“…in Your presence there is fullness of joy.”
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

MAY 29 - Heaven and earth would never be the same. A broad smile illuminated the Father’s face; innumerable angels sang their melodious tunes, rejoicing as if frenzied, celebrating without bounds. Joy caused the stars to sparkle with a supernatural glitter, conveying great joy to shepherds who tended their herds each night. The presence of God finally came, bringing unspeakable, unquenchable joy.

Joy seems hard to come by for many people today. Why is that? I have discovered only one answer – neglect of time in God’s presence. The Bible tells us, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” If the devil can steal your joy, he can defeat you. We cannot fight the enemy without divinely-empowered strength.

I have taught this principle over the years – “Satan cannot destroy you; he can only distract you.” Satan eternally attempts to get believers to look at their circumstances. Whenever we look at our circumstances, joy begins to evaporate from our very midst, like puddles on a blistering hot day.

Joy only comes by having our focus on God’s Word and in His presence. If you want to overcome the enemy, begin to worship God and mediate on His Word day and night. As you do, joy rises within you, and no devil in hell is able to defeat you!

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that my feet are firmly planted on the Rock, Jesus Christ. In Your presence is fullness of joy. I refuse to be distracted by circumstances around me. I am strong because I have Your joy and I passionately pursue Your presence.

Family Scripture Reading

Jude

Featured Resource

The New You - CD

Have you accepted your new identity in Christ or do you continually deal with shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. The thoughts we identify with, whether good or bad, sculpt our destiny. Envision the marvelous transformation that would take place if we learned how to walk in our true identity. Imagine what life would be like if you were able to confidently identify with Christ instead of your old sin nature – nothing but victory, joy, and fulfillment. If you desire to learn the keys to walk in your new identity, this series is for you!

Posted under God's Presence

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NKJV)

MARCH 13 - Not only was there a bitter herb set upon the Passover table, but there was also a sweet, delicate herb. Parsley is that customary herb, used to remind Jews of the sweet, peaceful incidents that no doubt occurred during their long journey to the land God prepared for them. But God cares far more about your faith than He does about your comfort. We read in 1 Peter 1:7 that trials are only tests of our faith, to show that it is strong and pure.

In Job 23:8-9, Job records his search for God, “I go east, but He is not there. I go west, but I cannot find Him. I do not see Him in the north, for He is hidden. I turn to the south, but I cannot find Him.” It could have appeared to Job that God had entirely abandoned him. All of his efforts to find God’s presence in his turmoil led to nothing until we come to verse 10, which says, “But He knows…” Job acknowledges that God knows his state, and if God knows, then He must be near!

He continues, “But He knows where I am going, and when He has tested me like gold in a fire, He will pronounce me innocent.” Do those sound like the words of an anxious, fretful man? No! His words come from a heart that is assured of God’s faithfulness even in his trouble, and because of that, great peace, as celebrated with the sweet herb, guards his heart and fixates his mind.

Let me ask you, has God ever failed you before? Even once? Then why would He fail you now? Remember His faithfulness in times past, and rest in the peace He so generously provides.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I walk in Your righteousness, and that You never allow me to be moved, made to fall, slip, or fail.

Day 13: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

Luke 2

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The Great Exchange - Book

Many believers are unaware that they do not have to be held prisoner to the fearful, accusatory, and worrisome thoughts that race through their minds on a daily basis. Since these thoughts sound like their own inner voice, people entertain them and then find themselves tormented by guilt, fear, rejection, anger, and unforgiveness.

But God not only instructs us to choose our thoughts – He tells us exactly what we should think about to experience God’s best for our life!

Through hard experience and extensive study of God’s Word, Dr. Robb Thompson has learned how to replace Satan’s thoughts of fear and failure with God’s higher thoughts of life and victory. Now he passes on this vital lesson to you. So get ready to take control of your thought life. It’s time to renovate your mind with the Word of God!

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Foreword
Introduction
1 From Conformed to Transformed
2 Identified With Jesus
3 The Key to Victory: Understanding Righteousness
4 God Has Already Qualified You!
5 Let Go of the Past
6 The Life-or-Death Power of Words
7 Eliminating Confusion From Your Life
8 Scriptural Strategies for Conquering

Posted under Peace