Category: Uncategorized

by Tammy Phillips
October 13, 2020

 “And don’t forget to do good [and be kind] and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God”. -Hebrews 13:16 NLT

On Kris’ birthday a peaceful protest occurred in downtown Nashville on Public Square.  It was called #LetUsWorship.  Nashville was its forty third stop. I wanted to attend, but it was Kris’ birthday.   I mentioned to him about going because I knew he had to work to do.   In no way did I want to dishonor him on his day, nor make him fill less loved.  As a follower of Christ, his words to me were, “I told you that I am not taking on God.”  He knows God is my number one.  I am so thankful for his unwavering support of anything that God calls me to do.

Last minute, I volunteered to partner with the event, serve on the prayer team and support the local coordinator.  I arrived early to help but could never connect with the ground coordinator. I found a spot, out of the way, on the shallow courthouse steps that formed the base of the make-shift stage.  It was the perfect place to participate in the event and watch people arrive.  I prayed and watched. 

One hour before the event, I was politely asked to move at sound check because videographers would use this space and three feet in front of the steps to do their jobs.  I obliged, moved aside and stood up against a fence.  Soon after, a young woman dressed in a purple sweater and a woman in athletic apparel including tennis shoes plopped in on “my spot.”  Immediately, they were asked to move, too.  Purple sweater announced that older woman was “handicapped.”  They had told me that they had not planned well because old woman had a bum knee.  What they did not know was that my knee was in the process of being healed, but I never said a word.  I also did not suggest that maybe they should occupy one of the many park benches surrounding public square.  Like me, they wanted to be front, but not center.  Purple encouraged older to disobey the stagehands request, stay seated and not to move.  Older told purple to keep the three feet space clear so that they would not be made to move. They took authority of that space.  I crucified my flesh and said nothing.  You better believe I wanted to say: “Get out of my seat! I have been here for an hour. Listen and obey.”  Neither of them was acting Christ like, I decided that maybe I should.  I “put on Christ.”   I resolved to be kind, do good, and keep my mouth shut.  Praised God, I did. 

Oddly enough, Purple did not even know who Sean Feucht, the worship leader, was.  I pointed him out to her.  They quietly sat by and observed as worship began.  To my knowledge, they did not sing, say, or pray; they watched.  We worshipped.  We prayed for our city, state, and nation.  When Sean invited people to follow Jesus who was one of the first people to step out and run to the call?  PURPLE!    Thank God, I chose the High Road this time!  I got to watch the coolest miracle of God happen right before my eyes.  Holy Spirit had wooed another soul back to Him!

I enCOURAGE you to be kind and do good.  Share with those in need.  It pleases our Dad.  Kris reminded me about ministering to the one WHO IS SITTING BESIDE YOU?

*Let me confess, within 24 hours of this event, I was unkind to someone for no reason other than being tired. No excuse! Gratefully, they ignored my ugly.  I have confessed my sin to God and them. I know that I am forgiven and that is why I need Jesus.  Thank God, He is not done with me nor you yet!

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 12, 2020

“But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ (Luke 10:5 NKJV)

Sometimes God’s whisper into our spirit is so gentle that we hear it, but we do not completely get it.  Look at the God Whispers in reference to Luke 10:5 over the last two weeks:

1. I came across this verse the week of September 28^th, after a friend opened her mountain home to a group of us to go and pray. I regretted not speaking this verse over her home. 
2. A little later, the same sister who opened her home to us spoke the same verse to me.(I never shared my regrets to her, until now.)
3. October 11^th, I was praying with a warrior at church about two tumultuous situations. Honestly, not even knowing how to pray. Holy Spirit brought this scripture to mind so we could speak peace into those homes! Peace into the broken places.
4. October 11^th, a young woman came up with her entire family for prayer at church. Her request? Peace!  We spoke peace to her house.
5. I was thinking about this verse again this morning.I was reminded of our U.S. Congress and some friends that are waring there.   I finally got it!  I hear you, Lord.  Your Peace is the answer every time.  I speak, “Peace to the House of Representatives and to the U.S. Senate.  I speak peace to the Tennessee General Assembly!  Prince of Peace you are welcome!”

Peace is the answer! Jesus is the answer!  Jesus is the Prince of Peace!  Peace is the Hebrew word shalom.  It is everything.  It means whole; health; complete; safe; sound; prosperity; wellness; quiet.  Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 KJV)

Peace described in this verse is the Greek word eirēne, meaning, tranquil state exempt from rage and war, harmony, good order, security, safety, prosperity, rest plus being set as one again, wholeness.  Peace is peace.

The Hebrews used it as a blessing: “Peace be to you!” (Judges 6:23 and Daniel 10:19) Over 16 times writers in the New testament greets the reader with “Grace and peace be to you!”

I enCOURAGE you with these words, “May the Prince of Peace have free reign in your house! “PEACE BE TO YOUR HOUSE!” PEACE BE TO YOU! Wholeness! Completeness! Health! Safety! Security!  Soundness!  Prosperity!  Wellness! Quiet! Harmony! Good order!  Be set as one again!  Peace to this house!”

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord!” (2 Peter 1:2 NKJV)

by Tammy Phillips
October 11, 2020

And the Lord said to Moses, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14 NKJV)

As I told you yesterday, I had committed to do the APSU Scholarship 5K Virtual Run.  I did not really want to do it, but I had given my word.  I resolved to honor my commitment.   I decided I would spend the minutes praying for Austin Peay State University, the Peay-ple (students, faculty and staff) for the Peay president and various other things.  In other words, I invited the Presence of God, Holy Spirit to run the race with me.  

The course I chose was around a gorgeous lake in our neighborhood.  The loop was right at a half-mile.  Eight rounds and a little bit and I would accomplish my goal.  I began the Virtual 5k before the sun peaked above the horizon.  I started at a pretty fast pace to achieve my goal.  I realized after a few laps that I was not going to be able to keep that pace and that I needed to take slow down and take a pause.  This revelation happened as the sun began to reveal itself.  God masterfully painted the sky in my favorite colors. The masterpiece in the east changed each time I reached the west end of the loop.   He taught me that it was ok to take a pause and catch my breath.  It is ok to rest in the race of life. We have all heard, “Life is a marathon, not a sprint.  Train for endurance not speed. Pace yourself accordingly.”   

How comforting are the words of the Lord in Exodus 33:14, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  He is with us and He gives us pause, the rest.  Where are you at in your marathon?

Overcoming sickness?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Fighting Cancer?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Battling sleepless nights?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

In the midst of a sudden passing of a loved one or friend?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Writing a big paper or presenting a project at work?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Lost dream job and  looking for  new path?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Dredging your way through school?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Buying groceries and preparing a meal?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Struggling to make ends meet?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Running a race that you do not want to run?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

I encourage you to take comfort in that the Presence of the Lord will go with you.  He will give you rest. There is nothing we can to do, go through, attempt to accomplish nor anywhere you can go that the Lord’s Presence will not go with you.  He is running right with alongside. He keeps His word.  He will give you pause and let you catch your breath.

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 10, 2020

“…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)

By definition, I “ran” my second 5k of the year, earlier this week.  Kris ran it in 28:13 minutes!  My goal was for my average pace to beat his completion time.  I won 22:48 mi/min!  LOL!

Let me make this clear, the very last thing that I wanted to talk to you about on a rainy, fall, Saturday morning is running.  I would have preferred to be snuggled in my big chair reading a book. However, I could not “run” away from the subject.  I have always thought of myself as very competitive, but not as a runner.  However, I have come to realize we all runners in life.  Hope this sheds light on what it means to run. 

Here are a few definitions from Websters Dictionary1828…  

RUN:

• To move or pass in almost any manner
• To move rapidly, by leaps or long quick steps
• To use the legs in moving; to step
• To move in a hurry
• To flow in any manner, slowly or rapidly
• To be liquid or fluid, as in water
• To be fusible, to melt. As in fire 
• To flow, as words, language or periods.
• To have a course or direction.
• To pass in thought, speech or practice;
• To have a track or course.
• To have a certain direction.
• To grow exuberantly.
• To dart; to shoot; as a meteor in the sky.
• To drive; to force.
• To crush; to overthrow; to overbear.(http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/run)

The Blue Letter Bible’s definition of run:  to walk hastily; to exert oneself, strive hard; to spend one’s strength in performing or attaining something (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5143&t=KJV)

Peteni Kuzwayo is editor of Run For Wealth, a blog established with the mission of helping people “Run A Fulfilling Life Race”.  Kuzwayo has run over 20 Marathons, 10 Ultra-marathons and 4 Comrades Marathons. He is also the Nike Run Club Coach in JHB, South Africa.  According to an article by Kuzwayo ,  “Why Runners Are More Likely To Be Successful” who set goals; value time; are highly disciplined;  know how to overcome obstacles;  build networks and relationships; are part of  a team where you can  learn from the strongest and be encouraged; understand that failure is a transition to success. (https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/11-reasons-why-runners-are-more-likely-successful.html)

Sounds like Peteni might have gotten a few success tips from God’s Instruction Manual when writing his article.  Whether we are running a 5k, a marathon or competing on the course of life:

“…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes [for the prize] is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a perishable crown, but we [for] an imperishable [crown].  Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. (1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NKJV)

We are told to run at least two different time in the passages above.  After picking apart the scriptures, this is how I see we are to run:

• Run the race set before you.
• Run with endurance and patience.
• Run exercising self-control in all things.
• Run as one trained.
• Run looking at Jesus.
• Run like Jesus, the Finisher.
• Run with purpose in every step.
• Run with confidence.
• Run with determination
• Run resolutely.
• Run bravely.
• Run with a goal.
• Run to finish.
• Run to take down.
• Run to win the prize.

I enCOURAGE you to RUN!  Take one step at a time, one foot in front of another. 

by Tammy Phillips
October 9, 2020

I was raised in Athens, Georgia, meaning there is only one college football team, the University of Georgia Bulldogs!  I have cheered for them since I was five.  I was trained to raise both arms high above my shoulders towards heaven, signifying touch down or victory.   It meant our team had overcome the enemy, scored or won.    I think we taught our boys the same sign from the crib.  Sadly, it was not for the red team of God, nor for the ‘dawgs, but for the orange team. 

I regret that I did not know until recently that this action was first, mentioned in the Bible.  It is a sign of reverence to God.  We can find two interesting definitions of praise In Psalm 111:1, “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.”

The first “praise” in Psalm 111:1 is the Hebrew word, “hallel,” which means to shine; to make a show, to boast; to be clamorously foolish; to rave; to celebrate; glory, to act mad.

The second “praise” in this verse is the Hebrew word, “yadah,” meaning to hold out the hand; throw at; to revere with extended hands.  When we raise our hands in praise, I see it as we are raising our arms with the overcoming victory sign towards heaven.  

How many of us act crazy and throw our hands in “praise” when out team scores, but have never dared raise our hands in the congregation to offer God praise?    We will not miss a game of our favorite team.  We fill stadiums in proud, praise of our idols, but what about God? As for me, I am mad at baseball!  I still like football, but I love God.  He gets my praise first, now.  You know, Satan stole this idea from God’s playbook.

The same thing happened with the “V” sign, a sign made by pointing the first two fingers up in a V-shape, with palm of the hand facing outward.  It is used as a symbol of victory or peace. The enemy used a simple twist of hand with palm facing inward to turn a positive symbol negative. 

“The use of ‘V’ as a symbolic message and rallying emblem of defiant resistance to tyranny was first proposed by Victor de Laveleye.  De Laveleye worked for the BBC during the war. In his broadcast on January 14, 1941, he proposed what became the ‘V’ campaign.  And seven months later, Winston Churchill followed.  In a speech, Churchill announced an effort to actively promote the V campaign throughout Europe. ‘The V sign is the symbol of the unconquerable will of the occupied territories and a portent of the fate awaiting Nazi tyranny,’ he said. ‘So long as the people continue to refuse all collaboration with the invader, it is sure his cause will perish, and that Europe will be liberated.’  The V campaign was heavily publicized by the BBC and was popular throughout Europe. And it soon became a symbol for all Western European resistance during the conflict, with Vs painted on walls and over Nazi posters. It was an unlikely stroke of genius that united and inspired.”   (https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/on-this-day-in-1941-v-for-victory-sent-a-clear-message-to-the-nazis/)

In. WWII, the enemy, Germany, could not remove all the occupied campaign signs so they copied, stole and adopted the V sign as a German symbol. 

A retrofit and reconstruction of Churchills words to accommodate our current Christian stance: 

The V sign or peace sign is the symbol of the unconquerable spirit of the territories that we occupy as children of the Almighty God and a portent of the fate awaiting the enemies of God.  As long as we refuse all collaboration with Satan and his cohorts, it is sure his cause will perish!  Prison doors will be opened to the bound, the brokenhearted will be healed, and the captives will be liberated! The Prince of Peace reigns and overcame, delivering healing, wholeness, and completeness!  He said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”(John 14:27 KJV)

I enCOURAGE you that when new terrors arise, when death and disease threaten, victoriously, say Jesus!   When troubles come and we are inwardly tossed by temptation and obstacles, choose our Father’s loving arms.  When Satan attempts to disturb, distract, divert, disquiet, disconcert, disorder, delude and discombobulate our souls, remember, Christ is the Prince of Peace! Be resolute! Throw up your arms in victory!  Raise the V!  

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV)

by Tammy Phillips
October 8, 2020

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be perfect, complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17:

This scripture says that God breathed the word, so the man of God may be complete. The secrets to our success, completion and our perfection are in the Bible, His Instruction Manual.  It is a priceless, treasure of wealth and love.

Upon starting a new job, an employer usually gifts, an employee handbook or manual.  It includes everything one needs to know about the company.  It contains what is expected, how to perform the job, benefits and retirement plans.  Wouldn’t we read it before we ever started the new job?  Would we use as a guide to complete our tasks?  Or, would we think, “Got this! Know what to do.”  Would we leave the manual lying around the office untouched or take it home and leave it by the bedside? Only pick it up in case of emergencies?  God gave us His word when we joined His company.  It gives life directions, describes an unbelievable benefits package and the greatest retirement plan!  

God inspired about forty authors to write our manual. It includes sixty-six books and letters that were written over a period of about 1500 years. Holy Spirit spent time and effort into telling us all we need to know, start to finish.  Our responsibility is to study and dive in headfirst to learn about “our Company,” our Creator, CEO, and our Perfect Love.

When we read the King James Bible, the language can be a bit challenging and difficult to understand. Holy Spirit will teach, if we ask.  Other translations of the Word make it easier to comprehend.  I enjoy studying the King James alongside the Amplified Version (It “amplifies” words, bringing greater meaning to the scripture.) The online Blue Letter Bible (www.blueletterbible.org) is a great tool to use, with the click of a button we can receive the original Hebrew and Greek insights to words. The only way to fully know our God, discover his plans and purposes for life is to enter the Bible.

Begin small.  It is about commitment.  I started by dedicating fifteen minutes a day to read one devotion with scripture.  As I got hungrier, I added other devotionals and resources. Those devotionals lead me to other verses and now I follow where Holy Spirit leads.  It just like running.  We do not start with marathons.  We take one step at a time, training our way to the marathon.

The Bible is surprising, funny, sad, uplifting, enlightening, amazing and medicine to the soul.  I start every day in God’s word.  It orders my day. If do not begin with the Bible, it is like missing a dose of medicine to me.   My day will probably be a little off.  Think of it this way.  We do not usually go all day nor days without eating physical food. We starve our spirit when we go without eating the spiritual food of God’s word.   Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”

The word of God is life.  Want life enjoyed and in abundance?  Leap in, dig deep and fill up. We also do not get in a car for a long trip and depart with an empty tank.  We set out with a full tank and if it is a long journey, we fill up along the way.  How can we successfully journey through life without filling up on God?  God and His Word are one! Want to know God? Get to know His Word.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”- John 1:1   Want direction in life? Plug into God’s Word and let Him light up your path. “Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

I enCOURAGE and challenge you to commit to reading His word daily. The   you find will transform your life and bring salvation!   He promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” (Psalm 32:8) As a member of the Company of God, He desires relationship with you.  Seek him, you will find Him.   

 

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 7, 2020

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  (1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV)

Who likes surprises?  Do you like gifts?  My sweet hubby’s birthday is October 11.  He loves gifts.  Last night, he jokingly asked Parker, “have you gotten my gift yet?” He even has a song,

“All I want for my birthday…”  When Kris gets a package, he shakes it and immediately guesses what’s in it.  He is often right. We have learned to disguise the boxes.  Truth be known, I love to give gifts.

However, our Father is the best gift giver.  1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us that we have not seen, nor heard, nor even thought about what God has prepared for those who love Him.  God is so loving that He gave us His very own son, Jesus.  He gave us life eternal.  Hidden in His word are many more gifts.   And, “God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10 NKJV) Yes, God reveals, takes off the cover, unveils the hidden, deep things via the Spirit.  Not only does present us with the unimaginable, He sends Holy Spirit to help us unwrap them!

When is the last time you wrote a love letter, sent a card, or a gift expressing your love for someone? God inspired men to write His love story to us in the form of the Bible.  It is one of the greatest gifts that He granted us.  In the pages of the Bible are the living, breathing words of God, the deep things of God.   He endued us Holy Spirit to show us Himself and His secrets tucked away in scripture.  Who knows what a person thinks except their own spirit?   Same thing with God.  Nobody knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” (1 Corinthians 2:12 NKJV)

We have received and take hold of  Holy Spirit so that we may know what has freely given to us.  What have we received? The gifts that we have not seen, nor heard or even thought about.  Amazing, Amazing things!  Here are a few things we have received:

• Jesus. -John 3:16
• Salvation -John 3:17
• Remission of sins. – Acts 10:43
• Forgiveness of sins – Acts 26:18
• Eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 6:23
• The Holy Spirit – John 20:22
• All things. – Matthew 21:22
• Every good gift and every perfect gift -James 1:17
• All the days of our life. Psalm 139:13-16
• Every day. -Psalm 118:24
• Victory. -1 Corinthians 15:57
• The Blessing of Abraham – Galatians 3:14 KJV
• The adoption of sons. – Galatians 4:5 KJV
• The crown of life. – James 1:12 KJV
• The reward of the inheritance. – Colossians 3:24 KJV
• The engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. – James 1:21
• A crown of glory that does not fade away. – 1 Peter 5:4 KJV
• Abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness – Romans 5:17 13
• To Eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor -Ecclesiastes 3:13

I enCOURAGE you to open your Bible every day.  Sit at the feet of Jesus and discover what precious gift he has awaiting you.  Unwrap it, open it up, enjoy it, thank him for it and then give it away. 

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NKJV)

by Tammy Phillips
October 6, 2020 

Looking into the depths of Psalm 1:1-3;  Jeremiah 17:7-8; and Ezekiel 47:12, this is what it means to me, when the Lord says : “That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3 NKJV) 

Blessed (happy, and fortunate)
is the man who trusts (confident, secure, throws cares, careless, fearless, runs for refuge)
in the LORD. 

Blessed (right, upright, to be straight, level, to be successful, prosper)
is the man whose hope (confidence, security, refuge)
is the LORD. 

Blessed is the man who walks not in
the counsel (advice, or plans and purposes)
of the ungodly (wicked, having an unrighteous cause, to be or do wrong, disturb, make trouble, make noise, tumultuous, cause terror, who depart from God)  
nor stands (endures, continues, abides)
in the path (way, road or direction)
of sinners (wander, miss, go the wrong way, miss the goal, miss the mark
nor sits in the seat of the scornful (make mouths out, mocks by imitating, act a fool)  We should not be walking in the same direction as sinners.

But his delight and pleasure is in the law (instruction, direction, teaching)
of the LORD
And in His law he meditates (roars, moans, growls, utters, mutters, speaks)
day and night.
Gods words are life to us and we should be roaring them day and night.  His words, His Word, are what keep us upright and walking in the right direction.  

He shall be like a tree, all kinds of trees used for food,
(apple, almond, cedars of Lebanon, sweetgum, black mulberry, date palm, palm, sycamore fig, olive, Holly oak, Shittah or acacia, poplar…It takes all kinds of trees!  It takes all kinds of trees to meet all kinds of needs.)
planted (God plants us, roots us in Love exactly where He needs us.)
along the bank of the river, on this side and that, by the rivers of water,
(God is living water. He is the fountain of living water. A constant life-source.  “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. -Revelation 22:1 NKJV)
which spreads out its roots by the river. (Firmly fixed, our roots grower, deeper, wider, and longer, in love, in God and in His word, creating a strong, immovable tree.   “The root of the righteous shall not be moved.”  Proverbs 12:3)

 And he will not see (look at, pay attention nor fear)
when heat comes (Heat will come.  Things that cause us to boil…temptation, hurt and offense… will come.)
BUT his leaf will be green (As trees of righteousness, we flourish in Him.  He we are rooted into the all sufficient river of living water of the word of God.  The water keeps our leaves green, alive, and thriving. This is why we have to stay planted in the word.)
His leaf and shall not wither. (fade, wilt, fall away, drop down, fail, faint, lose one’s strength, be foolish, disgrace)
The tree will not cease from yielding fruit.  Its fruit will not fail and will bring forth its fruit in its season.    (“The root of the righteous shall yield fruit.”- Proverbs 12: 12.  The roots are plugged into nutrient rich, life giving, fruit yielding water source.  At the right time, God’s time, we will bear fruit.)
The leaf will be for medicine, for healing. (Our leaves, our experiences, our successes and failures, shared can bring healing through Christ and bring wholeness to the broken)

The tree will not be anxious (fear, take care, thought, be concerned nor be sorrowful)
in the year of drought (when the rain is scarce and supply has been clipped off or withheld)
And whatever he does shall prosper. (to go over, go through, push forward, break out, break through, advance, succeed, come mightily, to flow, be poured out, to finish well)

I enCOURAGE you to trust in the Lord always. Meditate on His word day and night.   Walk in righteousness.  When he says that you are a “tree of righteousness,” believe Him and you will finish well!

God revelation for the day:
 “One tree in the garden delivered death and sin.  One tree in the garden delivered life and righteousness.  Which one do you choose?”  -Tammy Phillips

by Tammy Phillips
October 5, 2020

“That they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3 KJV)

The trees of fall are all adorned in their radiant red, fiery orange and glorious golden colors, illustriously reflecting the amazing glory of their Creator.  It is imperative for us to see ourselves as God sees us.  When then Lord first revealed to me that we were called trees of righteousness, I promptly and proudly responded, “Not me!”  I was like Peter when he told the Lord in John 13, “You shall NEVER wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:8 NKJV).  At that time, I thought I had too much sin and baggage to be a mighty tree in the kingdom of God.  He graciously showed me differently.

What we, have to realize is that there were words that preceded and proceeded “the tree of righteousness” phrase in Isaiah 61:3. The preceding words of Isaiah 61;1-3 tell us the good news of the salvation of the Lord. He came to:  bring good news to the impoverished; heal the brokenhearted; proclaim liberty to the captives; open the prison doors to the bound; proclaim the favored year of the Lord to the oppressed; comfort and console all who mourn;  give beauty (a tiara or crown) for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning; the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…

 “That they may be called trees of righteousness…”

We are not a righteous tree because of anything we did.  It is all about what Jesus did for us when he was persecuted, put to death on the cross, and rose from the dead.  He paid the price for our wrongs and reconciled us to God.  Our Father sees us and calls us trees of righteousness because of Jesus. The word “call” is important.  It is Hebrew word is qara’, meaning, to cry out with the idea of accosting someone; proclaim; summon; invite; commission; appoint;  be called out; be chosen.  Do you get the idea?  God is roaring, “Jesus did all this so that YOU can be called trees of righteousness! It is how I see you.” 

The proceeding words disclose the how and why. We are “the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” He calls us, chooses us and plants us. We are his plantation.  The Hebrew word for planting is a derivative of the word nata’ which means to plant, to place, fasten, establish, and to set anything upright, so that it is fixed in the ground.  We are planted that he may be glorified. We reflect His glory. He sees the righteousness, beauty and strength of His son in us and it glorifies Father God.

I enCOURAGE you to accept all of the finished work and good news of Jesus.  Be healed. Be whole.  Be complete.  Be free. Be loosed. Be favored. Be comforted. Be consoled. Be crowned. Be beautiful. Be joyful. Be clothed in praise.  Arise, throw your shoulders back and declare the word of God over your life.  Repeat: “I am a tree of righteousness!  I am firmly planted. I am resolute!”

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. (Psalm 149:4 KJV)