At the Start of This Week... 30-Second Devotional

At the start of this week...

 Should the car not start, the kids or co-workers won’t stop complaining, the wallet seems empty, and the to-do list is overwhelming, look up! Remember, the Holy Spirit is with you in everything from the mundane to the life-altering. Hand everything over to His care for He can handle everything.
Ephesians 1:19-20

Should a relationship seem oh so difficult right now in your home, work, school, or wherever, God is probably using it in your life – get this – to change and transform you. Don’t worry about the other individual changing first; Jesus is wanting to do tender heart surgery in you.
Proverbs 27:17

 This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

Between the Commas... A 30-Second Devo

Sometimes you just have to read between the commas… 

…the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:18

The riches of the gospel of Jesus Christ are laid out for us in a few short words from Paul’s prayer here, and these few words can change your life. Really.

Try it. Simply read the one verse above – savoring each phrase – between the commas. I believe the Lord has something to speak into your current situation from these three phrases. Ponder His words to you in this moment. What applies to you? How is your heart being moved or wrecked for His glory?

Let’s slow down. Let’s savor God’s Word. Let’s read between the commas, and be transformed.

The Lord's Report... A 30-Second Devo

My friend, Bobby Chance, likes to coin this phrase, the Lord’s report is the only one that matters. And you know, it is true.

He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him.
Matthew 9:24

I am not saying you should not trust doctors, your bank account, sound advice, or godly wisdom. Just as when Jesus walked into the little girl’s room and healed her sometimes, we have to choose to believe what Jesus has spoken over a situation no matter what it looks like. His report. His report alone was all that mattered. And this is true today.

We must know what He is thinking concerning the situations we face. We need to know His Word for ourselves in times of trial and what His written Word has to say about what we are going through. It is imperative we each hear His report is for us.

What is His report for you in this moment? Have you asked Him? Personally? You and He alone? I encourage you to do so because there are a lot of reports out there – lots of voices. However, His is the only one that matters.

I Am Accepted...And You Are, Too! One-Minute Devotional

We are accepted. We are forgiven.

…to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:6

It is that simple. It is that hard. The simplicity lies in our Father unreservedly giving us His Son to satisfy the debt of our sin. The difficulty is for us to believe this truth. Certainly, God must require something of us? Surely, it is up to us to get our act together? And yet, this platform of grace, richly supplied (vs.7-8), is the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can’t do anything but receive it. Everything has already all been done.

Let’s consider God’s grace (New Testament Greek: charis). It is His divine favor and strings-free gift that saves, maintains, and transforms us. Grace, the word that also means joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, and loveliness, has already been bestowed upon us and is the platform we must stand upon - but do we?

When we stand on His platform of grace, no matter what our thoughts, emotions, or the enemy is shouting in our heads, we take the first steps toward freedom and realizing who we are in Christ. When we slip and fall – for we surely will – we must not let guilt become the ball-and-chain that binds our souls to our hurts, addictions, and behaviors. Yes, we must agree with the Holy Spirit’s conviction of our sin, confess it, and ask forgiveness for it, but then we must agree with God’s Word that His work of forgiving and cleansing us has already begun (John 1:9).

When we choose to believe Jesus at His word that we are already forgiven and accepted, we silence guilt’s accusations. Then, the power of God’s grace can transform us from our hang-ups and hurts, propelling us toward our purpose. Remember, the mystery of the gospel (v.9) is Christ in us, living His life through us (Col. 1:27).

We can’t fix ourselves; only He can. It starts with a Holy Spirit paradigm shift in our hearts and minds and our responsive yes to His promptings. I think I am less-than and don’t belong; He declares I am entirely accepted and loved unconditionally. My thoughts tell me I will never get it right. He states that it isn’t up to me; the Holy Spirit will do the work (Eph. 3:7). The enemy tells me I am guilty; Jesus says I am already forgiven, clean, and free (Heb. 10:12-13.

It is time to believe these truths with all our heart, mind, and strength.

Adpated from the YouVersion Plan: Accepted: Who We Really Are and What He Has Given Us

Unseen... A 30-Second Devtional

For much of my life, I lived in the nagging insecurity of feeling unseen...

Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees...
Genesis 16:13

The enemy of my soul told me otherwise from this verse. He spoke subtle lies to me, and I gave him a toehold; I gave him the time of day, and he made it a stronghold. It is unfortunately so much easier to believe what the devil says, what the world says, and what my insecurities say instead of ruthlessly trusting Jesus’ Words. For you too?

My desperate decision to live in the Lord’s presence on a minute-by-minute basis broke up those lies. I began to recognize that the One and Only sees me, and He is the one who truly matters. Instead of the adversary’s torment, Jesus’ truth set me free. I discovered that the God of the Universe loves me, and He is absolutely crazy about me. And this gives me a reason to wake up in joy every single morning.

Now, your turn, if needed...

Want to learn more about what God’s Word tells us about walking in Jesus’ freedom in our emotions, thoughts, and, well, our lives? Check out Refresh: Having Transformed Thoughts and Lives.

Jesus' Come as You Are Party... One-Minute Devotional...

Someone recently asked me what the secret was to my (almost, let’s be real here) daily effervescent joy and unshakeable peace in Jesus? They wondered why it was that in the midst of a heavy ministry and workload, the hills and valleys of life, and a stage 4 cancer diagnosis that somehow, my heart was full, and I almost always seemed to know what I was supposed to do next?

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 27:5

It wasn’t always this way for me as a longtime Christian. In my mid-thirties, moderate depression colored my life, coupled with an eating disorder and an uncontrollable thought life as my husband pastored a thriving church. I loved God and His Word, but somehow, my life seemed to lack much of what I read in the Book of Acts.

The answer? Intimacy with God in the secret place.

Oh no. Another thing to do. Another Christian box to check off. Nevertheless, King David from the Old Testament and Mary of Bethany from the New Testament treat us with insight into the ONE THING that genuinely matters in our lives. The one thing that our Lord Jesus places the highest priority on: meeting alone with Him.

Nope. Not your regular daily time to pray or read His Word or converse with Him through your day. This is more a scheduled, weekly or so meeting with God that is uninterrupted and long enough for you to sense His felt presence within you and for you to hear His voice speaking to you through His Word or a soft impression on your heart and mind that will always align with His Word.

Jesus reveals the way. His frequent meetings alone with the Father during His earthly ministry empowered everything He spoke and did Luke 6:12.

Let’s keep this practical. Let’s keep it sweet and simple. Because if we walk in this one thing, everything else in life will fall in place. When difficulties and trials come, we will already be positioned in His presence with a fresh word from His heart guiding us. Let’s accept His invitation to come to His feast in the secret place. We won’t be disappointed.

At the Start of This Week... 30-Second Devotional

At the start of this week…

 Should the weather be hot or the weather be colder; or your heart is warmed or it feels like it has been frozen in pain – run to the One who holds the stars in His hands and holds your heart as well. The Holy Spirit is the Great Comforter and Healer.
Isaiah 61:1

Should you be irritated, agitated, annoyed, and you haven’t even begun your day yet, it might be time to do the old fire drill: stop, drop, and roll.

 So…
Stop what you are doing.
Drop to your knees.
Roll your frustrations and burdens onto the Lord!
1 Peter 5:7

 This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

The River... 30-Second Devtional

There is something about watching a river that is mesmerizing, refreshing, calming, yet exhilarating, all at the same time...

 ... And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
Psalms 36:8 

God calls us to drink deeply from His River, the third Person of the Trinity – the Holy Spirit John 7:39. And what a river He is. Ever in motion, removing obstacles, surmounting circumstances, and quenching thirsty souls. He is the beverage of life, pure delight, and extreme pleasure. His healing waters extend to anyone who will ask. 

The Holy Spirit never stops moving on our behalf. Even when we sleep, turn away, or leave the River altogether, He never stops his forward motion. The Spirit of the Living God never stops, no matter what our state of mind or heart. He is there.

Needing some refreshment just now? Simply ask for His presence and His help. He promises to come, Luke 11:13. He will refresh, renew, and quench your thirst. So dive in and drink deeply.

Who or What...? One-Minute Devotional

Continuing our look at worship in spiritual warfare…

And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
Luke 4:8

When the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to face down Satan, we are reminded that speaking and declaring God’s Word over the enemy is paramount to spiritual warfare. Nevertheless, in the second of the Lord’s temptations, we also discover the importance of worship in binding the enemy’s strategies.

Nearly all temptation to sin—missing the mark of God’s holiness and best—is in some way providing a shortcut to something that God wants to give us.

I mean, think about it. Consider areas of your own life where temptation knocks. These are legitimate areas of human need: love, comfort, companionship, satisfaction, fulfillment, or provision, to name a few. God has a perfect plan, timing, and purpose, but the enemy comes along and whispers that there is an easier way.

If we often give place to these temptations, it’s as if we are making agreements with the idols, fears, or lies behind them, causing them to become spiritual strongholds in our lives Ephesians 4:27, James 1:12-15. These strongholds—anything that has a strong hold on us other than Jesus—can become the very things a person requires spiritual warfare prayer so that freedom and deliverance can come.

The devil offered Jesus a shortcut from the horrific cross and the separation from the Godhead He would face. Jesus could have the devil’s kingdom authority if He would only worship him. Without faltering, Jesus said no to the terms of the contract the devil was offering. Instead, He chose the Father’s directives for gaining Kingdom authority, shutting down the enemy’s advance by declaring that God alone deserves our worship.

What preoccupies our thoughts or consumes our affections and time? These are the things that we worship and devote ourselves to.

So, who or what we worship is important. Let’s take inventory of our own lives before heading into prayer battle. Fix our hearts on Jesus, ask His help for any needed adjustments, and surrender our lives in worship to the One who loves us beyond reason and will never let us down.

Adapted from Pneuma Life: Living in the Holy Spirit’s Overflow

Honestly, One of the Bestest... One-Minute Devo

Honestly, one of the bestest Bible stories…

“You will not need to fight in this battle...
And Jehoshaphat bowed his head ...worshiping the LORD.
...he appointed those who should sing to the LORD,
and who should praise the beauty of holiness,
as they went out before the army and were saying:
“Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever.”
2 Chronicles 20:17-18, 20-21

This favorite Bible account speaks directly to our brief study that worshipping the Commander of Angel Armies has a role to play in successful spiritual battle prayer.

Israel is about to be creamed by the onslaught of enemy attack. King Jehoshaphat leads the nation to seek the Lord, and God speaks, giving them out-of-the-box instructions. Nevertheless, the Lord promises complete victory. The nation responds and humbles itself, calls the worship team to the front of the line, and heads out to meet the assaulting army.

Pure and simple, the enemy is absolutely defeated. Better than defeated. The enemy turns inward and annihilates itself.

We must remind ourselves of this truth when we are engaged in spiritual warfare over situations, individuals, communities, or nations. Worship is our battle cry. Worship is the standard we raise to face our adversaries Isaiah 59:19. When we worship the Name above all names and genuinely let Holy Spirit adoration arise from our being, hell is stopped in its tracks. Really. Truly.

We can take our cues from this victorious record of the enemy’s defeat from God’s Word.

Do you have a burden, concern, question, or heartache? I encourage you to read the whole of 2 Chronicles 20. Seek the Lord (v. 3). Listen for His specific battle directions for your personal situation (v.15). Position yourself (v.17). Humble yourself (v.18). Choose to believe God (v. 20). Lift up verbal praise (v.21).

Repeat until victory is secured.

How did today’s lesson speak into a current situation in your life?

Adapted from Pneuma Life: Living in the Holy Spirit’s Overflow

Put His Armor On! A One-Minute Devo...

When we encounter situations where we discern a demonic component to them or folks afflicted by the enemy’s strongholds, we must ensure our protection by putting on God’s armor Ephesians 6:10-18.

… Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ... Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth…
Ephesians 6:10-11, 14

The Apostle Paul describes the various aspects of this armor when we wage war in prayer against the enemy. How does this apply to the role of worship during these times of battle? The first piece of armor is the belt of truth. Let’s align that thought with Jesus’ words in John 4:24 when He said that those who desire to worship God must do so in spirit and truth. 

 Yes, all worship must come from our spirit deep within, which is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Worship that touches heaven must come from a first-love place in our hearts enhanced by inviting the Spirit’s leading. As Jesus quoted from Isaiah 29:13, we can say all the right words, but if our heart isn’t in it, our worship is in vain Mark 7:6-7.

 We must also worship in truth. Let’s look briefly at two reasons why this is important regarding the belt of truth.

 First, we worship from the truth of where our own lives are at the moment. In other words, we must be real with ourselves and Jesus about where we are. No trying to hide anything from Him—as if we could! Owning up to our failings and weaknesses in truth as we worship aids us in receiving His powerful grace that is always more than enough 2 Cor. 12:9. Spiritual victories depend solely upon Him and not our efforts.

 Next, we enter spiritual battle declaring what we know from the Scriptures: the truth of Who He is, who we are in Him, and the truth of His Word. Expressing these truths in worship helps fasten the belt of truth securely around us.

 So, the next time we head into battle-prayer, let’s be sure to secure the core of our being with the belt of truth. Doing so in authentic adoration exalts the Most High, clears our minds from falsehood and lies, reminds us of our position in Jesus, and puts the enemy on notice as to Who is Boss!

 What does it mean for you to wear the belt of truth?

Adapted from Pneuma Life: Living in the Holy Spirit’s Overflow

When Heaven Rules... A One-Minute Devo

Let’s continue on in our look at worship as a key in spiritual warfare prayer…

In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10

Today’s lesson follows on the heels of last week’s devotional: when we worship, God is exalted, and heaven comes down. And, when heaven rules – hell flees.

When Lord Jesus gave us a blueprint for praying effectively, He told us to begin by declaring who God is.

Our Father… 

Our Abba-Daddy loves us beyond reason. When this truth becomes rock-solid heart knowledge for us, our faith is pretty much invincible. Yes. OUR Father. Yours and mine. You see, when we fully engage in worship of our King—with all our being—our preoccupation with ourselves diminishes, and we position ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit and not our flesh.

Hallowed be Your name…

And His Name—no other name—is HOLY. His name is exalted above all names—over every demonic spirit or anything our enemy would throw at us Philippians 2:9-11. Jesus invites us to begin all spiritual warfare and prayer by worshipping the holiness of His name and all that His name entails, represents, and for its sheer majesty and authority.

Your kingdom come…

Because our praise brings heaven down, asking for His will to be accomplished is not passive acquiescence but spiritual warfare at its most potent and dynamic. We are declaring God’s rule and reign, usurping any and every plan of the enemy or flesh that is waging war against us. Here we receive His invitation to partner with Him in battle prayer for our lives, our homes, our communities, and the nations 1 Corinthians 3:9.

All prayer and spiritual warfare should begin with worship and thanks. When we get that right, our prayer requests often take care of themselves. Should more specific instruction or discernment from the Holy Spirit be needed to smite specific tactics of demonic activity in the authority of Jesus’ name? In that case, the focus of our worship will release the clarity we need to pray more effectively.

His kingdom will come; His will—will be done.

Which portion of the Lord’s Prayer we discussed today spoke to you?

Adapted from Pneuma Life: Living in the Holy Spirit’s Overflow

Inviting God's Presence... One-Minute Devo

But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Psalms 22:3

From the heart of this Messianic psalm, we learn one of the most important aspects of worship to defeat our adversary, the devil, in spiritual battle. When we rightfully declare God’s kingdom rule in every area of our lives, His kingdom power and presence are made known, and our enemy runs James 4:7-8. The devil literally cannot remain standing when the Almighty is on the scene!

One of God’s magnificent, beyond comprehension attributes is His omnipresence: the ability to be everywhere at once. No place of His creation is exempt from His presence, not even hell itself Psalm 139:8. 

Yet, we find throughout God’s Word where men and women encountered His manifest presence. We know this in our personal experience as well. These are times when we encounter His reality through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our spirit. We sense and feel His presence in our emotions, thoughts, and physical being.

The Lord Jesus wants to reveal Himself to us through the power of the Holy Spirit within us John 16:14. As we declare His Lordship, we create a place—a throne—for His felt and experienced presence and rule in our lives and over those situations requiring battle-prayer Psalm 22:3. Our worship during spiritual warfare and prayer aligns us with His purposes. We get our eyes off of ourselves and our stuff, allowing the Holy Spirit to help us discern what is actually taking place around us in the spiritual realm. 

As our praises enthrone Him—literally make a seat for Him—we experience His felt presence far surpassing mere head knowledge. And wherever King Jesus is, just as we read in the Gospels, there is salvation, healing, and deliverance. In other words, turn on His light and the enemy’s darkness is overcome. 

Does your home or workplace need to experience heaven’s rule today? Are you praying for someone oppressed by demonic influence? Could your body use His healing touch? Do you need some divine intervention or direction? Begin to praise. Declare Who He is and what He has done. Speak words of worship from God’s Word. Declare His Lordship through worship over these situations and watch what happens when Lord Jesus takes His rightful throne.

What phrase from today’s lesson spoke to your heart and why?

Who Are We Battling? One-Minute Devo

As we look at worship in spiritual warfare, it’s important to realize who and what we are battling.

You were the seal of perfection…
The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes
Was prepared for you on the day you were created.
Ezekiel 28:12-13

Although we can’t know this conclusively, many Biblical scholars believe that the adversary of our souls, Satan, was once a beautiful, beyond compare angelic being created by our Father. He was likely the chief worshipper, leading the heavenly hosts in praising the Most High Ezekiel 28:13. Nevertheless, the devil’s hideous pride in his own beauty caused violence and profanity in God’s presence. Simply stated, the enemy wanted to be God; therefore, the Lord Almighty cast him out of heaven along with those angels who rebelled with him Ezekiel 28:14-17.

We are introduced to the devil in his fallen state in the Garden of Eden, as he tempts Adam and Eve with lies that God is holding out on them. The couple’s decision to listen to the serpent and their choice to turn from the Father ushered in a whole host of calamities:

• Humanity’s separation from God and spiritual death

• Violence and evil unleashed upon the earth

• Adam and Eve’s dominion over planet earth was given over to Satan

But God…

Those two Bible words that change everything. Jesus—God incarnate—came for our rescue. Through faith in Him, we are restored in relationship to the Father, and our once-dead spirits are born again of the Holy Spirit—spiritual CPR.

Although violence and evil are still stalking the earth until Christ’s return, we, as believers, now have God’s Spirit dwelling within us and His spiritual gifts to overcome. We have also been given the power and authority of Jesus’ name to bind and cancel the works of the devil, who is a finite being, and his minions – the fallen angels who are now termed demonic spirits Luke 10:17-20, Philippians 2:9-11.

What gifts we have been given by our loving Abba-Father! We also see why the devil hates our worship of our beloved Savior as we turn the enemy on his head with our praise. The position of worshipper that he once held in God’s courts is now a key to vanquishing him and his demons. What a mighty key it is!

Over the next few weeks, we will continue taking a look at worship as a powerful key in spiritual warfare. Adapted from the YouVersion Plan.

Worship and Warfare One-Minute Devo #1

Let’s be reminded, worship has a key role to play in spiritual warfare.

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, 
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
Psalm 149:6

When we worship, breakthrough takes place in the heavenly realm that can miraculously change circumstances in our physical realm. Yes, worship can do this. There are just too many Bible stories that record this and too many life experiences to discount it.

Our enemy, the devil, and his demons can’t stand it when we worship. It is genuinely the worst sound in their ears. Our praise sends them running. Psalm 149 further tells us that the demonic are bound up. In addition, when we get our eyes off our circumstances and turn them to the One Who is Almighty and reigns supreme, our situations appear minuscule in His hand. Worship aligns our hearts with His heart to hear His battle commands for us. Worship humbles us to know that only He can fight on our behalf. And worship positions us to win the battle of whatever we are facing.

• Instead of getting angry, worship.

• Instead of allowing anxiety to rule, praise.

• Instead of succumbing to self-pity, lift up the One Who uplifts you.

No, we don’t worship to get. Nevertheless, when we do genuinely worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, fears cease, the enemy falters, Jesus is glorified, and His presence transforms us.

So, whatever you are facing right now, instead of contacting someone else, first go to the throne room. Remember who God is and lift your praise. Stay until you have touched heaven. Listen for the Holy Spirit’s direction. Ask for scriptures to strengthen and arm you for battle. Then, see what He does next. Because truly—worship is a key to triumphant spiritual warfare.

What spoke to your heart from today’s lesson?

Over the next few weeks, we will continue taking a look at worship as a powerful key in spiritual warfare. Adapted from the YouVersion Plan.

Ouch! A 30-Second Devo...

Ouch!

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Hebrews 12:11

 Yes, He is saying some difficult things to me in his gentle, but firm voice. He is speaking these words because He loves me. If you read further, the writer of the Book of Hebrews explains this further.

 Still, it is hard to hear these words from His lips, yet my joy in Jesus is returning. You know, the kind of happiness not based on sweet circumstances but the celebration of freedom from some junk that was starting to overtake my life. I had wondered where my joy in the river of the Holy Spirit had gone. So…

Don’t be afraid to hear and face some stuff in your soul. He is at work, releasing you from selfishness, self-centeredness, self-will, self-righteousness – all the self stuff. I am right there with you in this.

And the best part of all? He promises to replace these broken, rebellious areas in us with the best self of all – Himself.

Worship is Warfare... 30-Second Devo

Let’s be reminded, worship is often warfare…

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, 
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
Psalm 149:6

When we worship, breakthrough takes place in the heavenly realm that can miraculously change circumstances in our physical realm. Yes, worship can do this. There are just too many Bible stories that record this and too many life experiences to discount it.

Our enemy, the devil, and his demons can’t stand it when we worship. It is genuinely the worst sound in their ears. Our praise sends them running. Psalm 149 further tells us that the demonic are bound up. In addition, when we get our eyes off our circumstances and turn them to the One Who is Almighty and reigns supreme, our situations appear minuscule in His hand. Worship aligns our hearts with His heart to hear His battle commands for us. Worship humbles us to know that only He can fight on our behalf. And, worship positions us to win the battle of whatever we are facing.

Instead of getting angry, worship.

Instead of allowing anxiety to rule, praise.

Instead of succumbing to self-pity, lift up the One Who uplifts you.

No, we don’t worship to get. Nevertheless, when we do genuinely worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, fears cease, the enemy falters, Jesus is glorified, and His presence transforms us.

So, whatever you are facing right now, instead of contacting someone else, first go to the throne room. Remember who God is and lift your praise. Stay until you have touched heaven. Ask for a scripture to strengthen you, then see what He does next. Because truly – worship is warfare.

The Thing About Worry... 30-Second Devo

Are you worried or anxious about something?

 Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life…
Matthew 6:25a

The original Greek word for worry here is so interesting. The word literally means to divide into parts, suggesting a distraction, a preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress, and pressure. It means being pulled in so many directions while trying to figure out the resolution to a troubling situation. A sense of feeling scattered, torn apart, or undone. 

 Sometimes we think worry is the responsible thing to do, excusing our preoccupation with it. However, in Christ, to worry is to say He is not big enough, smart enough, wise enough, or He lacks the resources to help us in our need. Really? And yet, this is what our worry reveals.

How about a preemptive strike against worry? Let’s soak in all of Jesus’ words concerning our life found in Matthew 6:19-34. I mean, genuinely meditate on them. Then, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to fill us with faith as we choose to believe what Jesus says is true. Finally, let’s rest in His arms and obey Him implicitly when He gives us direction. 

Do not let worry tear you apart. He is worthy of our trust.

Double-Back... 30-Second Devo

Jesus wants to bestow double-back what has been taken from you by your adversary...

Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
Isaiah 61:7

I encourage you to remember all the times when you have witnessed this happening. Think of those individuals who were once held captive to fear. Nevertheless, when the enemy’s lies were exposed to King Jesus, how often the Lord now turns this person into a mighty and courageous warrior.

What about those persons who lived under a cloak of great shame, even from the womb? Have you noticed that when Jesus was invited to break these lies of worthlessness, He then transformed them into someone who knows their standing in heavenly places?

On and on this goes. So, what might be troubling you? Let Him have it. Give up control. Don’t be afraid to be healed and delivered. Jesus will be gentle with you, but ruthless to Satan. You will be in good hands, and He will not fail you.

Every Footstep... 30-Second Devotional

What a wonderfully well-worn and beloved Bible passage…

Your word is a lamp to my feet,
And a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

Here we find His promise to give all the guidance we need, one footfall at a time. And, the great treasure is knowing each footstep we purpose in Him is one in front of the other for the long-range path of our lives.

Jesus’ light is right here, right now, for what we face at this moment. Still, He gives glimpses of our destiny in Him. The trouble is, we want to jump from point A to point Q, missing out on all of the light-guided steps in between! We may try to hurry the path, jump over the track, or even skip the trail, but to what avail? We will miss the glory and power of the Holy Spirit and hearing His voice every single day of our lives.

So, it may be time to turn on the light. Let’s spend some time basking in Jesus’ presence today and drinking up His living, written Word.

And His gracious gift to us? The mundane will become extraordinary, the routine will become wonder-filled, and His light will dazzle our eyes and illuminate our steps.
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Sistahs! sorry guys :( … come join me for a Facebook Online Bible study beginning Monday, January 23rd. Click here to check out the Bible Study group and request to join!