Tag Archives: prayer

Presence

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. And remember, that I am with you until the end of time.” (Matthew 28:20)

Precious child, I am always with you. When you’re present, you’re aware of this. You can sense it. My presence, actively working in you and through you.

Being present doesn’t just ease the burden on you, but it also opens the door for me to reach others through you. Indeed, your gifts are meant to be shared. How, when, and where is up to me. So cease striving! And watch in awe as my power is at work in your life.

Do not be seduced by the ways of the world. The overworking and the busyness. This is not my way. I can do far more through you than you could ever accomplish on your own.

So go forth, and carry my presence with you like a light that shines into the lives of those around you. A light that can be seen in all the fruits of your labor.

Wait on Me!

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “But I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5) 

As you wait, beloved, let your heart rejoice in what I’ve done. If I did all that to save you, you can rest assured that I’m not finished with you yet.

Indeed, in your life on Earth there are times of waiting. You’ve been here before. Did I not shine my face upon you then? Have you forgotten how I came through for you? 

Wait on me! And rejoice in your waiting period, for you know that glory is just around the corner. While you rest, I’m at work. My love never fails. 

The Power of Thought

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

You are aware of the power of thought. Thoughts affect your mood. They trickle into your everyday reality and change things to fit their existence. Therefore, be careful with your thoughts!

Be careful also of your consumption. As the information you take in can drive your thoughts. Don’t let your mind be distracted by the darkness of this world. You are no longer of this world. I have overcome this world!

Experience has taught you to be wary of others. But My Word is more true than experience. If you are to be the light that I intended for you to be, you must reside in me. Not in this world. And not in your experiences of this world.

My son, Jesus, walked in your shoes. He lived as you do. So I can assure you, I am well aware of the pain and suffering that others can inflict upon you. Justice? Fairness? When you get to where you’re going, and only then, will you experience the justice and fairness that I intended for my people on Earth. But your work here is not yet done.

So in the meantime, reject lies. Reject fear. Reject anxious thoughts and worrying. Lean into me, into truth, into light. That you may be that light to others. It is needed now more than ever. 

Be the Light

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8

My precious child, surely you have noticed the darkness all around you. Do not be afraid and do not be overwhelmed. For I am with you.

In the midst of darkness, you are light. Internalize that. Embrace that. Even as the darkness rises.

As others begin to divide, you must continue to bring together. You are the light. Do not go dim. Do not burn out. Every day, in all circumstances, walk as the child of light that you are! 

What does this mean? Light is goodness, kindness, gentleness… Light is hopeful and joyful… Light is an energy source. The people around you need light. You need light. The world needs light.

Even while surrounded by darkness, be the light. 

Can You Imagine being Mary?

Posted on by under Christian Spirituality

It is written, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5) 

Can you imagine being Mary? Watching as your son is tortured? Feeling pain in the depths of your being as there’s nothing you can do to help? Then seeing him die on the cross…

When Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Do you think Mary knew of Psalm 22? That this would be the fulfillment of a prophecy? 

Do you think her heart sunk with thoughts of her son’s abandonment? Or of her own? Can you imagine the mix of emotions as she trusted in her son when He said, “I’ll come back”? Would he? Is revival actually possible?

What does it look like to wait in anticipation? To be faithful during the “in between”? Can our hearts be both broken and expectant at the same time? 

…Can you imagine being Mary?

Daily Dependence

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “Therefore if any person is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Indeed, you have been transformed. So much newness I bring to your life.

All of this change can be both exciting and scary, which is why it’s so important for you to abide in me. This is a new chapter of an adventure that we’ve been on together for quite some time.

You want to look ahead. To see what all is coming your way. To know what it’s going to look like. But that’s not how we do life together, child.

Remember, it’s your dependence on me that brings me great delight and allows me to do great work in you, and through you. Utter and desperate dependence.

You want to control what you love. Yet you forget that I am the one who is making all of these things possible. That I am the Giver of all good gifts. The more you try to control what you love, the less reliant you are on me, causing you to drift farther and farther from me.

But fear not, I am always near. Waiting on you to look to me for guidance. Hoping you’ll return to me so that we can make decisions together. 

I want to be involved in the day to day choices. The minutia. That’s where I want to be.

So come to me, often.

Look to me, frequently.

Rely on me, readily.

And I will answer all of your prayers and more.

Remember, I am the pursuer of your heart! Nothing brings me more joy than you living in fullness of joy.

But it’s only possible through close relationship, and utter, daily dependence on me. 

Light in Darkness

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter, till the full light of day.” (Proverbs 4:18)

In me and through me, your thirsty soul can drink. There’s much to be troubled about if you focus on the world. But shift your eyes to me, and you’ll find that there’s more cause for joyful celebrations. This was my intent for you all along, dear one. To rejoice, sing praises, and delight in my creation.

As the world around you grows darker, you grow brighter when you focus on me. The darker this world becomes, the more imperative it is that you remain in my light.

So, don’t let your heart be troubled. Don’t let your mind be distracted. Rejoice in my creations. Joyfully celebrate my existence and my imminent return. Arm yourself with my truth. Remember that you’re living in the midst of a spiritual battle, which I have already won. So don’t be afraid. Your troubles are temporary, but my glory is forever.

As you choose daily, to walk in the light of my presence, you will find much to rejoice over. And you will set an example to those around you of what it’s like to know me. 

Cease Striving

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) 

Why are you striving? Why do you entertain feelings of failure? Don’t you know that these are lies directly from your adversary? The one who wants to hold you back from all that I have planned for you… 

Your striving suggests that you do not yet know my approval. But beloved, my work is finished! My approval is yours! If you could truly grasp this, what more could you possibly need? 

When you find yourself struggling with feelings of failure, come into my presence. Bring these lies out of the darkness and into my loving light. So that I can shine my smile of approval on your life. So that you can bask in my loving warmth. 

Cease all striving and lay your concerns at my feet. I have commanded this of you and for good reason. I want you to live out the knowledge and understanding that I love you. That you already have my stamp of approval. That through Jesus Christ and the cross, it is finished. 

I Delight in You

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” (Ephesians 3:20)

My beloved child, I am the God of surprises. I delight in delighting you and I know what delights you on a cellular level. It makes me happy when you also delight in delighting me. 

Your gravest danger is forgetting who I am. Forgetting that I’m able to do wondrous things in your life. And even through your life, if you’ll let me. 

So don’t give up. Continue moving forward with your eyes fixated on me. Trusting in my good and perfect will. Rejoicing in who I am and all that I have done for you. 

Don’t discount the possibility of a miracle in your life. Expect one. I’ve been doing them since before the dawn of time. And I am unchanging. Whatever you’re hoping for, if it’s aligned with my will, will be done. So rejoice in me! I say it again, rejoice! 

Uncertainty

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?” (Proverbs 20:24)

Can’t you look back now and see the ways in which I was at work during times where you felt uncertain in the past? Hindsight often allows you to see my goodness and grace with more clarity. Have I not proven that I am good and graceful?

Take comfort in knowing that the uncertainty you feel is to be expected. In fact, this uncertainty about the path before you is actually a necessary faith booster. The less certain you are, the more you must cling to me. The more you cling to me, the straighter your steps will be.

I have big plans for you! Be excited about all that I have planned for you! Trust in my ways. Hold my hand through your days. We can partake on this adventure together, just as I intended.

Until one day, we’re reunited in the physical form for all eternity. This is the hope you have to look forward to. This is the hope you are to share with the world. In the unique and specific way that only you can share it. My will in your life will be done! Nothing and no-one can stop what I have planned for you. You play an important role in my master plan.

But since you cannot understand my ways, you must walk by faith rather than sight. Clinging to the one who loves you best and knows your heart. Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.