Rise Up!
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. James 5:14-15, NIV
I went down to visit my parents for a bit just to get out of the office. While I was chatting with them my mom shared with me that her and my father had gone over to a couples’ home on Easter to drop off food and pray for them. They knew that the lady had not been able to walk since January 1, 2024. She was believing God for this surgery that would get her back on her feet, but she was told that after further examinations it would be too risky for her life to do this surgery. The lady was really down.
The family had no idea that my parents were coming with Easter dinner and they were so excited when they saw dinner was prepared. While they were there my mother took anointed oil and put on this lady’s legs. She laid her hands on the lady while my father touched my mother and her husband and they prayed. It was an awesome visit.
On Tuesday, the lady called my mom and said that she got up and walked! She walked to the rest room and to the laundry room by herself! She also said there had been some kind of tumor that had been on her leg since she was a teenager and after the prayer it was gone!
Every born again believer in Jesus Christ has this power! The world is hurting and hungry for healing and we have the answer, RISE UP! God has given you everything you need! Walk by the faith that he has given you! Listen, you are not the one doing the healing, that is God’s job. Scripture said all the believer needs to do is pray in faith and the Lord raises up the sick! God does the work!
How can we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and His power now lives in us and not believe that he will answer your prayer? Scripture says, “God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.” Psalm 66:19 If you are lacking in faith, just ask the Holy Spirit for help, He is right there with you and he is your helper!
The one thing I did not tell you is that my parents are in their eighties. Yet, they are moving just like Moses did letting God use them for all that he called them to do!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Marching Orders#2
And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave the orders to all the commanders about Absalom. 2 Samuel 18:5. ESV
Joab said, I will not waste time like this with you.” And he took three javelins in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak. And ten young me, job’s armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him and killed him.
In the scripture above King David, was going to war with his son Absalom who had deceived the people’s hearts. The people’s hearts had turned against King David and towards his son Absalom. Absalom had taken over King David’s throne and they were now in a fight for rulership.
David had ordered those who were in charge of his army to be gentle with his son Absalom for his sake. The entire army heard what King David had requested. Joab was told that Absalom was trying to escape the battle on a donkey when his hair had gotten caught on a tree limb and he was hanging from the tree. Joab asked the men if they had struck him down and they said, “No, because of the king’s request.”
Joab had the opportunity to follow the king’s order, but he chose not to. Instead he killed the king’s son with three javelins that he thrust into Absalom’s heart. When we are put in a position of authority, we do not get to make the decisions we think are right, we have to follow the orders given. It appeared that Joab did not suffer the consequences for his behavior, but later we find that he murder’s Abner whom King David had made peace with. 2 Samuel 3 Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the Lord for the blood of Abner the son of Ner. May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!” 2 Samuel 3:28-29, ESV
Just as King David said, when his son Solomon became king he ordered Joab to be killed because Joab went against him. When Joab knew he was going be assassinated, he ran to the house of the Lord and would not come out. The king replied to him, “Do as he has said, strike him down and bury him, and thus take away from me and from my father's house the guilt for the blood that Joab shed without cause. The Lord will bring back his bloody deeds on his own head, because, without the knowledge of my father David, he attacked and killed with the sword two men more righteous and better than himself, Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah. So shall their blood come back on the head of Joab and on the head of his descendants forever.
Disobedience and taking matters into your own hands can have a devastating impact on not only you, but on your generation to come. Scripture says, I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live. Choose wisely because your choices impact the lives of your offspring.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Sisters
So Laban gathered together all the people of the place and made a feast. But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her. (Laban gave[b] his female servant Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her servant.) And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” Laban said, “It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” Jacob did so, and completed her week. Then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. (Laban gave his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel to be her servant.) So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and served Laban for another seven years. Genesis 29:22-30, ESV
Jacob had worked seven years for Laban’s daughter Rachel, but instead he gave him his daughter Leah. When Jacob complained Laban agreed to give him his daughter Rachel for another seven years of work. Now there was a big celebration for Leah, however she learned that her husband didn’t want her. Her father Laban asked Jacob to finish out the wedding week with her and then he would give him her younger sister Rachel to be his wife as well. This action caused great discord within the family.
For many years there was a constant rift between the two sisters. Leah hated Rachel and blamed Rachel for stealing her husband. God opened Leah’s womb because she was not loved by her husband and blessed her with sons. When Rachel saw that she was not having children, she became jealous and gave her maid servant to Jacob so that she could build a family. The fighting went on for many years until Jacob brought them together and told them that they had to leave their father’s house because he had stolen from all of them. In that moment they become a unit and worked together to leave as a family. Genesis 31:14-19, ESV
We cannot control some of the things that happen to us. We can only control how we choose to behave in the situation. Leah and Rachel were put in a horrible situation and both of them suffered because of someone else’s actions. But God brought them to a place where they could agree to work together for the best of their family.
You may be dealing with a horrible situation because of someone else’s actions. Hate, anger and sorrow may be feeling your soul, but if you release to God he will heal and deliver you. David said, “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”
Father,
I trust you! I trust your word! You said in your word that I would have trouble. Some things seem so hard and impossible to me that it's difficult to understand your love for me. But you said that you came to set the captives free! I pray that you will heal my soul and deliver me from all the pain inside so that I can make the right decisions to love and live in your joy and peace! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Storm will Pass
In our city there was a lot of talk about a big storm coming. The news outlets were telling everyone to get things put away because of the storm. They said that it would last for about a week. I decided to get up early and go jogging before the storm hit our city.
While I was out on my run I saw other people up early exercising and taking their walks. I noticed maintenance workers checking storm drains to ensure they were unclogged so that the rain water would not back up. Everyone was making preparation for this storm. While I was making my observation, I heard the Holy Spirit ask me, “What causes a storm?” I said, “I’m not sure, but as soon as I get back from my run I will look it up.”
When I got home, the thought was still in my spirit. So, I looked up what causes a storm on the internet. There were three things listed: moisture, unstable atmosphere and something to start the movement. While sitting there just thinking about how that worked, the Holy Spirit said, “You are the moisture. Believers are the moisture.”
My mind went back to the story of the Samaritan women who Jesus met at Jacob’s well. She was there to get water and Jesus told her that if she wished, she could have the “living water” from him. When we accept Jesus as our personal savior we have the “living water,” or the word of God on the inside of us.
Then God gave me a revelation. He said that we cause storms in our lives when we are obedient to him. We cause movement in the atmosphere and the moisture starts to shake things up. I saw the vision. When we were are not doing anything the Holy Spirit comes along and gives us an assignment. We say, “yes” and we start to move. Our moisture water starts to form rain drops and Satan starts to take notice. Remember he is the prince of the air. He starts to check to see what is going on and then everything stirs up into a storm.
When all kinds of crazy stuff starts happening in our lives, we wonder what is going on. We say to God, “I am doing what you said and now it seems like things are getting worse instead of better.” We shook up the atmosphere. Satan sees that he is about to lose territory because of this movement and he does whatever is necessary to try and stop the movement.
When we step out in faith we say, “no” to Satan. We have moved out of the place of complacency and into war against Satan with God’s protection. When David said, “no” to Goliath, he entered into warfare. They were all ready in a war, but no one was moving. David stepped up with his faith in God, five smooth stones and his slingshot. When David killed Goliath, the Israelites took off and conquered the Philistines. See, David was the “moisture” that caused the storm and brought victory to the Israelites. [1Samuel 17] When we move in faith with God, we stir up the atmosphere and the storm clouds start moving, but just like with David the storm passed and likewise you will also have the victory!
We can stand on God’s word; no matter what the storm looks like! You will always have the victory! Because Jesus has already conquered the world! Do not be moved by the storm, but know that in Christ you are on the winning side!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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He is Always Watching Over You!
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2, ESV
Our God is the creator of everything and he is omnipresent. This means that God is everywhere, at all times and he is watching over you. I was out taking a walk when my daughter sent me a picture through her phone of her son. She was in the other room, but she had a monitor on him which is connected to her phone. At anytime she can see what he is doing. He was asleep just moving around in his bed and she took a picture of him from her phone and sent it to me.
Her son would never know that she was watching over him unless we showed him that picture. As I was walking the Holy Spirit said, “That is exactly how I am with you. I am always watching over you. Even when the earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of it. I was watching over it. I am always right there with you.” Just like her son could not feel, or see her, but she was right there.
Later as I reflected on the topic the Holy Spirit reminded me that we cannot see our spirit, but our spirit is always with us. We cannot see or feel the blood pumping through our veins, but it is right there moving in our bodies. We cannot see what the blood is doing in our bodies, but we experience the results of it’s work because everything in our body is operating so that we can live.
He then reminded me that we may not see the physical image of God, but we can witness his existence all around us. The sun rises and sets everyday. The ocean only comes so far and then goes back out into the deep. All the different types of vegetation, animals, insects that come and go without the assistance of man. He watches over his creation and he watches over you!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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A Place of Solace
Our soul is invisible, but we seek to bring pleasure and comfort to it by using tangible, material things. These material things will only bring temporary comfort, joy and peace. They can never bring total fulfillment to us because they are only material things. You cannot fulfill the invisible with the material. That is why so many people are looking for a place of rest and peace. They will seek out beaches, sit in a forest, go to the ocean, any where they can find a place of solitude for their souls. Our souls seek refreshment, but what is our soul? It is our mind, our will and our emotions. Our souls are invisible, and need the invisible God to bring rest, comfort, and contentment.
The true place of solace is with God. He is our place of refuge. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He is not looking to fill our souls with the temporary, materialistic desires of the flesh, but with his Spirit. His Spirit provides all that our souls need to stay in a constant place of peace, joy, harmony and love. He fills the invisible soul with all the unimaginable presence of himself! When our spirit meets his Spirit, perfection will arise in your soul. Everything will be amazing because you will feel the oneness of God. You will experience the place of your birth. Your soul will be at home. You can be completely vulnerable. There will be no shame or embarrassment; just perfect peace, joy and contentment in the Holy presence of God our King! When you release your soul to this place, everything else will fall into place!
He gives you perfect peace those whose mind is stayed on him. [Isaiah 26:3 NIV]
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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He Heals
…I am the Lord that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26, KJV
I pray a number of scriptures in the morning over a whole community of people. One of the scriptures I pray is Exodus 15:26 which says, “And said, if thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all is statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.”
I had been praying this scripture for a while when this particular morning the words, “I am the Lord that healeth thee,” hit my soul. In my prayer God said, “No one can heal, but me.” You are praying to the power that heals. I do not need man’s expertise I am God and I heal! No one can buy my healing. I heal! My prayer took a turn and I knew that he was telling me healing was in my presence. I began seeing those I had been praying for as being healed!
The medicine does not do the healing. It sustains, but does not heal. I have high blood pressure, so I take blood pressure medicine to regulate the pressure of my blood. The medicine does not heal me, if it did I would not have to take it everyday. I was thinking of when I had surgery on my feet, the doctor took care of what needed to be done during the surgery, but he sent me home with bandages so that my feet could heal. The doctor had done all that he could do, but he could not heal my feet. I had to wait for God’s natural healing properties within my body. When we get a cut on our finger, we can apply some anesthetic on the cut, but we still have to wait for it to heal itself.
God says, “I am the one that heals thee.” He heals in every area of our lives. Healing is not just left to physical, but spiritual, mental and emotional. No matter what you are dealing with in the moment; God heals when we follow his word. Healing comes with belief and obedience in God.
My dad was healed of bone cancer in his golden years. He went through the treatment process and then one day after 5 years of treatment, his doctor says I don’t know what happened, but you no longer have cancer! We all celebrated the miracle from God! However, my younger sister in her early thirties died of cancer. Does that mean God is not a healer? Absolutely not! Our prayer was that God would heal her on earth, but he chose to heal her in heaven. She left that sick body! It lays in the ground at a burial site, but she received a her healing all in one with him!
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalm 91:14-16
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Walking on Water
I have been listening to this song Trust in God for months now and God has used this song to help me to understand that he has given each of us a measure of faith to do what he has placed inside of us. Without walking in that faith we cannot please him, or fulfill what he has called us to do. I am reminded of the story of Peter walking on water. In Matthew 14 Jesus had finished preaching and there was no place for the people to go to get food. Jesus took two fish and five loaves of bread and prayed over it and fed five thousand people. Scripture says that when the people had finished eating there were 12 baskets of food left over.
Immediately after, Jesus sent his 12 disciples into a boat to go ahead of him to the other side while he dismissed the crowds. Jesus went up to the mountain by himself to pray. When it was late at night, Jesus came to the disciples walking on water and the disciples were afraid. But Jesus said to them, “Do not fear it is me.” Then Peter asked, “If it is you command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.”
When Peter stepped out of the boat into the water his eyes were on Jesus. He had the faith to believe that he could walk on water and he did. But somewhere during the walk he took his eyes off Jesus and he started to sink. He screamed for help and Jesus caught him. Jesus’ words to him was, “Yea of little faith.”
We all get to walk on water! Peter was showing us how to walk in our faith and what happens when we lose sight of Jesus. Every time God calls us to an assignment he shows us the finished project. It is always bigger than what we can handle on our on. We don’t have the ability within ourselves to do the task ahead of us. It is like Peter stepping out on the water. He did not have the ability to do what he did. Jesus gave him that ability with his faith. God knew that Peter had the faith. He knew what he had given him. Peter just needed to keep his eyes on God and not on what was around him.
All the impossibilities that God calls us to do is our water; it is our walk on water! The waves are high and it is impossible for us, but with God nothing is impossible! So how do we walk in faith? We do what he has placed right in front of us. We do not worry about all the things that we need to get done. We just step out with what we can do in front of us and keep our eyes on God. He will open up the door and the provisions will be waiting when we get there!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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One Language
And the Lord said, Behold they are one people and they have all one language; today this is only the beginning of what they will do, and now nothing they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them. Genesis 11:6, AMP
I was on the treadmill running while listening to message when I heard the pastor read the verse above. It seemed after she spoke those words everything went silent in my mind and I begin to focus on those words. I was so focused that I had to jump off the treadmill and write down that scripture so I would not forget it. The speaker had said when we are in one with God speaking the same language there is nothing impossible for us to do in Him.
As I meditated on those words, it came to me that my husband and I make decisions all the time as to what we would like to do. It can be as simple as agreeing to take a trip San Diego. We agree on where we want to go to stay and what we will do when we get there. Because we are in agreement and we speak the same language, what we have decided happens. We see this practice consistently happening all over the world. Steve Jobs co-founded the technology giant Apple Inc. with Steve Wozniak. They were of one mind and worked together to build what looked and seemed impossible to others.
The scripture above is telling us that this is what man can do when they are of one mind. But for those who are believers in Jesus Christ and have the mind of Christ there is more than we could ever imagine waiting for us to do! Scripture says, “…what eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]” 1 Corinthians 2:9, AMP
We as believers have the mind of Christ 1Corinthians 2:16. We hold the thoughts, feelings and purposes of God’s heart. So why are so many believers not doing those things that God has prepared for them? It is because as Apostle Paul said to the Corinthian church, “I could not talk to you as to spiritual [men], but as non spiritual [men of the flesh, in whom the carnal nature predominates], as to mere infants [in the new life] in Christ [unable to talk yet]” 1 Corinthians 3:1, AMP. Many believers do not speak the same language as Christ and have reverted back to the flesh.
Apostle Paul goes onto say,”I fed you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough [to be ready for it]; but even yet you are not strong enough [to be ready for it], For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses]. For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy and wrangling and fractions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere unchanged) men?” 1 Corinthians 3:2-3, AMP
Although we have the mind of Christ and his Spirit lives within us, if we operate out of our fleshly behavior we cannot fulfill all that God has ordained for us. We have to stay in his word and do as God reminded Joshua when he was getting ready to lead Israel into the promised land. He said, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1, ESV
Father,
I give you glory and praise! I worship you! Thank you for allowing me to repent and seek your face. It is my desire to do all that you have ordained for me to do. Father I cannot fix myself, please help me to move from all these fleshy ways so that I can have the heart after you and speak the same language fulfilling all that you have ordained for me. In Jesus’ name amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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My Fourth Man in the Fire
I heard the words “my fourth man in the fire” which were a part of the lyrics to a song I was listening to called Trust in God by Elevation Worship. I knew immediately that they were talking about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who were Jewish men who worked for King Nebuchadnezzar. He had built an image of gold that he wanted everyone to worship and bow down to when music was played at a certain time. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to this image and they told the king that they only worshiped God.
The king had made a decree that anyone who did not obey his command when the music played would be thrown into the fire. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused, the king was so angry that he had the furnace made seven times hotter and he had them bound and thrown into the furnace. When the king looked into the furnace, to his amazement he saw a fourth person in the fire walking around with them and he said that the fourth one looks like a son of the gods. Daniel 3
Jesus will always be wherever we are. He did not stop the king from putting Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fire, but he was there with them. God had a plan that would cause the king and all those around him to know that he was God. The many situations that God allows us to be in has nothing to do with us, but we are his vessels to let others see God’s glory so they could come to know him. Scripture says, “….that then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:26-30,ESV
When you are a servant of the Most High God, you always have a fourth man in the fire! Hallelujah!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Move
When God says move, it is not always comfortable. When he told Abraham to move, he had to pick-up and leave where he was comfortable to another region where he did not know anyone. When it was time for Esther to move, she was taken against her will by the king of Persia. But God’s plan was that she would become queen. When Joseph was being prepared to be second in command in Egypt, his brothers sold him into slavery.
When we say, “Yes” to God, we need to be ready for whatever he brings our way. Several weeks ago I was in my briefing room listening to the Holy Spirit when he gave me an assignment. I was uncomfortable and said, “Are you sure this is you speaking to me? Are you sure this is what you want me to do?” I did not hear another word. I knew the answer and I was very uncomfortable. God had given me a specific message to give to someone and I just felt like it was not my business. He did not tell me their business, but he sure put me in an awkward position!
I wrote down everything he said and I just let it sit there. It was 3:30 a.m. when I received the message. At noon I still had not sent it. Then I started to feel pressure on my spirit and I knew exactly what it was. I said, “Okay I will send it, but can you give me some confirmation that this is what you want?” I was told to send the message through a text to two people, so I did. I was so nervous about getting the message to the right individuals and making sure that it was going to the correct person, that I sent it to the wrong person! I immediately deleted the message! As I prepared to send it out again, the second person I sent it to called me and said, “I got your message,” and those same thoughts had crossed my mind about what God had given me to say.
We laughed as I shared about how nervous I was to send the message! Her phone call was God’s confirmation to me that I had moved according to his plan. He did not give me that confirmation until after I obeyed his instructions. I have always said, “God use me! I give all of myself to you!” When he choses to do so, I freeze. Ugh! ELOHIM, the creator of the world knows everything! We do not need to know his plans and we do not need to know the outcome. We just need to move when he gives us instructions. I believe those simple moments are tests for what is next. No matter who, what, or where God sends us, or gives us instructions, we are to move immediately!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Law
For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2, ESV
In the United States of America there are laws for everything. From “Pedestrians must cross the street using the sidewalk”, to “The president of the United States must be a natural-born citizen”. In our society we are accustomed to laws, and we must obey them if we want the rights and privileges afforded to us as citizens.
It is the same way in the Spirit. We all know that we are made up of spirit, body, and soul. When it comes to our spirit there are laws that must be followed depending on what privileges we want to enjoy. Scripture makes it clear there is the law of the Spirit of life and the law of sin and death. Whichever law we follow will determine how we live here on earth and in eternity.
We were all born into the law of sin and death because of those who came before us, all the way back to Adam and Eve. Sin and death became a part of our DNA because of the choices Adam and Eve made (Genesis 3). Before Adam and Eve sinned, they were living under the law of the Spirit of life. God knew man would eventually make the wrong choice and provided a way for each individual to choose how they wanted to live their life. Our hearts can rejoice because of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross. Now we can choose which law we want to live under! Sin is what put us under the law of death but when we chose Jesus Christ none of our sinful behaviors can separate us from the Spirit of life in Him. Jesus paid the price for our sin! We have a guarantee that we are saved and never have to worry about our salvation!
Below I have listed some information from the book of Romans that will bring more clarity as to the good news of life with Christ. This information was from a Bible Study I attended:
The apostle Paul refers to the law of sin and death in Romans 8:1–2: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” What is the “law of sin and death”?
In these verses, Paul contrasts two laws: the law of the Spirit and the law of sin and death. The law of the Spirit is the gospel or good news of Jesus, the message of new life through faith in the resurrected Christ. The law of sin and death is the Old Testament Law of God. The Law is holy, just and good (Romans 7:12), but, because we cannot keep God’s Law on our own, the result is only sin and death for those under the Law.
Romans 7:5 explains Paul’s focus on the Law as leading to sin and death: “For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death.” In contrast, the “way” or law of the Spirit is noted in Romans 7:6: “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.” The Law itself is not sinful (Romans 7:7). However, the Law defined sin and stirred up our natural rebellion against God’s rules, resulting in sin and death.
Romans 7:10–11 speaks of how sin, death, and the Law are connected: “I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death.” This death refers to spiritual separation from God. Shackled by our depraved nature, we naturally opposed the Law, and we found that God’s life-giving Word served only to sentence us to death. It is because of this that Paul can refer to the Law as the “law of sin and death.”
The conclusion of Romans 7 shows the need of the gospel to deliver us from the consequences of sin under the Law: “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:22–25).
The next chapter, Romans 8, begins by declaring there is no longer any condemnation or judgment for those who are in Christ. We have been released from the law of sin and death. Paul’s argument from Romans 7 transitions in Romans 8 to a rejoicing over the change the gospel makes in the lives of those who believe in Jesus. The chapter concludes by confirming, in the strongest terms possible, that believers can never be separated from God’s love: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Generations Have Purpose
So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. Matthew 1:17, ESV
As we read scripture, we learn about all the generations leading up to the coming of Jesus Christ. All throughout those generations were signs pointing people to the coming Messiah. The Israelites were looking for Him to deliver them from their oppressor, who they thought was Rome. But when Jesus came, He enlightened everyone with the truth: our true enemy was not flesh and blood, but Satan.
Scripture teaches that many of the religious leaders misinterpreted the meaning of the laws in such a way that they were blinded when Jesus came to bring light. When Jesus told Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, he must be born again to see the kingdom of God, Nicodemus did not understand what He meant. It is so important that we understand Jesus’s message today so we are not lost when He comes. We do not want to be distracted by false narratives that deceive us from the truth. John 3:16 says God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Jesus is coming back soon and when He comes, those who have accepted Him as their personal savior will have life eternal with Him.
“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:17-18). Everything happening in our season of life has one purpose - to direct our hearts to the coming Messiah in hopes that we will accept His gift of salvation before He returns.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away’. And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true’” (Revelation 21:1-5).
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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My Sheep
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27, ESV
In the verse above Jesus is speaking to some of the Jews at the temple who do not believe He is the Son of God. They have asked Him if He was the Christ, and to tell them plainly. In Jesus’s answer to them He quotes the verse above. There was a time in my life when that scripture really bothered me because I did not know if I was one who heard Jesus’s voice. I had accepted Jesus as my personal savior and knew His commandment, but I did not hear His voice.
I remember asking Jesus, “How come I don’t hear your voice?” I said, “I attend church and I hear what the pastor speaks about your Word, and I understand what they are saying but I don’t hear your voice speaking to me.” In those moments I did not realize that God was inviting me into a personal relationship with Him. When your heart starts to prompt you with questions, it is God drawing you into Him. I had accepted Christ as my personal savior but had stopped right there. I had not made the attempt to get to know Him personally. As I started to sit with Him, He started to speak to me. At first, I was really surprised and would say, “Is that you? Are you speaking to me or is this my imagination?” He definitely let me know it was Him.
See, I did not recognize His voice at first because I had not spent time with Him. When I first started dating my husband, I did not recognize his voice in a large crowd. But after many years of marriage, I can recognize him even if I can’t see him. I can identify his walk, his cough, his laugh, the way he speaks because my ears have been trained to recognize his behaviors. It is the same with God. The more we spend time with Him, the more we will know Him. I can feel God’s still, quiet voice speaking to me even now. I feel His touch in my spirit saying, “Do this” or “sit here” or “don’t move yet.” He is always speaking and giving direction because He is my shepherd, and I am His sheep.
Jesus goes on to say to the Jews, “…those who hear his voice he gives them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no on is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:28-31). Because of this, the Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. When we are so overcome by our own thoughts, we can seek to crush the blessing that is right before us without even knowing what we are doing.
Adonai,
I give you glory and praise! Thank you for opening up yourself to me and for allowing me to hear your voice. Thank you for this intimate relationship with you! Thank you for saving me. In Jesus’s name I pray, amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Gift That Keeps on Giving
I would love to tell you a great testimony about a gift I purchased and gave to others that just kept on giving. But truth is, the greatest testimony I could tell is about the gift that Jesus gave. That gift never runs out, and we should have a heart of gratitude for what was given to us.
There is a scripture in John where Jesus prays over the disciples and ultimately us as believers. In one portion of His prayer, He says, “…Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth” (John 17:17-19).
Jesus was praying to God the Father for the disciples because He was getting ready to go to the cross on all our behalf. And in His prayer, He says “sanctify them; set them apart, make then holy in the truth of your word”. Even though the disciples had been with Jesus for a time, they had not yet been made holy because holiness came only under the blood of Jesus.
Then He says to God, “…as you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them,” meaning all of us followers of Christ. And here is the good part - He says, “…for their sake I consecrate myself” meaning He has sanctified Himself to be the offering for us so that we may be holy in the truth.
Jesus had to become our offering for us to be set apart and made holy. He had to be the payment for us to receive the gift of holiness in truth. We are holy, there is nothing we can do to make ourselves unholy. He made us holy.
Every year we celebrate Thanksgiving. Around that time last year, I looked up both words:
Thanks: kindly or grateful thoughts; an expression of gratitude
Giving: to make a present of; to put into the possession of another for his or her use
Our heart posture should always be one of gratitude (being thankful ready to show appreciation) because of what Jesus did for us. And giving should be an offering of ourselves. How do we become an offering to God? Because He made us holy and set us apart for His work in the world. We give ourselves to the work as unto Him. Remember in Jesus’s prayer He says, “I have sent them into the world to give the world the truth his word.”
So in this season, we want to make sure we are doing the work of the Father in this world. With the heart of gratitude, let us offer His love, which He consistently gives to us to pour out to those around us.
Father, I thank you for the season I am in. I thank you for a heart posture of thanksgiving. As you gave yourself for me, I give myself to you, for the work of your ministry in the world. In Jesus’s name I pray, amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Turbulence
The Captain made an announcement as we took off to our destination that reports from those ahead of us noted turbulence ahead, so everyone would have to keep their seatbelts on. He instructed the flight crew to stay seated and said that he would notify them when it was safe to move about the cabin.
Days later when I was home from my trip, the Holy Spirit reminded me that the pilot had to fly through the turbulence to get us to our destination. He knew there was some trouble ahead on the path, but it did not stop him from pushing through. I take my sister to her weekly chemo treatments. She is aware of what the chemicals are doing to her body. She can see and feel some of the reactions from the drugs, but she is pushing through to get to get to her destination of healing.
This world is full of trouble. We are guaranteed to have turbulence in our life. We will witness devastation, experience sorrow, and feel the pain of brokenness but that is a part of the journey of life. Scripture teaches us the way through all of these difficulties is to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and be consistent in prayer (Romans 12:12). I work hard at staying out of trouble and trying to do everything possible to prevent turbulence in my life. But over the years God has taught me that tribulation is from Him. He allows the test. Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin” (Exodus 20:20). He reminded me that just like the plane keeps you in the air through the turbulence, He is holding us in our trials and tribulations. We do not need to fear but walk in faith with Him.
I never doubted that the pilot would get us through the turbulence. I had full confidence that although we could feel the turbulence the plane would hold together, and we would be safe. The Holy Spirit is our pilot and Yeshua is our plane. He has already told us we have nothing to fear for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). He reminded me of what He spoke through the prophet Isaiah when everyone was coming against Israel. God said to them “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). We will have to go through some turbulence to get to the other side, but we need not be afraid because we are seated in Christ Jesus and that is safer than any airplane! Amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Christmas Story #4
Jesus’s birth.
About this time Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the nation. (This census was taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
Everyone was required to return to his ancestral home for this registration. And because Joseph was a member of the royal line, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, King David’s ancient home—journeying there from the Galilean village of Nazareth. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born; and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in a blanket[a] and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.
That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket,[c] lying in a manger!” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang, “and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.”
When this great army of angels had returned again to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Come on! Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story expressed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them. Then the shepherds went back again to their fields and flocks, praising God for the visit of the angels, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:1-20, TLB
When God gives us an assignment we must remember that every assignment comes with challenges. Although Mary was chosen with the great honor to carry and deliver God’s son, there were hardships and unknowns all along the way, however, God kept his promise. He is doing the same for us today. No matter what it looks like, keep your eyes focused on Christ for he is the reward of those who diligently seek him.
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Christmas Story #3
The birth of John the Baptist
By now Elizabeth’s waiting was over, for the time had come for the baby to be born—and it was a boy. The word spread quickly to her neighbors and relatives of how kind the Lord had been to her, and everyone rejoiced. When the baby was eight days old, all the relatives and friends came for the circumcision ceremony. They all assumed the baby’s name would be Zacharias, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! He must be named John!” “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” So they asked the baby’s father, talking to him by gestures. He motioned for a piece of paper and to everyone’s surprise wrote, “His name is John!”
Instantly Zacharias could speak again, and he began praising God. Wonder fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread through the Judean hills. And everyone who heard about it thought long thoughts and asked, “I wonder what this child will turn out to be? For the hand of the Lord is surely upon him in some special way.”
Then his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:
“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to visit his people and has redeemed them. He is sending us a Mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago— someone to save us from our enemies, from all who hate us. “He has been merciful to our ancestors, yes, to Abraham himself, by remembering his sacred promise to him, and by granting us the privilege of serving God fearlessly, freed from our enemies, and by making us holy and acceptable, ready to stand in his presence forever.
“And you, my little son, shall be called the prophet of the glorious God, for you will prepare the way for the Messiah. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. All this will be because the mercy of our God is very tender, and heaven’s dawn is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, and to guide us to the path of peace.” The little boy greatly loved God and when he grew up he lived out in the lonely wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel. Luke TLB
I pray you are enjoying the readings this week! How wonderful is our God to sit with us and share the story of how much he loves us and keeps his promises! I love watching Christmas movies with my family during the Christmas season, but there is nothing that can compare to this story right here. It is the best ever! Hallelujah!
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Christmas Story #2
Mary receives A visit from Gabriel
The following month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin, Mary, engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Congratulations, favored lady! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.
“Don’t be frightened, Mary,” the angel told her, “for God has decided to wonderfully bless you! Very soon now, you will become pregnant and have a baby boy, and you are to name him ‘Jesus.’ He shall be very great and shall be called the Son of God. And the Lord God shall give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he shall reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom shall never end!”
Mary asked the angel, “But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of God shall overshadow you; so the baby born to you will be utterly holy—the Son of God. Furthermore, six months ago your Aunt Elizabeth—‘the barren one,’ they called her—became pregnant in her old age! For every promise from God shall surely come true.” Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true.” And then the angel disappeared.
A few days later Mary hurried to the highlands of Judea to the town where Zacharias lived, to visit Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “You are favored by God above all other women, and your child is destined for God’s mightiest praise. What an honor this is, that the mother of my Lord should visit me! When you came in and greeted me, the instant I heard your voice, my baby moved in me for joy! You believed that God would do what he said; that is why he has given you this wonderful blessing.”
Mary responded, “Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation forever shall call me blest of God. For he, the mighty Holy One, has done great things to me. His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who reverence him. “How powerful is his mighty arm! How he scatters the proud and haughty ones! He has torn princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry hearts and sent the rich away with empty hands. And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful. For he promised our fathers—Abraham and his children—to be merciful to them forever.”
Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.
I love how God brings confirmation to what he has put in our spirit. Mary lived about 100 miles away from Elizabeth which took about a weeks worth of traveling. When Mary arrived at Elizabeth’s home she was not showing that she was pregnant. Actually scripture says that Mary left to see her Aunt Elizabeth only a few days after the angel of Gabriel had spoken to her. But God gave Mary confirmation of his word through Elizabeth’s spirit and the response of John the Baptist in the womb. How awesome is our God! Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him Proverbs 30:5, ESV
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Christmas Story
Zechariah receives a visit from Gabriel
We all know why we celebrate Christmas, but there are many distractions that try and keep us away from the real meaning of this Holiday. We know that December 25th is not the actual day that Jesus was born, but I praise God that a time has been set aside to celebrate our Savior’s birth. Satan has thrown in a lot of distractions to keep the real meaning at bay, so this week we are reading the story of Jesus’ birth. I pray that as you read, the words will attach themselves to your soul and God will bring a deeper revelation of himself to you. So sit back, snuggle up with Jesus and read aloud his story. We begin with the story of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ written by Luke.
My story begins with a Jewish priest, Zechariah, who lived when Herod was king of Judea. Zechariah was a member of the Abijah division of the Temple service corps. (His wife, Elizabeth, was, like himself, a member of the priest tribe of the Jews, a descendant of Aaron.) Zechariah and Elizabeth were godly folk, careful to obey all of God’s laws in spirit as well as in letter. But they had no children, for Elizabeth was barren; and now they were both very old.
One day as Zechariah was going about his work in the Temple—for his division was on duty that week—the honor fell to him by lot to enter the inner sanctuary and burn incense before the Lord. Meanwhile, a great crowd stood outside in the Temple court, praying as they always did during that part of the service when the incense was being burned. Zechariah was in the sanctuary when suddenly an angel appeared, standing to the right of the altar of incense! Zechariah was startled and terrified.
But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! For I have come to tell you that God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. You will both have great joy and gladness at his birth, and many will rejoice with you. For he will be one of the Lord’s great men. He must never touch wine or hard liquor—and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from before his birth! And he will persuade many a Jew to turn to the Lord his God. He will be a man of rugged spirit and power like Elijah, the prophet of old; and he will precede the coming of the Messiah, preparing the people for his arrival. He will soften adult hearts to become like little children’s, and will change disobedient minds to the wisdom of faith.”
Zechariah said to the angel, “But this is impossible! I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to you with this good news! And now, because you haven’t believed me, you are to be stricken silent, unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly come true at the proper time.
Meanwhile the crowds outside were waiting for Zechariah to appear and wondered why he was taking so long. When he finally came out, he couldn’t speak to them, and they realized from his gestures that he must have seen a vision in the Temple. He stayed on at the Temple for the remaining days of his Temple duties and then returned home. Soon afterwards Elizabeth his wife became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is,” she exclaimed, “to take away my disgrace of having no children!”Luke 1:5-25,TLB
This reading reminds us that God sees everything that we are going through (The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3). He hears our prayers (And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1John 5:14) and there is nothing impossible for God. (But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26)
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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