Psalm 57:1-2, 5

Psalm 57:1-2, 5

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,

for in you my soul takes refuge.

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings

until the disaster has passed.

 

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

let your glory be over all the earth.

Be merciful to me, O Bird of Paradise. Be merciful to me! It's a jungle out there!   Conceal me under the cascading plumage of Your beautiful wings high in the branches of Your holy habitat. Perched in the shadow of Your presence with a bird's eye view of the world, I'll trust You to fulfill Your purpose for me. Close to You, an agency of heavenly angels will surround me with sounds of love and faithfulness. O beautiful Lord, my soul is safe in You.   With my heart hanging on You, I'll be prepared for rainy seasons when problems pour down, tribulations thunder, and spiteful words strike. In anxious moments and frightening storms, from beneath the warmth of Your ornamental feathers my tongue will be Your glory. My soul will awake with the morning songbirds and sing of Your boundless mercy and unfailing truth.   My prayer O Lord, is that You will be high and lifted up in my surroundings when I sing of Your grace in turbulent times. Waiting for the wicked world to pass by, my actions and attitudes will crown You with glory and honor and majesty while You work out Your perfect plan in the stress and strife. O that my performance will resonate to all the earth that You are the prettiest Bird of Paradise worthy of all man's praise. Hallelujah! Amen.

What trouble is chasing you? Picture God as a beautiful Bird of Paradise inviting you to take cover under the shadow of His wings until the problem passes. Fly to Him and be safe. In the shadow of His presence exalt Him and let His glory be seen throughout the earth in you.

Psalm 33:8-9

Psalm 33:8-9

Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.

For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.

My Creator King, Your dramatically designed world compels me to stop and wonder at who You are. Praise supernaturally pours from my heart when I recognize that You are the Maker of EVERYTHING. This is Your world and everything in it belongs to You. Your magnificent creative power far surpasses man's prowess and imagination.   Man can make spectacularly tall buildings, but they'll never reach the limitless sky. We can send a man to the moon, but no one can go near the sun. Impressive men can rule and reign over nations, but ultimately they will bow before Your Majesty. You, Almighty God, spoke one word, making the whole world for Your plan, purpose and pleasure. It's inconceivable to even the most intelligent mind.   You speak, crippling a busy city with a hurricane or snow storm. One strong breath from heaven can create winds that slow our supersonic jets, making us late for important destinations. That same burst of air from Your lips can pick up our sturdy homes, turning them into match sticks. At the sound of Your thunderous voice, heavy rains, lightening and hail force the cancellation of our public events. The high seas command the respect of even the best built ocean liners. Your mouth immobilizes the earth.   I thank You Father, for everything and anything that humbles me before the mystery of life. When my heart is laden with fear and anxiety attacks my soul, help me remember that You're bigger than anyone or anything. Please keep me from the folly of worshipping people and their inanimate objects. You alone are God and I bless Your holy name. Amen.

Today, consider the greatness of God. In awe of His marvelous power, let go of your fear of people, and worship Him alone by trusting Him to take care of you, His treasured creation.

Ephesians 1:17-20, 2:6

Ephesians 1:17-20, 2:6

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you: the riches of his glorious inheritance, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.

Glorious Father, how I love the words You speak to me. They are music to my ears. Buried beneath busyness and brokenness, I fail to remember my privileged and powerful position. Because You lovingly chose and adopted me, I am seated with You on the high throne of heaven where You rule over everything from galaxies to governments. No name and no power are exempt from Your almighty authority. You are in charge of it all, and have the final word on everything - always and forever. O Lord, give me deeper intelligence and insight into Who You are.   Flood my heart with light so that I can plainly see the rich and glorious treasures of heaven that belong to me, Your chosen child. Help me to understand and appropriate the greatness of Your mighty power at all times. The same force that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at Your right hand is available to me. Unleash that strength in me, O Lord, so that I can resist evil, overcome temptation, and continually live in the peaceful, pleasant prosperity of Your presence.   When everything around me seems to be falling apart, help me to remember my high position next to Your throne in heaven. By faith, I will access Your authority and appropriate Your power, trusting that the One who controls and commands the cosmos will work out the details for my good and Your glory. Hallelujah! Amen.

God has given you a heavenly position and you can live a throne-life. His Word says, that He has chosen and adopted You (Ephesians 1:4,5) and seated You with Jesus in the heavenly realms where You can live contentedly. He didn't set you there to live a joyless, despairing life under the enemy's foot, but to live freely, victoriously and happily no matter your circumstances.   Ask the Lord to give you a fresh revelation of Who He is. Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart and show you His treasures. He promises to give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places so that you may know that He is the Lord who calls you by name (Isaiah 45:3). He longs to give you power to crush the enemy under YOUR foot. Ask Him for it and begin living a throne-life.

Revelation 13:1, 5-8

Revelation 13:1, 5-8

And I saw a beast coming out of the sea.

 

The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast-all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.

Almighty Authority, I am so thankful for the unlimited access You've given me to Your whole Word. Unlike people in repressed regions, I don't have just a few well-worn pages, but the entire Book, divinely directed and dictated by You. Usually, I prefer to ponder the pleasantries rather than the penalties, but today You made me take a hard look at the frightening future.   Out of the "sea" a beast will come in the form of a phenomenal politician. Suddenly arriving on the scene after a colossal catastrophe, he will carefully craft a story that sounds religiously soothing. Cool, calm and collect under extreme pressure, he will seemingly have all the right answers at exactly the right time. The world will be wooed by his astonishing intelligence and supernatural abilities. Dynamic and good-looking, he will undoubtedly be a dominating charismatic capable of banding together people from diverse backgrounds and unlikely places for a common purpose.   With astute managerial abilities, he will not only command a mighty military, but also be in charge of the worldwide economy. Fascinated by his forceful display of power, plenty of people will pursue him for their own profit. A highly popular, praised and promoted individual with strong personal influence; he will be morally proud and profane, misleading, manipulating, and motivating the majority to accomplish his well-devised and devious plan.   Please enlighten me with Your Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I may really know You and not be duped by an imposter. Claiming Your incomparably great power, I will bravely stand up for my beliefs, and patiently endure dissension, discrimination and difficulty because my name has been written in the Lamb's book of life since the beginning. Blessed assurance! Amen.

Could the Antichrist already be in the world today just waiting to be appointed to power?   It is inevitable that he is coming. He must in order to fulfill the words of prophesy, and prepare the way for Christ's visible return to earth.

Revelation 7:14-17

Revelation 7:14-17

They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God
      and serve him day and night in his temple;
   and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
 Never again will they hunger;
      never again will they thirst.
   The sun will not beat upon them,
      nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
      he will lead them to springs of living water.
   And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Promises, Precious promises, O how I delight in Your promises! O how I cherish the wonder working power of the blood of the Lamb.   You guarantee that in this world we'll have all kinds of trials and tribulations. We'd be naïve to believe that we won't be despised and disdained for faithfully following You. Afflictions, adversities and atrocities are bound to affect us. Yet, if we persist and don't give up, You promise we'll come through the tragedies with white-washed robes - bleached by the blood of the Lamb. Blessed assurance!   Dressed in white linen, we'll be led into Glory. Enthralled by our beauty, You'll endow us with the privilege of being priests in the Temple of Heaven. Delighting You day and night with songs of praise and the sweet scent of prayers will be enchanting. With my ear pressed close to my heart, I can almost hear the melodious music. With my nose in the air, I can almost smell the fragrance of prayer.   In the safe shelter of Your presence, we'll have access to Your boundless buffet. Our starved souls that insistently sought satisfaction will be content at last. Under the shade of Your canopy, the scorching sun will no longer sear our souls. You'll lead us to ceaseless streams of refreshing water. With a soft stroke of Your hand, You'll gently wipe every tear from our swollen eyes and we'll never again have reason to cry.   O Lord, why do I dread dying when You promise me all this? Please dear Lord, permanently paint a pleasant picture of Paradise in my mind to prevent me from discouragement and despair while I wait for You to return and take me to live with You there. Amen.

Ponder the promises of heaven, and ask the Lord to permanently paint them on your mind.   Are You Washed in the Blood of the Lamb  Elisha A. Hoff­man,Spir­it­u­al Songs for Gos­pel Meet­ings and the Sun­day School(Cleve­land, Ohio: Bark­er & Smell­ie, 1878) Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?   Refrain Are you washed in the blood,  In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?  Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?  Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?   Are you walking daily by the Savior's side? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Do you rest each moment in the Crucified? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?   Refrain   When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright, And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?   Refrain   Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin, And be washed in the blood of the Lamb; There's a fountain flowing for the soul unclean, O be washed in the blood of the Lamb!   Refrain

Revelation 5:6-9

Revelation 5:6-9

I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song.

King of the Universe, You are the Sacred Lamb of God, omnipotent, omniscience, and omnipresent. Perfect in power and knowledge, Your presence is everywhere. Because You were slaughtered, You and You alone, are worthy to step forward, take the secret scroll, sever its seals and open it. Your right to rule the world was and is and always will be undisputable, unquestionable, and undeniable.   With Your precious blood You purchased people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to build for Yourself a kingdom full of priests to rule and reign over all the earth. Instead of resisting Your will, disputing Your purpose, and complaining about Your ways, I must immediately start submitting to Your almighty authority. Falling in step with the rest of the universe, it is imperative that I recognize Who You are, change my haughty attitude, and fall down in reverent awe of You.   Taking up a harp, with my eyes focused on You standing on the throne of my heart, I'll practice plucking a lovely cord for the King when I live harmoniously with others. Holding out my golden bowl full of passionate, persistent prayers, I'll honor You, hasten Your coming, and attract the hopeless, helpless and heartless to the sweetness of Your splendor. By maintaining one accord within the multicultural, multilingual, and multiracial body of Christ, I'll reproduce the crescendo of thunderous praise that will one day, possibly quite soon, resonate throughout all of creation:   Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,    to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength    and honor and glory and praise!   Thank You for giving me a guided tour through the gates of Glory, and allowing me a glimpse of the gala events at the throne of grace. To the Sacred Sacrificial Lamb who sits on the throne, be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever! Amen.

I can't wait to get to heaven to see the magnificent Throne Room where the King of the Universe conducts His official business, and to find out for sure what's on that secret scroll. Absolutely no one but Jesus, the Sacred Sacrificial Lamb who was slain, is worthy of taking it from the King, severing the seals, and opening it. According to God's revealed Word, the Truth, our only response will be to reverently worship the Only One who has the right to rule and reign over all creation. We can practice for the priestly performance for which He purchased us by:   Living harmoniously with others.   Praying for the hastening of Christ's return, as well as, for others.   Being united in worship with other believers.   When we all get to heaven What a day of rejoicing that will be When we all see Jesus We'll sing and shout the victory!

Revelation 4:8

Revelation 4:8

Day and night they never stop saying:

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, 

who was, and is, and is to come."

Eternal and Most Holy God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, You are the glorious One, seated on the throne conducting the official business of the universe. Holy, holy, holy, are You, Perfect, All-wise, Almighty Judge.   Thank You for opening the door to Your throne room and giving me a glimpse of Your glory. I can only imagine the contagious choir I will hear when I step into Your holy presence. Day and night, there will be a continuous crescendo of praise as all the redeemed ceaselessly sing harmonious, thankful choruses honoring You, the Conquering King who reigns victoriously. Humbly bowed at Your nail-pierced feet, worship will be uninterrupted and uninhibited, forever and ever. Positioned for service, I will reverently join the elders, unreservedly laying down the praise of my accomplishments, accolades, and awards. Apart from You, there are no rewards or recognition. All glory, honor, and power belong to You, the Host of Heaven.   Inscribe this magnificent vision on my heart today and help me to live a sincere life of serious worship so that when I enter the holy of holies I'll be properly prepared to behold Your beauty. Following the example of the twenty-four elders, my praise will be constant, not sporadic; united, not divided; warm and genuine, instead of cold and calculated; highly charged with energy and activity, rather than smug and sleepy; humble, not haughty. O Jesus, with all my heart, I anticipate the day when I will join the crescendo of eternal praise. Hallelujah! You are worthy! Amen.

Practice continuous praise today!

Revelation 4:10-11

Revelation 4:10-11

The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

 "You are worthy, our Lord and God,

   to receive glory and honor and power,

   for you created all things, 

   and by your will they were created 

   and have their being."

 

My Creator King, You alone are the King who reigns in power over the entire universe, and You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power because You created all things.   Why then, if I believe this, am I so contradictory? If You alone are worthy of ALL praise - and You are - why then do I pursue pleasing people for their praise? Why do I relish rewards and recognition from mere man? Why do I long to stand in the spotlight to be seen? And, why am I offended when others don't give me credit for the work I've done? My heart is deceived, and my thoughts are distorted.     Thank You for opening my eyes to see how subtly Satan seduces me and steals my glorious golden life. He'd love nothing more than for me to be focused on the attention, applause and accolades of people. Oh, that all sounds so wonderfully harmless. Yet, it is a lie, straight from the pit of Hell. If I cash in on it, I cheat You, the Lamb of God, of the glory and honor and praise that rightfully belongs to You, hampering Your work in the process. Apart from You, I would not even exist. In the Throne Room in Glory, I will be compelled to cast down my crowns, and give You all the credit for anything good I've ever done.     Please, dear Lord, give me power to abandon all my misguided ambitions, and faith to believe that You are in control, and have a plan and purpose for me that's vastly beyond my dreams, for the glory and praise of YOUR name, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Are you cashing in on the attention, applause and accolades of people, cheating God of the glory, honor, and praise that rightfully belongs to Him? Apart from Him, you wouldn't even exist. He deserves complete credit for every good thing you've ever done.   Unreservedly abandon your misguided ambitions. His Word says, "He stoops down to make me great." Psalm 18:35

Matthew 2:2, 11

Matthew 2:2, 11

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

 

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 

Holy Child of God- I have seen Your splendor and beauty brilliantly beaming down from heaven on high. Under the glowing streams of glory is the wonderful gift of worship. In awe of Your radiant reflection, I joyfully come, falling on my knees in adoration to worship Your Majesty! You are the:   Word of the Father Son of God Abba Daddy Blessed Word of God Truthful Teacher Lamb of God Bread of Heaven Glorious River of Life Healer of Hearts Breakfast Server Lover of My Soul Lord of the Dance The Way, the Truth and the Life My Beloved King   You are the worthy of the best I have to offer.   Generously, I give you the tarnished gold of my life. Remove my impurities so that I will glitter and glimmer and become increasingly more pure and valuable to You. Selflessly surrendered to You, I will sparkle when I worship You, my Master, with a life of sincere service.   Freely, I offer You the fragrant frankincense of my faithful prayers flowing heavenward. The sweet sound of the song in my heart will be a pleasant perfume of praise to You, O Holy King.   Boldly, I bring to You the bitter myrrh of my brokenness. In the stunning splendor of Your sanctuary, You graciously accept the sacrifice of my suffering and shame, and restore me with heavenly healing.   I have come to worship You with all my soul and strength like the star-guided sojourners. After a long strenuous journey through darkness, I have found You in the home of my heart. Now I gladly open the glowing streams of glory, take out the wonderful gift of worship, and triumphantly sing in exultation, "Gloria, In Excelsius Deo." Hallelujah! Amen.

If You have found the gift of the Christ Child in your heart, will you bow down and worship Him? Give Him the tarnished gold of your life, allowing Him to remove the impurities. He can make you beautiful no matter how much tarnish you've accumulated. Present him the sweet scent of your prayers and praise. Offer him the bitterness of your suffering and sorrow. Then find someone who needs the heart of Christmas and offer them the Holy Child of Christmas.   Christmas isn't a season. Any day is Christmas when Christ is born in the manger of a human heart.

Matthew 25:34

Matthew 25:34

Jesus said, "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world."

Jesus, You are my Beloved King and Heavenly Father, This sacred invitation makes me giddy with excitement! I can't wait for the Day when You open the Lamb's Book of Life, recognize me as Your blessed Bride and call me to come. Joyfully, I'll come to You, triumphantly claiming the vast inheritance promised me before the creation of the world - the kingdom of heaven!   I long for the Day when You will carry me away in the Spirit to a high and mighty mountain and show me the spectacular view of the Holy City coming down from heaven. Your glory shining more brilliantly than a very precious jewel will surely take my breath away. I'll marvel at the high jasper walls around the Golden City. The gates made of a single shimmering pearl will be stunning. The foundations of the City walls will be decorated with more priceless gems than I could ever dream of. The pure gold streets, translucent as glass, will lead right to Your magnificent throne at the City Center where people from every nation, tribe and tongue will be worshipping You with one heart. The very thought of the splendid scene captivates me!   From Your high and holy throne You'll make everything new. All of my defects and deformities will be made perfect. All my sin-seared scars will be removed. All my problems and pain will be gone. You will wipe every tear from my eyes. There will be no more death. No more crying. Never again will there be any darkness. Nothing dirty, defiled or deceitful will get into the City. Things will never be the same! In purity, splendor and safety, I will live and rule with You forever and ever.   I don't want to miss this promised place because I'm unprepared. Help me by Your Holy Spirit to pray, praise and persevere until I reach Paradise, the Promised Land. Hallelujah! Amen!

We ought to be eagerly preparing for this glorious Day when we will meet the Lover we've always longed for by purifying ourselves daily through prayer, praise and perseverance. He's going to come in a flash, at the twinkling of an eye, when we least expect it. The time to prepare for Paradise is now!   Ask the Holy Spirit to help you prepare. This is one invitation you don't want to miss!   Jesus promises, "He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son." Revelation 21:17

Mark 6:31

Mark 6:31

Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Jesus, Lover of My Soul, Truly I am Your Beloved, the Bride You are preparing to reveal in all her beauty before the courts of heaven. Thank You for this intimate invitation for a romantic rendezvous.   The hustle and bustle of this world is overwhelming! Captivated in a commercialistic culture, it's easy to be swept away by the incoming splurge of media overdose and the unending noise of voices trying to sell me something.   Following the furious advertising frenzy I neglect my finances, mistreat my family, and ignore my friends. With Prozac, my smart phone and GPS, I frantically run here, there and everywhere making the most of every moment, convinced I am called to live large, and pursue life with purpose, passion and gusto! I scarcely have time to eat or sleep! Help me, Jesus! I need relief!   That's when I heard You gently whisper, "Come, my lover, let's go away to a quiet place and spend some time alone together. You need to rest." Going on this romantic escapade will cost me valuable time, but my bag is packed and I'm ready to go.   In stillness, silence and solitude, You'll hold me in Your embrace, touch me with Your love, and kiss me with compassion. Away from the chaos and commotion, You'll shine me up and give me a reflective heart. Proudly wearing it, I'll return home relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated. My family will marvel at my miraculously cool, calm and quiet demeanor.   Instead of travailing over the treasures of this world, I'll tenderly touch my loved ones with the Love of my life, You Jesus. Passing over the pressure to overindulge and splurge, I'll be a more patient and pleasant person. Wearing Your Heart, I'll embrace the multitude of needs in my own home. Doing life Your way, my credit cards won't be maxed out. Instead of spending money, I'll credit family and friends with kindness that will be remembered for years to come. Together we will live happily and harmoniously because of You, the One who romantically called me away and gave me a reflective Heart. Alleluia! Amen.

Can you hear the Lover of your soul gently whispering to your heart, "Come, my lover, let's go away to a quiet place and spend some time together?" Are you willing to put aside your agenda and activities in order to go away with Him? If you do, He will bless you with a reflective heart that others will notice.   Ask Him to help you create the time and space you need to draw close to Him. Then, take your Bible, and go! Find a quiet place and just BE with Him. He doesn't want you to do anything. Just be still and silent. In solitude, He will share His secrets with You, giving you the rest you long for in the midst of the noise and frenzy.