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Showing posts from June, 2018

Unshaken

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“For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,” says the LORD who has compassion on you. — Isaiah 54:10 (NASB) Our heavenly Father is so faithful. Our great and awesome God cannot lie. (Titus 1:2) Every word of God proves true. (Proverbs 30:5 NLT) He is committed to His covenant of love and peace. The LORD God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth (faithfulness); (Exodus 34:6 AMP). Confidently trust in the LORD, and through the lovingkindness (faithfulness, goodness) of the Most High you will never be shaken. (Psalm 21:7) Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow you all the days of your life, and you will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6) “ Praise and give thanks to the LORD, for His mercy and lovingkindness endure forever. ” (1 Chronicles 20:21 AMP) All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and

Seasons

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“While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” — Genesis 8:22 (NKJV) This Scripture speaks of three seasons. A season of planting seeds, a season of harvesting, or gathering in the fruit that has been produced. And in between those two seasons, there is the season called TIME. How long? Only God knows. Some call this a time of waiting, but there are still things to do while you wait. If you have planted seeds of faith, the seed must be watered by speaking God’s Word over it. We have to keep weeds of doubt from growing, by guarding our heart and our ears to negative worldly opinions. (If it's not the truth of God's Word, it's an opinion.) We have to remain faithful to God and His Word and then the seed produces fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” Unlike natural seasons, we are to be engaged in all three seasons at the same time, continually planting seeds by speaking God's

He is with You

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When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. — Isaiah 43:2 (NLT) No matter how severe the storm, we have a SAVIOR who is stronger and greater. And He is with you. With our mighty God on your side, what can stand against you? In The Message Bible He says, “ When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior.”  (Isaiah 43:2 MSG)

Still in Pursuit

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“When Gideon came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit.” — Judges 8:4 (NKJV) Let us press on and continually pursue the things that our heavenly Father has called us to, and we will fulfill our purpose. We will reach our desired destination. First Timothy 6:11, tells us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Romans 14:19 says to pursue the things which make for peace. Hosea 6:3 instructs us to pursue the knowledge of the Lord. When we come to end of ourselves, let us draw strength from the LORD, our Source. And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14  NKJV)

Live Free!

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“ For if you embrace the truth, it will release more freedom into your lives. ”  — John 8:32 (TPT) The more we embrace the truth of God’s Word, the more freedom we will experience in our lives. The Passion Translation Footnotes read: The truth Jesus gives us releases us from the bondage of our past, the bondage of our sins, and the bondage of religion… To embrace the reality of Christ brings more freedom into your life. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. (John 8:36 NLT) Live free from shame, and guilt because the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).  Live free from fear and anxiety because there is no fear in love. His perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). Live free from the word “can’t” because in Matthew 19:26, Jesus said “…with God all things are possible.”

Know Truth

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“ And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” — John 8:32 (NKJV) The truth will make you free, however, you have to know the truth before it can set you free. We grow in our knowledge of truth as we meditate in the Word of God, day and night. Joshua 1:8 says, this Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Buy the truth, and do not sell it, (Proverbs 23:23). Treasure His Word in your heart. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100:5  NKJV)

Run Your Race

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. — Hebrews 12:1-2a (NLT) Let us lay aside every weight, anything that slows us down, and run our race with endurance. Instead of telling your neighbor how to run their race, keep your eyes on Jesus and press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:14 NLT) ...he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13 NKJV)

True Treasures

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“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” — Matthew 6:19-20 (NLT) Instead of collecting material things, let us us treasure the things of God’s kingdom. For wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. (Matthew 6:21) Let us hold a high value on love, joy, peace, righteousness, and forgiveness. May we cherish His Presence, where we find fullness of joy. In His Presence, we have peace in the midst of any storm.

by Faith

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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” — Romans 1:16-17 (NKJV) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12 AMP) For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV) As we overcome obstacles, and persevere through various trials, we go from faith to faith. Don't quit or draw back, instead, keep moving forward by faith. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NKJV)

He Cares

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It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. — Hebrews 11:6 (MSG) Cast all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. (1 Peter 5:7 AMP) Diligently seek Him in the morning, stay aware of His Presence throughout the day, and thank Him for His faithfulness at night. Seek Him and He will respond. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. (Ephesians 3:20 MSG) Believe that God cares about you and that He will do infinitely more than you might ask or think.

Seek the LORD

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Seek and deeply long for the LORD and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. — Psalm 105:4 (AMP) I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4 NASB) Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. (Psalm 34:5-6 MSG) When you are faced with challenges, look to our Champion, Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs, you who seek God. Live a happy life! Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence. (Psalm 105:3-4 MSG)

Why Pray?

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And He *said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a robbers’ den.” — Matthew 21:13 (NASB) Why pray? It takes our attention off of the problem and puts it on the One who can solve it. Prayer draws us deeper into the Presence of Almighty God. In His Presence is our peace, and our protection. Proverbs 18:10 (NASB), says: The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe . When we pray, we enlist the help of our heavenly Father, and it opens the door for the power of His Holy Spirt to work in us and through us. Our prayers help us to persevere and receive the promises of His Word. In Matthew 21:21-22 (NASB), Jesus said, “ Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. ” Our prayers can chan

Cry Out

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Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” — Matthew 20:30-31 (NLT) So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him. (Matthew 20:32-34 NKJV) Don’t let the crowd silence you. Cry out to the Lord and He will answer you. He is full of compassion. Continually seek His face and He will be found by you. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. (Psalm 107:6 NKJV)

Our Father

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And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.’ — Luke 15:31 (NASB) The father of the prodigal son demonstrates the heart of our Father who is in heaven. He adopted us and brought us into His family. He has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness. Let us always thank the Father. He has enabled us to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. (Colossians 1:12 NLT) See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; (1 John 3:1a NASB) That’s who we really are! Our Father is intimately acquainted with each one of us, to the degree that He knows how may hairs we have on our head. What a privilege and an honor to be named, called and chosen as children of God. Let us represent our Father and His kingdom well.

Return Home

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“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. — Luke 15:20 (NLT) A certain man had two sons. And the younger son demanded his share of the estate. A few days later he packed all his belongings and journeyed to a distant land, where he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. (Luke 15:11-14) 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. (Luke 15:16) “When he came to his senses, he decided to go back to his father. (Luke 15:17-18) When his father saw his son, he was moved with love and compassion and ran to embrace him. The love this father had for his son, demonstrates God’s unconditional love for us. He never gives up on us. If you have strayed away, the arms of the

Be a True Worshiper

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But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. — John 4:23-24 (NLT) The Message Bible says, “ It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration .” (John 4:23-24 MSG) Worship is not a matter of religion, but relationship. Worship should not just take place on Sunday morning, it is to be continual. Worship begins in our hearts and fills our minds. Then it comes out of our mouths and directs our motion. O come, let us Adore Him!

Proclaim His Praises

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Do not be misled, my beloved brothers and sisters. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens] … — James 1:16-17a (AMP) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, but never set your affections on the gifts themselves. Set your affections on the Giver of the gifts only. Be completely committed and devoted to the LORD, our Sustainer. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that we may proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) Our ultimate delight, satisfaction, and fullness of joy are found in His Presence.

Wait & Worship

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For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! — Isaiah 64:4  (NLT) When you have done all you can do, wait patiently for God to act on your behalf. Wait with great expectation of the mighty work He will do in your midst. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! (Psalm 27:14 NKJV) Instead of worrying about “when” and “how” while you wait, worship Him. The LORD favors those who fear and worship Him [with awe-inspired reverence and obedience], those who wait for His mercy and lovingkindness. (Psalm 147:11 AMP) Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. (Psalm 62:5 NLT)

TRUST HIM

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Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. — Psalm 37:3-5 (NLT) Why try to figure things out on your own, when we have the help of our heavenly Father? Let us continually seek the LORD’s help and rely on Him in all situations, no matter how the circumstances may appear. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Interlude (Psalm 62:8 NLT)

He is with You

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‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’  — Isaiah 41:10 (NASB) “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God, the Holy of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:2-4 MSG) No matter what you are going through, the LORD is with you and with God all things are possible!

Drawn & Led by Love

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The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” — Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV) “In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed;” — Exodus 15:13a (NASB) Our heavenly Father is not a harsh taskmaster. Everything He instructs us to do, or not to do is motivated by love. God loves His people with an everlasting love. With love He draws us out of dark places and leads us into His marvelous light. The flow of His compassion and kindness toward us never stops. There is a constant call for us to “COME” and “FOLLOW” Him. As we answer this call, we experience fullness of joy and know His unfailing love.

Our Burden-Bearer

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Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. Selah. — Psalm 68:19 (NASB) I’m so glad that the Lord bears our burdens every single day. He never leaves us to bear the weight and pressure of our burdens alone. It doesn't matter how many we have, or the weight of them, He's got it. Don’t let the issues of this life distract you from keeping your eyes on Jesus, or draw you away from His Presence. Keep your mind set on fulfilling the purpose and mission our heavenly Father has for you. Seek first God’s kingdom and He will handle everything that concerns you. Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin. (Psalm 55:22 MSG) Blessed be the Lord, who bears our burden day by day, the God who is our salvation! Selah. (Psalm 68:19 AMP)

Never Abandoned

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We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT) That’s why we live with such good cheer. You won’t see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don’t get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? (2 Corinthians 5:6-7 MSG) Trust God, He is with you. The LORD delivers the righteous out of all their troubles. (Psalm  34:17).

Choose to Rejoice!

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Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive fails and the fields produce no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the LORD; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (AMP) No matter how circumstances may appear, choose to rejoice today. If God is all we have, we have all that we need. We still have the victory! Offer up to the LORD a sacrifice of praise. Hallelujah!

Live in Peace

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Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] — John 14:27 (AMP) You cannot live in perfect peace, if you continually think about things that cause you to be anxious and fearful. However, the LORD will keep in perfect and constant peace, the one whose mind is focused on Him because they trust in Him. (Isaiah 26:3) …cast all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. (1 Peter 5:7 AMP) As long as we abide in His peace, we will have courage and strength for every challenge that comes our way.

Gather

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He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters. — Matthew 12:30  (NASB) Let us gather, in love, peace and unity. Tear down the walls that separate and build bridges that connect us. In John 17:20-21 (MSG), Jesus prayed: “I’m praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in me because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.” “This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you’re not on my side, you’re the enemy; if you’re not helping, you’re making things worse. ”— Matthew 12:30 (MSG)

God’s kingdom is here!

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While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called “the Baptizer,” was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: “Change your life. God’s kingdom is here.” — Matthew 3:1-2 (MSG) The kingdom of God is here! Open your eyes and see and hear with your ears, understand with your hearts and turn to the LORD, so He can heal you. (Matthew 13:15) For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 NLT). Seek first His kingdom. As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:12 NLT)

Great is the LORD

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For I know that the LORD is great, and our Lord is above all gods. — Psalm 135:5 (NKJV) The LORD is Elohim, the all—powerful God and Creator of the universe and all it contains. He intricately knits each and every person together in the the womb of their mother. And He writes all of our days in His Book, before we take our first breath. Almighty God is our provider. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). He is El Shaddai: the all-sufficient One. Whatever we need, He is our source. He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). He is Adonai or Lord, full of majesty  and glory, worthy to be praised. We are children of the Most High God. He is greater than any challenge you encounter. Let us worship Him in spirt and in truth. He must increase, but we must decrease. (John 3:30)

The Chosen One!

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“ Take a good look at my servant.     I’m backing him to the hilt. He’s the one I chose,     and I couldn’t be more pleased with him. I’ve bathed him with my Spirit, my life.     He’ll set everything right among the nations. He won’t call attention to what he does     with loud speeches or gaudy parades. He won’t brush aside the bruised and the hurt     and he won’t disregard the small and insignificant,     but he’ll steadily and firmly set things right. He won’t tire out and quit. He won’t be stopped     until he’s finished his work—to set things right on earth. Far-flung ocean islands     wait expectantly for his teaching. ”  — Isaiah 42:1-4 (MSG)  Jesus is Lord of all. Acknowledge His power, authority, and majesty. He is our mighty Advocate. We can trust in and rely on Him, the truly righteous One. With all that has gone wrong in the world, He’ll set everything right. He has overcome the world. Jesus comforts those who mourn, He heals the brokenhearted and bandag

Wait for His Help

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And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— John 14:16 (AMP) Our heavenly Father chooses to dwell with us. How awesome is that! With the Spirit of the LORD dwelling in us, we have an infinite source of strength and wisdom. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. Zechariah 4:6  says, ’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. His Spirit working in us empowers us and enables us to do all that He has called us to do. Let us wait for His help and His guidance. So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. (Isaiah 30:18 NLT)