A Father’s Love

“Unbroken Identity” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art

She takes a glance in the bathroom mirror, she smiles. She’s in awe of how much she has grown in loving herself. Through her smile she whispers these words, “Papa, thank You for the beauty of Your love.”

A Father’s love has power. When a father is present and healthy, his love for his little girl speaks volumes in her life. She grows up with a healthy view of herself. She does not base how she sees herself on the lies of culture or people’s opinions. Instead, she is able to view herself through the eyes of her loving father.

1 John 3:1 (TPT) Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children.

Lately, my opinion of myself has changed. I didn’t lose weight. I’m not wearing makeup. I haven’t done anything different to change my natural appearance. I started accepting my Father’s love. When I hear His words of acceptance, love, and affirmation I receive every word. I no longer shrink back or deny who He says I am. I can see the truth of who I am through the eyes of my loving Papa.

A few years ago Papa said, “I am healing you from the abuse you suffered, and I will restore your innocence.”

{Visual} I see myself at five-years-old. I picture myself with curly ponytails, a cute little pink checkered dress, twirling around freely being me. 

Thank you, Papa, for loving me. Your love for me has opened my eyes, permitting me to freely love me.

[ “A Father’s Love” originally posted on Live Life Free, reposted in its entirety with permission.]

Favored One: Known One, Loved One

“Forever Bloom” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art

Ephesians 3:14-21 (TPT) Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God! So I kneel humbly in awe before the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, the perfect Father of every father and child in heaven and on the earth. And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.

Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Now we offer up to God all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ—and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity. Amen!

You are known and loved. Every hidden desire, need, want, shame, disappointment, and fear are known by God and He loves every part of you. He wants you to know that He delights in you and that you are valued, treasured, and cherished. You are His child. You are His heart. He created you to be known and loved by Him.

The word “know” can have many meanings when it comes to the Hebrew or Greek context. Ultimately, it means that God knows every single part of you and loves it all, and He is calling you to know Him in the same way. Yes, there are times He may be disappointed in your choices but, oh, how many more times there are when He is ecstatic over the steps you are taking and the progress you are making to become more like Him. 

He delights in you, His Child, and He is constantly whispering in your ear, “Well done, my child, well done!” He is so proud of you and is constantly saying of you, “Here is my child, who I love beyond words and am so pleased and delighted in!” This delight and pride is revealed in the favor you receive as you walk on the path He has planned and appointed you for. Receive this love and favor and know how much your Abba Daddy delights in you and rejoices over you in every way. 

{Hearing} You were born for an appointed time. Your design, your creation was highly favored by Me. You were created for a purpose and that purpose is to be My child, My Favored One. Nothing you do, no direction you go in, no decision you make will separate you from My love. Do I have ordained plans for you? Yes, I do. Yet no matter whether you choose to follow the path I have for you or not, I love you. (Romans 8:38-39 [AMP])

Lunchtime Live: Exult in You

Continue reading “Lunchtime Live: Exult in You”

Lunchtime Live: Accepting Yourself

Continue reading “Lunchtime Live: Accepting Yourself”

Loving Yourself

Invitation to Love (no text version) by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art 

Beloved, what I have made is good, and you are included in that creation. It is essential that you both accept and love yourself. Accept yourself as being beautiful. Accept yourself as being worth loving. Accept yourself as you are. Refuse to give conditional love to yourself. Rather overflow with unconditional love knowing that you are a work in progress, and, as you yield to My Spirit, further progress and beauty will take place. Give space for the process. Continue reading “Loving Yourself”

Come to the Table

I awake in the morning to the sound of bird song. I sit up and look around the room You prepared for me. It’s warm and inviting and as the sunlight streams through my window I feel content but as I arise to start my day, I feel pain in my body, my mind and my heart…then I remember…the long battle. I try to shake the images of the battle from my mind but it doesn’t work and I start to panic. Then I hear You humming in the kitchen. The sound of Your humming is like the Balm of Gilead. It soothes my heart, my body and my soul. A gentle breeze of Your shalom touches me and I arise from my bed. Continue reading “Come to the Table”

Deep Love

I love you so much My child. So much more than you can wrap your head around. My love is so different than earthly love that you know of. My love is not based on appearance; how you look, what size you are, what clothes you wear, if you wear the latest fashion or not, if you wear makeup or not. My love is not based on how many titles, or degrees you have by your name; education is good, but not required for Me to love you.  Continue reading “Deep Love”

Take Courage

Beloved, dwell not on the things of the past. Instead look forward to the future with joy and contentment. Let your passion arise and see how my favor opens many doors for you. Cease to walk in fear. You will not be abandoned. You will see fresh fruit and new wine pouring out of you. Circumstances may not appear favorable but see what I will do. I will part the Red Sea. I will align hearts and pathways to intersect and come into union with you. You will be given strategies to overcome and prevail against the winds and waves that come. You stand in peace and will command peace. Peace I speak over you and I give you that same authority to declare it in every situation.  Continue reading “Take Courage”

No More Shame

“Who am I O Lord that you would be mindful of me?
You say Your love for me is true, but I just can’t see how that can be.
I know the shameful things I’ve done.
Horrible things that cost You You’re one and only son.
I hang my head in shame.
Trying to tune out Your voice as you call my name.
I can’t look at you. I can’t let you see
All the ugly that is inside of me.” Continue reading “No More Shame”