Daily Devotions

Author Archive

The Month of July is For


MARTY GABLER—The month of July is for looking straight ahead and walking in the plan and path that the Lord has for us, no matter what opposes us. Prov.4:25-26,Amp—25 Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.


In the Face of Opposition


MELISSA GABLER—A reminder in the face of so much opposition: don’t forget that a lot of what you are dealing with personally, whether it be physically or emotionally, may be the war in the atmosphere.  We have the authority to say “peace” because we are His agents.  When our Lord told the storm to “be still” the atmosphere listened.  We carry that same authority and it is our job to change the atmosphere during our lifetime.  So, the next time you are dealing with something personally let your first reaction be to remember there is so much more going on around you than your eyes can see.  Ask, “Where is this coming from and how do I need to deal with it?” You may simply need to say, “Peace, be still.”


The Afflicted Shall Increase Their Joy


KATHY GABLER—As we position our hearts to receive the joy of the Lord, may we have the wisdom not to equate JOY with EASE.  If we think JOY means EASE then the least bit of opposition can add discouragement, oppression and depression to the mountains we face.  JOY does not pivot around EASE.   Joy comes on the heels of conflict:  Isaiah 29:19 tells us, The “afflicted” shall increase their joy in the Lord. That statement is both an assurance and a challenge: the temptation and trial process shall not win, nor shall the accuser of the brethren or failure prevail; so we must forge ahead, confident the Joy of the Lord is rooted in overcoming.  Joy confronts the depleting foes of grief, vexation, disappointment, hurt and worry to defy and defeat them. Joy is a by-product of relationship with God.  Joy is not an emotional state.  It is an attitude of the heart that does not bow at the throne of EASE.


Position our Heart to Receive Joy


KATHY GABLER—As we position our hearts to receive the joy of the Lord, may we have the wisdom not to equate JOY with EASE.  If we think JOY means EASE then the least bit of opposition can add discouragement, oppression and depression to the mountains we face.  JOY does not pivot around EASE.   Joy comes on the heels of conflict:  Isaiah 29:19 tells us, The “afflicted” shall increase their joy in the Lord. That statement is both an assurance and a challenge: the temptation and trial process shall not win, nor shall the accuser of the brethren or failure prevail; so we must forge ahead, confident the Joy of the Lord is rooted in overcoming.  Joy confronts the depleting foes of grief, vexation, disappointment, hurt and worry to defy and defeat them. Joy is a by-product of relationship with God.  Joy is not an emotional state.  It is an attitude of the heart that does not bow at the throne of EASE.


Lift up Your Head and see Your King of Kings


MARTY GABLER—As the people of God assemble today may they look beyond, around, over and right through the threatening hindrances that seem to be screaming out their determined obstinance to the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom purposes in their lives. May they lift up their heads and see their King of kings high and lifted up and authoritatively above all opposing factors and persons. Rom.8:28,Amp—“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”


Goliath-Sized Obstacles


MARTY GABLER—When a Goliath-sized obstacle rears its head and begins to proclaim to us all the many pieces it is going to rip us into, rather than trying to remember if our insurance premiums are paid, we should try to remember God’s Word over our life. Rather than predicting the picture of desolation this monster will leave us the subject of, we best begin to proclaim the purposes and prophecies of God for us and our seed. Heb.10:23,Amp—“Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word];”


Waking up to Live as a Son


MELISSA GABLER —The more we wake up the more we live as a son.  I had a recent revelation about prayer.  You know how sometimes you pray and pray and pray for something to change or manifest in your life and it seems like the prayer falls on deaf ears? The Lord showed me a picture of me just standing in one spot praying my repetitive prayer and nothing happening. Then He showed me a picture of me doing the same thing but instead of standing still I was moving forward, putting one foot in front of the other, continually moving ahead and reaching the answer.  Then He broke it down for me. The first picture of standing still was a victim posture, staying in the same posture, waiting on a “magical moment” to change my circumstances.  The second picture of moving forward was the posture of a son walking onward knowing there is good in God’s intention for my life which is ahead of me.  So, let me say it this way, a victim waits for magic but a son walks in inheritance.  I am waking up.  Thank God.  Awakening is upon us. Get ready.  Being awake is a whole new state of existence.  “For this reason He says, ‘Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine [as dawn] upon you and give you light.”—Eph.5:14,Amp.              
     MELISSA will be speaking at Grace Church Willis 6-28-26. Service starts at 10:00. Map and Livestream are at: gracewillis.org


It’s Me, Don’t Worry!


KATHY GABLER—The disciples were already tired from feeding 5,000 to 10,000 people in a long day of ministry with Jesus, and here they were still awake at 4:00 am in the morning, the fourth watch.  They were in a boat, out to sea, surrounded by pitch blackness and sounds of boisterous wind and waves battering the boat. They are short of breath and their ears are tingling from an adrenaline surge because they thought they had just seen a ghost coming toward them. Their throats are stinging from screaming out in fear!  In that moment, even though Jesus called out, “It’s me, don’t worry,” would it even enter your mind to answer, “Oh, then bid me come to you on the water”?  


Lord Help You Pay Attention


MARTY GABLER—May the Lord help you to pay attention to information, measurements and amounts. And may you recall the correct information as needed so that you save time, money, effort and materials. May you retain essential facts and complete your tasks with efficiency so that there be no loss.  (Ps.119:37a, GNT)  ”Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless…”


The Intensity You Feel

MELISSA GABLER — It’s happening folks! The intensity you feel right now is an evil agenda being de-throned. God has not, and will not take His hand off of this nation! We are a blessed people, and we GET to be a part of His Kingdom invasion. Come. On. Now. “The zeal of the Lord of hosts“ is accomplishing a miraculous transformation in the United States of America. Does it look like what most of us thought a miraculous transformation would? Probably not. Does it matter what we thought it should look like? Absolutely not.

(Melissa will be speaking at Grace Church Willis 6-28-26. Service starts at 10:00am. gracewillis.org)


Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous but…


KATHY GABLER—Like tides coming and going, there will always be problems. Ps34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (NKJ)  1Pet 4:12 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” (NIV)  It is not life that builds blockages in our hearts and understanding.  It is our reaction to life that causes us to build isolated forts atop high mountains of the soul every time we try to protect ourselves rather than trusting God, or when we try to justify our offenses rather than forgive or repent, or when we try to avoid pain rather than obey God. So God’s goal is to change me to the point that the tides cannot stir the same reactions within me. He desires to equip us so that troubles, afflictions and offenses are confronted with the Word and displaced by the Truth instead of a reactionary blockage or the false strength of a mountain-stronghold I erect in my soul.    (martygabler.com


Fathers Discerning the Potential of Youths

MARTIN PHILLIP GABLER, JR—As the people of God assemble today, may hearts of fathers be turned to the coming generation. May fathers in our congregations discern the potential of the youth around them and let their hearts be turned to affirming them, encouraging them and enabling them on to their destiny in Christ. May this be the most memorable Father’s Day with fathers and children turned to each other in love and in honor, grasping the heavenly Father’s heart for the generations to glorify His intent. “May the Lord richly bless both you and your children.” (Ps.115:14, TLB)


Breaking Out of Old Patterns


MARTY GABLER—God is breaking us out of old patterns. He is breaking old patterns of habits, of things that defeat us, the old patterns of thoughts and attitudes that lead us into defeat. He is breaking those old patterns so that we can walk in freedom and be at peace in His purposes. “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” (Ps.23:3, NKJV) 


God is Putting His Finger on Things


MELISSA GABLER—God is putting His finger on things that must be dealt with right now in individual’s lives. This is a tremendous opportunity to be free of cycles, issues and fears that have held you and your family captive.  I know there are those reading this right now that have had recent revelations of personal bondage that the Lord is unlocking.   He’s opening eyes and restoring lives for, dare I say, such a time as this!  So, take rest in knowing you don’t have to have it all figured out and on track before you go to bed tonight.  Just simply start with realizing that He is the One that restores your soul and leads you in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake (Ps. 23).  It’s about that, His Name’s sake, inch-by-inch for His Name’s sake.


Speak to the Mountain


KATHY GABLER—I saw the words scroll across the television screen: “SPEAK TO THE MOUNTAIN.”  I thought of all the times I had spoken to circumstances and problems to be removed or resolved but saw no change.  Suddenly the Holy Spirit interrupted my musings and instructed me to speak to the MOUNTAIN “within,” not “without.”  In that moment the emphasis switched from the trouble and pressure around me to the troubled soul within me.  Ps 143:12  “And in your mercy and loving-kindness, cut off my enemies and destroy all those who afflict my inner self, for I am Your servant.” (Amp)  The primary mountain is the stress or anxiety or fear or anger or frustration or guilt or confusion that mounts up in us in reaction to circumstances.  Those negative and destructive forces mount to such heights that they block out the light of truth and smother hope.  They darken our emotions and obstruct God who is our Light, Truth and Hope, by raising a barrier between us and Him.  So the “inner” MOUNTAIN is the first and critical challenge.


Kingdom Observed in Jesus


MARTY GABLER—Jesus was the Kingdom of God exposed to mankind. In Jesus, the Kingdom was observed (Matt.12:28). In Jn.1:14 The Message version puts it like this:  “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” Though the Father was sitting upon a throne in heaven, He could be seen in the earth in Jesus as He interacted with His environment. (Jn.20:21b) Jesus said, “…as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” There are people in our neighborhoods and at our jobs and in our families who need to see the Father through us.


This Thing is Going to be Reversed


MELISSA GABLER — Let me give a recent and personal “for instance”.  I’ve been dealing with a physical matter, not life or death, but an irritating battle that has almost caused a lock down due to the “WHAT IF this gets worse” record playing in my head… on repeat.  It’s that kind of battle that sent my emotions from one side of the spectrum to another.  After all, I’m not the only person to have dealt with this issue.  There are plenty of others living with it.  BUT I don’t see why I HAVE to live with it. So, I have been seeking God on the matter, and He has so beautifully and faithfully been giving me revelation regarding my healing all along this journey.   Throughout this journey I have known in my core that this physical issue is a done-deal.  In fact, at the beginning of this year I heard someone say that this is going to be a year of reversal! WELL, COME ON NOW (go ahead and take that for you and yours right now!).  Just another confirmation that not only am I being healed, but this thing is going to be reversed!


Shattered Self-Worth


KATHY GABLER — Having  a cracked self-image, a shattered self-worth or a failed self-government, does not void our Father’s love or intent, nor His good plans for us!  If we learn to think in our hearts like that, that truth will free us up to walk in destiny and keep us from giving up before we become all God had in mind that we were born to be.  Father, may my life glorify you to the fullest extent.  Let me see me as You see me.  Cause me to value as You value.  Grace me to live honoring Your boundaries for my life.  May I live in the truth and may it be not only my freedom, but also my legacy.


What You Have Committed to Him

As the people of God assemble today may they rejoice together in God their Savior and in the fact that He has welcomed them, through Christ Jesus, into His family and that He is presently keeping them and, in future, able to keep them and what they have committed to Him and that they be confident in their secure place in the fellowship of the beloved. 2Tim.1:12,TPT—“The confidence of my calling enables me to overcome every difficulty without shame, for I have an intimate revelation of this God. And my faith in him convinces me that he is more than able to keep all that I’ve placed in his hands safe and secure until the fullness of his appearing.”


Wild Blue Yonder

MARTY GABLER–The theme song of the United States Air Force is “Into The Wild Blue Yonder” written by Robert Crawford in 1939. Some of the lyrics to that inspirational tune are: Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun… Souls of men dreaming of skies to conquer Gave us wings ever to soar! Off we go into the wild sky yonder, Keep the wings level and true… The young men who first learned that song could not wait to get airborne so they could soar into the atmosphere at heights they had never been and at speeds they had never experienced to see what they had never seen, to conquer an enemy that threatened the freedom of nations. With equal zeal, we can soar into the future with prepared hearts and prepared with the language of the future. We are called to soar above the language of distress and hopelessness so that we may proclaim life and purpose. (Isa 60:1-2)


A Spiritual War

MELISSA GABLER—When the Lord said that we should pray so we can be prepared for the onslaught, we did, and then His instruction came to hold. What this instruction has shown me is “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’  says the Lord of Hosts.” (Zech. 4:6) This cannot be handled or fixed by our might or power. We are at the place where all of our self-help, strength, reasoning and logic have absolutely no power against this onslaught. What we are experiencing is what has been fueling the problems in lives and society and it has been hidden behind the scenes until now. This is a spiritual war and this is only the beginning.  


Word of God is Our Antidote

KATHY GABLER — The Word of God is our antidote. The Word is our bulldozer. The Word has the power to displace the emotional residue pushed ashore by the tide or even by a tidal wave of circumstances. So our part of the process is to clear out the blockages within self by agreeing with the Word and by speaking the Word and telling every contrary force to be removed! (Matt. 17:20) And the truth is that if stress, anxiety, fear, anger, frustration, guilt and confusion are removed and God’s Peace is in the house, what’s going on outside does not hold the same threat.


The Good Fight of Faith

MARTY GABLER–Throughout the history of warfare it has been noted that when an attacker sees his enemy indicating any degree of retreat, it renews his vigor and purpose in the battle, pumping up even more determination to destroy. It’s like a boxer in a ring when he has his opponent at a disadvantage. Both boxers are weary from the physical exertion of the fight but when one sees the other stagger, he seems to get a renewed sense of vigor and begins punching rapidly with all his might hoping that this is the point at which his opponent falls. An offensive posture and offensive action keep the enemy at bay. Recovery from the stagger is a must, not using it as an excuse. I once heard a Navy Seal say that one of their primary doctrines of warfare is that you can only be defeated if you die or if you give up. 1Tim.6:12, “fight the good fight of faith.”


(Melissa Gabler) — If God cloaks something for a time, it is not only to hide it from the devil and his destructive minions, but it is also to hide it from our own self-sabotage. Yes, the devil and self-sabotage are two different things.  However, the devil LOVES stoking the flames of self-sabotage! All we have to do is let our fears and concerns fall out of our mouths like kindling for the enemy’s threatening bonfire.  So many times we make the devil’s job so easy.