LOVE IS WHAT OUR WORLD NEEDS

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I am thanking God for his life and legacy. I agree with Dr. King’s words. Love is the highest good, indeed. Love is what our world desperately needs. In 2024, may we go forth as conduits of Christ’s love.

LORD,

Thank You for the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Help us to always remember that love is the highest good we can do in our lives.  Help us show honor to every human and help us embrace our differences. Bring unity among us and help us live a life of love. Fill us with more of Your love so that we can make a difference in the world every day. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

A CHRISTMAS PRAYER FOR THE ONES WITH WEARY HEARTS

On this Christmas day, my heart is filled with compassion for the ones with weary hearts. 2023 has been a devastating year for many people around the world. There is indescribable turmoil in Israel after the October 7th terrorist attack. Weary souls are filled with uncertainty about the future. But even amidst a world filled with chaos, we can rejoice because we have our beloved SAVIOR—the ONE who was born to save mankind. We can rejoice because Christ is our peace and hope. We can rejoice because we have faith that Christ will return and make all the wrong things right.

If you’re feeling weary and have a troubled heart, may the reality of Christ’s healing presence lift your spirit. May you experience the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding today and always.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of Your SON, JESUS CHRIST. Thank You for sending Jesus to be our SAVIOR and eternal PEACE-GIVER. Help the ones who are feeling weary today. Help them take hold of the peace that surpasses all understanding. Guard their hearts and minds with Christ’s perfect peace. Help their hearts not to be troubled or afraid. Help them to trust You more, walk closely with You, and rest in knowing You do impossible things. Help them take hold of Your hand and live with strong faith until the day of Christ’s return. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

Merry Christmas!

LET JESUS BE YOUR JOY

Whatever you are facing today, there is joy to be discovered in Jesus. He is with you. His joy will be your strength as you stay focused on Him.

On this summer day, I can imagine Jesus whispering words of love to the ones looking for hope:

Don’t focus on your problems. Keep your eyes focused on ME. Cling to ME continually. Place your trust in Me, and I will help you. I will sustain you when you feel like giving up. Let MY joy be your strength.”

Ephesians 3:8 (AMP) says: “To me, [though I am] the very least of all the saints (God’s people), this grace [which is undeserved] was graciously given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the good news of the incomprehensible riches of Christ [that spiritual wealth which no one can fully understand].”

There are countless spiritual riches to be found in a relationship with Christ. Nothing this world has to offer can satisfy the human soul. No amount of money, no human relationship, no material possession, no accomplishment, no leadership position, no job, no amount of popularity, or anything else can compare to the joy of walking with Christ and knowing Him in a deep way.

My heart longs for every person in the world to experience the inexpressible joy of knowing Christ.

May you turn your eyes toward Jesus, choose joy, and live in the fullness of Christ’s inexhaustible riches. Let Jesus be your joy.

LORD,

Thank You for the glorious spiritual riches You have given us in Christ. Thank You for Your never-ending mercy, grace, and joy. Let us walk closely with You and know You in a deeper way each day. Let us keep our eyes focused on You and trust You to carry us through life. Help us choose joy and let gratitude flow from our hearts every moment of every day. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Enjoy Jesus! 🌻

Amy

THANKING GOD FOR AMERICA

On this 4th of July, I’m thanking God for America. And I’m praying for God’s hand to stay upon our nation.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for America. Thank You for birthing our nation 247 years ago. Thank You for blessing America in countless ways since 1776.

Today, I come to You with an expectant heart and pray for Your hand to stay upon America always. Bring down the powers and principalities that are fighting against Your plans for America. Protect the CHURCH from distractions in the coming days and help us continue to pray without ceasing.

Forgive us for any doubt or thoughts of unbelief we may have had in the past and give us more faith every day. Fill us with more of Your Holy Spirit and let us pray in agreement with Your heart for our country.

I trust You to bring forth Your will for our nation in Your perfect timing. I rejoice in knowing that a spiritual awakening is happening now and Your plans for America will be established as Your people pray.

Pour out Your Spirit in an unprecedented way this summer and in the months ahead. I trust You to bring a movement of Your Holy Spirit so powerful that millions of people will turn from their wicked ways and be saved. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

A TRIBUTE TO MY MAMA

Anyone who knows my mother knows why I’ve always wanted to be like her. During the hardest season, my mother was the wind beneath my wings. She taught me the most valuable lessons of my life.

Today, I am remembering the years after my dad divorced my mother, recalling how she turned to Christ to help her restore and renew her life. I believe wholeheartedly it is what I witnessed during those years that made me the woman I am today. What stands out in my mind the most is how my mom depended on God. While watching my mother, I saw a hurting woman turn to Jesus for her every need. She was a young, beautiful woman and she could’ve easily turned to other men in her desperation. With amazement, I watched her closely as she sought God. Most importantly, I watched how a woman’s passionate love for God could make a bad situation turn into something good (Romans 8:28).

My mother was the first person I ever saw fall deeply in love with God. Since she no longer had a husband, she depended on Christ for everything. I can still vividly remember my mom sitting with her Bible in her hands and reading it for hours. She was always seeking to know God better. Her life was a true testament (and still is) of the goodness of God. Her love for Him, while I was growing up, was evident by the fruit in her life. I saw the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) growing daily as I watched my mom’s example.

I saw a woman giving sacrificially, like no other person in my life. One time, she literally gave away the coat on her back. It was her favorite jacket, the one she wore all the time. She gave it to a young teenage girl because the Lord had asked her to. In that moment, I remember thinking, “I want to be like Mama.”

I learned from my mother that following Christ can be a great adventure. Shortly after my dad moved out of our home, my mom bought a special ring to replace her wedding ring. She beamed as she told her friends why she wore the ring. It was a ring that told the story of her heart—the story of the adventure that God had swept her into. From the side, the ring looked like a roller coaster, symbolizing the excitement of following God. From the top, it looked like a music note, symbolizing the beauty God was creating in her life. She wore the ring as a symbol of her commitment to God and His commitment to her. This was the first time I saw how the Lord personalizes our ties to Him.

The way my mother reacted to the pain in her life was teaching me a life lesson that would stay with me forever. I learned from my mother to see the best in everything, how to overcome any obstacle through Christ’s power, and how to live life to the fullest while enduring hardships. I learned from her how to see God in every situation and how He rescues us in times of need. Above all, I learned from my mother how to forgive completely, how to love others unconditionally, and how to be a woman after God’s heart.

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31: 29-30

This tribute was posted previously on the LIVE ABUNDANTLY NOW blog.

A PRAYER & WORDS OF HOPE FOR AMERICA

Many years ago, I began feeling very burdened in my spirit for America and the direction it was heading. I sensed the only answer to our problems would be a great movement of God—a true revival and spiritual awakening in the lives of multitudes of people. In 2010 as I was praying, I began to envision a map of the United States with flames around it and bright light coming out of it. As I envisioned the flames of fire around the map of America, I sensed great difficulties were coming to our nation. Along with the coming trials, I believe the flames in my vision were a symbol of the Holy Spirit consuming millions of souls and drawing them into the kingdom of God.

While I envisioned bright light coming out of America, I realized the image in my mind symbolized the church in the fullness of Christ’s light.

Matthew 5:14 (NASB) says: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

After I sought the Lord in that season, I began sensing that the U.S. is called to be the light of the world.

The thought of our country being the light of the world brought so much excitement to my soul. It gave me a fiery passion to pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit that would change the atmosphere of America and ultimately impact the world with Christ’s glory and light.

I believe wholeheartedly that God will pour out His Spirit in a greater way than ever before. I believe there is a remnant of God’s people who are fully prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and they will be used to release the glory of God into the earth realm. However, the believers in Christ who have not fully yielded to Him will be undergoing more refinement. The Lord will sit as a refiner and purifier of His CHURCH so that she will be filled with His righteousness (Malachi 3:3). In God’s perfect timing, a true movement of repentance and restoration will begin in America which will bring genuine change to cities.

America will be filled with God’s glory if we pray and partner with Christ to see His kingdom come and His will be done on EARTH as it is in HEAVEN.

I can imagine Jesus lovingly shouting: “Rise up, CHURCH, and shine in the darkness. Pray fervently for change in America.”

Let’s pray more passionately than ever to see Christ’s will come forth for the United States.

On this National Day of Prayer, I feel led to share a prayer (video) I recorded in 2018. I prayed for America as I stood on a mountain while the sun was going down. I love how the wind was blowing as I was praying. Please pray along with me and trust our HEAVENLY FATHER to do mighty things in our country.

 

LET GOD’S LOVE LIFT YOUR HEART

Nothing lifts the heart like God’s love. God has all the answers to your problems. You only need to submit to Him, humble yourself, and pray: “Help me, God.”

James 4:10 (AMP) says:

“Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].”

James 4:7-10 (The Message Bible) says:

“So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.”

Coming to Jesus with a childlike, humble heart in an attitude of repentance is the secret to experiencing an abundant life of peace and joy.

I can imagine Jesus whispering words of love: “Don’t focus on your problems. Keep Your eyes fixed on ME and MY promises. Turn away from the things that bring destruction to your life. Surrender everything to ME and let MY love lift you up.”

LORD,

Thank You for drawing us to our knees when we need a touch from You. Thank You for lifting us up with Your amazing love. Help us surrender to Your will every moment of our lives. Help us never forget that we are nothing without You and Your Spirit. Help us walk in complete humility all the days of our lives. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Let God’s love lift you up today and every day.

 

 

CELEBRATING & REJOICING IN THE POWER OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

Easter Sunday is a beautiful time to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. And as we grow more deeply acquainted with Christ, we realize that every day is a day to celebrate and experience the power of Christ’s resurrection.

Philippians 3:10-11 (AMP) says:

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] that if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].”

Through a deep relationship with Christ, we can experience the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Christ’s resurrection power floods our soul with joy and peace when we feel like giving up. His resurrection power heals our broken hearts when we’re hurting. His resurrection power gives us strength to endure the most painful circumstances. Christ’s resurrection power delivers us from the demons that try to destroy our lives. His power enables us to forgive and love the people who have mistreated us. There is a never-ending list of the ways we can experience the power of Christ’s resurrection.

Everybody experiences hard battles in life. Pain is an inescapable reality in this world. However, the resurrection of Christ is a reason to dance every single day. When I am facing hard and painful battles, I fall on my knees and cry out to Jesus. As I pour my heart out to the Lord, His resurrection power lifts me up and fills me with supernatural strength. Then I begin to dance in celebration of His amazing love.

May you experience Christ’s resurrection power this Easter and be filled with a great measure of joy.

Our Beloved Jesus,
With every passing day, I am in more awe of You. I will be eternally grateful for Your grace. Thank You for Your indescribable love for mankind. Thank You for being our redeemer and dying an agonizing death so that we can live eternally in Your perfect peace. Help us to surrender to Your will and experience Your resurrection power every day. Help us to always remember the pain you bore for us to be free from sin, death, condemnation, and shame. Help us live with grateful hearts and let our lives be a celebration of Your awesome gift to us. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

I hope you enjoy my all-time favorite worship song. Years ago, I danced so intensely when the song “God’s Great Dance Floor” was sung at the Easter service. The muscles in my legs hurt for a few days from dancing so hard. It was worth it though.

 

You have a reason to dance today: JESUS IS ALIVE.

Hallelujah.

 

 

A PRAYER FOR GOD TO POUR OUT HIS GLORY UPON THE YOUTH

My heart is deeply saddened for the ones impacted by the tragedy that happened at THE COVENANT SCHOOL a few days ago in Nashville. I’m praying for God to bring peace and comfort to those who have been deeply traumatized. I will continue praying for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on EARTH AS IT IS HEAVEN.

Though darkness may be increasing upon the earth, the glory of God is being poured out in an unprecedented way. The light of Christ is flooding out the darkness in the lives of those who are fully yielded to Him.

Let’s draw near to Christ and pray passionately every day.

LORD,

Thank You for Your amazing grace and mercy. Thank You for comforting the ones who are hurting today. I know that You hold all the answers for our broken world.  Prepare the younger generation for the intense spiritual battle. Pour Your glory upon the youth of the world. Fill them with God-confidence and open the door to their destinies.

Give them a strong hunger for Your righteousness and empower them with Your Holy Spirit. Let them arise and radiate Christ’s light powerfully. Let Your light shine brightly in their lives and use them to ignite a great spiritual awakening. Let Your kingdom come and let Your will be done in America as it is in HEAVEN. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Pray boldly!

Amy

THE JESUS REVOLUTION MOVIE IS AMAZING!

 

A new movie, Jesus Revolution, was released in February at theaters in America. After watching the movie, I began pondering the powerful message of the story that’s based on a real movement of the past. So many people in our world have misrepresented what Christianity is. But the Jesus Revolution movie portrays Christ’s message of love powerfully and beautifully.

If you haven’t watched the movie, I think you would be uplifted by its inspirational story. It is amazing. It has the potential to inspire millions of people to become powerful vessels that share the gospel of grace and spread the message of God’s love.

Christ commanded us to remain in His love. It’s by His love that we are able to live a joyful, fulfilling life. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is completed and perfected in us (1 John 4:12).

The following scriptures in the Bible (John 15:9-17) are words the Lord spoke about love. Jesus said: “I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you]. If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing. This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you. No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends. You are my friends if you keep on doing what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you [My] friends, because I have revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father. You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you. This [is what] I command you: that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another.”

May God use the Jesus Revolution movie as a catalyst for transforming the CHURCH into a powerful vessel of Christ’s love and bring forth another JESUS REVOLUTION even greater than the one in the 70s.

Hallelujah.

 

The scriptures in this post were quoted from the AMPLIFIED BIBLE.