For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

This verse has been one of the most used weapons in my arsenal of scriptures. Over the years, I’ve used it to combat fear that has come against me in various ways. When fear knocks, I open the door, stare it in the face and say to it, “Not today! God hasn’t given me the spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind. My mind will focus on the faithfulness of my Father, and my will and emotions will follow!” Then I shut the door.

If fear persists, I throw on some worship music and have myself a ‘remember’ moment. Where I remember all that God has done for me in the past and all He’s currently doing, then I go on to remember that His faithfulness will be forever! Here is an example of what I do. I hope this helps you in your war on fear.

“I remember when we had no food in the cupboards and you sent someone to deliver groceries to our dining room table. I remember when Shannon was suffering from an ear infection and you relieved the pain. I remember when you delivered both our girls from destructive relationships and you will continue to do that for our grandchildren.

“I remember when the deal with this house fell apart and we were ready to walk away and wait, but Your favor was on us and they pursued us. I thank You that what You start, You finish because Your Word says, ‘He who began a good work in me is faithful to complete it.’ You never leave anything half done. Every Word that comes out of Your mouth, finds a home and does what it was sent to do.

“Thank You that the power of Your love changes things. It changed our marriage. It changed our family. It changed our friendships and it changed me forever. May I see everyone through Your love so that I may be full of mercy and compassion, treating people fairly. May I not be worldly minded, but surrender my sound mind to You and think of how You would do things, following Your example.

“One last thing Lord, for everyone who reads this letter of encouragement, may they add this verse to their own arsenal and use it each day. May they remember that Your mercies are new each morning and great is Your faithfulness. May Your love wrap them up and warm them today as they hold their head high, walking in the power and authority You gave them. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

Look, the Lord’s power is enough to save you. He can hear you when you ask him for help. Isaiah 59:1

I don’t seem to be able to let go of this message. Not sure who you are but it seems like God is trying to get a message to you. God’s not hard of hearing. I’m sure that the first time you cried out to Him, He heard you. How do I know? Because He said it and He doesn’t lie!

He has the power to save you from whatever pickle you’ve got yourself into. He’s not the kind of parent who says, “Serves you right! You should have listened to me!” No. He’s a Father who is rich in mercy. He wanted to clearly show everyone for all time to come the amazing richness of His grace. It’s a gift! You can’t earn it or work for it. If you could, you wouldn’t need Him!

3 John 2 says it like this; I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. My dear friend, don’t stress over this thing you’re facing today. God hears you! Remind yourself that He’s going to take care of this. As He took care of the widow by sending the prophet to her, He will take care of you. As He healed the woman with the issue of blood, He will heal you.

One of the hardest battles you will ever fight goes on between your two ears each and every day you’re holding on to your promises. Remember, Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy and the only way he does that is to get you to believe something other then the Word of God. Recognize who is speaking. Call him out on his lies. Tell Him what the Word really says and stand on it until it manifests.

How long? Until the only thing you see is the God who stands before you. Until it no longer matters how long, you’ve decided to actively get on with your life and do whatever you can to make the devil miserable for the rest of your life. Until you understand that your trust is built on nothing but Jesus’ blood and His righteousness.

And may the peace of God which passes all natural understanding, guard your heart and mind. May you find rest in His deep abiding Love. May His joy flood your soul and move you into the blessing He’s set up for those who love Him. Amen

At that time Hezekiah became sick and almost died. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to see him and told him, “The Lord says, ‘You will die soon, so you should tell your family what they should do when you die. You will not get well.’”

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall that faced the Temple and began praying to the Lord.  “Lord, remember that I have sincerely served you with all my heart. I have done what you say is good.” Then Hezekiah cried very hard.

Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, he received this message from the Lord,  “Go back and speak to Hezekiah, the leader of my people. Tell him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, says: I heard your prayer and I saw your tears, so I will heal you. On the third day you will go up to the Temple of the Lord.  I will add 15 years to your life. I will save you and this city from the king of Assyria. I will protect this city. I will do this for myself and because of the promise I made to my servant David.’” 2 Kings 20:1-6

As I was reading this passage, I again heard the Lord say, “I hear!” What I posted yesterday was a precursor to this post. Whoever you are that has been given a disturbing report, God wants you to know that He hears your cry and He will indeed answer. He’s not finished with you. He’s not done blessing you, healing you or providing for you. You’re still His child and He hears you.

This was not just some ‘nobody’ prophet from Tim-buck-two. No this was Isaiah, a major prophet. He heard directly from God and was the delivery man to kings and people. But when Hezekiah heard the message, he cried VERY hard. It so moved the heart of God that Isaiah hadn’t even left the middle courtyard and God told him to turn around and tell him 1. I heard. 2. I saw. 3. I will heal you.

You don’t have to be a king for God to heal you. You don’t have to be a son for God to heal you. All you have to do is cry out.  Just like the blind man who heard Jesus was passing by and cried out. Just like the lepers who heard Jesus was nearby and cried out. Just like the woman whose daughter was demon possessed came to Jesus and cried out.

Your healing isn’t dependent on whether you eat right, do right or be right. Your healing transpired the moment Jesus took the beating 2000 plus years ago. He’s just waiting for you to cry out and believe that He’s the same God He was yesterday. The same God who heard the king hears you. He’s no respecter of persons. His blood was shed for everyone, from the little old grandma who lives alone to the newborn baby who just exited his mothers womb. It’s even for the vilest criminal on death row. He’s not an exclusive God, He’s an inclusive God.

Thank You Father that You hear me. I cried out to You for help and You heard me. I cried out because I was lonely and You filled the room with Your presence. I cried out with a financial need and provided because You’re a giver. You’re always listening and You hear and respond. How I love You and thank You for all You are and all You’ve done. It’s in Jesus’ name and for Your glory, Amen.

“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

As Walt and I sat discussing what we wanted in a house, my top wishes was that the lower cabinets in the kitchen would have drawers. I’ve always felt that it’s such a waste of space! Who likes to get down on the floor each time you need something way back in the back? Not me!

Then as we were driving to a friends home, I saw one of those little advertisement signs they stick by the side of the road that said, SOLAR PANELS and I told Walt, that too! I want solar panels to help with the cost of electricity. I mean it makes sense in Florida, right?

Guess what the house we bought has? Solar panels and drawers in the kitchen! It reminded me of this verse found in Isaiah, that God anticipates our needs and longs to bless us so much that before we even put them into words, He hears and answers.

There have been seasons where I felt that the distance between God and I was a chasm and had to remind myself that He’s always with me. But recently I’ve experienced things like this, where I no sooner say it and it’s there. The blessings of the Lord on steroids!

I’ve said it for years, Gods desire is to bless His children. Just like any parent on the face of the earth wants good things for theirs, so is it with God. Just as Jesus tried to tell us in Matthew 7:11, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Thank You Father for the gifts You’ve given me. I’m so grateful. I know You were watching me as I put my pots and pans away in those big, beautiful drawers you provided. Every time I open the doors and pull it out to grab a skillet, I’m thankful You heard and answered. I’m sure I’ll be excited when my first electric bill arrives as well. You’re such a good Father! You’re such a giver! When I grow up, I want to be just like You. Amen

Lord, I will exalt you and lift you high, for you have lifted me up on high! Over all my boasting, gloating enemies, you made me to triumph.  O Lord, my healing God, I cried out for a miracle and you healed me! Psalm 30:1-2 TPT

What if I were to tell you that the words you speak and the things you think actually create the environment for health and healing in your body? In Psalm 19:14 we read this prayer; Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Even David had discovered that his thoughts and words mattered.

Paul taught the Philippians in chapter 4:6-7; Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. He goes on in verses 8-9 and tells you what to think on.

In the midst of your pain which is real to your body, God sent His Word and healed you and delivered you from all your diseases.  It’s time to truly believe that what God spoke is more real then what you feel. It’s time to believe truth over facts. It’s time to trust in the Lord with all your heat, not leaning to your own understanding but in ALL your ways acknowledging Him, His Word, His ways so that He can direct your steps.

Remember Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria? He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. You can read the entire story in 2 Kings 5, but he received from Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” He was furious for several reasons, but it was in his obedience he obtained his healing.

Let me encourage you for a moment in saying this; regardless of what you may think or see in the natural, Gods Word still works today, you just have to believe with all your heart and place your trust in Him. If you have trust issues then perhaps that is where you must begin. Gods will for you is divine health. It was settled once and for all when Jesus paid the price for that.

Father, I place my trust in You! You said that those who trust you will not be ashamed, that their enemies would not triumph over them. I believe that Your Word is health to all my flesh and I read it and decree it as sweet nectar to my bones. Thank You for the blood of Jesus! Not one drop was wasted. It covered every sin, every sickness, every disease and every pain. Everything must bow to Your Word. I thank You and will daily lift up my hands in worship for You alone are my Healer and my Deliverer. It’s in Jesus’ name, Amen!

And Moses said to them, “Stand still, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you.” Numbers 9:8

The most uncomfortable place I’ve been in have been times when there has been no movement. You know what I mean, it’s like summertime where the atmosphere is heavy with humidity and the heat is almost oppressive. We’ve all experienced it and no one enjoys it, especially when it goes on for months.

The first thing I want to do is escape, anywhere there’s air conditioning will do. Most people have AC in their homes now, but I remember a time when the only escape was laying on the floor in front of a fan or playing in the hose in the back yard.

There are seasons in our lives where there is no movement and we wonder, have we missed God? What’s going on? But it’s in those times when we need to stand still so we can hear the voice of the Lord. Just because things aren’t comfortable doesn’t mean it’s time to move. Feelings shouldn’t be our motivation to affect change in our lives.

Those are times when we should turn inward, not outward. To hear what the Spirit is speaking, we must be still. The dictionary defines this word as; remaining in place or at rest; motionless; stationary: free from sound or noise, as a place or persons; silent: subdued or low in sound; hushed.

Remaining in place or rest is hard for me. I can do it if I’ve got a good book or am watching a good movie, but to do it free from sound, noise or people, not so much! It’s something I’ve had to train myself to do in very small increments. Some personalities love it but I’m not one of them.

But here’s the reward of that stillness; I hear the voice of God deep in my spirit, bringing peace, giving direction, making me smile.  He’s showing me things I can’t know on my own. He’s bringing freedom in areas I was held captive. When I don’t know, He knows and that’s good enough for me.

Does God still speak when I’m moving? Yes! But I’m more focused when I’m not and that focus isn’t on the things that need to be done. No, I push that aside and close my eyes and allow His presence to wash over me. It’s there I hear His voice. It’s there I feel His breath on my neck as He whispers direction. I love that!

It is not rare to hear Your voice for You are always speaking. What is rare is that we take time to hear what You’re saying. For the times I’ve been too busy, I’m sorry. May I always be a listener, tuned into Your voice. It’s in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us. 2 Timothy 1:14 AMPC

I’ve recently had people say that they felt the presence of the Lord show up in the most unusual ways in the most unusual settings. I’m in awe at where and when the Presence of God shows up. Since we are His dwelling place, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised.

Have you experienced that? Sitting, standing, walking or running and like a mighty rushing wind the area around you is charged with an indescribable power. It courses through your veins like life giving blood pushed by your beating heart. It makes me stop and breathe deeply, whispering the name of Jesus, which sends another wave of His presence.

I’m aware of You. The God who loves me, who gives me life and strength. You don’t just stop in for a visit, but You reside in me. Lord, I love your home, this place of dazzling glory, bathed in the splendor and light of your presence! (Psalm 26:8 TPT) 

“The life that pleases Me is a life lived in the gratitude of grace, always choosing to walk with Me in what is right. This is the sacrifice I desire from you. If you do this, more of My salvation will unfold for you.” Psalm 50:23 TPT

Every day I’m thankful. I live my life aware of Your presence in me and the power made available to me. I relinquish control and give my life completely to be daily messed up by Your glory. It’s what I long for, what I live for, Your glory. As it pulsates through me, may it change the lives of those around me. My eyes remain on You, my strength and my salvation. It’s in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.  You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about. Ephesians 2:8-9 ERV

If your mortgage was paid in full, would you continue to make the payments? No! Why that would be ludicrous indeed. Yet many of us stop trusting God as if the one time sacrifice was not enough. Jesus paid for ALL our sins. Those past, present and future sins were dealt with once and for all, we only have to believe it.

And here’s the good news; He dealt with ALL of it. Sin, sickness, disease-DONE! Lack and poverty-DONE! Guilt and condemnation-DONE! Didn’t you get the message? That thing you’re struggling with was dealt with once and for all. JESUS PAID IT ALL! DEBT CANCELED! You can stop trying to pay for what’s PAID IN FULL!

It’s time we know the truth and allow the truth to set us free! Stop allowing the rotten lying devil to deceive you into believing anything else. If it’s contrary to the Word of God, open your mouth and tell him, “That’s not what the Word says!” Then tell him what the Word says because that’s the biggest weapon you have and the only one that defeats your enemy.

Not today devil! You can’t have my strength because according to Psalm 28: 7: The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.

Not today devil! You can’t have my health because according to Psalm 107:20: He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. I Peter 2:24 says; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 

Not today devil! There will be no loss of finances nor lack in any area for according to Philippians 4:19; And my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. He knows what I have need of and is willing and able to meet that need. Now get out of hear devil and leave me alone! I’m not going to buy your lies because I know the truth of Gods Word and that is enough!

Thank You Father that everything I need is found in Your Word. You’ve made provision! Every weapon needed to deal with the enemy is right there, I just have to read it, keep it in my heart, meditate on it until it becomes a part of who I am forever. I will keep my mind on You and Your ability to carry me through every trial I face. It’s in Your strength I’m made perfect in weakness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about? Pull yourself together, Job! Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have some questions for you, and I want some straight answers. Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, While the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise? And who took charge of the ocean when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds, and tucked it in safely at night. Then I made a playpen for it, a strong playpen so it couldn’t run loose, And said, ‘Stay here, this is your place. Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.’” Job 38:2-11

In what He says to Job, it made me realize that this is the God who thought of everything! Every little detail in creating the whole earth. His plan was flawless! He left nothing undone. He even placed man in charge to care for what He created. We sure screwed that us!

So every time you find yourself questioning God because He seems to not be listening or has somehow forgotten His promise to you, read these passages and remember that He is a God who never forgets. Never leaves. Always keeps His promises. Loves you always. Don’t think you have it all figured out, there’s a lot of things you don’t see and may never see. It’s about trust. He wants you to trust Him even when things don’t look right.

God has a vision for you and you may not see what He sees, but trust what He says and continue doing what He’s called you to do regardless. Know that you’re a part of a master plan and He doesn’t always share the details with you because, He is God. Your life may or may not resemble Jobs life, but know that God is faithful and if you keep your eyes on Him, His plan will certainly come to pass.

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG

Walt and I recently purchased a home and moved last weekend. I won’t bore you with all the details but let’s just say it was crazy.  After months of packing and preparing, gathering information, making adjustments, changing dates, arranging movers and taking care of all the details, we were exhausted to say the least. When we had finished cleaning the condo, we were both in so much pain it felt like everything hurt. Then I did something I rarely do, I cried.

I cried because I was in pain. I cried because of all the pent up frustrations, the misunderstandings, the overwhelming feeling that I’d never be finished unpacking and putting everything away. Then I pulled myself up by my emotional bootstraps and did what needed to be done and while doing it, I began to refocus my attention on God. I thanked Him for the astounding favor and miracles in the process. I worshipped Him because He was enough and knew that He would take care me. I handed Him all of it and He gladly took it.

After a brief stop at home to unload supplies, Walt took me out to dinner and as I sat there reflecting I realized that all my pain was gone. Just like that! Just in the changing my focus from me to Him, gone! I heard Him speak to my spirit, “See what happens when you focus on me instead of the problem?”

With anything you’re giving birth to, there is pain in the process but remember this; Between contractions, take time to rest and renew your strength. Much is needed to deliver the things God has placed inside of you.

Let me coach you a moment. Don’t be distracted by anything that is not going to benefit you in your walk with the Lord during this time. Keep your eyes trained on Jesus. Watch for His direction. He will tell you when to push and when to breathe and when to rest. Do not allow the enemy to steal what is inside of you.

Just as Paul instructed us, Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.