Tag: Devotional

“Are you available to Me? Can I count on you to move when I ask you to move and do what I ask you to do? How rigid is your life? How entrenched are you? So many of My children think that they are available to do what I ask them to do, but they place restrictions on My hand because of their choices and responsibilities. Most are so in debt that they serve all of the other gods that own them. There is no question that I can and will use you where you are, but are you sure that you are where I have asked you to be? I ask you this question. Would you sell everything or give away everything that owns you, if I asked you to do so? Why not?”

Matthew 6:19-21 NIV

19) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

20) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

21) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 19:21 NIV

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

 

Some time ago, Merry, Jubilee, and I went on what turned out to be a five-year mission trip. We were called to go on faith, having just enough to get where we were called to go. Then we waited on the Lord for His next provision. Many judged us for living that kind of life. I’m convinced we were called to live this way so that we could “own” the messages we’ve been given for today’s church.

During our travels, we met and associated with the full spectrum of God’s people - from those who had the very basics to those who had enough for several lifetimes and craved even more. One major lesson that we learned about today’s church is, that even though most say that they are willing to serve God, they are in bondage to what they own; and it actually owns them. Very, very few would be able to go where the Lord might call them to go because of the entanglements in their lives.

We have discovered that many, in fact, have been called at one time or another by the Lord, and have refused the call for a myriad of reasons - all centered around their inability to let go of what they really serve. I believe that there are going to be a lot of very surprised people on the day they face Jesus.

Loosen my grip, Lord,

Jim Corbett

“If these were the closing moments of time, how would you live your life? More than likely, you would do what it takes to make all of your relationships right. You would probably get in touch with those that you love and express how much they mean to you. Then you would deal with those who have offended you, forgiving everyone, and asking for forgiveness from those you have offended. I’m sure that Our relationship would also change. I would find you drawing closer to Me, making sure that everything in your life was in line with My Word and My desires for your life. You would take care of any hidden sin, any hint of discretion. Finally, you would prepare for Our meeting face to Face by devoting yourself completely to Me, surrendering your heart to be examined by My Word for the slightest trace of rebellion.

"Once all of that is complete, you would probably begin to enjoy all the relationships that I have placed in your life to the fullest. You would love more, forgive more quickly, and serve everyone better, telling those who do not know Jesus of the wonder of His love. Each day would be an opportunity to smell the fragrance of the air, bask in the warmth of the sun, and walk in the wonder of My creation. Family would be more important than work. You would take the time to embrace the heart of your children, and fully appreciate the love of your life; ignoring the small stuff and reveling in the beautiful traits that won your heart in the first place. You would remember all the good times and forget all of the challenges.

"Life, love, and laughter would become important once again. My child, these are the closing moments of time as I see them. Even if there were many years of My calendar left, how many more heartbeats do you have? I would suggest that you get on with it! I love you.”

Ephesians 1:3-8 NIV

3) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

4) For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

5) he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will

6) to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

7) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

8) that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

 

“Life” usually gets in the way of the really important stuff. Most of our days are spent doing what is necessary, fulfilling what is planned, and handling everything urgent so the pattern can be repeated tomorrow. We head for rest times exhausted, and emerge from them with little refreshment, falling back into the well-worn path of daily living with sighs of submission.

I have had the privilege of talking with people in their golden years, often hearing words of regret expressed when reflecting on their lives. Most wish that they had enjoyed and embraced each day with the wonder that it really is, rather than letting it pass, waiting for a better one to come.

Today is very special, no matter what it presents to you. You have the incredible privilege of walking through it with your Lord, and those whom He has placed in it with you. Honor Him, and love them with His love. Let no fear, bitterness, anger, or hate spoil another moment of the time that the Lord has given you. In the light of eternity, the times wasted on anything other than love and serving Him mean nothing. You and I have the very breath of the Lord in us. Let’s use every one of them to glorify His Name.

Needing to take time to be thankful for and enjoy what is important,

Jim Corbett

“As the world grows darker, My people will shine brighter because of the love they have for Me, each other, and their enemies. This love has already been established in the heavenlies, and is about to be poured out in its fullness upon My people. Holy alliances will be made one with another. Kinsman friendships will be established that cannot be intruded upon by the vile jestings and coarse intrusions that are part of those who do not know Me. I call you to separate yourselves; but in that separation, I am also calling you, My children, to come together.

"Some of you know the bond of adversity, some know the bond of fleshly desire and adoration, some know the safety of a kindred spirit; but no one has known the heavenly bond of the holy alliance that will knit My bride together for My work to be done and for Me to pour My love upon them. Establish it in your hearts now. Those I call to Myself will know Me and each other with the love My Father and I have had from the beginning. Make no provision for the flesh in any relationships I bring your way. In My way, there’s safety, power, freedom, and love.”

Ps. 133:1 AMP

BEHOLD, HOW good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Prov.17:17 NIV

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

John 13:34-35 NIV

34) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

35) By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 15:10-13 AMP 

10) If you keep my commandments, [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love.

11) I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.

12) This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you.

13) No one has greater love [no one has shone stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.

 

Isn’t  it interesting to watch God establish relationships? If you haven’t given it much thought, just know that this is one more area that works out best when put in His hands. He has a purpose for every relationship, and He has reasons for not wanting others established.

When I  go about the business of establishing any relationship on my own, more than likely for selfish reasons, I should  not be surprised when it doesn’t work out. If God, however, brings someone into my life and it is not working, more than likely my heart is not right.  I want my way, my desires, not His.

Periodically, I find myself wanting to befriend someone, but it just doesn’t  fall together. It is then that I need to remind myself that if it is God-ordained, He will bring that friendship into existence. He will make all of the necessary adjustments, heart modifications, and motive refinements to allow all things to fall in line.  He will orchestrate and finalize any other aspects of personality to smooth out the rough spots that stand in the way. He sees the total picture. He knows  the beginning and the end, the reasons and the consequences. We don’t.

In the coming seasons, it will become increasingly important that God is really in charge.  We will need to be able to trust the people within our sphere of friendships. There will be times that lives will depend on the ability to do so. At that time, whom would you like to have established the relationships in your life?

Bond us together in Your love, Lord,

Jim Corbett

“Will you pour your life into others for Me? Will you act like Jesus in your world, so that they might see who He is and come to Me? He would care about those who are lost forever. He would never lose His focus because of the things of the world. He would have the same passion for souls that I have. He would love deeper, care more, and sacrifice without hesitation, all to fulfill My desire that none should perish. Why are you not doing the same? What has caused you to stumble? You even have difficulty loving those in My family. Return now to your first love. Think once again on what Jesus cared about. Think once again on what I care about. Love as We love. I have given you the heart of Jesus; now move in it!”

1 Cor. 11:1 NIV

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

2 Cor. 5:20a NIV

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

 

I want to flow with Your heart, Lord,

Jim Corbett

“I hold you close to My heart. I will show you where to go and what to do. You can be assured that I am always aware of your every need. I also care about your every desire. Remember that it is My promise to change whatever desires are really not for you. Sometimes it may look like I am not hearing your prayers. I am, however, always listening. At times, much needs to take place in and around you before answers come. Whatever takes place, it is always for your good and for My plan to come to pass in your life. While you are waiting, be like Jesus to someone. Plant seeds of love. Water relationships. Tell everyone of My love. Seek to be in line with My purposes. Come to Me often. Let’s talk!”

 Hebrews 13:5b AMP 

…for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

James 4:7-10 NIV

7) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8) Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9) Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.

10) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

I Pet. 1:13-19 NIV

13) Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

14) As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

15) But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

16) for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’

17) Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

18) For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed  from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,

19) but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

 

Father, bring my heart in line with Yours. Thy will be done,

Jim Corbett