Thinking out loud from a biblical perspective
In God’s presence is fullness of JOY, but sometimes I get lured into the pit of self pity and this is where my joy in the Lord no longer thrives but slowly dies.
Can you relate?
How do I get out of the pit of self pity? How do I overcome this joy killer of self pity?
Continue reading “How do I overcome the joy killer of self pity?”Just a little Joyful Jenny flow from the heart on December 13th of 2020.
Whatever God allows to happen to you, He is more than able of helping you conquer and victoriously overcome for the purpose of awakening within you what He wants to release through you.
Amen. My new name is Joyful Jenny. I am overcoming with joy by the power of God’s Spirit. We are all more than conquerors in Christ through the power of His love (Romans 8:37).
Ask the Holy Spirit what your new name is in Christ mighty sons and daughters of the Lord Most High.
Reminding the enemy that the 13th day he came to bring great pain and suffering into my own life has been used to make me press into the joy of the Lord. I am more than a conqueror for the purpose of spreading the LIGHT, LOVE and JOY and the good news too! Amen. How about you?
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. Philippians 1:12
Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17
All forms of racism, prejudice, police brutality, and hatred are evil. I agree with my Pastor that the supremacy of Christ is the only supremacy that reigns over all. I will not be silent in speaking against evil, injustice and hatred from my perspective and personal experience.
We all bleed crimson and the crimson stained cross is what we need to unite us for such a time as this.
Unfortunately, I heard the report that my beloved brother cried for our mother too in his final minutes of life just like the news reported George Floyd cried out for his mother. This should break your heart. If it doesn’t, something is wrong. I cried when I accidentally saw the brief video on the news of George Floyd’s final minutes of life. If you didn’t, your heart is too hard. I always try to avoid these kinds of images on the news, because, even before Donnie was murdered so violently, I have always been greatly disturbed by acts of violence against anyone. I got caught off guard and, immediately, my emotions and painful memories were engaged.
Here are some of my thoughts on the tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and my own brother, Donald Lee “Donnie” Deason, and so many others whose senseless murders never make the news nor ever receive any justice here on earth. I purposefully waited to share these thoughts on the anniversary of my brother’s murder. I am not listing all the recent names of those who have died senselessly and unjustly, so this is not meant to leave anyone out – all of these lives matter.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. Proverbs 31:8-9
This promise is for the Church, the called out ecclesia who have accepted the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His death on the cross as the payment for our sins. We believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, and we have confessed Jesus as Savior and Lord before God and men. We do not just give lip service to loving and following God while our hearts are far from God and no evidence is available that we are His disciples. We believe that Jesus and His Word – the Holy Bible – are one. Therefore, we live our lives following His Word and make life decisions based on His Word and not the opinions of popular culture. We remain connected to the Church for which Jesus alone is the head. We, the Church, are not perfect or sinless, and we know we are continually in need of God’s amazing grace demonstrated on the cross. We do not make light of or trample upon God’s grace by living an ongoing deliberate lifestyle of sin. We identify with Jesus and His Church. We are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ because we know it is the power of God that saved and healed us and is available for others to be saved and healed. We believe the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us and gives us the supernatural power and grace to live an overcoming life. We are motivated by our Father God’s love for us. We forgive others as He has so graciously forgiven us. We love God and all people. We do not hate anyone. We only hate sin and how it destroys us and the people God so loves in every nation and all the world He created. Our hearts desire to show forth all the fruit of God’s Spirit and above all to be a lover of God and all people. We are continually growing in the characteristics of Christ to be more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self disciplined. We walk in love, humility and boldness like Jesus. We pray for all people, beginning with leaders and all those who are in authority, even if we disagree with them because God’s Word commands us to. We even pray for our enemies to know and experience God’s love. We remain involved in the community serving others and being productive members of society.
If you know this is who you are, read on…and answer the call to pray.
We keep on answering God’s call to seek His face and His will, His agenda and not our own. We stay actively involved supporting and building God’s house and His kingdom above just building our own houses, careers and platforms. We remain in unity with other brothers and sisters who belong to His Church. We renounce pride in all its forms and pray for a spirit of love and humility to permeate each member of the Church. We do not just repent of sin to be saved and never repent again when the Spirit of God convicts us. We know that as sons and daughters the Lord convicts us because He loves us just as a parent does their child. We understand we are living in the land of many idols in our nation and these idols (of self, materialism, and worshiping all sorts of other little gods) have subtly crept into the Church too. Holy Spirit speak and remove our deception and show us any and every idol of our heart that has taken first place over worshiping You. We turn from worshiping other gods over worshiping You, Lord. As the Church, and especially those called to intercede, we repent on behalf of our own hearts and households, the Church and its leaders. We ask for the power of Your Holy Spirit to come upon our President and all governmental leaders and guide them by Your divine wisdom. We pray for the people of our nation to repent and turn their hearts fully to God and to experience true encounters with The Living God. In this unprecedented time, may Your people hear what You Lord are speaking to Your Church right now. May we listen to Your Word and Your Holy Spirit. May we not reject or take lightly Your prophetic words spoken to Your church. May we be still and know that You are God. May we be full of love and faith over fear. May we pull away from the irrelevant distractions in this serious hour. Thank You Lord for hearing our prayers and forgiving us and bringing healing and restoration to our land and to the people in our land. May we be awakened to arise and fulfill our God given assignments for such a time as this. May Your Church be the hands and feet of Jesus and may each member serve in the capacity You designed each of us for by Your grace. May the power and blood of Jesus that is the same yesterday, today and forever heal those with COVID-19. May it be eradicated by the name of Jesus, the name that is above every other name. May You comfort and strengthen all those dealing with loss. May Your divine hand of protection cover all the medical personnel and caregivers treating and serving those who are sick. May supernatural healing come to all those needing healing by Your mighty power and may all of this be to the glory of God. As we agree in unity may this be done and may Your kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven we humbly and boldly pray in Jesus name. Amen
To join others united in prayer during this time, connect on Instagram @Unite714 and on Facebook @Unite714Movement or visit http://www.Unite714.com for more info.
This prayer is based on God’s Word. A few references:
Romans 1:16; 5:8; 8; 10:9-10; 12:1-2; John 1:14; 3:16-17; John 15; Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; 1 John 1:8-10; Proverbs 28:1; Psalm 34; Psalm 91; Psalm 107:19-20; Philippians 2:9; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 12:5-11; 13:8
A Video Teaching from January, 2020
Video 1 of 2
Video 2 of 2
…are you living an “Even though…yet I will” life?
I’m guilty like every one else on social media of only or predominately posting the good, the happy, and the fun times. What would social media look like if we all posted all our heartbreaks, relationship struggles, disappointments, brokenness and tears, or uploaded video clips of our emotional meltdowns, family disagreements and arguments. Oh, of course your family doesn’t have any of these. Yeah, right.
Sharing this post today just to say – please don’t think “Joyful Jenny” (as I keep referring to myself lately) encounters only the happy happy, joy joy scenarios and joyful situations all through her days. Especially currently, there is something very painful and heartbreaking my family is walking through. My laughing and smiling posts are not just me putting on a happy face either. Even though all is not completely well, yet I still have the joy that God’s Spirit brings – even though, yet I still am experiencing God restoring the joy of my salvation.
“Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me – now let me rejoice!”
Psalm 51:8
The path along the deep and rugged valley roads of life we never planned to travel on come upon us like a sudden detour sign appearing out of nowhere. Most of us, except the shallow, adversity free minority can relate. These life roadblocks or journey detours occur for various reasons – our own sin or the sins of others, our pride and rebellion, deception, addiction, our modern day idols (yes we have them), or just as a result of the fallen world we are living in.
Continue reading “Even though…yet I will…”
God give us grace.
Let us take our rightful place
– humbly submitted to You,
as all our pride is totally erased.
May we arise in boldness
– empowered by Your Spirit,
as we daily seek Your face.
Strengthen us to
defeat our enemy and all his lies,
as we run with mission towards
finishing our race.
Keep us focused on the prize of Heaven
as we follow all Your ways.
Your love, Your light, Your truth,
Your freedom – help us always to embrace.
All our lives are for Your glory,
so we will trust You with our restoration
stories.
Let us reach out as You lead us
to bring others to Your grace.
Thank You Lord for this day!
Thank You Lord for Your grace!
Continue reading “Grace to Grace “
Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy. Tim Hansel
Some people think joy is the absence of pain. It’s not. Often, those whose lives are filled with much sorrow and many challenges experience the most joy.
I’ve cried enough tears, so don’t expect me to apologize for my joy. Joyful Jenny
In God’s presence is fullness of JOY!
The joy of the Lord is our strength! This is one of the reasons the enemy is continually attempting to steal our joy.
Grace is the empowerment of God’s Spirit which enables us to live out our God-given identity as the victorious, joyful overcomers we are all called to be!
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and we can only have joy no matter what happens as we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Help us, Holy Spirit. A fresh baptism of Holy Spirit fire – an encounter that empowers is needed for joy to be our strength each and everyday!
The truly godly and spiritual are called to a ministry of restoration. So, how “spiritual” are you?
When we get in the dirt with the ones who hurt, it might be messy and even a little misunderstood by others, but we never know when our act of mercy poured out over someone’s mess might lead to something miraculous and marvelous in their lives.
How are you doing spiritual one in your ministry of restoration? Or your ministry of reconciliation? How is your spirit of gentleness? How longsuffering are you with those who are in the process of restoration?
Continue reading “Oh So Spiritual One”
Praying this prayer over each of you and myself too. The NLT actually says…
Note this verse reminds us that we are to prosper and be in health, just as our souls prosper, or to be as healthy in our bodies as we are strong in spirit. Our “soul” is made up of our minds, our wills, and our emotions. We are three part beings – body, soul and spirit. Our bodies are presented to God in surrender, and our minds must be renewed and transformed by the Word of God. As our minds are renewed, we can receive and understand the mind of Christ; and by faith, we agree with and follow the words and practices of Christ (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 2:16). This renewal and transformation of our mind will only occur through a consistent daily dose of God’s Word. Our minds are continually bombarded with the polluted ideas of our predominately sin sick culture, and so God’s Word is like a spiritual vitamin that acts as a preventative medicine and a shield against lies and deception.
Our will must be surrendered to, “Not my will be done, but Your will be done, Lord.” God’s Word is His will and Jesus came to do the will of the Father (John 6:38). So, whatever Jesus did when He walked among us, this is God’s will (Acts 10:38). God’s will is to heal – spiritually, emotionally and physically (Psalm 103:1-5; Psalm 107:20; Matthew 8:16-17; 1 Peter 2:24). Jehovah Rophe is the Lord our Healer (see Exodus 15:26). Rophe means to cure, heal, restore or make whole. This is who Yahweh, the Lord is – Healer, Restorer, and the one who makes us whole. Even as we pray the words from The Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven,” we know there is only healing and wholeness in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). The records of the many healings of Jesus listed in the Bible were not all the same – He spoke the word, healed through the touch of His hand, used mud and saliva, and His healing power was even released through the touching of the hem of His garment (and these are just a few examples – see John 4:46-54; John 9:1-11; Luke 9:18-26). There are many ways God still heals today. We are not to put God in a box, nor are we to put limitations on how God will bring the manifestation of His healing power. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Our emotions prosper as they are controlled by the Holy Spirit and not by our own flesh, the enemy or others. The fruit of the spirit will grow and flow when our emotions prosper. As our faith is lived out in the demonstration of the characteristics of God’s Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, our emotions are prospering in Christ. (See Galatians 5:22-26).
Praying and believing the promises of God’s Word especially when things may look the opposite is what living by faith is all about.
The definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. If we can already see it, feel it, touch it and are experiencing it – no faith is needed. Faith is needed and challenged when we are believing and trusting and hoping for that which we do not yet see.
Perhaps there are many things you are believing for, trusting God for and hoping for that are not yet in view or manifested in front of you. There are many situations like this in front of me. I have witnessed our good Father God answering many faith filled prayers over the years, over both minor and major issues, but there are many I desire to see answered that, at times, the enemy taunts and says, “Yeah, God is really answering your prayers. Look at how opposite this situation looks from what you prayed for.” This is one of the reasons the Bible refers to a fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7-8). Praying and believing God and really living by faith when things are in total opposition to the promises in God’s Word or what you are trusting God for takes a warrior-like mentality. Faith warriors wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, no matter what the circumstances look like (Ephesians 6:10-18). No matter how long the battle or how opposite the situation may presently appear, faith warriors keep praying the Word, speaking the Word and believing the Word that will not return void and will accomplish and fulfill God’s will for His glory (Isaiah 55:8-13). Of course in regards to physical healing, there can be both physical and spiritual reasons our healing may be hindered. Not getting enough sleep or poor eating habits could be a factor physically, and being consumed with a hateful, bitter or angry attitude also directly affects our emotions, our spiritual well being and our physical health. We live in a fallen world, and yes, we encounter the consequences of the results of sin. However, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13), and we know this ultimately means we are redeemed from paying the price for our sins and being eternally separated from God. Still, we are expected to live based on kingdom principles and to live by faith in the promises of God for abundant life now and forevermore (2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 3:11; John 10:10). We fight the fight of faith as we believe God’s promises despite every circumstance we face that is in opposition to the Word of God. We don’t live by faith in our experiences or anyone else’s experiences. We live by faith in God and the promises of God. Galatians 3:14 tells us we are are heirs of the blessings of Abraham and the promise of the Spirit through faith.
For the past week and a half, I have personally battled some type of upper respiratory virus. The past 11 days been trying to say the least. On the positive side, I was forced to sleep and rest more, and this definitely does a body good at times. Finally, I am on the path to recovery and feeling much better. Thankfully, I am not accustomed to not feeling well and being in health. I prefer to be both healthy in body and strong in spirit. This is likely your heart’s desire too.
I wonder how many Christ followers today actually pray and speak the word of God first when a virus or symptoms of sickness strike? When you or your child are battling illness, is your first response to solely trust the doctor or medicines alone? Certainly, God uses doctors and medicines, as all of the wisdom for help and healing comes ultimately from God, and we should all seek out doctors we trust and heed their advice, but not in lieu of seeking and trusting God first and foremost, even when it is something relatively minor. We are told to pray continually and about everything; every good gift we receive is from God. Remaining in good health and healing are both good gifts. (See James 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6-7) Furthermore, how many followers of Christ practice the instructions in James 5:13-16 and actually ask for the elders to pray over them in faith and anoint them with oil? James 5:16 reminds us that we need to confess our sins and pray for each other in order to be healed. These are biblical guidelines and practices for truly living by faith. God has given us His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us and to give us discernment in all things pertaining to life and living by faith. As we pray, the Holy Spirit will direct our decisions and give us peace (Psalm 37:23).
As we live from a place a victory that Christ won for us on the cross, we are to continually thank the Lord each and every day for salvation and that by Jesus’ stripes we are healed.
But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
Isaiah 53:5
The healing Christ bought for us on the cross encompasses deliverance from sin and bondage, and wholeness spirit, mind and body. We appropriate salvation and our victory in Christ through believing in our hearts and confession out of our mouths, as we agree with God and His Word. We appropriate healing for our bodies, minds, and spirits through agreeing with God and His Word by faith every single day of our lives. (See Isaiah 53; Romans 10:8-10; 1 Peter 2:24; Psalm 34:1)
Of course, we are all grateful for the wealth of medical wisdom and knowledge provided through doctors, medicines, and amazing surgical procedures that God has used to alleviate symptoms and facilitate healing, but God is still The Lord our Healer.
Do you think God sees us as living by faith and trusting Him for our healing when we do not even consider asking for His wisdom, help and healing in every health challenge we face? If our first response is not to pray, and believe the promises of God in every situation, how is this living by faith? (See Hebrews 11:6; James 2:26)
I believe we should do both by faith – pray, speak and believe God’s Word and His promises, and seek out the help and wisdom of doctors and medicine. Above all, we should trust God that we will prosper and be in health, even as our souls prosper in Christ.
Regardless of what my body might be feeling, I am still choosing to believe and agree with God’s Word – may I prosper and be in health even as my soul prospers in the Lord. Amen. May you prosper and be in health spiritually, physically and emotionally too. Amen.
Let me encourage you to do this in every situation where the enemy is fighting and taunting you. May we all pray and agree with Mary just as she responded to the angel in saying, “Let it be to me according to your word.” As we do this, may the God of peace crush Satan under our feet, and may God’s grace be with us all. Amen. (Romans 16:20-21)
Beloved I pray you will be in health and keep living by faith.
Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
Psalm 103:1-5
O Lord, if You heal me, I will be truly healed; if You save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for You alone!
Jeremiah 17:14
As sons and daughters of God, we are called to be fearless and not fearful. We are called to be full of faith and not full of fear. We are people of light and we are called to live and walk in the light that overcomes all darkness.
Light the day and the night fearless people of Light!
Be fearless not fearful!
A few thoughts especially for today on this October 31st that the Lord has made!
🗝When someone or something brings fear into your atmosphere, it has nothing to do with God.
🗝God’s Spirit brings an atmosphere of love, truth, faith, peace and grace.
🗝God leads by love, truth and faith. Satan pushes by lust, lies and fear.
🗝The only healthy fear we need to embrace is the reverential fear and honor of God, His Word and His higher ways.
🗝Do not fear. The Lord is near. He has given us the spirit of faith over fear.
🗝God has given us His supernatural Holy Spirit and this power is greater than every spirit of the enemy.
May we be filled with the fullness of our Heavenly Father’s all powerful, all consuming love that casts out all fear.
Light the day and the night fearless people of Light!
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.
Proverbs 4:13
God has not given us a spirit of fear, so why would I want to join in with anything that brings fear, especially to children. Why would I encourage or allow my child or teenager to watch movies or participate in any activity that might open up a door to a spirit of fear? This has never made any sense to me or resonated peacefully with my spirit. Many say all the horror houses and frightening and terrorizing is just for fun. Not my idea of fun. The enemy is not playing around – he has come to take us down.
The enemy often gets a foothold through those who do not understand that the unseen and spiritual world is more real than the seen and physical world. When children or even adults begin to believe that evil spirits are just a myth and whatever atmosphere we surround ourselves in makes no difference, this is not wise. It often leads to believing lies and opening doors that later need to be shut and activities that may even need to be renounced. Jesus told us the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. First, the father of lies (the devil) just takes many captive through spiritual ignorance, spiritual indifference, or spiritual immaturity.
Shut the door, keep out the devil.
It’s not just an old lyric. It’s truth. We need to close doors to the enemy and evil spirits and open the door to God and His Holy Spirit. Even Jesus said, I stand at the door of your heart and knock. Will you open the door and let me in for us to have fellowship together? This is my paraphrase of Revelation 3:20.
As a child, I can recall specifically on at least two occasions being awakened and terrified during the middle of the night – once while at my grandmother’s home, and on another occasion at the home of my aunt and uncle. There was a lot of instability I encountered as a child due to my mother’s battle with mental illness, my parent’s divorce, and then, along with my brother, both of us being moved around to stay with different relatives as a result. Definitely some doors to the enemy had been opened that needed to be closed. Many years later, in my early twenties, I am thankful that my eyes were opened to the truth from God’s Word and the fact that spiritual warfare is real. Because of much I had already encountered in my childhood and have now battled throughout my adult journey as a Christ follower, I can testify to this reality. We are to put on the full armor of God to protect ourselves and keep every door to the enemy closed. So, when my two children were young, we made the decision to only allow our children to participate in fall harvest festivals through our church on or near this date, where nothing dark, evil or fear related was involved. This is what my husband and I felt at peace about also after learning about all the dark spiritual activities that occur on this date that predominately glorify evil and darkness. Furthermore, we never allowed our children to watch horror movies or anything even closely related which might open a door to a spirit of fear or any other evil spirits, and might invoke nights filled with nightmares over sweet and peaceful sleep.
We open doors to our spirits by what we allow into our eye gates, our ear gates, our mind gates, and our heart and spirit gates. Guard the gates of your heart. These are the gates that open doors to your heart.
We can choose to either open doors to spirits of love, goodness, truth, peace and grace or spirits of hatred, evil, lies, fear and manipulation.
If you are a parent, it’s your responsibility to guard the gates of your children’s eyes, ears, minds, hearts and spirits.
Be careful what you open the door to. It might come back to haunt you.
Choose today to focus on whatever is
Good, pure and lovely
Over
Evil, perverse and ugly.
Light the day and the night fearless people of Light!
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper,rise up from the dead,and Christ will give you light.” So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Ephesians 5:8-17
Scripture references: Leviticus 19:31; 1 John 4:4, 5:4; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 1:15-17; Romans 8:11; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 John 4:17-18; Psalm 101:2-5; Proverbs 4:20-24; 1 Peter 5:8; John 8:44; 10:10; Psalm 4:8; Proverbs 3:24
Today is Reformation Sunday and a reminder of the gracious path to abundant and everlasting life in Christ.
On this day in 1517, Martin Luther, a German Monk, reminded the church we can never pay the debt for our own forgiveness of sins.*
Jesus paid for that.
Done.
It is finished.
This is the truth of Ephesians 2:8-9 – we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone and none of us can do enough good works to earn this amazing gift of grace.
This kind of amazing and redeeming grace should reform our hearts and lives to the point that others will see that Jesus has truly set us free.
Those who have a revelation of how amazing this undeserved favor of God is, do not make light of it by continuing to live a rebellious and sinful lifestyle. Instead, those who are experiencing the benefits of God’s gracious gift of forgiveness and mercy, are moved to living empowered by grace.
“Reform” defined – To improve by alteration, correction of error, or removal of defects; put into a better form or condition.
Redeemed by the blood.
Reformed by the Spirit.
Transformed by The Word.
Called to share the grace,
shine the light,
and
proclaim the truth,
so all others can hear
and receive it.
Jesus altered my heart, my lifestyle, and my state of mind.
He gave me a place at the King’s Table for now and all of time.
Rise up royal sons and daughters.
It’s your time to rise and shine.
Reformer’s arise.
God has redeemed and reformed us for His glory and purpose, to advance His kingdom mission in the world where we live.
May we all be awakened to release all the power of God’s Spirit and His gracious good gifts.
Reformer’s arise for such a time as this.
For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
Ephesians 2:8-9 Amplified Bible
For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
Romans 5:17-18
Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
Romans 6:1-4
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Romans 6:14
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
Ephesians 1:5-7
*Martin Luther forever changed Christianity when he nailed his ’95 Theses’ to a church door sparking the Protestant Reformation.
Our attitude is always showing. Does mine need to be covered instead?
Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God], so that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness], holding out and offering to everyone the word of ice, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to greatly rejoice because I did not run [my race] in vain nor labor without result.
Philippians 2:14-16 The Amplified Bible
Sharing a prayer from chapter 6 of “Joy Like a Fountain…How to have joy no matter what life brings your way!” – a Philippians Bible study in progress by Joyful Jenny.
My pain has always pressed me to pray, pen and pursue the joy of God’s presence.
Joyful Jenny
How about you? Can you relate?
Week 6 of this study covers Philippians 2:12-18 and the chapter is entitled, “The Joy of Being One of God’s Shining Stars with a Joyful Attitude!” A complaining attitude is a joy killer. A joyfully good attitude is a joy giver.
Pray this Prayer…
Dear Father, Thank you for empowering me by Your Spirit to obey You. May others clearly see that I belong to You through the work and assignments You have given me to do and through my joyful attitude too. Help me to keep surrendering more of myself and to be free from all forms of legalism even as the fruit of my salvation is on display. I ask you to continue to stir up within me the desire to please You and the power to overcome complacency, compromise, and complaining. Forgive me for all the times I have had a negative, pessimistic, judgmental or prideful attitude. Forgive me for the times I have allowed the enemy to keep me from connecting with other believers in Your church. Help me to be a peacemaker and not an argument starter or criticizer of others. Help me instead to pray for others and to see them through the eyes of grace. I desire to honor You and the truth of Your Word and to stay in fellowship with You and other believers as we radiate Your Light together for all the world to see. Help me to be a bright shining light and lead by example as I serve You from a heart of love and worship. Help me be the radiant one I am called to be in the midst of all the darkness, deception and perverseness around me. Continue to guide me along the race You have marked out for me individually based upon my own uniqueness – my SHAPE – my S – spiritual gifts, H – heart, A – abilities, P – personality and E – experiences. Help me to take joy in pouring my life out as an offering to bring You glory and to bring joy to the hearts of others too. May Your joy be my strength. In Jesus name, Amen.
Rejoice in the fact that I understand you perfectly, and I know exactly what you are experiencing. …Awareness of My marvelous companionship can infuse joy into the grayest day. – …Surely you have made us glad with the joy of Your presence. Psalm 21:6
Excerpt taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
You too, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.
Philippians 2:18 The Amplified Bible
As Christians, we are called to overcome evil with good and to overcome every spirit of fear by the power of God’s love and through our faith in God and His infallible Word. Below is a link to an article reminding us how Nehemiah responded to evil agendas, overcame fear, and fulfilled his assignment. Many good parallels for such a time as this.
https://www.generals.org/blog/our-response-to-evil-and-fear-10242022 Article by Marion Farrar of Generals International
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.
1 John 4:16-18
This is an excellent and encouraging teaching on the new biblical year of 5783. Thank you Christine Vales.
The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit and part of our spiritual armor in our fight of faith.
When we are not willing to…
🗡📖read the Word,
🗡📖study the Word,
🗡📖meditate on the Word
🗡📖hear the Word,
🗡📖receive the Word,
🗡📖agree with the Word,
🗡📖strengthen our faith thru the Word,
🗡📖memorize the Word
🗡📖obey the Word,
🗡📖pray the Word,
🗡📖believe the Word,
🗡📖decree the Word,
🗡📖speak the Word,
🗡📖stand on the Word,
🗡📖and honor the Word of God above all other words and opinions,
…we have laid down a vital part of our armor.
🗡📖Without wielding our sword of the Word of God we are not in a position to live an overcoming life. Actually, in biblical times, swords were designed for killing the enemy. When we take up the sword of the Word of God, we defeat the enemy too.
How do we take up our sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God?
Taking up our sword of the Spirit goes beyond checking off a list of reading, memorizing, studying, and reciting the scriptures, even though these are good and necessary. First and foremost, we must remain fully surrendered to and in love with the God of the Word who became flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. As we are submitted to God first and then walk out a lifestyle lived in submission to the Word of God, our faithful obedience empowers us to overcome and exercise our spiritual authority over all the power of the enemy.
The Word of God may not be popular or politically correct, but it is powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. It does heart surgery and severs ungodly strongholds. It silences the enemy’s voice.
God’s Word is the final word that will stand over every scheme of the evil one.
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:10-18
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Hebrews 4:12-13
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John 1:14
The grass withers and the flowers fade,but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8
Psalm 119 is The Word Psalm
But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in His name, His Word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!
Jeremiah 20:9
Additional Word References: James 4:5-10; Luke 10:19; Ephesians chapters 4 thru 6
You should keep asking each other, ‘What is the Lord’s answer?’ or ‘What is the Lord saying?’
Jeremiah 23:35
The words “prophet” and “prophetic” make many uncomfortable and nervous, even many Christ followers. First, we must remember that God’s Word is prophetic. If we hear any “prophetic” word that does not align with God’s Word, that is not the right word, nor is it a true prophetic word. Every true prophetic voice will speak only what aligns with God’s prophetic Word, The Bible.*
Many are not hearing from God because they are listening to the wrong voices. Many are not discerning, but are distracted and deceived due to a desire for comfort over a commitment to the truth of scripture. Many are surrendering to compromise over answering God’s call to stand for truth. Many mock and scorn God, His prophetic Word, and His prophetic voices. This is nothing new.
Continue reading “What is the Lord saying?”This is amazing and powerful. It is also a reminder of how God is still speaking through prophetic voices today.
Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until He reveals His plans to His servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7
Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Click links below for more info on Jonathan Cahn and the ministries of Beth Israel Worship Center and Hope for the World:
https://www.bethisraelworshipcenter.org/about%20Us/AboutJC.php
https://www.bethisraelworshipcenter.org/
Remembering in prayer the families and friends of the victims of September 11th and never forgetting.
Continue reading “A Day to Remember and Never Forget”Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
Psalm 1:1-3
The joys of those is the phrase that not only begins this psalm, but in it lies the essence of what is promised to those who read and meditate on all the psalms. In the Hebrew it is plural (blessings) and is equivalent to the Greek word for “blessed” or “happy” (Matthew 5:3). The influence one allows others to have determines to a large extent one’s spiritual destiny. The follow-stand-join seems to suggest a progression of influence that results from initially turning one’s attention in this wrong direction.*
If the child of God can “never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and “never stop thanking God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13), then it is also possible to meditate day and night on God’s truths. This suggests a constant state of communion and fellowship with God.*
Meditating – hagah (hah-gah); Strong’s #1897: To reflect, to moan, to mutter; to ponder; to make a quiet sound such as sighing; to meditate or contemplate something as one repeats the words. Hagah represents something quite unlike the English “meditation,” which may be a mental exercise only. In Hebrew thought, to meditate upon the Scriptures is to quietly repeat them in a soft, droning sound, while utterly abandoning outside distractions. From this tradition comes a specialized type of Jewish prayer called “davening,” that is reciting texts, praying intense prayers, or getting lost in communion with God while bowing or rocking back and forth. Evidently, this dynamic form of meditation-prayer goes back to David’s time.*
*Notes taken from Thomas Nelson New Spirit Filled Life Bible
I know joy and I know pain.
I know laughter and I know sorrow.
I know there will always be brighter days ahead.
I keep looking forward to the promise of tomorrow.
Joy and sorrow run parallel on the train tracks of our earthly journey to our heavenly home.
Joyful Jenny
But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day.
Proverbs 4:18 The Amplified Bible
I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.~Jesus, our Joy Giver
John 16:33 The Living Bible
God’s Word still speaks.
Can you relate?
The best is yet to come.
Keep looking ahead. The fulfillment of the perfect day promised is still yet to come.
On June 13th, 1994 (28 years ago), very tragically and unexpectedly at the young age of 30, my beloved brother, Donnie, entered his heavenly home. I still remember the nightmare like details of that day, but God has healed and restored so much joy the devil came to steal and destroy.
When the ties that bind us close to this earth are gone, the ties that bind us close to Heaven are made stronger.
Jennifer Morrow {Joyful Jenny}
All things are definitely not all good. Many are the definition of evil and incredibly miserable and painful; but all things do work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose (as stated in Romans 8:28).
I’ve cried enough tears, so don’t expect me to apologize for my joy.
Jennifer Morrow {Joyful Jenny}
Don’t ever let my smiling face give the impression that all my pain has been erased. No one escapes pain, adversity and suffering this side of Heaven. Among many other trials that have come my way, losing my brother through the evil actions of others is one of the most painful, difficult and heart wrenching experiences I’ve needed the joy of the Holy Spirit to overcome still to this day.
Joyful Jenny overcomer has had to press close to Jesus the Joy Giver over and over or there would be no overcoming.
Continue reading “Remembering & Redeeming June 13th”
Our pastor’s wife always prays over all the women on Mother’s Day. Thank you, Tammy Hodges, for always displaying such grace, humility, and sensitivity especially on Mother’s Day. It is a difficult day for many for various reasons.
I join my prayer with hers today:
Holy Spirit, bless all the mothers who are only left with memories and many who are only left with the hope of what is yet to come.
Bless every mother with the joy of just being a much loved, highly favored and treasured woman and daughter of God.
In the midst of what is missing and what is lost or not yet received, may the sweetness of Your presence overflow.
Holy Father, may Your supernatural grace and peace cover us all today in Jesus mighty name, amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, we all need You more today.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Proverbs 31:30-31
Every day is a day of prayer for believers, but it is especially a good day to pray even more on this National Day of Prayer.
Prayer is powerful because our God is all powerful and we are commanded to always pray as part of God’s will. Jesus reminded us to always pray and never give up (see Luke 18:1).
Prayer brings peace.
Prayer brings release.
Prayer stirs up hope.
Prayer changes us before it changes any other thing.
Prayer transforms hearts where every issue of life starts.
Prayer is communicating with God.
Prayer is listening.
Prayer is free therapy.
Prayer is faith building.
Prayer brings answers, opens and closes doors, shifts our focus and so much more.
Prayers offered in great expectation and believing will result in bountiful blessings and riches often beyond our capacity of receiving.
Prayer is what we keep doing until our earthly journey ends and our lungs are no longer breathing.
A Prayer using The Lord’s Prayer as a guide:
Our Father,
Creator and Lord of Heaven and Earth,
We worship and Honor You and Your Holy Name above all other names,
May Your Kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit come in us, in our hearts, and in our homes.
May Your kingdom come and Your will be done.
May Your divine will, Your prophetic promises and higher purposes and plans bring light, love, truth and freedom to the nations of the world and all across our homeland.
Thank You for meeting our daily needs, and for forgiving our many sins, as we are forgiving of all others who have hurt and wounded us, and we pray a blessing on every child, woman and man.
Thank You for empowering us by Your Holy Spirit to escape temptation, and to live free from the power of the evil one until the very end.
All this we pray to the glory of Your name, amen.
Links below to resources for the National Day of Prayer:
https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/
Additional Scripture references: Matthew 6:9-13; 2 Chronicles 7:14: 2 Timothy 2:1-8; Philippians 4:6; James 5:16-18
See also several other prayers on this blog including: A Prayer, A Promise and a Call to Pray, a Joyful Prayer Acrostic, A Poem of Blessing for Pastors, and A Prayer for Such a Time as This.
Jesus, the Son of God, bore a crown of thorns to redeem us all for God’s glory. Jesus, the risen Savior, is now crowned King of all kings, and deserving of all honor and glory.
The Saturday in between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday made it appear that God was silent, and darkness, evil, injustice and death had won. In our earthly journey as Christ followers, the circumstances in our lives can sometimes make us feel like this too.
On that Saturday in between, Jesus’ followers were filled with confusion, fear, sorrow, doubts and disbelief. The Saturday in between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday remind us of this truth: the thorns of this life will never stop the glory that is to be revealed for all who have been made new creations in Christ.
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.
Romans 8:18-19
God has the final Word. Resurrection Sunday’s coming.
Continue reading “In Between the Thorns and The Glory”
Why is Good Friday good?
Many are still wondering how Jesus being crucified on the cross was good?
If I know what is good and never share it with you, what good is that?
First, we think we are good enough in and of ourselves to all reach or enter Heaven. We think our “doing enough good things” will override all our sins and the bad things we have done.
None are “good” enough to earn the free gift of salvation or the prize of Heaven. This is grace – God giving us not what we deserve, which is death that leads to eternal separation from God. This is grace – God giving us what we don’t deserve – amazing grace, forgiveness, and a secured future in our heavenly home forever united with Him. We will all die physically, but we will not all enter Heaven, unless we have accepted the payment for our sin debt covered by the blood of the only good enough one, our Savior Jesus.
But now God has shown us a way to be made right with Him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in His grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed His life, shedding His blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when He held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for He was looking ahead and including them in what He would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate His righteousness, for He himself is fair and just, and He makes sinners right in His sight when they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
Romans 3:21-28 New Living Translation
He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].
2 Corinthians 5:21 The Amplified Bible
(See also Isaiah 64:6; Romans 8; Hebrews 7:27)
For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].
Ephesians 2:8-9 The Amplified Bible
If I know what is good and never share it with you, what good is that?
Grace not only covers our sin, but empowers us to live forever free from sin.
Those who understand God’s amazing grace and have received the fullness of His love and grace are not looking to the cross of Good Friday as a crutch to remain entangled in a lifestyle of sin. As we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth from our Savior Jesus, His amazing grace empowers us to live freely by faith overcoming sin and temptation every good day. Jesus died on Good Friday to defeat sin and was resurrected 3 days later to demonstrate His power over all sin and death. As we surrender to Him and the same power that raised Him from the dead, the power of the Holy Spirit, we defeat sin and its power to control and enslave us. We are then free to live a new resurrected life as overcomers in Christ. (See Romans 6)
Since we have been united with Him in His death, we will also be raised to life as He was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. …Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Romans 6:5-7, 13-14 New Living Translation
Today can be a Good Friday and a good life from now to eternity as we accept God’s goodness, grace and mercy that His blood paid the price for us all to receive. The benefits of Good Friday are available to all – to all believe and receive. (See John 1:10-13; 14:6; Romans 10:9-13)
If I know what is good, and never share it, what good is that?
If I love you, I will share what is good from God’s perspective with you. I will share the goodness, the love and the truth the good good Father God has brought into my life with you that has set Joyful Jenny free. God’s love demonstrated for all on the cross not only covers the payment for all our sin, but sets all the captives free from the curse of the law.
Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “ Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] on a tree (cross)”—
Galatians 3:13 The Amplified Bible
(See also Galatians 5:1; 1 Peter 3:18)
Who do you know who is good like this?
✝️ Will pay for all of your debts?
✝️ Will forgive and forget all your sins?
✝️ Will love you unconditionally, even when you don’t love them?
✝️ Will freely give their life for you to freely live?
✝️ Will never leave or forsake you?
✝️ Will share His inheritance with you?
✝️ Will correct, guide and walk alongside you all the days of your life?
✝️ Will share your suffering, sorrow, pain and grief, and bring comfort, healing, freedom, peace, provision, and a restoration of joy and abundant life?
Only Jesus. The Lord is good and His suffering in our place demonstrates clearly why the cross and Good Friday are both good reminders of God’s goodness, mercy, sacrificial love and amazing grace.
What good is God calling you to share with someone today?
God is good, all the time. All the time, God is Good. Why not share some of your good good Father’s goodness and grace with others today.
The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7 New Living Translation
The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation.
Psalm 145:9 New Living Translation
I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep.
John 10:11 New Living Translation
Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God shows His great love for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ made us friends of God.
Romans 5:7-11 New Living Translation
And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for Him.
Hebrews 9:27-28 New Living Translation
A Good Prayer:
Father God, I come to You acknowledging that You are God. I believe that in Your goodness, kindness and mercy, You sent Your only Son, Jesus, to die for my sins and to pay for my full sin debt on the cross of Calvary. I repent of my sins. I renounce them and turn away from them today. I thank You for forgiving all my sins. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who came in the flesh, walked the earth as the only perfect One who never sinned and willingly laid down His life for me on the cross so that I might live free from sin and its ultimate effects of eternal death and separation from You. I believe You raised Jesus from the dead demonstrating Your triumphant power over all sin and death. By faith, I accept your free gift of salvation today. Fill me with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for forgiving me, saving and healing me and setting me free from every sin and trap of the enemy for all eternity. Guide me, teach me, and lead by Your Holy Spirit and Your Word into all truth, so that I might know You and walk in a life giving relationship with You. Awaken desires and all the good gifts you planted in me while I was yet in my mother’s womb and the good gifts of the Holy Spirit, that will bring You honor and glory and will serve others for Your kingdom’s purpose. I stand on the promise in Your Word that You will complete all the good You have begun in me as my heart remains fully surrendered to You all the days of my life. Surely, Your goodness, unfailing love and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forevermore. Amen.
A few other references about the goodness of God: 1 Peter 1:3-5; Hebrews 13:5; John 10:1-11; 14:15-21; Romans 8:11; Isaiah 53:1-10; Jeremiah 1:5; 17:14; Philippians 1:6; Psalm 23; 86:5; 103:1-5; 107:1; 111:7; 116:5; 118:1, 29; 119:68; 135:3; 136:1
While praying over an assigned area of prayer this morning, I began reading in Isaiah 65 and Jeremiah 1.
Therefore, the Lord God says this, “Listen carefully, My servants will eat, but you will be hungry; Indeed, My servants will drink, but you will be thirsty; Indeed, My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. “Indeed, My servants will shout for joy from a happy heart, But you will cry out with a heavy heart, And you shall wail and howl from a broken spirit.
Isaiah 65:13-14
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am [only] a young man,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. “Do not be afraid of them [or their hostile faces], For I am with you [always] to protect you and deliver you,” says the Lord.
Jeremiah 1:7-8
We see the contrast in Isaiah 65 between God’s people and the lost and deceived. Those who do not come to know God and encounter God will experience hunger, thirst and shame spiritually. We see it today – eating and drinking, but never satisfied and still thirsty, and instead of bringing God glory, as we were all created to do (Isaiah 43:7), many are glorying instead in shameful behaviors.
For there are many, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, who live as enemies of the cross of Christ [rejecting and opposing His way of salvation], whose fate is destruction, whose god is their belly [their worldly appetite, their sensuality, their vanity], and whose glory is in their shame—who focus their mind on earthly and temporal things.
Philippians 3:18-19 The Amplified Bible
Let us remember that it is the Father’s heart of love and His will that no one should be lost or deceived, and so He sent Jesus because God so loves and dearly prizes all people. This love mission of God is fulfilled through Jesus. Salvation, not condemnation, but the opportunity to be free from condemnation is freely offered to all who believe and receive Jesus (see John 3:16-18). The Father’s heart and mission is our mission too. As we have our Father’s heart, we begin to see all people through our Father’s eyes. Embracing our Father’s heart should move us with compassion to be actively involved fulfilling our God-given assignment to see the lost saved and redeemed and the spiritually blinded eyes opened. We might should question ourselves if we are not actively praying for and/or participating with a ministry that proclaims the good news that Jesus came to bring – the truth of abiding in Jesus and His Word that sets the captives free. May our eyes and ears be opened and our hearts be awakened to discern the times we are living in. May we be motivated by our Father’s love to pursue our Father’s business of seeking first the Kingdom, spreading the good news, and discipling like Jesus too. The first place where the kingdom of God begins is in our own hearts, our own homes, and the open door of assignments God has placed us in for such a time as this. Do what is right before God right where you are in this season of your life. Walk in peace with God and let His Holy Spirit lead you by peace in every decision. Serve the Lord out of a motivation of love for Him and others with His joy as your strength. (2 Peter 3:9; Luke 17:20-21; Matthew 6:33; 18:18-20; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10, 13; Romans 8:1, 5; 14:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-25)
This is a prayer over all who are answering the call to bring the good news of amazing grace with great joy wherever God is leading and planting us for such a time as this. Amen.
Prayer based in Isaiah 65 & Jeremiah 1:
Father God, may we continue to feast on Your Word and be filled with discernment and revelation for such a time as this.
May we continue to drink from the fountain of Your Holy Spirit that never runs dry. May we be filled to overflowing with the fruit of Your Spirit for such a time as this.
May we continue to experience supernatural joy in Your presence as Your radiant and redeemed ones for such a time as this.
May all our steps be guided and directed by Your Spirit. May we, Your overcoming ones, speak the truth in love and without fear of anyone, as You, our great Defender and Protector, are faithfully and forever with us for such a time as this.
Amen.
This is not a time to pull back, compromise, remain silent, or in our comfort zones. This is a time for the sons and daughters of God to rise up, speak up, and stand strong in faith. This is a time to remain fully covered in our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18), feasting on the Word of God and continually being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
May this encourage you to pursue God’s higher Kingdom purposes free from every spirit of fear and trap of the enemy for such a time as this. (Galatians 1:10; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 12:1-2)
Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, liberation and rescue will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father’s house will perish [since you did not help when you had the chance]. And who knows whether you have attained royalty for such a time as this [and for this very purpose]?”
Esther 4:13-14 The Amplified Bible
For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! For [even the whole] creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration and futility, not willingly [because of some intentional fault on its part], but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will also be freed from its bondage to decay [and gain entrance] into the glorious freedom of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been moaning together as in the pains of childbirth until now.
Romans 8:18-22 The Amplified Bible
We are filled with the Holy Spirit for God’s kingdom purposes and not our own. As we participate in the kingdom ministry and mission of Jesus, may we all receive a receive a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit for such a time as this.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (the Messiah), Because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy), to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the favor of God abound greatly].”
Luke 4:18-19 The Amplified Bible
I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord .
Psalm 27:13-14
Are you like me today? Are you battling physical pain, painful heartbreak, and a spirit of despair? I was not at all delighted to discover from an initial diagnosis this past week that the literal “pain in my neck” may be the result of bone spurs and a pinched nerve, as well as a possible additional cause of which I will not mention nor am I willing to accept – not today, Satan. Not taking it, but receiving full healing by faith, amen. (After writing this and seeing an Orthopedic Spine doctor, I learned the real root and culprit is my shoulder – so there’s another lesson – getting to the root of our pain sometimes takes a little time). Yes, irregardless of what I am experiencing or any medical diagnosis, I am believing God will bring healing and restoration, and relief from all the recent intense pain traveling into my upper back, right shoulder and arm and occasionally in my head too. On top of this, a few other painful scenarios are in total opposition to my many prayers of faith. While standing in faith believing the promise of restoration grounded in God’s covenant promises, certain situations appear to be taking a detour in a discouraging direction. Can you relate? So, this is what faith is for. The promises of God are only fulfilled as we keep on believing, expecting, waiting for and trusting to receive them by faith all in God’s timing – no matter what we are currently seeing or experiencing.
In the process of waiting and expecting God’s good promises to be fulfilled in our own land of the living – in our hearts, homes, and families – and in this fight of faith, the enemy wants to wear us out to the point of giving up on hope, giving up on faith, giving up on God’s promises, giving up on people, giving up on the church, and ultimately giving up on God, His faithfulness, His goodness and His good purposes for us altogether. He also wants to stop us from declaring His Word over our own lives and sharing God’s truth and our testimony of all that we have overcome with others. For believers, we know our citizenship in Heaven has been secured by the precious blood of our Savior, Jesus. However, if we desire to live abiding in the overcoming victory and abundant life that Jesus died to give us, as well as fulfilling our assignments to be used as instruments of light, love, joy and peace, we have to be aware that we will always encounter opposition. The enemy’s ultimate goal for believers is to steal, kill and destroy our divine assignments as the hands and feet of Jesus on earth for such a time as this. He is not only the father of lies, an accuser of the brethren, but a distractor that devises schemes to derail us from fulfilling God’s good plans and purposes.
The Apostle Paul encountered much opposition too…
“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and. There are many adversaries.”
1 Corinthians 16:9
So, in the midst of all this great opposition, we must do the opposite of what the enemy is enticing us to do.
Here are some common things we often hear from the lying voice of the enemy, or when we start despairing…
…give up;
…don’t pray,
…don’t worship,
…don’t read or listen to the Word of God,
…stop sharing the Word,
…stop speaking the truth and stop writing to help bring you and others in remembrance of the truth (to those of us who relate to feeling compelled by the Spirit to both write and speak);
…stop loving;
…stop forgiving;
and, definitely stop praying for others.
Anytime you hear this, my friend, DO EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE!
Worship. Rest. Get in God’s presence. Wait and just be still in the Lord’s presence.
Receive His peace and refreshing.
Open God’s Word – read it, listen to it, believe it and, especially speak it over your life and in your prayers – in spite of what things look like – speak it out loud to the enemy and over your life (just like Jesus did when the temptor tempted Him).
We must keep standing. After having done all, then stand. Beyond keeping all the armor on, do all the repenting, all the obeying, all the worshiping and praying. We must keep standing in faith continuing to believe and remaining hopeful even after many years of delaying. We must keep standing in faith and hopeful expectation of seeing the goodness of God in the land of the living.
This we declare today, Lord:
Amen.
When facing opposition from the enemy, do the opposite of what his lies are speaking to your mind.
Do not despair, believe, wait and expect to see God’s goodness.
Bind and release. Speak and bind every spirit of confusion and strife and conflict. Agree with God’s Word and the power of His Holy Spirit for order, grace and peace to be released.
Especially on painful and difficult days, we have to do the opposite of what our feelings and emotions are often leading us to do. We can rise up and overcome despair through worship and prayer. We can rise up and overcome by focusing on God’s Word to strengthen and renew our hope in the God who is our hope. We can rise up and decree and declare who we are in Christ as overcomers. We can rise up and decree and declare God’s promises and specifically that we will see the goodness of God in the land of the living. Amen.
I wait [patiently] for the Lord, my soul [expectantly] waits, And in His word do I hope.
Psalm 130:5
Be joyful in hope, patient in afflictions, and always remain faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
Romans 15:13
Other Scripture References: Matthew 4; John 10:10; 1 Timothy 6:12; Ephesians 6:10-18; Hebrews 11:1, 6; Romans 8:28; Revelation 12:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Luke 10:19; Matthew 18:18-20
The Battle for Joy, Purity, Peace, Rest and Restoration for such a time as this – thoughts from the book of Esther from February of 2021 – updated in March, 2022. I encourage you to read through the 10 chapters in Esther.
“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14
Just like Esther asked her attendants to pray with her, we need each other remnant warrior sisters (and brothers too) who “attend to each other” for such a time as this. We need the Lord and each other. Pay attention to those who God has strategically connected you with for His purpose. We are all feeling the heat of the battle over our own hearts, our families, and the family of God right now. If you are encountering more warfare personally and within your family, you are not alone. If, as a believer, you are not aware that you have a spiritual enemy, who is roaming about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, either you are not discerning, or you are not a threat. He is not a lion; he only counterfeits and roams about “like” one. Satan never creates, he copies and he counterfeits. I am writing this today from a place of having come through a week of moving forward with others who are advancing the light, love and truth of the kingdom and also weary from battling the forces of darkness coming against myself and my own family personally to try to wear us out. May this weary warrior sister be used to remind us all: God hears every heartcry of the righteous and He answers the cries of His sons and daughter always in His timing (Psalm 34:17-19, 22). Like the song says, “Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working. Even when I don’t see it, You’re working….” Amen. God is working. He is our Redeemer, Restorer, and Waymaker. This is Esther’s story too.
On the Jewish calendar, this is the season of Purim (officially in February 25 and 26, 2021).
Typically Purim falls around March 14th and 15th and occurred March 16th and 17th in 2022.
Purim is an annual Jewish festival of joy celebrating the deliverance of the Jewish people from their day of destruction (Esther 9:26-32). For those of us who are not Jewish, but are believers in Christ, as covenant children of God, we have been delivered from eternal death and destruction as well (Romans 3:23-26; 6:22-23). This reminder should serve as an inspiration to live joyfully and to celebrate each joyful day that the Lord has made. Since we live in a fallen world, we still battle the prince of the power of the air, whose goal is to steal, kill and destroy the abundant life (Ephesians 2:2; John 10:10). Our future peace, rest, restoration and joy forevermore is secure, but living from this abundant overflow is a daily fight of faith. We all become tired and weary, and especially if we keep encountering one battle after another this side of Heaven.
This is not a heavy word, but a heavenly spirit filled word. This is a joyful word meant to encourage and strengthen you weary, remnant warriors and my own self too.
The Father is purifying us more and He is redeeming, healing and restoring hearts, homes and family relationships, so that we shine and reflect the Father of Light in the midst of all the pain and darkness around us. We must welcome the process and the continued process of this purification, so that we can boldly declare His love, grace and truth to those who desperately need to hear. Some are just beginning this process, and some are digging deeper into this process of purification and purging. Esther went through a cleansing and beautification process. We are the beautiful bride of Christ; the one that Christ is returning for without spot or wrinkle. However, the spots and wrinkles the Holy Spirit desires to eliminate for His radiant bride to glow brightly with His glory starts within our hearts. The roots of our spots and wrinkles are tethered to the entrapments of compromise, disobedience, deception, indifference, unforgiveness, the distractions of the world, self, selfishness, and pride (to name a few) over passion for God and the advancement of His kingdom purposes and plans.
Here is a good God desire – the desire to please our King as part of His royal priesthood of sons and daughters (1 Peter 2:9).
PEACE
REST
RESTORATION
These are the words I hear my Father speaking to me and I believe He is faithful to fulfill His promises to me. These are the words I believe the Father is speaking to His body – His royal bride and family for such a time as this. His joy is to be our strength and our purified hearts are to be burning with passion to follow the promptings of His Holy Spirit in every season. The joy of the Lord of the pure burning hearts will enter the Father’s peace, rest and restoration – even amidst the darkness and chaos of this present day.
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her. Amen. (Luke 1:45)
The Lord gave His people peace and rest from their enemies. (See Esther 9:20-22)
We are also in the 12th Jewish calendar month of Adar – meaning “Joy.” Peace, rest, restoration, and a restoration of joy are our inheritance as we see in the verses in Isaiah 55:10-13.
Queen Esther was giving authority divinely and sovereignly as she accepted and walking in obedience to the plan God opened before her supernaturally. The scepter represents authority. As believers in Christ, we have been given authority over the enemy. In order to walk in our God-given authority, we must walk in obedience and holiness; not perfect and without sin, which none of us are, but pure in heart, pure heart motives, hearts clean through confession and continued repentance of sin, unforgiveness, and anything that would hinder the purity of Christ and His love shining through us. This is the Light. Even joy is tied to the color yellow, which is bright.
God is going to answer prayers for peace, rest and restoration. We will not live dejected or sad, because the joy of The Lord is our strength. Amen.
We are “Elijah like” men and women who carry God’s presence, the fiery Love and power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of The Lord.
We are not pitiful. We are powerful.
We are not victims. We are victorious.
We are not overcome. We are overcomers.
We are not being conquered by the enemy or any spirit of the enemy, but we are becoming more than conquerors!
As we press into His love, His promises and, as we remain faithful to obey God what over the fear of what others may say, misunderstand, or even mock. This is the times we are living in.
We are not cowing down to the enemy and the Jezebel spirit that works thru manipulation, intimidation and domination.
We are the mighty ones who are led by the Spirit and not controlled through manipulation.
We are not ashamed of the gospel, but instead boldly and fearlessly proclaim truth with love and grace in the face of intimidation.
We destroy and dominate every demonic stronghold through the blood of Jesus and our prayers and our obedience to His Word.
We desire to see His kingdom come within our hearts, and our homes, and to every nation.
We are standing bold and strong and crushing the enemy’s head thru our prayers, discernment and obedience as we walk in purity of heart and with our Prince of Peace. Let’s keep covering each other and our families as we are dangerous to the enemy and his plans and he knows it, just as Esther’s obedience forfeited and cancelled out Haman’s evil plot. This is why we are experiencing the pressure of the enemy’s schemes.
Our obedience not only blesses us, but it blesses others too. Just like Esther, we often do not realize that our own personal obedience might be used to bring salvation, help, healing and bring restoration to someone else. Esther was safe and had a place of prominence and prosperity in the King’s palace. We, who are believers are like royalty too, in the respect that we now belong to the King of kings; we are co-heirs with Jesus. We may need a type of Mordecai to remind us from time to time, however, that our position should prompt us to do what is right and obedient, and not always what is the easiest and most comfortable for ourselves.
Obedience is not usually easy. It wasn’t for Esther. She was not supposed to go before the King unsummoned. This could mean death for her, even though she was the queen. She asked her attendants to fast and pray. When there is a big decision, and when there is a lot of warfare around us, we must have those who will stand together with us in prayer and contend for God’s will over our lives. These are the attendants or faithful sisters and brothers who will encourage us in obeying God and His Word over taking the easy way out, or even what may be deemed safe socially and culturally. Let’s get practical: if we keep silent when God says speak with truth and grace; or, if we speak, when God says wait, just pray; or, if we hold on tightly, when God says give; or, if we keep rehearsing all our hurts, when God is calling us to release those to Him for healing and peace, we are not obeying God.
Holy Spirit what are you speaking to me? Help me to be bold, courageous and obedient like Esther for such a time as this. Amen.
Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by ever nation. I will be honored throughout the world.
Psalm 46:10
Other Scripture References: Romans 16:20; Proverbs 28:1; Isaiah 60:1-5; Psalm 23; Revelation 12:11
A few weeks ago, I was awakened about 4 am with these rhyming thoughts on words rumbling in Jenny’s joyful head. I said, “Lord, can I wait to get up to write these down later?” Only, if I can remember all these rhyming word lines, but the Spirit kept prompting and I could not delay to obey and began writing them instead.
The words that we’ve spoken are why so many hearts are either mended or broken.
The words that we’ve spoken are why so many relationships are either mended or broken.
Are the words that I’ve spoken the reason why so many things are broken?
Why at this point in my life am I not speaking words of life?
Are the words that I am speaking bringing help and healing?
Some people beat the hell out of you with their words and then wonder why your fellowship is broken?
Some people beat the hell out of you with their words and then wonder why your relationship is dead?
Get those divisive and destructive words out of your head long before they get to your heart and then you start speaking them, and they are daggers to my heart.
Take those words captive and lay them down at the cross, before they cross others and that beloved bond of sweet fellowship is forever lost.
Are my words like daggers to the heart, or are they like a smooth ointment that cover my scars?
Are my words like daggers that pierce to the heart and leave an open wound that must be healed?
Are my words like a bandage that help stop the bleeding and help to bring healing?
The words on which I am meditating I am eventually regurgitating.
Stop speaking words that murder and words that kill. God is calling you to speak words that heal.
Speak life.
Then, you will be able to help make so many things right.
Whatever I am thinking, this is what I will be speaking.
Out of the heart, this is where all our words start.
Are the words that I am releasing bringing the hearers help and healing?
Speak words of life. Help turn on the light. Many are in the dark, so speak gracious words of hope to wounded hearts.
The words that I speak – are they like cow manure and really stink?
Or, are the words that I speak being used to help others to ponder and think? Do my words turn on the light and bring brightness to the blind and hope for a better life?
Do my words build you up? Do my words tear you down? Do my words give you grace? Yes, I can see the result of my words on your face.
Do my words like a fire kindle God’s grace and ignite your gifts. Or do my words begin a destructive blaze that burn your hopes down, or a fiery torch that scorches and burns and causes many relationship rifts and meltdowns?
Speak life.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, so speak words that bear good fruit, bring life, and shine the light.
Watch your words. They bring life or death. They turn on the light or keep others in the dark. They give grace or judgment, so above all, guard your heart. This is where all words of life end or start.
My thinking is speaking and revealing my heart. So think on what is good, pure and lovely, and will ultimately bring life to my spirit and joy to my heart.
Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].
Ephesians 4:29 Amplified Bible
Word References: Proverbs 18:21; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Proverbs 4:23; John 6:63; James 1:19
Ponder It