Tag: #Romans15:13

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Authentic Heart

God’s Word wisely advises us to not be anxious about our lives in general (Lk 12:22). To not be anxious about tomorrow (Mt 6:34). To not even worry about what we will say (Mk 13:11). Or worry about how we will defend ourselves (Lk 12:11).

We strive to be daughters and sons after God’s own heart, like David, and to be courageously wholehearted, like Caleb. Because we know that God has given us the ability to move from anxiety to authenticity with His help as He constantly works on our behalves to bring us into wholeness.

So, how do we get from anxiety to authenticity to live out God’s abundant life for us as a battle of good over evil, light over darkness and Holy Spirit over flesh (Jn 10:10)?

His Word offers us a strategy against an anxious heart in Philippians 4:6 AMP, which says, “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.”

Therefore, God’s process to go from anxiety to authenticity is to pray and petition Him with gratitude. No matter what, everything we face in life can be willfully processed in this faithful attitude.

It begins with the heart of Jesus in us, His spiritually born-again ones, and ends in the fullness of victory when we return home to Heaven.

The middle involves diligently growing in holiness by increasingly receiving God’s virtuous characteristics and ways into our souls to become more like Him and see ourselves from His perspective so we can know and do His will.

Colossians 1:23 TPT wisely advises us to “…continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in.”

So, our best life is firmly rooted in a foundation of faith in our One True God, on which we can choose to stand and trust that He and His ways will work out His goodness for us, no matter what comes and goes.

It’s a lifelong journey that includes a timeline of trusting God enough to give up lesser things and reach higher to become like Him; and partner with Him to fulfill His calling and complete specific divine assignments (Ma 25:21).

On the contrary, anxiety works with the enemy to facilitate lack. Anxiety is propelled by fear and rooted in lies. Acting out of fear and lies is the opposite of operating out of love and truth, which causes us to move in a wrong direction from what God originally intended.

Since we reap what we sow, living in lies grows weeds of falsehood, including insecurity and pretense. This pretense is a facade of sin that works against the powerful shield of faith Jesus died to give us. This sin produces death in various forms.

But we don’t have to bring trouble on ourselves. Proverbs 28:26 TPT says that “when you lean on the wisdom from above, you will have a way to escape the troubles of your own making.”

Therefore, we will come to know God’s abundant life as we choose Him as first priority in all things (Ma 6:33).

To do this, we must “set” our “minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Co 3:2 NIV). This means remaining in God’s Word and Spirit of Presence.

So, since we become what we worship and attract what we worship, our best life comes from worshipping the only authentic High God worthy of worship.

We don’t have to settle for less.

Our wise, truthful, eternally gracious and merciful God, who is Love Himself, is for us, not against us. He desires that we experience Him in such depth of relationship that we release false burdens and find perfect rest in our dependency on Him as our faithful source to meet all of our needs.

It’s not about figuring it out on our own, which would be self-reliant. Proverbs 28:26 TPT tells us that “self-confident know-it-alls will prove to be fools.”

And, we don’t have to step on others to achieve anything. This would involve a lack mentality.

Rather, it’s about humbling ourselves before God to agree with Him and partner with Him His way. It’s about exploring, with enthusiasm, His how as we journey with Him. We can enjoy the adventure when we believe Him at His Word.

We must remember that His very life covenant, for which He died, was to bless us—to enable us to receive greater life than we deserve or can even imagine on earth as it is in Heaven. It’s a choice we make every moment of every day.

He invites us to invite Him, as the source of faith in us, to prove out His faithfulness in all areas of our lives.

So, do you trust Him at His Word for this true flow of life?

If not, ask Holy Spirit to reveal what you are believing that is working counter to His best plan for you. Then repent of having believed that lie. Renounce it. Turn back To God and His truth. Decide to take courage and agree with Him above all else, no matter what. And walk out your best life with your best attitude in agreement with Him.

Pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord,

Thank You for Your love for us. We renounce all lies of the evil one and choose to agree with You. Thank You that Your Word is faithful and true. It does not return void. It will go forth to accomplish the purpose and mission You sent it out to do (Is 55:11).

Show us Your glory, Lord, and help us to “feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill” our “thoughts with heavenly realities…not with the distractions of the natural realm” (Co 3:2 TPT).

Help us to take courage and yield to Your spirit, not our flesh. Help us depend on You, not on our own understanding (Pr 3:5). Help us to see as You see, to walk with You and to dwell with You every moment of the day. Help us to experience complete freedom in Your truth as You continue to establish it in our lives.

Thank You, Lord, for Your grace upon grace for taking us from glory to glory, from victory to victory. Thank You that we don’t have to worry about our days ahead, because You are faithful to Your Word.

Have Your way, Lord. Get us precisely where You desire we be. For Your glory.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen.

And now, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Ro 15:13).

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

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Victory Strategy: Be Ready – Part 2

The Lord’s renewed eagles, His transformed ones are to be ready—which means to arise with a disposition of willingness and eagerness—for long-awaited promises to be fulfilled.

God is opening our eyes to see more life in our commitment of faith as He moves us forward in greater peace.

Luke 7:50 TPT tells us that “…Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith in me has given you life. Now you may leave and walk in the ways of peace.”

The Lord has impressed my heart that, because of breakthroughs in our commitment of faith, blessings that were once locked and bound will now be unlocked and loosed.

Those who were once bound in chains can now abound in hope, made stronger in their commitment of faith forward (Ro 15:13).

It’s time to see our holy fire re-ignite from a place of resting in The God of peace during this Isaiah 61 time, which is “The Year of The Lord’s Favor.”

Romans 16:24 TPT says, “May the grace and favor of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, continually rest upon you all.”

Especially for those who have been through character-building, it’s time to yield to “a harvest of righteousness and peace” (He 12:11 TPT).

God’s harvest blessings will come into maturity through us as a result of devoting dedicated time with Him, receiving His revelations, then working from a place of peaceful assurance—with no hindrance of anxiety—because we will know God more as trustworthy (Ga 5:22, 1 Jn 4:18). 

In this place of resting in God, He reveals more of Himself, releasing divine purpose and deeply moving us with His wisdom, understanding, strategy, knowledge and reverence (Is 11:2 ESV).

Revelation and peace work together for us to also know His ways more, to establish confidence in our walk and to bring heaven to earth. They offer us understanding of Him as what was, what is and what is to come. 

Have you experienced the sweet Presence of God like this lately?

Like Ruth laying at the feet of Boaz, after laboring, before her divine purpose was fulfilled?

Resting with God is where we see His perspective clearly. It’s where our lives make sense in regards to how He has brought and is bringing all the pieces of our journey together for His glory. It’s where we find significance. God will enable us to experience this deeper turning point, where His revelatory truths alleviate our fears and bring new life of peace and passion. A place of sweet restoration, where we feel more secure at home and “well provided for” (Ru 3:1; De 33:12).

It’s where God breaks through for us, for Kingdom’s sake (Ro 14:17).

For destiny (fulfilled promises).

Keeping our minds stayed upon The Lord, by His grace, is how we find peace.

Romans 8:6 TPT tells us, “For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace.”

While resting at the feet of Jesus, our minds sync with His, so our feet can put changes in motion alongside Him. When we know Him at His feet, we experience Him fitting our feet with His peace as He reveals His plan to prosper us to bless others.

Resting in peace at Love’s (God’s) feet makes us ready.

Ephesians 6:15 ESV says, “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”

Being established in His peace is how we get to courageous.

In John 14:27 TPT, Jesus says, “I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!”

Constantly using our faith is how we live, rest and remain rooted in our faith (of His love). 

Ephesians 3:17 TPT tells us that “…by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.”

It’s time to be ready to go the distance and influence the earth anew, by His Spirit.

So, friends, pray with me if you will…

Lord, “illuminate the path that leads to the way of peace” (Lk 1:79). “…I’ll listen carefully for your voice and wait to hear whatever you say. Let me hear your promise of peace—the message every one of your godly lovers longs to hear. Don’t let us in our ignorance turn back from following you” (Ps 85:8 TPT).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

“Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him…” (Ro 15:13 TPT)! “Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of his one body. And always be thankful” (Co 3:15 TPT).

“Finally, beloved friends…Live continually in peace, and God, the source of love and peace, will mingle with you” (2 Co 13:11 TPT).

Even in your long-awaited opportunities.

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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Joy: Our Commanded Blessing

1 Thessalonians 5:16 TPT says, “Let joy be your continual feast.”

1 Peter 1:8-9 TPT say, “…through believing in him you are saturated with an ecstatic joy, indescribably sublime and immersed in glory. For you are reaping the harvest of your faith—the full salvation promised you—your souls’ victory!”

According to the Tyndale Bible Dictionary, there are two distinct types of joy: One is a feeling, which is not commanded. The other is an action, which is commanded.

In regards to joy being a feeling, this dictionary says, “Joy is a feeling called forth by well-being, success, or good fortune. A person automatically experiences it because of certain favorable circumstances. It cannot be commanded” (Ps 137:1-6).

In regards to joy being an action, this same dictionary says, “There is a joy that Scripture commands. That joy is action that can be engaged in regardless of how the person feels. Joy in adverse circumstances is possible only as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, who is present in every Christian” (Mt 5:11-12, Phil 4:4, 1 Thes 5:16, Jas 1:2).

Galatians 5:22 TPT affirms this by saying, “But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.”

Limitless, overflowing joy, like all the fruit of the Spirit, is an expression of the love and victory we have in Christ (Ps 21:1).

Romans 5:11 TPT says, “…we overflow with triumphant joy in our new relationship of living reconciled to God—all because of Jesus Christ!”

So this divine victory, expressed as joy, is what we have inside of us—sealed in our spirit as believers. And, it can overflow as we rejoice in The Lord, regardless of circumstance.

God greatly honors our intentional choice to rejoice in Him, despite enemy resistance.

Romans 5:2 says, “…as we keep on celebrating our hope of experiencing God’s glory,” “incredible joy bursts forth within us.”

Proverbs 28:12 TPT tells us, “The triumphant joy of God’s lovers releases great glory…”

Rejoicing in The Lord honors God, which invites Him to pour out His Spirit, not only through us like a fountain, but also upon us from Heaven above.

I have experienced this many times during praise and worship sessions, especially when my heart’s cry has been desperate.

There’s nothing more overwhelmingly satisfying, joyful and powerful than the tangible, glorious Presence of Almighty God, where all of His fruit is expressed as love.

Psalm 84:10 TPT says, “For just one day of intimacy with you is like a thousand days of joy rolled into one!…”

If you’ve never experienced this level of intimate joy, I invite you to try:

Get alone.

Play some worship music.

Worship God for an hour, focusing entirely on Him.

Then, see what happens.

A breaking through of enemy resistance into a heavenly realm occurs.

In God’s Glory-Presence, even more breakthrough occurs (Ps 35:9, 51:12, 145:7)!

Peace, revelation and healing occurs as the power of God is released.

So, if you need a lift from whatever is weighing you down, rejoice in The Lord.

Joy is our strength.

We know this from Nehemiah 8:10 AMPC, which commands us to, “…be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.”

Friends, we have a decision to make to remain on the side of victory by intentionally choosing to rejoice in The Lord with gladness, no matter what our circumstances or how we feel.

Romans 12:12 TPT encourages us to let our “hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times.”

Joy is a mighty weapon—as an escape from enemy traps (Pr 29:6 TPT) and a protective covering that the enemy cannot enter into (Ps 5:11-12 TPT)!

Friends, we have so much to be joyful for, beginning with our salvation. God has seated us in powerful victory. He has the final Word over our circumstances when we trust and obey Him (Ps 28:7, 119:2, 14; Pr 8:32).

Psalm 119:56 TPT reveals, “All this joy is mine as I follow your ways!”

Friends, my prayer for you is this…

Lord, Thank You for revealing to us “the pathways to life” and for filling us with “euphoria” (Acts 2:28 TPT)!

“…Let them all be glad, those who turn aside to hide themselves in you. May they keep shouting for joy forever! Overshadow them in your presence as they sing and rejoice. Then every lover of your name will burst forth with endless joy. Lord, how wonderfully you bless the righteous. Your favor wraps around each one and covers them under your canopy of kindness and joy” (Ps 5:11-12 TPT)

Lord, May Your strength be our “song of joy. At each and every sunrise,” may the “lyrics of” Your “love fill the air!” May You become our “glory-fortress, a stronghold in” our “day of distress” (Ps 59:16 TPT).

Lord, May Your victory heap blessing after blessing upon us as we rejoice before Your face (Ps 21:6). And, may Your Words of wisdom bring us joy…for Kingdom purposes (Pr 8:34).

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

“Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!” (Ro 15:13 TPT)!

“Go ahead–sing your brand-new song to the Lord! He is famous for his miracles and marvels, for he is victorious through his mighty power and holy strength” (Ps 98:1 TPT).

To God be the glory!

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