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Believe

Luke 4:21 (AMP) He began speaking to them: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing and in your presence.”

We are in the Christmas season. I did not teach my children about Santa. I focused on the story of Christmas as centered on Christ. My oldest son has a vivid imagination. We had a guest speaker come into the church, when Ari (our son) was about seven, and that guest speaker got a new name. The speaker had black hair, a mustache and wore fitted suits. My son was convinced that man was Tony Stark, the Iron Man. We have referred to him as Tony Stark since then. I did not want my kids to question God being real to them, although God chooses to make Himself real to all of us. I never wanted to be that stumbling block.

As I was reading Luke 4 this morning I had a thought about belief. Jesus went to His hometown and read from the scroll of Isaiah.

Isaiah 61:1,2 (AMP) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me to bring good news to the humble and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the brokenhearted, to proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives and freedom to prisoners, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord

He stopped in the middle of the second verse, rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and proclaimed, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing and in your presence.” First let’s dig into what the favorable year of the Lord is and back track the rest of the scripture from there. The favorable year of the Lord is also known the year of the redeemed, or if you like to be traditional, The Year of Jubilee.

Described in the book of Leviticus. A “Year of Jubilee” is a special year occurring every 50 years in the Jewish tradition, as described in the Bible, where slaves are freed, debts are forgiven, and land is returned to its original owners, signifying a time of liberation and renewal; it is considered a time of sacred rest and a reminder of God’s mercy and providence (source Google AI). Jesus said He fulfilled it. Did they believe Him? Absolutely not. It actually made them upset to hear this proclamation. Their intent was to throw Him off of a cliff because of those words. We know that did not happen.

My question is, what do you believe? Jesus said that He was sent to bind up our wounds, to proclaim release from captivity, to set the captives free, and that it is the year of the redeemed. When is it? Now! Are we living that way? Or have we taken the bait of unbelief and are awaiting for something else, still looking forward to the Year of Jubilee. Are we still looking for the new year for something to change in our lives. Is 2025 going to be my year? It is already my year. It is already the year of the redeemed. If you are made new in Christ, everything that Jesus accomplished through His life, death and resurrection is available to you right now. Jesus even gifted us with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Joyce Meyer wrote “God anointed Jesus to bring the good news and to set the captives free, and it’s important to receive the freedom He has provided for us. A battle takes place in our mind when we choose freedom instead of remaining in bondage. The devil puts thoughts in our mind, thoughts that disagree with God’s promise of healing, but we can choose to cast down those thoughts and imaginations and believe God’s Word. We will choose to listen to one voice or another, and our deliverance depends on that choice. If we listen to Jesus and believe Him, deliverance is not only possible, but it will become a reality in our life. Jesus came to open prison doors and set the captives free. You and I can be set completely free as we choose to trust God and obey Him.” (from an excerpt of The Battlefield of the Mind Bible)

Lord, Abba Father, El Shaddai, You are so Wonderful. Thank You for sending Your Son to be the anointed One. Through that anointing we have been set free. Forgive us for our unbelief and for not allowing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to bring us to the fullness that You desire. We repent for listening to any voice that makes us feel shame. You have set us free from the power of shame and feeling inferior through Your Son. We desire to walk in the fullness of everything Christ restored to us. Now is the favorable year of the Lord. We are the redeemed. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose love today. We choose joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Natural or supernatural?

Galatians 4:31-5:1 (AMP) So then, believers, we [who are born again—reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] are not children of a slave woman [the natural], but of the free woman [the supernatural]. It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed].

It is the season to start visiting family for the holidays! Thanksgiving week and most homes in America have been cooking for big gatherings of people. I started earlier in the week. Even though it looks like we may have focused on food, it is the people that matter most. I was praying about how I could honor God this year and this scripture is what He brought to my remembrance. Even if someone brings up my past, I have been set free from it. There is no defense needed.

From talking to other born again Christians, they dread family gatherings. They have even resorted to closing themselves off and only being with those within their homes. Friends, I am here to tell you that is not the answer either. I have learned that meekness takes great strength in Christ. Can you hear things about how others perceived you and not say anything to defend? Can you also not take it to heart? I think Paul gave the greatest example of that.

Galatians 1:13 (AMP) You have heard of my career and former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to hunt down and persecute the church of God extensively and [with fanatical zeal] tried [my best] to destroy it.

He did not deny who he use to be, but he did not live there. Light does not run from darkness. God does not place us in caves to dwell. He never has called us to the cave, but He will let you go there if you so desire. To me the cave is where I am still in control. I control who comes in and who goes out. I can shine the light in places that only I give permission to. That is not freedom. A cave is a natural response to keep ourselves safe. It is not Christ empowered.

How can I honor God in this season? Remember who you are in Christ and walk in it. We are not to be haughty or think we are better than others. The gospel matters more than anything else. Christ has set us free for freedoms sake and no one or nothing can make you go back into that bondage. Here is a little bit that Paul wrote to the church in Philippi. Meditate on it. Do not just read the first part and take on the countenance of a victim, because we are not. Read on and become zealous for the gospel.

Philippians 1:29-30, 2:1-4 For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake, not only to believe and confidently trust in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, [and so you are] experiencing the same [kind of] conflict which you saw me endure, and which you hear to be mine now. Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ]. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

I can either choose to live as if still born as the slave and my natural life would be validated. I can also choose to live free, reborn from the free (supernatural), the freedom that Christ set us free.

Father, Abba, Creator, we stand in awe of You. We desire to glorify and honor You during this time. Thank You for Your Son who set us free. Thank You for the gift of the person of the Holy Spirit. We can now live supernatural and no longer bound to our past. We repent for the shame we have allowed to overtake us, and responded with living in a cave instead of the freedom You desire for us. In Your Word You call us a royal priesthood and a special people (1 Peter 2:9). We will proclaim Your wonderful gospel, that Your Son called us out of darkness and into His marvelous Light. We will no longer run from the darkness. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose joy today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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No matter what, rejoice!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (AMP)  Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

I have chosen to read a letter of Paul’s over and over each week. The first one was the letter to the Philippians. A reminder to be joyful at all times. The second week was the letter to the Colossians. A reminder to focus on Jesus no matter what. This week I am in 1 Thessalonians. A letter to a group that would have every excuse to run, but are encouraged to stand firm. He ends the first letter with the encouragement to rejoice and remain thankful to our God. No matter what is going on, can you still thank God?

What do you do when things do not looks so good? As a pastor, when attendance is at an all time low? How about when half the church just stops giving, and/or given up on the tithe? We do not receive a salary, so it is not like any of that matters as to why we are showing up and serving every week. Are we still proclaiming the Gospel? Can they find Jesus in every message? Are we growing in our spiritual maturity as a body? Those are the questions that I choose to focus on.

Philippians 4:4 (AMP) Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!

Ephesians 6:18 (AMP) With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.

Galatians 6:9-10 (AMP) Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).

Here is what I am choosing to do, I am not going to quit and I am not going to run. I am persevering, because there is an enemy out there looking for those he can devour. I am battling this spirit of oppression that has infiltrated the body of Christ and I am calling them back to the joy of the Lord. The enemy has lied to them long enough. Joy is their’s. It is a promise of His great love. The devil wants us to quit on the precepts of God. He wants us to believe that God picks and chooses who He will bless. So many have lost heart and are just going through the motions. That is not how we should be living. What can shake the body of Christ from this bondage of lethargy and apathy?

Ephesians 3: 16-19 (AMP) May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

I want you to know the fullness of God. I want you to know that He sees every struggle. Is Jesus more than enough? That is the biggest question we should ask ourselves. If so, rejoice! I pray you are filled with the love of Christ, that you can rejoice again. In Him is fullness of joy! Even if it is a sacrifice right now, especially if it is a sacrifice right now. Do you want your freedom? Go get it! Jesus has already paid the price for it, now receive it with your whole heart.

Hebrews 13:15 (AMP) Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.

Abba, our Father, our Creator, we are so thankful for being the God who covers us with a Banner of Love. Thank You for sending Your Son, so that we know the fullness of Your love. Thank You for sending us the Holy Spirit, so that we may be filled at all times. Thank You for the revelation of You through the written Word, as inspired by the Holy Spirit. We repent for becoming lethargic, for the apathy of our hearts, and for going back into slumber when you have called us into Your glorious Light. We surrender our hearts, minds, will and emotions to You. We desire to do all that you have commanded with joy. First, to love You will all of our hearts, with all of our soul and with all of our mind. Second, we will love our neighbor as we love ourselves, in the fullness of love that we received through Your Son. We choose to forgive what we beliefs, unwarranted expectations, on thoughts of how You should treat us. You have never mistreated us and we are repent for ever feeling this way. We are rejoicing in Your mercy and lovingkindness. We are choosing love today. We are choosing hope today. We are choosing joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Rid of the Toxins

Philippians 1:7a (MEV) It is right for me to think this of you all because I have you in my heart

What is your hope for the people that come to your mind? I do not know about you, but if you are like me, some are conversations that go on in my mind with people, just because I do not feel cared for by them. I can have an inward frustration and the battle has begun, the battle of the wits with myself, because there is just no one there but me and my brain. What am I to do? Am I right? Absolutely NOT! What I have done is accepted toxins into my heart and mind. What is Paul telling us to think on in Philippians 4:8 (MEV), “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.” Are you struggling to find a thought like that still. How about what Paul told them he thought.

Philippians 1:6 (MEV) I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.

We like to make this personal. Let us read on: “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all discernment, that you may approve things that are excellent so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, being filled with the fruit of righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11).” My discernment is not meant for division, it is meant for intercession.

1 Thessalonians 3:12 (MEV) And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all men, even as we do for you.

Philippians 2:1-4 (MEV) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy, then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same love, being in unity with one mind. Let nothing be done out of strife or conceit, but in humility let each esteem the other better than himself. Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

There is this book by Joyce Meyer called Battlefield of the Mind. It has been many years since I have read it. However, the message is throughout all of Paul’s writings. When I am allowing an argument to take on in my mind, I am exhibiting selfishness. I have esteemed myself better than the other individual, because you know you are going to let yourself win. If I am continuing to distance myself from the body so that I will not get hurt, then I am exhibiting selfishness. If I cannot think or say anything positive about another person, and I get others to join in, I am exhibiting selfishness. None of those qualities proved that I have encouragement in Christ, that I have found comfort in love. I definitely does not show that I have fellowship with the Holy Spirit, it may be some other spirit, but not the Holy Spirit.

How can we combat this in our lives? Realize that you need to stop. Repent. Step out in faith and speak over the person and situation, the best for them. If anything else say, “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.” I would even go so far as to meet the need in a practical way. A note of appreciation. A little sweet treat. It let’s the other person know that you had good thoughts of them. I want to be filled with the fruit of righteousness, that is filled with a life that is rooted and grounded in the love of Christ.

Here is a little prayer I prayed over the body of Christ yesterday. I used the word infuse, because it means to instill a quality in someone. Those other thoughts are toxic, so let the Holy Spirit infuse you with better qualities.

Thank you Father for another day to glorify You, because You are Holy and full of Majesty. Infuse us with Your Word. Infuse us with Your Spirit. Infuse us with Your Mercy. Infuse us with Your Grace. Infuse us with Your Loving Kindness. Let all that You infuse into us flow through us freely. Let us flow in Your Love and in Your Unity. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Test Your Sobriety

1 Peter 5:8 (AMP) Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.

“Be sober,” this is not talking about you being under the influence of recreational drugs and alcohol (as it does address that in the Bible as well). This is talking about your mind. It comes directly after Paul is telling us to cast all of our cares on Christ. What are some things that can intoxicate our minds? How about rehearsing a hurt? How about having conversations and arguments with someone who is not even around, just because you “felt attacked” on social media? How about looking for the ones to let you down, or keeping account of it (I know who is for me proclamations)? The enemy is looking to devour us and we serve it up a nice meal by making people out to be our enemies. Here are two scriptures for you:

Ephesians 6:12 (AMP) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. 

Matthew 5:43-45 (AMP) You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor (fellow man) and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may [show yourselves to] be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on those who are evil and on those who are good, and makes the rain fall on the righteous [those who are morally upright] and the unrighteous [the unrepentant, those who oppose Him]. 

It is a sad time that we see anyone who does not have the same views as ourselves as our enemy. It is even sadder that when we feel challenged that we believe it is because we have come in contact with an enemy. I am going to challenge you with this. Why? I believe that challenge brings growth. Branches do not bend just because they are going through a storm, they bend when there is heavy fruit on them. I am wanting to see the fruit. Unfortunately when we feel challenged we think it is a storm and have to fight back. We pray against the storm (a person) and do not realize that we have voluntarily gone under the influence of the Adversary.

Job 2:2 (MEV) The Lord said to the Adversary, “From where do you come?” And the Adversary answered the Lord, saying, “From roaming on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”

Hear me out. You have to renew your mind daily (Romans 12:2). You have to cast down those imaginations (2 Corinthians 10:5). Remember the first part of 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober.” The Adversary, Satan, is roaming around looking for someone to devour. I have to be vigilant with my thought life. I am not fearful, but I am learning more and more the triggers that cause me to be intoxicated with negative thoughts.

John 10:10 (AMP) The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

Here is a good test for myself: Did that thought cause me to lose my joy? Did that thought cause me to lose my patience with my brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 42)? Am I struggling to see the best for them? Did I lose my peace and now in fear of being found out for how a truly feel about someone? Did I respond with kindness or defense? Did I exhibit self control or was I my just being my true self? If I am having a hard time exhibiting qualities of compassion for someone, it is because of me, not them. Christ said to pray. So that is what I am doing. I am praying for God to give me such a deep love for them, so that it is all that flows out of me. Unselfish love does not hold words, thoughts or feeling against one another.

Philippians 4:8 (AMP) Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

None of us have finished the race, as long as there is breath in our lungs (1 Corinthians 9:24). I am transforming more and more each day into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18). So that means I need to test my sobriety against the Word. I cannot be tested unless I am challenged. I will not grow the best fruit unless I submit to the pruning (John 15:1-8). I do not want to become stagnant and have a fixed mindset (Zephaniah 1:12), then I will start to stink up the areas of influence I once had and kill off others fruit. I want my thoughts to align with His thoughts (1 Corinthians 2:16). Just because something was true about someone ten years ago, does not mean it is true now. Allow growth in others, just like you would like for people to see growth in you also. Be sober minded.

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Without a Doubt

Matthew 7:7-8 (AMP) Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.

My husband and I have been in a series called Relational Maintenance for the past year it seems. We minister together, not that I asked to, it is because with topics like this I would bring something to add. This Sunday I added a perspective of Job and how the vocabulary of our minds will influence our expectations. Job was a righteous man. “Consider my servant Job,” is what we are reminded of as to why he was chosen for this test. Another comes to mind, “For the thing which I greatly fear comes upon me, and that of which I am afraid has come upon me (Job 3:25).” What had Job feared? We can see that in Job 1:5, “When the days of their feasting were over, Job would send [for them] and consecrate them, rising early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did this at all [such] times.”

Psalms 111:10 (AMP) The [reverent] fear of the Lord is the beginning (the prerequisite, the absolute essential, the alphabet) of wisdom; a good understanding and a teachable heart are possessed by all those who do the will of the Lord; His praise endures forever.

What are you seeking God for? What is your expectation when you come into the community of your church? I have been praying Colossians 1: 9-10 over my church: “I do not cease to pray for Connect Church and to ask that they may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that they may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing to all, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (MEV).” This is the same prayer I have for my children. I want them to have health, a family of their own and a happy life, but none of that compares to their relationship with Christ. Wisdom is far more precious than any wordly experience they can have. Why grasp for anything that is not centered on Christ? Wisdom is not just smarts or head knowledge. Christ was full of compassion, mercy and loving kindness and was known for His wisdom. They even called Him great teacher.

Philippians 2:5-11 (AMP) Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man]. After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.

Job made it all about his kids. We can do the same. We can go to the Father and make it all about what we would like for our lives to be like. Jesus did not model this. So why are we modeling that in our churches and in our families? We should be known for our generosity to the world. We have in an inheritance through Christ and we should be grateful and full of gratitude. Solomon was given the task of ruling all of Israel. Solomon prayed for wisdom (1 Kings 3), this pleased God because he did not ask for a long life, wealth or to conquer over his enemies. God heard his prayer giving him wisdom, but also wealth and honor. Kind of like what Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33, “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” God’s character did not change, our empowerment did with the Holy Spirit.

James 1:5-6 (AMP) If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind.

It was a faith issue with Job. He did not make the list of the great men and women of faith as listed in Hebrews 11. You can tell that by what he feared and how he tried to compensate for that fear. My children attended public school. Why do I know that was a good choice for them? It goes according to the mission we set as a family. They are not of this world, but that does not mean they need to be taken out o f it. We are called to go into all the world and to spread the gospel. Our mission field is our community. They have served in the community that they are planted into (we have to model and teach empathy). Jesus came to serve. We are not better than anyone, and we want to see the best for others. We are not self seeking, so it is not about us grasping for success. God is our fortress, not our brick and mortar home. God is their protector, not mom and dad. They have the mind of Christ and are filled with the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead. They dwell in the shelter of the Most High and they are secure in Him (not in man). Even if they walk in the valley of the shadow of death, they shall not fear (and neither shall I), for they are protected by the Great Shepherd and they have the wisdom to listen to His guidance. My husband and I have been charged to train them in the way they should go, and that is to Christ. I cannot manipulate God to protect my family. I have to surrender them to Him. I have to live surrendered too. My identity is not found in my husband and kids, it is found in Christ. Who would I be without them? I would still be His. I cannot doubt God. He cannot lie.

God, our Father, our Shield and our Banner, we want to glorify You today with every thing that is within us, including our thoughts. Thank You for Your Son, who paid the price for our freedom. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who is our Counselor and Teacher. Thank You for being our High Tower, for being our Peace and for Your Mercy and Loving Kindness. We repent for doubting Your Goodness and Grace by keeping control of areas of our lives. We repent for not being enveloped in the fullness of Your Love, by allowing fear to rule our minds. We surrender everything back into Your will. You are the Great Shepherd. Lord, we pray for wisdom. Wisdom in raising our families, wisdom is making good financial choices, wisdom in how to lead well in our community. We do not take the task of the Great Commission lightly, and we repent for limiting the spectrum of influence that You have mapped out for our mission. We choose to forgive anyone that has made a stumbling block in our lives to fulfill what You have called us to, the ministry of reconciliation. We repent for taking any bait of offense and allowing roots of bitterness to be planted. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We choose forgiveness today. We choose joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Loose Yourself

Isaiah 52:2 (MEV) Shake yourself from the dust; arise, O captive Jerusalem. Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

We have a black Labrador mix in our back yard. We rescued her from some woods many years ago. In a large fenced in yard, with lots of places to run and climb (she likes to climb trees), chase the squirrels, a wonderful source of water and fed daily. Yes, she still pushes the fence to find the weak points. Do you know where she goes when she gets out? To my front door. She does not want in the house, she just sits. She will get up and roam the neighborhood and then sit back at the door. The thing is we live within the city limits. We will get a fine for letting her go around without a leash. So, we have had to put her on a line with a collar, and a zip tie to keep it closed (she figured out how to remove it).

Unlike our domestic animals, that we responsibly keep within boundaries, we have been set free. However, the enemy has set a choke collar around our necks to keep us bound. When we try to speak our way into freedom, he uses the images of our past and our insecurities to stop our voices. Jesus took the keys from Satan (Revelation 1:18). He has set the captives free, that is us, when we accept His Lordship (Luke 4:18-19, also prophesied in Isaiah 61:1-2).

Matthew 16:19 (AMP) I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth will have [already] been loosed in heaven.

As kingdom citizens we have keys. So loose yourself from the bondage that is keeping you from your full freedom. The enemy has no right to any area of your life, unless you allow him. Remember, he is only like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). We have to loose ourselves from all the hurt, deep hurt, pain, sadness, grief, anger, hatred, rage, bitterness, fear, and bound and blocked emotions. We do not do it alone. We have the keys, we have the authority, it is His powers that empowers us.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (AMP) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 

I have taken a prayer from John Eckhardt’s “Prayers that Break Curses” and adapted it for us today:

Father, In Jesus’ name, I loose all members of my body, including my mind, memory, eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet. I loose myself from the effects of bad memories, painful memories, and memories of the past that would hinder me in the present or future. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, by the authority given to me to bind and loose, I loose my emotions from every evil spirit that has come in as a result of experiences of the past. I command these spirits to come out, and I decree freedom to my emotions in the name of Jesus. I loose my mind from all spirits of mind control, confusion, mental bondage, insanity, madness, fantasy, passivity, intellectualism, knowledge block, ignorance, mind binding, lust, and evil thinking. I loose myself from all guilt, shame, condemnation, and legalism. I loose my will from all control, domination, and manipulation form Satan, his demons, and other people. I loose my will from all lust, rebellion, stubborness, pride, self-will, selfishness, and antisubmissive spirits that block and hinder my will. I break and loose myself from all chains around my will, and I submit to the will of God. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

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The thief wants to steal your security

Jeremiah 29:13 (AMP) Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

I have been given a lot of thought to what it means to be secure lately. Why? Within the first few days of school one of my youngest son’s friends was shot and killed catching a ride home (he was 16). It was a senseless murder and it has shaken me pretty hard. This boy was a son to so many of us in the community. He had been in my home many times. It has been years since he had been around us, but we still kept up with what he was doing. Then he was gone. My heart breaks for his mother as she could not even say goodbye, because it was instant.

So why I am focused on being secure? That is exactly what the enemy wants to steal in this moment. That was the first thing he stole in the garden. The first emotion felt outside of the will of God was fear, and not the reverential kind about His greatness.

Genesis 3:8-10 (AMP) And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool [afternoon breeze] of the day, so the man and his wife hid and kept themselves hidden from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to Adam, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of You [walking] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.”

There is a funeral coming up, and it is going to be a big one with many in attendance. They are going to want all of his friends sitting together, all of his past team mates (including my youngest). This mama is in prayer, because although they have some suspects in custody for the murder, there is unrest. I am praying for peace and safety. I cannot make it happen, I have to be grounded in Christ. This is where being secure is found. This verse in Jeremiah is found just after, “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (verse 11).” How can I have peace in a world that is full of people who do not even think life is precious? Point them to the Light. The light that burns bright within me. It cannot be hidden and it cannot be snuffed out.

We are getting closer to the end, with the return of Jesus. I was reading 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul said that we have to be ready. The thief comes only to steal, kill and and destroy (John 10:10), and that is what the return of Christ will be like to those who do not receive Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 (AMP)  So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise]. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we [believers] belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation.

I have to put on the breastplate of faith and love. My mind is sober and clear because I am assured of my right standing with Christ. I am full and complete in Him. The thief cannot take anything from me, as I am secure in Him. I am pointing my sons to Christ, the only secure hiding place they need. We are light bearers (Matthew 5:16). Lord, let Your love grow so deep within us so that it is all that comes out of us.

John 17:15-18 (AMP)  I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth. Just as You commissioned and sent Me into the world, I also have commissioned and sent them (believers) into the world.

Lord, Our Father, Our Creator, Our Banner, we want to honor you today. You are full of Majesty and Glory. Thank You for Your Son, to restore us into right standing with You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, to be our Comforter and our Teacher. We choose to have a relationship with all of You. We repent for allowing the trials of this world to take away the security that Jesus redeemed us to. We keep our focus on You. You have us in this world to be a light, to shine out in the darkness. We choose to live our lives free. You are the only secure hiding place we need. Your Word is truth. We are secure in You. Let us put on the fullness of You today. We are wearing the breastplate of faith and love. We are rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. We choose to honor You with our minds, our wills and our emotions. You have given us a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. Lord, let Your love grow so deep within us so that it is all that comes out of us. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose love today. We choose joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Road Trip

Ephesians 4:32 (AMP) Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.

We can know all the scriptures, but if we do not put them into practice, we only have head knowledge. This is why experiences are important. My youngest son is starting back to school today. The past month I have taken him on some short trips to spend some quality time. In doing so we have met some really interesting people.

This past week my husband, myself and my youngest son took a drive through the Appalachian Mountains to do the 127 Yard Sale. We drove up to Frankfort, Kentucky and made our way down back home. We started on a Wednesday (to do some fun family things on the way up) and was home by Saturday. We spent every moment together, including many hours together on the road.

We met some really interesting people. We met a couple that retired from working for Disney. They were the coolest couple and shared of their many stories from working at Disney Land and Disney World. We got some pretty unique items from them, some to keep and some for our reselling business. We even talked to some people that transplanted from Alabama. Some people were a joy to talk with and some had hatred in them and it showed. One couple talked with ignorance and we introduced a different perspective, it was a great dialogue opportunity and we were able to share how life is how you perceive it. They could tell something was different and we shared the goodness of God. A few were deep rooted in their hatred and it was uncomfortable, and we grieved for them.

While we were gone we did see what was going on via social media. We talked about why it is important not to repeat a matter. We talked about why it is important to be informed before forming an opinion on a headline. We talked about still loving others even if you do not agree on an issue, and we should not treat anyone different because of that disagreement.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (AMP)  Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].

Loving like this is not easy. That is why Paul prayed like he did in Ephesians 3 (see verses 14-19). God desires for us to live full lives, rooted in Him. Without the deep knowledge of that love (through experience) we cannot love completely. We cannot even love ourselves right. This love is beyond natural comprehension and that is why Paul prayed for the power for us to comprehend it. We have to grow in the understanding of that love. We are to take hold of the truth and then define our lives on it. It no longer is something we have to contemplate, that fullness is practical, it is a reality. He makes us whole.

Ephesians 3:19 (AMP) and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

(TPT) How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding – this extravagant love pouts into you until you are filled to overflowing in the fullness of God!

Jesus was full of compassion. Empathy is not a weakness and neither is compassion. “Empathy is the ability to emotionally understand what other people feel, see things from their point of view, and imagine yourself in their place. Essentially, it is putting yourself in someone else’s position and feeling what they are feeling (www.verywellmind.com).” Compassion literally means “to suffer together” (Greater Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life).

Matthew 9:36 (AMP) When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion and pity for them, because they were dispirited and distressed, like sheep without a shepherd.

We spent four days together, but we got to meet people. People matter. How can we fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) without meeting people? We learned a lot about each other and about others. We did not look out for just our own interests, but were able to be a light to those that needed encouragement. What words do people use to describe how you make them feel? Do you leave people and they feel encouraged or do they feel drained? Are you the one that is demanding all of the attention or our you willing to be the support someone really needs? Are you about letting others get the first pick?

It was a great four days. We have just a couple more years until he graduates. There are so many more lessons that we need to teach him, but compassion and empathy have been two that we have modeled since he was a toddler. It takes a lifetime to perfect it, and we are still growing in it ourselves. We are have been graced for this through the empowerment of Christ. Live life to the fullest!

Father, our Creator, our Master and our Jehovah, You are so Marvelous and full of Majesty. We desire to honor You with our words and our deeds. Thank You for Your Son, who lived and became Your Love in human form. Thank You for the Holy Spirit to be our Teacher and our Guide. Thank You for the revelation knowledge that we receive when we apply Your Word. Search every part of us and mold us. You are the potter and we want to be strong in You. Break off the pieces and reform them into Your image. We repent for making life all about us and not living in the full potential that You Love can only bring. We choose forgiveness today. We choose faith today. We choose joy today. We choose hope today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Meeting Place

Ephesians 3:17 (AMP) so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love

About seven years ago I found myself really drawn to this part of Ephesians. Ephesians 3:16-20 began to come alive to me during a part of my life when I was going through something really difficult. I had been fired from my job, and my character had been tarnished. I was made out to look like a villain. What did I do? I went to the Word. I surrounded myself in the Word every day. I sat in the Word as much as I could. It was not about God changing their minds about me, it was about God who I am to You. I was going to be better than fine.

Ephesians 3:17 (MSG) that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite Him in. And I ask Him with both feet planted firmly on love

Ephesians 3:17 (TPT) Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of His love will become the very source and root of your life.

I had a faith growing moment. I had to decide if Christ really had residence. This became a moment of deeper surrender in my life. I explained it this way on Sunday. A guest gets a room and we have prepared a place for them, but we have the expectation that they stay within the boundaries that we have set, because they are our guest. A resident has the ability to move around furniture and to make our place comfortable for living to them. They have unlimited access to the home. When I asked Christ to dwell, He was not there to keep things looking the way they were when He arrived. I gave Him governing authority. It is not me making sure that everything stays clean, we reside together, so we are doing the chores of maintenance together. It is now our home. If I see something that needs to be cleaned up, in my maturity, I know what needs to be done and I do it. I am not saying I am waiting on Christ to do this in my life, He has empowered me when He took up residence in my home (my life).

Which means that I do not have to set a particular place for Him. I have a spot that I like to do my studies and read. My dog knows when I am at my spot and it is her favorite time of day. I will put my worship music on and she will come running. However, that is not the only place that I meet with God. As I am riding in the car I can be meditating on a scripture or a moment and talk to God about it. While I am at the gym I can be meditating on something and receive this amazing revelation, and cannot wait to get back to my Bible to confirm it in His Word. While I am on the walking track and I have someone catch up with me and we start talking. There is always a moment to encourage them to keep going and to point them to Jesus, the Word.

I do not have a prayer closet. I do not pray a certain way every day. I do not have an altar in my home. I can meet with Him anywhere because He has residence. I do pray (in my personal time and corporately). I do speak words of thanksgiving throughout the day. I do turn my thoughts to what the Word says on a situation. I am mindful of my own thoughts. I am mindful of others needs and not just my own. This is what it looks like when He has taken residence. I am rooted in love, which is a result of surrendering to Christ. I love that we have the ability to have the Word at our fingertips with the You Version App. Download it on your phone. You can now carry your Bible with you every where you go.

Hebrews 4:16 (AMP) Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].

There is no certain place or person I have to go through to meet with God. I can come boldly right where I am into His Presence. I do this through my faith in Christ. I do this with reverence and not with religious rituals (man made ideals). We have been given these wonderful imaginations and can create ideals on how God wants us to meet with Him. He just wants us to meet with Him. He has prepared a place for us, so that we do not have to. He wants residence so that our hearts and minds are prepared. That is my altar.

Abba, my Father, You are Marvelous and Holy. Thank You for Your Son to create a home within me. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit as our Teacher as the Word becomes more and more of a revelation of who You are. We repent for trying to create ways to meet with You when all You desire is a heart of surrender. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for drawing near to us as we draw near to You. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose joy today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Meet With Me by Ten Shekel Shirt