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Unconditional
“Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading in its hope; it can outlast anything. Love never fails.” I Corinthians 13:7-8
This is the definition of unconditional love, that His love never fails.
And I’m grateful because I haven’t been His easiest child to train up. I fight against Him when He’s trying to teach and heal me. I have refused to receive His love. I have begrudgingly obeyed when I didn’t want to do things He’s asked me to do.
Yep. Hard headed all the way.
That’s why the Old Testament gives me hope. The Israelites wandered for 40 years in the desert because they couldn’t shake the slave mentality off and believe their God.
I am 40. And I relate to the nomadic desert experience more than I care to admit. But I want to be different.
So here’s to shaking off the shackles of the past and walking into a new day of not only believing in God but believing that He is for me and not against me! Here’s to trusting His timing and not rushing and crashing around like a bull in a China shop! Here’s to believing that I am loved completely and accepted fully!
Point to ponder while you wander… “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NLT
Encouragement from Passion Translator
I had the great privilege of hearing Brian Simmons and his wife Candace speak last year. Wonderful people who live to encourage people through the Word of God. They are translators for the Passion Translation.
Anyway they posted this on their Facebook page recently. It really encouraged me so I’m passing it on. I copied this directly and did not add or subtract any verbiage.
I Hear His Whisper…”Help is on the way!”
I give you new strength this day to arise and follow Me. So many times you have said, “But I am weak.” Though it is true, I call you to set your eyes on Me and watch Me work in your life. Help is on the way!
When I stand before you, strength and glory surrounds you. Fix your gaze on Me and I will build you up and strengthen you. Strength beyond your clever abilities comes as you settle your heart in My presence. Forget what others have said about you, for they don’t know what I know about you. I know that you love Me and continue to pursue Me even in your difficult situation. I have seen you get back up, and with tears seek My face anew. You feel weak, but you will soon feel a new strength coming into your being. The strength of My love will carry you.
I am coming in a new way, a fresh and living way, to make your strong for what lies ahead. Help is on the way! My plan for your life requires that you stand strong in the midst of difficulties. Days of moaning and mourning over your past are over. But now the days of My mighty power that makes you stand strong and pure for Me have come! As you arise and come with Me, a new strength will enter you that will cause others to say, “Look at what God has done in your life!”
My most beloved child, listen to Me. Help is on the way! Be strong and forsake your fear, for I am with you to make you stand. What has troubled you will trouble you no more. What has defeated you will be defeated by My strength in you. This is a new day of My power, for the days of heaven on earth are coming. Your eyes will see what many have longed for–the outbreak of power and transformation! Help is on the way! You will be changed by My power, for I am your loving Father.
Psalm 54:4,6-7 The Passion Translation
“The Lord God has become my divine Helper! He leans into my heart and lays his hands upon me!
Lord, I will offer myself freely,
and everything I am I give to you.
I will worship and praise your name, O Lord, for it is precious to me. Through you I’m saved—rescued from every trouble. I’ve seen with my eyes the defeat of my enemies. I’ve triumphed over them all!“
Poetry in Motion
You are God’s poetry in motion!
“We have become His poetry, a recreated people that will fulfill the destiny He has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!” Ephesians 2:10 TPT
You Move His Heart
You are loved!!!!
“I call you My dove. My cherishing love is upon you. You will never be able to say, “I am unloved,” for My love is set upon you. My Son was wounded so that you will be Mine. Though others ignore and resist you, you have moved My heart.” -Abba
Taken from The Passion Translation’s I Hear His Whisper Devotional by Brian Simmons and is based on Song of Songs.
Paul’s Responsibility
“Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles.” 2:7-8 NLT
God wants His love reach all human beings. Whether you’re responsible for intercession, wrangling toddlers, teaching, writing, impacting the business world, this nation or another nation; what you do matters!
Paul loved his people. He wanted to minister to them, but he was called to the Gentiles. So that’s who he focused on. And we are the fruit of his obedience.
No matter where your area of responsibility is…your obedience matters too.
Point to ponder while you wander…the same God who enabled and empowered Peter and Paul will enable and empower you in your area of responsibility.
Healthy!
“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” 3 John 1:2 NLT
Declaring that you are both healthy and strong today!
You ARE His Delightful Child
You are His delightful child!
“And have you forgotten His encouraging words spoken to you as His children? He said, ‘My child, don’t underestimate the value of the discipline and training of the Lord God. Or get depressed when He has to correct you. For the Lord’s training of your life is the evidence of His faithful love and when He draws you to Himself it proves you are HIS DELIGHTFUL CHILD.‘” Hebrews 12:5-6 TPT
Something to ponder while you wander–difficult circumstances do not mean God has left you or loves you less. He has loved you since the foundation of the world, nothing you can do will change that. In the midst of the tough stuff remember that you are loved and you are His delightful child.
Wonderful Wednesday: Don’t Stop Believing
Don’t stop believing!!
“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:11 NIV
Running low on strength to persevere?
“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He trains me for battle, my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me.” Psalm 18:32 & 34-35 NIV
To be still and know that He is God requires you to believe Him not just believe in Him.
Do you believe He will do what He says He will do? Do you believe He is a God of His word? Do you believe He is faithful.
If you’re struggling with believing Him, I recommend two things. 1. Worship. Nothing reminds me of who God is and His faithfulness more than worship music. 2. Study the lives of those mentioned in Hebrews 11, their perseverance, their relationship with God, and God’s faithfulness to them.
Something to ponder while you wander…true perseverance means no matter what you see or feel, you don’t stop believing God.
Right Next to You
Yesterday God reminded me that while He does have ever a throne room in heaven, He is also right next to me. Even though my brain can’t fully wrap around the idea that He’s everywhere all at the same time, I love that He is right next to me, ready for today’s adventure.
“Listen to Me…I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime-until your hair is white with age. I made you & I will carry you along and save you.” Isaiah 46:3-4 NLT
Elohim created you with purpose, and that purpose is relationship with Him. He created you so He could love you. He hasn’t forgotten you and He refuses to give up on you.
Even in the worst possible situations.
Even when you’ve created your own mess and others have said “You’ve made your own bed.”
Even if you’ve backslidden or fallen AGAIN.
Turn your attention to Him, because He’s always there. When you focus on Him, you’ll see light in the darkness, and hope will begin to rise.
I’m praying for everyone who reads this to have a fresh revelation of the truth of this word. That you clearly see and know that He’s walking right beside you.
More than Enough to go Around
Sometimes it’s so hard to be happy for someone else when they are getting everything you ever wanted. Trust me I’ve been there too. But being resentful towards someone getting their heart’s desire doesn’t hurt them, it actually hurts you. Envy can turn into bitterness super quick, and steal your joy!
If you’re finding yourself in envyland or thinking your dream is over because someone got “your” job, promotion, place, etc… remember this… One of God’s names is Elohim. It’s plural so it includes Yahweh, Jesus and Holy Spirit and the gist of its meaning is The Creator.
Why does that matter? I’m glad you asked! It matters because God created enough blessing for everyone and enough space for everyone to have a place at the table. So even if they wanted to, no one can take your place or the blessing reserved for you. Period.
“Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. ” Psalm 16:5 NIV
This is a big world and everyone is needed. If your dream hasn’t happened yet, it doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen. Just keep making good choices and doing the right things. Deal with your issues. Enjoy life where you are, right now. Remember you will reap what you have sown. So, be happy for people! Pray for their success! Encourage other people’s dreams, and trust that yours is coming!
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NLT
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