#SteepedAndSpendingTime in the Book of Nahum #Nissan (4.30.22)

Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

The book of Nahum is one of the shortest books in the Bible.  With only 3 chapters, the Book of Nahum is a strong and mighty declaration.  

Shortly before the fall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, in 612 B.C., Nahum uttered his prophecy against the hated city.  It has been said that the prophet Nahum had an "exultant outburst of joy over the impending destruction" of Nineveh; part and parcel due to the savage cruelty of Assyria, which had made it the scourge of the ancient Near East for almost three centuries. The royal inscriptions of Assyria afford the best commentary on Nahum’s burning denunciation of “the bloody city.” In the wake of their conquests, mounds of heads, impaled bodies, enslaved citizens, and avaricious looters testified to the ruthlessness of the Assyrians. Just such a conquest was suffered by Israel, when its capital Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722/721 B.C., and by Judah, when its capital Jerusalem nearly fell to invading Assyrian armies twenty years later.   In fact, Nahum 3:19 speaks directly to Judah joining in the general outburst of joy over the destruction of Nineveh!

And to be clear, Nahum the man, is not a prophet of unrestrained revenge.

Nahum asserts God’s moral government of the world. Nineveh’s doom is evidence that God stands against oppression and the abuse of power. Something that we must remember in our present day and age.  God will NOT allow constant oppression and abuse of power; and at the same time, we as Disciples of Christ (not just believers, but Disciples) are called and commanded (and God expects) to do our part, just as Nahum did.  We cannot be reluctant to speak up, to stand up and to show up with our faith as our armor and shield.  Nahum spoke boldly.  And we must as well.  We are called to be disciples.  We are not called to go to church every Sunday or Saturday.  We are not called to be in this group and that group; in this church ministry and that church ministry.  Now to be clear, all of those things (and more) are good and noble and there is nothing wrong with doing those things - but one of the most important things, that many Christians do not do - is to GO OUT AND BE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.   Many scripture verses speak to this.  Matthew 28:19-20 states “ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age; ~ and other scriptures speak to this mandate for believers followers of Christ, including Mark 6:7 ~ Luke 10:1 ~  Matthew 4:19 ~ 2 Timothy 2:2-3 ~ and John 12:26 to name a few.

And so, as you can see, we are called in this way - the same way as Nahum - to prophetically speak and warn of the impending consequences of particular actions.  That is our part to do.  And God will do the rest, as He always does.  Our job is simple, not to judge, not to enact and enforce mandates; but to warn, to speak unapologetically and unrelenting - and then let it go.  We are called, once we have done our part, to release the individual to their own choice(s), their own discernment, at that point, it is between them and God - and it is none of our business.  

The book of Nahum is the seventh book of the 12 minor prophets of the Hebrew Bible; attributed to the prophet Nahum & is believed to have been written in Jerusalem in the 7th Century BC.  This Book is valuable - for, like many of the books in the Bible, Nahum is a warning, a playbook, a lesson and an instructional correction.  

And because the ancient Near Eastern superpower, Assyria had terrorized its smaller and weaker neighbors, exploiting their economies and subjugating their people for its own ends; Nineveh’s demise is viewed as an act of divine justice, and it is greeted by the small, oppressed countries as a time of deliverance, as a moment of renewal, and as a message of peace.

The book is divided as follows:
I. God’s Terrifying Appearance (1:2–8)
II. Nineveh’s Judgment and Judah’s Restoration (1:9–2:1)
III. The Attack on Nineveh (2:2–3:7)
IV. Nineveh’s Inescapable Fate (3:8–19)

What a mighty God we serve!!!  This journey, like the previous journey's, has been an amazing reflection.     For your joy, soul/spirit/mind nourishment and your own reflection and refraction - all of the posts that have gone up during this #NahumSeason are listed below.  Refer back to it time to time, and we even encourage you to do your own reflection - pick a book of the Bible and dedicate to reading it a bit at a time, until you have read the entire Book.  For there are many things that we can do that pleases GOD, but spending time in His Word is one of the very best things we can do.

~ Rachel Newman, WoGfT Team

~~~~~~~

Enjoy this "walk down memory lane" by revisiting and reflect on our blog posts from the Book of Nahum.  Bless!

Nahum 1  (10.8.19)

Nahum 1:1-6  (4.11.22)

Nahum 1:7-11  (4.12.22)

Nahum 1:12-15 (4.14.22)

Nahum 2:1-4 (3.27.22)

Nahum 2:5-10 (3.29.22)

Nahum 2:11-13 (4.4.22)

Nahum 3:1-10  (4.18.22)

Nahum 3:11-19  (4.19.22)

Bless and be a blessing.

Peace.
Love.
Joy.
Faith.

Child of God, Be a Doer of God's Word. Be Obedient to His Word. And Be Blessed! (4.29.22)

My Child,
Some of you feel that these trials and tribulations will overcome you and take you out. 
Some of you think that you may not make it through.

For those of you that feel that way, if you continue to allow these circumstances to control your thoughts; then you are correct in your thinking. As a person thinketh in their heart so is he.

Why do you think you won’t make it, when My Word says, you can do all things through Christ (My Son)?  I Have great plans for your future, My Child.  If I Have good thoughts about you, why are you thinking the opposite of what My Word says?

Please believe in Me.
And what I Am saying.
For you will make it through.

I Say to you, stop thinking about your circumstances more than you think about Me.

Keep your mind focused on Me and My Word.
Keep your mind focused on Me and My Word.
Keep your mind focused on Me and My Word.

Even though, for some of you, your faith is unstable; do not stop speaking words of faith.

It is what you confess, and believe in your heart, that will come to pass.  When you keep your mind focused on the things within My Kingdom, your mind and spirit will be filled with heavenly things; and there is not (and cannot) be room for doubt or despair.

My Child, the things that you occupy your mind with, and the words you speak are very important.

You can speak things into existence - good or bad. 

Beloved, be a doer of My Word.
Be obedient to My Word.

I Have plans to bless you, beyond anything you could ever imagine.

You will look back at this difficult time and rejoice at how you overcame the enemy; and how you won the battle.

Yes, you are going to make it and a Blessing Table - that I Have set & prepared for you - will be prepared for you in the presence of your enemies.  Especially your enemies who thought they would be able to rejoice over what you are going through.

I Will put them to shame.
In the matchless name of My Son,
Jesus Christ of Nazareth!

Who died on the Cross.

So that you, My Child - 

   may have life, everlasting!!

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word
Proverbs 23:7 - For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

James 1:22-24 - But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

#ScriptureReflection - John 16:16-24 (4.28.22)

 Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy

¹⁶  “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”

¹⁷  Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? ¹⁸  And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”

19  Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. ²⁰  I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. ²¹  It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world.

²²  So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. ²³  At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.

²⁴  You haven’t done this before.

Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

God is Saying, "It Is Already Yours...." (4.27.22)

Children,
Now is the time for My People to rise up, and stop looking down at their ashes while counting their woes and pains.

It is time to lift your head and look to Me.
Where does your help come from?
Your help comes from Me, The Maker of Heaven and earth!

I Am the One, Who has healed you.
I Am the One, Who has removed sickness from your midst.
I Am the One, Who has removed oppression from your life.
I Am the One, Who has brought you joy amidst pain.

And I am the One, who will do it again!

Some of you are asking, "When Lord?"
And I Am saying, "It is already yours. 

Believe, that you have received what you prayed for.  

I Am calling My People to RISE UP and continue proclaiming the truth of what is already theirs.  Do not allow the enemy to sow seeds of fear and lies into your lives; but SPEAK in faith to your circumstances. And do not stop speaking, when things don’t happen in your time.  Just be faithful in prayer, like Daniel; stay before Me; and watch the power of My Word change your situation.

Remember - that no hurt, harm or danger shall come to you.

Remember - no weapon formed against you shall prosper.
Continue standing in faith and do not allow fearful thoughts to enter your mind.  

Take every thought captive; and no matter how your body feels, and no matter how your circumstances look, STAND. 

Stand firm on My Word.
Continue to confess your breakthrough.
Continue to confess victory in the face of the adversary.

Your breakthrough is so close, Child.
So do not give up now.

The darkness has increased because a new day is dawning.

Step out of your ashes.
Step out of your ashes.
Step out of your ashes.

It is already yours.

And know that nothing can stop My Hand.

It is already yours.

Nobody.  Nothing.  Can stop Me from blessing you.

It is already yours.

It is already yours.

Meditate on God's Word:

Psalm 73

Psalm 121:1-2 - I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Daniel 10:12 - Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy GOD, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

The Bottom Line is This..... Trust God. (4.26.22)

Sisters & Brothers,
We must believe in our hearts that the Lord Jesus Christ Is with us; especially when we go through trials and tribulations.

Jesus Has promised to never leave us or forsake us. There is nothing taking place in our lives that He Is not aware of.  And remember, when it comes to God Our Father - our thoughts are not His Thoughts and our ways are not His Ways. Sometimes things happen in our lives that we cannot  understand.  And sometimes we start to think that the Lord has abandoned us, in the midst of our troubles. Always remember that God Is right there.  And He Can turn things around - in a split second - if it is His Will.

The bottom line is this, you have to trust Him.  Trust Him.  And trust Him. He will never let you down nor abandon you.  For this is His Promise to you and me.

The Lord never changes, He Is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. There is nothing or no one that Jesus has to compete with. He was given all power by the Father when He died and rose on the third day.

All power is in Jesus' Hands, regardless of what the enemy is whispering in your ear!!!! Rebuke the enemy in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and he will flee. The Name of Jesus is powerful and the enemy will flee at the mention of His Name. The Mighty Name of Jesus is a strong tower, that you must take shelter in when you come under attack by the enemy of your soul.

Finally, read God's Word and spend time with The Father, each day. When you search for God, you will find Him.  And when you find Him, you will also find Jesus.  And Jesus Will bring peace into your life that will surpass all understanding.

Just rest.  Rest in Our Father's Arms; and Jesus Christ, His Son, will give you peace.

  

#ScriptureReflection - John 16:1-4 (4.25.22)

 ¹  “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. ²  For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. ³  This is because they have never known the Father or me. ⁴  Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

God's Covering & Protection (4.24.22)

In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.
- Psalm 31:1-5 (NIV) 

Faith Believers,
It is important that we understand that our covering is from "On High."

The LORD GOD desires for each of us, on a daily basis, to spend time with Him in prayer and in worship.  Because by doing this, we are protecting ourselves from the fiery darts of the enemy. 

GOD covers and protects those that love, worship and obey Him.

The covering of the LORD also protect us from satan's sneaky, malicious attacks and his traps. Start your day by worshipping the LORD and spend time with Him in prayer.  These two things will guarantee peace and calm all day long, and know that whatever happens, the LORD has your back. 

Hallelujah!!!! 

The Lord GOD is our refuge and our fortress therefore do not let the wicked ways of this world cause you to be stressed. Take time  today to thank JESUS for His protection, covering and Peace.

Thank you El Shaddai.
Thank you Jehovah Elyon.
Thank You Jehovah Shalom!!!!!!

Prayer Still Works (4.23.22)

My Child,

I See that something very heavy, is on your mind.
Do not let these thoughts take you captive.

You must take control.
You must pray.
You must roll these anxious thoughts over to Me.

If not, worry and anxiety will affect your body and your spirit.

In no way is worrying beneficial.  It will not fix anything.

So, take your thoughts captive.  And turn worrying around, with prayer. Use those same anxious thoughts - and form strong prayers. Take what the enemy is bringing against you; and cause it to backfire on him.

Prayer is always the best defense to take.  Especially when anxiety enters your life.

I Know, Child.  Sometimes it’s hard.  However, for such a time as this; and in times like these - when it’s hardest to pray.... You must pray.

Offer a sacrifice of prayer and praise, when all around you dictates the opposite.

Take those thoughts captive, and turn to Me.

Reflect on the times past when you prayed, and things like this worked out for your good.

Prayer still works.
Nothing has changed.

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word
2 Corinthians 10:5 - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 

Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD. And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  

Luke 18:1 - And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 
 
1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 
 
James 5:16b - The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

#ScriptureReflection - John 16:5-15 (4.22.22)

 The Work of the Holy Spirit

⁵  “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you.

⁷  But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. ⁸  And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. ⁹  The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. ¹⁰  Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. ¹¹  Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

¹²  “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. ¹³  When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. ¹⁴  He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. ¹⁵  All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’


Source: NLT (New Living Translation) 

#ScriptureReflections - Jeremiah 11:18-20 (4.21.22)

 Plot Against Jeremiah

¹⁸  Because the Lord revealed their plot to me, I knew it, for at that time he showed me what they were doing. ¹⁹  I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realize that they had plotted against me, saying,

“Let us destroy the tree and its fruit;
    let us cut him off from the land of the living,
    that his name be remembered no more.”
²⁰  But you, Lord Almighty, who judge righteously
    and test the heart and mind,
let me see your vengeance on them,
    for to you I have committed my cause.

Rise Up & Break Your Shackles through Your God-Given Authority (4.20.22)

Precious one,
I Want you to RISE UP and BREAK the shackles that bind you.

Do not sit in torment crying out for Me to help you, for I Have already given you My Authority.

Do you hear Me, Child?

I Have already given you My Authority.
I Have already given you My Authority.
I Have already given you My Authority.

Use what I Have given to you.  My Power is more than sufficient for you to gain The Victory.  Stop allowing things to happen to you.  You must decide, you must choose to set your mind afresh; and use The Authority that I Gave you, so long ago, to make changes in your life.  

Have I not said, No one can enter a strong man's house

and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? 

You have My Holy Spirit living within you.  And I Have given you My Authority, over the enemy and over infirmities. Don't you realize Child, that you are strong in Me? So how is it that so many of you have fallen into the role of 'helpless victim;' so much so, that many of you offer no resistance? How is it that far too many of you so easily allow the enemy of your souls to plunder your goods?

This is not My Will for you.  
This.  Is.  Not.  My.  Will.
For you.

Do you realize that My Will for you is for Victory and not defeat?

Have I Not said in My Word that I Have given you Your Own Authority to trample on snakes and scorpions?  To overcome all power of the enemy?  And that nothing will harm you?

Since I Have given you My Authority, don't you think that My Authority, the very Authority I have given to you, is greater than the authority of your adversary?

Of course, it is!

So rise up.
Stop listening to the lies of the enemy.
And do not surrender to him.

Lift up My Name.

And cause change to happen in your life!  

#ScriptureReflection - Nahum 3:11-19 (4.19.22)

¹¹  You too will become drunk;
    you will go into hiding
    and seek refuge from the enemy.

¹²  All your fortresses are like fig trees
    with their first ripe fruit;
when they are shaken,
    the figs fall into the mouth of the eater.
¹³  Look at your troops—
    they are all weaklings.
The gates of your land
    are wide open to your enemies;
    fire has consumed the bars of your gates.

¹⁴  Draw water for the siege,
    strengthen your defenses!
Work the clay,
    tread the mortar,
    repair the brickwork!
¹⁵  There the fire will consume you;
    the sword will cut you down—
    they will devour you like a swarm of locusts.
Multiply like grasshoppers,
    multiply like locusts!
¹⁶  You have increased the number of your merchants
    till they are more numerous than the stars in the sky,
but like locusts they strip the land
    and then fly away.
¹⁷  Your guards are like locusts,
    your officials like swarms of locusts
    that settle in the walls on a cold day—
but when the sun appears they fly away,
    and no one knows where.

¹⁸  King of Assyria, your shepherds slumber;
    your nobles lie down to rest.
Your people are scattered on the mountains
    with no one to gather them.
¹⁹  Nothing can heal you;
    your wound is fatal.
All who hear the news about you
    clap their hands at your fall,
for who has not felt
    your endless cruelty?

Source: NIV (New International Version)  

#ScriptureReflection - Nahum 3:1-10 (4.18.22)

 Woe to Nineveh

¹  Woe to the city of blood,
    full of lies,
full of plunder,
    never without victims!
²  The crack of whips,
    the clatter of wheels,
galloping horses
    and jolting chariots!
³  Charging cavalry,
    flashing swords
    and glittering spears!
Many casualties,
    piles of dead,
bodies without number,
    people stumbling over the corpses—
⁴  all because of the wanton lust of a prostitute,
    alluring, the mistress of sorceries,
who enslaved nations by her prostitution
    and peoples by her witchcraft.

⁵  “I am against you,” declares the Lord Almighty.
    “I will lift your skirts over your face.
I will show the nations your nakedness
    and the kingdoms your shame.
⁶  I will pelt you with filth,
    I will treat you with contempt
    and make you a spectacle.
⁷  All who see you will flee from you and say,
    ‘Nineveh is in ruins—who will mourn for her?’
    Where can I find anyone to comfort you?”

⁸  Are you better than Thebes,
    situated on the Nile,
    with water around her?
The river was her defense,
    the waters her wall.
⁹  Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength;
    Put and Libya were among her allies.
¹⁰  Yet she was taken captive
    and went into exile.
Her infants were dashed to pieces
    at every street corner.
Lots were cast for her nobles,
    and all her great men were put in chains.

Source: NIV (New International Version)    

Resurrection Sunday! (4.17.22)

Sisters & Brothers in Christ,
He Is Risen!
Truly He Is Risen!

Resurrection Sunday should be a time where we focus on Our Father, thanking Him for raising up His Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead so that we may have eternal life. It is unfortunate that so many people have lost focus and do not honor & celebrate the true meaning of Easter, which is the Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I remember as a child we would dress up, looking so very pretty; go to church for the Easter program; and after church services we would go outside and throw Easter eggs at each other. Easter can be a fun time for children - with the Easter baskets, Easter egg hunts, candy and adults making a fuss about having an "Easter outfit;" but the reason for this Holiest of Holy's Easter celebration must not be lost. Jesus was crucified, for our sins; and He Rose from the dead, on the third day, so that we will be saved.  Jesus' crucifixion on the Cross, Easter Sunday, is a reminder that we are to repent for our sins.  For by Christ's death, our sins were brought for a price so that all may be redeemed.

Spending time with the Lord in prayer, getting to know Him and honoring God and Jesus Christ is truly what Easter is all about.

Pray to God; teach your kids about Jesus Christ; and the reason for Resurrection Sunday.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly. - Matthew 6:6

In His Ministry, Jesus mentioned the prayer “closet” (Matthew 6:6 KJV) or “a secret place.” The word rendered “closet” signified originally a storeroom and has the same root word as the word “to cut” or “divide.” It may have referred to a sectioning-off of a corner of the large room in which families lived. In that private place, supplies were kept for the needs of the family.

While this word eventually came to be used to refer to any place of privacy, the “supply room” would also speak to the storehouse of GOD’s Resources available to us through personal prayer.

For Jesus, the place was not as important as the purpose.  Namely to get away from the routine, the interruptions, the noise, the voices of others, the hustle & bustle; and to spend time alone with God His Father. Sometimes we become so transfixed on "sacred spaces;" but the truest of "sacred places," are just places that become sacred - because of what happens when we commune with GOD. 

~ Prayer ~
Father God,
Your Son found many solitary places in which to pray as He traveled throughout the land.

Thank You for teaching me that sacred space can be wherever I find myself alone with You; whether it is a closet, a chair or a hotel room.  For You are always ready to meet with me in private!  Teach me to be committed to our time together, no matter where I am.

In the Name of Your Son Jesus, I pray this prayer,
On this Blessed Resurrection Sunday,
Amen!

April / Easter Season Cover Photo (2022)

 

Instead of Worrying -- Pray! (4.16.22)

My Child,
I Know this has been a hard time.
I See the obstacles to your faith.
I See the obstacles which disturbed your peace.
And I See the things that caused emotional stress.

Pray, My Child, and cast your cares upon Me.  For this is too much for you to bear.  And let Me Ask you this - When has worrying ever made things better?  It never has.  And it never will.

I Heard some of you say, when you were crying, “I wonder if prayer still works.” Yes, prayer works. Prayer is powerful.  Prayer is My Gift to you.  And when you add faith to it, it is even greater.  And when you discern My Will and place your trust in My Plan, your prayers will have exponential power.  Prayer is also your love song to Me.

When you pray, you must also believe you have received what you have prayed for. So, do not stop praying.  Just add some faith to your prayers.

Pray, trust Me, and stand on My Word.

Believe, that what you have asked for, will come to pass.
Then believe, that what I Am doing is best for you.
And remain faithful.
Lastly, bask in My Love.
Know that I Love you Child.
My Love & Concern for you is forever,
       for always and forgiving.

And all My Promises are
Yes & Amen.

Read and Meditate on God's Word
Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say to you, All things, whatever you ask, praying, believe that you shall receive them, and it will be to you.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to GOD. And the peace of GOD which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

#ScriptureReflection - Joel 3:17-21 (4.15.22)

 Blessings for God’s People

17 “Then you will know that I, the Lord your God,
    dwell in Zion, my holy hill.
Jerusalem will be holy;
    never again will foreigners invade her.

18 “In that day the mountains will drip new wine,
    and the hills will flow with milk;
    all the ravines of Judah will run with water.
A fountain will flow out of the Lord’s house
    and will water the valley of acacias.
19 But Egypt will be desolate,
    Edom a desert waste,
because of violence done to the people of Judah,
    in whose land they shed innocent blood.
20 Judah will be inhabited forever
    and Jerusalem through all generations.
21 Shall I leave their innocent blood unavenged?
    No, I will not.”

                                 The Lord dwells in Zion!

Source: NIV (New International Version)

#ScriptureReflection - Nahum 1:12-15 (4.14.22)

 ¹²  This is what the Lord says:

“Although they have allies and are numerous,

    they will be destroyed and pass away.
Although I have afflicted you, Judah,
    I will afflict you no more.
¹³  Now I will break their yoke from your neck
    and tear your shackles away.”

¹⁴  The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:
    “You will have no descendants to bear your name.
I will destroy the images and idols
    that are in the temple of your gods.
I will prepare your grave,
    for you are vile.”

¹⁵  Look, there on the mountains,
    the feet of one who brings good news,
    who proclaims peace!
Celebrate your festivals, Judah,
    and fulfill your vows.
No more will the wicked invade you;
    they will be completely destroyed.

Source: NIV (New International Version)    

Under "Divine" Construction (4.13.22)

God Is .....  Working on Your Foundation, Your Building, Your Shell
to Create a Mighty, Finished Work
 - YOU! 

My Child,
I KNOW that that did not feel good.

Yes Child, I Have been stripping everything old from you.
And I Know it has been painful.

However, I Needed to do this.  In order for Me To Impart the "new things" that I Am Doing in your life.

It would not be wise of Me to pour new blessings into an old foundation that is slowly falling apart. If I Did that, the "old foundation of you" would not be able to contain the "new blessings;" and those blessings would perish.  The new foundation would crumble.  And you know Me well enough by now, Child, that I Only do things that last.  Wise things.  Worthy things.  Mighty things.  Purpose & Plan things.
 
My Child, I Am working on your building.

I Am preparing you to receive the "brand new things" that I Am bringing into your life.

I See what the 'storms of life' have done to you. I See how, for some of you, your bodies have become bent under the weight of the circumstances of life. That is why I Am rebuilding you and bringing new life to those damaged areas. I Am taking away the hurtful things, the infirmities, and the pain left behind by the storm; and I Am pouring healing and restoration into your life.
 
When people see the version of you that is 'My Finished Work,' they won’t recognize you.   

Hear Me Child. 
Trust Me Child. 
They.  Will.  Not.  Recognize.  You......   

I Am making you brand new.  Even your countenance will have changed. The once shattered, torn, and broken shell that was holding you together will only be a distant, fading memory.

I Am making you whole again.
And crowning you with My Glory.

 

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word 

Isaiah 43:18-19 - Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. 

Luke 5:37-38 - And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.  But new wine must be put into new bottles, and both are preserved. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man 

be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Philippians 3:13-14 - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD in Christ Jesus. 

Revelations 21:5 - And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.  And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 

#ScriptureReflection - Nahum 1:7-11 (4.12.22)

⁷  The Lord is good,
    a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,
⁸      but with an overwhelming flood
he will make an end of Nineveh;
    he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.

⁹  Whatever they plot against the Lord
    he will bring to an end;
    trouble will not come a second time.
¹⁰  They will be entangled among thorns
    and drunk from their wine;
    they will be consumed like dry stubble.
¹¹  From you, Nineveh, has one come forth
    who plots evil against the Lord
    and devises wicked plans.

Source: NIV (New International Version)    

#ScriptureReflection - Nahum 1:1-6 (4.11.22)

¹  A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

The Lord’s Anger Against Nineveh

²  The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;
    the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
The Lord takes vengeance on his foes
    and vents his wrath against his enemies.
³  The Lord is slow to anger but great in power;
    the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
    and clouds are the dust of his feet.
⁴  He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
    he makes all the rivers run dry.
Bashan and Carmel wither
    and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.
⁵  The mountains quake before him
    and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence,
    the world and all who live in it.
⁶  Who can withstand his indignation?
    Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
    the rocks are shattered before him.

Source: NIV (New International Version)     

Trust God, Spend Time with Him Daily, Read His Word & Watch Him Move Mightily (4.10.22)

My Child,
Did you know that no weapon formed against you will prosper?

This is why it's very important for you to spend time in My Word, on a daily basis. satan will try everything possible to make you believe that you have no control over many of the things happening in your life. That is simply a lie from the pits of hell. satan and his followers flee at the mention of My Name. they cannot stand My Name, and they definitely cannot stand the Name of My Son, Jesus.  In fact, they will tremble and flee, for the enemy's time on this earth is quickly coming to an end.  satan and his followers will be tossed into a lake of fire where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, as it is written in My Word.

It might appear they have the victory over you; but, My Child, believe - and know that I Will not allow the enemy to reign over you, regardless of what you are going through. I See and I Hear everything.  And I Am going to undo everything that was designed to cause you harm. I Am going to prepare a table for you, in the presence of your enemy; but you must do your part by having faith in Me, and spending time reading My Word. I Have promised to never leave you nor forsake you. I Am not a man that I Should lie.  So always believe, I Am With you and I Am Protecting you from the enemy and his schemes.

Also, do not be angry with those whom satan is using. You must pray for their deliverance. They do not realize that after the enemy finishes using them; he is going to destroy them and everything connected to them. Pray for their souls because My Will is that none of My Children should perish.

My Child, no weapon formed against you shall prosper because I Have My Eyes and My Hands on You.

Who can stand against Me?
No one.

Who can undo My Blessings?
No one!

Who can close doors I Have opened?
No One!!!!

I Am Jehovah, All by Myself; and their is no other!

I Have Power over all things on this earth and beneath this earth.

Regardless of what the enemy is trying to make you believe and how he is using others to do his will; I Have All Power.  And My Son, Jesus Christ, Has All Power.  And a portion of Your Power was released when My Son died and rose on the third day.   

My Son Will destroy satan, as it is written, and everything connected to him; in My Timing. Trust in Me and believe the words I Have Spoken to you, over you, through you and for those things I would have you to do.

Spend time with Me daily, in prayer; and by reading My Word - then you will see Me Move in a mighty way.

A "Trusting, Seeking & Needing God's Presence" Prayer (4.9.22)

Father GOD,
Forgive me for praying words that I think You want to hear, in order to “put in my time” with You each day. 

Draw me to the depths of Your Heart, where I can meet You; whether in joy or sorrow. 
Give me a deep desire to cry out to You when I am hurting. 

Stir within my heart, a mindful desire to pray Your Word in the Psalms - feeling the pain, confusion, anger and hurt of David (and the other Psalmists); yet also receiving the joy, peace and comfort that only You Can Bring, in the midst of despair.

Father GOD, You instructed us to enter into our prayer closet and open our heart to You, daily; especially when we are hurting emotionally and physically.

Lord GOD, only You alone will bring peace and comfort to all who trust in You.

I trust You Jehovah GOD.
I need You.
And I seek Your Presence, right now

In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
     I pray this prayer.

Amen

One Day at a Time (4.8.22)

Faith Family,
Sometimes we become so overwhelmed with the "so-called negative" things happening in our lives, that we lose focus on the power of Jesus.   While some "negative" attacks may be sent by satan; other "negative" attacks could be God creating a new way, getting unworthy things out of the way, correcting our disobedience (sometimes, it is us yall!), or protecting us from what could be (or was meant to be) way worse.

Stand on GOD's Word; and know that regardless of our situations or circumstances - Jesus said that He will never leave us.

Now stand up, dust off and keep praising Jehovah!!!

Thank GOD for what you have,
Trust GOD for what you need.
  ~ Marilyn

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My Child,
You must be strong.
You must take one step at a time.
And you must face one problem at a time.

Do not worry about tomorrow, because I Hold all your tomorrows. You must trust Me, and trust IN Me, to give you the grace to meet every challenge with My Wisdom and My Strength. My Love is more than enough to see you through whatever perceived trials and tribulations you face each day.
 
Refuse to give in to discouragement and difficult circumstances.

Let Me Say that again, Child.

Refuse to give in to discouragement and difficult circumstances.
Refuse to give in to discouragement and difficult circumstances.
Refuse to give in to discouragement and difficult circumstances.

Trust in Me, and I Will strengthen you and cause you to rise to every occasion.

You will have the victory.
I Will cause you to face each day
     with confidence and faith.

I Have made a way for you to be the victor and not a victim.

Rise up with fresh courage and a new boldness.
I Love you, Child.
Take one step at a time.
Take one day at a time.

 ~ My Prayer Confession ~
Yes, Lord, I will take one day at a time, and allow You to guide me every step of the way. 

I know that You will not put more on me than I can bear, and when the load begins to feel like it is getting to be too much, I know that I am to call upon Your Name. 

I know that You will be right there to help me

Yes & Amen  

Read and Meditate on GOD's Word
Matthew 6:33-34 - But seek first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow shall be anxious for its own things. Sufficient to the day is the evil of it.

Luke 9:62 - And Jesus said to him, No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of GOD.

#ScriptureReflection - Joel 3:7-16 (4.7.22)

⁷  “See, I am going to rouse them out of the places to which you sold them, and I will return on your own heads what you have done. ⁸  I will sell your sons and daughters to the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, a nation far away.” The Lord has spoken.

⁹  Proclaim this among the nations:
    Prepare for war!
Rouse the warriors!
    Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.
¹⁰  Beat your plowshares into swords
    and your pruning hooks into spears.
Let the weakling say,
    “I am strong!”
¹¹  Come quickly, all you nations from every side,
    and assemble there.

Bring down your warriors, Lord!

¹²  “Let the nations be roused;
    let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat,
for there I will sit
    to judge all the nations on every side.
¹³  Swing the sickle,
    for the harvest is ripe.
Come, trample the grapes,
    for the winepress is full
    and the vats overflow—
so great is their wickedness!”

¹⁴  Multitudes, multitudes
    in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near
    in the valley of decision.
¹⁵  The sun and moon will be darkened,
    and the stars no longer shine.
¹⁶  The Lord will roar from Zion
    and thunder from Jerusalem;
    the earth and the heavens will tremble.
But the Lord will be a refuge for his people,
    a stronghold for the people of Israel.

Source: NIV (New International Version)

No More "Stopping Short." Press On, Believe, Reach, Never Give Up, Keep the Faith & Stand on God's Word. (4.6.22)

My Child,
I Want to do great things in your life; however, oftentimes some of you give up just short of your blessing.

My Precious Child, persistence & perseverance need to be more than words in your vocabulary. Let Me Say that again so that it sinks in....

Persistence & perseverance need to be more than words in your vocabulary.

There are Countless Blessings stored for all of you; but too many of you quit, just before some of them manifest. There are especially one or two Blessings that I Am Speaking of. You think about this particular desire, often.  Very often.  Many of you have been praying about it for some time now.  There are times your faith is so strong that you can almost touch it, smell it, taste it, see it.  Then the enemy comes in with distractions, or you focus on the flesh and not Me; and you take your eyes, lips, heart, mind and spirit off of My Word.

You must never give up on the desires of your heart. Those desires can and will come to pass, if you simply continue to persevere in faith and obedience. 

Never allow anything to cause you to take your eyes off My Word.  There is strength in My Word. There’s power in My Word.  There is life in My Word.  There is Living Water in My Word.  My Word is an illuminating Light to your feet & to your path.  My Word will nourish you and sustain you. 

Saturating yourself in My Word will keep the desires of your heart from being stolen.  Saturating yourself in My Word will keep the desires of your heart alive.  Saturating yourself in My Word will keep the desires of your heart burning.   Just always keep Me and My Word before you.  

Dearest Little One, stop wondering whether you will make it; and start believing what My Word says - You are more than a conqueror through Me.  You can do all things through Christ, which strengthens you.  Believe it, know it, speak it, receive it and reach out to Me, in faith.  Press your way, and do not ever stop.

I Will guide you, every step of the way. And when things look dark, and if you feel like you will never make it through the storm.....  Know that I Am with you. Have faith, that I Have gone before you to make your way straight. Press your way through.

I Will never leave you.
I Am here to help you.
I Will protect you.  

Press on through. For I Am with you, beside you, before you, behind you. I Have all that you will need.  Receive it, for it is yours.  And it is My Desire to give it to you. 

Now, stand on My Word and persevere.

Do not allow the enemy to steal your joy. 
Do not allow the enemy to steal your dreams.

Persevere.
Keep the faith.
Do not stop trusting in Me.
For your desires will come to pass.

I Love you, My Child.
I Love you.

  

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word 

Romans 8:37 - Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 - We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

#ScriptureReflection - Joel 3:1-6 (4.5.22)

The Nations Judged

¹  “In those days and at that time,
    when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,
²  I will gather all nations
    and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
There I will put them on trial
    for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel,
because they scattered my people among the nations
    and divided up my land.
³  They cast lots for my people
    and traded boys for prostitutes;
    they sold girls for wine to drink.

⁴  “Now what have you against me, Tyre and Sidon and all you regions of Philistia? Are you repaying me for something I have done? If you are paying me back, I will swiftly and speedily return on your own heads what you have done. ⁵  For you took my silver and my gold and carried off my finest treasures to your temples. ⁶  You sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks, that you might send them far from their homeland.


Source: NIV (New International Version)

#ScriptureReflection - Nahum 2:11-13 (4.4.22)

¹¹  Where now is the lions’ den,
    the place where they fed their young,
where the lion and lioness went,
    and the cubs, with nothing to fear?
¹²  The lion killed enough for his cubs
    and strangled the prey for his mate,
filling his lairs with the kill
    and his dens with the prey.

¹³  “I am against you,”
    declares the Lord Almighty.
“I will burn up your chariots in smoke,
    and the sword will devour your young lions.
    I will leave you no prey on the earth.
The voices of your messengers
    will no longer be heard.”

Source: NIV (New International Version)

Will You Trust God's Plans? (4.3.22)

My Child,
Yes, I Closed that door.  For it became a place of bondage for you. Trust that I Am Moving, on your behalf; and soon, you will see a new door opening. I Am Leading you to a better place; which will bring you closer to Me. I Will Accomplish all that I Began in you.

Now, step away from the situation you were facing and look up.  There is something that I Want to show you.

I Want to show you the right direction.
I Want you to see that it is filled with great possibilities.
I Want you to see that the way is completely unhindered.

Do not be surprised at the promotion which is coming. Oh, but it will not be in the way that you are thinking. Just know that I Won’t disappoint you; and that you will bring Glory to My Name.

So, will you trust My Plans; and know that I Have a future, and a hope, for you? 

Will you trust that My Plans are to bless you and to fulfill your hearts’ desires? 

Will you trust and believe in My Word, and know that all My Promises are "Yes & Amen?"

Good.

Now, rest in what I Have spoken to you, be still, and draw near to Me.

There is work yet to be done.

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

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 Corinthians 1:20 - For all the promises of GOD in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of GOD by us. 

#ScriptureReflection - Jeremiah 11:18-23 (4.2.22)

 Jeremiah’s Life Threatened

¹⁸  Now the Lord gave me knowledge of it, and I know it; for You showed me their doings. ¹⁹  But I was like a docile lamb brought to the slaughter; and I did not know that they had devised schemes against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.”

²⁰  But, O Lord of hosts,
You who judge righteously,
Testing the mind and the heart,
Let me see Your vengeance on them,
For to You I have revealed my cause.

²¹  “Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the men of Anathoth who seek your life, saying, ‘Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord, lest you die by our hand’— ²²  therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Behold, I will punish them. The young men shall die by the sword, their sons and their daughters shall die by famine; ²³  and there shall be no remnant of them, for I will bring catastrophe on the men of Anathoth, even the year of their punishment.’ ”

Source: NKJV (New King James Version)