No weapon formed shall prosper

 

Isaiah 54:17 NKJV

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.

Isn't this an amazing promise from the Lord?  As trials and tribulations arise and the enemy is on the prowl, one can rest assured that the weapons that are formed to attack and attempt to do us harm will not prosper.  They will not succeed!  They may form but they will not have victory over us.

The first part of this verse is very familiar, but as I read it in its entirety something sparked with in me because it speaks about tongues that rises against.  People who talk about you and say all manner of things about you.  People that would seek to convict  and judge you we shall condemn.  The very ones who do the judging shall be judged.

He also says that it is the heritage of His servants and that His servant righteousness comes from Him. Sweet Jesus.  Because of His work on the Cross I am free and I have a righteousness that has been imparted to me (2 Corinthians 5:21).  When God sees me He sees His Son.  What a blessing.

Today a weapon rose up against me, a weapon of idle talk about dear loved ones.  Talk about people I respect.  Anger arose from the hurt of it all.  This weapon wants to form as a root of bitterness, but it will not prevail because as it is said in Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

So I give it to God and move on in grace.  I had to let it go and boy does it feel good. Because no weapons forms prospers I can run a good race.  Thank you Jesus.  I don't know what may be  coming up against you, but rebuke it in the name of Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Lord, I thank You for Your Word and Your promises to Your people. Thank You for giving us victory. Thank You for giving us Your righteousness and writing Your word on our hearts.  Help us to yield to Lord and stand on it. I give you all the glory, honor and praise.  In Jesus name. Amen

Abundant blessings...God is able

 

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

And God is able...God is able to do all things.  He is able to equip us to do good things.  His word says that God is able to bless you abundantly (2 Corinthians 9:8)  not just a little, but a lot.  Why?  "So that in all things", some things but ALL things and "at all times we will have what we need".  God is providing and He is providing with a purpose in mind.  The purpose is so that "you will abound", not just a little, but a lot, "in every good work."(2 Corinthians 9:8).

God wants us to have what we need so that we can do the work of God.  What does that look like in everyday life?  Abounding in patience so that you can extend grace to someone who may be tough to handle (sandpaper people who are polishing us to be more like Jesus).  Abounding in integrity so that you can put in a honest days work on the job.  Abounding financially so that you may be a blessing to someone who may be struggling.  Abounding in perseverance while do the mundane task of wiping noses, changing diapers, being a listening ear to a older teen or young adult so that your children know that they are safe and loved.   Abounding in love so that you can be an encourager to someone else.

There are more good works or deeds than these for whatever we do we should do it for the Lord. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:23-24) We do it so they may see our good works and glorify God (Mathew 5:16).  

Here's the great thing about God, He supplies what we need to do it.  He blesses us abundantly so that we can live abundant lives (John 10:10).  It feels like having a bill that has already been paid in full.  God is so good.

Father thank You for blessing us abundantly so that we have all we need.  Thank You for giving us more than enough so that we can abound in good works and bring You glory.  I thank You for  your love and your grace.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Be ready

 

2 Timothy 4:2 NIV

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

I had an awkward moment earlier this week.  I was outside spending some time with God and a young lady was upset and using profanity.  I wanted to say something.  I did not know who she was and it was after school hours for her because she had early dismissal.  I said nothing, not wanting to cause a scene, but the Spirit told me I should have said something.  I am an adult, I am a teacher, I am a child of God.  I was not prepared out of season to speak a word.

Later this week I looked for an opportunity to find her and speak with her.  I approached her with grace and with gentle words spoke with her about her profanity. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1.  She accepted my rebuke and apologized.

The word says to preach the word.  To be ready in season, when its comfortable and out of season, when its awkward. We are to correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.  Being in a school setting affords me opportunities to be a witness, but its up to me to take advantage of the opportunities.  I have to be ready.

As I think about Mother's Day.  I think Mom's are the first witnesses, "preachers" to their kids.  The correct us, rebuke us, and encourage us." They do it when its easy and when its hard- showing tough love.  They do so with great patience.  They forgive us and love on us.  They extend grace, just like Jesus.  I would like to thank my Mom and all mothers whether it be to biological kids, bonus children, or children whom the Spirit has placed in your path for what you do. May God continue to guide you.

Lord, prepare my heart to be ready to share Your word in and out of season.  Give me the courage to be bold.  Give me wisdom and the words to speak.  Bless all the mothers and bless those who have lost the earthly mothers.  May they be comforted by You.  In Jesus name  I pray. Amen

He meets our needs daily

 

Matthew 6:11 NIV

Give us today our daily bread.

A simple scripture packed with the promise that God will meet our needs daily.  He meets them physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  We do not have to rely on our own resources, we can ask the Source to give us what we stand in need of for that day.  

For me, some days its perseverance and hope.  Other days it's the courage to meet my challenges head on with the knowledge that there is victory in Christ.  Some days its the strength to stand in the gap for another.

I love that our Father cares for us in such a manner.  We can go to Him daily to get a dose of Jesus to help us through our day.  We just have to trust that He keeps His promises, knowing that they are " Yes and Amen". 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Father, I thank You for Your love and provision.  Thank You for meeting where I am at and providing exactly what I need to live through the day.  With You I prosper and I thank You.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Facing the day

 

Philippians 4:13 KJV

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

These words trace through my thoughts and out of my mouth when God taps me on the shoulder in the morning.  It’s the strength of His Word that I need to face my day.  It is my hope and the promise I cling to.

I battle with anxiety to the point that I sometimes get chest pains.  I call upon the Lord and His strength.  I breathe in deep breaths and remember that He is with me and that I can make it through the day because it is He who gives me strength through Christ Jesus.  Christ in me, the hope of glory(Colossians 1:27).

Each day He gives me victory.  He brings me through.  He speaks to my anxiety and helps me to overcome it.  He shows His handiwork and lets me feel His presence.  He is my Rock. He is my everything.

Lord, thank You for being my strength.  Thank You for being my shield and my comfort.  Thank You for your eternal love.  In Jesus name.  Amen

A Blessing

 

Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

“ ‘ “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’

I love this scripture.  It brings tears to my eyes every time I read it because I think of God's love.  His grace.  I think who am I that God would make His face shine on me?  Who am I whom God would turn to and give me peace?  The answer He gives me is that I am His child.  He beloved.  His word blesses me and restores me and it allows me to bless others with it.  How awesome it is to share the grace that God has lavished on me with others.

My spirit rejoices at the thought.  God is so good and benevolent.  He shares His love with all His children, on creation alike.  He sacrificed His Son so I could experience His mercy.  It is He who gives me hope.  It is He who gives me favor when I don't deserve it. He lifts me up.  He hears my prayer.  He calms my anxiety and grants me peace.  Oh, what a good, good God He is.

The Lord has blessed me and kept me.  He sees me through the work week, the illness of a friend, the trials of parenting and the day to day challenges that life itself brings.  I pray this blessing for you too.  ‘ “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’ Numbers 6:24-26

Lord, thank You for loving us.  Thank You for dying on the cross and rising again so that we can have life and have it more abundantly.  Thank You for looking on your people and blessing us every day.  You are Jehovah Jireh.  We praise You Lord and thank You for allowing us to be a blessing to others.  In Jesus name. Amen

He’s working it out

Romans 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

What do you do when you don’t feel seen or heard? When you are frustrated on your job or position in life? What do you do when you hope and pray, but your prayers do not appear to be answered?  You trust in God.  You trust in His plan.  You recite the truth to yourself and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is working it out for your good. 

His word tells us so and He is not a man that he should lie( Numbers 23:19).  Pause and praise.  Think about the evidence of God in your life and His goodness towards you.  Breathe in your body, a mind that thinks, a heart that pumps blood.  Think of His provision , no matter how small.  Think of the resurrected life of Jesus that gives us life and sustains is all.

Go to His word and pray on it.  He is working behind the scenes.  Our minds can’t conceive it, but He is doing great things. 

1 Corinthians 2:9

9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—

What stands out to me is this though..He is working it out for those who love Him, not the things but Him.  The blessing are great, but God is the blessing.  We can’t forget that.  Satan would love to see us bound in frustration , but we must walk in the freedom of God knowing that whatever the circumstances He is working it out for His purpose and our good.  He is writing our story and we have to relinquish the pen to Him. Walk in peace knowing that we are loved and cared for. Knowing that His plans for us are good Jeremiah 29:11.

Father sometimes life does look like or feel like we want it, but help us to trust You with our lives.  Help us to stand on the truth that You are working it out for our good.  Help us to love You and praise You in the midst of it all.  Help us to be at peace.  In Jesus name we do pray. Amen