Tag Archive | Faithfulness

Scripture OfThe Week By JoBeth Kested

Mar16

Scripture for the Week of March 16, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)

Have you ever tried to find your way in the dark without a light? Are you aware that darkness flees at the speed of light at 186,000 miles per second? In Genesis chapter one, God said, “Let there be light” and He created light to break out of the darkness. This verse reveals that God is also able to shine the light of His extravagant love into the dark places of woundedness, fear or shame in our hearts. He sheds the dawning light of His glory to know the perfection, beauty and resurrection power we can each find in our personal relationship with Jesus face to face. Jesus proclaimed in John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Let the light of Jesus’ love be shed into your heart (Romans 4:5) and through you to others as you follow Him. Grace, grace, Lord!

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Mar2

Scripture for the week of March 2, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

“I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalms 16:8,11 (NASB)

Have you ever wondered how to have joy through any circumstance? Biblically joy goes beyond emotional happiness which is dependent on whatever makes us feel good and it is temporary. Joy is primarily a choice and is dependent upon trusting in the sovereign goodness of God, even when we don’t feel it; knowing that He is Who He says He is as revealed to us in His Word. When this scripture mentions God’s place at the Psalmists right hand that implies giving Him the highest place of honor and absolute power in our lives. We learn in this scripture that when we choose to abide in His presence we can know the security of safety, overflowing joy and everlasting pleasure. His right hand holds all power and all authority in heaven and on earth to defend and provide for us. Lord, please go before us revealing the path of abundant life in Your presence and the fullness of joy we all long for. Amen.

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Feb16

 

Scripture for the week of February 16, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt your face light up when you come face to face with someone you love? What a blessing and joy to be loved like that! How awesome it is to know that when God sees us His face lights up, too! These verses were God’s instructions to Aaron, the first high priest, and his sons to pray over the people with the promise that He would then bless them (vs 27). As believers, we are a royal priesthood (1Peter 2:9) and we too can pray these words over our homes and loved ones. Our loving God longs to bless us with grace and His protection. His also lifts us up in His unmerited favor and He gives us peace. No matter what the future holds or what difficulties you may face tomorrow, fix your eyes on the Lord, knowing that you light up His face and He desires to extend blessings, grace, favor and peace upon you today. Hallelujah!

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Jan29

Scripture for the week of January 25, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

“I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalms 16:8,11 (NASB)

Have you ever wondered how to have joy through any circumstance? Biblically joy goes beyond emotional happiness which is dependent on whatever makes us feel good and it is temporary. Joy is primarily a choice and is dependent upon trusting in the sovereign goodness of God, even when we don’t feel it, and knowing that He is Who He says He is as revealed to us in His Word. When this scripture mentions God’s place at the Psalmists right hand that implies giving Him the highest place of honor and absolute power in our lives. We learn in this scripture that when we choose to abide in His presence we can know the security of safety, overflowing joy and everlasting pleasure. HIs right hand holds all power and all authority in heaven and on earth to defend and provide for us. Lord, please go before us revealing the path of abundant life in Your presence and the fullness of joy we all long for. Amen.

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Jan12

Scripture for the week of January 12, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1b-3a (NLT)

As we enter this new year are you facing rivers of difficulties or fires of oppression and afraid of being overcome? How wonderful to hear the Lord proclaim at the beginning of these verses that we are not to be afraid. Our God has already paid an exorbitant ransom price to set us free and He calls each of us by name! The Lord declares that because we belong to Him we have nothing to fear; He will not allow any difficulty, oppression or consuming circumstance to destroy us and that He is with us no matter what we have to face in the days ahead. What an awesome truth that He is not only The Lord and Holy God of Israel, but also chose to be our Savior through the blood of Jesus! Renew your trust in His loving care and protection to be your Savior today; rejoicing that you no longer walk alone.

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Jan5

Scripture for the week of January 5, 2025

By JoBeth Kested

Even when you are old, I (God) will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you. Isaiah 46:4 (NCV)

As we face a new year and anticipate things unknown, do you ever have fear and worry about what the future may hold? The older we get the greater temptation it is to focus on the uncertainties and possibilities for unexpected difficulties and disasters that may come. What encouraging promises from The Lord in this scripture where God declares two times that He will take care of us; that He will even carry us and be there to save us! No matter what we may face, changing circumstances, financial limitations, deteriorating health or the fear of old age, our Father God, Who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, will care for us. As surely as He gave us life, He is more than able to provide, carry and save us no matter what we may face in the future ahead. We can confidently place our hope in our God. Thank You, Lord!

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Dec29

Scripture for the week of December 29, 2024
By JoBeth Kested

He (Moses) said, “Please show me your glory.” Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth, keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience and sin…” Exodus 33:18, 34:6-7a (WEB)

Have you ever wondered what the glory of God is? Many might think it is the display of supernatural signs, wonders and miracles. God’s response to Moses’ request to see His glory is the revelation of His endless mercy, loving kindness, compassion and forgiveness towards all who are separated from Him. The Hebrew meaning of His name Yahweh is, “I Am that I Am”. So, God is declaring in these verses, “I Am that I really, really Am a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, abundant in truth, extending loving kindness and forgiveness to thousands who are separated from me in their rebellious ways.” May we always discover the glory of God’s merciful love and forgiveness for us when we stumble from our foolish and selfish choices. Lord, let the grace of Your glorious light breakthrough the darkness in the world as we look toward the new year ahead. Amen!

Heaven’s Flames: Witness the Power of God Answering by Fire By Lorena Cox

Dec23

Heaven’s Flames: Witness the Power of God Answering by Fire

The phrase “God answers by fire” is often associated with the biblical story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, found in 1 Kings 18:20-40.
In this dramatic event, which it’s one of my favorite biblical stories, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call on their god to send fire to consume their sacrifice. Despite their fervent ritualistic efforts over and over again, no fire comes.
When Elijah prays to the God of Israel, fire immediately falls from heaven and consumes the offering, demonstrating that the God of Israel is the true Living God that the God is Israel is Lord.
What about our prayers?
Are the prayers being answered by fire?
What causes God to answer by fire?
The answer, faith in God!
Pleasing God through faith causes God to respond.
Through faith, we are saying:
“God, this is your moment to demonstrate your power for you to be glorified.
Everyone will know, you did it and not me.
Now, here is the offering, here is the sacrifice, here is my prayer.”
I hear the Lord say “move out of the way, my fire is coming down now!”

I encourage you and me, let’s keep praying with faith in God!

Our Mighty God who hears our heart, knows every word before we say it, He is pleased to answer our prayers by fire.?

Here are 15 powerful decrees for you to speak over yourself and watch God answer your prayers by fire in the presence of your enemies.

1. I decree that God answers my prayers by fire.
– Reference: 1 Kings 18:24 – “Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—he is God.”

2. I decree that the power of God is manifest in my life through miraculous signs and wonders.
– Reference: Acts 2:19 – “I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.”

3. I decree that the fire of God’s presence consumes every obstacle in my path.
– Reference: Hebrews 12:29 – “For our God is a consuming fire.”

4. I decree that the same God who answered Elijah by fire is working powerfully in my life.
– Reference: 1 Kings 18:38 – “Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.”

5. I decree that my faith is strengthened as I witness God’s mighty works.
– Reference: Psalm 77:14 – “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”

6. I decree that the fire of the Holy Spirit ignites my passion for God’s purposes.
– Reference: Acts 2:3 – “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.”

7. I decree that God’s fire purifies and refines every area of my life.
– Reference: Malachi 3:2-3 – “But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.”

8. I decree that God’s fire burns away all impurities and leaves me holy and set apart.
– Reference: Isaiah 6:6-7 – “Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'”

9. I decree that the fire of God brings clarity and direction to my life.
– Reference: Exodus 3:2-4 – “There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.’ When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.'”

10. I decree that God’s fire ignites a revival in my heart and in my community.
– Reference: Luke 3:16 – “John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.'”

11. I decree that the fire of God’s love consumes all fear and doubt within me.
– Reference: 1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

12. I decree that God’s fire empowers me to live boldly and confidently.
– Reference: 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

13. I decree that the presence of God is evident in my life through the fire of His Spirit.
– Reference: Acts 2:4 – “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

14. I decree that God’s fire illuminates my path and guides me in truth.
– Reference: Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

15. I decree that I am filled with the fire of God’s passion and zeal.
– Reference: Romans 12:11 – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Blessings and Love,
Lorena Cox

The Hidden Meaning of Contentious by Lorena Cox

Dec14

Unlocking the Hidden Meanings of “Contentious” in Scripture: A Journey of Self-Reflection and Growth

This week, while reading scripture, I came across the word
“Contentious”.
To my surprise, the word contentious was mostly accompanied by the word “woman”.
This word kept calling my attention. I like word studies, but before I even look into it, I asked the Lord what is this about?
Why is being mentioned only for women?
After seeing it three times….I thought I am praying this one…I surely don’t want to be a contentious wife!
I prayed but without saying it I am thinking again why it’s only mentioned for women. I read some more…and BAM! I found it ladies ? prayer answered.

Memorize it “Proverbs 26:21”.
“As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.”
I am hallelujah!! ?
Ladies, we are still mentioned 4 times out of five ?.
I’m injecting a little humor here.
If you do some study on this word contentious, you will identify the meaning more in depth.

Hebrew word used on the following verses means strife, quarreling, scolding

Pr 21:19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.

Pr 25:24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Pr 26:21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Pr 27:15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike;

On this verse, Hebrew word means quarrels, controversies

Pr 21:9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Contentious word is mentioned five times in the Old Testament, and all of them are in the book of Proverbs.

On the New Testament; however, the word contentious is mentioned only one time in the book of 1 Corinthians.

The Merriam Webster dictionary describe it as follow:
1-as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
2-as in controversial
“given to arguing”
a tiresomely contentious person who likes to argue for the sake of arguin

This moment of insight, brings us into a place of self evaluation. Are we contentious wives? Are we contentious with our children?
Some of the (top)synonyms of contentious for your reference are:

– aggressive
– militant
– hostile
– confrontational
– combative
– irritable
– ugly
– pugnacious
– assaultive
– belligerent
– acidic
– argumentative

According to 1 Corinthians 11:16 “But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.”

In other words, contentious shouldn’t be part of our culture and behavior. Each one of us, continue to become more like Jesus, and in this path, we take a moment to meditate on this as we evaluate ourselves.

It’s important to note the opposite of contentious.
According to Merriam Webster dictionary here are some (top) antonyms for your reference.

– peaceful
– peaceable
– nonaggressive pacific pleasant
– uncontentious
– friendly
– amiable
– conciliatory
– amicable
– cordial
– unwarlike
– benevolent
– gracious

Abba desires for every one of us, to be women/wives, men/husbands gracious to each other. Only Holy Spirit can help us on this journey to stay away from being contentious and becoming more peaceful and gracious.

Let’s repent individually for being contentious spouses in any way our form. Even if we feel like our behavior has not been this way. Let’s humble ourselves before God.

Now, let’s decree in Jesus name.

I decree that we are virtuous spouses, wives of noble character by and through the empowerment and leading of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s say out loud the following decrees based on Proverbs 21:19, 25:24, 26:21, 27:15, and 21:9.

1. I will strive to be peaceful and avoid contentious behavior, creating a harmonious environment.
2. I will cultivate a spirit of calmness and patience, steering clear of anger and strife.
3. I will foster relationships built on mutual respect and kindness, avoiding quarrels.
4. I will be mindful of my words and actions, ensuring they contribute to peace and unity.
5. I will continuously evaluate my behavior, choosing to act with grace and humility.

Some BONUS decrees based on Proverbs 31.

1. I will be virtuous and honorable in all my actions.
2. I will commit to diligent work and manage my household with wisdom and care.
3. I will provide and care for my family, ensuring their well-being.
4. I will extend my hand to the poor and needy, offering help and kindness.
5. I will speak with wisdom and teach kindness.
6. I will ensure the affairs of my household are well-managed, avoiding idleness.
7. I will be known for my strength, dignity, and preparedness for the future.
8. I will cultivate a reputation of good deeds, earning respect from others.
9. I will value inner beauty and godly character over outward appearances.

Hope you enjoy!
God bless you. Lorena Cox

Scripture Of The Week by JoBeth Kested

Dec8

Scripture for the week of December 8, 2024

By JoBeth Kested

“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned… The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:1-5 (NKJV)

Have you ever struggled with the sorrow and sadness of this life or the overwhelming grief of a great tragedy with longing for comfort? Sometimes the agony of loss and the pain of injustice we experience in this world can be hard to bear as we search for our lost hope in the puddles of our tears. The prophet Isaiah twice declares to the people of God “comfort, comfort” (meaning a double portion) along with the end of warfare and mercy for their sinfulness. He exhorts them to prepare a way for the Lord; with the promise that the extreme highs and lows will be made right, the crooked and rough will be made straight and smooth, and that all would see the glory of the goodness of the Lord in their land. Oh, Lord, comfort, comfort the wounded hearts of your people once again. May Jesus, the Prince of Peace, be revealed for the healing of the nations and for the glory of the LORD to shine in all the earth. Amen.