Tag Archives: Hope

THE JOY OF THANKSGIVING

November 18, 2018 1:54 am , 2 Comments ,

We have so many spiritual blessings to be thankful for. Christ’s presence is everything. A relationship with Christ is the greatest gift any of us will ever have. He is the anchor that keeps us from sinking into the depths of darkness as we press into Him through prayer, worship, and by meditating on the Scriptures. Without Christ, there would be no hope or true life.

With Christ, we can find rest in our souls by surrendering our worries to Him. We truly have more than 10,000 reasons to sing Him praises.

Every day is a day to give thanks, because of Christ’s never-ending love for us. A heart that’s filled with thanks will always be a heart filled with joy.

May you rejoice in the gifts you’ve been given through Jesus Christ. He is with you and will never leave you or forsake you.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your never-ending mercy, grace, and kindness. Let us rejoice over the gift You have given us through Your son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for enabling us to live with an abundance of hope, joy, peace, and love. Let our gratitude flow from our hearts every day and let us always seek after that which is good. Help us share Your love every day and always do good to each other. Let us never stop praying and be thankful in all circumstances. We pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

“See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”1 Thessalonians 5:15-18

Have a joyous Thanksgiving!

 

 

 

 

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A PRAYER FOR AMERICA AND THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS

November 5, 2018 9:10 pm , Leave a Comment ,

As my husband and I stood in line for early voting, we could feel the tension in the environment. We smiled and talked to people in the line to relieve the nervousness of those around us. We had good conversations and it felt as though most of us were unified in the fact that we simply desire to have peace in our country.

Peace will be our portion if we stay anchored to our beloved Christ. As His followers, we have never-ending hope as the anchor of our souls (Hebrews 6:19). Hope will continue to arise from the hearts of those who are clinging to Christ and holding onto His promises in the Bible.

For years, I have strongly sensed in my spirit that the U.S. is called to be a bright light in the world—a country filled with hope because of Jesus Christ. Although things may appear worse before they get better, I truly believe God is going to turn this nation around in due time.

In my heart, I hear Christ lovingly shouting from HEAVEN: “Rise up, CHURCH, and shine in the darkness. Pray fervently for change in America.”

We are all meant to be mighty warriors for God’s kingdom. We are called to pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on EARTH as it is in HEAVEN (Matthew 6:9-13).

Our collective prayers are more important for America’s future than any of us can imagine. Will you please join me in praying for God’s perfect will to come forth in America?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the vision You have for the United States. Thank You for reviving the hearts of Your people in America. We sing praises to You for the spiritual awakening that is beginning to take shape in our nation. Please keep Your hand firmly placed upon our country and heal our land completely in the years ahead. Please turn things around in our cities and let Your chosen ones be elected to office during the midterm elections being held this week. Let America be a holy nation, a chosen generation of people who will proclaim the praises of Your goodness and live as light-bearers in a dark world. We know that it is You alone who can bring change and we trust You to carry our nation out of the darkness and into Your marvelous light. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

May the grace and peace of our Lord be with you.

 

 

 

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RESURRECTION JOY

April 1, 2018 1:51 pm , Leave a Comment ,

Joy exudes from within the souls of those who know that Jesus Christ is the resurrected son of God and those who have experienced His transforming love. Christ is the greatest gift to mankind and His resurrection is the reason we can live abundantly even in the midst of a chaotic world.

The resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead is able to lift us out of the pits of despair as we place our trust in Him. Christ is truly the only one who has the power to rid our hearts from addictions, anxiety, bitterness, depression, fear, worry, and every other burdensome thing. In Christ, true abundant life exists because he sets our hearts free and releases us into the heavenly places where no darkness can abide.

On this Resurrection Sunday, I can imagine Jesus whispering words of love and grace to the world.

I am risen! Celebrate My resurrection. Come live fully in Me every moment of every day. Don’t give one thought to the difficulties of life on Earth. You can rest in knowing these are light and momentary troubles compared to the glory of Heaven. Keep your eyes fixed on Me and on eternal things not seen. As you live in Me, you will rise up on eagles’ wings and soar continually. Don’t be afraid of anything I ask you to do. Simply obey Me. Live in the fullness of My joy. Shout to the world of My goodness. Glorify My name so that those in need of Me will know the truth of who I am. Let this day be a day of new beginnings—a day to rejoice in My perfect love for you. My heart longs for you, My beloved bride. I am coming back for you and will live with you for all eternity. Come with Me to high places and never stop singing praises over all you have found in the gift of the cross.

He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Matthew 28:6

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 

Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:31

You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy. In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11

The Lord GOD is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places. Habakkuk 3:19 

Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. Revelation 22:12

May you experience Christ’s resurrection power in every area of your life and be filled to overflowing with resurrection joy.

Beloved Jesus,

We adore You and we are in awe of the sacrifice You made for us. Thank You for paying the penalty for all of our sins. Thank You for giving Your life so that we can live freely and eternally. Help us to experience Your resurrection power every day in miraculous ways. Let us receive all the gifts You have for our lives and help us to live as recipients of Your amazing grace every day. Help us to share Your love with those around us and invite others into a life-giving relationship with You. We love You with all our hearts and we pray in Your name, Christ. Amen.

Grace and peace to you,

Amy

 

 

 

 

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TRUSTING CHRIST WHEN LIFE IS HARD

February 10, 2018 11:29 pm , Leave a Comment ,

Walking with Christ is the securest place to be when life is filled with hard challenges. It’s through a close relationship with Him that we can find perfect peace and hear His guiding voice in our hearts. The more we sit still and seek Christ through prayer, the more we can discern the direction He is leading us.

The Lord promises us that He will make firm the steps of those who delight in Him and He will uphold us with His hand.

When we turn to Christ in our hard moments, we can rest in His love, walk with confidence, and know He has us in the palms of His hands.

No matter what you may be facing today, Christ has good plans for you. Lean into Him when you’re afraid or hurting. He will strengthen you. You can trust Him because He is perfectly trustworthy.

“The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.”

Psalm 37:23-24

Beloved Jesus,

Thank You for Your amazing love. Thank You for being our rock and rescuer. Help us when we stumble and keep us from falling into the darkness in the world. Give us strength when we are weak. May You always keep us in the palms of Your hands and lift us up daily. I pray in Your name, Christ. Amen.

I hope you enjoy my new favorite song by Aaron Cole. May Christ’s peace flood your soul and may you dance in the hard moments of life. 

Grace and peace to you,

Amy

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CHRIST IS THE ANCHOR OF HOPE

January 26, 2018 1:38 am , Leave a Comment ,

In times of sorrow and tragedy, we can hold onto the hope that comes from our faith in Jesus Christ. As I was praying for those devastated by the recent school shootings, I thought about how our hope in Christ is the anchor of the soul.

Our ultimate hope is for a perfect and peaceful world when Christ returns to EARTH. Thankfully, even as we wait for His return, we can rejoice in the hope of His ability to restore and heal us in the midst of the painful trials of life.

As soon as I heard the news about the students shot earlier this week, I began praying for a miraculous healing for those who are wounded and praying for peace for those who are mourning.

Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

We can walk in hope and be patient in times of tribulation because of Christ’s promise to never leave or forsake us. As we trust Christ and persistently pray faith-filled prayers in His name, we will see miracles come out of the most horrific tragedies.

Hope is everywhere if we open our spiritual eyes. Three days ago, a praying woman set up a Facebook page and requested prayer for her young niece, Lily. The little girl, Lily, was in a near drowning accident and her family is praying and believing Christ to heal her completely.

The page “Prayers for Lily” has over 125,000 people connected to it already since Monday. Only Christ could orchestrate an army of praying people so quickly. Christ is on the move in amazing ways and I believe He will heal little Lily as the army of God prays passionately for her healing.

A few weeks ago, I followed another miracle story about two young children who were hospitalized for E.coli infections. One of the children, Jaxon, was extremely sick. Christ healed him and his sister as their family, friends, and countless people around the world prayed for them.

Christ is the hope of the world and His love will bring change as we pray.

Let’s hold onto Christ, our anchor, in the midst of our troubles and remain constant in prayer.

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain (Hebrews 6:19). 

Beloved Jesus,

Thank You for being our anchor and healer. Our hearts are deeply saddened by the tragic shootings in the schools. I know You are filled with compassion for those families who are devastated. Please send Your ministering angels to be with those who are mourning and those who are injured in Benton, Kentucky and Italy, Texas. Please heal the ones who are in the hospital. Fill them with the hope and knowledge of Your eternal love. Keep them in the palm of Your hand and surround them with Your love and peace. Help all of us to keep our eyes fixed on You and trust You to do supernatural miracles in the midst of this tragedy. Please let us see Your hand working and let us not give up praying for the youth in our nation. We pray in Your name, Christ. Amen.

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THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL

April 15, 2017 2:48 pm , Leave a Comment ,

 

Heaven touches us and stays in our hearts the moment we truly realize what Christ has done for us on the cross. We do not have to wait until after we leave our earthly bodies to begin experiencing Christ’s eternal gifts. Eternity begins when we surrender to Christ and allow Him to turn the hard things of life into something amazingly beautiful.

Yesterday, as I was strolling through Gibbs Gardens with my friend who recently lost her beloved mom, I thought of the anchor we have in Christ. The stunning beauty in the gardens reminded me of Christ and His redemptive love. There was an overwhelming sense of Christ’s resurrection power as I gazed at the splendor of the Japanese maple trees.

Japanese Garden at Gibbs Gardens

Christ died an agonizing death so that we can live eternally, free of condemnation and guilt. He died so that we can live in a heavenly state of mind with eternal peace through every trial and loss. Jesus said, “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.”

Christ’s love is all we need to make it through this life victoriously.

Christ’s gift of love restores us and heals us. His love is the balm to the oozing wounds in our souls after a loved one passes on. His love restores hurting relationships and rebuilds broken lives. Christ makes even the hardest days remarkable, simply because He is with us.

Whatever you are going through at this moment, be encouraged and know that it is not too big for Christ. The same power that raised Jesus back to life will resurrect you and your situation as you turn to Him and have faith.

Our constant pursuit of Christ and our surrendered prayers move the Lord’s heart to work powerfully on our behalf. Our relinquished lives open the door to God’s glory and the heavenly realm overcomes the darkness around us.

Once we have tasted of Christ’s glory, there is no dark force that can defeat us or bring us down. He is life. He is everything. His love is the greatest gift of all.

Beloved Jesus,

We adore You and we are in awe of the sacrifice You made for us. Thank You for paying the penalty for all of our sins. Thank You for giving Your life so that we can live freely and eternally. Help us to receive all the gifts You have for our lives and help us to live as recipients of Your amazing grace every day. Help us to share Your love with those around us and invite others into a life-giving relationship with You. We love You with all our hearts and we pray in Your name, Christ. Amen.

Grace and peace to you,

Amy

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I hope you enjoy this powerful song by Elevation Worship. Shout out to our King!

 

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BE STILL AND TRUST CHRIST

August 14, 2016 7:02 pm , 2 Comments ,

THE LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU

It was nineteen years ago when I hit rock bottom and needed Christ to pull me out of a pit of doubt. With many questions in my heart about God’s goodness, my faith began growing strong again as my family prayed for me and friends encouraged me not to lose hope.

In March of 1997 while we were at church, a friend of ours approached Michael and shared a Scripture with us. He told us to read Exodus 14:14. I wrote the words in my journal: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

From that dark season in my life, I began a quest to really understand what it means to be still and trust God.

Through my journey and over two decades of discovering how to trust Christ, my prayers changed from pitiful petitions to a confidence in the God of the universe to guide me and fight for me. I learned to be still and listen for God’s voice in my heart.

It was in the listening and stillness that I began to hear the voice of God guiding me and leading me to the abundant life that Christ promises (John 10:10).

In my younger years, my own stubbornness and inability to discern God’s voice led to so much heartache in my life. It was not God’s fault. It was my own responsibility for not seeking to know and hear God better.

John 10:27 says: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He guides those who will listen for His voice.

Once I began hearing God clearly in my spirit, everything in my life turned around. With my renewed faith, I began praying bold prayers not only for myself, but for my loved ones and for the entire world.

It’s obvious this world is in great need of Christ’s healing power. The recent tragedies in Orlando, Germany, Turkey, and the horrific things that have been happening right here in my community are heartbreaking. However, I refuse to let these tragedies deflate my faith.

Are you in the midst of a painful battle? My heart is filled with compassion for you and I have been praying passionately for the prayer requests that have been flooding my inbox.

No matter what you are facing today, it’s not too big for God. Be still and let Christ do the fighting for you. Place your faith in the One who has the power to heal and restore.

Father,

I am in awe of Your goodness. Thank You for Your healing love. Please strengthen all those who are in the midst of hard battles. Let them be still and trust You to fight for them. Let them know You are a good Father and You have good plans for their lives. Strengthen them today and let them feel Your presence strongly while they wait for a miracle to unfold. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

Will you come to the altar and release your problems to Jesus?

 

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A PRAYER FOR OUR NATION

July 4, 2016 1:58 pm , Leave a Comment ,

God Bless America

Jesus is our only hope. I have complete faith in Christ to restore our nation to a strong, vibrant country. He restored my life beyond my highest expectations. I expect him to restore the United States. However, before the Lord restored my life, he tested my faith. I believe we are headed for a season of testing. I trust that in the end our nation will come forth as pure gold and bring the hope of Christ to a hurting world.

Father,

Thank You for Your amazing grace and love. We come to You and humbly ask that You keep Your hand on this nation. We are sorry for leaving You out of our decision making so many times. We realize that our country is in danger and we need You desperately to intervene. May we turn away from all that draws us away from Your love and return to You wholeheartedly. Let us rend our hearts and know that You are merciful, compassionate, and abounding in love.

I believe it is Your desire to see this nation thrive and be restored. Let us rise up and be the nation that You always dreamed we would be. Raise our country into a mighty nation and let us be a bright light to a dark world. We ask You to appoint the person who is best suited to lead America. We trust You, Lord, to do great and mighty things in this nation. Let us live for You purposefully and passionately. We ask You to protect us from calamity. We love You and place our hope in You. Bless our country and let us be a blessing to all the nations of the world. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

“Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” Joel 2:13

 “He knows the way that I take when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 

 “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3

Happy 4th of July! Have a safe and fun day.

This post has been updated from a piece I wrote in 2012.

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A SACRED EXPERIENCE

February 7, 2016 3:19 pm , 2 Comments ,

Mema and Amy

My beloved grandmother, Mema, has woven love through every fiber of my being since I was born. Shortly, she will be leaving her earth suit to go to her eternal home, and that love will remain deeply embedded in my soul forever and ever. Nine days ago, she moved into a hospice facility to spend her last days on the earth.

There is something tremendously holy about being present during the dying process of a saintly, peaceful person. It has been a sacred experience. Heaven has come down and touched the earth in that pretty, pale yellow hospice room.

As Mema’s body has weakened, her spirit has grown stronger. I’ve witnessed the power of God over and over again during my daily visits on these consecrated days. Without the ability to speak words any longer, Mema has opened her eyes and smiled at me numerous times as I’ve spoken to her and prayed over her. I’ve known it’s her way of responding to me non-verbally.

While sitting near her bed in the hospice room, her eyes have opened and she nodded her head at times as I’ve spoken to her and caressed her hair. I think my favorite moments this week were when her face lit up brightly and she blinked distinctively each time I said, “I love you.” It felt as though it was her way of saying, “I love you, too.”

The nurses and doctors have been very compassionate and listened as I shared my heart and said, “She’s ninety-five, almost ninety-six years old and she’s ready to go. I can’t complain about Mema’s soon passing,” It was September, 2013 when Mema told me: “I am ready to go any time; I’ve had a really blessed life.” God began preparing my heart then and gave me two and a half bonus years to savor.

There’s a part of my heart that wants to hold Mema here on the earth, but in my spirit I know it’s her time to go. I’m letting her go with my heart enveloped in an indescribable peace. Jesus is holding my heart in His hands while He’s holding Mema in His arms simultaneously. I am praising Him for making Mema’s life and her death so beautiful.

My heart is filled with gratitude for the countless visits with her—especially during the past five years. During these final days, I’m honored to help bring her comfort through her time of transition. Today, I can imagine the angels are singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” over the soon homecoming of my sweet grandmother.

“We don’t focus on the things that can be seen but on the things that can’t be seen. The things that can be seen don’t last, but the things that can’t be seen are eternal.”

— 2 Corinthians 4:18

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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MY HOME TO YOURS

December 24, 2015 4:24 pm , Leave a Comment ,

Christmas Decor - 2015 (8)

As I sit here in the quietness of my home, I’m pondering the real meaning of Christmas. I’m pausing to breathe in the love of Christ and set aside the things I think I need to do.

I believe if we could stand face to face with Christ at this moment, He would be saying: Slow down. Savor this moment of life. Put aside your concerns and simply rest in My love. I was born to bring great joy to the world and to bring perfect rest for your soul. I long for you to take hold of the abundant life I came to give you.

I can imagine the perfect Christmas gift for us to give Christ would be our acceptance of His gifts to us—love, peace, joy, hope, faith, and the never-ending list of heavenly treasures.

May your Christmas be filled with all of the glorious riches Christ has to offer.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You for the gift of Christ. Thank You for sending Your son to save the world from darkness. Thank You for all that He gives us and how He enables us to live with an abundance of hope, joy, peace, and love. Let us take hold fully of the gift You have given us through Jesus Christ. Let us meditate on Your great love and celebrate our amazing Savior. Oh, how we love and adore You, our Redeemer. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”

— Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas from my home to yours!

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