Lamentations 3:21-23 – “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: ²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; ³ they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

It is not an infrequent experience, but the Lord rattled my cage powerfully as I read and prayed.   He took me to the Book of Jeremiah’s Lamentations, Chapter 3.  If you read it, I believe you will see the message that probably resonates with every person’s heart and speaks to a mindset we all have likely had or have.

Jeremiah gave a lengthy list of troubles.   He lamented that God had abandoned him, leaving him to blow like a rag in the wind.  He saw no answers, only troubles.

Then, in Lamentations 3:21-23, the light comes on for the prophet.  He called to his remembrance something that restored his Hope in God!  He saw and refreshed in his heart that God’s kindness Never ceases, and His mercies Never fail.  Wow!  What a reminder.

He continued, “Those are new or renewed Every Morning!”   He rehearsed in his heart and mind the Great Faithfulness of God!  That is an exercise that will get your heart pumping.

In Lamentations 3:33, he made an incredible statement that should grip our hearts like a vice.  “For He (God) does not afflict Willingly…”  Wow!   If God allows afflictions to come, there is a situation that drove Him to it.   It is not what He prefers.  He prefers obedience.

Then, in Lamentations 3:40-41, we have the answer.  “Let us search and try our ways…”  Who searches and tries them?  We do!  “And turn again to the LORD…”   But we argue, “I haven’t turned away.”  Well, something opened the door.  If we are pure in heart, God is unrighteous in allowing it to come. 

We know that God is never unrighteous.   Please hear me; I am not saying trouble is always evidence that we are in rebellion.  However, the Bible tells us that a curse cannot land on us without legal ground.   Self-examination is a good thing to ensure the pureness of the heart.

Lamentations 3:21 – “Let us lift up our hearts with our hands to God in heaven.”

Mark 3:27 – “No man can enter into a strong man’s house and plunder his goods Unless he first binds the strong man, and Then he plunders his house.”

I ask that you consider that in two directions.   Consider it as us binding and us being bound.  We have authority.   We need purity to operate in the fullness of His power, and His mercies are renewed daily.   So, we are pure through Him, not what we do in our own strength.  We are overcomers, He said it.

Today is Victory Day for you!  See, believe, receive, and begin to be it!

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God, Faith, Patience, Persistence, and Delay became my focused meditation.   True biblical faith is patient and persistent. It is undeterred by delay.  Is that descriptive of us?  Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn’t for most of us.  Frequently, we are impatient, and impatience is the enemy of biblical faith.

In Exodus 32, Moses was on the mountain with God.   The people’s fear and lack of understanding of who God is caused them to become impatient when Moses’ return was delayed beyond their patience.   They convinced Aaron to lead them in rebellion and idolatry without much difficulty.

God sent Moses back to deal with the problem.  Exodus 32:19 reveals that when Moses saw the idol and idol worship, “his anger burned hot.”   Does rebellion against God (in us or others) make us angry?  If we get angry at sin, we will deal with it through righteous intercession and example.

Hebrews 11, the great Faith chapter of the New Testament, gives some powerful revelations.   In Hebrews 11:11, Sarah’s Faith embraced God’s miracle power. “For the authority of her Faith rested in the One who made the promise, AND she TAPPED INTO His faithfulness.” [Emphasis added]

Hebrews 11:34b – “Faith sparked courage within them, AND they became mighty warriors in battle, PULLING armies from another realm into the battle.”

Hebrews 11:39 states that these lived in hope without seeing fulfillment but never gave up. They persisted through the delay. “But now God has invited us to live in something better than what they had—faith’s fullness!”

Faith trusts God’s integrity and persists, reaches into the heavenly realm, and draws it into this realm.   Faith is not asking and passively sitting back and waiting. It is waiting in persistent prayer and affirmation of the promise. It is aggressive, not passive. It refuses to be dissuaded because God promised.  Therefore, it is done, so patience rules the heart. Our impatience reveals a lack of trust in God’s integrity and our selfishness.

Our objective is to submit everything to God, tap into His resources, and draw angels into the mix. God’s promises are as certain as God Himself. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. So please Him. He never fails, even when we do.

Have a faith-filled day, relaxing in His presence!

Jeremiah 51:15 – “It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.”

A few months back, at precisely 3:15 a.m., I took my little dog Kyra outside.  A small bunny was in the yard, and a small possum was under the peach tree.  She was apprehensive and cautious.   She slowly went to see, and the possum climbed the tree.  It was an unfamiliar sight that caused her to be uneasy and careful.

As I read, prayed, and pondered Jeremiah, I thought about her reaction.  We sometimes are not cautious when we should be and apprehensive when we should not be.  That which is outside our comfort zone troubles us.  The unknown is often frightening. Our journey of life is filled with the unknown.  Most have experienced such uncertainty that they feel that God is light-years away.  They feel alone and even abandoned.

The declaration concerning Israel in Jeremiah 51:5 is applicable to us.   It says that Israel and Judah were not bereaved of their God, Even Though their land was filled with wickedness.  Is that not a picture of today?  But God is still with us, and we have no reason to be fearful or hesitant.

Jeremiah 51:15 reminds us that He is the creator of everything.   Jeremiah 51:19 is applicable.  Our portion is not like the world; God is our portion.  That is the reason we can banish all fear and trepidation.

We must avoid being like the servant given one talent.  Fear, uncertainty, and hesitancy cost him everything.  Take what God has graced you with and use it.  In using it, it multiplies and pleases God.  He does not ask us to do what is beyond our ability.   He does not compare us to others who are more capable.   He only asks for faithfulness.

We can be like little Kyra and overly cautious because we are facing something unknown and new or trusting.  Never reckless but bold in Him.  He never fails.  Another may be doing great exploits, and we are serving in obscurity.  The reward in heaven will not be based on quantity but on faithfulness and obedience.  

Never allow the uncertainty of the unknown to hinder your willingness to obey.   Either God is our keeper, or He is not.

Have a victorious, bold day in Jesus!

Mark 16:15-18 – “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. ¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will accompany those who believe: in My name, they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ¹⁸ they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

A challenge came to my heart as I prayed, read, pondered, and mused on the Word. The challenge came as a question: “Do you wonder or do wonders?”

Mark 16 is my focus and target today!   When I see signs and wonders, I have sometimes wondered why all believers (me included) do not consistently walk in that reality.  Why do we not consistently see the manifestation of these wonders in our lives?

It simply says, “AND wonders WILL FOLLOW those who believe…”   The question to my heart was, “Do you truly believe?”  Before I could respond, the follow-up came, “Where is the manifestation in your life?” I have learned that sometimes, no response is the best response. Sometimes, wait, and instruction and revelation will follow. Just wait.

The key elements or requirements:

• Believe. Believe what?

Believe that Jesus is the Christ and Savior.   Believe that God never lies.  Believe that these wonders are designed to accompany my words and deeds.   That’s where we often fall short.   In Jesus’ Name is not a magic formula, but the key to unlocking the door. It is our pass key.

• Actions – Consider some of them.

Cast out demons.   Speak with or in new tongues.   Have authority over snakes (Aramaic idiom for enemies).   No harm from poison (that covers every danger).  Lay hands on the sick and heal them. (Not just pray but bring the healer into the equation and heal).

I realize that those hearing this expected it to be a realized reality in their lives All the Time!   We talk about God showing up and great things happening.  They took God with them everywhere, all the time, and Acted on the Word.

• This was not a word to preachers but everyone who believes.
  
  Mark 16:20 – “And they went out and preached…”   The requirement is to go where those things are present and then preach (testify).

They “Preached in Every Place… AND our Lord Helped them and Strengthened their words by the miracles which they performed.”

Who helped?    The Lord did!    Who performed the miracles?  They did!    It was Christ in them.   It was the Word in them.   It was the Spirit in them that compelled them.  They Believed.   Do we truly believe?

Nowhere in Scripture is preaching and working miracles relegated to a particular group of ministers or super saints. It is Everyone Who Believes!

This is your day to exercise your spiritual authority, flex your spiritual muscles, and Be and Do what He said.  Either God is a liar, or this is our heritage. God is not a liar.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will challenge our hearts to take baby steps, if need be, but that we will decide today that there will be no more wondering about wonders but that wonders will follow you everywhere.

Rejoice in your heritage and walk victoriously today and every day!

Proverbs 17:22 – “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

You have heard the saying, “Smile a while and give your face a rest,” right?    It is an adage based on the theory that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile.   Remember the chorus of yesteryear?  Smile Awhile And Give Your Face A Rest Raise Your Hand To The One You Love The Best…”

After extensive research, the scientific community has not consistently concluded how many are required for either.   However, the smile—transmitted consciously or subconsciously—is viewed across cultures as a sign of friendliness, especially when greeting others.   Frowns are considered an expression of disapproval, sadness, or rejection.  Therefore, a smile elicits a far better response than a frown.

There are forty-three muscles in the face; most are controlled by the seventh cranial nerve (facial nerve).  That nerve exits the cerebral cortex and emerges from the skull just in front of our ears.   It splits into five primary branches: temporal, zygomatic, buccal, mandibular, and cervical.   Those branches impact different portions of the face and enervate muscles that allow the face to twist and contort into various expressions.

The Bible says that a merry heart does good, like medicine. (Proverbs 17:22).   It also says a broken spirit dries the bones.   Ezekiel spoke of the Valley of Dry Bones, but what about in the natural body when the bones are dry?  What does that mean?  It is an indication of an unhealthy condition that can lead to many worse things.

We need healthy bones just as we need healthy spirits.  Our bones provide support and structure for our bodies.  Our spirits do the same for our lives.  Our bones protect our vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs, from impact and injury.  

Our spirits do the same for our inner man.  Our bones store essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that are necessary for various bodily functions, including muscle contraction and transmission.   Our spirits likewise enable us to function spiritually. Our bones produce blood cells in the bone marrow, which plays a vital role in fighting infections and keeping us healthy.   Our spirits keep us connected to the Blood of Jesus, which keeps us whole.

We do not want dry bones, either naturally or spiritually.  Therefore, we need a Merry Heart and should follow Paul’s prescription in Philippians 4 and Ephesians 5:19. We should be like David and encourage ourselves in the LORD (1 Samuel 30:6).

Today, rather than succumbing to the mulligrubs and throwing a pity party, why not focus on God and make the choice to rejoice? Why not choose to be glad in this day the Lord has made? Why not let the inward smile reach the face and, no matter what comes, keep our focus on God and let the Joy of our hearts reach our faces even in the middle of a trial?  Why Not?  It is a Choice!

I believe the Bible teaches that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever and that God will Never Ever, Ever, Ever leave us or forsake us. God does not Fail. Therefore, I choose to Rejoice and Trust Him!  I am smiling right now!

Have a great day resting in the Love of God!

Daniel 10:12 – “Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.” 

The idea of persistence was deeply impressed upon my consciousness as I read, prayed, and pondered the Word today.   The familiar account of Gabriel coming to Daniel is revelatory.

Daniel had been fasting and praying with no seeming breakthrough.   I’ve been there!   The heavens seemed lined with brass, and my prayers ascended no higher than my lips.  There was no apparent response from God. 

I have had times when I grew weary and concluded that it wasn’t God’s will and changed focus.   Most of those times, I knew that was not the right approach.   I have also had times when I persisted and refused to quit.  God did what God does.   He dealt with me and my needs.

Gabriel makes a powerful statement.   He told Daniel, “…from day one, when you set your heart to know God’s purpose and understand, You Were Heard!”   The immediate thought would be, if I were heard on Day One, why has it taken three weeks for the answer to come? 

Gabriel explained upon that declaration and revealed that sometimes prayers do not get an immediate answer because of satanic opposition.   Had Daniel not persisted, Gabriel, the messenger, would not have come.

In Luke 11, Jesus reemphasized the Power of Persistence.  The parable about the need to feed a guest after normal hours provides revelation and encouragement for Persistence!   Jesus said that even if the friend would not respond on the strength of friendship, he would due to persistence.

We cannot twist God’s arm of perceived reluctance by persistence.   But persistence solidifies the depth of need in our hearts and demonstrates an unwillingness to fail.

Luke 11:9-10 gives us the progression and value of Persistence.

ASK – We have not because we ask not.

SEEK—It is difficult to find what you are not looking for, and if you find it, how would you know it if you were not seeking it?

KNOCK—The implication is a beat on the door, not just timidly or passively tapping on it.  Urgency with persistence overcomes doubt and fear and lays hold of the promise.

Be not weary in well-doing because, in due season, harvest comes “if” we persist.

• How important is the matter to you?
• How important is being ONE with God to you?
• How important is knowing you are walking in God’s purposes to you?

The first factor should be God’s will.  Before we begin the prayer of persistence, we should pray the prayer of submission.   Knowing we are on solid ground biblically, then refuse to give up.

• If you fail, get up; next time, determine you will not give up.
• If you are uncertain about your biblical footing in the request, Persist.
• If you are sure, Persist.
• If you discover you are asking outside His purposes, Repent. 

Then, seek His will and Persist.

The Bottom line is we must become people of Unrelenting Persistence.

Today, make this declaration – “I Will Not Quit! “ You will be surprised at what happens in your heart and mind as a result.  What is in your heart will soon be in your hands.

Have a great day pressing into the Promises of God!