Tuesday, November 30, 2021

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.

Monday, November 29, 2021

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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Wednesday, November 24, 2021

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. 


Tuesday, November 23, 2021

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


Monday, November 22, 2021

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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Thursday, November 18, 2021

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 saveme 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!

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

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.

Monday, November 15, 2021

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.


Friday, November 12, 2021

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)


Thursday, November 11, 2021

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.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

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.


Monday, November 8, 2021

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? 

Friday, November 5, 2021

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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Thursday, November 4, 2021

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


Wednesday, November 3, 2021

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.

Monday, November 1, 2021

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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