Lifeline #4: It's time for you to STRETCH!

 

STRETCH! That word has blazed in my spirit this week.

Have you recently felt like you’re entering uncharted territory or waiting to take possession of new territory? I sure have, and if there has ever been a season I saw those around me walk through transitions all at once, RIGHT NOW is that moment!

I deeply believe God is asking us to stretch! In fact, yesterday evening a video popped up in my YouTube feed from Pastor Bill Johnson that reaffirmed for me I was indeed hearing from God. Here’s the link if you’d like to watch it. As soon as I heard him say “stretch,” I wanted to share the scriptures he mentioned and type a few lines to push you forward in your faith today!

2 

“Enlarge your house; build an addition.

    Spread (STRETCH) out your home, and spare no expense!

3 

For you will soon be bursting at the seams.

    Your descendants will occupy other nations

    and resettle the ruined cities.

4 

“Fear not; you will no longer live in shame.

    Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you.

You will no longer remember the shame of your youth

    and the sorrows of widowhood.

Isaiah 54:2-4 NLT

I encourage you to read the entire chapter and if you’re a man, this is not a message confined to women. It is for all of us as we are all purposed to carry the promises of God. God has so much for you in this year of 2023! STRETCH! You have to prepare and make room in order to have the capacity to possess those things God is gifting to you. What you have prayed for according to His will, YOU WILL SEE IT! I am standing in faith with you.

Officially,

Lena 💛

Reflections with Jesus: Ask Him to remind you!

As I awoke this morning, the song "Love of a King" by Cody and Julie Oliver was on replay in my mind. Two thoughts came to mind.

1. It's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! How fitting to think of "Love of a King!" 👑

2. There's a line that says, "I'm seated in heavenly places. Remind my heart." (Ephesians 2:4-7)

As I've now played the actual song repeatedly, I wondered who else may need God to remind them that they are seated in heavenly places. I sure needed the reminder so I'm sharing one of my previous reflections with you.

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September 10, 2020

This morning I woke up with the image of a rainbow in mind. It’s the one thing that seemed to stick out beyond my random dreams last night.

🌈... I received it as a reminder from Holy Spirit that God honors covenant with His kids and He keeps His promises.

In the past month, I’ve been reading the book “Gods at War” with friends and new friends through a book study. We’ve looked at the lives of the Israelites and their constant battle with placing their faith in God or the gods of this world. They were constantly looking for God to prove himself before submitting their trust. And their trust (their covenant with Him) was always temporal, but He was steadfast in His love and His pursuit of their hearts.

We are often much more like the Israelites than we desire to admit. Yet God’s love remains and He still reaches for us.

As I’ve reflected on this and examined the idols that fight to live on the throne of my heart, my prayer has become a repeated, “God remind me. Remind me of who you are. Remind me of who you’ve been and what you’re able to do. Remind me that you lived in yesterday, you live in today and all of my tomorrows. Remind me that you keep your promises. Thank you for sending Holy Spirit to help me keep my promises. Help me to recognize the promises you’ve delivered and fulfilled that I have disregarded. Remind me of your goodness so I won’t ever forget! Remind me.”

I share this today because maybe you need to say that too. 

He is a God who can be trusted. When you seek Him, you will find Him. That my friends is a promise. 🌈

Know that Yahweh your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commands.

Deuteronomy 7:9 HCSB

For I know the plans I have for you” —this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 HCSB

#ReflectionsWithJesus

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What do you need to be reminded of today? Ask God to remind you of how He's demonstrated His love for you. Keep believing for the things to come, while also holding gratitude for the victories you've SEEN Him win for you. He is good!

If Jesus is King (and He is) and you're seated with Him, are you not also royal? You are! (I Peter 2:9) I love that Martin Luther King, Jr. carried such a royal name and I'm so grateful that we get to celebrate him today. Happy King Day friends!

Officially,

Lena 💛

p.s. I received three responses to my last post and that made me so happy that it blessed y'all! THANK YOU! If you're reading these and at least one of them is a blessing, I'd love to know! 🤗 There are 30 folks who receive these posts via email right now. I know your names and I'm praying for you! Enjoy your day!

Lifeline #3: Are you seeking an answer?

If you’ve found yourself seeking God for clarity or direction, then we have something in common. If you’re waiting to see the fulfillment of the desires of your heart, then I can totally relate to parts of your journey. While I’m sure my questions to God may differ from yours, our instruction manual (the Bible) is the same.

Many of my prayers in the past few years have centered around the establishment of my family. Well, a few days ago, I recalled a time back in 2021 when I was seeking God for clarity about marriage. The Holy Spirit led me to study the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). He changed the way I visualized that story in scripture. I began to see the wine as simply the fulfillment of a need rather than the answer. I saw Jesus as The Answer because He was the supplier of the wine which was the need for that day.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 KJV

I want to share some of the words I jotted down that morning as the Holy Spirit gave them to me. I believe it’ll speak to you no matter your circumstance.

Your confirmation, clarity, and direction regarding your prayer request is coming directly to you (Jeremiah 33:3). You will discern what’s sent by Me as your mind is set on Me (Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:2). You will know where to place your yes and you will know where to place your noes. I, the Lord, will prepare you when you are face-to-face with the very things and people that have come to rise for or against my promises. You will be equipped and you will be ready (Ephesians 2:10). I'm making you ready right now. Trust. Just because you don't have all the natural answers does not mean I won't prepare you for the tests. My word is LIFE. I am your study guide (John 16:13) and I will not lead you astray. Follow Me (John 12:26).

I pray you are encouraged to follow The Answer today while you wait for the answer(s). I am so confident He will take care of you and you will have all that you need and the additional things you don’t even know to ask for in Jesus’ name.

I’m praying for you today. I love you!

Officially,
Lena 💛

p.s. Imagine if Jesus would’ve never been invited to that wedding in Cana? As a result of His presence and actions, His glory was put on display and His disciples believed in Him. Consider what will happen as we invite Him into our own stories! What a beautiful opportunity we have to trust Him today!