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Jesus came to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free, Luke 4:18 God loves us so much that He sometimes exposes our sin so that we can be “set free” and in closer relationship with Him. In this process, healing and refinement happens! In the opening line of Genesis 12, God calls Abram (Abraham) to leave from his comfortable place and go where He is sending him. In verse 2, God promises to bless Abram, which is the “hope” he can hold onto, while stepping out in faith. “(FAITH IS THE EVIDENCE “HOPED” FOR.” Hebrews 11:1). Shortly after, Abram was now fearful of dying (verse 10-15). Where did that faith go so quickly? Abram conspires with Sarai (Sarah) to lie about being his wife; and tells her to say she is his sister. The man that just exhibited a great measure of faith and acted on God’s command to leave and go is now operating in fear and has created a secret or a lie. God exposes the lie by inflicting serious diseases on Pharaoh (v17). God exposed the lie to protect Sarai. But in the bigger picture, it is to protect Abram from walking down a greater path of sin and getting out of fellowship with Him. God is so good! He exposes the sin to protect Abram form his own self. Have you heard the saying: “This will bring light to the situation”. That is exactly what God was doing. He was bringing light to the situation. The exposure to God’s “light” is for healing, not shame. It’s to protect us from further consequences. It is to restore fellowship. The exposure is to draw us closer to Him, because God can’t be in the darkness of sin. God is holy. God is “the light”. That is how much He loves us. God’s desired result is to be in closer fellowship with us. God exposed Abram’s lie, because He loved him so much. What secret are you holding onto? God wants to expose it to his light for healing and restoration in your relationship with Him. Shortly after God exposed the lie, Abram was brought back into fellowship with God (13:3-4), Abram was back to the place where he first built an alter. Next, he felt free and desired to call on the name of God. Sin hinders us from being in direct relationship with God. When sin is exposed and delt with, we become in right standing with God and our communication becomes clearer, our direction is clearer, our feeling of worth is increased, and His presence is greater! Prayer: God, Please bring to light any secret in darkness that is hindering my walk with you. I ask you to shed your light and love on this area so that I can be healed and fully restored unto you. I desire: to be set free and have a greater measure of your presence. Thank you for loving me and having my best interest at heart.
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Wisdom is of utmost importance, therefore get wisdom, and with all your effort work to acquire understanding. Proverbs 4:7
In today’s fast paced world, we often read devotionals and just take one verse from scripture. Although that is an awesome way to get into the word and gain understanding, there is another level of seeking that draws us closer to our Father. The first principle of meditating in the word is to read the verse in context. To do this you read the entire chapter or the subject from beginning to end. This will give the bigger “picture” or complete understanding of the verse. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you as you read (John 14:26). A good illustration of this thought: Let's say you have a puzzle and each piece is a part of a bigger picture. Even though you may be able to tell what the one small piece is by itself, it actually comes together and creates a bigger picture when placed in the puzzle. So if you have a devotional you love; when you read it, look the verse up in the Bible and read the entire chapter. The Holy Spirit will give you greater understanding through the Word. Prayer: Father, Teach me through your Word and give me greater understanding. I thank you that as I seek you, all things: wisdom, love, joy prosperity, &____________________ will be added to my life (Matthew 6:33). And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory IN CHRIST JESUS. Phil 4:19
How does God supply what we need? “IN CHRIST JESUS” The message bible states it this way: You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that POURS FROM JESUS. Whatever we need comes from Christ. It is in Him, comes from Him and pours out to us. Whatever is missing comes through the relationship with Jesus: Healing (physical/emotional…), wisdom, finances, peace, joy, direction ……anything! How does this happen? God pours out what we need thru the relationship with Him. When we worship, pray, and meditate or study His word; He teaches and leads us. (Isaiah 48:17) We prosper as our soul prospers (John 10:10). Your soul is your mind, will and emotions. When you renew your mind with the word of God and plant it in your heart and APPLY it to your life; that is living in Spirit; not flesh. (Romans 12:2) As you fall more in love with Jesus, you get more and more understanding. (Phil 1:9-10). You fall more in love with Him by spending time with Him by worshiping, praying, & reading His word. . Prayer: Jehovah-jireh- Give me a hunger to study your Word so that my love for Jesus increases. Jesus, I want to know you better. Line my mind up with your mind, so that I walk in the plans and purposes you have for me. Thank you for teaching me and giving me clear discernment. I thank you that I remain sincere, humble, and single-minded for your kingdom purposes. By abiding in you, I will bear “much fruit“ in all areas of my life and will not stumble or cause others to stumble so that you will be glorified and others will come to know you. Amen (Isaiah 48:17) (John 15:1-27) |
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