F1RST FRU1TS
The Battle to Become
by
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Day 5
Be Still
Don’t ever repay evil for evil but rejoice in confident hope that all of God’s promises to you will come to fruition in His perfect time. Sometimes, we must endure through long suffering in order to become the righteousness of God. But take heart, for Jesus has overcome the world! With the power of the Holy Spirit convicting us and strengthening us as we stay the course we are able to conquer the flesh. When we fail, Jesus, our teacher, our redeemer and rescuer saves us by His amazing grace when we confess our sins and turn from our wicked ways. Be still and know. Be still, and stop running, stop thinking, stop chasing the wind and relying on yourself. Feel the wind. Experience His presence. Open your heart to Him and wait for Him. Turn to Him and He will turn to you. Connect with the peace of His presence and allow Him to pour into you with no preconceived expectations. Don’t try to put God in a box. Don’t focus too much on what you think He has for you, just get yourself used to seeking. Opening up, meditating on His word. Releasing any worries to Him and opening up to receive His anointing on your life. “Be still and know that I am God.” When you are still and you seek Him you will know He is God. You will know Him intimately. You will experience His sovereignty and He will be exalted for all that He is. He is able to accomplish far beyond our wildest dreams.
“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 NASB
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus died for our sins so that we may be forgiven and reconciled to Him. we have a responsibility as God’s children. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood and we have been called out of darkness to proclaim His glorious light. This is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. We must become mature in our faith and see to it that we do not cause another to stumble. So speak life! Control your tongue. You can’t control others, but you can control yourself with His grace. Speak words of truth and life over yourself and over others.
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29 NKJV”
In your anger, do not sin. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that our Father develops within us. We will face these trials again and again as we develop discipline and self-control until we have mastered them completely.
“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” Proverbs 21:23 NKJV
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NKJV
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 NLT
Day 6
God is good
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 NIV
“..because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:6
What our enemy has intended for harm, our Savior will use for good. Sometimes we become discouraged but we can turn and find strength in the Father. When the devil has intended to harm you and slow your progress towards God’s plan for you use it as fuel to keep it going. Instead of tripping down the steps turn it into a unique dance move and be bold. Discouragement, lies, feelings of doubt and insecurity are all lies from our enemy meant to trip us up. The thief comes to steal kill and destroy. We are tender, emotional creatures that are easily affected by these strategies of the devil if we don’t fully rely on God’s great power and might to defend us and protect us. We can do all things through Him but apart from Him we can do nothing.
He is the Lion
He is the Lamb
He is the One, Almighty, I Am
He doesn’t seek to tame, but to groom me
The Lord is my light
It is He that shines through me
I’ve learned not to trust in princes or fame
I’m trusting completely in one holy name,
Jesus.
Jesus the Lion
Jesus the Lamb
Jesus the son of the Mighty I Am
Through darkness and light He carries us through
He was nailed to the cross for me and for you
Surrender your life and set your soul free
Set your sights on your home for eternity
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5–6
Lord,
Create a steadfast spirit within me. Today is a new day. In Jesus’ name, restore my heart and renew my mind. Deliver me from my worldly desires and renew a peaceful spirit of grace within me. I trust you and I know that You have plans to prosper me. I am wonderfully and beautifully made and although my plans may fail, let it be a reminder that You are the Lord over my life. You are a light to my feet. You are the author and finisher of my faith. I surrender to Your great love. I submit to Your will and I trust that You will carry me through these hard times and turn this mess into a beautiful masterpiece of a message. You have numbered the hairs on my head and have prepared a way for me. Even through my low points, may Your powerful light shine through my worries and give light to the darkest places within me. Fill me with Your great love. Selah.
Day 13
You are Mine
Beloved,
I never left you. I meet you where you are in the middle of your mess. I come to give you rest. I come to bring healing to your heart and light to your eyes. You are Mine. You do not have to suffer alone. Turn your eyes from the worthless things of the world and set your sights on heaven. For you will only be here a short time. Make the most of every day and delight in My presence within you. From dust you came and to dust you will return, but your spirit will dwell with Mine forever. Join with your family in Christ and love one another as I have loved you. You are my beloved. Cast your burdens upon me and Let your light shine.
Unconsciously we gravitate away from God because we are living in a sinful world. We must intentionally seek Him every single day in order to remain in Him. Focus on being a channel for His love. Allow Him to pour into you as you pour His love out to others. Our human understanding will fail, but our trust in Him will sustain us. He designed us to lay down in green pastures beside still waters and experience His peace. Don’t try to work things out before their appointed times have come.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
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About the Book
First Fruits is a 30 day devotional that will guide you through life’s battles with a heavenly perspective. God did not intend for us to be lost. He intended for us to be found and to be made whole in His presence. We were created to love and to be loved. We were each created intentionally, for a unique purpose and to live our lives to the fullest.
Imagine the most passionate love story with someone who knows you better than you know yourself. Your Creator, the same Creator of the universe and all that is in it, is longing for this relationship with YOU.
“First Fruits” is a term used to describe the first and best part of a harvest. The First Fruit was given as an offering or sacrifice before the entire harvest was taken, guaranteeing God’s blessing upon the rest of the harvest. Time is our most valuable gift. That is why this moment is called the present!
First Fruits is an invitation to experience God’s best for your life. Devote the first and best of your time to seeking the will of God for your life and you will be pleasantly surprised what mighty things God can accomplish through you with one step of faith.
About the Author
Katie grew up by the beautiful beaches of Southwest Florida but her real growth began in her twenties when she took a step of faith into the unknown. Although she once considered herself a devowed Catholic, her spiritual life had become a wilderness of empty religion, doubt, searching, feelings of betrayal and disbelief. In the majestic mountains of North Georgia, God met her in her mess. This is where her journey began. Rediscovering the comfort and promptings of the Holy Spirit, she experienced the awesome power of God and came to know her Savior, Jesus. Katie saw herself from God’s point of view and found that He delighted in her! Her relationship with God continues to grow and her life has transformed into a journey of love, challenge, humor, faith and peace. Katie now resides in Atlanta, Georgia where she leads others into a growing relationship with Jesus.