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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
All things are possible with God. If you are in the midst of something hard, don’t lose faith. Disbelief stirs up nothing but darkness. I have seen the wonder-working power of prayer transform every disappointment into something beautiful and joyous.
Jesus will win every battle for those who wholeheartedly seek after Him and trust in Him. He heals broken hearts and restores what’s been lost.
Do not give up and continue praying in faith. God helps those who seek Him and wait on Him.
The Lord has great plans for every believer who trusts Him. Be confident and know that God wants to use you to bring hope to the world.
WHISPERS FROM JESUS:
I will go wherever I am called upon to help those who trust in Me. I will heal the brokenhearted and restore what has been lost.
LORD,
Thank You for being the HOPE of the world. Thank You for being the only ONE who fills our souls with indescribable peace and abundant joy every day. Strengthen us with Your Holy Spirit today and always. Help us to be hope-bearers and let us shine Your light everywhere we go. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
May you see the goodness of God today and every day.
Grace & peace,
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.
There are only a few things that break my heart as much as the wickedness of racism. It’s really unbelievable that anybody could treat someone horribly or kill them because of their skin color. My mind cannot comprehend this evil.
A week ago, one of the most horrid crimes took place on American soil. George Floyd’s life was taken from him violently—a precious soul was lost in the worst kind of hate crime. There are no words to express the deep compassion and empathy I feel for his family and for our nation that is mourning over this wicked crime.
Throughout the week, I’ve prayed and thought about how desperately our world needs love more than anything else. There is a song that has a perfect message for this time of turmoil. “What the World Needs Now is Love,” is the name of a song that was popular when I was growing up. I have vivid memories of singing this song at the top of my lungs as a little girl. It was one of my favorite songs then and it still is now.
I’ve been obsessed with God and HIS LOVE throughout my life. Love is truly what the world needs. God’s 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.
Only Christ can empower us to love the ones who mistreat us. As we spend time in prayer, Christ pours His love into our hearts, so that we can pour it out on others and make an impact while we’re passing through the earth.
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).
Christianity can be summed up in one word: LOVE.
One of the ways we can love our neighbor is to ask forgiveness for the sins of the past. It is very healing to acknowledge the excruciating pain that our African American brothers and sisters have experienced.
As I’ve been writing and contemplating the condition of our world, I wept many tears for the ones who have been victims of injustices. I’ve felt embarrassed for the horrid mistakes of our country’s forefathers. Slavery has tormented this nation. Precious people were dehumanized, shamed, humiliated, and demoralized by slavery. It was a terribly evil, inhuman act of hatred that no man or woman should ever have to endure. I am so sorry for what our nation tolerated by committing the horrible injustices of slavery and racism. I ask those who may be carrying the pain of racism and slavery, please forgive these terrible sins.
You are beautiful. You are loved. You are made in God’s image. As humans, we have the same blood flowing through our veins. We are one race—all created equal in God’s eyes.
Right now, my most desperate prayer is that we can move forward in the days ahead with a powerful strength we’ve never had before. May we truly walk as a united group of people, in a spirit of unity and wholeness.
Let’s continue to pray passionately 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. I ask you to comfort George Floyd’s family and bring an end to racism. I ask You to bring healing to every man and woman who has ever been a victim of racism. I ask You to give peace to the ones who are mourning the loss of loved ones due to hate crimes.
Please 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 and around the world. I trust You to bring forth a JESUS REVOLUTION in the midst of the turmoil and saves millions of souls in the days ahead. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
The love I have for my daughter and son is indescribable. My undying love for them is what drives me to my knees time and time again to cry out to the Lord on their behalf.
There’s absolutely nothing they could ever do that would drive me away from them. They don’t need to earn my love. It’s the purest form of unconditional love—one that was birthed the day they were born and can never be tainted by anything. I look at my children in the same way that I know my HEAVENLY FATHER looks at me. Even though I know they are not perfect; I see them as being perfectly formed in the image of God. I love them just as they are, simply because they are my children.
My daughter and son are my amazing treasures.
I’m thanking God today for the gift of motherhood and savoring every moment of life with my family.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the incredible gift of motherhood. Thank You for giving me children to love and encourage. Help me to be a vessel of Your love to my family every day. Let me be the one who shows my children a glimpse of Your heart by the way I treasure them always. Give me the words to speak to them and help me always be the most encouraging voice in their lives. Let me always offer my shoulder for them to cry on and help me be the greatest cheerleader in their lives every single day. Let my children feel the love of Christ in a great way through the love they receive from me. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
I wrote a post six years ago about savoring motherhood during the years of raising children. Click on the link below, if you would like to read it.
It’s the NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER in America, and the theme of the year is to pray for God’s glory to be released across the earth.
The glory of the Lord is the manifestation of His presence; it’s HEAVEN touching the earth. Every soul in the world is in need of God’s glory.
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 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.
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. As God’s people arise and shine in the midst of darkness, nations will be changed by the brightness of His glory.
Our Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your marvelous glory and light. I praise You for what You are doing on the earth. I ask You to release Your glory and let it permeate the body of Christ around the world. Release unprecedented amounts of Your glory across the earth and let countless lives be transformed. Let Your glory bring millions of people to their knees and let them run into your arms. Let Your glory overpower the darkness that has tried to invade the lives of Your people. Help the CHURCH stand strong and make a bold statement for the world to see. Let us be courageous and mighty people—ones who carry Your glory and bring light to the world. Let nations be changed by the brightness of our rising and let Your glory continue to increase in our world until the day of Christ’s return. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
There is a place inside everybody’s heart that needs the love of a mother. As humans, we are wired with a deep need for a mother’s love and encouragement. Yet, due to death, divorce, deployment, and many other reasons, not everyone has a good mother present in their lives. When that need for a mother goes unmet, it can cause deep pain in the soul. My heart is filled with great compassion for the ones without a loving mother.
Along with bringing comfort, God heals our hearts when our biological mothers are absent or have passed away.
I was a fifteen-year-old girl when my mom moved away from me to live in another state. My parents had divorced when I was thirteen, so I had already experienced the pain of having my father move out of our home. After my mom decided to get remarried to another man, I had to choose whether I wanted to move away with my mom or move in with my father. Not having any idea of the ache I would feel in my heart, I chose to move in with my father after my mom moved hours away. During the weeks and months after being separated from my mom, I experienced an indescribable pain.
Even though those days were filled with excruciating pain, I would relive it all over again a thousand times because of the amazing blessing I received during that time of my life. Those painful days were when I began falling deeper in love with Christ. As I cried out to the Lord, He swept me into His incredible arms of love. Those days as a fifteen-year-old girl are when God planted a seed inside me that would later help me grow into a passionate-on-fire-for-Jesus-follower. It was during that motherless season that I learned to fall on my knees in God’s presence and worship Christ with all my heart.
Having my mom absent at times in my life has actually been a wonderful gift to me because it made me realize that Christ loves me like nobody else can.
If you are experiencing the ache of not having a mother or if you have an unloving mom, I want to encourage you and pray for you.
Your mother may have forsaken you, but God will never forsake you. He is Your ever-present COMFORTER.
It’s truly beautiful to experience the motherly love of God. As we draw near to God, He nurtures us, empowers us to forgive, and helps us to love those who have forsaken us.
My prayer is that every hurting person will experience the priceless gift of God’s perfect love and rest in knowing that He is with you always.
LORD,
Thank You for loving us with a perfect love. Thank You for comforting us in the same way a mother comforts. I ask You to comfort the ones who have never had a loving mother and fill the void in the hearts of sons and daughters who have lost their mother due to death, divorce, abandonment, or 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 comforter and nurturer.
Bring forth spiritual mothers to help nurture the hearts of neglected children. Heal the hearts of the ones who have been wounded or abandoned by their mothers and give them joy instead of mourning. Help a generation of orphaned children to become mighty carriers of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. 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 sidebar. Thank you so much to those who have already subscribed.
The photo at the top was captured on MOTHER’S DAY in 2016 while I was visiting Hawaii.
