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Beautiful!

By now in your life, you may have learned a few things, namely that God is the most beautiful person, companion and source in your life. You’ve learned that He makes all things new (Re 21:1-7). 

And now, it’s time to see the beauty for ashes come into place. It’s time for outward redemption, righteousness and justice. It’s time for recompense. 

And it’s time for convergence.

Convergence is the powerful action of parts coming into a new whole—God’s shalom. Convergence forges fullness of promise.

You may have seen an increase of undeniable signs as God’s time for fulfillment converges in your life. 

Maybe you have waited and waited until you’ve become fully surrendered to God’s ways in the wait. Maybe God has gotten you past all the tests and attacks. And now, it’s just a matter of time—weeks, days, hours or even minutes until the moment of crescendo, when suddenly everything shifts into a more complete new. 

Everything.

Hard times are no more because the pressures that were sent to test and refine you lifted so you could be lifted. And all you see now is the open door, a beautiful expanse waiting for you. 

It’s real. And it’s of The Lord. 

King Solomon new a bit about beauty as the convergence of wholeness. He could see his temple come together over time and imagined what the outcome would look like, according to God’s plan.

As the author of Ecclesiastes, he wrote in 3:11 that “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy] . . .”

How can we not be swept up in holy awe as we experience God moving pieces to build purposed fragments into a new wholeness?

While God is converging His beautiful pieces in your life, He’s also removing the unholy bits. Because you have rejected evil, there simply won’t be room for ugly anymore. 

You may have noticed Him establishing new boundaries to protect your heart or giving you the help you need to clean up messes that have been in place way too long. 

God has been awakening you to receive better.

One morning, during quiet time, Holy Spirit highlighted Abigail twice to me within a couple of hours. When God offers us two confirmations like this, according to Genesis 41:32, it means that it has been firmly decided and it will happen soon. 

When we look at Abigail in 1 Samuel 25, we see in verse 3 that she is described as “intelligent and beautiful.” She was a woman of “understanding” and could discern things. Abigail was wise with the wisdom of God.

Also, in verse 3, we see that Abigail was married to quite the opposite. Her husband, Nabal, is described as “harsh and badly behaved.” He didn’t even display mercy during a time of mourning in all of Israel when Samuel passed (1 Sa 25:1).

This story is a revealing of hearts and how God realigns them.

God saw that Nabal’s heart was hard and that Abigail suffered as a result. God knew she had the submitted heart of a generous giver, of courage, of truth and righteous. And God was about to set Abigail free and make her life better. 

God ultimately sent her an anointed king to rescue her. David was his name. The one after God’s own heart (Ac 13:22). Someone who also knew what it was like to be devalued, disregarded and shamed by those close to him. 

Finally, Abigail had met her match and God made it covenant.

We can look at her testimony as a type of Joseph story in that what man (and the devil) meant for evil, God meant for good to develop a wise ruler. 

We can also see how it parallels with the two differing 10-spy reports and how God used that to test and separate the good from evil within the Israelite community (Nu 13-14).

God manifested His goodness to faithful Abigail by giving her a better life forward, where she would be honored as the queen He made her to become.

Friends, God will not let His beautiful and discerning ones waste away when they look to Him and choose His ways. He is about to separate His faithful ones from among the headstrong, unbelieving, selfish, hard-hearted and greedy to forge them ahead into His promises with Him. 

He’s calling His wholehearted ones out to enter into better. And not just better for themselves but also for the betterment of those for whom they will steward.

When Abigail married King David, she gained influence and authority to make a difference in the land beyond what she could do in her aloneness. Although she wasn’t perfect, she had a heart that could go and grow into the role God assigned to her.

And it was all done by God’s Spirit. 

Many of you have waited a long time to be delivered into greater freedom to help free others. Know that, no matter what you’ve endured, there comes a time when God will move on your behalf, like He did for Abigail and Joseph, to bring you into a palace time of noble service.

And when He does, you will come to know, more than ever, that you are the victorious crown that God has made you to be, according to Philippians 4:1 TPT, which says, “My dear and precious friends, whom I deeply love, you have truly become my glorious joy and crown of reward. Now arise in the fullness of your union with our Lord.”

To Him be the glory.

Amen.

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

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You Amaze Me

The morning after learning of a dear friend’s mother passing onto Heaven, Holy Spirit led me to Philippians 4 and highlighted verses 6-9. Philippians happened to be part of my regular sequence of Bible reading for that day. And I marveled at how God so perfectly timed these passages.

It also happened to be the 20-year anniversary of my wedding engagement.

The TPT version of Philippians 4:6-9 say:

Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Put into practice the example of all that you have heard from me or seen in my life and the God of peace will be with you in all things.

For me, this was the perfect solution of Gospel that came at the perfect time. 

Here, God clearly lays out the Biblical process for conflict resolution in the soul. If you read the earlier passages in this chapter, you will see a reference to a disagreement between two believers. However, this powerful pattern can be applied to anything that conflicts with God’s life-giving Glory-Presence or His peace as the guard of our souls, including during the passing of a loved one. 

He is essentially revealing:

  1. To be still.
  2. To pray with gratitude.
  3. To receive peace and solutions.
  4. To fix our thoughts on Him, His nature and His ways.
  5. To praise Him more.
  6. To receive more of His peace.

We see this demonstrated after Jesus resurrected. Such as when the angels came to minister to the three grieving women at the tomb and set their hearts on high (Lk 24:1-8). And then when Jesus appeared to his grieving disciples to minister to them (Lk 24:29, 36, 53).

We see His Glorified-Presence repeatedly show up to comfort the brokenhearted and offer life-giving evidence of His return and their homecoming—more of His Oneness.

And because of His Holy Spirit, we can know that He is still near. 

I marvel at how His Presence makes everything better and the ways in which He does this. And I know He delights in us when we turn to Him and honor Him by trusting and obeying Him as our Beloved in our greatest transitions.

It’s life-giving for ourselves and others.

My friend’s earthly father and my earthly father had passed onto Heaven within a week of each other about six months before her mother’s passing. So, we were able to confer, console and comfort each other much like the early disciples, even though we were states apart at the time. 

When life feels like it disagrees with our hearts’ desires, we can intentionally choose to align our hearts with The One who restores life-flow in greater measure. We can remember and experience His peace that protects and is life itself. And we can believe His truth of life-eternal beyond what we fully know now.

Yes, God is amazing. And I believe He delights to deeply-engage His bride in fellowship with Him, as our Bridegroom, on every occasion. 

Paul said in Philippians 4:1 TPT, “My dear and precious friends, whom I deeply love, you have truly become my glorious joy and crown of reward. Now arise in the fullness of your union with our Lord.”

So, as we arise in His Spirit through the joy of praise, we are activated in His resurrection life. And in this way, we can know part of what our loved ones know far better—that our amazing God is full of amazing grace. 

We can marvel and ponder and always have this connection, no matter what our situations. 

So, may we all rise in God’s Presence and be amazed by Him. May we honor His invitations to us to know Him more and become more like Him. And “may every one of you overflow with the grace and favor of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 4:23)!

In His Mighty Name, 

Amen. 

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

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Authority Submission

As I prayed over this Word, Holy Spirit brought to mind the community of Israelites who tried to gain His promises their way. 

Their story reveals how they shrunk back in fear when faced with the spy’s report and basically held themselves back in their own unbelief.

I can’t imagine what it felt like when a few were sent by God to enter in and they got left behind. And then to learn that they had adversely affected generations . . . because that’s what sin does.

To make matters worse, they devised a plan of their own doing, against Moses’ authority, to battle on their own without God on their side. As a result, they got pushed back and killed by enemy forces (Nu 14:40-45).

So, at first, they thought they were too small. Then they thought they were too big. And the single consistent element here is that their minds were deceived by not considering God first. And this wasn’t the first time.

In this light, what is God saying to us today as we stand before Him and His promises? Which direction will we go based on His truth, our beliefs and our faithfulness to Him?

I’m continually inspired by the courage of Joshua and Caleb. Known for their careful obedience and wholeheartedness, they submitted to God’s commands and gained victory over opposition battle after battle.

Holy Spirit gave me a dream one night very recently, with two main themes:

First, God is supernaturally freeing up hearts from troubles and fears as they continue to be faithful and lean into Him. Many will come to know Him on a whole new level in this way as their hearts are set free at an accelerated pace.

Secondly, God is bringing a shepherd of powerhouse-authority to help many live out their destinies. This shepherd will have big shoulders and will serve a key role in the areas of protection and connection. This diligent shepherd will serve both as a guard and a conduit. For some, this will be a covenant relationship that will involve abiding and support. 

Deliverance in hearts and relationships will work one after the other as God moves powerfully by His Spirit in growing His faithful ones in submission to Him. 

It’s important that we fall in line quickly with what God has put into place and serve in roles, like our lives depend on it. It’s time for our greatest adventures yet, and there’s freedom in God’s power and legal structure. 

Submission means surrender. It means to be humble and compliant. Godly submission is life-facilitating. We know this from the Israelite’s example.

I was reminded of God’s sovereignty in 1 Corinthians 15:27 TPT, which says, “The Father has placed all things in subjection under the feet of Christ. Yet when it says, ‘all things,’ it is understood that the Father does not include himself, for he is the one who placed all things in subjection to Christ.”

Holy Spirit highlighted Titus 3:1 ESV, which says, “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.”

Romans 13:1 TPT tells us that “Every person must submit to and support the authorities over him. For there can be no authority in the universe except by God’s appointment, which means that every authority that exists has been instituted by God.”

And Hebrews 13:17 TPT says, “Obey your spiritual leaders and recognize their authority, for they keep watch over your soul without resting since they will have to give an account to God for their work. So it will benefit you when you make their work a pleasure and not a heavy burden.”

Also, it’s important to watch our words. Paul was all about building up the Kingdom, such as in 2 Corinthians 10:8 TPT, where he says, “I am not ashamed, even if I’ve come across as one who has overstated the authority given to us by the Lord. For it is the authority to help build you up, not tear you down.”

“For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers…” (Ti 1:10 NKJV).

So, it’s time to humble ourselves and choose to grow beyond foolishness. Time to break through limited knowledge, fears and apprehensions. It’s time to take the hand of Jesus in child-like faith and live more fully, trusting and believing Him. 

This would be a good time to ask Holy Spirit to search our hearts for any and all insubordination issues. Forgive authorities who have hurt us past and present and pray deliverance and blessings over them. 

Because, even as I write this devotion, I feel Holy Spirit speaking to my heart once again that He will bring us into circles with new authority figures that will require our respect and that these divinely-assigned relationships are to facilitate destiny. 

In Jesus’ Mighty Name, 

Amen.

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

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Divine Connection

The path of obedience is rewarding. Doing the right thing successively leads to awards. 

God longs to reward us but we have to contend His way in order to receive a merit-prize or judicial recompense for service or achievements related to our divine assignments.

2 Timothy 2:5 TPT says, “An athlete who doesn’t play by the rules will never receive the trophy, so remain faithful to God!”

In this verse, the word “athlete” means one who contends and wrestles (Strong’s 118). The word “trophy” means crown of honor (Strong’s 4737). 

God knows it isn’t easy for us and He has prizes stored up for those who finish their fight of faith. These prizes are the fulfillment of His promises and many involve joining new relationships that will help His faithful ones move into their next phase.

During quiet time with our Lord, Holy Spirit revealed to me that there are divine connections, and even some covenant blessings, awaiting His faithful ones in this regard. When they join together, life won’t be as it has been but better and far better.

The key is here to lean into Him and see it through to the finish, no matter what. 

2 Timothy 4:7 TPT says, “I have fought an excellent fight. I have finished my full course with all my might and I’ve kept my heart full of faith.”

So, continue to do what delights God’s heart and remember that He likes to give His children good gifts.

We can throw aside encumbrances and do our best, knowing that He’s with us and is releasing His grace upon grace to help us endure this discipline with Heaven cheering us on. 

Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT encourage us, saying: 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

This race, referred to in verse 1, is similar in meaning to the word athlete. It means “struggle” and more specifically a struggle, conflict or fight of faith in the soul (Strong’s 73). Here, the root word for race is where we derive our word “agony.” 

One commentary (Thayer’s) describes this race as “any struggle with dangers, annoyances, [or] obstacles, standing in the way of faith, holiness, and a desire to spread the gospel.”

This contest of the soul is not solely about our own growth. It’s also about harvesting souls for the Kingdom. Therefore, this race must be completed for the honorable purpose of expanding the gospel beyond our own hearts to reach others with the Gospel.

It’s that important.

We simply won’t make it if our eyes aren’t fixed on our first Love, our God of grace, who invites us higher and makes our obedient efforts possible in submission to Him.

Paul says in Philippians 3:14 TPT that he “runs straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus.”

So, all of this is about God and what He desires to do in the earth right now. And even if we see others doing similar work, we, too, must also “run the race to be victorious,” according to 1 Corinthians 9:24 TPT; because there is a unique expression and deposit that God desires to do through us.

Therefore, no matter how obnoxious the obstacles, or fierce the fight, we must keep going and never give up. God will honor our daily decisions and actions to keep pressing on. He will meet us there and power us through as we submit to Him. And, in the end, we will see that it was so worth the outcome. 

In this process, it helps us to remember who we are and whose we are. Deuteronomy 7:6 NLT tells us, “For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.”

Romans 2:10 TPT says, “But when we do what pleases God, we can expect unfading glory, true honor, and a continual peace . . . “

So, as we sow the honor of obedience unto God (our Treasure) during our agonizing races, He will honor us (His treasure) with His promises fulfilled and expand His Kingdom.

“For we know that we will receive a reward, an inheritance from the Lord, as we serve the Lord Yahweh, the Anointed One” (Co 3:24 TPT)!

To Him be the glory.

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

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Celebration Power – Wealth

God gives us power to gain wealth. And it’s for His purposes (2 Co 9:11).

Deuteronomy 8:18 ESV says, “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

The reference to wealth here means that God empowers us to be strong and efficient. He supplies an army to help us. He gives us the character, the goods and the finances. He gives us all we need to accomplish divine assignments with Him.

1 Samuel 2:7 NASB tells us that “The LORD makes poor and rich; He humbles, He also exalts.

Many who have been humbled are coming into extraordinary blessings that are linked with those who have gone before them, including facilities and property they didn’t physically labor for—all for the purpose of advancing God’s Kingdom. 

Powerful demonstrations of God’s Presence will emanate from these properties. And the great cloud of witnesses is cheering them on. 

These are legacy properties that will be restored to them as a recompense for multi-purposes. These properties can serve families and communities locally, even into the future, and with potential for a great breadth of reach online. 

This kind of sufficiency is described in Psalm 112:3 TPT, which says, “Great blessing and wealth fills the house of the wise, for their integrity endures forever.”

All of this stems from the blessing of God and involves material wealth and beyond.

Proverbs 10:22 TPT tells us that “True enrichment comes from the blessing of the Lord, with rest and contentment in knowing that it all comes from him.”

A showcase of blessings is described in Deuteronomy 28:1-13 that I’ve paraphrased here. They say:

  1. “God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.”
  2. “All these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you.”
  3. God will bless you in the city and in the field.
  4. God will bless your offspring, your land and increase your herds. 
  5. God will bless your harvest.
  6. God will bless you in your coming and going. 
  7. God will give you victory before your enemies.
  8. God will bless your stores, your endeavors and the land that He gives you.
  9. God will establish you as holy.
  10. God will anoint you and cause people to reverence you.
  11. God will cause you to prosper.
  12. God will bless your work and worth to overflowing.
  13. God will lift you and make you the head.

Friends, when God is in it, it works and blessings flow. But all of these blessings are contingent on our obedience to His will and ways. 

There may be some, right this moment, who are looking at their circumstances and wondering how in the world God will bring it together for them. But God has been working on their behalves for a long time—in ways they don’t see—to bring it together in their favor.

Before the dust settles, it may look like you’ve been left out. But remember, God is not finished. And He will not forget what He promised to you. He is not a human who would lie or change His mind (1 Sa 15:29).

Contentment is a key component in all of this as a Godly strategy for gain. Contentment averts distraction.

Ecclesiastes 5:19 ESV says, “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.”

John 1:16 MSG reminds us that “We all live off his generous abundance, gift after gift after gift.”

God will not run out of gifts before He gets to you. So, put your full trust in Him and depend on Him. Find your peace in God by keeping your eyes on Him and let all else go. This peace is, in fact, a component of His enrichment that can settle your soul. He will do what He said.

Take courage and believe in the new life God is giving to you (Phil 1:27-29 TPT). Be ready to move into all God has for you. It won’t be long now and all the chaos will settle as God establishes you into new places and roles.

He will make your joy complete.

I love what King David said in 1 Chronicles 29:12 AMPC, which is that “Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hands are power and might; in Your hands it is to make great and to give strength to all.”

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:5 TPT “What blessing comes to you when gentleness lives in you! For you will inherit the earth.” The TPT study note for this verse explains “Jesus is saying that when you claim nothing as yours, everything will be given to you.”

With this, remember to always do the right thing (Matt 5:10 TPT). Because God’s blessings come with warnings to steward them well. Remember not to boast or forget the Source from whom it all came (Je 9:23 AMPC, De 8:17 AMPC).

It’s time to celebrate as conquerors (Phil 1:27 TPT).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name, 

Amen. 

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