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Showing posts from January, 2021

Come to Your Senses

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“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ — Luke 15:17-19 (NLT) Jesus tells the parable of the Prodigal Son. A certain man had two sons. The younger of them demanded his share of his father’s estate. He packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, where he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. (See Luke 15:11-14) Luke 15:16 (AMP) says, …and no one was giving anything to him. The moment we stray away from our heavenly Father, we are in danger of starving to death, because we are disconnected from our life Source. In John 6:35 (AMP), Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The one who comes to Me will never

Rely on Him

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Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. — Proverbs 3:5 (TPT) We are not to rely on our fluctuating feelings and wavering opinions. Instead, we are to rely on the LORD, and live in alignment to His Word and His ways. He does not change. (See Malachi 3:6) His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. (See Isaiah 55:9) May we trust and rely on Him, in every situation and circumstance. The LORD will guide you along the best pathway for your life. He will advise you and watch over you. (See Psalm 32:8 NLT) In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. — Proverbs 3:6 (AMP)

“Seek My Face”

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Lord, when you said to me, “Seek my face,” my inner being responded, “I’m seeking your face with all my heart.” — Psalm 27:8 (TPT) Require His Presence as your greatest need and sincerely seek the Lord with all your heart. The LORD says: Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you. Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:12-13 AMP) Be all in! “The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; — Deuteronomy 33:27a (AMP)

Prepare the People

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“ And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly. ” — Luke 1:16-17 (NLT) An angel of the Lord spoke these words to Zechariah, regarding his son, John the Baptist. John did not give in to the cultural norms of his day. Instead, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. May we be like John the Baptist and go in the Spirit and power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus to point the people of this generation to our coming King. Let our lives exemplify God’s wisdom, grace and truth. …you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. ( 2 Timothy 4:5 NLT)  We overcome by the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and bec

New Life

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For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. — Romans 6:4 (NLT) Followers of Christ are empowered to walk in the freshness of new life, and live in union with Jesus. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. (Romans 6:7-8 NLT) So don’t you see that we don’t owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! (Romans 8:12-14 MSG) … let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. — Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)

Don't Give Up

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 The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet and makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]. — Habakkuk 3:19 (AMP) When we draw our strength from the LORD, He enables us to do all that He has called us to do. Don’t give up. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. (Hebrews 3:14 NLT) That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT)

He will Not Fail You

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No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.   — Joshua 1:5 (NLT) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 AMP) 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 4:4 NKJV) “No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from Me,” says the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17 AMP)

Eyes on Jesus

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“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. — Matthew 14:29-30 (NLT) As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible. When he started to look at the external circumstances around him, he began to sink. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus. [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith… (Hebrews 12:2 AMP)

Praise Him More & More

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But as for me, I will wait and hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.  — Psalm 71:14 (AMP) Be my rock of refuge where I can always hide. You have given the order to keep me safe; You are my solid ground—my rock and my fortress. (Psalm 71:3 VOICE) It was you who supported me from the day I was born, loving me, helping me through my life’s journey. You’ve made me into a miracle; no wonder I trust you and praise you forever! Many marvel at my success, but I know it is all because of you, my mighty protector! (Psalm 71:6-7 TPT)  For your glorious righteousness reaches up to the high heavens. No one could ever be compared to you! Who is your equal, O God of marvels and wonders? Even though you’ve let us sink down with trials and troubles, I know you will revive us again, lifting us up from the dust of death. Give us even more greatness than before. Turn and comfort us once again. (Psalm 71:19-21 TPT)  The LORD alone is our only hope. Trust in Him at all times. Let our prai

Humility before Honor

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Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.   — James 4:10 (NLT) Before honor comes humility. (Proverbs 15:33b) Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation. (Philippians 2:3-5 TPT) Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave hi

Kind & Tenderhearted

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Lord, you’re so kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and so patient with people who fail you! Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness. — Psalm 103:8 (TPT) Bless the LORD, my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, my soul, and do not forget any of His benefits; Who pardons all your guilt, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with favor and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. (Psalm 103:1-5 NASB) Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His faithfulness is everlasting. (Psalm 136:1 NASB) He provides food for hungry men and animals! His tender love for us continues on forever! Give thanks to the great God of the heavens! His tender love for us continues on forever! (Psalm 136:25-26 TPT)

Up Close & Personal

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The LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” — Exodus 33:14 (NLT) May we know God from personal experience, and not from what others say about Him. Just as God was with Moses, He personally goes with you. Our heavenly Father desires a relationship that is up close and personal, with His children. You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession… (1 Peter 2:9 NASB) God has chosen you to be a people for His personal possession. And you, your lives must be totally obedient to God, our personal God, following the life path he has cleared, alert and attentive to everything he has made plain this day.” ( 1 Kings 8:61 MSG ) And everything will be fine for you too.

Take Strength

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Tell those who worry, the anxious and fearful, “Take strength; have courage! There’s nothing to fear. Look, here—your God! Right here is your God! The balance is shifting; God will right all wrongs. None other than God will give you success. He is coming to make you safe.” — Isaiah 35:4 (VOICE) Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything, tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. The LORD will be the stability of our times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. (See Isaiah 33:6 NASB)  “ Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God. I am the God above all the nations, and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth.”  (Psalm 46:10 TPT) Take strength and have courage. Our great God is higher and bigger than any mountain that stands before you.

Speak Life

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Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life … — Philippians 2:14-16a (NLT) Let us not argue, complain or blame. Instead, be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. (Colossians 4:6 MSG) Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)

He will Turn it Around

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But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. — Genesis 50:19-20 (NLT) God will use what the enemy intends to harm you with, to bring about good. …we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) He will turn your mourning into joyful dancing. He will take away your clothes of mourning and clothe you with joy. (See Psalm 30:11 NLT) That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever. — Psalm 30:12  (AMP)

Be Strong!

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… Let the weak say, “I am strong!” — Joel 3:10b (AMP) Psalm 92:12 says, the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD! (Psalm 31:24 NLT) In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. (Ephesians 6:10 AMP) Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. — 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT)

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) When circumstances appear dismal and all seems hopeless, choose to rejoice in our great God. He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. The One who brought water out of the rock, is our Source. The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet and makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]. (Habakkuk 3:19 AMP)

He’s on Your Side

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Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can [mere] man do to me? — Psalm 118:5-6 (AMP) Far better to take refuge in God than trust in people; Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities. (Psalm 118:8-9 MSG) God’s my strength, he’s also my song, and now he’s my salvation. Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved? “The hand of God has turned the tide! The hand of God is raised in victory! The hand of God has turned the tide!” (Psalm 118:14-16 MSG) With God on your side, who can stand against you?

A Very Present Help

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God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. — Psalm 46:1-2 (NLT) Our mighty God is a very present and well-proved help in trouble. So do not be anxious or afraid. Rejoice in hope because of our confidence in Christ. Be patient in trouble, and devoted to prayer, continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength. (See Romans 12:12) Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! — Romans 15:13 (TPT)

Live by Faith

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 “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God. — Habakkuk 2:4 (NLT) Let us walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]— (See 2 Corinthians 5:7 AMP) In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. (Proverbs 3:6 AMP) Know that the LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (See Psalm 34:17-18 NLT)

Called & Chosen

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“ These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful. ” — Revelation 17:14 NASB God chose us before He created the foundations of the world, to be in Christ. And these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. (Romans 8:30 NASB) And you are among the chosen ones who received the call to belong to Jesus, the Anointed One. (Romans 1:6 TPT) Count on this: God is faithful and in His faithfulness called you out into an intimate relationship with His Son, our Lord Jesus the Anointed. (1 Corinthians 1:9 VOICE) We have been called out of darkness and into His marvelous light, to live in the light of His love, peace and joy. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9), created with a purpose and a plan to fulfill. And we overcome, because Jesus has al

Do Not be Silenced

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“ But I am not silenced by the darkness, nor deep gloom which covers me. ” — Job 23:17 (NASB1995) No matter how dark the times, let His praise continually be on your lips. …the LORD’s purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21b NLT) When circumstances appear to be gloom and doom, Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalm 62:8 AMP) I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. — Psalm 34:1 (NASB)

The Lovingkindness of the LORD

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O praise the LORD, all you nations! Praise Him, all you people! For His lovingkindness prevails over us [and we triumph and overcome through Him], and the truth of the LORD endures forever. Praise the Lord!  (Hallelujah!) — Psalm 117:1-2 (AMP) Our awesome God is the source of compassion and lovingkindness, (See Psalm 78:38 AMP) His lovingkindness is better than life… (Psalm 63:3) The lovingkindness of the LORD is sweet and good and comforting; (See Psalm 69:16) His lovingkindness and truth will continually preserve you. (see Psalm 40:11) Trust [confidently] in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever. (See Psalm 52:8) Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy; (Psalm 103:4) For the LORD is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations. (Psalm 100:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear and worship Him [with awe-fille

Worship & Give Thanks

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Come, let’s worship and bow down, Let’s kneel before the LORD our Maker. For the LORD is a great God and a great King above all gods, — Psalm 95:6, 95:3 (NASB) It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, Most High; to declare Your goodness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night, (Psalm 92:1-2 NASB) For You, LORD, have made me joyful by what You have done, I will sing for joy over the works of Your hands. How great are Your works, LORD! Your thoughts are very deep. (Psalm 92:4-5 NASB) At each and every sunrise we will be thanking you for your kindness and your love. As the sun sets and all through the night, we will keep proclaiming, “You are so faithful!”      — Psalm 92:5 (TPT)

Work at It

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Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. — Hebrews 12:14-15 (NLT) Notice the Word says, peace is something we have to work toward. It doesn’t just happen. In every relationship be swift to choose peace over competition, and run swiftly toward holiness, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14 TPT) Desire peace over having your own way. Choose peace and work at it. 

New Life

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So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life . — 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 (NLT) As believers, we have been given new life in Christ. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25) He can take what appears to be dying and give it new life. If it is a relationship that needs new life, submit it to Jesus and let the healing begin. If your joy and hope need to be resurrected, call upon Jesus. Let Him restore your joy and renew your hope today. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. — Romans 5:18 (NLT)

Follow His Example

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L ive a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. — Ephesians 5:2 (NLT) Follow the example of Jesus and live a life of extravagant, sacrificial love. The Amplified Bible says, walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others]… (Ephesians 5:2a). For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29 NLT) “ For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps .” — 1 Peter 2:21 (NLT)

Seek the LORD

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Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. — Psalm 105:4 NASB Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. (Psalm 105:1-3 NASB)  May we daily seek the LORD, and His will. “ You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ” — Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB)

He Remembers

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And God remembered and thought kindly of Noah and every living thing and all the animals that were with him in the ark; and God made a wind blow over the land, and the waters receded. — Genesis 8:1 (AMP) When storms come into your life, know that God remembers you. Any storm that comes, will also pass. He has not forgotten about you. He will bring you through the storm. God saw you before you were born. Every day of your life was recorded in His book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are His thoughts about you. They cannot be numbered! You can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when you wake up, God is still with you! (See Psalm 139:16-18 NLT) He will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Be Thankful

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in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (AMP) It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, Most High; To declare Your goodness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night, For You, LORD, have made me joyful by what You have done, I will sing for joy over the works of Your hands. How great are Your works, LORD! Your thoughts are very deep. (Psalm 92:1-2, 4-5) Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. — Colossians 3:15 (AMP)

Make Your Plans

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Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], and your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. — Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) Go ahead and make all the plans you want, but it’s the Lord who will ultimately direct your steps. (Proverbs 16:1 TPT) We should indeed make our plans. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) says, where there is no vision the people perish. However, we need to commit our works to the LORD and follow His guidance. We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. (Proverbs 16:9 MSG) Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:6 NLT) Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there. — Proverbs 16:9 (TPT)