Devotions

Often times in scripture we see that the seemingly simple, mundane, unimportant things of life, as we follow God, often turn out to be the very place of preparation for greatness. Joseph, Moses, David, many in scripture experienced this and we will also, as we walk with Jesus and are taught through experience in our own personal wildernesses, how to rule in promise. 

A look at the Story of the Widow's Jar to see how, and why God blessed this woman and her family in the midst of a time of national famine.

There is a shift in the financial arenas and positions of leadership that has begun and will continue to solidify more obviously in the coming months. There are times when God over turns some and sets up some for a purpose. We see this in the story of Joseph (among others in the scriptures) There are seasons of testing and preparation that precede these unlikely sudden changes. There are biblical principles to follow in order to get into position for the best possible outcome when it happens. If we will obey in faith, what the word has to say in every area of our lives, then God will pour out through grace the impossible changes that need to take place in order to bring forth the abundant work and purpose for which we were created. God will fulfill His promises in unexpected ways. Have faith and obey the seemingly meaningless little things that set the stage for the miraculous. 

Sometimes God quiets the storm and sometimes He quiets you with great peace as He causes you to see the necessity of some of the storms that we are facing. We pray for God to send the rain, we ask for fruitful harvest seasons. Sometimes what brings those things can seem uneasy for a moment, but if you know where God is going with it, you can have peace in the midst of it and rest in the boat... like Jesus did. He know what He is doing. This storm isn't meant to sink you, just to push you to where you need to be a little more quickly and to teach you some things in the process. There is a reason for it. Have peace and endurance. It will be worth it. 

A look at why the Bible takes such firms stances against seemingly simple things. Good sees the end from the beginning. He treats the first step towards the wide gate of destruction very seriously. He wants us to see the need to turn and run from it, from the first moment that we turn towards it. To guard the gate of your heart with all due dillagence!

So much of what God has done and is doing is wrapped up in His covenants. This is one of the greatest reasons that he gave us marriage. To help us understand the nature of covenant. This is also why the devil work so hard to pervert and destroy it. Get wisdom, know your place in it. 

Following Jesus takes humility, faith, seeking continually, and a willingness to change. Change direction, change your perspective, change the way to think and do things. You have to be willing to follow His lead and He will not often do things the way that you think that He should, because that He knows so much more than you do. So lay down your logic, your knowledge, your ambitions, and your pride. Seek Him, trust Him, and follow Him... one step at a time.

A look at what the Prophet Jeremah tells us is the answer for those who are going into a season of trial and national storm. For the faithful, there is a shelter, and a provision and Jeramiah tells us where to find it. 

Coverings are important, God does things decently and in order. Staying within our placement allows for protection, provision, and power to flow down freely and unhindered. Let God lead. You be a bride and let Him be the Husband. 

Why did every person of power and faith in scripture fast? Why was it the marker of major turning points in people's lives, entire nations, and the whole narrative of Biblical dispensations? Why did Jesus say that some victories can only come by way of it? Why does the modern church shy away from it? Why did Jesus teach that it was as essential as prayer in the life of a believer? Today we look a little closer at how fasting can grow you in grace according to scripture. 

In the temptation of Christ, the Devil tried to use the word of God to deceive and mislead. He knows that he can more easily sell you half-truths than whole lies, so he twists and perverts to manipulates the unlearned. He knows the word very well, if you want to stand against his temptations, you better know it too, so you can stand on the truth. Like Jesus did as an example for you. 

Different people have different definitions of faith, but God's definition is encompassed in the marriage covenant and goes beyond believing what we want to believe, to embody trust in what Jesus came to teach. Trust in Him, in who He is, in what He did, and in what He said. You can believe something and still not obey it, but if you trust Him, you will listen and follow Him anywhere. Even to the grave and back.

There is a time to build, a time to tear down, and a time to relay the foundations for future generations to build upon.  When there is nothing left to revive, it's time to reform. God is a God that keeps His word. Nothing is too hard, it's just doesn't usually come the way we invasion with our own vain imagination, but it comes in a way that is perfection and brings change that last for generations. Know the times and the season and get into position for the shifting. It's almost time for building. 

God offers to partner with us. That is what covenant is, a partnership! Yet we can't forget what our place in it really is. We are His battle axes! He uses us to subdue kingdoms. But the axe does not swing itself. Nore is it the only one on the shelf. So don't get prideful! Instead, stay sharp and ready for the next mission and always give the glory to the one who welds it.

A look at one of the strangest and most beautiful miracles of Jesus's earthly ministry and what this woman of immense humility has to teach us through the pages of HisStory. 

A look at Israel's past to get a glimpse at our future. There are patterns set in scripture that we see often repeated when the lessons that they were meant to teach are not heeded.  

A call to live beyond oneself, to live for God, and for others. To prioritize building the church of tomorrow and not your own kingdom. To take the commission of the season that we are in very seriously. This generation of kids will face a world very different than we did. Help them prepare for their part in it. 

Lessons learned from the life of Job that you most likely do not know, that are invaluable for our faith in the face of what's to come

Grace comes by faith, and faith comes by hearing from God. Therefore, when we receive full council and get a clear revelation, we then get a greater more perfect faith, that releases more abundant grace (or power)... Yet it all starts with time with the Word. Both Logos and Rhema. In other words, it all starts with Jesus. 

Who are you following? Agreement is a powerful thing. What you connect to, draw from, or place yourself under is important. Make sure that God is the King of your heart and life and not an other. 

A Tribute to the depths of revelation that is to be found in the biblical account of Jesus and Peter's exchange over paying tribute. There is so much to be gleaned from this mostly overlooked chunk of passage. Revelation, instruction, and encouragement. It is truly one of my favorite biblical miracles.

A look at some of the character that was manifested by Pharoah and why it is foolish to ever assume that you can trust it. As well as how that interprets to us now, in our current world climate.

Rabbis taught their dispels by taking them through journeys and experiences to experience the lessons with them. This is what Jesus meant when He invited His disciples to follow Him, and He still does it with us if we allow Him. He leads, we follow, and He teaches through the experiences that He leads us through. This is why fellowship with Christ and revelation are inherently tied together. You cannot have one without the other. 

If you allow yourself to become disconnected from the source of power, then eventually the power will run out. We have to stay connected to Jesus and be careful that we don't replace that connection with other things. If so, then we need to disconnect from the counterfeits to reconnect to Jesus in order to get the power back in our life again! 

When God speaks it is important to listen. Do not neglect so great a salvation as you have been given. It's not always out right rebellion that will send us in the wrong direction, but simply neglecting to seek, to wait, and to listen. God is speaking. God is correcting. God is merciful and patient. Take the grace that He is offering. Sit, submit, and listen.