Abundant Riches & Life – Part 1

I love Mary’s words in Luke 1:47 TPT where she says, “My spirit bursts with joy over my life-giving God!”

Mary literally walked through what Paul described in Colossians 1:26-27 TPT, which say:

There is a divine mystery—a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now it’s being revealed, unfolded and manifested for every holy believer to experience. Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for his people, and God wants everyone to know it!

So, friends, spiritually speaking, we too get to be pregnant with Jesus as Holy Spirit reveals Himself to our souls to build His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven inside of us and out.

What does God desire to birth through you in this hour?

The life we’ve always wanted is within us and right in front of us. 

Psalm 31:19 NIV says, “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.”

The Lord revealed to me that, for God’s faithful followers, our wait is over. We don’t have to wrestle like Jacob anymore (Ps 47:4). Our days of tribulation are gone for now (Da 12:12). It’s time to settle God’s truth in our souls and step toward the outward blessings of our Lord to be established with them in the earth for Kingdom expansion (Matt 5:10-12). 

In other words, our season of tribulation is behind us and new challenges that come with new opportunities are before us. Nevertheless, it’s time to rejoice and move forward in God’s plan, so He can bless others through us. 

Jesus is out ahead waiting for us. And, He will be with us every step of the way. 

He will not disappoint.

If you haven’t been following The Lord to the point that He has prepared you deeply, you can still rejoice at this good news. 

Your strategy scripture is Romans 12:12 TPT, which says, “Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times.”

So, be encouraged and let God bring you all the way through the wait to a place of deep satisfaction in Him, where you will treasure Him even more. This will position you to receive more of His stored-up blessings (rewards) for your patient endurance so you can be fitted into new roles.

Remember this key: We become enriched as we entrust The Lord. 

Matthew 5:6 TPT confirms this by saying, “How enriched you are when you crave righteousness! For you will be surrounded with fruitfulness.”

The Amplified Classic (AMPC) version tells us that we “…shall be completely satisfied! [Isa. 55:1, 2]” (Matt 5:6).

As we trust God, we surrender to Him.

Psalm 72:6-7 TPT say, “Your favor will fall like rain upon our surrendered lives, like showers reviving the earth. In the days of his reign the righteous will spring forth with the abundance of peace and prosperity forevermore.”

God will reveal Himself and His ways and strategies even more to us when we ask (Je 33:3).

Colossians 2:3 TPT says, “For our spiritual wealth is in him, like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered—heaven’s wisdom and endless riches of revelation knowledge.”

The Amplified Classic (AMPC) version of this verse says, “In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden” (Co 2:3).

Friends, our Lord is revealing Himself abundantly in this hour to lead us into a true and prosperous life. He’s inviting us into a season of outward increase: expansion and multiplicity for His glory. 

Very recently, The Lord gave me this Word during communion one morning:

It’s time for a mega turnaround. And the sky’s the limit. I Am above and between every opportunity facing you. I Am the Door. What once looked and felt like a tornado will not come into place for you. Your life is about to look different: I have swept trouble away by my righteousness right hand (of authority). Pieces, even from your past, will come into a beautiful new fit in your present. Even many generational troubles will be no more for you. Many things that have long plagued your family will have no place in this new place. My righteousness and holiness will prevail in your life to strengthen you as you continue to step into higher with Me. Take hold of My hand. Walk with Me. I will show you the way. Stay with Me, and you will continue to see as I do. Faithfully follow my lead. And you will step right into this easy place of great blessings by My grace. I Am transforming your life, placing you above and not beneath. I will use windows of opportunity to help form this transformation and enable you to see clearly what I Am doing. There will be a confluence as you conform to Me. And as you remain in Me, I will take you to the top.

So, friends, just like Mary experienced joy in Luke 1:47, our spirits can burst with joy over our life-giving God. Christ’s desire is that we may have His joy fulfilled in us (Jn 17:13).

Are you ready to see the deep longings of your heart satisfied?

If so, pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord, 

Thank You for defining my path with a plan that prospers me. Make me fit and usable for Your good service. Help me stay in my lane and not cause drag. Help me keep my gaze upon You as You have Your way with my life. I surrender completely to You, Lord. I choose to trust You and submit to Your plan for me. Enable me to receive Your revelation and wisdom to do Your good works. I believe your Word in Proverbs 16:3 AMPC, which says, “Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Lord, make me agreeable to Your will. I believe as I entrust You, You will enrich me and enable me to be a greater blessing to others for Your glory.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

So, join me next week for Part 2 of Abundant Riches & Life.

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

Faith Time – Part 1

During the first couple of days of August, The Lord revealed to me that it’s “faith time.”

In other words, this is His timing for His faith in us to begin to be worked out of us into His manifest promises. It’s time to step forward with Him in faith to complete divine assignments that He will use to help bring a generous harvest for His glory—one that will affect generations.

What might this specific assignment be for you?

For me, it’s a book re-write.

God revealed that, as we do a hairpin turn back to these assignments, our experience will be better and more efficient than before. His promised blessings are still waiting for us, and we will be on a new, more powerful trajectory as we let go of old mindsets and operate from more of His freedom and focus.

The projects God will have us complete are ones He will use to help re-set us on top of previous challenges and will even use to restore others, including people the enemy used as perpetrators against us. 

That is … when we keep the right attitude and they become willing. 

We all have the option to “run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus” (Phil 3:14 TPT).

We will get there through seeking Him, receiving from Him and carrying out His commission His way. 

This will, of course, require honesty and devoted time in His Presence, as well as operating in the authority He has given us.

He will release direction and wisdom to us as we go. 

He will reveal mysteries to us as revelation understanding.

God even promises to answer our cries for help every time we ask. He promises that we will feel His Presence in our times of pressure and trouble (Ps 91:15).

Psalm 91:14 TPT says, “For here is what the Lord has spoken to me: “Because you have delighted in me as my great lover, I will greatly protect you. I will set you in a high place, safe and secure before my face.”

Psalm 91:11 TPT says, “God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go, defending you from all harm.”

So, friends, we don’t have to worry about difficulties during the completion process of our assignments when we can declare Psalm 91, knowing that God is on our side. 

We can step forth believing God will favorably answer our Jabez prayer, requesting blessings that include an enlarged territory and divine protection to remain pain free (1 Ch 4:10). 

If the journey has been difficult for you already, and you’re tired and don’t want to return to your assignment, Romans 12:12 TPT offers some direction and encouragement by saying, “Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times.”

Friends, God is not finished.

And neither are we.

1 Corinthians 16:13 TPT advises us to “Remember to stay alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage.”

So, I encourage you to hold onto the promise God gave you as He brings it to completion through you, by His Spirit. 

This means that, while we move forward with The Lord, you and I will prevail over opposition by the power of His dominant strength, as He works His faith in us.

God will honor His Word as He fiercely fights with us and helps us gain the upper hand. 

God will give us everything we need to pursue and overtake that which comes against us and His plan, no matter how big the threat or mess.

Remember, too, that just because a battle may ensue, it doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us. It means the One who gives us victory and authority loves us enough to strengthen our relationship with Him. It means that, as we seek His face and obey His will, He instructs and protects us to the end.

So, we can choose to believe that the rewards will be worth the effort as we stay the course and God further establishes us and takes dominion through us.

God promises us that we “will be satisfied with a full life and with all that” He does for us. We “will enjoy the fullness of” our “salvation” (Ps 91:16)!

Friends, we are in a season where our long-held dreams are beginning to come to pass. Where the abundance of John 10:10 is coming into fruition. 

It’s time for the completion to come into place for the sake of a better, greater, more abundant Kingdom harvest.

Are you ready to give it one last push?

If so, pray with me…

Lord, help me to know You more and comprehend Your ways. Enable me to receive all that You have for me and nothing that’s not of You. For Your glory. In Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.

Join me next week for Part 2 of Faith Time

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

Joy: Our Commanded Blessing

1 Thessalonians 5:16 TPT says, “Let joy be your continual feast.”

1 Peter 1:8-9 TPT say, “…through believing in him you are saturated with an ecstatic joy, indescribably sublime and immersed in glory. For you are reaping the harvest of your faith—the full salvation promised you—your souls’ victory!”

According to the Tyndale Bible Dictionary, there are two distinct types of joy: One is a feeling, which is not commanded. The other is an action, which is commanded.

In regards to joy being a feeling, this dictionary says, “Joy is a feeling called forth by well-being, success, or good fortune. A person automatically experiences it because of certain favorable circumstances. It cannot be commanded” (Ps 137:1-6).

In regards to joy being an action, this same dictionary says, “There is a joy that Scripture commands. That joy is action that can be engaged in regardless of how the person feels. Joy in adverse circumstances is possible only as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, who is present in every Christian” (Mt 5:11-12, Phil 4:4, 1 Thes 5:16, Jas 1:2).

Galatians 5:22 TPT affirms this by saying, “But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.”

Limitless, overflowing joy, like all the fruit of the Spirit, is an expression of the love and victory we have in Christ (Ps 21:1).

Romans 5:11 TPT says, “…we overflow with triumphant joy in our new relationship of living reconciled to God—all because of Jesus Christ!”

So this divine victory, expressed as joy, is what we have inside of us—sealed in our spirit as believers. And, it can overflow as we rejoice in The Lord, regardless of circumstance.

God greatly honors our intentional choice to rejoice in Him, despite enemy resistance.

Romans 5:2 says, “…as we keep on celebrating our hope of experiencing God’s glory,” “incredible joy bursts forth within us.”

Proverbs 28:12 TPT tells us, “The triumphant joy of God’s lovers releases great glory…”

Rejoicing in The Lord honors God, which invites Him to pour out His Spirit, not only through us like a fountain, but also upon us from Heaven above.

I have experienced this many times during praise and worship sessions, especially when my heart’s cry has been desperate.

There’s nothing more overwhelmingly satisfying, joyful and powerful than the tangible, glorious Presence of Almighty God, where all of His fruit is expressed as love.

Psalm 84:10 TPT says, “For just one day of intimacy with you is like a thousand days of joy rolled into one!…”

If you’ve never experienced this level of intimate joy, I invite you to try:

Get alone.

Play some worship music.

Worship God for an hour, focusing entirely on Him.

Then, see what happens.

A breaking through of enemy resistance into a heavenly realm occurs.

In God’s Glory-Presence, even more breakthrough occurs (Ps 35:9, 51:12, 145:7)!

Peace, revelation and healing occurs as the power of God is released.

So, if you need a lift from whatever is weighing you down, rejoice in The Lord.

Joy is our strength.

We know this from Nehemiah 8:10 AMPC, which commands us to, “…be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.”

Friends, we have a decision to make to remain on the side of victory by intentionally choosing to rejoice in The Lord with gladness, no matter what our circumstances or how we feel.

Romans 12:12 TPT encourages us to let our “hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times.”

Joy is a mighty weapon—as an escape from enemy traps (Pr 29:6 TPT) and a protective covering that the enemy cannot enter into (Ps 5:11-12 TPT)!

Friends, we have so much to be joyful for, beginning with our salvation. God has seated us in powerful victory. He has the final Word over our circumstances when we trust and obey Him (Ps 28:7, 119:2, 14; Pr 8:32).

Psalm 119:56 TPT reveals, “All this joy is mine as I follow your ways!”

Friends, my prayer for you is this…

Lord, Thank You for revealing to us “the pathways to life” and for filling us with “euphoria” (Acts 2:28 TPT)!

“…Let them all be glad, those who turn aside to hide themselves in you. May they keep shouting for joy forever! Overshadow them in your presence as they sing and rejoice. Then every lover of your name will burst forth with endless joy. Lord, how wonderfully you bless the righteous. Your favor wraps around each one and covers them under your canopy of kindness and joy” (Ps 5:11-12 TPT)

Lord, May Your strength be our “song of joy. At each and every sunrise,” may the “lyrics of” Your “love fill the air!” May You become our “glory-fortress, a stronghold in” our “day of distress” (Ps 59:16 TPT).

Lord, May Your victory heap blessing after blessing upon us as we rejoice before Your face (Ps 21:6). And, may Your Words of wisdom bring us joy…for Kingdom purposes (Pr 8:34).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

“Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!” (Ro 15:13 TPT)!

“Go ahead–sing your brand-new song to the Lord! He is famous for his miracles and marvels, for he is victorious through his mighty power and holy strength” (Ps 98:1 TPT).

To God be the glory!

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