Daily Devotions

Posts tagged “1 Thessalonians 4:17

Assembling Habit

ChurchPeopleHoldHands
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) 

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Like Yeast in Dough

YeastInDough
May the people of God be like yeast
growing in the dough and permeating arts and entertainment, business, education, family, government, media and religion. May we influence the present culture with the love, compassion, authority and wisdom of the rule of God.
“He used another illustration. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman mixed into a large amount of flour until the yeast worked its way through all the dough.” (Matt.13:33, GW)


DREAMS VISIONS PROPHECY  September 14-16, 2018  NO FEE
Grace International Church Willis,TX   graceic.org
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED INFO:  DVP2018


Mindset for a Nation

In the fifth century a 16 year old boy by the name of Patrick lived in Britain. Irish pirates captured him and carried him to Ireland where he was forced into slavery for six years. He then managed to escape and returned to his family in Britain.

USCapitolDomeAfter a period of training, he returned to Ireland where he had been forced into slavery for six years. He returned because he believed that God could turn a nation around. When he arrived, Ireland was under the influence of the Druids and human sacrifice was the order of the day. Throughout the nation human sacrifice had become accepted as a way of life and was never questioned.

Patrick knew he had to simplify his message in order to reach the nation of Ireland. So, he left off heavy theological content and simply preached:  Jesus was the only sacrifice required and now there is no need for any sacrifice human or animal. A powerful move of God swept over Ireland and for the next 200 years it was a Christian nation and righteousness was the order of the day. 

Patrick had a mindset that Ireland could be turned to God and become a righteous nation. With that mindset and vision working in him, he set about the task of turning a nation to God Almighty and did so without large amounts of money but with only word-of-mouth advertising which spoke of the righteous workings of the power of God rather than speaking of the things public relations experts deem required. Patrick did not look at present circumstances and long for a better-day-to-come but set heart and mind to getting the nation to God.

(This is the first excerpt from Marty’s article “Present Challenges and the Prophetic Mindset“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.)


Click the link below to hear Melissa and Marty singing “Rise Up”
on Track 10 of their worship CD “An Encounter.”
The CD is prophetic worship. Produced by FICMI Studio Conroe,TX.
Arranged and engineered by Jorge Gamboa.
* The audio is best enjoyed using earbuds or headphones.
Click on this link:
http://martygabler.podomatic.com/entry/2013-09-30T20_14_28-07_00


Awakening to True Concerns

AlarmWakeUp
May the Lord awaken people to true concerns about life and our nation. May people awaken and embrace biblical values, and think and act righteously so that our families and our nation not go to ruin.

“Woe to you who are rushing headlong to disaster! Catastrophe is just around the corner! Woe to those who live in luxury and expect everyone else to serve them! Woe to those who live only for today, indifferent to the fate of others! Woe to the playboys, the playgirls, who think life is a party held just for them! Woe to those addicted to feeling good—life without pain! those obsessed with looking good—life without wrinkles! They could not care less about their country going to ruin.” (Amos 6:3-6, Msg)


Marty & Kathy Gabler invite you to read their
articles in the latest issue of SEEC Magazine.
Volume 19 Issue 5
CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO READ:
Read SEEC Magazine


Weaving Into His Plans

WeavingAmazingly, God promised  even  more than this powerful peace that we need.  Listen to the rest of the promise: The latter glory of our lives, (our future) will be greater! (Hag.2:9) In future, we will do what we were born to do, more loudly, more intensely, more fruitfully than ever before!  We are on the threshold of seeing more of the presence and plan of God manifest in our lives than ever before.  We are on the verge of experiencing dimensions of His power like never before. We dare not give up now.  God will  faithfully weave our experiences, good, bad and ugly, into His good plans for our future life . . . if we will refuse to give up!

(This is the last excerpt from Kathy’s article “Rebuilding Our Temple-Part 2“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page.)


In this 2 min. audio encouragement Kathy
declares: “Your Redeemer lives and He is
able to buy back time that the locusts have eaten.”
CLICK ON THIS LINK to listen:
http://martygabler.podomatic.com/entry/2013-10-14T04_56_06-07_00


Under Authority–In Authority

RomanSoldierSalute
A man in authority is a man under authority (Roman Centurion, Matt.8:9). So… then it is possible for one to count themselves as having authority and yet not be recognized by God as having authority.

Or, considering the operative principle given by the Roman Centurion, it is possible for one to wonder why they don’t have authority in life and circumstances and, while wondering, find their answer in the centurion’s acquired wisdom.
There are those who seem to be ever about the business of insisting they have authority or trying to prove their authority or brandishing titles and accessories to present the appearance of authority. But, from Scripture, it seems that results speak for themselves (v.9). Both Jesus and the Centurion experienced effective results from being under authority.
”Then the officer said, “Sir, I am not worthy to have you in my home; and it isn’t necessary for you to come. If you will only stand here and say, ‘Be healed,’ my servant will get well! I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers…” (Matt.8:8-9a, Living Bible)


To listen to Marty and Kathy’s teachings and Worship Music:  CLICK HERE


DREAMS VISIONS PROPHECY  September 14-16, 2018  NO FEE
Grace International Church Willis,TX   graceic.org
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED INFO:  DVP2018


Unshakeable Peace

WarBoots
Our God  said  that  He would give us peace, the unshakeable knowing that God will have the last word on every matter!   Peace is the mark of a mature son of God.  It is not only possible to view every struggle and opposition in life as the next advance, the next opportunity to take spoils and prosper, it glorifies God to do so!  We can put on our Ephesians 6 boots of peace daily.  We can sleep in those boots and get up ready to walk over every obstacle!

(This is the ninth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Rebuilding Our Temple-Part 2“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page.)


DREAMS VISIONS PROPHECY  September 14-16, 2018  NO FEE
Grace International Church Willis,TX   936-856-2455   graceic.org
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED INFO:  DVP2018

 


Chosen With Purpose

PeopleHandsUp
As the people of God assemble today, may they receive assurance
that they are chosen with purpose as God’s own for His glory.
May they each see the other in the light of each one’s purpose
and value to the Kingdom of God.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation,
a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who
hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” (1Pe.2:9, KJV)


LiveStream broadcast of Grace International Church
Starts at 10:00 each Sunday morning.
http://www.graceic.org/grace-tv/


Wheat Outgrow Tares

WheatWithTaresMay the Lord cause the good wheat to outgrow the tares in your
life and may you rejoice as the good wheat produces a bunker crop.

“That night, when everyone was asleep, his enemy came and
planted [sowed] weeds [tares;  a noxious weed that looks like
wheat] among the wheat and then left….  30   “First gather the
weeds [ tares] and tie them together [in bundles] to be burned.
Then gather the wheat and bring it to my barn.”
(Matt.13:25, 30; Expanded Bible)


Marty & Kathy Gabler invite you to read their
articles in the latest issue of SEEC Magazine.
Volume 19 Issue 5
CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO READ:
Read SEEC Magazine


Expecter Worn Out

ThrowAtPeopleIf your expecter is worn out and your hope is fizzling out too;  if you are too tired to keep expecting, hoping and too tired to stay faithful and collect;  in fact, if you are ready to throw everything you’ve already collected, one piece at a time until it hurts somebody, I have a spiritual Rolaid for you!  Consider these truths:

Haggai 2,  “All you people take courage, stand firm, be resolute, prevail and seize, press urgently, keep holding strongly and be encouraged, declares the LORD, ‘for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts. [The Lord over every organized power and force that exists]. ‘As for the promise which I made you . . . My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!’ ‘The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘and in this place I shall give peace,’ declares the LORD of hosts.”  (NAS)  That was His promise to His House through the prophet Haggai, but it is also a promise to us.  We are  His Temple.

(This is the eighth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Rebuilding Our Temple-Part 2“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page.)


Promise and Legacy

FamilyWalkingTogetherMay we walk in the commandments of the LORD GOD and keep His Word so that our days and the days of our children walking in the realization of promise fulfilled may be increased. May we not just speak of what was in “days gone by” but live and speak presently of the goodness of Jahveh as we acknowledge His Word, abide in it and leave that legacy to our children.

“That your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth.  22  For if you diligently keep all this commandment which I command you to do, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to cleave to Him—“ (Deut.11:21-22, Amp)


Waiting That Renews Strength

WatchingPrayingWe can respond to opposition or trouble in two different ways.  1) We can use it like a pointer dog and let trouble point out our next acquisition, our next acre, the next notch in our gun!  2) Or we can dread and fear it and declare, “I’m too weak, too tired and who even cares?”

Isa 40:27-31 says,  Why do you say, . . . “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my just claim is passed over by my God”?  Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who WAIT upon the LORD will renew their strength. [vigor, physical strength, ability, power, fruitfulness, wealth.]  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary [exhausted from labor], they will walk and not be faint. [fatigued, weakened by weariness]”  (NIV)  Who?  They that wait, which means they that expect God to be God and hope for Him to come through and stay faithful until He gets there and collect all they need for when He does show up.  That’s waiting that will renew strength!

(This is the seventh excerpt from Kathy’s article “Rebuilding Our Temple-Part 2“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page.)


In this 2 min. audio encouragement Kathy
declares: “Your Redeemer lives and He is
able to buy back time that the locusts have eaten.”
CLICK ON THIS LINK to listen:
http://martygabler.podomatic.com/entry/2013-10-14T04_56_06-07_00


Faithful God of Order

SeasonsFour
The faithful God who set the seasons in undeniable order remains on His throne so that His order and purposes will be accomplished in the earth. As certainly as there is a summer that turns into fall and a fall that turns into winter there is One who sits above the machinations of unregenerate, self-serving men. People of faith will, therefore, align themselves with His order and contradict the disorder of faithlessness—step by step and day by day.


“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Gen.8:22, Amp)


Marty & Kathy Gabler invite you to read their
articles in the latest issue of SEEC Magazine.
Volume 19 Issue 5
CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO READ:
Read SEEC Magazine


War and Peace

HidingInRockIn John 16:33,  Jesus said, “In Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (NAU)  We put on our Ephesians 6  boots, not to run from trouble but to have peace as we overcome it.  Peace is a power force.  God defines peace as prosperity, soundness, completeness, contentment, safety and being exempt from the rage and havoc of war.  We are not exempt from war, but from the emotional rage and havoc it brings.  In other words, His peace keeps war from devastating and confusing us when it comes.

(This is the sixth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Rebuilding Our Temple-Part 2“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page.)


KATHY GABLER gives a brief encouraging word:
“Escape From The Victim Syndrome”
TO LISTEN, CLICK HERE:
http://martygabler.podomatic.com/entry/2014-02-18T21_51_13-08_00


No More Strangers and Foreigners

PeopleHoldingHands
As the people of God assemble today, may they realize the
fellowship and relationship they are part of. May they gain
strength from that realization and lean on one another and
support one another so that burdens are made lighter.

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” (Eph.2:19, KJV)


LiveStream broadcast of Grace International Church
Starts at 10:00 each Sunday morning.
http://www.graceic.org/grace-tv/


The Lord Keeps His Own

MoonTrees
The Lord has promised to keep His own, even with flood waters rising
and moons changing to various colors. Even with the threat of financial
and international upheaval God Almighty will keep your life.

“The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life.  8 The Lord
will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and
forevermore.” (Ps.121:7-8,Amp)


Marty brings an encouraging word in this 2 min. audio.
CLICK HERE: The Word of God is working in you!


Disappointment That Distracts

EndOfRoadAnother thing that can distract us from mandate is disappointment. Disappointments can distract us from purpose.  I think some of our greatest battles start with disappointments, and disappointments come most often because we have erroneous expectations or misbeliefs.  For example: if we believe God’s will is for us to live trouble-free, then we set our expectations accordingly.  That’s a misbelief and mis-expectation.  It will never happen.  Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation.”  The only way out of tribulation is to be out of the world.  Misbeliefs, even if they sound like truth, will lead us down a dead-end road into a downward spiral.  If we believe that God’s will is to have trouble-free lives, when there is trouble we will come to one of three dead ends: 1) Accusing God of falling short on His side of covenant, leaving us to live in anger and a sense of betrayal;  2) accusing self of doing something wrong and missing God’s will and smothering ourselves with self-examination and self-judgment;  or 3) accusing the devil of singling us out so that we live in the torment of self-pity and believe we are a helpless victim.  That view of ourselves actually positions us to be a victim and invites more trouble.  God’s will is not being trouble-free.  He would have never allowed the snake in the garden if that were the case.  God’s will is that we step on trouble and overcome it every time it rears its head!
(This is the fifth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Rebuilding Our Temple-Part 2“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page.)


Marty & Kathy Gabler invite you to read their
articles in the latest issue of SEEC Magazine.
Volume 19 Issue 5
CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO READ:
Read SEEC Magazine


He is Mighty to Save

DesertPrinceRobes
May we lift up our heads from the struggle of battle and 
behold Him who has already overcome, and trust ourselves
completely to Him Who is mighty to save.

“WHO IS this Who comes from Edom, with crimson-stained garments from Bozrah [in Edom]? This One Who is glorious
in His apparel, striding triumphantly in the greatness of His might? It is I, [the One] Who speaks in righteousness [proclaiming
vindication
], mighty to save!” (Isa.63:1, Amp)


 


Distracted by Pain

BackHurtOur mandate is to rebuild this temple to house His presence and His purpose. What distracts us from our mandate? One of the things at the top of the list is pain. Pain has a way of capturing our attention. Pain has a way of becoming a priority, but even pain must bow to God’s authority and power and purpose. Marty hurt his back a few years ago. He laid on the bed begging and pleading for healing and relief. Between groans, he decided to call and cancel the service scheduled for the next day, but the Holy Spirit said, “You are not dealing with this like a son.” “How do I do that, Lord?” he asked aloud. The answer came just as loud. “Declare your position and purpose.”

      Aloud he began to declare, “God has purpose for me in Lockhart, Texas. I will go and do what I was born to do.” Not even remembering how he got off the bed, he found himself packing. He was still in pain, but able to move again. He took ground inch by inch, moment by moment that day. By the time he stood in the pulpit and preached, the pain had completely left him.

      He could have thought like Judah, “I will pursue the purposes of God someday, just not now.” I have to recover first! But as he adjusted his priorities in his thinking, the process of healing began as he headed toward purpose.

(This is the fourth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Rebuilding Our Temple-Part 2“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page.)


DREAMS VISIONS PROPHECY  September 14-16, 2018  NO FEE
Grace International Church Willis,TX   graceic.org
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED INFO:  DVP2018


The Focus of Desperation

I laughed at myself as I recalled frantically calling out to the Lord a while back. I was frantic to find a title to a vehicle we were selling. Marty and I had both searched our desks and files, but neither of us could find the title. Rifling through my files one CameraFocusmore time, I suddenly heard myself praying, “Lord, help us. No, seriously, really make something happen this time!” Well, that was certainly no exemplary prayer of faith and power to confess publicly, but it was a powerful prayer in that it turned a light on for me.

As the light came on, I could plainly see the unverbalized script going on behind the scenes. As soon as I had muttered, “Help, Lord,” I thought of praying those same words hundreds of times concerning another situation in my life. The remembrance came to mock me for there was no help showing up after years, no sign of change, no movement whatsoever in my circumstances after those hundreds of prayers. The reminder was not only a damper on expectation for any present help, it was an in-my-face threat that God would not show up with resolve of this title situation.

The voice of desperation does not equal prayer mainly because desperation most often focuses on the problem which is the opposite of a faith focus on the One who has the answer. I suddenly realized I had been whining (hundreds of times), but I had considered it prayer. I repented. The awesome thing about repentance is that it brings change that brings change. Suddenly, in a Holy-Spirit-photo-memory-moment, Marty saw the title and it was right where we had put it, in a forgotten safe place. Hey, that’ll preach, the answer is SAFE until we can see it.

I laughed again. I love the smell of victory, especially even before the smoke of battle clears!  (Kathy Gabler)


Don’t Die on the Vine

GrapesVine
If we don’t seek the kingdom and His righteousness, we can die on the vine.  Dying on the vine means that fruit goes unpicked, food goes uneaten, harvest goes unrealized and destiny goes unfulfilled.  We can be connected to the vine and be on our way to heaven, yet not reach  fulfillment of purpose during our lifetime.  We can love God, yet go through life missing His direction and timing simply because we are not seeking the kingdom, not pursuing a relationship with Him.  

(This is the third excerpt from Kathy’s article “Rebuilding Our Temple-Part 2“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page.)


Marty & Kathy Gabler invite you to read their
articles in the latest issue of SEEC Magazine.
Volume 19 Issue 5
CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO READ:
Read SEEC Magazine


Bear One Another’s Burdens

BearOthersBurdensAs the people of God assemble today, may the Holy Spirit and the compassion
and loving heart of JESUS Christ move upon each heart so that each one helps
the other bear their burdens with wisdom that is lacking, knowledge and
encouragement that is lacking.

Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults,
and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah)
and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]. (Gal.6:2, Amp)


LiveStream broadcast of Grace International Church
Starts at 10:00 each Sunday morning.
http://www.graceic.org/grace-tv/


Catching Ourselves Before We Speak


May we catch ourselves before we let out a stream of negative verbiage
that is in agreement with things that appear as though they are destructive
or potentially destructive. And may we speak over those matters the intent
and will of our God that we have learned from the rich basics of scripture
and the character of God Almighty.

“For you were made rich in every way in him, in all your speech
and in every kind of knowledge—“ (1Cor.1:5, NET)


To listen to Marty and Kathy’s teachings and Worship Music:  CLICK HERE


Your God-Calling

JewelFacets
Your God-calling is as unique as you are. Your combination of giftings and temperament and personality and motivations and abilities and experience is unique. There can be many facets and phases to your calling and purpose in life. That’s why we need to seek first the kingdom.  Living submitted to God’s authority, presence, grace and order is where we discover how to live in fulfillment, first daily and then a lifetime, thereby bringing glory to God.

(This is the second excerpt from Kathy’s article “Rebuilding Our Temple-Part 2“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page.)


KATHY GABLER brings an encouraging word in this 3min. audio file.
“He is putting gates in your fences.”
http://martygabler.podomatic.com/entry/2013-09-04T13_14_04-07_00