#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 (1.12.22)

¹  Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

²  To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

³  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving

⁴  I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. ⁵  For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— ⁶  God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. ⁷  Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ⁸  He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹  God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

A Church Divided Over Leaders

¹⁰  I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. ¹¹  My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. ¹²  What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

¹³  Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? ¹⁴  I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, ¹⁵  so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. ¹⁶  (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) ¹⁷  For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Source: NIV (New International Version)

Prayer is our 'God-Given Power' (1.11.22)

Simon, Simon, satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.
- Luke 22:31-32

 
Brothers & Sisters,
There are two powerful forces at work in the world today—the power of GOD and the power of satan. The power of GOD is infinitely greater, but we humans are affected by both. satan, bent on our destruction, goes about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour - 1 Peter 5:8. GOD, intent on our salvation, supplies everything we need for life and godliness - 2 Peter 1:3.
 
Since satan’s power is crafty and seeks only to bring spiritual demise to us; we must constantly be on guard, be vigilant, and be diligent in our walk with GOD.  In Ephesians, Paul reminds us that we struggle against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil - Ephesians 6:12.

And since GOD’s Power is greater than satan’s, we are safe in GOD’s Hands. GOD Is our constant source of protection.
 
Prayer is the GOD-Given means by which GOD’s Power is brought to our intercession, our protection, and our defense - so that we can stand up against the devil’s schemes. When Peter was being severely tested by satan, Jesus came to Peter's defense with prayer.  Christ our Lord said, I Have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. - Luke 22:32
 
We are engaged in a war that we must first fight 'on our knees.' Prayer is the power by which we are equipped to overcome the devil. To face the enemy in our own strength is folly, and a sure pathway to defeat. the devil dreads our prayers more than anything else. A mighty prayer warrior once said, “Do you realize that there is nothing the devil dreads so much as God's Word, prayer, the Name of Jesus, and unshakeable faith? his great concern is to keep us from praying, from invoking (saying) Jesus' Name aloud, and to keep us from God's Word. he does not fear if we are eager Bible students, if we attend church regularly, how many ministries we serve; however, he does want to keep us from praying.   From seeking GOD and seeking Jesus.  Asking them for their wise counsel.  Discerning the Wisdom from "On High."  Keeping us from saying Jesus' Name.  Keeping us from knowing and speaking God's Word.

Someone once wisely said, ‘satan laughs at our toiling, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when we pray, when we say Jesus' Name, and when we speak God's Word.’ 
 
It’s no wonder that satan trembles. By means of prayer, the power of the Most High Omnipotent GOD, of Heaven and Earth, is brought against the enemy.  the enemy does not stand a chance against anything connected to GOD.  By prayer, GOD'S Kingdom continues to build up and increase; and by prayer, the fiefdom of satan is destroyed.

Where there is no prayer, where prayer is void - it is in those places and spaces that no great works exist and there is no building of GOD's Kingdom.

Pray much so that GOD Is Glorified and His Kingdom Is Uplifted.

satan cannot stand in the presence of GOD. It is that simple.  So walk with GOD.  Pray, seek His Counsel, discern His Will for you, study His Word.   Focus so hard on GOD, and all things associated with Him; that the enemy (and all things associated or affiliated with or to him) would just fall away.  As you walk in elevated anointing.  As you do greater works than Jesus (John 14:12) and as the Holy Spirit guides you into all truth (John 16:13). 

 ~ Marilyn

******** 


~ A 'Need to Pray More' Prayer ~


Father GOD,

I long to do great things for You, but I must confess
     that too often, my prayerlessness has stood in
     the way of the fullness of what it means to be
    Your Child.
Set my feet firmly upon the Rock, that is Your Son,
     Christ Jesus; and be my strong tower against
     the enemy.
I want the devil to tremble, when I lift my voice in
     prayer.
And to flee from me, as I call upon The Name
     which is above all names, Your SON,
     Jesus Christ of Nazareth!!!
Father GOD, You are my strength and my shield…
     my ever-present help!
May my life be continually useful, in building
     Your Kingdom, and bringing You Glory.
As We destroy & defeat satan.

In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

Amen

Amen
Yes & Amen

AMEN!

All Is Not Lost, Trust Jesus (1.10.22)

Beloved,
There are times when the storms of life may make some of you feel as though all hope is lost; that no one cares; and that there is no way things will ever be restored.

the enemy would have you to think that you are never coming out of your dark valley experience.

I Know all about what you are going through. I Have already been through it for you.  I Gave My Life so that you could have everlasting life.  Trust Me.  All is not lost. No Thing or Person is ever out of My Reach. I Can restore the things in which you seek. Just have faith, trust Me, and believe My Word.
 
Yes, I Know you have gone through some fierce battles.  Some you felt like you won.  Others left you feeling defeated, exhausted, stretched and like you had nothing left. the enemy’s goal is to wear you down, and get your attention off The Vision that I Gave to you. If the enemy can disturb your relationship with Me, he assumes that you will lose faith, and then everything else will fall apart.

You must not allow that to happen.
Your fellowship with Me is where your strength lies. 
Keep your eyes fixed on me.  

I Am aware of every detail of your life.
I Am working, on your behalf, to bring
     restoration to what you believe is lost.
Do not faint, and do not grow weary in your
     season of waiting on Me.

I Have not forsaken you.
Nor have I Forgotten you.

And even though many of you cannot see a way out of what is currently happening to you; TRUST ME when I Say, "the way has been provided."

Stand strong in My Name and lift your head.
Your restoration is closer than you think. 

Nothing is lost. 
Nothing at all.

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Isaiah 61:7 - For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Jeremiah 30:3 - 'For, behold, days are coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah.' The Lord says, 'I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers, and they shall possess it.' 

Joel 2:25 - And I will restore to you the years which the swarming locust has eaten, the locust larvae, and the stripping locust, and the cutting locust 

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.

#SteepedAndSpendingTime in FIRST CORINTHIANS.... #itIsFirstCorinthiansSeason #Shevat (1.9.22)

To the Faith-filled, Faith-full, Faithful!!

August 2021 through December 2021 we deliberately & intentionally, decided to delve deep and delve diligently into the Book of Proverbs.  What a rich, fruitful and robust journey that was!  Kicking off what we call our new "#SteepedAndSpendingTime" series.  As our faithful, faith-filled followers know, Marilyn will often post messages that move our soul, speak to our spirit and are often a salve in challenging situations.  And there are moments where the team will choose a #ScriptureReflection for the post for the day.
  
Over the years, we will hear/post God's Word; but we discovered something new and unexpected when we spent time in Proverbs a few months ago.  It is a totally different mindset, journey and excitement when intentionally covering every chapter and verse within a Biblical Book. 

We considered a few different Books to "unpack" and ultimately chose 1st Corinthians, mainly because of the ever so popular  1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (1.8.22) - ⁴  Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵   It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,  it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  ⁶  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  ⁷  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,  always perseveres. ⁸  Love never fails.      This particular passage of scripture is often chosen at weddings and it is one of the most recognizable scriptures, but that is not why we chose it. 

We chose it because as the world continues to be a challenging place, and our lives transform and change; Love always remains.  And God is Love.  And because God IS Love, it is important to know what Love Is.  To define "the word Love;" so that we can put some adjectives, some words, as to who God is.  Now, to be clear, God is many things, beyond our capacity, but God does give us some information as to Who He Is.  This passage gives us one of many starting points.  For God is all of these things, and more.   

And because we are His Children; we too, are love.  A fact that we all need to remember & recall that more.  That we are called not to judge (for that is God's job) but to love.  And because those that love the Lord, love - we are prone to obediently listening, as well as taking action, instruction, leading.  We were birthed to make  every effort, every stride, every intention to "make it happen" in a #rightNow #thisIsTheSeason #theTimeIsNow timeframe.  

As we did with Proverbs, we looked through each & every prior 1st Corinthians post :  1:1-17 (1.12.22) ; 1:17-25  (8.30.18) ; 2  (2.8.18) ;  2:1-5  (2.9.20)  ;  3:1-15 (1.13.22)  ;  4:1-5  (9.7.18)  ;  9:16-19, 22-23  (2.3.18)  ;  12:1-11  (8.17.19)  ; and  13  (5.22.18).  A peculiar discovery took place, there have not been many posts from the 1st letter of Paul to the Corinthians.  The "Word of God for Today" has been around for many years, however the blog started posting in Jan 2013.  So in 9 years, there have only been 9 posts from one of the most popular books of the Bible.  We were stunned. 

And as it was with Proverbs, we set out to map out a plan,  intentionally & eagerly,  mindfully & consistently  post #ScriptureReflection's only from the "1st Letter of Paul to the Corinthians."

And we will continue to "steep and spend time" in 1st Corinthians.  To let this instructional, prophetic, "psalm-song" scripture speak to us.  To shimmer & sparkled & #shineBright in this amazing chapter, for such a time as this.  So we invite you to share, love and enjoy every chapter and verse.So enjoy this amazing journey, as we continue on.... in the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians!!!

Praise God!
For He Is Worthy!

And all His Promises are,
Yes & Amen!

 

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (1.8.22)

⁴  Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

⁵  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

⁶  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

⁷  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,
always perseveres.

⁸  Love never fails. 


Source: NIV (New International Version)

#ScriptureReflection - Isaiah 62:1-5 (1.7.22)

A New Name for Zion

¹  For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,
    for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep still,
Until her vindication shines forth like the dawn
    and her salvation like a burning torch.

²  Nations shall behold your vindication,
    and all kings your glory;
You shall be called by a new name
    bestowed by the mouth of the Lord.

³  You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord,
    a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

⁴  No more shall you be called “Forsaken,”
    nor your land called “Desolate,”
But you shall be called “My Delight is in her,”
    and your land “Espoused.”
For the Lord delights in you,
    and your land shall be espoused.

⁵  For as a young man marries a virgin,
    your Builder shall marry you;
And as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride
    so shall your God rejoice in you.


Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)

A Time of Change is Here. #RightNow #JesusSpeaks (1.6.22)

Behold My Beloved,
I Am opening new doors for you.
Doors leading to big places.

Just hold on and do not be discouraged; for you are so very close, too close to do anything but #pushOn.  Keep your faith, focus, forward motion and hope in Me.  In Me alone.  Do not worry about - give no further thought to - the darkness that you’ve been experiencing.  Beloved, it is only an illusion. Trust Me.  I Have Chosen not to reveal everything to you at this time.  Trust Me.  Just keep the faith.  Focus on that.  For your life is in My Hands.  I Died on the Cross for you, so that you would have life - abundantly and everlasting.  There will be nothing missing.  Nothing lacking.  Nothing mediocre.  Nothing short of true, abundant, extraordinary miracles, signs and wonders.

I Am opening new doors.  I Am opening new doors of ministry for many of you, that were not open before.  You will move by My Holy Spirit, preaching the gospel and converting many.  For many of you, this you will do.  You will move.  You will have that vision of ministry, that has been on your heart, mind and tongue for so long; you will see it move in a mighty, mighty way.  The only way I Know how to move.  MIGHTILY.  A Mighty Move.  My Hand is securely upon you, to prosper the work that I Have Called you to do.  The work that My Father Has Called you to do. 

Look forward with great expectation.
For many will be blessed by you.
Yes, you.
 
I Am doing this.  My People have been crying out to Me for change, and I Hear them.

A time of change is here. 
You’ve been uprooted and replanted.  
I Have Chosen a new path for you.
Your New Path. 

I Am putting people into places where My Holy Spirit wills. Do not be surprised that I Am moving and shaking; making a way for new things.

Things have been rearranged for My Purposes and My Plans.  Things have taken place in the Spiritual Realm that will suddenly affect the natural realm. Fret not about anything.  Do not despair.  Keeping your stand 'to hold on to Me, and onto My Promises.'  For that is the key - your key - to unlocking everything. 

I Have never forsaken you, and I Never will.  I Gave My Life for you.  I Am as near as ever.  I Am your comfort. I Am your life.  I Am your "bread," your "Living Word." 

I Have chosen you, and you chose Me.
My Father Has chosen you, and you chose Him.

You are special to Us.
You are amazing.
And We love you. 

Your name is before Us always.
Now go forth.
Be Amazing.
Set the earthly world on fire.
And Honor Me.  Honor God, your Father.

I, Jesus Christ, your Lord
     & Savior Has Spoken.

Yes and AMEN! 

Read and Meditate on God's Word
Job 14:15 - Thou shalt call and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. 

Psalm 1:3 - And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 

Isaiah 48:3 - I have declared the former things from the beginning, and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass. 

Isaiah 43:19 - Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. 

Luke 4:18-19 - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 

#ScriptureReflection - 1 John 4:1-6 (1.5.22)

Testing the Spirits.

¹  Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ²  This is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, ³  and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist that, as you heard, is to come, but in fact is already in the world. ⁴  You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵  They belong to the world; accordingly, their teaching belongs to the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶  We belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us, while anyone who does not belong to God refuses to hear us. This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)

Prayer Releases GOD's Power (1.4.22)

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops
 - James 5:16-18

GOD Says to us throughout His Word, "Pray, My Child, Pray!"  Prayer is powerful because GOD Is powerful. Prayer is the means through which GOD's Divine Power is released and channeled, into our lives. When you pray for another person, there is nothing that flows from you to them – no vibes, no force, no energy. Instead, your prayers go up, those prayers go Heavenward; and the Power of GOD moves, from the Lord, to the ones you prayed for.

When the Bible says “prayer…is powerful and effective,” it means that GOD acts powerfully and effectively through the prayers of his people.  Prayer is the key that unlocks all the storehouses of GOD’s Infinite Grace and Power. We serve a mighty GOD, Who has 'all power' over everything on this earth, above this earth and beneath this earth. GOD Has 'all power' over the works of the enemy, him minions and his people. their works will be destroyed, as we pray to Our Father Jehovah. He Has Promised in His Word (The Bible) to destroy the enemy and his followers, in due time. 

Prayer can move mountains. 
Prayer is the ultimate source of power.
Prayer is the power of Almighty GOD.
And the Power of Prayer is available
     to all God's Children. 

It was “a man just like us” (Elijah) who prayed “that it would not rain;” and GOD Stopped the rain in Israel for three and a half years. Where will the power of your prayers, be felt today?

Be determined to serve Our Father, Jehovah GOD, through prayer and worship. He Will move, on your behalf, as you pray to Him.

 ~ Marilyn


~ Let Us Pray ~
Father GOD,

I ask that you teach me how to pray - the proper way - to pray to You.

I know that prayer changes things; and that You delight in hearing prayers from Your Children.

Prayer changes people.
Prayer changes circumstances.
Prayer can change me.
My heart, my tongue, my behavior, my thoughts.

I need you, right now, Heavenly Father, to move on my behalf.

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

I pray this prayer.

Amen

Amen

Yes & Amen

#ScriptureReflection - Matthew 4:12-25 (1.3.21)

 The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry.
¹²  When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. ¹³  He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, ¹⁴  that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:

¹⁵  “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
    the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,
    Galilee of the Gentiles,
¹⁶  the people who sit in darkness
    have seen a great light,
on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death
    light has arisen.”

¹⁷  From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

The Call of the First Disciples.
¹⁸  As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. ¹⁹  He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” ²⁰  At once they left their nets and followed him. ²¹  He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, ²²  and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

Ministering to a Great Multitude.
²³  He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. ²⁴  His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. ²⁵  And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible - Revised Edition)