The Good News

 

Never lose sight of the true message of the Gospel. It is the Good News that frees people from the power of sin and liberates them from the sting of death. This message expresses the unconditional love of Jesus Christ, selflessly poured out for you on the cross.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

The cross and resurrection of Jesus are central themes in the book of Acts and throughout the Epistles. Regardless of the topic discussed, every New Testament writer consistently returns to the message of the cross.

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14).

The message of the cross not only redefines our relationship with God but also with this world. Not only were we set free from the power of sin, but we were also separated from the power of evil in this world. We were delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13).

On the cross, Jesus proclaimed, "It is finished," referring to His fulfillment of the Law. This proclamation also marked the end of our bondage to the corruption of the world. Often, we focus only on the first aspect of this message, but the second is equally important! We are not only crucified to the world; the world is also crucified to us. Just as we consider ourselves dead to sin (Romans 6:11), we should view ourselves as dead to the corruption in this world.

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”(Romans 10:9).

When Paul states that confessing Jesus and believing that God raised Him from the dead will lead to our salvation, he is not only referring to being saved from the power of sin in the flesh or the constraints of the Law; He is also emphasizing deliverance from the evil that comes against us in this world.

“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

This physical world will eventually be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10-12), and all the things we have desired will cease to exist (1 John 2:16). However, those who follow the will of the Lord will live forever. This is why Paul encourages us not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

“Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:5).

To overcome this world, we must believe in our hearts that we are not only delivered from the power of sin but also from the power of evil in this world.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). 

We have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God! Not only have we died to sin, but this world has also died to us. We have been delivered from all sin, sickness, and everything born of darkness that comes against Jesus, the Word, in us. The evil of this world has no power over us, except what we allow. 

The Good News is almost too good to be true! But it is true! Let the message of salvation redefine and transform your life. Allow the resurrection power of the cross to completely free you from everything in this world that steals, kills, and destroys! Focus solely on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith.



“May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, the riches of His inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of His power toward you who believe. It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in heavenly places, far above all principality, power, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (paraphrase of Ephesians 1:17-21).

Guard Your Heart

Trying to navigate life with a troubled heart is draining. It can lead to overwhelming worry or a sense of inadequacy that undermines your emotional well-being and robs you of joy. When fear increases, anxiety escalates. It’s critical to hold tightly to Jesus' teaching: "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
 
The word "troubled" in John 14:27 comes from the Greek term "tarasso," which means "to agitate, disquiet, make restless, stir up" (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). This word reveals someone who is easily shaken. If these feelings aren’t controlled, they can lead you into fear. This is why Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
 
The word "afraid" comes from the Greek word "deilos," which is an overpowering fear that leaves you spineless. Fear robs you of the ability to confront problems head-on and forces you into survival mode, where you lack the courage to face what lies before you.
 
Paul used the Greek word "deilos" in 2 Timothy 1:7 when he told Timothy, "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 
 
When Paul wrote this verse to Timothy, Timothy's problems were real and not just from troubled feelings. Paul didn't want Timothy's emotions controlled by a spirit of fear that would make him a coward. Shrinking back from facing his problems would not help Timothy or anyone else. So Paul told Timothy that allowing fear wasn't the will of God; the Lord had strengthened him with a completely different kind of spirit—one of power, love, and a sound mind.
 
Jesus understands what we face in this life. God didn’t design us to be overcome by our emotions. He designed us for peace in the storm. That is why we must quickly learn to take control of our feelings and speak aloud to ourselves: "I won’t let fear control me! Jesus is Lord over every problem I give Him, including this one right now!" 
 
Allowing yourself to remain emotionally troubled, distressed, and fearful will never benefit you. It will keep you from advancing in the race God has set before you. So take Jesus' words seriously and refuse to let your heart be troubled. Jesus would never instruct you to do something you're unable to do. Trust that you are fully capable of confronting your problem head-on.
 
Your soul consists of your will, mind, and emotions. For your heart to not be troubled or afraid, your mind must be renewed by God's Word until His truth becomes the foundation of who you are (Romans 12:2). Renew your mind with His Word repeatedly. Meditate on it. Speak it. Capture those harassing thoughts! Quench those feelings! Refuse to receive fear! Instead, give your troublesome feelings to Jesus. Let Him be Lord over them, and receive His peace, power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:6-7). The enemy may hit your mind with nagging thoughts, but your heart will be at peace.
 
Guard your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23) because God created you to reign in this life (Romans 5:17). You possess the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind within you. Even in the most difficult circumstances, you can align your negative feelings with the Word of God. Don’t be someone who shrinks back (Hebrews 10:39)! Instead, be one of those believers who align their souls with God's Word and rise as overcomers in this life!

Resist Evil But Not The Person

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
—Matthew 5:44


All of Jesus’ messages in Matthew 5:38-48 emphasize that we should neither seek revenge nor defend ourselves. 

“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19, Hebrews 10:30). 

Struggling to justify yourself to someone reveals a lack of trust in God’s promise to repay evil. It also reveals spiritual shortsightedness by focusing on the present offense rather than focusing on eternity.

One of the best examples of this is David in 1 Samuel 24 and 26. David had many opportunities to avenge himself against King Saul but refused to do so. He trusted God to avenge and promote him when it was time (Psalms 75:6-7). As a result, all of God’s promises to David came to pass, and in his old age, God showed David mercy (2 Samuel 15-18), just as David had shown mercy to Saul. 

Just as Christ did not come to condemn the world (John 3:17) and was not holding people’s sins against them, we, too, have been entrusted with the same ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19-20). For those who exploit our kindness and disregard the love we extend to them, God will repay their actions (Revelation 13:10; 14:9-12).

Whoever has taken advantage of you, your battle is not with them. Matthew 5:39 makes this clear: “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” 

James 4:7 and I Peter 5:8-9 tell us to resist the devil. Yes, we are to resist the devil, but not the individual the devil is using against us. David extended mercy toward his enemy, Saul, but fought against other foes. Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple (John 2:13-17, Mark 11:15-17). Certainly, Jesus didn’t break His own instructions. 

When you trust that your battle is with the enemy and not with the person who has offended you, you submit to God's authority. As you resist the devil, he loses power in your life. You have nothing to prove to the one who has offended you. You resist the enemy's instructions. You have no need to defend yourself or seek revenge. You can forgive as Christ has forgiven you. You are free of the need to justify yourself or prove yourself. You trust Jesus to take care of it for you. This trust leaves you free to love with Jesus’ love and allow the Holy Spirit to work in another person’s life. You become a living witness to the grace of Jesus by extending His grace to them.

Jesus Christ never condemned you or held your sins against you. He died for you and reconciled you to God. Let Him work through you. Trust that your Father will overturn what you cannot. He will fix what you were not designed to fix. He is the judge, not you. Resist the devil, not the person. Love the person who has hurt you, do good, and pray for them. Live in the freedom of Jesus’ grace. 

 

Cast Off That Spirit Of Heaviness

Even while experiencing the blessings of life, some individuals can become overwhelmed by a heartfelt sadness. It’s as if a heavy cloud has suddenly descended upon them. This emotional weight can be detrimental to both mental and physical health. They may seek relief with prayer, fasting, or even changing their circumstances; however, if sadness intensifies, their efforts become useless. This profound sense of sadness is described in the Word of God as the “spirit of heaviness.”

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3). 

Isaiah 61:3 describes a kind of heaviness that can destroy the garment or mantle of praise in your life. In the Bible, a mantle is an outer garment that symbolizes authority, responsibility, and the transfer of spiritual power. The mantle of praise is an anointing of joy that infuses us with deep inner joy and gladness. As mentioned in Psalm 45:7, this anointing is often associated with loving righteousness and detesting wickedness. The devil hates the anointing of joy working in our lives. He sends “a spirit of heaviness” to destroy it.

This evil spirit observes us, learns our vulnerabilities, and anticipates the opportune moments to strike and steal our joy. Understanding our enemy is a crucial to experience freedom, but after receiving understanding, we must confront and defeat this evil spirit.

“It shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered” (Joel 2:32) .

If you struggle with a spirit of heaviness in your life, meditate on Bible verses like Isaiah 61:3 and Joel 2:3 and pray, believing, “God, in the name of Jesus Christ, and according to Your Word, I ask You to set me free from this spirit of heaviness. I am free, in Jesus’ Name.” 

Stand strong in the Lord, and the power of His might. The darkness may persist and resist you, but never give up on resisting it. Command the spirit of heaviness to leave and continue commanding it to leave. If you feel convicted of a sin, repent. However, don’t concoct reasons to repent. Instead, let the Holy Spirit speak to you. He knows how to communicate with your heart. Resist that spirit of heaviness, and speak with the authority Jesus has given you.

It may take time, but don’t give up. The heaviness will eventually ease. Experiencing deliverance is one thing, but maintaining deliverance is something else. It’s our responsibility to renew our minds and adopt God’s perspective and way of thinking. Before deliverance, renewing our minds to gain God’s perspective was hindered. After receiving deliverance, we must renew our minds to conform God's Word to sustain the deliverance we’ve received. 

The true challenge lies within our minds, where the devil frequently exploits our thoughts. Relying solely on our minds without seeking God’s divine help makes it easier for the devil to manipulate our thoughts and use them against us. We must remember that our minds were not created to dominate us. God created us to dominate our thoughts. Since our thoughts shape our minds and hearts, we must take control of our thoughts.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Just as the feeling of heaviness is real, God is also real. He is faithful to every promise He has made, and those promises are meant to assist you. Spend time reading, studying, and meditating deeply on them. His promises will bring you hope and transform your life. It may not happen quickly, but with time and effort, it will happen.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:17-18).

Is this spirit of heaviness weighing down on you? The Lord hears and delivers those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. Be cautious what you say about yourself, for your words hold immense power. Don't label yourself defective. Doing so opens the door to the spirit of heaviness and its debilitating influence. Remember, you are a wonderful new creation in Jesus. Don’t identify with this saddened perspective of yourself. Instead, embrace the identity Jesus has given you—His beloved child, fearfully and wonderfully created, filled with the spirit of joy rather than heaviness. Recognize your inherent value and purpose. Be planted strongly in Christ. You have a purpose to embrace and fulfill.

God’s deliverance has the power to inspire, uplift, and liberate you. However, to sustain that freedom, you must remain steadfast in your commitment. By taking control of your thoughts and aligning them with God’s Word, you can experience the extraordinary freedom and joy that God has designed for you. Cast off that spirit of heaviness, giving God permission to replace it with joy and a garment of praise.

Remind Yourself You Are Mine

When you pass through the waters
And when you walk through the fire—
Remind yourself You are Mine.
You will not drown or be burned
For I am the Lord, Your God.

When sickness attempts to destroy you,
Remind yourself of My Words.
Keep them in the midst of your heart.
They are life to you
And healing to every cell of your body.

When the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy
Remind him his weapon is powerless against you.
You shall condemn every tongue that judges you.
Your righteousness is Mine.
I am Your vindicator.

Because you have made Me your dwelling place—
When evil and destruction come against you,
No evil shall befall you.
I send My angels to guard you in all your ways.
I shield you with My faithfulness.

When those you have trusted turn against you,
You will not be disgraced.
Set your face like a flint. 
I am for you, and I will help you.
No one can contend with Me.

When offense comes and you are ready
To hurl words of retribution,
Remind yourself a gentle answer
Turns away wrath.

When the spirit of fear claims your heart, 
Remind that evil spirit you are Mine.
He cannot invade My territory.
You have My power, My love,
And My sound mind. 
My perfect love silences his torment.

I’ve spoken My Word,
And it shall succeed in the purpose
For which I sent it.
You are My purpose.
Now speak the authority that is Yours. 
Silence the enemy.
You shall go out with joy,
And be led forth in peace.
All of My creation will erupt in joy!
Instead of sickness, pain, fear, death and destruction,
I have spoken abundant Life!
You shall receive of My bounty.
This will be an everlasting sign—
A memorial to My glory
That shall never be removed.

Remind Yourself.
You are Mine.

He Who Has An Ear

 

Jesus had just told the parable of the sower to a great multitude, when He stopped and said, “He who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 3:9).

Jesus wasn’t referring to everyone’s physical ability to hear. He was addressing the capacity of their hearts. The Lord created us in such a way that we can only perceive spiritual things through the spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14).

—And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables” (Matthew 3:10)?

Why doesn’t God reveal His truths so plainly that everyone can grasp them?

—He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given (Matthew 13:11).

God’s truths are concealed for the benefit of His children. He has extended an invitation to all individuals to receive the spiritual rebirth that grants them the ability to comprehend the mysteries of His kingdom (John 7:17, 14:26, 15:15, 26; 1 Corinthians 2:10, and 16). However, as stated in 1 Corinthians 2:14, a natural person is incapable of comprehending the things of the Spirit of God, as they are spiritually discerned.  

—“For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him” (Matthew 13:11-12).

God's children who don’t continue to receive His revelation will lose whatever truth they have and sink deeper into deception. God reveals His truths to His children in stages and not all at once (Isaiah 28:9-10). Therefore, as they walk in the revelation of what the Lord has already shown them, He will reveal more of His truths to them.

—Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:

“Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
 and seeing you will see and not perceive;
 for the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
 and their eyes they have closed,
 lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
 lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
 so that I should heal them” (Matthew 13:13-15).

The Old Covenant people of God were unable to comprehend the mysteries of God because they lacked the revelation of Jesus Christ in their lives. Without this revelation, they were incapable of understanding God’s ways. However, as Christians, we have received the revelation of Jesus’ atonement for our sins. Consequently, we possess the ability to hear the mysteries that God intends to reveal to us. Nevertheless, it is our choice whether our hearts remain open or become hardened to His voice. 

A heart that hears God requires nurturing over time. Similarly, a hardened heart develops gradually. The Lord persistently seeks to turn our hearts towards Him, speaking to us continually. By being attuned to the Word and our consciences, we can choose what is right and keep our hearts from becoming hardened to Him. If we remain faithful to God in the small things, we will naturally be faithful to Him in the more significant matters. As a result, our hearts will become attuned to receive more of His revelation of His Word within us. 

—“But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it” (Matthew 13:16).

Are you eyes and ears blessed? God is revealing Himself to you. Are you preparing your heart to hear Him?

“He who has an ear, let Him hear” (Matthew 13:9).


 

The Word Mixed With Faith

Mental assent is intellectually accepting the Word of God as true, respecting and agreeing with it, but not allowing it to have an impact in your life. While agreeing with the Word is a positive step, it’s not enough for the Word to work in our lives. We must take that agreement further. We have to mix the Word with faith. 

“For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it” (Hebrews 4:2).

When you read a Scripture, do you agree with it and then walk away, forgetting about it? If so, it didn’t benefit you because you didn’t combine faith with it.

In Matthew 17 and Mark 9, we encounter the story of a father who brings his tormented son to the disciples seeking healing. The disciples, who had been entrusted with the authority to heal the sick and had successfully done so before, were unable to do it again in this particular instance.

When Jesus arrived at the scene, He healed the boy and proclaimed that all things are possible to those who have faith (Mark 9:23). When the disciples questioned why they had failed to achieve results, Jesus responded, “Because of your unbelief. For assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you will be able to say to this mountain, ‘Move from here and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you’” (Matthew 17:20).

Although the disciples had previously healed others, when faced with this demon tormenting this boy, they didn’t truly believe in the authority Jesus had given them.

Whether its healing or deliverance or provision, many Christians struggle to receive from God, and they wonder why they aren’t seeing results. In this story, Jesus clearly states the reason. “Because of your unbelief.” 

What I’m about to say, I say to myself. It’s hard to hear, but it’s something we all need to hear. The persistent challenges I face in life stem from areas where I have unbelief; the same is true for you, too. Rather than get offended, perhaps it’s time for us to acknowledge that God’s kind of faith is different from mental assent and hope. If everything is possible to those who believe, and unbelief is the reason behind our inability to receive, it’s time for us to deepen our understanding of what God’s kind of faith entails. 

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

It’s not what we’ve heard in the past that brings faith to life, but what we’re currently hearing from Him. This principle was true for Jesus and remains relevant for us as well (John 5:19). We can’t sustain our faith on the basis of yesterday’s experiences, our emotions, or mere mental agreement with the Word. To possess the kind of faith that Jesus exemplified, we must actively hear Him speaking to us in our hearts right now.

To have God’s kind of faith, we must become totally immersed in the Living Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Rather than making religious excuses or becoming offended, we need to believe Jesus’ words and focus on our spiritual hearing. He’s speaking (John 10:27). We should be listening.

To steadfastly believe in the Word, we must actively nurture and cultivate the mustard seed of faith that we have been given. We start by meditating on a Word, rereading it, and praying over it, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal its meaning and guiding us to related verses. As we meditate on that Word throughout the day, it will become more tangible to us. We must continue meditating on it, regardless of how long it takes, until faith is firmly established in our hearts regarding that truth. Once faith is conceived, then we must act on it.

“For just as the [human] body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works [of obedience] is also dead” (James 2:26, AMP). 

How we respond to our faith is dependent on the specific truth it relates to. When we hear the Word to be a cheerful giver in our hearts, we joyfully give. When we hear that the power of life and death are in our tongues, then we guard our mouths and how we speak. When we hear that by Jesus’ stripes we are healed, then we speak and believe as though we are. With our mustard seed of faith, nothing is impossible

As we hear the Word of God anew each day, let us diligently allow it to truly penetrate our hearts, enabling us to genuinely believe in it and faithfully apply it as devoted doers of the Word.

“But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]” (James 1:22, AMP).

Let’s continue to hear the Word until its meaning becomes ingrained in our minds and hearts—until it manifests in every aspect of our lives. This is our continuous journey of faith. Let’s hear Him for the rest of our lives.

Who Possesses Your Tongue?

Often the disparaging words of the enemy are hurled from the tongues of believers. Jesus saw this in the religious and called them out for it.

“Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).

Our hearts, fertile ground for nurturing what is true, noble, just, pure, and lovely (Philippians 4:8), can instead become burdened with bitterness, criticism, and condemnation. When these harmful words are spoken aloud, they cause distress to those who hear them.

“The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords” (Psalms 55:21).

Harmful words can also be disguised as “pretended empathy.” However, the real purpose of those “smoother than butter words” is to injure someone or promote oneself.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).

Who possesses our tongue? The enemy or the Lord Jesus? We have the power to speak the spirit of death or the Spirit of Life into someone’s life.

“Every word of the Lord is pure” (Proverbs 30:5). Are our words uncontaminated by self? Are they refined by the Holy Spirit?

“The Lord hates a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:16,19).

Avoid being someone who spreads discord. Nourish only what is pure and lovely in your heart. And when you hear others spreading words of conflict and strife, respond with, “Let me pray for you. Your heart is not right, my friend,” or “Do you really want to do the work of the enemy?”

If we will set boundaries on what we listen to and sow only what is true, noble, just, and pure in our hearts, the words we speak will give life. Make a firm decision to never use words to aid the enemy. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Let Jesus possess your tongue. 

A Spirit of Offense

A spirit of offense is an emotional state characterized by extreme sensitivity and a tendency to be easily hurt. Offense occurs when we feel resentful due to an actual or perceived insult. It can stem from a single incident, and if left unresolved, it can consume our thoughts, significantly alter our perspective on life, and strain relationships. Sometimes, it’s an intentional insult, while other times, it’s an unintentional slight that we misunderstand. Regardless of someone’s intentions, we must acknowledge and address the hurt feelings we’ve experienced. 

“A brother offended is harder to win over than a strong city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle” (Proverbs 18:19). “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come” (Luke 17:1)!

Personal hurts and wounds can lead to deep resentment. An offended person can swiftly spread their resentment to others, contaminating not only their own life but also the lives of those around them with bitterness, anger, and distrust. Both the offended and the offender can end up polluted by bitterness. 

It’s an inevitable part of life that we will offend others and be offended in return. However, the key lies in how we respond.  An offense becomes a problem and escalates into a spirit of offense when we fail to process the hurt and let it go. Instead of addressing our hurt, we tend to harbor it, which can eventually consume our thoughts and hinder our relationship with God.

“Whenever you stand praying,” Jesus declared, “if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25).

Offense obstructs our prayers. It can tear apart marriages, families, friendships, and even churches. An unforgiving heart struggles to accept God’s truth and grow in faith. 

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Hebrews 12:15). 

Offenses can remain hidden in our hearts, unknown to others, until they manifest as unkind words and actions. If left unresolved, these offenses change into a “root of bitterness” that fosters bad attitudes and ruins relationships. 

Scripture provides excellent guidance on preventing and overcoming offense. Proverbs 4:23 advises us to guard our hearts, while James 1:19 emphasizes the importance of being slow to anger and quick to forgive. Romans 14:16 cautions against speaking ill of what is good, thereby avoiding conflict. When conflict arises, Jesus teaches us to address it directly with the offender and resolve our differences. Romans 12:21 encourages us to overcome evil with good, rather than resorting to further harm. Ultimately, the best advice is to emulate Christ’s example. Jesus forgave those who wronged Him, prayed for His enemies, and loved them unconditionally.

Scripture offers us forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. By embracing these Scriptural truths, believers can overcome the deceit of offense, restore relationships, and develop spiritual maturity. Let’s guard our hearts, practice patience, extend grace, and seek peace. By exercising these truths, we can share the love of Jesus and offer healing to a world torn apart by offense. 

Abundant Life In Christ

The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.


—Psalms 23:1 CEB

 

This verse is a powerful revelation and testimony. Because we have made the Lord our shepherd, we lack nothing. We should have an abundance of love, joy, grace, faith, health, and resources. While some people don’t believe this and even speak against it, God’s nature of blessing hasn’t changed. He's the God of more than enough.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2).

When the Holy Spirit inspired John to write these words, he revealed God’s heart for all of His children. God’s will has always been for our health, the prosperity of our soul, and an abundance in all things. It was sin that brought sickness, sorrow, and the loss of God’s will. Yet, Christ has brought the abundance of God to dwell within us.

“You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance” (Psalms 65:11).



We often become the adversaries of God’s abundant life within us. We doubt, criticize, speak unbelief, and expect problems. The power of our words and our attitude can bring death to the blessings bestowed upon us by God (Proverbs 18:21).

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

The power of God is the creative force that works within us. His power is innovative and resourceful. His nature is expressed and manifested in our lives through the words of our testimony—our spoken words of love, faith, forgiveness, and blessing.

“My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalms 23:5b-6).

It is God’s divine plan for our lives to be filled with His abundant goodness and mercy until we finally meet Him face to face. He alone receives all the glory from our blessings in life.

“I have come,” Jesus declared, “that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Abundance comes from Christ within us. If we’re focusing on our external lives, we’ll speak death instead of life; we’ll miss the generous and bountiful impact the Kingdom of God has on our physical lives. However, if we’ll seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).



Let God Prove Himself

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
—Matthew 11:29-30

Many people grapple with the weight of justice in life, driven by a desire to rectify wrongs and bring about positive outcomes. They may perceive situations that others overlook, but instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them, they assume the burden of addressing these issues. This burden can be overwhelming, causing emotional distress and hindering their ability to find rest. Attempting to prove God’s justice can rob them of joy and peace, leaving them in a state of perpetual struggle.

Jesus assures them that they can find rest for their souls. He promises that His yoke is easy and His burden is light, giving them peace. He encourages them to lay aside their need to take care of His justice and instead learn from Him. 

Paul went to Damascus to put Christians in prison. He thought he was doing God’s will, persecuting Christians. But Paul found out that He was actually persecuting Jesus. He believed he was following God’s plan, but God introduced the real plan to him. Jesus told Paul He would preach about Him to the Gentiles. 

Sometimes, we carry the weight of God’s justice instead of the burden of His love. We focus on what needs to be done rather than learning from Him. We might believe we’re doing something that aligns with God’s will, but justice is His responsibility, not ours. When we carry the burden of justice, our lives become centered around our own needs, rather than the needs of others. God’s burden for us isn’t to bear the weight of justice; it’s to bring the lost and hurting to Him. His burden is to carry His compassion and love to those who are yearning for His fullness of new life.

We cannot bear the weight of God’s justice; it’s not within our capacity. This burden causes us to become self-centered and hinders the very essence of the One who sacrificed for us.  As a result, we end up persecuting ourselves.

Jesus came to serve, and we are called to serve others. Let go of your burdens and take on His. It is a light burden. Leave your worries with Him and take on His responsibility to care for those in need. 

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, for He is the one whose example you follow. He is the source of your peace and the wellspring of compassion within your heart. Never abandon the practice of laying yourself down and taking up His burden, for in doing so, you will discover the rest that your soul craves. His love will envelop your heart, claiming it as His own. 

Let God prove Himself to you.

Get Up And Join Him At The Table

In a well known New Testament account, a Canaanite woman approached Jesus, seeking healing for her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus informed her that He has been sent to the lost sheep of Israel and not to the Gentiles. His denial seems very harsh, but she has come to Him on the grounds of the Jewish covenant, which as a Gentile, she cannot do. 

Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”

But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
—Matthew 15:25-27

This woman’s persistence moved Jesus to grant her request. Consider the fact that this woman, even though she was a Gentile, didn’t let her unworthiness as a Canaanite keep her from Jesus. Her daughter’s need was paramount. Her humble, yet determined approach to Jesus, revealed her faith. She didn’t receive crumbs from the table. Her daughter was healed in that very moment.

Many Christians only hope to receive crumbs from the Master’s table. They feel like a stranger in His presence, conscious of their shortcomings, and not eligible for God’s favor. They believe that if someone with great faith approaches God for them in prayer, something might happen. They don’t realize they’re only seeking crumbs from the table, rather than being part of those seated in fellowship with Jesus at the table.

If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you’re no longer an outcast. Jesus died for you. You were that one lost sheep. You are now seated at the table with Him. You don’t have to beg for crumbs. The whole banquet is yours. It doesn’t matter if you have a strong faith or struggle to believe. It doesn't matter if you are victorious in life or defeated. It doesn’t matter if you feel worthy or unworthy—loved or unloved. You are a child of the Most High God, a joint heir with Jesus Christ. You are seated at the table with Him.

God has brought you into His presence because of His love for you. His love for you is never-ending and unconditional. Everything on the table is for you. Jesus paid for it all with His precious blood. It’s free, my friend. Take what you need. There is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. There is comfort, healing, restoration, confidence, and victory.

If you’ve remained beneath the table most of your Christian life, I want you to know the crumbs aren’t for you. The banquet is. Why would you settle for the crumbs? You are worthy in God’s sight to sit at the table with Jesus. Get up and join Him at the table. In His presence is fullness of joy. At His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalms 16:11).

Envy

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
—Proverbs 14:30 ESV

Envy. Jealousy. Covetousness. It can consume us, stealing the fulfillment that the Holy Spirit imparts and killing the fruit of the spirit. It crucifies our love, robs our joy, and destroys our peace. Whatever patience we may have had vanishes because we are never satisfied. Moreover, whatever kindness and goodness we exemplified disappears because we don’t view others as valuable. We view them as a benchmark for our own lives. Consumed by our desire for more, we lose our self-control, our faithfulness wanes, and our hearts become hardened by constant competition. In the grip of envy, peace is an elusive dream.

Peace is life to us. When our hearts and minds are at peace, we can receive God’s fullness. Our souls find rest, and we no longer strive for more or seek to be the best. We can rejoice with others when they receive blessings. Our hearts are free to love without judgment. We don’t compare because there’s no competition. Without competition and comparison, not only is our soul at peace, but our physical bodies are also not stressed. Peace and joy are found in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).  If we are consumed by envy, constantly comparing our lives to others, and feeling inadequate even when we have enough, we will be driven by an insatiable desire for recognition and superiority. This relentless striving and dissatisfaction will consume us like a cancerous growth, corrupting our souls and bodies. 

Jesus came to rescue us from destruction. He is the solution to all the ailments of our soul and body (Psalms 107:20). While we may have accepted Him as our Savior, He must also be the Lord of our lives. We must surrender to the Word we have received.

“I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it,” Paul wrote, “and even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way” (1 Corinthians 3:2-3 ESV)?

How immature are we? Do we still need to be treated as spiritual babies requiring milk? When will we grow up and walk by the spirit instead of the flesh? Jealousy not only destroys our spiritual life but also breeds dissension and division. Envy not only hinders God’s ability to work within us but also destroys others. Now is the time to grow up. Instead of allowing envy to crush the Holy Spirit within us, it’s time to crucify envy. If you will walk by the Spirit, you won’t gratify the yearning of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

If God's love is in you, there’s no room for envy. You know He loves you so you love others. Love is patient, and it’s kind. Love doesn’t envy (1 Corinthians 13:4). It doesn't destroy lives. Love builds. Love creates. Love sees the best. Love doesn’t compare, and it doesn’t compete.

The time for solid food has come. Digest the Word until it talks back to you and you know Jesus as Lord.

Settle Only For God's Love

Don’t settle for the least. God doesn’t see the least in you. He sees Jesus in you. Don’t settle for the enemy’s lies. It’s his purpose to destroy you. He only has death for you. God has life and life more abundant for you.

It’s God’s goodness that has drawn you to repentance. Trust His goodness. Jesus died for your sins. They are as far as the east is from the west. He no longer sees all the years that you messed up. Jesus is your identity now. 

Jesus didn’t come to condemn you. He chose you to be blameless before God. The greatest exchange took place. Jesus, who had no sin, took yours by laying down His life for you. He took all your sins—past, present, and future, paid for all of them, and imparted to you the righteousness of God. Don’t keep trying to pay for sins you no longer owe. That is a pain that will hurt and condemn your heart. Don’t settle for that voice that won’t let thoughts of sin go. You cannot make yourself feel forgiven. You can't make yourself feel God's love. Jesus will do that as you keep renewing your mind with His Word. Keep drawing upon God’s truth, and let the Holy Spirit reveal Jesus to you. Exercise your senses every day to conform to His truth so you can experience the new person you are in His grace.

Settle only for God’s love. 

May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, be able to comprehend what is the width and length and depth and height—that you would know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, and that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19).

May You Rejoice Over Me

 

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives.


—1 Chronicles 29:17a NLT

Does the Lord find integrity in my heart?  I can believe I love God with all my heart, but if I don't continually determine to have a heart of honesty and integrity, then I will fall short. Whatever I offer—whether friendship, compassion, correction, time, a listening ear, advice—must be offered from a heart with no agenda. It must be offered from a heart that seeks nothing in return. What I do or words that I speak must come from a heart that surrenders its selfish motives and needs no recognition. I want no mask. My heart lies open before Him. He knows the motives of my heart. Another may not know, but He does. He rejoices when He finds integrity in me.

My life in Jesus Christ is not about me. Whatever I give or whatever I do in His name should come from what He inspires within me and never from anything of my own making. Life tests me everyday to see if I have a heart of honesty and integrity. If I draw close to God, He will draw close to me. His Word will reveal the real intentions of my heart. Nothing will be hidden. I will know if He finds integrity in me or not. 

Lord, I am so thankful that when I seek you, you reveal the real motives of my heart—the ones I haven’t even realized were in me. Help me to honestly look at myself, humbly admit when my intentions are wrong, and allow you to change me. I desire the renewing power of your forgiveness and grace. Forgive me for anything I have ever done or said that has come from any other motive than yours. Continually create in me a pure heart, and renew your steadfastness within me. May what I do or say or offer always come from a heart that is surrendered, knowing its secure in you. May I walk in integrity, having nothing in my life to be discovered that doesn’t honor you. May you rejoice over me.


“He who walks with integrity walks securely” (Proverbs 10:9).

Betty

Her name was Betty. She was my son-in-law’s great aunt. She passed over a week ago at the age of 101. I knew no one like her. She could have given up because of a lifetime of incredible hardship. But she never did. She served her family instead of herself. She loved and physically took care of a husband with dementia, two daughters, and a granddaughter until they all passed. Betty opened her home to family and those who needed her. She was always available to help others through the hard times of life.

Years ago when I first visited Betty in her home, her kitchen counters were filled with food she had fixed, and her heart overflowed with joy you had come. Her heart at 101 still overflowed with joy and concern for others. She always asked about your family and how you really were. When young people visited assisted living, they would always come to see her. She would declare that these children were the very best and she had such high hopes for them. The truth is people wanted to visit Betty. If you were having a hard day, her laughter and encouragement would bring joy to your heart. 

Betty always saw the best in people, listening to the concerns of their hearts and unashamedly giving advice. She never stopped wanting to take care of people. She wanted to take care of herself at NHC Place so that those who took care of her wouldn’t have to work so hard. She declared they had their own lives at home, husbands and children to take care of, yet were so good to her. It concerned Betty that her granddaughter, Cindy, who was responsible for her care, chose to put her own life on hold because of her. She knew Cindy would always be there to take care of her, and she wanted Cindy to be free to go to Tennessee where she had built a new home.

There is so much more I could write about Betty. But no words I write could explain how this beautiful person has impacted my life. She was always quick to tell you who had impacted hers. Each time my friend, Debbie, and I visited Betty, she wanted to talk about Jesus. She said Jesus had walked right in front of her all the days of her life and was still walking in front of her. She never got in front of him. She declared that it wasn’t her place to do that. Betty often said she could just reach up, and there Jesus was, helping her button her blouse that her fumbling fingers couldn’t button or helping her do the hard things that she had once found easy. 

I visited Betty recently on a Saturday. For the first time she didn’t know who I was. She kept looking over my shoulder and smiling at something behind me. Betty had been tired for quite awhile. Debbie and I had prayed that Jesus would send His angels for her. Three days after my visit, this sweet lady who was always quick to declare she had followed Jesus all the days of her life, followed Him right into eternity.

This month I turn 78. Remembering Betty has make me think about my own time to leave this world. I’m so thankful that I will not only see Jesus and my family who have gone before me, but I’ll also see Betty. She promised to prepare a grand feast for me. I yearn to share heaven one day with my family. Betty would always lean forward in her recliner and take my hand and tell me to just keep loving and praying for them. To never give up. I have to continually trust that Jesus will reach each one of them with His unconditional love and grace. 

If you are older like me, you know what it means to anticipate your life on earth will soon be over. If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, He has loved you from the very beginning. His grace looks beyond the sins that have tried to destroy you and sees your need to be free—to be loved. Open your heart to Him. Lay everything down. Invite Him to come into your life. He won’t force you. He loves you enough to give you the right to choose or refuse Him. Don’t refuse Him. He will come into your life and wash away all that has separated you from His love. All your past, present, and future sins will no longer be yours. You will no longer own them. You will never have to carry them again. You can have a new life in Jesus. You can receive the gift of His unconditional love and grace. No words I write can describe the relief and joy you will experience. 

To my dearest friend, Betty, “You have been one of my greatest encouragers. I will see you again. You said to me only a few weeks before you passed, ‘We will sit down, Lynn, and have a cup of coffee that I can make again and eat something I can bake again. And we will rejoice in Jesus.’”

“Oh, yes, Betty, we will."




Love Without Hypocrisy

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
—Romans 12:9

Hypocrisy is “a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude” (dictionary.com). The Greek word that was used in Romans 12:9 for “without hypocrisy” was “anupokritos,” and it means “unfeigned, undisguised” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). A Christian who loves “without hypocrisy” is sincere, honest, and transparent. He has no need to pretend to be something that he isn’t. He’s secure in his relationship with God.

Paul continued in this verse, still talking about love: “Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” “Abhor” means “to detest utterly.” True love hates the things that hurt those we love. If we don’t hate the things that steal, kill, and destroy someone, then our love isn’t God’s kind of love. And if we don’t hate evil, our love for God is hypocritical. 

Often, real feelings are hidden behind a self-righteous mask. While it’s important to be tactful and avoid intentionally hurting others, there are times and places when speaking the truth in love is necessary.

In Leviticus 19:17, the Lord commanded, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.” 

This verse is saying that if we fail to reprimand our brother or sister when we see sin, then we hate them. Many people have hidden their true feelings about evil under the pretense of loving someone too much to hurt their feelings. However, the truth is a person who is unable to speak the truth in love is a hypocrite. They say nothing because they run the risk of being rejected. 

We must love the sinner but hate the sin. It’s impossible to truly love someone with the kind of love that comes from God without hating anything that threatens their well-being. There is a righteous type of anger that isn’t sin (Matthew 21:12). Our anger should never be at our brother or sister in Christ. Our anger is at the devil for defrauding, swindling, and deceiving them. 

We reveal the truth of the enemy’s lies with God’s unconditional love and grace, never with a “I’m better than you” attitude. God’s love is perfectly good and full of mercy. His love sees beyond the fault in us and sees our need. His love reveals the real intentions of the heart, not only the heart of the one we love, but also ours. The true love of God is never above anyone else. It comes to serve. God’s love in us can draw someone to repentance.

Is your heart hurting for someone right now? Perhaps, a brother or sister in Christ that has been deceived by the enemy? They may be blind to the fact that their sin and their attitude is stealing the abundant life Jesus has for them, or they may be fully aware of their sin and think that they care less. Deep within, they don't care less. Deep within, they are scared to death. You can see them restored. You can see them healed. How much do you love them? Really love them? Enough to risk their rejection and anger? Enough to say, “I’m hurting for you and where you are right now. Will you let me help you, friend?”

Love with the love of Jesus. He looked beyond your fault and saw your need. You can do the same. Let your love be without hypocrisy.

Practicing God's Presence

Prayer is nothing else than a sense of God’s presence.
—Brother Lawrence

In the midst of crisis or change, Christ is with me. In the midst of the storm, He is my safe fortress. He guards me from the breakers that would crush me. But He is more than just a secure fortress. He is my strength to not only endure, but to victoriously overcome. There is never any reason to fear when the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I have the perfect love of Christ within me. God is the one great constant in my life—the same yesterday, today, and forever. Abiding in His love, He claims my thoughts, and His peace guards my soul. I discover that I, also, am strong in His grace. Because He is steadfast and unchanging, I can be steadfast and unchanging. As He is in this world, so am I. I can walk in His peace that overcomes this fallen world with the authority He has bestowed upon me.

Doesn’t this sound amazing? Isn’t this the abundant life Jesus died to give us? But don’t we all struggle at times to walk in it? He is consistent. We are the ones who don’t allow Him to be constant and consistent in our lives. We are the ones to leave the fold and wander off. 

Abiding in God’s presence is what makes the difference between living a defeated life and a victorious one. The presence of the Holy Spirit in my life must be practiced. To live an overcoming life, I must be in fellowship with God daily in prayer until His Word becomes a habit, and He is unconsciously rendered. I unconsciously “pray without ceasing.” He is just “there” at the moment I need Him. He is just “there” in moments of sudden disaster when, without Him, my world would cave. But practicing His presence everyday has brought His immediate peace in that moment. 

I don’t always know what to pray, but the Holy Spirit prays for me. I consciously submit to Him, and He prays God’s perfect will. The external voices are silenced, and I know His peace, no matter the waves crashing around me. I choose to practice His presence everyday. I choose to abide in Him. I may go through a busy day with no issue, and my conscious mind is busy with my schedule. Then suddenly I hear or see something that is earth-shattering. It bombards me. I speak the name of Jesus because I know He is in me just waiting to be drawn from the unconscious depths of my spirit into the consciousness of my soul. Peace arises that transcends logic. It defeats the emotions that attempt to have control. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Practicing His presence has brought His peace.

Do you have that sense of God's presence? He is right there within you speaking peace in the midst of your storm, but you may not realize it. Christ is always in you, my friend in Christ, never forsaking or leaving you. But for Him to make a difference in your mind, will, and emotions, you must draw Him into your conscious existence. He must impact you and your world. His presence is practiced by faith. If you will pray in faith and practice His presence everyday, He will go with you consciously through the days of your life, rendering peace, joy, and victory.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). 

If you are born-again, you have Jesus on the inside of you to be exercised in your life. Practicing His presence transcends all the conscious bombardment of hardship, pain, and suffering, and brings it all under the authority of Jesus Christ. His name is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Practice His Presence everyday until He is only what is rendered in your life. May His joy always remain in you so that your joy shall always be full.

Equipped to Fulfill Your Purpose

 

Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
—2 Tim. 1:9

God’s grace comes into your life with a purpose. A resurrected Jesus found Paul on the road to Damascus. “Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me” (Acts 26:16).

God’s grace works for good to those who are called according to His purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

God has a purpose for your life and grace for you to walk in that purpose. You have distinct gifts and talents to be discovered and developed. You can only experience God’s peace, joy, and faith to the extent you understand your purpose.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8, 10).

Not only does grace save us through faith. Grace also leads and empowers us to do the good works God has planned for us. Our lives should express and reveal His life within us.

Grace without a purpose is robbed of its power. Unexpressed grace brings the enemy great joy. He loves for us to be saved, selfish, and stuck. Passivity will keep us from knowing and moving in the fullness of God’s purpose. You must intentionally discover and pursue your purpose with the Holy Spirit guiding and empowering you.

Those we know and those we meet are our purposes. Each relationship, family member, friend, and person you come in contact with is your purpose. We are here to express and reveal the grace of Jesus to those who are easy and to those who aren’t. There is His grace for us to do this work. Grace and more grace is always available.

You are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus! You are uniquely gifted and of measureless value to Him! Once you comprehend that Jesus loves and accepts you, and that it is He who works within you, you will be empowered to fulfill your purpose.You can accomplish anything God guides you to do. He is the one who empowers you. 

You Are Rich In His Grace

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.
—2 Corinthians 8:9-11

Do you have a vision from God that you believe in with all your heart? Is it something into which you have poured your heart and soul? Perhaps, you haven’t seen the work you’ve done bring you any closer to that vision. Perhaps, you’ve become weary because of constant struggle to complete it. You were the one to whom God imparted the vision. You were the one to get it started. 

“Now finish the work” Paul writes, “according to your means.” 

God's perfect will is for the vision to be completed, but you can't make a vision come to life―even with all that you’ve poured into it and even with all you’ve done to inspire others to catch it. You can only finish to the best of your ability according to what you’ve been given. What you may have forgotten is that you’ve been given everything you need to complete it. When God inspires a vision and you say, “yes,” all the spiritual riches of heaven are at your disposal. It’s not a matter of a lack of resources. It’s a matter of drawing His resources out of the spiritual realm by faith. The enemy will do everything he can to keep you from receiving from God. You must stand against the enemy’s tactics. He wants to destroy the vision God birthed in you. Cooperate with God instead of giving up and bringing joy to the enemy. Remember that God’s timing isn’t yours. You must rest in Him when you’re weary, listening to Him and drawing strength from Him. When God gives a vision, He also supplies you everything you need to complete it. 

Don't ever forget that the vision doesn’t belong to you. It belongs to God. You’re just a yielded vessel for Him to use for His purpose. His vision is fluid. It’s not etched in concrete. You can have an idea of how a vision should pan out, but that is just your perception. His thoughts are greater than yours, and His ways go beyond any preconceived notion. The vision He has imparted to you is only a part of His whole purpose. It’s greater than you can ask or think. He gives you a particular vision to be your focus and to anchor you. Whatever He has imparted to you, it’s your offering back to Him. Realize He owns it. You are to steward His vision. You are to press in and pray, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and give Him room to inspire others to catch it. If it isn’t caught, others made that choice. You can’t change them. Only He can. Lay that vision on the altar. God has never given up. It’s His will. And when you pray His will, believing, He brings to life what you’ve asked of Him.

You’re not the only one with a vision from God. The visions that He imparts to His children are ultimately meant to unify us in His ultimate purpose―to bring the Gospel of Grace to a dying world and to prepare those who believe in Him to live a life of faith that perpetuates the message of His salvation. You are part of God's highest work—His greatest plan. Do whatever He leads you to do with whatever you have now, believing that there is no end to His supply, and trusting Him with as much enthusiasm as when you first stepped out in faith.

The perfect and finished work of Jesus has made you rich in grace. Although He could have had anything―although He had every powerful resource at His bidding―although He was perfectly God and without sin, Jesus became poor for your sake. He humbled Himself, took all of the worst of you and gave you the best of Himself so that you might be free and rich in His grace. 

The vision He imparted to you is just as rich as when you first had it. You have all the wealth of God’s grace. The means to finish the work are available to you, just waiting for you to receive them by faith. Now believe in the inheritance you have in Christ. Your life is His for His purpose. When He’s ready for your vision to manifest, not only will the vision He gave you birth more visions; you and others shall be inspired to receive more grace upon grace for His Kingdom.

The means He has given to complete your vision are outstanding and eternal. Release by faith your vision and see God breathe His life into it.

The Church On The Hill

I’ve sown the Word for decades in my heart, praying for it to be manifested in my life. Through the years, I’ve seen the Lord fulfill many promises in His Word; I’ve waited a long time for others. Now I’m seeing seeds sown many years ago coming into harvest. I’ve made mistakes like anyone else in my Christian walk, but I’m on a continual journey of spiritual discovery that I never want to end. I’m hungry for the Lord to give me wisdom, understanding, and revelation in my knowledge of Him.

According to 1 Corinthians 14, prophecy isn’t just for edification, encouragement, and comfort; prophecy is also a word of knowledge. When the secret of someone’s heart is revealed, it causes him to fall down on his face, worship God, and say that God is truly in this place (1 Corinthians 14:25-26). 

Many Christians who believe in prophecy think that only certain individuals are chosen to prophesy. It’s true that only certain believers are called to the office of a prophet (Ephesians 4:11). However, the spiritual gift of prophecy, listed in 1 Corinthians 12:10, doesn’t refer to the office of a prophet. According to the Word of God, “all” can prophesy. 

“For you can all prophesy, one by one,” Paul writes,” that all may learn and all may be encouraged” (1 Corinthians 14:31). 

Our pastor declared yesterday morning that he doesn’t want us or our church to miss out on what God has for us.

Months ago, I had a vision of three golden bowls coming together as one. It hung above our congregation. There was a spout, and it was slowly tipping. I could see a thick golden liquid at the edge of the spout just ready to pour. I asked the Holy Spirit what this meant. The Holy Spirit led me to Revelation 5:8. God has heard and gathered all our prayers in his golden bowls of incense in heaven, and our answers are ready to be poured out. His salvation, His healing, His deliverance, and His anointing are waiting to be manifested in this place. But we must do our part. We must empty ourselves and allow God to move without prejudice. We must press in deeply in prayer and petition Him to open the heavens. And when He pours, He shall pour through our yielded hearts into the lives of a starving people. Compassion will be as water turning into new wine. And this outpouring of heaven will flow through and out of us into Anniston and all around.

Thirty-five years ago I was driving up Quintard Avenue past this church on the hill, which was Harvest Temple at the time. I was listening to Dr. David Yonggi Cho prophesying that one day God would pour out His Spirit in great power in northern Alabama. Perhaps, this church on the hill was a part of his vision. I wouldn’t know about that, but I do know we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that we may proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

This church on the hill is chosen to be His light in the darkness. The Lord has set apart this house, this place for His holiness and power.  All can prophesy. Humble yourself. Seek the Lord. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. You are a chosen people. He can give you another vision of His purpose. Perhaps, you shall see what I have experienced with greater clarity or bring a fresh perspective to it. We were created for such a time as this. Are we preparing our hearts and gathering for the Holy Spirit to open the heavens and pour? Will we let God be God? Will we press in and pray?

 

“Therefore, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me” (Micah 7:7).


“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams, and on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17-18).

“I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth” (Isaiah 62:6-7).


https://www.lynnlacher.com/2026/06/the-church-on-hill.html

Endure To Partake

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
—Hebrews 10:36).


The promises of God aren’t dependent upon our efforts. They are dependent on His. But we must cooperate with Him. We must trust Him, accept His will, and step out in faith. Although we may fail at times, we must never give up. His promise will ultimately be fulfilled through our surrender. He cannot deny what He has accomplished for us on the cross. If we trust His perfect work and cooperate with the Holy Spirit, His promise will be fulfilled in us.

Do you think that when Jesus called Peter to follow Him that He did not know his strengths and his weaknesses? God knew Peter. He knew that despite human weakness, Peter would discover strength in Him. If you feel weak and lacking in power, remember the Lord chose Peter knowing His potential―knowing that one day He would be filled with the Spirit and minister in His power.

God's choice of Peter is incredibly encouraging. Choosing a weak Peter to serve Him encourages us that, we too, can be used for God's purposes. Take heart. No matter what your struggle or your area of weakness, God knows your potential, too. He extends grace and forgiveness along your lifetime of service so that you may achieve it. Peter, as a result of God's grace, forgiveness, and power, gained spiritual maturity. God took a man who had once denied Him by a coal fire and used him to powerfully declare and demonstrate His purposes.

Peter writes: “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:3-4).

Jesus has called you to partake of Himself—not because of who you are. Not because of any lack. Not because of any failure. He sees your perfection in Him. He sees who you are in Him. He calls you to partake of Himself because of who He is and what He has accomplished on your behalf. His divine power is available so that through Him, and through His precious promises, you may mature to be more like Him. 

Just as Peter, you can reach a level of spiritual maturity where you are effective and productive in your Christian walk (2 Peter 1:9). You can experience God working powerfully in and through you in ways you never anticipated. 

Persevere no matter your failure. Ask to learn from it. Persevere no matter how weak you feel. You can’t live on feelings. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you. Endure to partake. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4). 

The Blessing

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
—Matthew 16:25

God loves us more than we love ourselves. His plans for us are superior to our own plans (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25). Abandoning ourselves to Him is the best course of action for us. However, it may not always seem that way to our natural thinking, as our carnal minds are the enemy of God (Romans 8:7). While following Jesus may involve hardships (2 Timothy 3:12), God’s rewards are truly extraordinary (Romans 8:17-18). He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

Throughout my Christian life, I’ve heard about my need to die to self, but less about the incredible blessings I would receive in doing so. I've found the purpose I was created for. I’ve discovered abundant life! I’ve found the joy of fulfillment nothing else brings! Freely I’ve received, and freely I’m called to give. I’m called to love without receipt. To see beyond what is seen. To hear beyond what is heard. To understand beyond my own understanding. To always encourage and inspire hope. To bring healing. To inspire greater faith to believe God. To help others experience the joy of their faith. This is my calling. If I lose my life for His sake, Jesus prospers in me. He blesses me again and again to bless others.

“To me,” Paul writes, “living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith” (Philippians 1:21-25 NLT).

I understand Paul’s dilemma—whether to go or to live. I’m alive today for one reason—to help others experience the joy of their faith. This is my calling and my blessing: To see those who have struggled in their faith to find rest in the finished work of Jesus. To see those who haven’t believed to believe. To see those who haven’t stood confidently on the Word to stand and receive. To see their lives changed forever.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, KJV).

Daily, I choose to be crucified with Christ and to live by “the faith” of Jesus. I can't live by my faith. I live by His. Life is not about me. It’s not about you. It’s about Jesus living in us. Whatever the cost—whatever He asks is worth the blessing of knowing Jesus has used you exceedingly more than you ever imagined. It’s a joy unparalleled on this earth.