Only the Pure of Heart... (10.16.18)

But your iniquities have separated you from your GOD; and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear. - Isaiah 59:2

Faith Believers,
When we come into the presence of GOD, we will always behold one outstanding characteristic of His Nature: His Holiness.

There is not a blemish in God.  Purity and impurity do not mix. If we are to have intimate fellowship with a Holy GOD, then we must be clean before Him. David asked a question in Psalms 24, “Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place?” He then answered his own question by saying, “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:3-4).

Only the pure in heart will be able to enter
     into the presence of GOD
     and discover intimacy with Him.

Sin in the life of the believer hinders intimate fellowship with GOD.

GOD is holy. When sin resides within the heart of a Disciple of Jesus, it is impossible for that disciple to walk in a deep, intimate fellowship with The One who is absolute purity. We must confess our sins, and “He [will be] faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John. 1:9).

~ Prayer ~
Father GOD,

Continue to create a pure heart within me, and help me to be continually aware of anything that has become an idol in my life.

Search me and reveal anything that sets my soul on a sinful path.
I want to walk in intimate fellowship with You, Father. 
Reveal insincerity or anything that threatens our relationship.

Transform me by the renewing of my mind and give me the perseverance to lean into Christ-likeness for the sake of people who love You, and those who have yet to claim Your Son as Savior and Lord.

Amen

Praise the Name of Jehovah-Jireh, “the Lord will provide.”

Thank GOD, for He has given you everything you need for life and health. Confess to Him the times when you have hesitated to give a kind word or encouragement or forgiveness, to another person.

Commit yourself to reflecting on GOD’s generosity and open-handed
       love and how to share those things with a difficult person in your life.

Ask GOD to give you an extra portion of His Spirit as you strive to reflect His character.

If there is a specific need in your family that only GOD can provide, commit this need to Him in the faith that He Will supply it abundantly (2 Corinthians 9:8).

  -  Marilyn

 

 

An "Ask" Prayer (with Prayer Points) - (10.15.18)

Heavenly Father,

Each day we all struggle with the “tug of sin."

Would you please satisfy the desire that sin is promising to fulfill?

Help us to recognize that “every good and perfect gift” comes
     directly from You, and that nothing else can fulfill my needs. 

Whenever temptation rises up in me, may I always recognize
     that my deepest longings can only be met in Your Embrace.

I pray this prayer in the Name
     of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

Amen

Prayer Points:

• Praise our all-powerful GOD for conquering sin and death. 
• Thank Him for your new life in Christ and for saving us from the torment of sin and the agony of eternal death. 
• Ask Him to develop moment-by-moment awareness of His Love for you and a passion to share this love with unbelievers. 
• Commit to praying regularly for unsaved friends, family members, and neighbors. Ask GOD for His Will to use you to reflect His Love, His Life, His Lordship.

Learning How to Trust God & to have Perfect Peace (10.14.18)

Faith Believers,
After praying over a passage of Scripture, I like to read the passage over and over again (especially if I have not memorized it) and allow the Holy Spirit to highlight a verse or concept for me. I was once led to Isaiah 26:3 during my meditation time: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”

Even though there are sixteen words in that verse, the Holy Spirit led me to concentrate on the phrase “perfect peace.” I did not consciously make a mental effort to pursue that phrase; yet, I ended up there first spiritually and then mentally.

Meditating on that phrase raised some
     questions and led me to make some
     observations about my life.

Here are some of my observations.

• First, I know a large number of Christians, but I do not know any Christian who has perfect peace. Why? 
• Second, I knew that I did not have perfect peace but for the first time in my life, I realized that I desperately wanted perfect peace. 
• I concluded that, for my life, the only way to live in perfect peace was to have complete trust in GOD. 

This particular meditation time led me into a strong attempt at trusting GOD on a deeper level, and I continue that journey today.

 -  Marilyn

~ Prayer ~
Holy Spirit,

I confess that at times, I struggle to trust.

I know, in my head, that I can fully believe God's Word and God's Promises, but that realization needs to move to the depths of my heart.

Help me to begin a fresh journey of faith that keeps my mind steadfast, as I trust in You.

Thank You for the promise of perfect peace that You will pour into my heart.

In Jesus' Holy Name,
Amen

Prayer Points

• Give all your praise to GOD, for his faithfulness endures forever. 
• In quiet reflection, thank GOD for his faithful presence during your times of greatest need.
• With humility, confess your attempts to manage life without him. 
• With a desire to trust GOD’s faithfulness, commit to recognizing his power. 
• Ask the Lord to show you his faithfulness each day of your life. 

Rejoice at Weakness & The Dark Places [from "God Calling"] - (10.13.18)

---

October 7
Rejoice at Weakness

Savior, breathe forgiveness o'er us. All our weakness
Thou dost know.

Yes! I know all.  Every cry for mercy.  Every sigh of weariness.  Every plea for help.  Every sorrow over failure.  Every weakness.

   I am with you through all.  My tender sympathy is yours.  My strength is yours.

   Rejoice at your weakness, My children.  My strength is made perfect in weakness.  When you are weak, then I Am strong.  Strong to help, to cure, to protect. 
   Trust Me, My children.  I know all.  I Am beside you.  Strong, strong, strong to save. Lean on My Love, and know that all is well.

---

October 8
The Dark Places

Jesus, the very thought of Thee with Sweetness fills us.

Yes.  Love Me until just to think of me means Joy and rapture.  Gladness at the thought of One very near and dear.

   It is the balm for all sorrows, the thought of Me.  Healing for all physical, mental and spiritual ills you can always find in thinking of Me, and speaking to Me.
   Are doubts and fears in your hearts?  Then think of Me, speak to Me.  Instead of those fears and doubts there will flow into your hearts and beings such sweet Joy as is beyond any joy of Earth.
   This is unfailing. Never doubt it.  Courage.  Courage. Courage. 
  
   Fear nothing. 
   Rejoice even in the darkest places. 

   Rejoice.

---

These daily reflections are from the book "God Calling" 
by A.J. Russell, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Used by Permission.

There is Power in God's Word. Spend Quality Time with Him, for God is not a "Drive-Thru."...... (10.12.18)

My Child,

In your eyes, things might look as if nothing is happening; however, I Am forever moving and working things out on your behalf.

Many times, what I Am doing is unseen and unknown; until it is time to unveil it to you. If I let you see too much, too soon; you would try to touch it, or "help" Me out. And, we all know what happens when My People try to help Me out, don’t we?

Therefore, I work in the background, doing things
     according to My Will.
Even at this hour, I Am working.
I know you cannot tell, but I Am.

As I Am speaking, many things are coming forth; and you do not recognize them yet. You would not believe some of the things that have just happened around you. Little things you take for granted, but important still. All that I do is for you, and for your destiny.

Never doubt My Ability to work things out.
Do not waver, do not doubt, just be patient and wait upon Me.
Take a break from your day and sit at My Feet.
As you do, you will know My Plan and My Heart,
      for the days to come.
 
Take no thought for your destiny, as it is set by Me.
I have your life worked out, so fear not.

Never underestimate the time you spend with Me. Many think they can come, drive through, put their order in, and then drive out.

You cannot drive through My Throne Room, make a deposit, and then leave.
Oh no, you must soak in My Presence for a while, and do not leave until
     I have spoken and ministered to you.

You need My touch for the days to come.
You will not survive without a daily meeting with Me.

I Am your refuge and your strength.
I Am your portion and your inheritance.
 
Start today with the power of My Word and come close to Me.

Choose who you will spend your time with,
     choose whom you will serve.

It will determine your future......
 

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Numbers 11:23 - And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not. 

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

Jeremiah 1:12 - Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

Jer 23:29  Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

Mat 24:35  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

 

 

 

#ScriptureReflection - Hebrews 4:12-16 (10.11.18)

¹² For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. ¹³ And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
 
¹⁴ Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.

God Will Indeed Direct Your Every Step. Get Ready to Move Forward, Do Not Give Up or Walk Away.... (10.10.18)

My Child,

There are problems to be solved and situations that need to be resolved, but you cannot do this alone. You need My Help and My Wisdom; for the season of transition is almost over.  Prepare yourself to be sensitive to the leading of My Spirit.  Do not rely on your own reactions to circumstances; instead, listen for My Voice and watch for My Signs. 

I Will indeed direct your every step.

Oh, get ready to move forward and do not be tempted to give up and walk away from what I Have called you to do. Seek Me before you proceed in any endeavor; and wait until you have clear directions. I Will show you the way and take you to a new level of expectations.   

Take every opportunity to draw close to Me,
     so that I can order your steps. 

I Will show you how to trust Me, in the midst
     of what’s going on around you. 

Do not be afraid, for I Am with you always.

Get ready to move forward as the Holy Spirit leads you.

 

Meditate on God's Word

Psalm 61:2 - From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 119:133 - Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

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.

Philippians 2:14-15 - Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of GOD without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

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

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of GOD, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

 

 

You are not Alone. God is with You. Rise Up, Say No & Fight the Good Fight of Faith... You Will Prevail!! (10.9.18)

Beloved,

It is time to rise up and say, "No!" to the schemes of the enemy coming against you, and stop allowing him to trample you underfoot. 

You are not alone.
I Am with you. 

Rise up and fight the good fight of faith,
     and you will prevail.
 

The time and season are at hand where I Desire to release a greater level of power back into My Church, and into the lives of each of My Own.  I Desire to release an anointing for a great victory in each of your situations. 

Therefore, keep your eyes on Me, so that you can see what I Am doing. 
You will overcome all obstacles and hindrances that come against you.

 

It is My Will for you to do greater things, and to possess your promised land. However, in order to possess it, you must cast out the giants who are trying to occupy it.  This means you have to fight the good fight of faith for what I Have promised you. Do not allow fear to rule in your heart as you stand to enter the battle; for you are not in the battle alone.

My Father never left Me alone as I fought for you. 

Therefore, I Will be with you in the battle. 
I Will empower you and give you the victory.
It is yours for the taking, all you have to do is to stand
     in faith, and you will overcome all obstacles.  

 

Beloved, some of your giants are the fears or inadequacies that have ruled your life for too long.  Now, is the time for you to rise up and rule over them, for GOD lives inside of you.  Rise up and I Will make you more than a conqueror over all the things coming against you. 

I Will cause you to prevail.  
You are ordained for victory.

Therefore, just keep your eyes on Me, and you will know that you are not alone in this battle. As I and the Father are One, know that I Will be by your side to help you, to lead you to victory; as you submit to Me. 

 

the enemy that is coming against you will lose this battle and the people he is using to come against you will lose too; because I Will fight for you.

No one can stand against Me.
I Am the great I Am.
I Am Jesus Christ.
I Am Lord.
And I Will fight for you.

 
 

READ AND MEDITATE ON HIS WORD

Deuteronomy 20:4 - For the LORD your GOD is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. 

2 Chronicles 20:15 - And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but GOD's.

John 16:32 - Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 

1 John 4:4 - Ye are of GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

Pray Without Ceasing. Never Stop Praying. Be Filled with Joy. Pray & Win! (10.8.18)

My Child,
Do not let your heart become troubled; because things are not yet, what you expected.  It’s not over until I Say that’s it over.  Do not stop praying, until you receive your blessings.  And even then, continue to pray - in all things and at all times.  Allow Me to show you how to bring your heart into a state of peace to receive your blessings.  Oh, quiet your soul and be calm, for the victory that is coming forth in your life will bring extraordinary joy.

Out of the chaos you are going through, I Will
     bring peace to the turbulent circumstances.
I Will flood your troubled heart with My Joy,
     and My Holy Spirit Will turn that disturbance
     into a peaceful flowing river.

Oh, child, cease not praying, and I Will turn the light of My Holy Spirit on; so that you can experience and see the darkness retreating from your life.

Believe in Me and never stop praying.

Be assured that I Am for you and with you.
You are My treasured one, and I Am leading
     you through this valley. 

Now, let your heart be filled with joy and
     your lips with songs of praise.

Pray and know that in the end, we win,
     and there will be a total redemption
     of all things lost. 

READ AND MEDITATE ON HIS WORD

Luke 18:1-7  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not GOD, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward, he said within himself, Though I fear not GOD, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not GOD avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 

John 15:11 - These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

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.

Enter Into A Season of Restoration (10.7.18)

My Child,
To everything, there is a season and a time, to every purpose under Heaven. There is yet an appointed time when all things come together. When situations and circumstances come to a head. I Have come to you in this season, to bring those things that were scattered, together again.

There are so many of My People whom I Have allowed to be broken, but now I Say that you are entering a season of restoration, for I Am bringing those pieces back together. Even though there are circumstances around you now that do not make sense, please know that restoration is coming. 

I Will bring clarity to what was unclear,
     so that it shall now make sense.

 

I Know for many of you, it has been a test of faith. 
You have not been able to see past the next step,
     yet you did not give up on Me.
You kept the faith, trusting Me to guide you;
     and you faithfully took the next step,
     one after another. 

Now I Will bring restoration and I Will cause you to rejoice and leap for joy, even in the midst of hard times.
 

This restoration will even flow into your relationships, and cause those who I Intend to walk with you - to come into alignment with My Word.  I Know, throughout this season, that there have been some who have walked with you for a considerable amount of time, then simply turned away and you did not know why.  

 

Know that I Have chosen those who will walk with you on this journey.  I Will remove and restore those who should be in your life. Where there was division in your relationships, I Will once again bring unity.

My Child, I Am doing a work in you, and bringing restoration into every area of your life, for the honor and glory you brought to My Name when you were tired and weary.  

 

You never allowed your hurt and pain to stop you from being an encouragement to your brothers and sisters who were going through similar trials.  You learned to lean and depend upon Me for your strength, realizing there was nothing too big for Me to handle. You have done well, and this should be a time of rejoicing; because you are about to enter a season of reclaiming and taking back all that the enemy has stolen.

Get ready, because RESTORATION IS COMING!!!

 

Meditate on God's Word
Ecclesiastics 3:1 - To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Joel 2:25-26 - 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. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your GOD, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. 

1 Peter 1:7 - 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 honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 5:10 - GOD, who shows you his kindness and who has called you through Christ Jesus to his eternal glory, will restore you, strengthen you, make you strong, and support you as you suffer for a little while.