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
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.
Do you have joy like a fountain? Or has your well all dried up? Are you able to follow the Apostle Paul’s advice, “Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, keep being joyful…” – a Joyful Jenny paraphrase of Philippians 3:1.
No one likes to take advice from someone who cannot relate to all you may have been through or are currently going through. However, Paul encountered much adversity and suffered many hardships all while serving the Lord, including the following and much more: being imprisoned, 5 times whipped with 39 lashes, 3 times beaten with rods, robbed, mistreated and misunderstood by his own people and others, experiencing broken friendships, and often not having enough food to eat – and all while faithfully serving God! Still, Paul kept sharing the joyful message, “Rejoice in the Lord always!”
Again, along with Paul, Joyful Jenny says, “Choose JOY no matter what!”
Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy. Tim Hansel
Do you have joy no matter what is happening to you?
Do you have joy no matter what is going on around you?
This is one of the messages God has given me in the midst of life’s trials and messiness.
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!
Jesus told us the things He told us in His Word SO THAT our JOY WOULD OVERFLOW. Paul reminds us to “be joyful in the Lord always.” Many are unaware or have forgotten that to be continually joyful is part of God’s will for us who belong to the Lord.*
Okay, so I realize even sharing the words of our Savior Jesus and powerful Paul will not automatically make us oh so joyful.
Joyful Jenny always gets this right and is your perfect joyful guide. I am always bright and cheery Joyful Jenny – haha! NOT! The true joy hero is the Apostle Paul, so only follow me when I am successful at imitating Paul y’all. Who even comes close to enduring Paul’s many trials? Continual pressures and painful scenarios are just helping joyless Jenny to die and Joyful Jenny to arise! Over the last few years especially, God has been bringing a restoration of joy in my life personally. Birthed out of a desire to obey and a desperation to live joyful and free, I keep choosing to press more and more into God’s grace. As I do, God’s Spirit is empowering me to live out my new overcoming name and identity of Joyful Jenny.
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!
*See Psalm 16:11; John 15:11; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22; Nehemiah 8:10; John 10:10; Romans 8:37
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?
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
The fullness of the bright promises in God’s Word are still yet to bloom. Heaven awaits us. The best is yet to come.
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.
I always remember you, my beloved brother, Donnie.{In loving memory of Donald Lee Deason, November 13, 1963 – June 13, 1994}
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.
🗝All of us have pain and adversity to overcome, but not all of us live as joyful overcomers.
🗝Time does not heal, but time with God does.
🗝Forgiving really hard stuff will not happen on our own. None of us forgive and heal on our own. I know about forgiving really hard stuff. We all need God The Healer, and the Holy Spirit Comforter and Helper, and the family of God too.
🗝The forgiven and those who forgive live joyful and free.
🗝Hurting people who have not been healed hurt and sometimes even destroy others.
🗝Healed people help bring healing and restoration to others.
🗝Get help. Get healed. Allow the love, joy and peace of Christ to be revealed.
🗝My Monday of mourning has turned into a lifetime dance of joyful overcoming.
🗝Don’t bury or run away from your pain. In the midst of your many tears, pursue the restoration that Jesus, the Healer and Joy Giver can bring, until only His overcoming love, joy and peace remain.
The painful and tragic things that have happened to me have been used to further awaken and ignite the passionate pursuit of God, the power of His Holy Spirit and the purposes of God through dance, writing, teaching and praying with and for others.
How about you? Is this your overcoming story too?
Has your pain, adversity and suffering brought on more love, joy and peace, and overcoming evil with good too?
What painful trial, loss, or life tragedy has The Holy Spirit helped you overcome?
🗝The Holy Spirit is a gentle like a dove. He won’t force or push you to receive God’s comfort, help, healing and peace. We have to ask and receive and repeat until the healing work is complete.
🗝Pray for others in your pain.
🗝Forgive those who caused your pain.
🗝Pray for the the one(s) who caused your pain.
🗝Pray, “Holy Spirit help.” Wait on the Lord, receive and repeat until the healing work is complete.
Be kind and gracious, everyone you know is encountering pain you know nothing about.
Jennifer Morrow {Joyful Jenny}
Even if you have not had to overcome the tragic murder of a loved one, we all have painful heart wounds.
May the power of God’s love and His Holy Spirit bring help, healing, peace and joy restored.
I pray you overcome with love, joy and peace.
May you be restored to release.
Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. You cannot avoid pain, but you can avoid joy.
In loving memory of my precious Mom, beloved Rose.
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.
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:
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.
Just like Jesus, as redeemed sons and daughters, one day soon, we will leave all the thorns of this life behind. We will wear a crown of victory as we reign forever with Him when He returns to gather His glorious bride.
For now, this side of heaven, what is our part “in between” our thorn filled existence prior to entering Heaven and God’s glorious presence? What is our part during the silent and dark Saturdays of this life – in between our own Good Friday and Resurrection Sundays in this present broken, fallen and often dark world?
In between the thorns and the glory…
In between, God gives us His grace and truth and instructs us to walk by faith and not by sight.
When all looks dark, we look to the Light.
We abide in His truth and we bear much good fruit.
We keep running our race strengthened by amazing grace.
We walk by faith and not by sight.
We wait on the Lord – worshiping, praying and believing His promises all through this earthly life.
We remain filled with His Spirit walking in love above all else, knowing for certain His love never fails.
We thank God for joy as our strength, and supernatural peace overflowing to release.
We stay anchored to hope rising above every storm.
We keep trusting the God who raised Jesus from the dead.
We surrender our whole hearts and not just our heads.
We keep believing Jesus’ final words on the cross where he cried, “It is finished.” Sin is defeated, our victory is sealed.
Soon and very soon, all God’s power and glory will be revealed.
Our God, the Alpha and Omega has provided all we need to live as overcomers in Christ.
Jesus, our prophet, priest and Savior King, is soon to return to gather His glorious church family and bride.
All will be brought to light for the redeemed sons and daughters of the Lord Most High.
In the end, we win in Christ.
…“Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. (Revelation 1:17-18) Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. (Revelation 19:11-13)
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:6-11
…He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him— even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen! “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.
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?
“It is finished.” Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. (See Philippians 2:6-11; John 19:30)
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].”
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:
Faith reign over my feelings today.
Hope reign over my despair today.
Peace reign over all chaos and confusion in my heart and mind today.
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
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 4:29Amplified Bible
Word References: Proverbs 18:21; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Proverbs 4:23; John 6:63; James 1:19
Ponder It 