KEEPING YOUR FOCUS  ON WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT 1-21-24

VIDEO DISTRACTION2

So what is really important in this New Year? What is important for us to focus on for the future? Fear, anxiety, emotions, are from the enemy to distract us from what is really important. Jesus, in his temptation in the wilderness had the devil try to distract him And catch him up into something else instead of his purpose. Your eye is how you see things. If you keep your focus on what is really important, your entire body would be filled with light. We must forsake our worries and anxieties. We are God focus .

Heb 12:2 Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  AMP

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Heb 12:2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed — that exhilarating finish in and with God — he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.

Matt 4:1 Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it.

2 Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger,

3 which the Devil took advantage of in the first test: “Since you are God’s Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread.”

4 Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.”   MSG

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Matt 4:5 For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said,

6 “Since you are God’s Son, jump.” The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: “He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone.”

7 Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: “Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.”  MSG

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Matt 4:8 For the third test, the Devil took him on the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth’s kingdoms, how glorious they all were.

9 Then he said, “They’re yours — lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they’re yours.”

10 Jesus’ refusal was curt: “Beat it, Satan!” He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.” MSG

LUKE 11:34 The eye is the lamp of the body. When the eye is entwined with light, the entire person is illuminated! But when the poneros-system of wearisome rules and regulations is its focus, it’s all darkness.  MIRROR

Matt 6:22 “Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light.

23 If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!

Matt 6:25 “If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.

26 Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

27 “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch?  MSG

Phil 3:13 Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward — to Jesus.

14 I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. MSG

Col 3:1 So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides.

2 Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ — that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. MSG

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COL 3:1 See yourselves co-raised with Christ! Now ponder with persuasion the consequence of your co-inclusion in him. Relocate yourselves mentally! Engage your thoughts with throne room realities where you are co-seated with Christ in the executive authority of God’s right hand.

2 Becoming affectionately acquainted with throne room thoughts will keep you from being distracted again by the earthly [soul-ruled] realm.  MIRROR

Rom 12:2 Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. MSG

Ps 119:69 The godless spread lies about me, but I focus my attention on what you are saying;

70 They’re bland as a bucket of lard, while I dance to the tune of your revelation. 

Matt 6:6 “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

7 “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God.

8 Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. MSG

PHIL 3:14 I have the prize of mankind’s redeemed innocence in full view; just like a champion athlete in the public games I refuse to be distracted by anything else. God has invited us in Christ, to lift up our eyes and realize our identity in him.  MIRROR

Rom 3:31 But by shifting our focus from what we do to what God does, don’t we cancel out all our careful keeping of the rules and ways God commanded? Not at all. What happens, in fact, is that by putting that entire way of life in its proper place, we confirm it.  MSG

Rom 4:19 Abraham didn’t focus on his own impotence and say, “It’s hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child.” Nor did he survey Sarah’s decades of infertility and give up.

20 He didn’t tiptoe around God’s promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God,

21 sure that God would make good on what he had said. MSG

Matt 6:19 Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal.

20 But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal;

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  AMP

LUKE 8:14 Then there is the seed that landed up amongst thorny bushes; they are the ones who also hear the word, but, in the course of life, the typical distractions that are associated with the pursuit of wealth and pleasures, suffocate them before any fruit matures.  MIRROR

1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and the distortion of sin will have no further effect on you. God is not confused. What a shame that anyone should exchange what God knows to be true about us to someone else’s inferior opinion. MIRROR

LUKE 12:22 He looked his disciples in the eye and said, “Do not be distracted by any anxious thought about your life! Do not waste a moment worrying where your next meal is coming from, or what you’re going to wear.   MIRROR

LUKE 21:9 Do not let the rumors of wars and the instability of the times distract you with fear. These things are bound to happen but its not the end of the world!

10 Nation will arise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.  

11 There will be massive earthquakes in various places and famines and plagues. Also, terrors and ominous signs in the heavens. 

12 In the meantime they will abuse and persecute you; they will attack you in their synagogues and put you in prison and because of your association with me, they’ll bring you before kings and governors.

13 This will all turn into strategic opportunities for you to give testimony.  MIRROR

Eph 1:4 Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. MSG

EPH 3:20 We celebrate Elohim who supercharges us powerfully from within. Our biggest request or most amazing dream cannot match the extravagant proportion of their thoughts towards us.  MIRROR

2 Peter 1:17 Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: “This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight.”  MSG

Ps 27:4 I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet.

5 That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. MSG

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PS 27:4 Here’s the one thing I crave from Yahweh, the one thing I seek above all else:

I want to live with him every moment in his house, beholding the marvelous beauty of Yahweh, filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace. I want to contemplate in his temple.

5-6 In the day of trouble, he will treasure me in his shelter, under the cover of his tent.

He will lift me high upon a rock, out of reach from all my enemies who surround me.

Triumphant now, I’ll bring him my offerings of praise, singing and shouting with ecstatic joy! Yes, I will sing praises to Yahweh!  TPT

YOU ARE IN THE SPIRIT 1-19-24  VIDEO

The whole idea about walking in the Spirit is the yielding of our will to the word of God, as well as yielding to the Spirit of God. We were once dry bones, but now we are alive in the spirit. The Gospel when preached to those dead spiritually is so they might live in the Spirit. We pray in the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit direct us.

Romans 8:9 But when the Spirit of Christ empowers your life, you are not dominated by the flesh but by the Spirit. And if you are not joined to the Spirit of the Anointed One, you are not of him.

¹⁰Now Christ lives his life in you! And even though your body may be dead because of the effects of sin, his life-giving Spirit imparts life to you because you are fully accepted by God.

¹¹Yes, God raised Jesus to life! And since God’s Spirit of Resurrection lives in you, he will also raise your dying body to life by the same Spirit that breathes life into you!

¹²So then, beloved ones, the flesh has no claims on us at all, and we have no further obligation to live in obedience to it.  TPT

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ROM 8:9 But you are not ruled by a flesh-consciousness, (law of works), but by a spirit-consciousness [faith], God’s Spirit is at home in you. Anyone who does not see themselves fully clothed and identified in the Spirit of Christ, cannot be themselves.

10 The revelation of Christ in you declares that your body is as good as dead to sin’s demands; sin cannot find any expression in a corpse. You co-died together with him. Yet your spirit is alive because of what righteousness reveals.

11 Our union with Christ further reveals that because the same Spirit that awakened the body of Jesus from the dead inhabits us, we equally participate in his resurrection. In the same act of authority whereby God raised Jesus from the dead, he co-restores your body to life by his indwelling Spirit.

12 We owe flesh nothing.  MIRROR

Romans 8:14 The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit.

¹⁵And you did not receive the “spirit of religious duty,” leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the “Spirit of full acceptance,” enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, “Beloved Father!”

¹⁶For the Holy Spirit makes God’s fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, “You are God’s beloved child!”

¹⁷And since we are his true children, we qualify to share all his treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that he is and all that he has. We will experience being co-glorified with him provided that we accept his sufferings as our own.  TPT

Ezek 37:1 THE HAND of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones.

2 And He caused me to pass round about among them, and behold, there were very many [human bones] in the open valley or plain, and behold, they were very dry.

3 And He said to me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, You know! 

4 Again He said to me, Prophesy to these bones and say to them, O you dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 

5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath and spirit to enter you, and you shall live;  AMP  

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Ezek 37:10  So I prophesied, just as he commanded me. The breath entered them and they came alive! They stood up on their feet, a huge army.

11 Then God said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Listen to what they’re saying: ‘Our bones are dried up, our hope is gone, there’s nothing left of us.’

12 “Therefore, prophesy. Tell them, ‘God, the Master, says: I’ll dig up your graves and bring you out alive — O my people! Then I’ll take you straight to the land of Israel.

1 Peter 4:6 For this is why the good news (the Gospel) was preached [in their lifetime] even to the dead, that though judged in fleshly bodies as men are, they might live in the spirit as God does.  AMP

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the spirit,  19 In which He went and preached to the spirits in prison,  AMP

LUKE 1:17 In the same prophetic spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before the face of the one he’s about to introduce! And turn the hearts of the fathers to the children! And will convert their unbelief into a seeing for themselves, by bringing them to an unveiled understanding of righteousness. Thus, preparing people’s minds for a seamless transition into everything that the prophets pointed to which is now accomplished in the Lord, in a face to face encounter. The meticulously detailed engineering of mankind’s salvation is about to be fully realized!  MIRROR

Eph 4:23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude],

24 And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.  AMP

JOHN 4:23The end of an era has arrived – the future is here! Whatever prophetic values were expressed in external devotional forms and rituals are now eclipsed in true spirit worship from within, face to face with the Father – acknowledging our genesis in him – this is his delight! The Father’s desire is the worshipper more than the worship!

24 God is Spirit and not a holy mountain or a sacred city with man-made shrines! Return to your Source – the Father is our true fountainhead!  MIRROR

EPH 6:18 Prayer is an ongoing conversation; praying in the spirit includes every form of prayer, whether it be a prayer of request or a prayer of thanksgiving, or worship or interceding for all to realize their saintly innocence. Oh, and remember, you do not have to do all the talking! Always be attentive to the voice of the Spirit.  MIRROR ▼▼▼

Ephesians 6:18 Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken word of God. Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers. TPT

REV 1:10  I was in a spiritual trance where I witnessed the Day of the Lord. I heard a loud voice behind me, clear and distinct, like the sound of a trumpet!. MIRROR

Rev 21:10 He took me away in the Spirit to an enormous, high mountain and showed me Holy Jerusalem descending out of Heaven from God,

11 resplendent in the bright glory of God. The City shimmered like a precious gem, light-filled, pulsing light. MSG

2 COR 3:17 The Lord and the Spirit are one; his Lordship sanctions our freedom. A freedom from rules chiselled in stone to the voice of our redeemed design echoing in our hearts!

18 Now, we all, with new understanding, see ourselves in him as in a mirror. The days of window-shopping are over! In him every face is unveiled. In gazing with wonder at the blueprint of God displayed in human form, we suddenly realize that we are looking into a mirror, where every feature of his image, articulated in Christ, is reflected within us! The Spirit of the Lord engineers this radical transformation; we are led from an inferior mind-set to the revealed endorsement of our authentic identity.   MIRROR ▼▼▼

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now, the “Lord” I’m referring to is the Holy Spirit, and wherever he is Lord, there is freedom.

¹⁸We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  TPT

Eph 3:16 I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit — not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength — 

17 that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, MSG

1 Corinthians 3:16 Don’t you realize that together you have become God’s inner sanctuary and that the Spirit of God makes his permanent home in you? TPT

Rom 8:26 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.

27 He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God.

28 That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. MSG

1 Cor 2:14 The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can’t receive the gifts of God’s Spirit. There’s no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit — God’s Spirit and our spirits in open communion.

15 Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God’s Spirit is doing, and can’t be judged by unspiritual critics.

16 Isaiah’s question, “Is there anyone around who knows God’s Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?” has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit.  MSG

1 John 4:13 By this we come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we abide (live and remain) in Him and He in us: because He has given (imparted) to us of His [Holy] Spirit.  AMP

Gal 5:25 Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.

26 That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.  MSG

Zech 4:5 The Messenger-Angel said, “Can’t you tell?” “No, sir,” I said. Then he said,

6 “This is God’s Message to Zerubbabel: ‘You can’t force these things. They only come about through my Spirit,’ says God-of-the-Angel-Armies. MSG

ISA 61:1 The mighty Spirit of Lord Yahweh’ is wrapped around me because Yahweh has anointed me, as a messenger to preach good news to the poor! He sent me to heal the wounds of the brokenhearted, Because of this, they will be known as Mighty Oaks of Righteousness, planted by Yahweh as a living display of his glory. to tell captives, “You are free, and to tell prisoners, “Be free from your darkness.

2 I am sent to announce a new season’ of Yahweh’s grace and a time of God’s recompense on his enemies, to comfort all who are in sorrow,

3 to strengthen those crushed by despair who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful bouquet’ in the place of ashes, the oil of bliss” instead of tears,” and the mantle of joyous praise instead of the spirit of heaviness. Because of this, they will be known as

Mighty Oaks of Righteousness, planted  by Yahweh as a living display of his glory.  TPT

DO NOT LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS 1-14-24 VIDEO LOWED EXPECTIONS

Many times we pray and ask God for help but it’s time goes by and we don’t see what we have asked for manifest yet. We have a tendency to lower our expectations. And we tell ourselves to be satisfied with something else. Expectations are a strong belief that something will happen or be in our future. Get a vision for what you’re expecting for yourself, your family, your future. a vision for good. Expect God to answer you when you call in prayer. And expected heart releases God‘s power in your life. Creation is waiting expectedly for the sons of God. All the heroes of faith never gave up, believing and expecting to see what God promised. Even waiting expectedly for the coming of the Lord.

Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold I am laying in Zion a Stone that will make men stumble, a Rock that will make them fall; but he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall not be put to shame nor be disappointed in his expectations.  AMP

Hab 2:2 And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run.

3 This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming — it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.  MSG

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Hab 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.  AMP

Isa 30:18 For this reason the Lord is still waiting to show his favor to you so he can show you his marvelous love. He waits to be gracious to you. He sits on his throne ready to show mercy to you. For Yahweh is the Lord of justice, faithful to keep his promises. Overwhelmed with bliss are all who will entwine their hearts in him, waiting for him to help them.

19  “Yes, the people of Zion who live in Jerusalem will weep no more. How compassionate he will be when he hears your cries for help! He will answer you when he hears your voice! TPT

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Isa 30:18 And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!  

19 O people who dwell in Zion at Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. AMP

Ps 31:24 Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!  AMP

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.

15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.  AMP

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1 John 5:14 And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening.

15 And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.  MSG

Mark 11:24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].   AMP

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Mark 11:24 That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything.  MSG

Prov 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous (the upright, in right standing with Him).  AMP

Jude 1:21 Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) — [which will bring you] unto life eternal.  AMP

Eph 3:20 God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.  MSG

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EPH 3:20 We celebrate Elohim who supercharges us powerfully from within. Our biggest request or most amazing dream cannot match the extravagant proportion of their thoughts towards us.  MIRROR

Psalms 130:5This is why I wait upon you, expecting your breakthrough, for your Word brings me hope. TPT

Lam 3:24 The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. 

25 The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s word]  AMP

Rom 8:19 The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next.  MSG

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ROM 8:19 Our lives now represent the one event every creature anticipates with held breath, standing on tip-toe as it were to witness the unveiling of the sons of God. Can you hear the drum-roll?  MIRROR

Lam 3:24 The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.

25 The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s word].  AMP

Heb 11:10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God. 

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LUKE 2:26 Simeon had a Holy Spirit encounter and knew that he would not die before he sees the Lord’s Anointed.

27 Prompted in the spirit, he arrived at the temple as the parents of the child Jesus, brought him in, as prescribed in their tradition and law.

28 And Simeon, holding the little child in his arms began to speak eloquent praises to God and said,

29 My Master, I am fully satisfied; you can now release your bond-servant in peace. I am holding your incarnate word in my arms!

30 And my eyes have seen your salvation!

31 The very salvation which prophetically and perfectly mirrors your face in every individual human life!  MIRROR

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LUKE 2:36 There was also a prophetess Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was already far advanced in her days and a widow for eighty four years. Her husband died when she was only twenty one and married for seven years.

37 For all these years, since her husband’s death, she ministered to the Lord continually in the temple with prayers and frequent fastings.

38 As Simeon concluded his prophetic song over the family, Anna mirror-echoed his words in a song of thanksgiving to God for the child. And from that day on, she told everyone in Jerusalem that their Darling, the anticipated Messiah-redeemer has come!  MIRROR

Hebrews 11:39 These were the true heroes, commended for their faith, yet they lived in hope without receiving the fullness of what was promised them.

⁴⁰But now God has invited us to live in something better than what they had—faith’s fullness! This is so that they could be brought to finished perfection alongside of us. TPT

JAMES 5:7 My friends, if you are the ones abused, remain passionate about the presence of the Lord. Consider how the farmer lays hold of the harvest by patiently letting the early and latter rain do its work in the soil to prepare its precious yield.

8 Let your hearts also be firm in patience while the closeness of the embrace of his presence sustains you.  

9 When circumstances squeeze you into tight spots, don’t make your problem your topic of conversation with one another (there is no relief in feeling sorry for yourselves) while the Lord is left standing outside behind closed doors. Let him be the judge of your situation.   MIRROR

Acts 3:2 And a man who was born cripple, just arrived. He would be carried every day and laid down at the temple-entrance known as, “‘Beautiful new season of Blossoming”. Here he would continually plead for pity, hoping to receive alms from those entering the temple

3 Just as Peter and John were about to ‘enter the temple, he stopped them and began to plead with them to give him something.

4 Peter and John fixed their eyes intently on him and said, “Look at us! The man met their gaze with eager expectation. My wealth does not exist in silver and gold! But what I do have, I ‘give to you since it equally belongs to you! In the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, walk.

7 He seized his right hand in a firm grip and raised him up from the ground; and immediately his crippled feet and ankles became strong.

8 He leaped to his feet like an artesian well bursting from the ground! He then began walking about freely and entered the temple with Peter and John, walking and bouncing around with joy, praising God continuously.

9 The man’s joy and exuberance caught the attention of everyone.  MIRROR

LUKE 12:40 Live your life in full anticipation for the son of man to make his appearance public, even at a time when no one would have thought it possible. MIRROR

LUKE 18:35 As they approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road; in eager expectation to receive something.

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LUKE 18:39 The ones leading the procession tried their best to shut him up, but he hollered even louder, crying, Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!  

40 Jesus stopped and ordered the blind man to be brought to him. When they presented him to Jesus, he asked him,

41 What do you desire from me? He answered, Lord, that I may see!

42 Jesus responded, Look up! Your faith has made you well. MIRROR

DO NOT LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS 1-14-24 VIDEO LOWED EXPECTIONS

Many times we pray and ask God for help but it’s time goes by and we don’t see what we have asked for manifest yet. We have a tendency to lower our expectations. And we tell ourselves to be satisfied with something else. Expectations are a strong belief that something will happen or be in our future. Get a vision for what you’re expecting for yourself, your family, your future. a vision for good. Expect God to answer you when you call in prayer. And expected heart releases God‘s power in your life. Creation is waiting expectedly for the sons of God. All the heroes of faith never gave up, believing and expecting to see what God promised. Even waiting expectedly for the coming of the Lord.

Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold I am laying in Zion a Stone that will make men stumble, a Rock that will make them fall; but he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall not be put to shame nor be disappointed in his expectations.  AMP

Hab 2:2 And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run.

3 This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming — it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.  MSG

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Hab 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.  AMP

Isa 30:18 For this reason the Lord is still waiting to show his favor to you so he can show you his marvelous love. He waits to be gracious to you. He sits on his throne ready to show mercy to you. For Yahweh is the Lord of justice, faithful to keep his promises. Overwhelmed with bliss are all who will entwine their hearts in him, waiting for him to help them.

19  “Yes, the people of Zion who live in Jerusalem will weep no more. How compassionate he will be when he hears your cries for help! He will answer you when he hears your voice! TPT

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Isa 30:18 And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!  

19 O people who dwell in Zion at Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. AMP

Ps 31:24 Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!  AMP

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.

15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.  AMP

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1 John 5:14 And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening.

15 And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.  MSG

Mark 11:24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].   AMP

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Mark 11:24 That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything.  MSG

Prov 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous (the upright, in right standing with Him).  AMP

Jude 1:21 Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) — [which will bring you] unto life eternal.  AMP

Eph 3:20 God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.  MSG

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EPH 3:20 We celebrate Elohim who supercharges us powerfully from within. Our biggest request or most amazing dream cannot match the extravagant proportion of their thoughts towards us.  MIRROR

Psalms 130:5This is why I wait upon you, expecting your breakthrough, for your Word brings me hope. TPT

Lam 3:24 The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. 

25 The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s word]  AMP

Rom 8:19 The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next.  MSG

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ROM 8:19 Our lives now represent the one event every creature anticipates with held breath, standing on tip-toe as it were to witness the unveiling of the sons of God. Can you hear the drum-roll?  MIRROR

Lam 3:24 The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.

25 The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s word].  AMP

Heb 11:10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God. 

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LUKE 2:26 Simeon had a Holy Spirit encounter and knew that he would not die before he sees the Lord’s Anointed.

27 Prompted in the spirit, he arrived at the temple as the parents of the child Jesus, brought him in, as prescribed in their tradition and law.

28 And Simeon, holding the little child in his arms began to speak eloquent praises to God and said,

29 My Master, I am fully satisfied; you can now release your bond-servant in peace. I am holding your incarnate word in my arms!

30 And my eyes have seen your salvation!

31 The very salvation which prophetically and perfectly mirrors your face in every individual human life!  MIRROR

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LUKE 2:36 There was also a prophetess Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was already far advanced in her days and a widow for eighty four years. Her husband died when she was only twenty one and married for seven years.

37 For all these years, since her husband’s death, she ministered to the Lord continually in the temple with prayers and frequent fastings.

38 As Simeon concluded his prophetic song over the family, Anna mirror-echoed his words in a song of thanksgiving to God for the child. And from that day on, she told everyone in Jerusalem that their Darling, the anticipated Messiah-redeemer has come!  MIRROR

Hebrews 11:39 These were the true heroes, commended for their faith, yet they lived in hope without receiving the fullness of what was promised them.

⁴⁰But now God has invited us to live in something better than what they had—faith’s fullness! This is so that they could be brought to finished perfection alongside of us. TPT

JAMES 5:7 My friends, if you are the ones abused, remain passionate about the presence of the Lord. Consider how the farmer lays hold of the harvest by patiently letting the early and latter rain do its work in the soil to prepare its precious yield.

8 Let your hearts also be firm in patience while the closeness of the embrace of his presence sustains you.  

9 When circumstances squeeze you into tight spots, don’t make your problem your topic of conversation with one another (there is no relief in feeling sorry for yourselves) while the Lord is left standing outside behind closed doors. Let him be the judge of your situation.   MIRROR

Acts 3:2 And a man who was born cripple, just arrived. He would be carried every day and laid down at the temple-entrance known as, “‘Beautiful new season of Blossoming”. Here he would continually plead for pity, hoping to receive alms from those entering the temple

3 Just as Peter and John were about to ‘enter the temple, he stopped them and began to plead with them to give him something.

4 Peter and John fixed their eyes intently on him and said, “Look at us! The man met their gaze with eager expectation. My wealth does not exist in silver and gold! But what I do have, I ‘give to you since it equally belongs to you! In the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, walk.

7 He seized his right hand in a firm grip and raised him up from the ground; and immediately his crippled feet and ankles became strong.

8 He leaped to his feet like an artesian well bursting from the ground! He then began walking about freely and entered the temple with Peter and John, walking and bouncing around with joy, praising God continuously.

9 The man’s joy and exuberance caught the attention of everyone.  MIRROR

LUKE 12:40 Live your life in full anticipation for the son of man to make his appearance public, even at a time when no one would have thought it possible. MIRROR

LUKE 18:35 As they approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road; in eager expectation to receive something.

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LUKE 18:39 The ones leading the procession tried their best to shut him up, but he hollered even louder, crying, Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!  

40 Jesus stopped and ordered the blind man to be brought to him. When they presented him to Jesus, he asked him,

41 What do you desire from me? He answered, Lord, that I may see!

42 Jesus responded, Look up! Your faith has made you well. MIRROR

A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (With an inheritance that comes from God) VIDEO 1-11-24

 CROWN- Symbolic of a victory, kingly authority, position, and power. A circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch as a symbol of authority. Crown is defined as royalty, or an award, or the highest part of something. Its placement on one’s head indicated that one was set apart for a particular task or calling. In the case of the king it also reflected his exalted position. It indicated the presence of honor.  We have a heavenly reward. A crown is waiting for those who fight the good fight of faith to finish the race. Jesus exchanged crowns with us. It is the crown of righteousness that shows us we have an inheritance that comes from God. God is our employer who gives us our inheritance. CROWN HOLINESS,REJOICING, RIGHTEOUSNESS, SOUL WINNING, LIFE, INCORRUPT, GLORY, PROTECTION, SEPARATION,

2 TIMOTHY 4:7 Like a champion athlete I have run my race and completed the course; I have carefully attended to the faith!  

8 My wreath of righteousness awaits me as testimony to the Lord’s righteous judgment. He will crown me in that day, the moment I step out of this body. I will not be the only one receiving a wreath of honor; everyone, loving the brilliance of his appearing will be jointly crowned!  MIRROR

Isa 28:5 In that day, Lord Yahweh, Commander of Angel Armies, will be a crown of glory” and a diadem of beauty for the remnant of his people. TPT

Isa 62:3 You will be a beautiful crown held high in the hand of Yahweh a royal crown’ of splendor held in the open palm of your God! TPT

Mal 3:16 Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name.

17 And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.  AMP

Zech 9:16 And the Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of His people, for they shall be as the [precious] jewels of a crown, lifted high over and shining glitteringly upon His land.  AMP

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Zech 9:16 Their God will save the day. He’ll rescue them. They’ll become like sheep, gentle and soft, Or like gemstones in a crown, catching all the colors of the sun. MSG

James 1:18 He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures. MSG

Phil 4:1 THEREFORE, MY brethren, whom I love and yearn to see, my delight and crown (wreath of victory), thus stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.  AMP

JOHN 19:2 The soldiers plaited a crown of thorns and placed it on his head; they also threw a purple garment over him.

3 Then they positioned themselves in front of him and scorned him, saying, “Hail King of the Jews!” While they continued to slap him in the face.   MIRROR

GAL 3:13 Yet, Christ paid the full price to set us free from the curse of the law. He absorbed the curse completely as he became a curse in our place. For it is written: “Everyone who is hung upon a tree is cursed.”

14 Jesus Christ dissolved the curse from our lives, so that in him all the blessings of Abraham can be poured out upon gentiles. And now through faith we receive the promised Holy Spirit who lives in us.  TPT

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GAL 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse as consequence of our failure to keep the law. In his cross he concentrated the total curse of the human race upon himself. In his abandoning himself to death, he absorbed and dissolved the horror of the curse in his own person. Scripture declares that anyone hanging on a tree embodies the curse.  

14 This act of Christ released the blessing of Abraham upon the Gentiles! Now we are free to receive the blessing of the Spirit.  MIRROR

1 Cor 9:24 Do you remember how, on a racing-track, every competitor runs, but only one wins the prize? Well, you ought to run with your minds fixed on winning the prize! Every competitor in athletic events goes into serious training. Athletes will take tremendous pains – for a fading crown of leaves. But our contest is for an eternal crown that will never fade.  PHILLIPS

JAMES 1:12 Blessed is the one who does not lose their footing when temptation strikes; they are crowned the victor; their lives prove the currency and character of their design. The verdict: No contradiction can distract from the love of the Lord. MIRROR

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James 1:12 Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.  AMP

1 Peter 5:4 And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror’s crown of glory. AMP

1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,

7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully AMP

Rev 2:10 “Fear nothing in the things you’re about to suffer — but stay on guard! Fear nothing! The Devil is about to throw you in jail for a time of testing — ten days. It won’t last forever. “Don’t quit, even if it costs you your life. Stay there believing. I have a Life-Crown sized and ready for you.  MSG

REV 3:11 Do not let tough times make me seem distant from you! I am at hand – see my nearness, not my absence. And don’t let temporal setbacks diminish your own authority either! Remember that you call the shots; you wear the crown. My crown endorses your crown.  MIRROR

Eph 1:11 In Him we also were made [God’s] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will,

12 So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!

13 In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.

14 That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it — to the praise of His glory.  AMP 

Eph 1:18 your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians,

19 oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him — endless energy, boundless strength! MSG

COL 1:12 We are grateful to the Father who qualified us to participate in the complete portion of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  

13 He rescued us from the dominion of darkness and relocated us into the kingdom where the love of his Son rules.  MIRROR

COL 3:23 Whatever you do, picture Christ in the person you are doing it for; it makes such a difference when you put your heart into it.

24 God is no-one’s debtor; you are employed under the Lordship of Christ.  MIRROR

1 Peter 1:4  including a future in heaven — and the future starts now!

5 God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all — life healed and whole.

6 I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. MSG

Rev 21:7 He who is victorious shall inherit all these things, and I will be God to him and he shall be My son.  AMP

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REV 21:7 The conquering one inherits all things and I will be God to him and he will be my son.   MIRROR

Lev 21:12 Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary nor desecrate or make ceremonially unclean the sanctuary of his God, for the crown or consecration of the anointing oil of his God is upon him. I am the Lord.  AMP

Rev 3:11  I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one may rob you and deprive you of your crown.  AMP

1 PET 2:9 You are proof of the authentic generation; you give testimony to the original idea of the royalty of true priesthood [the order of Melchizedek;] you are a perfect prototype of the mass of the human race. You are the generation of people who exhibit the conclusion of the prophetic, poetic thought of God that has come full circle. You publish the excellence of his elevation and display that your authentic identity has been rescued out of obscurity and brought into his spectacular light!

10 You were once a people without identity, but have now discovered the integrity of your original identity in God; where there was no mercy  you have now received much mercy!

11 It does not matter how appealing the system of the flesh-glory seems, it can never define or fulfill you; do not allow yourself to be lured into its strategies and sway! You are dearly loved! I urge you from within this place of our joint oneness to remain like pilgrims and strangers to the subtleties of a world-system that is foreign to your design. Avoid any influence that does not resonate with your innocence.

12 The beautiful way in which you conduct yourselves in the company of people who are not familiar with your beliefs, will attract their attention to the resonance of their hearts as they witness for themselves God’s intentions as evidenced in your good works. This will be as clear as daylight to them and will completely disarm the rumors that they have heard about you. MIRROR

Lk 22:29 And as My Father has appointed a kingdom and conferred it on Me, so do I confer on you [the privilege and decree],

What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? 1-7-24 VIDEO HS HEIDI 2

Jesus, last few words to his disciples before he went into heaven were, “wait till you received power from on high“. Be completely filled with the Holy Spirit is what is needed to demonstrate the kingdom of God. This power was to be a visible manifestation of their lives for all to see. I believe we will see the manifestation of the Holy Spirit coming upon people like we see in the Bible. We have hardly touched the surface of what being filled with the Holy Spirit means. He’s not like a water faucet that you turn off. There is an importance of honoring the Holy Spirit.   He is the spirit of truth to deny him as God would be blasphemy. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is refusing to believe what he says. Holy Spirit tells us what to say when we need to say it.  Peter denied Jesus three times but when he’s filled with the Holy Spirit, he became a different man.

Luke 24:49  What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”  MSG

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Luke 24:49 And behold, I will send forth upon you what My Father has promised; but remain in the city [Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from on high.  AMP

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ROM 8:9 But you are not ruled by a flesh-consciousness, (law of works), but by a spirit-consciousness [faith], God’s Spirit is at home in you. Anyone who does not see themselves fully clothed and identified in the Spirit of Christ, cannot be themselves.  MIRROR

ROM 8:4 So now every righteous requirement of the law can be fulfilled through the Anointed One living his life in us. And we are free to live, not according to our flesh, but by the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit!

⁵ Those who are motivated by the flesh only pursue what benefits themselves. But those who live by the impulses of the Holy Spirit are motivated to pursue spiritual realities.

6 For the sense and reason of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace.TPT

GAL 5:18 Let me emphasize this: As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life.   TPT

JOHN 14:26 The Holy Spirit is about to become your close companion, sent by my Father in my name to represent me, to teach you all things and remind you of everything that I have spoken to you. Thus my word will continue to find a voice in you.  MIRROR

Luke 1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb leaped. She was filled with the Holy Spirit,

42 and sang out exuberantly, You’re so blessed among women, and the babe in your womb, also blessed!   MSG

LUKE 3:22 And here, in this open, heavenly dimension, the Holy Spirit alighted upon Jesus in a visible form – like a dove – and the Father’s voice was clearly heard! My Son, you are my beloved one. In you rests my most glorious delight!  MIRROR

LUKE 4:1 And Jesus, fully infused and prompted by Holy Spirit, intentionally turns back, away from the river Jordan into the wilderness and embarks on a forty day fast in order to victoriously face the same diabolic scrutiny that snared humanity in Adam and Eve, and later dramatically displayed in Israel’s forty year detour in the wilderness of their unbelief.  MIRROR

Luke 11:13 If imperfect parents know how to lovingly take care of their children and give them what they need, how much more will the perfect heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit’s fullness when his children ask him.”

¹⁴One day a crowd gathered around Jesus, and among them was a man who was mute. Jesus drove out of the man the spirit that made him unable to speak. When the demon left him, the mute man’s tongue was loosed and immediately he was able to speak. The stunned crowd saw it all and marveled in amazement over this miracle!  TPT

LUKE 12:10 To err in one’s conclusion concerning the son of man is not the end of the road; they too will be restored to their true “I am-ness”!  However, to reach a blasphemous conclusion concerning the Holy Spirit is stalemate! If the Holy Spirit is taken out of the equation who can possibly bring someone to discover the truth about themselves in this age?  MIRROR

LUKE 12:11 When you’re dragged into the synagogues to appear before their leaders and judges do not bother yourselves to anxiously try and figure out what to say and how to defend yourselves!

12 Holy Spirit will always be your timely teacher so you may know exactly how to respond.  MIRROR

JOHN 20:22 Having said this he 1breathed an effusion of Spirit upon them and Acts 4:8 With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people,

9 if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing,

10 I’ll be completely frank with you — we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole.

11 Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.”  MSG

 23 “If you forgive someone’s sins, they are gone and forgotten. If you don’t 2let go, then you are stuck with them.”  MIRROR

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John 20:22 Then, taking a deep breath, he blew on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

²³I send you to preach the forgiveness of sins—and people’s sins will be forgiven. But if you don’t proclaim the forgiveness of their sins, they will remain guilty.”  TPT

Acts 2:29 “Dear friends, let me be completely frank with you. Our ancestor David is dead and buried — his tomb is in plain sight today.

30 But being also a prophet and knowing that God had solemnly sworn that a descendant of his would rule his kingdom,

31 seeing far ahead, he talked of the resurrection of the Messiah — ‘no trip to Hades, no stench of death.’

32 This Jesus, God raised up. And every one of us here is a witness to it.

33 Then, raised to the heights at the right hand of God and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out the Spirit he had just received. That is what you see and hear. MSG

Acts 2:38 Peter said, “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39 The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away — whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.”

40 He went on in this vein for a long time, urging them over and over, “Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!”

41 That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up.   MSG

 Acts 9:31 So the church throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was edified [growing in wisdom, virtue, and piety] and walking in the respect and reverential fear of the Lord and in the consolation and exhortation of the Holy Spirit, continued to increase and was multiplied. AMP

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Acts 9:31 Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country — Judea, Samaria, Galilee — the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully. MSG

Acts 10:38 How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.  AMP

Acts 11:15  “So I started in, talking. Before I’d spoken half a dozen sentences, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as he did on us the first time.

16 I remembered Jesus’ words: ‘John baptized with water; you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ MSG

Acts 2:4 And everyone was infused and permeated in Holy Spirit and spontaneously began to speak in a language they have never learned before. They uttered the exact words the Spirit prompted within them. TPT

Acts 7:55 However, Stephen ‘found his being fully permeated in Holy Spirit, engaging his full attention in the heavenly dimension; where he saw the majestic glory of God, with Jesus “having taken his permanent stand as the executive authority of the right hand of God. TPT

Acts 9:17 So, Ananias went, found the house and the blind man. He promptly laid his hands on him and said, Saul, Brother, The Lord Jesus who appeared to you on your way here, sent me, in order that you may look up and be permeated in Holy Spirit.  

Acts 11:24 Benevolent Barnabas, a man beaming goodness, permeated with Holy Spirit and faith, impacted large crowds to be glued to the Lord. TPT

1 COR 2:4 The message I preached and how I preached it was not an attempt to sway you with persuasive arguments but to prove to you the almighty power of God’s Holy Spirit.   TPT

ROM 5:5 This kind of hope does not disappoint; the gift of the Holy Spirit completes our every expectation and ignites the love of God within us like an artesian well.   

Rom 8:26 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.

27 He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. MSG

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Romans 8:26 And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.

²⁷God, the searcher of the heart, knows fully our longings, yet he also understands the desires of the Spirit, because the Holy Spirit passionately pleads before God for us, his holy ones, in perfect harmony with God’s plan and our destiny. TPT

1 COR 2:12 12 The Spirit proceeding from God unveils the gifts of his generosity. He has graced us with understanding so that we may know what he has always had in mind for us; this is so unlike the secular spirit of the wisdom of the world where everything has a price tag!  MIRROR

Ephesians 5:18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which is rebellion; instead be filled continually with the Holy Spirit.  TPT

What is reconciliation? 1-5-24 VIDEO RECONCILED BY JOHN B2222

We have been reconciled back to God through Christ. We’ve been totally restored back to the Father. This was an amazing thing to bring back mankind into harmony with God. Reconciliation is a restoration of friendly relationships. God the Father has always been a family man. He longed to be reconciled to mankind bringing us back to the family. Reconciliation also means as we have been restored and forgiven we must now restore those who have hurt us. Jesus reconciles Peter back into the fellowship. The cross is symbol forgiveness to all mankind. Christ reconciled us to through the cross. 

Rom 3:25 Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment.

26 It was to demonstrate and prove at the present time (in the now season) that He Himself is righteous and that He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has [true] faith in Jesus.  AMP

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ROM 3:25 Jesus exhibits God’s mercy. In his blood conciliation God’s faith persuades mankind of his righteousness and the fact that he has brought closure to the historic record of their sins. Jesus is the unveiling of the Father’s heart towards us.  

26 All along God refused to let go of mankind. At this very moment God’s act of righteousness is pointing them to the evidence of their innocence, with Jesus as the fountainhead of faith.  MIRROR

Rom 5:1 By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us — set us right with him, make us fit for him — we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus.

2 And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand — out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.  MSG

Ephesians 2:4 But God still loved us with such great love. He is so rich in compassion and mercy.

⁵Even when we were dead and doomed in our many sins, he united us into the very life of Christ and saved us by his wonderful grace!

⁶He raised us up with Christ the exalted One, and we ascended with him into the glorious perfection and authority of the heavenly realm, for we are now co-seated as one with Christ!

⁷Throughout the coming ages we will be the visible display of the infinite riches of his grace and kindness, which was showered upon us in Jesus Christ.  TPT

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Eph 2:4 But God — so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us,

5 Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation).

6 And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

7 He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.  AMP

Ephesians 2:10 We have become his poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it! TPT

EPH 3:14 Overwhelmed by what grace communicates, I bow my knees in awe before the Father.

15 Every family in heaven and on earth originates in him; his is mankind’s family name and he remains the authentic identity of every nation.

16 I desire for you to realize what the Father has always envisaged for you, so that you may know the magnitude of his intent and be dynamically reinforced in your inner being by the Spirit of God.  MIRROR ENVISAGED-A MENTAL IMAGE

Rom 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more [certain], now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved (daily delivered from sin’s dominion) through His [resurrection] life.

11 Not only so, but we also rejoice and exultingly glory in God [in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received and enjoy [our] reconciliation.  AMP

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ROM 5:10 Our hostility and indifference towards God did not reduce his love for us; he saw equal value in us when he exchanged the life of his Son for ours. Now that the act of reconciliation is complete, his life in us saves us from the gutter-most to the uttermost.  

5:11 Thus, our joyful boasting in God continues; Jesus Christ has made reconciliation a reality. MIRROR

2 Cor 5:18 All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. 19 God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. 20 We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.

21 How? you say. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.  MSG

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2 Cor 5:18 And God has made all things new, and reconciledus to himself, and given us the ministry of reconciling others to God.

¹⁹ In other words, it was through the Anointed One that God was shepherding the world, not even keeping records of their transgressions, and he has entrusted to us the ministry of opening the door of reconciliation to God

20 We are ambassadorsof the Anointed One who carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleadingwith them directly through our lips. So we tenderly plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Turn back to God and be reconciled to him.”   TPT

Heb 9:12 He went once for all into the [Holy of] Holies [of heaven], not by virtue of the blood of goats and calves [by which to make reconciliation between God and man], but His own blood, having found and secured a complete redemption (an everlasting release for us).  AMP

COL 1:20 He initiated the reconciliation of all things to himself. Through the blood of the cross God restored the original harmony. His reign of peace now extends to every visible thing upon the earth as well as those invisible things which are in the heavenly realm.

21 Your indifferent mindset alienated you from God into a lifestyle of annoyances, hardships, and labors. Yet he has now fully reconciled and restored you to your original design.   

22 He accomplished this in dying our death in a human body; he fully represented us in order to fully present us again in blameless innocence, face-to-face with God; with no sense of guilt, suspicion, regret, or accusation; all charges against us are officially cancelled.  MIRROR

JOHN 21:15 After they had their breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon of Jonah, do you agape me more than any of the others?” He answered, “Surely Lord, you see how fond I am of you!” He said to him, “Show your love for me by feeding my little lambs.”  

16 He asked a second time, “Simon of Jonah, do you agape me?” He answered, “Of course Lord, you know that you are my best friend.” He said, “Then shepherd my sheep.”

17 He asked him a third time, “Simon of Jonah, are you very fond of me?” [phileo] By now Peter was feeling a little uncomfortable that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you dearly love me?” He answered him, “Lord I cannot hide anything from you, and you know very well how fond I am of you!” And Jesus said to him, “Then nourish my sheep.”

MIRROR

Eph 1:10 a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.

11 It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living,

12 part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. MSG

Ephesians 2:14  Our reconciling “Peace” is Jesus! He has made Jew and non-Jew one in Christ. By dying as our sacrifice, he has broken down every wall of prejudice that separated us and has now made us equal through our union with Christ.

¹⁵Ethnic hatred has been dissolved by the crucifixion of his precious body on the cross. The legal code that stood condemning every one of us has now been repealed by his command. His triune essence has made peace between us by starting over—forming one new race of humanity, Jews and non-Jews fused together in himself!

¹⁶Two have now become one, and we live restored to God and reconciled in the body of Christ. Through his crucifixion, hatred died.

¹⁷For the Messiah has come to preach this sweet message of peace to you, the ones who were distant, and to those who are near.  TPT

Matt 5:23 So if when you are offering your gift at the altar you there remember that your brother has any [grievance] against you,

24 Leave your gift at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then come back and present your gift.  AMP

 Rom 12:18 As far as your responsibility goes, live at peace with everyone. PHILLIPS

Gal 6:14 For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate.

15 Can’t you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do — submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life!

16 All who walk by this standard are the true Israel of God — his chosen people. Peace and mercy on them!

17 Quite frankly, I don’t want to be bothered anymore by these disputes. I have far more important things to do — the serious living of this faith. I bear in my body scars from my service to Jesus.  MSG

2024 YEAR OF THE RESTORATION OF THINGS HOPED FOR 12-31- 23

Prov 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. NLT

Rom 5:5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. NLT

Romans 8:24 For what we already experience confirms our hope and continues to fuel our expectation for what we still cannot see. In the final visible completeness of the harvest, hope has fulfilled its function.

25 In the meantime our expectation takes us beyond visual confirmation into a place of patient contentment.

26 The Spirit also sighs within us with words too deep for articulation, assisting us in our prayers when we struggle to know how to pray properly. When we feel restricted in our flesh, he supersedes our clumsy efforts and hits bulls-eye every time.  Mirror

Ps 37:12 Bad guys have it in for the good guys, obsessed with doing them in.

13 But God isn’t losing any sleep; to him they’re a joke with no punch line. MSG

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Psalms 37:12 Let the wicked keep plotting against the godly with all their sneers and arrogant jeers.

¹³God laughs at the wicked and their plans, for he knows their day is coming!  TPT

1 Cor 15:19  If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot. MSG

1 COR 15:19 If our hope in Christ was restricted to only benefit us in this life then imagine the severity of our disappointment if it all had to come to an abrupt end when we died.   MIRROR

JOHN 3:16 The entire cosmos is the object of God’s affection! And he is not about to abandon his creation – the gift of his Son is for mankind to realize their origin in him who mirrors their authentic birth – begotten not of flesh but of the Father!   

17 God has no intention to condemn anyone – he sent his Son, not to be the Judge but the Savior of the world.  MIRROR

Jer 29:7 And seek (inquire for, require, and request) the peace and welfare of the city to which I have caused you to be carried away captive; and pray to the Lord for it, for in the welfare of [the city in which you live] you will have welfare.  AMP

Ps 133:1 How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!

2 It’s like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron’s beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.

3 It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.  MSG

Matt 10:7  Tell them that the kingdom is here.

8 Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.

9 “Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. 10 You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.  MSG

Matt 5:14  “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.

15 If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. 16 Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand — shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. MSG

Eph 2:14 It is in him that we are one and at peace with everyone; he dissolved every definition of division.  Mirror

Psalms 104:4 You make your messengers into winds of the Spirit, and all your ministers become flames of fire.  TPT

GOD’S FAVOR 12-29-23 VIDEO UNDESERVED FAVOR 2

God‘s favor is His personal act of kindness towards us. It is not because of what we have done. It is God‘s willingness to cause us to walk in our identity. Supernatural favor came to Ruth into Esther. They were favored so that their destiny would be completed.

Moses talk to God because he was favored and he like us had a destiny. In spite of the world circumstances that came against them, they all achieve their destiny and were marked by God‘s favor. Grace is Gods unlimited favor. Jesus is what God’s favor looks like.

Ex 3:21 And I will give this people favor and respect in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be that when you go, you shall not go empty-handed.  AMP

Ex 12:36 God saw to it that the Egyptians liked the people and so readily gave them what they asked for. Oh yes! They picked those Egyptians clean. MSG

Ex 33:12-16 Moses said to God, “Look, you tell me, ‘Lead this people,’ but you don’t let me know whom you’re going to send with me. You tell me, ‘I know you well and you are special to me.’

13 If I am so special to you, let me in on your plans. That way, I will continue being special to you. Don’t forget, this is your people, your responsibility.”

14 God said, “My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.”

15 Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now.

16 How else will it be known that you’re with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we’re special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?”  MSG

Ruth 2:10 She dropped to her knees, then bowed her face to the ground. “How does this happen that you should pick me out and treat me so kindly — me, a foreigner?”   MSG

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Ruth 2:13  She said, “Oh sir, such grace, such kindness — I don’t deserve it. You’ve touched my heart, treated me like one of your own. And I don’t even belong here!”  MSG

Est 7:3 Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your eyes, O King, and if it please the king, give me my life, and give my people their lives. 

4 “We’ve been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed — sold to be massacred, eliminated. If we had just been sold off into slavery, I wouldn’t even have brought it up; our troubles wouldn’t have been worth bothering the king over.”

5 King Xerxes exploded, “Who? Where is he? This is monstrous!” 

6 “An enemy. An adversary. This evil Haman,” said Esther. Haman was terror-stricken before the king and queen. 

7 The king, raging, left his wine and stalked out into the palace garden.

Ps 89:17 You are their strength. What glory! Our power is based on your favor! TLB

Job 10:12 You have granted me life and favor, and Your providence has preserved my spirit.  AMP

Psalms 30:5 I’ve learned that his anger lasts for a moment, but his loving favor lasts a lifetime! We may weep through the night, but at daybreak it will turn into shouts of ecstatic joy.  TPT

Ps 41:11 By this I know that You favor and delight in me, because my enemy does not triumph over me.  AMP

Ps 84:11 For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.  AMP

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Psalms 84:11 For the Lord God is brighter than the brilliance of a sunrise! Wrapping himself around me like a shield, he is so generous with his gifts of grace and glory.

Those who walk along his paths with integrity will never lack one thing they need, for he provides it all!  TPT

Proverbs 11:11 The blessing of favor resting upon the righteous influences a city to lift it higher, but wicked leaders tear it apart by their words.  TPT

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Prov 11:11 By the blessing of the influence of the upright and God’s favor [because of them] the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.  AMP

Isa 30:18 “For this reason the Lord is still waiting to show his favor to you so he can show you his marvelous love. He waits to be gracious to you. He sits on his throne ready to show mercy to you.” For Yahweh is the Lord of justice, faithful to keep his promises. Overwhelmed with bliss are all who will entwine their hearts in him, waiting for him to help them. TPT

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Isa 30:18  And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!  AMP

Hos 10:12 Sow for yourselves according to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); reap according to mercy and loving-kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you.  AMP

Matt 5:5 Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous — with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth! 

6 Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! 

7 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous — with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!

8 Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous — possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!   AMP

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Matthew 5:5 “What blessing comes to you when gentleness lives in you! For you will inherit the earth.

⁶“How enriched you are when you crave righteousness! For you will be satisfied.

⁷“How blessed you are when you demonstrate tender mercy! For tender mercy will be demonstrated to you.

⁸“What bliss you experience when your heart is pure! For then your eyes will open to see more and more of God. TPT

LUKE 1:30 The Messenger spoke to her and immediately re-assured her to have no fear – “God is head over heels in love with you! This is your moment to discover how favored you have always been!  MIRROR

LUKE 2:40 The child grew up to be a healthy, vigorous little boy, with an uncluttered mind full of wisdom – living aware of the constant influence of God’s favor upon him.  MIRROR

JOHN 1:14 Suddenly the invisible, eternal Word takes on visible form – the Incarnation, on display in a flesh and blood Person, as in a mirror! In him, and now confirmed in us! The most accurate tangible exhibit of God’s eternal thought finds expression in human life! The Word became a human being; we are his address; he resides in us! He captivates our gaze! The glory we see there is not a religious replica; he is the authentic begotten Son.  MIRROR

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John 1:14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.  AMP

John 1:16 For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.

17 For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ.  AMP

John 1:18 No one ever before gazed upon the full splendor of God except his uniquely beloved Son, who is cherished by the Father and held close to his heart. Now that he has come to us, he has unfolded the full explanation of who God truly is!  TPT

Rom 5:2 Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.  AMP

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Rom 5:2 And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand — out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.  MSG

Rom 15:15  So, my dear friends, don’t take my rather bold and blunt language as criticism. It’s not criticism. I’m simply underlining how very much I need your help in carrying out this highly focused assignment God gave me,

16 this priestly and gospel work of serving the spiritual needs of the non-Jewish outsiders so they can be presented as an acceptable offering to God, made whole and holy by God’s Holy Spirit.  MSG

2 Cor 5:18 All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other.

19 God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing.

20 We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.  MSG

Isa 61:2  To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,  AMP

 2 COR 6:2  For he says, I listened to you at the time of my favor. And the day when you needed salvation, I came to your aid. So can’t you see? Now is the time to respond to his favor! Now is the day of salvation!  TPT

MERRY CHRISTMAS 12-24-23  VIDEO THE SKIT GUYS OTHER SHEPHARD

We come together this morning, to celebrate the birth of Jesus. To give our hearts to Him and proclaim that He is king and Lord. It happened in Bethlehem, not far from where the shepherds are watching over their sheep: Jesus is born. The great Shepherd. In Bethlehem, a small city famous for David would now be the birth place to Jesus Christ. The Jews knew for Christ was to be born. The shepherds were watching over their sheep, knew the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. They knew only that the Messiah could free them from bondage. That he would be the perfect lamb. These shepherds saw the prophecy fulfilled. They witnessed what they had been waiting to  come to pass. The great shepherd was born. The Magi brought gifts. The shepherds. and the wiseman, after many years of waiting, saw the prophecy of the Messiah‘s birth. come to pass. Joy and happiness must’ve filled them as they saw the sky bright with light. But for us today, we remember that unto us the child, the baby has been given. He changed everything in a very real way.  So the angels saying, “glory to God, in the highest peace to all men and women on earth”. That still rings true. His birthday is our birthday too.

Psalms 72:9 Desert nomads are bowing at his feet; every enemy is falling facedown, biting the dust!

¹⁰Distant kings will surrender and come with their gifts from every continent and coastland; they will offer their tribute to you.

¹¹O King of kings, they will all bow before you. O King of kings, every nation will one day serve you. 

12-13 He will care for the needy and neglected when they cry to him for help.

The humble and helpless will know his kindness, for with a father’s compassion he will save their souls.

¹⁴They will be rescued from tyranny and torture, for their lifeblood is precious in his eyes.

¹⁵Long live this King! May the wealth of the world be laid before him. May there be ceaseless praise and prayer to him. May all the blessing be brought to him.  TPT

Mic 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, you are little to be among the clans of Judah; [yet] out of you shall One come forth for Me Who is to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from ancient days (eternity).  AMP

Mic 5:2 But you, Bethlehem, David’s country, the runt of the litter — From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule Israel. He’ll be no upstart, no pretender. His family tree is ancient and distinguished. MSG

Mic 5:4 He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God’s strength, centered in the majesty of God-Revealed. And the people will have a good and safe home, for the whole world will hold him in respect — Peacemaker of the world!   MSG

Matt 2:3 When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified — and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well.

4 Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

5 They told him, “Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:

6 It’s you, Bethlehem, in Judah’s land, no longer bringing up the rear. From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel.”  MSG

Isa 9:6 For a child has been born — for us! the gift of a son — for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.

7 His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this. MSG Author of eternity, and by whom the Church and every member thereof shall be preserved forever, and have immortal life.

1 Cor 15:47  The first man [was] from out of earth, made of dust (earthly-minded); the second Man [is] the Lord from out of heaven.   AMP

Luke 2:8 That night, in a fieldnear Bethlehem, there were shepherds watching over their flocks.

⁹ Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified!

¹⁰ But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid. For I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere!

¹¹ For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah.

12 You will recognize him by this miracle sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a feeding trough!”

¹³ Then all at once, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven!  For there is peaceand a good hopegiven to the sons of men.”

¹⁵ When the choir of angels disappeared back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go! Let’s hurry and find this Wordthat is born in Bethlehem and see for ourselves what the Lord has revealed to us.”  

¹⁶So they hurried off and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in a feeding trough.

17-18Everyone who heard the shepherds’ story was astonished by what they were told.

TPT

 VIDEO CHRISTMAS CAROLS MICHAEL JR