Living in Peace with Everyone (6.20.24)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is GOD's Will that we live in peace with everyone. However, there are those that thrive on conflict and confusion with others. Their day is incomplete if they are not participating in confusion and discord. As hard as it is sometimes, we as Christians must persevere and respond to such behavior with love and patience.

Just like everyone else, I Am a work in progress, as well; but when faced with situations such as this, I ask myself, "Would Jesus have used these 'not so nice' words?  Or would He have responded in the way I did?" Once words are spoken they cannot be taken back.

Often I ask the Lord to please make me conscious of the words that I speak to others; because you never know how people will be affected by words you say to them.

Marilyn

~ Prayer ~
Lord,

I hate conflict. I really do want to live in peace with everyone. Help me to pursue peace and not just be apathetic about uncomfortable situations.

Show me how to do all that I can to live in peace with others. I want to reflect your peace to everyone I know. I want to respond to hateful words with loving words.

Father GOD, I want to be a reflection of you in words and in deeds.

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

Amen

Be It Unto Me According to Thy Word (6.19.24)

Family,

In Luke 1:26-38, we find the story of Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel, who announces to her that she would be carrying the Son of God.  In the moment, Mary responded with simple faith, “be it unto me according to thy word.” Such faith!

How would you have responded if you were in Mary’s place and an angel of the Lord came to give you a Word from the Lord? Would you have agreed with The Word and waited for His Promise to come to pass? I know tumultuous circumstances may surround the dream or The Word that the Lord has placed within us.  However, we must respond in faith and say, “Lord, it will be unto Me according to Thy Word."  Because The Word of the Lord says, “He shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." 

That settles it.  It is done. The Lord is simply looking for us to stand in agreement with His Word, so we may bring to earth what has already been established in Heaven.

 

Be encouraged by Our Father's Still Small Voice:
 

My Child,
Only believe.  And have simple faith.  Faith in Me is what you need to have, in Me.  Just rest in faith, believing that I Am working - even when nothing seems to be changing. Call those things that be not, as though they were; and trust in Me.   Yes, have faith and trust. Trust that which I’ve told you, will come to pass.  Have faith that the way has already been made, rest in My Word, and it shall be done, as you believe.

Take hold of My Promises and all the good things that I said I would do. Put aside the words of the enemy and the fears of your heart. Loose yourself from all that is not of Me, and stand in faith.  Stand in faith, believe that I Am acting on your behalf, and it will be done - according to My Word.

 
~ Let Us Pray ~
Father God,
We know without faith it is impossible to please You,
and Lord, You are so wonderful to us.
Therefore, we ask you to please help our unbelief,
so we can always be good and faithful servants.  
Amen.

 

Read and Meditate on His Word

Matthew 6:10 - Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 

Matthew 9:27-29 - And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you

Philippians 4:19 - But my GOD shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

Romans 4:17 - (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even GOD, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 

Stay Focused, Get Back Up & Abide in His Word (6.17.24)

My Child,

When you have made a mistake or think you have failed, the enemy will come in and whisper lies to you, maybe even taunting you to give up.  he will "remind" you of the many times you "failed" and may even try to convince you that you will never succeed.  Child, I Know you may be weary, but do not listen to his voice. he knows that each time you stumble, and get back up, you are getting closer to success.  he knows that if you keep pressing your way, you will destroy his plans. Therefore, he will do whatever he can to keep you so discouraged that you would want to give up and never try again.  You must push through and keep going; for you won't overcome the enemy if you give up now. 

 

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,
and by the word of their testimony.
- Revelations 12:11

 

Do not be thrown off track by his tricks, or the unbelief of others. Stay focused, get back up, and get back into the truth of My Word. Stay focused on what I Have Spoken to you.  Believe that I Am faithful to keep My Promises. I Am the God of Grace and Mercy. It does not matter how many times you have made mistakes or failed; I Am merciful, I Will forgive you and give you another chance.  All you have to do is get back up and try again.

 

For a just man falleth seven times,
and riseth up again
- Proverbs 24:16 

 

So, do not be discouraged and do not lose hope. Instead, get back up and try again.  Yes, try again -  knowing that I Am on your side.  I won't give up on you so, do not give up on Me. Take authority in the realm of the spirit, and do not back down to the voice of the enemy, nor to the naysayers that would come to discourage you.  My Child, you will never overcome your circumstances if you stop trying. Do not allow the voice of the enemy to hold you down, and keep you in bondage.  Get back up and try again.  

 

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies
are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
- 2 Corinthians 4:16

 

I Want you to open your spiritual eyes and see the truth that I See. When you see as I See, the truth will be revealed; and you will see that you are getting closer to Victory, more and more, every day. Turn a deaf ear to the lies of the enemy by listening only to My Voice; and keeping your eyes on My Word.  Renew your mind; refresh your thoughts with My Word; and think about things that are true, honest, and of a good report. If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to overcome anything the enemy tries to bring against you.

Now, get back up.  Try it again.  And you will see that you are closer to your victory than you realized.

Amen.

 

Read and Meditate on His Word

Psalms 37:23-24 - The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

John 10:3-5 - To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - For this cause we do not faint; but though our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For the lightness of our present affliction works out for us a far more excellent eternal weight of glory, we not considering the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are not lasting, but the things which are not seen are everlasting.

Philippians 4:7-8 - And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

An "Ephesians 6:10-13" Mindset and Lifestyle (6.12.24)

Faith Filled Daughters & Sons,
Please immediately read this message!!!  It is powerful!!!!

I normally would not write this, but this message touched my heart and soul so deeply; because the enemy is real and he has magnified his evil to a level that many humans cannot comprehend. The Good News is,that satan and his followers are no match for our GOD and His Children; but we must believe, through all of the evil we see manifesting in our families and the world, that no one can stand against (nor match) the power of Jehovah or Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Words spoken by GOD throughout the Bible are "true and powerful."

Stand, stand and stand strong on the Words of Jesus!!!!  

GOD is specific. He leaves nothing to chance.

When we ask the question, “When should I pray?” the answer comes instantly from His Mouth: “Pray without ceasing.”

 
We need to maintain a running dialogue with GOD - everyday and all day long.  In one of the most compelling passages in the Bible, we are reminded of: the enemy we face, the armor we must be equipped with, and - when appropriate - the battlefield where it is clear that we must engage the enemy.  
 
satan has done a masterful job flooding minds with fake news about himself. he has orchestrated a media diversion by characterizing himself as a funny little character in a red suit with a forked tail. In reality, all power was given to GOD but for those who do not know Christ, the enemy is the strongest, most evil and conniving force on earth, endowed with incredible wicked and evil powers. the enemy is 100% evil and completely devoted to the destruction of GOD’s Kingdom. Again Jehovah GOD is unmatched in power and there is nothing that can stand against the great "I AM."

Jehovah has all power over satan and anything that's attached to him.

 
Ephesians 6:10-13 states 'Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of GOD, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle are not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of GOD so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.' 
 
The words GOD uses are not random. We are fighting against powers, evil forces of darkness, spiritual forces of wickedness in Heavenly places. While reading this, think deeply about what this means. the enemy is orchestrating movements on earth by impacting nations; and by killing children, families and anything that stands in his way. he is destroying lives in record numbers and it is all driven by unadulterated wickedness.
 
he has created methods, wiles, and strategies.  Anything the enemy feels will cause total destruction and chaos in your life; he will use. he has specific plans for you, for your mate and children, and this world. the enemy has a database that is more detailed than anything a human mind can comprehend. he knows the exact, deceptive darts to throw at the exact right times - perfectly designed to bring destruction to our lives. 
 
Please ask GOD, in prayer, to reveal to you the methods the enemy has used and is planning to use against you and your family.  And then pray against any and all victories the enemy will try to claim. 
 

~ Prayer ~
Father GOD,

the devil is more evil than I can comprehend, and it would be to my detriment to ignore him or think that he will just leave me and my family alone. 

Yet, I know that You have overcome this world! I know that greater are You, living in me, than he who is in this world! 

Most of all, I know that the devil is already defeated through Your Son's Sacrifice on the Cross; and that You have Victory, and we have Victory, over all of his work!

Thank You, Lord Jesus!  I pray this in Your Mighty Name, Jesus.

AMEN 

 

Now it is Time. Go Forth. And Conquer the Land. (6.9.24)

Beloved,

Stay close to Me and allow My Presence to overshadow you, and saturate your life.  Just because things are turning around, do not be tempted to stray away from Me. Strengthen yourself in Me, and stay before Me.  So that discouragement will not be able to undermine the blessed assurance that is now upon your life. 

You are My Work in progress.  And I Am Working on you, and pouring much into you; because there is much to be done.

I Am Renewing your spirit, so that you will be able to stand strong against the spirit of fear, and do mighty things in My Son's Name. Stand My Child, and be renewed in the faith and confidence that I Am Pouring into your life. Continue to feed upon My Word daily.  Hunger and thirst for it, more than you do for natural food.  

Change is happening, and I Want you to enjoy what is happening in your life.  However, never forget where your help and strength come from.

Remember, apart from Me, you can do nothing.  

Things are happening, and the things you’ve been seeking will happen - suddenly.  

You’ve been prepared.
Now it is time for you to go forth.
And conquer the land.  

Read and Meditate on His Word

Deuteronomy 8:10-14 - When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy GOD for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy GOD, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:  Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy GOD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 

Lamentations 2:17 - The LORD hath done that which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old:

Psalm 121:2 - My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

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: 

#ScriptureReflection - 2 Timothy 3:1-9 (6.8.24)

¹  But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ²  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³  without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴  treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵  having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 

⁶  They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, ⁷  always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁸  Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. ⁹  But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

Source: NIV (New International Version)

#ScriptureReflection - Esther D:12-16 (6.7.24)

  ¹²  Raising the golden scepter, he touched her neck with it, embraced her, and said, “Speak to me.”

¹³  She replied: “I saw you, my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was shaken by fear of your majesty.  ¹⁴  For you are awesome, my lord, though your countenance is full of mercy.” ¹⁵  As she said this, she fainted. ¹⁶ The king was shaken and all his attendants tried to revive her. 

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)

#Reflecting on Proverbs 21:9 - A Quarrelsome Wife by Suzanne Benner (6.6.24)

Family,
The article listed below was written by Suzanne Benner. We all know this can go both ways (neither wife nor husband should be quarrelsome); but still, GOD wants couples that He has joined together as 'man and wife' to live in peace and love.

Marilyn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”

PROVERBS 21:9

The writer of Proverbs repeatedly warned his son about marrying a quarrelsome woman.

First of all, let me say that being a wife for 31 years gives me some authority to speak on this topic. Unfortunately, my greatest credentials rest in my tendency to argue.

The dictionary defines quarrelsome as inclined to argue; fond of disputing; characterized by controversy.

Proverbs compares a quarrelsome wife to a constant dripping. Think of water torture. Drip. Drip. Drip. Think of tiny needles piercing the skin continually — not enough to draw blood, just enough to annoy. Think of a high-pitched ringing that never ends.

Ouch.

No one wants to see themselves as hard to get along with or disagreeable. Yet these verses convict me of my deep desire to be right. I’m quick to defend myself and insist that others acknowledge when I am right.

Yet, as I seek to follow Jesus, He shows me a different way to live.

Jesus emptied Himself of His power and became human, though He was Almighty God (Philippians 2:6-7). Instead of demanding His rights as God, He humbly obeyed the Father. In fact, Jesus said He came to earth to serve rather than to be served (Matthew 20:28).

Knowing who He was enabled Jesus to serve (John 13:3-5).

When I understand that I am a chosen and precious daughter, loved by God, I too can give up the nagging, complaining and arguing. I can set aside my need to be right and serve with humility and grace.

~ Prayer ~
Heavenly Father,
I don’t want to be a quarrelsome wife.
Thank you for loving me and choosing me to be Your very own. Forgive my inclination to argue about everything.
I surrender my need to be right to You. Fill me with Your humility and grace.
Amen.

This week: Pay attention to how many times you have to prove you are right. Ask yourself, and GOD, if you are being quarrelsome or not.

Taken from  https://thelife.com/devotionals/a-quarrelsome-wife
by Suzanne Benner

God Is Faithful (6.4.24)

- Joshua 21:45 -

Not a single one of all the good promises
the LORD had given to the family
of Israel was left unfulfilled;
everything he had spoken came true.

 

Disciples, 

All of us have waited upon the Lord to bring about the things He has promised.  During the times of waiting on the Lord, some of you may feel it will never come to pass.  I bring good news to you, when GOD says something, He Will deliver on His Word. 

His Word cannot return to Him void.  When the Lord utters a promise, He never goes back on His Word.  Has He Promised something that He can’t fulfill?  Has He Spoken something that He does not intend to do? I DON’T THINK SO!!  He never changes, and His Word remains the same - from generation to generation.

Sometimes when the Lord promises us something, the cares and situations of this world will cause our vision to fade, and cloud our thinking.  We begin to think that our vision will never come to pass, or maybe it wasn’t the Lord's voice we heard. You see the enemy will trigger a battle in your mind; so that you will give up on your promise, and allow doubt and unbelief to take over.  

GOD is not a liar. 

Oft times, it may not look like what we think it should look like, but He Will bring to pass all that He has promised.  He Will bring it about.  And it will be better than we could have ever imagined.

 

Some of you may go through some "birthing pains" along the way, but it's only to let you know that The Promise is on the way.  It is always darkest just before the break of day.  GOD is so true to His Word, so start rejoicing!  You will not be disappointed.  Do not become weary now, because you've come too far.  You are almost there!

Wherever you are in your walk with the Lord, remember He Will accomplish all that concerns you.  But it will be done in His Timing, not ours.  For He knows what is best for us, for all things work together for our good.  He Is guiding you into the place He has destined for you, and you will arrive on time.

Whatever you are going through now, remember GOD knows all about your struggles, and He cares.  If you are in a hard place, He is going to use that very place to teach you more about Him, His Will and His Ways.  Because you will need that wisdom to help you in the new place He is moving you into. 

Don’t fight it, embrace it!  

Right now, GOD is turning every strategy of the enemy into a blessing for His glory. OH PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!

the enemy may try to keep you focused on what is happening to you in the natural, and he will try to make you believe it’s all over.  However, I am here to tell you that GOD Will accomplish what He has promised you.  Bottom line, AIN’T OVER UNTIL GOD SAYS IT’S OVER.  THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.  GOD has great things for you to walk in, and He Knows how to get you there. So, be encouraged this day and do not give up on GOD.  He hasn't given up on you!

GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!

 

Read and Meditate on His Word

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

1 Thessalonians 5:24 - GOD will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

Romans 11:29 - For the gifts and calling of GOD are without repentance.

#ScriptureReflection - Esther 10:1-3 (6.3.24)

 The Rise of Mordecai Completed. 
 ¹  King Ahasuerus levied a tax on the land and on the islands of the sea.   ²  All the acts of his power and valor, as well as a detailed account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king promoted, are recorded in the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia. ³  The Jew Mordecai was next in rank to King Ahasuerus, in high standing among the Jews, popular with many of his kindred, seeking the good of his people and speaking out on behalf of the welfare of all its descendants.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)