#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 (2.28.22)

 One Body, Many Parts.

¹²  As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. ¹³  For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

¹⁴  Now the body is not a single part, but many. ¹⁵  If a foot should say, “Because I am not a hand I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. ¹⁶  Or if an ear should say, “Because I am not an eye I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. ¹⁷  If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸  But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended. ¹⁹  If they were all one part, where would the body be? ²⁰  But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. ²¹  The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I do not need you.” ²²  Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all the more necessary, ²³  and those parts of the body that we consider less honorable we surround with greater honor, and our less presentable parts are treated with greater propriety, ²⁴  whereas our more presentable parts do not need this. But God has so constructed the body as to give greater honor to a part that is without it, ²⁵  so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. ²⁶  If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)  

A "Hedge of Protection" Prayer (2.27.22)

 Heavenly Father,
I come to You right now, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth; asking You to have mercy on those who are doing the work of satan, thinking their works are being committed in secrecy.

Lord GOD touch their hearts and minds, so that they will turn from their evil deeds and seek You, Lord.

Father, those that do not know You, erroneously think (and believe) that their evil deeds and words have power, and will produce results.  the enemy has them fooled.  The 91st Psalm states that You Will protect those who put their trust in You.  Thank you Father for Your Protection.

Abba, please send the Holy Spirit - right now - in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ; to cancel every evil plan and scheme that satan is planning, and has planned, against us, Your Precious Children.

Jehovah Jireh, Your Word promise us that You will confuse the camp of the enemy and cause demonic principalities to flee in seven different directions.

Yahweh, help Your Children to understand that we are covered in (and by) the Blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ; and there is nothing that can harm us or come near our dwelling, according to Your Word.

I pray this prayer in the Name which is above every Name, The Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ; which no one can stand against, because He has all power!!!!!

Your Son Jesus is Alpha and Omega.
The Beginning and the End of all things!

And it is in His Mighty Name that I Pray,
this day,

Amen!!!

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (2.26.22)

 Sexual Immorality.

¹²  “Everything is lawful for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is lawful for me,” but I will not let myself be dominated by anything. ¹³  “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food,” but God will do away with both the one and the other. The body, however, is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body; ¹⁴  God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power.

¹⁵  Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take Christ’s members and make them the members of a prostitute? Of course not! ¹⁶  [Or] do you not know that anyone who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For “the two,” it says, “will become one flesh.”

¹⁷  But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. ¹⁸  Avoid immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body.

¹⁹  Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? ²⁰  For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)    

Do Not Lose Hope.... Only Believe! (2.25.22)

My Children,
Please listen carefully and guard in your heart what I Will say to you. For I Have a very specific Word for each of you; but you must draw nearer to Me than you ever have before.  And LISTEN.   You are in a time of 'extreme importance,' when I Will impart My Wisdom, My Knowledge and My Discernment upon you; that will establish your path and direction.  I Speak to many who feel aimless and lost.  I Speak to those who have become discouraged and disheartened. I Speak to those who have deemed it worthy and wise to draw nearer to Me, in this season, in order to better understand what I Am doing.  What My Plans are for your lives.

And yes, some of you have begun to lose hope.  Some of you have become weary in well-doing.  Some of you are so discombobulated and turned around, you have begun to wane.  But I Tell you this, your hope cannot be anchored in human endeavor or worldly expectation. Your hope is only fulfilled (and will only come to fruition) through your faith; as you strive to maintain an eternal perspective.

You must let go of everything that has caused you to falter
and get ready to move on with a new perspective. 

Do not lose hope. 
Do not give up. 
Do not listen to others.
Do not look to the left nor the right.
Only look up.
Keep your eyes fixed on Me.
And MOVE.

For you are on the verge, the absolute cusp, of a complete, life-changing, earth shattering, #gameChanging breakthrough. 

It has not been easy.  I Know.  I See you, Child.  Some of you have done your very best to persevere. And that is often, all any of you can do.  And often it is the start of what a walk with Me, a true walk with Me, requires.   Just - Do - Your - Best. 

Let Me lead you, Child, out of this valley of weeping that many of you have found yourselves in; into a place of great joy. Your heart will be revived in your connection to Me, to My Son, and to My Holy Spirit.  Continue to trust Me to show you the way, and to take you through. 

Do not lose hope.
For I Am with you every step of the way. 

Only believe!  
 

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Proverbs 4:23 - Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 

Psalm 31:24 - Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 39:7 - And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. 

Psalm 61:2 - From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 84:5-7 - Blessed is the man whose strength is in You; Your ways are in their hearts. Passing through the valley of weeping, they will make it a fountain; the early rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength, appearing in Zion before GOD. 

Hebrews 10:35-36 - Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of GOD, ye might receive the promise.

Everyone Can't Be in Your Front Row (2.24.22)

Life is a theater so invite your audiences carefully.  Not everyone is holy enough and healthy enough to have a FRONT ROW seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance.  It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships, friendships, fellowships and family!

Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW.

Observe the relationships around you.  Pay attention to:  Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are just going downhill? When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know and appreciate you and the gift that lies within you?

 

Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW.

The more you seek GOD and the things of GOD, the more you seek quality, the more you seek not just the hand of GOD but the face of GOD, the more you seek things honorable, the more you seek growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you, the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the FRONT ROW and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

 

Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW.

You cannot change the people around you...but you can change the people you are around! Ask GOD for wisdom and discernment and choose wisely the people who sit in the FRONT ROW of your life.  Remember that FRONT ROW seats are for special and deserving people and those who sit in your FRONT ROW should be chosen carefully.

Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW.


 

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 (2.23.22)

 Lawsuits Before Unbelievers.

¹  How can any one of you with a case against another dare to bring it to the unjust for judgment instead of to the holy ones? ²  Do you not know that the holy ones will judge the world? If the world is to be judged by you, are you unqualified for the lowest law courts? ³  Do you not know that we will judge angels? Then why not everyday matters? ⁴  If, therefore, you have courts for everyday matters, do you seat as judges people of no standing in the church? ⁵  I say this to shame you. Can it be that there is not one among you wise enough to be able to settle a case between brothers? ⁶  But rather brother goes to court against brother, and that before unbelievers?

⁷  Now indeed [then] it is, in any case, a failure on your part that you have lawsuits against one another. Why not rather put up with injustice? Why not rather let yourselves be cheated? ⁸  Instead, you inflict injustice and cheat, and this to brothers. ⁹  Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor sodomites ¹⁰  nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹  That is what some of you used to be; but now you have had yourselves washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)    

Loving Your Enemy (2.22.22)

Sisters & Brothers,

The author of this article is Alvin Altergriend. I love this and wanted to share the story because it's so true; and all of us have found ourselves in this position at one time or another.

Sometimes we find it so hard to show love to those who are full of evil deeds and thoughts, wishing nothing but the worse for you. As the article states, GOD loves them just as much as He loves you, just as much as He loves me. Jehovah will deal with them in His own time; however and in which ever way that He chooses. In the meantime, we must "forgive, love and pray" for our enemies, for those who would seek to do or speak harm to us and for those who are not loving and kind people. Their evil deeds will not prosper because you and I are covered in the Blood of Jesus! No weapon formed against you shall prosper, says Our Lord!!!

Thank God for what you have,
Trust God for what you need.
  ~  Marilyn Chaney

---

---

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? - Matthew 5:43-46 

I have to admit that my co-worker and I have a hard time getting along. She and I have very different personalities, and we find it difficult to understand each other. On some issues at the office, we find ourselves as opponents, not colleagues. Some unkind words have been said, and, as a result, there is friction. Though we are outwardly polite, underneath is often a feeling of tension.
 
The situation has not been easy for me to deal with. Daily contact with a person who has sometimes treated me unfairly (in my estimation) and has spoken ill of me to others, is not pleasant. From time to time we have attempted to talk things out, but so far that has only worsened the situation.
 
For a while resentment built up in my heart. Though outwardly polite, I inwardly nurtured a dislike of my co-worker, and one day I realized that daily, I reviewed a list of grievances. Though I prayed for my co-worker and myself, I was at a loss for what to do. Should I be aggressive and accusing? Should I stuff down my feelings and pretend everything was okay?
 
Then I read this: The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth - 2 Timothy 2:24-25.
 
Those words leaped off the page. I instantly prayed: “Lord, take away my resentful heart. Teach me how to instruct gently, without anger or condescension. Use me in any way You wish, to lead my co-worker to a knowledge of the truth - that You are real and that You love her.”
 
GOD answered my prayer quickly. He somehow took the sting of resentment from within my heart. (What a miracle the working of the Spirit is!) Nothing has changed in the way my co-worker treats me, but I have a spirit of love and gentleness that was not there before. I no longer feel threatened by my co-worker. Instead, I have a sense of expectation that GOD will continue to work in both her and me.
 
I am waiting for the Spirit’s opportunity and prompting, and I will continue to pray for peace in our relationship. I am looking for ways to care for her. GOD has a plan for his people, and it is this - to show that he loves all people, even the unjust and the unkind. In order to be mirror images of Jesus, we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. For a graphic example of this kind of love, simply look at Jesus on the cross.
 
Who in your life has become an irritant, an opponent, someone who seems to be out to get you? Have you asked GOD to send His Sunshine into that person’s life? Have you asked God to pour His Love into your heart? When you do this, trust me, miracles begin to happen.

Prayer Starters for Praying Matthew 5:43-46:

• Praise GOD for his loving-kindness, which is poured out on believers and unbelievers alike.
• Ask GOD to show you any times when your love and kindness may have been limited to those who have been loving toward you. Confess those shortcomings, and seek GOD’s Forgiveness, remembering also to forgive others who have wronged you (Matthew 6:14-15).
• Thank Jesus for the example He gave of loving his enemies.  Commit yourself to following His example.

This article is an excerpt written by Alvin Altergriend

Breakthrough! (2.21.22)

 

My Child,

I Have seen your struggles, your tears, and your frustration. I Have even heard you say, "Is this all there is in this life?”  No, it is not.  There is so much more. 

 

It seems that some of you have come up against a wall and have not been able to break through, climb over or get around it; but I Am sending a breakthrough.  Never forget that I Sent My Son that you might have life, and have it more abundantly. Therefore, you shall break through this barrier, which has been hindering you from entering into all that I Have for you. 

 

the enemy wants you to think that I enjoy seeing you suffer.  Please know that My Heart aches when I See My Children in pain.  Know that My Heart aches when I See My Children deceived into thinking a breakthrough must not be for them, or that they don't deserve it. 

Please do not give up hope.
My Child, you must stand on My Word.
My Child, you must trust in who I Am.
And you must continue to press forward,
       in My Name.

Never give up hope because those Jericho walls will fall. 

There will be a breakthrough.

 

And one more thing, do not allow the enemy to defeat you with guilt, condemnation, or your past mistakes.  There is no condemnation to them, which are in Me; for your breakthrough was purchased at The Cross with My Son's Blood.  I, Your Father, so loved you that I sent My Son to die as a substitute for your sins, guilt, and shame; and to destroy the works of the enemy.  Your breakthrough is based on My Son's Blood, and My Son's Blood alone; so no one may boast what they did for you. 

You will overcome.
There will be a breakthrough. 
It's coming over the horizon.
As the dawn breaks on a new day.
Can you see it?

 

My Child, despite all the opposition that has come against you, look at where you are. 

Precious one, you are still standing. 
Yes, you are still standing.
And you shall reap great rewards. 

Therefore, do not loosen your hold on the things for which you prayed for and believed in.  Continue to trust and believe in My Word. Continue to read and stand on My Word.  Continue to praise Me, talk to Me and continue tapping into My Wisdom.  Continue to seek My Discernment. 

Keep your hope alive and never be ashamed of the hope you have in My Word. Nor the hope you have in Me.

Now, come and talk to Me, your Heavenly Father, for what you need. I Love you with Everlasting Love.  And I Am waiting for you with open arms.

Never give up hope.
Never lose faith.
And never let go of My Hand.

You are an overcomer.
And there will be a breakthrough.

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Deuteronomy 31:8 - And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 3:16 - For GOD so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

Romans 5:5 - And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of GOD is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27* (2.20.22)

²⁴  Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize?

Run so as to win. ²⁵  Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. ²⁶  Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing.

²⁷  No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)   

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 9:19-21 (2.19.22)

All Things to All.

¹⁹  Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible. ²⁰  To the Jews I became like a Jew to win over Jews; to those under the law I became like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win over those under the law. ²¹  To those outside the law I became like one outside the law—though I am not outside God’s law but within the law of Christ—to win over those outside the law.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)   

Love, Our God, God's Word, Our Changed Hearts.... and More LOVE! (2.18.22)

Sisters & Brothers,
What does GOD’s Word tell us about loving one another?

Shouldn’t those of us who are Christ-followers have a different 'measuring stick' from the world around us?  1st John makes it very clear, the reason we are to love one another is because GOD first loved us. GOD lives in us, and that same love has been made complete in us. Not only that, Our Father has given us His Holy Spirit to make loving each other possible.

We don’t have to do it on our own; but we must pray about it, and the Lord will change our heart.

So, what does that look like? Love is more than just a feeling. Love is intentional, and involves a level of commitment that will weather the test of time and challenges. We don’t have to agree on everything; but we are still commanded to love one another regardless of the outcome.

When we love the way GOD commands us to, it goes beyond feelings, because humans are fickle and can easily change. When we love the way GOD commands us to, it bridges differences of opinions and misunderstandings through Christ. Loving one another reflects how GOD lives in us, and how He Works through us.

The Holy Spirit set us apart from non-believers and those who are lukewarm towards Jesus.

Do your relationships reflect GOD’s Love?
Is there someone you need to reach out to today?

Remember beloveds, the enemy and his followers will do everything in their power to keep discord and hatred alive.

Overcome this scheme from enemy with LOVE and let Jesus Christ, GOD our Father and the Holy Spirit do the rest.

 

~ Let Us Pray ~
Dear Lord Jesus, 

Thank You that You Are Love and that You live in me today.
Help me to love others in a way that reflects Your Love, for them, through me. 

Use me to be your representative to show love to people I encounter today and forever.  

In Your Mighty Name I pray,
Amen

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 4:6-21 (2.17.22)

 Paul’s Life as Pattern.

⁶  I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another. ⁷  Who confers distinction upon you? What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it? ⁸  You are already satisfied; you have already grown rich; you have become kings without us! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we also might become kings with you.

⁹  For as I see it, God has exhibited us apostles as the last of all, like people sentenced to death, since we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and human beings alike. ¹⁰  We are fools on Christ’s account, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are held in honor, but we in disrepute. ¹¹  To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clad and roughly treated, we wander about homeless ¹²  and we toil, working with our own hands. When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; ¹³  when slandered, we respond gently. We have become like the world’s rubbish, the scum of all, to this very moment.

¹⁴  I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. ¹⁵  Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. ¹⁶  Therefore, I urge you, be imitators of me. ¹⁷  For this reason I am sending you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord; he will remind you of my ways in Christ [Jesus], just as I teach them everywhere in every church.

¹⁸  Some have become inflated with pride, as if I were not coming to you. ¹⁹  But I will come to you soon, if the Lord is willing, and I shall ascertain not the talk of these inflated people but their power. ²⁰  For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. ²¹  Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a gentle spirit?

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)  

Jesus & Fasting..... (2.16.22)

Sisters & Brothers in Christ,
Jesus fasted.
Jesus answered questions about fasting.
Jesus taught about fasting.

And this what Jesus said, Jesus’ thoughts and instructions to us about fasting: “When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly - Matthew 6:16-18

~ Let Us Pray ~
Lord Jesus,
Sometimes my flesh is so weak! 
Forgive me for neglecting the opportunity You have provided for me to seek Your Face more fully and intimately. 
I am ashamed that my desire for food is so much stronger than my desire for more of Your Heart. 
Even so, I know that I am Your Beloved; that I am a Child of the Most High God, Your Father.

I ask You to teach me to fast in ways that please You…and not in order to impress others with my spirituality. 
May my heart be humbled enough to go without that which is essential for life in order to gain a fuller life in Your Presence! 

Amen

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 9:1-15 (2.15.22)

Paul’s Rights as an Apostle.

¹  Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? ²  Although I may not be an apostle for others, certainly I am for you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

³  My defense against those who would pass judgment on me is this. ⁴  Do we not have the right to eat and drink? ⁵  Do we not have the right to take along a Christian wife, as do the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? ⁶  Or is it only myself and Barnabas who do not have the right not to work? ⁷  Who ever serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating its produce? Or who shepherds a flock without using some of the milk from the flock? ⁸  Am I saying this on human authority, or does not the law also speak of these things? ⁹  It is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is God concerned about oxen, ¹⁰  or is he not really speaking for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope, and the thresher in hope of receiving a share. ¹¹  If we have sown spiritual seed for you, is it a great thing that we reap a material harvest from you? ¹²  If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we still more?

Reason for Not Using His Rights.

Yet we have not used this right. On the contrary, we endure everything so as not to place an obstacle to the gospel of Christ. ¹³  Do you not know that those who perform the temple services eat [what] belongs to the temple, and those who minister at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? ¹⁴  In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)  

You Have Not Missed Your Blessings (2.14.22)

My Child,
I know that some of you are feeling like you have missed what I Planned for you.

However, I Come to reassure you that you have not missed The Blessings I Promised you.  What I Planned for you, is for you, and I Have not changed my mind.  For those of you that are flailing, stop acting like the window for your blessings has come and gone. Do not allow time and what you see as  "mistakes," to make you believe that you’ve missed your blessings.

You must always remember this, “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day,” and I have everything timed perfectly.
 
Who told you that your time had passed? Your time is in My Hands. Although the visions and the promises seem to tarry, wait for them, WAIT. FOR. THEM., for they shall surely come to pass. 

Have confidence in My Word and have confidence in the work I Am Doing in your life.  I Am Not through working in your life. I Will Continue to work until every promise is completed. My Timing is not your timing. My Thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways, My Ways.

Therefore, believe My Word, and know that you have not missed your Promised Blessing.

My Word shall not return to Me void. 
A promise from Me is a promise
     that will come to pass.

I Am always faithful.
I Am faithful, even when you fail.

I cannot allow My Word to return to Me void. I Have Made many a promise.  I Made a promise to Abraham, and even though Abraham made a host of mistakes after I Made a promise to him; his mistakes didn’t stop Me from fulfilling My Word in his life.

Therefore, do not live your life as if it is over when I Am Still Working in your life. Just as Abraham’s mistakes didn’t keep Me from blessing him, neither will your mistakes stop Me from blessing you. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD. 
 

My Child, there is life beyond your past failures. 
There is joy beyond your disappointments.
There are blessings ahead for you. 

Therefore, resist all the things you tell yourself when things get a little rough.  Rebuke what people say about you based on your past, as well as where you see yourself going in the future.  Put the devil under your feet daily, for he has no authority over you. 

Stagger not, hold on to My Word, and be fully persuaded that what I Promised, I Will bring it to pass. 

You have not missed your blessing. 
You have not missed your blessing. 
You have not missed your blessing. 
 

 

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word 

Numbers 23:19 - GOD is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? 

Isaiah 55:8 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 55:10-11 - For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Habakkuk 2:3 - For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. 

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD; 

 

Romans 4:20-21 - He staggered not at the promise of GOD through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to GOD; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 

Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 

2 Peter 3:8-9 - But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

God. Honor. And Prayer. (2.13.22)

Brothers & Sisters,
GOD is honored by any request to do something only He can perform. 

The 16th century theologian Martin Luther said, “The Lord is great and high, and therefore He wants great things to be sought from Him and is willing to bestow them so that His almighty power might be shown forth.

As a father, I derive great pleasure from the various conversations I engage in with my seventeen year-old daughter and fifteen year-old son. It would prove terribly disturbing, however, if their conversation with me had not matured beyond that of a typical toddler, or if their talk did not reflect an increasingly greater understanding of the nature of our relationship."

It is within a similar context that we must answer this question: Is prayer “simply talking to GOD?” GOD want us to enter into our prayer closet and talk with Him, letting our desires and request be known to Him. He is able to provide anything we can imagine, as long as it His Will for our life.

 Prayer should also be a conversation that honors GOD.

~ Let Us Pray ~
Lord GOD, 

Please forgive me for those times when the prayers that spring from my lips are just words that I have crafted to sound holy; rather than to have a heartfelt conversation with You. 

Help me to understand that You desire to have intimate conversation and dialogue with me.

Help me to speak to You as a loving child to its loving earthly father; always delighting in Your Presence, and ready to listen to Your Voice. 

May everything that comes from my mouth bring You Honor; as I continue to grow towards full maturity in Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 (2.12.22)

 ¹⁶  Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? ¹⁷  If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.

¹⁸  Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise. ¹⁹  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God, for it is written:

“He catches the wise in their own ruses,”

²⁰  and again:

“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”

²¹  So let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you, ²²  Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or the present or the future: all belong to you, ²³  and you to Christ, and Christ to God.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)  

Take A Stand, Using God's Word..... (2.11.22)

My Child,
Refuse to allow yourself to become weary while standing in faith, in prayer, or in warfare.

Rise up.
Rise up.
RISE UP.

Rise up, in faith, and know that no weapon formed against you will prosper.  It does not matter what the enemy attempts to bring against you, you belong to Me.  But you MUST TAKE A STAND and RESIST his maneuvers.

I have already given you the power to defeat him soundly - My Word.  Use My Word to defeat him.

Refuse to allow his tactics to overwhelm or bring discouragement to you. Now is not the time to become discouraged. DO NOT GIVE UP!!!

You are at the point of a significant breakthrough if you will just continue to press your way through the opposition.

Be strong and resolute.  And KNOW that I Am with you. 

It is My Will that you obtain and maintain the victory. 

So seek My Face.
Come into My Presence.
Talk to Me.
Steep in My Word.
Shut out the noise, opinions
     and voices that are not Mine.

And be refreshed and renewed in this battle.
For you will be Victorious.
Breakthrough is yours.
Let no one or nothing distract or derail you.

Let Us go get your Victory.  Right now.

Read and Meditate on God's Word
Numbers 11:23 - And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me.

Isaiah 55:11 - So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Jeremiah 23:29 - Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

Galatians 6:9 - And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 5:6-13* (2.10.22)

 ⁶  Your boasting is not appropriate. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough? ⁷  Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, inasmuch as you are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. ⁸ 

Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

⁹  I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people, ¹⁰  not at all referring to the immoral of this world or the greedy and robbers or idolaters; for you would then have to leave the world.

¹¹  But I now write to you not to associate with anyone named a brother, if he is immoral, greedy, an idolater, a slanderer, a drunkard, or a robber, not even to eat with such a person. ¹²  For why should I be judging outsiders? Is it not your business to judge those within? ¹³  God will judge those outside. “Purge the evil person from your midst.”

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)     

The Words We Speak....... (2.9.22)

Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Asking Jesus to put a guard over our mouth daily is something we should all pray for.

The Lord will hold us responsible for 'each word that proceeds from our mouth,' whether good or bad. The words we speak should uplift and encourage others and not tear them down. Purposely speaking words that will hurt, demean, judge or bring others down is the work of the enemy. Hurtful words are spoken because this person is hurting; and frankly, those who speak hurtful words need prayer.

Remember, Jesus is listening to every word that proceeds from our mouth.  And He is going to hold us accountable for each word.

So speak peace and blessings always, at all times; even if those words are not spoken to you. Remember, Jesus has full control and power over all things, and if someone speaks anything other than peace and blessings over your life, Jesus' hears it and sees it. Jesus will give you the strength, the courage and the discernment to deal with that in the way in which He would have to you deal with it. In His Will and His Way, not your will, your way. Sometimes you may have a response, like #speakLife or "life and death are in the power of the tongue" or "I will pray for your peace" or "peace be still" or sometimes just saying His Name - Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. - will shift the atmosphere. 

Sometimes an "I love you & so does God, so does Jesus, so does the Holy Spirit" can be appropriate when dealing with loved ones.  Sometimes it may be best that you just walk away, end the conversation without a word.  Jesus will deal with this person according to what is written in the Bible; for GOD's Word states "that life and death are in the power of the tongue," in the words we speak.

*******

 ~ Let Us Pray ~
Father, 
You have given me friendships and placed me in situations with others, for the sake of Your Purposes.  Thank You GOD, for giving me the opportunity to be Your Vessel.  Thank You for having such strong unwavering faith in me, especially in those moments when I didnt have faith in myself. 

Show me how to live a "salt and light kind of life" each and every day; so that my neighbors, acquaintances, co-workers and others will come to know Jesus because they have come to know me.

Please equip me for every conversation, every encounter, every interaction with the power and strength of Your Holy Spirit.

Thank You that You Can work through weak, flawed people like me; so that others might receive eternal life.

In the Name of Your Mighty Son Jesus,
For All Your Promises are,

Yes & Amen

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 (2.8.22)

 B. Moral Disorders

A Case of Incest.

¹  It is widely reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of a kind not found even among pagans—a man living with his father’s wife. ²  And you are inflated with pride. Should you not rather have been sorrowful? The one who did this deed should be expelled from your midst. ³  I, for my part, although absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as if present, pronounced judgment on the one who has committed this deed, ⁴  in the name of [our] Lord Jesus: when you have gathered together and I am with you in spirit with the power of the Lord Jesus, ⁵  you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition) 

Your Blessings Are Already on the Way (2.7.22)

My Child,
Stored up blessings are on their way.  
Now tune the eyes of your heart
     to see them arrive.

• You've been patient and not insisted on your own way.  
  
  
• You've found rest in Me.  This is good.  This is not only good for you; it is good for those around you.
  
  
• You've not manipulated words and actions for your benefit. The words you've spoken and the actions you've taken have been led by Me,  in My Ways, and you asked for My Wisdom......

You've sacrificed to give blessings.  
Now it's time for the coming of your blessings.

Yes, the blessings I’ve Prepared for you, are coming upon you. So, stand now and be soaked by My Rain. Come and take hold of the blessings I've Prepared, just for you. 

Raise your hands.
And rejoice.
Expect it.
And take hold of it. 

You are entering a place that’s flowing with milk and honey. Go on and praise Me for it.  For these blessings were prepared for you, before you were born. 

Your blessings are on the way My Beloved Child.  And I Will cause these blessings to come upon you and overtake you. Yes Child, the blessings are so abundant, that they will overtake you.  So be not surprised.  And it is not because you are righteous, it is not because of the works you have done; but by My Power and My Grace.

Oh, the blessings I’ve Prepared for you will amaze you.

So, stand now and be soaked by the blessings I Am sending to you. 

Your blessings are on the way. 
Your blessings are on the way. 
Your blessings are on the way. 

YOUR BLESSINGS ARE ON THE WAY!
PREPARE TO RECEIVE!!!

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Hebrews 6:15 - And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

Acts 20:35 - I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Joel 2:23 - Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your GOD: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain

Deuteronomy 26:9 - And he hath brought us into this place and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey.

Deuteronomy 28:12 - The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. 

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy GOD, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy GOD will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy GOD. 

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 8 (2.6.22)

 B. Offerings to Idols

Knowledge Insufficient.

¹  Now in regard to meat sacrificed to idols: we realize that “all of us have knowledge”; knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up. ²  If anyone supposes he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. ³  But if one loves God, one is known by him.

⁴  So about the eating of meat sacrificed to idols: we know that “there is no idol in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” ⁵  Indeed, even though there are so-called gods in heaven and on earth (there are, to be sure, many “gods” and many “lords”), ⁶   yet for us there is

one God, the Father,
    from whom all things are and for whom we exist,
and one Lord, Jesus Christ,
    through whom all things are and through whom we exist.

Practical Rules.

 ⁷  But not all have this knowledge. There are some who have been so used to idolatry up until now that, when they eat meat sacrificed to idols, their conscience, which is weak, is defiled.

⁸  Now food will not bring us closer to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, nor are we better off if we do. ⁹  But make sure that this liberty of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak. ¹⁰  If someone sees you, with your knowledge, reclining at table in the temple of an idol, may not his conscience too, weak as it is, be “built up” to eat the meat sacrificed to idols? ¹¹  Thus through your knowledge, the weak person is brought to destruction, the brother for whom Christ died. ¹²  When you sin in this way against your brothers and wound their consciences, weak as they are, you are sinning against Christ. ¹³  Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I may not cause my brother to sin.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)     

Always Put God First (2.5.22)

And my GOD will meet all your needs according to
 his glorious riches in Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:19

Faith Believers,
Jesus knew that with obedience would come provision. That was why He put the Kingdom of GOD first; and our legitimate needs second. It is important to recognize what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:19 while imprisoned for his faith. His needs were supplied (he ate, slept, and had a roof over his head and a mission to accomplish). His wants (including his freedom!) didn’t happen according to his own desire or timetable. His wishes had to be submitted to GOD as well. He knew he could either live or die, and though he had a longing to join Christ, he chose to endure prison and suffering for the church (Philippians 1:22-26)

The bottom line is this - Put GOD first in everything you do.

Then trust Him for the results.

All of us have needs, wants, and wishes; and the Lord would like to fulfill them all, according to His Will for our life. Talk to GOD about everything. Talk to GOD about everything. Talk to GOD about everything.  GOD does not want us to "walk this walk, this life" alone and without His Wise Counsel.  For He knows us best, and GOD knows EVERYTHING about us.  Jesus also does not want us to withhold anything from Him, either.  Jesus Christ has power over all things. There is no one and nothing that Jesus Christ has to compete with. He is The Son of GOD, all by Himself; and there is nothing more powerful than Jesus Christ or Jehovah Our GOD, regardless of what your natural mind and body might see or experience.

~ Let Us Pray ~
Father GOD,
There are so many things, too many things, that I have allowed to come before You in my life.

 Forgive me for seeking after other 'gods' such as things of this world; that have been attractive to my fleshly self.

I will put on Your Armor - the Full Armor of GOD - to extinguish worldly thoughts that are always  placed before me. May I continually submit my life to Your Kingdom; knowing that You will supply all of my needs, and fulfill all of my desires, according to Your Will for my life.

Give me the desire to seek Your Presence, over any other relationship or things of this world.

I pray this prayer in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.

Amen

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 * (2.4.22)

The Corinthians and Paul.

26  Consider your own calling, brothers.

Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. ²⁷  Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, ²⁸  and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, ²⁹  so that no human being might boast before God. ³⁰ 

It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, ³¹  so that, as it is written, “Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.”

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)

Backorders (2.3.22)

Fellow Faith Believers,
Have you ever ordered something from a catalog or a store, and received an auto-response notification that the item was on backorder? 

When the item is on backorder, that doesn't mean you won't get what you have requested; it simply means that you can't get the item immediately - and you will have to wait until the "order is back" in-stock, so that the backorder can be filled. It's already paid for.  It's already yours.  You just haven't "received" it yet; but as soon as the supplier gets more from the manufacturer - your will be "on it's way" to you. 

You need to do nothing more... than wait. 

Sometimes we don't want to wait for backorders to be filled, and so we "settle" for another item. (Do you see where this is going?) Then when we get the substituted item and are asked about it; we often reply, 'It's ok, but it's not really what I wanted.'  Why? I will tell you why.  Because, we weren't willing to wait for the backorder to be filled.  We weren't willing to wait for what we truly wanted. And so we settled on a second-string substitute.

Are you waiting on some backorders to be filled in your life?

Have you placed an order for a husband or wife, a job, financial blessing, a house; or maybe reconciliation with someone, salvation of a friend or family member, spiritual breakthrough - and still the answer hasn't come?

Remember, it maybe delayed,
     but it is not denied. 
Wait on Him.

In times like these, it is important that we continue to keep our faith in the Lord, and allow Him to fill the backorders. Sometimes we aren't ready for that which we have asked Him for, and GOD is using this time to get us ready. Yes, there are times when we are not ready to receive the blessing that either we are asking for, or that God has set aside for us.  Hard to believe, but it is true.  Sometimes we are not ready.  Sometimes God is preparing the way. 

GOD knows what He is doing.....
Wait on Him.

It is important that we trust the Lord to bring to past that which He has promised. It is important that we don't become impatient and settle for something less than what GOD wants us to have.  GOD does not want His Children to settle for anything, and then have to say, "it's ok, but it's not really what I wanted."

Wait.
On.
Him.

It is important that we ask GOD to crucify the impatience, the anxieties, the worries, and the doubt in our lives.  It is important that we as GOD to give us a peace that passes all understanding; so that we can wait on the promises of the Lord.

If you don't already know, if you are not fully anchored in the Lord, NOW is the time for you to decide which person you will be.  And while we will all struggle, from time to time fall short, for none of us is perfect - you must choose Whom you will serve.  You must choose how you will react to the 'things of this world.'  Choose wisely.

Will you be the one that will wait for the Lord
         to fulfill the backorder? 
Or will you be the one that will settle for
         a substitute?

Think about this, if we can wait for man to backfill a catalog order; surely we can wait on GOD Our Father to give us the desires of our heart. 

Wait I say, on Our Father, to fill the backorders in your life. 

May the Lord continue to bless you,
      as you wait on Him.

Thank God for what you have.
Trust God for what you need.
 ~ Marilyn Chaney

~~~~~~~~~~

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the LORD.
~ Psalm 27:14 

Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him;
and he shall bring it to pass.
~ Psalm 37:4 -5 

Wait on the Lord and keep his way,
and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land;
~ Psalm 37:34 

Securing the Presence of God, with Confidence (2.2.22)

Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down!

That the mountains might shake at Your presence . . .
That the nations may tremble at Your presence!
- Isaiah 64:1–2

 
Fellow Faith Believers,
Too often, it can be so easy to get distracted from GOD and caught up in things of little value. When we get distracted, the Presence of GOD seems so far away. Do you realize distractions create distance between us and GOD? When you are experiencing a season of dryness, listen to GOD’s instruction to Moses. GOD told Moses to drive out the enemies.

What enemies are distracting you from the purpose and plan of GOD?
 
the devil comes at all of us. he comes as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) to scare, intimidate, and devour. his goal is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). he is crafty enough to know when he cannot touch us. Then, he tries to get us to compromise, so he comes as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). this angel of light lures us away, seduces us with good things, fun things, until we have left the place GOD has for us. Once away from GOD, we are susceptible to the devil’s attacks. It is your responsibility and mine not to be lured away into the devil’s trap. Be aware, be vigilant, be careful and cautious.
 
We can begin our day with a lot of religious activity, but if we fail to secure the presence of GOD with confidence, our lives will not be impacted and we will not know GOD’s leading.

We desperately need the presence of GOD in our midst.
It is each Christian’s responsibility to secure GOD’s presence.
Revival is all about the presence of GOD among His people.
 
How do we secure the presence of GOD?

Do not rush your quiet time with the Lord.  Wait upon the Lord to speak to you. Give Him time and opportunity to speak to your spirit while you are still and quiet before Him. You do not have to be talking all the time.  In fact, the silent listening, the silent basking in His Presence, the asking of Him to "come into the room;" is what we are to do to truly hear His Still Small Voice.  To truly hear what God has to say to us, we must be quiet.  One cannot listen and talk at the same time. 

Wait in silent expectation.
Read the Word of GOD slowly.
Write it out if you need to.
 
Sing hymns or praise songs to the Lord.

But above all, listen to Him as He sends His Holy Spirit to speak to and minister to your heart. 

~ Let Us Pray & Glorify Our Father ~

GOD of Glory,

Forgive me for each and every time that I have been so rushed, or distracted by the things of this world, that I forget to acknowledge Your Presence in the midst of living life…for You Are always there. 

Give me the ability to recognize the work of the enemy, as he attempts to make earthly messes, as he attempts to rob me of time and opportunity to keep my eyes from focusing upon what is eternal. 

Help me, Father, to take my stand against his schemes. 

Father, draw me close to Your Heart. 

Oh that I would listen and wait upon You, especially in those moments and seasons of unrushed worship and intercession. 

And that I would seek you first.  Counsel with you first.  TRULY put You FIRST in my life.

Amen. 

Amen.    

Yes & Amen. 

AMEN! 

A "Give Me Exponential Faith, Unbridled Empowerment and Your Sage Wisdom" Prayer (2.1.22)

Lord, 
It takes a lot of faith to let You fight my battles, for me.

Give me that faith  - Your Faith - and please help me to make up my mind, ahead of time, that I will not retaliate when I am wronged.  That when I am wronged, that I would seek you first, talk to you first, ask for your counsel first and go into prayer (and not my phone book).

Empower me, through Your Holy Spirit, to respond to others as You would respond to them.  As You would have me to respond to them.

Give me Your Sage Wisdom, to know what is appropriate in each situation, from Your perspective.

Help me Father, to love that person regardless of the words they speak; and regardless of their motive of wanting to make me hurt the way they are hurting.

Right now, in the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and by the power of His Blood, Father GOD; I forgive my enemies.  Right now.  Right now.  Right now.....  I forgive all those who would seek to hurt me.  Right now.  I forgive all those who have spoken unkindly toward me.  Right now.  I forgive all those who saw fit to seek battle with me.  Right now.  I forgive all those for whom my human mind wants to retaliate, wants to fight back; but my heart, my spirit, and my soul know better.  Right now.  

I give them to you Lord!!!
I give them to you Lord!!!
I give them to you Lord!!!

From this point forward, when the enemy sends someone to speak and act towards me in a disrespectful, demeaning way; I will respond with love and respect towards that person.  Because I know that that is Your Will for Your Children.

I pray Father, that Your Holy Spirit will take over my heart and mouth when I am tested.

I pray this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Amen
Amen
Yes & Amen

Amen