Jesus is in this season. He moves amongst us.

He is in this season.  He moves amongst us…

Yesterday, I was led to these verses of scripture (below).  I looked at them and I had no idea what I was meant to say.  I had no idea what I needed to say.  I started with the first sentence – almost tentatively and then there was a great flow – the Holy Spirit took over and gave me the words I needed to write.  In truth, I wrote ferociously and with urgency – as I tried to keep up with the flow. I sincerely hope, this word encourages and blesses you as much as it did for me…

 

This expression, ‘Yet once more’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.  He reveals deep and hidden things, He knows what lies in darkness and light dwells with him.  They do not know nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken… Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with these that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  (Hebrews 12:27, Daniel 2:22, Psalm 82:5, 2 Timothy 2:22, Proverbs 3:3)

 

This speaks into the world today – this is about the world being shaken to reveal its darkness.  It is shaking the world to rid man-made creations; idols – things that dwell in the shadows of darkness.  This shaking is revealing broken systems; corrupt systems, systems of oppression – where people are divided and marginalised and considered of lesser value than others.  The shaking is to rid man-made idols, structures and systems – to rid the old order, the old way of being.  And what should remain when the world stops shaking, are those that cannot be shaken; those that stand in faith.  So, what remains is light – so what remains can be rebuilt in light – in the light of the world.

This shaking may be painful for some – or many and almost all – and it will be felt globally.  But it is necessary – it needs to happen – to shake out the darkness to drive out darkness and make way for the light that dwells with Him.  Many people will be shaken and shaken to their knees.   They will repent and call out to God for deliverance.  In this, I call out to God with you for global deliverance – save us, save us, save us – in the name of Jesus, save us from this pestilence.  Save us from this plague amongst our nations.  Save us from corrupt systems and injustice.  Save us from a collapsing economy – restore in us a new way of life and being – one that is all inclusive that can only come through the blood of Jesus.

You are shaking out the darkness by shaking what we know and are familiar with – you are shaking us to make us see the darkness we have been living in for centuries – you are revealing the deep and hidden things – that we have accepted to be our ‘normal’ – you are shaking us to see this darkness is not normal.  This darkness that prevails is not normal.

It is not normal.

They do not know, nor do they understand – they walk around in darkness.  In this, some and more will come to know the light – the light of this world.  Hold onto this hope – that this darkness will reveal light – and this hope will not lead us to disappointment.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love (Romans 5:5 NLT).  This equips us will all the love we need to pour out our love from God onto others who are hurting in this season.  We need to be robed in his love so we may pour out our love and kindness onto others.  Our actions show they are loved and seen in this season – when they may feel unseen, forgotten and forsaken.  This time is about stirring God’s people into action to shine his light and in shining his light and love – others will start to believe – to believe in a God that is for them and loves them.  You are the mediator between you and the next person coming to know Jesus and the Father.  You are the mediator.

This time is calling God’s children and placing them in a position ready to act.  Are you ready?  In this season people will be looking for answers – they will be asking where is God in all of this chaos?  Will you be ready and are you ready to respond?

Rather than focusing on the darkness – where He clearly is not – focus on the light where He dwells – divert their focus to where God is. Show them where He is healing and in medical break throughs, in provision, in random acts of kindness – in empathy and support; people banding together under unusual circumstances – bringing unity.  That is where He is – that is where God is in this chaos – He is the light in the darkness that is not always reported in the media.

He is the light in the darkness.

He is the light in the darkness.

He is the light in the darkness.

Thank you Lord for being a light in the darkness – thank you for being a light unto our feet – you make a path clear and seen – you make a way known for us while others fumble along a darkened path.  Lord we pray for those who walk in darkness but do not understand – we pray your light may be shown and revealed to them – so they may realise how lost they are – and may they be able to see their way back to you.  Jesus reveal yourself to those who do not know you – meet them in their dreams – intercept their vision with supernatural vision of you – show your light and your goodness – your grace and mercy.  Reveal yourself to all that need you and do not know you – these people are longing for your touch, your love, your grace and mercy – they know something is missing but they do not know it is you that is missing from their life.

I pray that you may supernaturally reveal yourself and make yourself known to those that are longing for you – the world longs for you – the world aches for you – the darkness trembles knowing it won’t be dark for much longer – the darkness is being shaken – it’s days are limited – the darkness scrambles but has no where to hide as it had been shaken and moved to the surface.  God is revealing deep and hidden things – He knows what has been hiding in the darkness.  He knows there is oppression, systemic racism and division, He knows there are major injustices in the world – the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.  He knows (some) medical systems run from a business perspective – meaning lives are lost when people cannot access health care due to financial disadvantage.  Health care and access to healing is a fundamental human right that is being denied – He knows what is hidden in the darkness and will bring it to the surface – placing it in plain sight.

In this, He is saying:

‘Enough is enough – this all must stop.  People are dying and I cannot bare to watch my people perish – those I created – those I formed and loved – those I loved before they knew me – before they had a chance to know me… I loved them even before they had a chance to know me.  Lives are being lost – that are not saved – and this grieves me – this breaks my heart – that they will never come to know me.  I want nothing more than my people to know me and to come home.  I want nothing more than all my children to come home… I know not all my children will come home – as some will be lost – perish before they come to know me.  This breaks my heart more than anything.  For all I want is for you to come home and be safe with me – where your worries won’t look the same as they do now when you’re in the darkness.  You will no longer hunger or thirst after things in the world – like you do or have done.  All your needs will be met by me.  In me, you will lack nothing – you will have everything you need – your worries and anxieties won’t be what they are now.  You may still have trials and troubles in the world – but they won’t affect you in the same way  – when you were in the world on your own… You will be safe, you will be cared for and provided for – for I know your needs.’

 

He knows your needs – He is a good Father – there is no one like Him – He won’t leave you or forsake you.

 

Right now, His heart is for the people and with the people of the world.  He wants more of His children to come home.  And He wants to place us – those that are already established on firm ground and faith – those that cannot be moved while the world shakes to be ready to give a reason for the hope you have in Christ Jesus – that hope you have in His light shining into the darkness.  He is calling us, His children – He’s calling us into position – He’s calling us to move forward and grow much more in faith and knowledge of Him.  He’s calling us into position to move forward – He does not want us to shrink back into our old ways or ways of our youth.  He is calling us to earnestly seek Him and righteousness, faith, love and peace – not only to seek these things but pursue them.  This means to follow, practise and chase them.  While the world scrambles in panic, fear and rises-up in anger – don’t follow suit – follow righteousness.  Follow and practise love and chase peace with those that call upon the Lord with a pure heart.  A pure heart – being someone who genuinely loves and seeks the Lord – who seeks the Lord out of their authenticity – someone who is not in it for self-promotion or pride-filled reasons – or because it is fashionable to be Christian.

Jesus is not fashionable – He is not a trend that comes for a season and passes away and becomes unfashionable.  If Jesus is to be likened to fashion – He is like sustainable fashion.  He never goes out of fashion, He is sustainable; well made; never wears out or grows weary or loses His shape.  He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He is a royal garment that never goes out of fashion – that never wears out and is suitable in all seasons.  In the world He may not look fashionable – but He is a royal garment – fit for kings – for He is the King of kings and the King of all people – He is a royal garment for all people – all that are willing to believe.  He is sustainable fashion that never goes out of fashion – for He is in each season.  All seasons that have been and in all seasons that will be – He is even in this season.

He is in this season.

He is in this season.

He is in this season.

He moves amongst us – and He’s calling us to follow Him wherever He may go.

He is calling – He is calling – He is calling.

Will you answer?

Will you say, hello?

Will you say, you are welcome here?

Will you say, what do you want me to do in this season?

 

Here I asked: what do you want me to do?

Response: write – write everything that gets pressed into your heart – everything that flows through your pen. Write – write – write – just write.  In this season that is all I want you to do…

Ask and you will be given an answer. I am writing and I will continue to do so – unless I am told otherwise…

In closing, let love and faithfulness never leave your heart.  Ensure you are always there – with Jesus and for Jesus – and ensure you are ready to go when He asks – are you ready to go?… You are faithful to the Lord – faithful in His word, in prayer, faithful in love – faithful in responding to others in love with kindness, patience, generosity and compassion.  Cloth yourselves in garments of majesty and know who you carry with you and represent as you go into the world.  You represent the light in the darkness – you are the light in the darkness – go forth – move forward and shine your light that is Jesus and may His light bring glory to the Father – forever and ever  – amen.

 

…Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God glorified in him… Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away (John 13:31, Mark 13:31 NIV).

 

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Author: Elizabeth New

Copyright © 2020

All rights reserved.

 

In new life comes new hope… I will always have hope…

 

For years, my son has been asking for a dog and more specifically a puppy – a golden retriever.  We have a cat that he loves – so much so, he squeezes the squeaks out of her!  I have been apprehensive about getting a puppy due to the cost and commitment – as I can imagine it would be like looking after a new baby again.  So, on and off for the past few months I have been searching for golden retriever puppies or an older dog to adopt.  I have kept the search specific to golden retrievers as well, as a few months ago I had a vision of a golden retriever in the lounge room of our yet to be built house.  This is something personal yet specific.  I believe it is a part of God’s vision for my life and I know it may sound slightly crazy but as a pastor says, ‘it’s only crazy until it happens’ (For context, look up Michael Todd on YouTube at Transformation Church and see series called Crazy Faith). So, I have kept to that specific dog breed search.  And as you can see, I have had dogs on my mind for a little while and last night I had a dream and I believe it was prophetic.

I dreamt that I had a golden Labrador (not retriever) and she gave birth to fourteen puppies.  All were born in different sizes and colours; they were golden, brown, and black.  Some were smaller than others and I took an instant liking to one who looked weeks or months older than the other new puppies.  He was golden and had an adorable squishy pot belly.  In this dream, I was worried about how I was going to look after all these new fur babies.  I was also worried about how much food I would need to provide to keep up with Mamma dog’s energy requirement – so she wouldn’t waste away while she provided her pups with all they needed before they moved onto solid foods.

In prayer, I asked what does this dream mean?  It was revealed to me that this was about hope. The new puppies – represented new life and that in new life comes hope.  The number 14 is a double of 7 – the number considered to be of spiritual perfection, completion.  The number14 is also considered to be a symbol of salvation and deliverance.  This could signify we are entering a time where people will be rescued from great harm, ruin or loss and set free – and are born into a new life, a new living hope.

As I was praying, a thought kept circulating – you’ve got to have hope – you always need hope – you always need hope – you always need hope…

I felt this was another reminder that we must wait patiently and hope for the things we do not have – hope for marriage, hope for children, hope for healing, hope for breakthrough, hope for strongholds being broken, hope for reconciliation, hope for peace and hope for justice.  We wait and hope for the things we do not have and place our hope and trust in Jesus and the Father for deliverance.

 

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  ‘For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’… May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.  I pray the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people… those who hope in the lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not grow faint. (For he sustains you.)  …“Everything is possible for the one who believes.  …God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. (We are all needy and in need of something – healing, provision, wisdom etc.  Our neediness may cause affliction; pain and/or harm and in our hour of need our hope is in the Lord that we will be delivered from this affliction.  This kind of hope will never perish – it will never die  – as we know the Lord is constant and consistent in His ways.  He will sustain us and bring deliverance; bring us to the other side of the struggle or suffering we face.  This kind of hope we have with the Lord means we will never fall away from the path of the Lord.)   (For)… the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear (in reverence and awe of) him; on those whose hope is in his unfailing love… May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you… I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope… As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more… (Romans 15:13, Hebrews 11:1, Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 1:18, Isaiah 40:31, Mark 9:23, Psalm 9:18, Psalm 33:18, Psalm 33:22, Psalm 130:5, Psalm 71:14)

I will always have hope and the assurance that whatever I am going through I will be brought out of it – this will not happen on my own but with the Lord.  And all that glory and praise will be His.

To my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, remember – you always need hope – and know, you will always have hope.  May God’s peace and love be with you – may it fill you and overflow onto those around you.  Until next time, God willing, W.A.R on with praise and prayer. Xx

 

Author:  Elizabeth New

Copyright © 2020

All Rights Reserved.

The Lord God said, “it is not good for a man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

 

*Long post warning*

(I started working on this word on the 31st May 2020 – as I was writing I felt a strong ‘no’ against sharing it here.  I thought, maybe it’s just meant to be a personal word.  But as it turned out – it was revealed to me, I needed to first send it to a friend who was in need of encouragment and then add a few sections in – then felt it was ok to share it… I hope this word encourages you too…)

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

¹⁹ Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. ²⁰ So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. ²¹ So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. ²² Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

²³ The man said,

“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.”

²⁴ That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

²⁵ Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame (Genesis 2:18-25 NIV).

 

It is not good for man to be alone – so He made a helper – made him a woman and brought her to him – these lines seemed to jump out at me.  I asked why are you showing me this, how does this apply to me? I had, I want you to understand what a relationship should be – this thought kept going through my head and I wrote the rest down from here…

 

I want you to understand what a relationship should be. I want you to understand the reason why man may feel like a piece of himself is missing – because I formed you from his rib – even though I knitted you in your mothers womb.  I want you to understand that I will bring you to your Adam. His eyes will be opened to you and he will see that fearfully and wonderfully created woman before him.  To him, you will make that missing rib feel present – as you become one flesh.  He will see you as you are – yet, together there will be a greater sense of wholeness and completion in your union. I want you to understand this and know this, for when it happens – you will be able to recognise it.  I don’t want you to actively seek out your partner.  I will bring you to him.  In that moment – he will know – in that moment, you will know.  You will be met with a familiarity and a feeling that you have known this person forever – that is because I formed you from his ribs while he was asleep.

He is coming – he is waking – you will be brought to him soon. Brought to him as his helper.  I know your hearts desires and I know this has been a long time desire to have this kind of completion.  Know – daughter of Eve that on your own you are whole and complete – you are enough as you are – you lack nothing for the Lord is your shepherd – but also know, you were made to be your Adam’s helper – to become his wife and be re-united as one flesh.

In this time, you are being formed and refined into the perfect woman I envisioned for your Adam. You are still being made by your God – upon your completion I will bring you to your Adam.  You do not need to fight or seek out your Adam – I know your heart – I know what you desire – but know I am still forming you to be the woman I want you to be for your Adam. 

Until then and when it happens – his eyes will be truly opened to you – I will wake him from his slumber and he will see you for who you are – and you will help him in ways you never imagined helping or benefiting someone before.  He will be met with a feeling of peace and completion in receiving the missing rib.

And son’s of Adam, stop searching for your Eve – right now, you’re asleep and you won’t be able to see much or feel much either – stop searching for her – know you are asleep and I will bring her to you. Yes, I know the desires of your heart too.  I also know that man is not meant to be alone.  Know your eve is still being created and formed into the woman and helper I want her to be for you.

The world looks with their eyes; meaning looks can be deceiving – what is beautiful on the outside does not mean it is beautiful in their heart. I want you to see through my eyes – I want you to see and look at their heart.  That is where their beauty lies.  Looks will fade but it is the beauty of the heart that endures and shines through.  So, know I am refining your Eve – I am making her heart beautiful for you.

That is all.

 

Sons of Adam and daughters of Eve be encouraged and comforted in knowing God has not forgotten you – nor will he forsake you.  Someone beautiful is being formed by the hand of God for you.  This is genuinely exciting!

 

Before I launch into prayer, (you may want to have a quick toilet break or grab a drink – this next section is long-ish… or keep on reading…) I want to share another Chapter with you from my book.  In this chapter I learnt a valuable lesson on taking matters into our own hands and searching for love…

 

Chapter Twenty-six

Taking matters into our own hands – relationships.

 

There are moments when we feel we need to take matters into our own hands.  There have been times when I have been desperate to change my circumstances.  Especially when I was tired of being a struggling single parent – physically, mentally and financially.  This exacerbation would ignite a question – what can I do to change this?  It would motivate me to try and change our situation.  But I would try this on my own, in my own strength and without God – which meant, my efforts alone never worked.  It always felt like a desperate battle – a battle that could not be won…

One of those battles included seeking Mr. Right.  Years ago, I used to have a – what I called a ‘love-hate relationship with dating sites’.  I loved them for a moment, hated them the next and deleted them again moments later… to only reactivate them again – weeks to months down the track… I lived in hope of finding the ‘perfect partner’ – my Mr. Right – or my Adam.

I discovered, I hated how superficial it was – swipe right to ‘like’, swipe left to ‘dislike’.  I disliked that we were basing potential partners on their external appearance.  This ‘erked’ me more than anything else.  And I was fully aware that I was also participating in this judgment and I disliked that I was discounting a person based on their appearance without getting to know the person behind the photo.  This, perhaps stemmed from learning early on as a child not to judge a person by their looks.  It was not something my parents taught me, as such but it was something I discovered on my own.  I can remember one year at school, I was maybe about ten or eleven years old. In the playground, I always used to see this girl who I took an instant disliking to.  I was often bullied as a kid but this girl she wasn’t mean to me – so really, I had no reason to dislike her.  But I did.  I didn’t like the way she would looked over the top of her glasses – like my grandfather pausing to look over the top of his glasses and newspaper.  I didn’t like her because she reminded me of an old man.  Now, I know – this is not something we admit to everyday – nor do we openly tell people the reasons we don’t like them – and it may boil down to something as silly as that and all because they may remind us of someone else.  Now, the game changer for me was that we became very good friends as we exited primary school and went on to high school.  I can’t remember how our friendship emerged – but I can tell you it did.  I never told her that I initially didn’t like her, nor the reason behind it.  But what I can tell you, was that we were wonderful friends for a season.  Looking back, this taught me we can carry biases with us, and it can quickly influence a decision and sometimes without our full awareness of it occuring.  This awareness changed how I looked at people if I found I took an instant dislike to them for no apparent reason.  From there I would search deeper and ask – why and where is this coming from?  And try to find away to move through it by making an effort to get to know the person beyond the subconsious biases I may be holding…  So, I guess in context with online dating sites, I felt there was a disconnection between what I was doing in ‘swiping left or right’ and my values in getting to know a person beyond inital first impressions.

Online dating also brought a lot of disappointment as I met men with one-tracked motivations – who didn’t want anything serious.  I wanted something different.  I wanted something serious; I wanted commitment.  I had a vague list of what I wanted, he needed to be:

• be grounded in himself (not entirely sure what that means though!)
• must be established in his career and financially stable
• Good looking
• a sense of humour
• must not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes.

But, if I am honest, the thing that really drove me, was to be lifted out of poverty.  The want to have a reliable and stable father figure in Immanuel (my son’s) life and to be cherished and loved by him too.  I can see here, I was seeking a relationship out of my brokenness.  I was seeking a relationship to meet my needs rather than looking to see how I could benefit and serve the other person with what I already have.

So, how did that online dating thing work out for you?  You may ask.

Well, it didn’t.

Each encounter was equally as disappointing as the next.  I got to the point where I was convinced that – ‘this was it’, I was destined to be a single parent forever and I would never experience true committed love.  This was it, this was my lot. The end.  I was never going to find someone to share the rest of my life with and grow old with.  All the good men appeared to be married with children.  And I was damaged goods – how could anyone find me remotely attractive?

I can remember when Immanuel was about 18 months old and putting him to bed.  I carried him upstairs for a nap, he was literally kicking a screaming; partly overtired and not wanting to go to bed.  A thought blasted – and this, this is why I am single – no one wants to be a part of this.  This kind of thinking followed me around too.  Retrospectively I can see this put a barrier between me and potential spouses.  It was a barrier that said, no – I think you are too good for me – that included being ‘too good looking’ or ‘too knowledgeable’ or ‘too wealthy’.  They were all too good for me, or so I thought. I saw them as too good for me… But… it was not about them being too good for me… underlying all of that, it meant I saw myself as not good enough for them.  My self-confidence and self-worth had been stripped away to nothing by the pain caused from previous relationship.  I saw myself to have very little worth and consequelty I thought I was not worthy of these men, their time or love…  So, after a while, I didn’t bother actively pursuing anyone online.  I left it to the guys – I thought if they wanted anything more, they would pursue me.  They often gave up too, possibly thinking I was not interested… So, I had this constant on and off relationship with dating sites – it went in cycles of being fed-up with own circumstances, seeking to change it while still believing I was not good enough for anyone and not being able to change anything…

In mid to late 2019, I finally deleted whatever the current dating profile was – and I knew in my spirit – that this time, it was for good.  I was done with searching.  I came to this realisation, after getting frustrated and wanting to quit the site.  But, in this moment, my frustration had blinded me to how to delete the account.  I looked in settings, in account details – I couldn’t see it.  I went back and tried again in another area but I literally could not see or find the deactivate button anywhere. Although I knew, it had to be there somewhere.  So, I just logged out and left the account – still active.  One day, I took Immanuel to the park and one of the guys on the site dropped into my thoughts and I felt I needed to find him.  He stated to be a doctor and Catholic – with a headline caption of: there is only One God.  I felt that I needed to contact him and to gently ask about his faith and the heart he had towards God.  (It only occured to me now as to why -James 2:19 NIV says, ‘You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.  Finding him and asking was about gently testing where his heart was for Jesus.)  So, I jumped back on the dating site and searched and searched – trying to find him.  It became an everyday kind of thing.  Once I was in bed and before going to sleep, I would jump back onto the dating site on my phone in hope that that was the time that I would find him. I kept looking and looking, day in, day out until I got nowhere and realised my efforts were fruitless. I couldn’t find him, so I gave up.

I didn’t just give up, I was given a revelation.  It occurred to me that I was turning this search into an idol – I was idolising over the prospects of finding the ideal partner.  I thought this action was from God and that I was meant to find him.  It wasn’t about finding him, it was about the revelation that came from it.  And that my focus was being put into finding the ideal relationship, however I should have been putting my focus into God and the kingdom, trusting him and allowing Him to do the rest.

But I needed to be shown the error of my ways.  I was reminded of the scripture that says to know what motivates you.  You need to know what motivates you because God wants your heart in all of it’s purity and you need to know where your actions come from.  Secondary to that – I found myself reading this: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14 NIV) This was followed by:  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

In reading these verses, I could see was that my initial motivations were for my benefit.  I wanted to be lifted out of poverty and be with a man who would make a stable father figure in my son’s life.  These motivations did not work in alignment with God’s will because it was about relying on the man to lift us out of poverty rather than relying on God to do that.  In coming to know that, I redirected my focus and prayers back to seeking God; to knowing Jesus and becoming more like Him.  My focus went from being flesh focused to Kingdom focused.  It all clicked in that moment and I prayed:

Heavenly father, I thank you for your word and thank you for Jesus.  I am sorry that I have been focused on my own needs and wants – I hand over my needs and wants to you – for I know, only you are able to lift us out of poverty and give us the security we need. You are our provider.  I pray that in your time you will bring me to a life partner, who I am able to grow in faith with and continue your work with, so together we may bring you glory.  But until then, I know that on my own I am enough, for I have you.  I pray that you may guard my heart, assist me in staying kingdom focused; keep my eyes and attention on you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

What I didn’t know back then, that I know now, is that I have all the love I need right now.  I didn’t need to search for it, for it was already right in front of me – it was already with me, for God is love.  What I didn’t know then, that I know now – is that I am loved, I am worthy, I am valued, I am cherished and so much more.

But His work was not done – or finished yet.  So, my focus had been realigned to be kingdom focused and from there everything else will be added to me…  After that, I knew it was definitely time to quit the dating site.  And suddenly, my eyes were opened, and I was able to find the deactivate button as though it had been there the whole time – (and it probably was).

I pressed – ‘deactivate account.’

Notification – ‘are you sure?’

Yes. Click.  Account deactivated.

I’m free!

I literally double fist-punched the air as I exclaimed – I am free.  I had been freed from the search that had kept me captive.  I was freed from the thoughts that – this was it – this was my lot and I was never going to find someone and that I was not good enough for anyone.

I was free from the lies. Finally. I trust that God has the man for me – but his eyes just have not been opened to me yet….

The biggest lesson I learnt was that I shouldn’t be searching for my love – not when it can enslave me and keep me captive to the search.  I trust that God will lead me to my Adam, when He has finished crafting me into the woman He wants me to be that will best benefit my Adam…

 

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this word – thank you for this encouragement and comfort.  Comfort in knowing that you know that man is not meant to be alone – comfort in knowing that as single women of God we are being refined and formed into the woman you want us to be for our Adam.  You are making our hearts beautiful – I know and I can see that refinement happening right in front of my own eyes – even as I write this.  I cannot wait to meet the Adam you have instore for me.  I cannot wait to help him and benefit him in only the way I can.  I cannot wait for him to say he feels like that missing piece is complete in having his rib returned.  I cannot wait to be his wife – and to wake up beside him daily.  I cannot wait, yet I will wait until you bring me to him….  This is a very feminine prayer; specific to women… help me Lord to find the words to make this more inclusive of men.

Father, I pray for my single brothers who yearn for unity in marriage – who are looking for their missing rib.  I pray in the name of Jesus you may silence their search for their Eve. They are looking for love but in fact, they are looking for you Lord.  I pray you may replace this external search with an insatiable thirst and hunger for you Lord.  I pray that my dear brothers in Christ may seek you first above their search for their Eve.  I pray that you may instil their heart with the knowledge that their Eve is still being created and perfected by you for them.  May they know that everything is made beautiful in your time – just as their wife is.  I feel your peace and stillness in this and pray this peace may be transferred to my dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

Father, I also pray for those that are already married and committed to one another – who are as one flesh.  Thank you for their union – thank you for their partnership – that together they are so much stronger together in all of their parts – they work beautifully in a synergy.  Thank you for their union – for their love for one another.  I pray that you may continue to strengthen their relationship and bond – a bond that can only come from you.  I pray that they may continue to place you at the head of their marriage – you rule above it all.  I pray they both may crave and hunger for you Lord – and seek you first in all they do.  May you continue to grow them and bless their union.

In Jesus mighty and glorious name, I pray, amen.

Amen…

 

To my dear Sisters, remember:

You are beautiful for you are fearfully and wonderfully made… You are altogether beautiful darling; there is no flaw in you… and remember – your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes.  Rather it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. (Psalm 139:14, Songs of Solomon 4:7, 1 Peter3:3-4)

To my dear Brothers, remember:

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised… And know the woman that God will bring to you will be clothed in strength and dignity and can laugh without fear of the future… she will be worth far more than rubies.  (Proverbs 31:30, Proverbs 31:25, Proverbs 31:10)

To God she will be precious and to you she will be equally as precious and worth more than rubies or any worldly wealth.

May God’s peace be with you. May He keep you and continue to bless you. Until next time, God willing – W.A.R on with praise and prayer. Xx

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Author:  Elizabeth New

Copyright © 2020

All Rights Reserved.

 

I believe you and I believe IN you…

I believe you and I believe IN you.

There are some lyrics in a worship song that declares: I believe in you…  I believe in you – you are the God of miracles…  The God who brings the dead to life – the power of the risen one.

The lyrics – I believe in you – stuck out at me.  The song came on as I was trying to multitask – write in prayer and listen to worship music.  I was praying into something that was steeped in doubt – doubt in myself and doubting how could God possibly entrust me with something of this magnitude.  Something that I thought was too big for me… however, at the same time I could see I was being built-up for this thing bit by bit…  Now, please forgive my ambiguity – as at this stage, I do not feel comfortable, as yet, sharing this ‘thing’ that God has placed in my heart.  I had forgotten about this ‘thing’ that was placed on my heart, it came to months ago when I was still in the stages of writing out my story. But then, recently, I was reminded of this promise again.  In short, without going into details and so you can grasp onto something, I was reminded that I would be an advocate for women.  And this advocacy would be fuelled by a combination of my story, faith, and position of standing as a nurse.  These elements would merge and work in a synergy – meaning their effect would be greater together than if each element was used separately.  I strongly feel and believe faith and science can work together.  I may not have the evidence to support this, yet… but I do think it is possible…

Anyway, back to the lyrics of the song… I wanted to share this with you, as I know this isn’t just about me – as there are moments when we all become overwelmed in doubt – so I write this to encourage you too.  So, while we can declare to God – I believe in you.  I felt in this, there was a reversal – and in that moment, he was declaring to me (and now also to you) – I believe in you.  I believe in you. I believe in you – I believe in your story, your heart, your understanding of me and the world – I believe you will change the lives and hearts of many.  It won’t be without trials and tribulations – but I will be with you.  I will be with you in this.  I will be with you in this. 

I will be with you. 

I believe in you just as you believe in me. 

I believe in you just as you believe in me.

God believes and trusts us – just as we believe and trust in Him.  What we have is a two-way street – what we have through Christ is not one sided.

I was also reminded by His word to be –

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:19).

And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you.  He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8).  He is with us and He goes before us – a path is already being prepared and made.  He goes before you – meaning He is the one who leads you forward into all that you are destined for.  In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with purpose of his will…(Ephesians 1:11 NIV)

I believe in you…

I wanted to know how He believes in us – or more how God trusts us.  I went looking for answers and found – God trust or entrusts us in many ways with many things. He trusts that we will represent Him well, having made us in His image.  He trusts us with the gospel – that we will use his word wisely to spread the good news of Jesus.  He trust us in being able to perform the same works and wonders as Jesus – all to bring glory back to the Father.  Jesus says – if you ask for anything in my name and believe – it will be done.

He entrusts us with various gifts and talents that can be used to promote Jesus and give glory back to the Father.  These gifts and talents that we are blessed with are not for our benefit but for the benefit of others.

He trusts us with wealth – as everything that is good comes from God.  But our wealth is not always for us to keep.  In wealth – He is trusting us to be generous in what we have.  It is to be used to bless others as needed.  It might mean giving to the church so the church can continue to help others in need.  It may be seeing a friend in need and giving without the expectation of repayment.  It may be anonymously paying for a service in advance for someone – like at the hairdressers or paying for someone’s meal.  God is in provision and He enables and trusts us to be a means to that provision.  We are an extension of His hands and feet.

He also trusts us with our bodies – as it is a temple for the Holy Spirit.  He trusts that we will look after our bodies to our best of our abilities – through regular exercise and good nutrition and abstain from sexual activity outside of marriage.

He entrusts us with many things and so much more than what is covered above.  But the thing is, He does trust us and trusts that we will look after the things we are given and honour them to the best of our abilities – as it show’s our respect to the one who gave them to us… But sometimes, we don’t always get it right – we mess things up – we make mistakes – or we don’t do something as well as we could for whatever reason.  This does not make us a bad person, it makes us human and we won’t lose God’s love over our shortcomings – He won’t hold himself back from us. We are covered by the blood of Jesus – we are covered by His grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  God will not hold himself back from us – He already trusts us – He believes in us – just as we believe and trust in Him.  It is a two-way street – it is not one way.  We just need to trust that the Lord will lead us, steward us in how to best manage all that we have been given and entrusted with.

So now, I want to reverse this again – and declare – Lord, I believe you.  Not only do I believe IN you – I believe you.  I believe the promises you have revealed over my life.  If you say marriage will happen – I believe you. And I believe you especially when it looks impossible.  If you say I am to buy land and build a house – I believe you – and believe you especially when it looks impossible.  If you say I am meant to be an advocate for women merging faith and science – I believe you – especially when it looks impossible.  I believe you because I believe IN you – just as you believe in me. You know the plans you have for my life; plans to prosper and not harm me.  You know my heart and know what I am capable of.  You know and understand this better than I ever will – but I trust you… In this, I say, whatever the Lord has revealed to you as your promised land – declare it right now, in the name of Jesus that you believe Him.

Declare it again – I believe you.

I believe that I am the person you say I am. I believe there will be healing.  I believe there will be change.  I believe chains will be broken – strongholds will be broken.  I believe there will be peace and unity.

I believe you now and especially when it looks impossible.  You are the God of impossible and make all things possible.  You, Lord are a miracle worker – my miracle worker and my light in the darkness.

Hold this truth close to your heart and never let it go.

 

Lord God,

Thank you for believing in me – especially when I do not believe in myself at times.  Thank you for all that you have entrusted me with.  Thank you for my son, thank you for my house, thank you for growing my bank account, thank you for my body and thank you for the talents you have bestowed upone me.  And thank you for your word and Jesus.… I present all these things to you Lord – and pray in Jesus name these things may continue to grow and prosper in your name – help me to steward these things to bring you glory.  I thank you for all that has been given and received – with you, I lack nothing.  I pray you may continue to use me – as your hands and feet – to do your work, to best represent you, to give you honour and glory in Jesus name. 

I also ask for forgiveness – forgive us in those moments where we mess up – where we fall short of respecting what we have been given – we bring our mistakes to you with a heavy heart.  And again ask, in Jesus name – help me, help me to do better.  Help me to better steward what I have already been given.  I know what I am doing could be better – but I cannot do it on my own – that betterment can only come from you.  This isn’t about self-promotion and making myself look good – this is about making the most of what I have been given and making the most of what you have given me.  Help me – rid me of all my insecurities – replace it with your strength, knowledge and guide me and move me forward – reveal and show me how you want these things stewarded and managed.  Establish my steps.  I trust you. I believe you and I believe IN you.

In Jesus glorious name I pray, amen.

Amen.

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, remember:

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV) The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Proverbs16:9 ESV).

God’s plan for your life – our lives, is so much greater than the plans we could possibly ever dream of or make on our own.  We can make our own plans without God on loose rocky ground  – which may cause us to fall.  Or we can do it with God, and He will establish our steps.  Meaning – the ground we walk on with Jesus is firm – yet the steps we take will leave a deep imprint.  The ground is firm yet soft and malleable – and when we stop and stand still the ground encases our feet like a warm slippers – it keeps us and allows us to stand firm in our faith.  In this stillness, it allows for growth – it sends roots down into the ground to be further established – and further established in the ways of the Lord.  The firm ground keeps us safe from falling – although we still may stumble – we will not fall like we would on loose rocky ground. He already knows the way we need to go.  All we need to do is submit our own plans and trust him; ask for guidance and he will direct and establish our steps along that path.

May God’s peace be with you today and God willing, the rest of your days. Until next time dear reader – W.A.R on with praise and prayer. Xx.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Author: Elizabeth New

Copyright © 2020

All Rights Reserved.

Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances… Praise and prayer.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV).

 

Rejoice – find joy always – proclaim and declare: ‘I don’t know what you are going to do in this space, but I know you will turn it around for something good.’  We rejoice in your Holiness.  We rejoice in your grandeur – we rejoice in your complete wholeness – your perfection.  We rejoice in that we will always fall short of your glory – but we are thankful for your Son – our mediator – and that through him we please you.

Pray continually – may prayer become our first port of call – that we turn to you in prayer first before we turn to anyone or anything thereafter.  May we turn to you first in our struggles and in our joy and delight.

We give thanks in all our circumstances – in our struggles and in our triumphs and the days in between.  I thank you for all that I have and thank you for this struggle free time.  I know NOT all are in this boat, but I pray, whatever circumstances they are in, that are able to see the joy – see that they will be given a story that only they can tell – a story that points back to your wonder, your glory and grace in enabling them to get through whatever circumstances they have been in.  In their life, you are making a way to make your light shine, to show your might and power to transform situation.  In their struggle and in their joy, you are making a way for your light and glory to shine.  You are making way for some great changes.  I cannot wait to see what you do in this space.  Your power and wonder is bigger and greater than I will ever be.  No one is like you.  No one comes close to being like you.  (Although we strive to grow in the likeness of Christ…) But you are Holy; complete and perfect in all your ways.  It is through your love, grace and mercy that you gave us Jesus – and we are continually grateful – for being chosen, treasured and loved by you and by Jesus.

I pray you may continue to instil this knowledge and understanding in our hearts and minds.  Renew our hearts and minds.  Renew our hearts and mind – keep our hearts soft – keep our minds alert and sober to the world around us – protect us from the chaos – protect our body and mind from fear and danger.  Your perfect love casts out fear – cast out fear – for fear, it its crippling capacity has no place in our hearts or minds.  Replace our fear with your peace – your peace that exceeds the world’s understanding of peace.  Equip us with a sound mind – so we may be able to act and respond in a way that is opposite to the world – that enables us to be do-ers of the word – your word.  To be a light in the darkness – equip us to love others and meet their needs as you call us to do so.

We pray for those who do not know you.  We pray their eyes may be opened to Jesus – so they may come to know you through Jesus.  We pray that you may transform their heart, mind and life.  In Jesus mighty name we pray, amen.

Amen.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Author: Elizabeth New

Copyright © 2020

All Rights Reserved.

 

“Are you ready to go?” … Are you prepared?

“Are you ready to go?”…

 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer…  therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!  But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you!  He is filled with fury, because he knows his time is short… The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer… with the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding… the holy spirit will teach you at that time what to say. (Romans 12:12 NIV, Revelations 12:12 NIV, Proverbs 23:3 ESV, Job 12:12 KJV, Luke 12:12 NIV.)

The people of the world are hurting.  The people of the world are aching. The people of world are stirring.  Be wise – be prudent – act with care and thought for the future – seek safety – there is no need to continue to suffer.  God knows the desires of your heart. He knows the desires of your heart – stay kingdom focused and the desires of your heart will be added to you.  Be alert and prudent – the devil is full of fury as he knows his time here is short – he prowls like a lion looking for someone to devour.

Be alert – aware of your surroundings.

Be joyful in hope – patient in this affliction and faithful in prayer – stand firm in your faith. Be at the ready with the sword of truth.

Be ready to respond.

Be prepared to give a reason for the hope you have.  Do not fear what or how to say it, for the words will be given to you by the Holy spirit – his wisdom is ancient and rich in understanding.

Be ready.

Be ready to act in love.

Be ready to love – act in kindness and patience.

Be ready to give and forgive.

Be ready for change.

Change is coming.

Be ready – are you prepared?

Are you ready to go?…

…. I sat at my computer typing, my father came to my bedroom doorway – I couldn’t see him but I knew he was there.  He asked, ‘are you ready to go?’ I looked at the time – 12:38 pm.  Confused.  I knew I had no plans other than write and didn’t need to pick up my son until 3pm.  We hadn’t organised anything.  I asked: ‘go – where?’

‘Are you ready to go?’

I immediately woke up.  The voice of my father startled me awake.  It was a dream  but it was as though he was right in the room with me.

Go – where?  Am I ready to go – what does this mean?

Are you prepared?

Are you prepared for what is going to happen next?

What is going to happen next?

… ?

Are you prepared to commit to the Lord if He intercepts your plans – are you ready to go? …But are you?

He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. (Luke 12:38 NLT)

God is asking – Are you prepared?

… Am I prepared?  At first glance and first response – I would say no, I am not prepared – I am not ready for this.  But I know this is my response to most things as I tend to act on the side of caution with everything.  I am like the living translation of prudent –  as I act with care towards my future… but I’ll also talk myself down and say, I am not ready because I don’t feel skilled enough or old enough or experienced enough.  I was then reminded of the first driving lesson I had with my father – which was in a vintage car.  I was dubious – I was like, are you sure this is ok?  A thought intercepted this query – he trusts you – he is trusting you with this – you will be fine – just trust yourself – just as he trusts you.

Are you prepared?

… At a second and deeper glance, I can see I have been prepared.  He – God has become number one priority; I have been kingdom focused in delving into his word and with prayer.  He is loved with all my heart, mind, and strength.  I have been obedient to the words and actions He has placed on my heart.  I know I am stronger in faith than I was a year ago.  I know I am stronger in faith than I was 8 weeks ago.  But I can see I could be stronger again… I can see I am prepared… I have been prepared within my means – I am ready to go.

… Father God – tell me where you are going and I will come with you – I am as ready as I will ever be – I will always say I am not ready – but I know you trust me and have given me everything I need and you will continue to equip me.

I am prepared – I am ready to go.

Lord, you have been preparing a way – preparing my heart and renewing my mind.  I pray you may further equip me to be ready – ready to respond – to act in love with kindness and patience – in a way that best represent you.  Equip me to be ready to give and forgive as you call me to do so.  I am your hands, your feet, your voice – I represent you.  I stand to represent your Son – the light of the world – I stand to represent your love and peace and stillness – in a world that is in chaotic darkness – in a world that is stirring – as the devil is full of fury and knows his time is short.

I submit myself to you, oh gracious lord – use my hands, my feet, and my voice to fulfil your will on earth.  I am yours.  I am dead to my flesh – to my wants.  I know you know the desires of my heart and you continue to meet those desires.  May your desires be planted in my heart to become my desires.  I do not know what you have in store for me next – or where you want to me to go with you – but I am ready.

I am ready to go.

I am prepared.

In Jesus name, I declare I am prepared and stand firm at the ready.  I am are suited in your armour with your shield.  I stand firm and am at the ready with your sword of truth.  In Jesus name, I declare we are ready. Amen.

Amen.

 

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Author: Elizabeth New

Copyright © 2020

All rights reserved.

Prayer for Protection over God’s Children

Prayer for Protection

 

… You Lord are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high…  Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart…  You dear children are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in the world is greater than the one in the world… Jesus answered, “it is written: ‘man shall not live on bread alone, but from every word that comes from God… Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again. Rejoice!  (Psalm 3:3, Proverbs 3:3, 1 John 4:4, Matthew 4:4, Philippians 4:4 NIV).

 

Lord, your love and faithfulness fills my heart.  Your word is food for my soul – you keep me and sustain me.   You give me hope when the world looks bleak and hopeless.  Your love and continual faithfulness fills my heart and sustains me.  Your faithfulness to me – keeps me faithful to you, oh lord.  Your love never fails – your love perseveres and shines brighter when the world struggles.  The world may fail – but your greatness – and your love will never fail us.  Your love forever fills my heart.

Lord, guard my heart – let your love and faithfulness fill my heart – our hearts.  Reveal your love to us – when we feel lost, forgotten or unseen.  Reveal your faithfulness – so it may fill and replenish my – our hearts with faith when we feel troubled by the world – so this may enable us to stand with you in faith.  Guard my heart and be my shield – be the One who protects me from harm.  The one who protects us from harm.  Lord protect and shield those from harm who are troubled by the storm in the world.  Jesus – we know with you we are safe when we are in the storm – for you will enter and stop the storm in a second – we trust in you – whatever storm we are faced with – you will enter – and winds will cease, rain will stop, the waters will become calm again – the dark storm clouds will clear to reveal a fresh blue sky.   Jesus we need you in this storm – this storm that is the pandemic, the storm in racial oppression and hatred, the storm in unemployment, the storm in broken health systems, the storm in disease, the storm in domestic violence – drug abuse and addictions.  Stop this storm that we are in the thick of – not only stop the storm – but renew, restore and reset our hearts and lives – make a way for a new way of being.  We cannot do this on our own – but with you it is already done.  It is already done.  For you have already overcome the world.  But Lord – we acknowledge and know we cannot get through this storm on our own – and in this storm we cling to you – that is where we find our stability when the world shakes – that is where we find our peace when the world shakes.  Even if we sink while trying to walk to you in the storm – we know you still have our backs and we thank you for your grace and patience with us in those moments.  Thank you for all you do and have done and will continue to do – your might and power is greater than any word I can muster and I will continue to rejoice in you Lord – always – in the thick of this storm – I will rejoice in you – you are my joy and my greatest love – thank you for loving me first.  Thank you for loving me in all my moments – in all my emotions – thank you for loving me and allowing me to pass through my emotions in this storm.  Thank you for your kindness and patience – when I may be stubborn or stuck in my ways – whichever way that is.  Thank you for forgiving me – for forgiving us of our sins.  Thank you.  Your grace surpasses me.  Thank you for your grace.

Lord I pray for all your children – out of love and with love – I pray you may protect your children – those near and far around the globe.  Heal and validate hearts. Fill us with your peace – fill us with your love so we may continue to love others in your name – with your love, your kindness, patience, and grace.

In Jesus name we pray, amen.

 

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

⁶ “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. ⁷ Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. ⁸ For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

⁹ “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. ¹⁰ And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. ¹¹ Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. ¹² While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. ¹³ But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. ¹⁴ I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁵ I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁷ Sanctify^[g] them by Your truth. Your word is truth. ¹⁸ As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

²⁰ “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; ²¹ that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²² And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: ²³ I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

²⁴ “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. ²⁵ O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. ²⁶ And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

(John 17:6-26 NKJV)

 

Jesus’ love for us is manifested throughout his prayer.  I know there is more to it – however – the stand out point is – Jesus asking for protection over us from the evil one.  God is our shield – so, it will be done.

 

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Author: Elizabeth New

Copyright © 2020

All Rights Reserved.