Author of Peace

God brings order out of chaos, even the chaos we create ourselves.

If there is conflict and confusion in your life today and you lack peace, chances are you are looking at the relationship, situation, or problem through the eyes of the world. Doing so brings about impatience, disorder, and anxiety, which can cause us to lash out unlovingly at others.

But when you shift your focus through God’s lens, His peace begins to reign in your heart. God is able to help you respond to others in love, patience, and forgiveness; thus, maintaining peace with those around you. It’s your choice – you can live in confusion or chaos, or you can live a life marked by peace.

Proverbs 16:7 

When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Isaiah 26:3 

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

John 14:27 

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33 

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Philippians 4:6-7  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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.

God Will Never Leave You

Christmas is a time of good cheer, excitement,  expectancy, warmth, busyness and feelings of joy surrounded by family and friends. But for some, it can be a time of extreme loneliness.  Loneliness can be described as a feeling of emptiness in the pit of your stomach when someone you love has left you either through death or broken relationships. You may feel abandoned, unwanted, or unneeded as if you’re all by yourself when you are actually surrounded by all kinds of people. You may feel like no one really cares.

These feeling can intensify if you begin to believe that your loneliness is a result of something being wrong at a core level with you – that you are somehow unacceptable, unworthy, don’t measure up, or unlovable.

When this happens, you may feel hopeless and have nothing to live for. Your pain can erode your self-worth, and drain you of strength.  Loneliness puts a huge wall around your heart and prevents you from allowing others in including God.

When you feel as if the entire world has abandoned you, and that no one understands your pain and sorrow God’s Word promises that the Lord is with you and He will never leave you.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

In your loneliness and despair, have you distanced yourself from the Lord?

It is never too late to draw near to Him again. You are His precious child. And when you return to Him, you will be welcomed with open arms. You will have heartfelt joy when returning home to the shelter of God’s unconditional love and acceptance. You are never alone.

Abundant Life

Would it make any difference to you today if you received the truth that Jesus came that you may have life, and to also have it abundantly?  How much different would your life be if you understood that God has a specific, fruitful plan for you; one that is immeasurable by man?

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

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

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

Ephesians 3:20

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

Psalm 37:4

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

Philippians 4:19

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

Ephesians 1:11

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will... James 1:17

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

Romans 16:25

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

2 Corinthians 9:8

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

Using Words Wisely

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

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

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

Matthew 12:36

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

James 3:5-6

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

Colossians 4:6

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

Psalm 49:3

My mouth will speak wisdom, And the meditation of my heart will be understanding.

Ecclesiastes 10:12

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

Proverbs 13:3

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

Intercessory Prayer

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)

Enduring Trials

Perseverance and patience are virtues we may not always welcome into our spiritual transformation. For our character to be honed with these, it means we must face difficulties and hardships. These often occur in clusters, sometimes resulting in whole seasons of despair. We grow weary and worn from the battle, and sometimes feel as though we cannot possibly proceed another day in this way. We feel frustrated, even angry, and may begin to believe that God is far away and doesn't hear our pleas for mercy.

While these seasons can be tremendously difficult to endure, we must not lose hope. Perhaps the outcome is irrelevant, because the lesson lies in the process of moving through the mountain. Thus, we can pray for God to remove our obsession with the problem, and expel our own expectations of acceptable solutions; acknowledge that He alone is on The Throne, has the absolute answers, and is equipped for the battle. We can ask the Teacher to reveal what He would have us learn in these trials; pray for Him to strengthen our resolve while we wait upon Him. We can carelessly continue to claw forward, or we can allow Him to carry us; pray for His comfort and strength, rest in His embrace, and ask that He pour His refreshment into us. We should reconcile the situation in ourselves; accept His portion, provision, help, and healing. We must pray persistently for the fulfillment of His promises over our lives; claim the victory with confidence in Christ's Name.

But most of all, we must persist in our trust and faith in The LORD. We must pray for patience and perseverance, regardless of how we "feel" - and get real with ourselves and God in our prayers. He already knows about yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is intimately acquainted with our weaknesses and the struggles we face. He knows the best possible outcome for every problem. He has already designed all the ways He intends to shape us. Regardless of the cause of the issue, He can tailor it to a useful and beautiful benefit for His Kingdom. And always remember, our faith is tested under pressure; if our faith is never stretched and forced into action, we simply do not grow. He knows exactly what we need to become the authentic being He designed, and what it takes to bend and form us according to His purpose!

And when He deems it time to prevail and we have our blessed breakthrough, we can reflect on all of the marvelous miracles we clearly see in our hindsight. We must praise Him for sustaining us with His righteous hand, increasing our faith, fulfilling His promises...and for maturating our character with spiritual patience and perseverance.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

Luke 21:19

By your patient endurance, you will gain your souls.

Romans 2:7

To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.

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.

Romans 5:3-4

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 8:37

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.

Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Hebrews 10:36

You need to persevere, so that after you have done God's will, you will receive what He has promised.

Cure for the Burdened Soul

Run to and rest in the open, eternal arms of our loving Father. Release all your burdens to Him and take His yoke instead.

Resign yourself to the will of God and seek His Holy counsel. He will sustain you and uphold you with His righteous hand..

Be still in His loving care while He refreshes you with Living Waters...as you find rest and repose for your weary soul.

Psalm 55:2

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Isaiah 28:12

to whom he said, 'This is the resting place, let the weary rest,' and, 'This is the place of repose...'

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Mathew 11:29-30

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.””

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Lord, Examine My Heart

Dear Lord,

I ask that today and every day You will partner with me in a thorough examination and cleansing of my heart. Reveal, heal and deliver me of all the strongholds I am bound by in my life. LORD, please expose with Your Truth and Light all the pain, fear, shame, guilt and sorrow that is hidden within dark places of my heart … all the things that prevent me from living a life of freedom, peace, and joy that come from a transparent relationship with You.

Father. Please show me how to come before You in faith, trust, obedience, and submission, 

revealing to me all the lies I have received and believed in my life… helping me to replace my deformed belief system with Your Word and Your Truth, which endures forever. Teach me Your Ways, LORD, and show me how to find freedom in your limitless forgiveness for myself and others, to embrace myself as a new creation. Allow me to see myself through Your eyes, as Your precious child, joint heir with Christ in Your Kingdom of Heaven.

Write a new story on my heart, LORD… one born of The Holy Spirit, guided by the power of Your redemption and restoration. Please bless and comfort me with a wholeness of healing that is only possible through You, Jehovah Rapha-my LORD Who Heals. Abba Father, I praise You for all that You Are, yesterday, today and tomorrow, and pray all these things in the Name of my Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Lead Me To The Rock

 

If you are overwhelmed today, if your circumstances are more than you can bear, be encouraged to cry out to Jesus -- to the Rock that is higher than you, and higher than all your problems.

He will deliver you. He will bring you to a place of strength and victory.

Father, many today are facing problems and situations that are beyond their understanding, beyond their capacity. I pray your Spirit will lead them this Day to Your Son, that they might find in Christ their strength, their deliverance, their health, and their peace.

“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. “

In Jesus' Name, Amen

When Words Tear Down

Constructive criticism is often difficult to receive but purposeful. God may be using others as ‘heavenly sandpaper” to teach, correct, and refine us.

But constant harsh criticism, the kind that leaves us feeling demeaned, discouraged and devalued can cause emotional wounds, strain relationships, and stunt emotional growth especially when it comes at the hands of those we love and trust the most. We are called to build each other up not tear each other down.

Sadly, those who have a pattern of tearing down may be acting out modeled behavior of harsh criticism from early childhood. Don’t personalize a person’s critical spirit. They are acting out of woundedness causing them to sin against you. Guard your heart against believing lies about yourself, set healthy boundaries to protect your heart, don’t retaliate, hold fast to God’s truth, pray for your offender and release them to Jesus.

You are His precious child. He will lift you up dispelling the lies with the truth of His Word. Let the Balm of Gilead bring healing to your heart.

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 12-17

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Sonja’s Psalm of Praise

 

Praise the Lord!

What a privilege it is for me to lift up Your name and yo sing praises to you!

You have healed my broken heart and bound up my wounds and continue to, day after day!

 

You are setting this prisoner free!

Great is Your name and Great is Your faithfulness!

Lord, You have been my Strong Tower, my Shield, my Protector, An Ever-present Help in time of trouble; My Deliverer, my Healer, My Redeemer, my Savior, my Friend, my King, my God!

 

To whom or where would I go?

Only You truly have the words of eternal life and you have so graciously shared them with me! 

Father God, You are worthy to be praised 

And exalted above the heavens!

I don’t have words to give You the glory 

And praise You deserve!

 

Lord, I have taken refuge in You in the middle of so many storms and You have always heard my cry and saved me giving  me such comfort and relief and hope!

You have always heard my cry and come to my rescue!

 

How could I not praise You?

You have never failed me, always listening to my cry!

I will continue to praise You, Lord, for Your faithfulness!

I will rejoice and be glad in You, Lord!

Walk by Faith

Let us fix our eyes on things unseen and eternal, and seek The Lord our God with our whole hearts.

Let us have everlasting hope in our omniscient Creator, regardless of our human perspective, and fully trust in His perfect plan.

And may our faith be refined like silver when tested...glorifying our Holy Father in Heaven.

Proverbs 8:17

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

James 1:3

...because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance...

2 Corinthians 4:18

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

1 Peter 1:7

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

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.

Precious In His Sight

If you knew how valuable and treasured you are, you would do all you can to lift others up when they are down, and not want to put them down or try to find fault with them.

If you knew how valuable and treasured you are, you would always encourage others and never discourage them.

If you knew how valuable and treasured you are, you would help people see beyond their present circumstances into a bright and shining future filled with hope because all of us have a bright and shining future anchored in the hope we have in Christ.

If you knew how valuable and treasured you are, you would see people through their brokenness and not their faults because that is how your beloved Father in heaven sees you.

If you knew how valuable and treasured you are, you would pray daily for others, especially the lost, and the unlovable who are seldom on anyone’s prayer list. You would understand that hurting people hurt people and often lash out because they don’t know what to do with the pain they carry inside.

If you knew how valuable and treasured you are, you would know that it is impossible to love others unless you receive God’s love first. We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

Precious child of the living God, when you know your value and worth in Jesus, you will go from a head knowledge relationship with the lover of your soul to a heart knowledge relationship overflowing with love, mercy, and grace that will freely pour out on others.

You are His treasure! Of so much worth! “See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

Prayer for Wisdom

LORD God,

We bow down before You in absolute reverence, humility, and surrender. We place our lives in Your almighty hands, and praise You for the hope we have because our identity is hidden and rooted in Your One and only Son, Yeshua HaMashiach, Who was sacrificed to bear the burden of our sin, rose on the third day, ascended to Heaven, and is seated at Your right hand. We repent of our transgressions, and plead the blood covering of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. We praise You for Your grace, ongoing sanctification, and claim Your eternal promises!

Father, wickedness abounds in this lawless and decaying world, as the dominion of darkness is desperately seeking to steal, kill, and destroy the eternal inheritance You established long ago for those who love You. LORD, we know You are in control and Your Word will be seen through to completion - that You command all things seen and unseen, and that the war is already won. We pray for all who do not understand Your Truth, and are lost in the deception of this world...that Your light will pierce through the darkness and give them eyes that see Truth - that they will turn away from sin, have ears that hear the voice of The Holy Spirit, and seek Your righteousness. 

Father, as we see the ensuing the battles in both the spiritual and physical realms, our hearts are pressed to come before You to ask for wisdom. You’ve told us wisdom is supreme; if we lack wisdom to ask, and You will give it generously. So, today we present our petition to Your Heavenly Throne. LORD, we ask that You bless us with a greater understanding of Your Truth and the excellence of Your wisdom. We pray for discernment and spiritual insight, as we navigate through this season and prepare for Your Kingdom Age.

Father, our hearts ache for those who have never had hope, for those who have lost hope, and for those whose hope is dwindling. LORD, we need Your wisdom, strength, and guidance as we soldier through these turbulent times...as we co-labor for Your Kingdom, stand firm on Truth, bring hope to the weary, and plan for a new tomorrow! That You, LORD GOD, will be glorified! 

Father, we ask that You continue to be the lighted lamp to our feet, armor us up, direct our steps in Your path of righteousness, and nourish us with Your Word...fill our lamps to overflowing with the anointing of Your oil, as we prepare for the glorious return of our Groom.  

All glory, honor, and praise to The King of kings, and LORD of lords!!!

In The Name of Jesus we pray these things...Amen!

Proverbs 9:10(Amp)

The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.

Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

James 1:5

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Proverbs 2:5

then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 3:13

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,

Psalm 111:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

Job 28:28

And He said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'"

Proverbs 14:6

A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Prayer for Suffciency Grace

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for encouragement and truth in Your Word and Your promise of sufficient grace. I thank You for creating me the way I am and for showing me how to accept even my weaknesses...for this is where You fill in the gap with Your grace and Your power is magnified.

I pray for less of me and more of You....reveal to me new areas where I need refinement of character...sanctify me with Your Holy Spirit and maturate me spiritually, as You bring me from faith to faith...from glory to glory.

Show me Your Ways, Lord. Take all of me and shape me according to Your perfect will...partner with me today and every day, so that others will see You in me...all for Your glory and Your kingdom.

I praise You for Your redemptive gift of Christ so that I may freely receive grace and walk in freedom...in my true, authentic identity.  Thank You for Your ongoing transformation in me and for bringing me to where I am today. I praise You, Lord, for all the ways You have chosen to bless me...and I pray that You will enable me to open up even more of my heart to the work of Your hands.

Keep me on Your lighted, anointed and ordained path for my life, Father...and thank You for Your comfort and grace when I lose my footing. I need You...I love You...and I fully trust Your plan and purpose for my life, which belongs to You alone.

I pray this all in Jesus Christ's Holy and Righteous Name,

Amen.

1 Corinthians 2:5

...so that your faith would not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

2 Corinthians 12:5

I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.

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...

2 Corinthians 13:9

In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

2 Corinthians 12:10

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Leave A Godly Legacy

We have heard the old cliche ‘Life is but a vapor.’ Some cliches are rooted in some very real truths. James 4:14 says that our life is like the morning fog–it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. The truth of the matter is that someday we will all breathe our last and we will have a funeral. Have you ever asked yourself what people will say about you at your funeral?

Will they focus on your worldly accomplishments, your reputation, the material things you owned, the degrees you held, your profession, or will they say that you were a man or woman who loved God above all else, and your faith was the driving force in your life? The answer to these questions will determine the kind of legacy you will leave behind. A heritage is what is passed down to you such as a family name, culture, birthright, etc. A legacy is what you build into people. It’s what future generations will say about you.  It is for certain that you will leave a legacy. The question is what kind?

Our lives have a huge impact on those around us. You are or will be the patriarchs or matriarchs of your families…the leaders and your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will take what you have done with your life and build on their own lives. Your legacy then it’s a continuation of your influence beyond your lifetime. It’s either positive or negative that reflects what you value.

Have you thought about what legacy you want to pass on to your family? 

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.

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God Will Deliver You In Your Affliction

Lord, I worship You. You are my Lord and King, my precious Redeemer. There is no other God like You, entirely full of goodness, grace, and mercy.

You heal us when we are brokenhearted and bandage our wounds. You build us up when we are weak in our soul. You are great and powerful  O Lord, and You understand all things, even what is in my heart.

Thank you that I don't have to live with sadness hurt or depression. Thank you that you have put gladness in my heart. This day I put on the Garment of Praise in exchange for the spirit of heaviness, and I glorify you as Lord of all.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,  to proclaim freedom for the captives  and release from darkness for the prisoners, to comfort all who mourn,  and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise  instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. “ Isaiah 61:1-3

“I waited patiently for the Lord, And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3

“Do you not know?  Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,  and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

Conquering the Victim Mentality

Some who have been victimized by a painful past feel fearful, lost, disconnected, broken, without hope and need comforting.

There are many self help groups in modern day society offering support for victims. While helpful they often throw a "victim" label on the wounded, and it becomes their identity.

Some even take on a victim mentality always positioning themselves as the victim whether real or imagined. We did not have a choice in becoming a victim but we have a choice in staying one.

The bible says "we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) No matter what has happened God can heal, restore and set us free from the painful effects of the past. You can rise above having a victim mentality and become a conqueror in Christ. You are not without hope.

Joy Comes In The Morning

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

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

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

2 Corinthians 4:17

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Romans 8:18

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

1 Peter 5:10

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

Colossians 3:4

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

1 Peter 4:13

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

Titus 2:13

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

1 John 2:28

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

1 John 3:2

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

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The Lord God Is My Strength

These final lines of Habakkuk’s prayer, and the way his book closes, are some of the most beautiful and gut-wrenching passages of prayer in the bible.

Even through loss, uncertainty, scarcity, famine, and drought, yet I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

That kind of response in those kinds of circumstances requires deep faith.

I pray that we can have this song in our hearts to carry us through this very difficult season. That we, too, would rejoice out of a place of deep faith and trust that the Lord will strengthen us and carry us through.

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. 

‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭3:17-19‬ ‭

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 Author of Peace

God brings order out of chaos, even the chaos we create ourselves. 

If there is conflict and confusion in your life today and you lack peace, chances are you are looking at the relationship, situation, or problem through the eyes of the world. Doing so brings about impatience, disorder, and anxiety, which can cause us to lash out unlovingly at others. 

But when you shift your focus through God’s lens, His peace begins to reign in your heart. God is able to help you respond to others in love, patience, and forgiveness; thus, maintaining peace with those around you. It’s your choice – you can live in confusion or chaos, or you can live a life marked by peace.

Proverbs 16:7 

When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Isaiah 26:3 

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

John 14:27 

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33 

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Philippians 4:6-7 

 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

God Heals Broken Hearts

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

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

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

Jeremiah 17:14

I have come to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor;

He has sent Me [a]to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind,  To set at liberty those who are [oppressed;

 Luke 4:18

Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

Psalm 51:8 .

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

God Is Our Hope

Many people do not understand why their hope fails, yet in reality, their concept of hope is wrong. That’s why it is of utmost importance to know what true hope is. Christian hope is not dependent on another person, place or thing, but rather dependent on the Lord alone.

It’s not wishful thinking, vague longing, or trying to fulfill a dream, but rather is assured, unchangeable, and absolute.

It’s not determined by circumstances, surroundings, events, or abilities, but rather by what is already secure and promised. And it is not dependent on the stars, luck, or chance but has already been determined and settled in the heart and mind of God for our good and because of His unfailing love for us.

No human being or situation can fulfill all your deepest needs. Both people and situations change throughout our lives.

You may have days of feeling satisfied, but the satisfaction is temporary, the glimmer of hope fleeting. Only God can provide you with the love, acceptance, and security that at the end of the day is at the root of what our hearts are longing for.  God stands ready to meet your deepest inner needs. This is where our true source of hope is. This is His promise to us – Jesus the Anchor of our soul firm and steadfast. He will meet our deepest needs.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a priority...it is a true expression of agape love and it honors God. Understanding forgiveness is key and leads us to experience the fearless freedom it offers.

Forgiveness is not minimizing, excusing, or agreeing with the offense. We must see sin for what it is and recognize who the true offender is. Remember, our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places...against the author of anger, fear, frustration, hurt, pain, sin and confusion.

Separating the sin from the sinner opens up our heart to forgiveness of our fellow human beings...it allows God to shed His Healing Light and Truth on the stronghold of the offense...and the darkness loses its power.

Forgiveness does not always lead to reconciliation. Jehovah is Holy and He calls us to holiness. He also calls us to guard our hearts. There are certain relationships and circumstances that we should not expose ourselves to because they are not born of The Holy Spirit. We can forgive the offense...love and pray for the sinner...but must diligently separate ourselves from sin.

If we seek God and His truth...listen to the whisper of The Holy Spirit...He will enable us to forgive others and ourselves...lead us to the people, places and situations that He ordains, according to His purpose.

We have certainly all sinned and fall short of God's glory. But, as believers, we are to be imitators of Christ. And if we make forgiveness a priority, we will indeed experience peace, healing, wholeness and freedom...and honor Him with a clean heart.

Proverbs 19:11

A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

Matthew 6:14

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Romans 15:7

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.

Luke 6:37

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

The Lord Is Good To Those Who Seek Him

Many people do not understand why their hope fails, yet in reality, their concept of hope is wrong. That’s why it is of utmost importance to know what true hope is. Christian hope is not dependent on another person, place or thing, but rather dependent on the Lord alone.

It’s not wishful thinking, vague longing, or trying to fulfill a dream, but rather is assured, unchangeable, and absolute.

It’s not determined by circumstances, surroundings, events, or abilities, but rather by what is already secure and promised. And it is not dependent on the stars, luck, or chance but has already been determined and settled in the heart and mind of God for our good and because of His unfailing love for us.

No human being or situation can fulfill all your deepest needs. Both people and situations change throughout our lives.

You may have days of feeling satisfied, but the satisfaction is temporary, the glimmer of hope fleeting. Only God can provide you with the love, acceptance, and security that at the end of the day is at the root of what our hearts are longing for.  God stands ready to meet your deepest inner needs. This is where our true source of hope is. This is His promise to us – Jesus the Anchor of our soul firm and steadfast. He will meet our deepest needs.

The Lord Will Answer You In Times of Trouble

In hard times we’ve learned three things…

With God, we’re stronger than we’ve ever imagined.

Jesus is closer than we’ve ever realized.

And we’re loved more than we ever knew..

Psalm 46:1

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

Psalm 9:10

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

Psalm 22:8

"Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him."

Exodus 14:13-14

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

Psalm 91:7

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

Nahum 1:7

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

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

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

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A Crushed Spirit, Who Can Bear It?

Have you ever had a crushed spirit? 

Disappointment. Grief. Pain. Sorrow. Strife. Broken relationships.

All of these in isolation, or all together, are enough to crush even the strongest among us. And a crushed spirit can often last much longer than any sickness. Illnesses often have cures or medicine to alleviate the pain. A crushed spirit knows no such relief. Or does it?

Psalm 34:18 says that the Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. The psalmist goes on to say that while the afflictions of the righteous are many, the Lord delivers him out of them all. 

The proverb is true. We cannot bear a crushed spirit. But God can. While we would break under the sheer weight of such sorrow, God upholds us. And we are not alone. God knows our circumstance and is there to deliver us. Is it always immediate? No, but it will happen one day. While he will always be near to us in our moments of deepest suffering, he might not deliver us right away. Deliverance is coming, and while we wait for that day his promise to be near sustains us.

But there is something even more profound about this God who is near to the crushed in spirit. He knows the crushing blows intimately well. How can we know this? Because he crushed his own Son for our deliverance. The Savior, God the Son, was crushed for us. The Father was momentarily separated from him so we would always be near him. No one ever experienced a more crushed spirit than Christ on that day on the cross, all so we would never face such wrath and condemnation. Our ultimate deliverance from pain and sorrow is sure because the cross is sure. Psalm 34:18 is true because the cross is true. 

A crushed spirit is impossible to bear, this is true. But by God's grace and kindness we do not have to bear such crushing blows alone. We have a God who not only promises his presence in every pain, but also knows our pain most intimately. A crushed spirit only God can bear, and he daily bears us up.

Faith to Believe

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

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

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

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

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

1 Corinthians 1:9

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

2 Thessalonians 3:3

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

Hebrews 10:23

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

Mark 9:23

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

John 11:40

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

2 Peter 2:9

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

1 Thessalonians 5:24

The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

Romans 8:28

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

1 Corinthians 10:13

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

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