But the Lord says, “Now I will arise! I will defend the poor, those who were plundered, the oppressed, and the needy who groan for help. I will spring into action to rescue and protect them!” For every word Yahweh speaks is sure and reliable. His truth is tested, found to be flawless, and ever faithful. It’s as pure as silver refined seven times in a crucible of clay. Psalms 12:5-6 TPT
There’s not a whole lot of people in the world who are reliable, but God, He never breaks His promises. He’s faithful. He’s a sure foundation. Someone I can depend on.
I used to think that God would give me everything I needed, but I discovered that I had no clue what I really needed. Only God knew that.
His Word has been tested. I know that when I obey His prompting, I’ll be rewarded with knowing He’s trustworthy.
Today, as you go about your day, think about the reliability of your Heavenly Father. Tuck yourself securely under His wings and rest in the knowledge of His faithfulness. Regardless of the outcome, allow Him to take control and trust Him.
There’s a private place reserved for the devoted lovers of Yahweh, where they sit near him and receive the revelation-secrets of his promises. Psalms 25:14 TPT
What does the word “devoted” mean? The dictionary states, very loving or loyal, giving all of one’s time or resources to.
That’s typically used to describe a marriage, or should be. It definitely described mine. Being devoted was an honor. And it was always reciprocated. Always.
So this morning, I was thinking about how loyal God is to me. I know there’s really no comparison, right? Yet it’s a reference point for me. Until it wasn’t. Can I trust God to never leave me? Walt did.
But God is a Spirit. Spirits don’t die. Walts spirit is still alive, it’s just been relocated. Someday, I’ll also be relocated as well. My spirit will be joined with God, never to be alone again. I look forward to that, but while I’m still here, I’ll focus on being loyal to Him.
Walt made a covenant with me and kept every promise while he was on this earth. He was a devoted lover. He showed me everyday how much he loved me. That’s an example of Gods love for me.
God’s made a covenant with me. My devotion to Him is being rewarded by His whispers in my ear togivedirection. His peace in my heart. His provision for my needs.
How can I not be loyal to Him? He’s always been and always will be my devoted lover.
Keeping my eyes riveted on You, God, is my goal. To recognize distraction and jump back in Your presence. To see the light in the very dark place where I live. Knowing that the unknown will become known to be when You’re ready to show me.
Keep me in that private place where you share Your plans with me. Regardless of my tiny understanding, I trust you. I will wait in Your presence as you reveal Yourself to me. I will be devoted to You. My heart is all Yours.
They all got into a boat and began to cross over to the other side of the lake. And Jesus, exhausted, fell asleep. Suddenly a violent storm developed, with waves so high the boat was about to be swamped. Yet Jesus continued to sleep soundly. The disciples woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We’re going to die!” But Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you gripped with fear? Where is your faith?” Then he stood and rebuked the storm, saying, “Be still!” And instantly it became perfectly calm. The disciples were astonished by this miracle and said to one another, “Who is this Man? Even the wind and waves obey his Word.” Matthew 8:23-27 TPT
I was challenged this morning with these verses. We’ve become so influenced by our senses. What we see and hear in the natural have become our reality. We’ve forgotten that He set the example and gave us all power.
What would happen if the believers would use the power given to displace storms? Heal the sick and raise the dead? At some point, we should be that, right?
Remember that song, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going.” You are that one spark. What are you waiting for? Your words are as powerful as Jesus’ words because He gave us all power and authority over all the power of the enemy. (Luke 10:19)
It’s time we use what’s been given and show the world by example. You’re to follow Jesus, not man. Don’t wait for a group to do it. Show the world around you that the Jesus in you is still alive in you.
For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, like a two-mouthed sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts. Hebrews 4:12 TPT
A two-mouthed sword. That caused my eyebrows to raise and question, what’s that supposed to mean? So I clicked on the three dots next to it, which is supposed to give clarity, and here’s what I found.
God speaks his word, then we, in agreement, also speak his word, and it becomes “a two-mouthed sword.”
Let’s not forget that His Word is alive and full of energy. It carries power and promise. The active ingredients to deliver on those promises are the power of agreement.
I’ve only touched on the first portion of this wonderful scripture, but can you imagine what happens when you come into agreement with God? Stop agreeing with all the naysayers. The gloom and doomsday. Come into agreement with God’s word and change the outcomes.
Pull up Psalm 91 and personalize it for you and your family. You may see it happen around you, but don’t allow it to rob you of the power in those promises. He always watches over His Word.
“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” Matthew 11:28-30 TPT
When Hurricane Helene made it through the gulf, we lost power for 2 nights. It was hot, humid, and we ended up eating out and spending more money than I planned, but sometime before the power came on, God reminded me of something. It could have been so much worse.
I never lost my relationship with God. Never lost the knowledge that He was always with me. Saw evidence that He continues to be my provider. Never lost my peace even though there was turmoil surrounding me.
Psalm 91 was still my mantra. His covenant still remains my firm foundation. His love still surrounds me. His peace carries me through every storm.
So many times, we tend to focus on what we’ve lost instead of what we have. Over the past 9 months, I’ve been reminded to be thankful. It could have been worse. I still have my beautiful daughters who love, respect, and honor me. I have friends who surround me. I have an amazing church family and a pastor who truly cares.
Whatever life has tossed in your path, whatever curveball knocked you upside your head, you don’t have to carry it alone. Bring it to Jesus. Join your life with Him and exchange your heavy load for His light one. Let Him be your oasis. Allow Him to refresh you where you are.
Trust Him to be your help in time of trouble. He’ll bring you what you need when you need it most.
Psalm 107:20 says, “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
Gods words have purpose. He never speaks ‘off the cuff’. When He speaks, it’s because He has every intention of doing exactly what He says.
You may be wondering, if that’s true, why am I not healed? Have you ever taken a time-released medication? How does that work? It’s released little by little into your system to gain the maximum benefit. You believe it’s working because a doctor gave it to you and you trust in your doctor.
When you read Gods word, it’s like medicine to your flesh and health to all your bones. It’s a ‘time-released’ word. As you partake of it daily, you sense it begins to work in ways you can’t see. You begin to trust that what He says does come to pass.
As you read and meditate on His promises, it’s released into your body to do its perfect work. Your job is simply to believe God, resist the enemy of fear, doubt, and unbelief and stand firm on His promises. Don’t ever think that just because you don’t see it happening, that it hasn’t already happened.
Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.” Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus. And answering him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road. Mark 10:46-52 NASB1995
What caused blind Bart to call out to Jesus? Obviously, he needed a miracle, right? I’m pretty sure he was sitting in the same place when Jesus entered the city with His disciples. So what was the difference?
The difference was that He left with a large crowd because of all the miracles He did while there. Before Jesus came, everything was normal, but when He left, things had significantly shifted.
I picture Bart remembering that he was Abraham’s descendant and an heir of the covenant God had given. He remembered who he was and hoped for the salvation promised. Regardless of what life had dolled out to him, he’d heard of what Jesus had done in the city and wanted what was due him.
That’s why, in spite of those who attempted to quiet him, those who were accustomed to seeing him in that same place and didn’t see how that could change for him, didn’t deter him from calling out. He only grew louder.
That’s when Jesus called him. He stood, threw off his beggers blanket, and moved toward Jesus’ voice. In response to Jesus’ question, he was specific with what he wanted, and Jesus said, “Go. Your faith has made you well.” And as he went, he regained his sight.
Someone reading this has been waiting for something to happen before they move on Gods direction. God doesn’t work that way. Go! Take a step towards obedience, and doors will open. Miracles respond to faith, not the other way around.
What do you believe? If you refuse to be moved, you will see the salvation of the Lord.
You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you—under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path. “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!” Psalm 91 Message Bible
All of you who spend your time watching models of the hurricane and it’s projected path, please spend your time reading this daily and remember, when you spend time in the secret place, He will direct you as to what to do, whether to stay or, when to leave and even the route to take.
But whatever you do, DO NOT FEAR! Fear always robs you of peace, and peace is where you should remain.
Those who sow their tears as seeds will reap a harvest with joyful shouts of glee. They may weep as they go out carrying their seed to sow, but they will return with joyful laughter and shouting with gladness as they bring back armloads of blessing and a harvest overflowing! Psalms 126:5-6 TPT
I’m not a huge crier, but I’ve had my share of tears, and I have to say, it’s a necessary thing. Crying, let’s off pressure that’s built up inside of you.
Most of my tears silently fall down my face in the night. It could be as simple as opening my eyes to see an empty pillow where Walt slept. Sometimes, during worship, when I hear a song that moves me, I still glance over to see him if he’s crying.
Whatever the case, God sees my tears as seeds that will someday reap a harvest of joy. It doesn’t stop the flow of tears to know that, but I can expect God to bottle them up. Nothing is ever wasted.
Eight months have passed since he went to his reward. I’m happy for him. No more pain. He’s where he belongs, and I’m content to stay and encourage you today.
Let those tears fall knowing God’s catching them all.
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong because the Lord is the One who holds his hand. Psalms 37:23-24 NASB2020
Have you ever had something happen to you that was so bad, and all you could focus on was the bad? What if the bad happened to catapult you into something good?
Here’s where I’m going with this. If I truly believe the aforementioned verse, then I also believe that God is not surprised by anything that happens in my life. Good, bad, happy, or sad, He’s built in a delightful finish for me. I just have to trust the one who holds my future.
Learn to see things through the eyes of faith. If our steps are ordered by the Lord, believe that He has purpose for that thing. Get your eyes off the negatives and be excited for the good God will bring into your life because of it.
God has GOOD in store for you, He just wants you to trust Him.
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.