From Guilt to Grace

When we find our identity in Christ, we need to fully embrace God's marvelous grace and let go of the guilt and shame accumulated in our wanderings.

In His family, we are able to achieve a whole, healed identity...an enriched life blessed with freedom, peace and joy. With our salvation, we have an opportunity for an abundant and fruitful life, which results from receiving His unconditional love.

Let us cling to this picture of His acceptance and forgiveness; His desire and capacity to save the lost and hurting! Let us rejoice that He deems us worthy!

And may we envelope ourselves in His mercy and grace, given freely by The Living God to His precious children in Christ.

1 Timothy 1:14-15
And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

Ecclesiastes 7:20
Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.

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

Luke 15:20
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

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.

The Balm of Gilead

Brokenness is a heart condition. Jesus is the remedy...and His cure guarantees eternal life!

When we invite in The Great Physician to perform His spiritual surgery, we receive a heart healing that includes redemption, restoration, rest and peace...beside the still waters of everlasting love.

Won't you cry out to The Balm of Gilead? That He may bind and heal your wounded heart?

Psalm 30:2
O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me.

Psalm 107:20
He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.

Psalm 103:3
Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases;

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

Matthew 9:12
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”

1 Peter 2:24
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

Jeremiah 8:22
Is there no balm in Gilead,
Is there no physician there?
Why then is there no recovery
For the health of the daughter of my people?

Isaiah 53:5
But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.

The Lord Hears

“Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me.”
“Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the LORD hears the cries of the needy.” Psalms 69: 1-3, 32-33 (NLT)

We all go through struggles and hard times. Life is not fair. There are times of sadness, despair, and regret. The Psalmist paints a picture of someone trapped in an emotional downward spiral. Everything seems overwhelming and yet, in the end, they were able to say that there is encouragement in seeking God’s help. Why? Because God hears us. 

There are two types of trauma that bring the kind of despair that we read in today’s passage. There is the trauma of “not getting what we need”, and then there is the trauma of “getting something that we should have never received.” The first is the result of neglect and abandonment, the second from abuse.

But the good news is that God hears us in our despair and He can help us. Life brings each of us inescapable traumas that block maturity. God’s redemptive activity comes to us in two ways: He brings healing to our traumas and adopts us into His family. Both ways boost us through our blocks to maturity, along the way to wholeness, With these boosts, we will be able to live from the hearts He gave us, our true identities will emerge, and our relationships with family and community will be characterized by joy.

Today, praise God for His healing. It is there for you as you bring your pain to Him. Also, praise God for His family. It is through the fellowship and love from each other that we are made whole and can experience the joy He has for us.

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.

Freedom

God created us as free-moral-agents. We are free to choose eternal life or death...free to choose Fruits of The Spirit or the "forbidden fruit" we may be confronted with each day...free to choose Him.

Praise God that when we exercise our free will and choose Christ (the authentic path designed for us long ago), we experience the HIGHEST FORM OF FREEDOM!

In His love for us, Abba God not only gives us freedom of choice, but also offers a plan when we get derailed! He stretches out His arms from afar and promises forgiveness, mercy, grace, redemption, and restoration. What love!

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

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

Romans 8:2
For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Luke 15:20-24
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.

A Prayer of Restoration

Holy and Heavenly Father God,

You are El Roi, The God Who Sees every hurt, loss, and unmet need. Jesus, I praise You that You have always been with me, but it grieves my heart that you have also seen all the wrong ways I have been trying to fill the void in my heart. I have constantly tried to prove my worth by measuring myself against the faulty standards of others. But, Your Word and Truth is the righteous and holy standard by which I now desire to live! You are the Good Portion Who meets every need! Jesus, You alone determine my value!

Father, I come before You in complete surrender, and as one who is emotionally crippled and spiritually depleted. I cannot carry this burden or navigate through this alone. Every attempt I have made to direct my life has resulted in chaos, confusion, bitterness, and despair. By not inviting You in, I have only given the enemy power in my life. You, LORD, are seated on The Throne and You are in control! Father, I pray in the Name of Jesus, that You will bind up and cast out all things that have prevented me from living as the authentic being You formed long ago; that You will remove the shackles of loss, grief, anger, false beliefs, false standards, control, perfectionism, unmet needs, disillusionment, shame, and a hardened heart. I release this all to You, and I chose today to walk with You in freedom, forgiveness, mercy and truth!

LORD, I pray You will enable me to experience the cleansing power that You provide through our tears and remind me that You are never far away. My Father, I thank You for comforting me as I grieve and mourn the losses; for gently wiping away every tear; and for nurturing every sorrow, as only a Daddy can do.

Thank You, Jesus, for removing the stain of sin and shame on my life, and for applying Your Balm to my wounds. I pray You will always reveal to me when I am trying to “fix” things through my own efforts or dependent upon others for my happiness, that I may bring it all to Your Throne of Grace for exchange. I choose to release these chains to You and to be God-dependent. Remind me, LORD, that You decided my worth when You shed Your Precious Blood for me, that I am worthy, I am loved, and that Your Grace always fills in the gap where I fall short. Never let me forget the magnitude of Your flawless, unfailing love. I praise You, my LORD, my God, my King, and I give You all the Glory!

In the Precious and Holy Name of Jesus, I pray,
Amen!

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

Psalm 139:14
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 56:8
You have taken account of my wanderings; You have put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?

A Prayer to Restore Family Unity

Father God,

I cry out to You, Abba, with a heart grieving over the unstable, broken, and chaotic condition of my family! You have richly blessed me with this gift; yet, we have fallen prey to the enemy in his declaration to demolish Your beautiful creation. LORD, I realize I have forsaken Your perfect and delightful design for the family, and I repent, in The Name of Jesus!

LORD, I choose today to follow Your Master Design for a Godly family. To rebuild this family system according to Your will, I am leaning into You for wisdom, truth, and strength. I ask You to reveal to me my God-ordained roles and responsibilities, and all that is required of me to receive the covering of Your blessings in my household.

LORD, Jesus, I invite You into my heart and my home. I release and surrender my family to You and Your care. I give You permission to do what is necessary to chasten, convict, heal, and restore, so that nothing is hindering us from giving glory to You, Precious Father, through the heart of our family. Jesus, I claim the victory of Your priceless Blood-covering over my family! I pray for healing and peace where chaos has ensued, and for us to be lifted from the bondage of the enemy, in The Name of Jesus!

Father, show me how to see my precious family through the Christ lens; lead me to love them as You love us; remind me what it looks like to take up my cross and follow You. Lay it on my heart that I am a new creation, dying to self, so I may serve my beloved family with a pure heart and extend to them the same forgiveness, grace and mercy You have shown me.

I praise You for Your cleansing, healing love, and I give You all the glory, LORD. Only You can redeem and restore what is lost and broken, and I place all my faith and trust in You.

In Jesus Christ’s Holy and Righteous Name, I pray these things,
Amen.

Joshua 24:15
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Mark 10:9
Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.

Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.

Ephesians 2:19
Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens of the saints and members of God's household,

Ephesians 5:22-24
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Ephesians 5:25-28
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might [a]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.

Supernatural Strength of Endurance

Be courageous and transparent before God. Open up to The LORD regarding your struggles. Give the battle to Him; exchange your struggle for His strength.

Be watchful at all times. Consider the spirit behind the negative emotions and difficult situations you face. The enemy prowls around like a lion and can gain a foothold when we drift.

Put on the full armor of God. Stand boldly on Truth...steadfast and fixed on the Gospel of Jesus.

Be alert and aware of your enemy. But, know with confidence The LORD of hosts is the recipient of your prayers...God is the ultimate authority and the unlimited source of your hope, faith and trust.

Be strong and let your heart take courage. Wait on The LORD...and run your race with supernatural strength of endurance.

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

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Corinthians 15:1
Now brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm.

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.

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

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

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

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

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.

Doing God's 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 desert you or allow you to navigate through this alone in your humanity. Partner with Him...trust Him...be courageous in The Father’s might and receive His provision. The power of The Cross resides within you through the indwelling of The Holy Spirit. Understand the source of your strength!

Remember all that The LORD has done for you...He has, after all, faithfully delivered you from from the bondage of sin and eternal death! He is The LORD of hosts and has omniscient, all-powerful, unlimited resources! He does NOT make false, empty promises. 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 He would have you stay the course of 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?

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.

Living In His Lighted Image

Let us live a life that truly reflects our transformation in Christ and 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.

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

Worthy To Be Praised

Heavenly Father,

We know we cannot possibly fathom all that You are or all You have done...but we sing praises to You, Lord...for You have set Eternity in our hearts.

Your greatness is immeasurable, yet You created us in Your image and ordained us to be reconciled unto You, Lord God; we praise You for this marvelous mystery and miracle.

We pray You will adorn us with Your robe of righteousness, Lord; we praise You for clothing us in Your garment of salvation.

For, all great and mighty things are by Your hand, Father, and all is made beautiful in Your time...and all the glory, praise and honor is Yours forever and ever!

In The Holy and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ,

Amen!

Psalm 98:1
A psalm. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

Isaiah 61:10
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him.

Daniel 4:3
How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.

Job 5:9
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

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

Ecclesiastes 3:11
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Romans 11:33
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

Psalm 40:5
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.

Isaiah 25:1
O Lord, You are my God.
I will exalt You,
I will praise Your name,
For You have done wonderful things;
Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

In His Heavenly Hands

Let us invite God into all aspects of our lives, not withholding anything from His Heavenly Hands.

Let us make Him the top priority...more of Him, less of us and all else.

For, it is in this type of transparency, surrender, commitment and partnership that He can restore and refine our whole heart...fill us with the full measure of His love and anointing of The Holy Spirit...complete His authentic and abundant plan in every facet of our lives...as we are honed, sanctified and refined for His purpose.

May His will be done, His Kingdom come...and all glory, honor and praise to our Abba God Almighty forevermore!

Psalm 40:5
Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.

1 Corinthians 1:8
He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:19
The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God.

Truth & Mercy

May our hearts be softened to receive and reciprocate the truth and mercy of The Gospel of Christ.

For, when we allow this to be written in our hearts - truly receiving what He has so freely given to us - we will extend this same mercy, kindness, forgiveness, hope, help, compassion and love to others.

When we cling to and walk sincerely and diligently in His truth and love, our lamps burn bright as a beacon to God's hurting children, that they might also be led to His truth and find comfort in the arms of our Father.

It is, after all, the way of Christ...for He is steadfast in His love, grace and mercy to us us...forevermore.

John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Psalm 89:33
Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

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

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

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Fashioned With Purpose

Praise God that His grace, mercy, promises, love, forgiveness, redemption and salvation are unchanging and unending. Praise The Father that He has given us hope in His purpose...grace granted through Jesus Christ...and a glorious, eternal inheritance!

His love for us is pure, passionate, promised and predestined. He chose us before the foundation of the world! We are holy and blameless in His sight! We are called, justified, and glorified by The Sovereign LORD of hosts, The Master Architect of the universe, and The Holiest of holies! In all of His majestic omniscience and splendor, HE CHOSE US! And He fashioned us in a way to serve His call and His purpose. Hallelujah!

Let us walk in a manner worthy of His calling. And may He powerfully fulfill our every good desire and work of faith, according to His purpose...and all for His beautiful glory.

Romans 8:30
And those He predestined He also called, those He called He also justified, those He justified He also glorified.

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.

2 Timothy 1:9
He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not because of our own works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time eternal.

Titus 1:2
...in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

Ephesians 1:18
I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,

Ephesians 4:1
As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:

2 Thessalonians 1:11
To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith.

Intercession

Intercessory prayers reflect the very essence of God's own character...rich in unconditional love, grace and mercy.

Praying for others enables us to look beyond ourselves and increases our empathy, concern and compassion for others.

Think about this...who do you want to spend eternity with? Are there people you care about who do not know Jesus? Are you praying for them...interceding without ceasing?

Then, consider this...love and pray for your enemies. This is truly putting on the compassion of Christ and going beyond yourself in interceding for them.

Remember, prayer is sweet smelling aroma that pleases Him (Revelation 5:8). The Father desires our prayers! Prayer strengthens our faith and increases our intimacy with Him! In it, we are reflecting and glorifying Jesus!

Let us pray with sincere hearts and without ceasing on behalf of God's hurting children...that they will have a heart change and receive Jesus...that they will share in our eternal inheritance...and experience the riches, hope, glory and everlasting grace freely given by our Abba Father!

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Delivered

Unfortunately, none of us has an automatic detour to prevent us from encountering valleys in our human journey. We live in a sin-stained world and there is no perfection on this side of Eternity. However, as believers, we have a choice not to wander in the wilderness. If we are walking with Jesus, we are never lost!

In these seasons that try our souls and test our faith, we must have hope and fix our gaze on the eternal prize that awaits us. Our faithful God of unlimited resources will enable us to navigate in perfect peace if we place unwavering faith in Him. God is ever-present and always offers us spiritual and emotional protection. God alone is our means of overcoming every temptation placed before us. He is our anchor, hope and comfort when we are faced with uncertainty, adversity and heartache.

And if we do get momentarily derailed, our Heavenly Father is waiting with welcoming arms for His prodigal children. He alone holds the power to remove bondage and restore us to the path of righteousness. Deliverance is just a prayer away, and we are never beyond the reach of our Shepherd.

Lord, we pray for Your deliverance in the wilderness of our momentary troubles, and that You will enable us to maintain the eternal compass of Jesus Christ. We trust You to stretch and bend us according to Your will, and lead us to Your peaceful and living waters. Our hope, faith, peace and rest is in You alone.

In The Name of Jesus, our Refuge, Redeemer and Deliverer,

Amen.

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.

Psalm 68:20
Our God is a God of deliverance; the Lord GOD is our rescuer from death.

1 Peter 2:25
For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

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.

Isaiah 53:6
All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.

John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Ezekiel 34:15
"I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD.

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

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

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

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.

Do Not Lose Heart

May we be unmovable in truth and hold tight to the righteousness of The LORD, staying the course by doing what is good in His sight.

May we sow from The Spirit, drawing our strength from Jesus...unshakeable in our faith...standing firm in truth and love.

And may our Holy Heavenly Father continue to nourish, nurture, sanctify, sustain and transform us as we wait...preparing for our final destination.

2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.

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.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

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.

A Contrite Heart

Blessed are those who mourn with Godly sorrow...who have a contrite, humble heart and revere The Word of The Lord...for, to them comes repentance that leads to salvation.

The Lord looks to them; they receive forgiveness and and are promised comfort and cleansing through the indwelling of The Holy Spirit.

They know Jesus Christ as their Redeemer and Savior, and confidently approach The Throne of Grace without shame, fear or regret. They are reconciled unto God The Father, and their heart is filled with joy and peace; they have a personal relationship with Jesus and receive rest.

Blessed are those indeed who mourn and have repented...they are forgiven and hidden in Christ...for them there is no condemnation and they will dwell in The House of The Lord forever.

2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Isaiah 66:2
For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Secured In His Word

Praise The Lord that His every truth is immutable, His every promise is kept and His every purpose is completed!

Praise Him that, regardless of our iniquities, He is faithful to complete His work and He will never abandon us!

Praise Him that His Word is irrefutable and shall never fade or pass away!

Praise Him that because He is infallible, we are sealed and secured with our Father...forevermore!

Isaiah 55:11
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Psalm 138:8
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Matthew 5:18
For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Mark 13:31
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

Isaiah 46:10
Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, 'My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.'

Philippians 1:6
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 2:16
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

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.

Ephesians 1:13
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.