Author Archives: Live Abundantly Now

GOD’S MERCY ENDURES FOREVER

September 1, 2019 10:41 pm , 2 Comments ,

My heart is filled with compassion for people who are experiencing tragic circumstances in America and other countries. As I was praying about the tragedies in the news, I thought about the enduring mercy of God.

In Psalm 136 (NKJV), it says, “His mercy endures forever.”

1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever.

3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever:

4 To Him who alone does great wonders. For His mercy endures forever.

5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens. For His mercy endures forever.

6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters. For His mercy endures forever.

7 To Him who made great lights. For His mercy endures forever—

8 The sun to rule by day. For His mercy endures forever;

9 The moon and stars to rule by night. For His mercy endures forever.

10 To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn. For His mercy endures forever:

11 And brought out Israel from among them. For His mercy endures forever;

12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm. For His mercy endures forever;

13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in two. For His mercy endures forever;

14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it. For His mercy endures forever;

15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea. For His mercy endures forever;

16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness. For His mercy endures forever;

17 To Him who struck down great kings. For His mercy endures forever;

18 And slew famous kings, For His mercy endures forever—

19 Sihon king of the Amorites. For His mercy endures forever;

20 And Og king of Bashan. For His mercy endures forever—

21 And gave their land as a heritage. For His mercy endures forever;

22 A heritage to Israel His servant. For His mercy endures forever.

23 Who remembered us in our lowly state. For His mercy endures forever;

24 And rescued us from our enemies. For His mercy endures forever;

25 Who gives food to all flesh. For His mercy endures forever.

26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.

 

Hallelujah.

 

Even though it can be tempting for hurting people to feel forgotten by God, it’s a distorted view of God’s character to believe He has given up on anyone. God has not forgotten one single person on the planet, but many have forgotten Him. Our generation is living in an unprecedented time of evil. Many have chosen to turn away from God because they don’t understand His true nature.

God is love (1 John 4:8).

No one understands why such tragedy can exist in the world. There are things we will never be able to understand in this life until Christ’s return or after we reach our heavenly home.

However, there is one thing I am certain of more than anything else.

Jesus Christ loves us very deeply.

Our minds cannot comprehend how deep His love is. It is perfect. It is indescribable.

His love redeems sinners.

His love sets captives free.

His love heals.

His love comforts.

His love is enough.

As we turn toward God wholeheartedly with faith-filled prayer and truly live each day as conduits of the love of Christ, we will see change in our world.

The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving-kindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalm 103: 8-13

Our Heavenly Father,

I am in awe of Your goodness. Thank You for Your enduring mercy and love. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. I lift up the people who have been affected by recent tragedies and I’m asking You to encourage those who have experienced excruciating circumstances. I know You are filled with compassion for the hurting ones. I ask You to comfort them in their sorrows. Fill them with the hope and knowledge of Your eternal love. Keep them in the palm of Your hand and fill the hole in their hearts with Your love and peace. Bring beauty to replace the pain and restore hope in their lives. Let countless people turn to You and trust You during the storms of life. Thank You in advance for the miracles You will do in the days ahead. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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BASKING IN CHRIST’S LOVE AND PRESENCE

August 21, 2019 9:49 am , 2 Comments ,

The sun looked magnificent and glorious as I was driving alone and talking softly to the Lord. As I was approaching the top of a hill, I saw the most breathtaking view of the mountains in the distance. It was majestic.

I’ve always loved the mountains and enjoyed this route more times than I could count; however, this day was different than anytime before. The splendor in the sky and the beauty of the mountains surrounding me were mesmerizing. The awesome wonder of God’s creation captured every fiber of my being. Christ’s presence came to me so powerfully that it felt heavenly in an inexpressible way. As my worship music played in the background, the voice of the Lord whispered words to my heart.

My love for you is higher and wider and more magnificent than these beautiful mountains.

My heart melted in His presence. Heaven touched me and drew me close to the heart of God. I basked in His great love for the rest of my trip.

Christ’s presence is the greatest gift of life and nothing satisfies the soul like spending time with Him.

Some days, distractions can rob us of the quietness we need. It’s very easy to be in a big hurry and miss these spectacular God moments. We don’t have to be driving through gorgeous scenery to bask in God’s glory. We can commune with the maker of the heavens at any moment of the day.

The love of Christ beckons us to open our hearts to Him. Jesus is waiting for each one of us to stop what we’re doing and rest in His perfect love. Our relationship with our Savior is better than anything else in life. No amount of money or success could ever compare to what we have in Christ. He is everything.

In the busyness of life, remember to slow down. Be quiet. Bask in the most perfect love you’ll ever find and let Christ’s presence wash your burdens away.

Our Beloved Jesus,

Thank You for Your amazing love which surpasses our understanding. Let us be strengthened with power through Your Spirit and let Your glory permeate our lives every day. Let us be rooted and grounded in Your love. Help us to comprehend more of the depth of Your great love for us and let us rest in Your presence continually. We love You and pray in Your name, Christ. Amen.

“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3: 16-19

This devotion is a revised version of a previous “Live Abundantly Now” blog post.

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THREE PRAYERS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

August 1, 2019 8:20 pm , Leave a Comment ,

The new school year began for the students in my town today. Lifting up the students and teachers in prayer is the greatest gift we can give them as they are beginning classes.

My children are grown and live independently in their own places. However, my zeal for prayer continues to increase even as my children are adults now. In the life of a believer in Christ, there is nothing more important than prayer.

Undeniably, prayer has never been needed more for our world and our schools than now. Every school needs to be prayed for regularly, and I hope you will pray for the schools in your community. You may insert the names of the schools, students, and teachers in your area into the prayers and lift them up to the Lord.

Praying for protection is needed every single day. We cannot give up praying for the safety of the schools.

A Prayer for Protection

LORD,

Thank You for being our shield and protector from the evil one. I lift up (insert name of school) in our community and ask You to guard it from all evil. Surround the school with Your angels and place a spiritual wall of protection around it.

Give the leaders wisdom to know what needs to be done to make our schools safe and let no harm or danger near the school buildings. Empower the teachers to think wisely and help them to prevent dangerous situations. Protect the students in our communities and help each school’s faculty members know how to assure their safety. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11

Each student needs prayer as they face the challenges that can arise in their classroom environments. Prayer can change the trajectory of their school year.

A Prayer for Students

LORD,

Thank You for loving the children of the world and wanting them to be taken care of. I lift up (insert name of student) to You and ask for Your strength for him/her. I ask You to bless each boy and girl that is beginning school this week. Give them peace and confidence as they begin their classes. Give them wisdom and let them place their trust in You when challenges arise. Teach them how to be kind to each other and help them to treat others lovingly.

Fill the classrooms with Your peace and draw each student closer to Your heart. Keep the students in the shadow of Your wings always and let Your faithfulness be their shield. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. Psalm 91:4

Teaching school is one of the most important jobs in the world. Teachers need prayer to hold them up in the midst of the challenging situations.

A Prayer for Teachers

LORD,

Thank You for the men and women who are called to teach school. Help each one of them know how valued they are. Give (insert name of teacher) the wisdom and strength he/she needs. Give them a heart of compassion, patience, kindness, gentleness, and humility as they are teaching the precious students in their classrooms.

Help them encourage each student in their classes and let them make a positive impact in their lives every day. Help them impart blessings into the lives of many students in the days ahead. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

As those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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A PRAYER FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION

July 26, 2019 10:52 pm , 2 Comments ,

While reading through some of my writings today, I stumbled upon a prayer I had written in July of 2010. Nine years ago when I wrote this prayer, I could have never dreamed of what Christ would do in the lives of my children. As I was reading the prayer, I sensed the Lord leading me to share it on my blog (in an edited version). It’s a prayer that I hope will inspire other parents to continue praying for their children.

I am in awe of how God has done abundantly more than I could have ever asked for or imagined in my family (Ephesians 3:20). Now, my daughter and son are in their twenties and they are truly filled with the light of Christ. Their lives are a testament to the power of prayer and our family is an example of how Christ turns trials into triumphant victories as we live by faith.

After watching Christ work mightily in the lives of my son and daughter, I have a zealous desire in my heart to pray for the younger generation to be transformed through God’s power. Let us join together and pray for the youth in our communities to be the light of the world.

Let’s pray passionately that the youthful ones will be set free from destructive paths and be the ones that bring the greatest change in our world.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your love and grace. Pour out Your Spirit upon our lives and our family. Baptize each one of us with Your Holy Spirit in a powerful way. Help us to be good parents that love unconditionally and let us be everything You want for us to be in our children’s lives.

I ask You to meet every need of our children and hold them tightly in Your embrace. Help them to feel Your presence with them continually and heal every hurting place in their hearts. Give them the desire to live for You and to follow You all the days of their lives.

Let Your light shine brightly through our children and let them draw near to You each day. Let them be mighty warriors for Your kingdom and shining examples to all their friends. Help them to turn away from sin and stand up for what is right. Help them to always walk in the Spirit and live by faith.

Raise up our children to be the strong men and women of God they are called to be. Help them to stay focused on You and follow Your guiding voice every day. Let them be pure and blameless in Your sight. I trust You and pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

“Be faithful to pray as intercessors who are fully alert and giving thanks to God.”

Colossians 4:2

Pray, trust, and wait on the Lord to do what only He can do.

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A PRAYER FOR THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE

July 19, 2019 12:31 am , Leave a Comment ,

There is a fierce battle raging around us. The spiritual battle is intensifying as the day of Christ’s return draws nearer. In Ephesians 6:12, it tells us that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers and principalities that want to thwart God’s perfect plan in our lives.

Prayer is our greatest weapon against the powers of darkness and we are empowered to live victoriously as we put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.”

Victory comes to those who are clothed in God’s armor and completely hidden in Christ.

The safest place to be during the intense spiritual warfare is in the secret hiding place with Christ. Psalm 91:1 says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

There is no in between place of hiding in Christ. Lukewarm Christianity does not work and the victory cannot be won without being fully submitted to Christ. Light and darkness cannot be in the same room. It’s either dark when the lights are off or it becomes light when the light has been turned on.

Every surrendered believer in Christ has the authority to defeat the dark forces. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

May you stay surrounded by the light of Christ and live fully hidden in His love.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your goodness and mercy. Protect us by the power in the blood of Jesus Christ and surround us with Your magnificent light. Let us submit to You every day and flee from the devil. Let us dwell in the secret place of the most high and abide in the shadow of Your wings always. Let us be hidden away in Your love and protected in the battle. Let us continually walk in repentance and press into the KINGDOM of HEAVEN. Strengthen us with Your might and let us clothe ourselves with the armor of God.

Help our sons and daughters to be ready to conquer every power or principality that may come their way. Remind them to clothe themselves spiritually and let them live victoriously. Help them stand and be grounded in Your truth. Help them to walk in freedom and faith all the days of their lives. I trust You, LORD, to keep our families strong and prepared for the raging battle. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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PRAYER CHANGES LIVES

July 12, 2019 5:17 pm , Leave a Comment ,

Prayer is like breathing and connects us to our lifeline—Jesus Christ. Prayer changes circumstances and changes lives. Prayer changes us from the inside out and makes every single day worth living because we are connecting with the creator of the universe.

Christ has all the answers to all of life’s problems. When you need strength, fall to your knees and say: “Lord, help me.” Draw near to Christ and release your concerns to Him. Pray without ceasing by surrendering your thoughts to Christ and seeking Him above everything else. Trust the Lord with all your heart and let prayer change your life.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the anchor of our lives and giving us the breath in our lungs. Fill us up with more of Your Holy Spirit and empower us to be all You created us to be. Let us live as mighty men and women of prayer every day. Let us draw near to You continually and let us walk closely with You through our prayers. Woo us into Your arms and onto our knees throughout each day. Let us pray without ceasing and let us give thanks continually for all You’ve given us through Jesus Christ. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

“Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

 

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A FATHER’S DAY PRAYER

June 16, 2019 4:29 pm , 2 Comments ,

Every soul has the desire to have a loving and caring father. However, in this fallen world, there are many children and adults who have never experienced a daddy’s love. I have deep compassion for those who are fatherless.

The Bible says God is like a father and we are His children. Isaiah 64:8 says: “But now, O LORD, You are our Father. We are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand.”

How incredible it is to know we are like clay in a potter’s hands. We are the work of God’s hand. It’s amazing and beautiful to experience God’s love in a fatherly way.

My prayer is that every hurting person (child or adult) will experience the priceless gift of God’s perfect love and rest in knowing how deeply compassionate is the heart of our Father in Heaven.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us with a perfect, fatherly love. Thank You for being a good heavenly Father and bringing healing to those who are fatherless. Comfort the ones who have never had a loving father and fill the void in the hearts of sons and daughters who have lost their dad due to death, divorce, abandonment, and other circumstances.

Help the ones who are hurting today to rest in Your presence and know that You will never leave them, nor forsake them. Help them look to You always as their provider, nurturer, and protector.

Bring forth many spiritual fathers to meet the needs of those who are hurting today. Fill the hearts of every earthly father with Your love so that they can be conduits of Your amazing grace to their children and grandchildren. We pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

 

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A MEMORIAL DAY PRAYER

May 27, 2019 2:11 pm , 2 Comments ,

“Memorial Day” was established hundreds of years ago as a day to honor and remember the ones who have died in the United States Armed Forces. It’s a day to thank God for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for these brave souls.

Let’s pray and thank God for all the great men and women who have served and died while protecting our country.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the brave souls who have given the greatest sacrifice to protect our freedom. Help us to never forget the heroes of this country and help us remember the ones who lost their lives sacrificially. Please comfort those who have lost loved ones in the battlefields. Embrace the spouses and encourage the children who are missing their loved ones. Bless and protect the service men and women who are risking their lives to serve our country. Keep them in the shadow of Your wings today and always. We pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

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A MOTHER’S DAY PRAYER

May 12, 2019 3:44 pm , 2 Comments ,

Motherhood is the job that is shaping the future of our world like no other job. Mothering is by far one of the hardest jobs. There are no accolades during the formative years of our children’s lives. The rewards come later when we see our adult children making a difference in their communities.

On this MOTHER’S DAY, please join me in praying for all the hard-working moms—the ones who are sacrificing so much to help their sons and daughters grow into thriving adults.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of motherhood. Thank You for the mothers all around the world who pray for the younger generation and have laid down their desires to give sacrificially to their children. Bless each loving mom with your peace and joy every day. Let the sons and daughters arise to show gratitude for their mothers. 

Comfort the ones who have never had a loving mother and fill the void in the hearts of sons and daughters who need a mom. Bring forth many spiritual mothers to meet the needs of those who are hurting today. We pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

“Her sons and daughters arise in one accord to extol her virtues, and her husband arises to speak of her in glowing terms.” Proverbs 31:28

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

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NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: LOVE ONE ANOTHER

May 2, 2019 1:08 am , 2 Comments ,

We are focusing on loving one another for the “National Day of Prayer” in America.

Our generation is living in an unprecedented time of hatred. Many have turned away from God because they don’t know that His true nature is love. God is love. (1 John 4:8).

The words in Matthew 22:39 reveal the Lord’s second greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” God has called us to love all people purely and unconditionally. It is by God’s amazing love and grace that souls will be drawn into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

His love is enough to conquer anything. Evil may be increasing on the earth, but love overpowers it all. As we love one another as Christ loves us, we will see the world begin to change.

Let’s pray for our nation and for all the nations of the world to grow in Christ’s love.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us perfectly and not giving up on our nation. Keep Your hand upon our country and help us to love each other as You love us. Bring unity and a spirit of brotherhood upon our land. Let love begin growing throughout every city in America. Let Your perfect love rule in the hearts of all Your children and let us be an example to those who do not know how to love yet. Let us all walk together in our diversities as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Let all races be treated equally with respect and honor. Awaken countless souls with Your love and let the greatest spiritual awakening spread across our country. We pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34

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