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Youthful Resurrection – Part 2

The Word I believe The Lord gave me regarding the dream in Part 1 of this series is precisely this: 

Now is the beginning of the manifestation of a fresh, new expanse for God’s sons and daughters. The ones who endured long-suffering, processed through it God’s way, and continue to receive the resurrected life of Christ are coming into true (original) longstanding.

God has strengthened His sons and daughters in Him through a process of long-suffering to be able to stand long in their new expanse outwardly. 

In regards to this dream, the Word of Knowledge, “youthful resurrection,” essentially means to newly stand in the new place.

Youthful, by definition, means “new” and refers to a lot more than chronological age in scripture.

Our “new” covenant in Christ is both new in respect to time (Strong’s #3501 – or the Greek word neos; He 12:24) and in respect to character (Strong’s #2537 – or the Greek word kainos; He 9:15).

In this recent prophetic dream, in which two young men were shifted from their enclosed dwelling place into an expanse of destiny (see Part 1), they were sons of God, which meant that they had already been born again and were led by Holy Spirit.

So, they had overcome their old (original) nature and character with which they were born into the world. 

“New” as character, or a kainos kind of new, has to do with quality and form (or innovation) and freshness in development or opportunity. It’s an uncommon, unheard of, superior kind of new (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

It is what scripture refers to in Revelation 21:5 TPT, where God says, “I am making everything to be new and fresh.”

It’s about God bringing us up higher in terms of quality and quantity.

There are two key scriptures that particularly reference this kainos kind of “new” (Vine’s):

One is 2 Corinthians 5:17 TPT, which pertains to a new-man character. It says, “Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new person. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new.” 

The second scripture is Galatians 6:15 AMPC, in which Paul references being made a new creation in Christ, saying it is “the result of a new birth and new nature in Christ.” 

There is a finality that goes along with what Paul said. He implies that what God has cut away or pruned (flesh) has passed away and will not be resurrected. (In the Old Testament, this relates metaphorically to circumcision and Passover in Joshua 5:2-12, just before they ate the fruit of the land and the produce of Canaan that same year.)

Paul goes on to say that “The only thing that really matters is living by the transforming power of this wonderful new creation life” (Ga 6:15 TPT). 

We know this as “resurrection life,” which happens inside of us and also in Heaven.

So, in the dream God gave me, those two young men had to be made new in character before they could stand long in the expanse of a new place.  

This is God’s order of sequence in the miraculous process of resurrection, which, in this case, means to rise and stand. 

Greater assignments require that we die to flesh and come into agreement with Christ.  

So, compromise has to go for our next-level divine destiny to manifest (1 Co 5:7).

In the dream, once the two young men were taken past their limited ways, by the power of God’s mercy, they discovered their deeper purpose and were instantly catapulted from an inward sitting (receiving) position to one of outwardly and standing (action) in their new expanse. 

The God of Amen (which means “so let it be”), who is The God of Faithfulness and The God of Truth, launched these two sons into the new place of divine destiny when He knew they were ready and could continue to live holy in an expanded blessing.

In this regard, Colossians 3:10 TPT says, “For you have acquired new creation life which is continually being renewed into the likeness of the One who created you; giving you the full revelation of God.”

These sons of God in the dream understood that God desires that we walk with Him in new (neos) discoveries and join Him in new (neos) places as in Isaiah 40:31 NLT, which says, “those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

They understood God was doing a new thing and had matured them to the point where they could live disciplined lives with self-restraint and prudence (Ti 2:6). They were ready for a new beginning, a neos kind of youthful resurrection. 

It was time (neos) for them to cross into the dream of their hearts that God manifested for them.

So, friends, are you ready and willing to be launched into your manifest dreams God’s way?

If your answer is “yes,” then it’s time to cross over. 

This is my prayer for you…

“I pray that you will continually experience the immeasurable greatness of God’s power made available to you through faith. Then your lives will be an advertisement of this immense power as it works through you! This is the mighty power that was released when God raised Christ from the dead and exalted him to the place of highest honor and supreme authority in the heavenly realm” (Ep 1:19-20 TPT)!

To God be the Glory.

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

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Youthful Resurrection – Part 1

Early in the morning, nineteen days ago, on May 19th of 2020, The Lord gave me a very succinct prophetic dream. 

In that dream…

I saw this Word of Knowledge: “Amen to the cavemen.” 

Then I saw a clear vision of two young adult men, who looked to be 20-years-old. I did not know them, and I had never seen them before. They were indoors, and I did not see any identifiable features of their environment, except a plain white wall.

These two young men seemed joyful, like happy, close friends, as they smiled and talked and walked alongside this wall. 

One of them held a simple round plastic container that looked to be about two to three gallons in size. The container had a lid (seal) on it. The container reminded me of a Tupperware® canister I had had for years and recently tossed out while packing to move one day. 

The two young men walked toward the corner of their room and sat down on the floor to open the container. 

When one of them took the lid off, their surroundings suddenly and completely changed. 

Their new place, position and purpose instantly manifested…

The two young men went from being inside to being outside in a split second. Once outside, they stood positioned on an expanse of green lawn with a tall, green forest in the background. 

It looked like a summer season.

Still, there were no other people around in this wide, open space. 

What’s more, the lid from the container instantly changed (form) into a Frisbee®. And the young men were joyfully sailing it through the air to each other in rapid succession.

There was no sign of the bottom part of the container in this new, expansive place. And at no point did I see anything material inside of the container. 

The container was just gone. 

The young men remained joyful the entire time—smiling and laughing, with not a care in the world as they flung the Frizbee® to each other. 

Then, after a moment, the dream suddenly ended. And I woke up and jotted it down. 

So, what was God revealing in this dream that contained so much symbolism?

I sought The Lord in prayer and carefully pored over scriptures, root words and reference books for several days. As I received revelation and confirmation, I believe this is The Lord’s foundational meaning, which reveals a significant message to all of us…

“Amen to the cavemen…”

There is a reference to the “God of Amen” in the Isaiah 65:16 TPT study note. Here, it can be interpreted as the “God of Faithfulness” or the “God of Truth.”

The Word “Amen” means “firm, trustworthy, surely, truly” and “so let it be” (Strong’s).

“Caveman” means “cave dweller” (Dictionary.com). And in regards to this dream, I sense it references God dwelling in the hearts of the two young men and they with Him in the secret place, such as indoors.

Ephesians 2:22 TPT says, “This means that God is transforming each one of you into the Holy of Holies, his dwelling place, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you!”

And Romans 8:14 AMPC reveals that “…all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” 

Therefore, the young men in the dream represent those of us who have been transformed in the secret place and are led by Holy Spirit.

The container…

I believe the container in this dream is symbolic of holding the young men’s purpose until they were ready to step into their next glory of expansion. And I believe the lid (or seal) of the container was a merciful boundary The Lord set for them until they were spiritually strong enough in their souls to move forward and stand in it. 

Once the young men were re-set outdoors in their new expanse, the bottom of the container was no more. All that remained was mercy, which was and is new every day. This was illustrated as the lid (or seal) changing form into a new instrument of rejoice, such as the Frizbee®.

I believe the sailing of the Frizbee® between the two young men was an expression of their gratitude and joyous praise unto The Lord for His mercy in growing them spiritually and releasing them into increase.

Their position and purpose…

I believe the young men’s new position of opportunity and purpose with Christ is a reflection of their authority, power and privilege in The Lord as in Isaiah 22:22…

“I will place upon his shoulders the key to the treasure of David’s palace. He will open doors that no one can shut, and he will shut doors that no one can open” (TPT version).

I believe the God of Faithfulness and Truth helped those young men—who are representative of all of His faithful followers—begin to realize the dreams God purposed for them, by His Spirit.

The big picture…

I believe The Lord has heard our prayers for His merciful intervention and is revealing Himself as Faithfulness and Truth to deliver us into His promises and restore our land at this fitting time.

Here are two scriptures that reference this point:

Matthew 5:7 TPT, which says, “How satisfied you are when you demonstrate tender mercy! For tender mercy will be demonstrated to you.”

Jeremiah 33:11 AMPC, which declares, “[There shall be heard again] the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voices of those who sing as they bring sacrifices of thanksgiving into the house of the Lord; Give praise and thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good; for His mercy and kindness and steadfast love endure forever! For I will cause the captivity of the land to be reversed and return to be as it was at first, says the Lord.”

I believe there are more keys to this message, especially for individuals. But I’ll address those next week in part two of Youthful Resurrection.

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

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Obstacles or Opportunities – Part 2

I love what Pastor Jack Hayford says: “Unbelief looks at obstacles; faith looks at God” (The Hayford Bible Handbook). 

Whatever we focus on grows (Pr 23:7). 

One of the definitions of “obstacle” is “catch-22.”

We can either get caught up in a snare or caught up in the powerful Presence of God with the mind of Christ.

We are commanded to follow God’s lead. Yet, if we don’t know Him for ourselves, we won’t trust Him.

God has a glorious inheritance for us as we move from obsolete (legend) to overcomer.

We know there is freedom (opportunity) in the salvation God offers us for a life reconciled to Him. And we know God goes before us to make a way, even when life on earth seems impossible to us. 

But do we believe Him at His Word?

Pastor Hayford wisely advises us to increase our “faith in God’s promises rather than look at the impossible circumstances.”

With this strategy, we grow in faith and shrink hindrances as we trust God. 

But when we see more obstacles than opportunities, something’s wrong: Our focus and faith have shifted off of God and His grace and goodness. 

We have come to trust something or someone else above God. 

Perhaps even ourselves. 

We know that God never disappoints, because His Word says so (1 Pe 2:6). 

So, when we feel disappointed or frustrated, it’s an alert to us to shift our misplaced faith (and focus) back onto Him.

Even when we walk through wilderness seasons or when we feel hemmed in during times of endurance, we can still look up and seek and worship God. We can see above and beyond giants when we gain God’s perspective. We can receive power from on high and defeat them as we experience God’s magnificent Glory-Presence. We can stand in His truth, knowing He will watch over and fulfill His promises to us in His time and way.

Sovereign God is more powerful than any mere obstacle. 

King David understood this. I believe his defeat of Goliath was an outward manifestation of David having overcome something within his own soul.

Since Jesus has bought back abundant life for us, we only need to believe Him at His Word, obey Him and receive from His heart and hand through His gift of grace.

Unlike man, He will not cheat us or trick us. 

He will not be too hard on us.

With God, we will never come up short when we receive what He has for us.

But obstacles of the soul that we don’t overcome can limit God.

And they can take many forms.

For example, when we take our eyes off of The Spirit of Grace, a harsh attitude can easily gain ground into our soul—a legalistic one that fears and thinks and sees the worst in people and circumstances. A critical attitude that tears others down. This is condemnation of the enemy, the accuser of the brethren, working through a person. This type of behavior reveals insecurity (an open door) in the soul of that person, a hole in their soul where they’ve rejected God’s way and gave up their hope and confidence. 

This type of behavior is a self-reliant attempt to cope in order to protect oneself and one’s worth by exalting oneself pridefully. It is a false shield that distrusts God and counters the armor of God. This false shield will eventually be shaken, because it’s an idol within an unbelieving heart (Is 2:18). The vain glory of un-resolve battling to rule the effects of a wounded soul held captive. The aging unrest, false responsibility and overwork of self-reliance above knowing God and trusting in His goodness. 

1 Corinthians 8:4 AMPC reveals that “…an idol is nothing (has no real existence) and that there is no God but one. [Deut. 6:4.]”

This self-reliant behavior can be the result of a life hard lived that didn’t know a better way of the true power of God. It can even be blasphemous, where God’s truth was “traded for a lie” long ago (Ro 1:25).

Jeremiah 2:11 AMPC says “…My people have changed their Glory [God] for that which does not profit.” 

So, this type of behavior can be at the root of why people fail in life, because there is no life (or victory) in idolatry, including our way.

Proverbs 16:3 tells us, “Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed.”

So, friends, isn’t it time to lay down every hopeless obstacle of idolatry? Every worthless focus that would try to exalt itself against God’s power and rob you of His abundance (2 Co 10:5)?

There’s no need to fear coming into port to make this exchange, because there’s no condemnation in Christ.

God is rich in mercy and full of grace.

James 1:5 TPT tells us, “…if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace.”

We need to humble ourselves and yield our whole heart to The Lord and receive.

And if we desire to see a great yield of good fruit in our lives, then we have to yield to the Fruit of the Spirit (Ga 5:23).

So, God’s parallel for the enemy’s catch-22 is Isaiah 22:22, which is to wholeheartedly believe and operate in the authority, power and privilege of our position in Christ, having been given full access, nothing withheld through Jesus. His Spirit living in us is our key to “revelation, treasures, favor and opportunity” (Is 22:22 TPT study note).

Yes, “…we still have the opportunity to enter into the faith-rest life and experience the fulfillment of the promise” (Hebrews 4:6 TPT)!

Matthew 22:2 AMPC says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who gave a wedding banquet for his [daughter].” 

It’s time to enter into God’s abundant life (Strong’s #2222). 

So, pray with me, if you will…

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for offering me abundant life. I repent of wrongdoing. I trade in my false shields for You as my protector. I invite Jesus into my whole heart, nothing withheld (Pr 30:5). I choose to lay down every false idol to You today and make You the center of my life. Help me to receive Your healing power—bind every wound and heal every injury. Show me a better way, Lord. Enable me to receive Your freedom of deliverance from every catch-22 snare. Help me to receive healthy boundaries and truth in my life as I choose to trust You totally (Pr 16:3). Help me to know You more. I ask You to release Your wisdom, revelation and favor to me, as You know all things (1 Jn 2:20). Help me to receive Your best legacy (inheritance) and destiny (pre-determined plan) for my life. Thank You, Lord, for making all things new. Thank You for the invitation to Your banquet. I receive it.

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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Obstacles or Opportunities – Part 1

When seasons change, so do opportunities.

Opportunity, according to Strong’s, means “a due measure,” and “a fixed and definite period, a time, season.”

“A fitting time” (Strong’s).

Webster’s defines opportunity as, “a favorable juncture of circumstances” and “a good chance for advancement or progress.”

Some synonyms for “opportunity” are liberty, freedom and one’s turn (Dictionary.com).

But opportunity can also mean “a place” (Strong’s).

So, hold this “place,” and I’ll come back to it.

The Lord showed me the word “op-port-unity” in three sections, like this:

Op – which can be an abbreviation for “optical” and also for the word, “opus,” which means to creatively produce.

Port – which can mean a place of exchange, including redemption, truth for lies and blessings for lesser things in general.

Unity – which can mean union with Jesus and solidarity to serve others.

What creative work does God see to produce through you?

Through those who will build His Kingdom in this opportune season?

Where will He assign you?

What exchanges will occur?

The Lord led me to these five strategy scriptures:

Galatians 5:13 TPT says, “Beloved ones, God has called us to live a life of freedom in the Holy Spirit. But don’t view this wonderful freedom as an opportunity to set up a base of operations in the natural realm. Freedom means that we become so completely free of self-indulgence that we become servants of one another, expressing love in all we do.”

Galatians 6:10 AMPC says, “So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers].”

Hebrews 13:16 TPT says, “We will show mercy to the poor and not miss an opportunity to do acts of kindness for others, for these are the true sacrifices that delight God’s heart.”

2 Peter 3:15 TPT says, “And keep in mind that our Lord’s extraordinary patience simply means more opportunity for salvation…”

James 4:17 TPT warns us, “So if you know of an opportunity to do the right thing today, yet you refrain from doing it, you’re guilty of sin.”

So, to summarize, God revealed this five-point strategy for the extraordinary opportunities His faithful followers are about to step into:

  1. Live in true freedom.
  2. Reach out in solidarity to be a blessing to others.
  3. Show mercy to the poor and do acts of kindness to others.
  4. Patiently expect more opportunity for salvations.
  5. Do the right thing and don’t refrain.

What will this strategy look like for you in your unique divine assignments?

As I continued researching, The Lord seemed to hone in on the word “port.”

Then He led me to find a golden nugget: A deeper look at the French derivative, “opportune,” which means “suitable for a purpose or occurring at just the right time.” It’s from the Latin word, “opportunus,” which means “favorable (used of the wind).” It’s derived from a Latin phrase that means “coming toward port” (Encarta).

The Lord was revealing that it’s time for the favorable wind of Holy Spirit to breathe on His redeemed vessels and bring us into port for divine exchange.

This port is a place of opportunity, as I mentioned earlier.

The word “exchange” means “to give up (something) for something else;” to “change for another” (Dictionary.com).

What change does God desire to bring us into?

What trade would He like to make?

Are there obstacles we need to lay down?

As saints, we know about the great exchange of Jesus’ atonement for our sins, bringing us into union with Him as our port-ion and growing us from glory to glory.

We know about the beautiful trading ships of Tarshish that sailed into port “bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks” for King Solomon (1 Ki 10:22), as well as back out of port carrying hammered silver (Je 10:9).

But we also know that those same ships of Tarshish were destroyed, and trade halted swiftly, due to prideful obstacles. (Is 2:16, Ez 27:25-27).

So, in all of this, we see, metaphorically, that Holy Spirit (wind) blows favorably on us as His vessels to remain on course and advance us into the port (an opportune place for a rich exchange) that He has planned (and has even imagined) for us. In this, we can see that we need to yield our will fully to Him in order to bear more good fruit by His Spirit.

There can be no false pride or other idols, lest the port be closed to us.

Therefore, the questions are:

Are we ready for the opportune exchanges as God furthers us into His new season?

Are we ready to come to a place of greater authenticity to be a greater blessing to God’s Kingdom?

If our minds have been renewed and our hearts made pure. If we have firmly decided to keep God as our first love throughout the journey. Then we know that the port of exchange will remain open to us.

So, friends, let’s call on The Lord in prayer as He releases His promises to us.

We can ask Him to enable us to receive all He has for us for His glory. We can ask Him to help us walk out His strategy in this season for His Name’s sake. We can pray for His perfect wisdom to be released in us. And we can thank Him for the harvest before us.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Join me next week for Part 2 of Obstacles or Opportunity.

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

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Legend or Legacy – Part 2

Jesus is our hope of glory. Our source for glorious living. 

He made a way for our true heritage, which means our freedom and citizenship of His covenant promise (Ep 2:12).

Colossians 1:27 TPT assures us that “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!”

Recently, during quiet time with The Lord, I believe He revealed to me that, in addition to bringing prodigals home, He is also bringing His people closer to Him through high levels of global influence. He is also miraculously restoring businesses and land ownership (De 28:11).

Beyond the Covid-19 situation.

With past, present and future at heart, I believe God is making a way for His beloved followers to receive far-reaching generational blessings, particularly in the area of family, property and business. 

Blessings that have been locked up and have even skipped a generation or more. Legacy blessings of recompense linked with family members who had to sell their homes against their heart’s desire. 

Divine blessings of business ownership through wells that have been re-dug. Some involving renewed partnerships that will bring new levels of financial restoration to their family bloodline.

Kinsman-redeemer assignments for those who can be trusted with God’s wealth to build His Kingdom.

I believe The Lord has revealed to me that these life-changing restorations will come into manifestation as He lifts our limitations, with some major shifts coming full circle in the Jubilee Year of 2025 (Ez 46:16-18).

Habakkuk 2:3 MSG says, “…This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.”

Friends, it’s time to allow God to define our path and guide us into all truth (Jn 16:13).

It’s time to take the limits off, and let God re-set our boundaries to carefully and strategically position us to receive more of our legacy. 

Romans 12:2 TPT instructs us to “Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.”

So, it’s time for false shields and fantasies (false legends) to go.

It’s time to overcome old mindsets and negative emotions that have held us back.

2 Corinthians 10:5 TPT tells us that “We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.”

Many have already been tried in tribulation and are ready to step into the accelerated soaring of God’s blessings. 

Doing it God’s way in His time.

Rest assured, where one door closes, another door to new life will open. 

God wills to honor His beloved followers, who honor Him, with manifest multiplicity. 

In serendipitous ways.

Isaiah 55:9 AMPC reminds us that “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Friends, God has covenant blessings to release.

This is dream-come-true stuff.

I’ve-waited-a-long-time stuff.

Ephesians 3:20 AMPC tells us, “Now to Him Who, by…the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams].”

Friends, God wills to fully-resource His Kingdom through those who have a Kingdom mindset: Mature followers who have received their worth as a child of God, and can, therefore, can be trusted with valuables to continue a Godly legacy personally and professionally.

We are to enter into our new divine assignments with humility, as an offering unto The Lord. 

Job 22:21 instructs us to “Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you.”

Commitment will be necessary. 

The Word will continue to be an energizing force in us who believe (1 Th 2:13). 

James 1:25 NKJV tells us, “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

We must choose to trust God, and carry on in righteous living, which is by bold faith and obedience.

Philippians 4:19 AMPC reminds us that “…God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Friends, it’s time to awaken, because it’s time to join our Lord at the banquet. 

So, pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord, 

You are my inheritance. You, Lord, are my portion. I repent of idolizing any false legend, and I renounce all cultural opinions and traditions that are against Your will and way for my life. Thank You for Your rich mercy. I choose to receive it and honor You over false treasures. Lord, please help me live as Your righteous heir, receiving Your first-rate provision, not second best. I choose to enter into Your callings and assignments as an offering to You. Help me to receive every blessing You have for me and nothing that’s not of You. 

Thank You, Lord that “You have heard my sweet resolutions to love and serve You, for I am your beloved. And You have given me an inheritance of rich treasures, which You give to all Your lovers” (Ps 61:5 TPT).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name, 

Amen. 

And now, I pray, Lord, that You will send a plentiful rain to restore and confirm Your heritage where it languished and was weary (Ps 68:9).

And I pray that You will unveil within us the unlimited riches of Your glory and favor until supernatural strength floods our innermost being with Your divine might and explosive power (Ep 3:16).

I pray that You will flood our hearts with light, so we can know and understand the hope to which You have called us, and how rich is Your glorious inheritance in us saints, who are Your set-apart ones (Ep 1:18).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name. 

Amen. 

This video-devo was graciously re-posted by the Salem Web Network, including i.Believe.com.