Tag: #Philippians4:13

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Good News – Part 2

When I was in middle school I ran track. Thankfully, I had an amazing coach, who taught me proper techniques for running races. Although I wasn’t the fastest girl on the team, those were invaluable lessons I carried into adulthood and apply even now to life in general.

A few of my favorites are:

1. Don’t be distracted by opponents.

2. Stay in your lane.

3. Keep your head and eyes straight forward.

4. Beat your own best time.

As I mentioned, I wasn’t the fastest girl. But I figured out, early on, there was a race I could be a part of winning. It was my favorite then and still is today: the relay.

Out on the track, there was nothing more exhilarating to me than the anticipation of seeing the runner behind me approach. I could feel my heart race even before my feet. As she got closer, I would sync in step with her, reach for the baton, grab it and take off as if running for my life.

I gave it my all, but it was never enough; because no one can win a relay by themselves. Winning this race requires team effort.

This principle links back to Part 1 of this series, where God asks Moses, “What is that in your hand” (Ex 4:2 NIV)?

“A staff,” Moses replied.

Moses couldn’t part the Red Sea alone. He knew he couldn’t gain victory for himself or others by himself. But with God’s grace-power and authority operating through Moses and his staff, he could do the impossible (Ex 15:6 NIV).

1 Chronicles 29:12 NIV tells us that God is “the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.”

So, when we receive God’s hand to do what we cannot do alone, He releases His power and authority through us to accomplish His will. We become His hands and feet on earth. We don’t have to fear when we know we are in the palm of His hand.

All through scripture, we find that God establishes His will through our hands and that our lives and times are in God’s hand (1 Sa 24:20, Ps 31:15, Je 26:14).

God is the lifter of our hands, the One who offers us victory over opposition (Mi 5:9, Jo 8:18). He even calls us His “wreath of victory” in Philippians 4:1 AMP. With God, we can move faster than we think and affect many lives.

In early October, our Lord revealed to me that there are those, like Moses, who have not given up but have persisted in “impossible” assignments (races). These persistent ones are about to finish their final segments in victory by God’s Spirit—by His power and authority.

These are people who have been matured over time. Ones who have been strengthened to run with God in abundance (Ph 4:13, Ps 67:6 AMP).

God is unveiling His beauty that He restored in them deeply. They are emerging fluidly into their time to beacon, as God showcases His glory through these deliverers (Ac 13:47).

When God highlights them, we will come to know them in a new way, on a new level and in new areas. Many of them are close to us—those we think we have known for a long time but actually only knew on the surface.

Are you one of these deliverers? What has God empowered you to do?

Philippians 1:6 ESV says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

God is able and He has made you able, because you have synced with Him in the race. He is behind you, in front of you and alongside you cheering you on.

God has placed His baton of victory in your hand to finish a final segment of a race (assignment). Know that, when this race is over, there will be another one up ahead, just on the other side of a brief rest.

God offers us a strategy to run in peace and well-being in our daily race in Philippians 4 by reminding us who we are in Him and revealing His proper techniques for running races:

Verse 1 – He calls us His beloved and instructs us to “stand firm” in Him.

Verse 2 – He tells us “to work in harmony” with Him.

Verse 3 – He advises us to help others who work “in the [cause of the] gospel.”

Verse 4 – He says to “Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him].”

Verse 5 – He instructs us to let our “gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people.”

Verse 6 – He invites us to not be anxious or worried and to bring our concerns to Him with thanksgiving.

Verse 7 – He assures us that He will guard our hearts and minds with His peace.

Verse 8 – He commands us to focus on His truth, honor, righteousness, purity, beauty, peace, goodness, excellence and praise worthiness.

On the second day of seeking God to write this devotion, I asked our Lord what else He desired to say. He brought to mind the old gospel pop song, Put Your Hand in the Hand, which I hadn’t heard in years.

As I searched it out, I realized this song was released the same year that I had begun running track in middle school.

Let’s remember these lyrics as we go forward:

Put your hand in the hand of the man

Who stilled the water

Put your hand in the hand of the man

Who calmed the sea

Take a look at yourself

And you can look at others differently

Put your hand in the hand of the man

From Galilee.

The scripture reference Holy Spirit led me to was Isaiah 41:13 AMP, which says, “For I the Lord your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.'”

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

So, friends, God’s good news is that He is about to show us greater victories than we’ve ever known as we decide to trust Him enough to run with our hand in His and finish our races (assignments) strong.

To Him be the glory.

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

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Salvation: Riches & Treasures – Part 1

Recently, during quiet time with The Lord, He reminded me that one person’s release to step out of what feels like a box is another person’s promotion. He revealed to me that remaining connected with former roles that we have outgrown is actually a form of compromise and no longer fitting.

So, what new fit does God have for us right now?

I discovered His clues lie in our immediate heart’s desires, our divine assignments and in our frustrations (or perceived limitations) of not stepping into them. 

I discovered that Holy Spirit will reveal His clues to more of this mystery as we earnestly seek Him and pray through our pressing issues and questions.

He is God of our salvation, the God of our breakthrough.

He will honor our authentic reach for Him.

His Word assures us that He will make His way of peace known to us in our time of trouble (Is 33:2).

Luke 1:77-79 NLT offer us a strategy and an assurance by saying, “You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Yes, God will shine His light on our issues to set us free.

2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT reminds us, “For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation…”

So, oftentimes, the freedom of new life awaits us on the other side of our confession of unwitting compromise, which was true for me.

Psalm 149:4 AMP tells us, “For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.”

Another clue to greater freedom is to consider what we have faithfully sown that God is now taking to the next level.

What can feel like a limitation is often a precursor to an invitation from The Lord to expand us in many ways.

To enrich us. 

2 Corinthians 9:11 TPT says, “You will be abundantly enriched in every way as you give generously on every occasion, for when we take your gifts to those in need, it causes many to give thanks to God.”

By His Spirit, The Lord makes us rich in every way so we can continue to co-labor with Him to expand His Kingdom, which includes blessing others.

God has riches stored up for us as treasure that He desires to release to us as we are able to receive (Da 12:3).

So, what may feel like an old confinement is really a heightened prompting toward a new beginning of expansion for the glory of God.

Knowing this, are there any hindrances that need to go so we can shift into this new place? Any doors to compromise that we need to close? Any idols we need to lay at His altar? 

Even mindsets that may seem wise may not be God’s way, especially if they’re rooted in fear, not love and faith. 

Have you been able to see beyond where you’ve been?

Have you asked The Lord to reveal His vision to you for 2021?

What role(s) has God paved the way through you for others to step into?

To be sure, God will work out His salvation in our lives by His grace as we step through new thresholds (Philippians 2:12). 

New life awaits us and will lead us into God’s best riches (blessings) and treasures (stored up blessings) for us.

In other words, He will provide an escape from the place of confinement and deliver us safely into the place of new growth that’s right in front of us. He will also provide new relationships to help us forward, as well as replacements for the role(s) from which we depart.

We need only to receive God’s rescue and courageously follow His lead.

So, may we release every limitation to Him and accept His invitations.

May we be an awakened bride over one that doesn’t bring it (Matt 25:1-13).

May we be up for the task(s).

Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13 TPT by saying, “I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however, I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead.”

God further assures us through Paul that we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13). 

So, pray with me if you will…

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for Your mercy that forgives our compromises and Your grace that propels us forward. I invite You to shine Your light on any and every compromise in my life and bring the conviction that leads me to repentance. Enable me to receive every invitation You have for me in this season and beyond.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen.  

And now, may “Our hero, come and rescue us! O God of the breakthrough, for the glory of your name, come and help us! Forgive and restore us; heal us and cover us in your love” (Ps 79:9 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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Obedience Strategy: Confidence in God – Part 1

Nearly two weeks ago, on the morning of October 5, 2020 (hours before President Trump returned from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center), The Lord showed me a vision of a big, bold eagle high in the sky.

It expanded as I continued to gaze. 

Behind the eagle were several curly contrails, depicting strength and velocity. 

When I asked The Lord what this represented, He showed me the Word “America.” 

He impressed my heart with the understanding that the USA is making a powerful comeback by His fire and wind and that He is making it happen swiftly. 

The scripture The Lord gave to me was Psalm 103:5 TPT, which says, “You satisfy my every desire with good things. You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky!”

The AMPC version says, “Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]! [Isa. 40:31.]”

God will continue to raise up His yielded (and trusted) ones for His glory.  

God reminded me that He looks for those to bless and that He is about to re-seat them in new, impactful roles. 

For those who have lost jobs, especially due to this year’s economic crisis, this is good news. 

God is turning circumstances. As His yielded ones continue to rise spiritually, they will be met with offers—some coming through a trickle-down effect—both spiritually and naturally. 

The Lord reminded me that much provision is on the other side of defeating the enemy of the soul. 

Think spoils—rewards for overcoming—done God’s way (2 Co 10:3). 

Biblically, it happened for David and for Joshua and Caleb, each of whom outgrew the purpose of their enemies, which was to drive them closer to God to accomplish His mission with Him.

God’s training arenas were their own families and communities.

These wholehearted leaders learned to hold onto God’s promises until they became their outward reality.

These leaders learned to overcome their enemies by trusting God to give them unique strategies and grace-power for each battle as they obeyed Him (2 Co 10:3).

They learned to step forth with God and take dominion by their obedience to His instruction.

Likewise, when we run to God in trust and reliance—our hearts made willing to receive the seeds of His Word as truth—God can produce exponential fruit through us to the point of outward multiplicity. 

This strong, intimate connection with God is one of dwelling in the blessed, fertile life—authentically living above lesser things—by the power of Holy Spirit.

We must come to know that God has us in an ascended position, able to receive His manifest blessings on an above-and-beyond level. 

We know He has our best interest at heart.

We know His compassion.

And we trust Him implicitly as Mercy and Justice on our behalf. 

This is the beginning of expanded living that goes beyond what we’ve known to reach others.

And it’s done by His Spirit.

It’s what Jabez prayed for in 1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV, which says, “‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain’…”

We can sync with God in Word and deed: Obedience to the heart of God, confidently remembering what He has already done for us and expecting Him to do more through us. 

We can know that He caught and carries us. 

Deuteronomy 32:11 NASB says, “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spreads His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions.”

Exodus 19:4 NLT says, “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”

Isaiah 40:29, 31 ESV say, “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

God is lifting us to arise and advance. He is restoring honor within our nation and among His people.

He is manifesting God-size dreams. 

Are you in position to receive God’s finest blessings?

If you’re not there yet, you can choose to ask God for a fresh perspective (to see as He sees). 

You can trust God and let Him carry you to a place of freedom and strength. 

You can put your confidence fully in Him, as your sufficiency comes from Him (Philippians 4:13). 

His way is a sure win. 

Romans 15:13 NIV says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

To God be the glory.

Join me next week for Part 2 of Obedience Strategy: Confidence in God.

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

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Fire Arising – Part 2

What is God revealing to you now?

Proverbs 30:5 NKJV says, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”

God’s Word brings a truth test, intended to infuse His Spirit of Truth more into souls who will trust Him to receive and live out His truth. 

God is love, and His Words have the power to purify us as fire: Consuming fire to eliminate confusion brought on by a mixture of enemy lies. And passion-fire as we run to Him in tests to experience His deliverance and become more established in His higher order. 

God proves Himself as a shield to those who respond to Him in love. As He produces greater righteousness and holiness in our lives, we see His goodness blossom (Ps 66:12). Our eyes are opened to see as He sees from a higher level. 

Luke 1:78 NLT says, “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us.”

Friends, our vagabond season is over.

The Lord has new assignments now to bring greater prosperity to His Kingdom (Ze 9:12).

They’re springing up. Do you see them (Is 43:19)?

As we continue to seek The Lord, his resurrection life flows outward as it continues to propel us upward. It has the power to produce fruit as luxuries and refined gifts as Holy Spirit has refined us inwardly.

Tangible expressions of His beauty, even in little things. 

Proverbs 22:17 TPT instructs us to “Listen carefully and open your heart. Drink in the wise revelation that I impart.”

God has new instructions and new blessings for us in this season.

He may give us night dreams or day visions for new inventions or even divine intelligence beyond ourselves to complete an assignment.

Are you open to His Spirit? Are you ready to move forward and do the work in full submission to Him to have His full anointing?

God anticipates our steps of faith-obedience.

So, friends, be ready to prove out a life of blessing above a life of past consequence—nothing missing, nothing broken—as The Lord’s water of repentance has washed us and we continue to sync with Him in greater wholeness.

Matthew 3:11 AMPC says, “I indeed baptize you in (with) water because of repentance [that is, because of your changing your minds for the better, heartily amending your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins]. But He…will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

So, there is more fruit to be realized just ahead.

And, as we go, we must also remember that God is the one empowering us.

2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT tells us that “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.”

Philippians 4:13 AMPC reminds us that “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].”

God has more glory before us than we’ve ever experienced in our past. So, we must remain in the race and rise in our hearts to take the next step as He fires the gun forward.

To arise means to stand up and abide with God (Strong’s #6965). It means to “awaken” and “to come into being, action, or notice; originate; appear; spring up.” It means to “proceed,” to “ascend.” (Dictionary.com). It means to mount up like eagles above past storms to produce good results by His Spirit (Is 40:31).

Friends, it’s time to “ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you–rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! [Zech. 8:23]” (Is 60:1).

It’s time for the mega shifts for which God has enabled us. 

It’s time to arise and take our place before and alongside our King as in Esther 8:4 NIV, which says, “Then the king extended the gold scepter to Esther and she arose and stood before him.”

Friends, God as made us beautiful—fitting and appropriate for such a time as this. He sees us as such. He has extended an invitation of abundance to us, even beyond ourselves to impassion others. 

It’s our time for God’s deeply personal promises to us to begin to manifest. Look around. Open your eyes to see the restoration of little luxuries in your life and be encouraged. God’s manifest promises will snowball from here as we obey His instructions. 

God has brought us through fire and flood to “bring us out better than we were before, saturated with His goodness” (Ps 66:12). He has “brought us out into a place of abundance.”

Friends, let’s believe Him at His truth. 

Let’s take courage and run with Him.

Let’s hearken to Song of Songs 2:10 TPT, which says, “The one I love calls to me: Arise, my dearest. Hurry, my darling. Come away with me! I have come as you have asked to draw you to my heart and lead you out. For now, is the time, my beautiful one.”

To God be the glory. 

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