Counseling Blog
Friday, January 31, 2020
The Lord Is Faithful
Do not be afraid. God will not allow the enemy to swallow you up. You are a child of the Living God. He will deliver you, honor you, and will be glorified through you. God is faithful. Even your enemies will see His power.
He will keep you in sickness, and in death. He will be your comfort. He will walk you through the valley, and you will fear no shadow. Hold on to His promises.
Like a compass on a ship set your course and find your way by the promises of God. They will lead you, comfort you, and guide you through the most treacherous path. They will give you direction and wisdom and open up your own understanding to His inerrant Word.
Study God’s Word. It abounds with nuggets of courage. It will strengthen you and help you, and fill you with everlasting life and peace.
Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
1 Corinthians 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments.
Thursday, January 30, 2020
God Delivers
When things around us don’t make sense and are falling apart, and it seems we keep getting caught up in the storms of life, go to the sanctuary of God and find rest.
An amazing thing happens when we view our problems from His perspective. The problems that seem so big and hopeless from our human perspective look so small in light of Jesus. Because we know that the Living God of the entire universe can handle them.
God delivers all who call on His name. Being in His presence will give us an eternal perspective.
Psalm 27:5
For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.
Psalm 81:7
"You called in trouble, and I rescued you; I answered you in the hiding place of thunder; I proved you at the waters of Meribah.
Psalm 86:7
In the day of my trouble, I shall call upon You, For You will answer me.
Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and He answered me And delivered me from all my fears.
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Psalm 34:6
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
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Psalm 34:16
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivered him out of them all.
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Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Supernatural Strength & 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 Almighty Lord of hosts is the recipient of your prayers...the 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.
Psalm 31:24
Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.
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.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Redeemed
Praise The Lord that He is is alive, seated on The Throne...that He overcame the darkness and made a way for us to walk in His marvelous light.
Praise The Lord for His grace lavished so mercifully upon us...that by His precious stripes, we are rescued and restored; the salt of the earth and the lighted city on the hill.
Praise The Lord that we are justified through Him and our stain of sin is removed; that we may be sanctified and reconciled unto The Father.
Praise The Lord, for we are rescued and redeemed...and one with The Son for Eternity!
John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Romans 6:14
For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:7-8
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us...
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Colossians 1:13-14
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Friday, January 24, 2020
Fear Not!
Abba God,
I pray that today and every day You will teach me how to replace my fears with faith... That I will cast my anxieties, fears, doubts and uncertainties upon You and allow Your Perfect Love to drive out those feelings that are not born of The Holy Spirit....that I will surrender my troubles to You, my Holy Heavenly Father, who is ALWAYS GREATER than any rejection, failure, criticism, emotion or enemy I may face today or tomorrow.
I pray that I will grow an enormous and abundant faith in You, an all-knowing, ever-present, always-loving God and walk in the confidence and sound mind that comes from knowing who You Are...that my trust in You will produce in me a faith that will motivate me to just let go of the things that hold me back, give them to you and receive peace beyond measure in my heart and mind.
I pray that I will cling to Your Truth and Your Promises and find refuge in You when I encounter dark valleys in my days, seasons and lives...place my trust in You, my Tower of Strength, for You Are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and You have repeatedly assured me that You are for me and will protect me.
Father, I thank You and praise You for Your Grace, Love, Mercy and Sovereign Protection in my life! I thank You for the atoning Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, so that I may be reconciled unto You...for my adoption and citizenship in Your Kingdom...for the security, peace, and comfort that You provide in my authentic identity in Christ!
In the name of my beloved Savior, Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Fear Not
For those who fight, we have to remember The LORD is the mightiest of warriors. We think we’ve made it through some “stuff” and pride ourselves on being a strong person. But, this in itself is a weakness and a struggle. Self-reliance is not trusting God, and it prevents Him from pouring His fullness into us. HIS power is made perfect in our weakness. HE is the source of our strength. We are only conquerors through Christ! When we are dependent on God, Christ’s power will rest upon us. Living in self-reliance-warrior-mode is exhausting because we are fighting a battle we cannot win alone. The war, the battle, and the victory is His!
Likewise, if we tend to bury and retreat, we never face the very things we are afraid of...so we continue to run. Nothing ever gets fully resolved. In essence, we never process through anything with Jesus, never receive healing, and never fully experience Grace. We should instead run to our Strong Tower of Strength, seek His refuge, and allow Him to cover us with His wing. We must retreat into His presence, not into ourselves, or (especially) into our own thinking. If we are not willing to confront issues with Jesus, like the “fighter,” we are self-reliant in carrying our burdens. We grow weary, exhausted, and debilitated as the weight accumulates. We become a prisoner in our own mind and never experience peace. The task is to take His yoke, hold our thoughts captive in Christ, and invite Him in to repair the wounds we have neglected due to fear.
Rejoice, for Jesus is the Prince of peace! When we are faced with fear, we must remember chaos, doubt, fear, and uncertainty are not fruits of the Spirit and NOT from our mighty LORD! He has repeatedly reminded us not be afraid and that He is near to His precious children. Jesus paid a high price to afford us deliverance and reconciliation to The Father...that we might seek refuge, experience His Grace, and rest in Him.
Be strong, but in the power of The LORD’s might. Be a soldier, but in The Name of Jesus! Retreat for rest in Jesus...and run into the arms of The God Of All Comfort. Open your heart for healing by The True Physician. Surrender your thoughts to The Counselor On High. Exchange your self-reliance for His yoke. Draw near to God..allow His perfect love to cast out your fear...and experience peace that surpasses all understanding.
Exodus 15:3
The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.
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.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
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.
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.
Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
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!
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
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.
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.
Psalm 68:19
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Precious Jewel
You are God’s precious Jewel. Jewels are precious things; the Hebrew word for jewels means a treasure. A treasure is made up of costly things: gold, and diamonds and rubies. To God, Christians are His jewels, His own special treasure! Yet so many of God’s children look in the mirror and see an ugly stone with no value or worth and feel defective, less than, blemished, stained and feel rejected.
Sadly many people suffer from self-rejection. The problem is poor vision.
When they look in the mirror they fail to see what God sees – a beautiful, brilliant gem, so they look to external features for self-acceptance failing to see their inner God-given worth.
“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Zephaniah 16:7
Sadly many people suffer from self-rejection. The problem is poor vision.
When they look in the mirror they fail to see what God sees – a beautiful, brilliant gem, so they look to external features for self-acceptance failing to see their inner God-given worth.
“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Zephaniah 16:7
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
The Battle Is Won!
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!
Monday, January 20, 2020
The Radiance of Sanctification
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 Your 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 being You created and designed 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 Jesus Christ's Name,
Amen.
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.
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise wins souls.
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
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.
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.
Friday, January 17, 2020
The Blessing of Peace
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
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Thursday, January 16, 2020
Eternal Harvest
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Omniscient One
Are you making time to not only acquaint yourself with, but to sincerely have an intimate relationship with your Abba God?
Have you discovered the peace, sufficiency, strength, sovereignty, love, healing, and mercy...the attributes and essence of your Maker?
Do you trust in His omniscience, receiving His grace and endurance when you run to Him, your Strong Tower of Strength?
Do you grasp how He planned your existence long ago and loves you so dearly that He provided the most holy and atoning sacrifice - HIS SON - so that you may be reconciled fully unto Him, sealed in His Book of Life?
Do you know that He is The God of all comfort, who lingers over the deepest desires of your heart; that He longs to work things together for your good, according to His Will for you in Christ?
Do you understand that He is the Most High, All-knowing, All-seeing, Self-sufficient, Healer, Provider, Banner, Sanctifier, Peace, Shepherd, Protector, and Lord over all, who is ALWAYS THERE?
If you knew Him more deeply would you approach The Throne of Grace with more confidence and trust in His Will? Would your faith, therefore, be unshakeable? Would you have peace that surpasses all understanding, regardless of your circumstances, because you know your God?
Oh, friends, let us seek Him with an insatiable desire so that we may more fully understand our LORD, and praise the inexhaustible abundance and omniscience of our Holy Father! That in Him, we may thrive and glorify Him...as we are made more fully complete into His likeness. For, from Him and through Him are ALL things, and all glory is to Him, forevermore!
Job 28:24
...for he views the ends of the earth
and sees everything under the heavens.
Isaiah 44:24
This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb:
I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself...
Psalm 139:1-4
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
Job 37:5
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
Romans 11:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?”
For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Have you discovered the peace, sufficiency, strength, sovereignty, love, healing, and mercy...the attributes and essence of your Maker?
Do you trust in His omniscience, receiving His grace and endurance when you run to Him, your Strong Tower of Strength?
Do you grasp how He planned your existence long ago and loves you so dearly that He provided the most holy and atoning sacrifice - HIS SON - so that you may be reconciled fully unto Him, sealed in His Book of Life?
Do you know that He is The God of all comfort, who lingers over the deepest desires of your heart; that He longs to work things together for your good, according to His Will for you in Christ?
Do you understand that He is the Most High, All-knowing, All-seeing, Self-sufficient, Healer, Provider, Banner, Sanctifier, Peace, Shepherd, Protector, and Lord over all, who is ALWAYS THERE?
If you knew Him more deeply would you approach The Throne of Grace with more confidence and trust in His Will? Would your faith, therefore, be unshakeable? Would you have peace that surpasses all understanding, regardless of your circumstances, because you know your God?
Oh, friends, let us seek Him with an insatiable desire so that we may more fully understand our LORD, and praise the inexhaustible abundance and omniscience of our Holy Father! That in Him, we may thrive and glorify Him...as we are made more fully complete into His likeness. For, from Him and through Him are ALL things, and all glory is to Him, forevermore!
Job 28:24
...for he views the ends of the earth
and sees everything under the heavens.
Isaiah 44:24
This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb:
I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself...
Psalm 139:1-4
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
Job 37:5
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
Romans 11:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?”
For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
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.
.l
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.
Monday, January 13, 2020
Resisting Wayward Thoughts
Resisting Wayward Thoughts
Let us surrender our our wayward thoughts and our carnal reasoning to The Father.
Let us embrace His Eternal Truth, His Perfect Way and His Everlasting Light.
Let us armor up and call upon The Power of God for a mindset fixed on Him...rebuke in Christ's Name the power and influence of the enemy in our thoughts...and claim the victory of an enlightened soul and spirit in The Name of Jesus!
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
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. (Ephesians 6:12)
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:3)
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Let us surrender our our wayward thoughts and our carnal reasoning to The Father.
Let us embrace His Eternal Truth, His Perfect Way and His Everlasting Light.
Let us armor up and call upon The Power of God for a mindset fixed on Him...rebuke in Christ's Name the power and influence of the enemy in our thoughts...and claim the victory of an enlightened soul and spirit in The Name of Jesus!
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
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. (Ephesians 6:12)
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:3)
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Friday, January 10, 2020
Refined
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.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
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.
Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave
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.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Take Thoughts Captive
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.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
God Is Bigger
What giants are you facing today? -
Would it make any difference if you just stopped...got still with God...and considered that your conflict is not against flesh or things seen, but against spiritual wickedness in high places?
Would you get on your knees in obedience...align your will with His...and surrender it to The LORD of Hosts, Jehovah-Sabaoth?
Why place your faith or trust in something less than the All-seeing, All-knowing, Almighty Creator? Why take on the battle without The Lord when there is so much power in His Name alone?
Do not fear. Do not be dismayed or discouraged. Stand firm in your faith at the feet of Jesus. He is always with you and will NEVER leave or forsake you!
HE IS RULER OVER ALL principalities and powers, seen and unseen. He is bigger than any giants we will ever face. And the battle belongs to Him!
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.
2 Chronicles 20:15
...Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
1 Samuel 17:47
And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.
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.
Psalm 20:7-8
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
Psalm 124:8
Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
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.
Monday, January 6, 2020
From Tears To Joy
As we walk through seasons of life we will most certainly endure hurts, losses, disappointments, setbacks, and sorrow - but take comfort, for our tears will yield an everlasting harvest of joy, peace, and eternal life.
We are not without hope!
As dim as things may appear presently, be encouraged for our God is still Sovereign.
He is still on the throne!
You are still in His grip!
And He is still working things out for your good!
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Galatians 6:9
“He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.”
Psalms 126:6
“So the ransomed of the LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; Sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Isaiah 51:11
“I will give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.””
Isaiah 61:3
Friday, January 3, 2020
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.
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.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Authentic Identity
The only relationship that determines one’s identity is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Spouses, families, service, church, friends, careers, and interests all contribute to our enrichment and maturation. However, only the One who created us determines who we truly are...and the only way to The Father is through the One who shed His blood at Calvary. Salvation through Jesus Christ is the indicator of authentic identity - an everlasting identity that fills every void, offers an abundant and fruitful life, and promises an eternal inheritance.
Galatians 3:26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:14
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 8:16
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Romans 8:19
The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God.
Romans 9:8
So it is not the children of the flesh who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.
2 Corinthians 6:18
And: "I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
Galatians 3:26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 1:5
He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will,
1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.
1 John 4:13
By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit.
1 John 4:15
If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
The Lord Is There!
As we reflect back on the past year, and look forward to the new year, let us never lose sight that the Lord is in our midst.
He is there in the good times, the difficult times, the lean times, the times of fear and uncertainty, always reminding us through His Word that our hope is not found in what is seen but what is unseen. Our hope is in Jesus - our precious Savior.
No matter the season of life - He is there! He will walk us through every season. Even when things don’t make sense and we can’t see a way out- He is there!
He brings light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, guides, protects, provides, comforts and fills us with His love and grace. We are never alone.
So let’s enter into the new year with confidence trusting that whatever the year brings - The Lord is there!!’ Hallelujah!!!
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