"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV
God the Father has spoken Truth since Day One. He speaks nothing else. He doesn't say we have to believe. He gives us the either or and we're free to choose from that point. We can choose to believe or choose not to - we always have a choice.
Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah. They knew He was coming. They watched for Him. It was written down in Scripture for them to know because that day in the Temple, Jesus stood to take His turn at reading from what Isaiah had written. Luke tells it this way: And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
And that's all it took. It was on from there. He'd no sooner closed the book and the debate began, "Isn't this Joseph's son?" Immediately, the world and its' junk began crowding in. Then they had a choice - believe it or not.
We all have moments when we have to choose what we believe. Oh, we've all heard people say, "I had no choice." We've even said it ourselves but the truth is, there's always a choice.
Will we, by faith, choose God's Truth over what we see with our eyes? Faith tells us one thing, but we are tempted to believe what we see and hear in the natural. It's at that point that many times we struggle to believe it or not. I don't say that to point fingers. We're in good company - John the Baptist did the same thing. John - the same John Isaiah wrote about, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord. And yet when John was in prison, awaiting his fate, he sent some of his own disciples to Jesus. Luke 7:20-22 NKJV reads, When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them." Jesus did not say to John, "Yeah, it's Me. I'm the One. It's all good."
Jesus gave John the Truth. The Truth of His Word - Scripture fulfilled - and it was John's choice to believe it or not.
We've all experienced moments when we question, but when we seek Truth, it is not a fearful thing. Believe it.
Prayer:
Father,
You are not a man that You would lie. All Your ways are just and true. Help us to know Your Truths - write them on our hearts and in our minds, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Monday, September 7, 2020
Sunday, September 6, 2020
True Faith
Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
Luke 1:18 NLT
Luke 1:18 NLT
Zechariah was a priest. He had served in the temple a long time. Verse 7 tells us that both he and Elizabeth were very old. He had years of life experiences that he had allowed to shape his thinking and his beliefs. Somewhere along the line, what he believed based on those life experiences had redefined his faith.
We've all done it. Think about your prayer life. Do we pray BELIEVING or do we pray hoping or do we just throw some words up in God's general direction, wishing He would, but figuring He probably won't... based on our life experiences?
The struggle we tend to have with true faith is when what we've experienced in life is different than what the Word of God says about us. Are we able to set our face like a flint (Isaiah 50) in spite of the trials and tribulations and words that come against us? Do we choose to take God at His Word? His Word tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Whether we're new in the Lord or have been serving Him for years, is our faith in God's Word and what HE says about the situation? Or is it in the situation and how we figure it will probably end up based on our own experiences? Have we let our faith become watered down with tears of disappointment? Lost loved ones? Chronic illness? Let's do a heart check. Do we need to repent and realign our hearts with His?
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for any and every time we have chosen to believe circumstances over the Truth of Your Word. Clear our minds, O God. Give us clean hands and pure hearts as we earnestly follow You. Help us to see with spiritual eyes Your plan and purpose for everything in our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, September 5, 2020
Snuggling
I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.
Mark 10:15 NLT
Most children by nature are snugglers. I love it! It's always sad to me when they reach the stage when they no longer want to.
What would we be like if we wanted to spend every moment of our lives right up close to our Heavenly Father? Not just our waking moments, but our resting ones, too? Right next to the Father all the time. Always aware of His presence. Always wanting Him to be a part of everything we do. Expressing our needs, our desires and FULLY trusting that He will provide. Matthew 18:3 tells us, unless you are converted and become as little children...
No, He's not a doting grandparent. He's a loving Father, who sent His only Son so that we could be redeemed into right relationship with Him. Remember, He came as a child... He knows what it takes. Just think about it.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for always loving us and for always teaching us. Help us to become as children walking in complete faith and trust in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Mark 10:15 NLT
Most children by nature are snugglers. I love it! It's always sad to me when they reach the stage when they no longer want to.
What would we be like if we wanted to spend every moment of our lives right up close to our Heavenly Father? Not just our waking moments, but our resting ones, too? Right next to the Father all the time. Always aware of His presence. Always wanting Him to be a part of everything we do. Expressing our needs, our desires and FULLY trusting that He will provide. Matthew 18:3 tells us, unless you are converted and become as little children...
No, He's not a doting grandparent. He's a loving Father, who sent His only Son so that we could be redeemed into right relationship with Him. Remember, He came as a child... He knows what it takes. Just think about it.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for always loving us and for always teaching us. Help us to become as children walking in complete faith and trust in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, September 4, 2020
Details
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting,
God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along.
If we don’t know how or what to pray,
it doesn’t matter.
He does our praying in and for us,
making prayer out of our wordless sighs,
our aching groans.
He knows us far better than we know ourselves,
knows our pregnant condition,
and keeps us present before God.
That’s why we can be so sure
that every detail in our lives of love for God
is worked into something good.
Romans 8:26-28 The Message Bible
That, my friends, is everything I have to say tonight.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for music. Thank You for words. Thank You for Your Word that is Light and Life to us. Keep us ever mindful of this Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along.
If we don’t know how or what to pray,
it doesn’t matter.
He does our praying in and for us,
making prayer out of our wordless sighs,
our aching groans.
He knows us far better than we know ourselves,
knows our pregnant condition,
and keeps us present before God.
That’s why we can be so sure
that every detail in our lives of love for God
is worked into something good.
Romans 8:26-28 The Message Bible
That, my friends, is everything I have to say tonight.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for music. Thank You for words. Thank You for Your Word that is Light and Life to us. Keep us ever mindful of this Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Eternally
Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them.
Hebrews 7:25 The Amplified Bible
One of the most frustrating things in life to me is to start a long-term process in great detail with one person and then, before it’s completed, have to pick up the process with someone new because the first person left. Details get lost in the process of bringing someone else up to speed. After the 2nd or 3rd time, one tends to take the short road, no matter how bumpy. You have all the history, you may even take all the files, but you don’t know if the new person will take the time to read all of that or if they'll even want to. Sometimes, it’s a project that has taken several years to define, only to be put on hold because of a change in management or leadership...
Sometimes, our lives are like that. If you've ever changed jobs or moved to a new town or did a combination of the two, it can feel a little crazy – okay, a LOT crazy – because it takes us out of our comfort zone, and we feel as though we have to start over finding those comfortable spots again. New mechanic, hairdresser, doctor, etc. However, our Scripture for today gives me hope. You see, as NOT perfect as I am at this point in my life, trust me when I tell you that through the Grace of God, there has been MUCH progress made overall. And no matter where His will takes me, no matter how many new people or systems come into my life, no matter how many are 'left behind' - the One Constant in my life is Him.
He is eternal. He knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb. All of my days were numbered before I drew my first breath. There isn’t anything about me, good, bad or otherwise, that He doesn’t already know and has taken into account. I don’t have to worry about what He may find out that may color His opinion of me, He knows it all and loves me in spite of it. There isn’t anything in my present or my future that He doesn’t already know about and He has already made the way for me.
He might get angry with me, but with great mercies will He gather me unto Himself. (Isaiah 54:8)
He will never leave me, nor forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)
His banner over me is love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)
He rejoices over me with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I am safe in Him for all time. (Psalm 144:2)
Jesus is able to save me to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) because He is alive forever. He has risen indeed – Hallelujah!
Prayer:
Father,
Lift our eyes to see the eternal, so that we don’t get stuck in the muck. You are our God, our Deliverer, Redeemer, Restorer, Refiner… Keep working in us, O Lord, so we come through the fire as pure gold; Fit to do Your will. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Hebrews 7:25 The Amplified Bible
One of the most frustrating things in life to me is to start a long-term process in great detail with one person and then, before it’s completed, have to pick up the process with someone new because the first person left. Details get lost in the process of bringing someone else up to speed. After the 2nd or 3rd time, one tends to take the short road, no matter how bumpy. You have all the history, you may even take all the files, but you don’t know if the new person will take the time to read all of that or if they'll even want to. Sometimes, it’s a project that has taken several years to define, only to be put on hold because of a change in management or leadership...
Sometimes, our lives are like that. If you've ever changed jobs or moved to a new town or did a combination of the two, it can feel a little crazy – okay, a LOT crazy – because it takes us out of our comfort zone, and we feel as though we have to start over finding those comfortable spots again. New mechanic, hairdresser, doctor, etc. However, our Scripture for today gives me hope. You see, as NOT perfect as I am at this point in my life, trust me when I tell you that through the Grace of God, there has been MUCH progress made overall. And no matter where His will takes me, no matter how many new people or systems come into my life, no matter how many are 'left behind' - the One Constant in my life is Him.
He is eternal. He knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb. All of my days were numbered before I drew my first breath. There isn’t anything about me, good, bad or otherwise, that He doesn’t already know and has taken into account. I don’t have to worry about what He may find out that may color His opinion of me, He knows it all and loves me in spite of it. There isn’t anything in my present or my future that He doesn’t already know about and He has already made the way for me.
He might get angry with me, but with great mercies will He gather me unto Himself. (Isaiah 54:8)
He will never leave me, nor forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)
His banner over me is love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)
He rejoices over me with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I am safe in Him for all time. (Psalm 144:2)
Jesus is able to save me to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) because He is alive forever. He has risen indeed – Hallelujah!
Prayer:
Father,
Lift our eyes to see the eternal, so that we don’t get stuck in the muck. You are our God, our Deliverer, Redeemer, Restorer, Refiner… Keep working in us, O Lord, so we come through the fire as pure gold; Fit to do Your will. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
I Needed the Reminder...
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
2nd Timothy 2:24-26 NLT
The older I get, the more I forget things - and sometimes very important things! I don't do it on purpose, it just happens. But now and then, I find something that is a great reminder because maybe I'd forgotten it in the middle of the circumstance. Today's Promise is just that - a great reminder...
Did you ever notice in Scripture how the apostles addressed and defined themselves?
Paul, a servant of the Lord;
Peter, a slave to Christ;
His servant John;
James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
All in submission - all in service to God and Christ Jesus.
What is it servants do? Whatever the Master instructs them to do. Not IF they feel like it. Not WHEN they feel like it. Not only if the other servants do or don't do it. Not only when someone's looking...
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
He had to include that one, right? The be patient with difficult people phrase? I noticed there's not a qualifying statement attached to that sentence, either; such as, except for Mondays or be patient with difficult people once or twice, but smack 'em the 3rd time...
Can it really be that big of a deal? Is it that important for us to be patient with difficult people? The Word says, Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap.
Their eternity could be determined by whether or not we CHOOSE to be kind and patient to them. It's time for a change. Let it begin with me.
Prayer:
Father,
Change MY heart so that I can be kind and not quarrelsome. Patient and not peeved. Let my life reflect Your love. May I never again get down to that last nerve. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
The older I get, the more I forget things - and sometimes very important things! I don't do it on purpose, it just happens. But now and then, I find something that is a great reminder because maybe I'd forgotten it in the middle of the circumstance. Today's Promise is just that - a great reminder...
Did you ever notice in Scripture how the apostles addressed and defined themselves?
Paul, a servant of the Lord;
Peter, a slave to Christ;
His servant John;
James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
All in submission - all in service to God and Christ Jesus.
What is it servants do? Whatever the Master instructs them to do. Not IF they feel like it. Not WHEN they feel like it. Not only if the other servants do or don't do it. Not only when someone's looking...
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
He had to include that one, right? The be patient with difficult people phrase? I noticed there's not a qualifying statement attached to that sentence, either; such as, except for Mondays or be patient with difficult people once or twice, but smack 'em the 3rd time...
Can it really be that big of a deal? Is it that important for us to be patient with difficult people? The Word says, Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap.
Their eternity could be determined by whether or not we CHOOSE to be kind and patient to them. It's time for a change. Let it begin with me.
Prayer:
Father,
Change MY heart so that I can be kind and not quarrelsome. Patient and not peeved. Let my life reflect Your love. May I never again get down to that last nerve. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Giving Thanks in a Perfect Storm
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV
It's been a week! We voluntarily evacuated in the path of Hurricane Laura. After Harvey happened three years ago, we made a decision as an extended family that anything above a category 2, we would leave town. So we did. Our family is giving thanks that we personally did not have any damage from Laura, and we are praying for those who did.
We came home on Thursday and got a call from my niece asking us to please come. My brother was admitted to the hospital and very ill. So we repacked the suitcase and Friday morning headed out again, this time to north Texas. The prayers of the saints went before us, and just like in the song, The Blessing, His presence was before us and behind us and beside us and around us. The transformation of my brother's countenance from Saturday to Sunday was nothing short of miraculous! We are trusting God for strength to fight and win and once again, our family is giving thanks to our God who gives us the victory through Christ.
We got home yesterday and when I tried to log in to my desktop, it would not come up. Then the monitor completely died. I was like a fish out of the water. I have my laptop from work but am unable to access anything other than the company network with it. So here I was a week without being able to share with you or to let you know why, nor was I able to access any of the other documents I work in. Tonight, I decided I was going to write the Promise for Today on my phone rather than go one more day without. During the second paragraph, my daughter offered to try to hook up an alternate monitor and she was successful! So, here we are. And I am giving more thanks to God for making provision and giving us victory.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, God will lift up a standard against him according to His Word. When the winds blow and the waters rise and the earth shakes - in the midst of a perfect storm, we serve a more perfect God and Saviour, who speaks, "Peace, be still" and it is so.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your faithfulness! Thank You for Your love! Thank You for giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Help us to walk in Your Light and follow in Your footsteps where we will find the strength and the will to keep going. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV
It's been a week! We voluntarily evacuated in the path of Hurricane Laura. After Harvey happened three years ago, we made a decision as an extended family that anything above a category 2, we would leave town. So we did. Our family is giving thanks that we personally did not have any damage from Laura, and we are praying for those who did.
We came home on Thursday and got a call from my niece asking us to please come. My brother was admitted to the hospital and very ill. So we repacked the suitcase and Friday morning headed out again, this time to north Texas. The prayers of the saints went before us, and just like in the song, The Blessing, His presence was before us and behind us and beside us and around us. The transformation of my brother's countenance from Saturday to Sunday was nothing short of miraculous! We are trusting God for strength to fight and win and once again, our family is giving thanks to our God who gives us the victory through Christ.
We got home yesterday and when I tried to log in to my desktop, it would not come up. Then the monitor completely died. I was like a fish out of the water. I have my laptop from work but am unable to access anything other than the company network with it. So here I was a week without being able to share with you or to let you know why, nor was I able to access any of the other documents I work in. Tonight, I decided I was going to write the Promise for Today on my phone rather than go one more day without. During the second paragraph, my daughter offered to try to hook up an alternate monitor and she was successful! So, here we are. And I am giving more thanks to God for making provision and giving us victory.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, God will lift up a standard against him according to His Word. When the winds blow and the waters rise and the earth shakes - in the midst of a perfect storm, we serve a more perfect God and Saviour, who speaks, "Peace, be still" and it is so.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your faithfulness! Thank You for Your love! Thank You for giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Help us to walk in Your Light and follow in Your footsteps where we will find the strength and the will to keep going. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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