Believe for More in 2013

As humans, God created us in His image. He created us to commune and connect with Him.

John 10:27 says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me."  

When we walk with Christ—the Messiah of the world—and stop to be still, and ask Him to cleanse us of all the unrighteousness that separates us from Him, we can hear His whispers softly speak to us.

So many people are afraid to trust the voice they hear in their spirits. If what we are sensing in our spirits does not align with the Word of God and its principles, then we can be certain that it must not be from God. But we can rejoice and know that He does speak. Jesus assured us in His own words that His sheep will hear His voice.

In my times of prayer, I often write the words I hear in my spirit in a journal. I love to go back and reread those words for encouragement.

Last spring, I was outside watering flowers and praying when the Lord began speaking softly to me. I was pondering the times when I couldn't imagine how all that had been lost would be restored.

I thought about how I had made a decision to leave doubt behind forever.  It was the season where great expectation replaced the doubtful thoughts. Expectation became reality and breakthrough came because I had chosen to believe Jesus to do the impossible for me.

As I thought about the belief that had replaced the doubt in my life, the Lord tenderly spoke to my heart and I rushed inside to write down the words trickling into my spirit.

These are the worst of times for some and the best of times for others. For the ones focused on the cares of the world, there will be more disappointment. But for those who meditate on Me and My Word, My GLORY will be seen. Believe the truth and you shall be free. Speak those things that are not as if they are. Who are you going to listen to? You can listen to Me or you can listen to the accuser of the brethren. You can believe the lies or you can believe the truth. I have promised to supply all of your needs according to My riches. I rejoice over the ones who trust Me fully. When you walk in My righteousness and place your faith in Me, My power is released in your life. I have good plans for you. So walk away from unbelief forever and trust Me to do the impossible. Trust Me to work out all things for good in your life. I am who I say I am. I am all you need to live a victorious life today and forever. Believe.
  
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22 (NIV)

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations” in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did…Romans 4:17 (NKJV)

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:17 (NIV)

I have revised this post slightly because I want to be certain that others know that I only share words that I truly believe are from God—words that I hope will encourage others. I hope others will be inspired to believe that Jesus does speak to His sheep and He does have good plans for all of us.

A Prayer 

Lord, we fully surrender our hearts to You today. We ask You to fill our hearts with unwavering faith and belief. Let us walk with assurance in You to do the impossible in our lives. And let us live in victory every day. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Live Abundantly!

Amy

The photo above is a graphic design my daughter created in school.

Strength

I remember times when the trials in my life were so intense that I felt as though I couldn't go on. In my weakness, I fell onto my knees and Jesus lifted me up. He is the strength we all need. And the beauty of following Jesus is how we can fall into His arms over and over again.

A Prayer:

Beloved Jesus,

I thank You for Your kindness and Your great love. I thank You for the way You lift up Your people. Thank You for Your encouragement. Thank You for always coming through in Your perfect timing. I hear You whispering to me to pray for strength for the body of Christ. So many people are struggling at this moment with many kinds of trials. Lord, I ask You to lift up Your Church today. Bless each one of Your children with peace. Give each believer Your strength to carry on. Give them the revelation that You are their strength. Let them hold onto You and Your promises. Lift their spirits and give them the energy they need to do all You've called them to do. Lift up the sad ones and fill them Your joy. Lift up the brokenhearted ones and heal their hearts. Strengthen Your Church and make us a strong tower for the world to see. In Your mighty name. Amen.

Psalm 61:3 (KJV)

For you have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJB)

And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Live Abundantly!
Amy

Becoming a Strong Vessel

As children of God we are the vessels of the Holy Spirit. Our Creator desires to empower us to do great things on this earth. The empowerment He gives us begins with getting whole and healthy so that ultimately we can be mighty vessels of His Spirit.

In 1997 I wrote a prayer that changed my life. I prayed, “Lord, I want to be whole and healthy spiritually, emotionally, and physically so that I can be a vessel of Yours.” At the time I wrote this prayer I was battling postpartum depression and felt worn down in every way. I was far from being strong and I desperately wanted to be empowered with God’s strength.

In my weakness, God picked me up, and began strengthening me and making me whole. I am not the same person I was when I wrote that prayer. Today, I am a strong woman of God.

I am writing this with complete humility. Because without the makeover God has given me I would be nothing but a huge mess. If God can make a strong vessel out of a mess like me, He can make one out of anybody.

One of the main purposes of The Live Love Laugh Club is to encourage women to keep moving forward. Part of moving forward is becoming healthier spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

At our last meeting our focus was on physical health. Being healthy physically is a component of being a strong vessel of God. God wants all of us to be strong...He wants us to be healthy and live abundantly!  
Certified Life Coach, Becky Harmon, came to our meeting to talk to us about ‘Four Strategies for Physical Success.’ It was a great blessing to listen to Becky as she shared her wisdom with us. Becky has a strong anointing to bring women into wholeness and health. God is using her mightily through her coaching business, “Success Not Sabotage Coaching.” Visit her website and sign up for a free coaching session: www.successnotsabosage.com