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”
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
J O Y F U L …
J – JESUS FIRST
O – OTHERS SERVED
Y – YOU FILLED WITH JOY
F – FAITHFULLY FOLLOWING
U – UNDER GOD’S COVERING
L – LOVING GOD and LOVING PEOPLE IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING
P R A Y E R …
P – Praise and Pray, Pray Continually, and Pray in Faith
R – Remember, Repent, and Reflect
A – ASK, ASK, ASK – Ask for All, Ask according to God’s Word and His Will, and Ask for The Amazing!
Y – You ask, Yeshua the Savior Delivers answers, and Yahweh Provides!
E – EXPECT, EXPECT, EXPECT – Expect to Encounter More, Experience More, and Expect God to Do More!
R – Receive Restoration and Return All the Glory to God!
P R A Y E R – let’s break it down more…
P – PRAISE and PRAY, PRAY CONTINUALLY and PRAY IN FAITH
P – PRAISE and PRAY
Praise and pray and worship too – even better! Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4). Prayer is entering into the courts of the Lord – the Mighty King, Judge and Ruler with all authority.
P – PRAY CONTINUALLY
This is God’s will for all of us who are believers in Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is communicating with God. We can pray anywhere, anytime and, as we practice just talking to God about everything, prayer becomes a part of our lifestyle. Whoever we are in close fellowship with, we talk to on a regular basis. As we draw closer in fellowship with God, we know He is present with us in every moment of every day. The more we pray and talk with God, the closer our relationship grows. Praying continually is an overflow of an intimate relationship with God.
P – PRAY IN FAITH
How do I pray in faith?
Pray the promises, not the problems. God is already aware of the problems. There is no need for us to come to God in prayer and turn it into a time where our prayers sound more like we believe God needs us to tell Him what is going on and what is all wrong. The God who sees all does not need us to recite all our problems to Him. As new believers, our prayers may begin this way, but as we grow in Christ, our praying in faith will too. Praising, thanking, bringing specific requests, pouring out our hearts, communing and conversing, reciting and believing God’s promises over every situation – these are all parts of faithful prayer.
Praying in faith is believing that the God who is faithful and all powerful will honor His Word above all. Praying in faith involves believing who God is in His Word and praying the promises in His Word in faith. We never base our faith on circumstances, what has happened or not happened to other people, or experiences. Our faith is in Jesus Christ, The Word incarnate.
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Romans 10:16-17
We not only hear and know the Word of God to have faith and grow in faith, but we are to live by, obey and follow the Word of God if we desire to pray, believe and receive in faith.
Faith defined in God’s Word:
Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval. By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11:1-3 The Amplified Bible
But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 The Amplified Bible
Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly]. 23 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea!’ and does not doubt in his heart [in God’s unlimited power], but believes that what he says is going to take place, it will be done for him [in accordance with God’s will]. 24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you. 25 Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go], so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and wrongdoings [against Him and others]. 26 [But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions.”]
Mark 11:22-26 The Amplified Bible
R – REMEMBER, REPENT and RELFECT
R – REMEMBER
Remember who GOD IS – GREAT, ALMIGHTY, AWESOME, CREATOR, WAYMAKER, MIRACLE WORKER – THE GREAT I AM.
“Then I pleaded with the Lord at that time [for His favor], saying, ‘O Lord God, You have only begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth that can do such works and mighty acts (miracles) as Yours?
Deuteronomy 3:23-24 The Amplified Bible
You are the [awesome] God who works [powerful] wonders; You have demonstrated Your power among the people.
Psalm 77:14 The Amplified Bible
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
Acts 10:38
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8
R – REPENT
Repentance, like worship, prayer and discipleship are life practices for followers in Christ. Repenting is not a one time event for the covenant daughters and sons. We repent to begin our relationship with God and we repent because we are in an intimate love relationship with God. When you love someone, you never desire to break their hearts. A repentant heart is a lifestyle for the true lovers of God. Grace is not an excuse to live an unrepentant lifestyle. Grace empowers us to live free from sin mastering our lives. (See Psalm 51; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that His word has no place in our hearts.
1 John 1:8-10 NLT
So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; and that He may send [to you] Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you, whom heaven must keep until the time for the [complete] restoration of all things about which God promised through the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.
Acts 3:19-21 The Amplified Bible
R – REFLECT
Reflect on all God’s blessings. The enemy wants us to forget these. The enemy speaks lies to our minds and will constantly remind us of all our present problems, trials, or circumstances that have not yet been resolved. Reflecting on God and His Word, His loving character and His sovereign good will for us who belong to Him will bring a shift in our focus. As we praise and worship, we reflect on who God is. We magnify Him and our blessings over every problem. Reflecting and ruminating in God’s Word will bring a revelation of the Promise Keeper.
The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those whose trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
Even if all is not answered or appears to be going wrong, yet, I still dare to hope when I reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness.
But this I call to mind, Therefore I have hope. It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, Because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-25 The Amplified Bible
“The Lord is my portion and my inheritance,” says my soul; “Therefore I have hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.” The Lord is good to those who wait [confidently] for Him, To those who seek Him [on the authority of God’s word].
Magnify God over all the problems. Whatever is magnified becomes larger in our lives. God is already greater than all, but our focusing on How great and mighty He is helps us to keep our focus in the right place and helps us to pray in faith. God is magnified as we reflect on who He is and worship Him. Spend more time in worship over magnifying your problems and constantly focusing on all that is wrong.
Oh magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together.
Psalm 34:3 ESV
A – ASK, ASK, ASK
A – ASK FOR ALL, ASK ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD and ASK FOR THE AMAZING!
A – ASK FOR ALL
Pray for all people and all things. Cast all your cares upon the Lord, remembering that He cares for you. (See 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6)
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
A – ASK ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD AND GOD’S WILL – GOD’S WORD IS HIS WILL!
God’s Word is His will. Jesus, who is the Word in the flesh came to do only the will of the Father. Whatever Jesus did as He walked the earth and as recorded in the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John is God’s will. We know it is God’s will for all people to be saved and to know and live by the truth that will set them free. Praying for forgiveness, freedom from lies and legalism, faith over fear, peace in the midst of every storm, healing of minds and bodies, and knowing and living in the truth are all prayers we should pray because Jesus demonstrated obeying the Father’s will perfectly. (John 1:14; John 5:30; 6:38; 8:31-32; 10:10)
This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him.
1 John 5:14-15 The Amplified Bible
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
John 15:5-8
Sometimes, we must remember that we think we know what is best, but our Father God always knows and does what is best in the end. Our part is living by faith, obeying by faith, trusting by faith and always praying by faith in His Word. (See Isaiah 55:8-13)
And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
James 4:3 NLT
A – ASK FOR THE AMAZING
Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You—
Jeremiah 32:17 The Amplified Bible
Y – YOU PRAY, YESHUA THE SAVIOR DELIVERS, and YAHWEH PROVIDES
Y – YOU PRAY and PRAY FOR YOURSELF
Pray prayers and promises straight from God’s Word not only for others but especially over yourself. Prayer first changes us before anything is changed. Prayer is about the surrender and transformation of our hearts and minds to God and His Word as image bearers of Christ, even before we see or expect to see any answers to our prayers or mountains moved or removed.
Y – YESHUA THE SAVIOR DELIVERS
Y – Yeshua – The Deliverer and Savior will do the delivering and saving. Yeshua, the Hebrew meaning of Jesus is to deliver, save or rescue.
Y – YAHWEH PROVIDES
Yahweh, Yireh, The Lord, who sees all, hears all, and is the Great I AM will provide. (Yahweh-Yireh – meaning the Lord will provide – see Genesis 22:13-14*) The Lord will provide as we pray. We are praying to the God who sees the situation beforehand and is able to provide for our needs.
And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 The Amplified Bible
E – EXPECT, EXPECT, EXPECT
E – EXPECT TO ENCOUNTER MORE, EXPERIENCE MORE & EXPECT GOD TO DO MORE
E – EXPECT TO ENCOUNTER MORE
E – Expect to encounter more of God’s presence.
As we begin our prayer with praise and worship, singing about who God is, and speaking about who He is as we enter prayer, we will encounter God’s presence. This is modeled in The Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus taught us to begin in hallowing and worshiping God and His name above every other name. God inhabits our praises (Psalm 22:3). We will encounter God’s presence in a tangible way as we obey the command to enter into His gates with praise (Psalm 100:4).
E – EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE MORE
E – Expect to experience more of God. God is love. God is peace. There is joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11). Expect to experience more of the attributes of God as you spend time with Him in prayer.
E – Expect to experience more of God’s extravagant love and healing personally. This is the power of intimacy in prayer.
E – EXPECT GOD TO DO MORE
E – Expect God to do exceedingly above and beyond all we are asking, expecting, including amazing miracle answers and gifts of grace too! Faith is hopeful and expectant. We should not pray and walk away doubting. We should pray, believing and expecting God to answer in ways that exceed our expectations and ultimately bring God glory.
R – RECEIVE RESTORATION and RETURN ALL THE GLORY TO GOD!
R – RECEIVE
R – Receiving and believing are both a part of prayer. Many believers struggle with receiving by faith. When we receive by faith. We say, “Thank You, God.” When you have received something by faith, being thankful to God is the appropriate response. We believe by faith first and then we receive.
R – Receive supernatural peace. This is a promise from prayer with thanksgiving and praying continually and over all (See Philippians 4:6).
R – RESTORATION
R – Restoration answers release and retell.
Let me proclaim Your power to this new generation, Your mighty miracles to all who come after me.
Psalm 71:18b
Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others He has redeemed you from your enemies.
Psalm 107:2
R – RETURN ALL THE GLORY TO GOD!
R – Return all the glory to God for all the amazing answers and restoration stories we see and are yet to be seen by faith. May we give God glory and tell these restoration stories joyfully. May we never discount or down play the answers we receive and the restoration stories we see. May we never give others credit for what our awesome God has done. Always say thank You, God, and give Him all the praise and the glory. It is not pleasing or glorifying to God when we spend so much time complaining and discussing all the problems, but so little time praising Him for all the answers to prayer we receive each and every day.
Yes, The Lord has done amazing things for us. What joy!
Psalm 126:3
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name goes all the glory for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1
*From Ann Spangler’s book, Praying the Names of God:
The Hebrew word raah (from which YIREH is derived) means “to see.” In this case, it is translated as “provide.” Since God sees the future as well as the past and present, He is able to anticipate and provide for what is needed. Interestingly the English word “provision” is made up of two Latin words that mean “to see beforehand.” In Genesis 22:13-14, Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son, Isaac. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
Always remember, Beloved ones…
You Are…
L oved fully and fully known by God
O overcoming by the power of His love
V victorious in Christ
E extravagantly and eternally blessed as a citizen of The Kingdom
D devoted daughter or son of the Most Loving One
God’s love never ends.
God’s love never fails.
Live empowered by His love and you will forever prevail.
A Love filled Prayer:
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Ephesians 3:14-19 NLT
Despite every trial or battle we face, overcoming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us. No person or no thing, nor life or death, will ever be able to separate those who belong to Christ from His love. (See Romans 8:37-39)
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
Ephesians 1:3 NLT
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV
“…I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:18 NLT
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT
Other Word references: Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 5:8; Philippians 3:20
May the Holy Spirit guide and direct you by the presence of peace.
May God’s angels protect you as you shepherd and lead His precious sheep.
May God, our good Father provide all that you need for you and your family, and His vision and dream.
May His Word bring you great discernment and wisdom while at His table you feast.
May the joy of the Lord Jesus always bring you healing and strength.
May your life of love and obedience bring God all the glory as you worship the King of kings.
Amen.
While praying and writing out thoughts for my own pastor, these rhyming prayerful thoughts came to my heart and mind.
Christmas time is here. Spreading joy and cheer. But for many, they are sensing more sorrow and shedding more tears. When you have experienced loss of a loved one, broken relationships, or a terrible tragedy, Christmas brings memories, both the joyful and the painful. Yes, joy and sorrow co-exist together for the sons and daughters of God and the joy of the Lord overcomes, but not automatically. Even when there are many good memories, the pain of what has been lost, changed or is yet to be resolved attempts to steal the joy of our triumphant journey.
Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy.
This quote by Tim Hansel is something I need to remind myself of today. I am sometimes falling into the misery that the messiness of life brings over the joy.
Even today, December 8th, is the day David’s precious mother, Helen, our Nana, went home to Heaven. I will never forget that Christmas and how painful it was for many reasons even beyond losing our Nana, as if that wasn’t enough.
But it’s not the pain of Christmas past I am reflecting on today. It’s the pain of the present. The positive to pain, is it helps us empathize with others who are suffering. So, my present pain makes me empathize with others who are not fully enjoying this most wonderful time of the year, or, who may be wishing they could avoid Christmas Day.
Tis the season to be jolly, but many are desiring just to be peaceful and pain free.
After a not so peaceful and restful night, I was awakened around 5 am feeling led to write the following thoughts that I could not get out of my head until I got out of bed.
It’s not just the pain of my past.
The pain of my present is needing the gift of Your presence to bring great joy today.
It’s the pain of the present that is coming to steal my joy. This is the season we celebrate and reflect and sing of the “great joy” You came to bring to “all people.“ I am one of those people who is now needing the gift of Your presence to be Immanuel, the God who is with us, to be with me in my present pain to bring the joy that remains.
I need the gift of Your presence to be present with me overcoming all my pain. Giver of great joy will you come new to me today.
Today is December 8th. The number 8 represents new beginnings. Just like the new babe born and given to us on that first Christmas morn.
As I behold You, Lord, I am needing the new. I desire to see the new I am believing You to do.
As I behold You, Lord, I am needing Your mighty counsel. There are difficult situations I need wisdom to navigate through.
As I behold You, Lord, I am needing You, Prince of Peace, to calm my mind, comfort my heart, and silence my anxious thoughts.
I am needing You, the Everlasting One, to Father, help, guide and comfort me.
Immanuel, be ever present with me.
Great Joy Giver I need Your joy today more than any Christmas past. Immanuel, I need Your presence more than any other gift I will receive.
My pain has always pressed me to pray, pen and pursue God’s presence.
I don’t want to be a fake, so help me be joyful by faith and joyful in You, Lord, today.
Help me, Holy Spirit, to live out my new name of Joyful Jenny and may your joy always be my strength.
May the power of Immanuel’s presence be real to you and be with you. May the God who is always with you fill you with His supernatural peace, and the great joy only the greatest gift of Christmas can bring.
“…Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).
Isaiah 7:14 NLT
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NLT
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
Luke 2:8-14 NLT
Father God, we believe this is a time when You are restoring families, including the family of God. We give thanks to You and we call upon Your name to bring breakthrough and restoration in hearts, homes and the house of the Lord for such a time as this.
We pray You will breakthrough by the power of Your Holy Spirit over hearts, homes and all our families.
May Your Kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in The Holy Spirit come in us first, and may Your will be done.
Bring a renewed awakening of Your faithful and amazing love and grace that removes all pride and unforgiveness.
May Satan and his lies and division and strife be bound.
Holy Spirit move mightily and freely and fill our yielded vessels daily.
May Your amazing and restorative grace be seen all around.
May the answers to our prayers bring glory to You and Your renown.
We joyfully and thankfully pray on this Thanksgiving day and all year round.
Amen.
Thank you Veterans! You are the true heroes. We honor you all for answering the call to serve as freedom fighters for the land of the free and home of the brave. We applaud you as the committed champions of courage and service on behalf of others. We bless you and your families.
A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.—Joseph Campbell
Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.—Rev. Billy Graham
“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
G.K. Chesterton
Click link below to read more powerful thoughts and quotes relating to the truly strong, brave and overcoming ones.
A Prayer:
Father God, we ask You to pour out Your grace and renewed hope and strength to those who have so sacrificially protected and served our country. Provide and abundantly bless our Veterans and their families. Holy Spirit comfort, heal, and bring peace to the hearts and homes of all of these brave heroes as only You can. Amen.
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