3 “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].
4 “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].
5 “Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.
7 “Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.
9 “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.
10 “Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].
11 “Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me.
12 Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Father God, I thank You for laying me to sleep last night and waking me up this morning. For that reason alone, I am aware You are not through with me yet, and I lift You up and give You all the glory and all the praise. I request that You forgive me of all sins, be they of thought, word or deed; known and unknown; seen and unseen
Today, I thank You for Your blessings; Your comfort; Your love; Your kindness; Your forgiveness; and Your Son Jesus Christ. I thank You for life itself and that no matter what today holds, I can count on You that it will be a good day. Today, I take You at Your Word and am encouraged that You are The One Who holds my life in Your Mighty Hand. I find hope within the pages of the Holy Bible and know that whatever I put my hand to, I shall be victorious. Because I have You by my side, You will not allow me to stumble or fall. As I take time to read Your Word, may I be corrected and enlightened by the words held within every page and may it be received in the correct context. It is my prayer that I will truly understand what Your Spirit is saying to mine. May I be edified, as I read Your Word and go about my daily tasks. May everything and everyone I come into contact with today, be for my edification. May I also be used for Your glory. I trust in You.
“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17 (AMP)
He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which shall not pass away.
Psalm 148:6 (AMP)
Who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved.
Psalm 66:9 (NKJV)
18 For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished.
Matthew5:18 (AMP)
What then is the right course, believers? When you meet together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation (disclosure of special knowledge), a tongue, or an interpretation. Let everything be constructive and edifying and done for the good of all the church.
1 Corinthians 14:26 (AMP)
[For my hope is] that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in [unselfish] love, so that they may have all the riches that come from the full assurance of understanding [the joy of salvation], resulting in a true [and more intimate] knowledge of the mystery of God, that is, Christ,
Colossians 2:2 (AMP)
20 Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament),
21 Strengthen (complete, perfect)and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages).
For a while I have been in a quandary about life and myself and have been trying to strike a balance between being a woman; being female; being single; being Marcia; and being an Ambassador of Christ. I have had undertones of feeling unworthy of speaking about certain things (in my prayers), and it came to me that, whilst following Christ; whilst renaming and revamping this blog (calling it Relentlessly Unapologetic), I am being relentless by persisting in what I aim to do. My goal is to be on fire for Him, at all times, and to hopefully get others to look within themselves and do the same. We must speak things into existence and realise that life and death is in the power of the tongue. It is by having continuous conversations with my daughter that I am able to allow this to sink in. She won’t allow it and I don’t blame her! Being realistic and transparent, I won’t always be thinking this way but it is my aim to be. Our relationship with The Most High God (and in general) is a process, and one by which we must keep going. Speaking negatively is exactly what You speak into your life if that is what you dwell on and speak about with others. When concerning yourself (or anything), positivity is key. Through it all; through the doubts, noises in my head and all the things against me I am being Relentless and I am Unapologetic about it. The Most High God (with all my failings, weaknesses and everything else) is my first port of call: The Word is the yardstick by which I exist. There is no room for doubt but loads of room for doing what needs to be done.
30 But when he saw [the effects of] the wind, he was frightened, and he began to sink, and he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus extended His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Matthew 14:30-32 (AMP)
I can do all things/everything (not just some things) through Christ who strengthens me
10 So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].
I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]
Philippians 1:6 (AMP)
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
Romans 15:13 (AMP)
Ican do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
Remind Me [of your merits with a thorough report], let us plead and argue our case together;
State your position, that you may be proved right.
Isaiah 43:26 (AMP)
28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
29 For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers.
30 And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity].
Romans 8:28-30 (AMP)
Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.
Hebrews 13:15 (AMP)
Concerning yourself, what is it that YOU are relentlessly unapologetic about? The time has come when we need to rise up in whatever we have been called to do or be. Is there something that is burning within, that you feel you’re too young, too old, too fat, too thin, too black, not black enough, too white, not white enough, not educated enough…God cares for the whole of us, not just the spirit man. When we step into our particular calling, whatever it may be, He is interested in adapting, building and strengthening, the whole of us. Whatever is your gift, that is what you need to pray about. I have changed the name of my blog and intend to grow into it: Speak things into existence. I suggest you do it too…speak things into existence and step into what will come into fruition; what will be your future and that of those you come in contact with physically or virtually. Take YHWH at His Word.
So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11 (AMP)
I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea!’ and does not doubt in his heart [in God’s unlimited power], but believes that what he says is going to take place, it will be done for him [in accordance with God’s will].
Mark 11:23 (AMP)
Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
Abba Father, I come before You this morning, giving all glory, honour and praise. I thank You for Who You are and Who You will always be, and for being concerned with every aspect of me; physically, mentally and spiritually. I humbly ask You to forgive me of all sins and create in me a new heart; purified and ready for service.
Today, I choose to walk within the realms of the gifts You have placed in my life. Whatever plan is in my path, I ask that You be my constant shadow. Where I am weak, Mighty God, I pray that You are strong. Where I doubt, give me direction. I pray, today, I will feel Your presence, like never before. King David prayed with surety and said, though he walked through the valley of the shadow of death, he would fear no evil. Help me to learn from his prayers, Your Word, as it has been written to assist us all to live a life pleasing to You. Help me to take his words and apply it to my life. Death can arrive at anytime but I know this can either be a physical or spiritual death. Your Word tells me to die every day. Knowing this, I come before You, dying to sin but standing, breathing and existing within You. No matter what the circumstance, condition or situation, I lift my focus and ask that I be given strength to lead a life pleasing to You. I can do all things via my Lord Jesus Christ Who strengthens me, but only by Your help. As I start this day, rebuild my strength; rebuild my faith; and rebuild me. You made me, so I trust in You and You alone.
6 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part [of my heart] You will make me know wisdom.
7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Psalm 51:6-7 (AMP)
Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin [and your relationship to it broken], but alive to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:11 (AMP)
I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20 (AMP)
And as for [the rest of] you, believers, do not grow tired or lose heart in doing good [but continue doing what is right without weakening].
2 Thessalonians 3:13 (AMP)
11 For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].
12 So then, strengthen hands that are weak and knees that tremble.
13 Cut through and make smooth, straight paths for your feet [that are safe and go in the right direction], so that the leg which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather may be healed.
Hebrews 12:11-13 (AMP)
20 Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament),
21 Strengthen (complete, perfect)and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages).
Well, I fell asleep whilst waiting for the verdict and awoke up to one of Guilty. Guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. President Biden’s comment on the verdict was:-
“We’re gonna get a lot more done. This is going to be a first shot at dealing with genuine systemic racism”
US President Biden, (reported by BBC)
“Systemic racism is a stain on the whole nation’s soul”
US President Biden, (reported by BBC)
Look at what had to happen before a decision was made; before it was thought there was a need to deal with genuine systemic racism! I have to wonder why the word ‘genuine’ was placed in there…maybe it was accidental or maybe the thought is that systemic racism itself can be accidental but, in my view, it shouldn’t be there at all. All we have to do, or that can be done, is wait and see what happens from here on in. I don’t have much hope, as since the murder of George Floyd and all the riots we still see where opportunities have been taken to murder black people, on the streets of the US. Before the verdict was reached, apparently a 15 year old girl was murdered by a police officer, who shot her 3 or 4 times because she tried to stab him (or someone else). I saw this on an Instagram reel linked to on my cousin’s WhatsApp status. Previously on Reuters I had seen that she was fighting 2 girls and held a kitchen knife over 1 when he made the decision to shoot her in the chest multiple times. All will be seen when the bodycam footage is released. I just have to wonder why, when it’s a black person in these situations, the decision is made to shoot to kill. Not 1 shot; not 2; and may be not even 3 but possibly 4 times. Any other race, they will fight, almost until death, to avoid having to ‘harm’ the person involved. I know that everything must be done on a case by case basis; not all police officers are bad/racist, just as not all black people are violent or thieves!
Not all police officers are bad/racist, just as not all black people are stupid, violent or thieves!
Examples of No Injury to the Guilty
Six days ago, a 61 year old man assaulted an employee at a Mernards store in Mcleod County City, because he didn’t want to wear a mask. He was confronted by a police officer outside a nearby Walmart and a “slow speed pursuit” occurred. Once the officer attempted to engage in conversation, via the driver side window, the suspect took off “at a high rate of speed”. The suspect then proceeded to hit the officer in the head with a hammer.
The suspect was apprehended and officer hospitalised. The suspect was arrested and able to see another day.
In June 2015, a 21 year old man, walks into a church and shoots dead 9 black people, after sitting with them for an hour!
Suspect was apprehended and even bought a meal on the way to the station!
Would the results of these 2 occasions have been different, if the perpetrators were black? Let us think about that…….
For the last event, President Biden was Vice President and his comment then was:-
“As a nation we must confront the ravages of gun violence and the stain of hatred that continues to be visited on our streets, in our schools, in our houses of worship, and in our communities”.
Former Vice President Biden (Words from BBC website)
Was it not within his power to do anything? Will he do something now that he is Top Dog/President? Apparently the figure for hate crime was 7,242 in 2013 and that is for those reported. Looking at the up-to-date figures, it’s shown that there has been a steady increase of black people being killed by police officers and we have only seen it reported about a few, over the period of a year. I must admit I haven’t searched it as deeply as I could have or would have liked to. Considering that black people are a minority, I don’t think the figure should be so high. Some may say that black people shouldn’t put themselves in a predicament that would allow themselves to be killed but, that can be answered with the fact that the existence of systemic racism puts them in that situation. They are at a disadvantage from the start.
Take note…the below murders are some of those that took place, by police officers, in the past year! Obviously, there were many more over the years, and there were also instances where an arrest didn’t end in death, however(!), these are the most recent. Even as demonstrations were underway and uproar took place on a global scale, because of George Floyd, there were reports and footage of people being murdered, gunned down, just because…….I think black people have reached their breaking point.
Breonna Taylor, June 5, 1993 – March 13, 2020
Louisville, Kentucky
Shot: March 13, 2020, Louisville Metro Police Officers
Marvin David Scott III, 1995 – March 14, 2021
McKinney, Texas
Peppered sprayed/Restrained with spit hood/Asphyxiated: 7 Collin County Jail Detention Officers, March 14, 2021
Patrick Lynn Warren Sr., October 7, 1968 – January 10, 2021
Killeen, Texas
Shot: Killeen Police Officer, January 10, 2021
Vincent “Vinny” M. Belmonte, September 14, 2001 – January 5, 2021
Cleveland, Ohio
Shot: Cleveland Police Officer, January 5, 20201
Angelo Quinto, March 10, 1990 – December 26, 2020
Antioch, California
Knee on neck/Asphyxiated: December 23, 2020
Andre Maurice Hill, May 23, 1973 – December 22, 2020
Columbus, Ohio
Shot: December 22, 2020, Columbus Police Officer
Casey Christopher Goodson Jr., January 30, 1997 – December 4, 2020
Columbus, Ohio
Shot: December 4, 2020, Franklin County Sheriff Deputy
Angelo “AJ” Crooms, May 15, 2004 – November 13, 2020
Cocoa, Florida
Shot: November 13, 2020, Brevard County Sheriff Deputies
Daunte Demetrius Wright, October 27, 2000 – April 11, 2021
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Shot: Brooklyn Center Police Officer, April 11, 2021
Copied from RENÉE ATER – see website for extensive list
Concluding
Justice may have been served but we are a long way from where it should be and the only reason is, hate of people that are of coloured skin, who have been treated disproportionately (putting it mildly) for over 400 years! How long will it be before we see some REAL change! (Note, statement not a question!)
7 I will tell of the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has done for us, And His great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which He has shown them according to His compassion. And according to the abundance of His lovingkindnesses.
8 For He said, “Be assured, they are My people, Sons who will not be faithless.” So He became their Savior [in all their distresses].
9 In all their distress He was distressed, And the angel of His presence saved them, In His love and in His compassion He redeemed them; And He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
10 But they rebelled. And grieved His Holy Spirit; Therefore He changed into their enemy, And He fought against them.
11 Then His people remembered the days of old, of Moses [and they said], Where is He who brought our fathers up out of the [Red] Sea, with the shepherds of His flock [Moses and Aaron]. Where is He who put His Holy Spirit in their midst,
12 Who caused His glorious arm and infinite power to go at the right hand of Moses, Dividing the waters before them to make for Himself an everlasting name,
13 Who led them through the depths [of the Red Sea], Like a horse in the wilderness, [so that] they did not stumble?
14 Like the cattle that go down into the valley [to find better pasture and rest], The Spirit of the Lord gave them rest. So You led Your people [O Lord]. To make for Yourself a beautiful and glorious name [preparing the way for the acknowledgment of Your name by all nations].
I fell asleep quite early last night, then woke up once again, just before midnight, by myself. It’s not nice to feel so alone. I think I have issues. It’s all very well for it to be said to set yourself apart (in the Bible) but I don’t think it’s realised just how lonely it is (or can be) to be set apart or to try to be. Every issue in your life to be the only one that has to think and worry about, then actually deal with; it’s not easy at all. For all areas of doubt, you can feel as though you’re banging your head against a brick wall or within a box, which is being shaken profusely by someone else, and not caring the damage being done to you, as you rattle away inside.
It can be hard to block the sounds of the outside world out, when You are an Ambassador of Christ, but it takes training, meditating and connecting with God Most High to help you to do so. As well as doing all that He requires, you have to realise what the world looking at you are seeing, because you become a spokesperson. All too often, people who are not as religious as you (or more appropriately, have a belief), will be looking on and waiting for you to put a foot wrong. Oh yeah, they are most likely to realise what you do wrong rather than what you do right and not at how long it took you to get there. They go about doing exactly as they wish but we realise there is a higher being that we have to answer to. Ordinarily I don’t have an issue but where my head is at the moment, I do. I am confused. I have stepped out of the place where I should be and am taking a look around at my surroundings…I can’t be the only one that is/or has ever felt like this and continue to do so, once in a while. What makes it worse is that the state of play, at the moment, means there may not be that much of life to enjoy and that makes this even worse. People in their comfy houses surrounded by loved ones, don’t realise that being a person on your own is not nice at all. It’s not as easy as just being invited to other peoples homes, because the feeling is that you shouldn’t have to; by doing that you are taking part in someone else’s happiness, joy and comfort, when you want your own.
When studying the Word, I came across the scripture Romans 7:14-21.
14 We know that the Law is spiritual, but I am a creature of the flesh [worldly, self-reliant—carnal and unspiritual], sold into slavery to sin [and serving under its control].
15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity].
16 Now if I habitually do what I do not want to do, [that means] I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good (morally excellent).
17 So now [if that is the case, then] it is no longer I who do it [the disobedient thing which I despise], but the sin [nature] which lives in me.
18 For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity]. For the willingness [to do good] is present in me, but the doing of good is not.
19 For the good that I want to do, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want to do, I am no longer the one doing it [that is, it is not me that acts], but the sin [nature] which lives in me.
21 So I find it to be the law [of my inner self], that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.
Romans 7:14-21 (AMP)
I have seen it so many times but tonight it really hit home. There are times you face a battle and your first thought is, I’m losing control and that maybe, just maybe, I have no hope at all. However, seeing this, it reminds me that His grace is sufficient for me and you, 2 Corinthians 12:9.
9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (AMP)
It is through my weakness that Christ’s power may be known. Also, knowing that He is my creator, and gave me all my emotions and foresaw everytime I would feel like this, I just need to seek Him more and rest in His presence. Part of me can be comforted in times like this, but then all the other scriptures, about being judged, and eternal damnation, sit in the back of my mind and I’m not sure…I’m not sure if everything will be ok. I can live in hope but then there’s the thought that maybe all my efforts are in vain. However, I am covered by The Blood of Jesus Christ (I must remember that). When we evangelise and speak to others, I think we’re supposed to give hope, but I think we need to keep it real, so that others are aware there will be moments when you are knocked for six. You have to keep going and The Most High God is, and will always, be there.
You can replace Sis with Bro, Brother, Bruv, Sister, Aunty, Uncle, Friend…we all go through it, if we’re really honest. The only difference is the length of time we allow ourselves to exist In that expanse of time.
Scriptures of Hope
“God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do it?
Or has He spoken and will He not make it good and fulfill it?
Numbers 23:19 (AMP)
‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you;
Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you;
I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’
Isaiah 41:10 (AMP)
55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the law;
57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
The Armor of God
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.
11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
Ephesians:9-11 (AMP)
And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (AMP)
23 Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthyand faithful [to His word];
24 and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds,
25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
13 So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Righteous Father, I thank You for the brand new day, that You have placed before me. I ask You to forgive me of all sins, whether they be of word, thought or deed; seen or unseen; and great or small. I know that once I have asked for these things, I shall receive it. For that alone, I give You all the glory, honour and praise.
Today, help me as I try to walk in the areas that I have been anointed to; shutting out all else but remaining focused on High. I have been predestined and called out for greater things than what I can see; for that I give You thanks. Shelter me from all things the enemy places before me and be the strength where I am weak. I realise I can do nothing without You and too often do not give You the best of me. Today, I help me as I try to do just that.
For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers.
Romans 8:29 (AMP)
But you have an anointing from the Holy One [you have been set apart, specially gifted and prepared by the Holy Spirit], and all of you know [the truth because He teaches us, illuminates our minds, and guards us from error].
1 John 2:20 (AMP)
As for you, the anointing [the special gift, the preparation] which you received from Him remains [permanently] in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you. But just as His anointing teaches you [giving you insight through the presence of the Holy Spirit] about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as His anointing has taught you, you must remain in Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him].
1 John 2:27 (AMP)
To You who is able to keep me from falling and to present me before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to You who is the only God, my Saviour, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Yeshua The Anointed One, my Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore!
14 We know that the Law is spiritual, but I am a creature of the flesh [worldly, self-reliant—carnal and unspiritual], sold into slavery to sin [and serving under its control].
15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity].
16 Now if I habitually do what I do not want to do, [that means] I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good (morally excellent).
17 So now [if that is the case, then] it is no longer I who do it [the disobedient thing which I despise], but the sin [nature] which lives in me.
18 For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity]. For the willingness [to do good] is present in me, but the doing of good is not.
19 For the good that I want to do, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want to do, I am no longer the one doing it [that is, it is not me that acts], but the sin [nature] which lives in me.
21 So I find it to be the law [of my inner self], that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.
22 For I joyfully delight in the law of God in my inner self [with my new nature],
23 but I see a different law and rule of action in the members of my body [in its appetites and desires], waging war against the law of my mind and subduing me and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is within my members.
24 Wretched and miserable man that I am! Who will [rescue me and] set me free from this body of death [this corrupt, mortal existence]?
25 Thanks be to God [for my deliverance] through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind serve the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness, my sinful capacity—I serve] the law of sin.
Righteous Father, I come before You this morning giving You glory, honour and praise. I ask You for forgiveness of my sins; seen and unseen; known and unknown; big or small; and I thank You that all I have to do is place the request and You will forgive.
Today, I thank you for being The One that I can come before, Who knows everything about me. You know me more than any other, but yet still, Your love remains the same. Your love is unfathomable and personal, so where a person does not believe they can receive forgiveness and love, we just need to keep our focus on You. Your Word tells me of Your Son, Who was sent to die for me. Where I may have felt so unworthy, You made me worthy. When You look down from where You are, You see The Blood of Yeshua HaMashiach and the price has already been paid. Help me not to be complacent; but to live a life that is pleasing to You. I pray that I may make myself available to You and that my purpose is revealed. Create a clean and upright heart in me, that doing Your will be my first port of call. I am human, so as I deal with the thoughts and feelings that You have placed inside of me, counsel me with Your Word. Send Your Holy Spirit to me, via any channel, and may my spirit be receptive to all You have to say.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14(AMPC)
My mouth shall speak wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.
Psalm 49:3 (AMPC)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 (AMP)
23 In that day you will not [need to] ask Me about anything. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name [as My representative], He will give you.
24 Until now you have not asked [the Father] for anything in My name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete.
John 16:23-24 (AMP)
To You who is able to keep me from falling and to present me before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to You who is the only God, my Saviour, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Yeshua The Anointed One, my Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore!
Unapologetically Marcia 