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Showing posts from April, 2022

Hope in God

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Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you —  — Psalm 42:5-6a (NLT) Remember God and keep your hope in Him alone. Never forget the good things He does for us. He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases. He redeems us from death and crowns us with love and tender mercies. (See Psalm 103:2-4 NLT) Even in dire situations …we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT) Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Now may God, the 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) ‬‬

In Him

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for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ — Acts 17:28 (NKJV) In Jesus, we live , without Him, we perish. Jesus came that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. (See John 10:10 AMP) When we move in Christ, everything we do, every step we take and every word we speak will align with His Word, His will and His ways. As we move in the Lord, the perfect timing of God unfolds, right connections are made and divine appointments take place. When we actually have our being in Jesus, we surrender all and submit to Him as the Master of our lives. In our Lord and Savior, we are able to become the person our heavenly Father created us to be. Only He can perfect and complete us. Remain in Him, each and every day. Amen. And so I walk in the LORD’s presence  as I live here on earth!  — Psalm 116:9 (NLT)

He Sees

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Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” — Genesis 16:13 (NLT) Just as the LORD saw Hagar as she wandered in the wilderness, He sees you. He knows exactly where you are and the struggles you face. Our mighty God, is El Roi, the God Who Sees me. He watches over His people, like a good shepherd, watches over and cares for his flock. The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (See Psalm 32:8 NLT) Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21 NLT) May we, like Hagar, truly see the One who sees us. And strive to follow Him all the days of our lives. The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.  — Psalm 34:14 (AMP)

Be Transformed

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Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete. — Romans 12:2 (VOICE) Our transformation begins on the inside, where the Spirit of the Lord dwells. Then it can be seen on the outside as we bear the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, let us change the way we think by consistently renewing our minds with the Word of God. As our minds meditate on the Word, it permeates our hearts and leads to actions and reactions that display the nature of our Heavenly Father. Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, that I may not sin against You.  — Psalm 119:11 (AMP)

Our Source of Strength

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“ My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. ” — Psalms 73:26 (NLT) The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace. (Psalm 29:11 NLT) When David’s men began to talk of stoning him, 1 Samuel 30:6 (NLT) says, David found strength in the LORD his God. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) says: those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. In His strength we can crush an army; with our God we can scale any wall. (See Psalm 18:29 NLT) What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD… (Psalm 84:5 NLT) When the LORD is our strength and our song; he gives us victory. (See Psalm 118:14 NLT) May we continually draw our strength from the LORD. He has an endless supply.  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 3:1

Children of God

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Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. — 1 John 3:1 (NKJV) Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children. (1 John 3:1a TPT) As children of the Most High, let us reflect His love and grace in our character and in all of our actions. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Romans 8:14 NLT) We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. (1 John 5:19 NKJV) So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. (1 Peter 1:14 NLT) Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. (See Philippians 2:15 NLT) Those who have been born into G

“I AM with You Always”

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“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. — Matthew 28:20 (NKJV) The most perfect and precious gift God gives us is His Presence, and He promises to be with us always. In Isaiah43:2-3 (NLT), The LORD says, “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. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. The LORD God Almighty is with you and no matter what you go through, He will bring you out on the other side. Amen.

This is The Day

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This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 (NASB1995) Psalm 139:16 NLT says: Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Since our heavenly Father took the time to write this day down in His book, know that there is meaning and purpose to this day. It is a day, that He has made. Let us rejoice in the fact that no matter what happens or doesn’t happen today, the God Most High, is with us and He will guide us along the best pathway for our lives. (See Psalm 32:8 NLT) Amen. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you.” — Psalm 32:8 (AMP)

Surrounded

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As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. — Psalm 125:2 (NKJV) When everyone abandons you, the Lord stands with you and gives you strength. You can always depend on Him. The Eternal is with me, so I will not be afraid of anything. If God is on my side, how can anyone hurt me? The Eternal is on my side, a champion for my cause; so when I look at those who hate me, victory will be in sight. It is better to put your faith in the Eternal for your security than to trust in people. It is better to put your faith in Him for your security than to trust in princes. (Psalm 118:6-9 VOICE) Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen. — 2 Timothy 4:18 (NLT)

Delight in the LORD

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Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. — Psalm 37:4 (NASB1995) When we delight ourselves in the LORD, the greatest desire of our hearts is for more of Him. One thing I have asked of the LORD, and that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD [in His presence] all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. (See Psalm 27:4 AMP/NLT) As I read in a devotion this morning, instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, let us pour our energy into seeking God, the Perfect One. He is much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes our way. O taste and see that the LORD [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him. — Psalm 34:8 (AMP)

Be Deeply Rooted

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Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. — Colossians 2:7 (NLT) In the same way you received Jesus our Lord and Messiah by faith, continue your journey of faith, progressing further into your union with him! (Colossians 2:6 TPT) Stay connected to Jesus, and always reflect His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others away from sin. (See Colossians 2:6 AMP) We are able to do this knowing that everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. — 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

Rock of Safety

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I love you, LORD; you are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. — Psalm 18:1-3 (NLT) God is our immovable rock of power and strength. We can trust Him at all times. He arms us with strength for the battle and subdues our enemies under our feet (See Psalm 18:39) God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. (Psalm 18:30 NLT) Who stood up for me against the wicked? Who took my side against evil workers?
If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up. — Psalm 94:16-19 (MSG)

Consider Jesus

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Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession; — Hebrews 3:1 (NASB1995) Let us think carefully about our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. Hebrews 3:1 (NIV), says to fix your thoughts on Jesus. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name. (See Philippians 2:8-9 NKJV) He is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. (Revelation 1:5 NKJV) He is ruler over all. Christ is faithful as a Son over His [Father’s] house. And we are His house if we hold fast our confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ]. (Hebrews 3:5-6 AMP) As followers of Christ, let us humble ourselves and be found faithful in our Father’s house. In Revelation 2:10 NASB1995, Jesus said, “ Do not fear what you are about to suffer… Be faithful until deat

The Resurrection & The Life

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Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” — John 11:25-26 (NLT) Martha replied that she did indeed believe. She said, “…I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” (John 11:27) Do you believe that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said, that He was buried, and was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said? (See 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) 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)  All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, (1 Peter 1:3 NLT). Because J

Believe.

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Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” — Luke 24:25-26 (NLT) The disciples were grieving and weeping after the events of the crucifixion. (See Mark 16:10) They had no hope because they did not believe the Word of God, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day. (See Luke 24:7) Let us not lose hope and become discouraged while we are in the waiting period, the seemingly silent Saturday, between the suffering and trials of Friday and the glory of the fulfillment of all that has been promised in the Scriptures. Always trust and believe in our risen Savior, the Living Word. Jesus said, blessed are those who believe without seeing Him. (See John 20:29) Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach

He Gave

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When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and [voluntarily] gave up His spirit. — John 19:30 (AMP) Jesus, having prayed to the Father, that He wanted the will of the Father to be done (See Luke 22:42), willingly gave His life. Philippians 2:8 (AMP) says, He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross. Our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. (Hebrews 10:12 NLT) For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. (Hebrews 10:10 NLT)
 Let us accept all the Father has given us through Christ and His amazing sacrifice of love and grace. In light of all that Jesus has done for us, what are you willing to give, in obedience to Father? May we voluntarily surrender ALL to Jesus, for in Him we live and move and have ou

The Lamb of God

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For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. — 1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT) He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. (1 Peter 2:24 NLT) Life without Jesus is empty and futile. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. (1 Peter 1:18:21 NLT) Keep your trust and faith in God, and experience the fullness of life that He designed for His children to live. 

Listen to Wisdom

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Here are kingdom revelations, words to live by, and words of wisdom given to empower you to reign in life, written as proverbs by Israel’s King Solomon, David’s son. — Proverbs 1:1 (TPT) Wisdom is a gift from a generous God, and every word he speaks is full of revelation and becomes a fountain of understanding within you. (Proverbs 2:6 TPT) Those who cling to these words will receive discipline to demonstrate wisdom in every relationship and to choose what is right and just and fair.” (Proverbs 1:3 TPT) “So train your heart to listen when I speak and open your spirit wide to expand your discernment— then pass it on to your sons and daughters.” (Proverbs 2:2 TPT) James 1:5 says: if any of you lacks wisdom, ask our generous God and He will give it. He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace. (James 1:5 TPT) But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a

Never Give Up

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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) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (Romans 5:3 NLT) We can be glad that our troubles are temporary. Second Corinthians 4:17 (NASB) describes our afflictions as light and momentary. And they do not compare to the future glory we have in Christ. Jesus endured the cross by looking at the joy that was set before Him. (See Hebrews 12:2) So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT) For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromis

Our Advocate

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“Even now, behold, my Witness is in heaven, and my Advocate [who vouches and testifies for me] is on high.” — Job 16:19 (AMP) Satan is the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses us before our God day and night. (See Revelation 12:10) But Jesus is our Mediator and Advocate. He intercedes for us, with the Father. For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.(1 Timothy 2:5 NLT) He offered Himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free. “You are my dear children, and I write these things to you so that you won’t sin. But if anyone does sin, we continually have a forgiving Redeemer who is face-to-face with the Father: Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2 TPT) He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. (Psalm 37:6 NKJV)

A New Heart

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As Saul turned and started to leave, God gave him a new heart, and all Samuel’s signs were fulfilled that day. — 1 Samuel 10:9 (NLT) After the LORD appointed Saul to be ruler over Israel, God gave him a new heart. First Samuel 10:10 says, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul. In addition, Saul was changed into a different person. (See 1 Samuel 10:6) Second Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) says, that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! When we accept Christ, as Savior, the Spirit of the LORD comes to dwell within us. We are in Christ, joined to Him by putting our faith in Him. We are renewed by the Holy Spirit. Our previous moral and spiritual condition passes away, new things come because spiritual awakening brings a new life. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP)  Don’t let the enemy lure you back to the old life. Make a daily decision to follow Christ. The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. They begin afres

Boast in the Name

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Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the LORD our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. — Psalm 20:7-8 (NLT) Let no one boast in men, or the things of this world. They will pass away or rust and decay, but the name of our great God stands forever. Those who trust in and rely on the name of the LORD will rise up and stand firm. Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:8 NASB) Elohim is the all-powerful One and Creator of all. He is El Elyon, the God Most High, and El Shaddai, the all-sufficient Source of all our blessings. He is El Olam, the eternal and everlasting God. “He who boasts and glories, let him boast and glory in the LORD.” (See 1 Corinthians 1:31 AMP) Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head over all. (1 C

In Due Time

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Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the LORD. (1 Samuel 1:10 NLT) First  Samuel 15-16 NLT says, Hannah was very discouraged, and was pouring out heart heart to the LORD. She prayed out of great anguish and sorrow. …When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the LORD remembered her plea, and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the LORD for him.” — 1 Samuel 1:19-20 (NLT) Hannah’s son went on to faithfully serve the LORD, in the house of God. Samuel was a prophet and key leader to the Israelites. We should always pray and never give up. (See Luke 18:1) The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (See James 5:16 NLT)  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers and the LORD will answer, in due time.

Go Deeper

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When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon [Peter], “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch [of fish].” — Luke 5:4 (AMP) Our relationship with God is not to be surface-level or superficial and confined to a Sunday morning. God calls us to venture out into the deep, with Him. In John 10:14 (AMP), Jesus said: “I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me ]—” Those who don’t have deep roots, don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. (See Matthew 13:21 NLT) John 20:31 (AMP) says: …these have been written so that you may believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God; and that by believing [and trusting in and relying on Him] you may have life in His name. Colossians 1:10 (AMP), instructs us to steadily grow in the knowledge of God [with deeper fa

He Rescues!

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God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light. Yes, God does these things again and again for people. He rescues them from the grave so they may enjoy the light of life. — Job 33:28-20 (NLT) He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me and led me to a place of safety. (See Psalm 18:16-19 NLT) The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. (Psalm 37:39) He rescues us because He is faithful and good. (See Psalm 109:21 NLT) 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. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. (Psalm 34:17-19 NLT) Our mighty God is faithful and comes to

Wait Patiently

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I waited and waited and waited some more, patiently, knowing God would come through for me. Then, at last, he bent down and listened to my cry. He stooped down to lift me out of danger from the desolate pit I was in, out of the muddy mess I had fallen into. Now he’s lifted me up into a firm, secure place and steadied me while I walk along his ascending path. — Psalms 40:1-2 (TPT) Wait patiently and full of expectation, knowing that our great God will come through for you. In due time your mess, will become your message. He will turn your mourning into joyful dancing. He will take away your clothes of mourning and clothe you with joy, that you may sing praises to Him and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever! (See Psalm 30:11-12 NLT) Exalt the LORD, for He rescues you. He refuses to let your enemies triumph over you. (See Psalm 30:1 NLT) He redeems your life from destruction, and crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. (See Psalm 103:4 NKJV) Oh, the joy

Stay Awake

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Don’t set the affections of your heart on this world or in loving the things of the world. The love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible. For all that the world can offer us—the gratification of our flesh, the allurement of the things of the world, and the obsession with status and importance —none of these things come from the Father but from the world. — 1 John 2:15-16 (TPT) The book of Judges gives us the account of Samson. He fell in love with a woman named Delilah. (Judges 16:4 NLT) Her intention was to bring Samson down. After Delilah constantly nagged him, Samson told her the secret of his strength. (Judges 16:16-17)  In Judges 16:19-20, Delilah lulled Samson to sleep with his head in her lap, and had his hair shaved. In this way she began to bring him down, and his strength left him. When he woke up, Samson thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him. Today, our heavenly Father has promised to never leav

Fully Committed

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“ The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him… ” — 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NLT) If you are on the earth and you are fully committed to the LORD, know that He will strengthen you. He strongly supports those who follow Him. (See 2 Chronicles 16:9 VOICE) When we are fully committed to Adonai, as the Owner of our lives, we surrender ALL to Him. Instead of trying to force our own agenda, we strive to do His will, and follow His ways. And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. (Romans 12:1 NLT) In Luke 12:34 (NLT), Jesus said: “ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. ” Treasure the LORD and His Word and the desire of your heart will be for more of Him. Lay your heart on His altar today, and be deeply committed to

Go!

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Then the LORD turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” — Judges 6:14 (NLT) Judges 8:4 says, Gideon crossed the Jordan River with his 300 men, and though exhausted, they continued to chase the enemy. May we actively pursue the things God has called us to. At times, we may get weary but we need to go with the strength we have, and know that the LORD will provide everything we need. Psalm 29:11 NLT says: The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.  Just as the LORD sent Gideon, He is sending you. You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Go, pursue, overtake and recover all the enemy has stolen from you.

Live in the Light

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“ The people who were sitting (living) in [spiritual] darkness have seen a great Light, and for those who were sitting (living) in the land and shadow of [spiritual and moral] death, upon them a Light has dawned. ” — Matthew 4:16 (AMP) Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT) Jesus came as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in Him would no longer remain in the dark. (See John 12:46 NLT) We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light. Turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. (See Acts 26:18) ...let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12 NKJV) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:5 NLT) Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. (See John 12