Downsized

S: “Nonetheless the LORD said to Jehu, “You have done well in following my instructions to destroy the family of Ahab. Therefore, your descendants will be kings of Israel down to the fourth generation.” But Jehu did not obey the Law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.”

2 Kings 10:30-31 NLT

O: Jehu was anointed, feared and followed Gods instruction.  Yet he failed to obey Gods law with all his heart. Jehu refused to turn from the sins Jeroboam led Gods people to commit. Therefore, despite his anointing and being feared God allowed his territory to be conquered, to be downsized.

A: I am anointed and have Christ like compassion and authority. I am able to follow Gods instruction in relation to my mind or external factors in serving and speaking. However, I am refusing to obey God with all of my heart.  I'm praying, God I want to give you my burdens yet I still indulge in all types of food. God simply says cast your cares on him. If I don't figure out how to do that, my calling will be downsized. 

P: Abba, how do I cast all my cares on you. In Jesus name, amen.

Confidence vs Arrogance

S: “But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.””

2 Kings 5:8 NLT

“But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.” But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me! Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.” 2 Kings 5:10-12 NLT

“But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’””

2 Kings 5:13 NLT

“Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.” 2 Kings 5:15-16 NLT

O: Elisha was confident in who he was becuase of the authority and which he stood. 

Due to the authority given to Elisha his simple instruction will heal. There is no need to be seen, just to be heard. Yet Naaman had his own expectation of how he should be healed. Since Elisha didn't fulfill his expectation Naaman was going to miss out on his healing. 

Many of us are like Naaman, when things don't go the we expect it we miss out. Since we are accustomed with things in life being hard, if things are not we doubt a simple instruction from God. Someone else has to convince us to accept God instruction. 

When God does a work through you, you have already received the greatest gift. In some cases receiving a gift for what you're called to do, what God is doing through you, may seem like it is about you. You'll forget it's about God whines doing the work.

A: Having confidence in the authority God has given me is not the same as showing arrogance becuase of the authority. Knowing the difference is cricial to my growth.

God works in the simplicity in life as much as he does in the difficult. Accepting that truth will help me be a better leader and speaker. I can't miss out on what God can do through me because things seem too simple or too hard. My life is an example,along with his word of Gods work, I don't need outside sources to convince me of his power.

I can't get paid for speaking yet. If I do, I'll be rescuing my families financial crisis instead of allowing God to do the work. All the glory will be given to me instead of to its rightful owner, Christ. 

P: Lord, you are God and King. You reign over all! You are my everything. The last few days I have chosen to accept the enemies way of dealing with emotions instead of coming to you with my burdens. Will you forgive me for not trusting in you. As I continue to establish the foundation of my kingdom may I stand on the principle of your word and execute your will accordingly. It's time for me to grind. No longer will I hold back from your good work through me. I am not defeated by my past for you have overcame it all. There's no room for pride in the places I go. I can't afford my ego to lead nor my arrogance to take over. Your authority in me is much too great to hand over to the enemies schemes. Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. I want to go wherever you have called me. Strengthen me daily to worship you. Deliver me from my Jacon sonincan walk into my Israel! Keep my thoughts away from feeling less. My best is among me and is yet to take over my entire being. May I be filled with your presence and only live on your words. I am desperate for you. I am desperate for a change. Take me, just a little bit higher. So I can get closer, to you my God. Through the name of Jeaus Christ, amen.

Accept Gods Will

S: “You have been deceived by your own pride....even if you soar as high as eagles and build your nest among the stars, I will bring you crashing down,” says the LORD.” Obadiah 1:3-4 NLT

O: Yesterday's devotion, gaining respect by consulting God instead of self. Last nights class, using our decision style to help plan and make decision Gods way. This mornings first reading, commiting to God fully. Giving total submission of our lives that even when we don't get our way, we know it is his will, not ours.  God is making me aware that the positions I have been called too can easily put me in a place where I am manipulating from my pride. Or jumping into things outside of my calling and failing at it becuase it's not what I'm suppose to be doing. I need to stay humbly in my lane or God will bring me crashing down. 

A: I'm overall a perfectionist. Often feeling defeated before I start becuase I feel as if I don't deserve it then I think what if I can't fulfill it to the extent people think I can. Therefore I jump into things I have no experience doing a horrible job but try to do the least I can to keep it together so people can continue to rely on me. It is deter mental to who I am and who God has called me to be to plan and make decisions humbly in accordance to his will. Pride and failure to be the true Liz will lead to destruction. 

P: Your will I live for Abba Father!!!! I surrender all to you oh prince of peace! My dominion is public speaking from a theological and psychological perspective. Anything above and beyond that is not mine to take. I am not called to do everything, I can let go of pride and allow others to help. I can accept Gods will for my life by living in total submission to the call. Give me today the willingness to truly surrender God. I don't want you to have to crash me down. Deliver me from all things not is you. The emotions that all me to feel less when you have told me I am more!!!! I know you love me. Through that love I will build your kingdom. Jesus reign in this place. You are wonderful!!!! I pray this all through the name of Jesus Christ of Navereth, amen.

Respect

S: “Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, I wouldn’t even bother with you except for my respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah.”

2 Kings 3:14 NLT

O: Who is King Jehosaphat that the prophet only had respect for him? So far in scripture he's the man that has consulted God before he does anything. He consults God and only executes from Gods behalf. He has discernment to know who is a prophet of God or not. It was his faith that gave him respect.

A: Something is happening here. Here amongst me. Gods work is truly continuing and is going to a deeper and higher level.  In the past I was arrogant and often spoke from my ego. Yet in humility I am taking my rightful place by putting God first and therefore as Jehosaphat I will be respected.

P: Rest, rest, rest, the thing I need most and the thing I get the least. No rest me and I can't fulfill my duties to you appropriately. Oh strength of my weakness, your name is great! Your kingdom is here and I choose to take dominion according to your will!!!! I will not cease giving you praise! Give me daily discipline to do what I need to do to fulfill my roles. Deliver me from whatever is keeping me awake and hiding my attention shows. I long to focus on next level thinking. Thank you for all you have done. I pray this all through Jesus stx, amen

I choose life

S: “Then he turned to Jehoshaphat and asked, “Will you join me in battle to recover Ramoth-gilead?” Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, “Why, of course! You and I are as one. My troops are your troops, and my horses are your horses.” Then Jehoshaphat added, “But first let’s find out what the LORD says.””

1 Kings 22:4-5 NLT

“So the king of Israel summoned the prophets, about 400 of them, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I hold back?” They all replied, “Yes, go right ahead! The Lord will give the king victory.” But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the LORD here? We should ask him the same question.””

1 Kings 22:6-7 NLT

“King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah, dressed in their royal robes, were sitting on thrones at the threshing floor near the gate of Samaria. All of Ahab’s prophets were prophesying there in front of them. One of them, Zedekiah son of Kenaanah, made some iron horns and proclaimed, “This is what the LORD says: With these horns you will gore the Arameans to death!” All the other prophets agreed. “Yes,” they said, “go up to Ramoth-gilead and be victorious, for the LORD will give the king victory!” Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.” But Micaiah replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will say only what the LORD tells me to say.”” 1 Kings 22:10-14 NLT

““Arrest him!” the king of Israel ordered. “Take him back to Amon, the governor of the city, and to my son Joash. Give them this order from the king: ‘Put this man in prison, and feed him nothing but bread and water until I return safely from the battle!’” But Micaiah replied, “If you return safely, it will mean that the LORD has not spoken through me!” Then he added to those standing around, “Everyone mark my words!”” 2 Chronicles 18:25-27 NLT

“Meanwhile, the king of Aram had issued these orders to his chariot commanders: “Attack only the king of Israel! Don’t bother with anyone else.” So when the Aramean chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat in his royal robes, they went after him. “There is the king of Israel!” they shouted. But Jehoshaphat called out, and the LORD saved him. God helped him by turning the attackers away from him.” 2 Chronicles 18:30-31 NLT

O: 1 To ask was seem less. As if it was something he habitually did. 2 Not every prophet is a prophet of God. 3 Even though the prophet spoke against the victory the King still went to Battle. 4 Jesophat stayed true to his word that they are one but since he consulted the prophet of God, God spared his life. 5 A random arrow shot in the crowd hit the king directly and he bleed out by evening. 6 When God speaks his words are true and comes to past no matter if the recipient of his message believes or not. The one whom believes will be spared but the one who doesn't believe will see death. 

A: Consult God in every decision. He controls my thoughts, not the behavior of others. Not every one who says Lord Lord are true followers of Christ. Persist to speak to the one who truly is his anointed. Never be afraid to speak out when God has already given you what you need to say. Even if 400 other speakers are speaking the opposite. Let them oppose his words and continue to be loyal but Christ centered and my life will be spared. There are no random acts, God word is intentional. No matter if all who hear the message don't accept it, if I am the one who believes, my life will be spared.

P: Gracious Lord, magnificent and mighty. Holy, holy, holly is your name. Your kingdom is here and it dwells among us. Your will be done in me as I am in this world but not of itt. Just as the prophet Micaiah, as surely as you live, I will say only what you tell me to say. Deliver me from longing the approval of man, may I only long for the approval of Jeaus Christ. Give me this day the power to overcome negative thoughts. May your light and life flow through me. I choose life and blessing in Jesus name, amen

M

Never Forgetting You

S: “When Judah realized that they were being attacked from the front and the rear, they cried out to the LORD for help. Then the priests blew the trumpets, and the men of Judah began to shout. At the sound of their battle cry, God defeated Jeroboam and all Israel and routed them before Abijah and the army of Judah.”

2 Chronicles 13:14-15 NLT

“So Judah defeated Israel on that occasion because they trusted in the LORD, the God of their ancestors.”

2 Chronicles 13:18 NLT

“and he went out to meet King Asa as he was returning from the battle. “Listen to me, Asa!” he shouted. “Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The LORD will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2 NLT

“All in Judah were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with all their heart. They earnestly sought after God, and they found him. And the LORD gave them rest from their enemies on every side.” 2 Chronicles 15:15 NLT

“Don’t you remember what happened to the Ethiopians and Libyans and their vast army, with all of their chariots and charioteers? At that time you relied on the LORD, and he handed them over to you. The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.”” 2 Chronicles 16:8-9 NLT

O: They were being attached on every side. They cried out to God and he heard there battle cry and defeated the Israelites. Judah trusted in God  and as a result defeated Israel. God is the prime example of the Golden Rule, do what is done to you. When we stay in his presence, he stays with us. When we seek him we find him. When we abandon him, he abandons us. It is in earnestly seeking him, finding him and staying within the shadow of his mighty that we are given rest from our enemies. We can't forget that it is by our reliance on God that we have made it those far. That he hasn't left us and has defeated our enemies and healed us from our addictions. 

A: Therefore, I must continue to seek, find and dwell in the presence of God. Than my heart shall be fully committed to him and his will for my life and he will see me and strengthen me. If I forget, I will be in constant war.

P: Heavenly Father, holy, holy, holy is your name!!!! I remember you. As a child when I was sexually abused you sheltered me. I remember you. When we were first taken away you reunited us all. I remember you. You gave us safe travels to Denver and kept a roof over our head despite our behavior. I remember you. You held my hand through every struggle, every situation and every circumstance. You have never forgotten me. I remember when you healed me from my addiction and blessed me even though I went against your will. You have always paid attention to the attitude and battle cry if my heart. Even now oh King. You remember me by reminding me of your power. I won't forget you. I won't forget that it was my yearning and out cry for a savior that you heard me and defeated all my enemies and all things from my past. I won't forget that power is on my marriage today. I can't lose focus from my hearts commitment and my souls covenant with you. Not my will, but yours be done. I'm never forgetting you. In Jesus name, amen!!!

Was The Will of God

S: “The leaders of Israel summoned him, and Jeroboam and all Israel went to speak with Rehoboam. “Your father was a hard master,” they said. “Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects.” 2 Chronicles 10:3-4 NLT

Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?” The older counselors replied, “If you are good to these people and do your best to please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.” But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers. 2 Chronicles 10:6-8 NLT

The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’” 2 Chronicles 10:10-11 NLT

So the king paid no attention to the people. This turn of events was the will of God, for it fulfilled the LORD’s message to Jeroboam son of Nebat through the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh. When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded, “Down with the dynasty of David! We have no interest in the son of Jesse. Back to your homes, O Israel! Look out for your own house, O David!” So all the people of Israel returned home. But Rehoboam continued to rule over the Israelites who lived in the towns of Judah.” 

2 Chronicles 10:15-17 NLT

“‘This is what the LORD says: Do not fight against your relatives. Go back home, for what has happened is my doing!’” So they obeyed the message of the LORD and did not fight against Jeroboam.” 2 Chronicles 11:4 NLT

O: The older counselors were the ones to bring King Rehoboam into a higher level of kingship. However, it was God's will that he chose to remain in the old and go through with the advice of the younger counselors. What is God's will for us? King Rehoboam's section led the dynasty of David to their rightful place, over Judah. As we foresee God's will was beyond King Rehoboam's decision. In chapter 11 God prevents them from fighting against each other for it was his doing, his will, his command. It's easy for us to get caught up in the content that we miss the context. We are not King Rehoboam, God is not using us to remain in our old selves in order to make manifest his promise. In our rue selves we are King David, God's will is to keep our dreams, our desires, his promises to us alive! He has greater things in store for us and going against his will and fighting with our relatives is not what he has purposes for us. The Messiah is later revealed through David's Kingship. God is revealing his son through our obedience to his will, commands and promises. 

A: Follow Gods instructions for my life and not get distracted by the content. Look at the entire context, God is making a way and only is his doing. Go forth into ministry, into the business and into psychology everything else will follow ship.

P: You are the King of kings! Powerful is your name. Your kingdom is here! I take dominion and spread your kingdom through out the earth. Heaven is here and it's praises delight over us. Your promises have already gone before me, I cling to you and your guidance to every area you have called me into, public speaker, ministers license and psychology degree. Deliver me from all former things! You have overcome!!!! I want to think the thoughts you think toward me oh God. I want to see myself through you. For you see victory when I see defeat. Precious Lord I think my self in my victory, II donor identify my thoughts and emotions to food. I don't know the full prayer but God I'm sorry I accepted emotional eating because I was to afraid to come to you with burdens. There is nothing too hard for you and only you can deal with all of me including my thoughts toward myself and my emotional stability. You are sovereign God. I pray this all in Jesus name, amen.