I recently read a scripture that used the word “repose”, and when I saw it immediately it hit my spirit. I wondered what it meant so I looked it up and this is what I found.

Repose: a state or rest, sleep, or tranquility. Be lying, situated, or kept in a particular place.

Then He showed me that He has placed His remnant in repose in order that we would be “at the ready” for this time. We have been laying in wait for such a time as this. God has placed His people in the right place for this right time. Whenever our family has moved, God has revealed to me that He was positioning me to be an intercessor in that area for a season. I didn’t always know exactly why, but I just knew I was to be praying and listening intentionally while living in a certain place. This move to Oklahoma is no different. While it lays solidly in the “Bible belt”, there are a lot of things to intercede for. So, I pray. I listen. I intercede for others and for this land.

When we first moved here, I stepped outside my house as I prayed, on one particular day. And immediately I was in a vision. I saw this land and a powerful vision of the Indian tribes who had worshiped different spirits here. Then God said, “I want to introduce them to the Holy Spirit.” From that moment until this, that has been my prayer over the Native Americans here in this area. Every area has a stronghold. Some have many. It’s important to realize that God places His people in repose for just such a reason. We are situated or kept in a particular place, for a specific reason.

We are also called to repose (be at rest). We can rest on His promises. We can rest on His victory. We can rest knowing He is sovereign. We must find repose if we are going to engage in long term battles.

Laying at the foot of the cross in repose (rest) is the safest place to be. Listening for your instructions from God in repose (tranquility) and being ready in repose (situated in a particular place) is a great place to be. Being bathed in God’s spirit, staying spiritually healthy and finding nightly repose (sleep)… These are the important things. How do you find yourself poised for the next move of God?

Prayer Moment: God, I thank You for repose. Thank You for always placing me and my family in the exact place You desire us to be. I trust You completely. When I consider my life with You, I see that in every season and situation, You have gone before me and prepared a way in advance. You have never left me alone. Never abandoned me. Never forgotten me. Never withheld Yourself from me. I am grateful for all that You are. Please keep me in repose, so I am always exactly where I need to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But I am an olive tree flourishing in the house of God, I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise You forever for what You have done; in Your name I will hope, for our name is good. I will praise You in the presence of Your saints. Psalm 52:8-9

To whom He said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and “this is the place of repose”- but they would not listen. Isaiah 28:12

Before I continue writing this weeks devotionals, I want to acknowledge something. Before I wrote one of these, God led me to open 7 word documents in my computer and as I opened each one, He spoke the titles to me. I had no preconceived notions. I had no previous encounters. It was the first time that He’s said to do things this exact way. Even when I had a different devo to write for this day because of an event that happened in my life, God told me very clearly to write it for next Monday and leave this one as it was.

Instrumental: 1. serving as a means of pursuing an aim or policy. Relating to something’s function as a means to an end. 2. Performed on instruments, with no vocals. 3. Relating to an implement or measuring device.

We are instrumental. God’s body must serve and continue to be instrumental in America. We don’t just stand in the hard times when we know God must show up or we will be destroyed. No, we must show up every day. We must be in government. We must be in education, not just as teachers, but also as administration. We must be on city councils. We must be judges and lawyers. We must take our places wherever it is that God has called each of us.

The gravest mistake of the church universal, over the years has been that the enemy came in and placed a lie in our midst. Something that masqueraded as truth. Something God never spoke. That lie is that the only noble profession is in ministry. What an egregious lie, meant to cripple us and strip away our influence from the world around us. You see, if the enemy has us barricaded within our own safe church walls, then he can do as he pleases and over time control us.

Not today satan.

I’m wise to you and I know that I must serve as leaven to the bread of the world if I’m going to advance the kingdom of God. I must interact in the day to day with both believers and non-believers if I’m going to advance God’s kingdom. I know I’m not merely called to lead a nice worship set from time to time. I’m called to lead warriors out into the battlefield. I’m called to command. I’m called to be a general in God’s army, not a private. Do you know your calling? Do you feel “less than” because you’re not on a church staff? That’s nonsense and it’s time we stop acting like it isn’t.

We’ve won a battle, but we must continue to prepare for the war. Now is not the time to get comfortable again. No!! It’s time to listen and hear God’s next instructions. It’s time to prayerfully sow into what’s next. Be active! Don’t be dormant. Keep moving forward. Keep pursuing. Never stop advancing the kingdom of God.

Prayer Moment: Thank You God for victory. Help us to continue to press on toward You. Let our every step be deliberate. Let the church remain awake. Stir our deep places. Lead us into ALL that You’ve called us into. Remove fear and intimidation and give us such certainty that nothing and no one could derail us. Help us to remain motivated. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47

When I opened my computer and asked what today’s devotional should be about, I immediately heard the word, “Unfathomable”.

Unfathomable: incapable of being fully explored or understood. Impossible to measure the extent of.

Then I heard this verse:

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love Him—these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Today we are seeing the unfathomable work of God in our lives. He is so good. His word stands firm. Even though the earth will give way and mountains fall into the sea, His word remains. He is faithful. He is steady. He is Sovereign over all things.

That is what I heard in my spirit as I saw the word “unfathomable”.

God’s goodness is what I look for in every day. His unfathomable goodness. His unfathomable love. His unfathomable kindness, forgiveness, redemption, grace and mercy. Our God is beyond anything we could ask or imagine.

There’s a verse that I know I’ve referenced many times, but that’s because I love it and it’s so relevant to me…

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

This is a promise we are even seeing unfold today. We are in a season of seeing His goodness. We should recognize and acknowledge this. We are living during a remarkable time. God is here.

If we have set our feet on the firm foundation, then we will not be shaken, we will not be moved.

Prayer Moment: God, thank You for Your unfathomable love for us. Thank You for keeping Your word. Thank You for covering Your remnant. We lay our lives at Your feet and embrace Your call upon our hearts. You are a God Who can do all things. I believe in Who You are. The God of the reset. The God Who knows the end and is fully capable of leading us toward heaven. I adore You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water. Psalm 113:7-8

To be wrapped in love is to be absent of fear. As scripture reminds us…

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Why do we believers, struggle so much with focusing on punishment? If we live in the realm of perfect love, then we won’t be overly concerned with the fear of punishment. I don’t know about you, but I still sometimes wrestle with worrying about God punishing me. I am happy to report, though, that the struggles are far less frequent and much less intense.

Why is that? Well, because I’ve tasted so much of God’s affection for me. I’ve become convinced that not only does God love me, but He likes me too. He even dances over me and celebrates me. His love is the driving factor for my entire life. When I feel the fear of man or rejection begin to breathe down my neck, I come to a full stop. I detach from that lie and return to the truth of the Father. This has come through much practice, as I’ve been consistently getting delivered from fear of man and punishment.

This is a noble and worthwhile fight.

The fear of man can wrap around you and choke the life right out of you, if you’re not careful. Then you’ll just go through life based on works and appearances and become devoid of anything real. If you instead choose to be wrapped in love, you will find freedom that you never could have imagined! Within God’s covering of love callings can be discovered, authentic relationships can be built, years wasted in fear can be redeemed, He can trust you more. The bottom line is, it’s truly worth it.

Choose love, not fear. Learn to recognize your fear triggers and ask God to give you the strength to step back from them and choose love. You CAN do it!! I believe in you. You can learn to put on a full stop when faced with fears. You can learn to listen to God’s affirming voice, over the critical voice you may carry inside.

Prayer Moment: God, I invite You to become my everything. Every day I desire to give You more and more of myself. There is no place in my heart, mind and soul that I won’t allow You to enter and transform. You are welcome inside of me. Come and know me. Reveal Yourself to me. Teach me more of Who You are and more of who I am. I place my full trust in You. I will not be shaken. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him. HE who does not love Me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father Who sent Me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in my name, will teach You all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.   John 14:23-27

When America began, it was a move toward religious freedom. Here we are all these years later, watching as there is an attempt to overthrow that very foundational freedom which so many died pursuing. Our country was created with God intentionally placed within the foundation.

When you build a house, after you stake out the ground one of the first things you do is pour the foundation. Before any part of the actual house can be built, the foundation must first exist. The foundation is extremely important because once it’s set, it can’t be altered. Measurements must be made, and decisions about where the plumbing will be must already be decided. In other words, before the foundation is poured a lot of planning must already occur. It’s not something that you just decide to do without any forethought.

When America’s foundation was set, they had already weighed the cost, thought about what true freedom meant, and decided it was a cause for which they were prepared to die. The foundations were deliberate. Were the founding fathers perfect? Of course not, but God was and still is… and He was there. He was guiding and directing. He was inspiring them and giving them courage. Where do you think the idea to fight for freedom came from in the first place?

God. God is a God of freedom. In much the same way that He led the Israelites to freedom from Egypt, He led those families toward a New World and eventually to establish this blessed nation. He led and protected Washington and others as they fought hard for independence. Did they make some mistakes along the way? Of course, just like the Israelites did. Did some who made the original journey have their own wealth and power in mind? Of course! We are talking about human beings. Does this mean we should throw away the freedoms for which they were prepared to die? Absolutely not. That’s lunacy.

When we consider the world around us today, we should be cautious. Are we being led by Holy Spirit or led by guilt and manipulation? There’s a fine line. When we choose who we support, it should never be led by the words of others. As believers we have a responsibility to go to God with open hearts and minds and lay aside our pride and pre-conceived notions and listen. Every vote I’ve cast, since truly giving my heart to God, has been led this way. I’ve felt such peace as I’ve cast my votes. It’s not only a privilege, but a duty. Those who stand for nothing, still stand for something. It’s impossible to not affect the vote.

Prayer Moment: God, give me wisdom as I walk through this week. Guard and protect the foundations of America. Deliver us from evil and guard the good work You’ve been doing. I stand for those who stand for You. Let no amount of pride factor into any decision I make, certainly not this important one. Be ever-present in America, God. I release Your warring angels to guard and protect Your remnant here, in Jesus’ name. We, the remnant, cry out for true freedom. We intentionally partner with those who have partnered with You. Let Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

There’s something I’ve learned about people who are truly discerning, they are often quiet. You can see them taking it all in. You can often watch them weighing their words before speaking. They are the ones who let you finish talking and truly make you feel as though what you have to say matters.

Then there’s the knowledgeable people. You know the ones. They are always the smartest person in the room, if you ask them. They talk loudly and won’t let you get a word in edgewise. They make you feel cut off and as if you are not valued enough to be heard.

There is a distinct difference between discernment and knowledge. Also, knowledge without wisdom is a waste. It causes so much damage. Knowing everything cannot replace understanding.

I strive so much to be a listener. I often fail. Sometimes I interrupt others in my excitement…I’m working on it though. I am learning that to listen takes true intention. It’s a deliberate act. Not at all passive. Very much intentional.

I just want to encourage you today to begin to grow in your discernment and in your listening skills. Remember how we’ve read, “Where words abound, sin is present.” It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past, today is a new day. It’s never too late to change course.

Remember this, if a person is truly resolved and honestly believes what they are saying, then they won’t find it necessary to shout it or run over you with it anyway. We don’t have to force something the Holy Spirit is resting on. It gains influence and power simply from being true. A person who demands, shouts, cuts others down to “prove” a point has actually only proven that they themselves are extremely insecure.

Today is an opportunity to decide who you want to be and then to move just one step in that direction. The first step doesn’t have to be large, just intentional.

Prayer Moment: God, forgive me for any time my insecurity and pride has caused me to devalue another person. Help me to grow in the art of listening. Give me discernment God, and also the wisdom to use it correctly. Open my eyes to see You in all things. Open my heart to receive truth. Guide and direct my steps down the everlasting path. I will follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.              Philippians 1:9-10

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. Proverbs 14:6-8

Lately I’ve felt like life is a lot like being in labor. There are a few key places where I’m so excited to see God move and show me what’s next, that I’m having to constantly tell myself, “Don’t push!” The constant internal struggle to remain relaxed when I’m just ready to move forward is very real. But I know the only successful way to move forward is in God’s timing.

Does this make sense?

In so many ways it reminds me of the times I’ve given birth. Before and during the pushing phases, there are moments when everything inside of me wanted to just bear down and push as hard as I could. But that simply wasn’t always what I needed to do, both to protect my body and the baby. It was always very important for me to listen to and obey the instruction of my mid-wife. As hard as it was sometimes, I surrendered to her wisdom and followed her instruction, and as a result I was able to deliver babies safely even with the umbilical cord around their necks. When Micah was ready to be delivered, she discovered the cord was wrapped around his neck twice. This meant it was much shorter now than it should have been. But in what could have been a potentially dangerous moment, she guided me, and it became a beautiful moment.

This is what life is like for me right now.

I am desperate to see the “babies” I’ve been carrying. By babies, I mean ministry and some personal things that I’ve been fighting for and building into. But if I rush the process, I’m likely to cause damage to the very things I’ve sacrificed and fought so hard for.

So, I must listen to God and not my urges. When my entire body is saying, “Push through! Demand!!”. My spirit is saying, “Wait. I will bring all things together in My time.” That gentle voice is so steadying.

I can’t lie, I’ve had a lot of the fear of man manifesting and a fear of disappointment, getting looked over and rejection. But I can’t allow those voices to be louder than God. I cannot allow my level of discomfort to drive me. I must remain focused through this birth process, so I see the full potential. And who knows what extras God may have in store for me! He promises things beyond what I can dream or imagine, so I am daily letting go of my ideal outcome and trusting His sovereign plan.

I don’t know what is happening with your life, but if you too are in a birthing season, I hope this encourages you to take heart and see it all the way through. Don’t rush what God is perfecting for you!

Prayer Moment: God, You are the best birth coach ever. I will trust You to bring about all things in Your timing. Help me to walk this out without sabotaging myself. Give me grace for myself and others. Open doors. Create ways. Lead me. I am all in. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

I will wait for the Lord, Who is hiding His face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him. Isaiah 8:17

As I sat with God and wondered what to write about next, I opened my Bible, and this passage was the first one I saw…

You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you. 2 Chronicle 20:17

This verse had a written note next to it that said, “A Promise”.

In the way that only the Bible can, this word became a “now” word all over again. Apparently, at some point I had read this and received it as a promise from God. Now, here I am…opening my Bible to meet with Him and He reminds me that this is still true today.

What a timely promise, as we head into the election next week. Also, as our family faces other personal battles, this is very encouraging.

America has come to a place where our only way out is for God to move. So much division. So many lies to weed through. So much deception and trickery.

Our family is at a place where we have made some bold decisions to unashamedly follow God’s leading and the only way success will find us, is if we have heard and followed correctly.

But honestly, it’s great to be in a position where God is our only way, because decisions become much simpler. Trust is the constant decision. Peace is the guide. Hope is the lifeblood. Faith is the doorway.

As we face whatever is next in all our lives, we should hold tight to these things…

Trust…Peace…Hope…Faith and forever put on Love.

Prayer Moment: God, right now I ask that You would move among Your people. Those who call on You by name. Those who house the Holy Spirit in their hearts. God, move in Your people and reveal truth to them. Don’t let anyone’s fear take away what matters most. Trust, peace, hope, faith and love. Help us to clothe ourselves in Your attributes every morning before we interact with others. Help us to bless those around us. Help us walk through this uncertain season with the grace that we are called to have. We are not of this world. We are of Your kingdom. Please help us to walk as if we carry the confidence of heaven within our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-2

For my birthday this year, I had asked my siblings and my mom to give me prophetic words. As they all trickled in my spirit felt so encouraged and refreshed.

One sister also had her husband give me a word and his included Isaiah 60. God had given him this chapter for me. As I have read it over and over again, I am taken aback at all the goodness it holds. After the last year we’ve walked through, this chapter feels like a spring rain on my soul. Today, I wanted to share one small portion of it with you.

Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.  Isaiah 60:20

This verse felt like dawn breaking on my heart. It felt like a rhema word. One of those moments when a verse in the Bible suddenly takes on new life and feels very present. Like a new promise.

That’s what God does. That’s what it’s like when you read the Bible in partnership with Holy Spirit. It comes to life and Holy Spirit will lead you to encouragement and/or instruction for today. The Bible is very much alive, and the reason for that is that it is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit is alive and moving all the time. Our ever-present help and comforter.

So, I will spend this year believing for all the many gifts tucked into Isaiah 60. Each time I begin to read it again, I feel Holy Spirit fall on me. Then I feel my spirit stir all over again.

The prophetic words I receive are like life blood. The Bible says to prophesy for the edification of the church. It truly is an amazing and relevant gift.

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.                                    1 Corinthians 14:1

But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14:3

Who doesn’t want to be strengthened, encouraged and comforted? I know I do. That’s why I not only eagerly desire to prophecy, but I eagerly desire to receive it as well. It’s one of the most beneficial and encouraging exchanges I make in life…to give and receive prophecy.

Prayer Moment: Thank You God for giving us the gift of prophecy. You knew that we would need lots of encouragement throughout our lifetimes, and You provided in advance for that to be taken care of. Help me to willingly give the words You speak to me for the encouragement of others. Help me never withhold a timely encouragement. Bless the words of my mouth. Send others to bless and encourage me. I love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1

When I read this verse recently, I was struck by the last little bit…

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.

A willing spirit to sustain me.

This line stuck in my heart.

Over the last 16 years of my life, I’ve discovered a lot about joy and walking out an abundant life. It has little to do with actual circumstances, and everything to do with my heart. Over the last year, I’ve discovered so much more about being willing to follow God in directions that may seem very strange to others. The key to it all has been for me to be willing. So, when I came across that line, it really resonated with my heart.

For years, I have cultivated a willing spirit in worship. During this current season, I’ve learned a lot more about cultivating a willing spirit in the big decisions. I’ve been recklessly following God for years, but He’s certainly amped things up as of late. It’s like, following God 2.0.

But I’m so grateful, because during this time, I’ve grown closer to not only Him, but my husband. When you walk through the fire of following a less traveled path, it draws you closer together. Maybe that’s part of the point. I feel like God wanted to introduce us to a new and deeper part of Himself and this was the best way for us to find it. I wouldn’t trade it honestly.

There have been so many times that I’ve thought, “When this is all said and done, I know I’ll be grateful.” Even in the moments when I’ve lamented or been completely overwhelmed, I’ve found deep down inside of myself, a willingness that has sustained me.

How willing are you? Have you discovered this hidden treasure to remaining sustained? Even if you’ve been previously unwilling to bend, it’s never too late to change. Change is ALWAYS possible.

Prayer Moment: God, I thank You for the creative ways that You sustain me. I thank You for loving me so much that You will not allow me to remain in doubt or fear. You love me so much that You will take me out of my comfort zone and into the deep waters. I am grateful for this. You love me and I know it. I love You too. It’s that love that drives everything I do. I am excited to see where our love affair leads us next. I am Yours completely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise You forever for what You have done; in Your name I will hope, for Your name is good. I will praise You in the presence of Your saints. Psalm 52:8-9

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One Who sustains me. Psalm 54:4