Tag: #Colossians1:27

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Redeeming Your Time – Part 1

Recently, Holy Spirit brought to mind Paul Anka’s 1975 gold song titled, Times of Your Life. I hadn’t heard this song in a very long time. I remember it as one that was popular among young people to reminisce about mostly good times forty-plus years ago, especially at proms and weddings.

But, this song heralds yesterday as hard to find and suggests that we reach back anyway to gather moments and collect dreams to pack away in our minds. It goes on to talk about setting suns and passing seasons and tomorrows, where we wake up and find that time slipped away. 

But God has something else to say about moments and time in our lives. 

His way says it’s not over. In fact, God has some big, new beginnings for us.

He has better for us now and forward than we ever experienced back then. Our latter can be greater, as He redeems our time—past, present and future. 

He’s waiting. It’s our choice. 

As we look to God and seek Him, not our past, as we release all that’s former to Him, He will awaken us to more of His true life for us now and forward. He will enable us to see as He sees and embrace His best. He will work all things for our good and for His glory, recompensing what we missed out on earlier. He will make it better than it would have been. 

Daily, He will encourage us and reveal Himself to us as merciful and gracious as we prioritize Him as our first and center and follow Him forward.  (La 3:22-23). 

Do you believe Him?

Do you trust Him?

Do you know Him in this way?

It’s not too late. 

God desires to change the trajectory of our lives to go higher, farther and deeper in and with Him. 

He is not limited, except by our unwillingness.

He will give us better memories and make the dreams He put inside of us still come true.

As we commit to prioritize the Spirit of Grace above all else in our lives daily, He will refashion, reframe, refocus, refit and refresh us in ways that will bring Him (and us) greater honor. He will offer us better memories than we ever had and could have made on our own. 

He’s that good.

He’s that powerful.

He’s God.

He will take us from survival to feasting on His abundance, as we receive His grace of salvation to work on our behalf: His perfect life-blood will work righteousness and justice into our lives (Ro 3:25; 5:9, 18, 21 TPT). His great Name will open new doors for us. His Word will illuminate our hearts in truth that sets us free from a disappointing past. He can rework our today and our future and bring something good out of it. He is everlasting, and in Him, there is no end to His love, life and goodness (Ps 18:25). 

It begins with an attitude of humility, seeking Him and dependence upon Him, because we cannot do it ourselves (Ro 5:6).

And God exalts the humble (1 Pe 5:6, Lk 18:14).

If you feel like all hope is gone, and your heart aches for “Christ in you, the hope of glory” to show up on your behalf (Co 1:27), it’s time to be led “to the rock that is higher” (Ps 61:2). It’s time for hope to be restored. If you let Him shine His light in your heart, you can then put this fresh hope fully in Him. 

He never disappoints.

Isn’t it time to believe Him at His Word and let Him work on your behalf to do authentic life His way (Jn 6:63)?

Friends, God will restore His root of love in us—His greater glory, and make us into His brightest lampstands as we walk with Him along His narrow path and remain in Him.

God can and will bring opportunities around again for new life to prove better than it would have been if we had known better and done better earlier. Even if some of our previous moments got cut short, due to an illness or perhaps an untimely passing of a loved one, that time is still redeemable. The goodness of God continues onto the next generation to be appropriated (Ps 78:6). God’s will for us is to offer us recompense for whatever was lost or stolen when we forgive, repent for any wrongdoing and submit to Him. God will even reveal His recompense to us in advance, so we can set our expectation on Him to fulfill His promise.

How exciting are these mysteries of God revealed?! 

Pray with me if you will:

Dear Lord, 

Thank You for Your mercy for me. I “cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Ps 61:2 NKJV). I entrust my life to You to get me where You desire I be in my growth in You and in Your Kingdom for Your glory. Restore my hope. Redeem my time. Make something good out of every lost moment and disappointment. Do that which only You can do. And open my eyes to see it and receive it all Your way.

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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Salvation: Riches & Treasures – Part 2

One morning, as I saw my husband off to work, I stood at the front doorway and watched a Corona delivery truck drive down the street. I noticed a crown symbol on the front of the truck. The Lord highlighted this to me. And so I inquired.

Holy Spirit reminded me that “Sin is not our portion. Salvation is.” 

Later, He led me to Psalm 149:4 NIV, which says, “For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”

Victory in this scripture means salvation. (See the NASB version.)

And in Hebrew, this victory-salvation, this liberty is called Yeshua, which is also the Hebrew Name of Jesus (Strong’s #3444). 

Therefore, when we call on the Name of Jesus, we are calling on the victory-salvation that He is and that He offers (Pr 18:10). 

He is always available to adorn us with new life—inside and out. 

He is our treasure and we are His.

Treasure implies riches that are stored up.

We know He has treasure in Heaven for us but He, as our greatest treasure, also lives inside of us believers (Co 1:27). As we seek and obey Him, He will release more of Himself into our souls (mind, will, emotions), working out His victory-salvation in us and through us.

God aligns our minds with His helmet of salvation (life), the crown of victory-salvation, because whatever is on our minds can be produced (Pr 23:7).

Our lot is to be cast according to His way and His portion. Our lot is Love and all that He is (Ps 16:5, Ac 17:28). He doesn’t leave it to chance. He makes our victory-salvation certain. 

So, may we not compromise our blessings as we look to Him as our source. 

Always.

Several days after the Corona (crown) delivery truck drove by, The Lord led me to an article about a Christmas season “star” to appear in the night sky on December 21, when God’s two largest planets, Jupiter and Saturn, are expected to align within 0.1 degree. This special “star,” as it debuts low in the sky on the shortest day of the year, is considered rare as it becomes the largest and nearest one in 800 years. It is expected to remain constantly bright, and not twinkle, given that it’s actually the conjunction (union) of two planets (not actual stars).

Metaphorically, this speaks of a cycle of new unity—the coming together to create something unusually spectacular for nations to see. Through God’s glory expressed in this cosmic event, I believe He is inspiring us and inviting us to come closer to Him and align with Him uncompromisingly, as to consistently shine brighter than we ever have in a short amount of time for His glory (Ps 19:1, 45:11, 97:6; Hab 3:3; Is 26:7 AMPC, Is 60:21 AMPC).

The Lord then highlighted two encouragements from His Word:

Proverbs 4:18 TPT, which says, “But the lovers of God walk on the highway of light, and their way shines brighter and brighter until they bring forth the perfect day.”

Isaiah 60:3 AMPC, which says, “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

I believe these promises are for all believers, who will receive God’s truth and obey.

As I continued to study God’s Word, Holy Spirit revealed six steps to receiving His stored up treasures:

 It begins with asking:

Matthew 7:11 NLT –  “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

“Psalm 2:8 NIV – “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”

Allow His light to shine in and through us as our Treasure:

Colossians 2:3 NLT – “In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Corinthians 4:7 NLT – “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”

Matthew 5:26 NIV –  “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The key to unlock this Treasure is the fear of The Lord:

Isaiah 33:6 NIV – “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.”

Psalm 85:9 AMPC – “Surely His salvation is near to those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, [and is ready to be appropriated] that [the manifest presence of God, His] glory may tabernacle and abide in our land.” 

Go His way obediently:

Isaiah 2:2-3 AMPC – “It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be [firmly] established as the highest of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow to it. And many people shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths…’”

Matthew 6:33 NLT – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Stay the course:

Proverbs 3:5 NLT – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”

Isaiah 26:3 AMPC –  “You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.”

Let Holy Spirit produce good fruit through us:

Luke 6:45 NLT – “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.”

Isaiah 60:3 ESV – “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

Friends, I look forward to gazing up at the Christmas “star” on December 21st with you as a remembrance of who God is, what He has done for us and what He will do forward. 

God has an extension and an expanse waiting to be received.

He longs to fulfill His promises.

What dreams have you long held in your hearts that go beyond yourselves?

What has God assigned to you right now?

How do you see your dreams progressing?

May I pray for you?

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, and for aligning our minds with the new life You offer us through Him. As we look up into Your night sky on December 21st, may we be reminded of You as our Creator and of Your Son as Your greatest gift to us, who came down. May You encourage each person reading or listening to this devotion to be closer to their dreams by giving them a special promise revealed to them by You in a personal way. May You give them good gifts for the asking, including nations (Matt 7:11, Ps 2:8). Thank You, Lord, for enabling them to receive Your very best and to walk consistently upright with You. Thank You, Lord, for being our very best promise, life and inheritance. Our certain victory-salvation for all times (Mi 7:7).

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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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.

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God’s Glory-Power: Our Righteous Boast

“Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy” (Ex 15:6 AMPC).

“You crushed the strongholds of Egypt and all your enemies were scattered at the mighty display of your glory-power” (Ps 89:10 TPT).

“You ask, ‘Who is this King of Glory?’ He is the Lord of Victory, armed and ready for battle, the Mighty One, the invincible commander of heaven’s hosts! Yes, he is the King of Glory” (Ps 24:10 TPT)!

1 Chronicles 29:11 NLT declares, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours…and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.”

Psalm 93:1 TPT says, “Look! Yahweh now reigns as King! He has covered himself with majesty and strength, wearing them as his splendor-garments. Regal power surrounds him as he sits securely on his throne. He’s in charge of it all, the entire world, and he knows what he’s doing!”

Friends, aren’t you glad that mighty God is head over all, that He knows what He’s doing and that He’s for us?

We can trust our Lord, Adonai, Sovereign and Master over the universe as He works His master plan of fulfillment.

As His masterpieces, God has “delegated to [us] mastery over all [He has] made, everything subservient to [our] authority, placing earth itself under the feet of [His] image-bearers” (Ps 8:6).

Mastery is a type of Godly power.

With this comes reverential responsibility.

First to Glorious God.

To His important Presence and mighty acts.

We are to consult Him and give thanks for who He is and what He does.

He is the “Commander of Angel Armies”…our “crown of glory and a diadem of beauty for the remnant of his people” (Is 28:5).

He empowers us by giving us everything we need.

He deserves all the credit (credit being a type of glory), as well as honor and praise, lest we think we accomplished great exploits all on our own (Eph 2:9, 3:7).

1 Corinthians 10:31 TPT instructs us to “…live your life in a way that glorifies and honors God.”

To do this, we must acknowledge our Hope of Glory, which is Jesus.

“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” (Col 1:27)!

Strong’s Concordance defines “glory” in Colossians 1:27 as “the unspoken manifestation of God.” This divine glory in us also encompasses God’s approval, which determines our value, as well as His excellence, dignity, splendor, honor, and brightness.

We can trust and be confident in this, according to God’s Word.

2 Corinthians 3:18 TPT reveals, “We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil, we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image, as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

As God leads and grows us from glory to glory, we realize God’s beauty and strength increases in our soul. In this way, there is a completion element in glory. Completion means: integration, perfection, fruition, and fulfillment. So, when we master one level or area of growth, by submission to the Master (Adonai), we’ve completed that portion. Then God moves us onward to the next glory, until we complete our race on earth and receive our glorified bodies for Heaven. 

If you’ve been suffering through tests and trials, know that God’s glory will be with you throughout, and that His glory will also be your completion. In other words, your story will end in glory.

So, don’t give up. 

Walk closely with God, who is never defeated.

Remain in His glory.

God will help you finish your race victoriously. 

Proverbs 4:9 TPT assures us that, “You will be adorned with beauty and grace, and wisdom’s glory will wrap itself around you, making you victorious in the race.”

When we put on Christ, who is our royal diadem, our crown of glory, we put on His victory of life, the finished work of the cross (Gal 3:27).

Remember, too, that God glorifies us to bring Himself glory. 

Isaiah 55:5 TPT affirms this by saying, “Look! You will summon nations you’ve never heard of. Nations, who have never heard of you, will come running to follow you because Yahweh, your God, the Holy One of Israel, has glorified you!”

Never forget that God’s glory is in and around you—His redeemed and beloved.

Psalms 62:7 TPT declares, “God’s glory is all around me! His wrap-around presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength.”

Zechariah 2:5 AMP confirms this by saying, “‘For I,’ declares the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire around her [protecting her from enemies], and I will be the glory in her midst.'”

Proverbs 31:25 TPT says, “Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her, as she laughs with joy over the latter days.”

Bible characters like Esther, Joseph and David understood God’s glory-power, as protective armor and influence. They glorified God by acknowledging who He is, by seeking Him, by depending upon Him, and magnifying Him above their life-or-death circumstances, even beyond themselves. Each had a nation to consider. Each endured suffering to discover a glorious, new life with a noble promotion.

We can do the same when we lean into the nobility of trustworthy God, to live lives that bring Him glory (Ps 29:1). 

Song of Songs 5:14 TPT invites us to, “See how his hands hold unlimited power…displaying his glory. His innermost place is a work of art—so beautiful and bright. How magnificent and noble is this one—covered in majesty!”

Pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord, “…your power and presence shines on all your lovers. Your glory always hovers over all who bow low before you” (Ps 85:9). Thank You for giving me moral power, and excellence in my soul. Thank You for enabling me to “carry this glorious treasure within” me, “so that the extraordinary overflow of power, will be seen as” Yours, “not” mine (2 Cor 4:7). I repent of every time I misused Your glory, and boasted about myself or others, in an ungodly way (Jer 9:23). Please forgive me. I choose to forgive myself. I renounce this wrong behavior. And, I command evil to go. I close the door on evil. Show me a higher way, Lord. Help me to bring You glory in everything I do (2 Cor 10:17). Help me to know and understand You “[personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing” Your “character], that” You are the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things,” You “delight” (Jer 9:24). “Thank You for letting me share in the wealth and beauty of all your lovers,” rejoicing “with Your nation in all their joys, and” for letting “me share in the glory You give to Your chosen ones” (Ps 106:5). I look forward to seeing “the Son of Man, appearing in the midst of clouds, and revealed with mighty power, and great glory” (Mk 13:26).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

And now “I pray that” God “would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power” (Eph 3:16 TPT). “…[so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for” you “who believe as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, which” God “exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places]. (Eph 1:19-20 AMPC). I “…pray that you would be energized with all his explosive power from the realm of his magnificent glory, filling you with great hope” (Col 1:11 TPT). I pray that He will “rescue” you “every time” you “face tribulation and set” you “free from evil. For” God is “the King, who rules with power and glory forever…” (Matt 6:13 TPT). I pray that you will “proclaim his majesty, all you mighty champions, you” daughters “of Almighty God, giving all the glory and strength back to him” (Ps 29:1, Is 24:16)!

In Jesus’ Glorious and Powerful Name.

Amen.

This article was graciously reposted on the Salem Web Network, which includes iBelieve.com.