. Remind us always of the magnitude of our words, and let us be Holy Spirit led in all we do and say. In The Name of Jesus we pray...Amen!

Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

James 3:5-6
In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest on fire. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Psalm 49:3
My mouth will speak wisdom, And the meditation of my heart will be understanding.

Ecclesiastes 10:12
Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him;

Proverbs 13:3
The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:7
A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

1 Peter 1:15
But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.

The Great I Am

Jesus Christ IS The Great I Am!

He IS The Alpha and The Omega, Who is, was and is to come!

He IS the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forevermore!

Praise The LORD, for there is none beside or before Him...

And His unconditional love, unmerited favor, marvelous mercy, omniscient sovereignty, rescue and redemption are unchangeable...and endure forever!

Hallelujah!

Revelation 1:8
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come--the Almighty.

Isaiah 44:6
"Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me.

Exodus 3:14
God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"

John 8:58
"Truly, truly, I tell you," Jesus declared, "before Abraham was born, I am!"

Jude 1:25
to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.

Shine

Father God,

We bow down before Your Throne and choose divine partnership with You today and every day.

We pray for Your pouring of The Holy Spirit into our willing hearts; that You ordain and anoint us with ongoing sanctification and transformation.

We pray for minds that comprehend and partake of Your immutable knowledge, and to receive this holy truth into yielding hearts.

Mold us and fill us, Father, so we can be a beacon of hope to others and lead them to Your sanctuary. Show us how to be co-laborers in the building of Your Kingdom, and may it come swiftly to this hurting world.

Continue your completion in us, Lord; bend, mold and hone us into the authentic beings You designed and created in us long ago.

And may Your flame blaze brilliantly within us, Lord...so we will shine radiantly as the sun and stars in the heavens...for ever and ever...

In The Name of Jesus we pray,

Amen.

Matthew 13:43
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

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.

Philippians 2:15
...so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world...

Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Breaking Chains

Praise His Holy Name, in all circumstances, and acknowledge His sovereign power. For, God is present in the praises of His people.

Yield your trials to The Father. He is an unparalleled partner with unlimited, eternal resources. He alone has the ability to demolish every stronghold. Pray for deliverance in The Name of Jesus.

Open your heart in prayer to The Lord of Hosts; acknowledge that you need and trust Him every minute of every day. Stand firm, seek His Truth, walk in victory...and He will set you free.

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.

Acts 16:25-26
But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

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

John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

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.

Called & Equipped

God does not make empty promises. If He brings you to it, He is faithful to empower and equip you to accomplish His will. His gifts are irrevocable. His Word and His promises are immutable. He equips the called and gives strength to the weary. When we lose our footing and are faithless, He is constant and always faithful. Nothing can stand against what He ordains!

LORD, we praise You and claim the victory of what You are doing in and through us, equipping us for every good work. Father, we come to You with a surrendered and willing heart...and pray for Your wisdom, guidance, and discernment. Anoint and strengthen us; bend and refine us according to Your perfect and pleasing will. We praise You that You are always our faithful Father, and that Your mercy and love is unchanging and never ending. LORD, we petition You with confidence because of Who You are, and pray You will increase our faith, as we hold resolutely to Your promises. Thank You, Father, for including us in Your plan, and for blessing us with a servant’s heart. And, let us never forget the power of The Name in which we pray!

In the Name of Jesus, our mighty and beautiful Savior...Amen.

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

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.

Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.

2 Timothy 3:17
so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 11:29
For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable.

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

2 Timothy 2:13
if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

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

Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Eternal Harves

Sowing in The Spirit means we most certainly will endure sorrow...but take comfort, brethren, for our tears will yield an everlasting harvest of joy and peace.

Let us rise up and not grow weary in our calling...for The Lord our God has sealed for us an eternal glory.

Hallelujah!

Psalm 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and temporary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs our troubles.

John 16:20
Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to fountains of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

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

God Fills The Void

Only the One who created our hearts is meant to fill it. We were designed by God to desire, seek and to ultimately be completed by Him.

Nothing else we attempt to occupy the void with will ever suffice because we are destined for Him. Only God can penetrate the emptiness and the longing in our hearts and offer us true satisfaction. Jesus is the sustenance of life and paid an incomprehensible price to make His home in our hearts!

So let us give the Lord our whole heart, as it belongs to Him to fill! And may we be blessed with the anointing of His love...as our soul-cup runs over with His fullness, born from the spring of eternal life.

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

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.

John 6:35
Jesus answered, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst."

Colossians 2:10
And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Ephesians 3:19
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Psalm 63:1
...O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Colossians 1:16
For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 11:36
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

Draw Near To God

Let us call upon The Lord with a sincere heart and steadfast faith...seek Him earnestly and delight ourselves in Him.

Let us trust in His promises and take refuge in our Rock, Stronghold and Shield...find safety, strength and fruitful seasons in Him.

Let us draw near to our Deliverer in truth and transparency, finding that He is never far away...that our cries are readily received by His Heavenly ears.

And may we come away with a new song in our heart...rejoicing and praising Him forevermore!

Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles.

Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.

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

Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears.

Psalm 18:2
The 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 18:31
For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God,

Deuteronomy 4:7
For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD our God whenever we call on Him?

Jeremiah 23:23
"Am I a God who is near," declares the LORD, "And not a God far off?"

Acts 17:27
God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.

Acts 14:17
Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness."

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.

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

Seeing The Struggle Through

“Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light…..”
-V. Raymond Edman

God is always the same, and is always available to His children...at the tip top of the mountain, or the darkest of valleys, His love for us never changes.

It is in the season when we don't feel as close to Him that we have to step out in faith...trust Him to sustain us to see the struggle through...cling to His Truth and Promises...praise Him for His blessings of grace and salvation...and recall the lighted path He has placed our feet upon.

We must see these drought seasons as an opportunity to be still, give Him the battle and trust in what He is doing...as He enables us to reclaim our joy and moves us from faith to faith...in the glory of our salvation in Him.

Psalm 9:14
That I may tell of all Your praises, that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in Your salvation.

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.

Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.

Mark 14:36
"'
Abba, Father,'"He said, "all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will."

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!"

Romans 8:16
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

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

John 17:24
Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

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.

Refined According To His Purpose

It is in our greatest struggles that God has an opportunity to refine and customize us according to His purpose. When we exchange our human will for a willingness to serve Him, The Lord can do a mighty work in and through us. Oh, what The Father can accomplish with just one willing heart!

Lord, let us be the clay in Your hands...to serve as Your vessels...with humility and love. We know You don’t need us, but, Lord, we are blessed and honored to serve You and participate in Your divine plan. We praise You for Your workmanship and residence in our hearts. Show us how to surrender our weaknesses, and may Your perfect power rest on us, all for Your divine glory. In The Name of Jesus...Amen!

Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

1 Peter 1:7
so that the authenticity of your faith--more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:9
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 4:7
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.

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.

Romans 8:29
For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

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