Tag Archives: Spirit

Holy Habitation

The Effectual Fellowship of Believers

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“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” – Philemon 1:4-7 NASB1995

There’s a lesson here that instructs us in the ways of an effective and growing fellowship of believers. It translates to such through each effective and growing member of the group who fellowship together in Christ. Looking at its wisdom, as I evaluate my own practices and value as a Christ follower tasked to encourage those with whom I fellowship, I am called to higher ground: to keep growing strong in the practices of our common faith. To be light as He is light.

The first thing that stands out to me is

** “making mention of you in my prayers.”

As a strong member of a strong fellowship, we pray for one another. We often think of prayer as fervency, and fervent prayer is vital. However, I am finding in this world we live in that there is so much to pray over, it can be overwhelming. We should be fervent in prayer, focusing on pressing needs, seeking God’s will in our way of praying for those needs. But one thing I have noticed of late is Paul‘s practice of mentioning churches and individuals before God. He keeps them lifted up before the one who knows their needs and meets them where they are.

In practicing this method of prayer, I have found that as I pray, mentioning each organization or person to the Lord, through my mind flashes their needs. In mentioning them, I lay the whole of who they are and the needs I know of at the feet the Lord. Laying it at His feet in faith, I trust His sovereignty over their lives. “Mentioning” is part of the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous.

** “hear of your love”

How’s our love walk with those around us? Love proves our relationship with God and strengthens our relationship with one another. Love is vital to unity, and unity is important to God. Without the unity and fellowship that love brings, the effective service of the church will be hindered.

People are looking for love. Our ability to walk in love is a large part of what makes us a light in the world. It is vital that we know what love is, how to practice it, and daily grow stronger in the way we love those around us.

** “and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints”

Our faith to believe the Faith and practice its instruction for life is vital. The way we live our Faith is another thing people see. Why should they believe if they don’t see the faith we profess practiced in our daily lives. We must be Who and what we say we believe. Along with living godly lives that proves our faith to believe, we need to be aligned with people of faith that we can trust. And we need to prove trustworthy.

** “and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.”

God places in each of us skills and giftedness that He can use to help His Body, the Church, function well together. Some have a heart to encourage the body and skill to apply God’s Word to our daily living. Some have a heart that leans heavily towards sharing the gospel with those who need to hear it. We are all called to encourage one another and spread the Word of saving grace, but some are especially gifted at it.

Others have a servant heart especially able to see and quick to jump to the physical needs. Leadership, administration, giving, preaching, teaching, and more. What is your gift? We are all needed for a well functioning fellowship of believers.

Leaders in the church, are you alert to the gifts and calling of each individual in your pews, inviting them to use their areas of strength to help the church function and bring stability to the body? Or are they sitting, bored on the pews? Stewardship includes right and good use of the giftedness of God’s people.

“that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” – 1:6 KJV Find ways to use the gift of God’s grace in you for the up building and stability of the body of Christ, beloved. It is the reason God put it in you, and why He put you where He has you established for His glory.

** “I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”

This world can greatly weary the heart of Christ followers. For my lifetime, I would have to say “especially” here in this thought. This world can greatly weary the heart of Christ followers: ESPECIALLY in these days when the things going on around us seem worse than ever in my lifetime, my heart gets weary. We need the encouragement of a loving fellowship that helps us maintain focus on God, His ways, the hope we have in Him, and the joy we have in one another as we grow together in Christ. As long as we stay focused and actively apply the Faith we are in, we will do well as Kingdom people amid a fallen world.

Solomon said it this way in Ecclesiastes: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” – 4:9-12 NASB1995

We’re stronger together.

He also wrote the Proverb, “Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 NASB1995

We’re sharpened when we encourage one another in the Word, will, and way of God; made mentally, socially, spiritually, and economically stronger, more alert and cognizant of our position in the Kingdom Life God desires for us when we walk together through this earthly life.

And Paul advises “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.” – Galatians 6:1-5 NASB1995

We are called to help one another recognize ungodly paths and habits we fall into. We sharpen each other, as iron sharpens a double edged sword. But we alone will stand before God for the choices we make.

“… Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder,” – 2 Peter 1:1-13 NASB1995

My posts may seem repetitive, covering similar material, calling us (me first) to pay attention to what God’s Word is telling us, but it is because I am the heart of The Encourager. It is God’s gift in me. I enjoy applying what scripture says to life today, breaking it down to its individual parts and, hopefully expressing it clearly for the one who needs it today.

I’ve long left the mindset of caring about numbers. If only one is helped to come up higher and press forward in Christ, my job is done. It is a long lived practice, to stir people up by way of reminder.

“[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory].” – 1:6 AMPC

May God bless us as we live as one in Him.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Today’s Prayer Thought: 1/19/24

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Grief can darken our understanding of the ways of God and the truth of His care for us. This darkness is dangerous for our relationship with God and can pull us out of His will as the dullness of the light in us makes us feel our inability to be light for others. Recognizing the darkness, refusing its rule over life, and trusting God’s light to reveal to us our path to healing is vital in times of grief that brings the veil of shadow to our hearts. I pray God’s light for our need so we can truly be His light in the land of our living.

Job 17:7-16 NASB1995

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 11/13/23

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“Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” – Colossians 1:25-29 NASB1995

Thank You, Father, for making a way for us to be clothed again in Your glory, through Christ Jesus our Lord. In Christ, we were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that we might be joined to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Therefore, if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. This we profess and this we trust as we walk out our salvation in the land of our living; this place of habitation You set us in.

Whether, then, we eat or drink or whatever we do, empower us to do all to the glory of God, that Your glory may rest on and shine through us as Your light to a lost and dead world. Whatever we do in word or deed, may we be faithful to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to You, our Father God. For it is in Jesus we pray, amen.

Romans 7:4; Romans 14:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 10/20/23

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Matthew 7:7-11; James 4:2-4; 1 John 1:5-7, 2:3-11, 3:1-10, 5:14-15

Father God, You have been encouraging my prayer life all morning, reminding me to ask, seek, and knock with a view toward right and true evaluation of my motives in my requests. To pray with a pure heart dictated by love. To pray with a heart set to love You through obedience. To seek Your face with a whole heart set on things above, not on worldly desires, lusts of my flesh, or demonic wisdom and influence. Praying this way does require an honesty with self and with You that only Your Holy Presence can empower in me. As You give me eyes to see my own heart and know the truth of it, only then can I pray in truth and righteousness, from an honest stance and in full assurance of faith that reveals my trust in You. Here am I, O God. Grant me understanding that will empower me to ask, seek, and knock with a pure heart and clean hands. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation

Submission’s Automatic Resistance

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James 4:1-10 NASB1995

I see a practice among God’s people that stems from the fallacy of pulling a portion of scripture out of context and running with it as the sum of all truth. One such practice dictates the way many fight against evil. People too often take “resist the devil and he must flee,” under their belt and run with it, fighting the devil. But before that we are told, “submit, therefore, to God.”

“Therefore” in scripture tells us we need to look back and see what the “therefore” is there for. Looking back this scripture passage says, “Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:5-7 NASB1995

Submission requires humility that bows in surrender to the work of God’s Spirit in us. God is jealous to see this work accomplished in us. When we enter this level of submission to God in surrendering ourselves to Holy Spirit’s work in us, we automatically resist the devil in that act of submission. Thus we are instructed, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” James 4:8-10 NASB1995

We are lifted to victory in the spiritual battles of life as we draw near in humility to submit to God. As we focus on the death of our flesh through submission to God, we win without ever acknowledging the devil. Our humbled submission automatically resists him who must then flee, not because of us, but because of our proximity to God in the working of God’s Spirit in us.

SUBMIT, THEREFORE, TO GOD!

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 8/5/23

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Thank You, Holy Presence, for being with me and in me. Thank You, Patēr, for granting me to house and know Your Holy Presence. Fill me up and spill me out. Continue to work in me this trust and assurance that powers me in these days. You truly are my first, most vital, and only true need and necessity. Thank You for allowing me to know and experience this truth. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation

Glory on the Backside

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“But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”” – Exodus 3:11-12 NASB1995

When God calls us to a task, especially to a big work that may blow our minds, we often want God to give us a sign that we are hearing Him correctly and that this thing we are experiencing is real – and is truly Him – before we go. But more often than not, God gives the sign after the work is done.

We want proof now. God wants us to work in a faith that trusts Him even while we walk with Him in a fog. He desires a believing faith that trusts He will succeed and glorify Himself in our lives as we go (Romans 1:17; Hebrews 4:2; 10:38-39; 11:1, 6; James 4:22-26; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Revelation 2:19; 14:12).

God says that a prophesy is known to be from Him when it comes to pass (Jeremiah 28:9), for God’s word will not go out from Him without accomplishing the purpose for which it is sent (Isaiah 55:11). He wants us to believe and trust Him for these truths.

God’s word tells us that we know those who are His by their fruit, which is the final stage in a tree or bush revealing its true nature (Matthew 12:33; Luke 6:44). We know God’s hand and see His glory most on the backside of life’s challenges, when He gets us where we are going, and we see the fulfillment of His plan (Exodus 33:18-23).

God is faithful. We can trust Him. The greatest form of trust believes Him true even in the deepest fog of uncertain paths rolling out before us, knowing He is doing great things in and through us that will bring the evidence of the glory of His presence to undeniable life on the earth as in Heaven.

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” – 1 Peter 1:6-9, NASB

Holy Habitation

Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers

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As we remember our fallen forces who fought and died to protect our freedoms, there is one fallen I glorify God for today. Jesus, God’s Soldier, sent into the final battle of the ultimate war, fought the good fight of faith and won the war, securing freedom for all who will choose citizenship in His Kingdom. Because of Him, as we honor our fallen, we also celebrate Pentecost Sunday today, when life that sees no death poured breath into those who were the birth of the Church – God’s Kingdom people on earth.

Jesus paid the ultimate price to set all who will believe free from sin’s death – the penalty of eternal separation from God. Because of Jesus’ willing service, freely giving His life, God, through Christ, made a way for the dead to truly live. So today I remember; and I thank my Savior for purchasing my freedom. As I seek to honor those who gave their life to protect the interests of this nation in which I live, breathe, and have my being, I pray to live in such a way that honors my Savior, who made a way for our fallen to rise again to life eternal with Him.

If you have not believed this truth of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection in the battle for your eternal destiny, I pray you choose to believe and receive it today. Jesus took your death, so you can take hold and possess His life. May you be raised up out of death to the new life God has waiting for you.

“(Jesus) Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

““For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬ ‭NASB1995

“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬-‭25‬ ‭NASB1995

“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭19‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Holy Habitation

The Tireless, Ongoing Spirit of Praise

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“Over the years, I’ve become convinced that praise sets up a mantle of protection around the people of God. Praise is an atmosphere through which the Adversary cannot move.”

These are my words, written on my heart. I didn’t write these words. They come from the pen of Jack Hayford. But I could have written them, for this is my truth, too. Is it yours? More from Jack’s pen…

“If you and I really entered into this truth, it would transform our lives. And it’s not simply because praise can insulate or protect us. It’s more than that. It’s because God is worthy, . . . worthy of the best of our praise, the depths of our thanksgiving. As you ask the Lord to teach you more and more about the tireless, ongoing spirit of praise, it will change your circumstances, and it will change you!”

Jack speaks my over-and-over-again experience. Change comes when we quit fretting, fearing, and dreading, look up to Him Who loves us, and turn our hearts to knowing Him, trusting Him, and believing He is able; He is faithful; and He loves to amaze us. At just the right time, when all hearts are where He desires they be, His will comes to pass and we rejoice in awe of His wonder at the glory we walk into.

Holy Habitation

Indwellers

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A house is made to be occupied: it is a dwelling place. In a house of wood, brick, and mortar, left empty, rot happens. If good doesn’t occupy it, mice and rats will. These occupy, not to build up, but to tear down and destroy. They further and increase rot.

Demons – evil – are like mice and rats of the sole. They are vagrants set on destruction or intent on possessing that which belongs to another. Our only defense is to choose who has access to this dwelling place of our soul.

We must choose to be occupied, filled up, and possessed by God. He will fill us with the goodness of His power, peace, presence, person, providence, perseverance, and pleasure. Failure to choose Him, we give ourselves to an emptiness that makes us vulnerable to every form of infiltrator.

We can neglect our body, heart, mind and soul – intended as God’s dwelling place – and let the rats wreak their havoc. Or we can surrender full occupancy to God and be filled to the full with Him. Choose now. Now is all the time we know we have.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 4/8/23

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Rick Warren rightly points out that You, Lord, give us wisdom to hear You and to follow through with what You tell us. It is true. You give the wisdom to hear and follow, and You give the POWER needed to accomplish Your will in Your way.

Father, Your Word says that I can do NOTHING apart from You. I can’t even promise and be faithful to Your Word to me without Your grace sufficient for me, strengthening and enabling me to obey. I am completely and totally reliant on You for it all. And I am blessed, for You have provided all for me, giving me Your Holy Spirit to teach, instruct, equip, and empower me, walking with me, being in me, living through me. I am eternally grateful. Thank You, Lord.

Now bless me this day to hear You with assurance and accomplish Your purpose with fervor. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer – 4/7/23

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See 1 Peter 2:9-12 NASB1995

Father, I thank You that, in Christ, I am of a chosen race; a royal priestess of a holy nation, a person designated for Your own possession, so that I may proclaim the excellencies of You who have called me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. I once was not of Your people, but now I am one with the people of God. I had not received mercy, but now I have received mercy.

Beloved, Your desire for me as an alien and stranger in the world, but not of it, is that I abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against my soul. Father, grant me Your Spirit’s power to keep my behavior excellent among those of this world, so that in the thing in which they slander me as an evildoer, they may because of my good deeds in Christ, as they observe them, glorify You in the day of visitation. In Jesus I pray, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 3/11/23

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Lord, let Your mighty spiritual awakening and great revival begin in me. O God, refresh and restore my life, myself, my soul, the essence of who You created me to be: the me You planned while knitting me in my mother’s womb. Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me. Know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any hurtful way in me and lead me on righteous paths to Your everlasting way.

Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence, I pray, nor take Your Holy Spirit from me; but draw near to me as I draw near to You. Fill me to overflowing with the Power of Your Presence in me.

Restore to me the joy of my salvation in Christ. Renew a steadfast Spirit in me: more steadfast than ever before, in ever growing strength of stance. Then use me as You will: teaching transgressors Your ways and converting sinners to Yourself, bringing them to their own life giving, eternal relationship with You.

Make Yourself known in, to, and through me for Your glory and crown; Your Kingdom come, on earth as in Heaven. This I pray, in Jesus, Amen.

Holy Habitation

Soul Care

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God wants our all to grow strong and be in good health. As I read this verse, to my understanding it is giving priority to the requirement of our soul’s health and growth. As our soul prospers, so will our body and life.

The soul is our mind, will, and emotions. The mind here indicates our thought life. The will points to our desires and passions that dictate our choices and decisions. And our emotional health indicates the dictates of our feelings in any given moment.

Our emotions are good and intended to help our lives, but not as the leading role for life. Our emotions can prosper and help us only when they are dictated by right thinking and good choices flowing from the dictates of the Spirit controlling our desires and passions.

The soul is covered in scripture as one part because, to function properly, the three aspects that make our soul must function as one. As Father, Son, and Holy Presence work as one, so must our mind, will, and emotions. When mind, will, or emotion go off in their own direction, separate from the whole, that is when struggle, dysfunction, and instability takes hold of our lives.

Give some focus to soul care today and may your entire being prosper as your soul grows stronger allegiance to God and His ways.

Holy Habitation

Tactics of Persecution

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‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬, ‭19‬

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. …

“Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”

Satan is the author of persecution. He tempts to the dark side. It is his goal to use the things we face in day to day life to tempt us away from faith-filled trust in God. The tempter desires to tempt us away from a life that honors God as God. He wants to ruin our testimony and rob us of peace, joy, and hope so we are ineffective as Christ’s ambassadors, the image bearers of God. In doing so, he causes us to doubt our Christian faith and walk away from God.

A man once said something ugly, condemning my Christian faith, then in one breath, quickly adding, “and no: I’m not persecuting you.” I don’t remember saying anything to him before or after. He was a passer by I did not know, nor have I seen him since. He spotted me as who I was in Christ, said whatever it was he said followed by the part I remember, and walked on, leaving me looking at him with “How rude” on my stunned face.

On one hand, he was correct. He was simply the unwitting instrument in the hands of him who was using the man to persecute Christianity. On the other hand, he was allowing himself to be that instrument, seemingly without understanding it’s source and purpose.

The same is true of a deadly diagnosis, the sudden death of a loved one, or any number of tragic events that leave us wondering where God is and how He could let such evil come upon one who loves and trusts Him. Anything that tempts us to doubt, fear, and turning from God is Satanic persecution of our Christian faith.

I believe Satan’s being the author and perfector of persecution is why God warns us to realize our battle is not against flesh and blood, but demons and principalities (Ephesians 6:10-18). Not only do we tend to focus anger toward the instruments of persecution, failing to love even our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, but we fail to realize enemy tactics of persecution through the temptation to doubt God that comes with our daily struggles.

This belief regarding tactics of persecution coming from the enemy of God has protected me from giving myself to fear, doubt, and unforgiveness. It has helped me separate the sin from the sinner so I can walk in God’s mandate regarding love and prayer. And it has kept me from allowing the fruit of God’s Spirit to be stolen and buried by the evil intent brought to life’s circumstances.

“… Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.” – ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭1‬-‭9

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭11‬‬‬

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 10/2/22

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See ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3:8‬‬‬, ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:9‬‬‬, ‭‭James‬ ‭3:18‬‬‬, ‭‭John‬ ‭15:8‬‬‬, ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:8-11‬‬‬, ‭‭John‬ ‭15:16‬‬‬, ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21:43‬‬‬, ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:9-12‬‬‬, ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:15‬

Father, am I bearing fruit in keeping with repentance? Am I bearing the fruit of righteousness? The good fruit of Your Spirit, that honors, glorifies, and reflects You? Am I bearing fruit with perseverance? Am I setting a righteous example in my own life and living?

When people read my prayers or my ponderings shared to encourage and strengthen, are they inspired to pray for themselves and to walk in Your ways? Are they strengthened in You, in commitment to You, in true repentance that makes fertile soil in hearts seeded by You, made ready to grow strong in You and bear Your fruit in their own lives?

When I speak, do I clearly speak the truth in love? Do my actions reflect Your truth and love actively working in me? I’ve entrusted my tongue to You as a pen in the hand of The Ready Writer, that You may glorify and magnify Yourself through me. Am I in the way of that?

I have entrusted my life to You. Am I surrendering all for Your will to be done: as in heaven, so in me? If there is too much of me and not enough of You, Lord, circumcise the flesh of my heart; deaden the old; enliven the new. Let it be in me as it was in the words and practice of Paul: I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life that I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me. It is my constant cry.

I can do nothing apart from You, Lord. My heart desire is to fulfill the call of Christ to accomplish Your purpose and plan in these days You give me to choose You and live life-abundant in Your name.

You are teaching me greater depths of working out of Your resurrection power that is living and active in me. Empower me, through believing faith, to trust You more. Make Yourself known to and through me, that You may be glorified and magnified, and these with me edified and strengthened for these days in which we live.

May we who are your people live You out into this world, that all may know that You are God, and we are Your people: the sheep of Your pasture, led, fed, and shielded by You. Kingdom people, representing Kingdom purpose, in the power and provision of Your Spirit in us. In Jesus and to Your glory, confirm for us the works of our hands by the good fruit produced, the evidence of Your Spirit power, amen.

Holy Habitation, Salvation

The Message

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I have a message for you:
Your sins are already forgiven.

Matthew 12:22-32

Jesus paid for all sin, past, present, and future; and God accepted His payment on our behalf.

God is not shocked or surprised by your sin. He knows it all and has seen it all before, yet He still sent His Son, loving us all enough to let His Son choose to pay the price we owe for the evils He did not do. And Jesus did so willingly out of love, delivering all who receive His gift of saving grace, delivering us from sin’s death – separation from God, desiring to give us life with God for all eternity.

There’s only one sin God will not forgive and Jesus doesn’t cover: the sin of refusing to believe and trust the truth of the work of God’s Spirit in birthing Christ to a virgin; living through Him, performing miracles and teaching truth; letting Him die on a cruel cross on our behalf so He (the Spirit Power of God) could raise Him to life again; taking Him up in ascension to sit on God’s throne as King of kings and Lord of lords. If we refuse to believe these truths of the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension to Lordship of Jesus Christ, only possible because of God’s work through the power of His Spirit, we cannot possess eternal life with God the Father. When we possess eternal life in Christ, He gives us the Spirit Power of God, making us a new creation, bearing the fruit of the nature and image of God in us. Eternity begins when we let God in.

Your sins are forgiven. Receive your gift by believing in Christ, receiving Him as Lord, and you will be saved to eternal Life.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 9/18/22

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Father, my heart’s cry and great desire is to live as if heaven matters, building up treasure there, being driven by eternity. Thank You that, through Christ, my flesh is crucified and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Empower me now to love You-Him in kind, knowing that, as one belonging to You, my flesh is crucified with its ungodly passions and desires. Fill me with Your Spirit so the fruit of Your nature is born forth in me. As I live by Your Spirit, may I be found faithful to walk by Your Spirit, giving You all glory and accomplishing Your purpose and plan for my life and living. By Your gace, make it so. In Jesus, amen.

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:13-26‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬; ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:1-17‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 9/12/22

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Thank You, Father, for Your Spirit that works in me, recreating in me the fulness of Your image, bearing forth the fruit of Your nature in me. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, along with the humility of Christ, having His heart to seek You as first and most vital need and necessity, possessing His way of thinking from a mind set on the things above where Christ is, and more grow strong in me as I fully surrender to Your gracious work.

Thank You, Lord, that Your Spirit transforms us who are called by Your name from the inside out, changing each of our mind, soul, spirit, and strength to fully rely on and be like You. When the flesh in us rises up and brings struggle, Your Word reveals to us that such a battle is because of double mindedness: the mind of the flesh trying to sabotage the victory of the mind of The Spirit in us who are Yours in Christ.

Father, empower each of us to realize this battle more quickly and choose You and Your ways. Thank You for growing me stronger in this battle of the minds. “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:5-8‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 8/24/22

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‭‭Psalms‬ ‭45:1-4‬ ‭‬‬

Father, may our words always be founded on the good theme of godliness, righteousness, truth, and love, honoring You with every word. May our words flow from Your heart, knowing You are first to hear, know, and receive our every thought, bringing blessing or curse to Your name. I surrender my tongue to You as Your pen: the pen of the Ready Writer. May I be known as one belonging to You by my words.

Pour forth grace upon my lips, making Your message through me a blessing to those who hear, blessing me in Christ forever. Help me remember that the words of my tongue are a sword, piercing the heart of the listener for good or for evil. May I faithfully gird the Sword of the Spirit on my thigh, O Mighty One, using it properly for Your splendor and Your majesty! In Your majesty ride on victoriously, through my words from You and for You, for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness. Let the right hand, bearing the Sword of Your Word in the power of Your Spirit, teach me awesome things. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 7/14/22

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“Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭AMPC‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/8/1th.5.16-18.AMPC

Father God, thank You for teaching me the joy of a grateful heart. Thank you for instructing me to know that no one can take that joy from me, and that, even in grievous circumstances, the joy of a thankful heart flourishes, for that heart knows You. That heart believes the truth about You and Your faithfulness at all times. That heart trusts Your Word, believes Your promises, accepts Your ways, walks with You in earnest expectation and hope, knowing that You always work for the good of the one whose heart loves You and who is living a life that follows You with heart desire to fulfill Your purpose.

We can always give thanks from a truly grateful heart because You are the source and cause of our gratitude. It is You we give thanks for as we remember You in every circumstance, rejoicing over the potential and assurance of experiencing You in this life, through the troubling and the good. You never leave nor forsake us. You are for us and not against us. Even in hardship and tribulation, You grow us strong as we trust in You, making us ready for the fulfillment of Your purpose and plan, as You bring us to completion, made ready and adequately prepared for our Bridegroom and King. Thank You that You are always the one we can be grateful for in every circumstance.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for loving us all the way to the cross, and for showing us the way to take up our cross of obedience to God at all cost, and to daily follow You with every step committed to the Father’s will and way. Thank You for taking all sin onto Your shoulders and experiencing the turning back of God’s rejection for us, so we who believe and receive Your gift of eternal grace never have to know that fate. And thank You, Father, for loving us and desiring this Parent-child relationship so much that You gave Your only begotten Son to accomplish it. May we forever keep our eyes on You with grateful heart. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 7/12/22

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Thank You that Your compassions fail not, and You, Abba-Father, lovingly discipline those You claim as a son or daughter. Your discipline proves our relationship with You as Father. I am grateful that You faithfully discipline me and I watch for Your loving hand that guides me on paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake.

Father, it is true. You already know everything about us, so we can come to You humbly with each sin in our lives without fear of shocking You who already know, and we can earnestly seek Your forgiveness and grace knowing it is already there for us through Jesus Christ our Lord. He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life made for us by You who make a way where there is no way. You are faithful, so we need not fear.

However, I want more of You, so I ask for courage to truly humble myself and let You search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any evil, hurtful way in me and lead me in Your still more excellent ways. I know when I sincerely seek You to create in me a clean heart, You will shock me with the findings and amaze me with Your mercies made new every morning. In Jesus, make it so in me, I pray. Amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 6/28/22

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Father, thank You that You, knowing our frame, are mindful that we are but dust. We are Your creation, given breath, life, strength, and purpose by You. We can do nothing of eternal worth and true goodness apart from You. Only with You as our true supply of wisdom, direction, and power sourcing can we accomplish the work You prepared for us to do and succeed at fulfilling Your divine purpose and plan. You know how difficult it is for mere dust to maintain focus and not be blown off course by every wind.

Thank You for making The Way of redemption through The Truth of Christ, giving us The Life You desire we possess. He is our anchor that holds us, the wind of Your Spirit directing us on paths of righteousness, uprightness, and right standing with You, for Your Name’s sake, as pleases You. Thank You that our past is behind us, covered by Christ, and You use the lessons from it to bring us to a good end. May we not be stuck in the mud of dead dust. In Christ, we are free indeed.

Holy Habitation

He Makes Me

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From the 23rd Psalm, AMPC

I have had Psalm 23 in the classic Amplified version of scripture as my focus for meditation since the 1st of this year. A friend asked me the other day to share any insights I have in it. Awakened by a noise this morning at about 3:30 AM, I started reciting the chapter in my attempt to get back to sleep. Suddenly, as I quoted one line, new understanding grabbed me, opening up this beautiful passage as never before.

“The Lord is my Shepherd to feed, guide, and shield me: I shall not lack.”

This is God’s “who”. He is the Good Shepherd, not because it’s what He does, but because it’s who He is. It is His nature to feed, guide and shield.

The shield is everything from the Warriors shield, including the armor of God, with its helmet of salvation; to the anointing oil with its protective cover and healing balm; to the shield of shelter that hides us under His wing from enemy attach and the worldly elements of heat, cold, rain, sleet, and snow; hate, menace, and torment.

This is His “Who”. From provision of every need, to guidance – wisdom, discernment, to shielding, whether shelter or protective cover: we have no lack of Him – The Shepherd of our soul.

“He makes me…” “He makes me to…”. This is not force over me. It is action and purpose in me.

“He makes me to lie down in fresh, tender, green pastures.” He made us as receptacles. We are created for Him to pour Himself into us. He gives His first and best to us, satisfying and satiating us so that we lie down full and ready to enter His rest, sensing that we are safe and secure in Him. I am awestruck by the assurance He gives that causes my entire being to rest itself in Him.

“He leads me beside the still and restful waters.” This is not rapidly moving waters that can sound wonderful and make you want to kick back and mellow in the peace of it. It’s another place of provision and protection.

Sheep’s wool gets heavy and is very absorbent. When they get wet in deeper water, the weight becomes too great for their legs. Falling over, unable to get up, they drown. The Good Shepherd finds shallow, still or gently flowing watering spots where sheep can drink without drowning.

He does not “leave” them beside still waters. He “leads” them, remaining nearby and watchful, ready to help them up should they fall. Whether we bear the weight of this world, the weight of our responsibilities, or whatever weight is weighing us down and drowning us, the Good Shepherd is our Lifeguard, standing at the ready to respond to our need.

In these places of provision, guidance, and protection, “He refreshes and restores my life: my self.” “My soul (NASB).” The essence of who I am. We learn who we are – who He created us to be, as we walk with Him, knowing His Who at work in us. Then, as we get good at that…

“He leads me in paths of righteousness, uprightness, and right standing with Him, NOT for my earning it, BUT for His name’s sake.”

He directs us into righteousness for His reputation. As we follow Him, we don’t have to fret our ups and downs; only trust that He will get us where we need to be for the glory of His name. Our reputation should express His effective work in our lives.

I think of Moses prayer in Exodus 33. “And Moses said to the Lord, ‘If Your Presence does not go with me, do not carry us up from here! For by what shall it be known that I and Your people have found favor in Your sight? Is it not in Your going with us so that we are distinguished, I and Your people, from all the other people upon the face of the earth?’” (Exodus 33:15-16)

“Yes! Though I walk through the deep, sunless {or Son-less} valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me! Your rod to protect and Your staff to guide, they comfort me.”

No matter how bad things are in the world around us, God is and ALWAYS will be God – The Good Shepherd who feeds, guides, and shields us. I shall not lack! So there is no need for me to fear any evil or dread anything I might possibly find or have to face in the valley. In that valley…

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

He still Shepherds us in desolate, wilderness places of dark shadows. When the enemy is raising a raucous all around us, we can lie down, satisfied, satiated, safe, secure, and rested in Him. Though we may be unable to clearly perceive Him in dark, sunless places, we can trust He is there, working on our behalf. That is His Who and He is always doing Himself. Trusting that will strengthen our stance in dark places, for as He is, so also are we. Keep doing yourself in Christ.

“You anoint my head with oil!” This is a mighty shield of protection, I would liken to the helmet of salvation.

Flies, gnats, and other pests swarm the head of sheep. They lay their eggs in the skin, eyes, and ears. These form itchy sores as the larva eat the flesh and begin to burst forth. It causes the sheep to go nuts. They will thrash around, hitting their heads on rocks, trying to get relief and kill the infestation, even killing themselves in the process. Oil protects from the insects being successful at laying their eggs, kills and heals infested, infected areas, and protects the head from injury in head butts – whether in the battle, in discord, or at play with other sheep.

As we experience God feeding us and protecting us even in the midst of a swarming enemy, “My brimming cup runs over.”

We are the cup. The living water of God gushes from us to role downhill to other sheep, some not of His fold, drawing them in, refreshing them, helping them know, “He makes me to lie down….”

“Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life!”

The original language’s first word, given here as “surely or only” can be translated to either surely or only: so take the “or” out.

“Surely only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life!”

Back in Exodus 33, in verse 18 Moses requests God to show him His glory. God replies, “I will make all My GOODNESS pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, THE Lord, before you; for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show MERCY and LOVING-kindness on whom I will show MERCY and LOVING-kindness.” (Exodus 33:19 AMPC)

“Surely only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life!” We are meant to know, recognize, and express the glory of God. He who feeds, guides, and shields us does so in ways that expresses His glory and makes His name known…for His name’s sake.

“And through the length of my days, the house of the Lord and His presence shall be my dwelling place.” The house of the Lord…the Temple of God: that is what you and I are, corporately and individually.

His presence is in the house, Beloved. My brimming cup runs over. This is what He makes the “me” I am. He makes me.

Holy Habitation

The Triune God: One God, Three Manifest Entities

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My understanding and belief is that God is One God, but He manifests Himself to us in three distinct entities. It is a truth that can be difficult, at best, to describe, and near to impossible to comprehend. In fact, without the aid of God’s Spirit, this truth is so beyond our finite mind’s ability to comprehend, that I believe this to be the greatest cause to doubt the existence of God found in humankind. Thinking on this, as I study on the Third Entity of the Triune One, something said brought to mind identical triplets.

Identical triplets form from one egg that splits itself into three entities. These three look so much alike that it can be near impossible to tell them apart. They think alike and have similar interests because they are one, but they also have clear distinctions, recognized by those who know them best, distinct characteristics that mark each as their own being.

This is what I understand of God. God says He is One; yet he expresses Himself to us in three different entities, identical beings that possess distinct attributes that define their roles in their triune function as one being.

  1. God the Father is the God Head of the Triune. He houses all knowledge, understanding, and eternal insight, along with all holiness that cannot even look on evil. This headship is expressed in scripture by Jesus’ proclamation that only the Father knows the time of The returning Christ (Matthew‬ ‭24:33, 36-39‬ ‭).
  2. God the Son is the physical manifestation of the God Head. He is the Spoken Word of creation, the Angel of the Lord of Old Testament, Jesus the Christ who brings the massage of God and reveals God’s who to us in the New Testament. When He comes, He can be touched, heard, seen, and He can touch us. Jesus is the head of His body, the true and living church.
  3. God the Spirit is the Holy Presence and manifest Power of the God Head. He dwells in us to bear His image through us, equipping and empowering us, making us one with the Triune and enabling our unity with one another. He is the power of God at work in and around us.

When I first received Jesus, my focus in growth was totally on Him. Still today I see many, longtime Christians whose focus is Jesus. But after some time, the Spirit began showing me that Jesus came to make the Father known; that it is the Father we are to pray to in the name and authority of Jesus, as a representative of the interests, priorities, and purposes of Christ. And that we are to seek to know the Father. So I asked Jesus to reveal the Father to me, and began a glorious journey of ever growing relationship with Abba. The difference between Father and Son entities of the Triune One grow ever clearer, helping me better relate with each and the Whole.

Through the years I have also looked closely at the power and work of God, the Holy Spirit, but lately I have been drawn to realize Him as an individual part of the triune that desires to be known and acknowledged. He makes us one with the Father and Son in thought, desire, purpose, and action, and the Father jealously desires association with His Spirit actively working in us. So I have been digging anew, asking Father through Christ to make me know His Spirit with greater intimacy.

The Spirit of God is the Fruit Bearer. He is the seed of Christ that works in us to empower and enliven the image God created to be ours, but that sin killed and Satan stole from us. That image comes forth as fruit of the Spirit produced in all of us. It proves our relationship with Father bought for us by the Son and made alive anew in us as we cooperate with the Spirit. Each possess all these fruits to the degree that we surrender to God’s Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These make up our who by the power of God’s Spirit enlivened in us. These are ours to the degree that these make us who we are.

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:11-24‬ ‭NASB

Another thing found in my study of God’s Spirit that I have known a long while in part, but that strikes me today of greater importance to understand, has me pausing to grasp this fact more fully. The Spirit of God “gifts” us for ministry and for victory in Christ. The gifts of the Spirit are different from the fruit. The fruit is our who, the gifts are our do. The truth I need to realize more deeply and with greater trust is that The Spirit faithfully gifts us for each encounter or situation with gifts like prophecy, service, teaching; exhortation; giving, and mercy, to name a few. There are gifts we work out of most frequently, but the Spirit also recognizes the need of the moment and fully equips us for that need. We do not have to worry about what to say or do in any given moment when we trust God’s equipping through the power of His Spirit in us.

Therein lies my focus and the prayer of my heart. Father God knows what my day holds and the people I will encounter. He knows each need and the way He desires to express Himself to me and others. Holy Spirit knows the Father’s heart toward me and those around me, and He moves in me to make me ready, adequately equipped and gifted for every good work, as best expresses God’s image and power into each situation and every encounter. The work of God’s Spirit is here to help me yes; but more importantly, He is here to equip me to express the Father into the lives of others for their encouragement, so they may be built up in their faith and service. I pray for that gifting and for surrender to the work of God’s Spirit through me for the glory of the Triune.

How are you doing on this journey of growing relationship with God in the form of His identical-triplet representation: Father, Son, and Holy Presence? May we each be found faithfully growing strong relationships with our One God’s Three Expressions of His One Person. And may we each surrender self to His manifest glory made known in us. He is faithfully making us as He is and desires us to be.

‭‭‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:6-8‬ ‭NASB, Matthew‬ ‭24:33, 36-39‬ ‭NASB

Holy Habitation

In Christ

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Beloved, if we are truly in Christ, we have been crucified with Him; and it is no longer us who live, but Christ lives in us. The life we now live in the flesh we must live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself up for us. He is in us and for us, and we are made new in Him.

In Christ, all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form and that continues within us as we walk through life in Him and for Him. In Him we have been made complete, as all the fullness of deity dwells in us through Christ.

He who knew no sin became sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. By His grace, we are renewed in the spirit of our minds. Putting on the new self, we are in the likeness of God which has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. In Him we are holy and blameless before Him – chosen to be so in Christ.

By grace, we are sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit of the promise and we are enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, for in Him we live and move and exist. We, who have come to know and believed the love which God has for us, bear the fruit of all He is in us through Christ. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control: these attributes and more live in us and make us who we are in Christ. Humble, meek, lowly – able to die to self for His name’s sake; abundant in the power of God and in His grace sufficient for us.

God is love. The one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, we also are in this world. Because of His great love, the Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward us, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. Therefore, we rightly represent Him as patience flows through us for love’s sake.

Beloved, if you are in Christ, you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. We do this best, not only through words, but through actions and reactions that reveal Him living and active in us. ‬‬

Therefore do not become partners with those who refuse Him, those who walk in the darkest of darkness; for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light, and light is what you are.

You are the salt of the earth. Remain in Christ, for He is the One who keeps you effective and flavorful, as salt must be. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are within it’s illumination.

God put you in the place and position you are in, for this season, in this age, and you are here with purpose. You are light, set in place to stand out in contrast to all the darkness around you. You are salt, to season, preserve, protect, cleanse, and flavor all He sprinkles you into. Let your light shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Let your saltiness fall on all, with hope of God penetrating their lives and preserving their eternal souls. Be as He is and watch what He will do in and through you in Christ.

‭Galatians‬ ‭2:20; Colossians‬ ‭2:9-10‬; ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:21‬; ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:23-24‬; ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:4; ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:13‬; ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:5‬; ‭‭Acts‬ ‭17:28‬; ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:16-17; ‬Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬‬; ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:9; ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‬; ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:7-13‬‬; Matthew‬ ‭5:13-16

Devotional Series, Quick Study

Quick Study 2/6/21

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John’s Baptism vs. Baptism in Jesus

Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. — Acts 19:4-5

This passage made me ask, “John’s baptism is in water for repentance. Into what is the baptism of Jesus: what’s the difference?” Here is what a quick Literal Word app search found.

1. In this focal passage, the first thing to note is that John’s baptism calling for belief in Jesus who was yet to be revealed, was no longer needed once Jesus came into view. Thus we now have the assurance of salvation revealed.

“As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. — Matthew 3:11; see also Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16

2. Baptism of Holy Spirit (drenched in the Spirit) and fire (signifies cleansing / purification).

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, — Matthew 28:19

3. Instead of baptism in the name of John, it’s in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost – the Triune One.

He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. — Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12

4. Baptism of belief in Christ, who is now visible to us, disclosing Himself to all who believe unto obedience in Christ.

I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ — John 1:33

5. Baptism of Holy Spirit union – he remains on us, in us, through us.

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. — Acts 2:38

6. Baptism into Christ is for the forgiveness of sin, not just for repentance. We are forgiven.

Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. — Acts 19:4-5

7. Baptized in the powerful, all-sufficient name of Jesus.

Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’ — Acts 22:16

8. Calling on the name of Christ in baptism washes away our sin, to be remembered no more. Gone. Made white as pure snow that reflects His light.

Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? — Romans 6:3

9. Baptized into His death, thus the death of sin no longer has power in us.

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. — 1 Corinthians 12:13

10. Baptized into one body – made one together in Christ – in one Spirit.

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. — Galatians 3:27

11. Baptized in Christ = clothed with Christ: the image of God rebirthed in us, made alive and well in and on us.

Make sure you are baptized into Christ.

Devotional Series, Holy Habitation

True Forgiveness: an Agapé Love Action

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“If you never forgive yourself how can you forgive others. Just a thought.” (Aleshia Beth Barnett)

“Forgiveness being a love action: how can we love others when we can’t love ourselves.” (My thought-reply in response)

Pictured is a post from a dear friend, daughter to one of my best friends, who struggles as I have. I know many who have struggled to love through forgiveness. Her statement took me immediately to what God has taught me that has delivered me so mightily, setting me free to love as He loves.

With her permission, stemming off her ponderings, I share with you this freedom that is yours in Christ. Only Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, can give this love to and through us.

Here’s my advice to those struggling to forgive self and others: Learn of God’s love. Not only so you can rest in Him and in His presence, free from the fear of eternal punishment, but because THAT is the love He places in us and causes to flow through us. So we should learn all we can to know His love and seek daily to grow strong His image of Love in us.

God’s Agapé Love is the only love strong enough to equip us to forgive our enemies and do good to them, as God desires; and His gift to us in the Spirit is the only love by which we can truly forgive self and those we love, the way we want and need to. To get there, ask the Lord to open your spiritual eyes, ears, mind, and heart to believe, receive, and possess this gift. Then work through the following passages. May God bless you, in the power of His love to and through you. By the living power of God in Jesus, The Christ. Amen

John 15:1-17 NASB

Abiding: God in Christ living through us by the power of the Spirit in us and us possessing Life in Him by the work of His Spirit in and through us, is vital.

Galatians 5:16-26 NASB

Bearing the fruit of God’s image, being as He is by surrender to the work of the Spirit in us, is vital.

1 John 4:7-21 NASB

Being Love, as He is Love in us, is vital.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8 NASB

Note the actions of love listed that require forgiveness. Understanding what Love looks and acts like is vital.

Luke 6:27-36 NASB

Being Love depends on who “I” am and what “I” desire to be, not on what others do to “me”. Committing to this truth and walking it even toward one called “enemy” is vital to our obedience in rightly portraying God’s image in us.

Romans 12:9-21 NASB

It is vital to realize that Love fulfills the Law, trusting God to be God toward us and those we love, even when they hurt, steal, kill, and seek to destroy us, being enemies to us. Love is first toward God, trusting His Love to do right in all that concerns us.

A little footnote here, for those who might wonder: Love should prevail even in war against those who, as an enemy, would force a fight. We do so, going to the fight out of love for those we fight to protect. And we do so, out of love for God as a people who stand for right as God sees it.

We fight against an enemy for righteousness sake. And we do so as guided by Love, not out of vengeance, hate, bitterness, and anger, but desiring righteousness and trusting God to handle the consequences to those who wish us harm, on whom our weapons of war fall.

Choosing to be love as He is Love, even in war, protects us from hate, bitterness, and anger, that harms self, by destroying God’s image of Love in us. Love: true, deep, abiding Love that forms our “who” to be as He Is, is vital for all occasions.

Devotional Series, Holy Habitation

Prophets Still Today?

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“Indeed, the Sovereign Lord NEVER does anything until he reveals His plans to His servants the prophets.” (Amos‬ ‭3:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

There are many who believe that God no longer has prophets today. They believe the prophet made law and are no longer needed as God’s law is complete.

What I see is that the prophet was used of God to REMIND people of law and warn them when they are living contrary to it. They warned the people of things coming to them because of sin: their own or that of others. And they instructed them in the righteous path.

I believe that still is God’s way today, not only because I believe His Word and that “never” as used in our focal verse means “NEVER”. I also believe because God has told me what was coming our way more than once, and it came. I believe because He also used me to warn others, instruct their response, and lead them in prayer, thus strengthening them to face the day of the fulfillment of God’s Word.

One of my first experiences was warning for my husband and his friend he carpooled with to work. I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen, but I knew something really bad was coming to them and I tried to get them to stay home. Of course, being the faithful worker he is, my husband went to work with the warning to be alert and warn his friend as well. By 10:00 AM, hubby called. A piece of heavy equipment dropped its load, knocking his friend from his perch, breaking his back, and plummeting him to the ground many feet below.

Two weeks before the Oklahoma City bombing, knowing devastation was coming, God had me calling people to pray, telling them that the Spirit in me was weeping, bitterly. These experiences grew me to discern and trust God’s Spirit, instructing me. Then His instruction became more clear. I.e.:

Before 911, God told me a disaster would hit the US, reaching from New York City to Washington DC. It would devastate this nation and, indeed, the world. And that the damage would be likened to an earthquake (which I heard a reporter, standing on the rubble, liken it to). When He led me to warn people and call them to prayer, I experienced His truth that, “The lion has roared—so who isn’t frightened? The Sovereign Lord has spoken—so WHO CAN REFUSE TO PROCLAIM HIS MESSAGE?” (Amos‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬). We prayed for two years.

I have had other such experiences since 911, but not as big.

I was raised in a religion that believes God no longer has prophets. God patiently worked with me to trust His Spirit’s instruction and warning of things to come. He taught me to know that when He tells me to speak, it is on Him to prove my words. But if I refuse obedience and fail to warn those He sends me to, their harm is on me. I dare not refuse to proclaim God’s warning and instruct God’s people when He calls me to do so.

Beloved, God still works as He did in Holy Writ. That is what our Bible is, the story that teaches us who our God is and the way of God with those who believe. It is up to us to decide whether we believe and trust His ways, and whether we will obey Him when He warns us. To refuse to believe God still has prophets is to slam the door in His face and fall to sin. We, as His warriors, must be ready to be His voice of warning, instruction, prayer, trust, and truth.

“Then (Jesus) said to the disciples, “Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me.”” (Luke‬ ‭10:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Devotional Series, Holy Habitation

Pearls Trampled

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“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew‬ ‭7:6‬ ‭NKJV‬)

It hurts when the Father tells your heart to stop casting your pearls – your wisdom and understanding of Truth – into the life of someone you care for deeply. But when they trample it – and you – under foot in their refusal to receive it, it dishonors God. To keep casting our pearls becomes like grains of salt hitting an open wound, or stones, scarring a closed and barred door.

Think about what a pearl is. It is the product of an ulcer, an irritated spot. Pearls are the product of God’s healing and growing us through His Word and the experience of His ways. They are the treasure of our experience of God in transforming us into His likeness. They are our passion for the goodness of God in those we love.

Casting pearls is throwing them at a hurting, often angry or discouraged person, who is not ready for healing. When first cast, the words are seeds God can use as He heals their areas of irritation to form pearls in their lives. To keep casting when the person is unreceptive is useless and harmful. It brings about sin in their lives as they resent and mistreat the things of God and His treasure formed in us. And it can raise up sin in us as frustration brings discouragement or, worse still, a fight to have our way in the life of another.

When God tells us to stop sharing the treasures of our experience with someone, we knock the dust off in witness against them, surrendering them to God with hope’s assurance that He is working where we can’t. Our job then is to trust the Lord, and pray. I can tell you from experience that it brings great joy when they speak our words as their own because God softened the soil of their hearts with the seed planted and formed a pearl that is now their‘s to treasure.

Question: Have you bit the head off of anyone in your life, someone who loves you enough to throw their treasure trove of pearls your way? What would God have you do with that?