What a great day; today, the day we celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection! He overcame sin, conquered the grave and set us free. What greater gift is there than this?
He loves us ... the God who created us by His own hand loves us. His love is so great that He would sacrifice His beloved and only sinless son for us. What greater gift is there than this?
Today, take a moment to ponder this gift. To humbly thank Him for all He has done and continues to do. He loves you with a love that is immeasurable, immense and pure. What greater gift is there than this?
My Precious Daughter,
How I delight in your prasises. How I am honored by your words. I am so pleased by your acknowledgement of who I am. I do love you, dear one, with an everlasting, unconditional and undying love. My thoughts for you are endless. My plans for you are marvelous. I watch you each day and delight in My creation of you. I am pleased that your thougths of Me are honorable and glorous.
Do not lose sight of My presence in your life. Do not let a moment go by that you forget I am with you, and I am for you. Do not forget the promises I have spoken over you. Do not forget the words I have written in My book of life to you. Do not let a moment slip by that you do not walk hand-in-hand with Me, My beloved.
Pursue Me as I pursue you. Dance with Me, for I am dancing with you. Seek My face, for I am awaiting your call. Walk with Me for I am always at your side.
Beloved daughter, remember today with joy and celebration all the love and sacrifice that was made for you. Do not allow the enemy to discount My love for you; this great act which I have done for your benefit. For if you, precious child, were the ONLY one, I would have sacrified it all - just as I did - for you .... just you! That is how much you mean to Me. Embrace My love and this amazing gift of eternal life. It is the most incredible, invaluable, priceless gift of all and it is yours.
Celebrate My son, My Jesus, your Savior. Sing His praises, lift high His name. For He alone is worthy, glorified and holy. Bless the name of the Lord your God. For He is the one who loves you, lives for you, and waits for you today and everyday.
I love you.
John 3:16 - For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (Amplified)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A Mother's Prayers
I struggled today with posting this blog. It is a very personal and constant burden on my heart. My desire for my family to walk with the Lord and be established in Heaven for eternity is the most important focus in my life. I have many precious family members who need the salvation of Christ in their lives. Several very close to me don't even believe God exists. My heart aches for them, and so my prayers continue for each one.
I am the mother of three sons and stepmother to two sons - I eagerly consider them all mine and pray for them daily. All five are grown men with their own individual and unique lives. But, they are not all walking with the Lord.
As a woman who knows the perils and pitfalls of a life outside of Christ, as well as the abundant joy and provision He supplies when we are under His covering, this is a huge burden on my heart. All our sons were brought to church on Sunday morning while they grew up in our home - of course, some went more eagerly than others. All of them were taught who Jesus is, why He came, and each of them at one time asked Him into their heart. I hold strongly to Proverbs 22:6, which says "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."
I spent many years carrying guilt and shame for the mistakes I had made in their lives. I allowed this guilt to weigh me down like a coat of mail - heavy, disparaging and hopeless. I was unable to see that God's forgiveness had washed me clean and I was free of that weight. My unwillingness to forgive myself kept me locked in bondage. Today, I am happy to say that I have been forgiven, not only by a gracious and loving God who sent His only son to die for my sins, but I have forgiven myself as well. Now set free, I am able to move forward and do battle for other precious souls.
As I survey the circumstances of my sons' lives, their choices and their struggles, my heart becomes very heavy. Today, I had an extra burden for them. My heart's desire is to see each of these men walking in the fullness of the life God has planned for them. I desire to see them set free from the bitterness of their unchangeable past and placed on the path of righteousness, being sanctified as they walk with Christ each day.
God has assured me over and over that my prayers as their mother are being heard and acted upon. He has helped me focus on what is to be, not what I see. He has reminded me that my faith in Him is essential to seeing my prayers take life and begin working in each of their lives. God repeatedly promises me that His love for them far outweighs mine - a thought that is nearly incomprehensible to me. He has also stressed that the battle belongs to Him. My prayers are the added ammunition to the war that is being waged each day for their souls. It is His victory for His glory. If God is for them, who can be against them!
I know that there are many mothers who struggle as I did with unforgiveness for the choices that impacted their own children's lives. If this speaks to your heart, I encourage you today to lay all this down at the foot of the cross. Jesus came to die for our sins; to give us forgiveness. Once you've asked it's done ... God forgives you. Now, it's your turn ... walk in that forgivness knowing that God has removed your sins, your past, your mistakes as far as the East is from the West.
I know there are mothers who watch helplessly as their beloved sons and daughters walk headlong into trouble and fast away from the Lord. Still others, are heartbroken and burdened for parents, siblings and loved ones who choose to live their lives outside of the will of God. Fall to your knees and lay them on God's altar. He can restore their souls. They are His precious children and He anxiously awaits us all to come to Him. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. Your prayers are necessary, priceless and heeded by your loving Heavenly Father.
As I share what God spoke to my heart today, please adopt it as your own. Toss away pride, confess unforgiveness and receive the promises of the One who has everything in His perfect and loving grasp.
My Precious Daughter,
What a glorious prayer; what a loving heart for these children who have turned their backs on Me. I see them as they once were - innocent, loving, little children - hurt by the circumstances of their lives. I see the day each seared his heart from loving Me because he was scarred so deeply by things others said or did. I see the moment they cut themselves off from a life of righteousness, peace, joy and understanding. You are not to take on the burden of their actions - you have been forgiven, redeemed and washed clean from your past. You are now to continue in earnest, steadfast prayer for their lives - their salvation - their eterenity.
I, the Lord Your God, am fighting daily for their lives; their souls. One battle at a time - one victory at a time. Small steps, each one toward the ultimate goal of turning their hearts back to Me. Not one is the same as the other. Each is unique in his own circumstance.
Have faith in the God who parted the seas, raised the dead and was resurrected for your eternal life. Nothing passes by Me that I do not see. Nothing goes unnoticed, forgotten or thrown away. These lives are more precious to Me than all the world's wealth. I do not hold lightly the task of bringing them back. I have not discarded them nor the desire for them to have eternal life. I have not ignored the prayers - your prayers - of their mother's heart.
Stand firm in your commitment to pray each one back into My arms. Hold fast to the promises I have given you. I am not a man that I would lie. No, beloved, I want what your heart desires. I long for them to be under the covering and care of My love. To be wholly and completely devoted to Me. Walking in righteouness, glorifying My name.
Beloved, do not fret nor fear, but hold your ground. Keep your faith. Pray without ceasing. Love without condition. Do not put your faith in what you see, but fix your eyes on Almighty God and know His hand is moving for these precious ones.
I delight in your prayers for your children, your loved ones. They are treasured and safe in My hands. I will not cease My battle for their souls. Do not cease your loving prayers for their salvation.
I love you.
Romans 8:31 - What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
2Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
1Samuel 15:29 - He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind."
I am the mother of three sons and stepmother to two sons - I eagerly consider them all mine and pray for them daily. All five are grown men with their own individual and unique lives. But, they are not all walking with the Lord.
As a woman who knows the perils and pitfalls of a life outside of Christ, as well as the abundant joy and provision He supplies when we are under His covering, this is a huge burden on my heart. All our sons were brought to church on Sunday morning while they grew up in our home - of course, some went more eagerly than others. All of them were taught who Jesus is, why He came, and each of them at one time asked Him into their heart. I hold strongly to Proverbs 22:6, which says "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."
I spent many years carrying guilt and shame for the mistakes I had made in their lives. I allowed this guilt to weigh me down like a coat of mail - heavy, disparaging and hopeless. I was unable to see that God's forgiveness had washed me clean and I was free of that weight. My unwillingness to forgive myself kept me locked in bondage. Today, I am happy to say that I have been forgiven, not only by a gracious and loving God who sent His only son to die for my sins, but I have forgiven myself as well. Now set free, I am able to move forward and do battle for other precious souls.
As I survey the circumstances of my sons' lives, their choices and their struggles, my heart becomes very heavy. Today, I had an extra burden for them. My heart's desire is to see each of these men walking in the fullness of the life God has planned for them. I desire to see them set free from the bitterness of their unchangeable past and placed on the path of righteousness, being sanctified as they walk with Christ each day.
God has assured me over and over that my prayers as their mother are being heard and acted upon. He has helped me focus on what is to be, not what I see. He has reminded me that my faith in Him is essential to seeing my prayers take life and begin working in each of their lives. God repeatedly promises me that His love for them far outweighs mine - a thought that is nearly incomprehensible to me. He has also stressed that the battle belongs to Him. My prayers are the added ammunition to the war that is being waged each day for their souls. It is His victory for His glory. If God is for them, who can be against them!
I know that there are many mothers who struggle as I did with unforgiveness for the choices that impacted their own children's lives. If this speaks to your heart, I encourage you today to lay all this down at the foot of the cross. Jesus came to die for our sins; to give us forgiveness. Once you've asked it's done ... God forgives you. Now, it's your turn ... walk in that forgivness knowing that God has removed your sins, your past, your mistakes as far as the East is from the West.
I know there are mothers who watch helplessly as their beloved sons and daughters walk headlong into trouble and fast away from the Lord. Still others, are heartbroken and burdened for parents, siblings and loved ones who choose to live their lives outside of the will of God. Fall to your knees and lay them on God's altar. He can restore their souls. They are His precious children and He anxiously awaits us all to come to Him. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. Your prayers are necessary, priceless and heeded by your loving Heavenly Father.
As I share what God spoke to my heart today, please adopt it as your own. Toss away pride, confess unforgiveness and receive the promises of the One who has everything in His perfect and loving grasp.
My Precious Daughter,
What a glorious prayer; what a loving heart for these children who have turned their backs on Me. I see them as they once were - innocent, loving, little children - hurt by the circumstances of their lives. I see the day each seared his heart from loving Me because he was scarred so deeply by things others said or did. I see the moment they cut themselves off from a life of righteousness, peace, joy and understanding. You are not to take on the burden of their actions - you have been forgiven, redeemed and washed clean from your past. You are now to continue in earnest, steadfast prayer for their lives - their salvation - their eterenity.
I, the Lord Your God, am fighting daily for their lives; their souls. One battle at a time - one victory at a time. Small steps, each one toward the ultimate goal of turning their hearts back to Me. Not one is the same as the other. Each is unique in his own circumstance.
Have faith in the God who parted the seas, raised the dead and was resurrected for your eternal life. Nothing passes by Me that I do not see. Nothing goes unnoticed, forgotten or thrown away. These lives are more precious to Me than all the world's wealth. I do not hold lightly the task of bringing them back. I have not discarded them nor the desire for them to have eternal life. I have not ignored the prayers - your prayers - of their mother's heart.
Stand firm in your commitment to pray each one back into My arms. Hold fast to the promises I have given you. I am not a man that I would lie. No, beloved, I want what your heart desires. I long for them to be under the covering and care of My love. To be wholly and completely devoted to Me. Walking in righteouness, glorifying My name.
Beloved, do not fret nor fear, but hold your ground. Keep your faith. Pray without ceasing. Love without condition. Do not put your faith in what you see, but fix your eyes on Almighty God and know His hand is moving for these precious ones.
I delight in your prayers for your children, your loved ones. They are treasured and safe in My hands. I will not cease My battle for their souls. Do not cease your loving prayers for their salvation.
I love you.
Romans 8:31 - What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
2Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
1Samuel 15:29 - He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind."
Thursday, April 7, 2011
What's In A Name?
A name is that all-important "label" by which we will be known for the rest of our lives. Oh, how many expectant parents agonize over what to name the newest member of their family. Is it trendy? Is it unique? Does it fit the child, the family, the lifestyle? I have a book with thousands of names, their meanings and their spiritual connotations. And even so, new names are created with abandon year after year!
In Biblical times, names were everything. They were the words used to describe the circumstances of the child's birth, heritage or destiny. Jacob meant the "supplanter" or "holder of the heel" because he was born holding his brother Esau's heel. Jacob spent much of his life deceiving and conniving his way into succession, stealing his brother's birthright and blessing, only to have his name changed by God from Jacob to Israel (meaning "God contended") after spending a night wrestling with an angel. From the curse of his original name to the blessing of God's newly-given title, Jacob lived up to his "label."
Daniel means "God is my judge" and he became one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, means "favor" or "grace" and was blessed with a son after praying faithfully though her many years of being barren. Obadiah, meaning "Servant of Yaweh" (God), became a minor Biblical prophet. The meaning of the name Mary, the mother of Jesus, is "sea of bitterness" - and don't you agree that watching her sinless son die on a cross would cause a "sea of bitterness" - but, it also has a spiritual connotation of the word "blessed" or "beloved." Jesus (or Yeshua), means "God is my salvation", and has a spiritual connotation of "bringer of truth" - a name fulfilled on both accounts.
I love the meaning of my name, Joan, "God is gracious." Boy, is that ever the truth. I have been surrounded by the grace of God my entire life. I never much liked my name, but it's meaning has given me a new respect and understanding of why it was given to me. For me the grace of God has meant the difference between the bondage of the many poor choices I have made and and the freedom of forgiveness, the gift of new mercies and abundant life each day.
Now, most of us have two or three names ... maybe even more. But God has many and each of these names describes a distinct attribute about His character. He is Jehovah the great "I AM;" Elohim the "Creator;" Adonai, The "Lord Master;" El Shaddia "Almighty God;" El Elyon "The Most High God;" and Ol Alam the "Everlasting God." He is Protector, Provider and our Abba Father. He is our All-In-All, our Everlasting King and the one under whose wings we sit for comfort and peace. And, He is Love, in it's purest most simple form; it's most powerful, awesome strength; unconditional and perfect.
God has asked us to call Him by name - each name in each situation. When we call on the name of Lord in reverence and respect using the names that speak to His character, we release the power of that attribute to whatever circumstance we face. We are not only praising Him, but we are exalting Him to the place of honor and glory only He deserves.
I encourage you today, search the scriptures and learn the names of the God that formed and created you, calls you His own, and longs for you to dwell in His presence.
My Precious Daughter,
A blessing of peace I bring you today. As I set My banner over you, I am Jehovah Nissi. As I pour out My peace upon you, I am Jehovah Shalom.
As you walk with me today I will be your shepherd, Jehovah Rohi. Fix your eyes on Me and not your circumstances for My rod and My staff will comfort you.
My provision for you today is complete and perfect. For I am your provider, Jehovah Jireh. I am your righteousness, Jehovah Tsidkkenu, and your sanctification, Jehovah M'Kaddesh. You are set apart and beloved, holy and anointed for My glory.
My presence is upon you; I am Jehovah Shammah. I am high and lifted up, the Lord of Hosts, Jehovah Sabboath.
There is healing in My wings, I am Jehovah Rophe. Every need is complete and covered in who I am.
Walk with Me today, beloved. Let Me be your all-in-all, your sufficiency, your desire. I am from everlasting to everlasting. Praise Me and glorify My name. For I am the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.
Beloved, you are My cherished child. Forever in My heart and loved unconditionally.
Be near to Me today. I have all you need - I AM all you need.
I love you.
Psalm 23:4 - Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Psalm 4:1 - To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. HEAR me when I call, O God of myrighteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
Revelation 4:8 - The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"
In Biblical times, names were everything. They were the words used to describe the circumstances of the child's birth, heritage or destiny. Jacob meant the "supplanter" or "holder of the heel" because he was born holding his brother Esau's heel. Jacob spent much of his life deceiving and conniving his way into succession, stealing his brother's birthright and blessing, only to have his name changed by God from Jacob to Israel (meaning "God contended") after spending a night wrestling with an angel. From the curse of his original name to the blessing of God's newly-given title, Jacob lived up to his "label."
Daniel means "God is my judge" and he became one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, means "favor" or "grace" and was blessed with a son after praying faithfully though her many years of being barren. Obadiah, meaning "Servant of Yaweh" (God), became a minor Biblical prophet. The meaning of the name Mary, the mother of Jesus, is "sea of bitterness" - and don't you agree that watching her sinless son die on a cross would cause a "sea of bitterness" - but, it also has a spiritual connotation of the word "blessed" or "beloved." Jesus (or Yeshua), means "God is my salvation", and has a spiritual connotation of "bringer of truth" - a name fulfilled on both accounts.
I love the meaning of my name, Joan, "God is gracious." Boy, is that ever the truth. I have been surrounded by the grace of God my entire life. I never much liked my name, but it's meaning has given me a new respect and understanding of why it was given to me. For me the grace of God has meant the difference between the bondage of the many poor choices I have made and and the freedom of forgiveness, the gift of new mercies and abundant life each day.
Now, most of us have two or three names ... maybe even more. But God has many and each of these names describes a distinct attribute about His character. He is Jehovah the great "I AM;" Elohim the "Creator;" Adonai, The "Lord Master;" El Shaddia "Almighty God;" El Elyon "The Most High God;" and Ol Alam the "Everlasting God." He is Protector, Provider and our Abba Father. He is our All-In-All, our Everlasting King and the one under whose wings we sit for comfort and peace. And, He is Love, in it's purest most simple form; it's most powerful, awesome strength; unconditional and perfect.
God has asked us to call Him by name - each name in each situation. When we call on the name of Lord in reverence and respect using the names that speak to His character, we release the power of that attribute to whatever circumstance we face. We are not only praising Him, but we are exalting Him to the place of honor and glory only He deserves.
I encourage you today, search the scriptures and learn the names of the God that formed and created you, calls you His own, and longs for you to dwell in His presence.
My Precious Daughter,
A blessing of peace I bring you today. As I set My banner over you, I am Jehovah Nissi. As I pour out My peace upon you, I am Jehovah Shalom.
As you walk with me today I will be your shepherd, Jehovah Rohi. Fix your eyes on Me and not your circumstances for My rod and My staff will comfort you.
My provision for you today is complete and perfect. For I am your provider, Jehovah Jireh. I am your righteousness, Jehovah Tsidkkenu, and your sanctification, Jehovah M'Kaddesh. You are set apart and beloved, holy and anointed for My glory.
My presence is upon you; I am Jehovah Shammah. I am high and lifted up, the Lord of Hosts, Jehovah Sabboath.
There is healing in My wings, I am Jehovah Rophe. Every need is complete and covered in who I am.
Walk with Me today, beloved. Let Me be your all-in-all, your sufficiency, your desire. I am from everlasting to everlasting. Praise Me and glorify My name. For I am the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.
Beloved, you are My cherished child. Forever in My heart and loved unconditionally.
Be near to Me today. I have all you need - I AM all you need.
I love you.
Psalm 23:4 - Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Psalm 4:1 - To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. HEAR me when I call, O God of myrighteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
Revelation 4:8 - The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"
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