Jesus, My Friend

Jesus, My Friend

 

Oh, Dearest Jesus, how I long to hear

With anticipation and an eager ear

 

For the day in which You will to me come

Telling me Thy Will has been done.

 

"Good and faithful servant," will be the words You speak.

"In obedience to My Word, you have become humble and meek."

 

And then, to me, You will say the words I have so desperately longed for.

"Today, my friend, I have come to take you home and live with me you shall forever more.

 

No more suffering and pain,

For the Kingdom of God is now your gain.

 

Like a Father who stands near His obedient child lovingly and proud,

You held fast to Truth and did not succumb to the evilness of the crowd.

 

For you opened your heart and accepted Me in thought and deed,

Recognizing that it is I who fills each and every need.

 

All of your sins have been washed away.

And in magnificent glory you shall be with Me this day."

 

Until, Dearest Jesus, that day will arise,

Plant within my heart the Holy Spirit to be wise.

 

Please lead me in Thy holy ways.

And bless each and every one of my days.

 

Open my heart to willingly obey and trust,

Knowing that this command from You is a must.

 

"There is work here yet to be done.

But take heart knowing the victory has already been won.

 

I know you cannot see what lies before you,

But there is something here for you to do.

 

Feel My powerful hand rest your fearful heart.

I am always with you and will never from you in this life depart." 

Promises

"For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and will be at ease, without fear of harm." Proverbs 1:32-33

"Then you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." Proverbs 2:9-11

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken." Psalm 34:17-20


Promises of the Lord

 

When I am feeling low,

And my mind wanders to places I do not want to go,

 

With all of my heart I seek You out.

When I focus on Your promises, gone are the worries and doubt.

 

For You have made known Your promises to me,

When I walk the path of obedience and with my heart believe.

 

When the path along this journey becomes too long,

The Holy Spirit revives and makes fresh the beauty of the Lord's song.

 

You remind me my home is not here in this place.

And belong I finally will when I see My Father's face.

 

"In the midst of your turmoil I will come to meet you there.

I will love you through it, all the while showing you how much for you I care.

 

I have filled your heart with the Holy Spirit's love.

Only such a gift can come from the Father in Heaven above.

 

Through every fallen and shed tear,

I have promised to be near.

 

Even when it appears your world is unraveling and falling apart,

The Holy Spirit remains rooted deep within your heart.

 

Though others may walk away,

I will always with you stay.

 

I will be by your side.

My Light, My Word, shall be your guide.

 

Stay the Lord's course and be blessed.

For it is in Me that you will find your soul's rest.

 

I will deliver you from the depths of despair.

And the cloak of righteousness you will surely wear.

 

I will love you with an everlasting and undying love.

My love for you is honest and true.  

No one on this earth can love you as I do.

 

My plans for you are not to harm but are for good.

Trust in Me to let My Will unfold as it should." 

God's Power

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 14:25-27

I'm coming to realize just how powerful God truly is. Don't get me wrong. In my mind I always knew of His mighty power. But, it wasn't until I felt the mysterious power of the Lord within me that I am now completely awestruck by just how great it truly is!

Consider John 14:25-27 for a minute. God's presence with us is the Holy Spirit within. Although Jesus is not "physically" present, He has given us the Holy Spirit to live like Jesus, to be reminded of His ways, to know His knowledge and wisdom, to be ambassadors for Christ and to have the feeling of belonging. We belong to Christ!

So often it is easy to feel abandoned and alone as a single parent in this world. But, He never abandons or leaves us. When the Holy Spirit is within us, we are NEVER alone, and we always have a partner and a place of belonging. No matter where we are or what circumstance we face we can call upon the Lord to help us, and He will be there. What an amazing gift this is. NEVER ALONE. To feel this, read and study God's Word. Ask Him to walk with you, to heal the broken places in your heart and to show you what unconditional love and acceptance is.

The Holy Spirit makes His home within those who love the Lord (John 14:23). Those who do not know the Lord cannot begin to describe His majesty and power, because they do not seek Him. When the Lord lives within your heart you know it (John 14:16-18). Your love for Him and His holy power make you want to live differently.

 

God's Power

 

In my affliction I call out Your holy name.

Thy name is power and ordinary is no longer the same,

And in my afflicted state I no longer remain.

 

In hearing Thy name,

Your enemies fall down on their knees and cower.

For great and supreme is that of the Lord's power.

 

When Your praises are sung out,

Gone are the devil's strongholds of worry and doubt.

 

I cannot be held down and buried,

When it is by the Lord I am carried! 

Joy

"For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy."

1 Thessalonians 2: 19-20

I haven't lost it all but have in fact gained everything.

For a long time I thought I had lost it all - my family, reputation, financial security, health and heart. But, it is when I "lost" these things that I in fact gained so much more than I ever imagined could be possible. There is nothing now "ordinary" and "comfortable" about my life. And, I am finding I like it that way. There are so many mysterious things that God puts in my path everyday. In hindsight, I think they've always been there but I am now able to actually see them.

My heart treasured the things above, but the Lord came to show me that all of these things can be taken from me. In Him there is unconditional love, acceptance, security, peace and joy. So much joy...He came to show me that my heart's desire is for a relationship with Him. When the Lord is my center and my heart's treasure, I have this incredible joy. I want to live different. When the Lord lives within my heart, I see the world and people differently. I see things through the lens of the Lord. It is not condemning yet loving (Romans).  

It is understanding that we're all fighting against the same enemy. When I look to the Lord, I can live life to the fullest despite what is happening around and to me no matter how bleak things may appear (John 10:10). Because no matter what happens to me and my children, we are in the Lord's hands. We are HIS (Isaiah 43:1), and I am Healed In Suffering.

There is such power in picking up the Lord's Word and reading it. But, when you come to feel the presence of God within your heart, you cannot contain the joy. You want to shout out in praise and thanks for what He has done for you.

I once read something that said the devil hates all things loved by the God, and he attacks those who love the Lord and follow Him. I think of how remarkable it is then that the God of the universe loves me so very much (Ephesians 1:4), because the devil has been pretty outspoken about his feelings towards me! For a relationship with the Lord, I would give it all up. My Jesus is the most constant real, everything I have (Philippians 3:7-8). Thank you for rescuing me Jesus...

Joy

Inside my heart feels ready to explode.
For your story is the greatest one ever told.

How honored and humbled I am of this story to be a part.
You have given Your power, the Holy Spirit, to dwell within my heart.

When I choose to honor You in each and every step,
I come to know You with even greater depth.

When I choose to honor You through it all,
Nothing can separate me from You. I will not fall.

No fear can bring me down.
Not when it is my Jesus who wears the righteous crown.

When I understand the gifts that You give,
Acting out in love is how I want to live.

I want my thoughts, actions and words to be instruments of praise.
For you have filled me with joy and purpose in unimaginable ways.

I have found the secret to this life on earth.
It has been given to me by the Lord through rebirth.

When relationship with You is my goal.
Filled beyond measure is my heart and soul.

I am filled with gratitude for You Almighty and Gracious One.
For what an incredible thing for me You have done!

Let me therefore never be the same,
As I loudly declare and bring witness to Your holy name!

Amen! Amen! I will shout from the mountain top.
Let glory, honor and praise to You never stop!

Oh, most Merciful God, I bow before You in awe.
For it is with my heart, the presence of God I most certainly saw! 

Faithfulness

Faithfulness

 

Oh, Lord, I am in need.

Hear, Oh Merciful One, my plead.

 

I feel as though I am falling.

Can You, My Lord, hear me calling?

 

I cannot seem to keep afloat.

I am too afraid to get out of the boat.

 

My heart is fragile and in pain.

And life from my body seems to slowly drain.

 

I cannot keep going.

How do I press forward, Lord, without knowing?

 

"Faithfulness is a journey you learn as you walk.

When you walk with Me and not in front, you will hear Me talk.

 

In your fear and confusion walk ahead of Me you do.

And in doing such your fear only consumes you.

 

Have I not brought you this way?

Having kept evil and harm at bay?

 

Have I not brought you this far?

Have I not told you how you outshine each and every star?

 

Yet you doubt and fear,

Instead of coming to Me to be near.

 

You have stepped off the path.

And by doing so you now feel sin's wrath.

 

My commands and plans are still the same.

But by going your own way, have chosen to change the game.

 

Have I not provided for you in every way?

I have given you what has been needed to live each day.

 

Remember, when you look down instead of up,

Empty will be your cup.

 

You have taken your eyes off of Me.

And because of it you are now blind, and hope you no longer can see.

 

Your focus is on the fear.

You cannot serve this and expect at the same time Me to be near.

 

You must make the choice.

Do you want to hear My voice?

 

Then cast the fear aside,

And rest in knowing that I will always be by your side!" 

Walking with Jesus

My Walk with Jesus

When my problems seem bigger than mountains, God gives me His peace and tells me not to lean on my own understanding.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

*I walk with Jesus.*

When my heart aches from the sting of pain and betrayal, God comes to restore my broken heart and makes it new. 

He says, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:26

*I walk with Jesus.*

When I am troubled by worldly things and feel fearful, God comes to remind me that this world is not my home.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.''  John 10:10

He tells me, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

He knows "...the whole world is under the control of the evil one." 1 John 5:19

*I walk with Jesus.*

When it feels as though my circumstances offer little or no hope, God reminds me that hope and plans to prosper me are found in Him. They are His promises which He has written for my life.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

*I walk with Jesus.*

When my mind and thoughts are infested with confusion, God reveals to me what is in my heart and enables the Holy Spirit to cleanse my mind of ungodly things.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." Romans 8:1

"Godly sorrow brings repentenance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:10
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2
"...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5
"...For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34

*I walk with Jesus.*

When I am given a gift and am blessed continuously by God, He reminds me of just how much I am loved- that He would give His only Son for my soul, that He would put aside Himself for sinful me.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

*I walk with Jesus.*

When He provides me with what I need each and every day, He reminds me to live in the day's glory and splendor, focusing not on what tomorrow will bring but on the blessings held in the present day.

"So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all of these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:31-33

*I walk with Jesus.*

When He lifts my spirit in times of great despair, He reminds me to seek Him out, to talk with Him, to be with Him, to find peace and solace.  

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

*I walk with Jesus.*

When He calls me to provide counsel and minister to others, He reminds me that I am wonderfully made. I am made in His image, to be glorious for Him and to let His light shine through me.

"And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." Romans 8:30

"...let your light shine before men..." Matthew 5:16

"...you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..." Philippians 2:15-16
"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." Ephesians 4:7
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God." 1 Peter 4:10-11

*I walk with Jesus.*

When He gives me His strength in my exhaustion, He reminds me how much I need Him to sustain me. I am humbled that I have a Savior I can go to who will listen, love and speak to me.

"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 nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

"Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler." Proverbs 6:4-5

*I walk with Jesus.*

When I walk with Jesus...

My mindset is different. I live fully alive. I become the me I want to be.

I live the life God intended me to live.

*I walk with Jesus.*

*And I am different because of it.*

God's Perfect Timing

"O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

2 Chronicles 20:12

 

Have you ever had one of those moments when you don't know what to do (aka you're stuck between a rock and a hard place)? You want to do the right thing. Your heart is in a good place. But, you're not sure where God is calling you or why He continues to allow you to struggle through something?

 

It's tempting to become so frustrated and allow hopelessness to sink in. I think one of the devil's most effective strategies is through our thoughts. A thought sneaks in that is less than cheerful and uplifting to the soul. Left unchecked and left to linger this thought festers within. Once in, it then opens the doors for other untruthful thoughts to sneak in. And, before you know it, the doors open wide and untruthful thoughts are no longer 'sneaking in' but are in fact walking straight on in as if they were meant to be there. It doesn't take long before these untruthful thoughts take up residence and do what they do best - wreak havoc.

 

It happens subtly at first, as the thoughts casually meander in. But before you know it there is a full on out pity party taking place within you head. It becomes so crowded in there that there's no room for the truth. In order for the truth to enter in something has to leave (or rather be kicked out). And so, just as the lies and negative thoughts took up residence over time, so must they come out through the process of refinement. They must be exposed - each and every one of them - and then healed.

 

Some of these lies we have allowed in have taken a lifetime to build, and thus will require time (and the healing hand of the Lord) to evacuate. The good news is - we can be free from them! When we ask God to expose them He does. He then helps us to see them for what they are - lies from the devil meant to hold us captive. The only way to freedom from them is through God. The only way.

 

And this is not exactly an easy process. There is struggle in the process, in the journey. There is pain. There are tears. But, it is the only way to freedom. How long God keeps us in one of these refining periods, I believe, is as He sees we need. His perfect timing. His ways, not mine.

 

I think of where I am right now. I want to say to God, "Okay, thanks for the lesson, God. I've had about enough now. I think I get what you're trying to teach me. But, I've about had all I can handle now. Are we good then?" I feel God has taught me much on my journey as a SP - unconditional love, self-sacrifice, patience, forgiveness, self-control, gentleness and kindness. So, naturally then, I ponder what else could He be trying to teach me through all this (yes, to some of you the answer to this question is quite clear)? Still there is more?! And then He reminds me refinement is a process. God's process. His perfect timing.

 

It finally dawned on me (so sometimes I'm "slow" but I blame it on the sleep deprivation) that God continues to teach me faithfulness and trust. I often wonder how much longer the sleepless nights will continue (my 11 month old still does not sleep through the night and my 3 year old wakes up just about every night). There is no explanation that I'm able to get up the next morning (and by the look of me you'd probably shout out a 'Lord have mercy! This mama gonna need lots of that mercy today!'). But God continues to pull me through this. I'm not dragging my sails at work (for the most part). I'm actually accomplishing things. He is my strength. Of this, I'm sure!

 

Daily, He shows me how faithful He is and that He's not forsaken me to go out and do this all alone. Trust. Faithfulness is a journey. We build our faith when we trust in God along, in,and during the journey. Our struggles produce faithfulness. And, yet, another thing I've learned through SPing. And, I'm awestruck by Jesus' majesty. He's teaching me how to be and live like Him by being a SP. He's developing the Fruits of the Spirit within me. And I'm honored, humbled, amazed, awestruck that He has chosen sinful me - that He loves me so much that He wants me to be like Him - to witness for Him. What a privilege! What a gift!

 

 

Wait Upon the Lord

 

My Lord tells me to wait upon Him alone.

And great blessings will reign down from the throne.

 

I come before You with the needs that are in my heart.

Holy Spirit, come and dwell within and never from me depart.

 

I will look to You to fulfill me in every way.

Set Thy perfect Will within me - this I pray.

 

Daily You show me Your mercy and grace.

And through Your power give joy to live in this earthly place.

 

Let my life be an instrument for You -

To witness in love and do as You do.