Daily Devotions

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While Walking Through a Season

When walking through a season, wouldn’t it be best if we got all we could out of it so that we don’t have to go through another one just like it? It may not be possible for some of us to get through the experiences that course will take us through while maintaining our same old paradigms about who God is and how God works. One purpose of seasons is likely to open up a wider revelation of who God is and what His ways are and how we are to participate with Him. Ps.25:4, TPT — “Lord, direct me throughout my journey so I can experience your plans for my life. Reveal the life-paths that are pleasing to you.”

The Two-Sided Weapon

Kathy — The Holy Spirit has been emphasizing a two-sided weapon, discernment and wisdom. We must have discernment so that we can cut through the fog of emotions and opinions that arise during change and growth. Discernment will keep us from standing against the changes that God is bringing to His church and our lives. We need discernment to choose righteously and then we need wisdom to know how to walk out our choices. Js.1:5, TPT — “And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace.”

December is For Prayer

The month of December is for recommitting ourselves to prayer for one another and matters that matter. It seems to be easy to fall out of the habit of regular prayer when the stuff of life happens and pulls on us and disappoints us and distracts us. But we can refocus and return to (or begin) the all-important discipline of regular prayer in December. Eph.6:18, Amp — “With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.”  1Tim.2:8, Amp — “Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputing or quarreling or doubt [in their mind].”

Offense is Stumbling

Kathy — Wisdom is working to equip us to prevail in days ahead over key forces like offense, self-pity, anger and fear. The power of those forces is that they condition us to defeat ourselves. Offense is stumbling and it causes us to cripple ourselves. Offense causes us to become distrustful and desert our post. We do not have to take in offense even when it comes banging on our door with every logic. Ps.119:165, TPT — “There is such a great peace and well-being that comes to the lovers of your word, and they will never be offended.”

Amens! and Hallelujahs!

As the people of God assemble today may they all give acknowledgement and give assent that Yahweh is due “Amens” and “Hallelujahs” from everyone — from the ancient ones all the way to us today and to the ones who are yet to be born. Ps.106:48, TPT — “Blessed be our Lord God forever and ever. And let everyone everywhere say, “Hallelujah!” Amen! Faithful is our King!” Let them all say, “Be it so, certainly, truly” for merciful, Almighty God is faithful and true to His Word and to His character. Though people had sinned, though the sins were listed in this Psalm as a witness against them, yet the Lord was merciful to them so that there was reason for thanksgiving, for “Amens” and “Hallelujahs”. Amen, Oh, King of Kings!

Catastrophes and Purpose

No matter what catastrophe is making headlines, we are already obligated to the purposes of Almighty God. We have already made a decision for the God of heaven. Bad things that happen may make it a bit more difficult to get certain things done and may knock wind out of us but they must not become insurmountable walls; they must only be obstacles which we overcome to fulfill purpose. (Rom.8:39)

When we Refuse to Listen

Kathy — When we refuse to listen we never learn to think and decide as God does. A hardened heart can mean we’ll never get where we were born to go. Why would we choose to waste our lifetime, our opportunity to accomplish what we were born to do? Jer.29:11 tells us that God has good plans for us with an expected end. An expected end: the hoped for outcome, the
longed for outcome and that which we’ve waited for.

Hearts Turned to Thanksgiving

Our hearts are turned to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in thanksgiving for His sacrificial and redemptive acts of love in our behalf. We receive them and what He has procured through them that we may gratefully bring glory to His Wonderful Name.   “And let the peace from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” (Col.3:15, Amp)