A Loving Reminder: Keep Going

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 NIV)

Some think that becoming a Christian means that we will not face trouble. At the first sign of trouble, they become easily discouraged giving up. Thinking, 'I am a good person, I serve, why is this happening to me?' 

We will face many trials throughout our lives, physical and emotionally. Jesus himself tell us that we will face troubles, but at the same time reminding us that we are not to give up because He has overcome the world. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

We need to condition ourselves to keep going. To keep it moving. To get up every time we fall.  God doesn't promise us that while we are in the world we will be trouble free.

He promises us:

He will never leave us

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV)

Peace in Him 

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)

Strength in Him

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29 NIV)

Rest in Him

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1 NIV)

He will fight for us

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14 NIV)

Father, I come boldly before your throne, standing on Your promises!  We may be hard pressed on every side, but not crushed. Struck down but not destroyed! Father I lift up my lovelies that are out in the battlefield. I ask that you fulfill your promises over their lives. I pray that they be not afraid knowing that You are with them. I pray that You keep them in perfect peace. I pray that You strengthen my lovelies that are weary and in need of an increase in power. Give them rest where rest is needed. Let my lovelies be still as you fight for them! Father thank you for your promises. Your Word says that it will not come back void so we declare your promises over those that are in need of Your desperate touch! (so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 NIV)) Father I pray this in your powerful name, Jesus. 

A Loving Reminder: Rest

My Lovelies, A Loving Reminder: 

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place” (Mark 6:30-32, NIV).

We spend so much of our lives running around in busyness. Busyness at work, busyness at home with our families, busyness with our friends, busyness with our ministries.

Lovelies, how much time do you spend with God in a quiet place? Who are we that He is mindful of us? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NIV) How awesome that He invites us to find rest in him, with him in a quiet place. Do you take up that offer daily? 

“I have discovered that when my life and my heart get too crowded there is not enough room for God.” ~Mary Southerland (GIG)

Lovelies, take time Daily to focus on the Word and in Prayer. It is our spiritual food and builds us up in strength and wisdom to follow us through our day. Find the best time for you. My best time is early morning before anyone is awake, and in my long work commute. 

The more alone time I spend with God the more I find myself feeling like Mary!

Don't allow a 'Martha' to take away what matters most! 

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42 NIV)

Father I come before you on behalf of my lovelies, asking you Father that you lead them to a solitary place and time daily. Filling them with the perfect peace that is only found in Your sweet Presence. Letting them never dismiss your presence as they go throughout their day, so that those whom they come in contact with can sense that they walk with a Greater Presence. That you fill them with a fresh anointing, filling them with Wisdom and Love to face all that comes their way! In your precious name, Jesus, Amen