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Grace Upon Grace

Some time ago, during quiet time, our Lord revealed to me that He is pouring out His grace on those of us who prioritize His Spirit of Grace first—not solely in our hearts, but also in regards to our time and tasks.

It’s so easy to pick up our to-do lists first, but God desires to take us beyond our goals and accomplishments. He desires to breath on our daily lives to lighten our load and help us move forward with Him in greatness by His Spirit.

Romans 8:6 TPT reminds us that “… the sense and reason of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace.”

So, as we trust the Spirit of Grace and relinquish the dis-grace of our own priorities, we can receive more of His grace-power.

Psalm 73:26 TPT is quick to remind us of Him as our power source by saying, “Lord, so many times I fail; I fall into disgrace. But when I trust in you, I have a strong and glorious presence protecting and anointing me. Forever you’re all I need!”

Here’s something else to keep in mind: Since one of the definitions of grace is “ease” (Strong’s #5543), when we feel un-easy about something, it could very well be that God’s grace is lifting off of that something and onto something else. In this way, He will invite us to trust Him and move forward with Him, not wanting us to miss His best.

When faced with this kind of transition, and we feel uncertain as to whether it’s God or the enemy or even us, we can lay the issue on the altar, and ask our Lord to make it crystal clear.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I awakened to receive immediate, specific instruction from Holy Spirit regarding three concerns I had been praying about. God made it very clear to me that He had a better fit for me in each of these three situations and He revealed next steps.

This is one way that we abide in Him during transitions.

In these situations, I’ve learned that any dis-appointments will fall away to divine appointments of destiny when we obey Him; and the dis-grace of lesser things will give way to His grace of abundant life.

We can choose to hold onto John 1:16 NLT, which says, “From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.”

Obedience to His Spirit enables God’s radiance in us to shine brighter. Obedient lovers of God will become more of a reflection of Him to make an even greater mark with Him for Kingdom’s sake.

So, as we choose to come increasingly into His light, God can accelerate us (Ep 2:7).

During moments of God’s gracious outpouring, He can make it as easy as 1-2-3 for us when we yield to Him (1 Pe 1:23). We can experience greater peace and grow under His refuge as we taste and see that our Lord is good in new ways to us (Ps 34:8).

Many have already moved on from former things into the awestruck wonder of God’s grace-power. They are realizing the beginnings of His higher life for them.

Some are even now coming into the “Never have I ever” phase. This is a Word-phrase our Lord revealed to me very recently that describes pinnacles of His goodness. He’s bringing His lovers into moments, situations and things that are brand-new-to-us, first-time-ever, unique, serendipitous and beautiful (as in appropriately and perfectly fitting; lovely). Experiences of the goodness of God that will stop us in our tracks, leave us in awestruck-wonder, thinking and saying, “Never have I ever!” This means places, opportunities and things, which we will know only God led us to receive. This includes gifts that are part of His preparation to build us for our promised greater blessings just ahead, especially in the next four years.

Many are in the place of Amos 9:13-15 MSG, which says, “‘Yes indeed, it won’t be long now.’ God’s Decree. ‘Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills. I’ll make everything right again for my people Israel: They’ll rebuild their ruined cities. They’ll plant vineyards and drink good wine…’ God, your God, says so.”

So, friends, let’s continue to put on His new nature as He grows us upward. Let’s remember Ephesians 4:23-25 AMPC, which says, “And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.”

In our dependence on Him, let’s reflect His strength of grace wherever He guides (Ps 84:7).

Pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord,

Thank You that You and Your grace are enough (Jn 1:16).

Thank You for helping me walk out Philippians 3:12–14 TPT, which says, “…I run with passion into His abundance so that I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me to make me His own. I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus.”

“Now all glory to” You, Lord, “who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Ep 3:20 NLT).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

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

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Sweet Devotion

As I write this week, I am reminded there is beauty everywhere, even in hard places.

On this very day, this very hour, a longtime family friend is laying her husband to rest. At the same time, two of my relatives are preparing to meet our Maker as they near their final days on earth.

And there is more I cannot share.

Yet, God is with them all, and with me and with you.

His Presence is Love, Peace, Joy and Glory.

Undeniably so.

Beyond our understanding.

Our reach for Him is always sweet devotion to His heart.

I am reminded of the prophet and widow, Anna, in Luke 2:36-38, who “never left the temple but worshiped night and day” (NIV). Anna, thanked God for baby Jesus to whom she was drawn. She spoke about Him “to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

She spoke to hope and new life.

Anna encouraged a nation’s redemption.

Anna understood that “God-devotion makes a country strong;” and that “God-avoidance leaves people weak” (Pr 14:34).

Anna understood intimacy and purpose in the precept of 1 Chronicles 16:11 AMPC, which is to “Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually!”

No matter what the circumstances, even in one’s latter years.

Other Bible characters knew this as well, such as King David, Daniel, Joseph and so many other disciples.

They all had a sense of identity and their role in God’s command in Acts 13:47 TPT, which says, “I have destined you to become a beacon light for the nations and release salvation to the ends of the earth!”

This blessing, this gift, this calling, the working out of victory-salvation in the hopeful hearts of the truly devoted will never be dashed.

Devotion means “constantly attendant” from sitting near (Strong’s # 2138a). It means “compliant” and “ready to obey” (Strong’s # 2138). It means yielded.

Devotion means “well-persuaded,” already inclined, i.e. already willing (pre-disposed, favorable to); easy to come to terms with” (HELPS Word-studies).

Song of Songs 4:1 TPT says, “…What devotion I see each time I gaze upon you. You are like a sacrifice ready to be offered.”

This kind of devotion our Lord desires is:

Undivided (Pr 3:7 TPT).

Single-hearted (1 Co 11:3 TPT).

Undistracted (1 Co 7:35 TPT).

Loyal (Lk 16:13 TPT).

Obedient (Pr 1:7 TPT).

Lavish (Ma 26:6 TPT).

Passionate (2 Co 8:7).

Extreme (Mk 14:3 TPT).

Undying (So 6:5 TPT).

Let’s also remember the benefits of devotion (Ps 103:2):

We are enriched by our devotion to God (Col 2:7).

“We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God…” (Pr 1:7 TPT).

Wisdom comes when our devotion to Him is undivided and when we avoid all wrongdoing (Pr 3:7 TPT).

As she put God first and worshipped Him alone, Anna was the picture of James 3:17 MSG, which says, “Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.”

Anna’s intimate Redeemer, no doubt brought comfort, value and purpose to her in her widowed status. Therefore, it was easy for her to share about Him with those waiting in hope.

She was fearless in her devotion to God. She appears to regard Him as not only a Heavenly Father, but also a Heavenly Husband as in Isaiah 54:5 ESV, which says, “For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.”

Anna’s attitude appears to be like David’s in Psalm 27:4 TPT, which says, “Here’s the one thing I crave from Yahweh, the one thing I seek above all else: I want to live with him every moment in his house, beholding the marvelous beauty of Yahweh, filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace. I want to contemplate in his temple.”

Pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord,

Thank You for Your devotion to me. Thank You for watching over my family, my work, my community and my nation. I invite You to awaken my heart to You as I come near to You. I choose to yield myself to Your spirit. My soul and body. You will always be my first, my center, my Heavenly Husband—the source for all my needs. Nothing else compares to You or completes me as You do. As I offer myself to You, may You see perfect, obedient devotion each time You gaze upon me (SS 4:1 TPT).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

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

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Promised Outlook

You can see it in your mind’s eye. It’s right in front of you. The promise of God as He revealed it to you.

You carry the vision.

He carries the burden.

And He leads you by His Spirit.

Suddenly, all the pressing resistance feels far behind. You’ve been restored to joy in your work. The diligence you held to is paying off now, as The Spirit of Grace empowers you to complete the project you began with Him.

Psalm 138:8 TPT extolls God as your supreme promise keeper by proclaiming, “You keep every promise you’ve ever made to me! Since your love for me is constant and endless, I ask you, Lord, to finish every good thing that you’ve begun in me!”

You remember Proverbs 3:6 TPT, which says, “Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.”

You know God’s promises are rock solid and that He is near to guide you.

Holy Spirit reminds you of Proverbs 16:9 TPT, which says, “Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.”

So, here you are—crossing over into all you’ve waited for.

All He has promised.

This final process and this time has converged into a streamlined path that leads you to new, abundant life (Matt 7:14).

Even though it narrows, you are content.

Content with Him as all that matters most.

With each new moment, you know you are arriving together.

You trust Him implicitly on your journey now.

You came to learn that it had to be God’s way (Ro 8:5-8 MSG).

You came to understand that “…the fulfillment of God’s promise depends entirely on trusting God and his way, and then simply embracing him and what he does. God’s promise arrives as pure gift…” (Ro 4:16 MSG).

You learned to “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure,” a child “‘of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’” You knew that then you would “shine among them like stars in the sky as you” held “firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-15 NIV).

So, you came into agreement with Him, your mind renewed, even in your other relationships (Philippians 2:5).

And you believed His special promise to you—His summons, His announcement for assent, His assurance of good—was fitting and guaranteed by Him (Strong’s #1860).

Victory was your beginning and is your ending.

New wine awaits. The best wine that has been held in reserve for you.

You’ve been the faithful watchman and worker (1 Pe 5:8, Is 21:6). Now, it’s near time to be presented as His faithful witness (Ac 1:8).

As God watches over you, He extends peace and invitation to blossom—the first stage of fruitfulness.

And you know you will make it as you stay His course for you—all the way to the mature end.

Beauty is here.

You know your promise of identity and that you are on assignment with a divine purpose (Ro 9:6 MSG).

You know you are His princess, who operates in His truth.

You know you “…were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit” (Ep 1:13 AMPC).

And that you are a partaker “…of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ep 3:6 ESV).

You remember Galatians 3:29 NLT, which says, “And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.”

You’ve proven out His law in your heart by your obedience (Ro 8:14-16 MSG).

And you will continue to do so as you diligently and victoriously prospect the mysteries of Christ into your future (Ep 3:6).

Your special promise from God, for which you’ve been set apart, for which you’ve worked and waited, is about to be made manifest, complete, in person. God will bring greater wholeness of life, a great measure of fruitfulness. As He faithfully perfects—by His Spirit of Grace—you will reach your finish line with Him (and the great cloud of witnesses) cheering you on.

Because when God is in it, a promised outlook, with the mind of Christ, will produce a fulfilled outcome and a celebration of victory.

Pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord,

Thank You for adopting me into Your Kingdom and for giving me fresh eyes with which to see Your vision forward—eyes that honor, build and glorify You. Thank You for the new wine You stored up for me and for unlocking Your destiny in me. Thank You that Your promises bring life to me and motivate me (2 Ti 1:1). Thank You for walking with me, guiding me and watching over me. Thank You for fulfilling all Your promises to me. Now, help me broadcast Your “…glorious wonders throughout the world” in even greater measure (1 Pe 2:9 TPT).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

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

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Speak To Me

One of my favorite Christian songs during quiet moments with God has become Kari Jobe’s Speak To Me. As the lyrics go, she sings, “Speak to me. I’m listening.”

I’ve noticed, as I incline my ear to God in moments of solitude, He reveals glimpses of how He’s working on my behalf. He gives me revelation, highlights a scripture and shows me signs all around.

How about you?

One evening, very recently, as I drove out of the church parking lot, I noticed the sky. It was mostly clear but partly cloudy. The setting sun was still streaming through the few clouds. One particular cloud was dark. It was small and in the distance. Rain poured from it. I thanked God for His amazing beauty, then I drove down the hill toward home.

When I exited off the interstate onto a street a few blocks away from where I live, God met me with a big beautiful rainbow. I was awestruck! What was also special to my heart was that He showed me an end of the rainbow. There it was, reaching all the way down below the treetops onto level ground along the roadside. From there, it peaked up into the clouds. Then, as I turned the corner toward home, I could easily see the other side, which reached over and above where I currently live.

I knew this to be God’s sign of promise to me, showing me that it extended well beyond where I was.

I knew our Lord was encouraging me forward along my journey.

So, how is God encouraging you, comforting you and building you up, as in 1 Corinthians 14:3?

Sometimes, as we work in our daily routines, we just need to come away and look up to see signs that God is moving us beyond where we are. We need a fresh reminder that He’s faithfully advancing us in ways that align with His destiny for us. We need to see that He’s still pleased with us and that He has far more for us as He ends some current assignments.

Sometimes, we need to look up and realize that, as we have faithfully co-labored with Him, He has brought us into agreement with Him and His provision even more.

We need to see that He has grown us and that He still has us on His track.

We need to be encouraged that He is still working out everything according to His plan, despite how we feel sometimes, especially halfway through an assignment or toward the end.

Sometimes, we just need a sign, a symbol, a Word, a moment of connection that ignites fresh hope in our hearts.

As we release that which our Lord has led us to let go of, we long to be assured that we will experience a Joseph ending, while walking through a Ruth transition.

In Ruth 3:18 ESV, Naomi said to Ruth, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”

God’s strategy of wisdom, spoken through Naomi, was Ruth’s rainbow, uplifting her heart to see beyond where she was actively engaged to an even bigger engagement. I wonder if Ruth ever saw any actual rainbows while she worked to glean the very field she would soon own. Nonetheless, Ruth believed and was encouraged to set her expectations accordingly to receive God’s promise.

Interestingly, in this verse, Naomi says to wait; but in the same sentence, she says the matter will be settled “today.” So, we see here that God is doing a swift work on Ruth’s behalf.

Friends, where are you in your current assignments? Are you toward the middle or the end of its timeline? Do you feel you’ve been running for a while and need a fresh infilling from our Spirit of Grace?

God’s Word says we will receive that which we believe and that which we decide, according to His will (Ma 21:21, Jo 22:28, 1 Sa 9:6).

Job 22:28 NLT says, “You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you.”

So, in light of all this, maybe it’s a good time to come away with our Lord and receive an encouragement. Share your heart with Him, and let Him bring it in a way that amazes you. He loves you and longs to do so.

Pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the assignments You have given me. Thank You for encouraging me along the way to completion. Open my eyes to see beyond where I am in this moment. Give me an undeniable sign of Your promise to me. Spirit of Grace, fill me with fresh hope that will lift my heart, mind and body above weariness as I work and wait with You. Enable me to believe and receive, in my soul, all the joy you have for me. Thank You for alone time with You and for Your angels on assignment that help me (Ps 91:11). Thank you for freeing me from that which once dogged me and for filling me with awestruck wonder (2 Pe 2:22). Thank You for a closer connection with You that proves strong and victorious above all else.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

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

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Time For A Change – Part 2

God has not only shifted us into new alignments and assignments in this new season, He is now working through us to bring swift change beyond us. He is bringing darkness to light, sweeping out ungodly attitudes and even gatekeepers from positions in business.

I have witnessed our Lord, who sees it all, weeding gardens and cleaning houses in businesses; while He strengthens and continues to prosper those committed to working His way. 

This is John 10:10 playing out to the point of harvest on both sides, revealing life and lack.

God is purging evil workers (Phil 3:2). And we are instrumental.

Giants will fall. 

Jezebels will be thrown down.

False kings (like Saul) will come to the end of themselves.

It’s time for the Davids and Esthers and Josephs to ascend in position by God’s prevailing spirit of victory-salvation.

Friends, this is jailbreak time, where the light of truth gets laid bare on the table to be dealt with (Acts 5:19-21, 16:26, 16:37).

1 Corinthians 4:5 TPT says, “…he will bring all that is hidden in darkness to light and unveil every secret motive of everyone’s heart. Then, when the whole truth is known, each will receive praise from God.”

It’s time for greater manifest victory, and God is behind it, in it and on it. So, do your part, and watch the hand of our Lord move mightily through you. 

Get ready to see the greater boldness He instilled in you during past times of consecration to now roar like never before! Be on guard, ready to cross over from lack into provision, to be birthed into more of the manifest value of your identity and inheritance—in multiple areas over time.

As God’s instrument, the initial provoke that comes to you will be an alert that you are on task and on mission for higher breakthrough. Remember to tread carefully, led by Holy Spirit. As God intervenes through you, you will receive your reward that has been stored up, waiting for you, while those with unyielded hearts will receive what God has stored up for them (Ro 2:5). 

When Holy conviction invites you into a turning point for the better, stand up and speak truth to improve your situations and surroundings (Is 45:19 TPT). Be the breakthrough instrument God uses for your benefit and that of others. 

Romans 2:6 says, “For: He will give to each one in return for what he has done.” Verse 16 says that God will judge “the hidden secrets of people’s hearts. And their response to the gospel…will be the standard of judgment used in that day.”

In other words, God will allow the standard that evildoers set to produce the harvest they chose in their lives. And He is moving swiftly.

We are in a harvest of the manifest fruit of the heart. Therefore, those who lived by their own standards above God’s will now reap the consequences they chose. While others, who grew higher with our Lord, will reap and enjoy His Holy rewards.

Both have the opportunity to process their circumstances God’s way.

For God’s people, it’s time to come out on top! 

God’s appointed time of light has come, and it’s just the beginning. Our Lord revealed to me that we can expect to see even bolder manifestations of big shifts over the next three years.

We are living out these pivotal moments of truth right now and forward. God is turning situations in our favor as we step up, speak up and do the work in His strength, led by His Spirit. 

So, don’t hold back, and don’t back down. Stand firm, rise and witness God move on your behalf. Be awed and amazed as you see swift results, which is our new normal. 

He will do it. 

He will break those long-standing strongholds and end our longsuffering. Because it’s time to emerge boldly from the consecration, while remaining deeply rooted in Him as He takes us higher. 

We will emerge stronger in our Lord, empowered as an elevated force to go and do the work before us by His Spirit on new levels. 

We will come to know Him and His blessings even more. 

We will see this freedom extended even throughout our physical bodies. What the enemy tried to hide and work in darkness is now being exposed, uprooted and chains broken, as we receive God’s revealed ways of gracious healing.

Our secret scriptures to hold onto is Isaiah 45:5-6 TPT, which say, “…I will strengthen you for victory, even though you do not intimately know who I am. Yet through you everyone will know who I really am…”

“In that day, Lord Yahweh, Commander of Angel Armies, will be a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty for the remnant of his people. He will be a Spirit of justice for judges to render right decisions. And he will be strength and bravery for those who turn back the battle at the gate” (Is 28:5-6 TPT).

So, pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord, 

Thank You that “in You I find righteousness and strength…” In You, I “will triumph and shine” (Is 45:24-25 TPT)! You are not a God of chaos, so come and reconcile the pretty prose of 1 Corinthians 13 in our petty mess of today. Lord of our breakthrough, I trust Your spirit to break the chain reactions that have bound me, as I declare victory-salvation over every place in my life (Is 28:21). I thank You for helping me live out the benefits of Isaiah 45:19 TPT, which says, “…speak the truth and declare to you what is right!” Lord, You say in Isaiah 45:23 TPT that in Your “…own name, this word sent from my mouth in righteousness will not return unfulfilled…” So, my expectation is that You will do what You say and deliver Your people accordingly. Help me to get my part right as I partner with You to enter into new places. Thank You for ordering my steps and for rescuing us all for Your glory. 

In Jesus’ Mighty Name. 

Amen.

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