Daily Devotions

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Fear is Inferior

MARTY GABLER—Everything we fear operates on the authority of a government that is inferior to the government and King of the Kingdom of God.  “…He is the promised Anointed One, the Supreme Authority!” (Lk.2:11b, The Voice)  “He… taught people the truth of God. God’s kingdom was his theme—that beginning right now they were under God’s government, a good government!” (Matt.4:23b, Msg)  “All governments are under God.” (Rom.13:1a, Msg)  “and you have been given full life in union with him. He is supreme over every spiritual ruler and authority.”(Col.2:10, GNT)

The Right Questions

Melissa Gabler — We can ask the right kind of questions that lead down a path of deliverance, healing, and action.  When we ask the right questions we are able to hear the answers we need.  When we ask fear-based questions we have already come to the wrong, statistic-based, society-experienced conclusions.  These soulish conclusions make it really hard to hear a Spirit answer.  So, a good place to start asking the right question is to ask the Holy Spirit, “What questions should I be asking about this situation?” He will tell you, and most of the time these questions carry the answer in them.  The right questions are a key to unlock doors and chains.  The right questions give you the right perspective.

FIGHTING WISELY

KATHY GABLER—FIGHTING WISELY— Discerning the intent of a particular weapon can reveal a strategy for its defeat.  An example is that many weapons seem personal when you are actually one of many being targeted.  An individual can get overwhelmed by being caught in the crossfire of a bigger, corporate target.  Like the Untouchables, who were governmental agents caught in the crossfire between the purpose of a nation and the corruption trying to undermine it, they took personal hits but the war was much bigger than the individuals. Their mandate or calling and purpose put them in the crossfire. In addition to persevering in spite of their personal hits, the strategic elements that made the Untouchables untouchable, or undefeated, were purity of motive, skill, and corporateness,

As the Deer Pants for the Water

MARTY GABLER—As the regal deer ran with all his strength, he eventually outdistanced the four-legged hunters that hungrily pursued him. Finding a pleasant water brook shaded by great oaks, he slowed his pace and drew in deep breaths of fresh air while his racing heart pounded vigorously in his ears. Though still cautious and though very weary, he lowered his head to the cool, life-giving liquid and drank his fill.

No doubt, the Psalmist had witnessed just such a scene in the wilderness and had, himself, been relentlessly pursued by a crafty foe. He identified with being winded and with the threat of pursuit as well as with the deep desire for only that which can satisfy and renew the whole being. We join the deer and the Psalmist and turn our thirst to the only One who can satisfy and refresh us who have been pursued. For today, we shall continue resolutely on our journey, having been refreshed by The Living Water of life.  Ps.42:1,NKJV— “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.”

You Crown the Year

MELISSA GABLER — “You crown the year with your bounty, and your paths overflow.” (Ps. 65:11 AMP) “Crown” here is the Hebrew word “atar”. It means to encircle for protection. So, we really are tiptoeing into something big this year and we are protected as we approach our reveal. And let’s just top it off, “Your paths overflow” says this year is marked with abundance. The biggest fight we have at this point is truly believing our God is as good as He really is!

Identity, Affirmation and Boundaries

KATHY GABLER—None of us outgrow the need for identity, affirmation or boundaries.  If  they are  met, they help us to be healthy mentally, emotionally, physically and relationally.  If they are not met, they set us up for sabotage.  Since none of us had a perfect family life growing up, we have all been sabotaged to some degree and had conflicts with self-image that left our self-worth in doubt, or vice versa.  And we have all faced embarrassment or failure regarding our self-government.  So, it is no private scar since everyone’s mirror (self-image) gets whacked in life.  Sometimes it is even our own doing; but how we respond after the fact is the crucial matter.  If we continue to only look at a cracked reflection, a marred, fragmented person; that will keep us from agreeing with the way God sees us and keep us from lining up with God’s intentions for our life and future.

Admonish One Another

MARTY GABLER—As the people of God assemble today, may they habitually admonish and encourage one another concerning the faithfulness of God in these days and may they have a heart to habitually assemble so that others may be edified.  “Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.” (Heb.10:25, Amp)

Trust is a Principle of the Kingdom

Melissa Gabler–Trust is a principle of the Kingdom. God knew what He was doing when He created it. It’s life bearing, abundant life bearing. How beautiful it is that the principles of God are set in place to provide the John 10:10 abundant life for all who live them. He gave us a map for life. Check this out, Psalm 84:12 (AMP) “O Lord of hosts, How blessed and greatly favored is the man who trusts in You [believing in You, relying on You, and committing himself to You with confident hope and expectation].” Yes, that is beautiful. But check out the rest of Psalm 84. It literally lines out what a life looks like that trusts God. Vs. 4 “Blessed and greatly favored are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; They will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah.” Blessing and favor follow those who trust. Vs. 6 “Passing through the Valley of Weeping (Baca), they make it a place of springs; The early rain also covers it with blessings.”

Weapons Within

KATHY GABLER—WEAPONS FORMED WITHIN:  Realizing that trouble is not always just a common venture of life, but rather a customized weapon, can be the first challenge in the war of embracing promise.  It is easy for pain and problems to demand our focus and become a pattern and a norm, so it is essential that we realize our patterns and norms themselves can be weapons formed against us.  Our own life issues can snare us over and over as they cycle through our lifetime.  It is essential that we recognize weapons so we can make conscious efforts to defuse them.