Tag Archive | Ascend

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Scripture for the week of February 15, 2026
By JoBeth Kested

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 27:8 (NLT)

What can we do when we run out of strength in the battles we face; when there seems to be no where to turn for help? It is wonderful to know that the almighty endless strength of God is available when our strength is not enough. We must also remember that He is our shield of protection when we are vulnerable. The more we learn to trust Him with all of our heart in the everyday little things, the more we will be confident of His help in the big problems and issues we face that can feel overwhelming. There is an amazing and euphoric joy of heart in experiencing the very real and personal help of our loving Father God. Why not lay aside your doubts and fears and then trust Him with all your heart today? You just might find yourself singing a new song of joy!

The Truth About Psalm 23 and Debt Freedom


Declaration of Faith

I declare that provision is moving now, not later.

What looked delayed is aligning.

What felt heavy is lifting.

Debt is being broken, not managed—removed.

 

The Lord who supplies seed to the sower is releasing unexpected favor, wisdom, and open doors.

Resources are coming from places I could not have planned.

 

Every obligation is met without fear, without striving, without lack.

I choose trust over worry, faith over sight.

I stand on truth: I am not abandoned, I am not behind, and I am not forgotten.

This season shifts quickly. This burden lifts completely.

 

Peace guards my heart.

Provision follows obedience.

Freedom replaces pressure.

So it is. In Yeshua (Jesus) Name Amen.

Standing in Faith: A 7-Day Journey of Provision & Freedom

Each Morning decree and declare Psalm 23 first. Then go through each day 1-7 as many times as it takes for your faith to be strengthened.

Adonai-Ro-eh

Psalm 23

1 A psalm of David.
Adonai is my shepherd, I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for You are with me Your rod and Your staff comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You have anointed my head with oil, my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of Adonai forever.

Day 1 – God Is My Source

Scripture (TLV):

“My God shall supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Messiah Yeshua.”

— Philippians 4:19

 

Reflection:

Provision does not originate in systems, salaries, or circumstances. It flows from Adonai alone. When we realign our hearts to Him as our source, fear loosens its grip and faith takes root.

Declaration:

I declare that God alone is my source. I do not look to lack or limitation. I look to Adonai, who supplies fully and faithfully.

Prayer:

Abba, I shift my trust completely to You. You are my provider, my sustainer, and my peace. In Yeshua (Jesus) Name Amen.

Day 2 – Freedom from Debt

Scripture (TLV):

“The borrower is servant to the lender.”

— Proverbs 22:7

 

Reflection:

Debt creates pressure, but God’s desire is freedom. Wisdom, discipline, and divine intervention work together to bring release.

Declaration:

I declare that I am coming out of bondage and into freedom. Debt has no lasting hold over my life.

Prayer:

Lord, show me Your way out. Give me wisdom, restraint, and supernatural favor to walk into freedom. Amen.


Day 3 – Breaking the Spirit of Lack

Scripture (TLV):

“Adonai is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

— Psalm 23:1

 

Reflection:

Lack is not just financial—it’s a mindset. Today we replace scarcity with truth.

Declaration:

I reject the lie of lack. I walk in abundance of provision, peace, and purpose.

Prayer:

Shepherd of my soul, restore my trust. Lead me into places of rest and supply. In Yeshua (Jesus) Name Amen.


Day 4 – Wisdom for Stewardship

 

Scripture (TLV):

“For wisdom is better than jewels; no desire compares with her.”

— Proverbs 8:11

 

Reflection:

Breakthrough is sustained by wisdom. God delights in guiding our decisions.

Declaration:

I receive wisdom for every financial decision. I steward well what God places in my hands.

Prayer:

Adonai, order my steps. Teach me to manage with clarity and peace. In Yeshua (Jesus) Name Amen.


Day 5 – Unexpected Provision

 

Scripture (TLV):

“Remember Adonai your God! For it is He who gives you power to make wealth.”

— Deuteronomy 8:18

 

Reflection:

God often moves beyond what we can predict. Expect provision from places you didn’t anticipate.

Declaration:

I declare unexpected provision, divine opportunities, and creative solutions are released to me now.

Prayer:

Lord, open my eyes to new doors. Release provision in Your perfect way and timing. In Yeshua (Jesus) Name Amen.

Day 6 – Peace While Waiting

 

Scripture (TLV):

“You will keep in perfect peace one whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.”

— Isaiah 26:3

 

Reflection:

Peace is proof of trust. Even before the breakthrough manifests, we rest.

Declaration:

I choose peace over panic. My heart is guarded, and my mind is stayed on truth.

Prayer:

Prince of Peace, settle my heart. I trust You completely. In Yeshua (Jesus) Name Amen.

Day 7 – Thanksgiving & Victory

 

Scripture (TLV):

“In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

Reflection:

Gratitude seals faith. We thank God not only for what He has done—but for what He is doing now.

Declaration:

I give thanks in advance. Provision is here. Freedom is established. Victory is complete.

Prayer:

Thank You, Adonai, for hearing my prayers and moving on my behalf. I praise You for financial freedom and peace. In Yeshua (Jesus) Name Amen.

 

Testimony | When Psalm 23 Became My Reality

Greetings, beloved in Yeshua (Jesus).

This testimony was birthed out of my own circumstances. Fear was trying to grip me. I wasn’t sleeping. I was doing all that I knew to do—crying out to Abba for wisdom—and standing in the faith I had within me.

His answer came in a quiet place.

I obediently followed His instructions.

At first, I saw no change. But as I continued, something shifted—my faith. Line upon line, Psalm 23 stopped being words on a page and became my reality.

 

Adonai is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

Reality: I need Him as my Shepherd.

In Him there is no lack. He is my provider. There is nothing I can do in my own strength to change my situation.

I had to accept where I was, submit all of it to my Shepherd, resist the enemy—and he would flee (James 4:7–10). That liar had to move out of the way and stop blocking my view of my Shepherd.

My focus had to change.

My focus had to be on Yeshua—my Shepherd.


He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” (v.2)

 

Reality: Once my focus returned to Yeshua, I could finally see His plan—to lay me down in green pastures beside still waters.

Not in a dry desert.

Not in a place of lack.

But in a lush pasture of abundance, where His living water flows over and through me, washing me in His Word.

Though I have walked with Him for a long time, I found myself again in a familiar place—dry, weary, lacking—crying out to Abba, repenting for anything and everything, asking where I had gone wrong.

All the while, He was right there—desiring to teach me, to bring me deeper into Himself as my Shepherd.


He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.” (v.3)

 

Reality: Through debt, struggle, lack, and striving to climb back up on my own, He needed me to lie down so He could restore my soul.

It is all about Yeshua.

Without Him, I will mess things up every time.

I had to return to having dove’s eyes—singular focus—on my Shepherd. Not divided. Not distracted.

My restoration was for His Name’s sake. Shepherds do not lose sheep. They tend them. They guard them. They go after them.

There was a wounded place in my soul that needed healing, and He knew I could not move forward until it was restored.

 


Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil—for You are with me.” (v.4)

 

Reality: A shadow is not substance.

It is not reality.

I belong to Yeshua.

Once I received that truth, fear lost its hold. He is with me. His rod and His staff comfort me.

We may hope He never needs to use them—but Abba knows our weaknesses. He strengthens what the enemy would try to exploit. And He will not allow the enemy to use those things against us when our desire is Him.

This, as in all things, is a choice.

I choose Yeshua.

I trust my Shepherd.

His correction comforts me.

 


You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” (v.5)

 

Reality: He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies—

debt, fear, lack, loneliness, isolation… you fill in the blank.

Yeshua has already prepared the table.

And every enemy has been invited—to sit and watch Him anoint my head with oil from His overflowing cup.

I have been anointed with fresh oil.

I can move forward.

The enemies have been notified.

This battle has already been won.

I am victorious in Yeshua.

 


Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” (v.6)

 

Reality: His goodness and mercy were always there.

I simply couldn’t see past my circumstances.

Once I recognized my need for Yeshua as my Shepherd, my vision cleared. Now I choose to focus on His goodness, His mercy, and my eternal dwelling in the House of Adonai forever.

Declaration

Abba, as I focus on Yeshua—my Adonai—seeking You first in all things and receiving Your reality, I choose You in every situation of life.

I choose to be restored, renewed, refreshed, aligned, assigned, and refined in any way You see fit. I yield and submit to Your grace and mercy all debt, all burdens, and all things.

As I declare and decree what You have written, may every cycle of death, hell, and the grave be broken over my life, my family, and my generations—

In Yeshua’s Name. Amen.

Closing Prayer & Call to Action

Abba, I thank You for being our Shepherd—faithful, present, and good.

For every heart reading this who feels weary, fearful, burdened, or dry, I ask that You gently draw them into Your green pastures and beside Your still waters.

Restore souls, Lord.

Lift burdens.

Break cycles of lack, fear, and striving.

Teach us to lie down in You.

To trust You fully.

To fix our eyes on Yeshua, our Shepherd, and receive Your reality over our circumstances.

If you are reading this and feel the Holy Spirit stirring your heart, I invite you to pause right now. Take a breath. Release what you are carrying and choose to trust Him—right where you are.

Declare with me:

“Adonai is my Shepherd. I shall not want.”

May goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life, and may you dwell in the House of Adonai forever.

In Yeshua’s Name, Amen.

Blessings and Shalom – in Yeshua (Jesus) Remain rooted, remain confident—your Shepherd is near, and He is faithful. ?

 

 

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Scripture for the week of December 21, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

This is one of the most memorable scriptures often quoted in sermons and on Christmas cards this time of year. The Prophet Isaiah made over 100 very specific prophecies about the promised Messiah; Jesus fulfilled these and altogether over 300 Old Testament Messianic prophecies! There are numerous books written by those that set out to disprove the validity of the birth, life and death of Jesus and instead they were challenged to bow their knees in faith. Whatever we may have gone through this year in joys or sorrows, celebrations or disappointments may we all embrace the reality of Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor, Might God and Prince of Peace. Wise men still seek Him. Be blessed and have a very Merry Christmas!
(Recommending a book: “The Case For Christ” by Lee Strobel, a former legal editor for the Chicago Tribune, traces his journey from atheism to faith when he set out to disprove the deity of Jesus.)

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Scripture of the week of November 9, 2025 By JoBeth Kested

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; Psalm 23:1-3a

Have you ever longed for peace, comfort and rest for your soul? Our souls involve our mind, will and emotions where we feel the longing or afflictions of doubt, fear, sorrows and confusion that rob us of peace. We are likened to helpless fearful sheep in these scriptures and what a comfort to know that the Lord is our Good Shepherd caring for all our needs, lacking nothing. We may not be quite as excited to realize that He will sometimes make us to lie down and most of us don’t like the idea of anyone making us do anything! Yet, we would gladly welcome the comfort, peace and restored hope we all long for in our souls if we could find it. Dear Lord, direct our steps to a still quiet place in Your presence; free from pressures, anxiety and disappointments to find the comforting rest for our souls that You have provided for us. Amen.

Yeshua Is The Vine

DEVOTIONAL

Abiding in the Vine

Remaining in Yeshua to bear lasting fruit

Scripture Reading

John 15:5 (TLV)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for apart from Me, you can do nothing.”


Devotional Reflection

To abide is to remain—quietly, consistently, faithfully. Yeshua invites us not into a sprint of striving but into a steady sharing of His life. The branch doesn’t manufacture fruit; it receives life and bears what the Vine supplies.

When we drift into self-reliance, the soul grows thin. But in His presence, strength returns. His Word cleanses our thoughts; His Spirit renews our affections; His love steadies our steps.

Abiding looks like small obediences—opening the Scriptures, whispering prayer, obeying a nudge to serve, choosing forgiveness again. Over time, these quiet “yeses” become the trellis where love, joy, and peace grow.

Today, return again to the Vine. Rest your effort in His sufficiency. Let the life of Yeshua flow through you—bearing fruit that remains.

Reflection Question

Where do you sense the Spirit inviting you to abide more deeply—in Scripture, in prayer, in obedience, or in surrender?

Prayer

Abba Father, draw my heart to abide in Your Son. Prune what hinders love, and fill me with the life of Yeshua. Teach me to remain in Your Word and to obey with joy, that I might bear fruit that glorifies You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

Blessings and Shalom — Love Beyond Measure,
Beth Auman©Beth Auman All rights reserved.

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Scripture for the week of October 26, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

The Lord will always lead you. He will meet the needs of your soul in the dry times and give strength to your body. You will be like a garden that has enough water, like a well of water that never dries up. Isaiah 58:11 (NLV)

Have you ever felt lost in a dry desolate place, overwhelmed with weariness and no idea of the way to go? Be encouraged by the promise of this scripture that the Lord is always with us to mercifully show us the way even when we find ourselves lost and desperate through foolish choices or no faults of our own. God will meet all the needs of our soul (mind, will and emotions) as well as restore strength to our bodies when it looks like there is no provision for us in any direction. So call upon the Lord in your day of trouble and He will deliver you (Psalms 50:15), restore you like a well watered garden and fill you with His living water that never runs dry. Oh, hallelujah!

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Scripture for the week of August 10, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:19-20 (NKJV)

Do you have difficulty believing that God really cares about any of the pressing needs you are currently facing? First of all, this verse profoundly declares that our God supplies ALL our need! But, if we are to understand that the doorway of His provision is in the glory of Jesus we may need to ask what is the glory? Biblically this often refers to the manifestation or the reality of God’s presence with us. Remember, one of the names of Jesus is Emanuel which means God with us. Therefore, there is a wealth of God’s provision for us as we grasp that Jesus is with us; our Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Friend of Sinners and our Savior. He is real, present and available to us in every circumstance today and everyday to meet ALL our needs. With renewed faith in His love for us, let us give worship, praise and glory back to our Father God. Yes, Amen!

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Scripture for the week of July 20, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 2 Peter 1:2 (NKJV)

Are you in need of abundant grace and peace? Grace is undeserved favor and divine assistance. Peace is tranquility, harmony and freedom from disturbance or affliction. The Biblical definition of knowledge is based on understanding from experience. This verse exhorts us that the more we increase in knowing our Father God, and our Savior Jesus, the more His grace and peace will increase in our lives. Like the Hebrews in the wilderness that had to gather fresh manna each day, Jesus is the Bread of Life that God has provided for us to that we need to seek new each day. Whatever we may have experienced of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness and provision in the past, be encouraged to KNOW that as we seek to know Him more each day we’ll never exhaust the supply His sufficient favor, divine assistance, and peace that passes understanding. May His grace and peace be multiplied to you today.

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Scripture for the week of May 18, 2025

By JoBeth Kested

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Many are the woes of the wicked but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! Psalm 32:8,10-11 (NIV)

Have you ever experienced a time when just by catching a look from someone you would know, without a doubt, exactly what you needed to do or to STOP doing? Most of us can easily remember “the look” from a parent or a teacher that clearly spoke louder than words! The key to being directed by “the look” implies you had to turn your eyes in that direction. This scripture informs us that the Lord has His eyes upon us. When we turn our eyes away from the cares, confusion and distractions of our days to focus our attention and trust upon our Father God, He is ready and so willing to teach us, guide us, council us and surround us with His unfailing love. Then, with uplifted hearts we can sing, rejoice and be glad in the Lord our loving God! Thank You, Lord.

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Scripture for the week of May 11, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

And the angel answered and said unto her , “…For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:35a,37-38 (NKJV)

Are you facing impossibilities beyond your understanding and in need of miracles? What are we to do when our dreams are dashed and all hope is gone? We must turn our attention to heed this hope filled declaration by the Angel Gabriel when he stated that nothing is impossible with God! Before this verse in Luke, Gabriel told Mary—an unwed young woman, that she was to give birth to the son of God and she responded, “How can this be?” Are you are looking at your overwhelming circumstances or evaluating hopeless impossibilities with devastating dead ends ahead and asking yourself “Now what do I do?” or “Is there any hope?” Remember that nothing is impossible with our God Who is able to move mountains, part the seas, raise the dead and open prison doors for His servants that fully put their trust in Him. Yes and amen, Lord!