As I sit and ponder over the events of this last few years, I am overwhelmed with the wonderful people God has brought into my life. These people are different in so many ways, yet with the same spirit. They love the Lord, so uniquely, so passionately; yet, they all do it so differently and so beautifully. I am drawn to each one of them for such different reasons (so many are so different than I am) and that is what is so spectacular to me! We still share the same God, one in Spirit.
I have been taught so many valuable lessons (some simple; some complex) by each of these friends. I am forever grateful for the laughter, tears, meals, joy, passion, prayer, road trips, and so much more that we have shared on countless occasions. I can honestly sit day after day and laugh out loud to myself thinking about our times together and what we have shared.
The very interesting thing about these friendships that are so very dear to me is the fact that I had been so "relationship-challenged" for the biggest part of my life, BUT GOD.... Isn't it funny how He can literally turn your world upside-down and bring the best of the best into it?? I love how He does that often and I know 'I' could have never done any of it on my own. I am always reminded to ask God for anything and everything....I asked Him boldy to bring me good, true frineds, and He was and is certainly faithful. He will give you the best of what you need.
I have found that I am not afraid to ask God for anything and then trusting that He will bring me EXACTLY what I need. I trust it will be in His time and His way and I am good with that too. He has proven faithful over and over, especially in the friendships that I am forever grateful for. If you are reading this, it is likely you are one of those friends. I do not have to name any names; you know who you are and I hope I never give up telling you just how special you are to me. I love you, my cherished friends.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Oaks of Righteousness
The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor,
heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives,
pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness"
planted by God to display his glory. -- Isaiah 61:1-3 MSG
When we accept Christ, we have a NEW identity. He no longer counts our sins against us; no matter what the sins were. He became sin so that you and I could have the righteousness of God in Christ!!! That IS the good news!! Pay attention here: this is a GIFT from God. What I want to ask you today is: will you receive it and will you walk in it?
Jesus's death on a wooden cross to the point of being beaten, crushed, and whipped is so that you and I can be healed. When Jesus looks at you, He sees what He accomplished for you on the cross with that one sacrifice and HE IS SATISFIED. Because of His sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for you and I to be counted righteous, for He bore all our sins.
I see righteousness as the greatest gift of love that God could ever give us because He did this while we did not deserve it. When He looks at you, He sees you as perfect because of your being righteous IN HIM. This is the exact reason you qualify for EVERY promised blessing of God. Now, what does your heart truly believe?
I believe the only way to truly live the abundant life that Christ died to give us is to get in agreement with God on every single thing in the Word and live it out. There are times that your feelings and your mind will lag behind, but your true worth is stated in the infallible Word of God, and that is what you have to stand on and receive as TRUTH. So many times we question His promise instead of just receiving it in faith.
Most importantly we have to 1. KNOW GOD and 2. KNOW WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST
We have to learn how to see ourselves not in ourselves but in Christ. He is the Living God living inside us as the Holy Spirit. We have to confront the devil and the enemy's tactics. We have to stand our ground and we do this by believing God and what He says about us. We have to constantly remember to 'renew our minds', like Romans 12:2 tells us. This simply means to get your thoughts back into agreement with God's Word. This comes from your personal relationship with Christ. We believe so much more of what we say to ourselves than what someone else says to us and being in His Word, so start speaking His Word out loud to yourself.
From Genesis to Revelation, God calls us to be bold and courageous, take new ground and exercise the authority He has given us. What are you waiting for? 'His Kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven'...Why would we not want to live out the life He died to give us?
In Christ we have:
He sent me to preach good news to the poor,
heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives,
pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness"
planted by God to display his glory. -- Isaiah 61:1-3 MSG
When we accept Christ, we have a NEW identity. He no longer counts our sins against us; no matter what the sins were. He became sin so that you and I could have the righteousness of God in Christ!!! That IS the good news!! Pay attention here: this is a GIFT from God. What I want to ask you today is: will you receive it and will you walk in it?
Jesus's death on a wooden cross to the point of being beaten, crushed, and whipped is so that you and I can be healed. When Jesus looks at you, He sees what He accomplished for you on the cross with that one sacrifice and HE IS SATISFIED. Because of His sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for you and I to be counted righteous, for He bore all our sins.
I see righteousness as the greatest gift of love that God could ever give us because He did this while we did not deserve it. When He looks at you, He sees you as perfect because of your being righteous IN HIM. This is the exact reason you qualify for EVERY promised blessing of God. Now, what does your heart truly believe?
I believe the only way to truly live the abundant life that Christ died to give us is to get in agreement with God on every single thing in the Word and live it out. There are times that your feelings and your mind will lag behind, but your true worth is stated in the infallible Word of God, and that is what you have to stand on and receive as TRUTH. So many times we question His promise instead of just receiving it in faith.
Most importantly we have to 1. KNOW GOD and 2. KNOW WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST
We have to learn how to see ourselves not in ourselves but in Christ. He is the Living God living inside us as the Holy Spirit. We have to confront the devil and the enemy's tactics. We have to stand our ground and we do this by believing God and what He says about us. We have to constantly remember to 'renew our minds', like Romans 12:2 tells us. This simply means to get your thoughts back into agreement with God's Word. This comes from your personal relationship with Christ. We believe so much more of what we say to ourselves than what someone else says to us and being in His Word, so start speaking His Word out loud to yourself.
From Genesis to Revelation, God calls us to be bold and courageous, take new ground and exercise the authority He has given us. What are you waiting for? 'His Kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven'...Why would we not want to live out the life He died to give us?
In Christ we have:
- A love that can never be fathomed.
- A life that can never die.
- A righteousness that can never be tarnished.
- A peace that can never be understood.
- A rest that can never be disturbed.
- A joy that can never be diminished.
- A hope that can never be disappointed.
- A glory that can never be clouded.
- A light that can never be darkened.
- A purity that can never be defiled.
- A beauty that can never be marred.
- A wisdom that can never be baffled.
- Resources that can never be exhausted.
So, let me ask you again, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? He is right beside you!!
Lord, thank YOU for the spirit of power, love and sound mind that you have given us. May all who read this blog have many blessings today and may we all walk in Your freedom and proclaim to all the world of Your great love. Jesus, Your name is Power and it's in Your Great Name that we pray....thank You for saving us.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Cherish our moments in time...
Over the last year or so I am discovering just what it means to live a joyful, full life. God really does want us to have life to the FULL!
Every single day is a SPECIAL day if it has been given to you and I realize how, in the blink of an eye, our lives can change. I remember vividly the exact day my brother was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, just like it was yesterday. In the blink of an eye, life had changed for our entire family. With each passing day, we have a choice to mend or tear, to reconcile or divide, to live or die….
Every sunrise I want to welcome with amazement from the Creator. Every opportunity I get to spend in the presence of my gracious husband I want to make enlightening. Every laugh I cherish with every beautiful friend I have will be locked away in my bank of great memories. Every moonlit night I want to stand in awe of the One in control of it all. I want to constantly think more about HIM and less about me.
I want to find joy in all I do and I want to be passionate in the way I worship our King. I want HIS Name signed at the bottom of my days.
What do you find joyful? Do you search for the fullness in life? It is something to think about….After all, HE died for that.
~Mandy~
Friday, July 15, 2011
No Such Thing....
As I am sitting here pondering on whether to write or not, I am prompted by a song: Perfect People, by Natalie Grant.
Perfect people, uh, yea, they DO NOT exist. Let's just be real here. I think for the most part, people are afraid of showing the insecurities, the flaws, the less than good qualities of themselves. I believe showing these things are the way to be relational to others. I have flaws, imperfections, insecurities, junky thinking from time to time yet the truth remains that God loves me just like this. Does He want more or better: of course, but for my good and for my protection. Does He expect perfection from me? NO WAY..... (this is freeing)
Paul states in Philippians 3:12: 'Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. '
To be made perfect or for God to be perfecting us, we have to be less than perfect in the making to becoming perfect on the day we meet Jesus. In these weaknesses, we claim HIS boldness and HIS perfection. Almost every one of us can use some improvement in our self-image. It takes time to grasp the hope for ourselves that God has for us.
I remember a time in my life that I certainly was not material you would have picked for doing the things I am doing today and the life He is allowing me to live...I am sure there were many who had given up on me at times in my life. It is so wonderful and comforting to know that when others only see our faults, God still sees our possibilities.
Knowing the Ten Commandments and going to church and trying to be "good" with some "good works" is not the same as having real victory in your life. In the middle of your imperfections, God does not have a bad attitude toward you or toward me. He loves us. He delights in us in our imperfect selves.
My advice in this is PRESS ON!!!! God meets people us right where we are in the middle of our imperfections and faults and messes. Thank God He doesn't wait for us to manage to get to Him --- HE comes to us. Will you invite HIM into your mess of imperfection and let HIM perfect you?
Perfect people, uh, yea, they DO NOT exist. Let's just be real here. I think for the most part, people are afraid of showing the insecurities, the flaws, the less than good qualities of themselves. I believe showing these things are the way to be relational to others. I have flaws, imperfections, insecurities, junky thinking from time to time yet the truth remains that God loves me just like this. Does He want more or better: of course, but for my good and for my protection. Does He expect perfection from me? NO WAY..... (this is freeing)
Paul states in Philippians 3:12: 'Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. '
To be made perfect or for God to be perfecting us, we have to be less than perfect in the making to becoming perfect on the day we meet Jesus. In these weaknesses, we claim HIS boldness and HIS perfection. Almost every one of us can use some improvement in our self-image. It takes time to grasp the hope for ourselves that God has for us.
I remember a time in my life that I certainly was not material you would have picked for doing the things I am doing today and the life He is allowing me to live...I am sure there were many who had given up on me at times in my life. It is so wonderful and comforting to know that when others only see our faults, God still sees our possibilities.
Knowing the Ten Commandments and going to church and trying to be "good" with some "good works" is not the same as having real victory in your life. In the middle of your imperfections, God does not have a bad attitude toward you or toward me. He loves us. He delights in us in our imperfect selves.
My advice in this is PRESS ON!!!! God meets people us right where we are in the middle of our imperfections and faults and messes. Thank God He doesn't wait for us to manage to get to Him --- HE comes to us. Will you invite HIM into your mess of imperfection and let HIM perfect you?
Friday, July 1, 2011
John 17:24-26 (MSG)
Father, I want those you gave me
To be with me, right where I am,
So they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me,
Having loved me
Long before there ever was a world.
Righteous Father, the world has never known you,
But I have known you, and these disciples know
That you sent me on this mission.
I have made your very being known to them—
Who you are and what you do—
And continue to make it known,
So that your love for me
Might be in them
Exactly as I am in them.
As I was taken to this scripture by the Lord today, I am brought to tears as my prayers are fervent for the ladies who attend our bible study on Wednesday nights....I am heavy at times and so light at times. I LOVE these women and what all God does on these Wednesday nights. It amazes me every single week to watch HIM move in their lives and mine. HE never fails of forsakes, never leaves or turns away. NEVER!!!!!
I am in awe how HE places me exactly where HE knows I need to be and among such women is so energizing to me. I love pouring out everything He reveals to me to these women and sharing our laughter, pain, and tears. This is how HE weaves us together and shows us how to be in communion with HIM.
I am passionate (as my wonderful husband says) about the Word of the Lord and want to carry HIS message and the gospel to all who have ears and hearts. At the center of my heart is discipleship through love. I am consistently thanking God for bringing people into my life to teach me, guide me, advise me, and humble me. I thank God for the people HE sends who need something from me. I absolutely LOVE people, passionately, whole-heartedly. I long to meet new people every day to show me a different way to love and live. As my beautiful niece, Carrie Grace, says,"Aunt Mandy, we have a lot of living and loving to do!!!"
So, I want to LIVE and LOVE passionately and in the fullness that Jesus Christ intended when HE died for me!!!!! Will you walk hand-in-hand with me through this life? Let's experience the fullness together, in love, all the glory going to HIM who allows that to happen!!!
Father, I want those you gave me
To be with me, right where I am,
So they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me,
Having loved me
Long before there ever was a world.
Righteous Father, the world has never known you,
But I have known you, and these disciples know
That you sent me on this mission.
I have made your very being known to them—
Who you are and what you do—
And continue to make it known,
So that your love for me
Might be in them
Exactly as I am in them.
As I was taken to this scripture by the Lord today, I am brought to tears as my prayers are fervent for the ladies who attend our bible study on Wednesday nights....I am heavy at times and so light at times. I LOVE these women and what all God does on these Wednesday nights. It amazes me every single week to watch HIM move in their lives and mine. HE never fails of forsakes, never leaves or turns away. NEVER!!!!!
I am in awe how HE places me exactly where HE knows I need to be and among such women is so energizing to me. I love pouring out everything He reveals to me to these women and sharing our laughter, pain, and tears. This is how HE weaves us together and shows us how to be in communion with HIM.
I am passionate (as my wonderful husband says) about the Word of the Lord and want to carry HIS message and the gospel to all who have ears and hearts. At the center of my heart is discipleship through love. I am consistently thanking God for bringing people into my life to teach me, guide me, advise me, and humble me. I thank God for the people HE sends who need something from me. I absolutely LOVE people, passionately, whole-heartedly. I long to meet new people every day to show me a different way to love and live. As my beautiful niece, Carrie Grace, says,"Aunt Mandy, we have a lot of living and loving to do!!!"
So, I want to LIVE and LOVE passionately and in the fullness that Jesus Christ intended when HE died for me!!!!! Will you walk hand-in-hand with me through this life? Let's experience the fullness together, in love, all the glory going to HIM who allows that to happen!!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Forgive to be forgiven....
The dictionary defines forgiveness as "To excuse for a fault or offense; pardon. To stop feeling anger or resentment against. To absolve from payment of." Hmmmmm......
When the Lord assigns someone in our direct pathway, I believe He has purpose for that. Have you thought that it might be for the purpose of purifying our hearts through different challenges; to prepare us for the next glory? He wants to bring us to excellence and transform us into His likeness. He is the ultimate Forgiver. This brings opportunity to be example to those around us and to bring glory to Him. We can simply work unto Him. Sounds easy enough, right??
Well, I would not personally describe it as an "easy" task but one that is well worth the effort to choose forgiveness. HE did and so should we. It is our opportunity to minister grace, mercy and prayer to those people in our path.
Forgiveness can feel unjust to our emotions because the enemy is trying to manipulate our emotions. This is exactly how the enemy keeps us in bondage. So many times, we will focus on the offense and the inflicted wound. When we cater to that thought pattern, our focus is redirected right where the enemy intended. You see, the enemy is USING the offender to control your emotions. We must not succumb to the enemy's tactics!
We must CHOOSE to pass over the offense and keep our focus on Jesus and ask HIM for help. Doing this will give us the power to protect and guard our hearts. The enemy wants to embed hurt, resentment, fear, & anger into us.
Forgiveness does not mean condoning other people's bad behavior either. It simply means we cancel the debt. Remember how merciful and forgiving the Father is? We are being made into HIS likeness when we choose to forgive. I say CHOOSE so many times because our feelings will lie to us but also will follow (sometimes quickly; some not) when we continually choose to forgive and walk in forgiveness and mercy. Only with the leading of The Spirit is this attainable.
I believe forgiveness is a daily journey. It is part of the walk as a Christian. In this, I am asking the Lord to continue to give me His eyes to view others who I perceive as offending me. It is never far from my mind just how much our Savior suffered in His death on the cross. Yet, He forgave and we can be forgiven when we ask.
If you need to forgive someone, I urge you to do it. If you need to ask for forgiveness, I urge you to do that also. Matthew 6 tells us that we will be forgiven in the manner that we forgive. Oh my! I know that I need lots of forgiveness so I better get to giving it!!
Unattended wounds actually glorify the enemy by tormenting us on the inside. This is where we make a conscious choice as to which master we will serve. Wounded people wound people. Unforgiveness is a form of disobedience, selfishness and pride. OUCH!!
I leave with a prayer that any unforgiveness be revealed to us. I confess that I have walked in unforgiveness and ask Jesus for forgiveness in this area. Lord, I intercede for anyone who I have not forgiven and ask for blessings on them and I speak healing & deliverance over them, in Jesus' name. Lord, purify and heal our hearts. We release anyone we have held captive in our bitterness to YOU and know that YOU will take this burden from us and can and will handle it a manner much better than we ever could. We believe what Your Word says about vengeance and judgement so help us to have faith in YOU and in YOUR truth. Fill us with grace and mercy, Lord.
When the Lord assigns someone in our direct pathway, I believe He has purpose for that. Have you thought that it might be for the purpose of purifying our hearts through different challenges; to prepare us for the next glory? He wants to bring us to excellence and transform us into His likeness. He is the ultimate Forgiver. This brings opportunity to be example to those around us and to bring glory to Him. We can simply work unto Him. Sounds easy enough, right??
Well, I would not personally describe it as an "easy" task but one that is well worth the effort to choose forgiveness. HE did and so should we. It is our opportunity to minister grace, mercy and prayer to those people in our path.
Forgiveness can feel unjust to our emotions because the enemy is trying to manipulate our emotions. This is exactly how the enemy keeps us in bondage. So many times, we will focus on the offense and the inflicted wound. When we cater to that thought pattern, our focus is redirected right where the enemy intended. You see, the enemy is USING the offender to control your emotions. We must not succumb to the enemy's tactics!
We must CHOOSE to pass over the offense and keep our focus on Jesus and ask HIM for help. Doing this will give us the power to protect and guard our hearts. The enemy wants to embed hurt, resentment, fear, & anger into us.
Forgiveness does not mean condoning other people's bad behavior either. It simply means we cancel the debt. Remember how merciful and forgiving the Father is? We are being made into HIS likeness when we choose to forgive. I say CHOOSE so many times because our feelings will lie to us but also will follow (sometimes quickly; some not) when we continually choose to forgive and walk in forgiveness and mercy. Only with the leading of The Spirit is this attainable.
I believe forgiveness is a daily journey. It is part of the walk as a Christian. In this, I am asking the Lord to continue to give me His eyes to view others who I perceive as offending me. It is never far from my mind just how much our Savior suffered in His death on the cross. Yet, He forgave and we can be forgiven when we ask.
If you need to forgive someone, I urge you to do it. If you need to ask for forgiveness, I urge you to do that also. Matthew 6 tells us that we will be forgiven in the manner that we forgive. Oh my! I know that I need lots of forgiveness so I better get to giving it!!
Unattended wounds actually glorify the enemy by tormenting us on the inside. This is where we make a conscious choice as to which master we will serve. Wounded people wound people. Unforgiveness is a form of disobedience, selfishness and pride. OUCH!!
I leave with a prayer that any unforgiveness be revealed to us. I confess that I have walked in unforgiveness and ask Jesus for forgiveness in this area. Lord, I intercede for anyone who I have not forgiven and ask for blessings on them and I speak healing & deliverance over them, in Jesus' name. Lord, purify and heal our hearts. We release anyone we have held captive in our bitterness to YOU and know that YOU will take this burden from us and can and will handle it a manner much better than we ever could. We believe what Your Word says about vengeance and judgement so help us to have faith in YOU and in YOUR truth. Fill us with grace and mercy, Lord.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Transparency
In Exodus 2:12, Moses hid the body of the slain Egyptian. It was exposed and in the papers the very next day. Hiding is wrong and I am convinced that from that moment on Moses was transparent. He did not hide again. He would speak his heart regardless of the vulnerability.
How can I relate to this? Oh, wow, many ways. For years, I led a "hidden" life and what turmoil and disappointment that brings. It helps you to run to things that will never satisfy. It creates and stirs longings that will never be fulfilled. God's Word tells us that what happens in the darkness HE will bring to light. Well, He definitely did this for me, maybe not in the way I would have chosen but I can say today with ALL certainty that HIS way was good and it was right. I am grateful for the enormous blessing of living in the light and out of darkness.
Living a life of transparency gives such a freedom. I believe this is exactly what we are created to be : FREE!! Free from condemnation, free from guilt, free from burdens and free from yokes of slavery. In 1 Cor. 3:17, the Word tells us that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!! May we all be so full of HIS Spirit that we all dance a freedom dance today.
The Lord walked a very transparent life. His life should set the example of how we live out ours. He had no hidden agendas, no manipulative techniques, no underlying motives.
(ref. Chuck Swindoll) Ever been to a testimony where everyone was on Cloud 39 and you were in the Tunnel #7? People talk about soaring in the heavenlies yet you are still counting gum wrappers in the gutter? Why not hand the microphone around to people and ask, "When is the last time you took a nosedive?" "Can you share a time of great disappointment in your life?"
Stay with me here: I am far from being a negative person but I am a relational person....Can you relate to me in times of failures? In times of need? In times of hurt? In times of disappointment?
I think it would be a great encouragement to others to show how we have come through disappointments, failures, hurts, how others help to provide in our times of need. Peter did this in his letters to us. So many times in our lives, we feel like we are all alone in our struggles. That is far, far from truth. We feel like we have to hide our failures because we feel like no one could have failed as tragically as we have. Some are even afraid to tell God in fear that He would be put off by us.
Oh, friends and loved ones, He is not like that at all. He has 'inclined His ear' to hear our cries and wants us to pour out our hearts to Him. He awaits your heart. He wants you to rid yourself of shame and distress. His burden is light; yours can be also. Just as we cry out and tell Him how we have failed, His arm is outstretched to lovingly put around us with His love and forgiveness; He waits....Are you willing to give it all to Him? He accepts you as you are. There is no sweeter place of freedom to be than in the arms of the Father.
Lord, I pray for all who read this today that You would extend Your Hand of deliverance to all who need You as their Savior. I pray for hurting, wounded, disappointed people; that You would woo them to You. I ask for favor on Your people and those who have a gift to help those in need. Extend Your mercy to ones who cry to You with shame, guilt, failures; set them free in YOU. Lord, thank You for your tender mercies and sweet love in my life. Let me always be willing to share the hope I have in You and how You are my Healer and Redeemer. In Jesus name.....
How can I relate to this? Oh, wow, many ways. For years, I led a "hidden" life and what turmoil and disappointment that brings. It helps you to run to things that will never satisfy. It creates and stirs longings that will never be fulfilled. God's Word tells us that what happens in the darkness HE will bring to light. Well, He definitely did this for me, maybe not in the way I would have chosen but I can say today with ALL certainty that HIS way was good and it was right. I am grateful for the enormous blessing of living in the light and out of darkness.
Living a life of transparency gives such a freedom. I believe this is exactly what we are created to be : FREE!! Free from condemnation, free from guilt, free from burdens and free from yokes of slavery. In 1 Cor. 3:17, the Word tells us that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!! May we all be so full of HIS Spirit that we all dance a freedom dance today.
The Lord walked a very transparent life. His life should set the example of how we live out ours. He had no hidden agendas, no manipulative techniques, no underlying motives.
(ref. Chuck Swindoll) Ever been to a testimony where everyone was on Cloud 39 and you were in the Tunnel #7? People talk about soaring in the heavenlies yet you are still counting gum wrappers in the gutter? Why not hand the microphone around to people and ask, "When is the last time you took a nosedive?" "Can you share a time of great disappointment in your life?"
Stay with me here: I am far from being a negative person but I am a relational person....Can you relate to me in times of failures? In times of need? In times of hurt? In times of disappointment?
I think it would be a great encouragement to others to show how we have come through disappointments, failures, hurts, how others help to provide in our times of need. Peter did this in his letters to us. So many times in our lives, we feel like we are all alone in our struggles. That is far, far from truth. We feel like we have to hide our failures because we feel like no one could have failed as tragically as we have. Some are even afraid to tell God in fear that He would be put off by us.
Oh, friends and loved ones, He is not like that at all. He has 'inclined His ear' to hear our cries and wants us to pour out our hearts to Him. He awaits your heart. He wants you to rid yourself of shame and distress. His burden is light; yours can be also. Just as we cry out and tell Him how we have failed, His arm is outstretched to lovingly put around us with His love and forgiveness; He waits....Are you willing to give it all to Him? He accepts you as you are. There is no sweeter place of freedom to be than in the arms of the Father.
Lord, I pray for all who read this today that You would extend Your Hand of deliverance to all who need You as their Savior. I pray for hurting, wounded, disappointed people; that You would woo them to You. I ask for favor on Your people and those who have a gift to help those in need. Extend Your mercy to ones who cry to You with shame, guilt, failures; set them free in YOU. Lord, thank You for your tender mercies and sweet love in my life. Let me always be willing to share the hope I have in You and how You are my Healer and Redeemer. In Jesus name.....
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