Daily Devotions

Archive for October, 2019

Effective Function in New Era

The people of God are His instruments that He is recalibrating to function targets_bullseyeseffectively in a new era. When you have a rifle calibrated to hit a bull’s eye at 100 yards, you must recalibrate it if you are to enter an era of shooting at 200 yards. Entering this era, we will not wait until something happens to merely react, we shall see it at a distance and prepare. We have greater challenges ahead of us in the era that is opening to us. We must lengthen our tent cords and stretch our curtains (Isa54:2). Our satisfaction with the present view of limited horizons must give way to be broadened.


Two Better Than One

HorsesPullTogether.jpgAn essential principle of God is that “two are better than one” (Eccl. 4:9). The people of God will look for opportunities to partner for effect. One shall set a 1000 to flight but two shall set 10,000 to flight. “If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it shall be done for them…”(Matt.18:19). God is going to use small groups to defeat mighty opposition. We will commit to defeat together what we cannot overcome alone. It’s God’s Word.


May His Right Hand Save You

HandReachingDownThough you walk in the midst of trouble, may the Lord revive you; May He stretch forth His hand against the wrath of your enemies, And may His right hand save you. The Lord will accomplish what concerns you. [Declare out loud that the Lord will accomplish what concerns you] Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. [Declare out loud that the Lord will not forsake the works of His hands] (Taken from Ps 138:7-8)


Don’t Rule out Holy Spirit

When considering people and anticipating the future, don’t rule out Holy Spirit’s involvement.  1Cor.2:9—  “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, ManPrayLookUp.jpgneither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  v.10  “BUT God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”  From the profitable instruction given us in v.10, it stands to reason that we must be in relationship with Holy Spirit to have valuable, enabling things revealed to us. Not only does He reveal the necessary to us but He is actively working (often unnoticed) in circumstances that have the unmovable look of already being set in cement. Our anticipatory prayers and prophesying and declarations will include factoring in Holy Spirit’s power and behind-the-scenes working. He is the power factor, influence factor, heart-change factor. He is the anticipation factor. Cf. 1Cor.2:10 v.10  “BUT God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit.”  Don’t fail to consider Him.


Attentive to the Voice

As the people of God assemble today may they be attentive to the voice of the Holy listenSpirit concerning future appointments in the purposes of the Lord God. May the worship and the Word prepare us, and as needed, adjust us so that we adequately respond to the assignments that we were born and fitted to meet.  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer.29:11, NKJV)


Anticipation and Separating Ourselves

We may very well need to separate ourselves in anticipation of what we do not see in this moment so that we might see it in the next. We will need to separate Double Line Walking Beside.jpgourselves from what we have not seen in the past year. In order to see what we need to see in the next moment (or the next year) we must separate ourselves from the distractions, interferences and disqualifiers of the present. Joshua’s instruction for the people to “separate themselves apart from” could include separating from such practical and mundane things as (1.) cynicism (2.) unbelief (3.) opinions of others (4.) from past disappointments (5.) from past events that never culminated in the desired outcome and (6.) from people who never followed through with influence or promises. Joshua’s words that seem to really stand out in 3:5 are, “Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow.” Anticipation is not an emotion but a matter of wise adjustments and preparation.


Fueling Anticipation

We can allow our anticipation for the future to be destructively fueled or to become FuelUptoxic by various and sundry reports or we can separate ourselves from embracing and/or practicing superficial and culturally accepted norms. Josh.3:5 — “Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, FOR tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” We could, just as well, use here the word “sanctify”. It basically means “to set apart from”. That “setting apart from” is not so much an attempt to keep us from becoming “soiled” by someone or some thing, it is that we are being set apart for a purpose so that we can walk that purpose out without being tripped up or unnecessarily loaded down.


In That Very Instant

With God, what you do not see in this moment is entirely possible in the next moment. (1) The Red Sea did not part until Moses stretched out his rod over the Loavesfishbasketwater; (2) 5,000 people remained hungry until Jesus began to break the bread and fish of a small boy’s lunch; (3) Bartemaeus was blind until Jesus spoke to him: “On your way,” said Jesus. “Your faith has saved and healed you. IN THAT VERY INSTANT he recovered his sight and followed Jesus down the road.” (Mk.10:52); (4) large, stone vessels had no wine in them until the water reached the rim of the vessels. Those who witnessed the condition of the person or circumstance in each of those situations were not watching to see the outcome that was brought about by the instant intervention of Yahweh, but in each case there was at least one person available to be a cooperating partner with Yahweh’s intention.


The Good Land Promise

WalkDownMountainThe promise of God is the “good land” (Deut.1:21,25). That is why satan fights you so hard. He knows that the fulfillment of it will do damage to him. He knows that when you embrace promise and begin to walk in it, you will displace his claims on lives and take territory for the Kingdom of God. “Let us go up and take the land.” (Num.13:30)


The Lord Turns Situations Around

May the Lord turn situations completely around to your benefit. May the Lord shut the mouths of those who are attempting to hinder your progress and purpose and defeat their attempts.
Turn Around.jpgWe received a call about a man several of us have been agreeing with in prayer. For several years, several of his superiors had decided to prevent any promotions for him. They were hindering his being facilitated properly to get his job done, attempting to make him look bad. Some were jealous of his success in his projects. But now, suddenly, the Lord has turned the tables and they all are apologizing to him and helping him! God is not finished with people or situations they create. Look for Him to turn it all around.
“The upright shall see it and be glad, but all iniquity shall shut its mouth.” (Ps.107:42, Amp)
“You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.” (Ps.97:10, NKJV)


What we see the Father Doing

LookUpNightSky.jpgAs the people of God assemble today, the precious Holy Spirit will show us what Father is doing so that we can do it and speak to us His words that we may speak what He speaks; for His Word will not fall to the ground but will return to Him after it has been successful in that for which He sent it forth. “So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” (John 5:19, NLT)


Who Told You That You Were Naked?

Who told you you were naked? (Gen.3:11) Are you going to live under your own lookintodistanceopinion of yourself or trust the complete provision of His righteousness and His judgments concerning you? We can live our lives confident of God’s acceptance through Christ or live trying to prove self to self. Without trust in God, we live self-focused lives, never lifting our eyes to even see destiny, much less be enabled to pursue it.—Kathy Gabler


Disaster Prevention by Judging

Disaster prevention may be found in as simple a form as judging before deciding. “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things…” (1Cor.2:15a, KJV) The Amplified version MagnifyingGlassMansets it in terminology that gives us a good definition of the word “judge” (Gk.: anakrino) in this context: “But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things]…”. Numerous times I have heard the biblical phrase “judge not lest you be judged” witlessly rattled off while accepting things that were quite preposterous (even dangerous). It would seem that the primary aim of our taking the time and wisdom to judge should be to examine if the report/information is in agreement with the Word of God. (Compare: Lev.19:15b; Ps.82:2; Prov.31:9; Lk.12:57; Jn.7:24)
The warning our Lord gives in Matt.7:1 (“judge not lest you be judged”) is wise counsel to not judge (Gk.: krino) superficially or based upon mere opinion. That is why, in 1Cor.2:15, we are to be spiritual (not merely superficial) by examining and discerning information. Rather than going about saying, “He said ‘this’” or “She said ‘that’”, why can’t we develop the habit of declaring, “But God said in His Word…..”?


Light, Dark and Opposition

LightAndDarkAs long as there is a kingdom of darkness and a Kingdom of Light there will be opposition. We must understand that the kingdom of darkness does not simply exist but it is forcefully moving against all that it hates with the intent to dismantle all that does not agree with it. But we have an unshakeable Kingdom! (Heb.12:28) 


Anticipation and Off-Hand Statements

It is not unusual to hear something like, “But the guy who works at my office said ‘such and such’.” “But I read an article on the internet and it said ‘this and that’!” I Listeninghave observed people making decisions and acting on something reported by a casual acquaintance or even a stranger. How often do we stop and measure the person speaking, much less the source and agenda of their argument? Why would we, in the moment, take their report as though they were expert on the subject (especially a total stranger on the internet) or that they are reporting it absolutely accurately? When we do not properly weigh information, no matter how zealously reported, we may likely end up with its consequences. Once we take a sober assessment of our personal history, many of us will probably find that we have been the recipient of those things we have anticipated that came out of an off-hand statement someone made.


Prayer and Focus

PrayingHandsFoldedWith a purpose, a promise, we know what to get into agreement with and we know what to target with prayer. But it is possible to get into agreement with it in the prayer closet and get out of agreement with it in day-to-day struggles and conversations. It comes down to what we are focused on and what has caused us to be focused upon it. (Prov.3:5-6)


Washing Off the Residue

WashingOfWordNot “washing off” the residue of the past will taint the tomorrow of promise. Finishing up one level of mandate before going to another is prudent, time saving, energy and money saving. Finishing one battle before taking on another one is prudent. Getting into the next season requires adjustments, decisions and determination. (Ex.14:15)


Break Through Barriers

As the people of God assemble today, may they find the Lord Most High breaking BolderBlockRoadthrough every barrier to their hearts and minds and even dividing asunder of soul and spirit. May the Lord break through every barrier of disappointment, every barrier thrown up to protect ourselves after we were hurt, every barrier of resolve where we have decided not to be vulnerable to others again. (Lk.1:78, Msg)  “Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s Sunrise will break in upon us,  79  Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace.”


Don’t be Troubled

Wow, what a way to begin an announcement, “Hey, guys, I have something very important to say here but first I must ask you to not be troubled of heart.” Jesus looking upaddresses His disciples at a momentous time, on a very important occasion to communicate to them the launching of a new era that was immediately upon them and in which they would take the lead. “DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me.” (Jn.14:1, Amp)  Jesus announces His going and stresses their total dependency upon Holy Spirit to do what HE, Jesus, has been doing while with them.


Anger is a Distorted Filter

upset_phoneUnresolved anger can become a distorted filter, like seeing thru bitter, lemon-yellow glasses. So anger affects one’s view of self, God, people and situations and it destroys self-confidence, health, lifestyle and destiny. Anger is a strong passion, which in itself is not sin, but we can sin in how we handle it. We must resolve it according to Godly principles and resolve it quickly. (Kathy G.)


God’s Dealing

rocksinalignmentGod’s dealing with men shows His character to men. It is ever steady, just and right no matter the circumstance. God’s character does not change from situation to situation, doesn’t have good days and bad. All days are the same to God and He deals out justice, judgment, mercy and blessing according to His holy character. “Every gift-from the Father-who does not change like shifting shadows.” Js.1:17


Worship is not a Place

Worship is not something that takes place in a “sacred location” or “sacred GroupWorshipOutside.jpgbuilding” or “sacred ceremony”. Worship is a way of living before God as well as offering songs, readings, wave offerings and other such acts of adoration. The true worshiper deals honestly and openly with God at all times, not just in certain locations or at special times.  (Jn.4:23) ”But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers.” (Jn.4:23, Amp)


God Knows How to Position People

We continue to rejoice as more reports come in concerning what the Lord has done by the ministry of His Holy Spirit. We received news from another country TwoPeopleTalkingconcerning a man that I prophesied to several years ago. The prophecy was that he would enter politics and God would use him for the advancement of the Kingdom.  That man was elected governor in that region where we ministered to him. He was put in jail, by the opposition, the day before the election. He was elected while he was in jail! The newspaper had already printed stories about his opponent’s victory and had to reprint the paper.  He has aided local ministries and ministries from the U.S. to do what they would not have been able to do were he not in office. A personal friend of ours is one of the ministers he has helped and our friend ministers to the governor when he is in that area.  God knows how to position people for His purposes. We so appreciate those who have supported us so that we could go and “preach the Kingdom of God to other cities also.” (Lk.4:43)


The Word of God Opening

As the people of God assemble today may they discover that the Word of God is Hikingopening to them at a level and to a degree they have not experienced thus far. May they receive insight into the Holy Scriptures that prepares and challenges their hearts to rise up in faith and follow the King of Kings into the redemptive future of the unshakeable Kingdom.  “Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakeable kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe.” (Heb.12:28, TPT)