Word of the Day
Introducing Wendy Thomas
Before you read this week’s devotions, I would like to take the time to introduce you to my friend Wendy Thomas. She is an amazing teacher and minister of the Word. She lives in England and has a ministry to the downtrodden and hurting. Her greatest desire is for others to truly know and have a revelation of the Father’s heart love. Out of this desire and call on her life, she has published a Bible study/devotional series called Knowing God As Father. I have developed a deep and abiding relationship with Wendy over the last two years. She has become a trusted and cherished friend whom, I know without a doubt, she hears God in a very personal and profound that shares the heart of the Father. I have asked her to contribute at least once a month to Journals.
It has always been my desire to multiply myself. I will be co-authoring some letters with Wendy for a couple of months, at which time she will be submitting her own. Wendy already walks in the gift of journaling God’s heart is now stepping out to do so in a Journals of the Heart format. I know she will be a blessing to you and it would be so kind for those of you who are registered at Journals to leave her some feedback in the comment section provided at the end of each letter, teaching or devotion.
Beloved, at the cross where My son, Jesus, died is where the divine exchange occurred and still occurs each time one comes to Me through Him. I am in the exchange business. It is what I do. I take evil and work it for good. I take what is scarlet and make it white as snow. I take pits and make them into large places. It is what I love to do. I dress you in robes of righteousness instead of your filthy rags of sin and death. I take all death from you and give you Life…life more abundant.
As you give your life to Me, you pass from death into eternal life. Your life becomes full of hope from the very moment you find Me. This happens first at your salvation and from then on out it happens moment to moment as you give all to Me…as you give all knowing I am never dismayed by your weakness or afraid to exchange treasure in exchange for your wood, hay and stubble. Why? Because at salvation I am in control and I only want the best for you.
Beloved, My plans for you are for good and not for evil and to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). You are no longer covered with the ashes of shame and degradation, but instead, you shine with the beauty of a life redeemed. My Glory covers you and your face shines like the face of Moses after He had been in My presence.
Spending time with Me and beholding Me will always cause you to shine with My glory, for you become like that which you behold. So be careful what you look at and think about. Be sure and keep your eyes on Me. Focus on whatever is pure, lovely and of good repute. Think only on these things and your mind will be transformed. You will without a doubt be renewed.
As you wait on Me, you will rise on wings like an eagle to see your strength be renewed. Instead of mourning, I will give you a dancing, joyous heart. My joy is not dependant on circumstances but on knowing you are unconditionally loved by Me…knowing that nothing will ever separate you from My love. I turn despair into songs of praise as you see Me working all things together for good.
Remember this, nothing is impossible with Me. I make a way where there seems to be no way. Behold, I do a new thing and make a way in the wilderness. Give Me any and every dark despairing place in your life and I will transform them as I illuminate them with My light. I will show you the way ahead and give you light for your path and paths of those you love. I will not let you stumble or fall as I uphold you with My right hand. Keep your hand in mine and you will be secure, firmly established, rooted and grounded in My love. You will, in all practicality be like a giant oak tree displaying My splendor in a steadfast way throughout all the issues and occurrences of life. I declare your life to be a life transformed by Me…a life which gives hope to all who observe your walk with Me and My care for you.
Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18 Amplified)
To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3 Amplified)
Prayer
Father thank You that as I give You all the negatives of My life You give me all the positives of Yours. Please help me not to hold onto things that trouble me and try to work them out Myself but, help me to be quick to turn to You and let You transform My life. Please help me to rest in You and keep My eyes fixed on You so that I am not troubled by the storms surrounding me. In the calm after the storm please help me to rest in You and thank You for all Your many blessings. Please make me more like Jesus so others may want to come to You and enable me to truthfully say as he did that I only do what I see My father doing and only say what I hear My father say. Amen.
Reflect and Journal
- What do you need to give to God that’s negative so you can receive his positive?
- Do you still feel shame? Shame is feeling something is wrong with you rather than you having done something wrong. Ask God to speak the truth about you.
- Are there any dark or despairing places in your life? If so give them to God.