The Lord Delivers

 

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

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.

Ephesians 4:32

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

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.

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

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.

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.

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Eternal Perspective

A key factor in achieving peace in the midst of adversity is maintaining our eternal perspective. This strengthens our resolve as we wait patiently on The Lord. We focus on our Lifeboat, Who provides a refuge of still waters, regardless of the surrounding stormy seas.

Eternal perspective is gained through prayer and intimate fellowship with The Father, help from The Holy Spirit, saturation in the scripture, and by consciously removing our gaze from the worldly temptations Satan surrounds us with.

Eternal perspective lends a Godly view...the REAL big picture...and assists us in overcoming temptations and weathering storms, while maintaining perfect peace of mind.

When we look through the Christ lens, we experience love and grace, and we extend the same to others. We have everlasting peace, because we understand we were carefully crafted with purpose; that God intends for us to live an abundant, fruitful life, not one constantly tainted with misery, regret and uncertainty. As our faith is strengthened in the presence of our Savior, we glean more of Who our God really is and we gain a more personalized understanding of His design for us.

Our eternal perspective is founded in God's truth and is steeped in His cherished promises. We are enabled to make each day count for our King, because we have our eyes on the prize. So, at the end of an enormously tough day or season, we know with all that we are, it is virtually non-existent when compared to the reward of an eternity with Jesus.

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Philippians 3:14

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

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!

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 14:2

In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

Hebrews 3:1

Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, set your minds on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

Revelation 3:21

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

Romans 8:17

And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ--if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Philippians 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ...

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.

2 Samuel 22:31

As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Delivered

 

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

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

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

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

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

Amen.

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 68:20

Our God is a God of deliverance; the Lord GOD is our rescuer from death.

1 Peter 2:25

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

Luke 15:20

So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

Isaiah 53:6

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

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Ezekiel 34:15

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

Psalm 34:17

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

Romans 8:18

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

2 Corinthians 4:17

For our light and temporary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs our troubles.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to fountains of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

First Seek The Counsel of The Lord

There are a plethora of self-help books available offering various theories and approaches for dealing with the rooted issues of negative emotions and behaviors. Modern day psychology is valuable in understanding the soul (mind, emotions, and will). This is the area that gets sick.

The rooted systems in our life can make our souls extremely sick. A psychology approach can diagnose the problem and offer solution. However, since the solution offered is rooted in humanism and, therefore, manmade, there is no true long term healing that can occur. At best it can help change behavior, and give you tools for self-discipline, or positive thinking. That is not freedom.

There is no lasting victory because it does not deal with sin. It does not allow for the blood of Christ to cleanse us and change us. It merely puts a band-aid over symptoms. It may address anxiety, depression, outward manifestations and symptoms of deeper issues – but often the first solution offered is medication and never gets to the root. So people are not getting the true healing they are seeking.

As Christians, we know that only God has the power to heal us from the inside out and set us free. That is true victory. He doesn’t just change behaviors; He transforms, renews, restores, redeems and breaks the chains of bondage. Psalm 147:3 says “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Isaiah also tells us that God is the “Wonderful Counselor.” John 14:6 says “the Holy Spirit is the Counselor.” Therefore, true freedom is found only by applying biblical truths to the wounds of our heart. Jesus is the balm of Gilead. He is the ointment that heals the wounds of God’s hurting children. 

God uses us because of our flaws and mistakes, not in spite of them.

God uses us because of our flaws and mistakes, not in spite of them. Our imperfections and struggles create humility, and increase our dependence upon Him. As we travel towards our final destination, we are engaged in a transformative process of being made whole, and holy unto Him. Until that day, we should rest assured that His grace sufficiently fills in the gap; be grateful and rejoice that His power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Our human frailties remind us of our unending need for our precious Savior! 

Jesus is the Balm for brokenness, and He adorns the afflicted with salvation! We could never in our own efforts cleanse sufficiently to come before Him; but, He is faithful to meet us where we are - and HE does the cleansing and sanctification...HE makes all things new. Once we get a good look at Him up close, fully surrendered to His will and receiving the regenerating power of The Holy Spirit, our natural desire is to witness as appointed servants for The Kingdom of God. Arise, and receive your anointing! Claim your promised, imperishable crown of beauty for ashes, that The LORD your God may be glorified!

1 Corinthians 1:27-29

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

Mark 2:17

When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Truth and Mercy

 

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

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

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

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

John 1:17

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

Psalm 89:33

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

John 8:32

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Lamentations 3:22-23

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

Abba God…

Abba God,

I pray that today and every day You will teach us how to replace our fears with faith...

That we will cast our 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 we will surrender our troubles to You, our Holy Heavenly Father, who is ALWAYS GREATER than any rejection, failure, criticism, emotion or enemy we may face today or tomorrow.

I pray that we 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 our trust in You will produce in us a faith that will motivate us to just let go of the things that hold us back, give them to you and receive peace beyond measure in our hearts and minds.

I pray that we will cling to Your Truth and Your Promises and find refuge in You when we encounter dark valleys in our days, seasons and lives...place our trust in You, our Tower of Strength, for You Are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and You have repeatedly assured us that You are for us and will protect us.

Father, we thank You and praise You for Your Grace, Love, Mercy and Sovereign Protection in our lives! We thank You for the atoning Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, so that we may be reconciled unto You...for our adoption and citizenship in Your Kingdom...for the security, peace and comfort that You provide in our authentic identity in Christ!

In Jesus Christ's Holy, Righteous Name...Amen!

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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.

John 8:36

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

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.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-control.

2 Corinthians 3:17

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

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.

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 21:23

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

James 1:19

My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:7

A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

Proverbs 10:11

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Romans 14:19

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

1 Peter 1:15

But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.

Overcomer

 Rejoice today that you are an overcomer! You have received Jesus as your Savior, and your identity is rooted in Him. Through Christ, you have defeated death and conquered darkness! You are a new Creation, and He who is in you is greater than anything! Walk in victorious freedom; for in Him, there is no condemnation...only a lighted life that cannot be extinguished. This is His eternal promise to you; this is the abundant life He offers to all who receive Him. You are His...rescued and redeemed...sealed for Eternity...one with The Son!

Rejoice and praise The King of kings and LORD of lords, as you walk in confident and unshakable faith! Rise grateful every day with hope and predestined purpose; freely receive His Grace...and run your race as the conqueror that you are called, equipped, and chosen to be!

1 John 4:4

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

1 John 5:4

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith.

John 1:5

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

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.”

Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Ephesians 1:13

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Galatians 3:14

He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Revelation 3:5

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”

Revelation 3:12

“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.”

Revelation 17:14

These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

John 10:10

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Romans 8:37

Yet 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!

When Darkness Is Called Light

 

We are living in a time when truth is twisted, righteousness is mocked, and deception parades as virtue. The world celebrates what God calls sin and silences those who stand for His truth. Yet amid the confusion, we can find peace , because none of this surprises the Lord.

He warned us that such days would come. But He also promised that light would shine in the darkness, and the darkness would not overcome it (John 1:5).

When injustice reigns and good people are condemned, remember: God’s justice never sleeps. His throne is still secure, and His timing is perfect. Our call is not to lose heart, but to stand firm — to keep loving, keep praying, keep proclaiming truth with grace.

“For the Lord loves justice and will not forsake His saints.”

— Psalm 37:28

So take heart, beloved. We were born for such a time as this. The world may call darkness light, but we know the true Light of the world — Jesus Christ. And one day soon, He will make all things right.

Hold fast. Speak truth. Shine bright. Our King is coming soon.

You Are Not Alone In Your Grief

Some of the most powerful healing can come through the most painful of circumstances. One of those extremely painful circumstances is grief but need not look further than Jesus and His word for healing.

Mary was distraught and beside herself with grief when Lazarus had passed away. But what she did was not run and yell at Jesus, not turn away from Him, not call Him names or question Him. No, she ran and fell at His feet grieving and sobbing. Humbly at His feet He met her. Jesus wept. Jesus wept the tears with her, He groaned and sobbed the same pain and from here the healing took place. He gave her the only thing that could heal her-His Comfort, His Love and His promises! “Jesus said to her, Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)

And one of the most profound miracles recorded happened!

Weep at the feet of Jesus...here lays the comfort, love, healing and promise of hope that with His tears will wash away grief. “Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows. Isaiah 53:4 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14 “He has made all things beautiful in His time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

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He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

 

People Will Disappoint You

 

No matter how much you believe in someone. No matter how great someone is, they will eventually let you down in some area. They’re human. They’re broken. And just like you and me, they are not at all, perfect.

But, if our hope was never in them to begin with. If we were never relying on THEM to make us feel loved, valued, and accepted in the first place, then, when they DO let us down, it won’t really shake us at all. Because we will know the truth, that what they do or say doesn’t change who we are, or one thing at all — it just reinstates the fact that they have their own issues, they struggle, and sometimes, intentionally or not, they will do things that disappoint us, and whatever the reason is to why they did what they did, we will know, is more about what they are going through in their own life and heart, than it is about us. And we will truly be able to to step back and see why THEY may be hurting, instead of being the one that ends up hurting, which, is SO freeing.

Our hope has to be in Jesus — for EVERYTHING, friends. Not people. Because when it is, when you are doing everything on YOUR end, the best you can, you can KNOW, that whatever happens each day, is truly in God’s hands. Someone can let you down, say something hurtful, break up with you, you can lose your job, get in an accident, or anything at all, and it won’t rock your boat for a second, because you will KNOW, that it’s not about you, but what Jesus wants to do in each situation, through you, and HE sees you. He sees the situation. He knows the truth. He’s allowed it. He has purpose in it. And He WILL use it ALL for good (Romans 8:28).

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And, when some people see that what they do doesn’t have power over you, or control you, or upset you like it used to or how they think it should, something incredible happens, and not just in their heart, but yours, too. They will see a change in you that cannot be explained. They will see a trust in God that they, too, will want to obtain. And they will see Jesus in you each day, and friend, THROUGH you, Jesus will be able to continue to work in their heart, too.

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So if this was for you, praise God! He sees you and He truly wants to help you.