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Divine Protection

Recently, I was driving down a highway and found myself in the slow lane with a big truck in front of me and one to my left. It was unusual for me to be in this position, and I felt boxed in. In a flash, a thought came to me that maybe God was protecting me. 

Minutes later, I was able to switch lanes and get out of the “box” only to see a big, black SUV pass me in the fast lane. The SUV was tailing a small, white car. The word “Sheriff” was written on the side of the SUV.

So, I started speaking mercy and grace out loud in my car over these drivers. Sure enough, the SUV’s blue lights came on, flashing all over. And they both pulled over. 

If you’ve ever been in the position of the white car—and I have—you know that sinking feeling. And, quite honestly, I was surprised God had me covered that day in this way. Because He hasn’t always done that.

But Holy Spirit used this situation to awaken me to the protection He’s extending now for those who are coming into their life-long destinies. 

Hours later, after I reached my destination, Holy Spirit revealed more to me, which is this . . . 

By His grace, God is moving on our behalves to keep us in His peace, because the peaceful inherit His Kingdom. One way He’s doing this is by putting boundaries around us.

A key scripture here is Psalm 32:7 TPT, which says, “Lord, you are my secret hiding place, protecting me from these troubles, surrounding me with songs of gladness! Your joyous shouts of rescue release my breakthrough. Pause in his presence.”

A second way God is keeping our peace is to help us stay the course with our eyes on Him. 

The key scripture here is Isaiah 26:3 AMPC, which says, “You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.”

A third way God is keeping our peace, so we can come into our harvests, is by allowing an external sifting. 

Holy Spirit revealed that this is a critical time of fulfillment and He doesn’t want any distractions in our lives. I believe our destinies are so near and important that He will scatter those sent to trigger us out of focus and onto sin. 

Holy Spirit revealed that the closer we get to taking the land, God will separate the wheat from the tares, His obedient followers from the stubborn troublemakers, His Joshuas and Calebs from the unbelieving communities. 

We’re at a time, right now, where the tares will reveal themselves. They will not be able to disguise themselves any longer. They will be made obvious to us at pivotal moments, and God will reveal His corresponding boundaries to us. 

In doing this, God is protecting us from those who would come against us but He is also protecting them. He knows what can happen to those who come against His anointed, and He doesn’t want anyone to perish but to turn to Him and live out their blessed salvation, even if it means living with less than He intended. 

There are people who cannot go with us. There are people with whom we cannot remain. There are some assignments where God will cut people out and away, so they can grow forward into a role that ultimately blesses them and others that they had to leave behind. Joseph’s story is a great example of this. 

So, in short, there are people God must distance (or remove entirely) from us so He can bless us and bless them, beginning with greater peace. In relationships, where people push our buttons or pull our triggers, we can expect to see new God-ordained boundaries come into place. God will do this to clarify direction for all parties and position everyone to depend more on Him. 

Our attitude should be one of humility, because we want to remain on His side of mercy and grace. We want to remain in His beauty set before us and align with Him quickly during big shifts (He 12:2). No matter what may fall away, we can determine to yield to God’s wisdom and move forward with Him in peace.

So, pray with me if you will. . . 

Dear Lord, 

Thank You for Your divine protection that covers me and those around me. Have Your will and way in my life and in theirs. Help me to awaken and follow You where You desire to lead me. Help me to see it all Your way and continue to sync with You in Your peace. 

In Jesus’ Mighty Name, 

Amen. 

This devo was graciously re-posted by the Salem Web Network, which includes iBelieve.com.

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God’s Last Laugh

God rejoices over us and over the power of His final Word in our lives (Is 62:5). He invites us into this happy place with Him to celebrate triumph.

Recently, I awakened in the morning to hear God’s laughter, and I began to laugh with Him. His laughter is a contagious release that has the power to lift us above our tired perspectives. It brings new life and fresh vision. 

It brings His strength of joy in a unique way.

Holy Spirit highlighted a corresponding scripture, then confirmed it by two witnesses later the same day. The scripture was Mark 10:27 TPT, which says, “Jesus looked at them and replied, ‘With people it is impossible, but not with God—God makes all things possible!'”

So, with rejoice as an awakening, as it was in my case that morning, God alerts us to His powerful truth of timing for events. He knows He has been leading us up to a single day, in which He will catapult His faithful ones from former and present ties into their futures. He excitedly reminds us of a sudden release of freedom for major fulfillment of promises.

With rejoice as a powerful weapon, God invites us to rejoice with Him for the victory He brings, has brought and will bring. When we know His secrets that defeat the enemy, it’s easier to laugh with God. And the more we walk out His secrets with Him, the more fortified in Him we become. And the more outward expressions of victory we’ll experience. 

With rejoice as a celebration, God is reminding us that, when others around us fail us, His plan has not failed. In fact, it will multiply on our behalves as dead weight falls away. The lies of loss do not bear witness in God’s Kingdom. Disappointments are only seeds planted for a greater return when we continue to believe in Him. 

So, we can celebrate now what God has done for us, is doing for us, and will do for us, as His rejoice shines a whole new light on our lives and invites us up and onward.

We can remember that, when God releases His rejoice back to us like this, it’s a marker between past and future. It’s an alert that He’s rewarding us for our endurance and is positioning us even more acutely to enter into the imminent manifestation of His personal promises to us.

Some have already experienced God’s winds of change and have even connected with people pertinent to God’s plan for them. But, even so, it’s just the beginning of a new life with more to come. And for those still waiting, it will happen as you continue to follow The Lord.

This new-life experience will be a place where we will see and do life differently than before, because we’ve learned to process life more God’s way (Ro 6:4 AMP). When more of the foolish things around us fall away, it’s a revealing that we have entered into greater wholeness, the outward expressions of which are just before us.

It’s time to live out this transformed, recreated life described in Ephesians 4:23-24 TPT, which say, “Now it’s time to be made new by every revelation that’s been given to you. And to be transformed as you embrace the glorious Christ-within as your new life and live in union with him! For God has re-created you all over again in his perfect righteousness, and you now belong to him in the realm of true holiness.”

So, be ready for the big shifts coming. You will not be left behind as long as you continue to believe and obey God’s instructions. Release any falsehood and keep a Caleb heart of wholeness toward God and His endeavors (Ep 4:25).

Since God is our first husband (Is 54:5), nothing can break our covenant bond with Him. When we submit to Him as our Heavenly Husband, we soar with Him. Anyone or anything that tries to come against is influenced by the enemy and is already defeated. 

We can pray they repent and receive divine revelation before they experience the consequences of their behavior. So, just keep going with God, guiltless and without condemnation, and He’ll lead you right into His personal promises to you. 

In this we can rejoice.

So, pray with me if you will . . . 

Dear Lord, 

Thank You that, as my Bridegroom, you rejoice over me (Is 62:5 AMP). Thank You that Your Word is final over my life, bringing forth the fulfillment of Your promises. Thank you for loving me so much that You invite me to rejoice with You every step of the way. Help me, Lord, to laugh with You even more.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name, 

Amen

This devo was graciously re-posted by the Salem Web Network, which includes iBelieve.com.

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Resolution

Recently, my husband and I went to see the movie Jesus Revolution.

I found it to be a good illustration of getting unstuck from ruts and growing up and out in our Lord. 

Coming up higher means surrendering our ways and living out His. We have to find resolve to grow, and this requires humility, courage, fresh insight and obedience. 

Resolution can mean “a decision or determination” or mental “firmness of purpose” (Dictionary.com).

Resolution puts change into action. It’s the foundation for defining moments. It’s part of revolution, which can be a result (fruit) of a great awakening. 

Un-resolve holds us back. It’s a prison of arrogance and is derived from our flesh, fueled by the enemy of our souls through lies. 

Staying stuck in something God is finished with may stop God’s move in our lives when we agree with it, but it doesn’t stop God’s move-at-large. 

Now is the time to step more into the new things God has been inviting each of us into. As we go, we’ll find increasing resolve. It’s a process.

When I consider the main characters in the movie, each found a path of resolve. Each found their unique role and processed beyond their limitations as they walked with Jesus. Much of the time, they were able to work together as they worked it out. But even when they didn’t, they circled back around. 

They purposed to overcome where they were to help others overcome.

Acting out of anything less than faith is not an option. Holy scripture assures us we cannot lose when God is in it and we obey Him. 

Hebrews 13:6 asks us, “What can man do to me?” 

So, we must move as Holy Spirit moves and follow where He leads. We must hear from Him and speak what He says to speak.

One of my favorite lines from the movie is, “Don’t be so arrogant to think that God can’t work through your failures.”

So, we see, even in this, that shame is not an option. We must rise above it and let God shine through our mistakes. We already know His grace is strongest when we are weakest and that He uses the foolish things to confound the wise. 

There isn’t one among us who hasn’t sinned and fallen short of His grace. So, we’re in good company. And anyone who rises in arrogance and judges us will be judged by God. So, who cares what they think of us? Ultimately, it’s not about us. It’s about God and what He does in, through and for us.

Yes, we can expect some former “friends” to fall away. We can let them fall, pray for them and be on our way. So, what if they didn’t get their way. God’s way is the only way that matters. All must align or fall into a pit of their own making. When people are ready to rise and align with God, they will. 

Old wine skins are not an option either. This movie is a good portrayal of a new wine skin that looked nothing like anyone expected. God’s glory will surpass limited old establishments that will prove to be the stumbling blocks in their defining moments. We must decide whose side we’re on and move in that direction.

So, do we care about the next generation to meet them in new ways, right where they are? Jesus does. What excuse do we have to say, “No”?

“None,” says The Lord of Hosts.

In the process of stepping into the new, we’ll be humbled; and we must firmly decide to keep going in the right direction. It’s about serving others as Jesus did. And as we go and serve them, Jesus serves us. 

We’ll need His counsel and wisdom. We’ll need His Presence to break through strongholds and minister sufficiently to those seeking something better than what they’ve known—fresh resolve that comes only by God. 

What resolve must you come into to step up? Where are you looking to find revolve? There’s only one true way to break through. It’s Jesus, who embodies the grace-power to make all things new. 

Holy Spirit, can take us where we could never go on our own or with any other human. He’s bigger than our problems and higher than even drugs can take us. He is larger than pre-formed establishments and greater than our best vision. He is above our own finite knowledge and the only One powerful enough to make our dreams come true.

He alone can get us where He knows we need to be to do, through us, what only He can. 

So, pray with me, if you will . . . 

Dear Lord, 

Thank You for the invitation to set me free and to be a part of something greater than myself. Something that honors You. Please help me to receive Your invitation, lean into You in the messy middle and grow in You as I go with You to help others. Help me to be committed, to humble myself and to step into the new You have for me.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen.

This devo was graciously re-posted by the Salem Web Network, which includes iBelieve.com.

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Standard Decisions

During quiet time recently, Holy Spirit revealed to me that many are being tested in new levels of prosperity. 

The Lord is saying:

Just as you have been tested in persecution, so, too, will you be tested in prosperity. You will be tested in fulfilling your role in the promises I put in your heart long ago that I am bringing to pass. You will be tested in prioritizing Me in all you have been given and in all you have to do. For to whom much is given, much is required. You will be tested in following Me, depending on Me and obeying Me right now and in your very near future. There is only new wine here and there. You will be tested to be made stronger in Me.

I Am God, who gives and takes away. I have given you much with much more to come, and now it’s time to begin to move into position to do as I have revealed to you. You have known this time is coming. This time of great shift, of multiplicity and great outpouring. It will be as I have said. I have given you what you need. It’s time to decide which way you will go, says The Lord. Will you go your own way or make decisions by My standards? I require commitment. Do you believe Me? Will you trust Me? Will you seek Me and inquire of Me? 

It’s time to shine, says The Lord. My glory Presence will be with you all the way. I will cover you from consequences as you keep your eyes on Me. So, draw near to Me, abide in Me and go forward with Me. I will make your way light. I will be your truth. I will pour out My grace upon grace on you. Even when the enemy sends those close to you to deflect your gaze off of Me, do not engage in the battle. They are being influenced by the same demons sent to provoke you off course during your time of persecution. So, trust Me to fight on your behalf, says The Lord. Bless the people, keep moving forward and that evil will fall away.

I see your heart, says The Lord, and I am reviving hearts. I am bringing the renewal of regeneration and reconnections for those willing to take refuge in Me. I am bringing great joy for those who remember Me. I am bringing the change for which you have prayed and waited. The time is now. So, watch alongside Me, says The Lord, and be awed as I bring you into the greatest manifest abundance you have ever known. Just as it was long ago, when I revealed to you that your whole life would change and nothing would be the same, so it is coming around again. I will renew your life.

There are those reading and hearing this Word, who are wondering, “What about me?” To these chosen ones I say, when you fully confess and repent of your rebellion and defilement, when you choose to obey Me and receive My correction, when you choose to trust in Me and draw near to Me, I will shut the mouths of the roaring lions against you and deliver you up out of the mouths of the devouring wolves at night. For I am in the midst and My mighty deliverance will be expeditious, saysThe Lord. 

When you turn to Me, it will happen suddenly. As fast as it came, it will go. And I will restore your faith for new life (resurrection life, abundant life) swiftly. I will delight in you. Your vindication will shine like the noonday sun. I will dispense My justice on your behalf as you honor Me. Return to me, says The Lord of Hosts. Do it My way. And you will see that I will not fail you but delight in you. 

Scriptures that Holy Spirit highlighted to me are:

Colossians 3:1-4 TPT – “Christ’s resurrection is your resurrection too. This is why we are to yearn for all that is above, for that’s where Christ sits enthroned at the place of all power, honor, and authority! Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm. Your crucifixion with Christ has severed the tie to this life, and now your true life is hidden away in God in Christ. And as Christ himself is seen for who he really is, who you really are will also be revealed, for you are now one with him in his glory!”

Hebrews 12:2 TPT – “We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!”

Luke 12:48 TPT – “For those who have received a greater revelation from their master are required a greater obedience. And those who have been entrusted with great responsibility will be held more responsible to their master.”

1 John 5:21 NIV – “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”

Zephaniah 3:1-3, 5 NIV – “Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God. Her officials within her are roaring lions; her rulers are evening wolves, who leave nothing for the morning. The Lord within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame.”

This devo was graciously re-posted by the Salem Web Network, which includes iBelieve.com.

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God’s Vision

During quiet time one morning, Holy Spirit guided me to Isaiah 43 and impressed upon my heart that what has felt delayed for a long time is coming on the scene as a gentle lead-in to a restored foundation expressed. In other words, there are outward foundational blessings that God is bringing us into as He has restored our foundations inwardly (Is 33:6).

Can you see Him leading you accordingly in what He prompts you to do right now? It may be toward a new reconnection of an old relationship that’s just beginning again. It may be getting organized for a scheduled relocation. How is God inviting you to come closer right now to Him in what He has for you?

Where it looked dry for a long time, those promised streams will flow as new life comes forth right before us. It will be beautiful, and even more so, than it was as you remember, because God is doing a new thing (Is 43:19). 

The key precept here is Isaiah 43:19 TPT, which asks, “Don’t you perceive it?”

These Words are purposed to invite us to focus on God and see as He sees to be guided in His right direction. His direction will continue to lead us into greater fullness and glory in new-life and even new-legacy areas. 

God is reminding us that what we perceive we will also receive. We are very close, so it’s important to keep our focus on Him. It’s all a leading into promised dreams coming true—the ones He put in our hearts and purposed, even long ago.

God is re-establishing us in all that makes up this new life He has for us, nothing missing, nothing broken. Shalom-wholeness is our portion, and beauty will surround us.

Holy Spirit is even opening our eyes to see this in part now, as He leads us through His new life order. As we continue to work unto Him (as worship), He is clearing a path, making a way for us to enter in even more, and He is giving us understanding in advance as necessary.

In this light, Holy Spirit showed me that it’s important, right now, to accurately discern distraction from elements of what is truly of Him. What may initially appear to be a distraction can actually be a revealing, a clue of the fullness forward. We must see as He sees to know the difference, and this comes from Holy Spirit alone. 

He will turn our mourning into dancing, while He turns evil shouts into mourning (Is 43:14). He has reversed curses and set us up to step into rewards forward. He has lifted us and fitted us with new garments that are more becoming of Him. 

There are people we will meet and re-meet that we couldn’t before because of un-resolve in our souls. By God’s goodness, the areas in which He has grown us—or delivered us incrementally—will be the areas in which He will bring us into the maturity of His new expressions for us. He has all kinds of nouns—people, places and things—waiting for us. Wellsprings of His goodness in areas where we’ve had to re-dig and become re-established. 

These people will have anointings and other giftings to advance us beyond where we can go on our own. They will know God’s heart on matters and how to accomplish His will. They will offer us their best abilities, knowledge and heart connections. They will work alongside us as assigned, not getting in God’s way or ours, but in step with Him as sent ones to help us. Their earnest hearts will prove out as a type of kinsman-redeemer.

We will know them by their fruit, and it will be as God foretold us. We will experience His Presence of peace, His lovely grace-ease. These redeemed ones will be a significant part of our journeys—life- and legacy-changing. Yes, in this new-life order, God is restoring our legacies to be more like what He originally intended. The fullness of what past generations began will be ours when Holy Spirit breaks us through barriers to entry and enables us to steward God’s treasures according to His will. 

We can remember that God’s Presence is everything—in vision and execution. We can remain in the peace of God to know what to do and where to go and when. We can let the past fall away to the extent that it becomes distant, just like it is for God in Isaiah 43:25 TPT, where the prophet Isaiah says God “completely erases” our sins and never sees or remembers them again. Because God has lightened our burdens, we can rise with Him as our greatest Treasure forward, the same Treasure found in His sent people, places and things. 

Pray with me if you will . . . 

Dear Lord, 

Thank You for Your heart of blessing for me. Help me to see what and how You see. Help me not to miss anything that’s of You for me. Help me to discern what is truly of You right now and forward. Help me steward my time and attention according to Your will in all things. Thank You for bringing me into Your best promises fulfilled.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen

This devo was graciously re-posted by the Salem Web Network, which includes iBelieve.com.