Day 1 - What is communion?

7I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

Exodus 6:7 (NKJV)

As a child growing up, doing communion in church was a very “serious thing.” It seemed everyone was so somber. Almost like we were at a funeral. I never understood what communion meant, only that it was “serious.” Since then I’ve learned that our tradition of communion in church services today is so rich in meaning. Communion comes from the Passover Meal that Jesus shared with His disciples (Matt 26:26, Mk 14:22, Lk 22:19). The Passover Seder is an annual celebration of remembrance of when God brought His people out of slavery in Egypt. There are 4 cups that are poured and drank during the ceremony: (These originate from the promise God made to His people in Exodus 6:6-7)

1. The Cup of Sanctification - “I will bring you out” (drank at the start of the seder)
2. The Cup of Deliverance - “I will deliver you” (drank after the telling of the story)
3. The Cup of Redemption/Blessing - “I will redeem you” (drank after the meal)
4. The Cup of Restoration - “I will take you for My people” (drank after psalms of praise)

We see from scripture that after the meal, Jesus shared the 3rd cup with His disciples:

Luke 22:19–20 (NKJV) 19And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 20Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Jesus said as often as we take communion, to do it REMEMBERING HIM! Jesus is saying that communion is a time to remember who He is as our Savior and Redeemer. Because of Jesus we have been born again into the newness of life! 

1 Timothy 2:3–5 (NKJV) 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

Just as God delivered His people out of slavery in Egypt, you have been delivered out of slavery. By Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have been given new life - life into freedom. As you receive communion today, it is a reminder that your Heavenly Father has brought you out of captivity to darkness (sin, infirmity and sickness, fear, anxiety, loneliness, anger and rage, torment, etc.) and into His marvelous light. Be reminded that you have been delivered from anything that would try to hold you under and any lie the enemy would want you to believe. Remember, YOU HAVE BEEN REDEEMED by the blood of Jesus Christ. And God has called you His own. You are a child of God!

~ Prayer ~

Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me, even when I didn’t know I needed to be rescued. Thank You Jesus for Your life, Your death, and Your resurrection. Thank You for Your body that was given for me.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice for my sin and for His perfect shed blood. Jesus, thank You for Your perfect blood that 

gives me perfect life.

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah (pause, rest in silence) ~

What has God brought you out of? What are times that God has shown Himself as your Deliverer and Rescuer? Take a few moments to meditate on God’s redemption power in your life. Then call upon this same power to be present in any situation you may be facing that you need God’s help in. Remeber! He is your Redeemer!

Day 2 - Saved

When I was first saved, I would think of Jesus as being the One who kept me from going to hell. It sounded like a terrible place from all I was taught in Sunday school. And I certainly didn’t want to go there. But I later found out that Jesus came to give me so much more. Not going to hell was great, but there was so much more that I didn’t know about. And in not knowing, I didn’t access what was given to me. It would be like having a bank account with a huge amount of money sitting in it that you didn’t even know you had access to. And while that account was available to you, you never drew from it and didn’t have money to buy food or pay for housing. That is what salvation is for many born again children of God. We have been given access to great treasure but we live in spiritual, physical, and emotional poverty.

Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:9–10, NKJV)

The words “he will be saved” in this passage is the Greek word, sozo. It means much more than simply not going to hell when you die. Saved (sozo) means:

To rescue, heal, deliver, preserve, or make whole. 

Saved means to be covered physically, emotionally, and spiritually! 

Sozo means to be brought out of danger and destruction and into 

complete health, wholeness, and thriving! 

When we are saved, our soul is at blessed peace through being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. And all of this is for you, now in this lifetime. Your salvation, your sozo, is not for when you die and go to Heaven, but for life, now. Everyday! When Jesus shared His last supper with His disciples during Passover, He said, “... do this in remembrance of Me.” (Lk 22:19). Jesus is saying to us, every time we take communion, remember what has been given to us in His body and in His blood.

As you continue this Communion Feast journey, let this truth become more than just scripture. Press in to take hold of this truth as your experience. Expect wholeness in every area of your life. Expect peace to be your companion and fill you. You have a Heavenly treasure waiting for you to draw upon it. This treasure is for you now in this life.

As you take communion today, first pause for a moment and let gratitude fill your heart. Begin to thank God for all His goodness - His SOZO LIFE for you.

~ Prayer ~

Thank You, God for the promise of redemption from all harm and hurt. Thank You for bringing me out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. Jesus, thank You for Your body that was beaten and bruised so that I could live in wholeness and health.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Thank You, God for the covenant, the promise given to me through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The perfect blood of Jesus was given for me that I may have eternal life and life more abundantly.

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

Take a few moments to remember times that God has brought you through. Think of His strength. Think of how big God is. Now think of how close He desires to be with you now in this moment. This awesome God that created the Heavens and the earth desires to be with you in this moment. Close your eyes. Be still and just breathe.

Day 3 - A New Perspective

Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover

with you before I suffer;

Luke 22:15 (NKJV)

Several years ago we were gifted with a trip to Maui. This was a lifetime dream-destination for me and what I got to experience was nothing short of spectacular! The scenery of the ocean meeting the lush greenery of the mountains was breathtaking. I’d never seen anything like it before. And the flowers were colors I didn’t know existed outside of a Crayon box! It was more than I had dreamed it would be. One afternoon I was invited to go para-sailing, which was also on my bucket list. Once we got in the air above the ocean, I was given a whole new perspective of the island we were staying on. Wow… I felt like my eyes weren’t big enough to take it all in. It was like a spiritual experience and I was so overwhelmed by the beauty and greatness of God that I couldn’t help but feel emotional. I was in awe.

When Jesus shared communion with His disciples for the last time, it is recorded that He offered a new perspective on the bread and the cup:

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 20Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Luke 22:19–20 (NKJV)

When Jesus stated that the bread was His body and that the wine was His blood, He was inviting His disciples into an elevated view, a higher perspective. Remember, these were all good Jewish men and they would have celebrated Passover every year of their lives. They knew the ceremony well. But this was different. Jesus invited them into the experience of His body and His blood. This was not just a ceremony or a tradition with crackers and juice. This was not just theology. Jesus is opening a door for His disciples and then to every follower that would come after. Jesus invited us into an intimacy, a communning, to experience the overwhelming greatness of God and His perfect sacrifice that had come to give us life. 

You have been invited to live life from a higher experience, an elevated seat. The invitation extended to you is to actually experience the Word, Jesus Christ. Knowing about Jesus is one thing, but communing with Jesus is an entirely spiritual experience that will fill you with awe and wonder.

~ Prayer ~ 

Heavenly Father, thank you for this invitation of holy communion with You. I receive Your invitation to experience Your Word, Jesus. Thank You for Your Word.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Father, thank You for Your covenant that You give to me through the blood of Your Word, Your Son, Jesus Christ.

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

What is a promise from God’s word that you know is true but you have not yet experienced. Ask Holy Spirit to give you a visual image of what life will be like when this promise becomes your experience? How does it feel and look?

Day 4 - Selah Moment

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Is 43: 18-19 NKJV

Welcome to the new year. Today is a day for you to have your own “Selah Communion Feast” with God. Remember, selah means to pause, take a breath, be silent and be still. 

This is the beginning of a new beginning if you decide it will be. As you take communion this morning, take a few moments to let go of the old… old habits, old ways of thinking, old ways of doubting, old ways of fear, etc. Choose to take hold of the new things God has in front of you from your higher place of living. Take hold of new boldness, new confidence, new adventure, new opportunities, new trust, new dreams, etc.

This will be your greatest year yet! Believe God when He tells you He is growing you from glory to glory:

Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:16–18 (NKJV)

~ Prayer ~

Father, thank You for the new thing You are doing in me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. 

Thank You for Christ in me, the hope of glory!

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Father, thank You for all You have made available to me through Jesus Christ. 

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

Ask God to share with you what He has planned for you in this new year. What do you sense, feel, know, see, hear? Let this settle in you as truth. Write down what God is sharing with you so you can bring it back to your remembrance when you need to be strengthened or encouraged.

Then the Lord answered me and said:

“Write the vision

And make it plain on tablets,

That he may run who reads it.

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time;

But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.

Though it tarries, wait for it;

Because it will surely come,

It will not tarry.

 Hab 2:2–3 NKJV

Day 5 - Come Up Here

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ

(by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us 

sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 

Eph 2:4–6 NKJV

Living in Colorado is such a blessing to me. We have the mountains to look at every day as a reminder of how big our God is. I love getting away to the mountains, even if just for the afternoon. The air feels fresher there, it’s calm and quiet, and the views are spectacular. All of this is experienced just by going higher in elevation. 

According to God’s word, when you are saved, you are raised up, elevated, to a higher place of living. It’s like going to a higher elevation spiritually. That place is as one with Christ Jesus. As true as it is that Jesus Christ is raised up and seated at the right hand of the Father (Eph 1:20, Heb 1:3, Ps 110:1), it is equally true that you are seated there with Him, as one, communing with Him. This is the miracle of your salvation. 

This sounds like a wonderful concept. Unfortunately, that is where too many people leave it, as a concept, a systematic belief. It’s like standing on the plains, looking at the mountains from a distance and acknowledging that they exist. Yes, we can see that they are there. We believe the mountains are there. But we never make the journey to experience being IN the mountains. I can tell someone what the pine air smells like. I can tell them what the breeze feels like on their skin. I can describe how the sun’s intensity feels different on your face. But it’s not the same as if they were to experience it for themselves.

The Bible sharing with us that we are raised up together to be seated as one with Christ Jesus is meant to be a spiritual, yet tangible experience. Let us not settle for just looking at the throne from a distance. Let us take our place as one with Jesus Christ.

~ Prayer ~

Father, thank You for raising me up as one with Christ Jesus through salvation in Him. I receive this by faith in Your word.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Father, thank You for the life You give me through the blood of Your Son. I receive this life by faith in Your word. Minister life to every cell of my being in Jesus name.

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

Allow yourself to settle into your place in Christ Jesus. 

If you have never practiced this before, close your eyes and invite Holy Spirit to settle you into this place. Breathe deep and allow the Holy Spirit in you to minister this truth to you. Stay here until you sense the place of your higher living. Practice this regularly until it becomes easier and natural for you to be in this place. Be sensitive to what you see, hear, sense, smell, and feel.

Day 6 -Live From the Throne

And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, 

that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; 

for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Jn 17:22–24 NKJV

When our children were little it would fill my heart when one of them would come stand in front of me and raise their little arms, signaling for me to pick them up. They just wanted to be held. Sometimes it was because they were tired and needed to be carried for a while. Sometimes they were upset and wanted to be comforted. And other times, they were simply seeking a place of familiar security to rest. I would lift them up and snuggle them close. Within minutes whatever was wrong would fade away and their breathing would settle, their bodies would relax, and their little eyes would soften to the call of sleep. It was and still is some of my most treasured moments.

Did you know your Heavenly Father has created a place just for you, to come and be one with Him? His throne is an open place for you to be still with Him. Just like a child wanting to be held, we come to our Heavenly Father with child-like faith. Are you tired or weary? Maybe there is a struggle or battle you're facing. Or maybe you simply desire to be still and know He is God (Ps 46:10). As an earthly parent, if I provided a place for my children to come to, how much more does our Heavenly Father provide a place for us? This place God provides was not created because we are immature or weak. This place was made available because of love. It is because God so loved the world that He gave His Son that we would be called children of God! Our Father has a place for us to come to. And this place isn't just for the tired or the troubled. It is where we live from victory and authority, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. 

Our oneness with God is a lifestyle, not a Sunday morning checklist. Our healing is in Him. Our peace is in Him. Our purpose is in Him… Everything we will ever need or desire is found in oneness with God. And He has given it to us through Jesus!

~ Prayer ~

Father, thank You for the miracle of oneness with You. I receive the love You give to me by faith in Jesus name.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Father, You have called me to live from a higher place. I receive life from this higher place. It is mine through the perfect blood of Jesus. 

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one (Jn 17:23)

Scripture teaches us we are made perfect in our oneness with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Invite God to minister and impart perfection to every part of your being. Invite His presence into your emotions to bring perfection, nothing lacking, total peace. Invite perfection into your physical body. If there is healing needed in any area of your body, invite God’s perfection into that area of your body and mind. God’s perfection is complete, nothing lacking. Receive God’s complete perfection for you by faith, in Jesus name. Declare it out loud. Let your words speak life over your being, the life that Jesus died for you to live.

Day 7 - Selah Moment

for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.

Acts 17:28 NKJV

Today’s devotion is a time for you to have your own “Selah Communion Feast” with God. Remember, selah means to pause, take a breath, be silent and be still. Take some time to meditate on this passage of scripture. Invite the Holy Spirit to give you insight into the Father’s heart for you in this passage. Here are a few more translations for you to ponder:

“The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn’t live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn’t take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don’t make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; he’s near. We live and move in him, can’t get away from him! One of your poets said it well: ‘We’re the God-created.’ Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it?

Acts 17:24–29 Message Bible 

27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. 28 For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29 And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. 

Acts 17:27–29 NLT

27 He has done this so that every person would long for God, feel their way to him, and find him—for he is the God who is easy to discover! 28 It is through him that we live and function and have our identity; just as your own poets have said, ‘Our lineage comes from him.’ 

29 “Since our lineage can be traced back to God, how could we even think that the divine image could be compared to something made of gold, silver, or stone, sculpted by man’s artwork and clever imagination? 

Acts 17:27–29 TPT

~ Prayer ~

Father, thank You for giving me the identity of Your child through Your Son, Jesus. 

I receive Jesus’ sacrifice for me, In Jesus name.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Thank You, Father, for calling me to You and marking me and filling me with Your Holy Spirit. 

I am a child of God. 

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

Be still with the scriptures from above. Invite Holy Spirit to write the truth of this word on your heart. He is not far from you. Be still in this place until you feel, sense that He is near.

Day 8 - Things Above

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Col 3:1–3 NKJV

When a diagnosis was spoken to Darin in 2016, it started us on a journey in learning about the brain. As I was praying for the healing and restoration of a Parkinson's diagnosis (notice we do not say Darin “has” anything. He does not possess the diagnosis or a disease. Darin possesses his healing), God spoke to me and asked me to think bigger. I sensed God say - don’t settle for healing of a disease, go after the territory of the brain. This became a passion for me as I know many who need healing of the brain for reasons from trauma, to chemical imbalances, to memory restoration. During this journey I have learned that God’s truth is bigger than any diagnosis. I have also learned how big of an impact the thoughts of our mind have on our outcome. Oftentimes the biggest problem we face is our belief about a problem rather than the actual problem. When we give the problem too much power, we are viewing it from an earthly perspective or mindset. I can tell if I’m thinking from an earthly mindset because I begin to feel overwhelmed, powerless, or hopeless. However, when I view the challenge from my Heavenly position in Christ, I am reminded of God’s truth. I tell my mind to stop thinking in the negative and start meditating on the truth from above. I will ask, “God, what do You say about this?” And I listen for the voice of truth. Pretty quick, I am reminded of scriptures about overcoming, not growing weary, and enduring. Then I tell my mind to think on those truths.

Because we have been called to live from a higher place, we must begin to think from a higher place. But this takes practice and training of our mind. That’s why renewing our mind to what God says is so important:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 NKJV

You have been given the mind of Christ. Any thought that does not agree with what Jesus says and who He is must be shut off. Your mind is an amazing power. It can be used as a weapon of Heaven or as a tool of the enemy. Choose to align your mind with your elevated position in Christ. You are one with Him. Your mind is one with His. You are an overcomer.

~ Prayer ~

Father, thank You for giving me the mind of Christ. I declare my brain was made by Your hands in perfection and wholeness. I receive the renewed mind You have given me.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Father, thank You for the perfect sacrifice of Your Son who gives me perfect peace. I receive the life given to me through His sacrifice.

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

Read over the following passage and soak it in. Do not settle for reading over it with your mind. Ask Holy Spirit to guide you through it as you soak in the words of life written for you. 

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Eph 1:17–23 NKJV

Day 9 - See Deeper - Live Higher, Pt 1

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Eph 2:10 NKJV

There was a trend a few years back that brought a certain form of art to popularity. It’s called stereogram - the pictures that look like 2 dimensional nothingness until you see the 3 dimensional hidden picture. The real image couldn’t be seen until you looked at the art at a deeper level, like looking THROUGH the picture. Once you saw the deeper image you couldn’t not see it. 

You and I are like God’s “stereogram.” There is a deeper image on the inside of every born-again child of God. Scripture reveals to us that we were made in God’s likeness and in His image (Gen 1:27). We are literally the artwork of God. The Passion Translation says it so beautifully, “We have become his poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it! (Eph 2:10 TPT).

But one cannot discover the wonder of God’s workmanship, His poetry, until they press past 2 dimensional human logic. The depth of who God has created you to be can only be revealed as you renew your mind to the truth of who you are. Not who the world or your past says you are, but the truth of who God created you to be. As we press in to renew our minds to who God has called us to be, we discover a much deeper image. 

Now, renewing the mind is work! It means that we invest time to discover who God says we are from the truth of His word, the Bible. The way God shared it with me is that renewing the mind is seeing deeper so we can live higher. Higher living is where our destiny is fulfilled. You and I will never fulfill the good works God has planned for us if we continue living and thinking 2 dimensionally (earthly). We are invited to train our minds to see the deeper picture, the greater works, by transforming our minds through God’s word. Practically speaking, if I’m feeling defeated or overwhelmed by any circumstance, it’s an indicator that I’m looking at the situation with my old, 2 dimensional eyes. I’m only looking at the surface. So I decide to look again and ask, “God, what do You say about this? I know that if it’s not good yet, You’re not done yet. So, show me Your purpose and where You lead me.” I don’t allow my mind to stare at the mess and rehearse negative outcomes or stir up fear. I cannot afford to let myself do that for even a minute. I’ve learned those negative thoughts, left unchecked, can take days or even weeks to recover from. I can’t afford that.

There is a deeper image on the inside of you. Let today be a day that you think on God’s awesome workmanship. God makes masterpieces and you are one of them. You are created IN Christ Jesus for higher living. Determine to not waste even a minute living a flat, 2 dimensional life. See deeper so you can live higher!

~ Prayer ~

Father, thank You for giving me Your Son so that I could see beyond what is. The resurrection of Jesus calls me into what can be with You, God!

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Father, the blood of Jesus gives me a higher life.

Thank You for the perfect blood of Jesus shed for me.

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

Be still and ask God to reveal an aspect of who He is that shines through you. How does God demonstrate His glory through you? Are you patient? Do you show compassion? Maybe you’re creative… Ask God to share with you how He shares Himself with the world through you. Wait until you hear, sense, or know what God is sharing with you. Be intentional in nurturing this light in you as you go about your day.

Day 10 - See Deeper - Live Higher, Pt 2 

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

Eze 36:26–27 NKJV

Have you ever heard someone talk about “investing in other people?” It’s what happens when a deeper treasure is seen in someone but that individual doesn’t quite know how to bring it out or what to do with it. It’s like a teacher investing in their students or a coach investing in a player. This is honestly the life of a pastor… It’s seeing the treasure in people and being passionate about helping them discover the richness of that treasure and what to do with it. I love being a pastor! But nothing can compare to the investment God makes in us. God literally invests Himself IN you. God gives us His Spirit, His nature and His essence, to live in us. My human mind cannot comprehend this. It is a truth that must be experienced through living higher in oneness with Him. 

Yesterday we read Ephesians 2:10 that says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” I love that God lets me know I’m His workmanship. That means I am created with intention and purpose. Anything about me from my past that does not work towards God’s purpose for me, He “removes” when I am born again. I am a new creation IN HIM (Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Co 5:17 NKJV). This is the work of Christ in me, the hope of glory! In the past I heard teachings that God “sees me through the blood of His Son” which I took to mean my sin and guilt is still there but the blood of Jesus somehow hides it from God. No! The blood doesn’t just cover me as the blood of animal sacrifices in the Old Testament, like throwing a blanket over something but the lump of it is still visible. NO! The perfect blood of Jesus CLEANSES me and makes me NEW:

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 Jn 1:7 NKJV

This means I am made FREE of defilement and all the old hindrance is REMOVED! There is no pile of trash from my past hidden under a tarp somewhere waiting to pull me under. God has called us NEW! So much so that He gives us the very Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead to live in us! God is INVESTED IN YOU! He believes IN YOU! You are not here at random hoping to bump into a reason for life. God had a plan and a dream before the foundation of the earth and looked forward in time. God saw His dream unfolding and wrapped your flesh body around it and released His dream on this earth through you. That's what Ephesians 2:10 is shouting to us. YOU ARE GOD’S GREAT INVESTMENT PLAN! Live in the newness of this wonderful life filled with the fullness of God!

~ Prayer ~

Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus, that paid the price for my sin and guilt to be washed clean, by sacrificing His body on the cross for me. Jesus, thank You for paying the ultimate price for me.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Father, thank You for the blood of Jesus that washes away all my sin and makes me clean and new. I receive the fulness of what this blood does for me, by faith, in Jesus name.

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

If there is anything from your past that keeps trying to pop up: an old habit, addiction, a choice you regret, an old way of thinking in doubt or fear - take a moment now to let it be CLEANSED AND WASHED AWAY, REMOVED. First, check to be sure you have repented and asked God’s forgiveness. Close your eyes and imagine whatever that was covered under a blanket where you can still see a lump or pile. Now invite Holy Spirit to come and show you what happens when the blood of Jesus washes it away… See it disintegrate or melt or be crushed into nothing, totally gone with no trace left behind. Now invite peace and joy and thanksgiving to come sit in that place. Practice this any time the enemy tries to bring an accusation from your past. This helps renew your mind to the truth of God’s word for you.

Day 11 - Heavenly Preferred Paths

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Pr 3:5–6 NKJV

In the early 1900’s a few universities took an unorthodox approach to the planning process for foot traffic on their campuses. Ohio State University, reportedly being one of the first, decided to forgo constructing concrete paths for their students. Instead, they left only grass and allowed students to choose their own footpaths. Architects observed the organic pathways formed by the students, calling them “desire paths.” These were the paths that students naturally traveled to get from one place to the other. After the “desire paths” were established, work was then invested to lay concrete and design walkways based on the routes already established.

Our brains develop “desire paths” in our thinking and thought processes. We develop mindsets and beliefs based on past experience, personal opinions, and traditions. We can even establish pathways based on emotions. Do you ever find yourself traveling the path of, “I better not get my hopes up too high so I won’t be devastated if it doesn’t work out.” Or, “I don’t want to get too close to people because they always leave me.” Or maybe, “I don’t even know if God hears me so what is the point of even praying.” Thoughts like these - defeated, hopeless, negative thoughts, become a pathway for our human thinking. It becomes the path of least resistance. It’s what we’re familiar with. 

But, we can create new paths! It’s like going off-roading for the mind! Any thought we have that does not lead us to adventure in hope, joy and thanksgiving to God is not a path we want to keep traveling. Those are brain paths that need to be redirected and renewed (Rom 12:2, 2 Cor 5:17). I used to be so controlled by fear of not having enough. I was rehearsed in my path of poverty-thinking. I had laid concrete over it and put a fence around it! Oh my, I was a sad prisoner of this path. I read the scripture from Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” I wanted to believe this but my human-desire-path of lack and fear of not having enough was deep. I had to choose to start thinking differently. I wrote this scripture on sticky notes and put it everywhere in our house. I would say it out loud when bills would come in the mail. And I would intentionally celebrate every time I saw God’s provision. I remember celebrating finding a dime in the parking lot one time! Ha! It was God’s miracle just for me! It took time and it took intentionality but that old pathway has been destroyed and God laid a path paved with His gold (Rev 21:21) for my new Heavenly Desire Path! 

What is a brain pathway that you have built that needs to be redirected and renewed? Is there a re-occuring thought you have that leads you to feeling afraid, alone, powerless, angry or insignificant? Is there any thought pattern that leads you out of peace and into anxiosness? If so, God wants to lay a new path for you. He wants to pave a path of gold for you as you discover His Heavnely Desire Path from His word. 

~ Prayer ~

Father, thank You for Your ways! They are higher than my ways and Your ways lead me to abundant life. I receive the life given to me through Your Son! Thank You Jesus for saving me.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Father, thank You for the life You make available to me by the blood of Your Son. The blood of Jesus is perfect and gives me life!

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

Invite God into your brain right now. Invite Him to bring healing to your mind. Declare out loud that you have the mind of Christ. Let your ears hear you say those words. Hear yourself declare this over yourself. Declare healing over your mind physically and emotionally. I believe God wants to heal you of disappointment from the past. Declare new hope over your brain. Receive healing and restoration now. I invite you to put your hand(s) on your head and declare out loud -

I am a child of the most High God and He has given me the mind of Christ. I am healed, in Jesus name. I declare Heavenly Desire Paths are being laid in my brain now. I have perfect peace - nothing missing and nothing broken.

Day 12 - One In Christ

3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1–3 (NKJV)

When Darin and I were first married we went to a small amusement park during one of our trips to Tulsa. We decided riding the ferris wheel would be a nice, romantic thing to do together. Once we got on the ride we discovered that neither one of us liked heights and our romantic little adventure quickly turned into an anxiety filled mistake. As we lifted off the platform, we rose higher and higher. Then! The ride stopped with us at the top, for what seemed like hours. It was only minutes… but my fear was in full tilt. Darin was calm, as always, but I just wanted off that ride! I felt afraid. I felt out of control. I wasn’t listening to Darin at all as he calmly encouraged me to just focus on the view and how far we could see. I was listening to my own thoughts of fear, anxiety, and regret. And I’m pretty sure I had my eyes closed, so I was NOT enjoying the view! Needless to say, after we got off that ride, in 28 years of marriage, we have never ridden another ferris wheel together again!

The way I felt on top of that ferris wheel can be how some of us feel about coming to take the place created for us in Christ - an elevated seat of living at the right hand of the Father:

1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above,

where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 

2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 

3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1–3 (NKJV)

The thought of being one with Christ, seated where He is, can feel overwhelming, fearful, and out of control. What if I fail? What if I’m not holy enough? What if I mess up? What if I fall? The truth is we have all failed and may fail again. The truth is we are called righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ, not our own acts of goodness. The truth is God has called us and created us to occupy this place IN Christ. If we only silence the thoughts of doubt and fear and listen to the still small voice of the Father… He is speaking peace, comfort, and love to us. He is actually speaking to you now:

5 Everyone will say, “Come and see the incredible things God has done; 

it will take your breath away! 

He multiplies miracles for his people!” 

Ps 66:5 TPT

God desires that your life in Christ would declare His goodness to the world. God delights in showing you the view of His glory from His Heavenly throne. Thoughts of fear or unworthiness will fade into silence when you begin to focus on how much The Father loves you. Choose to focus on His love. Listen… and take in the view! It’s beautiful up here.

~ Prayer ~

Father, thank You for calling me by name. You know me and gave the body of Your Son for me that I may be one IN HIM. I receive this sacrifice by faith.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Father, I receive the life You have created for me through the blood of Your Son. You have given me life and I receive it by faith into every part of my being.

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

Declare this over yourself, out loud: 

I am called by name by God. I am seated IN CHRIST JESUS above all the power of darkness.

I am made whole IN HIM. I am loved IN HIM. 

I am more at home IN CHRIST than anywhere else. I will not leave this place.

Let these words rest in your heart and mind. Listen to your voice declare these truths. Take notice of what you sense, feel, or know as you meditate on this truth.

Day 13 - Letting Go

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 

35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 

36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Jn 8:34–36 NKJV

I heard a story years ago of how monkeys were trapped. As the story goes, a hole was cut in a hollowed out coconut that was tied to a stake. The hole was just large enough for a monkey to slide its hand in. The trapper would put seeds or something enticing inside the coconut. When the monkey took hold of the bait, it could not pull its fist out, thus trapping the monkey by its own hand. The monkey wasn’t actually trapped by the coconut, but trapped by its unwillingness to let go of what it was holding on to.

God has so much for you to experience in His freedom. He has given His Spirit to dwell in you, and scripture tells us that where His Spirit is, there is freedom:

17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Co 3:17 NLT

God has called us to live from a higher place of freedom. It is fully available for you and me. But we must be willing to let go of what holds us in bondage to live in freedom. That means when we discover a lie or deception we have believed in our mind, we must CHOOSE to let go of it, (break it off by coming out of agreement with it) and CHOOSE the truth of God’s word. Choose the truth even if it has not fully come to pass in your experience YET! For example, simply say, “The thought in my mind that I am not significant in God’s plan is a lie and I break that off in Jesus name. I choose to agree with God’s word that says He chose me and I am precious in His sight (Is 43:4).” It will take practice, but as you grow in the truth in God’s word, your mind will let go of the lies and you will be made free. But, what if I don’t know a scripture to take the place of the lie? Google it! Get a scripture promise book. Do whatever you have to do to find the truth! Freedom is waiting for you but you will have to let go of the enticing lie that may be familiar, comfortable, and even the lie that may have become your identity. It may not be the lie that has trapped you, but the unwillingness to let go of the lie. 

Ask God now - Father, is there a lie I am believing that is holding me in captivity? Holy Spirit, reveal Your truth to me. Be still and sense, feel, hear. What is God putting a finger on? God will never reveal anything to you that He has not already given you the power and authority to walk out. So don’t be afraid to ask Him this. He has given you Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth, one step at a time. The steps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord (Ps 37:23). Let one step of truth bring you into freedom as you let go of the old lie to take hold of the new truth. When you discover a lie in your thinking, it is VERY IMPORTANT to replace it with the truth from God’s word. We discussed in previous devotions, you will know a lie when a thought leads you to feel hopeless, defeated, overwhelmed, anxious, afraid, rage, bitterness, etc. The key is identifying these emotions (don’t ignore them), and letting go of these emotions that may be tempting bait from the enemy. They feel good to our flesh… we may like to revel in them a bit and even feel justified in them. And you may be justified in feeling a certain way. However, you have the freedom of choice to become a prisoner of that emotion or to let it go, surrender it to God, and get loose of the trap. Then letting the truth of God minister freedom to your soul. I can tell you from experience, there is no pity party that feels as good as FREEDOM IN JESUS CHRIST! Choose freedom! You will never regret it.

~ Prayer ~

Father, thank You for the freedom given to me by the sacrifice of Your Son on the cross.

I choose freedom IN CHRIST today.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Father, thank You for the freedom given to me in the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ. Nothing and no one can ever change the eternal power of the blood of Jesus in my life.

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

Invite Holy Spirit to show you what freedom looks like. What does freedom feel like? Close your eyes and engage your holy imagination and let God reveal a new height of freedom available to you now. 

Declare - I remove all limitations to the freedom that has been given to me through Jesus Christ, my Savior. I have been delivered, healed, made whole, set free, redeemed. I will not be held in bondage to any lie of the enemy. I am made free by the truth of God’s word.

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Jn 8:31–32 NKJV

Note: 

One of my favorite scripture books for declaring God’s promises is by Joyce Meyer titled, The Secret Power of Speaking God’s Word.

This little purple book has over50 categories and puts the scripture in declaration form for you to speak over yourself and pray. Available on Amazon.

A good classic promise book is by Charles Capps, God’s Creative Power. Also available on Amazon.

In the back of many Bibles there is a list of scripture references for numerous topics. The Spirit Filled Life Bible is outstanding if you are in the market for a Bible. There are many resources available. Just find what best connects for you!

Day 14 - Selah Moment

5My soul, wait silently for God alone,

For my expectation is from Him.

6He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense;

I shall not be moved.

7In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength,

And my refuge is in God.

8Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.

Ps 62:5–8 NKJV

As we celebrate the last Communion Feast together in devotion, let us just think on all of God's goodness. We cannot even begin to understand the greatness and depth of His love for us. That God loved YOU so much that He would give His only Son to die, so that YOU could come to be ONE WITH HIM…

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Jn 3:16–17 NKJV

~ Prayer ~

Father, thank You for Your wonderful gift to me of life. I receive the life You give to me - the fullness of life IN YOU! I receive it by faith in Jesus' name.

** Partake - Eat the bread/cracker in remembrance of Him. **

Father, thank You for the perfect blood of Jesus that makes me clean, pure, spotless. I live from the life given to me in the blood of Jesus Christ, my Savior.

** Partake - Drink of the juice in remembrance of Him. **

~ Selah ~

Ask God to remind you of key truths you have discovered with Him over the past 14 days. Consider writing them down if you have not already. Practice remembering these truths, revelations. Rehearse them in your mind several times a day. What scriptures connected with your heart in a deeper way? Write them out and place them somewhere visible for you to see.

Consider how communion may become more frequent between you and God. How can you incorporate this glorious meal into your lifestyle?

May God bless you and all you set your hands to!

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, 

just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.

3 Jn 2–3 NKJV