5782: The Year of Release

We're approaching the Hebraic New Year. 5782 is  a Shmita Year. Shmita literally means ‘release.’ Commonly translated as the ‘Sabbatical Year,’  During this Year of Release the Torah mandates that the land is left fallow, debts are forgiven, and a host of other agricultural and economic adjustments are made to ensure the maintenance of an equitable, just, and healthy society.  

The sabbath year, also called the sabbatical year is the seventh year of the seven-year agricultural cycle . Traditional teachings about shmita shed light on contemporary issues, including rest and work, relationship to land, relationship to community, relationship to debt and debt relief, definitions of community, inequality, and the issue of consumption itself. (Reference: www.myjewishlearning.com) 

Schmita begins September 7, 2021. May the Year 5782 be your Year of Release! May you cease from toiling without reward. May you enter into a season of rest. May you release debts and forgive. May you be forgiven debts, transgressions and offenses. May your God-ordainrd relationships be reconciled. May your financial debts be forgiven. MAY STUDENT LOAN DEBT BE CANCELLED‼🔥 May there be a divine transference of wealth to Kingdom Citizens. In His name.  Amen.

Biblical Affirmations of Identity

I Am bold as a Lion. Proverbs 28:1

I Am the light of the world. Matthew 5:14-16; Acts 13:47

I Am the apple of God's eye.  Zechariah 2:18

I Am seated with Christ in heavenly places. Ephesians 2:4-7

I Am a child of God. John 1:11-13

I Am loved by God.  Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:1

I Am strong and courageous. 2 Tim 1:7; Joshua 1:9

I Am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. 2 Cor 5:21

I Am a royal priesthood. Revelation 1:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9

I Am a joint heir with Christ.   Romans 8:16-18

I Am the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I Am fearfully  and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I Am dead to sin.  Romans 6:11-14

I Am an overcomer. 1 John 5:4-5; 1 John 4:4

I Am more than a conqueror. Romans 8:37-39

I Am born of the imperishable seed.  1 Peter 1:23

I Am a new creature in Christ.  2 Cor 5:17-18

Lessons from the Book of Job: The Hidden Sin of Pride

Job is an unusually upright man. His conduct is above reproach. Yet calamity befalls him.  In those  days, it was  believed that if something bad happened to a person  it was due to their sins. But Job 2:3  is often interpreted  to mean  God allowed bad things to happen to Job without just cause. How could a righteous, just God do such a thing? 

What if we interpreted this scripture differently such that God is telling Satan "You presented a case, made a request concerning Job but presented no evidence to support your case  in order for me to grant that request yet I did so anyway" [to serve My ultimate purposes and plans].

Simply  because satan presented no evidence doesn't mean there wasn't just cause for the testing of Job. God has a reason, a cause, a righteous cause,  a just cause for everything God does. Stay with me. Satan sees behaviors. He doesn't judge the hearts of men. God knows Job's heart. Perhaps Job had a heart condition that could only be addressed and resolved through  testing.

So what may have been Job's heart condition? We often talk about Job perhaps being fearful and that fear may have opened the door to calamity. That's a good argument since Job says "the very thing I feared has come upon me. " But the challenge with this argument is that scripture does not tell us that Job is restored after he took heart, had faith, believed, etc. Scripture tells us after Job HUMBLED himself he was restored. Was Job- the man described as perfect and upright, prideful? 

Perhaps Job was perfect in all his WAYS and yet flawed in his THOUGHTS.  His defect is not one of outward action but of inward thought, especially in how he perceived himself in relation to God, but also to fellow man. Perhaps there was a seed of pride hidden deep within his heart that was unearthed and plucked out through the process of trials and tribulations.

What evidence is there to support this? Job 29 tells us how Job sees himself and how he sees himself in relationship to others. Yes, his behavior is above reproach. But he exalts himself  by using "I," "me," and "my" more than forty times in this very short chapter. 

Job 9 tells us how Job sees himself in relationship with God. It's almost as if Job thought God was accoubtable to him instead of his being accountable to God. In chapter 9 Job complains that what he is enduring is completely and totally unfair and that God is wrong in permitting it to occur.

Job eventually surrenders to God and is humbled before the Ancient of Days. Then and only then is he restored. A lesson we often miss in the book of Job is  true success in life comes from humbly submitting ourselves to God. How we perceive ourselves in relation to God and others matters and indicates our level of true humility.

Prayer:

God I thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image. I praise You. You are the Ancient of Days. You are the all wise, all-knowing, ever present, all-powerful, true and living God. God see me through the blood of your Precious Lamb. Forgive me all my sins. Blood out my transgressions. Lead me in the way everlasting for your namesake glory and honor. 

God forgive me for pride and stubbornness. God visit the foundation of my being. Cleanse my paternal lineage and my maternal lineage from the spirit of pride. Reconfigure my very DNA to mirror that of Yeshua Hammashiach. Oh Lord my God however the spirit of pride has manifested in and through my life deliver me. Set me free. Break me out of the bondages of pride. Place your hook in the nostrils of the spirit of pride and pull it out of my mind, thoughts, heart, emotions, desires, will. 

Lord, cause me  to boast in You and You alone. Cause me to know at the deepest level of knowing and understanding that without You I am nothing, have nothing and can do nothing. Lord expose and pluck out every seed of pride that seeks vain glory. Lord expose and pluck out every seed of pride that would cause me to be unteachable, inflexible, unapproachable, off putting, self-protecting, puffed up and resistant  to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Deliver me from every form of pride that thinks it knows better than You and those You have set in authority over me. 

Lord, deliver me from every form of pride that would cause me to have a wrong view of myself and my relationship with You and others. Grant me the grace to trust and obey You and to humbly submit to Your sovereignty in all things. God Grant me the grace to esteem others above myself. Deliver me from every form of religious pride, legalism, and self righteousness. 

Lord, wherever I've been defiled by the spirit of pride cleanse me. Cleanse my robe of righteousness and garments of salvation. Lord clothe me in humility. Let the fragrance of a broken spirit and contrite heart be upon me and emanate from deep within. May humility within me and upon my life be a sweet smelling savor unto You. May the essence of my being attract the Presence, Your favor and the favor of divine connections and destiny helpers. In Jesus" name I pray. Amen.

A Father's Day Blessing for the Fatherless Child

May you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior early in life. 

May you be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

May you be affirmed in your identity in Jesus Christ. 

May you rest in a spirit of adoption into the family of God. 

May you be led by the Holy Spirit and live as a son/child of God. 

May you move, breathe and have your being in the Lord. 

May you bear much fruit of temperance and self control. 

May you be holy and live a consecrated life. 

May you walk in  purity and chastity. 

May you step into into your calling and genius at an early age. 

May the Lord load you with His benefits, meet you at your points of need and supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. 

May all that is needful for your care and upkeep be provided. 

May you lack no good thing. 

May the Lord raise up godly men to mentor you. 

May the Lord raise up father figures to affirm your identity. 

May you receive divine immunity from the effects of fatherlessness by the grace of God Who is the Everlasting Father.

 

May you never be a negative statistics. 

May you be protected by God and God's angels. 

May you feel safe and secure. 

May no evil eyes look upon you or evil hands touch you. 

May you walk through life with a divine sense of purpose. 

May you prosper and be in good health- spirit, soul and body. 

May you operate in an excellent spirit. 

May you have good success in everything you put your hands to in holiness and  righteousness. 

May you love, honor and obey those God places in authority over you. 

May you be raised up to break generational curses in your family. 

May you be satisfied with longevity and fulfillment. 

May your star always shine brightly for the glory of God.

You are blessed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Check Your Drip!

I love young people and urban culture. Heck I love old and middle-aged people and rural and suburban cultures. I think I just love people and culture- period. Young, urban people are full of life, creative and a bit edgy- just enough to guard against stagnancy. 

I was recently out at a store and heard one of the young men tell his friend "man check her drip." He was admiring this sister's attire who was carrying Hermes, wearing Burberry, and walking in Christian Louboutins. I think she had a little Cartier, Chanel, and Patek Philippe sprinkled in as accessories. 

"Drip" and "dripping" are words  popularized by Atlanta, GA rappers such as Gunna and Young Thug.  If you're  "dripping" it means  you wear "drip." Drip is high end clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.

"Drip" is beautiful and nice to enjoy. As Believers,  before we put on any other "drip" we should focus on robing ourselves with the virtues of God. Apostle Paul encouraged the church to do so in Colossians 3:12-14. 

"You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity." TPT

Paul lists some of the virtues of the Lord all of which we should emulate. We're reminded in this text that the Lord is: 

Holy

Merciful

Industrious

Understanding

Selfless

Compassionate

Kind

Collaborative

Gentle

Humble

Unoffendable

Patient

Forebearing

Empathetic 

Family-oriented

Kingdom-minded

Forgiving

Merciful

Loving 

What are you wearing today? Check your "drip"!

No Other Help I Know

God usually wakes me with a song in my heart and on my lips. I wake up singing unto the Lord. This morning's song is a hymn- "Father I Stretch My Hand to Thee". 

I LOVE hymns. This one immediately brings several scriptures to mind- Psalm 121:1; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 25:5;  Hebrews 12:2. I'm sure as I sing it and meditate on the words other scriptures will drop into my spirit. I encourage you to read these scriptures, meditate on them, read the below pasted lyrics, meditate on them, write down other scriptures which come to mind, read them, and meditate on them.  As you meditate on the Word of God, REST in God's presence. 

As you meditate on God's Word, my prayer for you is that you will: 1. Taste and see that God is good. 

2. Receive fullness of joy and the manifold blessings of God. 

3. Receive the mind of Christ, heart of the Father, and an appetite and passion for God and the things of God. 

4. Be positioned, pruned, and empowered to bear much fruit of the Spirit

5. Be strengthened in your faith to operate in the gifts of the Spirit. 

In Jesus name. Amen. Shalom!

Words: Charles Wes­ley, A Col­lect­ion of Psalms and Hymns 1741.

Music: Na­o­mi Hans G. Nä­ge­li. Ar­ranged by Lo­well Ma­son, 1836 

Father, I stretch my hands to Thee,

No other help I know;

If Thou withdraw Thyself from me,

Ah! whither shall I go? 

What did Thine only Son endure,

Before I drew my breath?

What pain, what labor, to secure

My soul from endless death! 

O Jesus, could I this believe,

I now should feel Thy power;

Now my poor soul Thou wouldst retrieve,

Nor let me wait one hour. 

Surely Thou canst not let me die;

O speak, and I shall live;

And here I will unwearied lie,

Till Thou Thy Spirit give. 

Author of faith, to Thee I lift

My weary, longing eyes:

O let me now receive that gift!

My soul without it dies! 

The worst of sinners would rejoice,

Could they but see Thy face:

O, let me hear Thy quickening voice,

And taste Thy pardoning grace.

Listen to the Morgan State University Choir's rendition of this beautiful,  timeless hymn: https://youtu.be/Z8PkINdctoM

In His name,

Dr. Lyn 

A Word for April 2021

A Word of Exhortation and Instruction for Relationships in April 2021- "I am the God that healeth thee." Exodus 15:26 

April  is a favorable, providential, advantageous, promising, heaven-sent, opportune, suitable, well-timed month for healing in every area of our lives. 

In the area of relationships: 

1. April is  a favorable time for inner healing from soul wounds. This will positively impact how you see and relate with self and others.  Engage in a period of introspection and self-reflection to capitalize on this opportune time for inner healing. 

2. April is a promising time for reconciliation and the restoration of loving, generous, considerate and pleasant interactions within broken marriages, families, and god-ordained relationships. With sincere effort, yesterday’s missed opportunities for reconciliation can become today’s achievement. It’s never too late. Pray for peace and wisdom. Believe and hope for the best. Take action, reach out, and extend the olive branch. 

3. April is a heaven-sent time for the roots of rebellion and stubbornness which yield fruit of  dysfunction in marriages, families, and god- ordained relationships to be plucked up. Trust God to break the cycles and patterns of loss, sorrow, and unfavorable conditions and outcomes that began as a result of these sins.

4. April is an opportune time for  repairing the breaches which have negatively impacted your relationship with the Lord. Be intentional about nurturing a more intimate relationship with the Lord. As you draw nearer to the Lord, He will repair the breaches and make things right.

Be determined to receive your breakthrough during this providential time for healing. Confess your sins. Ask God for forgiveness for you and your relations. Be remorseful. Plead the blood of Jesus which says "not guilty" and silences the accusations of your adversary. Speak topical affirmations from Scripture over your lives. Repent. Take Holy Communion. Renew your covenant with the Lord. Receive afresh  the Lord's pardon and power for salvation, deliverance, healing and restoration.

Watch Your Six!

One morning  recently during my quiet time I heard "Watch your six!" Military members commonly describe direction using the hours of a clock. Whichever direction the vehicle, unit, or individual is moving is the 12 o'clock position, so the six o'clock position is to the rear. With that in mind several things immediately came to mind.  I've shared a few of those things in this blog post. Stay tuned for part 2. 

"Watch your six!" Be careful, be alert. "Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping." 1Cor 16:13-14 MSG.  Watch, fight and pray! Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 21:36

Watch your six! Beware of not so friendly fire from those on your team. Discern well. Know those who labor among you. Pray. Ask God for a discerning spirit and wisdom. "Even my ally, my friend, has turned against me. He was one I totally trusted with my life, sharing supper with him, and now he shows me nothing but betrayal and treachery. He has sold me as an enemy." Psalm 41:9 TPT

Watch your six! Effectively deal with past failures, hurts and disappointments  or your past will negatively deal with you, your peace, happiness, joy, and fulfillment.  

Here are some strategies for effectively letting go of negative things from the past:

1. Speak scriptural affirmations aloud into your hearing and atmosphere throughout the day.  

2. Be gentle with yourself. Show yourself kindness and compassion. 

3. Allow negative emotions to flow when they come up. It's ok to scream, holler, cry, shout, etc. Shutting out emotions short circuits the letting go/ healing  process. 

4. Accept that some offenders may never apologize. 

5. Desire to be healed, whole, happy, and at peace more than you desire to be vindicated. 

5. Engage in holistic self-care- spirit, soul and body. This isn't simply going to the spa. This involves intentionally engaging in activities which support your overall health and well-being. 

6. Surround yourself with positive people. 

7. Find your voice and talk/write/vlog about your feelings, thoughts and desires. Tell your story. 

8. Seek help for supernatural healing and deliverance, therapy and/or counseling. 

9. Meditate on God's word. 

10. Move forward in the timing of God. Don't rush yourself or allow anyone to rush you.  And don't get stuck and wallow in a sea of negative emotions.

Watch your six! Let go of things from the past that don't serve you well. Apostle Paul says it this way: "I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me to make me his own. I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus." Phil 3:12-14 TPT

Watch your six! May the glory of the Lord be your rear guard!

In His Name,

Dr. Lyn

Guard Your Heart

Matters of the Heart

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life."- Prov 4:23 AMP

 

In this verse, heart is the Hebrew word levav. It's the most commonly used word for heart in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It includes our thoughts, our will, our discernment, and our affections. So what are a few strategies to  guard your heart?  Pluck up weeds from the garden of your soul. Quickly dislodge arrows of offense from your mind, heart and inner most being. Consider seeing a counselor or therapist. 

A dear sister, friend,  and woman of God taught me the power of  performing the prophetic demonstration of pulling arrows and daggers out of the body and soul by faith as led by God's Spirit. Trauma which could be the result of an offense committed against you can pierce the body and soul like an arrow or knife. As you perform the prophetic demonstration of pulling the knives, daggers, and arrows out of your back, heart, gut, soul, etc., pray. Ask God to grant you the grace to forgive. Ask God to release healing into your body and soul. Pray that the shalom (peace, healing, wellness, restoration) of God permeate your soul to guard your heart and mind from further injury. Ask God to restore your  body and soul. 

Do not allow  bitterness or anything else that's not of God that entered in through trauma to take root in your heart, grow and bear fruit. Don't allow wounds to go untreated, get infected and develop spiritual sepsis.  Spiritual sepsis can cause organ failure and death. Unresolved trauma, untreated wounds which resulted from an offense against you, and the resulting toxins of bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, and  resentment can literally and figuratively cause organ failure and death. 

When we're wounded we MUST be intentional about praising and worshipping God, fasting, praying, asking God for wisdom to respond to the world around us and the people in it. Rest in God. Don't try to fix anything, defend yourself or put anyone in check. Dont even try to explain why you're feeling what you're feeling to anyone except God and your counselor or therapist

The Redeemer Knows Your Name

The Kinsman Redeemer Knows Your Name! I love Tasha Cobb's song "You Know My Name!" This song has lyrics that tell  Truth found in Scripture. 

In Isaiah 43:1-7 we see that Jacob was created, but Israel was formed.   God is the one who changes our character and nature (Gen. 32:28).

Sometimes  God uses adversity to do so. Psalm 34:19 tells us MANY are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers them out of them all. And sometimes the way OUT is THROUGH. God's presence as we go THROUGH the darkest valleys  is the Deliverer (Psalm 23:4). Rest assured there is no price too high for God to pay to set us free and deliver us (Rom 8:32). 

Any suffering we endure doesn't compare to the quality and quantity of glory that will be revealed in our lives (Romans 8:18) and the lives of our spiritual and natural descendants. In Isaiah 43:7  Isaiah prophesys of Israel’s restoration and foretells of a great harvest among the nations as a fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles. This is to be fulfilled all for God's glory. We were created  for God's glory- to bring God glory and experience God's glory (Rom. 8:30; Rev. 4:11).

Biblical Meditation

Christian meditation isn't the same as other forms of meditation. Here's an excerpt from an email I sent to a  ministry recipient about how some engage in  Christian meditation: 

1) Take a seat: Find a place to sit that feels calm and quiet to you.

2) Set a time limit: If you’re just beginning, it can help to choose a short time, such as five or 10 minutes.

3) Notice your body: You can sit in a chair with your feet on the floor, you can sit loosely cross-legged, you can kneel—all are fine. Just make sure you are stable and in a position you can stay in for a while. It also helps to create a space specifically for Christian Meditation. It should be clean, clutter free, and  refreshing. You can use incense and include plants, a fountain, or scented candles. Its important that this isn't a space that is used for other forms of meditation.

4) Breathe: Take several cleansing breaths until you feel fully relaxed (at least three). Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth. Breathe deeply. Hold each breath a few seconds. Breathe out intentionally through pursed lips. Don't hold the last breath. Fully fill your lungs and blow out the last breath hard and fast.

5) Open your bible: Read  a short  scripture- perhaps 1-4 verses. Usually the shorter the better. It's good to take small bites of scripture for meditation. Write down the words which really jump out and resonate with you. Perhaps 4 or 5 words.  Think about why these words jumped off the page. Ask God what God is saying? Be still. Be quiet. Write down what you think the message is. Ask God to help you understand the message and apply it to your life. Be still. Be quiet. Write down what you understand. Write down how you will  apply this. Be still. Be quiet.

You may ask "How do I decide what to read?" You may 1- Ask the Holy Spirit, 2- Follow an established reading plan, 3- Read a scripture that is relevant to your circumstances, 4- Read a scripture that focuses on a specific topic, 5- "Randomly" select one. 

7) Close: When you’re ready, gently lift your gaze (if your eyes are closed, open them). Take a moment and notice any sounds in the environment. Notice how your body feels right now. Notice your thoughts and emotions.

Weapons to War

Grace to build. Weapons to war: The Razor of the Lord

According to an online source, "a war scythe or military scythe  is a form of pole weapon with a curving single-edged blade with the cutting edge on the concave side of the blade. As an infantry weapon, the military scythe had practical applications both in offensive actions against enemy infantry and as a defensive measure against enemy cavalry."

In a dream I saw a woman who is gifted in the prophetic lying in bed. The woman pulled something out of her mouth from beneath her tongue. It was a razor.

When I woke up I thought about the practice in some subcultures to hide razors as weapons beneath one's tongue. I asked God "What are you showing me? Is this an attack against this woman to silence her by cutting her tongue at its base? Or is this her weapon hidden for use as needed?

While I believe the dream is applicable to the woman, I also believe the woman represents prophets, and the prophetic ministry (prophetic voices, scribes, intercessors, etc.) I believe that God has released special weapons to some to do the work which is required in this hour.  I also believe the enemy will try to counter this movement. 

I believe there will be increased activity from the kingdom of darkness to silence this woman of God, prophets, and the prophetic ministry. God will allow things that the Adversary will try to use to muzzle these ones. These prophetic voices will feel as if they've been thrown into a fire.  My word to you is" The Lord is with you in a very special and tangible way!" The Lord is the fourth man in the fire! God can deliver you out of the fiery trials of life and bless you in ways that will amaze, astonish, and confuse the enemy. When God delivers you, you're not coming out the same way you went in. God will use the fire to deliver you from forms of bondage. You may go into the fire bound up in some ways. But youre coming out unbound.

The fire won't change your identity. In fact, it will be a place of preparation to walk in your identity and calling in a greater measure. God will continually ensure you of God's love for you in unique ways before, during and after the fiery trial. These will be like kisses on the forehead from a loving parent to her child. The fire will be a place of consecration and anointing which will give you the grace for new levels of authority. Your sacrifices of praise will be a sweet smelling aroma unto the Lord. God will reward your sacrifice with promotion.

As I inquired more about the meaning of the dream, I heard the Lord say "I've  released to you [the woman in the dream along with certain prophets and prophetic voices] the  Razor of the Lord." Prior to this conversation with the Lord, I'd never heard of the Razor of the Lord. But this isn't unusual for me to hear something from the Lord about which I'm clueless and then spend time investigating the matter.  So I began to inquire more of the Holy Spirit and search out Scripture. Isaiah 7:20 says "On that day the Lord will shave with a razor hired beyond the River—with the king of Assyria—the head and the hair of the feet, and it will take off the beard as well." -NRSV

What is the Razor of the Lord-  I believe it is the words released by the God's chosen prophetic voices for a time such as this. I believe in the realm of the spirit that these words look like a war scythe. This weapon is used to disgrace the enemy. In ancient middle eastern culture plucking a man's beard was a way to disgrace him and bring shame. Jesus disarmed the works of darkness and made a show of them openly. In this season,  prophetic voices are being raised up to do likewise in unprecedented ways.

I believe that God has released the Razor of the Lord to some who have been resting in a place of preparation. These ones will do great and mighty deeds- particularly in the areas of dismantling the works of darkness and deliverance. This weapon will be used to bring God's wrath upon the enemy of our souls, fate and destinies, and the purposes and plans of God.

The Razor of Lord will be used to shred and destroy platforms and structures that have perverted world systems. The Razor of the Lord will be used for deliverance to break generational curses, sever ungodly soulties, and bring an abrupt, complete and permanent end to stubborn issues which have plagued God's people for decades, perhaps even centuries. 

May these chosen vessels take their positions to "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins (Isaiah 58:1)."  For the Lord says, "Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant (Jeremiah 1:10).”

"Wisdom for Walking THROUGH the Darkest Valley

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff- they comfort me." -Psalm 23:4 NRSV

Our darkest valleys can be divorce, a negative report from the doctor, a job loss, the disappointments of a wayward child, or the unexpected death of a loved one.  It could be any number of things. So what are some strategies for walking THROUGH the darkest valley? 

1. Take heart.  Do not be afraid. (2 Timothy 1:7)  
When you study 2 Timothy 1:7 in the Aramaic you find that the word for self-discipline or sound mind can also be translated as revelation light or instruction.  It is this revelation light or instruction that lights our paths to walk through the darkest valley.
2. Remember, you are not alone in your suffering.
You have:
• The presence of Christ (Matt. 28:20)
• The prayers of other believers (2 Tim. 1:3)
• The “fellowship of suffering”—other believers who are facing hardships for the sake of Christ (2 Tim. 1:8; Heb. 13:3; Col. 1:24).
3. Be assured the Good Shepherd defends and fights for you even in the darkest valley. (Psalm 23:4)
Rods were sometimes used as weapons of defense or offense. 
4. Keep in mind, the Chief Shepherd is sovereign. (Psalm 23:4; Matthew 28:18) 
The staff is symbolic of the Chief Shepherd’s sovereignty and authority.
5. Bear in mind, suffering is sometimes permitted so that God may be glorified. (2 Tim. 2:8–9; John 9:3) The Apostle Paul said he was willing to suffer for the proclamation of the Gospel, for the sake of the elect, and for the glory of God. Our suffering, big or little, can be used to bring about the same purposes.
6. Remember, you are not a prisoner of your circumstances. (2 Tim. 1:8)
7. Trust what you saw in the light when darkness surrounds you.  (2 Corinthians 5:7)
8. Stay the course. (Romans 12:12; Colossians 1:11-12; Galatians 6:9)
Persevere, stay the course, and be faithful, regardless of any opposition or hardship.
9. Stay focused on God and do not allow the Adversary to use discouragement,  depression, and isolation as an open door to devour you. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
The implication in the context of verse 8 is that if you do not bring your worries and cares to God, the devil will use depression and discouragement to devour you. Just as lions go after the feeble, the young, and the stragglers, so the enemy of our souls will always seek out those who are isolated, alone, or depressed to devour them
10. Revisit your faith files. (Revelation 12:11)
Be quick to praise God and testify to others
11. Rely on the resources God has given you:
• The power of God (rather than your own strength) (2 Tim. 1:8; Phil. 2:13; Eph. 6:10).
• The indwelling Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 1:14).
• The Word of God, which will keep you grounded and give you perspective (2 Tim. 2:7, 9; 3:12-17; 4:1-2).
12. Trust the truth of Scripture.
The Truth is:
• All wrongs will one day be righted (2 Tim. 3:8-9; 4:14).
• The Lord will deliver you from all evil—in His time and way (2 Tim. 4:17-18). In the meantime, counsel your heart according to the truth and promises of God (Psalm 27).
• All your suffering, efforts, labors, and faithfulness will be rewarded in “that Day” when believers stand before the Lord (2 Tim. 1:12, 18; 2:12; 4:8; Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16; James 1:12).
• You will give an account, so guard the “deposit” entrusted to you (2 Tim. 1:12, 14; 1 Tim. 6:20).
13. In all your suffering, remember Jesus Christ.
Remember:
• His life and His suffering and sacrifice for you (2 Tim. 2:3)
• His triumph over Satan, sin, and death (2 Tim. 2:8)
• His power, promises, and presence (Matt. 28:18-20)
• What He is doing for you in heaven (John 14:2-3; Rom. 8:34).

The Metamorphosis

A New Year Blessing for 2021

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor 3:18 KJV).

The Greek verb metamorphoō is the same word used for Jesus being transfigured on the mountain (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2) and for our transfiguration through the renewing of the thoughts of our minds (Romans 12:2) [Biblegateway.com].

May 2021 be a year of transfiguration, transformation, and metamorphosis for you. 

May your face be unveiled to gaze  upon the beauty and splendor of Jesus Christ.

May every self-limiting belief and ungodly mindset which cloud your perspective of God, self, others and the seen and unseen realms around you be dismantled by truth and revelation.

May you be elevated through the renewing of the thoughts of your minds. 

May you be transformed into something more beautiful. 

May you become like a mirror who reflects the glory of Jesus Christ. 

May you move from one brighter level of glory to another. 

May BELIEVERS with an INDWELLING of God's Spirit be transformed into SONS/CHILDREN  of God (teknon- John 1:12; 1 John 3:1) with an INFILLING of God's Spirit who are LED by God's Spirit.

May the sons/children of God (teknon) be transformed into MATURE SONS/CHILDREN of God (huios- Romans 8:14-19; Galations 4:7) who BEAR FRUIT of the Spirit and OPERATE in the gifts of the Spirit. 

May the mature sons/children of God (huios), be ESTABLISHED and SEATED in heavenly places to REST on  THRONES as HEIRS to the Father's name, authority, possessions, and, responsibilities.

In Jesus' name. Amen.