jesus – Page 10 – Transformed at the WELL Devotional Ministry

Good Morning Sunshine! You Can Enjoy God On The Peaks, But You Will Encounter Him Personally In The Valley!

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

What are Peaks and Valleys?
Peaks ~ represent moments of joy, they are times of profound experiences, answered prayers, and a deep sense of God’s Presence.

Valleys ~ represent times of struggle, doubt, or discouragement. They are times of questioning your faith as you face trials, and you feel distant from God.

In this life, you will experience both peaks and valleys. (And sometimes you may feel both at the same time.) The peaks are moments of joy, success, and clarity, when everything seems to fall into place, and you feel God’s blessings overflowing. But valleys? Valleys are difficult, and full of uncertainty. They test your faith and your resilience. Yes, I know that It’s easy to celebrate God on the days of peaks, where the light seems brighter, and His Presence feels obvious. Yet, scripture reminds us that God is just as present in the valleys as He is in the peaks. Trust in God!

In this Psalm, David speaks about walking through the darkest valley without fear because of God’s constant guidance and comfort in your life. Valleys are not meant to be permanent places of residence but a pathway to something greater. They are designed to teach you how to depend on God, to refine your character, and prepare you for your next peak. Just as valleys provide the nutrients that make the mountaintops lush and beautiful, the struggles you endure can fuel your growth in ways you don’t always immediately recognize on the peak!

Both peaks and valleys are essential for your spiritual growth. Peaks are your time of learning and valleys lead you to seek God even deeper, it’s the place where your faith is developed. Peaks help you appreciate the valleys, and valleys can help you appreciate the peaks! Valleys test your faith and resilience, and builds your ability to persevere through challenges. And these same valleys are given opportunities to demonstrate your faith and trust in God, even when it doesn’t look right, you still trust God!

David wrote Psalm 23, to offer comfort and assurance, to let you know that God is walking with you even in the darkest valleys. The rod represents His protection, and the staff symbolizes His guidance. When you are in the valley, it can feel like God is distant, yet these seasons often become the sacred spaces where He reveals Himself the most to you. Just as the fertile valleys nourish the peaks, the challenges of life shape you into people prepared for higher ground. Valleys are not destinations, they are journeys that are designed to lead you toward growing in God, in a deeper dependence on Him, and a greater appreciation for His faithfulness!

Think about a time in your life when you felt like you were in a valley, a place of uncertainty or difficulty. Did you see God at work in that season, even if only in hindsight? What lessons did the experience teach you about God’s character and His promises? Sometimes, it’s only by reflecting on those moments that you can recognize His steady hand guiding and sustaining you. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9! Whether you are currently on the mountaintop or walking through a valley, take time to rest in the truth that God’s Presence is constant day in and day out in your life, and His purpose for your journey is always for your good and for His Glory!

In this place of sanctification, you will journey through a series of peaks and valleys, times when you feel invincible and seasons when you feel overwhelmed. While it is easy to cherish the peaks, it’s in the valleys that your faith deepens, your prayers become more earnest, as you experience God’s Presence in a greater way! It’s in the valleys that God will break you open in a new way that invites God to step in and fill the gaps with His grace, love, and strength. When David walked through his valleys, like facing Goliath, hiding from Saul, or grieving the loss of loved ones, he turned to God for his refuge and strength. Your valleys are opportunities to depend fully on God, and trust in His promises and in His perfect plan for you!

As you can see there is so much beauty in the valley that you often miss from the peak and that is it has the power to force you to look up and to bring you closer to God in ways the peaks rarely do! For you see on the peak you are rejoicing and celebrating His blessings, and it can cause you to become comfortable and self-reliant. But in the valleys, your inadequacies are laid bare, and you are reminded of your constant need for God’s Grace and Mercy! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6!

For it is in those moments of a hardship push that you learn to lean into His promises, seek His face, surrender your will and be fully submerged in Him and on His guidance. The valleys strip away distractions and teach you how to listen more intently to His voice. Psalm 34:18 is the perfect reminder of God’s love for the brokenhearted, He is not distant in your struggles but draws especially close when you are hurting. The valleys teach you dependence, trust, and surrender. They refine your character and build a testimony that not only strengthens your own faith but inspires others as well!

Remember this, each valley that you had or have walked through is not for punishment or a place of abandonment. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29! It’s a chapter in your story where God reveals His faithfulness and draws you closer to His heart. Trust that His purpose is being fulfilled in the valley and that He is preparing you for greater heights on the peaks, keep walking on the path that He set before you, and trust in the One who walks with you every step of the way! God!

Let’s Pray:
Thank You Father! Thank You for being with me in every season of my life, on the peaks and in the valleys. Father, help me to trust Your plan and find comfort in Your constant Presence. Let every step through difficulty lead me closer to You and prepare me for the next peak. For Your Word says, to consider it pure Joy when you face trials, knowing they refine your faith and produce perseverance. James 1:2-4. Father, thank You for changing my perspective on how I see hardship in my life, thank You for using it to be a steppingstone for my foundation, maturity and place of intimacy with You. Father, Thank You for reminding me that valleys don’t come into my life to harm me but to mold and prepare me for Your greater purpose! Father, Thank You for every valley, for it brought me closer to You. Even when I struggle to understand Your plan, I trust that You are working all things out for my good. Draw near to me in my brokenness and let me feel the comfort of Your Presence. Father, help me to persevere, knowing You are shaping me through each peak and valley. Thank You for never leaving me in the valley alone but guiding me every step of the way as I strive to reach my peak. Teach me to trust You on the peaks and in the valleys, and in the valleys and on the peaks, knowing that Your love will never leave me or fail me, for it is the One constant thing that I can depend on no matter where I am and no matter what season I am in! In Jesus Christ Name. Amen!

Blessings…
Love, Minister Jean
Have A Blessed Weekend…

Good Morning Sunshine! First Things First, Seek God In Prayer!

Matthew 6:33 ~ “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

First things First! Imagine you’re on a flight, and the safety briefing begins. The flight attendant explains that in the event of an emergency, oxygen masks will drop from above. They emphasize a crucial rule: “Put your own mask on first before assisting anyone else.” At first, this might seem selfish, especially if you’re traveling with children or loved ones. But the logic is simple, if you don’t secure your oxygen, you’ll quickly become unable to help anyone at all. This principle is a powerful metaphor for life, before you can effectively serve or support others, you must first take care of your own well-being. For Christians, this means prioritizing time with God through prayer, ensuring you’re spiritually strong and ready to pour into others.

Matthew 6:33, is the perfect alignment for this, you must first be aligned with God in prayer first, before you can engage someone else! In this scripture, Jesus teaches that your primary focus should always be on God, seeking His kingdom (His Will, Ways and Purpose) and His righteousness (a right relationship with Him). When you make God your first priority through prayer and obedience, He promises to provide everything that you need.

Just as a passenger must secure their oxygen mask before helping others, this verse serves as a reminder that you cannot effectively face life’s challenges or serve others until you have sought God first. Prayer allows you to realign your heart with His Will, and filling you with the peace, wisdom, and provision He promises. By prioritizing time with Him daily, you trust that God will equip you to handle life’s demands and care for those around you. Seeking His kingdom through prayer is the foundation for living a life of overflow, blessing, and purpose.

“In case of emergency, put on your oxygen mask first. Then help those around you.” This is a vital reminder that you can’t help those around you if you are not receiving what you need to breathe and function. Similarly, in your spiritual walk, prayer is your “Oxygen Mask”, it connects you to God’s life-giving power and equips you to serve others. Jesus modeled the importance of prayer throughout His ministry as the Son of God, He frequently withdrew to pray and refresh His spirit. In Luke 5:16, we read, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” If Jesus needed this time with the Father, how much more do you need it?

When life becomes overwhelming, you may feel tempted to pour all your energy into helping others or solving their problems. Yet, it’s easy to let busyness, fear, or guilt prevent you from prioritizing prayer. But if you neglect your time in prayer, you will be left empty and depleted. Philippians 4:6-7 tells you of the power of prayer, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When you take the proper time to “put on your oxygen mask” through prayer, God will fill you with what you need to help others. Today, prioritize your prayer time. Don’t rush past it or treat it as an afterthought. Let it become the foundation of your day, ensuring that you’re spiritually “breathing” in the life that God gave you. When you’re connected to Him, you’ll be better able to help and encourage others. Think of your prayer life as refilling your spiritual tank and you can’t run on fumes, you need gas to keep going!

Through prayer, God will pour His wisdom, into your life. And Prayer isn’t about perfect words or a fixed schedule, but it’s about coming to God as you are, no matter the time or place. When you cultivate a consistent prayer life, you’ll find yourself strengthened, renewed, and ready to bless those around you. When your spiritual Oxygen Mask is on, something miraculous happens, God uses your life to overflow into others. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13!

I know that the world is full of people gasping for hope, direction, and love. But you can’t offer them what you haven’t first received. Just as passengers can only assist their neighbor after their oxygen mask is secured, you must first let God fill you before you can pour into others. Don’t feel guilty for taking time to prioritize your spiritual health it’s essential for bearing fruit in every area of your life. You need to practice and know what to do first before you can lead someone else to do it! Practice being in His Presence through Prayer. Here are steps to putting your Oxygen Mask on through Prayer:

Set a Daily Time – Whether in the morning, during lunch, or at night, choose a specific time to connect with God through prayer. Consistency builds strength.
Pray with Honesty – God doesn’t need fancy words. Speak openly about your worries, joys, and struggles, and trust Him to meet you where you are.
Listen in Stillness – Prayer isn’t just about talking—it’s also about listening. Pause to allow the Holy Spirit to whisper direction, comfort, and wisdom into your heart.
Pray Through Scripture – Use verses like Philippians 4:6-7 or Psalm 46:10 (“Be still, and know that I am God”) as a guide for your prayers, letting God’s Word shape your time with Him.
Pray for Others – As you refill your spiritual tank, lift others up to God. Ask Him to meet their needs and use you as a vessel for encouragement and support.

Reflect on how your life might change if you prioritized prayer and make it a priority and a part of your daily life. Consider whether you’ve been trying to help others while feeling spiritually depleted, because you neglected your own time with God. Are you rushing through tasks and responsibilities, or are you pausing to seek His guidance and renewal first? Prayer isn’t just about meeting your needs, it’s the foundation that allows you to be a blessing to those around you. Think about how consistent time in prayer could provide you with everything that you need to navigate through your daily life challenges and how what you do in prayer or what you didn’t do overflow into the lives of others. Let what flows out of you come from the overflow of your time with God in prayer! Seek Him first and watch what happens to you next!

Let’s Pray:

Thank You Father, Thank You for being my source of strength, wisdom, and peace. Your Word says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). You also remind me in Psalm 46:10 to, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Father, in the busyness and demands of life, teach me to pause and come to You first, trusting that You will provide for every need and guide my steps according to Your perfect Will. Father, remind me to come to You first in prayer, just as I would put on an oxygen mask before helping others. Father, help me to make prayer my top priority and my foundation. Like Jesus, who often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16), may I seek those moments of stillness with You so that I can be refreshed and renewed. Remind me, Father, that apart from You, I can do nothing (John 15:5), but when I remain connected to You, I can bear much fruit. Father, help me to not be anxious for anything, but to wait and trust You, and to bring every prayer and petition to You with thanksgiving in my heart, Philippians 4:6-7. Father You said, in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” So, I’m calling You for no one else can do me like You. Father, may Your peace that transcends all understanding guard my heart and your mind in You. Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and strengthen my faith so I can trust in Your timing and provision as I prioritize You, help me to live out Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Father May I become a light to those around me. May my time with You overflow into acts of love, encouragement, and service to others. Give me eyes to see the needs of those around me and a heart ready to respond. Thank You, Father, for being my constant source of life, guidance, and strength. Teach me each day to put first things first, seeking You in prayer before anything else. May my life bring You glory in all I do. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

Blessings…

Love, Minister Jean

Good Morning Sunshine! A New Day Is About To Dawn, Are You Ready To Embrace It?

Lamentations 3:22-23 ~ “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

As the curtain prepare to close on 2024, another year that God has allowed you, it’s natural for you to reflect and think about closing another chapter, and how and what you are going to do to prepare for the next one! This is one thing that I want you to be reminded of God’s faithfulness through every moment of every minute of this year! It is right here that you should be thanking God, He saw you through an entire year, you made it to day 366, some that started out with you didn’t make it, but to God be the Glory you did! Day 366 represents the completion of your journey in 2024, and you cannot go back and correct or visit any part of it. It’s over, it’s gone, a New Day is Dawning whether you are ready or not. And know this, the same God that guided you this year will be the same God who will guide you next year, His love and mercies are steadfast and everlasting.

Now as you reflect on all that has happened, maybe it was a year filled with victories, or perhaps it was a year weighed down by struggles and disappointments, triumphs and trials, changes and challenges, and lessons and blessings, whatever it was, God saw you through it, because you are here to tell your story. And just as the calendar pages flips, so does your life, for as long as God gives you breath you will have a change of days and seasons will continue in its endless cycles of peaks and valleys, and regardless of what the past year has held, God is inviting you to release everything into His Hands and step forward into the new year with hope and great expectation!

Embrace the new, In Isaiah 43:18-19, God is reminding you not to dwell on the past, for He is doing something new. Each new year is a chance to experience God’s mercies afresh. Holding onto the past, whether its hurts, failures, or blessings and joys can prevent you from seeing what God is unfolding before your very eyes today, for the miracle that God perform in your life on yesterday belongs to yesterday and what He has for you today belongs to today!

Think about all of the things that you have experienced this year and see how God has provided for you day in and day out, just like He did for the lilies in the fields, He clothed them with His Glory and Splendor each and every day, He let His rain and sunshine on them as He paved the way for their growth, and He did the same thing for you too. God has equipped you with the grace to preserve. Now on this day, day 366, I want you to embrace the truth that as this day ends, you will begin a new fresh chapter full of opportunities to grow, love and trust God even more deeply. As you grow deeper in your Word it should remind you of the faithfulness of God the One who walked with you in every high and low, and He remained faithful, so this day is not just about looking back, it is about looking forward to the future with Hope!

God is Alpha and Omega, the author of your past and the creator of your tomorrows. Through Him, endings are transformed into new beginnings. And the trials of this year, though challenging, were not wasted. They were your stepping-stones to your next, they refined you and prepared your heart for the next chapter. (“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:13!) As you step over into 2025, ask God to give you some new eyes to see the new day and to embrace the promises of this new year! Today, embrace His invitation to release the past, for you cannot cling to both yesterday’s burdens and tomorrow’s blessings. So, open your hands and heart and surrendered all to God, trusting that He will make a way for you in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, Isaiah 43:18-19!

Embracing the new year means pressing forward, as Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13-14. You are called to focus not on what lies behind but on the goal that lies ahead, trusting that God’s plans are good and His love never fails. Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting; it means surrendering. It is one of the hardest acts of faith. So many times, you have gripped so tightly to your plans, your worries, your pain, or even your need for control and then you try to work things out on your own, carrying the weight of it all, when God lovingly calls you to release it to Him. So, take a deep breath today. Release your grip and lay it at His feet, for He cares for you, and He is big enough to carry what you cannot. (Matthew 11:28), and He’s loving enough to work it all together for your good. (Romans 8:28!)

So, take a moment and release the old, release regrets, unforgiveness, unmet expectations, bitterness and complacency and trust God with the things that you cannot change, and allow Him to make a way and open up new possibilities where you least expect them. In Proverbs 3:5-6, you are reminded to trust in the Lord with all your heart and to lean not on your own understanding. Trust requires release. Trust invites God to make a way where there seems to be none and to take the tangled threads of your life and to weave it into something beautiful. Invite God to fill your heart with hope and courage to step into the 2025 boldly and graceful, knowing that He is with you every step of the way. Embrace each day as an opportunity to walk in the promise of God’s renewal, where endings give way to beginnings, and His Grace carries you forward with a greater momentum than you had last year!

Let’s Pray:

Father Thank You, Thank You for loving me through everything. Thank you for being faithful through this entire year, you brought me from January 1^st to December 31^st and I am so grateful! Father, help me to carry every lesson that I learned forward and to let go and leave what has tried to hold me back. Father, as the new day is on the horizon to begin, fill my heart with hope and trust that Your compassion is sufficient for every tomorrow that I will face. Father thank You for Your steadfast love that has carried me throughout my life. Father, I surrender every disappointment, failure, and loss into Your hands, trusting that You will redeem time on my behalf. Father, open my eyes to see the new things that You are doing and give me faith to step boldly into the future that You have designed and destined just for me. Father, teach me to let go of the things I cannot control and trust You completely. I surrender my plans, my worries, and my struggles into Your capable hands. Help me walk by faith, not sight, knowing that You are always at work in my life. Thank You for being my strength, my peace, and my guide. Father may this new day that is dawning be filled with Your Presence, Prayers, Praise, Peace, and Purpose in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

Blessings…

Love Minister Jean

Good Morning Sunshine! Is Your Conversion For Convenience or For True Transformation?

Matthew 7:21 ~ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 ~ “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

In this fast-paced, performance-driven world, it’s tempting to approach faith as a “transaction” rather than “transformation”, a convenient way to gain favor with others and with God. Yet Jesus is reminding you that a verbal profession of faith or outward religious acts are not enough to save and sustain you!

This is the last Monday in 2024, God has seen you through 52 of them and as you prepare to transition from 2024 – 2025, I want you to think about this, is your relationship with God built on a true conversion or was it just for convenience? A “conversion of convenience” refers to adopting a religion for personal gain temporarily rather than genuine belief and surrender. True convenience involves changing one’s faith to gain social acceptance, political advantage, or other benefits and true Conversion, involves you submitting and surrendering everything about you to get and be closer to God!

Have you ever considered why you follow Christ? Is it out of genuine faith and love for Him, or are there moments when your faith seems to serve a purpose of convenience? Perhaps it is to blend in with a group, seek favor, or avoid hardships. This kind conversion lacks the depth and authenticity that God desires. Jesus warned you about having a superficial profession of faith. He explained that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” is truly a follower of His. Instead, genuine faith is revealed by having and a transformed life, one that seeks and aligns with God’s Will, even when it’s difficult.

And 2 Corinthians 5:17 is to remind you that true conversion is not merely a label but a transformation. When you come to Jesus Christ, it’s not about convenience; it’s about being remade in His image and living a life that reflects His love, holiness, and purpose. True conversion is true transformation, and it involves true repentance and faith! The Bible emphasizes that genuine conversion leads to becoming a “new creation” in Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” You think and act differently when you have been transformed by the Master!

True transformation is not just about outward changes but involves an inner change that overflows to the outside! It’s about God’s Grace, Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, lest anyone should boast.” This highlights that salvation is a gift from God and not a result of personal effort. You cannot buy this or earn this by doing or being someone outside of who God called you to be.

Apostle Paul’s conversion illustrates what a profound change really looks like. For he use to be a fervent persecutor of Christians, but then he had a Damascus Road encounter and met Jesus Christ and lead to his total and complete transformation that changed his way of thinking and his way of living. His experience underscores what a true conversion looks like, it’s a reflection of a genuine encounter with God, leading to a life dedicated in His service.

Authentic conversion produces a deep and visible change in your heart, one that mirrors the life of Jesus Christ. True transformation is not just about adopting Christian practices for appearance; it’s a life marked by genuine repentance, surrender, and love for God. Keep this scripture ever before you, Galatians 2:20 that our old self must “die,” making room for Christ to live in and through you. This means giving up selfish motives and personal ambitions that seek only convenience and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your life.

As a Christian you are called to pursue holiness and live out your faith daily. This transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification, where the Spirit molds you to reflect Jesus Christ’s character and Paul reinforces this in Romans 12:2, urging believers not to conform to the world’s patterns but to let their minds and hearts be renewed by God’s truth. Remember that when you want to have a true conversion with God it will be divinely inspired by a change of heart, resulting in a renewed relationship with God and a transformed life and nothing is fake about that! Conversion brings the truth out and it will be seen by God, you and others!

Let’s Pray:
Thank You Father! Father help me to examine my heart and motives, for I want my faith to be real, not based on convenience, but rooted in my genuine relationship with You. Transform me and lead me in Your Word and Ways, even when they require sacrifice. Father, help me to not only be a hearer of Your Word, but a doer of Your Word, James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Father, make me a new creation, wholly and committed to You. Father, thank You for calling me, please forgive me when I have approached You with selfish motives or treated my relationship with You as a convenience and not a priority! Father, fill me with Your Spirit, renew my heart and mind, and help me to live as new creations in Christ Jesus. May my life Glorify You in every thought, word, and deed that I do. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

Blessings…
Love, Minister Jean

Good Morning Sunshine! It’s Time For You To Contend For The Word That God Gave You!

Jude 1:1-3 NKJV ~ “Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: [2] Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. [3] Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

Last week on our weekly prayer line Apostle Comery told us that we had to contend for the word that God has given us and that He is going to give us a song as a reminder of what He put in our spirit. And since he said that, this word has been on my mind. So, today’s devotional is inspired by the fresh Manna from Apostle Comery!

Today, I want you to do a scripture and word search on the word, contend! Merriam Webster Dictionary says it means, to strive or vie in contest or rivalry or against difficulties, to struggle.

This is from Bible Study Tools! ~ Contend means, the meeting of effort by effort, striving against opposition; physically, in battle (Deuteronomy 2:9), or orally (Nehemiah 13:11), and sometimes spiritually (Isaiah 57:16). It says when you get in a birthing position, spiritually speaking, and you travail in the Spirit for the thing You Know is in God’s heart to come forth. Contending is when you become aggressive and offensive in your prayer and in your fasting and you don’t let anything, or anyone cause you to stop!

Now with that being said think about this, there are moments and then there are moments when God speaks a word to your heart, a promise, an instruction, or a word of revelation. It might come during your time in the Word, through prayer, in silence and stillness or through a spiritual prompting. But when God speaks and opposition arises and try to make doubt come to your mind, so what do you do? You contend, fight for the word that God gave you! Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ was eager to write a letter to those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ, He wanted mercy, peace, and love to be multiplied to them because of their common salvation, he found it necessary to write appealing to them to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Listen at his tone as he writes to them, he is speaking through the pen, to those who are called, loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ, there are three passive verbs here, that point to God, (called, loved and kept)! Do you hear God, God calls, God loves, and God keeps! You are called, you are loved, and you are kept by God! (Are you happy in Jesus yet?) Jude is making sure that you, the believer knows that you have been elected by God, and you are being preserved by His love! This is why Jude begin and ended his letter in the manner that he did! (Jude 1:24-25, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, [25] To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.”) He knew that you would have to fight for your faith sometimes, and that is always in the middle.

Think about it this way, it’s what you do with the dash between your born day and the day you die! The dash is the different maker! This letter was not to make you feel content, but to help you feel strong, to contend with confidence the word that is on the inside of you. Jude believed if he showed them what electing the love of God and His unsurpassed Power looked like while God kept them safe and taught them how to fight for the faith and to never lose hope! The apostle Jude urges you to “contend earnestly” for the faith. This doesn’t just mean defending your beliefs outwardly; but it means inwardly holding fast to the Word of God. To contend means to wrestle, to fight, and to stand firm. It implies that you know how to resist forces that seek to undermine what God has spoken to you! Because when God gives you a word, it will be tested by Fire!

Look at those who paved the way for you; Abraham received the promise of a son, yet he waited for years both spiritually and physically for it to come to pass (Genesis 15:5-6, Romans 4:20-21)! Joseph was given dreams of greatness, but he endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before seeing God’s Word fulfilled (Genesis 37:5-11, Genesis 50:20)! And Jesus Himself contended in the wilderness, for standing firm on God’s Word when Satan sought to twist it (Matthew 4:1-11)! So, as you can see, you will have to contend with God’s Word and it requires you to trust in Him over what you see or feel, remember this is not based on your feelings, it’s your faith in God that you have to be sure of!

So, if it means rehearsing His promises in your mind over and over again until you can hear it in your spirit, and it is declaring His truth over your circumstances and resisting every lie that contradicts what God has spoken! Then so be it! You will do whatever is necessary to protect the Word that God has given you! Be aware of the tricks of the enemy, for his goal is to make you abandon the Word of God before it has had a chance to take root in you and bear the fruit that God wants to be harvested! James 1:12 is a great reminder for you, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

In other words, you have an assured victory, but this does not mean that you don’t have to be prepared for the fight to win. Just like an Army’s Commander in Chief, he may promise you victory in the battle, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to show up ready and prepared! The promise of victory assumes valor in battle. When God promised that His church would be kept from defeat, His purpose is not that you lay down your sword and go to sleep, but that you pick up the sword of the Spirit and look confidently to God for the strength to fight and win. Jude helped the people see it God’s way, who have you helped today? For it’s in God’s way, that you can have confidence that because of your faith you will be victorious in the end, now get out there and contend (fight) for the Word and Promises that God gave you!

God’s Word carries Power, but it must be partnered with your faith. Hebrews 4:2 tells us that the Word profits nothing when not mixed with faith. So, to contend means to believe that God is faithful and that His Word will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent out to do, and it will not return empty, (Isaiah 55:11)! If you are wrestling with doubt about what God has promised, then that is the scripture for you to get in your heart, head, mind, and mouth, so that you can bring it all to God in prayer, where you can be strengthened in His Word and invite the Holy Spirit to fortify your faith! Stand firm and refuse to let go of what He has spoken. His Word will not fail you, it will accomplish its goal, that is sealed with a promise from God Himself!

Let’s Pray:
Father, thank You for Your Word that brings life, hope, and direction. I ask for strength to contend with the promises You’ve given me. Thank You for the precious gift of Salvation that You have given to me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to treasure this faith You have entrusted to Your me and delivered once for all through Your Word and Your Spirit. Fill me with courage to contend earnestly for this truth and guarding it with humility and boldness in a world of challenges and distractions. Father, please help me to stand firm in my faith, resisting doubt and fear. Father, remind me of Your faithfulness and Your power to bring Your Word to fulfillment in my life. Strengthen my heart and mind to remain steadfast, keeping my eyes fixed on Your Presence as I wait on my promises. Father please help me to stand united as a believer and supporting my brothers and sisters in love as I strive to live out Your Gospel. Guide me with Your wisdom and grace, so that I may Glorify You in all that I do. I trust in You, and I choose to hold on to Your promises and contend for my faith m in You, no matter what! In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

Blessings…

Love, Minister Jean

Have A Blessed Weekend…

Good Morning Sunshine! What Are You Doing Now, The Day After Christmas?

Luke 2:18 ~ “And all they that heard it wondered at those things, which were told them by the shepherds.”

John 1:14 KJV ~ “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

The day after Christmas can feel very quiet. The celebration is over and things are starting to fade in background. The gifts are unwrapped, and all of your presents have been looked at and the world has begun to shift back to its normal routine! Did you hear me say that it is the day after Christmas and all of the food is gone and the decorations are coming down! The stores are already waiting on your exchanges and returns and some stores have already started putting out Valentine’s Day Candy, (and how do I know that, when I went to the store on Christmas Eve, it was out. I love the little confectionery valentine heart candy and I bought a box!) And I know that reflection of this year is on speed dial in your mind as you fill it with your plans for the new year!

So, what are you doing the day after Christmas? Are you still cleaning up the torn packages from yesterday, and have put them away? Or, are you traveling back home or preparing to head back to work? Or, are you contemplating how you are going to spend your extra Christmas cash that you got for gifts? Tell me what difference has this Christmas made in your life? Did you really stop to observe and think about the fact a Savior was born and how this has made a difference in your life this year? Are you living a life that reflects this truth? Or, are you still wondering what all the excitement is about?

It’s a sad thing to know that so many people celebrated Christmas without really understanding the why behind the celebration? Did you include Jesus in your day of celebration? After all it His Birthday! Did you acknowledge Him in His place, that is the center of your celebration, not something to make a part of your checklist or after thought! It’s because of Jesus that you even had that day!

Just to recap what happened yesterday, A Savior was born! He is Christ the Lord! Your Savior grew, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, rose again, and now intercedes between God and man on behalf of you! This is cause alone for a celebration! Jesus is your Friend, the One who sticks closer than a brother! He is waiting on you to unload those who heavy burdens and come to Him. He wants to bless your life with true peace! All the Hope you need was born on yesterday, Christmas Day! Don’t let what took place fade into the background like those presents that you will put in the back of your closet and will not think about them until next year when you are decorating again for Christmas!

But as for you the believer, the truth of Christmas doesn’t not and will not fade, it lingers and transforms every day that follows, for it should be in your heart all the year long and throughout eternity! Today, I want you to dwell on what really took place yesterday and what it truly means for “The Word” to become flesh. In the beginning, the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). The Word, the fullness of God’s Power, and Purpose, became one when Jesus stepped onto the scene in your brokenness, your weakness, and your need, and not as a distant figure but as Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Through Jesus, the promises that God spoke about through the prophets became more than words, it became real. For in Christ, the promise of a Savior was fulfilled, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus personified these titles, embodying peace, counsel, and might as He lives among you.

It’s time that you allow the truth of the Incarnation sink deep into your heart. The Word became flesh, and in doing so, He forever changed how you relate to God and others. For God called you to love Him and love others! Let’s really reflect on what took place on yesterday and affects you today. Ask yourself these questions:

In what areas of your life can you strive to embody “grace and truth,” just as Jesus did?
How can you share the message of reconciliation with those who feel far from God?

Jesus Christ coming wasn’t just a single historical moment; it was the beginning, and the end, and everything else in between, it is His Presence that will be among you forever. He is still Emmanuel today, tomorrow and forever more! Let the hope of Jesus Christ dwell in you richly as you go about your day (Colossians 3:16). He is not just the Savior of Christmas, He is the Savior of every single day! Live with the assurance that God’s Glory will continue to shine through His Son, both now and always!

Today, is this day, the day after Christmas, and I want you to get this truth at the core of who you are. Jesus didn’t just come into the world as a baby for a fleeting moment. He came as “The Word made flesh,” bringing God’s eternal message of love, redemption, and grace in human form. Just imagine the Word of God walking, talking, laughing, and healing every action embodying the heart of the Father. Jesus Christ is the living Scripture, the Word made flesh that reveals God’s fullness in ways words on a page never could. Through His Glorious Presence, God’s promises became tangible, relatable, and personal just for you!

I want you to take a pause break and reflect on this truth, Jesus Christ wants to dwell on the inside of you, not just for one or two days, He wants to take up permanent residence with you. So, with knowing this, how can you carry His Presence with you in the present going forward? Your life should embody His grace and Truth in your life! The world around you may move on from Christmas, but as believers, you should continue to walk in the light of His arrival and shine as bright as the star that led the shepherds to Him! (Matthew 2:9!)

Let’s Pray:

Father, Thank You for coming into the world, to save me from myself and from sin. I stand in awe of the wonder of Your Word made flesh. Jesus, You are the fullness of grace and truth, that came to dwell among us, showing us Your glory and love. Thank You! Thank You for stepping into my world, and for bringing heaven to earth, and for making Your Presence tangible in my life. Father, help me to remember the depth of this gift, that you have given me, for it is a gift that no one else can ever give, and it’s the Gift that keeps on giving to me and every one who believes in You and Your Word! Father, Thank You for humbling Yourself to walk among them us on this earth and to endure what You had to go through just for me to be here today; You chose to take on my burdens and lead me to salvation. Let my life reflect Your love and remind others of the eternal gift of Your Presence! Father, as I move past the celebration of Christmas, help me never forget the true reason for the season and that is to celebrate You, and to carry Your light into my everyday moments of life. Father may Your Word always dwell richly in my heart and guide me to reflect Your light in the world. Teach me to live in Your Grace and to speak truth in love, and to glorify You in all that I do. Let Your Presence transform my present life, so that others may see Your glory through how I live my life before You and for You!

Blessings…

Love, Minister Jean

Good Morning Sunshine! You Should Be Rejoicing, For The Good News Was Born Today!

Luke 2:10-11 (NIV) – “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

I’m sure that when you think about Christmas, you may think about all the bright lights, festive songs, family gatherings, and gifts exchanged. Yet, at the heart, Christmas is about one thing and One thing only, it is a very simple, yet profound, truth: God came to you in the form of a baby! Jesus has been born! Oh, what a Glorious Day it is!

You live in a world where you are used to striving, earning, and working for everything that you have, but this is one thing that you will never have enough money or stuff to pay for it! God gave you the ultimate gift! Christmas presents a God Himself, the Creator of the universe, chose to enter your world in the humblest way imaginable! He didn’t come as a mighty king, but as a vulnerable infant! He wasn’t born in a palace, but in a stable! And He didn’t arrive with riches or grandeur, but with the purest gift of all, Himself! So, why are you all made up, and are under all that stuff? Free yourself today to enjoy Jesus! God is with you, Matthew 1:23! Here is the truth, Immanuel is with you!

Jesus wasn’t just a good teacher or a moral example, He was God incarnate! The Word became flesh (John 1:14). And He didn’t come to live far away from you, but among you! He walked on this earth, experienced your struggles, and knew the depths of human pain and joy. In the midst of your messy lives, He chose to draw near. That is what makes Christmas so great, God didn’t stay distant; He entered your world in the most intimate and humble way.

Today, you can receive and give someone the best gift ever! The Gift of Jesus, Luke 2:10-11 tells you that the angel’s announcement of Jesus birth was “good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” So, do you want to know what makes this news so “good”? It’s the fact that Jesus came to save you! Isaiah 9:6 reminds you that Jesus came to be your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! Doesn’t this excite you and give you reason to celebrate! Jesus wasn’t just a child born to Mary and Joseph, He was a Savior, the One who would take on the weight of the world’s sin, offering forgiveness and new life to all who believe in Him! Jesus is the gift of salvation, that keeps on giving, day in and day out, He is the gift that you could never earn, but He is One that you can freely receive, if you just believe!

The beauty of this season is that the gift of Jesus Christ is not something you have to work for. Just as the wise men brought gifts to honor Jesus, the greatest gift you can give in return is simply your heart. So, on this Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024, remember that the true joy of the season lies not in the decorations, the food, or the presents, but in the Presence of Jesus Christ Himself!

Christmas is inviting you to respond to God’s gift of Himself with gratitude and love. Just as you will exchange gifts with your loved ones today, you are called to the love of the Greatest Present of all, Jesus Christ with those you love and that are around you. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need, you are invited to reflect the love that Jesus Christ demonstrated to you by sharing it with the world. Remember this, Christmas is more than a holiday, it’s the reminder that God’s love is so great that He came to you in the most personal way. In the midst of all the celebrations, do not forget the beautiful truth, God is with you and you will never alone!

Let’s Pray:

Father, Thank You for the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for coming to me, for being “Immanuel—God with us!” This Christmas, help me to remember the true meaning of the season, that Jesus is the greatest Present and Gift all wrapped in one that I could ever receive. Teach me to live in a way that reflects Your love and grace. Help me to share the hope and joy of Christ with everyone that I meet. May Your Presence fill my heart with peace, Joy and love this season like never before, may it be a continuous flow forever. In the Name of Jesus Christ Jesus. Amen!

Blessings…

Love. Minister Jean

Good Morning Sunshine! The Rain Has Stopped And The Fog Has Been Cleared?

Psalm 37:23-24 AMPC ~ “The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]. [24] Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him.“

Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt like you couldn’t see the way forward. The fog of doubt, fear, and uncertainty loomed so thick around you that every step felt like you were stumbling, and every decision was heavy with anxiety. You searched for answers but found silence, you tried to push forward but felt stuck. You felt like your faith was being tested, but it was still all you had to hold on to. But now, the fog has lifted, and you can see clearly. The once-blurred path now feels illuminated, steady, and full of God’s purpose. But God! Now I can see, the fog is gone!

When you walked through the season of fog, the fog is where your faith deepens. It’s where God reminds you that His guidance isn’t about showing you the entire path all at once, it’s about walking step by step with Him, even when you couldn’t see, He did it that way on purpose, so that you can see clearly. Now that the fog is gone, you will understand why it was there. It may have slowed you down a little, so that you don’t miss the His lessons that He is teaching you.

Ask God to refine your focus, and to teach you how to depend on God, not on yourself. More importantly, it will allow you to realize that you were never truly lost in the first place, He just needed you to slow down a little. The fog didn’t mean you were alone; it simply meant that you need to trust that God has been with you even in the unknown. For it might be unknown to you, but you can be assured that He knows! Now, the path that you once felt was impossible now feels clear and sure, you have got your firm foot secured! And God has turned that impossible into a possible!

There is nothing as beautiful as seeing fog strung across a field, but it’s a whole other thing when you are driving, and you can barely see in front of you. But oh, how wonderful you feel when you can see clearly! Thank You God, for the gift of clarity! When the fog clears, perspective floods in. You start to see how God used what seemed like a delay as part of His perfect timing. You understand that the struggles you faced weren’t obstacles but tools in God’s hands to strengthen you. The clarity you now have is a reminder of God’s faithfulness. What once felt impossible is now a visible proof of His provision for the purpose!

Clarity brings gratitude because it allows you to recognize that God wasn’t just leading you through the fog, He was working something better and greater in you all along. Remember when the Israelites wandered in the desert. While they could not see the promised land, God could (for you see, when and what you can’t see, God has already seen it). So, when they finally entered, they were stronger, refined by their journey, and aware that it was God’s hand, not their own, that had brought them through it!

Isn’t that just how God works? He will allow you to walk through the foggy seasons to develop a faith that forces you to lean completely on Him, and to learn to take one step at a time going forward! The sky now, God has opened up the skies, parted the clouds, and He has let His light shine on the path before you. And it is in this moment, the things that have overwhelmed you has faded in the background like the fog. Can you see His handprints all over your journey?

Now as you look back, can you see that the fog wasn’t there to harm you; it was there to teach you. It forced you to trust in the unseen, to hold on to the promises of God even when you can’t see the fulfillment of those promises. The fog required you to depend on God and seek Him for guidance and to not on your own understanding.

When the fog finally lifts, you gain the gift of sight. You see how God has been with you all along the way. The detours that frustrated you were to build your faith, it was His way of protecting and redirecting your steps, so that He could keep you alive and aligned! The slow pace was His way of preparing you for your next season. These moments of silence are opportunities for you to tune your heart to His voice.

The clarity that you feel now isn’t just relief, it’s revelation. You can look back with gratitude, not just at the clear skies, but for the fog, too. Because it was in the fog that your faith grew. Take a moment to celebrate your breakthrough. God has brought you through what felt impossible. The same God that cleared the fog is the God that will continue guiding your every step. Ask yourself this question, what lessons did I learn in the fog? How did God show His faithfulness to me during that time? What can I carry forward now that I’ve made it through the rain and the fog?

Today, you can see clearly the rain and the fog is gone and God’s Hands are with you, for each and every single step! His plan and purpose remain unshakable in a shakable world! So, keep your eyes fixed on Him as you navigate through the fog (did you hear Him, “walk through it”) knowing that the same God who guided you through the rain and fog will continue to light your path forward as you as navigable

Let’s Pray:

Father Thank You! Thank You for clearing the fog and bringing me into a place of clarity and peace. I see now that You were with me every step of the way, even when I couldn’t feel or understand it. Forgive me for the times I doubted and faltered and thank You for Your patience with me. As I step forward, I ask for continued guidance and wisdom. Let me not rely on my own sight but trust in Your vision for my life. Help me to carry the lessons I learned in the fog into this season of clarity, and let my story be a testimony to Your goodness for others who need hope. Father Thank You for bringing me through I give You all the Glory for the Grace that You have shown me. Father, You were faithful when I doubted and patient when I faltered. Thank You for lighting my path and guiding me on a continuous and consistent journey even when I couldn’t see. Father, help me to trust You in every season, the rain, the fog, the foggy moments, the clear skies and the sun that is beaming through now that the rain is clear, and the fog is going. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

Blessings…

Love, Minister Jean

Good Morning Sunshine! Don’t Despise The Rain That God Is Sending Your Way!

Deuteronomy 11:13-14 (NLT) ~ “If you carefully obey all the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the LORD your God and serve him with all your heart and soul, then he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil.”

Rain is a natural part of life. Into each life a little rain must fall, just like the sun must shine! A refreshing look at the value of life’s rainy days is important for you to grow and blossom. The Lord has changed my heart when it comes to rain, I embrace it! God sends rain in proper seasons to help us to transition from one season to the next! Rain brings growth to you! Think about a garden, a seed cannot grow into a flourishing plant without the rain. The rain nurtures the soil, softening it and allowing the seed to sprout and take root. Similarly, when God sends rain into your life, be it through hardship, loss, or unexpected challenges, it is for the purpose of growth. God knows what’s on the inside of you because He put it there and it’s time for it to come out! You may not see it immediately, but in time, you will recognize how these storms and rain helped to develop a deeper relationship between you and God!

Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” God’s Word is likened to rain here. Just as rain fulfills its purpose by nourishing the earth, so God’s Word will accomplish His purposes in your life. Even in the storms and rain, His truth is watering and nourishing your heart, preparing you for the good works He has planned just for you from the beginning of time! The rain is not by happenstance, it’s on purpose for a purpose!

In life, you will face storms and have rainy days, for there are different seasons of trial, difficulty, and hardship that feel like the relentless downpour of rain. But as difficult as it may be to see and understand what’s happening in the moment, scripture encourages you not to despise these times, for the rain that God sends is never without purpose. Just as physical rain nurtures the earth and causes growth, so the spiritual rain that falls upon you is for your good too, Romans 8:28! “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4!

The Word of God is instructing you to consider it joy when you face trials. The storms, rain and raindrops and the difficult seasons, are not meant to harm you but to shape you! God is allowing these periods of rain in your life to refine your character, to remove hardness, to soften your heart, to deepen your faith, and to develop perseverance and endurance in you. For without the rain, the roots of your spiritual life wouldn’t grow as deeply, and you will miss out on the maturity that God wants to cultivate in your life for your new season! The rain washes out the old and paves the way for the new!

Today, I want you to be ready to embrace the rain that is going to fall. So, that when you begin to see the clouds turn dark and the raindrops and rain start to fall, you will be able to see through God’s perspective, what’s taken place, you will be able to see clearly through the rain and then you can embrace it instead of despising it! That trial may feel heavy right now, but don’t be in despair, it is shaping you into who you are meant to be. This rain is producing something in you that is more valuable than gold, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9! Oh, how you love Jesus!

Trust the process of God! When you are in the midst of the rain, it can be easy to focus on the discomfort and uncertainty that you are feeling, but call out to your Father, He will answer you! You may even wonder why God would allow such storms and rain to come into your life. But I want you to be reminded of who Jesus is to you, He is your Savior, your Lily of the Valley, your Rose of Sharon, your Healer, Provider and Peace, remember this one thing, God loves you, John 3:16; and, in His Word, Romans 8:28, He said, “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even in the hardest moments, God is working on your behalf for your good. The rain is not random or without reason; it is part of His loving plan for your growth, refining, and ultimate good. You can trust that God’s timing and His methods are perfect. Just as the rain falls in its due season, God knows exactly when and how to send what you need to grow you so that you can become more like Jesus Christ! Embrace the rain, it’s good for you and to you, and it is all for His Glory!

Let’s Pray:

Thank You Father, thank You for the rain that You sent into my life. Though it may feel overwhelming at times, I trust that it is for my good. I ask for Your grace to help me endure the trials with faith and perseverance. Father, help me seek You when I am facing the rain of life, help me to know and remember that You are using it to bring about good things in me. Father, help me to not despise the storm; but instead, let it remind me that You are cultivating growth, forgiveness, faith, love and perseverance in my life through the rain. Father I know just as rain prepares the earth for harvest, so the challenges I’m facing right now are preparing me for the fruit of Your promises in my life and I will trust Your process, for it is for my God and for Your Glory! Father, help me to see Your hand in every season, and may Your Word refresh and nourish me as I grow in You. I choose to trust Your purposes, knowing that You are working all things together for my good. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Blessings…

Love, Minister Jean

Good Morning Sunshine! God Has Healed Your Bruised Heel! Say Thank You!

Genesis 3:15 NKJV ~ “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

This verse is called protoevangelium, it is a compound of two Greek words, protos meaning “first” and evangelion meaning “good news” or “gospel”. It was known as the first mention in the Bible of the “good news” of salvation. The context of this first proclamation of the gospel was the serpent being defeated! When the serpent beguiled Eve and she gave the forbidden fruit from the tree of good and evil to Adam, and he ate of it contrary to what God had told him not to do! It caused an immediate separation from God and made a covenant with death. He chose fellowship with the devil rather than fellowship with God. In this first proclamation of the gospel, one thing sticks out, “The gospel was first spoken as a curse upon the serpent.” Your enemy will be and has been defeated, it was spoken in the beginning!

When you choose your flesh over God, you are choosing to be in bondage, and you cannot free yourself from this place. But there is good news for you, the power of the devil must be and will be broken off of your life by the Power of God! God promises the serpent that his kingdom will not last; his head will be bruised; and there will always be a remnant a “seed” who will be at war with the serpent’s seed! And the serpent will be defeated every time because of what God did!

Woman, (Man too) your victory has been achieved! You have this complete revelation of God, that the defeat of Satan came at the hands of the Seed of the Woman, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ defeated the devil, not with armies and weapons, but by suffering the death of the cross. Your covenant with death must be broken, and it can only be broken when it is carried out. The Son of God chose to taste death for you that the power of death might be broken off and in your life! This is a Glory Hallelujah Time!

You are a Warrior made by God and the crushing of the head of the devil just bruised your heel, it only superficial, you will be okay, you will get your momentum back again! You know that because you are doing what God wants you to do, the enemy is going continually strike at your heels, trying to inflict a wound that keeps you from moving forward in your walk with Jesus. Satan is a real enemy, he is not to be played with, you can’t be on both sides of the coin, you have to choose! (Joshua 24:15) For he will do anything he can to get you to follow his evil, deadly path. But I know that you have choose the better way and that is to follow God!

The enemy has tried to take you out more than once, but thanks be unto God, that you are still here, and you are still standing! I know you have read this scripture before but ask God to give you new eyes to see clearly what this means for you as a Believer, the phrase “you will strike his heel” refers to Satan’s many attempts to defeat Jesus when He was on the cross. And “He will strike your head” is the foreshadow of Satan being defeat at Christ’s resurrection on the cross. (Do you see how important the Cross was in your life?) A blow to the heel will not kill you, but a blow to the head will! (This is why it is so important to watch your thoughts, it all starts in the head, 2 Corinthians 10:5.) Take the enemy out from his head! For it was in the Garden that God revealed His plan to defeat Satan and offer salvation to the you through His Son, Jesus Christ. Now if this isn’t good news to you, then I don’t know what you really call good news. But rather you believe it or not, it’s the truth! The Good News is that Jesus is going to heal your bruises and remind you that He is using what the enemy meant for your harm, to be used for your good, Romans 8:28!

After God cursed the physical serpent, God turned to the spiritual serpent, the lying enemy, Satan, and cursed him, you shall bruise him on the head, and he shall bruise you on the heel. This was the first Gospel Prophetic Word of the struggle and its outcome between “your seed” (Satan and unbelievers, who are called the Devil’s children in John 8:44) and her seed (Christ, a descendant of Eve, and those in Him), which began in the garden. For in the midst of the curse, a message of Hope was birth forth, the woman’s offspring called “He” is Jesus, who has defeated the Serpent. Satan can only bruise Jesus’ heel, but Jesus will bruise Satan’s head and destroying him with a fatal blow to the head, that he’s not coming back from after this!

As a believer in Jesus Christ, I want you to be encouraged in this day according to the Word of God in Romans 16:20, “And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet!” Today you should recognize that you are a participant in the crushing of Satan because, along with your Savior and because of His finished work on the cross, for you are of the woman’s seed! It all happened because of the Cross! The Warrior, Jesus Christ destroyed the enemy for you to become the prayer warrior that you are today!

This is paramount to your faith. Do not pity the One on the Cross, but marvel at His love for you! You should ponder (think) about the Power of the One (Jesus) who entered into battle with death and conquered it! Jesus was not a victim on the cross, carried away by circumstances out of His control. Rather He was the One, a Conquering Hero, who not only waged war against the kingdom of the devil, but defeated everything that would try to come against you!

It was all done at the Cross, casting out the strong man and ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven. And He will reign until He has put all enemies under His feet! This is the same Lord today as He was yesterday, (Hebrews 13:8) and He is saying to you, “Take up your cross and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)! When you are united to Jesus, you will also do battle with the kingdom of the devil, but being united to Christ, you can be assured the victory, you will be victorious! Don’t worry about your heel being bruised in war, for your enemy’s head will be crushed! Your heel will be healed in the Name of Jesus Christ!

Knowing that you will have the victory should change how you view suffering. Stop asking the question, why is this happening and start saying the right thing, “I know that my God is taking care of this.” In yesterday’s devotional there is a prayer that I want you to pray, “Father, Thank You for my trials and tribulations, for I know that this is drawing me closer to you, and they are only temporary. May You accomplish in me a new perspective that will lift me up into heavenly places and produce in me a transcendent Glory never to cease! In Jesus Christ Name!

What a wonderful thought! Your suffering is not simply meaningless! It is because you have been doing battle with the enemy, and you are winning. The devil was in his greatest danger when Jesus was in His greatest pain! When Jesus gave up the ghost, the devil’s power was destroyed! This is the greatest paradox of your faith. Jesus defeated the enemy when He was weak, hungry, and tired. He crushed His head by obedience to the death of the cross as a common criminal, (Luke 4:1-13)! Jesus set the stage for you to follow Him, He paved the way for you to be free of bondage and victorious at the same time!

Jesus is calling you today to take up that cross and follow Him, (Matthew 19:38)! The path to resurrection and victory is through suffering and death, for from the very beginning, God purposed to destroy the kingdom of Satan by bruising the heel of the Seed of the Woman, and you are partakers with Christ in His death as well as in His victory. It’s in your suffering that you are destroying the power of the devil. Don’t view your hard times as signs of God’s displeasure. Instead view them as opportunities to crush Satan’s head!

You are doing battle with an ancient enemy, and you will Prevail by the Power of Jesus Christ who has already assured you of your outcome, you will have the victory when you choose Jesus! Yes, it will bruise your heel, but you will be able to walk with an uplifted head, a song in your heart, a glitter in your eye, a praise dance in your feet. And the God of Peace will bruise Satan’s head under your bruised heel. It’s a promise!

Let’s Pray:

Thank You Father! Thank You for rescuing me! Thank You for Your promise of healing and victory through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Father help me to recognize the enemy’s attacks and embrace Your healing power. Give me strength to overcome challenges and walk in the confidence of Your love. Father, Thank You for Your Power that heals and restores me from any and all hurt or setback, both physically and spiritually. Thank You for Your Grace that has and is still mending the most painful trials and tribulations that I have had to face. Father, I trust You completely and I am totally committed to surrendering everything to You, for there is no one else that has the ability and Power that You have to save and deliver me. Father, grace me to serve You in whatever state I am in, for I know that victory is mind because of what You did on the Cross for me, You may have had Your heel bruised, but I know that I know that Satan took a death blow to the head and he will not rise again, but Glory be to God! You defeated the enemy in Your death, and You rose again with all Power in Your Hand and because You got up, I have the opportunity to get up today! Father I have a song in my heart and dancing in my feet, because You healed my heel! In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ! Amen!

Blessings…

Love, Minister Jean

Have A Blessed Weekend…