Browsing Tag

Intimacy

Meditation

Our Secret Place

Dear one, you are not alone. We all go through hard times at some point or another in our lives. But I don’t want your heart to despair. I’m in the midst of one myself. If you’re going through a refining fire season, remember the following to keep your mind and heart focused on our loving, protective, strengthening, and victorious Father God, Lord and Savior Jesus, and Holy Spirit. You’ll find what you need in our secret place with God.

In the secret placed you’ll be …

01 Embraced – God loves you with an everlasting love. He has not only purposely created you, and that’s enough to stop you in your tracks, but He has also paid the ultimate price to keep you near His bosom for an eternity. He can’t lie so He gave His word for you. His word is Jesus. You are loved, saved, chosen, and adopted. You are a child of God and co-heir with Christ.   

02 Enveloped – You are safe, and protected under His wings. Seeking God brings a proximity to Him. Intimacy keeps you safe because you are always in His Presence. No weapon formed against you will prosper when you’re hidden in Christ. You are never left alone. You have been lifted to a high place that no evil can ascend. Never, ever.   

03 Encouraged – You have been given the gift of faith to believe the whole counsel of God. God’s word is truth. It never fails. His word always performs His purposes. Your faith brings His truth into substance before you. His truth exposes lies and renews your thoughts, transforming them into the mind of Christ. Now, all things are possible if you believe.   

04 Equipped – It’s not by might but by God’s Spirit that you overcome. You are made strong with the gift of Holy Spirit living inside, giving you everything you need for life and godliness. Love, power, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, revelation, and a sound mind are yours. You become a Godly warrior, always victorious.  

I encourage you to read, dwell in, and pray through Psalm 91. Also, Psalm 23 and Psalm 27.  Try reading them in different translations until you find the one that resonates with your heart. 

When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength of God Most High. He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence. He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy, and he will protect you from false accusation and any deadly curse. His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you. You can run under his covering of majesty and hide. His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm. You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you. Don’t fear a thing! Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you, nor will the powers of evil be launched against you. Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed, you will remain unscathed and unharmed. You will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment, for they will be paid back for what they have done! When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High, our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm. How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us? God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go, defending you from all harm. If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you and keep you from stumbling. You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness, trampling every one of them beneath your feet! For here is what the Lord has spoken to me: “Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name, I will greatly protect you. I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will feel my presence in your time of trouble. I will deliver you and bring you honor. I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!" ‭‭- Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭16‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me the right path and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name. Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near. You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight. You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit; you give me all I can drink of you until my cup overflows. So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you! - Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Yahweh is my revelation-light and the source of my salvation. I fear no one! I’ll never turn back and run, for you, Yahweh, surround and protect me. When evil ones come to destroy me, they will be the ones who turn back. My heart will not fear even if an army rises to attack. I will not be shaken, even if war is imminent. Here’s the one thing I crave from Yahweh, the one thing I seek above all else: I want to live with him every moment in his house, beholding the marvelous beauty of Yahweh, filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace. I want to contemplate in his temple. In the day of trouble, he will treasure me in his shelter, under the cover of his tent. He will lift me high upon a rock, out of reach from all my enemies who surround me. Triumphant now, I’ll bring him my offerings of praise, singing and shouting with ecstatic joy! Yes, I will sing praises to Yahweh! Hear my cry. Show me mercy, and send the help I need! I heard your voice in my heart say, “Come, seek my face;” my inner being responded, “Yahweh, I’m seeking your face with all my heart.” So don’t turn your face away from me. You’re the God of my salvation; how can you reject your servant in anger? You’ve been my only hope, so don’t forsake me now when I need you! My father and mother abandoned me. But you, Yahweh, took me in and made me yours. Now teach me, Yahweh, all about your ways and tell me what to do. Make it clear for me to understand, for I am surrounded by waiting enemies. Don’t let them defeat me, Lord. You can’t let me fall into their clutches! They keep accusing me of things I’ve never done, breathing out violence against me. Yet I believe with all my heart that I will see again your goodness, Yahweh, in the land of life eternal! Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you! ‭‭- Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬-‭14‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Querida, no estás sola. Todos pasamos por momentos difíciles en algún momento u otro de nuestras vidas. Pero no quiero que tu corazón se desespere. Yo misma estoy en medio de uno. Si estás pasando por una temporada de fuego refinador, recuerda lo siguiente para mantener tu mente y tu corazón enfocados en nuestro amoroso, protector, fortalecedor y victorioso Padre Dios, Señor y Salvador Jesús, y Espíritu Santo. Encontrarás lo que necesitas en nuestro escondite secreto con Dios.

En el lugar secreto estarás…

01 Abrazada – Dios te ama con amor eterno. Él no sólo te ha creado intencionalmente, y eso es suficiente para detenerte en seco, sino que también ha pagado el precio máximo para mantenerte cerca de Su seno por una eternidad. Él no puede mentir, por eso dio Su palabra por ti. Su palabra es Jesús. Eres amada, salva, elegida, y adoptada. Eres hija de Dios y coheredera con Cristo.

02 Envuelta – Estás a salvo y protegida bajo sus alas. Buscar a Dios trae proximidad a Él. La intimidad te mantiene a salvo porque siempre estás en Su Presencia. Ningún arma forjada contra ti prosperará cuando estés escondida en Cristo. Nunca te quedas sola. Has sido elevada a un lugar alto al que ningún mal puede ascender. Nunca jamás.

03 Animada – Se te ha dado el don de la fe para creer todo el consejo de Dios. La palabra de Dios es verdad. Nunca falla. Su palabra siempre cumple Sus propósitos. Tu fe hace que Su verdad se convierta en sustancia ante ti. Su verdad expone las mentiras y renueva tus pensamientos, transformándolos en la mente de Cristo. Ahora, todo es posible si crees.

04 Equipada – No es con el poder sino con el Espíritu de Dios que se vence. Eres fortalecida con el don del Espíritu Santo que vive en tu interior y te da todo lo que necesitas para la vida y la piedad. El amor, el poder, la sabiduría, el conocimiento, la comprensión, la revelación y la mente sana son tuyos. Te conviertes en un guerrero piadosa, siempre victorioso.

Te animo a leer, meditar y orar el Salmo 91. Además, el Salmo 23 y el Salmo 27. Intenta leerlos en diferentes traducciones hasta que encuentre la que resuene en tu corazón.

El que habita al abrigo del Altísimo Morará bajo la sombra del Omnipotente. Diré yo a Jehová: Esperanza mía, y castillo mío; Mi Dios, en quien confiaré. Él te librará del lazo del cazador, De la peste destructora. Con sus plumas te cubrirá, Y debajo de sus alas estarás seguro; Escudo y adarga es su verdad. No temerás el terror nocturno, Ni saeta que vuele de día, Ni pestilencia que ande en oscuridad, Ni mortandad que en medio del día destruya. Caerán a tu lado mil, Y diez mil a tu diestra; Mas a ti no llegará. Ciertamente con tus ojos mirarás Y verás la recompensa de los impíos. Porque has puesto a Jehová, que es mi esperanza, Al Altísimo por tu habitación, No te sobrevendrá mal, Ni plaga tocará tu morada. Pues a sus ángeles mandará acerca de ti, Que te guarden en todos tus caminos. En las manos te llevarán, Para que tu pie no tropiece en piedra. Sobre el león y el áspid pisarás; Hollarás al cachorro del león y al dragón. Por cuanto en mí ha puesto su amor, yo también lo libraré; Le pondré en alto, por cuanto ha conocido mi nombre. Me invocará, y yo le responderé; Con él estaré yo en la angustia; Lo libraré y le glorificaré. Lo saciaré de larga vida, Y le mostraré mi salvación. - Salmo 91

El Señor es mi pastor; nada me falta. En verdes praderas me hace descansar, a las aguas tranquilas me conduce, me da nuevas fuerzas y me lleva por caminos rectos, haciendo honor a su nombre. Aunque pase por el más oscuro de los valles, no temeré peligro alguno, porque tú, Señor, estás conmigo; tu vara y tu bastón me inspiran confianza. Me has preparado un banquete ante los ojos de mis enemigos; has vertido perfume en mi cabeza, y has llenado mi copa a rebosar. Tu bondad y tu amor me acompañan a lo largo de mis días, y en tu casa, oh Señor, por siempre viviré. - Salmo 23

El Señor es mi luz y mi salvación, ¿de quién podré tener miedo? El Señor defiende mi vida, ¿a quién habré de temer? Los malvados, mis enemigos, se juntan para atacarme y destruirme; pero ellos son los que tropiezan y caen. Aunque un ejército me rodee, mi corazón no tendrá miedo; aunque se preparen para atacarme, yo permaneceré tranquilo. Sólo una cosa he pedido al Señor, sólo una cosa deseo: estar en el templo del Señor todos los días de mi vida, para adorarlo en su templo y contemplar su hermosura. Cuando lleguen los días malos, el Señor me dará abrigo en su templo; bajo su sombra me protegerá. ¡Me pondrá a salvo sobre una roca! Entonces podré levantar la cabeza por encima de mis enemigos; entonces podré ofrecer sacrificios en el templo, y gritar de alegría, y cantar himnos al Señor. A ti clamo, Señor: escúchame. Ten compasión de mí, ¡respóndeme! El corazón me dice: «Busca la presencia del Señor.» Y yo, Señor, busco tu presencia. ¡No te escondas de mí! ¡No me rechaces con ira! ¡Mi única ayuda eres tú! No me dejes solo y sin amparo, pues tú eres mi Dios y salvador. Aunque mi padre y mi madre me abandonen, tú, Señor, te harás cargo de mí. Señor, muéstrame tu camino; guíame por el buen camino a causa de mis enemigos; no me entregues a su voluntad, pues se han levantado contra mí testigos falsos y violentos. Pero yo estoy convencido de que llegaré a ver la bondad del Señor a lo largo de esta vida. ¡Ten confianza en el Señor! ¡Ten valor, no te desanimes! ¡Sí, ten confianza en el Señor! - Salmo 27

Still Small Voice

Oil of Gladness

I

have the oil that you need to keep shining bright. Come to Me to buy the oil of gladness, the oil of communion with Me. The oil will keep you lit. The oil will keep you pure. Take from Me what you cannot buy from this world. This oil produces a sweet aroma, a fragrance of deep intimacy. Those who smell this aroma will know your master. They will know we are one. This oil will cost you everything. It will be the most precious commodity for living—more precious than milk and honey and wine. More precious than gold and silver. This oil will last for an eternity because it is produced in intimacy with Me and it will never run out. This oil is priceless yet it costs what you are willing to give—yourself. Give Me your heart and this oil will flow like a river of life.

“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. — Psalm‬ ‭45‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.” — Psalm‬ ‭45‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.” — Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

T

engo el aceite que necesitas para seguir brillando. Ven a Mí a comprar el aceite de la alegría, el aceite de la comunión Conmigo. El aceite te mantendrá encendido. El aceite te mantendrá puro. Toma de Mí lo que no puedes comprar en este mundo. Este aceite produce un aroma dulce, una fragancia de profunda intimidad. Quienes huelan este aroma conocerán a tu maestro. Sabrán que somos uno. Este aceite te costará todo. Será el bien más preciado para vivir—más precioso que la leche, la miel y el vino. Más precioso que el oro y la plata. Este aceite durará una eternidad porque se produce en la intimidad Conmigo y nunca se acabará. Este aceite no tiene precio, pero cuesta lo que estas dispuesto a dar: tu ser. Dame tu corazón y este aceite fluirá como un río de vida.

“Has amado la justicia y aborrecido la maldad. Por eso Dios, tu Dios, te ha ungido con óleo de alegría más que a tus compañeros; Tus vestidos están todos fragantes con mirra, áloe y casia. — Salmo 45:7-8 NVI

“Toda gloriosa es la princesa en su cámara, con túnicas tejidas de oro. Con túnicas de muchos colores es conducida ante el rey, seguida por sus compañeras vírgenes. Con gozo y alegría son conducidos hasta que entran al palacio del rey”. — Salmo 45:13-15 NVI

“Porque cuando las insensatas tomaron sus lámparas, no llevaron aceite consigo, pero las prudentes tomaron alforjas de aceite con sus lámparas”. — Mateo 25:3-4 NVI

Still Small Voice

Everlasting Love

C

ast your cares upon Me for I care for you. Do not be deceived by the lies of the enemy. I love you with an everlasting love. Believe that, even when everything around you screams the opposite. I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are the apple of My eye. If anyone touches you to harm you, I will be your defender. I will always love you, comfort you, and remind you of My love for you. Do not fear, little one. I know your pain, your loss, your lonely heart. I have not abandoned you. You are being strengthened in the hard days. And each day you get through will bring you closer to My heart and closer to the day when our hearts will be one. When we see each other face to face. When My love will heal all of the past and be yours for eternity. Give Me your heart now and you will have My heart forever.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." - 1 John 4:8 NIV

"The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." - Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV

E

cha tus preocupaciones sobre Mí porque Yo cuido de ti. No te dejes engañar por las mentiras del enemigo. Te amo con un amor eterno. Créelo, incluso cuando todo a tu alrededor grita lo contrario. Nunca te dejaré ni te abandonaré. Tú eres la manzana de mi ojo. Si alguien te toca para hacerte daño, yo seré vuestro defensor. Siempre te amaré, te consolaré y te recordaré de Mi amor por ti. No temas, pequeña. Conozco tu dolor, tu pérdida, tu corazón solitario. No te he abandonado. Estás siendo fortalecida en los días difíciles. Y cada día que pasa te acercará más a Mi corazón y al día en que nuestros corazones serán uno. Cuando nos veremos cara a cara. Cuando Mi amor sanará todo el pasado y será tuyo por la eternidad. Dame tu corazón ahora y tendrás Mi corazón para siempre.

"Dejen todas sus preocupaciones a Dios, porque él se interesa por ustedes." - 1 Pedro 5:7 DHH

"El que no ama no ha conocido a Dios, porque Dios es amor." - 1 Juan 4:8 DHH

"Yo me aparecí a él de lejos. Yo te he amado con amor eterno; por eso te sigo tratando con bondad." - Jeremías 31:3 DHH

Still Small Voice

Day by Day

Reach out for My hand. I am right beside you. Open your heart to Me. I see the pain. I know it is there even though it feels like no one understands. Let me reset all those places of hurt. I know it is not easy to forget but I want to build new memories for you. I want to pull you forward and show you what lies ahead. Take one step with Me today. Listen to My words. They are faithful promises of My care for you. I know it feels lonely but I have never left your side. Yield to My Spirit and you will see the reality of who you were created to be. As your heavenly Father, you were created to be loved by Me. Let Me love you and show you My love day by day. Let us walk through this together.

_______

Extiende tu mano hacia la mía. Estoy justo a tu lado. Abreme tu corazón. Veo el dolor. Sé que está ahí aunque parezca que nadie lo entiende. Déjame restablecer todos esos lugares de dolor. Sé que no es fácil olvidar pero quiero crear nuevos recuerdos para ti. Quiero impulsarte hacia adelante y mostrarte lo que te espera. Da un paso conmigo hoy. Escucha Mis palabras. Son promesas fieles de Mi cuidado por ti. Sé que te sientes solo pero nunca Me he alejado de tu lado. Ríndete a Mi Espíritu y verás la realidad para que fuiste creado. Como tu Padre celestial, fuiste creado para ser amado por Mí. Déjame amarte y mostrarte Mi amor día a día. Recorramos esto juntos.

Still Small Voice

The Healing Balm

Cover, cover yourself with the warmth of My embrace. The winds of this world can be cold and bitter. But My embrace and words are a sweetness and a comfort for you. Come alongside Me and walk with Me. The fire from My blazing love for you will ignite your spirit and restore your soul. Deep in My heart I will cover you. In the secret place you are safe. Under the shadow of My wings you are protected. It is here that our intimacy is established. Let Us heal your heart of all its wounds. I will provide the healing balm to the wounds of your past. I have such a glorious plan for your future. Trust Me to heal you and guide you every step of the way. All your days are being used to tell the story of your overcoming victory through this life because you placed your heart in My care.
_______

Cúbrete, cúbrete con el calor de Mi abrazo. Los vientos de este mundo pueden ser fríos y amargos. Pero Mi abrazo y palabras son una dulzura y un consuelo para ti. Ven a Mí y camina Conmigo. El fuego de Mi ardiente amor por ti encenderá tu espíritu y restaurará tu alma. En lo profundo de Mi corazón te cubriré. En el lugar secreto estás a salvo. Bajo la sombra de Mis alas estás protegido. Es aquí donde se establece nuestra intimidad. Sanemos tu corazón de todas sus heridas. Proporcionaré el bálsamo curativo a las heridas de tu pasado. Tengo un plan tan glorioso para tu futuro. Confía en Mí para sanarte y guiarte en cada paso del camino. Todos tus días se utilizan para contar la historia de tu victoria superadora en esta vida porque pusiste tu corazón a Mi cuidado.

Meditation

Secrets of the Redwood Forest (Strong Roots)

Redwoods on a trail along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Northern California. Photo / Merwyn Sanders II (2022)

 

The coastal redwoods, found mostly in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington, are the tallest trees on Earth. The secret that upholds these giant trees is found in their roots. They only go 6-12 feet deep but extend up to 100 feet wide and interlock with neighboring redwood trees.

Imagine a wide root system spread out underground giving it the strength to stand above ground through strong winds, earthquakes, storms, and floods. Their scientific name attests to their durability; sequoia sempervirens, which means “evergreen or everlasting.”

Roots are vitally important because they provide nutrients and stability. This is true in our spiritual life as well. However, they’re only as strong as the source of their strength.

dark night of the soul

Recently, I went through what could be described as a ‘dark night of the soul.’ The build-up of stress at work revealed unresolved trauma from the past and erupted as severe anxiety coupled with depression for over a month. I was off work during that time and ended up making a prayerful decision to resign from a job I was at for 9 years that I viewed more as ministry than work.

However, when mechanisms are not in place to support staff, burnout usually follows. It was one of the hardest experiences I’ve been through. I’m still processing what led me to that place, the loss, the disappointment, but most importantly, discovering new depths in my relationship with God.

There’s always hope when we cry out to the God who loves us and who has promised to never leave us. And this love can reach us in varied ways. One of the ways God comforted and sustained me was through my friends. These friends prayed for me, nurtured me, fed me, listened to me, encouraged me, and presented the light of love in what felt like the darkest of nights, at the time. I know I would’ve made it through even if I were alone, but I wonder how long that would have taken. There is a reason why God once said that it is not good for man to be alone.

fellowship & unity

One of the gifts I discovered from that recent experience is the value and necessity of fellowship with other like-minded believers. Just like the redwoods whose root system is comprised of the interlocked roots of many trees; our strength is found in unity of the faith. There were several key practices, many which were done daily, that contributed to the stability and unity of the early Church that can be a model for us today.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47

When you fellowship with other believers, especially around the intimacy of a familial table, you’re taking the time to invest in getting to really know each other and share life’s journey, the good, the bad, and the ugly. You value each other, stir one another to love and good works, build each other up, you worship, pray, and learn together, and you share in the communion of Christ’s death, and meet each other’s needs. From this safe place you venture into ministry. On the other hand, a life lived in isolation breeds hopelessness, loneliness, and weakness.

rooted takeaways

  • We are connected to each other.
  • What we consume affects our brothers/sisters in Christ.
  • If we stay connected, we will get through life together.
  • The source of our strength holds our position and posture.

We’re living in a time when ‘church’ as we’ve known it may change and the call back to small intimate gatherings in homes may be necessary. With this in mind, I encourage you to begin to build some intimate relationships with brothers and sisters and start with a simple dinner around a table. This is what I now value and know to be necessary.

Meditation

The Feminine Plural

Many women feel less than, as if they lack something that will give them value. They may be estranged from their family, single or divorced, abused, infertile, lonely, or voiceless. They compare themselves to other women or men around them and all they can see is what they don’t have. But what if God’s intention for women is abundance in all the expected areas of life – family, intimacy, fruitfulness, friendship, and purpose, but only if she was willing to receive it in an unexpected way.

EVERY woman is capable of being a feminine plural.

EVERY woman is called to be a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a sister.

God has purposely chosen women to be a representation of the fullness of God. Just as He named Eve, the mother of all living – abundance is inherent in the makeup of a woman. She was designed to carry seed and produce life and live purposefully. A woman’s God-given heritage is waiting to be re-claimed.

Women —your fulfillment is in being ALL that God has created you to be. And that fulfillment is found in the company of the Triune God and His love for you.

Not in having an earthly family, but in being accepted in the Beloved.

Not in marrying a man, but in setting yourself apart to be the bride of Christ.

Not in having babies, but in birthing the Word of God from your spiritual womb.

Not in being liked or followed, but in denying your self and uplifting others.

Not in being a worldly success, but in living out your Spirit-driven purpose.

Family, marriage, pregnancy, community, and worldly success are earthly shadows of kingdom principles that are not yet fully manifested in their glorious state. Not all women will experience these conventional or expected norms, but the mystery is that abundant life can still be grasped. Who can ignore the distant echo of Jesus’ words reverberating down generations, The kingdom of God is within you.

Every woman has the potential to be all that she was made to be in the here and now. And its varied forms can happen all at once or in different seasons of a woman’s life. There is no need for jealousy or envy. God has given every woman the capacity to overflow in abundance.

EVERY woman can be a daughter — I will be a father to you. {2 Corinthians 6:18}

Some women have been adopted as children or have been in the foster care system, abused, rejected, neglected, or abandoned by their parents, victims of divorce, orphaned by disease, death, war or drugs. Simply put, some women feel alone and cry out for acceptance.

And from the deepest reserve of His love, God’s voice whispers, You, my dear child, are my daughter. I have chosen you. I knew you before you were knit in the womb. You have always belonged to me. Father, Son and Spirit are your dependable family and refuge.

EVERY woman can be a wife —Thy maker is thy husband. {Isaiah 54:5}

Jesus is calling every woman to be His bride – to an intimate spiritual relationship. She will be cherished, honored, empowered, fruitful, and safe. Jesus will meet a woman’s every need and transform her if she gives her self wholly to Him.

And He says, Come, come sweet bride. Listen to the gentle whispers of my love for you. I will comfort your aching, longing heart, and prepare it to receive. The secret of the depth of our fellowship is time. Set aside time every day to talk with me and I will reveal my secrets to you.

EVERY woman can be a mother — For more are the children of the desolate woman than the married wife. {Isaiah 54:1}

Once a woman has decided to give her heart to Jesus, the result of their union is abundant life. She will become a fruitful garden. He will tend to her and cause the North Wind to blow out her fragrance into the lives of the people around her.

As the seeds of God’s word are planted in her spiritual womb, the voice of Jesus whispers, The excess of my love will spill out for others through you. And you will comfort and care for my wounded children and you will feed the hungry – these are fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. I have bundles of joy for you.

EVERY woman can be a sister — She had a sister who sat at the Lord’s feet. {Luke 10:39}

Surrendered women have a dynamic, personal assistant in the Holy Spirit. He reveals the deepest mysteries of Jesus. In silence and stillness, make time each day to listen and focus on the words and work of God. In yielding yourself, the Holy Spirit will be your influencer, your mentor, your teacher, your revealer, and your reminder. Strengthened by the Spirit you bandage, you carry, and you love your wearied, broken sisters.

And the gentle whisper of Jesus says, Be that sister who sits at the Lord’s feet. Be the sister who has loads of love and encouragement, the sister who edifies, the sister who teaches her sisters to seek the Lord with all their heart.

EVERY woman can have a purpose ­– You have come to your position for such a time as this. {Esther 4:14}

God makes everything beautiful in its time. All our sufferings are used for good. Some women feel like they’re permanent residents of a wasteland of buried dreams but God has a plan for each woman – confronting her past with her future to bring forth a dynamic now. You may be in a season of suffering or a season of waiting or a season of intimacy. But these are all leading to the revelation of your unique purpose.

And Christ whispers, Come with me, walk with me. Let’s hold hands. My visible scars will remind you I understand your brokenness. I will wipe your tears away in the company of my faithful love for you. I have wonderful plans for you – for us. Set your eyes on eternity – on me, and do not look back. Do not be afraid of your future. I am there.

My prayer for you, dear sister, is that God will empty your heart of regret, pain, loss, the shadow of death, loneliness, barrenness, and dreams deferred to make room for the fullness of God.

Embrace your feminine plurality. Abundance is yours!

Meditation

Deep is the Mystery of Intimacy

There is an endless cacophony of noise and voices entering our minds and hearts on a daily basis influencing us. Much of that is out of our control. But what if we deliberately chose to sit and hear from God himself.

My spirit has been yearning to enter into an even deeper intimacy with Jesus. I want to hear more of what His Spirit wants to share. But I know I’ll need to do some specific things for our relationship to flourish. It’s going to take time, focus and surrender. And I know I will have to sacrifice some things but what I expect to get in return will be worth the sacrifice.

When our spirit is silent and expectant our hearts are shaken to life. Sometimes I stretch forth my physical hands and sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I get on my knees and sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I pace around the room and sometimes I just stand still. It’s more a posture of the heart that God notices. He’s looking for someone that’s humbled in His presence, ready to listen and receive rather than quick to speak.

This intimacy is still such a mystery to me. And I believe it’s hard for some because it requires us to let go and trust.

But I truly believe the Spirit of God wants to whisper secrets from the heart of Jesus. On New Year’s Eve I received a gentle whisper that had my heart fluttering and my imagination dancing. It gave me a sneak peek of what we can expect from a deeper relationship with Jesus.

A Midnight Whisper from the Spirit

Wedding bells are ringing, wooing the bride of Christ.

At the midnight hour her heart is being prepared.

She will meet Him at dawn to begin a divine romance.

He will sweep her off her feet into the heavenlies.

Her first dance of true love with the Father will have the angels in awe.

The Son will then take His bride and show her His mansions.

Each day they will discover a hidden treasure together.

They will open new doors together;

enter into deeper rooms of revelations.

His heart will unlock rooms holding mysteries so deep,

her breath will be taken away.

There will be a library of books filled with words of love for His bride.

They will eat fruit baskets of grace and truth.

And He will take her to the throne room of mercy – a room of never-ending love and intimacy.

These are a couple of books I recommend that aided my intimacy journey with Jesus:

Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge

Desperately Deep by Lana Vawser