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Showing posts from February, 2022

Who is Your Father?

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Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him. — 1 John 4:7 (TPT) If Almighty God is our Father, we are to continually love one another, for God is love. Anyone who does not love does not know God. (1 John 4:8) As children of the Most High God, we are not only to love those who love us. In Luke 6:27-28 (TPT), Jesus says: “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies and do something wonderful for them in return for their hatred. When someone curses you, bless that person in return. When others mistreat and harass you, accept it as your mission to pray for them.” Anyone with ears to hear should listen and make a dedicated decision to follow His instruction.  “...Be like your Father who is famous for his kindness to heal even the thankless and cruel. Overflow with mercy and compassion for others, just as your heavenly Father overflows with...

Strengthened & Empowered

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  …what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy. — Acts 2:16-18 (NLT) Our heavenly Father has given us His Holy Spirit, as our Helper, that He may abide with us forever. (See John 14:16 NKJV) Acts 1:8 (NLT) says: …you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” We can do all things which our Heavenly Father has called us to do through Him who strengthens and empowers us (See Philippians 4:13 AMP) Let us press on, moving onward and forward, taking ground for the Kingdom of God, in our sphere of influence. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. (See Isaiah 54:17) Amen. Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Eac...

Be Planted

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To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. — Isaiah 61:3 (NLT) Those who are planted in the Kingdom of God, will be called the trees of righteousness [strong and magnificent, distinguished for integrity, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. (See Isaiah 61:3 AMP) God’s blessings follow you and await you at every turn: when you don’t follow the advice of those who delight in wicked schemes, when you avoid sin’s highway, when judgment and sarcasm beckon you, but you refuse. (Psalm 1:1 VOICE) Instead, delight in the law of the LORD, and in His law meditate day and night. Then you will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which bears fruit each season and its leaves never wither. And in whatever you do, you shall prosper and com...

Abide

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“ When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength of God Most High. He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence. ” — Psalms 91:1-2 (TPT) How long will you waver between the world and the Kingdom of God? Choose to abide in El Shaddai, continually abide in His Word, and remain united in fellowship with Jesus. Psalm 84:4 (AMP) says: Blessed and greatly favored are those who dwell in His house and His presence.“When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High, our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm. How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us? God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go, defending you from all harm.” (Psalms 91:9-11 TPT)   For here is what the Lord has spoken to me: “Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name, I will greatly protect you. I will answer your cry for help every time you...

The Giver

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Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. — James 1:17 (NASB) God is a giver. Receive His love, grace and mercy. Some people walk past His gifts, not realizing that He offers, exactly what they seek. Others receive the gift and never open it up. They just let it fade into the background of their lives. By His divine power, God has graciously given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. (See 2 Peter 1:3) John 10:10 (AMP), says Jesus came that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. Our heavenly Father has given us everything we need to live and enjoy life. Everything we need is available to us. How many of His gifts have you left unwrapped? Isaiah 26:3 tells us, that He will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him! But some never unwrap His gift of perfect peace and therefore are a...

He Stands with You

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At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me…  — 2 Timothy 4:16-17a (NLT) It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. (Psalm 118:8 NASB1995) All others may forsake you, but the Lord will stand with you and give you strength. “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)

We Overcome

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“ These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. ” — John 16:33 (NASB1995) Take courage in whatever trials, troubles or sorrows you are experiencing, because Jesus has already made a way for us. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. (Romans 8:37 AMP) Revelation 12:11 (NASB1995) says, we overcome because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of our testimony, and we do not love our lives even when faced with death. May we faithfully share our testimony of the mighty works the Lord has performed in our midst. I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the LORD has done. — Psalm 118:17 (NLT)

Never Doubt

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“ I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you]. ” — John 15:9 (AMP) Never doubt God’s love for you. From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:16-17 NLT) We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. (1 John 3:16 NLT) Be filled with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. (See 1 Timothy 1:14 NLT)  Remain in His love and consistently share it with everyone God brings your way, even those who don't act or believe the way you think they should.  For in Christ Jesus what is important is faith expressing itself in love. (See Galatians 5:6)

Live Your True Life

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My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. — Galatians 2:20 (NLT) “Christ’s resurrection is your resurrection too. This is why we are to yearn for all that is above, for that’s where Christ sits enthroned at the place of all power, honor, and authority! Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm. Your crucifixion with Christ has severed the tie to this life, and now your true life is hidden away in God in Christ. And as Christ himself is seen for who he really is, who you really are will also be revealed, for you are now one with him in his glory!” (Colossians 3:1-4 TPT) As Christ lives through us, all we do and say will bring glory to the Kingdom of God.

He's Faithful

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Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own]. — 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (AMP) “I pray with great faith for you, because I’m fully convinced that the One who began this gracious work in you will faithfully continue the process of maturing you until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Philippians 1:6 TPT) So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NLT) Endure until the end because our mighty God is faithful.

How Good It Is!

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But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. — Psalm 73:28 (NLT) Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. (James 4:8 NLT) …Jesus is not some high priest who has no sympathy for our weaknesses and flaws. He has already been tested in every way that we are tested; but He emerged victorious, without failing God. (Hebrews 4:15 VOICE) Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. (Hebrews 4:16 AMP)

Not by Force

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Then he said to me, “This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.” — Zechariah 4:6 (NLT) Sometimes we try to force things to happen by our will and in our timing. But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance]... (Galatians 5:16a AMP). If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and our Lord, we have the Spirit of God living inside of us and we are to be controlled and led by His Holy Spirit. As we maintain our union with Christ, our mountains (obstacles) will become stepping stones that lead us closer to Him and toward fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives. What the enemy meant for harm, God will work it all together for good. Amen. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.  — Galatians 5:25 (NLT)

Trust YAHWEH

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Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not regard the proud nor those who lapse into lies. — Psalm 40:4 (AMP) When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You. In God, whose word I praise;
In God I have put my trust; I shall not fear. What can mere man do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4 AMP) 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)  O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. — Psalm 40:5 (NLT)

Blessed!

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If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. — 1 Peter 4:14 (NLT) But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! (1 Peter 4:16 NLT) God gave Him the name above all other names. so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11 NASB1995) So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. (1 Peter 4:19 NLT) ...let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 NLT) “ God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. ” — Matthew 5:10 (NLT)

As He Leads

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The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the LORD,
 and He delights in his way [and blesses his path]. — Psalm 37:23 (AMP) So follow the steps of the good, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it. (Proverbs 2:20-21 NLT) Be a close follower of Christ Jesus. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT) And 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)

Clear Out the Clutter

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My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” and my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” — Psalm 27:8 (NLT) If our hearts and minds are too cluttered with the things of this world, we will be unable to hear the still small voice of the LORD as He says: “ Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need], ” (Psalm 27:8 AMP) Let's not be distracted by current events or circumstances. Clear your mind of the clutter and set your affections on the LORD.  In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus replied “Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things, but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Choose the good part today, and listen to the Living Word of God. Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD. — Psalm 89:15 (NLT)

It's Passing

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For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]! — 2 Corinthians 4:17 (AMP) The thing to remember about any trouble you may be going through is that it is passing. It is not here to stay. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. (Psalm 34:6 NLT) Cast all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on the LORD, for He cares about you with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully. (See 1 Peter 5:7 AMP) Our heavenly Father hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17 NLT) Amen.

Put It On

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The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. — Romans 13:12 (NKJV) So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. (Romans 13:12 NLT) But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! (Romans 13:11-12 MSG) Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! (Romans 13:14 MSG) Light shines in the darkness for the godly.  They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.  — Psalm 112:4 (NLT)

His Presence

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Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.” — Exodus 33:15-16 (NLT) Today, the LORD has promised to never leave or forsake His people. We are a chosen people, royal priests, and a holy nation for God’s very own possession. (See 1 Peter 2:9 NLT) His Presence dwelling inside of those who believe, is to distinguish us from all other people. So don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (See Romans 12:2 NLT)

“My Lord!”

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“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. — John 20:28 (NLT) Call on the name, Adonai, which means “my Lord.” In John 20:29 (NLT) Jesus replied to Thomas: “ You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me. ” Don’t just know about God through what others tell you. Get to know Him personally, as your God. Follow Him and submit to Him with all your heart, mind and soul. 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) O LORD, our Lord, how majestic and glorious and excellent is Your name in all the earth! You have displayed Your splendor above the heavens. — Psalm 8:1 (AMP)

Live in His Shelter

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Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. — Psalm 91:1-2 (NLT) Our part is to live in the shelter of El Elyon, the God Most High. We are not to check in and out as if He is a temporary lodging facility. He wants more than Sunday visitations. He is Abba Father, full-time. We are to dwell in His Presence, and abide in Him all day, every day. Trust the LORD, with great confidence, and totally rely on Him. He is faithful to deliver His people from all their troubles. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (Psalm 91:3-4 NLT) When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength of God Most High. When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High, o...

Set Free!

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“ I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free. ” — Isaiah 44:22 (NLT) Stop looking back and letting your past control your present and your future. Jesus has set us free! Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. (See Lamentations 3:23 NLT)  May we let the power of Christ’s love control us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. (See 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NLT) If you have strayed in any way, return to your Redeemer and live for Him. … anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

His Kingdom Come

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 “ Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. ” — Matthew 6:9-10 (NASB) Jesus taught the disciples to pray that His kingdom come. He also taught the Kingdom of God is near now. (See Luke 10:9, Luke 10:11 & Luke 21:31 NLT) It is up to us to CHOOSE His way and the Kingdom of God over the ways of this world, our culture, or our selfish, fleshly desires. In Matthew 16:18 (NASB), Jesus said the gates of Hades will not overpower His church. So no matter how current circumstances appear, know that the church and the Kingdom of God will prevail. We fight from a position of victory. Daily, seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will provide everything you need. (See Matthew 6:33)

Shine Bright

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For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. — 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NLT) Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1-2 NKJV) May the light of God’s love and life, shine brightly through us who believe, that we may draw others out of the darkness and into His marvelous light. “ It will be your mission to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God. This is so that they may receive forgiveness of all their sins and have a place among those who are set apart for a holy purpose through having faith in Me. ” — Acts 26:18 (VOICE)

Go Deeper

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But I have this [charge] against you, that you have left your first love [you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me]. — Revelation 2:4 (AMP) Wherever you are in your love walk with the LORD, I encourage you to go deeper. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (See Deuteronomy 6:5 NASB) Love Him with your entire being and keep Him first, above all others. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. (1 John 4:16 NLT) And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should also [unselfishly] love his brother and seek the best for him. (1 John 4:21 AMP) Make a daily choice to be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, with God and with people. (See Ephesians 5:1-2) Copy Him and follow His example.

Confident Trust

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The LORD also will be a refuge and a stronghold for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble; and those who know Your name [who have experienced Your precious mercy] will put their confident trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not abandoned those who seek You. — Psalm 9:9-10 (AMP) 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. (Psalm 18:2 NLT) Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember and trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7 AMP) Do not fear bad news, instead confidently trust the LORD to care for you. (See Psalm 112:7 NLT) O LORD of hosts, how blessed and greatly favored is the man who trusts in You [believing in You, relying on You, and committing himself to You with confident hope and expectation]. — Psalm 84:12 (AMP)

In All Your Ways

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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) Develop a close, intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. We get to know the LORD, as we spend time with Him, reading the Bible and praying (talking AND listening). As we read His Word, it reveals His character and nature and tells us how to walk in His ways. Acknowledge His greatness and Supreme authority over all. He is El Elyon, the God Most High and Elohim, the all-powerful Creator of the universe. He knows all and He already has a path marked out for you. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:6 MSG)  Don’t think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that’s wrong.  — Proverbs 3:7 (TPT)

Called Out

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...you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. — 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) Our great and glorious God called us out of darkness, out of sin and the snare of the enemy. Just as He called us out of dark things, He also called us into something even better. He called us out of death, into life, everlasting life and a more abundant life. He called us into His marvelous light and lavish unconditional love. Even before He laid the foundation of the universe, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. We are called into His family. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One. (See Ephesians 1:4-5) He also called us into His Kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy. (See Romans 14:17) But you are the ones chosen by God, ...