Godly Devotions

Isaiah 61:1-3

2008-04-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because . . .

God's spirit is on us for a reason!

the LORD has anointed me to preach

You are to take action to "preach," or to exhort, advocate and deliver publicly...

good news to the poor.

The GOOD NEWS is that with Christ, you are rich. Here's the goodies you get in HIM:

Salvation
Eternal Life
Redemption / Forgiveness of Sins
Holy Spirit
New Life

He has sent me

Isaiah 61 is a prophetic verse that applies to Jesus Christ, but "even more things will we do" (___), and Bible verses like like this applies to you and I today.

God has sent you and me to preach the gospel to every living thing on earth. (___)

to bind up the brokenhearted,

The heart of man is the core of who we are; our foundation. A broken heart creates an insecure foundation on which to build life, thoughts, feelings and behaviors. If not healed, a broken heart can cause us to topple over. A broken heart is not stable, so it needs God's healing power to ensure safety.

God sends His healing "Balm of Gilead" (___) to our broken hearts. God, by His Spirit stops the bleeding, fills the weak spots and soothes the pain.

Only when your heart is healed can you be all that God has called you to be.
Only when you have a strong foundation (heart), can you get free from what ails you.
Only when you take your broken heart to God will you get healed.

to proclaim freedom for the captives

We are a "clingy" people. Just like a baby that clings to its mother, we cling to the things and the people around us. We think these distractions will make us feel better, but in actuality, these things we cling to--and try to control--are killing us. Why? Because the earth and its contents are passing away. There is no substitute for the knowing your creator, savior and lover of your soul, Jesus Christ. Only He (the truth) remains the same today, yesterday, and forevermore.

When you understand that only Jesus Christ can fulfill you, you are no longer a captive to the things of earth which are passing away, but are free to experience the truth, the reality of God your creator and you can follow Him into your life's purpose.

Freedom comes when you face the reality that you are not your own. You are not in control. You are no longer a fool to the lies of the world.

and release from darkness for the prisoners,

Darkness is a foggy place where you aren't seeing the truth. Darkness occurs when we gloss over situations and delude ourselves into believing things are the way we want them to be. Darkness is walking in a world that's created out of our own fantasy, our own ideas of what's best for our lives. Walking in this darkness, is a prison because our own fantasies and unrealistic notions are nothing more than dignified hallucinations. The light of God, which is the truth shines down on us and illuminates His awe-inspiring creation.

Following Christ turns on the light and opens the prison walls built by our own hallucinations of how life is supposed to be.

to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor

Once we realize the love of the Father, the thoughts He has concerning us, the very plans He has for our lives, we understand that true blessing lies only in His will. His will is supreme regardless of whether it suits our carnal desires. His will is for us to be blessed overly and exceedingly more than we can ever ask or think. (___) Christ came that we may have life, and life more abundantly.

and the day of vengeance of our God,

Vengeance is mine, says the Lord. (__) When we come to God, He becomes our abba father, our mighty warrior, our protector. No longer do we have to fight and kick and scream to manuever this world and all it's circumstances. Once under the blood of Jesus, we are grafted into the vine (__) of Christ and we are part of the divine family of God. He fights our battles and our enemies will be in for a thumping.

to comfort all who mourn,

The word of God is a comfort to those who have an ear to hear what the spirit is saying. The acknowledgement of powerlessness and humility before the Savior King is a comfort because we are on the winning team.

and provide for those who grieve in Zion

God is a compassionate God who cares dearly for each of us that put our trust in Him. He is our fortress, (__) and our refuge (__). He will bring us many good things to substitute for the rotten things he takes away.

-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

The most basic emotional need of the heart is to know that we are loved. When you put your hope, faith and love into Jesus Christ, the supernatural love of God pours into your spirit and out of your belly flows "rivers of living water." (__) Suddenly you become a plus sign in life, giving hope, faith and love to all those around you. No matter what your circumstance, you have a crown as an heir to the throne of grace. (__)

Instead of being controlled by circumstances, our faces will be radiant with the knowledge of His unfailing love.

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

God supernaturally imparts a joy into the Spirit of His redeemed children that cannot be explained in words. This gladness is available to anyone who is willing to believe. This gladness gives one the power to praise instead of cry, to turn the other cheek, not shake the fist in anger. It is not natural for us to walk in joy and gladness, but with God all things are possible. (__)

and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

Praise comes in all circumstances when you understand that the Lord God is sovereign. He is in control. We are merely sheep of His pasture. Once you face the reality of truth head on, you no longer need to control anything. Realizing that everything is beyond your control and that your life is in His hands, and that all things will work together for your good (__) is reason enough to praise in EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

An oak tree lives a long time and is seen as a sturdy, strong tree. It is not easily toppled in a storm.

a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

God blesses you with peace, love, joy and hope for all the world to see His magnificent glory.

Wait

2008-03-18T23:55:00.001-07:00

Wait on the Lord a while
until He fills you too with mirth,
and sculpts your heart a masterpeice
from new birth to new birth.

Joy Unspeakable

2008-03-18T22:54:00.000-07:00

Rolling rivers ebb and flow;
this feeling I cannot hide.
Joy of my salvation,
spirit smiling wide.

Giving it all to you, Lord,
as I practice rest and play,
grasping my inheritance,
empty clouds part ways.

Joy breaks through the winter chill,
Shouts of victory resound,
My trumpet plays a merry tune
Jericho comes crashing down

My father tickles my heart
I giggle inside out
All my hurts are healed
What more reason to jump and shout?

Jump. Jump. Jump.
Some silly child am I,
trusting and resilient,
tender dove yet serpent wise.

I have found true treasure,
shunning pirates’ loot,
nothing compares to His eyes--
deception bares no root.

Deep sleep satisfaction,
the boogie man doth cease,
comfie blankets toasty warm
Heaven’s washing over me.

Sweet flavor nourishes me,
bread baskets overflowing love,
feeding on His faithfulness
Joy, get yours from God above!

Insecurities

2008-03-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

Insecurities are unanswered questions that you hold about yourself in your heart. They cause you to feel, speak, act and react to situations in ways that aren't always in your best interests. The questions that cause insecurities within us are related to our worth and value.

1. Am I okay?
2. Am I accepted?
3. Am I worthy?
4. Am I worth loving?
5. How do I measure up to others?

There is no person that can correctly answer these questions we have about our inherent worth. These questions are meant to be reserved for God above. Only God, your Father defines you.

Our hearts are constantly asking these questions of those in our world, but the questions of our inherent worth are not for others to answer. We shouldn't give anyone that power over us because people are so finicky. They can be hot for you one day and cold the next. Only God stays the same and never changes.

The answer to these questions when garnered from the people in our world can be quite shakey. People change their mind often. We may be worthy to a friend one day, and unworthy the next. This status is especially shakey when that person has issues of his or her own. It becomes a conditional equation, one that leaves the answer receiver in turmoil and confusion.

The fact is that these primal questions of our heart that make us human cannot be answered by another person. Perhaps God has placed this "insecurity" within us all as a way to keep us dependent upon Him for the answers of our soul. These questions of our worth can only be answered by the creator God through His son Jesus Christ.

The building was secure, even in an earthquake.

The term secure is best illustrated using terms of construction since it deals with holding something in place. A secure structure is not in danger of falling. Built correctly, a secure foundation can uphold an enormous structure much greater than itself.

What is Secure?

Fastened

Unyielding

Unbreakable

Strong

Not in Danger

Dependable

Firm

Not likely to fail

Supported

Fastened

Stays despite disaster

Free from care

Firmly established

Not prone to breaking

Protected

Emotional Examples of Security:

Peace
Calmness
Humility
Certainty
Meekness
Strength
Courage
Generosity
Stability
Truthfulness
Admitting Weaknesses
Clarity
Steadiness
Firm
Resilency
Joy
Confidence

What is Insecure?

Yields
Breaks
Crashes
Falls
Displaces
At Risk

Emotional Examples of Insecurity:

Anxiety
Fear
Self-Doubts
Envy
Manipulation
Anger
Mood-Swings
Depression
Nervousness
Lack confidence
Boastful
Over-Compensating
People-Pleasing
Immorality
Uncertainty
Cowardice
Greed
Rebellion
Deception
Hiding Weaknesses
Blaming
Addiction
Confusion
Shaky
Weak
Uneasy
Defeat
Exposure
Undependable

What causes one to be insecure?

My friends and I drove by a damaged telephone poll today on our way to an outreach. The poor poll obviously had a run in with a car, causing it to be cracked and bowed. The wood was buckling from the weight of the damage. This damaged poll is how our souls would appear if we could see them after being hurt emotionally, broken and ready to succumb to the pressures of life. This poll is not, however, an example of how we are meant to stay.

God in His mercy is near to those who are brokenhearted and delivers them from their troubles. (Psalm 34:17-19)

It Ain’t Easy

2008-03-13T23:25:00.001-07:00

Keeping your mind on the Lord is not the easiest route. As true believers we encounter the narrow road filled with pain. Pain you seek. Pain you face. Pain you feel. Weakness. Transparency. Sin. When the hurt bubbles up it ain’t easy to be still, especially with so many quick-fixes on hand.

But you have chosen the more excellent way. Your heart may shatter, but still you press-in. It’s uncomfortable; you squirm, but still you reach. Inhale His presence; exhale self.

Like a weaned child your soul waits for him. It is in this waiting that the divine relationship unfolds. The Word becomes flesh and dwells in you. Your broken soul is transformed into fertile soil. You rejoice in your trials knowing that your discomfort brought you to the greatest vantage point of all--prostrate on the ground.

And it is in this simple place of utter dependence that you meet Him in spirit and truth, and where you can truly see. He is King.

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I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Phillipians 3:10

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Jenna Ryan (c) All Rights Reserved March 14, 2008

Presence of God

2008-03-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

God's Presence - Joyce Meyer

How to Guard Your Heart

2008-03-08T20:03:00.001-08:00

Do not awaken love until it pleases. (Song of Solomon)

I am determined to win. I will not sit back and stay this way. I'm going to beat it... I will prevail over my own heart. I will learn self-control. Not to overcome it is to accept a life of misery, and that is an expensive price I'm unwilling to pay.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

1. Pray
2. Control your imagination
3. Stay in the word
4. Stay in peace
5. Watch for intruders
6. Prepare for the worst scenerios
7. Don't be desparate or anxious
8. Keep your focus on God
9. Be thankful

"The enemy despises your heart because it is with your heart that you believe unto righteousness. " TD Jakes

"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10).

Always reserve the deepest and innermost portion of your heart and trust for God. To go beyond borders on idolatry and will produce a pagan’s reward of failure. TD Jakes

Letting Your Guard Down

Peace

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

4:6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, tell your requests to God in your every prayer and petition-with thanksgiving. 4:7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Be On Guard - TD Jakes

Your Own Personal "Heart Guard" - Bible.org

Personal Blog - Awesome blog about guarding your heart.

Articles That May Help You

2008-03-08T19:59:00.000-08:00

Articles for Women
Guard Your Heart
Guard Your Thought Life
Man of God, Guard Your Heart - Bishop TD Jakes article
Man of God, Be on Guard
Guard Your Heart, Fireseeds - Return to your first love.
Lover's Leap - Great article on intimacy and falling in love.

Spiritual Shampoo

2008-03-08T13:13:00.001-08:00

I hate the gross feeling of second-day hair. My oily hair must be washed almost daily, and creme rinse is a must, or it will be a tangled mess. The feeling of soft, shiney and clean hair makes me feel fresh and new.

We get spiritually dirty much like our hair does. Our tarnished hearts are matted with the cares of life. We face pain, rejection, shame and guilt constantly. A dirty spirit sends us searching for shampoo to wash away those bad feelings.

How do we cleanse our inner-man of those dark, dirty dissappointments?

Aside from inner aches and pains, we are also brushed with the greasy world at large. We're bombarded by agendas, propoganda and voices of deception. Cuss words hit our ears, poisen spills out over the airwaves telling us how to live and evil influences chip away at our defenses. If our spirits aren't scrubbed of all the crud we encounter, our hearts become dreadlocked.

How do we detangle?

Our hearts beg for relief. We find ways to assuage our pain. Some of us cope by seeking the wrong types of relationships for fulfillment, only to end up broken hearted. Others go to the bottle in effort to remove the hurt, only to awake with a hangover. Drugs are another common escape route to drown the pain lodged deep within.

There are folks who think money is the answer. Sweets may be your release of choice. We all have our splinters from over-eating to over-exercising, over-working to over-anything.

Are we clean yet?

Nothing Lasts - Nothing Gets Us Clean

The problem with these soaps is that they are cheap imitations. Whether we admit it or not, we are tricked into washing ourselves with the very dirt we aim to remove! Alcohol makes you feel good for a minute, but certainly can't cleanse. Food brings instant satisfaction, but you must pay for your gorging. Drugs boost your mood but, you're left with an addiction to face, on top of your original pain issue. It's a vicious spin cycle.

Sin is the Dirty Root

The root of our issues bubbles from our own sin-nature. The original sin of Adam and Eve brought this suffering into our lives. We each need cleansing from sin. This is ingrained in our consciousness. We need a sacrifice, a cleansing, a renewal, a redemption and a forgiveness. Sadly, few of us bathe with the right solution.

God's Word has Cleansing Power

Only God's word has the power to remove the grime from our souls. Through His son Jesus, God washes us clean and gives us strength to carry on in righteousness. Every other remedy is just a temporary fix. God's Word, however, is truth and is settled in heaven (Ps. 119:89 ) and has the power to cleanse us (John 15:3) , save us (John 6:68), revive us (Psalm 119:107) and comfort us (Psalm 119:50) for the days ahead.

Jesus died on the cross as the sacrificial lamb. He bore all our sickness and disease. He died that we may have eternal life. Through His work on the cross, we can all join in His triumph, seated in heavenly places with Him in heaven--today. (Eph. 1:3)

Take your problems, hurts, pains, addictions, needs and issues to the cross. Give them to Jesus, the one who died to deliver you. Bask in His love and experience the purification as He takes your sins as far away as the east is to the west. (Ps. 103:12 )

Squeaky Clean!

Next time you wash your hair, ask yourself this question... "How can I clean my spirit today?"

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"...that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word" Ephesians 5:26

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(c) Jenna Ryan - All Rights Reserved - March 8, 2008

GOD’S WORD

2008-03-08T13:01:00.000-08:00

God and His WORD are inseparable since the beginning of creation. (John 1:1)

God’s WORD is His spirit. (John 3:34, John 6:63)

God’s WORD is life. (John 8:51)

God’s WORD is His covenant (Ps. 105:8)

God’s WORD is settled in heaven forever. (Ps. 119:89)

God’s WORD will judge in the last day (Jn. 12:48)

God’s WORD cleanses us. (John 15:3, Psalm 119:9)

God’s word strenghtens and empowers us. (John 15:7, Psalm 119:28)

God’s WORD sanctifies us. (John 17:17)

God’s WORD is truth. (John 17:17)

God’s WORD heals us. (Matt. 8:8) (Psalm 107:20)

God’s WORD remains forever and will not pass away. (Matt. 24:35)

God’s WORD blesses those who heed it. (Luke 11:28)

God’s WORD was made flesh in Jesus Christ. (John 1:14)

God’s WORD is salvation to those who believe. (John 5:24, John 8:51)

God’s WORD IS eternal life. (John 6:68)

God’s WORD is the Bible. ( )

God’s WORD speaks to us and spoke to prophets of old.

God’s WORD is a fire. (Jeremiah 23:29)

God’s WORD created the heavens (Psalm 33:6)

God’s WORD gives light and understanding (Psalm 119:130)

God’s WORD revives us. (Psalm 119:107, Psalm 119:25)

God’s WORD lights the path of our lives. (Psalm 119:105)

God’s WORD is sweet. (Psalm 119:103)

God’s WORD is forever settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89)

God’s WORD tests us. (Psalm 105:19)

God’s WORD comforts us. (Psalm 119:50)