Daily Devotions

Posts tagged “as in heaven

Holy Dissatisfaction

Yahweh has shown us in His Word that His sons/daughters are expected to call upon Him and know the breadth, length, depth and height of Him (Eph.4:18). We are also expected to embrace the provision of our Lord (Eph.4:12) that we might receive “perfecting” [completing] and come “unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph.4:13). That large mouthful of descriptive words does not leave room for maintaining a present level of acceptableness and biding our time until we can get some relief at the coming of the Lord. In Paul’s writings we find a great example of a holy dissatisfaction. Phil.3:12,Amp—“NOT that I have now attained, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me…”  In the ensuing verses he adds terms like “straining” “reaching forward” and “pressing”. There are levels and potential awaiting us.


No Snake on a Stick

KATHY—Like Judah in 2Kings 17, we need an awakening. In the next chapter, 2Kings 18, Hezekiah became king of Judah and Awakening began. Hezekiah was AWARE they needed God and He took action to begin sanctifying the nation.  He destroyed the local shrines, tore down the images of foreign gods, cut down the sacred pole for worshiping the goddess of sex and fertility and he also smashed the bronze snake Moses had made in the wilderness.  Remember when fiery serpents were biting and killing them in the camp?  God told Moses to put a brass serpent on a pole so people could see it and be healed.  That was a one-time obedience that led to the intervention of God for their nation.  Keeping that pole as a testimony from history to teach their children about God was understandable, but sticking that pole among the idols they were worshiping and making sacrifices to dishonored both God and the acts of God in their behalf. That generation had to have cooked the books (unethically change the meaning) of their own history to justify worshiping a SNAKE on a STICK. Our confidence must not be placed upon any past event or monument. Our confidence comes from the faithfulness of God.


Engagement and Awakening

MELISSA—Where do rules of engagement fit into awakening? I looked up a definition and here’s what I found: “a directive issued by a military authority controlling the use and degree of force, especially specifying circumstances and limitations for engaging in combat.”  This makes sense in military terms, but how does this fit in everyday life? I began to think about what we went through in 2020, and are currently dealing with in 2022 and rules of engagement took on a whole new meaning.  Rules of engagement for us is how we handle the war we are in and how we see the outcome of said war.


They Forsook the One True God

KATHY—We need an Awakening as badly as Judah did in 2Kings 17. They had forgotten their God.  They had forsaken their one true God, Yahweh and even closed the door to the temple and nailed it shut.  2Kings 17:16-17, could be copy from today’s newspaper:  The people  disobeyed all the commands of the LORD.  They made idols of gold and built altars to gods and goddesses and they worshiped the stars. They indulged in all the black arts of magic and sorcery. . . They sank so low as to sacrifice their own sons and daughters! These things are literally happening in our churches, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, small towns, movies and even cartoons, but most assuredly, (as it reads in the last line of verse 17), GOD HAD ENOUGH. 


Sensitive to What Holy Spirit Says

As the people of God assemble today may their sensitivities be turned to what Holy Spirit is saying to the churches for this hour. May their ears, eyes and hearts be focused to receive instruction and leading that is necessary for the people of God to walk in the way that is effective to the glory of the name of the Lord and the advancement of His Kingdom for the saving of many. Matt.13:16-17,Msg—“But you have God-blessed eyes—eyes that see! And God-blessed ears—ears that hear! A lot of people, prophets and humble believers among them, would have given anything to see what you are seeing, to hear what you are hearing, but never had the chance.”


May the Lord Give you Sensitivity

May the Lord give you the sensitivity you need for the present season you are in. May you be sensitive to where you need to be and when you need to be there and what you need to do when you get there. Jn.16:13,Amp—“But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].”


Rules Have Changed

MELISSA—During a pretty rough time recently I heard, “The rules of engagement have changed.”  That certainly got my attention! After having some time to ponder this statement I am beginning to see that it connects to the ongoing awakening we are experiencing.  Like I’ve mentioned before, I thought the awakening was going to be an event but the last couple of years have proven to me that not only has the awakening begun but it is an ongoing event rolling out on a continual basis.  I just don’t think we could have handled awakening on this level all at one time. Where do rules of engagement fit into awakening? I hope you will join me over the next week or so as I venture to look at how they fit in everyday life.


Memories That Heal

A while back I walked into the kitchen and I said to Kathy, “That smells like Thanksgiving!”. As I walked in, I experienced a wide range of sensory connections with Thanksgiving. The smell of spices and basting meat and the odors of baking coming out of the oven filled my senses. But I also began to hear things. As memories of Thanksgivings-come-and-gone stirred in my mind, I could hear the sounds of those gatherings, those loved ones, those children, those songs, that worship—in my memory. Kathy couldn’t hear any of it but I could hear many things all at once. I had to just stand there for a minute or two, not focusing on anything in the room but looking with my memory into those sights and sounds that had been cherished and stored away in valuable files of my heart. Then, even as I write now, hot tears filled my eyes and my heart raced up at the peace and joy and delight all those sounds and people in my memory brought to me. I didn’t even realize that I had tucked those precious memories away so many years ago. But the loving atmosphere, the loving people, the lovely ambiance and delicious foods all impacted my senses then for a delightful, sensory and welcome release now. No camera could have accomplished what those pleasant experiences wrought, for they were drawn up out of the well of cherished ones and cherished things in my heart. And for a brief time they were all there, all real and all so lovely once again. I am so thankful for a rich spiritual heritage, deeply meaningful relationships and for cherished memories that still impact me today. May this Thanksgiving bring to you sights and sounds and smells that pleasantly soothe you and heal you, and may they all bring you to a fresh place of rest in our Lord.  (Prov.10:7a, Amp) ”The memory of the righteous [person] is a blessing,”.


Living Like we Have a Lord

Our mandate from our heavenly Father has not changed because there is political turmoil throughout the nation and throughout the world or because there is a natural disaster in several nations at one time. We don’t have to look for a new mandate because it is the same one we have had for a long time (Matt.10:7;28:18-20); we just need to begin to give ourselves, our effort and our money to it. We are still supporting missions and investing in our spiritual sons/daughters, still making plans for the future and increasing efforts for the Kingdom. There are people talking about changing their plans and goals for their church “because the coming of the Lord is so near”. What we best be planning is planning to live like we have never lived for the purposes of God. Perhaps we should put less emphasis on “talking” about a Savior and begin to “live” like we have a LORD Who has left us with a mandate.


Revival and Relationship

KATHY—The Awakening and Revival in motion will not be known for emphasis on preaching “heaven or hell, turn or burn”.  Actually, neither heaven nor hell is a life-giving daily focus, and we are not looking for an awakening based on golden streets or fear of hell.  (Neither luxury nor fear is a healthy motivation for relationship, nor the path to abundant Life.)  Awareness of God and participation as a son or daughter that demonstrates His Kingdom on earth (as Jesus did) is the Awakening we need because that’s an awakening that will ignite Revival based in RELATIONSHIP!


STAGING AND SUDDENLIES

STAGING AND SUDDENLIES. There is a staging going on in the spirit realm. God is processing and placing people and things in proper order so that His purposes are fulfilled by the moving of His hand. What will seem like suddenlies will come into being because of God’s careful staging of the events long before they manifested. Some of the frustration people are dealing with is the lack of their knowledge of what God is doing behind the veil which is beyond their comprehension and beyond their preoccupying worries. Just because we cannot comprehend the actions of an all-wise God while many voices of judgment and despair are speaking, doesn’t mean that this God is inactive or withholding His actions. The whole world was in turmoil while Noah was able to hear God’s preparation plan for his family.


Fear and Focus

MELISSA–FEAR CAUSES US TO LOSE FOCUS. The hand of God is moving. Recently, as I was praying about all the predictions, estimations and concerns coming in over the internet I had a vision of a hand moving and very active. It was moving people from one location to another. It was moving money and buildings and equipment here and there. As I watched this busy hand I realized that a veil was beginning to form between the busy hand and myself. Finally I could not see anything the hand was doing. The Lord spoke to my heart that the reason so many of His people are losing heart is because their fears and despair have formed a curtain between them and what His hand is doing. His hand is still moving and working but some can’t see it because of what they have allowed in the forefront of their thoughts and considerations.


Evidence Says we are at the Point of Awakening

Free Flag Grass SkyKATHY—If God’s plan seems absolutely impossible and unreachable in the present darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places of our nation and world, then consider that as evidence that we are at the point of an Awakening! When we look at our own nation, the evidence is in plain sight.  Or we could say that the stench is in plain smell. We are at the point of a “must-have” Awakening! Right here in these United States of America,  in our “Christian” nation, there is corruption in high places with no shame whatsoever, and the world is watching. Dark forces with lethal agendas are targeting our entire way of life, trying to destroy our economy.  Then there are repulsive, perverted things going on deep within our nation’s darkness, deep as in literally underground atrocities in tunnels. Then, there are the numerous atrocities against children. There are those who spend mind-boggling amounts on drugs and elixirs just so they can live longer and live out their depraved lusts and reprobate imaginings. We must see the light and be the Light of God that pierces this present darkness that’s trying to rule the world. God’s purpose for America is to display His Kingdom, His rule, His power and His will being done, not to self-destruct as a nation and lead the world to hell.


FEAR CAUSES US TO LOSE FOCUS

The hand of God is moving. Recently, as I was praying about all the predictions, estimations and concerns coming in over the internet I had a vision of a hand moving and very active. It was moving people from one location to another. It was moving money and buildings and equipment here and there. As I watched this busy hand I realized that a veil was beginning to form between the busy hand and myself. Finally I could not see anything the hand was doing. The Lord spoke to my heart that the reason so many of His people are losing heart is because their fears and despair have formed a curtain between them and what His hand is doing. His hand is still moving and working but some can’t see it because of what they have allowed in the forefront of their thoughts and considerations.


Hearing Ear and Seeing Eye

As the people of God assemble today may they truly worship the awesome Almighty God Who has made their eyes to see and their ears to hear. May they receive clearing of the eyes and opened ears to see and hear what the Lord God is doing in this time when so many are fearful and discouraged. May they take bold steps forward while trusting in Him Who never leaves nor forsakes His own. Prov.20::12,Amp–“The hearing ear and the seeing eye—the Lord has made both of them.”


Sons, Daughters and Stewardship

Taking time and effort to assess what is being thrust upon our eyes and ears as information to act upon, because of what is perceived to be happening in the present and looming in the near future is part of our stewardship as sons and daughters of faithful Father God. It is time to come to balance and one of the best ways to do that is to realize who God is in this hour. His throne is not and cannot be shaken. His plan has not changed nor has He throttled back on His purposes in this earth. There are no oil spills on the carpet around His throne (as tell-tale signs of disasters) and there are no fault lines running through the floor. Eph.13:8-9a—“Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages). Do not be carried about by different and varied and alien teachings; for it is good for the heart to be established and ennobled and strengthened by means of grace…”


A Brand New Timeline

MELISSA–Over the last couple of days I have realized how much my thinking is changing.  You know that life timeline running in your subconscious? The one where, you don’t even realize, you have presupposed thoughts of how your life may go? Well, just the other day I came to the realization that mine has a ton of influence from the aforementioned agendized societal norms. This timeline has been so governed by what we’ve seen instead of what is coming.  All of a sudden I saw a clean whiteboard and knew that meant that my timeline is brand new! I’m not limited to the expectations of a life built while I was asleep at the wheel! I am now free to live in His abundance which means being a living expression of His Kingdom on this earth. This is such revitalizing news! THIS – IS – AWAKENING, and it’s for all of us. 


Witnessing the Manifestation of the Kingdom

KATHY–Mary’s experience in the first chapter of Luke is a vivid example of awakening. The angel Gabriel came from standing in the presence of God to make Mary aware of God’s plan.  As a Jewish girl, Mary had heard that God would send the Messiah to earth, but when Gabriel explained she was part of that plan, he turned a light on for her to a never-before-in-history, unique awareness!  And she responded to Gabriel’s declaration and revelation with,  “Be it unto me according to your word.”  With that response Mary stepped into a life-changing awakening, a world-changing awakening.  In fact, it was the beginning of the Greatest Awakening in history and one that has never stopped rippling through history.  Neither did it ever stop rippling through Mary’s life.  Her awakening ushered her into the Kingdom of God as she watched her son grow and heard Him teach about God and His Kingdom.  She saw Jesus operating in Kingdom authority by ruling over nature when He spoke to the storm and when He walked on water.  She saw Him take dominion over evil spirits and sickness and even death.  In real time, Mary witnessed the Kingdom of God manifesting in the earth.  Simultaneously, there was an awakening going on inside Mary that connected her to her identity, her purpose and her position in destiny and established her as chosen and affirmed by her Father God.  Awakening brought her into a Father/Daughter relationship.


WEIGH AND JUDGE

We are in a time when there is a great need to weigh matters and judge words rather than just taking everything that we hear and zealously trying to get it to fit into our theology and our eschatology. There are even some folks who are willing to adjust their theology to get it to fit words coming from voices that are continually predicting near events even though many of them have not come to pass. Some of those people and their words are finding acceptance because of what seems to be widespread fear and despair. If someone is in fear or suspicion, they can find a word that will accommodate it. (Let’s start a new fad: Let’s all go to the Word of God to interpret the Word of God instead of going to the news!)


Awareness and Response

KATHY—When I mention Kingdom in this article, I am speaking of God’s rule or government, power, authority and order. I am referring to the rule of Almighty God that is eternal, ever-present and everlasting and that will always express His original intent and purpose. The term “awakening” includes two parts, awareness and response. Just as we really don’t know we are asleep until we wake up, neither do we realize we are unaware of something until we become aware of it. So awareness is the first step toward awakening.  Just as you can be aware it’s time to get up and go to work but doze off again, a genuine awakening doesn’t happen until you get up and go to work. So the second part of awakening is response or participation or follow-up on your awareness. An awakening of any kind involves both awareness and response.  


Present and Coming Victory

As the people of God assemble today may they tune in to the heavenly download that speaks of present and coming victory through Christ our Lord. 1Cor.15:57-58,CEV—“But thank God for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory! 58 My dear friends, stand firm and don’t be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord.” And may their rejoicing be that Yahweh is not finished but He is still with them. Deut.31:6,Amp—“Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.”


Alignment

There is a lot of downloading coming to us from heaven. There is also a lot coming to us through the internet. Take caution with what you do with what is coming in on your computer. There are all manner of prophecies out there about what is supposed to be happening in the near future. I received a call from a pastor recently who told me that there were some people in his congregation hearing one thing from one prophet and others were hearing from another prophet who contradicted the first prophet and the church was torn as to which one they were going to go with concerning the future. Yahweh is not finished with earth, with this nation nor with us so there is still a great need to get into alignment with the purposes of God in His ever-expanding Kingdom.


Great Awakening

MELISSA—This is “Awakening: Part 278” because I have mentioned awakening a lot lately.  I can’t get away from it.  I have noticed that awakening, for the most part, is presented as an event but I believe we have been in “The 3rd Great Awakening” for some years now.  Think about it, we have seen almost unbelievable evil surfacing everywhere and it’s because hidden things are being exposed! This is seriously ancient evil crawling to the surface but awakening is causing us to see it.  Awakening is two sided: God’s glory manifesting and evil being exposed and annihilated. It can’t be a one time event because it’s way too massive for us to be able to endure all at once!


CONTRADICTIONS CAN SABOTAGE

KATHY–Let us not be sabotaged by contradictions within our own thinking and beliefs. For example, a common misunderstanding among churched people is that we must expect and allow world conditions to get worse. However, the concept of passively allowing evil to be successful contradicts God’s Word and character. An unfailing principle of the Word is seedtime and harvest, whether it is good seed and good harvest or bad seed and bad harvest. So, world conditions get worse when evil sown comes to harvest. While that is a fact, the contradiction we need to be aware of here is that does not mean that getting worse is God’s will or original intent. We can agree with God and interrupt the sowing and reaping of evil. Thinking God intends to allow evil to succeed is contradictory to His character and principles, and that kind of mis-belief is a contradiction that causes conflict in our soul.  (This is an excerpt from Kathy Gabler’s article “Contradicting Contradictions“.)