Morning

I love morning. There is just something about waking up to a brand new day. I especially love being the first one awake. In the stillness of the house, while the rest of the world is sleeping, I am ushered into God's chamber. I thank Him for a restful night of sweet dreams and for His continued protection. I thank Him for blessings so abundantly flowing into my life that I am entirely undeserving of receiving. I breathe my friends' and family's names in prayer, and pray a special blessing over them. I thank my Heavenly Father for His amazing love and grace that He offers anew every single day. I must remember to merely ask. Therefore, I humbly ask that He continue to walk this journey with me. "Please give me Your grace today," {some days I must request a little extra (grin)} "and fill me with Your love so that in my presence Your love abounds, everywhere I may go, whomever I may encounter."

I was not always enamored by morning. Don't get me wrong- I love my sleep! And honestly, in the midst of a busy week and waking up extremely early for work, this peaceful rising does not usually occur. However, a noticeable difference extends throughout my day when I begin the day with my Maker. Rising early each day to spend time with the One who makes each day is something I am striving for.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:8

Attached are snapshots of my favorite morning visions: My kitchen ablaze with the morning light. Coffee (a "must-have") alongside toast and jelly. And my Word- my true bread for the day.

Voice

All my life, I have said, "I cannot discern the Voice of God. God, please speak to me and help me to know it's you." Lately I've realized that I do know God's voice. I recognize what It sounds like, and I know what He's saying. It's just that most of the time, I am too afraid of what He is asking me to do.

I am letting go of my fear; fear that cripples and makes me lame. I am laying the confusion down. If there is one element I'm experiencing, it is that our God is not a God of chaos. (A point spoken by my mother time and time again.) He gives wisdom and discernment to those who seek these things. Today, this is impressed on my spirit:

Seek.
And keep seeking until you find.
Listen.
With an abandoned heart.
Follow.
No matter how scary or how high the resistance may seem against you.
Trust.
Always.
Trust.

Deuteronomy 30:20
"and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."

Battle

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night with a loved one's name on your heart, with visions of this person's face appearing over and over in your mind? For me, this is not a common occurance. I am an extremely hard sleeper, and I do treasure moments spent in my big cozy bed. However, tonight is an exception to the norm. I woke up about two hours ago with a dear friend's name on my heart. In my spirit, I could tell something just wasn't right. This person's face kept appearing to me, and falling back to sleep was just not an option. I stumbled downstairs, got some water, headed back upstairs, laid back down, and finally realized I needed to go to battle for this person. I grabbed my sword, the Word of God, and headed back downstairs. After breathing this person's name in prayer, soaking this person in the Name of Jesus, I began writing what was on my heart.

Over and over right now, the words from Israel Houghton's song "Prayers of the Righteous" replay themselves, providing strength, encourgement, and a nice soundtrack to write along with. The lyrics are this:

"When we pray we believe we receive
What we ask in His name All things are possible
When we pray we tap into miraculous things
And victoriously we declare

That we know the prayers
Of the righteous availeth much
The prayers of the righteous prevail
Yes we know the prayers
Of the righteous prevail His love never fails
The prayers of the righteous
Availeth much
We are victorious
We are we are
You are miraculous
You are You are"

This song I sing over this dear friend tonight.

Recently I have been disturbed by my ignorance to my friend's needs. Sure, I try to chat with many of them on a daily basis. I check up on their days, ask how they're doing, even cook for them on occassion. But what my friends really need is for me to go to battle for them; to intercede on their behalf. I am reminded of this passage in scripture, Ephesians 6:10-13:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand."

The needs of my friends may be great. And everyone one of their lives encompass different circumstances and needs. However, one constant remains- God's POWER is GREATER than all we may face. No matter the circumstances, His power overrides. Stop fighting this battle by yourself. Pick up your sword daily and allow Him to fight for you. We are victorious because He is miraculous! I am absorbing these words as I type them.

Okay, I am finished preaching at you. For whatever reason, these are words placed on my heart tonight; I am only trying to convey their message. I pray this blog fills you with encouragement. If life is difficult at this point, know that this season of life is not the end for you. It is just the beginning. This will be your testimony. But pick up the Word, our sword, and rely on His power to fight for you. And know that I am going to battle right alongside you.