Tag Archive | power

The Perfect Parent – Encouragement for Moms

Mar31

“Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.” (Deuteronomy 30:20, NIV)

My precious daughter, you are the apple of My eye. I am captivated by your beauty, both inside and out. You are made in My image. I am the God of love, joy, peace, patience, and perseverance. These are the same attributes you need most to parent your children well.

Love

My love for you is unconditional. I love you no matter what you do or don’t do, what you say or don’t say. Nothing you do can make Me love you less. Nothing you do can make Me love you more. My great love for you is unchangeable. I love you longer, higher, deeper, and wider than you will ever grasp.

Likewise, you must love your children in the same manner. Love them no matter what they do or don’t do, what they say or don’t say. Nothing they do or don’t do should make you love them less.

My love for them shines through you, when your love for them is unwavering. Let them see My great love for them in your words and actions.

Joy

My joy is your strength. Seek Me and I will fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Me wholeheartedly. By the power of My Holy Spirit, you will overflow with joy in all areas of life, even in the difficult times.

Children bring great joy to a home. Savor the joyful times, and recall them when facing the challenges. A spirit of hope and joy is the result of confidence in Me. Trust in Me with all your heart, and find sweet joy in your faith. When you know and believe I am in control of all things, the heaviness in your heart fades and gives way to joy and expectation. I will not fail you. Trust in Me, joyfully, and draw on the strength My Spirit brings you.

Peace

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When you accept Jesus into your heart and walk with Him, His Spirit lives inside you. You have the peace of Christ living in you. To experience peace, simply look deep within your heart and you will find it. Get in touch with My Spirit that dwells in you, and find the peace you long for.

This is the peace that passes all comprehension. You may experience My peace, even in the midst of your trials and challenges. When you are angry and frustrated with your children, seek My peace within. No matter the current test, spend a few moments alone with Me, and draw on My peace. I am with you always. Then deal with your children from a spirit of peacefulness.

Patience

Where there is wisdom, patience is found. When you seek My wisdom for childrearing, you will discover a greater measure of endurance for the task. In wisdom, you will handle the challenges with patient tolerance and unwavering determination.

The outcome of your confrontation will be determined by your patience in the battle. When your patience is tested to its limits, reach within your soul and receive power from My Holy Spirit. Breathe a silent prayer to Me and receive what you are in need of at the moment. Pause to take a deep breath, inhaling My peace and exhaling more patience.

Perseverance

Parenting requires perseverance and consistency. Let Me determine your steps, and then, devote yourself to the cause. Trust in Me with all your heart. Do not operate solely from your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Me and I will instruct you on the right course. (See Proverbs 3:5-6)

When you seek Me and listen to My voice, I will direct all your steps, big and small. Ask Me, and I will let you in on the plans I have laid out for you. Then you may parent with confidence and a firm resolve, knowing that your wisdom comes from Me. Persist in the major battles, and let go of the minor conflicts. Draw on the strength of My Spirit as you proceed on the path of My will for you and your children.

Battles with children are a test of the wills. Whose desire shall prevail? When you are confident that your desires align with My will, persevere in the battle. Press on toward the goal, and do not surrender.

In Summary

You cannot do any of this successfully in your own strength. You must rely on Me. I am the vine, you are the branch. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Apart from Me you can do nothing. (See John 15) Remain in close relationship with Me by spending time with Me. Yes, talk to Me, but also, listen to Me. I have so much to say to you.

When you make time to listen to Me, you will receive My encouragement, my wisdom, and my guidance for all areas of your life, including your parenting. I am waiting patiently for you to seek Me, know Me, listen to My voice, and hold fast to Me. I am the perfect parent and I will help you parent well.

Make Me your first priority. Seek Me before everything else. Spend time with Me daily, away from all noise and confusion. Draw your wisdom, strength, and power from Me. Receive your hope and confidence from your Father above.

Emotionally and spiritually healthy children come from emotionally and spiritually healthy parents. Maintain a healthy, spiritually intimate relationship with Me that will be seen and passed down to your children and their children. It is My greatest desire to be in constant two-way communication and relationship with each of My children, including you. Learn to listen to My voice and receive everything you stand in need of. Now choose life and hold fast to Me.


 

A Labor of Love

Aug28

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

My dear children, stand firm in Me. There is no power on earth that will overcome you when you remain in Me. Your victory comes through the Lord Jesus Christ. Stand firm in His victorious power, in the power of the living God within you. Do not be changed by the things of this world. Be moved by My work. Give yourselves fully to the tasks I give you. When you work for Me, your labor is not in vain. You will bring hope to the hopeless, freedom to the captives, healing to the broken-hearted, sight to the blind, hearing to deaf ears, wisdom to the simple-minded, life to the lifeless, and joy to the downcast. Because My Spirit lives in you, you will do even greater things than the Lord Jesus Christ did. Do not work for riches here on earth. Serve Me with dedicated fervor building yourself treasures in heaven. Serve Me in humility and I will lift you up. Your home is not of this world, but I have prepared a place for you in My eternal kingdom. Leave behind a legacy of faith, a heritage of devotion to Me. I am the Lord, and you are My precious child.


 

Inexpressible Joy in the Midst of Pain

May23

1 Peter 1:6-9

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

My precious child, even in the midst of your suffering, you are filled with an inexpressible joy because you believe in me. My joy is your strength. Though you suffer grief in your current trials, your faith is being proven genuine and glorifies my name. I have given you a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You are shielded by my power, and I hold an inheritance in heaven for you. Do not fear the future. Be strong and courageous, knowing that I do not give you more than you can bear. I will carry you through your battles. Cast your cares upon me, and I will lighten your load. Put your trust in me—anything is possible.

When I woke this morning, my heart played the these lyrics from “Thrive” by Casting Crowns–

“Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable, love unstoppable, anything is possible.”


 

Here are the song lyrics to “Thrive” by Casting Crowns

Here in this worn and weary land

Where many a dream has died

Like a tree planted by the water

We never will run dry

So living water flowing through

God we thirst for more of You

Fill our hearts and flood our souls

With one desire

Just to know You and to make You known

We lift Your name on High

Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide

We know we were made for so much more

Than ordinary lives

It’s time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive

Woah Woah

Into Your word we’re digging deep

To know our Father’s heart

Into the world we’re reaching out

To show them who You are

So living water flowing through

God we thirst for more of You

Fill our hearts and flood our souls

With one desire

Just to know You and to make You known

We lift Your name on High

Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide

We know we were made for so much more

Than ordinary lives

It’s time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Just to know You and to make You known

We lift Your name on High

Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide

We know we were made for so much more

Than ordinary lives

It’s time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive Hey!

Woah Woah

Woah Woah

We were made to thrive

Open Up the Floodgates of Heaven

Apr17


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.Lord, you answered my prayer and woke me up with another song in my heart today. The alarm clock in my mind rang out with the bridge from Meredith Andrews’ song Open Up the Heavens:

Show us, show us your glory Show us, show us your power Show us, show us your glory, Lord.

Father, I pray please show us your glory today. Show us your power. Lord, open up the floodgates of heaven and pour out your blessing upon us.

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,†says the Lord Almighty,†and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.†(Malachi 3:10)

My children, ask according to My will and you will receive. Honor Me with your whole tithe and your offerings, and I will throw open the floodgates of heaven, pouring out so much blessing on you that you will not have room enough for it. I am true to My Word. Test Me and see. Tithe the first fruits of your labor, not the leftovers.

Similarly, offer Me the first few minutes of your time each day, not whatever time you have left at the end of the day, if any. I desire a greater intimacy with you. I am a jealous God. I am jealous of your time and devotion. Seek Me in the morning, and you will find Me. I wait with great expectation to hear the sound of your voice calling My name. It’s a pleasing melody to My ears. I desire to meet with you daily and show you My great affection for you. I will build you up in the morning, before the world tries to knock you down. I will give you My strength and courage to face each challenge the day will bring. I will pour out My wisdom and renew your mind for the tasks I give you. I will restore a right spirit within you, so you may shine like a light in a world filled with darkness. A day that begins with Me is a great day. Have a great day, My beloved one!

Sparkle Like Snow

Apr7


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7)

Beloved one, when you accept me as your Savior, I wash away all your iniquity and cleanse you from your sin. You are a new creation–the old has passed away, the new is here. Do not return to the old way of living, when I have forgiven you and made you a righteous child of God. Call on my Spirit within you to help you overcome your temptations. The Spirit is willing to help you when your flesh is weak. You have access to the same power that raised me from the dead. Death could not keep me in the grave. I am alive, and my Spirit lives in you. Listen to my voice within and draw on my strength and wisdom. I will purify your heart and renew a right spirit within you. Maintain your integrity, and live a life set apart for me.  Do not conform to this world, but allow my Spirit to transform you into my likeness. Your body is my temple. Remain pure and holy as I have made my dwelling in you. You are my beloved child. You bear my good name. Honor me in all you do and say. Be a testament to my goodness. Sparkle like snow.

 

Ask Me Anything

Feb2

John 14:12-14

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

My beloved one, I will do whatever you ask in my name. You will do great works, even greater works than I did, because I intercede on your behalf. God is glorified when you pray and make your requests in my name. Ask me anything in my name, and I will do it. You have my power living inside you—power that can heal the sick, give sight to the blind, cast out demons, release prisoners, even raise the dead. With the power God has given me and with my Spirit living in you, nothing is impossible. Do not limit your works to what you think you can accomplish. Ask small and small you will do. Ask big and big you will do. Trust me and rely on me for your power and strength, courage and conviction, wisdom and knowledge. I will equip you to do all that I have prepared in advance for you to do. Let’s get to work and glorify the Father.

 


 

Your Light in Shining Armor

Nov2


My darling princess, thank you for spending time with me today. I love this time we spend together when our hearts and minds commune.

Your opponent, the prince of darkness, puts doubt in your mind about the work I give you to do. In the process, he steals your enthusiasm and robs your joy. Do not allow it! I have overcome the evil one. Stand firm in my authority. You have my power within you. Let my light shine forth from you. In my Name, overpower the darkness.

Continue on the path I have laid out for you. Do not allow these interruptions to make you stumble. My way is clear and free of debris. Take my hand and let me lead you through these challenges. Together, we will be triumphant. Draw your strength from my Spirit within you.A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

I am your Light in Shining Armor! I will ride in on my white horse and sweep you off your feet. I am your handsome Prince of Peace, your Protector and Defender, your Rescuer and Deliverer. And you are mine. You belong to me. I love you with an incomparable, everlasting love.

You are my warrior princess. Carry on with the work I have prepared in advance for you to do.

Revelation 19: 11-13, and 16

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and make war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one but he himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God…On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

The One Who Lives in You

Oct17


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 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. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. (1 John 4:1-6) (Emphasis mine)

My precious child, you belong to me and I live in you. My Spirit that dwells in your heart is greater than the spirit that lives in the world. In Jesus’ name, I have given you power and authority over the spirits of the world. My Spirit of truth in you prevails over the spirits of falsehood that exist around you even now. I instruct you to test every thought that runs through your mind. Is it of the world’s viewpoint, or is it from the God of truth. In me, there is no falsehood. I will not mislead you. I will not condemn you. I will not accuse you. I will not confuse you. I will not lie to you. I am true to my Word in Scripture. I am the God of the universe and I reign over all the world. Test every thought that presents itself and every spirit that influences you. You have the power to overcome evil, darkness, and temptation. Draw on the power of my Spirit within. Submit yourself to me. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to me and I will come near to you.

Your Heart is My Dwelling Place

May5

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.” (Psalm 25:4-7)

My child, my love for you is great and unfathomable. My mercy is as from old. I remember not the sins of your youth, nor do I have record of your rebellious ways. I remember you according to my love for you. As I have given love and mercy in great portions to you, so you should be generous with your love and mercy to others.

My Spirit will show you my ways, and teach you the paths I have set down for you. Put your hope and trust in me. My truth will guide you on your journey. Look to me for your direction, and I will instruct you in the way chosen for you.

You are the one I love. I cherish the time we spend together. Seek me first in your day, and everything else will fall into place. Give me your first fruits, and the flood gates of heaven will open with blessing for you. Give me your reverent love, and I will confide in you. Call on me, and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

You are my beloved child. Hunger and thirst after me, and you will be satisfied. Seek me with all of your heart, and you will find me. You need to look no further than the depths of your own heart; I am there. Your heart is my dwelling place. The living God is living in you. Live not according to your own power, but by the Spirit who lives in you.