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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.

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Goodness Anew

Recently, our Lord highlighted a scripture to me and gave me a Word. 

The scripture is Joshua 6:15 AMP, which says, “Then on the seventh day they got up early at daybreak and marched around the city in the same way seven times; only on that day they marched around the city seven times.”

The Word of The Lord is this: 

Many are on their seventh-day march. This is the day the walls fall and you step into the dominion for which you have contended. By His Spirit, God is destroying barriers to entry and you shall stand above what stood above you to offer up to God what is His. “I AM with you,” says the Lord of Hosts. “I AM bigger and more powerful than any other fortress.” 

God is breaking yokes and removing burdens for a major new beginning, A day of His power and righteousness revealed. A day of His glory shinning all the way through. A day of manifest victory for the army of God. 

In His goodness, our Lord is fulfilling His promises and restoring people to what they once lost. He is making a way for them to experience better, giving them a fresh start, having made them wiser and stronger in Him. He is rebuilding their confidence and delivering them into destiny.

A True Fortress

God, Himself, is a true fortress and none are stronger.

In Colossians 2:5 AMP, Paul describes us as a fortress, as one that stands with God by saying, “For even though I am absent [from you] in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, delighted to see your good discipline [as you stand shoulder to shoulder and form a solid front] and to see the stability of your faith in Christ [your steadfast reliance on Him and your unwavering confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].”

In 1 Peter 2:9 TPT, Peter reminds us who we are and of our purpose by saying, “But you are God’s chosen treasure —priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world.”

Fit and Enriched

Clearly, it’s God’s goodness that makes us fit for use, morally excellent and a vessel through which God can enrich the lives of others. God’s goodness is a powerhouse of mercy, fueled by selfless love for divine missions.

In this light, we can remember 2 Corinthians 5:18 TPT, which says, “And God has made all things new, and reconciled us to himself, and given us the ministry of reconciling others to God.”

So, He’s giving us a breakthrough opportunity to reach out and change lives in new, expanded ways. He’s helping us establish new territory. He’s settling matters of our hearts as we go, finish the work at hand and offer up to Him what belongs to Him. 

God is blessing us even more in this new-life cycle. The foolishness we faced yesterday will fall away and we will be enriched to enrich others. The march will be worth it. The circumcision of heart will be worth it. The separation from the old flock will be worth it. And the wilderness experience will be worth it all. 

Like Joseph

Our Lord brought to mind Joseph and how God’s goodness was poured into him through his earthly father, Jacob. That goodness contained loyalty that stuck with Joseph. We see this in Egypt, where Joseph expressed this favored blessing to others. It was accepted, valued and honored by them and also was, ultimately, returned to Joseph. So, even though Joseph’s brothers didn’t receive God’s goodness through Joseph initially, others, with whom God connected him, benefited from it. 

Likewise, when our hearts are aligned with God’s goodness, He makes a way for an outward expression of it to reach others for whom we have a heart. It may come in an unusual way or even in an unlikely place, but God will lift us into His marvelous light to be a blessing right where we are, wherever He takes us and also back home in the lives of those we’ve held in our hearts, as we continue to seek and honor Him. In this, we can be certain. 

So, pray with me if you will . . . 

Dear Lord, 

Thank You for a merciful new beginning to experience You in a new way for new assignments. Thank You for lifting me above obstacles to enter into more of Your will and purposes. Thank You that Your goodness makes me fit and enriches my life to enrich others. Help me to fight forward with You to build Your Kingdom as You would have it. 

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen. 

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