Tag: #Isaiah26:3

Posted on

Peace Understanding – Part 2

Hebrews 12:1 TPT says, “As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So, we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.”

Friends, it’s time to throw off every hinderance from our powerful path of peace.

It’s time to give every wound to Jesus and hand over every limitation in our lives. It’s time to invite Him to heal our hearts, so we don’t perpetuate cycles of pain inwardly or outwardly.

It’s time to run as the overcomers He made us to be, because it’s time for our Jabez prayers to manifest. It’s time to see the goodness of God in His expanse for us.

“Oh, that you would bless me,” Jabez prayed, “and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain” (1 Ch 4:10 NIV).

Friends, it’s time to be awed.

It’s time to be lifted above what once held us back and step into God’s beautiful and lofty place, as He continues to make us authentic, like Jacob.

“Let the king be enthralled by your beauty,” Psalm 45:11 NIV tells us, “honor him, for he is your lord.”

Friends, it’s time for action.

Two questions we can ask ourselves and God to gain His truth and understanding are: 

  1. What am I under, meaning what am I submitted to? 
  2. And how am I standing?

In other words, am I submitted unto The Lord God Almighty, operating in His character and ways? Submission is important because it’s the only way we will be able to finish our race victoriously (Mk 8:34).

Isaiah 26:3 AMPC says, “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.”

So, a few weeks ago, Holy Spirit highlighted condemnation to me as a hindrance to our strength of peace.

He brought to mind the forgiven adulteress in John 8 and led me to take a deeper look. 

Holy Spirit revealed to me that hopelessness had taken root in this woman’s heart, which caused an inward attitude of condemnation that she projected and acted on outwardly. This lie of hopelessness in her heart perpetuated cycles of condemnation in her life.

It was a trap for this woman and for Jesus (Pr 1:17-19 TPT).

Friends, we cannot have peace if we don’t have hope, because hope is an anchor and a stabilizer that sets us on our Lord’s path of peace (He 6:19).

In this woman’s case, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, stood for truth and met her where she was to set her free, right in front of her accusers. The accusers (who were aligned with the devil) judged her outward appearance and distanced themselves from Jesus as He brought conviction to their consciences (1 Sa 16:7, Jn 8:9).

The accusers couldn’t stand because they didn’t operate under Jesus’ strength of truth and peace.

Instead, that gang operated under gossip, not Gospel; and covert collusion, not divine collaboration. They weren’t aligned with the compassionate heart of Jesus, and they didn’t want to be.

This is why we have to go deep with God—so we can escape evil and run the distance with Jesus. We must go all the way to promises fulfilled and not stop in the desert of our souls.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 TPT reveal that every Word from God “has been inspired by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you.”

There are key pinnacles of victory, in the various facets of our lives, that are set before us in this fitting time. As Holy Spirit delivers us out of cycles of darkness.

To the extent that we let our Lord reign in our lives is the extent that He will prosper us. It’s not so much of a reward for enduring hardship as it is about the deliverance from hindrances during the hardship that frees us up, so God can shine in and through us most brightly (Jn 1:5, 8:12 AMPC).

God is our only hope to conquer our mountain of flesh and the enemy’s lies.

He is the Lord of the breakthrough that enables us to conquer enemies that work through our flesh, such as the sins of condemnation and false judgment that we see the gossip gang project in John 8 (2 Sa 5:20, Is 28:21 TPT study note).

John 8:8 TPT says, “And then he bent over again and wrote some more words in the dust.”

Just like for the forgiven woman, the powerful and true Words of Jesus sets us free on a path of peace. 

This is good news, especially for those of us who walked through the training of divine discipline to live in greater holiness and experience the harvest of the “peaceable fruit of righteousness” (He 12:11).

Jesus changed the forgiven woman’s atmosphere, environment and life.

When Jesus said, “Dear woman, where are your accusers? Is there no one here to condemn you?” He spoke that shift (of attitude) into being. He revealed fresh vision to her.

When Jesus said, “…I certainly don’t condemn you either. Go, and from now on, be free from a life of sin,” He re-set her on a path of new life (Jn 8:11 TPT, Ro 8:11).

For this forgiven woman, it was time to walk out her salvation, “time to be made new by every revelation” that was given to her (Ep 4:23 TPT).

It was time to walk deeper into her divine destiny.

If you’ve been living your life under condemnation, it’s time for a pivot of deliverance and true intimacy.

It’s time for clear vision and direction. 

It’s time for a path of peace.

It’s time for manifest victory.

Remember Romans 10:11 AMPC, which says, “…No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed.

If you’re ready, pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord, 

Thank You for Your destiny plan for me. I confess, as sin, having operated in any and all hopelessness and condemnation. I renounce this disobedient behavior and every spirit that’s not of You. I forgive others and myself for any and all imposition. I receive Your forgiveness offered to me by the finished work of the cross. I invite You to uproot any and all hopelessness in my heart and restore my true foundation of hope. I receive Your new path of life for me. I choose to follow You as my faithful glory cloud by day and my fire by night, leading me out of all darkness into the fulfillment of Your promises to me. Open my eyes, Lord, to see Your goodness as You make my path straight, merciful and peaceful (1 Pe 1:3-5 TPT). Help me to know my worth through Your eyes. Thank You for Your grace of redemption. Thank You for working out my salvation.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen.

Friends, as we close, remember Mark 8:34 TPT, where Jesus tells us how to remain in His light. He says, “…If you truly want to follow me, you should at once completely disown your own life. And you must be willing to share my cross and experience it as your own, as you continually surrender to my ways.”

To God be the glory.

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

Posted on

Peace Understanding – Part 1

We’ve heard of the peace that surpasses understanding in Philippians 4:7, where we experience the Presence of The God of Peace while going through a difficult time. 

But there’s also a holy peace, a kind of confidence that comes when we live in a reality of knowing God, understanding His ways and applying His wisdom as He reveals Himself and His will in everyday life (Is 26:3).

Proverbs 4:7 tells us to “get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).”

A kind of wisdom.

Yet, Job 26:14 AMPC asks, who can understand “His full, magnificent power?” 

So, why would God instruct us to get understanding if He is too unfathomable to comprehend?

I believe the answer is that our Lord releases new levels of knowledge with understanding as we come to know Him from glory to glory. I believe it’s part of our growth journey to know Him more and to co-operate with Him by faith. I believe we need levels of understanding to accomplish progressively greater assignments with Him after we’ve passed faith tests.

Proverbs 3:13, 16-17 NIV say, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.”

The Lord’s offering of understanding to us comes with peace in knowing God’s final Word, His good and purposed outcome for us and our divinely-assigned projects and His how-to—all by His authority and our heart to receive and obey His heart (Ps 23:4 TPT).

As a righteous man (and the only one at the time), Noah experienced this.

God was very specific with His instructions to him, even down to the measurements of the ark as well as who and what to load on it when the time came.

God articulated.

He left nothing to mess up by man’s ignorance.

Likewise, there’s no time to waste in this modern-day, accelerated and fitting time, where pieces of our lives (and the greater remnant) converge for higher purposes.

There is efficiency in working from a diligent attitude of peaceful knowing. Work processes can flow when we know what to do and how to do them in advance. 

When we know God is in it from the beginning.

It makes a difference.

Yes, we also learn as we go; but we need some initial instruction and/or strategy.

Have you ever started a project and wondered whether it was of The Lord?

If so, maybe you kept going, hoping you would hear something from Him along the way.

Or maybe you gave up early on, because you didn’t hear anything. 

In the end, the door closed and you didn’t see much, if any, fruit. 

So, if that’s you, what did you learn?

Friends, when our hearts are aligned with God’s truth, meaning nothing is withheld from Him, we’re more inclined to do it His way.

To submit to Him and finish projects with Him.

This is true efficiency. 

Psalm 37:11 AMPC tells us, “But the meek [in the end] shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. [Ps. 37:29; Matt. 5:5.]”

This kind of peace is God’s shalom, which means nothing missing, nothing broken, blessed, content, well, prosperous, whole and complete (Strong’s #7965).

So, we can receive the greater blessings of God when we do it His way, according to His instruction and timing.

Isaiah 30:18 says, “…blessed are those who wait for His help.”

Proverbs 10:22 AMPC says, “The blessing of the Lord–it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it].”

One meaning of “blessing” in this verse is “peace” (Strong’s #1293).

So, you could read it as “The peace of the Lord–it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it].”

Friends, peace is a powerful clarifier and confirmation that comes directly from the Spirit of God.

The Author and Promotor (God) of peace will be with us when we live in peace (2 Co 13:11 AMPC).

So, if all we’re feeling is anxiety because we don’t have enough of God’s clear instruction, we need to wait until we hear more from Him before we take the next step. 

Let’s choose to honor God in the only way that works well.

Philippians 4:9 NIV says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

So, friends, let’s step into what God has assigned to us, according to His instruction and timing to work it His way so that we don’t waste our resources, and our projects will result in pure gold. 

Let’s remember the important role of peace:

The God of peace equips us with “every good thing to do His will” (He 13:20-21 NASB).

The Gospel is peace (Ep 6:15).

Jesus is our peace (Ep 2:14).

Jesus is The Prince of Peace (Is 9:6).

Jesus is the way of peace (Ro 5:1).

Peace is a path that is to be followed (Pr 3:17, He 12:14, 2 Ti 2:22). 

Reconciliation peace came by the blood of Jesus (Co 1:20 AMPC).

Our God of peace crushed Satan under our feet (Ro 16:20).

Peace is a gift Jesus left with us (Jn 14:27).

Our Lord multiplies peace (1 Pe 1:2).

The peace of Jesus is to rule in our hearts (Co 3:15).

Peace is continual for those who please God (Ro 2:10).

Peacemakers reap a harvest of divine approval (righteousness) (Ja 3:18).

The mind of Holy Spirit is peace (Ro 8:6).

Peace is power that can be felt and binds us to harmony with Holy Spirit (Ep 4:3).

We are to pursue peace and maintain it with God and man (1 Pe 3:11).

Holding peace is a war strategy that requires understanding (Ex 14:14, Pr 11:12).

The Kingdom of God is filled with peace, and God lives for us to live in peace (Ro 14:17, He 12:14).

So, friends, are you ready to co-operate with God in more peace understanding?

If so…

“…May God’s delightful grace and peace rest upon you” (1 Th 1:1). 

May Holy Spirit work His peace within you (Ga 5:22 AMPC).

“…May the Lord himself, the Lord of peace, pour into you his peace in every circumstance and in every possible way. The Lord’s tangible presence be with you all” (2 Th 3:16 TPT). 

“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]” (Co 3:15 AMPC). 

May God increase your peace (and grace) as you grow to know Him firsthand as your Lord (2 Pe 1:2 NLT).

May God’s “peace be yours in the fullest measure” (1 Pe 1:2).

“…may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely” (1 Th 5:23 NKJV);

“…Yes, Lord, so let it be” (Ro 15:33)!

In Jesus’ Mighty Name. 

Amen.

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

Posted on

Abundant Riches & Life – Part 2

Colossians 3:16 NLT says, “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives…”

Richness in this verse refers to “much in quantity” (HELPS Word-studies). 

Abundance.

This verse goes on to advise teaching and counseling with the wisdom of God and praise unto The Lord with thankful hearts.

So, friends, as we remain close to The Lord, we must step into His assignments and walk with Him in submission to His ways, knowing He will guide us into His best fulfillment; because we cannot be full of ourselves and the fullness of God. 

The fullness of The Lord requires our surrender to Him.

Remember this key: The way to abundant life is to fear The Lord. 

Proverbs 14:27 NIV says, “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.”

Fear, in this scripture, means deep reverence (Strong’s #3374). Reverence that would cause us to bow to Him (Ps 45:11).

Proverbs 19:23 TPT says, “When you live a life of abandoned love, surrendered before the awe of God, here’s what you’ll experience: Abundant life. Continual protection. And complete satisfaction!”

Remember this key: The way to maintain this abundance is by His true kindness of character and demeanor—our yield to His life-giving Fruit of The Spirit (Ga 5:22, Is 26:3).

Romans 11:22 NIV says, “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.”

This kindness (Strong’s #5544 and #5543) is a type of strength that makes us properly useful for His good service, well-fit for what is needed, upright, morally excellent, gentle, cruelty-free and profitable.

An example of this would be Esther, who was made ready and kindly approached the king. Her wise and fruitful demeanor of kindness influenced the king to make decisions that would take out her enemy and save a nation (Es 5:2).

Esther understood that her enthronement was linked with the kindness and peace of God. This submission to God was the stance from which she served and ruled victoriously (Is 26:3).

As we yield to this Fruit of the Spirit, we will remain in a place of blessing and trust God to do that which only He is fit to do. 

This is of particular importance as we continue into this fitting time, where darkness shakes off and Spirit-produced goodness prevails. Where God reorders parts of our lives into a convergence that hits the target of destiny and reaches far. 

Our Lord has some big inheritances for us to step into.

Are you ready?

Very recently, He highlighted Psalm 47:4 TPT to me, which says, “He’s marked out our inheritance ahead of time, putting us in the front of the line, honoring Jacob, the one he loves…”

Holy Spirit gave me the understanding that those who have been delivered from the false pride of Jacob will continue into their greater God-ordained inheritance.

Interestingly, the Promised Land is also called “’The Excellency of Jacob,’ which literally means ‘the loftiness of Jacob’” (Ellicott’s Commentary) “on account of its beauty and the excellence and variety of its productions” (Pulpit Commentary).

So, what beautiful high place is God bringing authentic you into right now?

What excellent fruit will He produce and establish through you (Amos 9:14-15)?

Holy Spirit desires to reveal His destiny-plan, because we cannot live out divine destiny based on our own knowledge.

Proverbs 15:33 TPT reminds us that “The source of revelation-knowledge is found as you fall down in surrender before the Lord. Don’t expect to see Shekinah glory until the Lord sees your sincere humility.”

Psalm 50:23 NLT assures us that “…If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”

We know this is done by God’s Spirit of Grace, “along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Ti 1:14 NIV). 

I love the Words of Jesus in John 17:13, 15, 17-18 NKJV, which say, “But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”

Friends, as His sent ones, let’s put our hand to the plow and not look back. Let’s stay the course of Holy Spirit’s kind actions for His glory (Philippians 3:13, Is 48:3 AMP).

Remember these Words in Psalm 72:6-7 TPT, which say, “Your favor will fall like rain upon our surrendered lives, like showers reviving the earth. In the days of his reign the righteous will spring forth with the abundance of peace and prosperity forevermore.”

So, we declare The Lord’s Words in Isaiah 45:8 AMPC, which say, “Let fall in showers, you heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness [the pure, spiritual, heaven-born possibilities that have their foundation in the holy being of God]; let the earth open, and let them [skies and earth] sprout forth salvation, and let righteousness germinate and spring up [as plants do] together; I the Lord have created it.”

And as we contend to do what The Lord instructs, let’s remember Psalm 20:4 NKJV, which says, ” May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.”

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

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

Posted on

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.