Author Archives: Live Abundantly Now

REJOICE IN GOD’S UNFAILING LOVE FOR YOU

February 14, 2023 5:48 pm , Leave a Comment ,

Years ago, I saw something that caught my attention and made me think of God’s perfect love toward us. I was driving home from doing errands. As I was making a right turn, I saw a motorcycle and a bicycle turn in front of me. At first, it struck me as really odd because the cyclist was riding so closely behind the motorcycle. But then I could see clearly what they were doing. It was a father and a daughter riding together.

The man looked to be in his forties or fifties. He was riding his motorcycle directly in front of the girl. They were so close together that it looked as though they were touching each other. The girl looked about sixteen. She had on a biker’s shirt similar to what the professionals wear. She was obviously training for a serious race, and her dad was there to help her train. It was like her father was guiding her and protecting her along the way. As I passed by, the dad was turning around to look at his daughter to make sure she was okay.

While driving by them, emotions rose up in my spirit. I saw a picture of how God loves and protects us.

I could hear God’s still, small voice speaking to me in my heart.

He whispered to me so gently. “I love you with an unfailing love like a father loves His child. I go before you to mark the path that is best for you. Stay on the path with Me, and I will keep you in the shadow of My wings.”

I had tears of joy as I drove home thinking about such a beautiful picture of God’s love for us. I realized in that moment of watching the father guiding his daughter on her bike, how we don’t need to move ahead of God, outside of His protective shelter.

Isn’t that amazing to think about? God our Father is continually with us and sheltering us as long as we don’t try to sneak away from His loving guidance. The Bible says God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity (Joel 2:13). As we stay close to God, He will keep us from harm, and make us sing for joy all our days on the earth.

I am praying that you will experience the immeasurable love of God today. May His peace rest upon you, and may you always know you are His beloved daughter or son. Most of all, I pray you will bow before Him and be satisfied in His unfailing love.

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 (NIV)

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7 (NIV)

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

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As a side note, I wrote this devotion previously, and it was posted on the ‘Live Abundantly Now’ blog in 2013. The photo design work was created by my daughter.

Posted in: Devotions, Holidays , Tagged: , ,

A PRAYER FOR TURKEY & SYRIA

February 9, 2023 4:04 pm , Leave a Comment ,

My heart is filled with tremendous compassion for the people suffering in Turkey and Syria. Let’s pray fervently.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being our healer and rescuer. Wrap Your loving arms around the ones who are suffering in Turkey and Syria. Draw near to those who have experienced devastation from the earthquake and bring peace to those who have been deeply traumatized. Bring solace to those who are mourning and bring healing to those who are injured. Bring comfort and hope to the ones feeling hopeless.

Send countless workers to help with the rescue efforts. Strengthen the medical staff as they work to help the devastated people. Pour out Your Spirit in a mighty way and wash away the pain with Your love. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in Turkey and Syria. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

PRAY BOLDLY!

Amy

Posted in: Prayers , Tagged:

LIVING IN THE EXTRAVAGANT GRACE OF GOD

January 2, 2023 4:53 pm , 2 Comments ,

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word, “grace?”  The word evokes many thoughts in my heart. But the very first thought that grace brings to my mind is the God who created the world.

God is grace. The Bible tells us the Lord is gracious and merciful.

Psalm 103:8 says: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. ”

Joel 2:13 says: “And rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving-kindness and relenting of evil.”

I consider myself to be gracious and compassionate in the way I think and act. It’s evident in the way women freely confess their sins to me. I’ve had a number of women share their secrets with me about their struggles to remain faithful in their marriages. I’ve learned so much about grace through the confessions of these ladies.

I remember a time when a woman confessed to me that she was considering leaving her husband and family to be with another man. I wept as I prayed for her and asked the Lord, “What should I say to this woman?” I knew it was very important to speak the truth in love. In these types of situations, it is so important to display the heart of God to those who don’t truly know Him. Many times we can blurt out the first thing that pops into our heads such as, Oh my goodness…are you crazy? But I sought the Lord for the words to say to the one tempted to leave her family. And Jesus gave me the perfect words filled with His grace.

Many are confused about grace. Grace is not an excuse for being disobedient—it is a reason to be completely obedient to God. His abounding grace should be what causes us to want to obey Him perfectly.

A child is much more apt to listen to a loving, gracious parent than to one who is harsh and unloving. A child wants to please the loving parent. It’s the same way with the Lord. I obey God’s commands because I know how very much He loves me, and I don’t want to do anything to disturb the closeness I have with Him.

Isaiah 59:2 (Amplified Bible) says: “But your wickedness has separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.”

I don’t want to be away from Jesus for even one minute, let alone one hour or a week. He has become everything to me. It’s Christ’s amazing grace that draws me to Him. I would rather have my head served on a platter than do anything that would spoil my fellowship with Jesus. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for me and for all believers to walk in unity with the Lord. My desire is for myself and others to be one with Christ and share His grace with all those we come in contact with.

On the day I talked with the woman about her temptation to leave her family, my words penetrated her heart. She heard through my voice how deeply God loved her, and that He didn’t want her to mess up her life.

I exhaled a breath that felt big enough to knock over a large building when she told me she had chosen to stay in her marriage and make things work with her husband. Many years later, they are happily married. I believe it was the grace of God displayed through my life that helped her make the right choice.

God’s love is abounding. Until the second coming of Christ, may we—His followers—continually display His extravagant grace.

Enjoy Jesus!

Amy

 

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Posted in: Devotions , Tagged: , ,

LIVE ABUNDANTLY IN 2023

January 2, 2023 12:04 am , Leave a Comment ,

It’s a new year and a new beginning. There is no better time to renew our spirits and jump excitedly into the great things God has for each one of us. Life is like a mountain road full of unexpected turns, steep climbs, and downhill slopes. It’s an amazing ride filled with a gamut of emotion. There are sorrows and celebrations in all of our lives. Life will never be perfect. But it is glorious when we rest in Christ’s love.

The love of Christ makes us look heavenward so that every difficulty in this life becomes like a vapor in the wind. His love brings beauty into the most painful circumstances. His love covers the soul with peace, joy, and goodness. His love is better than anything else.

During the past year, Christ’s love has shaken me in ways I could have never dreamed of. It has been a year of spiritual growth and drawing closer to Christ.

I believe that 2023 will be a year for many people to draw closer to the heart of Christ. I can feel it in my bones…His love is rocking the world like never before. Nothing excites me more than watching others get shaken by God’s love.

Are you ready for Jesus to knock your socks off with His love?

With excitement for the year ahead, I’m sharing my mantra (life verse) again: Christ never promised that the road would be easy, but He did promise an abundant life. Jesus said: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

LORD,

Thank You for Your never-ending love and goodness. Give us an abundance of joy and peace in 2023. Help us keep our eyes fixed upon You and let us experience Your love every day. Help us be content in all circumstances and know You are all we need to live abundantly. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

May you experience more of Christ’s love and live abundantly every day in 2023.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Posted in: Holidays, Prayers , Tagged: , ,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 25, 2022 5:56 pm , Leave a Comment ,

On this beautiful winter day, it’s refreshing to rest in the love of Christ and ponder the true meaning of Christmas. Christ came to redeem us and give new life. God’s gift of the Savior is truly what gives meaning to our lives. His love, joy, peace, hope, faith, and the never-ending list of heavenly treasures are the true riches of life.

Christ is truly the best gift that we will ever receive.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of Christ. Thank You for the gift of eternal life that You have given us through Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son as the perfect sacrifice to redeem us. Thank You for all that He gives us and how He enables us to live with an abundance of hope, joy, peace, and love. I give praise to our amazing Savior, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Let us continually rejoice over the gifts You have given us through a loving relationship with You. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

May your Christmas and coming year be filled with all of the glorious riches of Christ.

 

Posted in: Holidays, Prayers , Tagged: , ,

A PRAYER FOR PEACE

December 21, 2022 8:59 pm , 2 Comments ,

 

As I was talking with a friend yesterday about the Lord, I began telling her that peace is what the world needs more than anything else. Christ’s peace is one of the greatest gifts of life. Jesus is peace. His peace is like no other peace. It’s a peace that truly transcends our understanding.

When my son was suicidal years ago, I was amazed at the perfect peace Christ gave me. The Lord held me in His arms and flooded my soul with peace even in the moments that I did not know if my beloved child was alive or not. Since that day, I have rejoiced almost continually over Christ’s awesome gift of peace.

My desire is that an entire generation will be awakened and know that only Christ can give a person an unshakable peace in the soul. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. I ask You to guard our hearts and minds with Christ’s perfect peace. Awaken millions of souls to the reality of their need for Christ’s peace. Let the CHURCH take hold of all that You came to the earth to give mankind, and help us live in harmony with each other. Let us look to You when we are grieving and let us trust You wholeheartedly to carry us through every battle. Help us to continually turn away from fear, let us rest in knowing You do impossible things, and enable us to walk in strong faith until the day of Christ’s return. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:9

May your heart be filled with Christ’s indescribable peace this Christmas.

PRAY BOLDLY!

Amy

If you enjoyed this post, I would love for you to subscribe to receive my posts electronically by entering your email address into the box on the right side of the blog. It says: “Subscribe to Blog via Email.” Thank you so much to those who have already subscribed.

 

Posted in: Holidays, Prayers , Tagged: ,

A PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN TO LIVE IN CHRIST’S LIGHT

December 1, 2022 5:59 pm , 3 Comments ,

Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) says: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Our children and the youth of the world need Christ’s light more than they need anything else. This Christmas season, I’m continuing to pray for revival and a great spiritual awakening among the younger generation.

LORD,

Thank You for being a light for the youth to follow. Help the children of the world and the younger generation turn to You as their Savior. Revive the hearts of countless young people around the world. Bring millions of souls into Your kingdom in the days and months ahead.

Help our sons and daughters live in Your light. Help them to live fully surrendered to You each day of their lives. Give them the desire to seek You wholeheartedly through prayer and reading the Bible. Let them turn to You for guidance and strength. Teach them to trust You and know You deeper every day. Surround them with a wall of protection and watch over them always. Let Your word be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

PRAY BOLDLY!

Amy

If you enjoyed this post, I would love for you to subscribe to receive my posts electronically by entering your email address into the box on the right side of the blog. It says: “Subscribe to Blog via Email.” Thank you so much to those who have already subscribed.

Posted in: Prayers, Revival , Tagged: , , ,

A PRAYER FOR THE YOUTH

September 17, 2022 7:15 pm , 1 Comment ,
I am in awe of Jesus Christ every day. In the midst of the spiritual battles, Jesus continues to do amazing miracles. Jesus is working mightily in the lives of the younger generation. Our prayers are birthing a revival that will bring forth positive changes in this broken world. I believe with all my heart that ‘Generation Z’ will be the greatest generation of all time. They will lead the end time revival, and millions of lives will be saved. Our sons and daughters will be filled with God’s glory and be mighty warriors for Christ’s kingdom. Hallelujah.

 

LORD,

Thank You for loving us so deeply. We are looking to You for answers for the generation of children of this present age. We are desperate to see You intervene on behalf of the teens and the younger generations in our communities. I ask You to pour out Your Spirit upon all the youth of the world and let them draw near to You. Rescue the ones who are surrounded by darkness and let them walk in Your light every day. Let them experience Your peace and bring healing to their souls. Deliver the adolescent ones from every addiction. Take away every suicidal thought and let them turn away from violence. Help the youth of the world turn away from all destructive behaviors and stay away from violent activities. Help them to stop bullying and to begin showing kindness to each other. Help them to stop looking to social media sites to get their worth and let them look to You to find their true callings. Fill the youthful ones with a great revelation of Your love and let them turn their hearts toward You. Awaken the souls of countless adolescents and let them be filled with a great measure of Your Holy Spirit. Surround them with Your presence and guard them from the arrows of the evil one. Draw them into Your arms and give them an insatiable desire to know You better. Let them discover Your grace and live by Your Spirit all the days of their lives.
Turn every stumbling block into a stepping stone that leads them to their destinies. Let Your will be done in their lives and help them to be great leaders. Let the younger generation share the gospel message with passion and power. Let our youth rise up and grow into strong warriors for Christ who live with purpose. I trust You to raise up a generation of passionate Christ-followers who will bring change to this broken world and live as children of light. I stand in faith and pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

 

PRAY BOLDLY!

Amy🌻🌻🌻

The prayer in this post is an excerpt from THE DESPERATE MOM’S PRAYER BOOK (CHAPTER 1).

Posted in: Prayers, Revival , Tagged: , , ,

RESTING & ENJOYING GOD’S SUMMERTIME BEAUTY

July 29, 2022 6:24 pm , Leave a Comment ,

Summertime symbolizes so many different things. It’s a time to rest and slow down. It’s a time to enjoy all the beautiful flowers that thrive in the heat. It’s a time to be still and relax in the moments of vacation days.

When I think of all my summertime memories, I think of lying in a hammock with a good book. I think of picnics and watermelons.

I think of jumping in the refreshing, cool water after a jog. I think of crossing the finish line at the Peachtree Road Race. I think of fireworks on the Fourth of July. I think of catching fireflies in a jar and playing ‘hide-and-seek’ with the kids when they were growing up.

I think of camping and walking on the beach at dusk. I think of romance. I think of candlelight dinners on the porch. I think of the sweetness of fresh blueberries and the sunflowers coming into full bloom.

I have countless memories of summer days. But most of all, summertime reminds me of Jesus. He draws us into rest. He calls us to slow down and find refreshment in Him. He gives us more excitement than a fireworks show and carries us through to the finish line when we’re struggling to carry on. He makes life beautiful in the same way that summertime brings forth vibrant flowers.

Christ brings perfect rest to the soul and beckons us to lean into Him when we’re weary.

On this beautiful summer day, I can imagine Jesus whispering: “Come to Me and find what your soul is longing for. Come and find rest in your spirit and mind. I am here waiting to embrace you with My love.”

Are you enjoying the rest that comes from leaning into Christ? I pray you will enjoy all the beauty of summer and experience the sweetness of God’s unwavering love.

🌻🌻🌻

If you enjoyed this post, I would love for you to subscribe to receive my posts electronically by entering your email address into the box on the right side of the blog. It says: “Subscribe to Blog via Email.” Thank you so much to those who have already subscribed.

This post is a revised piece that I wrote and posted previously.

Posted in: Devotions , Tagged: , ,

A PRAYER FOR THE ONES IN NEED OF A FATHER

June 19, 2022 1:55 pm , Leave a Comment ,

The love of a father is what every person in the world desires and needs. However, in this broken world, there are many children and adults who don’t have a loving father. Thankfully, our FATHER IN HEAVEN loves us with an everlasting and unconditional love.

On this FATHER’S DAY, I’m praying that every hurting person (child or adult) will experience the amazing gift of God’s perfect love.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your everlasting love. I am asking You to comfort the sons and daughters who are without a father today. Hold them close in Your arms and let them know that You are a GOOD FATHER. Give them a great revelation of Your love and heal their pain. Reveal Your love to them in beautiful ways and fill the void by sending a trustworthy spiritual mentor who can help guide and lead them through their lives. Let them walk with confidence and faith in Your ability to meet the desires of their hearts. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

May God’s love fill the void in the hearts of the ones in need of a good father today.

If you enjoyed this post, I would love for you to subscribe to receive my posts electronically by entering your email address into the box on the right side of the blog. It says: “Subscribe to Blog via Email.” Thank you so much to those who have already subscribed.

Posted in: Prayers , Tagged: , , ,