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Our First Responder

Dear Reader,

Six years ago this month, I published my first blog post. Throughout the years, The Lord has had me write on various topics to strengthen our walk with Him. As I approached this Anniversary month, I sensed The Lord leading me to write about a foundational truth for the life of a Born Again Christian. What you are about to read is paramount to victorious living in these end times.

My prayer for all of us is that we will Embrace The Heart of God in His Word and be Responsive Vessels of Life.

Responding With You,
Clare

Psalm 107:20 (AMPC);

“He sends forth His Word and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction.”

Several months ago, the state that I live in advised us to prepare for a possible hurricane; as I started to pray over the situation, The Word of The Lord came to me saying:

“The Word of God is Our First Responder!”

My friend, “The Word of God, Our First Responder,” penetrates the “Eye Wall” of every storm cell that comes our way! How? By Bringing Swift Arrows of Healing and Deliverance on the scene of every “hit and run” enemy attack! Being rescued from “the pit and destruction” comes as we respond by speaking “God’s Word First” in our time of need. Developing the habit of speaking God’s Word First, we become what I call “Word Attendants.” Born Again Christians who “Trust in The Lord with all our hearts, and lean not on our understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (MEV).

A WORD ATTENDANT

Proverbs 4:20-22 (AMPC);

“My son, attend to My Words; consent and submit to my sayings.” “Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart.” “For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.”

My friend, “attending” to The Word of God ignites a passion for The Lord. We are creating a desire for the depth and meaning of His Word to be firmly Anchored within our hearts. Committing to daily act on what God’s Word “Says” in the everyday affairs of our lives strengthens our faith in Him. Developing a solid root system in our walk with God allows His Word to not “depart from our sight.” It’s essential to Maintain Eye Contact With God by making daily Bible Study, Reading, and Meditation of His Word a way of life. Engaging these intimacy principles keeps His Word in “The Center of Our Hearts.”

“What is the Result of being “A Word Attendant?”

The Word of God Becomes “Our First Responder!” Bringing “Life, Healing and Health to all our flesh.” In a world full of chaos and turmoil, this is our Call of Duty, and we cannot neglect it!

A CALL OF DUTY

John 10:27 (TPT);

“My own sheep will hear My Voice and I know each one, and they will follow me.”

Following The Voice of The Father is “The Call of Duty” for each of us as “Sheep” of The Most High God.

In the natural realm, a First Responder’s “Call of duty” is to:

Preserve Life, Prevent Deterioration of Life, and Promote Life Recovery.

First Responders primarily administer “First Aid,” which is the needed medical attention given during an emergency. I am so grateful for these courageous, highly trained professionals who often risk their lives to help save other’s lives. May we never stop praying Psalm 91 over our 911 Responders in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

In The Kingdom of God, our “Call of duty” is to hear The Voice of The Holy Spirit and quickly obey His direction to:

Speak Life, Preserve Life, Prevent and Reverse Deterioration of Life while Promoting the Recovery and Creation of Life.

God achieves this through us by administering “Word Aid.” God Speaks from His Word through our mouths as we release Him into the atmosphere, “Aiding” our fellow men. My friend, Divine CPR from The Word of God comes from our natural response as “Word Attendants.” Being a Conduit for Divine Spiritual Resuscitation during an enemy’s attack stems from our knowledge that it is “The Spirit Who Gives Life!”

THE LIFE GIVER

John 6:63 (AMPC);

“It is The Spirit Who gives life [He is The Life-Giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The Words (truths) that I have been Speaking to you are Spirit and Life.”

When The Holy Spirit Dispatches The Word of God To Us, He Dispatches The Grace and Power needed To See His Will Come To Pass, In Jesus’ Name! We have the Vital Honor of Co-Laboring with “The Life Giver” with every act of Spiritual CPR we perform.

Proverbs 4:22 ( AMPC) says that God’s Word IS “Life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.”

Our heroic “First Responders” are trained to naturally “Preserve Life. ” In the realm of Christianity as “First Responders” of God’s Word, we prepare to Supernaturally “Bring life, healing, and health,” not just to our flesh; we also train to speak life, healing, and health to the flesh of those around us.

John 14:12-14 (TPT);

“I tell you this timeless truth; The person who follows me in faith, believing in Me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with My Father.” “For I will do whatever you ask Me to do when you ask Me in My name. And that is how The Son will show what The Father is really like and bring Glory to Him.” “Ask Me anything in My Name and I will do it for you!”

As Spiritual First Responders, we must keep on the frontlet of our hearts this timeless truth:

Responding With God’s Word First is Following Him in Faith.

Our Victories on behalf of The Kingdom of God are imminent as we practice and apply these principles of faith.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

There is an old saying, “Practice makes perfect,” I like to think about it this way, “What I practice in my heart will be perfected in my life.” ‘Hiding God’s Word in our heart allows Him to Work Perfectly through our lives! Glory To God!

Psalm 119:11 (NKJV);

“Your Word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”

Hiding The Word of God in our hearts as “Spiritual First Responders” keeps us out of the snare of sin. By developing a habit of what is “Good, Pure, and Holy,” we reject the pull of the flesh to disobey The Will of God. Instead, we “Attend” to God’s Word by being “Present” with our heart as we Apply His Word. By Deploying His Word in Faith without “feeling or seeing” circumstances change, “The Perfected Word” (Jesus Christ) becomes a spoken lethal weapon against the enemy! Bringing Supernatural results to every situation that we may encounter! Glory To God!

Ephesians 6:17 (TPT);

“Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the Mighty Razor-Sharp Spirit-Sword of The Spoken Word of God.”

Taking “The Mighty Razor-Sharp Spirit-Sword of The Spoken Word of God” to a lost and hurting world is the “Call of Duty’ of EVERY child of God! Don’t buy into the enemy’s lies, my friend, “Our Heavenly First Responder” becomes a tangible Presence of Healing and Hope THROUGH US, God’s Word Responders on Earth as it is in Heaven!

Be Strong and Live Free…….Boldly For Him!

Psalm 46:1 (NKJV);

“God is our Refuge and Strength, a Very Present Help in Trouble.”

© 2023 Clare Matthews – Boldly For Him. “All Rights Reserved.”

Photo by: Spencer Davis

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A Clearing Ahead

Weary and shipwrecked with daylight on the horizon, they see………….. “A Clearing Ahead.”

Acts 27:39 (TPT);

“When daylight came, the sailors didn’t recognize the land, but they noticed a cove with a sandy beach, so they decided to run the ship ashore.”

Relieved to see the sandy beach, the Apostle Paul silently recollects the events that have brought him and the sailors to “A Clearing Ahead.”

Acts 27:21-26 (TPT);

“After being without food for a long time, Paul stepped before them all and said, “Men, you should have obeyed me and avoided all of this pain and suffering by not leaving Crete.” “Now listen to me. Don’t be depressed, for no one will perish—only the ship will be lost.” “For God’s angel visited me last night, the angel of my God, the God I passionately serve. He came and stood in front of me.” “and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You are destined to stand trial before Caesar. And because of God’s favor on you, He has given you the lives of everyone who is sailing with you.” “So, men, keep up your courage! I know that God will protect you, just as he told me he would.” “But we must run aground on some island to be saved.”

Sometimes, we find ourselves “run aground on an island,” riding out the storms of difficult and dangerous circumstances. Like Paul, the conditions we find ourselves in may not be due to our decisions. When this happens, we can declare that there is “A Clearing Ahead,”

DON’T LEAVE CRETE

There is Wisdom in not “Leaving Crete,” in other words, the God Appointed Harbor of Safety when the pressure is on.

Jeremiah 29:11 (AMPC);

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says The Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.”

The Angel of The Lord relays to Paul the essential core truth of Jeremiah 29:11, and that core truth is ours today because “The Word Is Truth!” Ref. John 17:7 (b). “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. The Word of God to Paul through “The Angel of The Lord” is still our Word of Life today. You and I can rest assured that no matter what kind of “evil” we may face, God’s “thoughts and plans” will always provide “hope in our final outcome!” This message, my friend, is “The Hope,” which provides comfort to Paul in the “Midnight Hour.”

Whose word is providing comfort to you in your “Midnight Hour?” The Word of The Lord or The Fear of Man? Let me remind you of this “Life Giving Truth” “Don’t Leave Crete!”

Like Paul, what you and I believe about “The Word of God” in light of the trials and tribulations that arise in life can determine whether we see “A Clearing Ahead” or choose to “Leave Crete.”

ABOVE THE CLOUDS

Pilots know that to navigate their planes safely and efficiently, they need to fly “above the clouds.” As they climb altitude, they look for “A Clearing Ahead,” indicating they are in the “safe zone.” From this vantage point of High Altitude, the pilot and crew can best do their jobs, following safety protocols to ensure the passengers a safe flight from take-off to landing.

I have some exciting news; like these pilots, we have a “Divine Seat Above The Clouds!” We read about this “Heavenly Jurisdiction” in Ephesians 2:6 (TPT);

“He raised us up with Christ The Exalted One, and we ascended with Him into The Glorious Perfection and Authority of The Heavenly Realm, for we are now Co-Seated as ONE With Christ!”

SONS OF GOD, SIT WITH GOD!

Being “Co-Seated as One With Christ” is no small privilege, my friend. As “Sons of God,” we are invited to “Sit With God!” Jesus Christ paid a Great Price to keep you and me safe in that “Divine Seat” all of our lives, and we must not forget it! Staying seated with God in “The Heavenly Realm” Keeps us “Above The Clouds” of turbulence and deadly wind shear. Making a way for us to safely navigate our life on Earth by “The Compass” (The Leadership) of The Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:14 (AMPC);

“For all who are led by The Spirit of God, are sons of God.”

Yielding to The Leadership of The Holy Spirit keeps this Blood Bought Truth on the radar of our hearts at all times. SONS OF GOD, SIT WITH GOD!

IT’S TIME FOR A HEAVENLY COCKPIT CHECK

Is your Flight Plan in order?

Are you “Co-Seated as One With Christ?”

Are you tuned into The Control Tower of The Holy Spirit?

Have you “Left Crete?”

Are you Safely Soaring Above The Clouds?

My friend, be encouraged by Paul’s faith in God, and don’t let the enemy talk you out of your Divine Seat of Authority in Christ Jesus! It’s time to Buckle Up With Love Himself AND…..

Be Strong and Live Free…..Boldly For Him!

© 2023 Clare Matthews – Boldly For Him. “All Rights Reserved.”

Photo by: Taylor Van Riper

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Birthing A Deliverer

Can this be happening? She’s pregnant again! All Hannah wants to do is run into her tent and hide! “Birthing a Deliverer” seems like an impossible dream to her, and Peninnah’s taunts are becoming unbearable! Safely out of sight, crying uncontrollably, Hannah buries her head into a pillow, trying hard to forget that she is in a polygamous marriage.

Emotionally exhausted, she wonders how her husband Elkanah could have taken Peninnah as a secondary wife?! Isn’t she “worth more to him than ten sons?” If it weren’t for the laws of the land, Hannah’s love for God, and devotion to Elkanah, she would have left for Jerusalem long ago. However, a Deep and Holy desire to “Birth a Deliverer” keeps growing in Hannah’s heart, and she won’t be denied!

ARE YOU PREGNANT?

Spiritual and natural pregnancies can sometimes be uncertain because we may not perceive that we are pregnant. Since we don’t readily see the signs of pregnancy, we can forget that we are. All we know is that we are suddenly overwhelmed, uncomfortable, and challenged. We may not realize there is a “Peninnah,” an assignment of the enemy dispatched against us!

Why?

To keep us from “Birthing a Deliverer!”

Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

DELIVERER: One that saves from danger or destruction.

Never forget that nobody else can “Birth The Deliverer” that God has called you to birth “For such a time as this!” Ref. Esther 4:14 (b). The fruit of your womb is a God Sent Solution to a lost and hurting world! An answer that has the ability through God to “save from danger or destruction.” Don’t allow the taunts of a “Peninnah” to cause you to question or miscarry your God-Given Deliverer!

Who is “Peninnah?”

Her name means “coral.” The razor-like coral can potentially wound or kill if touched, cut, and left untreated.

1st Samuel 1:1-11 (AMPC)

“There was a certain man of Ramathaim-Zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, named Elkanah, son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.” “He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other named Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.” “This man went from his city year by year to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of Hosts at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were the Lord’s priests.”

“When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give to Peninnah his wife and all her sons and daughters portions [of the sacrificial meat]. “But to Hannah, he gave a double portion, for he loved Hannah, but the Lord had given her no children.” “[This embarrassed and grieved Hannah] her rival provoked her greatly to vex her because The Lord had left her childless.” “So it was year after year; whenever Hannah went up to the Lord’s House, Peninnah provoked her, so she wept and did not eat.”

“Then Elkanah, her husband, said to her, Hannah, why do you cry? And why do you not eat? And why are you grieving? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” “So Hannah rose after they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his seat beside a post of the temple (tent) of the Lord.” “And {Hannah} was in distress of soul, praying to the Lord and weeping bitterly.” “She vowed, saying, O Lord of Hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your handmaid and [earnestly] remember, and not forget Your handmaid but will give me a son, I will give him to The Lord all his life; no razor shall touch his head.”

ASKING FOR A DELIVERER

Hannah is upright before the Lord. She doesn’t ask God for revenge against Peninnah or Elkanah; she “Asks For A Deliverer!” A son that she vows to give back to The Lord as a Priest. That is what the scripture means when Hannah prays, “no razor shall touch his head.”

The sharp “coral” edge of Peninnah’s cutting words and Elkanah’s indifference to Hannah’s barrenness could not defile her heart! Hannah is determined to “Birth A Deliverer,” A son who will one day replace Hophni and Phinehas, the evil sons who serve as Priests under their father, Eli. Hannah’s prayer so moved the Heart of God that He “remembered” her request.

1st Samuel 1:19-22 (AMPC);

“The family rose early the next morning, worshiped before The Lord, and returned to their home in Ramah. Elkanah knew Hannah, his wife, and The Lord remembered her.” “Hannah became pregnant and in due time bore a son and named him Samuel [heard of God]. Because she said, I have asked him of The Lord,” “And Elkanah and all his house went up to offer The Lord the yearly sacrifice and pay his vow.” “But Hannah did not go, for she said to her husband, I will not go until the child is of age, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before The Lord and remain there as long as he lives.”

A COVENANT WOMB

Hannah could have asked for a son she could raise, yet she chooses the greater “A Covenant Womb” and “tithes” her womb by offering to God the best, Her “First Born” son. Hannah understands her pregnancy is “A Covenant” between her and God. What an essential truth that you and I must remember. Whenever we are pregnant with a “Promise from God,” we are pregnant in “A Covenant with God.” There is “A Covenant In Our Womb,” and that “Covenant” must come forth, In Jesus’ Name!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

COVENANT: A written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties, especially for performing some action.

How do we safely carry our “Covenant Promises” to full term with a healthy delivery?

By being committed to the process! You see, when God calls us to pregnancy, He calls us to the process. Every pregnancy is a process from conception to gestation to the water breaking to the birth. We may have cravings in both spiritual and natural pregnancies at each process stage. Feeding our growing baby with the proper spiritual and natural nutrients is utilizing Godly Wisdom for optimum birth results. Creating a nurturing environment that develops a healthy baby while ensuring safe delivery.

PREGNANCIES ARE PROPHECIES

Like Hannah, our pregnancies are also prophecies. Each prophecy is a God-Given Promise with a name. For Hannah, the name was “Samuel,” for you, the name could be Sarah or Peter or the cure for cancer or the name of a new business, ministry, or the preparation process for marriage; the list is endless.

What we have to keep at the forefront of our minds is that the enemy hates our pregnancies. He will send a “Peninnah” to discourage us so that we miscarry or abort God’s Promises, which are His Prophecies in Motion for our lives.

Ephesians 6:12 (TPT);

“Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage.”

Why does the enemy hate pregnancy so much?

The enemy hates pregnancy because he knows, “You Are Deliverers!” One called to “Birth A Deliverer!” Your womb nurtures the spiritual and natural assignments of God’s Presence, Power, and Purpose! Think about it, when you were born, your mother “Delivered” you. She is a “Deliverer” who “Birthed A Deliverer,” YOU!!! I sense by The Holy Spirit that I am to remind you of something VERY IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW:

“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN UNWANTED PREGNANCY IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!”

AND…..

“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN UNWANTED MOTHER IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!”

No matter the circumstances surrounding your “own birth” or pregnancy, God wants you to know that HE IS LIFE. Therefore, THE life you carry in your womb is “A Covenant With Him!” You Are Pregnant With a Covenant from God, and that child “His Promise” must come forth In Jesus’ Name!

Psalm 139:13-18 (AMPC);

“For you did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb.” “I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.” “My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery].” “Your Eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book, all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape when as yet there was none of them.” “How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” “If I could count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I awoke, [could I count to the end} I would still be with You.”

Beautiful, Cherished Friend, God Is With You! Your Pregnancy and Delivery are Precious in His Sight!

“Be Strong and Live Free As You Birth…… Boldly For Him!”

© 2023 Clare Matthews – Boldly For Him. “All Rights Reserved.”

Photo By: Andriyko Podilnyk

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Turn The Page

Jeremiah 29:11 (AMPC);

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says The Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.”

Have you ever had the thought….

What if I could just start over?

Friend, I have good news for you! You can start over! You can create a Whole New Chapter in Life! God is waiting to reveal His Master Blueprint that has been inside of you all along. “Written in Red” is A Blueprint that God specifically created for you before time began. Some of you reading this blog may need to “Turn the Page” on a segment of your life. The hopes, dreams, and plans that you made abruptly came to a spiraling end, and it seems like there’s no way out. I can assure you, my friend, there is “A Way Out” you can “Turn the Page!”

GOD’S BLUEPRINT

God’s Blueprint for our Life is well thought out and Divinely Authored for us, and it consists of “welfare and peace and not evil.” When God thinks of us, my friend, he thinks “WELL” of us! Why? “To give us Hope in our outcome!” Which is His Will for our Life.

We first need to know that God’s Blueprint for our lives starts with Eternal life!

John 3:16-18 (TPT);

“For this is how much God loved the world-He gave His One and Only Unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes In Him will never perish but experience Everlasting Life.” “God did not send His Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it!” “So now there is no longer any condemnation for those who believe In Him, but the unbeliever already lives under condemnation because they do not believe in the name of God’s Beloved Son.”

The only way to “Turn The Page in Victory” and receive “Hope in Our Final Outcome” is to know Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Before we go any further, my friend, I invite you to make that decision right now if you haven’t already. Why? So that you can receive the full benefit and understanding of God’s Plan for your life with every page that you turn in Him!

A PRAYER FOR SALVATION

Father God, by an act of my will and the desire of my heart, I turn away from the sins and distractions of my life as I lay them at your feet in repentance. I acknowledge that Your Son Jesus Christ Died in my place at Calvary. I openly dedicate my heart to You, Jesus, as I Receive You into my heart and Declare that You ARE my Lord and Savior and soon coming King! Thank You, Jesus, for showing me how to effectively live for You every day of my life as a Born Again Christian Amen!

Congratulations, my friend! As a new Believer and Follower of Jesus Christ, you have just received the Master Plan of Salvation! You have “Turned the Page” from death to life!   

The Next Step? Learning How to hear The Voice of The Holy Spirit as He “Guides you into all truth.“ Ref John 16:13 (a). God’s Truths lay the groundwork for a life well lived through Him.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is “The Spirit of God.” He is also “The Spirit of Truth.” God has placed Him in our lives to Speak to our hearts and Show us “The Way,” “The Plan” that God has prepared for us. Yielding to The Holy Spirit’s Guidance keeps us from deviating from God’s Master Plan.   

Romans 8:14 (AMPC);

“For all who are led by The Spirit of God are sons of God.”

The Passion Translation provides some fascinating insight into Romans 8:14 for us;

“The mature children of God are those who are moved by The Impulses of The Holy Spirit.”

Notice that to be “moved by The Impulses of The Holy Spirit,” it takes being “mature children of God.” In other words, “child-like faith” is essential in “Turning The Page” from one season of life to another, going from “Glory to Glory,” following The Blueprint that God has Personally designed for our lives.

CHILD-LIKE FAITH

What does “Child like Faith” look like?

Luke 18:17 (TPT);

“Learn this well unless you receive the revelation of The Kingdom Realm the same way a little child receives it; you will never be able to enter in.”

“Child-like faith” is a joyful, wide-eyed wonderment at the plans and purposes that God reveals to us.

With The Holy Spirit’s Guidance, we “enter into The Kingdom Realm” Blue Print for our lives as excitedly as an eager child rips open their presents on Christmas morning! This red-hot anticipation for God’s Will reveals our strength and trust in Him. Daily “Turning the Pages” of our lives without fear of the future, we grow in our intimacy with God.

Psalm 139:5-6 (TPT);

“You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With Your Hand of love upon my Life, You impart a Blessing to me.” “This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.”

No matter where we find ourselves today, God has already “gone into our future” and “prepared the way!” His Presence IS our Divine Protection as we REST in Him! My friend, trusting God with our lives keeps us on the same page with Him, Strong and Blessed in Jesus’ Name! Now that’s a Book worth reading!  

GOD’S BOOK 

We are a part of the bigger picture of God’s Divine Plan for Eternity! He has Personally Written a Book about each of us in Heaven! 

Within The Library of God’s Heart is a Book with YOUR NAME on it!

Psalm 139:16 (TPT);

“You saw who You created me to be before I became me! Before I’d ever seen the light of day, the number of days you planned for me were already recorded in Your Book.”

What’s so exciting about God’s Book for our lives is that it records explicitly the steps we are to take to fulfill “His Will On Earth as it is in Heaven.” Ref. Matthew 6:10 (b).

Ephesians 2:10 (Amp);

“For we are His workmanship [His masterwork, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set] so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us.].”

My friend, we are “a work of art,” a “brushstroke of life,” Created to “Light up The World” for the cause of Jesus Christ! Let’s “Turn The Pages” of our Life today, “living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us” to live!

Be Strong and Live Free………Boldly For Him!

© 2023 Clare Matthews – Boldly For Him. “All Rights Reserved.”

Sara KurfeB

Psalm 16:11 (AMPC);

“You will show me the PATH OF LIFE; in Your Presence is fullness of joy, at Your Right Hand there are pleasures forevermore.”

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The High Road of Humility

Often, the road less traveled is “The High Road of Humility.”

Intoxicated with pride, he circles “The Holy Mountain of God.” Every move he makes sends brilliant light shafts reflecting off the jewels adorning his body. Subtle glee escapes the lips of his heart as he whispers within himself, “Surely I can be greater than The Creator!”

Ezekiel 28:13-15 (AMPC);

“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the carnelian, topaz, jasper, chrysolite, beryl, onyx, sapphire, carbuncle, and emerald; your settings and your sockets and engravings were wrought in gold. On the day that you were created they were prepared.” “You were the anointed cherub that covers with overshadowing [wings], and I set you so. you were upon the Holy Mountain of God; you walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire [like the paved work of gleaming sapphire stone upon which the God of Israel walked on Mount Sinai],” “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until iniquity and guilt were found in you.”

From blameless to boastful, the enemy’s fall from “The Mountain of God” is swift and eternal!

Isaiah 14:12-16 (AMPC);

“How you have fallen from Heaven, O light-bringer and daystar, son of the morning! How you have been cut down to the ground, you who weakened and laid low the nations [O blasphemous, satanic king of Babylon!].” “And you said in your heart, I will ascend to Heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit upon the mount of assembly in the uttermost north.” “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like The Most High.” “Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol (Hades), to the innermost recesses of the pit (the region of the dead).” “Those who see you will gaze at you and consider you, saying, is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms?”

An alarming lack of humility today can be traced back to the fall of the “son of the morning!” Like the enemy, being enamored with our talents, gifts, and abilities leads us to think that we can be “greater than The Creator!” Forsaking “The High Road of Humility” for “The Pit of Pride.”

THE PIT OF PRIDE

Our contempt for God and man grows in this ditch of self-deception and pride.

Proverbs 16:18 (AMPC);

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Mesmerized with pride, we are blindsided by haughtiness, causing us to “crash and burn” amid our earthly race! Staying on “The High Road of Humility” will keep us “Alive and Well” for The Glory of God!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

HAUGHTY = Blatantly and disdainfully proud: having or showing an attitude of superiority and contempt for people or things perceived to be inferior.

Proverbs 30:13 (TPT);

“There is a generation rising that is so filled with Pride they think they are superior and look down on others.”

Perceiving people to be inferior to us diminishes their value, causing us to disregard their presence in our lives. By becoming “Perpetrators of Pride,” spiritual and natural bullying becomes an unconscious way of life for us as we seek to enforce our significance over our Brothers and Sisters in The Lord.

A Perpetrator of Pride

The Apostle Paul was a violent “Perpetrator of Pride” before his dramatic encounter with The Lord on the road to Damascus. In the Book of Romans, “God graces Paul to speak a warning about pride.” A warning filled with wisdom that we need to hear and embrace NOW! Heeding this warning empowers us to grow in our relationship with God and others.

Romans 12:3 (TPT);

“God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem.”

My friend, self-promotion, and pride walk hand in hand. If our accomplishments and opinions become the standard by which we judge the lives of those around us, deception will imprison our hearts. By distancing Ourselves from The Voice of The Holy Spirit, pride feeds the propensity to become cold, cruel, and demanding! We don’t know it all! God has strategically placed us within The Body of Christ to accomplish HIS WILL. We need each other’s input in our lives! No man, woman, ministry, or business on this Earth has all the God-given answers necessary at this late hour in human history.

Romans 12:4-5 (TPT);

“In the human body there are many parts and organs, each with a unique function.” “And so it is in the Body of Christ. For though we are many, we’ve all been mingled into One Body in Christ. This means that we are all vitally joined to one another, with each contributing to the others.”

A “Spiritual Vitality” awakens in The Body of Christ when we stay joined to one another in the Love of God. This Supernatural “Life Flow” allows us to safely contribute our God-given gifts and talents within The Body of Christ. While synergistically receiving in return from the skills and talents of our Brothers and Sisters in The Lord.

Ephesians 4:16 (TPT);

“For His Body has been formed in His Image and is closely joined together and constantly connected As One. and every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love.”

My friend, we must remember that no one gift has a monopoly within The Body of Christ. Each of us is a Living Expression of God’s Will and Purpose “on Earth as it is in Heaven.” God created us to work in unity for His Glory.

It’s time for a systems check, my friend.

ARE WE TRAVELING ON “THE HIGH ROAD OF HUMILITY?”

ARE WE RECEIVING INPUT FROM GODLY MEN AND WOMEN IN OUR LIVES?

IF NOT, IT’S TIME TO ASK FOR DIRECTIONS.

So often, we refuse to “ask for directions” with the matters of our heart because we doubt God’s Will and Intent for our life. This lack of trust and humility keeps us isolated and vulnerable to enemy attacks, provoking us to take matters into our own hands.

Proverbs 18:1 (TPT);

“An unfriendly person isolates himself and seems to care only about his own issues. For his contempt of sound judgment makes him a recluse.”

For further clarity, let’s read Proverbs 18:1 (AMPC);

“He who willfully separates and estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgement.”

Breaking fellowship with God and man is never a good idea, my friend. As the enemy broke fellowship with God through the pride of his heart, he set up a blueprint for “mass deception.” One easily reproduced as we shun “The High Road of Humility” for “The Low Road of Self Gratification.” Traveling on “The Low Road of Self-Gratification,” we encounter Billboards of Seduction, promising us lasting fulfillment as we exit onto service roads of death and destruction!

Pride is a tomb of insecurity built by fear. It will choke the very life out of our purpose if we give it a place in our hearts!

How do we avoid “The Low Road” of the “Self Life?”

There is an answer, my friend, found in 1st Peter 3:8 (TPT);

“Now, this is the goal; to live in harmony with one another and demonstrate affectionate love, sympathy, and kindness toward other believers. Let humility describe who you are as you dearly love one another.”

Does “Humility Describe Who We Are…..As We Dearly Love One Another?”

This critical question is, in reality, an evaluation of our hearts we must ask ourselves honestly. Why? Because it brings us face-to-face with The Living God! The One True God Who Humbled Himself for us so we can live!

Philippians 2:8 (TPT);

“He humbled Himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient. He was a perfect example, even in His Death—a criminals death by crucifixion.”

Why would we think we are superior to another individual created in The Image of God if Jesus Christ does not believe that way?

Galatians 5:26 (TPT);

“So may we never be arrogant or look down on another, for each of us is an original. We must forsake all jealousy that diminishes the value of others.”

There is “VALUE” in “each of us,” my friend. Peter teaches us in 1st Peter 3:8 that “living in harmony with one another is a goal we should set our hearts on.” When we make it a habit of living this way, we develop an “affectionate love” for those around us. Obediently walking on “The High Road of Humility” as we choose to:

Be Strong and Live Free……Boldly For Him!

© 2023 Clare Matthews – Boldly For Him. “All Rights Reserved.”

Photo: Johannes Hofmann

Psalm 133:1-3 (AMP);

“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” “It is like the precious oil [of consecration] poured on the head, Coming down on the beard, Even the beard of Aaron, Coming down upon the edge of his [priestly] robes [consecrating the whole body].” “It is like the dew of [Mount] Hermon Coming down on the hills of Zion; For there The Lord has commanded The Blessing: life forevermore.”

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Holy Hunger

Dear Friends,

What are you hungry for? Five years ago the first “Boldly For Him Blog” was birthed. Part of my assignment is to be numbered among an army of modern day Holy Spirit Led Scribes. Lovers of God who are called to “Rightly Divide the Word of Truth,” (ref.) 2nd Timothy 2:15 (b). To feed this hungry world with written manna from the Heart of God!

As you read this re-released “Anniversary Blog,” that I originally wrote for another site, my prayer is that a, “Holy Hunger” will stir within you!

To, “Be Strong and Live Free…….Boldly For Him!”

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Much Love,

-Clare-

“It’s Time to Eat!” Years ago, one of my former Pastors told the congregation a humorous story that I never forgot. He was visiting a senior home preparing to preach a message when all of a sudden, one of the resident ladies stood up and said, “It’s time to eat!” In “the twinkling of an eye,” there was a mass exodus to the dining room, and he was left standing by himself with Bible in hand. The natural hunger of these precious seniors overrode their desire for God. All too often, like these seniors, our natural appetites prevail over our spiritual needs. The result? God’s Word goes un-touched in our lives. When this happens, we must develop a “Holy Hunger” for God and His Word. How? By not allowing ourselves to become “Superficial Seekers.”

Superficial Seekers

My friend, if you and I live life on our terms and not God’s Terms, we become “Superficial Seekers.” People who strive for “Spiritual Food” through natural means alone.

John 6:27 (TPT);


“Why would you strive for food that is perishable and not be passionate to seek the food of eternal life, which never spoils? I, the son of Man, Am ready to give you what matters most, for God The Father has destined Me for this purpose.”


Jesus addresses a group of “superficial seekers” who witness His miracles and healing power. They are among the five thousand miraculously fed when He multiplies five barley loaves and two small fish. Though their stomachs are satiated, their souls are empty. They do not develop a “Holy Hunger” for “The Bread of Life,” Jesus Christ. Their empty souls keep them from recognizing that The Son of God is offering to them, “what matters most.” These “superficial seekers” are more concerned with what is in Jesus’ Hand rather than what is in His Heart! They learn to feast on “The Diet of Compromise!”

The Diet of Compromise


Merriam Webster Dictionary:
DIET = Habitual nourishment
Oxford Languages Dictionary:
COMPROMISE = accept standards that are lower than is desirable.


One way to frustrate the Word of God in our lives is to choose “The Diet of Compromise!” By ‘accepting standards that are lower than desirable’ in our Christian walk, spirit, soul, and body, we no longer recognize our undeniable need for “The Bread of Life,” Jesus Christ.

John 6:35-37 (TPT);


“Jesus said to them, I Am The Bread of Life. Come every day to Me, and you will never be hungry. Believe in Me, and you will never be thirsty.” “Yet I’ve told you that even though you’ve seen Me, you still don’t believe in Me.” “But everyone My Father has given to Me, they will come. And all who come to Me, I will embrace and will never turn them away.” What a strong Bible verse! 


The enemy of “Holy Hunger” is “The Diet of Compromise.” We compromise our faith through unbelief, which leads us to frustrate The Word of God in our lives! By tolerating a spiritually substandard diet of compromise, we introduce “spiritual parasites” into our system (our walk with God.)

Spiritual Parasites

“Spiritual Parasites” of the “self-life” undoubtedly interfere with the digestion of God’s Word. Potentially leading us into situations that could cost us our lives!

Galatians 5:19-21 (TPT);


“The cravings of the self-life are obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography,” “chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions,” “being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. Haven’t I already warned you that those who use their “freedom” for these things will not inherit the Kingdom Realm of God!”


The “Spiritual Parasites” mentioned in the previous scriptures spoil our “Holy Hunger” for God and His Written Word. By continually consuming a “Diet of Compromise,” “spiritual septic shock” sets into our walk with God. This action is where the vital signs of our “Eternal Life in God” begin to shut down! What a severe condition my friend, let’s not take this lightly!

A Question of the Heart

Galatians 5:9 (TPT);


“Don’t you know that when you allow even a little lie into your heart, it can permeate your entire belief system?”


It is so important that we pause here and ask ourselves the following question of the heart:


What anti-Christ lie (spiritual parasite) may be depleting my heart of a “Holy Hunger” for God and His Written Word?


My friend, it is crucial that we honestly answer this question of the heart. It exposes what we believe to be accurate about the responsibility that we have in our relationship with God and His Holy Written Word (The Bible).

Hebrews 4:12-13 (TPT);


“For we have the Living Word of God, which is full of energy, like a two-mouthed sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet. It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.” “There is not one person who can hide their thoughts from God, for nothing we do remains a secret, and nothing created is concealed, but everything gets exposed and defenseless before His Eyes, to whom we must render an account.”

A Prayer of the Heart


My heart’s prayer for us as we openly and honestly come before The Lord is this:

“I say and decree that every spiritual parasite that has caused us to be anemic by blocking the digestion of God’s Word in our lives be Gone In Jesus Name! I now speak to our hearts and call forth a “Holy Hunger” to ignite, as we passionately pursue God through His Holy Written Word in Jesus Name!”

Signs of Life


My friend, digesting and speaking “The Living Word of God,” resuscitates our “Spirit Man!” “Signs of Life” appear with a “Holy Hunger” for God and His Written Word! It’s time to rejoice!

Psalm 34:8-10 (MEV);


“Oh, taste and see that The Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” “Oh, fear The Lord, you, His saints; for the ones who fear Him will not be in need.” “The young lions are in want and suffer hunger, but the ones who seek The Lord will not lack any good thing.”


No longer “Superficial Seekers,” WE ARE BIBLE STRONG!
“It’s Time to Eat,” my friend!…. The Bread of Life!

John 6:51 (TPT);


The Bible says, “I Alone Am This Living Bread that has come to you from Heaven. Eat this Bread, and you will live forever. The living Bead I give you is My Body, which I will offer as a Sacrifice so that all may live.”

“Be Strong and Live Free……..Boldly For Him!”

© 2022 Clare Matthews – Boldly For Him. “All Rights Reserved.”

Photo: Priscilla DuPreez
 

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The Springs of Life

“The Springs of Life” flow from a well-guarded heart.

Proverbs 4:23 (AMPC);

“Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard for out of it flows The Springs of Life.”

“The Springs of Life” is the Protected Reservoir of God’s Presence housed within our hearts through Jesus Christ. Once we are “Born Again,” it becomes our “sacred duty” to keep “The Springs of Life,” Holy and Pure, flowing freely through our lives, Quenching the thirst of a world parched from the pressures and distractions of life.

ARE YOU THIRSTY?

Exhausted and thirsty, the sun beats down on her face, and the jar is heavy, yet she has grown accustomed to this grueling routine. Usually, no one is at the well during this time of the day; looking ahead, she is startled to see a man sitting there. With apprehension clouding her thoughts, she moves slowly towards the well. Un-prepared for what occurs next, she wonders, ‘Who might this stranger be?’

John 4:10-15 (TPT);

“Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew Who I Am and The Gift that God wants to give you-you’d ask Me for a Drink, and I would give to you Living Water.” “The woman replied, ‘But sir, you don’t even have a bucket and this well is very deep. so where do you find this Living Water?” “Do you really think that you are greater than our ancestor Jacob who dug this well and drank from it himself, along with his children and livestock?” “Jesus answered, ‘If you drink from Jacob’s well you’ll be thirsty again and again,” “but if anyone drinks The Living Water I give them, they will never thirst again and will be forever satisfied! For when you drink The Water I Give you it becomes a Gushing Fountain of The Holy Spirit, Springing Up and Flooding You with Endless Life!” “The woman replied, ‘Let me drink that water so I’ll never be thirsty again, and won’t have to come back here to draw water.”

In this beautiful story of God’s Revelation Grace, Mercy, and Redemption, Jesus Christ offers the Samaritan woman at the well, “Living Water,” “Springs of Salvation,” that she doesn’t know she needs but has been thirsting for all along! The result? Drinking deeply of “The Springs of Life,” she boldly shares the “Good News” with the rest of her village, and they Believe!

John 4:42 (TPT);

“Then the Samaritans said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you told us, but now we’ve heard Him ourselves and are convinced that He is The True Savior of the world!”

When “The Springs of Life” flow from a pure heart, they become a “Gusher of Life” to the world around us! The Samaritan woman’s village is transformed by the heart of a True Worshipper!

John 4:23-24 (MEV);

“Yet the hour is coming, and is now here, when the True Worshippers will worship The Father in Spirit and in Truth.” “For The Father seeks such to worship Him.” “God is Spirit, and those who Worship Him must Worship Him in Spirit and Truth.”

A guarded heart is a heart that Worships The Lord “in Spirit and Truth!”

HOW DO WE GUARD OUR HEARTS?

My friend, we find the priceless answer to this lifelong question in Ephesians 6:14 (TPT);

“Put on Truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in Triumph. Put on Holiness as the Protective Armor that covers your heart.”

The Amplified Bible unlocks Ephesians 6:14 even further for us;

“So stand firm and hold your ground, HAVING TIGHTENED THE WIDE BAND OF TRUTH (personal integrity, moral courage) AROUND YOUR WAIST and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (an upright heart).”

Walking in truth provides us with the “personal integrity and moral courage” that it takes to stand victoriously in life. The Bible Directs us to “Put On The Breastplate of Righteousness,” which is a “Holy Upright Heart Before God.” As the Components of our Spiritual Armor come securely into place, “The Springs of Life” flow freely through us. Bringing Truth that Transforms the environment around us.

TRUTH THAT TRANSFORMS

“The Truth that Transforms” the Samaritan woman’s village starts with the transparency of her heart to answer The Lord’s request truthfully!

John 4:16-18 (TPT);

“Jesus said,” Go get your husband and bring him back here.” “But I’m not married,” the woman answered. “That’s true,” Jesus said.” “for you’ve been married five times, and now you’re living with a man who is not your husband. You have told the truth.”

HOW ABOUT US, MY FRIEND?

Are we “Worshipping The Lord in Spirit and Truth?” Answering His requests transparently and truthfully?

Do “The Springs of Life,” flow freely through our hearts, bringing transformation to those around us?

Are we committed to “Guard our hearts with all vigilance and above all that we guard?”

When the Samaritan woman honestly answers The Lord’s request, the Purity of her heart is revealed as she Worships The Lord “in Spirit and Truth.”

THE PRESENCE OF TRUTH

There is something about “The Presence of Truth” that is Transforming. It is also Comforting, Cleansing, and Compelling at the same time! Especially when “The Springs of Life” flow unhindered from someone who has had their “innocence restored!”

Colossians 1:20 (TPT);

“And by The Blood of His Cross, Everything in Heaven and Earth is brought back to Himself – back to it’s innocence again.”

My friend, The Crimson Flow of Divine Love that Bled out from The Broken Body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, restores us “back to innocence again!” He paid a GREAT PRICE for “The Springs of Life,” to flow freely through our lives! The truth is all of us like the Samaritan woman encounters The Lord at “The Well of Our Need.” He waits at this “place of decision” to offer us His “Living Water” in exchange for the unquenchable thirst of our humanity. A longing that is never satisfied apart from “The One True God!” WHO IS “THE SPRINGS OF LIFE!”

THE SPRINGS OF SALVATION

Perhaps you are at “The Springs of Salvation” today, my friend. “The Well of Need,” and you know it’s time to decide to drink “The Living Water” of Eternal Life. The innocence you have lost and mourned is waiting to be restored to you again. If you are ready for “The Springs of Life” to flow freely through your heart, please join me in repeating out loud the following prayer of salvation. A prayer of commitment to God lets the whole world know you are His! 

“Jesus come live in my heart and be my Lord and Savior. I repent for the sins of my past and denounce my former way of living without You. I now receive “The Living Water of Eternal Life.” Thank You Jesus That I am Born Again! Restored to innocence again!”

CONGRATULATIONS, MY FRIEND! YOU ARE NOW A CHILD OF THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD AND MY BROTHER OR SISTER IN THE LORD!

John 8:31-32 (MEV);

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him. ‘If you remain in My Word, then you are truly My disciples.” “You shall know the truth, and The Truth shall set you free.”

Be Strong and Live Free with “The Springs of Life” flowing through you……..Boldly For Him!

© 2022 Clare Matthews – Boldly For Him. “All Rights Reserved.”

Photo: Nadine Marfurt

***PLEASE NOTE, If you just made Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, contact us at: info@tradewindministries.com and let us know that you invited Jesus Christ into your heart today.

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Feast on Joy

1st Thessalonians 5:16 (TPT);

“Let joy be your continual feast.”

What does it mean to “Feast on Joy?”

“Feasting On Joy” is “Partaking of God’s Strength and Power.” “Divine Joy” is nutrient-dense “Spiritual Soul Food” for the weary Child of God!

DIVINE JOY

“Divine Joy,” consumed by a child of God as a “Continual Feast of Joy,” builds a Stronghold of God’s Protective Presence over our lives.

Nehemiah 8:10 (AMPC);

“Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is Holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the Joy of The Lord is your Strength and Stronghold.”

My friend, there is a profound spiritual revelation from The Holy Spirit Housed within this scripture. An insight that supernaturally dispels grief and depression. The revelation? “THE JOY OF THE LORD is our Strength and Stronghold!” Not a carnal human joy that our emotions must work up! Ezra, the Priest, knows that the children of Israel need more than natural sustenance to overcome the obstacles before them. They need the “JOY OF THE LORD” to be their “Strength and Stronghold!” THE DIVINE GIFT OF JOY THAT GOD GIVES HIS SON JESUS CHRIST AT CALVARY!

GOD’S GIFT OF JOY

“God’s Gift of Joy” will “birth faith within us!”

Hebrews 12:2 (TPT);

“We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus Who Birthed faith within us and Who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because His Heart was focused on THE JOY of knowing that you would be His, He endured the agony of The Cross and Conquered its humiliation and now sits exalted at the Right Hand of The Throne of God!”

“God’s Gift of Joy” is the Divine Strength and Power that takes Jesus Christ’s Faith through “the agony of The Cross of Calvary.” As “The Sacrificial Lamb of God” (Ref. John 1:29), Jesus Christ “Focuses On Divine Joy.” THE JOY OF HIS FATHER! The result? This “Feast of Joy” “conquers humiliation! Now “grief and depression” cannot steal the Victory of Calvary! My friend, this Supernatural “Grace Gift of Joy” from Father God is now ours through salvation! THANK YOU, JESUS! “God’s Gift of Joy” can bring us through the roughest of waters, as we like Jesus Christ, “Feast on Divine Joy!” This is the picture of “A Heart of Joy,” fully surrendered to The Will of God.

A HEART OF JOY

A “Feast of Divine Joy” produces “A Heart of Joy!” Igniting an appetite to do “The Will of God!”

John 4:34 (TPT);

“Then Jesus spoke up and said, “My Food is to be doing The Will of Him Who sent Me and bring it to completion.”

“A Heart of Joy” Focuses on The Pleasure of “Doing The Will of Him Who Sent Me, and “bringing it to completion.”

“Divine Obedience” is Jesus Christ’s “True Food.” Is it yours?

THE NUTRITION OF DIVINE OBEDIENCE

“The Nutrition of Divine Obedience,” from “Feasting on Joy,” fuels Jesus Christ through the most challenging moment of Calvary. This is where “The Joy of The Lord” becomes “His Strength and Stronghold!” (Ref. Nehemiah 8:10 (b)).

Matthew 27: 45-46 (AMPC);

“Now from the sixth hour (noon) there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour (three o’clock).” “And about the ninth hour (three o’clock) Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?—that is, My God, My God, why have you abandoned Me [leaving Me helpless, forsaking and failing Me in My need]!.”

My friend, there are many opportunities in life to feel abandoned, helpless, and forsaken; the enemy and our flesh will make sure of it. However, focusing on “Divine Joy” brings The Glory of God onto the scene and dispels grief and depression. I’m describing “Divine Resurrection Joy!” The Focused Joy of our Savior’s Heart as He Pays The Price For Our Salvation! A JOY, SO INTIMATE WITH THE FATHER IT COVERS THE DARKEST OF HOURS!

As we follow Jesus’ example and choose to “Feast On Divine Joy,” we are insulated from grief and depression. How? by focusing on “THE JOY OF THE LORD WHO IS OUR STRENGTH AND STRONGHOLD!” (Ref. Nehemiah 8:10 (b)). This truth makes “Obedience” to “be doing the Will of Him Who sent us” (Ref. John 4:34), a “Divine Joyful Priority” in our lives! Not a burden of performance.

THE BURDEN OF PERFORMANCE

One of the quickest ways to lose our “Divine Joy” is to come under “the burden of performance.”

Galatians 3:3 (TPT);

“Your new life in the Anointed One began with The Holy Spirit giving you a new birth. Why then would you so foolishly turn from living in The Spirit by trying to finish by your own works?”

Even Jesus Christ does not complete His Assignment at Calvary in His Strength, under “The Burden of His Performance.” He Chooses To “Focus On Joy,” “The joy that you would be His” (Ref. Hebrews 12:2 (b)). What makes us think that we are capable of accomplishing God’s Will for our lives” by our works” without “The JOY OF THE LORD BEING OUR STRENGTH AND STRONGHOLD?” (Ref. Nehemiah 8:10 (b).

Are you “Feasting on Joy,” or are you under “The Burden of Performance?”

Asking ourselves this question on an ongoing basis is crucial, my friend because it determines where we have set our gaze and joined our life.

RADIANT JOY

“Radiant Joy” is ours as we stay in union with The Living God.

Psalm 34:5 (TPT);

“Gaze upon Him, join your life with His, and JOY WILL COME. Your face will glisten with Glory. You’ll never wear that shame face again.”

Continually gazing upon Jesus Christ produces a life of “Radiant Joy!” A heart consumed with “The Glory of God!” ” We will “never wear that shame face again!” (Ref. Psalm 34:5 (b). Because “Joy is our continual feast!” (Ref. 1st Thessalonians 5:16).

My friend, may the “Fullness of Joy” reflect in our countenance as we choose to:

“BE STRONG AND LIVE “JOYFULLY” FREE……..BOLDLY FOR HIM!”

Psalm 16:11 (AMPC),

“You will show me the path of life; in Your Presence is FULLNESS of JOY, at Your Right Hand there are pleasures forevermore!”

© 2022 Clare Matthews – Boldly For Him. “All Rights Reserved.”

Photo: Brooke Lark

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Kissed With Forgiveness

No matter how many times that we have been kissed, to be “Kissed with Forgiveness” is the Greatest Kiss that we will ever receive….or give!

Psalm 103:3 (TPT);

“You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done. You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease.”

What kind of Love offers a “kiss of forgiveness?” What type of Love brings “healing inside and out from every disease?” It is The GOD kind of LOVE that the Psalmist King David intimately adores with his whole heart.

Psalm 103:1-2 (TPT);

“With my whole heart, with my whole life, and with my innermost being, I bow in wonder and love before You, The Holy God!” “Yahweh, You are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness you’ve done for me?”

David’s “Soul’s Celebration” is The One True God that longs to “Kiss His Creation with Forgiveness!” Gifting us with Eternal Life through God’s Son Jesus Christ! He Is The Savior Who restores us to intimate fellowship with The Father! We read about it in the following prophetic overture of David’s heart:

Psalm 103:4 (TPT);

“You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life. You’ve crowned me with Love and mercy.”

The “Kiss of Forgiveness” rescues us from hell and “crowns us with love and mercy.” Why is this so important? So that we too can give “The Kiss of Forgiveness” with the same “love and mercy” that our Heavenly Father has extended to us!

HAVE YOU BEEN “KISSED WITH FORGIVENESS?”

John 3:16-17 (TPT);

“For this is how much God loved the world-He gave His One and Only, Unique Son as a Gift. So now everyone who believes in Him will never perish but experience everlasting life.” “God did not send His Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it!”

To be “Kissed with Forgiveness” is a Gift of God’s Divine Love that Brings Eternal Life and Healing to us, spirit, soul, and body! This “Free Gift of God’s Grace” (ref. Romans 3:24) prepares us to be bearers of “The Kiss of Peace” as we walk in God’s Redemptive Love.

THE KISS OF PEACE

“The Kiss of Peace” is a “Holy Kiss of Love” exchanged from one believer in Jesus Christ to another.

1st Peter 5:14 (TPT);

“Greet one another with a ‘Kiss of Peace’.”

2nd Corinthians !3:12 (MEV);

“Greet one another with a, Holy Kiss.”

When we exchange “The Kiss of Peace” with our brothers and sisters in Christ, that “Holy Kiss” extends The Love of God to them. Assuring them that their relationship with us is safe and secure, free from malice and strife. My friend, through our Salvation, we are “forgiven much,” therefore we have the power through Jesus Christ “to love much.” (Ref. Luke 7:47.) Enabling us to “Kiss with Forgiveness” those that betray us with “The Judas Kiss.”

THE JUDAS KISS

When the force of betrayal hits, it leaves behind the piercing sting of “The Judas Kiss.”

Matthew 26:48-49 (AMPC);

“Now the betrayer had given them a sign saying, The One I shall kiss is the Man; seize Him.” “And he came up to Jesus at once and said, Hail (greetings, good health to you, long life to you) Master! And he embraced Him and Kissed Him with pretended warmth and devotion.”

Judas betrayed Jesus Christ with a kiss and a lie. What has been the weapon of choice? A smile? A hug? A wave across the room? A gift, “just because”…..just because we want control over someone or something, not ours? My friend, if we choose to live contrary to God’s “Law of Love” (Ref. Galatians 5:14), we open ourselves up to be used as vessels of “The Judas Kiss.”

DO YOU HAVE RELATIONSHIPS THAT BEAR THE BIRTHMARK OF BETRAYAL?

Some friendships designed in the Portals of Heaven are severed, leaving behind “The Birthmark of Betrayal!”

Galatians 5:15 (NKJV);

“But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”

We cannot simultaneously “bite and devour one another” and give “the kiss of forgiveness.” When we choose strife over forgiveness, we violate “God’s Law of Love.” Dangerously turning our hearts away from God, we distance ourselves from our brothers and sisters in Christ. By injecting the venom of “The Judas Kiss” into the vein of our relationships. Slander is “the poison of sedition,” blocking the Love of God from flowing freely through our lives. This is a serious affront to The Kingdom of Heaven because “God is Love.”

James 4:11 (TPT);

“Dear friends, as part of God’s family, never speak against another family member, for when you slander a brother or sister you violate God’s Law of Love. And your duty is not to make yourself a judge of the Law of Love by saying it doesn’t apply to you, but your duty is to obey it!”

Remember that we are not called to shun “The Love of God” by “judging The Law of Love.” Instead, as The Body of Christ, we are called to “Live in The Love of God.”

“LIVING IN LOVE”

1st John 4:16 (TPT);

“God is Love! Those who are living in Love are living in God, and God lives through them.”

Recognizing that we are a “part of God’s family” will keep us “living in love.” Obeying “The Law of Love” with every Faithful Word that we speak and every “Holy Kiss” that we give, as God Expresses Himself through us.

HOW DO WE OBEY “THE LAW OF LOVE?”…….WITH THE KISS OF HUMILITY!

Nothing moves the Heart of Father God more than the “The Kiss of Humility.” Because it is from the position of a heart, free from pride and arrogance that “The Kiss of Forgiveness” can be freely given and freely received!

Luke 7:37-38 (TPT);

“In the neighborhood there was an immoral woman of the streets, known to all to be a prostitute. When she heard about Jesus being in Simon’s house, she took an exquisite flask made from alabaster, filled it with the most expensive perfume, went right into the home of the Jewish religious leader, and knelt at the feet of Jesus in front of all the guests.” “Broken and weeping, she covered His Feet with the tears that fell from her face. She kept crying and drying His Feet with her long hair. Over and over she kissed Jesus’ Feet. Then she opened her flask and anointed His Feet with her costly perfume as an act of worship.”

“The Kiss of Humility” is an “act of worship.” It is costly and knows no shame. Being free from pride and arrogance, “The Kiss of Humility” is willing to risk it all for LOVE! The Heavenly Love, that only God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, can give us.

Who in your neighborhood, family, church, office, etc., needs “The Kiss of Forgiveness?”

Are you willing to open the door with “The Kiss of Humility?”

My friend, the prostitute in Simon’s house, teaches us a valuable lesson. She took her most cherished earthly possession and exchanged it for “The Pearl of Great Price.” (Ref. Matthew 13:45-46). The Kingdom of Heaven that can only be found at the feet of Jesus Christ! Unashamed and unafraid of her appearance before men, this despised woman of the streets bravely enters Simon’s home. With a repentant heart, she “bows at The Savior’s feet and gives, “The Kiss of Humility!” Not just once but over and over again! Her sacrificial offering of tears, kisses, and costly perfume are an “extravagant act of worship,” that troubles Simon’s, hard heart.

Luke 7:39 (TPT);

“When Simon saw what was happening, he thought, This man can’t be a true prophet. If He were really a prophet, He would know what kind of sinful woman is touching Him.”

It is incredibly uncomfortable to watch someone else’s heart be “Kissed with Forgiveness” while ours remains unchanged. Yet this is what Simon and his dinner guests do. They choose to despise the “Ways of Peace” (Ref. Luke 7:50), as they judge, “The Law of Love.”

“WAYS OF PEACE”

Luke 7:48-50 (TPT);

“Then Jesus said to the woman at His feet, “all your sins are forgiven.” “All the dinner guests said among themselves, “Who is The One Who can even forgive sins?” “Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith in Me has given you life. Now you may leave and walk in the ways of peace.”

Faith in “The Kiss of Forgiveness” gives us life and releases us to “walk in the ways of peace!”

Where is our faith? Are we sitting at Simon’s dinner table, Looking Down our nose in disdain at the open act of worship from a repentant heart? Or are we at the feet of Jesus Looking Up into, “The Face of The One Who Has Just Kissed Us With Forgiveness?”

It’s time to humble ourselves and walk in “The Ways of Peace,” my friend! “Healed inside and out from every disease!” (Ref. Psalm 103:3).

Be Strong and Live “Venom” Free…….” Kissed with Forgiveness” Boldly For Him!

© 2022 Clare Matthews – Boldly For Him. “All Rights Reserved.”

Photo: Alex Shute

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Cities of Light

Matthew 5:14 (AMPC);

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

As Born Again Believers in Jesus Christ, we are literally “Cities of Light!” Beacons of Hope to a lost and dying world! When the world sees us, they should see “The Light” of Jesus Christ beaming from our lives!

John 8:12 (AMPC);

“Once more, Jesus addressed the crowd. He said I Am The Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have The Light which is Life.”

Living in “The Light of God” keeps us from “walking in darkness,” Playing spiritual, “Hide and Seek.”

HIDE AND SEEK

Matthew 5:15-16 (TPT);

“And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, It’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light.” “So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others so that the commendable things you do will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in Heaven.”

It’s not the time to play “Hide and Seek” with our light! Nor is it a time to “dim our light” in fear, living “low beam” lives of compromise. As Christ-followers, we are to be “Bold Cities of Light” Shining Brightly For The Kingdom of God, wherever we go! Rejecting the pull of the world to revel in sins darkness where we used to roam. God has called us “Cities of Light” to “A Mission of Light!” To live so brightly in the world that “the commendable things we do” for The Kingdom of God is easily recognized. “Then they will give their praise to our Father in Heaven!”

Ephesians 5:11 (TPT);

“And don’t even associate with the servants of darkness because they have no fruit in them; instead, reveal Truth to them.

A MISSION OF LIGHT

Ephesians 5:8-9 (TPT);

“Once your life was full of sin’s darkness, but now you have the very Light of our Lord shining through you because of your union with Him. Your mission is to live as children flooded with His Revelation-Light!” “And the supernatural fruits of His Light will be seen in you-Goodness, Righteousness, and Truth.”

The wattage of God’s Revelation-Light that Heaven has deposited into one Born Again Believer’s Heart as a “City of Light” is beyond Atomic, my friend! It is CATACLYSMIC to the realm of darkness! Why?…… Because” God is Light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all!” Ref. 1st John 5 (b).

When The All-Consuming Light of God shows up on the scene through our lives, Powered by His “Goodness, Righteousness and Truth,” darkness is exposed, and people are saved from the “sleep of death!” The result?……our “Mission of Light” is accomplished in Jesus’ Name! To God Be The Glory! My friend, we must not forget that He has entrusted us with “The Language of Light” that we can successfully carry out the “Mission of Light.”

THE LANGUAGE OF LIGHT

Ephesians 5:13-14 (TPT):

“Whatever The Revelation Light exposes, it will also correct, and everything that reveals truth is light to the soul.” “This is why the Scripture says, “Arise, you sleeper! Rise from your coffin, and The Anointed One will Shine His Light into you!”

As “Cities of Light,” it is our vital privilege to become fluent in “The Language of Light.” Why?…… Because of this Divine Principle of Truth:

“The Language of Light Speaks Loud and Clear In The Darkest of Nights.”

As “Cities of Light,” we are meant to speak, “The Language of Light” Loud and Clear to The Darkest Night of an unbeliever’s soul!

Indeed, at a time and hour when Earth least expected it, “The Language of Light Spoke Loud and Clear!” When Jesus Christ Breathed His Final Earthly Breathe and said, “IT IS FINISHED,” REF. JOHN 19:30 (B); CALVARY BECAME THE SIMULTANEOUS CATACLYSMIC EXPLOSION IN HEAVEN, ON EARTH, AND IN THE SPIRIT REALM THAT OBLITERATED THE POWER OF DARKNESS ONCE AND FOR ALL!

At that Divine, Heaven Appointed Moment, every man, woman, and child that would ever say yes to Jesus Christ as LORD and SAVIOR have the opportunity to become an unconquerable, “City of Light!” With the power to pierce darkness by speaking, “The Language of Light!” Which is “The Language of Revelation Truth and Freedom” that brings the dead back to life, spirit, soul, and body! My friend, we can now speak “The Language of Light” into the darkness of men’s souls, as we rule with “The Government of Light!”

THE GOVERNMENT OF LIGHT

Isaiah 9:6-7 (MEV);

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us, a Son is given, and The Government shall be upon His Shoulder. And His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” “Of the increase of His Government and Peace, there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom, to order it and to establish it with Justice and Righteousness, from now until forever. The zeal of The Lord of Hosts will perform this.”

In The Kingdom of Heaven, there is a “Government of Light,” and the ruling class is YOU and me!

Matthew 28:18-20 MEV);

“Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on Earth.” “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in The Name of The Father and The Son and of The Holy Spirit,” “teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you.” And remember, I Am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

“The Great Commission,” described for us in Matthew 28, is still our Commission today, my friend. God has vested us as “Cities of Light” with “His Authority!” Why?…. To work, THROUGH US, to be “The increase of His Government and Peace.” This impartation is how The Kingdom of Heaven perpetuates, of which there “Shall be no end!” Glory to God! As Born Again Believers, WE ARE “The zeal of The Lord of Hosts” who performs HIS WILL on Earth as “It is in Heaven!” How?…. Through our obedience to “Go and make disciples of all nations.”

As “Cities of Light,” there is a powerful principle of Truth that equips you and me to rule and reign within “The Government of Light,” and we find it in 1st Timothy 6:12 (MEV);

“Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

“Cities of Light,” “Fight The Good Fight of Faith!”

The Apostle Paul knew that by learning how to “Fight The Good Fight of Faith,” you and I keep the “Light” of God’s Presence Shining Bright in our lives! My friend, we are the only ones who can dim that “Light.” God through His Son Jesus Christ paid a GREAT PRICE for you and me To Be His Called, “Cities of Light,” The most incredible “Light Show,” (displays of His Power and Governmental Authority) that this world would EVER witness and encounter! “Not by might, nor by power, but By His Spirit.” (Ref. Zechariah 4:6.b)

REFUGE FOR LIFE

Has your light dimmed, my friend?

Have you grown weary “Fighting the Good Fight of Faith?”

If so, let me encourage you with THIS LIGHT FILLED TRUTH:

1st John 4:4 (MEV);

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because He Who is in you is Greater than he who is in the world.”

“AS A CITY OF LIGHT, YOU ARE A REFUGE FOR LIFE!”…..And, “He Who is in you is Greater than he who is in the world!”

In John 10:10, part (b), Jesus states, “I came to give life and life more abundantly.” Part of that abundant overcoming life works through us as “Cities of Light!” “Refuges of Life” filled with the same CATACLYSMIC POWER that Jesus Christ walked the Earth with!

My friend, where will those in darkness find “The Light of Life,” “A Refuge for their souls? God is encouraging us not to fear, quit, or be intimidated! As the “Eternal Flame” of God’s Presence and Power shines brightly within us, “The Language of Light” will speak loud and clear through us!

Now is the time to:

Be Strong and Live Free as “Cities of Light”…….Boldly For Him!

© 2022 Clare Matthews – Boldly For Him. “All Rights Reserved.”

Photo:Timo Volz

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