“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.”
Isaiah 61:10
The only thing God desires us to be overwhelmed with is JOY in His presence.
Whenever we begin to feel overwhelmed by sadness, anger, anxiety, and stress, it’s time to tell the enemy,
“Not today, satan. I am overwhelmed with JOY by the power of God’s Spirit alive within me and overflowing through me.”
If God has covered us with the robe of His righteousness and dressed us in the clothing of salvation, may we be overwhelmed with His JOY too!
As the beloved bride of Christ, we are to be glad and rejoice and give honor to God. Our gladness and rejoicing bring honor to God. Soon, the time of the wedding feast of the Lamb will come, and we, the church as the bride of Christ, are to prepare ourselves for all the joy that is yet to come. As we come daily to the banquet table of the Lord and continue receiving from the bread of life, His joy will overwhelm, strengthen and sustain us until that glorious day of joyful, heavenly celebration. (See John 6:32-40; Revelation 19:7)
Lord, thank You for overwhelming me today with the JOY of your presence in worship of You, the lover of my soul. May Your love and the power of Your Spirit fill my heart with gladness and rejoicing bringing honor to Your name in this life and forevermore. Amen.
This is my prayer for Joyful Jenny and each one of you.
“…don’t be dejected and sad, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10
“Always be joyful.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16
“Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.”
Philippians 3:1
“Alway be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again — rejoice!”
It’s time to pray and decree God’s Word with authority.
You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways.
Job 22:28 NKJV
This is a time for decreeing God’s Prophetic Word with the authority we have been given over every situation and especially over the new move of God for such a time as this and for training up leaders for the awakening and harvest that is ahead and will be like nothing we have ever seen yet. Our prayers and prophetic declarations in unity and agreement with God’s Word from clean vessels washed in the blood and pure consecrated and fiery hearts refined by the Refiner’s fire will overpower and overcome all the fiery darts of the enemy. God is doing a new thing as we stay humble and hungry for more of Him and desire to see His kingdom advance all for His glory. May all who are called keep growing higher to burn brighter over all the darkness. Amen.
Get alone with God. Get refreshed in His presence and in His Word. Worship and praise Him. Many of us are feeling battle weary. Take time to listen to those who are full of God’s Word and His Spirit and those who flow in His equipping and igniting gifts. Wait on the Lord and seek His guidance. Ask God to burn a fire in your heart for His purpose to be fulfilled in your life. Then, go where He says go. Get connected where He says connect. Pray His Word and pray in the Spirit. Commit to obey and not go your own way. Get in alignment for your divine assignment. Do not let the enemy win. Greater is He that is in you — overcome and rise up. Your fiery heart and your part in this year of recovery, restoration and the new move of God is why the enemy has been fighting you so hard. Arise and shine overcoming warrior son or daughter of The Lord Most High for such a time as this.
It’s time to pray and decree.
It’s time to arise in power and authority.
It’s time for the Word of Truth to prevail over all the powers of darkness and hell.
It’s time for a fresh baptism of love and fire.
It’s time to grow higher.
It’s time for God’s light bearers to burn brighter.
It’s time to hear with clarity and radically obey.
It’s time to move in full surrender to God’s Spirit in a brand new way.
It’s time for the anointing of God’s Spirit to break the captives free.
It’s time to know who you are beloved overcoming ones.
It’s time to live in freedom and in the victory Christ has already won.
It’s time to forgive.
It’s time to release.
It’s time to walk in grace, purity and peace.
It’s time for the harvest and a third great awakening.
It’s time for undivided hearts in love with God to join together as one.
It’s time to receive God’s gifts that equip and get in alignment for His will to be done.
It’s time to tell our restoration stories.
It’s time to advance the Kingdom of God all for God’s glory.
It’s time…for such a time as this.
“And don’t allow yourselves to be weary in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming!”
Galatians 6:9 The Passion Translation
“Now you understand that I have imparted to you my authority to trample over his kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will harm you as you walk in this authority. However, your real source of joy isn’t merely that these spirits submit to your authority, but that your names are written in the journals of heaven and that you belong to God’s kingdom. This is the true source of your authority.”
Words of Jesus, Luke 10:19-20 The Passion Translation
“I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick. “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:16-19 NLT
“Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Esther 4:13-14 NLT
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”
Isaiah 60:1-3 ESV
More Word References: Galatians 5:1; 1 Peter 4:10-14; Matthew 3:11; John 4:35-38; John 10:16, 27; Luke 10:2; 13:29-30; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 2:9-12; 1 John 4:4; 1 Psalm 23; Psalm 24:3-5
In God’s presence is fullness of JOY, but sometimes I get lured into the pit of self pity and this is where my joy in the Lord no longer thrives but slowly dies.
Can you relate?
How do I get out of the pit of self pity? How do I overcome this joy killer of self pity?
Just a little Joyful Jenny flow from the heart on December 13th of 2020.
Whatever God allows to happen to you, He is more than able of helping you conquer and victoriously overcome for the purpose of awakening within you what He wants to release through you.
Amen. My new name is Joyful Jenny. I am overcoming with joy by the power of God’s Spirit. We are all more than conquerors in Christ through the power of His love (Romans 8:37).
Ask the Holy Spirit what your new name is in Christ mighty sons and daughters of the Lord Most High.
Reminding the enemy that the 13th day he came to bring great pain and suffering into my own life has been used to make me press into the joy of the Lord. I am more than a conqueror for the purpose of spreading the LIGHT, LOVE and JOY and the good news too! Amen. How about you?
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. Philippians 1:12
Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17
This promise is for the Church, the called out ecclesia who have accepted the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His death on the cross as the payment for our sins. We believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, and we have confessed Jesus as Savior and Lord before God and men. We do not just give lip service to loving and following God while our hearts are far from God and no evidence is available that we are His disciples. We believe that Jesus and His Word – the Holy Bible – are one. Therefore, we live our lives following His Word and make life decisions based on His Word and not the opinions of popular culture. We remain connected to the Church for which Jesus alone is the head. We, the Church, are not perfect or sinless, and we know we are continually in need of God’s amazing grace demonstrated on the cross. We do not make light of or trample upon God’s grace by living an ongoing deliberate lifestyle of sin. We identify with Jesus and His Church. We are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ because we know it is the power of God that saved and healed us and is available for others to be saved and healed. We believe the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us and gives us the supernatural power and grace to live an overcoming life. We are motivated by our Father God’s love for us. We forgive others as He has so graciously forgiven us. We love God and all people. We do not hate anyone. We only hate sin and how it destroys us and the people God so loves in every nation and all the world He created. Our hearts desire to show forth all the fruit of God’s Spirit and above all to be a lover of God and all people. We are continually growing in the characteristics of Christ to be more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self disciplined. We walk in love, humility and boldness like Jesus. We pray for all people, beginning with leaders and all those who are in authority, even if we disagree with them because God’s Word commands us to. We even pray for our enemies to know and experience God’s love. We remain involved in the community serving others and being productive members of society.
If you know this is who you are, read on…and answer the call to pray.
We keep on answering God’s call to seek His face and His will, His agenda and not our own. We stay actively involved supporting and building God’s house and His kingdom above just building our own houses, careers and platforms. We remain in unity with other brothers and sisters who belong to His Church. We renounce pride in all its forms and pray for a spirit of love and humility to permeate each member of the Church. We do not just repent of sin to be saved and never repent again when the Spirit of God convicts us. We know that as sons and daughters the Lord convicts us because He loves us just as a parent does their child. We understand we are living in the land of many idols in our nation and these idols (of self, materialism, and worshiping all sorts of other little gods) have subtly crept into the Church too. Holy Spirit speak and remove our deception and show us any and every idol of our heart that has taken first place over worshiping You. We turn from worshiping other gods over worshiping You, Lord. As the Church, and especially those called to intercede, we repent on behalf of our own hearts and households, the Church and its leaders. We ask for the power of Your Holy Spirit to come upon our President and all governmental leaders and guide them by Your divine wisdom. We pray for the people of our nation to repent and turn their hearts fully to God and to experience true encounters with The Living God. In this unprecedented time, may Your people hear what You Lord are speaking to Your Church right now. May we listen to Your Word and Your Holy Spirit. May we not reject or take lightly Your prophetic words spoken to Your church. May we be still and know that You are God. May we be full of love and faith over fear. May we pull away from the irrelevant distractions in this serious hour. Thank You Lord for hearing our prayers and forgiving us and bringing healing and restoration to our land and to the people in our land. May we be awakened to arise and fulfill our God given assignments for such a time as this. May Your Church be the hands and feet of Jesus and may each member serve in the capacity You designed each of us for by Your grace. May the power and blood of Jesus that is the same yesterday, today and forever heal those with COVID-19. May it be eradicated by the name of Jesus, the name that is above every other name. May You comfort and strengthen all those dealing with loss. May Your divine hand of protection cover all the medical personnel and caregivers treating and serving those who are sick. May supernatural healing come to all those needing healing by Your mighty power and may all of this be to the glory of God. As we agree in unity may this be done and may Your kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven we humbly and boldly pray in Jesus name. Amen
To join others united in prayer during this time, connect on Instagram @Unite714 and on Facebook @Unite714Movement or visit http://www.Unite714.com for more info.
This prayer is based on God’s Word. A few references: Romans 1:16; 5:8; 8; 10:9-10; 12:1-2; John 1:14; 3:16-17; John 15; Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; 1 John 1:8-10; Proverbs 28:1; Psalm 34; Psalm 91; Psalm 107:19-20; Philippians 2:9; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 12:5-11; 13:8
I’m guilty like every one else on social media of only or predominately posting the good, the happy, and the fun times. What would social media look like if we all posted all our heartbreaks, relationship struggles, disappointments, brokenness and tears, or uploaded video clips of our emotional meltdowns, family disagreements and arguments. Oh, of course your family doesn’t have any of these. Yeah, right.
Sharing this post today just to say – please don’t think “Joyful Jenny” (as I keep referring to myself lately) encounters only the happy happy, joy joy scenarios and joyful situations all through her days. Especially currently, there is something very painful and heartbreaking my family is walking through. My laughing and smiling posts are not just me putting on a happy face either. Even though all is not completely well, yet I still have the joy that God’s Spirit brings – even though, yet I still am experiencing God restoring the joy of my salvation.
“Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me – now let me rejoice!”
Psalm 51:8
The path along the deep and rugged valley roads of life we never planned to travel on come upon us like a sudden detour sign appearing out of nowhere. Most of us, except the shallow, adversity free minority can relate. These life roadblocks or journey detours occur for various reasons – our own sin or the sins of others, our pride and rebellion, deception, addiction, our modern day idols (yes we have them), or just as a result of the fallen world we are living in.
Do you have joy like a fountain? Or has your well all dried up? Are you able to follow the Apostle Paul’s advice, “Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, keep being joyful…” – a Joyful Jenny paraphrase of Philippians 3:1.
No one likes to take advice from someone who cannot relate to all you may have been through or are currently going through. However, Paul encountered much adversity and suffered many hardships all while serving the Lord, including the following and much more: being imprisoned, 5 times whipped with 39 lashes, 3 times beaten with rods, robbed, mistreated and misunderstood by his own people and others, experiencing broken friendships, and often not having enough food to eat – and all while faithfully serving God! Still, Paul kept sharing the joyful message, “Rejoice in the Lord always!”
Again, along with Paul, Joyful Jenny says, “Choose JOY no matter what!”
Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy. Tim Hansel
Do you have joy no matter what is happening to you?
Do you have joy no matter what is going on around you?
This is one of the messages God has given me in the midst of life’s trials and messiness.
Some people think joy is the absence of pain. It’s not. Often, those whose lives are filled with much sorrow and many challenges experience the most joy.
I’ve cried enough tears, so don’t expect me to apologize for my joy. Joyful Jenny
In God’s presence is fullness of JOY!
Jesus told us the things He told us in His Word SO THAT our JOY WOULD OVERFLOW. Paul reminds us to “be joyful in the Lord always.” Many are unaware or have forgotten that to be continually joyful is part of God’s will for us who belong to the Lord.*
Okay, so I realize even sharing the words of our Savior Jesus and powerful Paul will not automatically make us oh so joyful.
Joyful Jenny always gets this right and is your perfect joyful guide. I am always bright and cheery Joyful Jenny – haha! NOT! The true joy hero is the Apostle Paul, so only follow me when I am successful at imitating Paul y’all. Who even comes close to enduring Paul’s many trials? Continual pressures and painful scenarios are just helping joyless Jenny to die and Joyful Jenny to arise! Over the last few years especially, God has been bringing a restoration of joy in my life personally. Birthed out of a desire to obey and a desperation to live joyful and free, I keep choosing to press more and more into God’s grace. As I do, God’s Spirit is empowering me to live out my new overcoming name and identity of Joyful Jenny.
The joy of the Lord is our strength! This is one of the reasons the enemy is continually attempting to steal our joy.
Grace is the empowerment of God’s Spirit which enables us to live out our God-given identity as the victorious, joyful overcomers we are all called to be!
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and we can only have joy no matter what happens as we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Help us, Holy Spirit. A fresh baptism of Holy Spirit fire – an encounter that empowers is needed for joy to be our strength each and everyday!
*See Psalm 16:11; John 15:11; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22; Nehemiah 8:10; John 10:10; Romans 8:37
The truly godly and spiritual are called to a ministry of restoration. So, how “spiritual” are you?
When we get in the dirt with the ones who hurt, it might be messy and even a little misunderstood by others, but we never know when our act of mercy poured out over someone’s mess might lead to something miraculous and marvelous in their lives.
How are you doing spiritual one in your ministry of restoration? Or your ministry of reconciliation? How is your spirit of gentleness? How longsuffering are you with those who are in the process of restoration?
1 Thessalonians 5:16 – Always being joyful is God’s will for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Help, Holy Spirit.
Am I overcoming with joy through praise and worship? Sometimes, yes, and sometimes, no. The battle for joy is constant and the struggle is real. Can you relate?
“Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of Your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in Your wonderful reputation. They exult in Your righteousness.”
Psalm 89:15-16 NLT
Worship and praise brings joy to the hearts of those who enter in wholeheartedly, because God inhabits our praises (Psalm 22:3). As God inhabits our praises with His powerful presence, we are overcome with the joy of the Lord. As we sing our praises to God, we are stepping into our “garment of praise” we are called to wear continually as royal sons and daughters of the Lord.
“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11 ESV
“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 KJV
“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.”
Psalm 34:1 NLT
As we worship God for who He is, our mighty and faithful God, our minds and hearts are shifted and lifted to a new higher place. Even as we speak our praises out loud, the atmosphere changes, irregardless of what we might be feeling or experiencing.
The enemy cannot remain where our praises reign.
Praise and worship breaks the chains of discouragement, depression and despondency. Paul and Silas’s joyful praise and worship while chained in a dungeon of a prison brought freedom, a change in the atmosphere and joy and freedom to others too (see Acts 16:25-34). Literally an earthquake came and loosed them from their physical chains while praising God at midnight! Praising God out loud breaks us free from the chains of the enemy’s plan to take captive our minds, emotions, and even our physical bodies. When our spirits connect as one in spirit and truth with the Holy Spirit through praise and worship, the enemy and his lies and fiery darts are defeated and destroyed. In God’s presence is fullness of joy. Our joyful praise and worship is a weapon against the enemy. We need to be aware of the spiritual warfare that attempts to hinder or distract us from praising and worshiping God. God’s presence fills us with joy as we praise and worship from our hearts and the joy of the Lord is our strength.
In Psalm 89:15-16, we read that we are called to worship and rejoice in the Lord all day long and in His wonderful reputation. When we know who God is, we know His reputation is trustworthy, faithful and true to the promises in His Word. To know God is to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. When we know God, we have experience with Him and His great love, mercy and faithfulness to us. Because of their trust and faith in God, this is exactly what Paul and Silas were doing and all while in a not so joyful circumstance. They were also obviously fully trusting God since their spirits were free to sing praises while their bodies were uncomfortably bound. Not only were they jailed for kingdom work, but they were stripped and severely beaten prior to their arrest. Can you and I relate? Yes and no. No, we are not experiencing being fettered in chains in a prison dungeon physically, but life’s pressures and problems can make it seem like we are in a prison mentally, emotionally or even spiritually. Through heartbreaks, discouragement and disappointments, physical pain and suffering, or thoughts and situations that are greatly troubling and even tormenting us at times, we can feel like we are being held captive.
We all encounter situations that are not so joyful and, especially as we are advancing the kingdom of God, we should expect to engage in spiritual warfare battles that require not only the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18) but joy in the Lord to keep our strength. Our carnal self – which we are supposed to put to death daily – frequently tries to resurrect and call us to the self-pity pit. Instead, we must hear the Holy Spirit calling us to the Light of God’s truth and to the battle position of worship. We must answer the call to rejoice and keep trusting the Lord and His Word in order to victoriously overcome with joy. May our spirits rise up over our feelings and use the weapon of praise to overcome with joy!
“Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols.”
Psalms 40:4 NLT
Self-pity can become like an idol when we allow our feelings and our circumstances to reign in our mind and spirit above our trust and worship of God.
WORSHIP is a weapon.
Worship is our spiritual warfare battle position (see all of 2 Chronicles 20 £ specifically verses 18-19, 27-28).
PRAISE is a weapon.
JOY is a weapon.
What physical challenges, feelings or emotions, or challenging circumstances are depressing, oppressing or stealing your joy in the Lord right now?
We know that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy and that Jesus has come to give us life abundantly (John 10:10). This abundant life in Christ will fill us with His joy and peace no matter what this life may bring. This only happens as we abide or remain in intimate fellowship with Jesus by the power of His Spirit. Joy in the Lord will not just fall on us without pressing close to Him.
Is the enemy stealing abundant life from me, or am I doing something or not doing something that is causing my abundant life in Christ to flee?
If I am called more than a conqueror in Christ, why am I not overcoming joyfully?
At the battle of Jericho, Joshua and the Israelite army had to march and shout before seeing the walls of the city fall down (see Joshua 6). Marching is moving. We must keep moving forward being led by God’s Spirit in the face of every battle – even in a battle for our joy and peace. Shouting our praises to God declares that we are victorious in and through Christ. We must believe, trust, shout and praise God ahead of seeing any victory in prayer and spiritual warfare. This is living by faith. Our eternal victory over sin, the enemy and death were won for us by the price of our Savior’s precious blood on the cross. Living as a victorious and joyful overcoming one this side of heaven will require us to keep moving by the Spirit and keep shouting God’s praises in the face of obstacles and opposition. This is one of the ways we are a witness to others of our complete trust and faith in God no matter what comes our way. Joshua and the Israelites did not just march one time around the city, but seven times (as instructed by the word of the Lord). This can serve as an example to us to keep on continually moving in the Spirit, following the Word of God, and shouting God’s praises until we see the manifestation of God’s victory and until our joy tank is completely filled in His presence.
“O come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.”
Psalm 95:1 Amplified Bible
“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!”
Psalm 100:1 NLT
Perhaps overcoming joyfully and consistently is a personal challenge for you as it is for Joyful Jenny right now. Yes, I am confessing this to the Lord and to you. Perhaps, there is definitely more warfare because I have felt called to write about joy, speak about joy, and to encourage others to overcome with joy – therefore, warfare over my joy is to be expected. Furthermore, when we know our God-given identity and assignment, we should not expect the enemy to just step aside. As we obey our God-given callings and assignments, we encourage and help others. If the enemy is unsuccessful in lulling us to sleep, he will attempt to wear us down, with the goal of ultimately derailing or destroying our desire to follow and obey God. Here is what I keep reminding myself as it relates to a present and painfully distressing situation: cast all of your care on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7); don’t worry about anything (Philippians 4:6-7); do not let your heart be troubled (John 14:27).
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27 NLT
So, in honesty, I have asked the Lord to reveal why am I not free from all these continual thoughts bombarding my mind, and why does there seem to be such a dark cloud looming over my heart and mind more frequently in this season? As my faith and trust are being challenged more in these present days, am I not the person of faith I thought I was? I keep standing on the promise in Isaiah 26:3 that God has promised to keep my heart and mind in peace as my thoughts stay focused on Him. I have pressed into spend more time in the Word, in worship, praying more while walking, and even listening to the teaching of God’s Word throughout my day. Yesterday, I felt strongly the root of most of this is simply a warfare battle over my joy and peace in Christ. Realizing this and understanding the power of the prayer of agreement, I asked for specific prayer from a few friends yesterday to stand with me in authority against these agitating thoughts of worry, anger, frustration and sadness over something I cannot change but only God can (and I am still believing and expecting Him to – Ephesians 3:20-21). Almost immediately, the troubling thoughts had ceased and my heart and mind had peace (powerful are the prayers of the righteous – James 5:16-18). I believe what I am dealing with in the battlefield of my own mind right now is mostly related to spiritual warfare to discourage me from my calling and purpose. This could be the same scenario with you? The enemy is out to derail, discourage and destroy us and our testimony. We must stay awake and alert and be on guard (1 Peter 5:8-9). When we ask the Holy Spirit, He will give us discernment, counsel and understanding. We need to make sure we have not opened a door through compromise or disobedience, or known sin we have not repented of and walked away from. As we grow in our walk with the Lord, our faith and trust will be challenged, and our emotions must more consistently surrender to the control of the Holy Spirit. As joyful overcomers, we must not allow our emotions to cause us to come undone. Also, as we keep pressing forward toward the upward call of God in Christ (Philippians 3:12-14), this statement is true: new levels — new devils. Still, this is the overcoming truth of God’s Word:
“But you belong to God, My dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
1 John 4:4 NLT
As we worship and praise You Mighty God, may Your powerful presence fill us with overflowing JOY that strengthens us to overcome victoriously defeating every strategy of the enemy. Amen.
Shout joyfully unto God with a voice of triumph! Amen. (Zechariah 9:9)
Reminding myself of all this today as I press into overcoming through praise and worship and through my obedience to write this message out too! Be encouraged joyful overcoming ones. We are all in a fight of faith. Many others are right there with me and you facing a battle to overflow with joy and walk in supernatural peace.
Keep praising The Lord especially when you don’t feel like it.
Worship God for The Wonderful One He forever is.
Overcome with fullness of joy in His presence!
The best is yet to come!
Heaven awaits us.
Your sister in Christ, Joyful Jenny
In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not anymore. Now You comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; He has given me victory.” With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise His name! Tell the nations what He has done. Let them know how mighty He is! Sing to the Lord, for He has done wonderful things. Make known His praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout His praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”
Isaiah 12:1-6 NLT
“In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. All power to Him forever! Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11 NLT
Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy.
Tim Hansel
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love. When you obey My commandments, you remain in My love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”
If someone attacks your character, overcome evil with good. Forgive them and pray for them. Keep surrendering to God’s Spirit so that more of the fruit of His Spirit ~ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control ~ continually grow in you and overflow through you.
If someone attacks your heart motives and what you feel called by God to do, overcome evil with good. Forgive them and pray for them. Continue to pursue what God has put in your heart to do and pray for their hearts to pursue God’s presence and His purpose for their life too.
If someone attacks or abuses someone you love, overcome evil with good. Forgive them and pray for them. Keep walking in love and especially keep loving all the beloved and broken ones just like Christ would do. Now that you know what this feels like, don’t let this painful cycle get repeated through you. Pray for God’s heart, His help and His healing and eyes to see all the captives who need to be set free.
If someone attacks you while aware that you are hurting, heartbroken or in pain, you might need to avoid their presence, but pray for them to encounter the presence of Christ. Separation may only be temporary, or until their true heart repentance finally leads their actions and words to change. Pray for a Holy Spirit filled sensitivity that will help them see others through the eyes of the Father, and break free from being the cause of more pain.
Remember, hurting and wounded people hurt and wound others. Sometimes it’s intentional and sometimes it’s not – and the ones who hurt and wound us are usually oblivious. It’s a cycle that can only be broken by the powerful healing of the Anointed One.
If you love people, pray for them. If you can’t speak truth in a loving and respectful way, don’t say anything. Pray. Pray. Pray. Wait for the right timing and for God to give you the right words to say with grace.
Also remember Jesus was falsely accused, attacked and greatly abused to the point of death too. Our flesh has to die so offense doesn’t hinder God’s love breaking through.
Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12
We all need forgiveness, healing, mercy and grace. We have all likely hurt someone because we were hurting or were totally oblivious too. As we have freely received, Lord help us keep on receiving and releasing your love, mercy, healing, kindness and grace.
Help us all, Holy Spirit. Amen.
At last their lying lips will be muted in their graves. For they are arrogant, filled with contempt and conceit as they speak against the godly. Lord, how wonderful you are! You have stored up so many good things for us, like a treasure chest heaped up and spilling over with blessings— all for those who honor and worship you! Everybody knows what you can do for those who turn and hide themselves in you. So hide all your beloved ones in the sheltered, secret place before your face. Overshadow them with your glory-presence. Keep them from these accusations, the brutal insults of evil men. Tuck them safely away in the tabernacle where you dwell.
Psalm 23 for 2023 – The Prophetic Word for this Year – Amen. God’s Word is prophetic and Psalm 23 is timely for such a time as this.
The world around us might be the craziest it’s ever been and filled with much chaos, fear and evil, but for those of us who are the covenant sons and daughters of the Kingdom, we have a better inheritance and are citizens of an unshakable kingdom. As we believe and receive the words of Psalm 23 by faith, we can be assured God’s promises will be fulfilled. May Psalm 23 be our faith declaration for this new year of 2023.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1
🗝God desires to be in a personal relationship with us and personally shepherd us. He is a good Father who always provide for His children. We are blessed to be a blessing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
Psalm 23:2
🗝He provides rest, renewal, healing and peace in His presence as we are still, silence distractions, and remain in a posture of receiving.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3
🗝When our souls become wounded and weary, God is our faithful restorer. As a gentle shepherd, He guides (not pushing or driving us), in paths that honor His name and His ways. As we seek Him, our good shepherd always provides the right people, places, and proper timing for the fulfillment of His restoration process.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
🗝God’s presence walks with us through the darkest of days and valleys of sorrow and suffering; His love overcomes all our fears. His Word and the presence of His Holy Spirit bring comfort and peace when we need it most.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5
🗝God invites us to His banqueting table to feast on His presence, His promises, and His provision. Even our enemies or being uninvited to the tables of others cannot hinder God preparing an abundant banqueting table for us. Time spent feasting at the King’s table (in prayer, worship and His Word) brings a fullness from His Holy Spirit that overflows from us to others.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6
🗝We are to be certain of this one thing — our Father’s goodness and mercy (getting more than we deserve) follows His people. Abiding in His presence now and forever in our home in Heaven is goodness and mercy unprecedented.
Your Kingdom come and Your will done in and through us for such a time as this as Your chosen and beloved ones, amen.
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.
As I share some of my own personal reflection from 2022, perhaps you can relate too? May we all be encouraged to keep on trusting, believing and expecting God’s faithfulness to keep doing something brand new in and through us all for His glory as we head into the new year.
Lots of blessings, challenges, tears and joy during the most heated spiritual warfare year ever. I know from my heart it’s because the enemy’s plan is for us to become offended at God and others, feel overwhelmed, and just give up and quit instead of overcoming. He wants those of us who feel like we have been through a continual fiery refining to burn out, become weary, and burdened down instead of pressing more into God’s presence for a fresh filling and re-igniting with the fire of the Holy Spirit enabling us to walk in all God still has ahead and desires to complete and accomplish in and through His radical remnant for such a time as this — all to bring glory to our mighty God, our redeemer, rescuer and restorer. Even with all Satan’s fiery darts especially over the last few years, many are still carrying a compelling passionate desire to pray, worship, grow deeper, walk in obedience, and fulfill our God-given assignments as disciples, servants, intercessors, messengers, prophetic voices, reformers, and committed sowers into the kingdom of God. I hope this is true of both me and you?
Perhaps you too have had a year or so of some shocking and unbelievably painful knife stabs to your heart you never thought would come your way. I have cried myself to sleep more times during this past year since the days of my somewhat unstable and often a little crazy childhood. This is not a pity-party, but just authentically sharing that “Joyful Jenny” is battling the enemy fighting hard against me living out my newly claimed “joyful” God-given identity too. During this time when the father of lies is attempting to steal the identities of so many sons and daughters, especially our precious children, we must be aware of his tactics. It is truly time for an awakening to spiritual discernment, wisdom, and walking in the ways of God’s Word. It is time to rise up and speak up and not be ashamed of the powerful gospel of Christ to save, to heal and to deliver. It is time to be free of the fear of man and be more concerned about doing and not just saying what pleases the heart of our Father God.
It is true – adversity does make us stronger as we surrender more to faith, trust and obedience no matter what. No one becomes a spiritual warrior without engaging in spiritual warfare with godly armor and counsel. It’s never easy, but only possible as we remain in obedience to Christ. My heart’s desire to hear, “Well done faithful one…enter into the JOY of Your Father” is stronger and hopefully yours is too. Nevertheless, even though at times I am more tempted than ever to give into my feelings instead of standing in authority and faith in God’s Word, I don’t — it’s not working, devil. I am stronger because of all satan has thrown my way. I have overcome, I am an overcomer and I am overcoming. I do not live by how I feel – I live by faith in the Only One who is truly faithful. I pray this is your testimony too.
Thankful for God’s faithful promises. Walking out our faith means we must continue to pray, believe and keep decreeing them over our lives until we see them come to pass. Amen.
🗝We will see the goodness of God in the land of the living. Wait in His presence, and remain brave and courageous. (Psalm 27:13-14)
🗝God is very close to the broken-hearted. (Psalm 34:17-18)
🗝God is the only One who can heal our broken hearts. (Psalm 147:3)
🗝If we do not grow weary and give up, in due season, we will reap the harvest of all the good seeds we have sown. (Galatians 6:7-10)
🗝All things, even the painful and heart-breaking things, are working together for our good for those who still truly love God and desire to do His will and serve His purpose on the earth. (Romans 8:28)
🗝No good thing will God withhold from those whose hearts are set on serving and honoring Him. (Psalm 84:11)
🗝God is searching the earth to show Himself mighty and strong through those whose hearts are undivided and fully His. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
🗝The best is yet to come — Heaven awaits us. No more heartbreak, division, addiction, sin and sorrow. God will keep His faithful promises and bring us a better tomorrow.
🗝These promises are for all who love and follow God and believe that His promises are true. Amen. (Revelation 21:1-7)
Keep on praying!
Keep on worshiping!
Keep on loving!
Keep on forgiving!
Keep on serving!
Keep on speaking life and truth!
Keep fighting the fight of faith!
Keep on doing what God has called you to!
Finally, keep on praying for yourself first the same way you pray for others — for conviction, correction, consecration and remaining committed to radically obey what the Holy Spirit tells you to do and not to do. Repent quickly when you sin and keep your heart guarded against lies and deception by keeping your ears open to what the Spirit is speaking through God’s Word and voices who line up with biblical truth. This pleases God and will work together for good for all who are the true God lovers.
Father God, I pray over everyone who reads this and my own self personally too that You will awaken every dormant gifting, calling and assignment by the fire of Your Holy Spirit for such a time as this. By the authority of Your Word and Your blood, I break every lie of the enemy, every spirit of discouragement, distraction, compromise, complacency, pride, spirits of division, disunity and deception over our hearts, homes and families and our generational bloodlines. Thank You Lord for being our shield and defender in the midst of every battle, and as our ways and our hearts are pleasing to You, may even our enemies be at peace with us. Let a great flood of spiritual discernment, wisdom, grace, mercy, forgiveness, radical obedience, boldness and humility fill us fresh and anew for all that You desire to doin and through us all for Your glory and kingdom purposes. We repent of all idolatry, legalism, pride, manipulation, and control and surrender our full hearts, minds and bodies to do Your will and bring You glory. Awaken, awaken, awaken us. Complete what You have begun in each one of us by the power of Your Holy Spirit.May more of Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness and self-controloverflow through us. Bring divine connections and realignments for our divine assignments. Bring provision as we participate in Your kingdom mission. May Your angels cover and protect us as we pursue what You are leading us to. Your kingdom come and Your will be done, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, amen.
If you feel lonely, misunderstood, rejected, falsely accused, and left out, just remember Mary, Joseph and Jesus all understand how you feel.
Praying for the presence of Christ to encounter all who need to know or be tangibly reminds that God, Immanuel, is with you. He sees you. He loves you. He will never forsake you, abandon you or reject you. When you call on Him in humility and genuineness of heart, He is there for you. He will always be the friend that sticks closer than a brother or a sister.
Many are not having the merriest of Christmases, but all can encounter the Christ of Christmas. Everything was not oh so merry for Mary, Joseph and Jesus. They all, however, did encounter the joy of obedience and surrender to God and His divine plan.
Father God, Thank you for understanding how I feel. I desire to really know You more and draw closer to Your love and light in spite of discouragement, disappointments, and all the darkness that surrounds me. Fill me with a fresh encounter with Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your gift of grace that covers my life. Fill me with the peace of Your presence this Christmas. Amen.
Prayers of peace and joy over all in the presence of Christ on this glorious Christmas Day that the Lord has made.
Your sister in Christ, Joyful Jenny
He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
Isaiah 53:3-12
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.
Words of Jesus, John 14:16-21
More Word references: Proverbs 18:24; Romans 8:31-39
When the Christmas gift we are most longing for is a miracle, remember the gift of Christmas is a miracle.
A young virgin named Mary giving birth to the Son of God and Savior of all, Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit is a miracle.
Whatever we need birthed in our hearts and lives is possible with God when we believe the Word of the Lord and receive and follow His plan.
As we have received Jesus as Savior and Lord, we have already received the greatest gift and miracle of all – sins forgiven, a changed heart, and a glorious future of eternity in heaven!
Encouraging myself along with you to keep believing, keep hoping, keep expecting the God of the impossible to birth more miracles this Christmas and in the new year too.
Pray like Mary:
“…May everything You have said about me come true.” Amen.
Mary’s prayer was personal. First, Mary said, I am Your servant Lord. We are called to be personal servants and followers of the Lord first. Then, Mary said, “May everything You have said about me come true.” Mary was a believer and not a doubter in the word of the Lord. Mary desired to receive “everything” God had planned for her and every Word God was speaking over her life. As Christ followers, this is the pathway to receiving more miracles beyond the miracle of salvation. Mary’s agreeing and receiving birthed God’s glorious plan of salvation through the Messiah, Jesus, being made available for all people. Believing and agreeing with God and His Word for everything He has planned for us will bring God’s glory upon our lives too. Let it be unto us according to Your Word. Amen.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work with us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.” Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Luke 1:26-38 NLT
Read the full account of the miracle of Christmas in Luke 1:26-45 and Luke 2:1-20
More Word References: John 3:1-17; John 1:12-18; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10, 13; Psalm 115:1
There is not so much peace on earth, but there is on earth peace within those who are filled with the spirit of the Prince of Peace.
The more we are filled with the presence of the Prince of Peace, the more at peace we will be with our past, our future, and we will be filled with the capacity to remain peaceful in the present moments of our everyday lives. As we remain closely connected to the Prince of Peace, we will be carriers of His peace to the glory of God.
🗝Know Jesus – Know PEACE
🗝No Jesus – No Peace
🗝The Gift of PEACE — priceless to us, but costly to Jesus
Know – from the Greek word “ginosko” – to know intimately through personal experience. This kind of knowing is more than just knowing who a person is or recognizing their name. This kind of knowing goes beyond a religious form with no heart connection. This knowing involves knowing the heart, the character, and the desires of another person. When we know Jesus through a personal relationship, we know His heart, His character and His desires through His Word. This knowing involves daily talking with, walking with, listening and following the voice of the Lord through His infallible Word and the guidance of His Holy Spirit. This is what Jesus referred to in John 8:32 when He said you will “know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
John 14:6
Shalom – Completeness, wholeness, peace, health, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony; the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom comes from the root verb, Shalom, meaning “to be complete, perfect, and full.” Thus shalom is much more than the absence of war and conflict; it is the wholeness that the entire human race seeks. The word shalom occurs about 250 times in the Old Testament (see Psalm 4:8; Isaiah 48:18; Jeremiah 29:11 [“good”]). In Psalm 35:27, God takes delight in the shalom (the wholeness, the total well-being) of His servant. In Isaiah 53:5, the suffering Messiah was beaten to bring us shalom. The angels understood at His birth that Jesus was to be the great peace-bringer, as they called out, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:14-17; compare Isaiah 9:7).*
When we receive the greatest gift of Christmas which is Jesus, we receive His amazing saving grace. When we surrender to Him as Lord of our lives and follow His Word, we receive pure, peaceable wisdom which leads to life and life abundantly. (John 10:10; Isaiah 1:19; Psalm 37:23)
Peace is found in the person of Jesus Christ – the greatest gift of Christmas — …for He Himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). He will keep us in peace as we keep our hearts and minds focused on Him, especially during this wonderfully full time of the year.
Prayers for all to encounter, receive and be freshly filled with PEACE from the Prince of Peace, especially at Christmas.
Come Prince of Peace and fill us fresh and anew with Your supernatural peace. Amen.
*Notes on Shalom taken from New Spirit Filled Life Bible “Word Wealth”
This doesn’t mean that we never have anything to be afraid of, there is no evil surrounding us, or no sadness or sorrow ever touches our hearts.
What it does mean is that the peace from the Prince of Peace overcomes all fear as we walk by faith; His goodness, which is greater than all our sorrows, follows us all the days of our lives, and the authentic joy of His abiding presence gives us strength no matter what we face in our journey toward everlasting life.
His peace, goodness and great joy is available for “all” people. However, it is clearly evident in today’s world that all, including many so-called believers, are not experiencing the peace, good tidings and great joy Jesus came to bring.
As we are filled with the spirit of Jesus, we will be carriers of His peace, His good news and His great joy too. Chaos and drama, fear and trauma, evil tidings, and sorrowful lives do not represent the LIGHT and LIFE to all He brings. In spite of encountering many of these things, we have been called to rise above all the darkness to shine His marvelous light!
In order to receive all that Jesus brings, we must first “behold” Jesus – believing in who He is as Christ our Savior. We must choose to turn away from the dark, and look upon His love and light in worshipful awe and wonder of His glory and grace. Christ literally means “anointed one” and His anointing breaks the power of fear, evil and sorrow with peace, goodness and joy.
May we feel His supernatural peace, receive His love, goodness, power, mercy and grace, and be filled with His great joy for all our days. Amen.
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
What did Mary have to do to partner with God’s plan? She had to agree with God and what the angel from God had spoken over her life.
Mary was just a young teenager when the angel came and spoke over her life what seemed impossible. But, with God all things are possible (Luke 1:37).
Are you agreeing with God and His Word and what He has spoken over your life? Or, are you believing and agreeing with the words and voices of what others have spoken that are in opposition to what God says in His Word?
God will not force His good purpose and plan on us. Faith works by us agreeing with God and His Word. Our part is to remain in faith and walk in obedience to God and His Word.
“You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.”
Praying this prayer over each of you and myself too. The NLT actually says…
Note this verse reminds us that we are to prosper and be in health, just as our souls prosper, or to be as healthy in our bodies as we are strong in spirit. Our “soul” is made up of our minds, our wills, and our emotions. We are three part beings – body, soul and spirit. Our bodies are presented to God in surrender, and our minds must be renewed and transformed by the Word of God. As our minds are renewed, we can receive and understand the mind of Christ; and by faith, we agree with and follow the words and practices of Christ (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 2:16). This renewal and transformation of our mind will only occur through a consistent daily dose of God’s Word. Our minds are continually bombarded with the polluted ideas of our predominately sin sick culture, and so God’s Word is like a spiritual vitamin that acts as a preventative medicine and a shield against lies and deception.
Our will must be surrendered to, “Not my will be done, but Your will be done, Lord.” God’s Word is His will and Jesus came to do the will of the Father (John 6:38). So, whatever Jesus did when He walked among us, this is God’s will (Acts 10:38). God’s will is to heal – spiritually, emotionally and physically (Psalm 103:1-5; Psalm 107:20; Matthew 8:16-17; 1 Peter 2:24). Jehovah Rophe is the Lord our Healer (see Exodus 15:26). Rophe means to cure, heal, restore or make whole. This is who Yahweh, the Lord is – Healer, Restorer, and the one who makes us whole. Even as we pray the words from The Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven,” we know there is only healing and wholeness in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). The records of the many healings of Jesus listed in the Bible were not all the same – He spoke the word, healed through the touch of His hand, used mud and saliva, and His healing power was even released through the touching of the hem of His garment (and these are just a few examples – see John 4:46-54; John 9:1-11; Luke 9:18-26). There are many ways God still heals today. We are not to put God in a box, nor are we to put limitations on how God will bring the manifestation of His healing power. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Our emotions prosper as they are controlled by the Holy Spirit and not by our own flesh, the enemy or others. The fruit of the spirit will grow and flow when our emotions prosper. As our faith is lived out in the demonstration of the characteristics of God’s Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, our emotions are prospering in Christ. (See Galatians 5:22-26).
Praying and believing the promises of God’s Word especially when things may look the opposite is what living by faith is all about.
The definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. If we can already see it, feel it, touch it and are experiencing it – no faith is needed. Faith is needed and challenged when we are believing and trusting and hoping for that which we do not yet see.
Perhaps there are many things you are believing for, trusting God for and hoping for that are not yet in view or manifested in front of you. There are many situations like this in front of me. I have witnessed our good Father God answering many faith filled prayers over the years, over both minor and major issues, but there are many I desire to see answered that, at times, the enemy taunts and says, “Yeah, God is really answering your prayers. Look at how opposite this situation looks from what you prayed for.” This is one of the reasons the Bible refers to a fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7-8). Praying and believing God and really living by faith when things are in total opposition to the promises in God’s Word or what you are trusting God for takes a warrior-like mentality. Faith warriors wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, no matter what the circumstances look like (Ephesians 6:10-18). No matter how long the battle or how opposite the situation may presently appear, faith warriors keep praying the Word, speaking the Word and believing the Word that will not return void and will accomplish and fulfill God’s will for His glory (Isaiah 55:8-13). Of course in regards to physical healing, there can be both physical and spiritual reasons our healing may be hindered. Not getting enough sleep or poor eating habits could be a factor physically, and being consumed with a hateful, bitter or angry attitude also directly affects our emotions, our spiritual well being and our physical health. We live in a fallen world, and yes, we encounter the consequences of the results of sin. However, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13), and we know this ultimately means we are redeemed from paying the price for our sins and being eternally separated from God. Still, we are expected to live based on kingdom principles and to live by faith in the promises of God for abundant life now and forevermore (2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 3:11; John 10:10). We fight the fight of faith as we believe God’s promises despite every circumstance we face that is in opposition to the Word of God. We don’t live by faith in our experiences or anyone else’s experiences. We live by faith in God and the promises of God. Galatians 3:14 tells us we are are heirs of the blessings of Abraham and the promise of the Spirit through faith.
For the past week and a half, I have personally battled some type of upper respiratory virus. The past 11 days been trying to say the least. On the positive side, I was forced to sleep and rest more, and this definitely does a body good at times. Finally, I am on the path to recovery and feeling much better. Thankfully, I am not accustomed to not feeling well and being in health. I prefer to be both healthy in body and strong in spirit. This is likely your heart’s desire too.
I wonder how many Christ followers today actually pray and speak the word of God first when a virus or symptoms of sickness strike? When you or your child are battling illness, is your first response to solely trust the doctor or medicines alone? Certainly, God uses doctors and medicines, as all of the wisdom for help and healing comes ultimately from God, and we should all seek out doctors we trust and heed their advice, but not in lieu of seeking and trusting God first and foremost, even when it is something relatively minor. We are told to pray continually and about everything; every good gift we receive is from God. Remaining in good health and healing are both good gifts. (See James 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6-7) Furthermore, how many followers of Christ practice the instructions in James 5:13-16 and actually ask for the elders to pray over them in faith and anoint them with oil? James 5:16 reminds us that we need to confess our sins and pray for each other in order to be healed. These are biblical guidelines and practices for truly living by faith. God has given us His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us and to give us discernment in all things pertaining to life and living by faith. As we pray, the Holy Spirit will direct our decisions and give us peace (Psalm 37:23).
As we live from a place a victory that Christ won for us on the cross, we are to continually thank the Lord each and every day for salvation and that by Jesus’ stripes we are healed.
But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
Isaiah 53:5
The healing Christ bought for us on the cross encompasses deliverance from sin and bondage, and wholeness spirit, mind and body. We appropriate salvation and our victory in Christ through believing in our hearts and confession out of our mouths, as we agree with God and His Word. We appropriate healing for our bodies, minds, and spirits through agreeing with God and His Word by faith every single day of our lives. (See Isaiah 53; Romans 10:8-10; 1 Peter 2:24; Psalm 34:1)
Of course, we are all grateful for the wealth of medical wisdom and knowledge provided through doctors, medicines, and amazing surgical procedures that God has used to alleviate symptoms and facilitate healing, but God is still The Lord our Healer.
Do you think God sees us as living by faith and trusting Him for our healing when we do not even consider asking for His wisdom, help and healing in every health challenge we face? If our first response is not to pray, and believe the promises of God in every situation, how is this living by faith? (See Hebrews 11:6; James 2:26)
I believe we should do both by faith – pray, speak and believe God’s Word and His promises, and seek out the help and wisdom of doctors and medicine. Above all, we should trust God that we will prosper and be in health, even as our souls prosper in Christ.
Regardless of what my body might be feeling, I am still choosing to believe and agree with God’s Word – may I prosper and be in health even as my soul prospers in the Lord. Amen. May you prosper and be in health spiritually, physically and emotionally too. Amen.
Let me encourage you to do this in every situation where the enemy is fighting and taunting you. May we all pray and agree with Mary just as she responded to the angel in saying, “Let it be to me according to your word.” As we do this, may the God of peace crush Satan under our feet, and may God’s grace be with us all. Amen. (Romans 16:20-21)
Beloved I pray you will be in health and keep living by faith.
Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
Psalm 103:1-5
O Lord, if You heal me, I will be truly healed; if You save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for You alone!
As sons and daughters of God, we are called to be fearless and not fearful. We are called to be full of faith and not full of fear. We are people of light and we are called to live and walk in the light that overcomes all darkness.
Light the day and the night fearless people of Light!
Be fearless not fearful!
A few thoughts especially for today on this October 31st that the Lord has made!
🗝When someone or something brings fear into your atmosphere, it has nothing to do with God.
🗝God’s Spirit brings an atmosphere of love, truth, faith, peace and grace.
🗝God leads by love, truth and faith. Satan pushes by lust, lies and fear.
🗝The only healthy fear we need to embrace is the reverential fear and honor of God, His Word and His higher ways.
🗝Do not fear. The Lord is near. He has given us the spirit of faith over fear.
🗝God has given us His supernatural Holy Spirit and this power is greater than every spirit of the enemy.
May we be filled with the fullness of our Heavenly Father’s all powerful, all consuming love that casts out all fear.
Light the day and the night fearless people of Light!
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.
Proverbs 4:13
God has not given us a spirit of fear, so why would I want to join in with anything that brings fear, especially to children. Why would I encourage or allow my child or teenager to watch movies or participate in any activity that might open up a door to a spirit of fear? This has never made any sense to me or resonated peacefully with my spirit. Many say all the horror houses and frightening and terrorizing is just for fun. Not my idea of fun. The enemy is not playing around – he has come to take us down.
The enemy often gets a foothold through those who do not understand that the unseen and spiritual world is more real than the seen and physical world. When children or even adults begin to believe that evil spirits are just a myth and whatever atmosphere we surround ourselves in makes no difference, this is not wise. It often leads to believing lies and opening doors that later need to be shut and activities that may even need to be renounced. Jesus told us the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. First, the father of lies (the devil) just takes many captive through spiritual ignorance, spiritual indifference, or spiritual immaturity.
Shut the door, keep out the devil.
It’s not just an old lyric. It’s truth. We need to close doors to the enemy and evil spirits and open the door to God and His Holy Spirit. Even Jesus said, I stand at the door of your heart and knock. Will you open the door and let me in for us to have fellowship together? This is my paraphrase of Revelation 3:20.
As a child, I can recall specifically on at least two occasions being awakened and terrified during the middle of the night – once while at my grandmother’s home, and on another occasion at the home of my aunt and uncle. There was a lot of instability I encountered as a child due to my mother’s battle with mental illness, my parent’s divorce, and then, along with my brother, both of us being moved around to stay with different relatives as a result. Definitely some doors to the enemy had been opened that needed to be closed. Many years later, in my early twenties, I am thankful that my eyes were opened to the truth from God’s Word and the fact that spiritual warfare is real. Because of much I had already encountered in my childhood and have now battled throughout my adult journey as a Christ follower, I can testify to this reality. We are to put on the full armor of God to protect ourselves and keep every door to the enemy closed. So, when my two children were young, we made the decision to only allow our children to participate in fall harvest festivals through our church on or near this date, where nothing dark, evil or fear related was involved. This is what my husband and I felt at peace about also after learning about all the dark spiritual activities that occur on this date that predominately glorify evil and darkness. Furthermore, we never allowed our children to watch horror movies or anything even closely related which might open a door to a spirit of fear or any other evil spirits, and might invoke nights filled with nightmares over sweet and peaceful sleep.
We open doors to our spirits by what we allow into our eye gates, our ear gates, our mind gates, and our heart and spirit gates. Guard the gates of your heart. These are the gates that open doors to your heart.
We can choose to either open doors to spirits of love, goodness, truth, peace and grace or spirits of hatred, evil, lies, fear and manipulation.
If you are a parent, it’s your responsibility to guard the gates of your children’s eyes, ears, minds, hearts and spirits.
Be careful what you open the door to. It might come back to haunt you.
Choose today to focus on whatever is
Good, pure and lovely
Over
Evil, perverse and ugly.
Light the day and the night fearless people of Light!
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper,rise up from the dead,and Christ will give you light.” So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Ephesians 5:8-17
Scripture references: Leviticus 19:31; 1 John 4:4, 5:4; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 1:15-17; Romans 8:11; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 John 4:17-18; Psalm 101:2-5; Proverbs 4:20-24; 1 Peter 5:8; John 8:44; 10:10; Psalm 4:8; Proverbs 3:24
Today is Reformation Sunday and a reminder of the gracious path to abundant and everlasting life in Christ.
On this day in 1517, Martin Luther, a German Monk, reminded the church we can never pay the debt for our own forgiveness of sins.*
Jesus paid for that.
Done.
It is finished.
This is the truth of Ephesians 2:8-9 – we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone and none of us can do enough good works to earn this amazing gift of grace.
This kind of amazing and redeeming grace should reform our hearts and lives to the point that others will see that Jesus has truly set us free.
Those who have a revelation of how amazing this undeserved favor of God is, do not make light of it by continuing to live a rebellious and sinful lifestyle. Instead, those who are experiencing the benefits of God’s gracious gift of forgiveness and mercy, are moved to living empowered by grace.
“Reform” defined – To improve by alteration, correction of error, or removal of defects; put into a better form or condition.
Redeemed by the blood.
Reformed by the Spirit.
Transformed by The Word.
Called to share the grace,
shine the light,
and
proclaim the truth,
so all others can hear
and receive it.
Jesus altered my heart, my lifestyle, and my state of mind.
He gave me a place at the King’s Table for now and all of time.
Rise up royal sons and daughters.
It’s your time to rise and shine.
Reformer’s arise.
God has redeemed and reformed us for His glory and purpose, to advance His kingdom mission in the world where we live.
May we all be awakened to release all the power of God’s Spirit and His gracious good gifts.
Reformer’s arise for such a time as this.
For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
Ephesians 2:8-9 Amplified Bible
For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
Romans 5:17-18
Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
Romans 6:1-4
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Romans 6:14
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
Ephesians 1:5-7
*Martin Luther forever changed Christianity when he nailed his ’95 Theses’ to a church door sparking the Protestant Reformation.
Our attitude is always showing. Does mine need to be covered instead?
Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God], so that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness], holding out and offering to everyone the word of ice, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to greatly rejoice because I did not run [my race] in vain nor labor without result.
Philippians 2:14-16 The Amplified Bible
Sharing a prayer from chapter 6 of “Joy Like a Fountain…How to have joy no matter what life brings your way!” – a Philippians Bible study in progress by Joyful Jenny.
My pain has always pressed me to pray, pen and pursue the joy of God’s presence.
Joyful Jenny
How about you? Can you relate?
Week 6 of this study covers Philippians 2:12-18 and the chapter is entitled, “The Joy of Being One of God’s Shining Stars with a Joyful Attitude!”A complaining attitude is a joy killer. A joyfully good attitude is a joy giver.
Pray this Prayer…
Dear Father, Thank you for empowering me by Your Spirit to obey You. May others clearly see that I belong to You through the work and assignments You have given me to do and through my joyful attitude too. Help me to keep surrendering more of myself and to be free from all forms of legalism even as the fruit of my salvation is on display. I ask you to continue to stir up within me the desire to please You and the power to overcome complacency, compromise, and complaining. Forgive me for all the times I have had a negative, pessimistic, judgmental or prideful attitude. Forgive me for the times I have allowed the enemy to keep me from connecting with other believers in Your church. Help me to be a peacemaker and not an argument starter or criticizer of others. Help me instead to pray for others and to see them through the eyes of grace. I desire to honor You and the truth of Your Word and to stay in fellowship with You and other believers as we radiate Your Light together for all the world to see. Help me to be a bright shining light and lead by example as I serve You from a heart of love and worship. Help me be the radiant one I am called to be in the midst of all the darkness, deception and perverseness around me. Continue to guide me along the race You have marked out for me individually based upon my own uniqueness – my SHAPE – my S – spiritual gifts, H – heart, A – abilities, P – personality and E – experiences. Help me to take joy in pouring my life out as an offering to bring You glory and to bring joy to the hearts of others too. May Your joy be my strength. In Jesus name, Amen.
Rejoice in the fact that I understand you perfectly, and I know exactly what you are experiencing. …Awareness of My marvelous companionship can infuse joy into the grayest day. – …Surely you have made us glad with the joy of Your presence. Psalm 21:6
Excerpt taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
You too, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.
As Christians, we are called to overcome evil with good and to overcome every spirit of fear by the power of God’s love and through our faith in God and His infallible Word. Below is a link to an article reminding us how Nehemiah responded to evil agendas, overcame fear, and fulfilled his assignment. Many good parallels for such a time as this.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.
The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit and part of our spiritual armor in our fight of faith.
When we are not willing to…
🗡📖read the Word,
🗡📖study the Word,
🗡📖meditate on the Word
🗡📖hear the Word,
🗡📖receive the Word,
🗡📖agree with the Word,
🗡📖strengthen our faith thru the Word,
🗡📖memorize the Word
🗡📖obey the Word,
🗡📖pray the Word,
🗡📖believe the Word,
🗡📖decree the Word,
🗡📖speak the Word,
🗡📖stand on the Word,
🗡📖and honor the Word of God above all other words and opinions,
…we have laid down a vital part of our armor.
🗡📖Without wielding our sword of the Word of God we are not in a position to live an overcoming life. Actually, in biblical times, swords were designed for killing the enemy. When we take up the sword of the Word of God, we defeat the enemy too.
How do we take up our sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God?
Taking up our sword of the Spirit goes beyond checking off a list of reading, memorizing, studying, and reciting the scriptures, even though these are good and necessary. First and foremost, we must remain fully surrendered to and in love with the God of the Word who became flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. As we are submitted to God first and then walk out a lifestyle lived in submission to the Word of God, our faithful obedience empowers us to overcome and exercise our spiritual authority over all the power of the enemy.
The Word of God may not be popular or politically correct, but it is powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. It does heart surgery and severs ungodly strongholds. It silences the enemy’s voice.
God’s Word is the final word that will stand over every scheme of the evil one.
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:10-18
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Hebrews 4:12-13
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John 1:14
The grass withers and the flowers fade,but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8
Psalm 119 is The Word Psalm
But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in His name, His Word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!
Jeremiah 20:9
Additional Word References: James 4:5-10; Luke 10:19; Ephesians chapters 4 thru 6
You should keep asking each other, ‘What is the Lord’s answer?’ or ‘What is the Lord saying?’
Jeremiah 23:35
The words “prophet” and “prophetic” make many uncomfortable and nervous, even many Christ followers. First, we must remember that God’s Word is prophetic. If we hear any “prophetic” word that does not align with God’s Word, that is not the right word, nor is it a true prophetic word. Every true prophetic voice will speak only what aligns with God’s prophetic Word, The Bible.*
Many are not hearing from God because they are listening to the wrong voices. Many are not discerning, but are distracted and deceived due to a desire for comfort over a commitment to the truth of scripture. Many are surrendering to compromise over answering God’s call to stand for truth. Many mock and scorn God, His prophetic Word, and His prophetic voices. This is nothing new.
This is amazing and powerful. It is also a reminder of how God is still speaking through prophetic voices today.
Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until He reveals His plans to His servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7
Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Click links below for more info on Jonathan Cahn and the ministries of Beth Israel Worship Center and Hope for the World:
Ponder It 