Solidarity: Fellowship to Strengthen – Part 2

God is gathering His saints (Christ-followers). 

His powerhouse (Ac 3:7, 16; 16:5, 2 Cor 1:21).

John 11:52 TPT tells us “…Jesus’ death would not be for the Jewish people only, but to gather together God’s children scattered around the world and unite them as one.”

God’s order is coming into place beautifully, being established through His mature bride for His return, by His Spirit. 

Seated (Eph 2:6).

Immovable (1 Pe 5:9).

Undivided and in agreement with Him.

The opposite of the anti-Christ’s one world religion (He 13:9, 2 Pe 3:17).

But to operate in true solidarity—by grace, a strong fellowship of faithful Christ followers who bring Heaven to earth and strengthen others—we must first be faithful in solitude.

Solitude is made of up of the Latin word “soli,” which, according to Webster’s, is plural for “solo” and can mean “accommodating one person.” (For the purpose of this devotion, that One person would be Jesus and in essence, means many serving The Lord and others for His Kingdom.) “Tude” in “solitude” is derived from the Latin word tudo, which means state or condition.

As Christians, we regard ourselves as being set apart from the world unto The Lord. We refer to solitude as our “secret place” with God. Sometimes, we call it our “alone time.” 

It’s where we commune deeply with God and are strengthened by His Presence, often in an attitude of prayer, worship, Bible reading or just being quiet before Him. 

Matthew 6:6 TPT says, “But whenever you pray, go into your innermost chamber and be alone with Father God, praying to him in secret. And your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly.”

One of the definitions of solitude that Webster’s uses is “A lonely place (as a desert).” 

This brings to mind Jesus being driven into the desert by Holy Spirit to be tested for forty days, while angels ministered to Him during and after (Mk 1:12-13, Matt 4:11).

Solitude is an arena for desperation. But the irony here is that it’s “also where God richly grants His presence and provision for those seeking Him.” It’s where “the limitless Lord shows Himself strong in the ‘limiting’ (difficult) scenes of life” (HELPS Word-studies).

Solitude is a place of preparation, where God breaks open the way for us to see and receive His higher through revelation and His glorious Presence.

Jesus especially experienced this soon before He was about to be crucified for our redemption. 

Matthew 26:42 TPT tells us, “…he left them for a second time to pray in solitude. He said to God, ‘My Father, if there is not a way that you can deliver me from this suffering, then your will must be done.’”

In-between the desert testing and His crucifixion, Jesus made solitude a practice: 

Luke 6:12 TPT says, “…Jesus went up into the high hills to spend the whole night in prayer to God.

Mark 1:35 TPT reveals, “The next morning, Jesus got up long before daylight, left the house while it was dark, and made his way to a secluded place to give himself to prayer.” 

Jesus also practiced solitude with His team of disciples: 

Mark 6:31 TPT says, “There was such a swirl of activity around Jesus, with so many people coming and going, that they were unable to even eat a meal. So, Jesus said to his disciples, “Come, let’s take a break and find a secluded place where you can rest a while.”

We all need solitude with God to grow and develop in our relationship with Him and get recharged from Kingdom work.

Abiding with Him day and night is the only way we can remain steadfast, wherever He sends us. 

Solitude is a place where our heart is strengthened (Ja 5:8): 

It’s where hope gets renewed, our passion is reignited, mysteries are revealed, healing happens and peace prevails. 

It’s where we exchange our low life for His high life: Our lust for His love. Our carnal appetites for His desires (Ga 6:8). 

It’s where crooked places are made straight in us (1 Th 3:13, 2 Th 2:17).

It’s where we become settled amid sifting (1 Pe 5:10). 

It’s where we are reminded to remain enthroned above the entombment of our past (Ep 2:6, Lk 23:53).

And it’s the only way we can bear good fruit in every season (Ps 1:3).

Psalm 1:3 AMPC says, “And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]. [Jer. 17:7, 8.]”

1 Corinthians 15:58 TPT encourages us to, “… stand firm, stable, and enduring. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures.”

Our strong union with God blossoms outwardly and exponentially in union with other believers to extend His love without falter. His Spirit enables us to minister in overflow.

In Colossians 1:23 TPT, Paul encourages us to “…continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in…this is the glorious news I preach all over the world.”

So, friends, will you dare to be made more solid (whole) with God for His glory?

He desires a house that will stand (Ma 12:25).

This is my prayer for us…

Dear Lord, 

“Could there be any other god like you? You are the only God to be worshiped, for there is not a more secure foundation to build” our lives “upon than you” (Ps 18:31 TPT). “You’ve set” us “free from captivity and now” we’re “standing complete, ready to fight some more” (Ps 18:36 TPT)! Thank You for comforting and encouraging our “hearts and” strengthening “them” [making “them steadfast and” keeping “them unswerving] in every good work and word” (2 Th 2:17 AMPC). “Through you” we “ascend to the highest peaks of your glory to stand in the heavenly places, strong and secure in you” (Ps 18:33 TPT). Thank You for unseating Your enemies and shoring up breaches, by Your Spirit, and through Your people. Help us to remain in You and honor You—Your Presence and grace of glory-power. Your peace. Thank You for the safety and power in numbers, that “wherever two or three are gathered…in” Your “name, there” You are “in the midst of them” (Ma 18:20 AMPC). Thank You for prospering us everywhere You send us, by Your grace, enabling us to leave “the church stronger and more encouraged than before” (Acts 15:41 TPT).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen

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

Intimacy With God: Our Perfect Union

As His beloved daughters and sons we are betrothed to, in covenant with, and enthroned with our King (Eph 1:14, 2:6).

Ephesians 1:14 TPT says, “He is given to us like an engagement ring is given to a bride, as the first installment of what’s coming! He is our hope-promise of a future inheritance which seals us until we have all of redemption’s promises and experience complete freedom—all for the supreme glory and honor of God!”

Ephesians 2:5-6 AMPC say, “…He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ…and He raised us up together with Him, and made us sit down together, [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).”

John 15:4 TPT adds, “So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine.”

Friends, The Lord’s certain hope inside of us gives us confidence to experience extraordinary levels of intimacy with Him on earth and in Heaven (Heb 7:19)!

1 John 4:16 TPT tells us, “We have come into an intimate experience with God’s love, and we trust in the love he has for us. God is love! Those who are living in love are living in God, and God lives through them.”

So as His lovers, we are imbued with God’s loyal love, His passion of life and victory (Pr 3:3, Is 11:2).

As we abide with God, which means to be enthroned with Him (in covenant), we are able to fulfill His supreme commandment to “Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you” (Matt 22:37).

God offers us a full spectrum of covenant (His fully-affirmed, set agreement) benefits, as He makes us dwell in safety and confident trust, even when we walk through the valley with Him (Ps 4:8, 23:4).

Here’s a list of what we can experience while in close fellowship with Him:

Loyal love (Is 11:2)
Tender love (Ps 138:2)
Astonishing, extravagant and inclusive love (Eph 3:18)
Endless love (Ro 5:5, Jn 17:26)
Rich mercy (Eph 2:4)
Forgiveness (Col 2:13)
Salvation (Ro 10:1, 9; Acts 4:12)
Full salvation (Eph 4:30)
Rebirth (Jn 3:3)
Regeneration (Titus 3:5)
Redemption (Eph 1:7)
Christ in us (Col 1:26-27)
The One who is true (1 Jn 5:20).
The only true God and sent Son (Jn 17:3)
True holiness (Ro 6:22, Eph 4:30)
Compassion (Eph 2:4)
Gentleness of heart (Gal 5:22)
Goodness and kindness (1 Pe 2:3)
Constant companionship (De 31:8)
Perceiving the Lord (Acts 9:27)
Knowing Lord Jesus (Phil 3:1)
Intimate knowledge of God (1 Jn 4:7)
Intimacy with God (Heb 7:19)
Knowing God in His fullness (Col 1:10)
Complete oneness (Phil 3:11)
Perfect unity (Jn 17:23)
Co-glorification (Ro 8:17)
Glory and unity (Jn 17:22)
God’s plans for our lives (Ps 25:4)
Partnership with His divine nature (2 Pe 1:4)
Full revelation of the hope of his calling (Eph 1:18)
Full inheritance of the Kingdom (Matt 25:34)
Fulfillment of the promise (Heb 4:6)
Reality of God’s grace (Col 1:6)
All that grace has lavished upon us (1 Cor 2:12)
Marvelous light (1 Pe 2:9)
Life-giving light (Jn 8:12)
New life (Ro 6:4)
True life (Mk 8:35, Heb 10:39)
Living truth (Ps 138:2)
Flowing fountain of life (Ps 36:9)
Overcoming life (2 Tim 2:10)
Life and deliverance (Matt 10:22, 24:13)
Deliverance from oppression (1 Sam 10:18)
Dying to sin (Ro 6:11)
Resurrection life (Eph 2:5, Ro 6:5)
Overflowing power of His resurrection working in us (Phil 3:10)
Ascension (Eph 2:6, Col 3:1)
Exaltation (Matt 23:12)
Healing and wholeness (Is 53:5)
Life, freedom and satisfaction (Jn 10:9)
Complete freedom (Eph 1:14)
Complete satisfaction (Pr 19:23)
Abundant life (Pr 11:19)
Overwhelming abundance (Phil 4:2)
Harvest (Gal 6:8)
Everlasting life (2 Tim 3:15)
Eternal life (Jn 6:40, Acts 13:48)
Blessings (Ps 144:15, Ja 1:12, 25)
Favor (Ps 112:2)
Delight of our Master (Matt 25:21)
Prevailing faith (Gal 5:22)
Faith-rest (Heb 4:10-11)
Confident rest (Heb 4:3)
Full and complete rest (Heb 4:9)
Joy (Jn 15:11)
Joyous mercies (Ps 34:8)
Joyous delight (Jn 17:13)
Happiness (Jn 13:17)
Bliss (Matt 5:8)
Maturity of God’s Word (1 Pe 2:2)
Perfect understanding (insight, discernment) (Is 11:2)
Revelation (knowledge from God) (Is 11:2)
Revelation of God’s great mystery—Christ (Col 2:2)
Wisdom and revelation (Eph 1:17)
Insight into hidden truths and mysteries of Heaven’s Kingdom (Matt 11:13)
Wise strategy (guidance) (Ps 31:3, Is 11:2)
Extraordinary wisdom (skill) (Is 11:2)
Prophecy (Is 11:2)
Dreams from God (Acts 2:17)
Spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:8-10)
His defense (Ex 14:14)
His Protection (Ps 91:2)
His wrap-around Presence (Ps 16:8)
Constant intercession (Ro 8:26-27, 34)
Peace for resolution (Phil 4:7, Gal 5:22)
Strength through God (1 Cor 1:6)
Self-control and strength of spirit (2 Pe 1:6, Gal 5:22)
Immeasurable greatness of God’s power (Eph 1:19)
Mighty power (warrior) (Is 11:2)
Confidence never shaken (Ps 16:8)
Fearless confidence (Pr 10:9)
Patience that endures (Gal 5:22)
Victory (1 Jn 5:4, Rev 2:28, 3:5)
Reward (Pr 28:10)
Justice (Is 42:3)

We can also experience:

The cross of Jesus (Lk 14:27, Matt 16:24, Ro 6:6)
Trouble and sorrows (Jn 16:33)
Comfort for suffering (2 Cor 1:5)
Suffering with blessing (1 Peter 3:14)
Suffering victoriously (2 Cor 1:6)
Glory after suffering (Lk 24:26)
Every kind of pressure (2 Cor 4:8)
Bearable testing (1 Cor 10:13)
Persecution (2 Tim 3:12)
Heaven’s Kingdom for persecution (Matt 5:10)
Extravagant generosity as a result of severe tribulation (2 Cor 8:2)

Pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord, As your beloved, thank You for Your love for me. Thank You for Your gift of intimacy. Please grow me in intimacy and truth. Help me remain (abide) in You (1 Jn 2:4). Please help me to walk closely with You every moment and receive Your full inheritance.

“Let my passion for life be restored” on new levels, “tasting joy in every breakthrough You bring to me. Hold me close to You with a willing spirit that obeys whatever You say” (Ps 51:12 TPT).

Thank You for prospering and excelling me “in every season by serving” You, because I’m assured that my union with You “makes our labor productive with fruit that endures” (1 Cor 15:58).

Thank You for bringing life and victory in my heart and life through Your Word and Spirit to establish Your Kingdom!

“…For just one day of intimacy with you is like a thousand days of joy rolled into one” (Ps 84:10)!

May it all be for Your glory.

In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

Now, “…to all the holy believers who have been united to Jesus as beloved followers of the Messiah. May God, our true Father, release upon your lives the riches of his kind favor and heavenly peace through the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One” (Col 1:1 TPT).

“I pray that the Father of glory, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would impart to you the riches of the Spirit of wisdom and the Spirit of revelation to know him through your deepening intimacy with him” (Eph 1:17 TPT).

I pray that you will crave and seek above all else “the privilege of living with him every moment in his house, finding the sweet loveliness of his face, filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace.” I pray that you will “live” your “life so close to him that he takes pleasure in” your “every prayer” (Ps 27:4 TPT ).

To God be the glory.

In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

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