Taking Every Thought Captive

Many struggles in life often are fought on the battlefield of our minds. That’s why James writes “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1). That’s why we are exhorted in God’s Word to demolish any thought that goes against what God says is true about any given situation. 

We are in a Spiritual battle and need to take every stray thought captive and repent, correct it and align it with the truth of God’s Word. If someone has hurt us or wronged us, and we are having hateful thoughts towards that person, we need to take that hateful thought captive immediately so that bitterness does not take root in our hearts and defiles us. (Hebrews 12:15)

We need to stop, realize what is truth in the situation, take responsibility for our wrong actions, ask for forgiveness, acknowledge when they are wrong, understand that we cannot change another person, offer forgiveness, release them to God and choose not to hate. The victory in the battle is won when we discipline our thinking, so it focuses on thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and are praiseworthy to God. (Philippians 4:8)

Negative emotions like anger, bitterness, hate, jealousy, fear, anxiety can kill us. They are joy stealers. They suck the life out of us and hinder us from living abundant lives in Christ. The good news is that we are not powerless. God has given us a choice to meditate on life giving thoughts or thoughts that bring death in our lives and render us defeated. Choose life! Choose victory!  Make it a practice to capture every negative thought and choose to replace them with good ones which come from the truth of God’s life-giving Word. 

In the Light of Jesus

May The Lord shine His countenance upon us...expose and drive out any hidden darkness in our hearts, so we may live a lighted life of transparency before God.

May His Holy Spirit burn brightly for all to see what He has accomplished within us, all for the glory of our Holy and Heavenly Father.

And may we be true imitators of Christ, awake in our faith and walking steadfastly in His fellowship of truth and love...the illuminated path of our Lord and Savior.

John 3:21

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

John 1:4

In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.

Ephesians 5:13-14

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

John 8:12

Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 12:35

So Jesus told them, "For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going."

Walk In Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Greater Love

Our worth is decided by God and God alone...His appraisal of our value is the atoning sacrifice of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.

God planned our existence before creation, loved us at our darkest, and worked it together for our good to spend eternity with Him.

THERE IS NO GREATER LOVE THAN HIS!

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

1 John 4:10

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Psalm 139:13-14

For You formed my inward parts;

You wove me in my mother’s womb. 

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;        

Wonderful are Your works,         

And my soul knows it very well.

The Birth of Jesus

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. (Luke 2:1-20)

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23

Behold! The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel (which means, "God with us").

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.

God With Us

Praise God that He made a way for humanity to be reconciled unto Him! A Holy Child born and given to us through the zealous love of The LORD God!

He is the Wonderful Counselor who listens to every sorrow. He intimately knows every struggle and the innermost desires of our hearts. He provides an eternal resource to those who call upon His name.

He is our Mighty God and LORD over all. He is able and willing to save, shield and deliver each of His precious children. He is watching over His Word and fulfills It. 

He is our Eternal Father, Alpha and Omega, nailed to The Cross, and interceding on our behalf every second of every day. He designed us in His image and made a way for us to reside with Him forever. He completes us.

He is the Prince of Peace, promising an abundant life of hope, love, joy and a sound mind to those who diligently seek Him.

God was with us then...He is with us now...He is with us always! 

Hallelujah!

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.

Matthew 1:21

She will give birth to a son, and you shall give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.

John 4:42

They said to the woman, "We now believe not only because of your words; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man truly is the Savior of the world."

John 11:27

"Yes, Lord," she answered, "I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."

Luke 2:11

Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!

Be Courageous and Act

May The Lord give you distinct discernment to see what tasks He has laid before you today.

May you rise up and be empowered with supernatural strength in Him...

And have the tenacious courage to accomplish what He has purposefully placed in your path!

Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

2 Corinthians 9:6
Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

2 Thessalonians 3:13
But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Ezra 10:4
Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act.

In The Light of Jesus

May The Lord shine His countenance upon us...expose and drive out any hidden darkness in our hearts, so we may live a lighted life of transparency before God.

May His Holy Spirit burn brightly for all to see what He has accomplished within us, all for the glory of our Holy and Heavenly Father.

And may we be true imitators of Christ, awake in our faith and walking steadfastly in His fellowship of truth and love...the illuminated path of our Lord and Savior.

John 3:21

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

John 1:4

In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.

Ephesians 5:13-14

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

John 8:12

Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 12:35

So Jesus told them, "For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going."

The Fullness of God's Love

Praise The LORD that we are more than conquerors through Christ and His fragrant offering to The Father! We claim this victory today and everyday in The Name of Jesus!

Praise The LORD for the peace He has placed in our hearts...and for pouring into us the fullness of His unshakeable, unconditional, unwavering, extravagant and limitless love!

Praise The LORD that we are one with The Son, rooted and grounded in love, never separated from The Father...and that through His Grace, we have inherited Eternity with The King of kings and LORD of lords!

Hallelujah!

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

John 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!"

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! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:2
and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 3:17-19
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God...

Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, 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.

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

Blessed Are the Pure of Heart

Create in us a softened, clean, healed, whole heart...

A heart that is cultivated and fertile to receive Your Word and Truth...

A heart that is filled with the full measure of Your unconditional, merciful love and grace.

Weed out and remove the things that bind us and cause us to separate ourselves from You, Lord.

Plant Your seeds in the soil of our hearts, Father, and grow our roots deep...nourish and flourish us with Your Living Waters.

And let us bear an ever-increasing yield of fruits of The Spirit, according to Your Will for us in Jesus Christ.

May we all have ears that hear and a penetrable heart, for Your Glory...

In The Name of our Holy and Righteous Savior, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Mark 4:3-9
"Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”
Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Luke 8:15
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Luke 8:16
No one lights a lamp and covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he sets it on a lampstand, so those who enter can see the light.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God,

Fishers 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 so 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, 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.

In the Power of Christ

Others may have done things in the past that leaves us feeling angry, victimized, unappreciated, and used. Indeed, you may have a valid reason to feel anger.

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You may have been taken advantage of and victimized by others. You may have been unappreciated by others. You may have been used by others. These are common life experiences many people go through at some point.

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However, when these kinds of occurrences happen in life, we have a choice to make. We can choose to be drawn into the darkness put upon us by others, or we can choose to remain in the light and love of Christ.

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If you are truly a child of God, others may try to do things to make you angry but you do not have to respond or feel angry.

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In Christ, others may try to victimize you but you do not have to be a victim.

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In Christ, others may not appreciate you but you do not need the appreciation of others.

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In Christ, others may use you to their advantage but you do not need to feel used because you have given over all of who you are to Him who died for you.

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The power we live under in Christ is an insulating power for our hearts. This insulating power keeps us from feeling angry, victimized, unappreciated, and used by others.

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Proverbs 4:23

Above all guard your hearts, for out it flows the issues of life.

Luke 10:42

“But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her."

Lamentations 3:24

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

Colossians 1:13

He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son.

Luke 6:28

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

God's Gift To You

Take time to today to reflect on what God has done for you in Christ Jesus...the richness of His Glorious Mystery, and the hope this gift offers to you.

Mediate on the complexity of God's perfect, divine plan...and how He lovingly and deliberately included you. That, long ago before the heavens and earth were created, He formed you in His mind and intricately planned your existence, identity, and eternal inheritance.

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

Hallelujah!

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

John 1:12
But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God--

Colossians 1:26-27
the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints, to whom God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Ephesians 3:9
and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was hidden in God, who created all things.

Colossians 2:2
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,

John 3:16-17
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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

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

1 John 5:11
And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

I Will Not Leave You Orphans

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.

Thirst for Righteousness

Thirst for Righteousness

Hunger and thirst are powerful motivators, prompting us to spring into action to satisfy these needs - to indeed “fill” the emptiness with something - anything to ease the pain. In fact, much of our lives are spent working and planning to ensure that these needs are met to the best of our ability.

But, what if instead we trust The LORD our God to satisfy our needs - specifically, our spiritual need for righteousness? While in the wilderness fasting for forty days and nights (as per Divine instruction), Jesus was tempted by the enemy to fill His need outside of the will of God - to use His power to feed Himself - to satisfy His own personal gratification. Jesus responded by saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” (Luke 4:4)

Jesus chose to depend only on God. And through the perfection of His righteousness, we now may choose Truth and be satisfied in our own hunger and thirst - filled with the indwelling of The Holy Spirit - redeemed, sanctified, and transformed into the fullness of God!

Praise The LORD for the righteousness made available to us through His Son! Praise The LORD for His Promise to fill us when we seek the Eternal Manna of Jesus Christ! Praise The LORD that He promises to satisfy our every need when we place our faith and trust in Him alone!

LORD God, You are faithful and have promised that when we search for You with all of our heart, You will open the door to Eternity and we will find You. We receive this promise and invite You, precious Jesus, to fill our hearts with Your Glory. You are our righteousness, redemption, and rest...and Your Truth is the lamp to our feet. Fill us, Father, with the Eternal Well of Salvation - Jehovah Saves - that we may never hunger or thirst for all the days of our lives. We place our faith and trust in You alone to fill every void and need. In The Name of Jesus we pray these things...Amen.

Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Matthew 7:8
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

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.

John 6:51
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.

John 7:37
On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.”

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.

Isaiah 12:3
With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation.

Psalm 107:9
For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

A Surrendered Heart

May we all have the same strength of faith, trust, and obedience that young Mary modeled when faced with God's amazing plan.

Oh, what our Father can accomplish with even just one tender and surrendered heart! For, nothing is impossible with Him and for those who believe!

Let The LORD’s searching eyes rest on us; find in us a compliant heart, softened to His will. Let it be unto us, His servants, according to His Word!

Psalm 119:38
Establish Your word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You.

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

Luke 1:48
For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.

Luke 1:30
Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."

2 Corinthians 16:9(a)
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him...

Isaiah 6:8
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

Stand Firm On Truth

Brethren, we must stand firm on God’s Truth. It only takes one waking day in this decaying world to recognize the perilous times at hand. There is an increasing urgency in our commission as we prepare for our beloved Groom.

Everything true and just is found in God’s Word. His precepts and promises are immutable and He is seeing it all through to fulfillment. Lest we fall slaves to the deceit and bondage of this world, we must don the sword of the Spirit and guard the precious Truth entrusted to us.

His Truth is holy, pure and without compromise. With it, we are fully equipped to live a life that is righteous and blameless in His sight...as worthy vessels for the priceless cargo we carry for our beautiful Lord and Savior. His Word contains every perfect instruction to serve honorably in our faithful race.

Beloved brothers and sisters, He IS the way...and the gate is narrow. Stand firm...be encouraged...and always be prepared to share the source of your hope. Speak truth boldly and without shame, but always with the love of Jesus.

Oh, how blessed are those who receive Christ into their hearts! For, they shall walk in truth, love, light and freedom...and unto them is the imperishable crown of eternal life!

Psalm 40:2
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps 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.

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

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

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

Colossians 1:22-23
But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Hosea 14:9
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.

Matthew 7:14
But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Matthew 24:44
For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.

Philippians 1:27
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel.

Mark 16:15
And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to articulate a defense to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 119:1
Aleph. How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD.

Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

Holiest of Holies

Our LORD God is the Holiest of holies, far beyond anything else in existence. Yet, regardless of our human condition, our Heavenly Father desires an intimate relationship and fellowship with each of His children!

He desires for us to choose, honor and obey Him; to receive His sanctification and transformation into holiness. God created us in His likeness and designed us to spend eternity with Him! So much that He gave His only Son to accomplish this!

Let us approach His Holy Realm with humility; honor our time with Him on Holy Ground. Let us choose, praise, glorify, obey and worship our Father in the manner that He is worthy.

Our LORD God is high and lifted up...and He Is Holy, Holy, Holy!

Psalm 99:3
Let them praise Your great and awesome name; Holy is He.

Psalm 95:6
Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

Psalm 132:7
Let us go into His dwelling place; Let us worship at His footstool.

Isaiah 6:3
And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory."

Revelation 4:8
and they have no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.

Psalm 72:19
And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.

A Prayer For Those Struggling With Forgiveness

Growing Up In The Word

Published by Christa Walton Winn

Page Liked · 3 hrs ·

 

A Prayer For Those Struggling With Forgiveness...

Holy and Heavenly Father God,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Our Faithful Father

When we turn to The LORD with absolute confidence, we will be victorious through Him. He is our faithful Father and He promises to protect, equip, and strengthen us. He is our anchor and absolute hope. He is the source of everlasting endurance and our eternal refuge.

He is our living God of unlimited power and resources. He knows all about yesterday, today and tomorrow. He knows exactly how much we can bear, and He alone holds the key to unlocking peace.

Hold resolutely to your hope in Him...call upon Him in The Name of Jesus...and see the promises over your life fulfilled, according to His will for you in Christ.

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

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."

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

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 overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.