Tag: #Colossians2:7

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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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Obedience Strategy: Truth of Faith – Part 2

God’s truth of faith is that His truth is certain to bring to pass that which He put in us to believe, as we trust and obey Him (Ps 25:10).

We can count on this in regards to our personal lives and even in healing national woes (Pr 13:17). 

The true message of Godly ambassadors and kings is the message of Christ, the Anointed One, who brings new life, even on earth.

And nothing is too big for Him.

Jesus said in John 6:47 TPT, “I speak to you living truth: Unite your heart to me and believe—and you will experience eternal life!”

Jesus also says in John 7:38 TPT, “Believe in me so that rivers of living water will burst out from within you, flowing from your innermost being, just like the Scripture says!”

So, friends, do you believe in God’s truth that says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (He 13:8)?

If you believe this, then you are ready to step into His best.

Paul, as a faithful messenger, knew the power of God’s truth to persuade us toward His best, which includes good works (Titus 1:1, 3:8).

In Colossians 1:28 TPT he proclaims, “Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. It has become my inspiration and passion in ministry to labor with a tireless intensity, with his power flowing through me, to present to every believer the revelation of being his perfect one in Jesus Christ.”

Paul could understand this message and do this mission, because he knew the Spirit of Truth, The Spirit of Faith. 

The Spirit of Christ, who is The Holy Spirit in us.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:13 TPT that “We have the same Spirit of faith that is described in the Scriptures when it says, “First I believed, then I spoke in faith…”

We know that faith comes by hearing the living, powerful and spoken Word of God, which is God (Ro 10:17, Strong’s #4487 – rhema; Jn 1:1).

And we know that, when we apply this faith-believing by speaking God’s truth, mountains move (Matt 17:20, Mk 11:23). 

God’s faithful ones can do mighty miracles by His Spirit.

Jesus says so in John 14:12 TPT. He says, “I tell you this timeless truth: The person who follows me in faith, believing in me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with my Father!”

Jesus gives His power and authority to those who follow Him (The Spirit of Truth) in faith-believing.

So, friends, do you believe in miracles?

If so, it’s time to take mountains. 

What is it that you are believing for by faith?

In your heart, what personal promises from God are so real to you that you know them to be true?

God’s truth upholds the desires and dreams He put in you as He faithfully persuades you to co-labor with Him to bring them to fruition.

Because God is true, you can be certain He will do it, as you trust and obey Him.

Proverbs 4:2 TPT assures us that “My revelation-truth is a gift to you, so remain faithful to my instruction.”

We can seek the Spirit of Truth and Faith in prayer, praise and Word. We can find Him in the midst of any and every situation around us. 

He’s there.

Waiting for us to come near to Him to help us in the process. 

To harden us to difficulties, to soften our hearts to Him, to strengthen us in revelation-understanding of His truth.

To grow us up.

To set us free.

So, are you ready for your long-held dreams to come true as you come to know Him more and reach out to others?

God promises us in Colossians 1:5 TPT that “Your faith and love rise within you as you access all the treasures of your inheritance stored up in the heavenly realm. For the revelation of the true gospel is as real today as the day you first heard of our glorious hope… ” 

God will make us faithful messengers of holiness as He works out our dreams.

1 Timothy 4:12 TPT instructs us to “…simply be the example they need to see by being faithful and true in all that you do. Speak the truth and live a life of purity and authentic love as you remain strong in your faith.”

2 Corinthians 3:12 TPT says, “So then, with this amazing hope living in us, we step out in freedom and boldness to speak the truth.”

Psalm 15:4 TPT tells us that “They will speak out passionately against evil and evil workers while commending the faithful ones who follow after the truth. They make firm commitments and follow through, even at great cost.”

As we go, “… the word continues to be an energizing force in you who believe” (1Th 2:13 TPT).

The only way we can go the distance victoriously is to be firmly rooted in Christ. 

“The Parable of the Sower” in Luke 8:15 TPT reminds us that “The seed that fell into good, fertile soil represents those lovers of truth who hear it deep within their hearts. They respond by clinging to the word, keeping it dear as they endure all things in faith. This is the seed that will one day bear much fruit in their lives.”

So, to become a faithful, fruit-bearing messenger, we must know and profess Christ as our message. We must remain in this truth and let it work to persuade us forward to follow His Spirit’s lead to go wherever He sends us and do whatever He calls us to do.

We must know that our faithfulness to Him will make an impact on many as He bring us into our dreams-come-true, not in an arrogant kind of way but in a let-your-light-shine way that draws others in. 

For His Glory.

So, Lord, may we continually live in Your truth of faith, Your marvelous wonder (Co 2:7).

For Your Great Name. 

Amen.

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

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Solidarity: Fellowship to Strengthen – Part 1

Solidarity is a “…fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group…” (Dictionary.com).

God has been awakening His bride to be firmly rooted in Him and to blossom into soul-and-spirit maturity and solidarity for His uncommon purposes.

To be a shining witness of His glory to the world. For Kingdom purposes.

As we come together to serve God, His purposed-power will be in His sharp arrow of convergence. 

God’s order of solidarity-power will be established beautifully as His faithful followers yield to Him inwardly, and step into divinely-assigned positions—in every facet and level of society.

I believe we can expect to see more and more of His courageous followers take seats, at the top of their fields, as God disarms and unseats the unwilling. I believe we will see, an undeniable and consistent power of God flow through His beloved to make their mark as they remain close to Him.

I believe multitudes will be touched. By His Spirit.

I believe The Lord will showcase Himself in greater ways than we’ve experienced before and that it will progress, into a movement of exponential victory for the world to see. Drawing even more people into closer fellowship with Him through His power in His movement of solidarity.

The revelation God gave to me on solidarity is that it’s the reality of His multitudes of people being established (strengthened) in Christ—made undivided and whole—for purposes even beyond themselves.

We see this in reference to Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14:22 TPT, which reveals that “At each place they went, they strengthened the lives of the believers and encouraged them to go deeper in their faith. And they taught them, ‘It is necessary for us to enter into the realm of God’s kingdom, because that’s the only way we will endure our many trials and persecutions.’”

We also see solidarity referenced in Luke 22:32 TPT, where Jesus says to Peter, “But I have prayed for you, Peter, that you would stay faithful to me no matter what comes. Remember this: after you have turned back to me and have been restored, make it your life mission to strengthen the faith of your brothers.”

1 Thessalonians 3:2 AMPC says, “And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in [spreading] the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, to strengthen and establish and to exhort and comfort and encourage you in your faith.”

The Apostle Paul also operated in solidarity. In Romans 1:11 AMPC, Paul says, “For I am yearning to see you, that I may impart and share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen and establish you;”

When we take a closer look at the word “solidarity,” we see that it contains the Latin word “soli,” which, according to Webster’s, is plural for “solo” and can mean “accommodating one person.”

As a single body of many believers, we know that One person.

Friends, God is assimilating this body—His mature bridal party without spot or wrinkle—to unite with Him in accommodating His Kingdom purposes of end-time harvest. 

Solidarity is from the Latin word, “solidum,” which means “whole sum.” Solidarity’s root word is from the Latin word “solidus,” which is “solid.”

Solid can mean (Webster’s): 

  • Made firmly and well.
  • Of one substance or character: as…solid gold.
  • Intimately friendly.
  • Reliable.
  • Not interrupted by a break or opening.

Friends, God desires that the whole sum of His believers remain wholehearted, standing on His solid foundation and moving in obedience to His directives as we co-labor with Him to grow His Kingdom. 

So, as we become more like Christ individually, we are made increasingly solid in His nature, character and glory to co-labor with Him in great exploits. As we individuals gather collectively, as the body of Christ, to co-labor with God, multiplicity (growth) happens.

In the momentum of this multiplicity and solidarity, we must remember that commission implies submission, and a solid (firm, wholehearted) faith to follow God consistently (Col 2:5).

Colossians 2:7 TPT tells us, “Your spiritual roots go deeply into his life as you are continually infused with strength, encouraged in every way. For you are established in the faith you have absorbed and enriched by your devotion to him!”

1 Corinthians 15:58 AMPC says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually) aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].”

So, friends, as we step out in solidarity, we must remember that, although safety in numbers is a close cousin to solidity, and Jesus has dis-empowered the world from harming us, we must remain in agreement (solidarity) with Him to retain access to His protection. To be “free from harm or risk” (Webster’s). 

2 Timothy 2:19 TPT reminds us that “…the firm foundation of God has written upon it these two inscriptions: ‘The Lord God recognizes those who are truly his!’ and, ‘Everyone who worships the name of the Lord Jesus must forsake wickedness!'”

So, the basics of moving in solidarity are that we must come into a fuller knowledge of Christ (Vine’s), eat solid food (He 5:12, 14; 1 Cor 3:2), and stand on the solid foundation of God (2 Tim 2:19), as we move forward to reach and strengthen others—by His Spirit. 

Friends, I pray that God will “grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]” (Ep 3:16 AMPC).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

Join me next week for part 2 of Solidarity: Fellowship to Strengthen.

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