Author Archives: Live Abundantly Now

PRAISING JESUS FOR THE GIFT OF THE CROSS

April 13, 2022 8:09 pm , Leave a Comment ,

The beauty of the springtime flowers is breathtaking. Every year, as the wintertime barrenness is overtaken by new life, it simply amazes me. During my walks, I’ve noticed the flowers peeking through the dirt, ready to burst forth.

The plants that were lying dormant were showing signs of life even before the weather changed. The blooms on the trees and flowers were obviously ready and waiting to come alive as soon as the first sign of warmth emerged in the atmosphere.

As I’ve been reflecting on the emerging beauty of the new season, it made me think of the resurrection of Christ and His power to resurrect life out of the barren places in our souls.

Just as the seasons change—the condition of our hearts change when we turn away from those things that deaden our spirits (see Ephesians 4: 22-24).

In my past, there were yucky things embedded in my heart: bitterness, fear, pride, and on and on the list goes. These sins were keeping me from experiencing a beautiful, new life in Christ. The day I realized how simple it is to live fully alive and free in Christ, I received a new heart and never looked back to the past.

Christ died an agonizing death so that we can live abundantly and eternally free from all the things that weigh us down. When we stumble, we can simply pray, “Lord, please forgive me for that mistake.” Then Jesus embraces us in our brokenness, and His reply is always filled with love:

“Yes, beloved one, you are forgiven for every mistake you’ve ever made and every mistake you’ll ever make in the future. Rise up and live with no regrets, and let Me help you walk in the Spirit, free from the grips of sin and shame and doubt and all things that burden your soul.”

As Jesus hung on the cross in agony, He said, “It is finished.” We do not ever have to agonize over our failures or mistakes again.

Are you living in the finished work of the cross?

My prayer is that you will breathe in the loveliness of the springtime flowers and revel in the beauty of Christ’s magnificent gift to mankind.

Have a blessed Easter!

Amy 🌻🌻🌻

f 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 shortened and revised piece that I posted previously in 2015.

Posted in: Devotions, Holidays , Tagged: , , , , ,

A PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL AWAKENING

April 11, 2022 2:19 am , Leave a Comment ,

Sometimes a person can be sleeping so soundly that it seems nearly impossible to wake them up. During my son’s teen years, he was not easily awakened in the morning. As I tried to wake him by gently tapping on his shoulder, he would grunt and then fall back to sleep. After trying to gently awaken him several times without success, I would bring our very energetic dog, Zoe, into my son’s room. With Zoe jumping on my son’s bed and licking his face, he was abruptly awakened unexpectedly. The memory of waking my son from his deep slumber reminds me of the difficulty of awakening the people who are spiritually asleep.

Ephesians 5:11-17 (The Message) says: “Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep. Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.”

I believe that there has never been a more important time than now for God’s people to be fully awake. The CHURCH is beginning to arise. However, there are many believers in Christ who are not fully awakened. Many are still living without a sense of urgency for the need of persistent prayer.

We are living in desperate times that require desperate prayers. We don’t need to be afraid. But we need to be alert and fully awake so that we’re prepared for the coming changes in the world. Otherwise, we may become awakened abruptly and quickly in an uncomfortable way.

As I wrote in a previous post, the Lord spoke words to my heart about the future changes. I heard these words in my heart: “Human systems are being broken down so that kingdom systems can be built.” In other words, God is tearing down the systems that are not of His kingdom. As I pondered those words, I thought about the disappointment of people that have placed their hope in the systems built by men. The upcoming days, months, and years will be very disappointing for people who are not spiritually awake and surrendered fully to Christ.

There are signs revealing that Christ’s return could possibly be within a few years. It’s time to shine Christ’s light brighter than ever. It’s time to partner with Christ to help bring a multitude of souls into His kingdom. It’s time to pray with fervency like never before.

Jesus is coming back. Are you ready?

LORD,

Thank You for loving us perfectly. Thank You for pouring out Your Spirit and filling our nation with Your glory. We come to You and humbly repent of the sins that hinder us from doing Your will for our lives. Wake us up from our spiritual slumber and help us live every moment fully awakened in Christ. Awaken us completely and help us keep our eyes continually focused upon You. Help us take our eyes off of the trivial things of this world and let us do the work You’ve called us to do while on the earth. Use us to lead people to Your saving grace and use us to bring hope to people in desperate need. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Posted in: Devotions, End Times , Tagged: , ,

A PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE

March 12, 2022 8:47 pm , Leave a Comment ,

 

My heart yearns for the Lord to return to this broken world and defeat evil. Until Christ returns, I will continue to pray passionately for His perfect will to come forth on the earth.

I trust Jesus with all my heart, and I will not give up praying for evil to be defeated.  What an awesome day it will be when all evil is gone forever. Hallelujah.

LORD,

Thank You for being the ONE who makes all things new. Thank You for being our helper in times of trouble. Thank You for being our peace-giver. Thank You for the countless times You have moved mountains that seemed impossible to move. Thank You for being our eternal protector and comforter. You are the calming peace among every storm of life. You are everything we need.

I am lifting up the innocent people of Ukraine to You in prayer. Let the Ukrainian people look to You as their refuge and source of strength. Fill them with hope and peace. Protect the children and civilians as they are seeking to find a safe place.

Keep Your hand upon their nation and bring an end to the violence there. Send an army of angels to defeat the evil forces. Bring the leaders to their knees and let them be guided by Your Holy Spirit so that peace will come forth. Pour out Your Spirit in an unprecedented way and bring revival to God’s people in Ukraine. Let miracles come forth out of the devastation. Let the body of Christ continue to arise in fervent prayer until we see Your kingdom come and Your will be done on the earth as it is in HEAVEN. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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.

Pray boldly!

Amy 🌻🌻🌻

Posted in: Prayers , Tagged: , ,

EMBRACING CHRIST’S LOVE & LETTING HIS LIGHT SHINE IN YOU

January 4, 2022 8:25 pm , 2 Comments ,

There is one thing I want to shout to the world: JESUS LOVES YOU more than your mind can comprehend.

Ephesians 2:14-19 (NLV) says: “For this reason, I bow my knees and pray to the Father. It is from Him that every family in heaven and on earth has its name. I pray that because of the riches of His shining-greatness, He will make you strong with power in your hearts through the Holy Spirit. I pray that Christ may live in your hearts by faith. I pray that you will be filled with love.  I pray that you will be able to understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep His love is. I pray that you will know the love of Christ. His love goes beyond anything we can understand. I pray that you will be filled with God Himself.”

Knowing the depth of Christ’s love for us—especially when we are in a broken state—truly sets us free. His love sets people free from shame, guilt, and condemnation. Knowing how deeply we are loved by Jesus enables us to be strengthened by His Spirit. When we know how deeply we are loved by Christ we experience true peace and joy every day.

God is not disappointed in you and does not want to condemn anyone. There is absolutely no shame in having weaknesses. Whether people like to admit it or not, every single person on the earth has imperfections. We all make mistakes every day. Why would people need a SAVIOR if they were perfect?

Joy oozes out of the soul as we embrace the reality that we are deeply loved and cherished by a gracious Savior.

The words in Galatians 2:20-21 show us that righteousness comes from the Spirit of Christ dwelling within us. Apostle Paul said: “I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not ignore or nullify the [gracious gift of the] grace of God [His amazing, unmerited favor], for if righteousness comes through [observing] the law, then Christ died needlessly. [His suffering and death would have had no purpose whatsoever.]”

Our freedom in Christ is the beauty of the gospel message. Jesus came and died so that we could live an abundant life and be eternally free from torment. He took the punishment for our sins by dying on the cross for us. There is no pressure to live righteously in our own strength. With the Lord, we are able to walk in His righteousness. We are made righteous as Christ fills us with His Holy Spirit after we place our faith in Him for salvation.

The Bible says that the goodness of God leads you to repentance (Romans 2:4). Knowing how deeply Jesus loves us causes us to fall on our knees in repentance when we sin.

We are free to live abundantly because we have Jesus—the ONE who loves us just as we are in our brokenness. His love is the healing balm and makes us want to change our sinful ways. We can rejoice in knowing that Christ’s light shines brightly and magnificently through the cracks of broken vessels.

Hallelujah.

This year, may you embrace Christ’s love, live FREELY in Christ, and let His light shine in you more brightly than ever. If you have not accepted Christ’s amazing gift of salvation, please join the family of God today. I’m sharing the link for a simple prayer for you:

PSALM 51 PRAYER

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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: Devotions , Tagged: , , , , ,

REJOICING IN THE GIFT OF CHRIST

December 25, 2021 12:30 am , Leave a Comment ,

On this Christmas Eve, I am filled with gratitude for God’s gift to mankind. Tears of joy are filling my eyes as I’m pondering the magnitude of God’s gift to us. God brought forth the Savior of the world to redeem us and give us everlasting life.

Can you imagine life without Jesus? I cannot fathom life without our beloved Christ. There would be no hope. There would be no light. There would only be darkness for eternity.

Nothing compares to Christ. There is no amount of money, no other relationship, and no possession that is as valuable as the gift of Jesus. Nothing else can satisfy our longings. Only Jesus Christ is able to meet our deepest needs, and it’s in Him alone we are able to live with true peace and joy.

This Christmas and always, I’ll be rejoicing in the gift of Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am in awe of the gift You’ve given us through Christ. Thank You for sending Your son to save mankind. Thank You for rescuing us out of the darkness so that we can live as children of light. Let us be keenly aware of Your great love and celebrate our amazing Savior. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8

Merry Christmas!

Amy

Posted in: Devotions, Holidays , Tagged: , , ,

A PRAYER FOR OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS TO WALK IN GOD’S TRUTH

October 6, 2021 10:03 pm , 2 Comments ,

I believe the greatest joy we can experience in life comes from knowing that our children are walking in God’s truth. 3 John 4 says: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” When our sons and daughters are thriving in the truth of God’s ways, our hearts are filled with elation like no other.

With the spiritual battles of this present age, our sons and daughters need our prayers more than ever before. Let’s continue praying for our children and the entire generation of youth to walk in truth every day.

As we pray in faith, Christ will bring forth amazing miracles and birth a revival in the younger generation that will be like nothing we have ever seen before.

Hallelujah.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving our children more than we do. Help us to be good parents that always love unconditionally and let us release our children into Your hands every day.

I am asking You to meet every need of our sons and daughters. Help them to always walk in the truth and live by faith. Help them to turn away from the wrong path and to follow You all the days of their lives. Give them an insatiable desire to read the Bible, to live for You, and trust You wholeheartedly.

Help them to feel Your presence continually and let them draw near to You each day. Help them to be mighty warriors for Your kingdom and let Your light shine brightly in their lives.

Help the younger generation to grow into the strong men and women of God that they are called to be. Help them to stay focused on You and follow Your guiding voice every day. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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: Motherhood, Prayers , Tagged: , , , , , , ,

GOD’S WAYS ARE BETTER THAN ANYTHING WE CAN IMAGINE

September 13, 2021 3:01 pm , Leave a Comment ,

The Bible says that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than our ways. God has an eternal plan and sees the big picture that we cannot see with our earthly eyes. During seasons of loss, it may seem as though God does not love you. But the truth is that God’s mercy endures forever (Psalm 136) and His love is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3). In this broken world, we can rest in Christ and trust that His plans for our lives are far better than anything we can imagine. Ephesians 3:20 (TLV) says: “Now to Him who is able to do far beyond all that we ask or imagine, by means of His power that works in us,”

Faith requires us to keep our eyes on Christ and His promises.

God’s promises will be birthed in your life if you pray, surrender to God, and trust Him wholeheartedly. While this present world is filled with uncertainties, you may draw near to God and be filled with peace. His ways may not make sense at the moment, but if you remain steadfast, you will see God’s beauty arise out of every loss and trial.

WHISPERS FROM JESUS:

What I have planned for your life, MY child, is so much better than anything you could ever imagine. Rest in ME. Be encouraged by the fact that MY ways are so much greater than your ways. I am working behind the scenes and I will work things out for your good. Trust ME and seek ME wholeheartedly. Don’t try to figure things out; just simply walk with ME and talk with ME. Keep ME as Your sole focus and listen for MY guiding voice to lead each step of your way.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your amazing love and goodness. Your loving-kindness never fails and Your mercy endures forever. Thank You that You have better plans for our lives than any of us could ever imagine. Thank You for turning every trial into a triumphant victory as we trust You wholeheartedly. Help us to never jump ahead of You and empower us to continue to wait patiently for the awesome new beginnings You have for our lives. Help us to always know that Your ways are so much higher than our ways and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

ENJOY JESUS!

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.

As a side note: WHISPERS FROM JESUS are words—inspired by the scriptures—that I can imagine the Lord whispering to my heart. These words are intended to uplift my readers, and my greatest intention (for being a writer) is that you will be encouraged to grow closer to Jesus, enjoy reading the Bible, and hear God’s voice in your own heart.

Posted in: Devotions , Tagged: , , , ,

REMEMBERING 9/11/01 & PRAYING FOR AMERICA

September 11, 2021 11:59 pm , Leave a Comment ,

Americans will forever remember September 11, 2001. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in the horrific attacks by terrorists. On this 20th anniversary of that devastating day, I’ve been praying and pondering the memories of the tragedy.

My prayer is that the believers in Christ will unite and pray in unity for God to protect our country and other nations from these evil acts of terror.

Jesus Christ is the world’s only hope. The terrorists need the salvation of Jesus. Every human on the face of the earth needs to encounter Christ and be saved.

Let’s pray continually for America and pray passionately for a worldwide revival that will bring forth the salvation of billions of souls around the world.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your never-ending mercy and grace. Help us to never forget the heroes of this country and let us remember the ones who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Bless and comfort those who are mourning. Bring healing to the ones who have been deeply traumatized.

Protect America from future acts of terrorism and keep Your hand upon our country. Help Americans to be a strong group of united people and let us be an undivided nation. Strengthen us and empower us to walk in unity with one another.

Let the CHURCH in America turn away from complacency and return to You wholeheartedly. Help all of God’s people to pray consistently for the nations of the world to be protected from terrorists. Help us stand boldly in faith and trust You to restore our nation. 

Bring forth the most powerful prayer movement and revival that the world has ever seen. Let billions of people be saved around the world in the months and years ahead. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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: , , , ,

A PRAYER: LORD, POUR OUT MORE OF YOUR GLORY

August 6, 2021 6:19 pm , Leave a Comment ,

Though darkness may be increasing upon the earth, Christ’s light is flooding out the dark forces in the lives of those who are fully yielded to Him. Our level of experiencing God’s light and glory is dependent upon how spiritually hungry we are. We can either spend our lives craving the things of this present world or we can wholeheartedly seek after Christ and experience His glory in unimaginable ways.

The glory of the Lord is not easily defined. To me, it’s HEAVEN touching the earth. It’s the splendor and magnificence of God’s presence tangibly felt in a powerful way.

After spending time in communion with Christ and surrendering to the sanctification process, He began pouring His glory upon my life in an unprecedented way. He has filled my heart with compassion for those trapped in darkness. Every soul is in need of the glory of God to overpower the dark shadows.

My prayer is that every person who is longing for redemption and seeking to know Christ on a deeper level will catch some of the glory that’s being poured out by God. There is nothing that God’s power and glory cannot remedy. As we turn away from the darkness and fall into the arms of our Creator, we can arise, shine, and rest in the glory of Christ’s light eternally.

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Isaiah 60:1-3

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your goodness and grace. Thank You for loving us deeper than we can comprehend. Please sanctify us daily and pour more of Your glory upon us. Wash away our fears and give us the courage to shine brighter than we ever have before. Let us rise up and bring light into the darkest places of the world. Let Your perfect will be done in our lives on EARTH as it is in HEAVEN. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

 

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 shortened and revised piece that I posted previously in 2018.
Posted in: Prayers , Tagged: , , ,

A PRAYER AND ENCOURAGING WORDS FOR THE SAINTS OF GOD

July 10, 2021 7:26 pm , Leave a Comment ,

For many years, I’ve had a strong sense in my spirit that the Lord has been preparing His true followers to rise up and shine brightly during the years leading up to Christ’s return. For more than a decade, I’ve sensed that God would be releasing forerunners who have been walking through refining fires, surrendering to the sanctification process that’s necessary to live an abundant life in Christ.

The Bible says we are saints by calling, and we’re sanctified through the power of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:2 (NASB) says: “To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.”

The refinement process is not about being perfect. Sanctification is about depending on Christ to fill us with His righteousness. It’s about examining our hearts daily and allowing Christ to remove sin from our lives. God knows we will mess up every single day, but Christ’s amazing grace beckons us to keep allowing Him to purify us. There’s a never-ending journey of refinement when we choose to give our lives to Christ.

In 2012, I wrote the following words (in quotation marks) as I was praying on my patio and pondering what I thought Jesus would want to speak to His beloved saints. The words are inspired by the scriptures that I’ve hidden in my heart. Even though I wrote this nine years ago, I believe God wanted me to wait to share these words on my blog for the season we’re in now. This is for the ones who have truly walked with Christ and known Him as the REFINER.

“Enough is enough. Never again will the enemy rob from those who live righteously. I know the battles have been relentless, but let your heart rest in knowing that the glory of My present house is much greater than the glory of the former house. Now I am keeping watch because you have sought Me; you have let me sit as a refiner and purifier of your hearts. Rejoice! For the time has come for the forerunners to be released. It is time for you to come forth and let My GLORY be seen in your lives. You have stood the tests of refinement. You have let Me be the ruler of your life, so now I will promote you. The religious mockers will be brought down unless they humbly repent and turn fully to Me. Works of the flesh will no longer rule in the church. My true followers will rise up and shine. The truth will prevail. The intercessors that have been on their faces behind closed doors will come out of hiding and have a voice for the kingdom of God. It is time for the faithful ones to be listened to. I will open doors and give platforms to those who humbly wait on Me and My timing. Rise up, all of you who have been called by Me to do great and mighty things for My kingdom. Rise up, and look not at the enemy. I have surrounded you with a wall of fire. I will protect you and your families as you live in My Spirit. Never again will an oppressor overrun your life, for I am the keeper of your house. Where I am—there can be no darkness. Dance upon injustice and worship Me until I return. Fight for those who are still being overrun by the enemy. I love you, My beloved ones, with an everlasting love. I will be your rear guard now and until the end of time.”

He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. Malachi 3:3 (NKJV)

For I, says the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’ Zechariah 2:5 (NKJV)

But I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch. Zechariah 9:8 (NIV)

‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty. Haggai 2:9 (NIV)

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)

Then your light shall break forth like the morning. Your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Isaiah 58:8 (NKJV)

Christ has confirmed to me in other ways that He has been beckoning THE TRUE CHURCH to arise. In 2011, I felt led to paint an image I saw in my mind. This painting is very simplistic, but I believe it has a prophetic message. Years ago, I showed the painting to a friend and asked her to help me interpret the meaning. She believes this painting is symbolic of the bride of Christ rising up. I pondered her words and agreed with what she said. Also, I believe the green is symbolic of Christ’s bride coming fully alive after being beaten down for so long.

Please write a comment if God shows you insights about this painting.

With Christ’s various confirmations, I believe that God wants His beloved saints to rise up fully and stand boldly in His glory.

I’m praying for those who have endured relentless spiritual warfare and those who have felt like giving up in the midst of the excruciating battles. May your spirit be lifted and encouraged every day until the end of the age.

LORD,
     Thank You for Your never-ending grace and love. Thank You for refining us and filling us with Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for girding us with the breastplate of righteousness so that we can resist the enemy. I am in awe of how You carry us through every hard battle and make us stronger each time we face spiritual warfare. Your beloved ones are ready to see Your kingdom come on the earth as it is in HEAVEN. Strengthen us and help us step fully into the callings You have prepared for each one of us. Surround us with a wall of protection and let us rise up fully. Help us to live by faith continually and pray boldly each day. Help us to be mighty carriers of the gospel message and conduits of Your love to a broken world. Let Your glory rise upon us so brightly that many people will run to You and be saved. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
Posted in: Prophetic Words , Tagged: , , , ,