Fostering Deeper Intimacy with God
For the last two years, Papa has been speaking to me about restoring the innocence of my youth. I can clearly see the growth and healing that has taken place over the last two years of my life.
Just when I think the process is over He begins to reveal to me another area of healing. This process of cleansing has been a delightful journey. He continues to heal and restore me in the areas that childhood trauma once broke and stole from me. Continue reading “An Unexpected Package”
Webster’s defines “shame” as a “feeling of guilt, regret, or sadness that you have because you know you have done something wrong.” It is also “the ability to feel guilt, regret, or embarrassment, dishonor or disgrace.” Shame can become so familiar, almost like an old friend. You know that old friend who your mom told you wasn’t a good influence but you didn’t listen. You look at that old friend and memories of a different time and a different you start to surface. It’s the “before Christ” you, and it isn’t pretty. All of the sudden you are haunted by the shame of your past and it’s crippling. At some point, we have all wrestled with shame. Even the most mature believer can fall prey to shame. I know because it recently happened to me. Continue reading “Removing the Root of Shame”
In my desire to always have a heart of repentance, my constant prayer to be cleansed, my cry to be transformed more into Jesus’ image, and by my intentional choice to remain watchful of how I live and represent my God – even in doing all that, I may come upon something that rears its head. Something that I thought was out of the way – healed and dealt with. Another layer of my soul has revealed something that is still present from events of the past that are in need of attention. As I bring these things to the Lord, He is faithful to continue to work on these layers of my inner being. He’s ever so careful and gentle in dealing with me one layer at a time. Continue reading “One Layer at a Time”
Recently, God has been talking to a couple of us on the Dyed4you Team about His mercy. And as He did, He began talking about His refining fire. Initially I was confused because I would not have thought of trials and refining as being connected to the mercy of God. But as Papa began to give the revelation, He brought to mind Misty Edwards’ song “Servant of All.” In the song, she makes reference to the fact that the Kingdom of God is an “upside down kingdom,” where we die to live and lose to gain. This seemed to parallel what we found with trials and the mercy of God. If we can embrace this upside-down nature, we can truly begin to flourish. Continue reading “Good Pain (Hosea 6:1)”
There is a bridal gown – white and beautiful, covered in glittery jewels making it shine bright. And as I stand looking at it, I am struck with the thought, “how can I possibly wear this?” I feel so unworthy. I feel the weight of shame from my past – innocence lost, mistakes made. The loud voices saying “You are not enough.” Continue reading “Radiant Bride”
Exodus 40:36(VOICE) Through all their wanderings in the desert, whenever the cloud lifted up from the congregation tent, the Israelites would break camp and set out.
Psalm 56:8(TPT) You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping. You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle—not one will be lost. For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance.
There are times when things may hit us unexpectedly. Something may come out of the blue–throwing us off completely. We may immediately begin to search inwardly thinking we have done something wrong in order for THIS to happen. Unexpected life changes can have a way of feeling like a hard blow to the gut– leaving us feeling like the wind is knocked out of us. Even in THIS, Papa reminds us He is NEVER caught off-guard and He IS with us. Continue reading “Journey of Destiny”
Jeremiah 8:22 (NET) There is still medicinal ointment available in Gilead! There is still a physician there! Why then have my dear people not been restored to health?
Beloved, press into Me – the Great Physician, and I will make you whole. Press into Me, YHVH Rapha – the Lord your healer, and I will give you rest. Look to Me as I pour out My healing oil – anointing you and bringing new life.
Stand fast and refuse to receive anything less than My best. Press in and remain expectant. And as you wait, remember My grace is sufficient for you. I AM with you, and I AM the One who heals.