Tag Archiv: Devotion
21 Days of Dying
The Crucified Life
Copyright 2016 © Misty Holmes Dorsey
Put Fear Behind You and Embrace The New
DAY 21
”For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4 (KJV)
Well today begin by saying I have the victory, and yes you do. These past 21 days we have worked at crucifying our flesh so we may live a life of abundance that God has promised. We have been pronouncing a benediction over our fears, emotions, rejections, abandonments, and those things that so easily beset us.
Are we now ready to run the race that has been set before you to obtain the prize? It’s time for us to buckle down and move forward. It’s time for the pressing towards the mark of the high calling. We must know this race is not given to the swift nor to the strong.
“I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” Ecclesiastes 9:11(KJV)
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13(KJV)
Let us begin by letting this mind which was in Christ Jesus be in us. Take on an attitude that we will not live in fear or be in bondage to the vices of the enemy. Change our posture and allow his love to become perfected in us. Remember perfect love cast out all fear, because fear has torment.
“Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:17-18
At this stage of our walk we refuse to allow the spirit of fear to paralyze us from becoming all that God has purposed in your life. It will not keep us from obtaining those things our Heavenly Father has given to us, and our Lord Jesus Christ has purchased for us through His blood.
Remember when we do not crucify our flesh we give it authority and power not only to speak in our lives but authority to control us. However, we will not be controlled by our flesh or emotions. We have come to this point now that we have made a conscious decision to walk in the newness of life that Christ has promised.
Yes, old things have passed away and behold all things have become new. Wow, I am excited about where God is taking us and ready to walk in great power and great victory knowing that we will have good success.
Remember, God told Joshua:
“Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.” Joshua 1:3 (KJV)
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8 (KJV). Remember that we are not only heirs of the promise we are joint heirs with Christ Jesus.
It’s time to stop running and start obeying and walking in the statues that God has ordained for our lives. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:” Isaiah 1:19 (KJV). We can do this and we can do this together, reflect on the Word of God that informs us that we are part of the body. The whole body is designed to operate and function as God has place each member in the body. For us to operate, outside of the body is to go against our creator and His original design and purpose that was intended for each of us. Recall we are a new creature and we have the greater one living inside.
Crucifying our flesh is a good thing. It becomes a sweet savor in the nostrils of our God! We no longer walk to the dictates of the flesh, but we walk in the realm of the spirit.
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” Ephesians 2:1-5 (KJV)
Reflections:
Continue to crucify your flesh and remember we die daily. Say to yourself today: I (_Put your name here_) will not allow my flesh to disqualify me from receiving the blessings of the Lord. I decree that my flesh when I see it or feel it rising I will put the Word of God on it. My flesh, will, desires nor my emotions will no longer keep me from walking out my purpose, destiny and the promises that have been spoken over my life. Which has been spoken over me before the foundations of the earth. Today I render my flesh, mind, will and emotions, intellect, and etc. POWERLESS and DEFENSELESS. I am now ready and capable of revenging all disobedience when my obedience is fulfilled.
“And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:6 (KJV)
I deliver unto you an eviction notice over my mind, will, emotions, intellect, and everything else that will easily beset me. I belong to God and make Jesus Christ lord of my life.
21 Days of Dying
The Crucified Life
Copyright 2016 © Misty Holmes Dorsey
Practice Love
DAY 19
“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:9-13 KJV
We must allow the love of a God to become mature in us. Our desire is not just to get delivered but to be free. Know that when Jesus comes and truth is released one becomes free. The truth shall make you free. (John 8:32). One can get delivered but still have old path ways that can take them back to the place of bondage. Freedom destroys those ways and propels you to keep moving forward; focused on the prize which is in Christ Jesus.
People get delivered, but never come into newness. Freedom brings you into the newness.
To walk in great victory is to know that we are more than a conqueror, and greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world. We must allow the love of God to be shed abroad in our hearts so we can achieve the freedom God has promised. However, if love is absent or void from our lives we haven’t overcome and the joy that we are experiencing at that moment will only be temporal.
Satan looks for areas in your life where love is not mature. When he can see and identify those areas in our life he becomes a leech. A leech cannot survive unless it has something to feed on. If it has no host it cannot survive. When a leech finds a host they use their anterior suckers to feed on you.
When we have unresolved issues, we open ourselves up to leeches (demons and devices of the enemy). Once attached, leeches secrete certain enzymes into your blood stream. As a result, they will begin to bite.
Interesting, once they start biting, they will numb the area so you will not become of aware of the pain. Leeches have morphine-like substances in them that will neutralize the tissues. We cannot allow those with leech like characteristics to access us. We must close the door. Do not become a victim to the enemy’s devices. You do not want that area to become unresponsive and get stronger because it has been numbed. We must allow the power of the Holy Ghost to destroy it and all its forces that want it to stay.
Love is the key to grow and mature in God and wax strong is His glory! When you gave your life to Christ you were born again into love. Remember God is love.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son.
We must take on the mind of Christ and allow our mouths to speak what is in the Father’s heart. Hatred did not get Jesus anywhere, it was love. After all that has been done to our Lord, He still looked out to see all those that surrounded the cross at His crucifixion and utter:
Luke 23:34 (KJV)
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
This opens our eyes to the compassion of Christ. Many people are motivated in the Body of a Christ by many things, but true compassion comes when the Father’s heart becomes your heart.
We must become one with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Philippians 2:5 KJV
[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Compassion is work. If we want victory over the enemy, we must put our lives in God’s hand. Not only our lives but also everything that has ever wounded, hurt, disappointed, rejected, abandoned, molested, lied, and etc. put into our Father’s hands. He is waiting and has been waiting on you. If you draw nigh, He will draw nigh unto you.
Tell you flesh that it will not hold on to these emotions, pains, regrets, disappointments, losses, and tantrums any more. Tell your flesh that today:
Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Know one thing, leeches hang around murky places. Don’t take yourself somewhere that you are open for an attack from the enemy. Submit to God, resist the devil, and all appearances of evil.
Whatever wants to or tries to attach to you it will have no room to do so. Allow the love and the blood of Jesus to flow through your mortal body.
Reflections:
Today practice love.
Luke 6:27-29 (KJV)
27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
21 Days of Dying
The Crucified Life
Copyright 2016 © Misty Holmes Dorsey
21 Days of Dying
The Crucified Life
Copyright 2016 © Misty Holmes Dorsey
Love That Will Set You Free
DAY 18
Many have been wounded in the name of love and are carrying the hurt and the pain from that experience. When we love the way, God tells us to love it is different than the way the world tells us to love.
The world loves someone because….., but God loves because He is love. There are no conditions and strings attached. Some will love you because of your looks but what happens when the looks begin to change, is love still present or was your love based on some condition.
Matthew 5:44 (KJV) – But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
One might ask, how can this even be possible, love my enemies? What kind of language is that? Why must I love those who hate me?
John 13:35 (KJV) – By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
We must remember that we too where enemies of God and in great need of a savior. Jesus came to give us life and more abundantly. He still desires to heal, deliver, and set us free from the chains of bondage.
Romans 5:10 (KJV) – For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Colossians 1:21 (KJV) – And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled;
Know that before we were Christ He loved us and Christ had already paid a price for you and I. All that we have ever done and will do, it will not stop His love for us. He loved first and that love did not stop because of our faults.
When love is void in our hearts, forgiveness cannot come in. Forgiveness may appear to be present. However, when someone does you wrong, do we remember the old and allow the old hurt to flood our heart?
1 Peter 4:8 (KJV) – And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity (love) shall cover the multitude of sins.
Know this love is the strongest weapon, and it will defeat the enemy in our lives and in the lives of others. Realize that it was love that led Christ to the cross, kept Christ on the cross, and rose Him from the dead. Love is so strong and powerful that it will cause demons, devils and witches to withdraw. When they see love the power in torment is cast out. Love’s assignment is to cover a multitude of sin and bring us into righteousness. Love will cause you to look past someone’s fault and see their need.
Right now, you may be questioning what is (Misty) saying to me – look past their fault and your fault, What? Doing this will cause you to see someone the way God sees them and still love them with agape love. God’s love is still doing it for us. Learning to let go is hard. Despite the difficulty there is a great reward that comes along with letting go and loving, even when it hurts. Above all, we must remember that Jesus did not let us go. He forgave us and continues to forgive us repeatedly.
Holding on to grudges and pain will cause your flesh to get stronger and cause you to miss out on God’s purpose for your life. Let it go and allow the love of God to cover you.
The enemy is always trying to tell us that no one loves you or cares for us. When tragedy arises, the enemy tells us that if God loves us this would have never happened. The devil hates love and all that God stands for after all the Bible tells us that God is love. (I John 4:8)
It is okay to open yourself up to God and love again the way God loves. When you love with conditions a door will open that will eventually cause you some pain.
Reflections:
Today reflect on where your love falls short or simply not present. Begin to journal and ask God to help you to love through His heart and His eyes. Allow Him to take your heart out of it and give you His heart.
21 Days of Dying
The Crucified Life
Copyright 2016 © Misty Holmes Dorsey
Overcoming Your Belly/Appetite (continued) DAY 17
“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 6:18 (KJV)
When overcoming the belly, it is important to hang around those who are likeminded, such as, believers who want the things of God for themselves and others.
When we serve our bellies, there is a spiritual indictment against us because we are walking in offence and division because we put our bellies before God. Our bellies do not have a brain or senses, and we must learn not to listen to our bellies when they begin to speak.
We are to pursue the things of God and not our appetite. However, our bellies want us to chase after things that will cause us to be spiritually broken and in bondage. We are to hear what the Holy Spirit tells us and turn down our plates.
We are to separate the flesh (world) from the spirit. The way we sustain the flesh is that we must give it food. Food will keep the flesh world strong. When our flesh is disciplined then our spirit man becomes strong.
After your flesh bites down on what it wants, it will begin to bite down on you. When crucifying our flesh, we must learn how to dismantle our mouth. Let not your mouth have a recourse. Your mouth and eyes can deceive you as well as others.
Genesis 3:1-24 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened,
21 Days of Dying
The Crucified Life
Copyright 2016 © Misty Holmes Dorsey
and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming
21 Days of Dying
The Crucified Life
Copyright 2016 © Misty Holmes Dorsey
sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. When we begin to overcome our bellies, we obtain a place with God.
The belly loves to satisfy our appetite. Your belly and your tongue have an affection for one another. Do not allow what you put in your mouth to bite down on you and deceive you. Thus, causing your spirit man to die. Your tongue loves to deal and relate to an un-regenerated mind. It will intimidate you and manipulate you.
The belly has a ministry on its own. It will pull on your tongue to speak and taste what it desires. Our bellies can be deceptive as it causes us to connect to what we see, hear, and desire without processing or counting the cost. We will begin to taste before we even see what we are eating.
The belly is evil. It is the seat of carnal affections. Therefore, we must overcome our bellies if we want to live a crucified life.
We must not worship or entertain our bellies. We want the deep things of God but they do not come without discipline. Our bellies can begin to speak to us and we won’t even recognize it. The belly must be brought under subjection. If not, one will sin and cause problems.
Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
We must learn how to turn off the stove, the sink, the dishwasher, and the television. We must learn how to live in the aroma of prayer.
Genesis 25:29-34 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: 30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
21 Days of Dying
The Crucified Life
Copyright 2016 © Misty Holmes Dorsey
If we do not control our bellies, it will cause us to sell our birthrights and forfeit our inheritance.
Reflections:
Make a decision that crucifying your flesh is worth it. Allow God to talk to you about your appetite and why your belly wants to control your actions. Find Scriptures to shut that path down. Then rehearse those Scriptures and allow the Word to of God to renew your appetite, mind, and will.
Knowing Your Purpose
“Excerpts from the Prize Fight”
Written by: Misty Holmes Dorsey
Copyright © 2013, 2015
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
Many people go through life trying to find their purpose. They look in many arenas trying to find one’s purpose. However, true purpose can only be found in Christ Jesus who is the Head all. Only God can give you the meaning of purpose. The world will never actually be able to define what your true purpose and your true calling is.
As saints of God when we do not know who we are, and why God created us a demonic door has the potential of opening up and giving the enemy access to us. We then have the potential of becoming dangerous to ourselves and to others. When I say a demonic door I am talking about a door that we opened and Satan walked right in. Every decision that we make must be based on the Word. We cannot and must not get caught up in our emotions and allow the enemy legal access to us. Without God there is no way of knowing your true purpose.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23 – KJV
Making new decisions and moving into new directions can be one of the hardest things one must do. When it’s time for you to move into your purpose and your new now some things that are presently connected to you one must begin to release and let go. You cannot take an old mentality that refuses to embrace your assignment into the new place that God has pronounced prophetically to you and over you. Just like you can’t put new wine into old wineskins.
Take a moment and take a deep new breath. That is a breath you never breath before and you are still here. It did not kill you. You are still standing, and God is still with you. He will guide and direct you into all truth. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He has already gone before you and has paved the way.
Today embrace the new, and let go of the old and step into that place you have never stepped in before. Say no to fear and GO FOR IT! Believe that this new journey is the beginning of something wonderful not only for you but for all those that God will allow you to touch their lives in a new profound way.
Don’t be afraid, God has you covered!
Written by:
Misty Holmes Dorsey
Copyright © 2015 by Misty Holmes Dorsey
Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would
dwell in the thick darkness. 2 Chronicles 6:1 (KJV)
2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (KJV)
13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord;
14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God.
2 Chronicles 6:1-3 (KJV)
6 Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.
2 But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever.
3 And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood.
When we hearken to the voice of the Lord and keep His commands He will always exceed our expectations. We serve a God, who is faithful, and He is faithful to fulfill all His promises that He has spoken over, in and through us.
When the true presence of God comes in the room, it will stop all activity. His presence bombarded them to the point that the priest could not stand to minister. Know that has not changed; when God comes in the room and fills it with His glory; God begins to minister and OUR posture changes to WORSHIP. When the Lord shows up, know He has come to make good on His Word or to release divine instructions.
Know that He says that He would dwell in the thick darkness. Today ask yourself have you truly experienced the darkness of His presence. The place of hiddenness, the place where glory is not covered up or masked. It’s the place where eyes become opened, and we begin to see Him in all of His Majesty.
Because He dwells in darkness know He has the power to penetrate every realm of darkness. He created darkness. Therefore, God is not afraid to come into your darkness to rescue you and bring you out of all your fears.
Today let’s ask God for the real manifestation of His glory that will cause men to stop and experience the magnificence of HIS presence.
Copyright © 2015 by Misty Holmes Dorsey
Day 20
Devotional Reading:
Joshua 11 (KJV)
1 And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,
2 And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,
3 And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.
4 And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.
5 And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel.
6 And the Lord said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
7 So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them.
8 And the Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.
9 And Joshua did unto them as the Lord bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.
10 And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms.
11 And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire.
12 And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the Lord commanded.
13 But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.
14 And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.
15 As the Lord commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.
16 So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;
17 Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.
18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.
19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.
20 For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the Lord commanded Moses.
21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.
22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
Joshua had conquered the conquest of the south now he was facing the north. Israel defeated the Kings and Israel witnessed God sovereign hand, move on their behalf. God fought for Israel in the previous wars by having the wall of Jericho to fall. When fighting the kings, God would fight by releasing hailstones from heaven to descend upon them and killing them. Now Jabin King of Hazor who was beforetime head of all those southern kingdoms stirred up the kings of the north to team up with him to help defeat the Israelites. The enemy is always conspiring to come up against you. If he feels defeated, he will gather up a people to help him fight you to destroy you. God has your back. He will never send you into a place unprepared.
The war that Joshua was to take on looked overwhelming for Joshua when he saw the strength in number of the enemy. The children of Israel never faced anything of this magnitude before. Understand according the Josephus, the Jewish historian, informs us that Jabin was able to bring together an army of 300,000 soldiers, 10,000 horsemen and 20,000 chariots.
God reassures Joshua again in Verse 6 – And the Lord said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
In this war, Joshua would work hard seeing He and the army had to use the strength that God have given them. There were no hailstones falling to help them. God in the previous battles had supernatural intervened, which has caused Israel faith to grow and for them to mature in the things of God. Our past battles that led us to victory are to prepare us to keep walking by faith. They teach us how to remove all doubt and cause us to step out of the boat and onto the water.
Know that when Job and David were going through their most desperate and difficult times they leaned on and trusted God. They not only had a testimony they had a witness of who God was for themselves.
Job 13:15 (KJV)
15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:
Job 19:25 (KJV)
25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
Psalm 37:25 (KJV)
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Not only does God tell them to slay them. God tells them to lame the horses and burn the chariots. God would show them what the enemy would use as their weapons and for their strength they would not to be able to depend on them.
Psalm 20:7 (KJV)
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
They were to move forward on God’s Word alone. Notice Moses’ name is mentioned throughout this chapter, to remind us that when the Word of God has been spoken and passed down you must remember it and treasure God’s Word. Joshua was not going to make another mistake like he did with the Gibeonites. It is clear that he heard God, and he remembered the Words that God told Moses. In one of our previous devotional readings, we saw that Joshua spent much time with Moses in the mountain and stayed in the presence when Moses went out. Hold unto God’s Word and whatever you do don’t let go. Do not let it depart from your heart.
12 And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the Lord commanded
15 As the Lord commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.
20 For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the Lord commanded Moses.
23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
When God gives you a Word hold onto it. Don’t let the Word go its life.
Remember 40 year ago Moses sent them over to spy out the land, and they saw Anakims who were giants and came back with a negative report to Moses. Their process has lined up with their timing, and those negative reports that were speaking have no voice. When you hear God, you must cut off all distractions that will deter you from the plan of God. Time to take them out.
21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.
22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
Pray:
Father in the name of Jesus, I want to take this time to thank you for teaching me that you work on our behalf in many ways. Isaiah 40:28 – There is no searching of His understanding. Keep me focused and in your Word. When I have deterred from your plan that you have set for my life, bring me back to the place where I belong. I thank you for teaching me that you are always there, and you have gone before me. I know that you are always equipping and preparing me to walk in total victory. I thank you for delivering me from fear and teaching me to walk in power, love and a sound mind. In Jesus name, Amen!
Copyright © 2015 by Pastor Misty Holmes-Dorsey
Day 19
Devotional Reading:
One thing I am aware of is how many people skip Scripture when reading devotionals. Understand that it is the Word of God that is important and without the Word we will know how to live the life that Christ has promised. I want to encourage you to read the Scriptures because there are many hidden nuggets and then some much more that gets deposited into your spirit. In Matthew 4:4 the Word tells us, “But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’” So do yourself a favor and read the whole Word of God! Therefore, I warn you already that Chapter 10 may be more Scriptures than you are accustomed to, but know they are life.
Joshua 10:9-43 (KJV)
9 Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night.
10 And the Lord discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.
11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the Lord cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
12 Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.
14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.
15 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.
16 But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.
17 And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.
18 And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them:
19 And stay ye not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the Lord your God hath delivered them into your hand.
20 And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities.
21 And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.
22 Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave.
23 And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon.
24 And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.
25 And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.
26 And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening.
27 And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave’s mouth, which remain until this very day.
28 And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.
29 Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah:
30 And the Lord delivered it also, and the king thereof, into the hand of Israel; and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain in it; but did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of Jericho.
31 And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:
32 And the Lord delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel, which took it on the second day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein, according to all that he had done to Libnah.
33 Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish; and Joshua smote him and his people, until he had left him none remaining.
34 And from Lachish Joshua passed unto Eglon, and all Israel with him; and they encamped against it, and fought against it:
35 And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.
36 And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, unto Hebron; and they fought against it:
37 And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that were therein.
38 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:
39 And he took it, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining: as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to the king thereof; as he had done also to Libnah, and to her king.
40 So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the Lord God of Israel commanded.
41 And Joshua smote them from Kadeshbarnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon.
42 And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel.
43 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.
Joshua 10 is such a powerful testimony on how God fights for his people. It displays God’s strength and shows His miraculous power. Israel comes into the land of Canaan that flows with milk and honey (Promised Land). They conquer the cities of Jericho and Ai, and they make an alliance with the Gibeonites. Now word has spread about what the God of Israel has done, and the King of Jerusalem is troubled, because he knows they are coming after him and his land. He conspires with all the Kings to attack Gibeon. All the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon all come up to Gibeon to attack it. Know that nothing the enemy does that God does not know. What the enemy does in the dark God will bring it to the light. When God is for you who can be against you.
The men of Gibeon call out to Joshua because they need Israel’s help. Joshua 10 is all about the battles and how God fought for Israel. The first thing we learn from this battle is that:
- Fear them not – God will fight for His people:
- Joshua 10:8: God says: “I have delivered them into your hand.”
- Joshua 10:10: “The LORD threw the enemy into chaos.”
- Joshua 10:10: “The LORD killed the enemy with a great slaughter.”
- Joshua 10:11: “The LORD cast down stones.”
- Joshua 10 12: “The LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel.”
- Know this that the LORD fought for Israel.”
Can you see the strength and the courageous of Joshua telling the sun and the moon to stand still so he can continue to fight? Who in the world says anything like that! When an assignment is before you and God have given you a mandate nothing will stop you from pursuing all that has been placed in your hands. We must know our season and how to move in that season. Don’t miss your season because the darkness is drawing nigh. Learn how to command your day and walk in it. What you decree it will be established. However, before you decree and declare know God’s will for your life and check yourself to see if you have aligned yourself with His ways and not yours. Joshua commanded the sun and the moon to stand still until the people of Israel took out their enemies.
How does one make history? To make history, you must leave a mark in the earth. What you do make it matter. Obey the instructions of the Lord and command your day to line up to His will that He has purposed for you for that day or season. Elijah called for no rain (I Kings 17:1)
Joshua 10:12-14
12 Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.
14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.
Joshua fought war after war in the strength and the power of the Lord. With God, all things are possible. When you are feeling weak being to say, I am strong. Begin to confess what the Word says about you. God was with them throughout these wars. The same way God was with Israel is the same way He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Our God will be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. Begin to speak to yourself that you can do all things through Christ who has strengthened you. Do all that He has assigned to your hands. It’s time to take back what God has ordained to be yours.
Pray:
Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you, Lord, for guaranteeing me victory when I am in alignment with you. Please continue to direct my path and give me the ability and the strength to stay focused on my assignment. I bind the hands of the enemy, and I decree that I walk in purpose, destiny and victory at all times. Teach me how not to drop out of the process but to be steadfast and unmovable. I know all things work together for the good that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Father, I thank you for not allowing my enemies to triumph over me. I pray this in Jesus name, Amen!
Copyright © 2015 by Pastor Misty Holmes-Dorsey
Prophetic Word 5775/2015 by Pastor Misty Holmes Dorsey
We are well into the Jewish Year 5775 and have entered in 2015 and God has ordained for us to come and walk in the season of Shabbat and Jubilee. The year of living under the Lion’s Roar.
Joel 3:16-18 KJV
16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
17 So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
18 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth out of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim.
Know that it’s not just a new year but this is a new season filled with great overflow, blessings, and provision. The number 5 is the Hebrew letter “hey” meaning, to behold, to reveal, and inspiration. It has an open mouth that utters out a new sound of praise with hands lifted up. It is a season of open windows. Understand in the Roman calendar 2010-2019 is the decade of Ayin which means, “to see.” Therefore, we are right in the middle of seeing visions, receiving sight and perspective. That is why people are dreaming and seeing more than before.
Radical Praise is the key for this year. HEY!!! Your mouth open and releasing Hey Praise is one of the weapons that will overcome the principalities, powers, rulers and darkness this year. No matter what is going on or what you are walking through release the praise. The praise that takes you through and to the other side and sets up an ambush for the enemy.
2 Chronicles 20:22,24
21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
I Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Psalms 144:1
Blessed be the LORD my strength, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
This is also a double portion year. It is a Sabbath and Jubilee year. The Hebrew letters for this year are 5775. It is also the number for completion, rest, wholeness, and blessing. The unique thing about the year 5775 is that it is also called the Sabbatical Year where we rest from all of our works and warfare. Every 50 years is the year of Jubilee and Liberty. This year 2015 we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Jubilee year that will bring grace and double portion. Meaning we are living under a canopy, a powerful year of restoration.
It is the season of apostolic order and apostolic birthing. It is a season that what was allowed yesterday will not be tolerated. It is a powerful prophetic switch as well as shift. Know God is up to something; the releasing of celestial, terrestrial and subterranean waters. He does not want us to be standing on the sidelines any longer. Don’t allow discouragement and disappointment to cause you to throw the towel in. Believe me beloved; the best is Yet To Come. Embrace this season and don’t allow anything to pull you and get you off focus. Get control of your emotions and don’t allow them to dictate to you. They do not rule you. Therefore, be steadfast and unmovable and take the Kingdom by storm.
You have been waiting and waiting, I decree that the Wait Is Over! God has heard your cry; your cry has come up to Him.
We are truly in a season of Awakening, Arising and Advancing no matter what it looks like.
Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
In His Kingdom,
Misty Holmes Dorsey
