Do Not Fret. It is Just Your Faith Being Tested. Keep Pressing Forward, Keep Believing, Step Forward with Boldness & Carry Out God's Plans... (4.19.18)

My Child,
You know with a certainty that I called you to go this way; therefore, do not, for one moment, entertain the idea that maybe you heard wrong. You know you heard right, and I have confirmed it. Do not think for one moment that I have changed My mind. You know it’s impossible for Me to do that.

So, step forward with boldness and carry out My Plans.  Do not lose heart and do not entertain thoughts of fear. Keep pressing forward. Keep believing. I have not called you to quit.  The door may appear to be closed; however, do not fret.  It is just your faith being tested.

You must knock and keep on knocking.
Do not give up just because the door doesn’t open
     when you want it to open. 
Seek My Face, stand your ground against these attacks,
     and refuse to give up.

Rely completely on Me, and Me alone. Be strong in Me, the Lord, and in the power of My Might. Be of good courage and keep the vision before you. 

If you hold onto My Word, it shall come to pass.
It shall come to pass.
It shall come to pass.

It does not matter what it may seem like right now.
It shall come to pass.

Stand fast in the faith and carry out My Plans.

Will you hold out, and be strong for Me?
Will you keep believing and trusting in My Word, even
     though you can’t see your way right now? 

My Child, it is a walk of faith, and only those who hold out and follow through with My Plans will reap the rewards.
 

 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD:

Isaiah 35:4 - Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not: behold, your GOD will come with vengeance, even GOD with a recompense; he will come and save you. 

Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 

Galatians 6:9 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 
 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 

God is Faithful & True (4.18.18)

My Child,
Do not doubt in your heart or your mind that
     I Will come through for you.

Do not waver in your faith, nor in the things I have said unto you. Take your eyes off your situation and maintain them straight upon Me.

Speak My Word, stand, be steadfast and unmovable
     as you press towards your goal.

Do not fear. 
I Will accomplish all that I have said.
Nothing is impossible for Me. 

I Am faithful and true.

Take every thought captive and never give place to anything that I haven't spoken to you or shown you. Stop trying to figure things out and stop saying, ‘I don’t see how this can work.’  I never asked you to figure things out.  I asked you to have faith in Me.  Lean not unto your own understanding and trust in Me. 

Working things out is My Job.
Your job is to bring everything to Me in prayer, release them,
     and believe that I Will honor My Word.

I AM faithful and true.

Think not that you are alone.  I Am with you in every step you take. If you believe that I Am faithful and true, you will see the walls created by your wavering faith fall.

Therefore, gather your thoughts, put your mind on Me and
     walk according to My Word, for I AM faithful and true.

 

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. 

Mark 11:22 - And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in GOD.

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

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; 

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

 

 

 

#ScriptureReflection - Ephesians 4:20-32 (4.17.18)

²⁰ That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Be Grateful for the Small Things, the Small Victories (4.16.18)

My Child,
Gratitude is a mighty weapon against discouragement and defeat.

My Word says, “Let all those rejoice who put their trust in the Lord.  Let them shout for joy because I am defending them, let them that love My name be joyful in Me." 

I know that you love Me, but will you trust Me? 
Do you trust Me enough to bring you through this wilderness?  

If you do, then let your heart be filled with joy. It’s My desire for you to trust Me and give thanks in My Name for the small things that I Am doing.  Yes, give thanks because I Will always cause you to be victorious.

Now, My child, embrace this journey and let it make you
     become what I want you to be.

For when you reach the place I have chosen for you, you will know what to do there. You will be a vessel that will be able to handle the responsibilities that come with it.  Therefore, don’t despise the journey that I Am taking you on; but see it for what it is, a small victory on the way to greater things to come.

Because where you are now is a stepping stone to the Promised Land and indeed you will see it.  So, be very, very grateful for every small victory, for they are the beginning of great things to come in your life.
 

 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD:

Deuteronomy 8:2 - And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy GOD led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments or no. 

Zechariah 4:10 - Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin,

Psalm 5:11 - But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.

Psalm 144:1 - Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: 

Mark 4:20 - And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept GOD's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!

1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to GOD, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In everything give thanks: for this is the will of GOD in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Stop, Step Back, Take a Deep Breath & Ask God For Wisdom. It's Going to be Okay.... (4.15.18)

My Child,

You are trying to do too many things, so take a step back from where you are right now. Can you see how many things you’ve been trying to juggle at one time? You have started many projects, having only the best intentions in mind; but you're having difficulty completing them in a timely manner. You won’t be successful with any of them if you don’t stop and ask Me for wisdom.

Trying to do too many things without proper direction has left you feeling overwhelmed and defeated. Now, you are discouraged because you don't know where or when to start; but you know things must be done.

It's time to stop and ask Me for wisdom
     so you can prioritize the jobs at hand.

Commit all you’re doing into My Hands and allow Me to assess your situations and give you wisdom on how to handle these issues. Ask Me for My Wisdom, on how I want you to accomplish each task on your list; and I will bless you with a divine plan on how to get the jobs done. 

Now, take a breath, stop and ask Me for wisdom.

Everything is going to be okay.

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD

Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Psalm 37:5 - Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.

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.

1 Corinthians 14:33 - For GOD is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of GOD, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

#ScriptureReflection - Exodus 33:7-19 (4.14.18)

The Tent of Meeting

⁷ Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. ⁸ And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. ⁹ As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. ¹⁰ Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. ¹¹ The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Moses and the Glory of the Lord

¹² Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ ¹³ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

¹⁴ The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

¹⁵ Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. ¹⁶ How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

¹⁷ And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”

¹⁸ Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

¹⁹ And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Reflection & Prayer Inspired by Luke 5:16 (4.13.18)

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed - Luke 5:16

Faith Believers,
It was the habit of Jesus to withdraw into solitude and silence in order to pray.

The spiritual masters of the past and present speak with one accord when they say that it is virtually impossible to grow spiritually without regular times of quiet solitude with GOD.

This practice of Jesus' dates back to the beginning of time and the principle of Sabbath rest. Following Jesus into His habit of retreat will bring streams of refreshment to dry and thirsty souls.
  -  Marilyn

~ Prayer ~Lord Jesus,
I am humbled by the recognition that Your earthly life
     was characterized by constant communion with
     the Father; and that even now, You live to intercede for me! 

Too often I allow busyness and the distraction of other
     things in my life to interfere with prayer. 

Forgive me for neglecting to spend time in solitude and
     silence with you, as I connect with Your Spirit! 

Draw me back into Your Holy Rhythms and Habits, that so
     characterized Your Life; so that my spiritual journey
     will be focused upon life in the Spirit, rather than being
     sidelined by distractions!

I pray this prayer in Your Name, Jesus Christ.

Amen

Father God, Show Me The Way To Go..... (4.12.18)

My Child,
You’ve been seeking which way to go. 
I have the answers that you seek; therefore,
     expect Me to reveal your next steps. 

For when you feel unsure about what to do regarding this, or that; I Shall cause you to see the path and best course to take, and it shall be easy for you.  I Have a place that is perfectly suited, and you will know it when you are there.

You’ve been reading My Word and following Me step by step; do not wander off the path, Beloved. If you continue to seek My Face, I Will show you the right path.

I Will teach you the way.
I Will guide you and give you ideas which you didn’t
     previously consider. 

If you continue to listen to My Voice and be obedient to My Directions, it will keep you on the path that I have laid out for you.

My Child, as you go down this path, do not be surprised when temptation comes to distract you from reaching your destiny. You must not stop, for you've come too far to allow anything to hinder you. If you keep your eyes on Me, and not on worldly things, nothing will pull you away from Me and you will reach your destination.

Yes, I know it has been difficult and your heart is hurting;
     however, I say to you, I am near to those of a broken heart. 

Stand and believe in Me because I Am here to heal your
     heart and lead you to your rightful place.

This is a special place where you will be received with
     love and joy. 

You will be needed in this place, even though at first,
     it might not seem like it.  

Soon, you will see that everything you’ve gone through
     has prepared you for this special place.

So, today if you are feeling unsure of your next step,
     or perhaps you have some difficult decisions to make,
     just ask, “Lord, show me the way in which I should go,”
     and the answer you seek shall come.

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD:

Isaiah 30:21 - And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying; This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Psalm 25:4-5 - Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the GOD who saves me. All day long, I put my hope in you.

Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Psalm 34:18 - The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 

Psalm 142:3 - When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

Psalm 143:8 - Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

#ScriptureReflection - John 3:16-36 (4.11.18)

For God So Loved the World

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. ¹⁹ And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. ²¹ But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

John the Baptist Exalts Christ

²² After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. ²³ John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized ²⁴ (for John had not yet been put in prison).

²⁵ Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. ²⁶ And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” ²⁷ John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. ²⁸ You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ ²⁹ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. ³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease.”

³¹ He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. ³² He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. ³³ Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. ³⁴ For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. ³⁵ The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. ³⁶ Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Let Go of Your Own Understanding, Take God's Hand & Let Him Lead You (4.10.18)

My Child,
Trust Me and do not be afraid of the way I Am leading you.
Just let Me lead you, for I Know what I have planned and
     I Know what is ahead.

Do not try to figure out how it will all come together.  Have faith in Me, and let Me lead you. Trust and believe that I have only good things planned for you.

If you want to experience what your heart has longed for, then turn loose of your reasoning and let Me lead you.

If you want to experience the impossible, then absolute surrender is the requirement on this journey.  My Child, there can be no other way.

If you let Me lead you, I Will open doors that man said were closed.
I Will bring people into your life, and take you to places you thought
     were impossible; for with Me, all things are possible.

In Me is life more abundantly, and when you trust in Me and allow Me to lead you; you will taste a freedom you’ve never known. If you give Me absolute surrender and let Me lead, you will live a life blessed beyond what the world can understand for My power, riches, and glory will fall upon you.

Therefore, let go of your own understanding, take My Hand, and let Me Lead you.

Surrender to the way that I have been nudging you. 
I know there is a part of you that does not want to let go.
However, if you give Me absolute surrender and follow Me,
     I promise you will never regret it.

Now, if you are ready to experience what you thought was impossible;
     if you are ready to move beyond the natural realm of things,
     then take My hand and walk with Me.
For I Will indeed take you to places beyond what you could have
     ever imagined.

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD:

Psalm 16:11 - Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 25:4-5 - Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.  Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the GOD of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. 

Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Proverbs 3:4-6 - So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of GOD and man. 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.