#ScriptureReflection - Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 (NABRE) (12.9.17)

Thus says the Lord GOD,
the Holy One of Israel:
O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem,
no more will you weep;
He will be gracious to you when you cry out,
as soon as he hears he will answer you.
The Lord will give you the bread you need
and the water for which you thirst.
No longer will your Teacher hide himself,
but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher,
While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears:
"This is the way; walk in it,"
when you would turn to the right or to the left.

He will give rain for the seed
that you sow in the ground,
And the wheat that the soil produces
will be rich and abundant.
On that day your flock will be given pasture
and the lamb will graze in spacious meadows;
The oxen and the asses that till the ground
will eat silage tossed to them
with shovel and pitchfork.
Upon every high mountain and lofty hill
there will be streams of running water.
On the day of the great slaughter,
when the towers fall,
The light of the moon will be like that of the sun
and the light of the sun will be seven times greater
like the light of seven days.
On the day the LORD binds up the wounds of his people,
he will heal the bruises left by his blows.

Do Not Fear the Giants (12.8.17)

Faith Believers,

When Israel had the opportunity to go up and possess the land the Lord gave them, instead of welcoming the opportunity they shied away from it. They saw some giants in their promised land and were terrified to face them because they looked bigger and stronger. However, these enemies were certainly no bigger or stronger than the enemies they had faced previously back in Egypt.

It appears that whenever they faced a new challenge, the blessings, deliverance, and miracles the Lord previously performed were a thing of the past and quickly forgotten.  They developed a fear pattern that continued to plague them, and it kept resurfacing with each new challenge.

No matter how many times the Lord proved He was almighty, and that nothing was too hard for Him, this spirit of fear lingered in their lives.
  -  Marilyn

---

Hear the Word of the Lord:

My Child,
Is this what you’re dealing with today?
Has the new challenge cause you to forget Who I Am?
Have you forgotten how I delivered you the last time?
Why do you think that I cannot do it again? 

  For I am the LORD, I change not; - Malachi 3:6
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. - Hebrews 13:8 

It’s time to face the giants in your life, in faith.  Do not run from situations that come against you and stop allowing them to intimidate you.

I did not give you a spirit of fear. 

The things you don’t address today will follow you into tomorrow. Do not let the giants of your past follow you anymore. Face the giants in My Name and stop allowing them to hinder you from reaching your destiny. 

Be strong and of good courage, as My Joshua and Caleb were, and face the giants. Caleb and Joshua were ready to go into the land and face the enemy and claim the promises of the Lord.  The giants in the land didn’t intimidate them and they recognized that they could do it. They believed the Word I gave them and they never forgot My Promise that I would never leave them nor forsake them.

I Am the same, yesterday, today and forever; I change not. 

Therefore, recognize that with Me - you are more than a conqueror, and you can face and defeat the giants. There is more standing with you than with the enemy. 

Now, stop running from the giants. 
Be not afraid, nor dismayed. 
Have faith.

Rise up, and face the giants in your life. 
I Am with you, and you are well able to overcome them.

Read and Meditate on God's Word:

Numbers 13:30 - And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 

Joshua 1:9 - Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 

2 Kings 6:15-16 - And when the servant of the man of GOD was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 

Jeremiah 32:27 - Behold, I am the LORD, the GOD of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? 

Mark 9:23 - Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

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

#ScriptureReflection - Ruth 3:18 (KJV) (12.7.17)

Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!!! (12.6.17)

My Child,
Let this day be a day of rejoicing as you prepare yourself for victory. 

Rejoice in the Lord for your healing, for your breakthrough, for your blessing and for the new and greater things that are coming your way.

You have been through so much, and this outpouring of blessings has been long awaited. As you begin to rejoice in the Lord, it will change the atmosphere, and the blessings will exceed anything you have ever asked or thought of Me.

Arise in My Power and My Might and be ready for victory!
Oh, prepare yourself by praising Me in advance
     for what I Am doing. 
Refuse to listen to the enemy's lies of defeat.
Honor Me with a heart filled with thanksgiving. 

Imitate Paul and Silas by singing songs of praises to Me as you come out of your midnight hour. 

You are an overcomer.
You are victorious.
I have decreed it, and it is so.

Therefore, rejoice and you shall see what the joy of the Lord
     shall do in your situation.

My child, as you lift up the name of My Son, Jesus, My blessings shall overtake you and cause you to forget the pain of yesterday.

Rejoicing will break the chains which kept you bound and troubled your heart. When you rejoice, the devil just cannot hang around. Without the devil hanging around, you open the way for good things to be attracted to you. 

Oh, take Me at My Word. 
Taste and see that I Am good, and you will see
     what rejoicing in the Lord will do for you this day.

 It’s time for you to rejoice and see.  
 

  

Read and Meditate on God's Word:

Psalm 34:8 - O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 

Psalm 9:2 - I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.

Psalm 118:24 - This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Isaiah 25:9 - And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our GOD; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

1 Corinthians 2:9 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD hath prepared for them that love him.

Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of GOD in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

When We Pray to God the Father..... (12.5.17)

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father” - Romans 8:15

Faith Believers,
The book of Genesis teaches us that in the beginning, GOD created the heavens and the earth. Thus in my opinion, we should pray to The One who created all things, Who knows all things, Who sees all things, Who can be in Africa and Alabama at the same time.

We should pray to GOD the Father, Who has the power of life and death in His Hands. We should pray to The One who is gracious, kind, beautiful, merciful, and loving. We should pray to The One who knows what we need, even before we ask Him.

When we pray to GOD the Father, we acknowledge that we are dependent on the Lord. We say to GOD, and to those who may hear our prayer, that GOD is the source of our supply. We humbly submit ourselves to the sovereignty, rule, and reign of the GOD who created us in His Image and Likeness.

When we pray to GOD the Father, we say, “Abba” or “Daddy.” We prostrate ourselves before the throne of Grace, as a child does when they sheepishly come into the presence of their earthy father, and sits at the feet of his easy chair making there request known unto him.

When we pray to GOD the Father, we come into the presence of The One who loves us, knows us, and has our best interests at heart.

~ Prayer ~
Abba Father,
I honor You as The One who created the heavens and earth,
     and all that is in them! 

You have the power of life and death in Your Hands, and You are
     compassionate and loving towards all You have made. 

I can do nothing apart from You. 
May I always remember that when I pray,
     I am entering Your throne room; the place where Your Hand
     of grace rests upon my head, for I am Your Child.

Amen

 

 

God's Favor, Grace & Blessings are Upon Your Life (12.4.17)

Faith Believers,

GOD is a GOD of grace and He has given us all things that pertain to life and Godliness. He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places. He has given you all things; blessing upon blessing, favor upon favor, and grace after grace. 

 

I don't know your needs, but I do know that GOD can meet them even beyond your wildest imaginations. His Word clearly states that He can do exceeding abundantly above all you ask or think. It all depends on your faith and the power that works in you. Did you hear that? It all depends on you. When we delight ourselves in GOD, He promises to give us the desires of our heart.

So, do not worry when the enemy shuts a door,
     that’s not the end of you. 

We serve a GOD who will open several other doors for you, make a stream in the desert, and make a way out of no way. When our GOD opens a door, no man can shut it.  What a mighty GOD we serve!

Therefore, do not be dismayed, be encouraged today. If your blessing hasn't come yet, delay is not denial. GOD is working things out for your good. GOD has not forsaken you, He will answer on time.

 
Hear what the Lord says:

My Child,
Embrace Me in the midst of what you are going through; for it is only a test, and you have passed through many tests before.

You know that I would never leave you. I have already made a way for you to make it through.

Have faith in My promises.
Learn to trust and praise Me in advance. Start praising Me.
Let a song of praise rise in your spirit.

Oh, offer a sacrifice of praise in My Name. Have faith in Me. You know that I Am able. You know that I can do all things. There is nothing impossible to Me. Have faith in Me. 

My Favor, Grace, and Blessings are upon your life.

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word:

Jeremiah 32:27 - Behold, I am the LORD, the GOD of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? 

Psalm 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 

Mark 9:23 - Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 

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. 

Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed be the GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 

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.

Titus 3:7 - That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

 

Have Faith in God, Dwell in His Peace, Cast Aside all Fear and Anxiety and Do Not Allow This Trial to Control You (12.3.17)

My Child,
I promised you My Peace and Joy, regardless of what is going on in your life. Therefore, cast aside this fear that has come upon you. Your circumstances do not have any power over you, unless you give it to them. I know that things may seem a little overwhelming, but you are not facing these things alone.  I Am with you. I have a peace that passes all understanding, that peace is for you, and I want you to have My Peace right now. All you must do is simply accept My Peace, and refuse to allow your situations to control your life.

Precious one, if you have faith in Me, then the worry, fear, and heaviness that you feel will leave you. So, have faith in Me, and cast off this spirit of fear; for you know that spirit is not from Me. I would never send you anything to cause you pain and confusion in your life. Fear represents torment and sadness. I represent perfect love, peace, joy, and life everlasting. 

My Perfect Love will cast out all fear, and I want to saturate you with My Joy and Peace right now. Rebuke fear, surrender everything to Me, and watch Me cause things to change for your good.  

My Child, I Am ever so faithful to keep My Promises, and I will keep My Promises to you.

Have faith in Me, dwell in My Peace, and cast aside all fear and anxiety. Walk in the fullness of My Joy. Have faith in Your Father and do not allow this trial to control you.

Believe that I Am Who I Am, and you will not be disappointed.

 

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word:

Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

2 Timothy 1:7 - For GOD hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 - Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 13:6 - So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

 

 

#ScriptureReflection - Wisdom 9 (NRSV - 12.2.17)

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom

1 “O God of my ancestors and Lord of mercy,
who have made all things by your word,
² and by your wisdom have formed humankind
to have dominion over the creatures you have made,
³ and rule the world in holiness and righteousness,
and pronounce judgment in uprightness of soul,
⁴ give me the wisdom that sits by your throne,
and do not reject me from among your servants.
⁵ For I am your servant the son of your serving girl,
a man who is weak and short-lived,
with little understanding of judgment and laws;
⁶ for even one who is perfect among human beings
will be regarded as nothing without the wisdom that comes from you.
⁷ You have chosen me to be king of your people
and to be judge over your sons and daughters.
⁸ You have given command to build a temple on your holy mountain,
and an altar in the city of your habitation,
a copy of the holy tent that you prepared from the beginning.
⁹ With you is wisdom, she who knows your works
and was present when you made the world;
she understands what is pleasing in your sight
and what is right according to your commandments.
¹⁰ Send her forth from the holy heavens,
and from the throne of your glory send her,
that she may labor at my side,
and that I may learn what is pleasing to you.
¹¹ For she knows and understands all things,
and she will guide me wisely in my actions
and guard me with her glory.
¹² Then my works will be acceptable,
and I shall judge your people justly,
and shall be worthy of the throne of my father.
¹³ For who can learn the counsel of God?
Or who can discern what the Lord wills?
¹⁴ For the reasoning of mortals is worthless,
and our designs are likely to fail;
¹⁵ for a perishable body weighs down the soul,
and this earthy tent burdens the thoughtful mind.
¹⁶ We can hardly guess at what is on earth,
and what is at hand we find with labor;
but who has traced out what is in the heavens?
¹⁷ Who has learned your counsel,
unless you have given wisdom
and sent your holy spirit from on high?
¹⁸ And thus the paths of those on earth were set right,
and people were taught what pleases you,
and were saved by wisdom.”

#ScriptureReflection - John 14:15-17 (NABRE) (12.1.17)

The Advocate.
¹⁵ “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.

December Cover Photo (2017)