EQUIPPED FOR MORE
Equipping our spirit, soul, & body
to be all God created us to be

Promises of God:
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

I have the living God residing inside me, helping me, interceding for me, and fighting for me. Because I feel, see, and witness the effects of the enemy around me at times, he becomes magnified in my mind and I can forget I have the winner of every battle inside me. All I have to do is believe and trust in who God is, and who I am in Him. I just need to keep looking to God where no magnifying class is needed to experience His power and authority over the enemy.

 

 

Promises of God:
But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:11

Pretty harsh words for those who hate someone. When we hate we are saturated in darkness, and where darkness resides, so does death and separation from God. We’ve all heard someone say “I hate you” to someone else, powerful words with serious consequences. We need to train our children and ourselves when we feel this way towards someone else it’s time to have a serious talk with God with includes some repenting. If we allow this in our lives we are welcoming darkness and saying “no” to the Light. Lord, show me where any hate for another person resides in my heart so I can repent. I don’t have to like the person or what they do, but I cannot hate them. I can hate their sin, or what they do, but not them.

 

 

Promises of God:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

When I confess my sin I don’t have to hope that God forgives me, I am 100% sure He does. Any muck and unrighteousness that came on me while I held onto my sin is washed away forever. The harder part at times is for me to forgive myself. But when I don’t forgive myself I’m sure it saddens Jesus, who died so I could be forgiven. Lord help me forgive myself when I confess my sins, just like God does.

 

 

Promises of God:
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Heb 13:5

It’s easy to think that money is the answer to all of my problems and needs, but that is just not true. Jesus wants to be my answer, and is the only true answer to all my concerns and needs. The sooner I stop putting my trust in money and start putting it in Jesus, the more content and at peace I can be. I’m sure this is easier said than done for most believers. The Bible says it’s the love of money, the depending on it rather than God that’s the problem. Money itself if used by God on a daily basis to meet peoples needs and accomplish so much good. There is no fear when my trust is completely in Jesus. There is no fear when my trust is completely in Jesus, He never leaves me, and I can always count on Him in time of need.

 

 

Promises of God:
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Heb 12:11

Many parents discipline their children out of frustration or anger, even Christian parents unfortunately. But our heavenly Father never does that, His discipline always comes from a place of love, and calmness. If I’m not careful I can ignore it as it comes into my mind. I may rationalize my actions as necessary or not that bad, or just be unwilling to change. But I will never be fully living, happy and at peace until I learn to welcome and treasure the discipline of the Lord. We know what it’s like being around undisciplined children, many never reach their potential because of lack of discipline. I will never reach my full potential and be all God wants me to be if I don’t learn natural and spiritual discipline.

 

 

Promises of God:
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him; For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives.” Heb 15:5-6

Out of God’s love for me he disciplines, rebukes, and chastises me. I wonder how many times I’ve confused an attack from the enemy with discipline from God? God’s discipline at times can be harsh, but it’s always done in love and so I can become all He desires me to be. The enemy may use God’s discipline as an opportunity for me to whine, complain, rebuke the devil, and get so defensive that I never even ask the Lord if He’s disciplining me. In every challenging situation I can ask God to teach me any lessons possible for me to grow closer to Him.

 

 

Promises of God:
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Heb 11:6

I can’t buy faith, and I can’t borrow it from someone else. I have to find my own faith in God. I must have faith to believe He is who He says He is, I must believe His Word for myself. It’s interesting that without faith it’s impossible to please God, and with faith absolutely anything is possible. Hearing testimonies of what God’s done for someone else can help my faith grow, but when I come face to face with a challenging situation, I have to rely on my own faith to get me through in a pleasing manner to God. And as a bonus, I am rewarded for seeking God, how awesome is that? So by faith I believe and receive rewards from God.

 

 

Promises of God:
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13 

I like the “I can do all things through Him” part, it’s the “who strengthens me” part that can be a bit more challenging. Just like strengthening in the natural takes effort, discomfort, and perseverance, so does strengthening myself in the Lord. I am not promised to be able to do all things without any pain or discomfort, I’m just promised that as I call out to Him I will be strengthened to endure what I’m going through. I will be strengthened with His love and His truth.

 

 

Promises of God:
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6

Hallelujah, thank you Jesus! However, as He perfects me, it can come with a bit of discomfort and effort from time to time. But how exciting to know that as I surrender my life to God and as I obey out of love, I’m just going to keep getting better and better. He will not give up on me, He will keep working on me, perfecting me for His purpose and to bring Him glory.

 

 

Promises of God:
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.2 Tim 3:16-17

Some parents are especially gifted at making everyday events in life, opportunities to teach their children about all sorts of things. Reading God’s word and discussing it with Him does the same thing. He can use what’s in His word to speak about anything going on in my life; He can use it to prepare me for what His has planned for me; He can use it to equip me to be the best me I can be, so I can bring Him glory. His word is alive, personal, challenging, life changing, and so much more. Every time I read it I find new jewels that I didn’t notice before. Lord, I want to be totally addicted to Your word, may I never be satisfied thinking I’ve read it enough times.

 

 

Promises of God:
Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Tim 3:12

I must say that I don’t really like this verse. But knowledge is power, and so with this knowledge when persecution does come I will choose to stand firm on the promises of God. I will stand firm in who I am in Christ. I will draw closer to God by spending more time with Him. I will bombard my mind with thoughts of Him, His word, His goodness, and His love for me.

 

 

Promises of God:
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thes 3:3

Lets face it, the evil one is at work all around us. But God is faithful and that’s the ultimate truth. I can count on Him to strengthen and protect me, but I still might get some mud slung on me in the process. My focus must stay on God’s truth and not the fact that I might get a little muddy. As I read His word, as I sit and talk with Him, as I obey Him out of love, and as I rest in His presence He strengthens me. In the natural I have enjoyed having a strong healthy body for many decades, and using that strength to get things done. Spiritual strength however is even more powerful and beneficial in everyday life.

 

 

Promises of God:
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

God strengthens me, how? Just like natural strength doesn’t just happen, so it is with spiritual strength. Ten push ups once a months will not increase your upper body strength very much, it will just make you sore. Ten push ups every day and you will start to see some strength. If I strengthen myself in the Lord on a regular basis through prayer, reading His word, getting to know Him and spending time with Him, it’s like doing strengthening exercises on a regular basis, when you need the strength you have it. Having strength both physically and spiritually takes effort but is well worth it.

 

 

Promises of God:
Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. Eph 6:2-3

The way we treat and honor our mother and father is more than likely the way our children are going to treat and honor us. This is God’s first commandment with a promise and is worthy of attention. It things aren’t going well in your life this verse it’s worth serious consideration. Of course it’s never too late to repent and it’s never too late to adopt mothers and fathers (if yours have passed) to honor. Unfortunately we live in a generation where many do not honor the elderly, and God is not pleased with this at all. Lord, open our hearts to mothers and fathers to honor and love.

 

 

Promises of God:
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Gal 5:16

Walking by the Spirit is not following a set of rules of not doing this and not doing that. So even if I succeed at not carrying out the desires of the flesh, I still may not be walking by the Spirit, but the will power of the flesh. To walk by the Spirit I have to have relationship with Him, I have to be surrendered to Him on a second by second basis. I say second by second only because that’s all it takes for me to step away from being led by the Spirit to being led by my flesh. It’s easy to walk by the Spirit while I’m set apart in my secret place with Him, it gets a little harder when I leave my secret place and interact with other people. But Jesus didn’t call me to live secluded life, I am part of the Body or Christ, and called to love one another. And this can only be done when I walk by the Spirit on a regular basis.

 

 

Promises of God:
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Gal 5:1

Jesus died for my freedom, but if I’m not careful I will allow others and myself to rob me of that freedom. That’s the importance of knowing God’s Word, and having a personal relationship with Him, because I have to be able to discern the difference between slavery and freedom. We all have our areas where we slip into bondage, slavery to the works of the flesh, to much “doing” and not enough being, etc. I have a passion to help believers walk in the fullness of their freedom that Christ died for. I myself am a work in progress, as most of us are, to walk in that freedom everyday.

 

 

Promises of God:
Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. Gal 4:7

It can take decades to get rid of a slave mentality, and walk in true sonship. If God’s Word is true and I really am a daughter of God, His heir, than everything He has promised really is mine. In the natural it would be easy to understand if I were living in a kingdom and the daughter of the king, that everything around me was mine. It would be easy to know and walk in my identity as the king’s daughter, it would take no faith at all. But as God’s daughter it takes faith, it takes looking beyond what I can see in the natural, it takes keeping my mind and heart set on God’s truth, and at times it takes effort. I have to choose daily to believe God’s promises of who I am in Christ Jesus.

 

 

Promises of God:
For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Gal 1:11&12

I enjoy hearing a good sermon about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I enjoy going to conferences learning from mighty men and women of God. But nothing compares to revelations I receive straight from Holy Spirit Himself. More Holy Spirit, more revelation.

 

 

Promises of God:
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Cor 12:9

Joyce Meyer once defined God’s grace as empowered favor, and I like that so much more than unmerited favor. With God’s empowered favor I really can do all things through Christ, I really can get through the difficult times in life, I really can walk in my identity as a child of God. O Lord, open up the heavens and release more of Your amazing Grace.

 

 

Promises of God:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 2 Cor 10:3-4

My weapons consist of: truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, Word of God, time in prayer, praying in tongues (Eph 6), sowing seed (2 Cor 9:6), praise (Acts 16:25), the blood of Jesus, walking in my identity as a child of God, endurance, purity, understanding, patience, kindness, serving, honesty, giving, rejoicing, worship, obedience, resting, mind of Christ, taking every thought captive, and so many more. God has given me so many weapons to fight against the enemy, all I have to do is practice using them.

 

 

Promises of God:
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2Cor 5:21

Jesus died so I might become the righteousness of God, and that’s how He sees me. The problem arises when I forget my identity and start thinking poorly of who I am. I need to see myself through God’s eyes, through His truth. Jesus became sin and died a horrible death so I would become who He created me to be, so how dare I say I’m not worthy to be called His righteous daughter. May I walk daily in the truth of who I am, and may I see others as God sees them also.

 

 

Promises of God:
But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 1 Cor 12:18

I have my very own, hand picked by God, place in the body of Christ. And the body of Christ will suffer if I’m not being and doing the part God designed just for me. Too often we are tempted to desire someone else’s ministry, to be just like them. Though we can learn from others and be challenged and inspired by them, we should never desire to be just like them. There are people in heaven cheering me on to be the person I was created to be, and there are people on earth waiting for what I have to offer from my gift. God is thrilled when I am pursuing to be the body of Christ He created me to be. Life is way to short trying to copy someone else, Lord help me to be me, and help me to rejoice in the me God desires me to be

 

 

Promises of God:
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. 1 Cor 3:16-17

God calls me holy and righteous, it may only be that area where the Spirit of God dwells in me that I’m holy and righteous, but none the less, I am. As I learn to manifest having the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16), His holiness and righteousness will spread to other areas of my body. As I welcome the Spirit of God to every area of my life, my old self will shrivel and die (and stay dead), and the new child of God that I am will grow. Lord, I know that I am holy and righteous because You dwell in me, and my desire is to believe it and walk in it on a daily basis.

 

 

Promises of God:
For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor 2:16

I have the mind of Christ, but am I tapping into it? I think many times it’s easier to resort back to my old mindset, than to put in the time and effort of manifesting the mind of Christ. To manifest His mind I have to to know Him; I have to know and believe His word, and how He thinks. With the mind of Christ anything is possible. Jesus, teach me to tap into what is already mine, what You already paid for at the cross, that I might manifest having Your mind. How awesome of You God to allow us to have Your mind, where anything is possible.

 

 

Promises of God:
and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. 1 Cor 2:4-5

This is the verse I want to manifest in my life. Just yesterday I had a talk with God asking Him for this very thing, and then I read about it today. Not only during my upcoming trip to Uganda and Turkmenistan, but in my every day interaction with others I want my words to demonstrate the Spirit and power of God. Lord, I don’t want to be one who can talk and talk, and say nothing. I want my words to carry the full force of Your power, so people grow in faith and love, wanting to know You more.

 

 

Promises of God:
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 8:38-39

People can spend their entire lives seeking to be really loved, many pray to a god hoping to fill a void that is never satisfied. Many miss that the only way to real love and to the real God is ONLY through Jesus Christ. Only through Jesus can I know love that satisfies and lasts, love that has no barriers. Nothing, absolutely nothing can keep God’s love from penetrating every cell of my being. Only through Jesus comes salvation, eternal life, and all the benefits of being a child of the one and only living God.

 

 

Promises of God:
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Rom 8:28

Only God can take a mess that I’ve created myself, or someone else has created, and make something good come from it. Only God can take what the enemy meant for evil and destruction, and make something good come from it. When I choose to love God with every fiber of my being; when I choose to walk according to His purpose and will for my life, I can count on Him to make something good come from whatever circumstance I find myself in.

 

 

Promises of God:
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Rom 8: 26-27

I love going for long walks and praying in the spirit. There are times that I know He is interceding with groaning and fierce warfare. My hands and arms are moving all around as my voice raises and emphasizes certain words. And then there are times of singing and intimacy, which is pure delight. I love partnering with Holy Spirit knowing that I am praying what’s on God’s heart, and what’s on God heart, when prayed into, will come to pass.

 

 

Promises of God:
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Rom 8:13-14

I am Abba’s child, that is my identity. When I am being led by the Spirit my true identity reigns and I know Whose I am. When I am not allowing myself to be led by the Spirit, a spirit of slavery starts to reign and it’s easy to forget all the blessings that come with being Abba’s child. I have to choose daily (hourly really) to be led by the Spirit, choosing to know His voice and obeying out of my love for Him. Walking in my identity is walking in freedom, and is crucial to being all God created me to be.

 

 

Promises of God:
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:8

God has loved me since the beginning of time, He loves me now, and He will continue loving me for all eternity. If Jesus had to wait for all humanity to be walking in righteousness before dying for us, He would still be waiting. It’s so much easier to sacrifice for someone who loves you, but Jesus did it for those who hated Him. With all that Jesus did for me, can I do any less than give myself fully to Him.

 

 

Promises of God:
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Rom 5:3-5

If I can look at tribulations (persecution, distress, sufferings), as not necessary a bad or evil thing, I can possibly embrace the opportunity to grow in perseverance, proven or strengthened character, and hope, and hoping in God never disappoints. Will this be easy, probably not? But maybe next time I have an opportunity to grow in this area, I will stop and ask God to help me through this with the ability to reap as many Godly characteristics as possible, even if it’s just one.

 

 

Promises of God:
(as it is written, “A father of many nations have I made you (Abraham)”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls (calls the things which do not exist as existing) into being that which does not exist. Rom 4:17

This is why declarations are so important, it’s the same as calling things into being that don’t exist yet. Being believers we want our declarations to be Biblical and righteous, just as Abrahams was. I love turning declarations into simple songs because it’s easy for God to bring to my mind a song, and it’s easy to sing it often throughout the day. Declarations can vary anywhere from declaring that a wayward child return home, to adjusting my own attitude to a more Godly one.

 

 

Promises of God:
They said (Paul & Silas), “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31

Believe in Jesus and be saved, how simple is that? But real believing goes beyond just words coming out of my mouth. Real believing has cost people their jobs, their housing, and their lives. Believing, really believing comes from the deepest part of my being, a part that says nothing else matters but Jesus. Believing means I’m drawn to the very heart of God, to His kingdom and His salvation of eternal live. Believing in Jesus leads to relationship, intimacy, love, obedience, freedom, peace, joy, and the list goes on and on. Believe in Jesus and be saved, and life will forever be changed.

 

 

Promises of God:
I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17

The disciples were no longer going to have the physical Jesus around, but because of His love for them He was sending the Spirit of truth, Holy Spirit to forever dwell in them. As a believer in Jesus Christ I also have the Spirit of truth in me, and that is life changing. When I stay totally connected and surrendered to the leading of Holy Spirit there is absolutely nothing They can’t do through me. Lord, don’t let me squander the precious gift You have given me, let me finish strong the path You have for me.

 

 

Promises of God:
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. John 14:12

What would the world look like if every believer walked in this promise? Lord, help me to do my part in living in the fullness of believing in You. Let me strip off anything keeping me from doing the works that You did, and open my eyes and heart to the greater works You desire to do through me.

 

 

Promises of God:
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; John 10:27

Jesus flat out says that if I belong to Him, I hear His voice. It may take some practice to decipher and really recognize His voice, but if I’m listening and following Him, I will hear Him because He’s talking to me, because I’m one of His. I have to take some of the responsibility though, just like a lost sheep if I wander off to far, His voice may be to faint to hear. Lord, I want to be that sheep that stays so close to you that You almost trip over me every day.

 

 

Promises of God:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10

The desire of Jesus’ heart is that we live life abundantly. Not necessarily with an abundance of money, but with an abundance of His goodness. I think that some of the richest individuals in the world can be some of the loneliest, saddest and be living lives void of what really matters. Likewise some of the poorest by the worlds standards live life abundantly everyday. Lord, I choose to receive the abundant life that You desire for me and that You came to give me. Teach me to recognize the thief, and ban him from my life and my home.

 

 

Promises of God:
But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. John 4:23

Worshiping in spirit and in truth is more than singing hymns or songs on Sunday morning. It’s experiencing God with your spirit, soul, body, and emotions. I spent decades worshiping in truth, my mouth was moving, my mind was agreeing with the words, but my spirit and emotions were dead. God is seeking those who worship in spirit and truth, is He seeking me, you? Oh God I pray when you seek worshipers you find me worthy, and if not, I pray You do whatever is necessary to get my attention so I can change. May my focus only be on You and not what others might think; may my focus be one of total surrender. Teach me Lord to worship You the way You desire me too.

 

 

Promises:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

The greatest promise ever, and the beginning of new life for those who choose to believe. Jesus is the way to Father God, He’s the way to eternal life, He’s the way to forgiveness of sins. God’s love for us cannot be measured and never ends. He loves us so much He wants us to spend eternity with Him, and there is only one way for this to happen, believing in Jesus Christ His Son.

 

 

Promises of God:
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. 
Luke 19:10

It’s easy to judge those who Jesus came to seek and save, those who are lost in the snares of the enemy. When those seeking “something” come into our churches who are different than us, it’s easy to forget why Jesus came. Just like Jesus came to “seek and to save”, the homeless, homosexuals, alcoholics, drug users, abusers, mothers with out of control children, demon possessed, etc. sometimes come into our churches and our lives seeking something. Lord, don’t let me be the one offended and judgmental towards those who You came to seek and to save, let me be the one blessed with the opportunity of showing them Jesus, who is seeking to save them.

 

 

Promises of God:

Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Luke 18:14

When children are told that reindeer can fly and Santa comes down a chimney and leaves toys, they believe it. Not until they are older do they start questioning the validity and true possibilities of that happening. The more I can stay in that childlike state of receiving the kingdom of God, the more it becomes a reality in my life. Believing in God’s truth is powerful, and believing when things don’t always make sense is powerful. Many believers struggle in this area, myself included. Lord help me to humble myself, believe and receive all you have for me just as a child would. The alternative of not entering God’s kingdom at all, is not an option I want to choose.

 

 

Promises of God:
When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11-12 

Whether I find myself before those who want to persecute me, or before dignitaries, I can count on Holy Spirit to teach me what I am to say. There’s no need for fear, panic, anxiety, shame, etc. How will I tap into Holy Spirit’s voice to hear? That comes from a relationship that’s been grounded in intimacy and time spent together. When my relationship is build on a solid foundation I can always count on God to show me the way and to give me a voice in any situation I find myself in.

 

 

Promises of God:
But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” Luke 11:28

God has an unlimited supply of blessings that He wants to pour out on His children, all He asks in return is for our obedience. God’s grace is real, awesome and powerful, and yet it can’t replace the need for repentance and obedience. Studying and knowing God’s word is great, but the blessings come in the obedience. Jesus says in John 14:15 that if we love Him we will obey His commands. So we obey out of love, not obligation. Lord, show me any area where I am not in complete obedience to Your word. I don’t want to be a hearer of the word only, I want to be a doer.

 

 

Promises of God:
For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:37

What a promise, and no other god or idol can claim it. Whether it’s a word from the Bible or a word from God Himself, it will never fail. So easy to understand but hard at times to keep believing. Trusting God’s word and His character takes faith, and you can’t just buy that at the store or online. Faith and trusting take time to grow deep roots, so deep that wavering is not an option. It takes relationship and intimacy, and it takes time. Thank you Lord that You are trustworthy and faithful, and I pray my faith and trusting grow deep unshakable roots.

 

 

Promises of God:
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” 
Mark 16:17-18

The earliest manuscripts of the Bible do not contain these verses. Therefore, some deny it’s authenticity and the power and authority it contains for all believers. I choose to accept this as God’s truth and desire for my life. As a believer in Jesus Christ I am a mighty weapon in the Lord’s hand, ready to be used to bring God glory.

 

 

Promises of God:
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” 
Mark 16:17-18

The earliest manuscripts of the Bible do not contain these verses. Therefore, some deny it’s authenticity and the power and authority it contains for all believers. I choose to accept this as God’s truth and desire for my life. As a believer in Jesus Christ I am a mighty weapon in the Lord’s hand, ready to be used to bring God glory.

 

 

Promises of God:
And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matt 21:22

I’ve prayed (Godly prayers), I’ve believed, yet everything around me screams that I didn’t receive. Then I have a choice, do I believe what I see, or do I believe God’s word. People try to justify the verse by saying, “You just didn’t believe enough”. That may by true some of the times, but not always. But sense I believe God’s word, and that He doesn’t lie, I have to assume I’m still looking through my human eyes and understanding. So Lord, help me to look through my spiritual eyes and understanding. It’s hard at times to keep believing, but it’s harder to believe or even comprehend that God’s word is not true. So I will keep praying, and I will keep believing and I will keep receiving with every fiber of my being, because I know my God.

 

 

Promises of God:
And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Matt 16:17

God wants to bless me for knowing things that can’t be learned from books, from teachers, or from any other human knowledge. He wants to bless me for spending time with my Father, getting to know Him, talking and listening to Him. God looks forward to our time together, He looks forward to revealing things to me that otherwise I’d never know. And He looks forward to blessing me just for the pure joy of it.

 

 

Promises of God:
“But I tell you that every careless (useless) word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt 12:37

What if today God had a face to face with me and held me accountable for every careless and useless word I have ever spoken? How long would that face to face last? What if He then said, “ We’ll meet again next month and do it again.”? I’m quite sure I’d do more thinking before speaking. Every single word that comes out of my mouth matters, and I need to start thinking before speaking (how often have I heard that?). Lord, remind me to think before spewing out careless, useless, unkind words because I want to be justified by my words, not condemned.

 

 

Promises of God:
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matt 11: 28-29

Problem: weary, tired, weighed down with life’s circumstances. Solution: Go to Jesus (not drugs, alcohol, gambling, denial, other people only), take His yoke and put it on yourself (don’t just sit around waiting for something to happen), and as you are yoked together the two of you move as one. As you are yoked to Jesus, learn from Him gentleness and humility of heart, learn all that He wants to teach you, and learn to trust Him. And it’s there that the rest comes.

 

 

Promises of God:
“Ask (keep asking), and it will be given to you; seek (keep seeking), and you will find; knock (keep knocking), and it will be opened to you. Matt 7:7

Jesus is saying to be persistent in my prayers and in my communication with Him. It’s so easy to give up when it seems that answers are just not coming. My relationship with Jesus is two way, I have my part and He has His. Am I asking for the right things with the right motives? Am I seeking the way God wants me to, and for what He wants me to find? Am I knocking until, or do I give up to soon? God is faithful, His timing is perfect, He loves me with an everlasting love, and He wants to give me the desires of my heart. So I will continue asking, seeking and knocking.

 

 

Promises of God:
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Matt 7:1-2

Judging can be so subtle, a look, a raised eyebrow, body language, thoughts and words. And it only takes a fraction of a second to cross the line into judgment. In 2006 when I got baptized in the Holy Spirit and started earnestly seeking God on a daily basis, this was the first thing He brought to my attention and said “It must go.” I wish I could say I never judge anymore, but then I would be lying and I’d have to work on that. But now when judgment whispers ever so slightly into my thoughts or body language, I am quick to ask forgiveness. Lord, thank you for loving me enough to bring this to my attention so I can repent.

 

 

Promises of God:
But seek (continue seeking) first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added (provided) to you. Matt 6:33

It’s not always easy to continue seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, when that word “continue” is lasting a really long time. My desire and goal is to make seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness FIRST a part of my everyday life, a part of who I am. It’s easier at times to seek quick answers, comforting answers, or easy answers, but they will never turn out as well as seeking God first. Practice makes progress, so Lord remind me when I’m tempted to seek others before seeking You.

 

 

Promises of God:
For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. Matt 6:14-5

Holding on to unforgiveness comes with serious consequences that can affect me spiritually, physically and emotionally. It’s just not worth the consequence of my sins not being forgiven, and sin is sin in God’s eye. So those little things that I do from time to time, like judging others, gossiping, not loving, etc. would all be held against me. No, not worth it! I will forgive, which doesn’t mean I condone, and it’s not done for the other person, it’s done for me. It’s done so I can be forgiven and be in right standing with God.

 

 

Promises of God:
But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matt 6:6

A persons true character is only known from behind closed doors. It’s not what I do in public that impresses God, it’s what I do in secret, just Him and me. Corporate prayer is necessary and powerful, but not at the expense of secret prayer. Intimacy is built and grown in the secret place, and the rewards and blessings are bountiful.

 

 

Promises of God:
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish 
Jonah 2:1

It doesn’t matter how bad I’ve sinned, or where I find myself because of it, I can always turn to the Lord. God is just, when we sin there are consequences, but when we repent and cry out to Him, He hears. The desire of His heart is to restore our relationship. There is no sin so bad that God won’t hear me when I cry out to Him.

 

 

Promises of God: 
Then they will know that I am the Lord their God. Ez …..

Throughout the book of Ezekiel God went to great lengths to make Himself known to His people, but unfortunately, they just didn’t care. How sad that the God of the universe has to try so hard to be known. God loves us so much, and He wants us to love Him and know Him. Lord, show me any areas of my heart that might be hardened to who you want to be for me, and who You want me to be for You.

 

 

Promises of God:
For I the Lord will speak, and whatever word I speak will be performed. It will no longer be delayed, for in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and perform it,” declares the Lord God.’” Ez 12:25

The Bible is filled with the promises of God, and I can count on Him to be faithful to perform them. The fact that they seem to be delayed does not negate that they will be performed in His perfect timing. If trusting God for the fulfillment of His promises when everything around me is screaming, “God, where are You?”, was easy the benefits of trusting Him wouldn’t come with such blessings. God is faithful, period!

 

 

Promises of God:
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jer 29:13

I will never fully know God if I haphazardly go about my relationship with Him. God will not give His heart to just anyone, He wants to be special, He wants me to seek Him with everything within me, with my whole heart, not just part of it. It’s always exciting when suddenly I grasp another part of who He is, as He allows me to step into His heart with mine.

 

 

Promises of God:
For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jer 29:11

God’s plans for me are awesome, and He wants only the best for me. The desire of His heart is to give me a future and a hope, and He’s had it planned from the beginning of time. My part is to love Him and obey Him, And as I do, He is anxiously waiting to lavish me with His goodness and His glory. There is an abundance of comfort knowing that God has plans specifically for me.

 

 

Promises of God:
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Jer 1:7-8

God qualified Jeremiah before he was born, just as He has qualified me. I need to resist all the excuses I make to myself and God about how unqualified I might be for any given assignment He might give me to do. When God says “Go” I can count on Him to be with me and to deposit into me anything that might be lacking at the time it’s needed. Oh the delight God must feel when we submit to be His willing vessel.

 

 

Promises of God:
Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jer 1:4&5

God knew the plans He had for me before I was conceived. He consecrated and put within me the ability to fulfill His desires and plans for my life. He may not have appointed me to be a prophet to the nations, but He has appointed me for a purpose in the kingdom of God. No matter how big or small my particular purpose is, the desire of my heart is to live each day to bring God glory for who He made me to be.

 

 

Promises of God:
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. Is 59:1-2

When I choose to sin and not repent, there are consequences. It doesn’t mean God doesn’t love me or want what’s best for me, but there will be a separation. Our relationship may not seem so different in the beginning but as time goes by, little by little the separation grows bigger and our relationship suffers greatly. No sin is worth the relationship I have with my Lord, so as soon as God brings something to my mind I repent quickly. And I’ve given God permission to do whatever is necessary to get my attention when I do sin.

 

 

Promises of God:
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Is 55:10-11

When I declare God’s word it has power and authority to accomplish what I speak. My words are not powerless, they are fierce against the enemy, and drenched with power for righteousness. Therefore, I will declare God’s word daily, and choose carefully the words I speak to others and myself.

 

 

Promises of God:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. Is 55:8

This is actually a very comforting verse to me. There are times when I just don’t know what I’m thinking, or when I can see both sides and am a bit confused, or when everything looks wrong or right. But I can always count on God’s way of thinking and His ways to be perfect for my life. I may not understand what’s going on, but I trust God and His ways, and that’s very comforting.

 

 

Promises of God:
Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go. Is 48:17

God doesn’t want me to just get by, He wants me to profit in life. How? He wants to teach me; He wants to direct and lead me to be able to do this. He may use earthly ways to help (school, work, etc.), but He wants to be a big part of it. All through the book of Isaiah He proclaims that He is the Lord God, and there is no other. He wants and deserves to be number one in every area of my life. And how blessed I am to have such a personal God who wants to teach me how to succeed and profit in life. My part is to be a good, obedient student showing up for class every day with my teacher, Father God.

 

 

Promises of God:
“I (God) declared the former things long ago And they went forth from My mouth, and I proclaimed them. Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass. Is 48:3

God declared, He proclaimed from His mouth what was to take place. When I declare His word, and His promises to me, they go forth from my mouth with power and authority as a child of God. And when the time is right, God will “suddenly” act upon what I declare. It’s easy to give up after not seeing what I declare come to pass, but God is not hard of hearing, He hears every one of my prayers and declarations, and He will act when the time is right. I choose to persevere in faith, knowing that God’s “suddenly” can come at any time.

 

 

Promises of God:
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Is 41:10

When Peter took his eyes off Jesus (when walking on water) and started to anxiously look around him at the wind and waves, he started sinking. So when fear starts to rise up inside of me I have to keep my focus totally on God, and the fact that He is with me, and for me. He may not take me out of my current situation, but he will strengthen me and help me through it. I must purposely choose to have tunnel vision straight to God.

 

 

Promises of God:
Yet those who wait (hope in) for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. Is 40:31

Only in Kingdom living does this verse make sense. God blesses me when my hope is in Him, when I wait for Him instead of running off trying to do things on my own without even consulting Him. Too often people complain that there is not enough time in the 24 hour days that God gives us to do everything they think needs to be done, and they exhaust themselves trying to do it all. Kingdom living says as I take time to put God first, to trust Him, and spend time with Him, that He will strengthen me beyond anything I could ever imagine, I will accomplish all He has called me to do without becoming weary.

 

 

Promises of God:
He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Is 40:29

Once while getting an MRI of my back and having to lie perfectly still, excruciating pain flooded my body. I cried out to God to please help with the pain, and to my surprise He didn’t. It didn’t take long for me to figure I need a plan B quick, so I cried out for strength to get through it. And He is a God of His word, so even though the pain continued, I felt His strength increase within me. So while He doesn’t promise to take away my pain, He does promise to be with me, never leave me, and strengthen me. Thank You Lord!

 

 

Promises of God:
For the Lord is our judge, The Lord is our lawgiver, The Lord is our king; He will save us— Is 33:22

There are times when life can seem so unfair, when those who don’t serve and obey God seem to advance despite there ungodliness. That’s when reminding myself of God’s truth helps, He IS the judge, He IS the lawgiver, He IS the king, and He IS the one who saves me. He IS everything I will ever need and I can count on Him. Injustice may run rampart for a while, but in God’s perfect timing, it will be cut off. Therefore I will continue serving, obeying, and loving my God with every fiber of my being, knowing that my God is a righteous judge and king.

 

 

Promises of God:
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Is 26:3

Trusting in God comes with amazing benefits, one of which is peace. And peace comes with many benefits for my spirit, soul, and body. Trusting in God just once in a while, or even the majority of the time just doesn’t cut it. My mind needs to be focused on God every day, and I need to be trusting Him every day, and in every situation, and that’s when I bring glory to my God, and peace to my body. Trusting is a choice, and peace is the result.

 

 

Promises of God:
And you made a reservoir between the two walls For the waters of the old pool. But you did not depend on Him who made it, Nor did you take into consideration Him who planned it long ago. Therefore in that day the Lord God of hosts called you to weeping, to wailing,…. Is 22:11-12

I can do wonderful, amazing things for the good of everyone around me, but if I neglect to depend on God, if I neglect to consider Him, I may very well suffer the consequences. God has gifted each of us with gifts to bring Him glory and contribute to society. My responsibility is to invite Him to be a part of everything I do, and give Him all the credit for all that I am able to accomplish through the person He’s created and gifted me to be.

 

 

Promises of God:
“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. Is 1:18

I find it fascinating that God wants us to reason together, to discuss things, to talk about my sins and what I can do about repenting and being forgiven. He is relational, He wants me to discuss things with Him, He’s not a distant God just giving orders and never listening. I can talk to Him about absolutely anything, and as we discuss things He will be lovingly guiding and directing me in the way I should go.

 

 

Promises of God:
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. Prov 3:7-8

Any sin in my life can be hazardous to my health. There have been times when I’ve tried to justify a certain behavior, thinking it’s no big deal, thinking the way I thought was ok. But God does not tolerate any sin or evil in my life, and I need to turn away from it as quickly as possible. Living my life surrendered to God benefits my spirit, soul, and body.

 

 

Promises of God:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge (know) Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I’ve often said to God, “Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.” I forget at times that He’s already told me what to do in this verse. My responsibility is trust Him more than I trust myself or others; my responsibility to acknowledge Him and to get to know Him, and allow Him access to every area of my life; His responsibility is to make known to me the desires of His heart regarding the path in life I’m to take. 

 

 

Promises of God:
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Prov 2:6

Wisdom, knowledge and understanding from God are available to me as His child, if I choose to seek it. There’s no quick way to achieve it, it comes through relationship by listening to and treasuring His words in my heart (vs1&2), and this takes time. I need to seek out who God is so I can learn to discern His voice from others. How fortunate I am to have the whole Bible to get to know Him and His character. The Bible teaches me about Him, but only the investment of time together builds relationship and to really know Him intimately, and that’s when wisdom, knowledge and understanding start developing in me.

 

 

Promises of God:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Ps 139:23-24

Only God really knows my heart, my motives behind what I think, say or do. He knows if there is even a hint of impurity that needs to be taken care of. I often ask God to search my heart because I know there are things I’ve thought, said, or done that I need to repent of, that some how have been hidden from my conscious and subconscious mind. Then God, in His timing will bring matters to my attention to take care of. I don’t have to rack my brain trying to find hidden sin in my life, God will reveal it when I ask Him to.

 

 

Promises of God:
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Ps 139:17

How awesome is it that God thinks about me so often? I wish I thought about Him as often as He thinks about me, but I know I don’t. But I do know that I think about Him a lot more than I use to. If I want to know what He thinks about me all I have to do is ask Him, He’s usually ready and willing to share His thoughts with me. I like to wright them down in my journal, my love letters from my Lord. Sometimes when I’m feeling down, I go back and read what He’s said, His thoughts about me, and I am reminded how very, very loved I am.

 

 

Promises of God:
For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. Ps 139:13-14

God doesn’t make mistakes, and when He formed me in my mother’s womb He knew what He was doing. No matter what’s happened from the time of my conception to this very minute, one thing is for sure, I was fearfully and wonderfully made by the hand of God. Despite any disappointments or flaws I might see in myself, I need to get over it and start thanking God for who He is and for making me so wonderful in His eyes.

 

 

Promises of God:
O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Ps 139:1-3

How comforting to know that my God knows me, really knows me. People try to help and understand when I’m going through tough times, but many times I don’t even really know what’s going on myself. There are things I’ve hidden deep inside of me that I don’t even know are there, but hallelujah my Father does. What an amazing opportunity of intimacy God has blessed me with, to be able to have as my Father someone who knows me so deeply and loves me so completely.

 

 

Promises of God:
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with loving-kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

I am never to forget that my God forgives; my God heals; my God redeems; my God crowns ME with loving kindness and compassion. The desire of His heart is to give me good things; and that my body would be youthful. It is never God’s desire for me to live my life void of His benefits. As a child of God I choose to trust His character, I choose to trust who He says He is.

 

 

Promises of God:
Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure. Ps 101:5

There’s no question about it, God is a God of love. However, He is also a God who will not tolerate ungodly behavior. I cannot slander my neighbor without consequences; I cannot think I’m better than others without consequences; I cannot walk in pride and arrogance without consequences. These consequences may not happen right away, and I may think God doesn’t really care so much about certain behaviors of mine. But He will not tolerate ungodly behavior forever, and His righteous judgment will come down on sin. Just like I may not see God’s answers to my prayers as soon as I pray, I may not see the consequences for my sin right away, nonetheless His righteousness and His justice will come to pass.

 

 

Promises of God:
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. Ps 94:19

So often when anxiety, stress, fear, or the unknown starts to overwhelm me I turn to someone, or something other than God. God is the only one who can truly comfort the depth of what’s going on in my soul. God alone can turn my sorrow into joy; God alone can give me hope; God alone is my answer

 

 

Promises of God:
“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. Ps 91:15

God wants to honor me? That alone astounds me, and yet it shouldn’t because that’s who God is. He is the One to answer me when I call to Him; I am never alone and never without someone to talk to, and I am never alone when walking through difficult times. Just like I can sense when someone is close to me without seeing them, I need to always sense that God is with me too. He will rescue me, and He will honor me when the time is right, in that I must put my trust.

 

 

Promises of God:
For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. Ps 91:11

Oh the blessings that are mine as a child of the King. Some people have been given the gift of being able to see angels, I have not (yet). So I have to trust God that there really are angels guiding and guarding me in my everyday life. I’ve learned to ask God for specific angels, for specific needs in my life, and I have been blessed with knowing that when I asked, I received. God takes care of His children, He is such a good, good Father.

 

 

Promises of God:
Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. Ps 86:11

God’s greatest desire is for me to know Him, to know His ways, and to allow Him to teach me all I will ever need to know. He is my greatest cheer leader in life, and wants me to succeed in all He has called me to do. I have to choose to position myself to be teachable; I have to choose to walk in His truth; I have to choose to unite my heart to fearfully respect the awesomeness of His name, and who He is.

 

 

Promises of God:
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; And give heed to the voice of my supplications! In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, For You will answer me. Ps 86:6-7

God hears me every time I pray, and He answers me. It doesn’t always look that way, and there are many times that I have to remind myself (and God) of this truth. That’s where knowing the character of God is so important. He has me positioned right where I need to be, and as I live my life in love and obedience to Him, I can trust His timing in revealing His answers to my prayers.

 

 

Promises of God:
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in loving-kindness to all who call upon You. Ps 86:5

God is ready to forgive absolutely anything I repent of, there is no sin so great that He will not forgive, but I must bring it before Him. Then after He forgives me, I must do the same and forgive myself; then God’s abundant loving kindness covers me like a warm blanket on a cold night. The choice is mine, I can call upon my Lord and receive His forgiveness and loving kindness, or not.

 

 

Promises of God:
O Lord of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You! Ps 84:12

Blessings come in many forms, shapes and sizes. What one considers a blessing, another might not. But if I trust in God, if my hopes and needs are surrendered to Him, I can rest assured that I am being blessed. Sometimes we take for granted the blessings bestowed upon us as we trust in God. Lord God, open my eyes to the blessings you have lavished me with, and forgive me when I’ve overlooked them and have felt unloved, or unnoticed.

 

 

Promises of God:
God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land. Ps 68:6

God desires His children to be taken care of, He desires that we make our home in Him. He alone can fill the lonely places in my heart, He alone can be my safe place to reside. God also desire that I allow Him to lead me out of any prisons I find myself in, whether it's a prison with bars, a prison of fears, doubt, worry, lack, or anything else. How will He lead me? By me following so close that our hearts beat as one.

 

 

Promises of God:
A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. Ps 68:5

God cares about those that society sometimes forgets, He cares about those who think they are all alone with no one to care about, or for them. God is for me what I need Him to be in any given situation, He is my constant companion, biggest advocate, and the greatest comfort my soul could ever ask for. I have only to believe that His words are true, and that as I love Him as He desires to be loved, I am truly blessed.

 

 

Promises of God:
In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11

Where do I put my trust? Does that place suffocate the life out of fear? God is the only place I can put my trust that can alleviate fear. It seems so simple and it is, yet at times so very hard. I can’t let my guard down for even a second; I can’t forget that I’m trusting for even a second, or the enemy is there waiting for just the right time to smack me with a dose of fear. But this total trusting in God is worth the fight, because as I learn to walk in it on a regular basis, freedom from fear starts to take root. What can any person, or any circumstance do to me that my God can’t handle when my trust is totally in Him?

 

 

Promises of God:
This I know, that God is for me. Psalm 56:9b

There are so many areas in my life that I still don’t have all the answers to, and there’s a lot of things about God that I don’t understand. I don’t understand why some things happen and other things don’t. But this I know, that God is for me. No matter how many times I mess us, no matter what my circumstances look like, God is on my side, cheering me on. And with God for me, I can do anything, I’m a winner, I’m a warrior, I’m a life changer, and I’m everything God created me to be.

 

 

Promises of God:
How blessed is he who considers the helpless (poor); The Lord will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to health. Psalm 41:1a&3

David has a promise that he would be King, so in his sickness he declared his destiny. He reminded God that He blesses those who help the poor; he reminded Him that He is a God who heals and restores health to His children. I have to remind myself that when my current circumstances are far from pleasant, and my body may not be functioning as it was created to, that I have promises too. I can remind myself and declare these promises of who God is, and who he created me to be.

 

 

Promises of God:
You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your loving kindness and Your truth will continually preserve me. Psalm 40:11

David was not in a happy place when he wrote this (vs 12). Evil surrounded him, iniquities impaired his vision, and his heart was failing him. Yet he knew the truth of who God was and how much he was loved. In the depth of despair it’s easy to think that God doesn’t care, but He does. David kept his focus on the truth of who God is, he kept declaring it with his mouth until it manifested in the natural. This may not be easy at the time, but if I practice it during the minor trials in life then when the really hard ones come, I will grounded in the truth of God’s character.

 

 

Promises of God:
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. Psalm 40:2

Once in a while I might find myself in the pit of destruction. It doesn’t really matter how or why I got there, it could be God molding me into His desired vessel, or it might be my poor choices. But as I turn my face to God, as I put my faith and trust in Him, I can count on Him at just the right time to pick me up. When I trust in God and not another, I can be assured that my feet will be planted firmly and my faith secured, ready for the next journey He has for me.

 

 

Promises of God:
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Ps 32:8

After David’s confession of sin, and God's forgiveness (vs 5), God began restoration. Imagine, the God of the universe wants to instruct me and teach me, if only I will let Him. He wants His ways to be known to me, and He want’s to keep an eye on me, making sure I’m on the right track. This doesn’t just happen though, I have to make myself available to Him. Just as children spend 5 or 6 hours a day in school for years, I can’t expect to learn if I don’t position myself and make the time to do so.

 

 

Promises of God:
When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Ps 32:3-4 

There is a high price to pay for un-confessed sin, and it’s one of the things that God won’t stand for. We may not suffer the consequences right away, but suffer we will. Unfortunately many believers assume that when someone is struck with an illness for too long, that there must be sin in their life. While this is not necessarily the case, it’s a good idea to ask Holy Spirit to reveal any un-confessed sin. A very overlooked sin is that of unforgiveness, also bitterness. Lord, show us any sin in our lives that need to be confessed.

 

 

Promises of God:
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Ps 30:11-12

Even in the midst of uncertainty, disappointment, persecution, pain, and yuckness the desire of God’s heart is to turn my mourning into dancing. As I yield myself to Him, as I sing praises and give thanks to Him in the midst of my circumstances, the mourning can diminish enough to allow the dancing to emerge.

 

 

Promises of God:
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning. Ps 30:5

Do I focus on God’s anger or His favor? When His anger comes the best thing I can do is find out why, and repent, whether it’s for me personally or for others, or a nation. My focus need to be on His favor for me which lasts a lifetime. My weeping, offenses, self-pity, anger, frustration, complaining, etc. needs to be put to bed as quickly as possible. Then His favor, His joy, and His peace can start to seep into every cell of my body; then I can sing, shout and dance praises before my Lord.

 

 

Promises of God:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

I am to “walk through” the valley of the shadow of death, not sit, whine, wallow, camp out, or go into denial, I am to keep moving. And I’m to do this in peace, not fear, worry, doubt, or frustration. This is only possible as I put my trust and faith in my Heavenly Father, as I embrace without any doubt that He is with me every step of the way; as I embrace without any doubt that He has His rod and staff guiding me every step of the way, making sure I don’t get side tracked along the way. And as I am being led every step of the way, I am being comforted by the one who loves me, and gave His life for me.

 

 

Promises of God:
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Ps 23:3

As I lie down in the green pastures (vs 2), as I yield my heart to His, my soul is refreshed and restored. It’s here that my shepherd guides me on the path that I should take, the path that leads to righteousness. How long does it take for my soul be restored and my path to be obvious, it varies from day to day? But no matter how long it takes, it is worth it, not for my name’s sake, but for His.

 

 

 

Promises of God:
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters (of rest). Ps 23:2

There are times when I just want or need to go go go, when I don’t take the time to lie down in green pastures on my own. God created me to take one day a week and rest, to cease from working and just love on Him. When I neglect this for too long, there have been times when He “makes” me lie down in green pastures and rest. Yet, when I choose to do it on my own, there is such glory, such presence, such refreshing, and such healing in those green pastures, and quiet waters. Lord, remind me that I need to go to these green pastures and quiet waters regularly and rest in You.

 

 

Promises of God:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Ps 23:1

As long as the Lord remains my shepherd I shall not, because He is with me, and He is trustworthy. However when I allow the government, my pastor, parents, spouse, kids, friends, job, inheritance, or anyone or anything else to take the place of my shepherd, that’s when problems can arise. It may be tempting at times to allow another to be my shepherd because it seems He’s not responding quickly enough, but another will not satisfy in the end. My shepherd is the only one who really knows me and loves me and wants what’s best for me.

 

 

Promises of God:
For You light my lamp; The Lord my God illumines my darkness. For by You I can run upon a troop; And by my God I can leap over a wall. Ps 18:28-29

It is God who gives me light to see, He illumines my darkness. In His light I can see His truth, His heart, and my heart. In His light I can see the strength He gives me when needed, I can see that He is with me, guiding me, and helping me. I choose to have faith and trust in my God.

 

 

Promises of God:
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11

It’s easy at times for me to get anxious about what I am supposed to be doing in life, but what I really need to be doing is trusting that God WILL make known to me the path He wants me to take. What I really need to be doing is delighting in the fullness of His joy that I have access to in His presence. Stressing over whether or not I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing is not trusting God. Positioning myself in His presence, growing in intimacy, being obedient in the things I know to do positions me to receive His direction, His joy, and His pleasures.

 

 

 

 

Promises of God:
But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:3-5

When I know who my God is, I can lay down and sleep no matter what my circumstances are, I don’t need to waste my time in fear and worry. When I cry out to my God there is no doubt that He hears me, and I know despite my circumstances that He is a shield around me, taking the hits. He is my glory, He is the one who through my tears, lifts my head to see the love in His eyes. Yes, I can lay down and sleep in peace, because I know that my Lord will sustain me.

 

 

Promises of God
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, …. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

When we delights in the law of the Lord, we are blessed; when we don’t become close friends with sinners, we are blessed; when we meditate on God’s laws throughout the day, we are blessed. When we do these things we are firmly rooted in God’s ways and not easily swayed when hard times come, and when we do these things we prosper. God so wants to bless us with His abundant goodness, all He asks in return is that we delight in who He is. The choice is mine whether I want God’s blessings or not.

 

 

Promises of God:
“Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 
Nehemiah 8:10b

There are times when our circumstances seem overwhelming, when stress and grief seem to be out of control, or when the future just looks too grim. And there are times when our guilt and sin shines before us like a neon light (like in Nehemiah’s day), and all we feel is shame. But once we repent of any sin; once we choose to trust God for who He is, then we can position ourselves to be strengthened in the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength, but it’s up to me to choose that joy. It’s up to me to worship and praise God until the joy and the strength come.

 

 

Promises of God:
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7

I can always count on God to see the real me, the me few are allowed access to. He sees the motives behind what I say and what I think; He even sees the deepest part that even I am unaware of. Some may not want God to have that much access into their heart, but it brings me pure joy and comfort. As I journey along in my walk with God, missing some of His nudging’s, His desires for me, or His assignments, I can count on the fact that He knows my heart, He knows I tried. He alone knows the depth of my love for Him, and my desire to please Him.

 

 

Promises of God:
Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45

God’s promises are Yes and Amen, He is trustworthy and we can count on Him. Yet, it took over 400 years for this promise to come to pass. Moses reminded God often of His promises, if he hadn’t it might of taken even longer. Does obedience to God’s word hasten His promises? Does passing the tests God gives along the way hasten His promises? Quite possibly, yes. But the real answer is not yes or no, the answer is God is trustworthy. My part is to position myself to receive His promises; my part is to praise Him, love Him, know Him, obey Him, and trust Him, without grumbling. Grumbling was a major stumbling block for the Israelites, and I choose to learn from that.

 

 

Promises of God:
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and 
then you will have success. Joshua 1:8 

What I think about matters; what comes out of my mouth matters, and my future depends on what I choose to think about and the words I speak or don’t speak. It’s not enough to just remain silent, God wants me speaking about His goodness on a regular basis, and He wants me thinking about His goodness day and night. God’s desire is for me to be prosperous and successful, and now I know how.

 

 

Promises of God:
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deut 31:6

When God gives me an assignment He also gives me the strength and courage to complete it, and I can count on Him to be with me every step of the way. When the assignments look bigger than I can handle, it’s easy to allow fear to creep in, but I must stand firm on the truth of who God is, and who He is for me. His word is bigger and more trustworthy than what my circumstances look like in the natural.

 

 

Promises of God:
Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness and truth; who keeps loving-kindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” Ex 34:6-7

The character of God is to be compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving kindness and truth, and forgiving our iniquities, transgressions and sins. Yet, there is another side of God’s character, a side for those who choose to reject Him for who He is and what He asks of us. He just wants to be our only god, our one and only God.

 

 

Promises of God:
And He said, “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer.” Ex 15:26

The Lord is my healer, and the desire of His heart is to heal me. But just like He tested the Israelites (vs 25) He may be testing me from time to time with the words “If you”, which is mentioned 359 times in the Bible. God gives me a choice, heed His voice or not, do what is right or not, listen to His voice and obey or not. This does not necessarily mean if I’m not healed I’m guilty of such things. It just means God’s nature is to heal, that is the desire if His heart. Lord, search my heart, if there is an “If you” that You are saying to me, may I hear and obey quickly.

 

 

Promises of God:
“Now then go, and I, even I (God), will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” Ex 4:12

When God gives me an assignment, even when that assignment is outside my comfort zone or my natural abilities, I can count on Him to qualify me. Just like Aaron (vs 14), there may be people who are more naturally qualified than me for the assignment, but when God calls me He has a reason, I am His chosen one. Lord, I choose to trust you completely to qualify me for any assignment You choose.

 

 

Promises of God:
For You said, ‘I will surely prosper you and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which is too great to be numbered.’” Gen 32:12

When I come to place where I’m obeying God, yet fear of my circumstances start to rise, I can remind God of His promises to me. As I do this I am encouraging myself in the faithfulness of God, and He by no means takes offense.

 

 

Promises of God:
Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” Gen 31:3

When the Lord gives me an assignment, I can count on Him to be with me. It doesn’t matter if it is a difficult assignment; it doesn’t matter if there is potential danger. What matters is that I am obedient; what matters is that I can trust that God is with me, and therefore I need not fear.

 

 

Promises of God:
In your (Abraham) seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Gen 22:18

Just as God had promised Abraham that his decedents would number the stars in the sky, so He also promised that all the nations on earth will be blessed. When I look at all the nations on planet earth, I need to see through God’s eyes blessed nations. I need to stop judging them for what they seem to be doing wrong, and start declaring God’s promise of blessings on these nations; I need to start calling them into their destiny. And if God so leads, I need to be willing to do my part to see His promise come to fruition.

 

 

Promises of God:
Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Gen 2:3

There is one day set apart from the others, a day God has chosen to sanctify. If I want to take advantage of this sanctified, holy, purified, blessed, consecrated day, I must follow His lead and set this day apart from the others, and rest. The Bible doesn’t say what God did on His day of rest, it just says what He didn’t do, the work He’d done for the previous six days. When I trust God and step into that special day of rest that He has blessed, I can also trust Him to help me accomplish all the things He’s called me to do during the previous six days. If I can’t find time to rest like God, I need to have a good talk with Him and find out where changes need to be made.