Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring - James 3:11
Faith Believers,
James points out that fresh and salty water cannot come from the same fountain.
Our tongues are powerful.
It is important that what we say lines up with what we pray. Listen to the things you say throughout the course of an average day. You may discover that although the prayers you are praying sound “faith-filled,” and in agreement with GOD’s Will; your conversations, and the things that you say, do not line up with your praying.
Here’s an example, you need money to pay your mortgage. You pray fervently - believing, thanking GOD in advance for His provision. So far, so good. Thirty minutes later, someone asks about your situation and you reply, “I don’t know, things look pretty bleak. I don’t know what I am going to do. I’m out of options.” In one unguarded conversation, you've written “VOID” across the prayer you just prayed. You've exposed an underlying issue of unbelief.
Although you prayed the right words,
you weren't actually praying them in faith.
You didn’t truly believe them in your heart.
If we could search our heart, as GOD does, we might discover that we are still looking for a “backup source” (other than GOD). By telling another person our needs, and showing a bit of desperation, we unconsciously may be hoping that he or she will assist us, just in case GOD doesn’t come through. It’s like having a “Plan B.” Sometimes we are not even aware that we are doing this, but it’s a classic case of double-mindedness.
The words we say should match the words we pray.
Our conversations with others should reflect the faith with which we’ve prayed. To pray one thing about a person, place, or circumstance; and then to turn around and confess the opposite is classic double-mindedness. And this produces nothing.
When someone ask us about our situation, we should respond with, “I still don’t know how GOD Will do it, but I am convinced that He is my source; and that He Is working now to supply all my needs according to His Riches in glory, by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). And for that, I give Him praise.”
- Marilyn
~ Prayer ~
Father,
My desire is to pray, believing that You will
answer as I align my prayers with Your Heart.
Keep me from doubting the very words that I pray to You.
May I trust Your Heart, even when I am unable to see
You at work, around me, in that moment.
Your response is always timed for my good
and for the sake of Your own glory.
Help me to be a yielded intercessor, expressing prayers
of thanksgiving for answers I have yet to see
in the physical realm, but for which I believe will come forth
from Your Heart (and in Your perfect timing)
as I align my heart with Yours.
Amen
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Monday, November 28, 2016
Press In, Persevere Until the Victory. Going through Gethsemane..... (11.28.16)
My Child,
Many of My people are in the "valley of decision."
Many are positioned at the fork in the road.
I didn’t bring you to that place of testing
on your spiritual journey to leave you.
I will be with you as go through those hard places. I know at times it may seem that I Am not there and that I don't see or feel the pain of the trial you’re going through; but I Am always with you.
Even now, as you read this word, I Am bringing you through the valleys of despair. I Am bringing you through the deserts and through the rocky roads of life. I Am moving on your situation to transition you from where you are, into your places of destiny.
I have gone before you and prepared the way.
However, it is necessary for you to take hold of My Word and come out of your place of captivity. Just as My Son had to press in at Gethsemane, persevering to and through the cross; in order to guarantee the breakthrough for all of My children, you too must go through your Gethsemane.
You too must press in and persevere until the victory is complete.
Only then, will you have a complete breakthrough in your life.
Only then, will you live the victorious life.
Only then, will you walk in My Spirit
and be ready to do signs and wonders in My Name.
There is a cost to pay for My anointing. Beloved, remember your trials and tribulations will sometimes be hard because you chose to follow Me, but when you persevere the way My Son did - your reward will be great.
Don't fear the battles, because battles will come and go.
This battle you are going through has already been won.
I have it secured.
It is time for My people to stand up and take their rightful place in My Kingdom. Because of My Son's Victory, your victory is assured. You cannot lose, unless you choose not to have faith, unless you choose not to stand and fight, unless you choose not to follow Me because the way is too tough.
The choice is yours, I have given you weapons to fight this battle with.
The weapons I provide are not carnal, but mighty to pull down every stronghold.
Use My weapons and not your own.
Trust in Me and lean not on your own understanding.
Lean not on the world, for it will fail every time.
Stand on My Word as your firm foundation.
I Am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, of anything you will ever experience.
Read and Meditate on His 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.
Hebrews 4:15 - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
1 Peter 1:6-7 - Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
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.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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;
2 Samuel 22:20 - He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
Many of My people are in the "valley of decision."
Many are positioned at the fork in the road.
I didn’t bring you to that place of testing
on your spiritual journey to leave you.
I will be with you as go through those hard places. I know at times it may seem that I Am not there and that I don't see or feel the pain of the trial you’re going through; but I Am always with you.
Even now, as you read this word, I Am bringing you through the valleys of despair. I Am bringing you through the deserts and through the rocky roads of life. I Am moving on your situation to transition you from where you are, into your places of destiny.
I have gone before you and prepared the way.
However, it is necessary for you to take hold of My Word and come out of your place of captivity. Just as My Son had to press in at Gethsemane, persevering to and through the cross; in order to guarantee the breakthrough for all of My children, you too must go through your Gethsemane.
You too must press in and persevere until the victory is complete.
Only then, will you have a complete breakthrough in your life.
Only then, will you live the victorious life.
Only then, will you walk in My Spirit
and be ready to do signs and wonders in My Name.
There is a cost to pay for My anointing. Beloved, remember your trials and tribulations will sometimes be hard because you chose to follow Me, but when you persevere the way My Son did - your reward will be great.
Don't fear the battles, because battles will come and go.
This battle you are going through has already been won.
I have it secured.
It is time for My people to stand up and take their rightful place in My Kingdom. Because of My Son's Victory, your victory is assured. You cannot lose, unless you choose not to have faith, unless you choose not to stand and fight, unless you choose not to follow Me because the way is too tough.
The choice is yours, I have given you weapons to fight this battle with.
The weapons I provide are not carnal, but mighty to pull down every stronghold.
Use My weapons and not your own.
Trust in Me and lean not on your own understanding.
Lean not on the world, for it will fail every time.
Stand on My Word as your firm foundation.
I Am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, of anything you will ever experience.
Read and Meditate on His 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.
Hebrews 4:15 - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
1 Peter 1:6-7 - Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
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.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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;
2 Samuel 22:20 - He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
God is Positioning You to Be a Light to Those in Darkness.... (11.27.16)
My Child,
You will stand amazed at the Work I Am doing in and through you. I have been working behind the scenes to make a way for you to walk in your calling, and nothing or no one will hinder you. I Will move you on at the appointed time, and place you in a position, so that you can be a Light to those in darkness.
Bask in My Counsel.
Soak up My Wisdom.
Allow Me to direct your affairs, and
set you up according to My good pleasure.
Do not allow anyone to put limits on you, or dictate what you must do.
I have given you My Divine Directions, do not stray from them.
Wait on My Timing, and move as I Lead.
When I open doors, walk through them without hesitation, and trust that I Am walking with you.
Every step you take, you will find
the provisions have already been made.
You shall be rewarded for time spent at My Feet.
Read and Meditate on His Word
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:
Joel 2:25 - And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Psalm 118:23 - This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
You will stand amazed at the Work I Am doing in and through you. I have been working behind the scenes to make a way for you to walk in your calling, and nothing or no one will hinder you. I Will move you on at the appointed time, and place you in a position, so that you can be a Light to those in darkness.
Bask in My Counsel.
Soak up My Wisdom.
Allow Me to direct your affairs, and
set you up according to My good pleasure.
Do not allow anyone to put limits on you, or dictate what you must do.
I have given you My Divine Directions, do not stray from them.
Wait on My Timing, and move as I Lead.
When I open doors, walk through them without hesitation, and trust that I Am walking with you.
Every step you take, you will find
the provisions have already been made.
You shall be rewarded for time spent at My Feet.
Read and Meditate on His Word
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:
Joel 2:25 - And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Psalm 118:23 - This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Each Day God Sends a New Dawn & New Mercies. Trust that He Will Restore You & Bring You into a New Season. (11.25.16)
My Children,
You do not have to carry your burdens, I Am here to take them from you.
Do not walk each day in guilt from previous sins.
Give these to Me, and I will wash them away.
I will throw them as far away as the east is from the west, and they shall be remembered no more.
If I AM with you, who can be against you?
Who can come against Me?
Who is powerful enough to make Me run?
Is there any? No!
Say yes, and Amen.
Each day I send a new dawn and new mercy.
So no matter what yesterday held,
a new dawn unfolds for you every morning.
My child, you know this, yet you allow the enemy to weigh you down with the guilt and shame of the past. You must believe that My promises are true, and sealed with the blood that My Son shed for you. This same blood washed away your sins. I Have forgiven you, I Will restore you, and I Will heal you. Say yes, and Amen.
Let go of all that held you captive and all that anchored you.
Release the chains that bind you, for I Have set you free.
And there is nothing that can enslave you.
Just believe and walk in the faith you have in Me.
Set your eyes on Me, listen for My Voice,
fill your spirit with My Truth,
and walk forward in your freedom -
knowing that I Am walking with you.
Say yes, and Amen.
For I made all things, and I have much in store for you - more than you can perceive, more than you can begin to imagine. However, you can only see these things if you turn away from that which is hindering you.
Turn away from the past and walk forward with Me
so that you can receive all I have promised you,
all that I have planned for you.
Say yes, and amen.
My Children, I Am God your Father, I love you with an Everlasting Love, and I Will be with you until the ends of the earth. I Will not let anything harm you. I Will make a way out of no way when your back is against the wall, and I Will deliver.
Believe in Me, as you believe
that the sun will rise each day.
Believe because they are My Words
and I Am not man that I would lie
or seek to deceive you.
Trust that I Will restore you
and bring you into a new season.
Now, will you say "Yes and Amen"
to My Will, to My Way, to Me?
Read and Meditate on His Word
Psalm 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Lamentations 3:23 - They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Jeremiah 31:3 - The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
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.
You do not have to carry your burdens, I Am here to take them from you.
Do not walk each day in guilt from previous sins.
Give these to Me, and I will wash them away.
I will throw them as far away as the east is from the west, and they shall be remembered no more.
If I AM with you, who can be against you?
Who can come against Me?
Who is powerful enough to make Me run?
Is there any? No!
Say yes, and Amen.
Each day I send a new dawn and new mercy.
So no matter what yesterday held,
a new dawn unfolds for you every morning.
My child, you know this, yet you allow the enemy to weigh you down with the guilt and shame of the past. You must believe that My promises are true, and sealed with the blood that My Son shed for you. This same blood washed away your sins. I Have forgiven you, I Will restore you, and I Will heal you. Say yes, and Amen.
Let go of all that held you captive and all that anchored you.
Release the chains that bind you, for I Have set you free.
And there is nothing that can enslave you.
Just believe and walk in the faith you have in Me.
Set your eyes on Me, listen for My Voice,
fill your spirit with My Truth,
and walk forward in your freedom -
knowing that I Am walking with you.
Say yes, and Amen.
For I made all things, and I have much in store for you - more than you can perceive, more than you can begin to imagine. However, you can only see these things if you turn away from that which is hindering you.
Turn away from the past and walk forward with Me
so that you can receive all I have promised you,
all that I have planned for you.
Say yes, and amen.
My Children, I Am God your Father, I love you with an Everlasting Love, and I Will be with you until the ends of the earth. I Will not let anything harm you. I Will make a way out of no way when your back is against the wall, and I Will deliver.
Believe in Me, as you believe
that the sun will rise each day.
Believe because they are My Words
and I Am not man that I would lie
or seek to deceive you.
Trust that I Will restore you
and bring you into a new season.
Now, will you say "Yes and Amen"
to My Will, to My Way, to Me?
Read and Meditate on His Word
Psalm 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Lamentations 3:23 - They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Jeremiah 31:3 - The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
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.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
In Everything, Give Thanks..... Not just Thanks-giving, but Thanks-living (11.24.16)
This devotional was written by Pastor Jeff Schreve.
I love this message and wanted to share with everyone on this special day.
- Marilyn
In everything give thanks; for this is GOD's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we tend to focus on our blessings and giving thanks for GOD’s goodness. While that is certainly a good thing, it is not the best thing. The best thing is to turn Thanksgiving into Thanks-living. Regardless of the day or the situation, GOD wants us to be thankful. Why is that?
Thank Him for the mountains …
and thank Him for the valleys.
He is worthy of all your thanks and praise.
~ Prayer ~
Dear GOD,
I hate to say it, but I have been guilty
of grumbling and griping about
all my problems and trials.
I have failed to be thankful and to remember
that You are at work in my life,
even through all the troubles.
Please forgive me, GOD.
I want to be a person who keeps my eyes on You
and praises You, no matter what may come my way.
So, thank you GOD for these blessings and these challenges.
I know You are in control of all things.
I know You love me and work all things together for my good.
I choose to trust You, Lord.
Teach me to be a “praiser” who always finds the good...
and not a complainer who always finds the bad.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
I love this message and wanted to share with everyone on this special day.
- Marilyn
In everything give thanks; for this is GOD's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we tend to focus on our blessings and giving thanks for GOD’s goodness. While that is certainly a good thing, it is not the best thing. The best thing is to turn Thanksgiving into Thanks-living. Regardless of the day or the situation, GOD wants us to be thankful. Why is that?
- Thanks-living lets GOD know you have confidence in Him, no matter how deep the problems or how dire the circumstances. Thanks is faith turned inside out.
- Thanks-living changes your countenance and disposition. Instead of being down and discouraged, spreading gloom and despair everywhere you go, you begin to radiate the joy of the Lord. The best witnesses for Christ are those who are facing life’s trials with a song of thanksgiving on their lips.
- Thanks-living opens the door for GOD to work. GOD hates it when we grumble and gripe... but He loves it when we praise and give thanks. As we begin to live a life of thankfulness to GOD, He begins to work, even through the toughest trials and tests of faith. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison… and they sang a hymn of praise to the Lord. And when they finished singing, the Lord sent a jailhouse rock, and the prison doors were opened. You mark it down: GOD does miracles on our behalf when we choose to thank Him and praise Him, even in the deepest, darkest pit.
Thank Him for the mountains …
and thank Him for the valleys.
He is worthy of all your thanks and praise.
~ Prayer ~
Dear GOD,
I hate to say it, but I have been guilty
of grumbling and griping about
all my problems and trials.
I have failed to be thankful and to remember
that You are at work in my life,
even through all the troubles.
Please forgive me, GOD.
I want to be a person who keeps my eyes on You
and praises You, no matter what may come my way.
So, thank you GOD for these blessings and these challenges.
I know You are in control of all things.
I know You love me and work all things together for my good.
I choose to trust You, Lord.
Teach me to be a “praiser” who always finds the good...
and not a complainer who always finds the bad.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Stay the Course. Hold Onto Your Confession of Faith. Don't Lose Hope. Faithfully Endure to the End. (11.22.16)
Faith Believers,
Regardless of what happens, hold on to your confession of faith.
This test of endurance, this trial of your faith, is specific.
What you are facing today, may not be of your own doing;
nonetheless, you are dealing with it, and it is trying your faith.
The Lord's mercy will endure forever.
Just as the Lord's mercy will endure forever, so let it be with your faith in Him. Faithfully endure to the end. Suit up in the whole armor of GOD. Use your faith today and patiently wait for His promises to come to pass.
Stop struggling, stop striving and surrender everything to the Lord.
There is nothing left to do now but wait on the Lord and be confident that He has heard you. Ask of Him, according to His Will, knowing that He will answer. Hold on to your confession of faith and be patient. Wait on the Lord, no matter what happens, wait on Him. Turn your mind towards Jesus. The Lord will answer. He is faithful, trust Him!
Regardless of what happens, hold on to your confession of faith.
This test of endurance, this trial of your faith, is specific.
What you are facing today, may not be of your own doing;
nonetheless, you are dealing with it, and it is trying your faith.
1 Peter 4:12-13 - Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.Do not give up! Do not quit! Do not throw the towel in! The Lord is aware of what you are going through. You are in need of patience to endure faithfully to the end of this matter. Rest assured victory is near, but you must hold on to your confession of faith.
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 promiseDon't give up on Jesus! Don't give up on the Word of GOD, which has been steadfast for you. Don't cast away your confidence in what the Lord has promised you. Just because you are going through a hard time, don’t lose hope.
Romans 8:25 - But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.Know that you have "No Fault Assurance!"
The Lord's mercy will endure forever.
Just as the Lord's mercy will endure forever, so let it be with your faith in Him. Faithfully endure to the end. Suit up in the whole armor of GOD. Use your faith today and patiently wait for His promises to come to pass.
James 1:4 - But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.Stay the course. Changing your mind back and forth will place you in the sea of indecision. The state of double mindedness produces no decision at all. More importantly, the wavering back and forth is canceling out your prayer request.
James 1:6-7 - But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the LordTake His Rod, place it in the ground of your foundation and hold on to His Word. All your efforts to make things fit have exhausted you.
Stop struggling, stop striving and surrender everything to the Lord.
There is nothing left to do now but wait on the Lord and be confident that He has heard you. Ask of Him, according to His Will, knowing that He will answer. Hold on to your confession of faith and be patient. Wait on the Lord, no matter what happens, wait on Him. Turn your mind towards Jesus. The Lord will answer. He is faithful, trust Him!
1 John 5:14-15 - And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.- Marilyn
Monday, November 21, 2016
Silencing Our Hearts & Minds so We Can Hear God's Voice (11.21.16)
Faith Believers,
So how do you learn to listen?
For me, it started with a need to hear from GOD.
Good listening starts with the desire to learn.
If you can handle life without GOD, you will not hear from Him. It is not a matter of setting aside more time, albeit, that would be good. Be silent before the Lord - Zechariah 2:13 does not mean actual decibel silence, but silence in your mind. The world can be very loud around you, but you can still quiet your heart and mind whether in an airport or in the woods.
Remaining silent before GOD does not mean that you will have no thoughts or reflections. It does mean you will stop telling GOD your needs, and say as Samuel said, Speak. Lord, for Your servant hears - 1 Samuel 3:9.
Silence your heart and mind as you sit at the feet of GOD and wait to hear that small still voice.
- Marilyn
Thank You Lord,
For teaching me how to be still before You.
I praise You for speaking in the quietness
as I wait upon You.
As I silence my heart before You,
there is always a sense of Your pleasure
that I can’t sense when I barge into
Your presence with my requests.
I long to learn what it means to truly “pray without ceasing”
in every circumstance of life.
I know that I cannot handle life without You.
Speak, Lord, for I am listening!
So how do you learn to listen?
For me, it started with a need to hear from GOD.
Good listening starts with the desire to learn.
If you can handle life without GOD, you will not hear from Him. It is not a matter of setting aside more time, albeit, that would be good. Be silent before the Lord - Zechariah 2:13 does not mean actual decibel silence, but silence in your mind. The world can be very loud around you, but you can still quiet your heart and mind whether in an airport or in the woods.
Remaining silent before GOD does not mean that you will have no thoughts or reflections. It does mean you will stop telling GOD your needs, and say as Samuel said, Speak. Lord, for Your servant hears - 1 Samuel 3:9.
Silence your heart and mind as you sit at the feet of GOD and wait to hear that small still voice.
- Marilyn
Thank You Lord,
For teaching me how to be still before You.
I praise You for speaking in the quietness
as I wait upon You.
As I silence my heart before You,
there is always a sense of Your pleasure
that I can’t sense when I barge into
Your presence with my requests.
I long to learn what it means to truly “pray without ceasing”
in every circumstance of life.
I know that I cannot handle life without You.
Speak, Lord, for I am listening!
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Ignoring the enemy's Lies (11.20.16)
Faith Believers,
Below are just 2 of the types of lies the enemy tells us
to make us become discouraged with what the Lord
has promised us.
I want an answer.
I want to know why.
I want to find an explanation that comforts my confusion over devastating circumstances.
However, we aren’t always given those answers.
Instead, we are given a never-changing GOD and unshakable evidence of His Love through the Cross.
- Marilyn
Below are just 2 of the types of lies the enemy tells us
to make us become discouraged with what the Lord
has promised us.
- Lie #1: “If GOD is in control and he’s allowing you to suffer, then he cares more about his own glory than he does about you.”
This lie is so subtle, because it’s true that GOD’s glory is His greatest aim. However, He also knows that we will be more satisfied, more content, and more joy-filled in His glory than anything else. GOD is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
the enemy, however, wants us to believe that GOD’s glory is at odds with our happiness. But it's actually to the contrary. It is because GOD wants to bring us into unspeakable eternal joy, that He allows short-term pain for a time (1 Peter 1:3-9). He knows that it often takes the painful process of pruning us, for us to realize why we were created.
In these times it may appear as though GOD doesn’t care, but He does. We were created, not only to bring GOD glory, but to find our ultimate satisfaction in Christ, which does bring GOD glory! GOD allows all suffering to bring us to that place as undeserving forgiven sinners, basking in His glory. - Lie #2: “If GOD really loves you, He would answer your prayers for that new job or promotion, spouse, or baby, and protect or repair your reputation, etc.”
satan hides himself in the prosperity gospel. he knows that we would recognize his evil ways if he tried to convince us of an obvious lie, so instead he preys on something more reasonable such as our unmet desires.
When something “good” is taken from us, or a desire isn’t met, the enemy tempts us to conclude that GOD isn’t really good (see Asaph’s response in Psalm 73). The thought, “If He really loves me and I have enough faith, He will give me what (I think) I need,” is so close to the truth that it is easy for even a seasoned Christian to fall victim to this false way of thinking.
I want an answer.
I want to know why.
I want to find an explanation that comforts my confusion over devastating circumstances.
However, we aren’t always given those answers.
Instead, we are given a never-changing GOD and unshakable evidence of His Love through the Cross.
- Marilyn
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Praise Precedes the Victory/Celebration. Praise Him in Advance!! (11.19.16)
Faith Believers,
King David often began his prayers with tears,
but finished them with celebration.
He believed GOD was a faithful, promise-keeping GOD.
He often thanked GOD in advance for what He was about to do!
Celebration is sometimes a shout of victory; and sometimes a declaration of war. As long as we whine to GOD about our problems, we’ll see nothing. When we celebrate the answer, then will we see the answer!
Lord,
Forgive me for failing to celebrate answered prayers,
and for not expecting You to do great and mighty things
in response to my intercession!
Help me to purposefully give You praise as I seek Your face,
so that You will take pleasure in answering!
Fill me with a large measure of faith, to believe that You are always
about to do something amazing, in response to
the prayers of Your people.
Show me how to expect Your highest and best
for the glory of Your Name!
Amen
Praise GOD, the One who is your “refuge” and your “fortress” (Psalm 91:2).
Thank Him for taking care of you in every storm of life.
Confess the times when you’ve sought refuge in something or someone other than GOD.
Commit yourself to placing all your trust in our powerful and loving GOD.
Ask GOD to protect and defend you against satan’s schemes.
Ask GOD to make your home a spiritual refuge from the temptations of this world.
Pray that your children will find strength, peace, and security there.
Pray for harmony among the members of your family.
- Marilyn
King David often began his prayers with tears,
but finished them with celebration.
He believed GOD was a faithful, promise-keeping GOD.
He often thanked GOD in advance for what He was about to do!
Celebration is sometimes a shout of victory; and sometimes a declaration of war. As long as we whine to GOD about our problems, we’ll see nothing. When we celebrate the answer, then will we see the answer!
- Praise preceded the fall of Jericho’s walls. (The shout preceded the falling of the walls.)
- Praise preceded Jehoshaphat’s victory. (The praise team preceded the army.)
- Praise preceded the feeding of the five thousand. (Jesus thanked the Father for feeding the people with a lad’s lunch.)
- Praise preceded the resurrection of Lazarus. (Jesus thanked the Father for hearing Him.)
- Praise preceded the earthquake and jailbreak in Philippi. (Paul and Silas celebrated.)
Lord,
Forgive me for failing to celebrate answered prayers,
and for not expecting You to do great and mighty things
in response to my intercession!
Help me to purposefully give You praise as I seek Your face,
so that You will take pleasure in answering!
Fill me with a large measure of faith, to believe that You are always
about to do something amazing, in response to
the prayers of Your people.
Show me how to expect Your highest and best
for the glory of Your Name!
Amen
Praise GOD, the One who is your “refuge” and your “fortress” (Psalm 91:2).
Thank Him for taking care of you in every storm of life.
Confess the times when you’ve sought refuge in something or someone other than GOD.
Commit yourself to placing all your trust in our powerful and loving GOD.
Ask GOD to protect and defend you against satan’s schemes.
Ask GOD to make your home a spiritual refuge from the temptations of this world.
Pray that your children will find strength, peace, and security there.
Pray for harmony among the members of your family.
- Marilyn
Friday, November 18, 2016
Just Start Walking.... Walking in Faith. (11.18.16)
My Child,
Take Me at My Word, and put your feet forward, so that I can lead you.
It is My desire to lead you through many different experiences, but you must take the first step. Do not be afraid to walk the path I have set before you. I won’t allow your feet to slip. What is holding you back? How can you achieve your heart’s desire if you won’t walk through the door that I have opened?
So often you try to look ahead and figure out what I Am doing before you take the next step, but that is not walking by faith, is it? No, I’ve opened the door, and now you must decide whether you will have faith in Me and walk through it. It would be so easy for Me to pick you up and set you in the place where you want to be.
However, you would miss so many valuable lessons of faith that would bring you closer to Me if I did that for you.
Only when you walk by faith will you see My Hand move upon your life. I know you’re hoping to see the miracles first before you move; however, faith causes miracles to happen, not the other way around. If you walk by faith, even if it’s in the wrong direction, I will cause you to change direction and come into line with My Will.
I just need you to start walking.
Walk by faith so you can see My Hands
push down the Jericho walls in your life.
Walk by faith and watch Me close
the mouth of the lions in your life.
Walk by faith and watch Me meet every need
in your life with two fish and five loaves of bread.
Walk and you find yourself at the destination
I have ordained for you.
So, take Me at My Word, apply it and walk.
And then you will see Me move on your behalf.
Read and Meditate on His Word
Psalm 121:3 - He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
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.
John 15:7 - If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
2 Corinthians 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight,
1 Timothy 6:12 - Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Take Me at My Word, and put your feet forward, so that I can lead you.
It is My desire to lead you through many different experiences, but you must take the first step. Do not be afraid to walk the path I have set before you. I won’t allow your feet to slip. What is holding you back? How can you achieve your heart’s desire if you won’t walk through the door that I have opened?
So often you try to look ahead and figure out what I Am doing before you take the next step, but that is not walking by faith, is it? No, I’ve opened the door, and now you must decide whether you will have faith in Me and walk through it. It would be so easy for Me to pick you up and set you in the place where you want to be.
However, you would miss so many valuable lessons of faith that would bring you closer to Me if I did that for you.
Only when you walk by faith will you see My Hand move upon your life. I know you’re hoping to see the miracles first before you move; however, faith causes miracles to happen, not the other way around. If you walk by faith, even if it’s in the wrong direction, I will cause you to change direction and come into line with My Will.
I just need you to start walking.
Walk by faith so you can see My Hands
push down the Jericho walls in your life.
Walk by faith and watch Me close
the mouth of the lions in your life.
Walk by faith and watch Me meet every need
in your life with two fish and five loaves of bread.
Walk and you find yourself at the destination
I have ordained for you.
So, take Me at My Word, apply it and walk.
And then you will see Me move on your behalf.
Read and Meditate on His Word
Psalm 121:3 - He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
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.
John 15:7 - If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
2 Corinthians 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight,
1 Timothy 6:12 - Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
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