Sheep Know His Voice

 Following a conversation with a friend regarding the scriptures regarding striking a child with the rod,

He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. (Proverbs 13:24 NKJV),

I started researching this thought and discussing with amazing people who also deeply love the Lord and his word.

My friend is a new mom and said she was unsettled by the way most people use this scripture as permission or even a command to spank/hit/use force when raising children. She said through her prayer/meditation/study she settled on that this was instruction to train, instruct, and correct children as they grow and teach them how to respond to authority. She said parents are the first and should be the most common/prominent authority in a child’s life and how they correct/guide them should mimic God so that when they are older they will be much more familiar with the way in which God guides, corrects, instructs, and speaks. She was primarily having this conversation with another of our friends and I did not get to hear the full discussion (I wish I would have.)

This left me curious though and here is what I found:

Rarely is God spanking his children and rather is found using a still small voice, often encouraging and never condemning (1 Kings 19:11-13, Isaiah 30:21, Psalm 32:19, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 7:24, Deuteronomy 32:2, Romans 8:1-4). The word is clear that the sheep know his voice! (Not his hand!) and follow him (John 10:27).

When researching what the rod of a shepherd is used for a site was found that compared the rod and the staff as it is used in herding practices.

It outlined that the rod was/is a short heavy rounded stick that was used both day and night. This was used to guide sheep out into the fields and back into the sheepfold as appropriate. The staff was a longer stick with a curved hook that was used to more firmly/swiftly pull sheep from harm, catch them to prevent them from falling, or pull them out of where they have gotten stuck or trapped. This site also pointed out that herding requires knowledge of an animal’s flight zone. Animals/sheep (people/us) are easily spooked and generally prefer people (others) to be shoulder adjacent in order to not be spooked. The rod and staff allowed an arm to “extend” so to speak in order to prevent entering the flight zone or “point of balance” as it is also called.  Reading this felt like such a beautiful confirmation of my friend’s wisdom of a parent’s voice mimicking God’s and for harsh/forcefulness not being effective for daily training and direction. First, the rod is the tool used daily and throughout the day to guide and correct the movement of the sheep. Second, it is intended to be used to prevent spooking or alienating. (This would also be in line with Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21 which warn against provoking to anger or to a place of discouragement.)

This is also gorgeous symmetry to what Jesus himself spoke in that his yoke is easy and the burden is light (Matthew 11:30). A yoke is placed on the shoulders of two animals to bring them into alignment and unity and to resolve into balance the burden/purpose/work set before them. A rod when wielded correctly will course correct out of or even prevent potential or possible dangers. However, separately there is a tool (not even mentioned in the all to commonly…and apparently…misquoted and misunderstood Proverbs 13 scripture) for which the intention of use is meant for abrupt, yanking, pulling, catching, etc. from imminent danger: the staff. In a not surprising (though of course awe invoking) parallel this tool, the staff, is often used through the repointing/repositioning of a sheep’s head. A sheep has more power (their own strength) with their head down. I would venture to say when they are looking at what is in front of them. The staff is typically most effective and commonly used in practice to move a sheep’s chin/head upward in order to have more power over them and be able to move them more quickly to safety and into their intended place. I would venture to say this is like when we are looking to/at God and no longer our circumstances. The focus and posture that makes it so that we are more likely, efficiently, and swiftly able to be secured in peace that surpasses all understanding and are able to reach our expected end and preferred future.          

I love to watch his word align and get a glimpse of the artistry in his plan/design.

He Pulled Out a Ring

 This afternoon as I scrolled through social media, a small reel of Taylor Swift singing "Love Story" played. A couple verses grabbed my attention and made me spend a great amount of time thinking about the ultimate Love Story. Ours! 

The lyrics go: "He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said, "Marry me, Juliet You'll never have to be alone" (I bet you just sang that as she does in your head ;) tehehe) 

The first lyric that arrested my attention was "you'll never have to be alone". Immediately I thought if only we all could know that we really don't ever have to be alone. God is is the first and most faithful and trustworthy invitation that we never have to be alone. See he sticks closer than a brother. He never leaves or forsakes us. He is always with us. Always....then it really hit me!

See I then meditated on "he pulled out a ring". I thought about it for a second and I thought what/where is the ring? We are his betrothed...this love story only matches and lines up with a ring right?!? Then the vision of a keyring, THE keyring, painted the full focus of my mind and it can still bring me to tears. Do you know which keyring I reference?? The one that holds three keys: to Death, Hell, and the Grave!! Honestly, what ring could ever now compare! The lavishness of the invitation, the promises made with his proposal! 

Then when I looked up these lyrics the plot thickened in the prelude to our meet que. See "He knelt to the ground"! He fell under the weight of the cross, he asked for the cup to pass from him, he was crushed for us, he was bruised and broken. He knelt to the ground after he humbly came down from his throne in heaven specifically to court us in the most extravagant way and to become our betrothed. He is the bridegroom. We are the bride!

It was also only as I looked up the lyrics to type them here correctly that I actually remembered the title of this song "Love Story" or discovered further that the theme is about an invitation to "just say yes".  

All of the promises of his proposal, the depth of his commitment to our marriage, the extravagant love that offers the invitation....needs only for us to just say yes! 

So simple. So profound!  

I Repent - A Roadmap

Sunday morning as I took more time before church to sit at the feet of Jesus and reflect on all of the mistakes I have recently made and all of the areas he has for me to grow in (some I already knew I desired…but falling short or making little progress…and some he is revealing new for me), He showed me so much.

 

Reflection of my mistakes and hopefully something to warn and/or encourage you:

I have been telling others myself and even god (outlining and confirming a successful battle plan for the enemy) what I can’t do (out of fear, out of weakness, out of exhaustion, out of disorientation) and what I am not strong enough to accomplish. I have been doing this constantly lately even in response to those trying to encourage me in my faith and snap me out of the fear, weakness, exhaustion, and disorientation. The people I love were telling me to slow down, to resist the nagging, even giving me scripture like 2 Timothy 1:7.

 

I was so far under water; trapped and ensnared; drowning – so far under water that I could not hear the voices of help around me. I could not see the way to go (or way to get back to being myself or to my firm foundation of faith). I certainly couldn’t identify the life preservers being sent to me.

 

How did I get to this place?

Disobedience and Slothfulness. (If I don’t own it right now; I can’t overcome it).

MONTHS ago, God told me to study the armor of God and warfare. I started fine; I made a plan of study. I spent a few hours doing this and prepping for it. I gathered resources. I created a timeline goal. I even watched several teachings/sermons, read the first chapter or two of a few books by authors I trusted, told others about what I was doing and asked for accountability, and spent several hours in the word and in meditation over what I was studying…..but I didn’t consistently keep going or keep a hunger about it…I did even circle back to it a couple times and read a bit more and shared what I was learning a few times with others. I did not stay faithful and diligent to it. It was partially obedient (disobedient) and slothful. There was even one specific book God kept bringing up for me to read and I just “didn’t get around to it”….then when I read the first chapter a few days ago after repentance and a commitment to be obedient now….it literally outlined the importance of daily renewing of our minds (I have been routine compromised and displaced recently which shifted and disrupted this habit and I failed to realize it quickly enough….) and how that renewing prevents many attacks in the first place. It reminded me that becoming distracted from this usually results in fighting or even picking small/wrong battles with those we love around us (blame/accusation/etc.). It also used my first ever favorite scripture as a little girl (still a major favorite today) (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)! Cute God.      

 

For all of this and so very many reasons I am so sorry to God, so sorry to my family and friends, so sorry to myself. In a new way like never before I need forgiveness; I need undeserved grace; I need unconditional love; I need mercy; I need restoration; I need unmerited favor; I need redemption!!!; I need covering and the turning of my mess into good and God’s glory.

 

God was so faithful and merciful this morning before church to remind me that renewing my mind (DAILY meditation) to things I already knew, (with god all things are possible Matthew 19:26), (god hasn’t given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind 2 Timothy 1:7), (I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me (not out of my own strength) Philippians 4:13), (those that hope in the lord with renew strength, not grow weary, and not faint Isaiah 40:31), (God will supply ALL my needs Philippians 4:19), (the Lord will fight for me; stand firm and do not be afraid Exodus 14:13-14) (This list is so vast and long it could go on forever) is what keeps me alert to the sneaky tricks and attacks meant to steal from me, kill me or the things I may hold dearest in my life, and destroy the blessings and goodness I have.

 

Then at church Proverbs 6:2 was shared pointing out I have been speaking powerful words of what I don’t want (I can’t, I am not strong enough, and lodging accusations and blame at others of what is wrong) while praying for what I do want. Thankfully this was immediately followed with prayer to cancel the power, authority and assignment within these words. I ask for redemption!  

Again, For all of this and so very many reasons I am so sorry to God, so sorry to my family and friends, so sorry to myself.

 

What God continued to reveal to me is that I have a tendency to verbally talk down or minimize what God can do as well as speak as an option what I don’t want. Why? God was faithful to get this answer to me as well….It provided a mechanism by which I gained a false sense of accomplishment in guarding my heart from extreme disappointment aka if I minimize my hope I would minimize the distance I had to fall if it didn’t turn out the way I was declaring and believing for. Oh, how did I become fearful of hope rather than joyful in it!!?? How wrong and how very opposite of God’s Word and what I know to be true. (Romans 5:5, Proverbs 23:18, Romans 15:13, Hebrews 10:23, Lamentations 3:25.)

 

This feels so ugly, disgusting, and shameful. I am ready to cut this off!

 

 

I am beyond incredibly grateful and thankful to be convicted of all of this but will not allow condemnation. Romans 8:1 (all of 8 I love Romans 8!), 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Romans 3:23,  

I know that many of these healings have already been started and some things I even thought I had conquered, but I will rejoice in my deep abundant ;) hope that what he began; he will complete! Philippians 1:6 

I am looking forward to more love, more insight, more discernment (Philippians 1:9-11), more patience, more endurance, more character, more hope, more, just MORE.  

 

P.S. CLEARLY the warrior is awake! I am back! But better! And I am bringing an entire army with me! Reactivating them; refocusing!  

 

I am believing and trusting that God will make my mistakes his mission (Romans 8:28). Hopefully and specifically to bring blessing, abundance, growth, and restoration to the family and friends I hurt through these mistakes and even (though undeservedly) to me.   

 

For a reminder to me and as a confession to those of you who might be willing to walk alongside me and hold me accountable (through encouragement and edification) – the areas I want to improve and grow in:

1. Being flexible/being able to pivot faster in the tiny plans as well as the big ones; taking leaps; risking in trust

2. Asking for and accepting help more often, in bigger ways, and in all areas of my life

3. Being more consistently and quickly completely (not partially) obedient and responsive to God and the Holy Spirit

4. Being more bold in my hope to better reflect my faith and eliminating comments of what I don’t want out of false preservation/guarding of my heart and reduction of possible disappointment  

I am sure that there will be more things added to this above list as I seek God, his healing, and most of all his character to be even more developed within me. J

I pray this will have served to remind you of the importance in being diligent in renewing your mind, not taking for granite the truths he has already taught you and being faithful to meditate on them, and in being sensitive and obedient to God always! I pray it will prevent hurt, damage, and lose.

Rest and Dreams

 I just returned from the most amazing dream fulfilling vacation! I can’t even begin to put into words just how incredibly blessed and thankful I am to be able to say that. For this dream to now be reality.

 

My grandma has always wanted to go to Hawaii. For DECADES she has dreamt of this, but has always chosen to raise grandkids and help every single person, friend, family member, stranger, etc. that needed her time, her money, and attention. She chose service, love, compassion, and generosity over herself and her own desires countless times over countless times. So for my own over a decade of dreaming, I have wanted to take her to Hawaii. I have written this dream down, told many about it, and couldn’t begin to tell you how often I have prayed for and over it.

 

I really want to stop this story here and just tell you how good God is and let this be a praise shout out.

 

But God is even better!

 

See a few months ago I finally decided to pull the trigger on selling my house. I wanted to move out of the City and especially wanted to be geographically closer to my family and grandparents. THEN:

1.      1. Interest rates skyrocketed and I felt the impact of what that might mean for my purchasing power as now so much of my monthly budget for this move would now have to be interest instead of principal.

2.     2. The sewer lines under my house collapsed and seriously delayed the sale (and has eaten up most of the allotted time I have to move in with/stay with family while I look for a new house (which I can’t do until mine sells)). Not to mention the estimated $6k costs was NOT in the budget and I don’t know how to cover it.

3.     3. The estimate for the sewer lines were way off…like only half of what was needed to make the repair….so double the costs and time to fix the issue. Oh and did I mention that I recently used what emergency funds I had to replace the entire HVAC ($8k) system?? Less than 8 months prior??

4.     4. Then the thought was to potentially repair the roof while the sewer was being fixed…but insurance has some depreciation clause (that they forgot to mention even though I called them and specifically asked what is/or might be covered BEFORE I engaged a roofer) and are now only willing to cover less than 50% of their estimated costs ($6k)….

5.     5. Does anyone recall when I was unexpectedly without a job a little over a year ago and I spent a few weeks on unemployment until God brought me the incredible job I have now? Well the State contacted me and would like me to pay ALL of it back as they have now (over a year later) determined that I did not qualify. What is another almost $6k? I tried to appeal, it was denied and now I am working on an appeal of the appeal…..

ALL of this news hit in the very few weeks before I left for Hawaii. Oh and did I mention that I had already started moving out of my house so now I am physically living out of four separate locations. For several weeks now….

 

I so DEEPLY struggled with even going to Hawaii…..Everything was booked and paid for, so I was still going, but it just felt so impractical and highly irresponsible to take off and enjoy a break in the middle of such a giant mess. I felt like I had soooo much cleaning up to do and so much business to handle. Someone in this situation…so many situations…should NOT be jetting off on vacation and to HAWAII no less!

 

To summarize into one word the last four months: Disappointment!

I have felt disappointed and disappointing in EVERY SINGLE and I mean EVERY SINGLE area, place, space, situation, etc. of my life (mentioned above or not). To say I am constantly fighting a state of sad, is an understatement. I have overwhelmingly felt replaceable and resistible. Things that hurt me so deeply/so very sharply.  Even tonight as I drove home and knew I wanted to sit down and write this…even moments while I write this …. I cried over just how strongly I feel these things/this way…. even now.

And let me tell you this extremely heavy burden of deep belief that I have been utterly disappointing and this constant bombardment of disappointments have kept me in a place of extreme loneliness and feeling of isolation.

 

Regardless of my feelings I keep pressing into God, praying, and praising him. I keep thanking him for what he is doing and even asking him to help me with the doubt and bad feelings as they come. I keep my testimony of his goodness quick access and free flowing from my tongue.  

 

Now this isn’t going to be a story about how the 5 points above have been resolved. Nope they are all so very real and with no more of an answer than two weeks ago. …. (Though just scrolling back up to get the number of them and seeing that there are 5…is just confirmation that their answers are grace and favor! ;) Yes!)   

 

This is a story of my giving glory to God for how he never waivers from making our heart his top priority. He has so impressively come for mine. AGAIN!

Just before I left for Hawaii, I expressed to my boss how impractical and irresponsible this trip felt. She so incredibly encouraged me about how much I needed to take care of my mind just as much as the “things” in my life and that the timing was probably perfect and on purpose. Many others also encouraged me that this was a divine rest and interruption to the turmoil.

So, I made a commitment to do my best and embrace the rest. It was not easy and I was not even close to perfect at it, but I did my best.

I downloaded an audio book called “The Life You Long For” which is about living from a place of God’s rest. I started listening to it on the plane to Hawaii and WOW. BOOM. POW! I could not have needed something more! I am listening at a snail’s pace as every sentence is clearly God getting my attention and renewing his vows of love for me all over again! (I am probably going to have to repeat read this one at least three to five times…maybe more!)

What he is teaching and reminding me is that our hustle is what hinders us AND HIM with hurdles. Rest in God is what radiates us AND HIM forward and onto ALL that we need, desire, and are invited/called to.  

A child is someone who has little experience, ability, or resources to take care of their self and so MUST rely and trust on a parent to provide for, train and teach for, and many times completely take care of every single need and desire they have. Matthew 18:3 is Jesus’s answer that child like faith…a person with such…is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Think about a child…they don’t hesitate or even think twice about playing with friends and laughing when dinner isn’t made or bills need to be paid. They are so dependant and their trust is so great that they move forward with full stamina into the joy set before them. In their play and rest everything they need and desired is handled and provided for them.

So fitting is my fascination with hurricanes, a reminder and example of the systems God creates. A hurricane has a completely calm/at rest center while relentless storm and chaos completely surround that place. Dreams can become reality and rest is proof of living out of God especially in the middle of chaos and in every circumstance.  

He is reminding and teaching me that my trip to Hawaii is only impractical in/to the world/world system…a place I wasn’t even designed for in the first place!!  Not fitting into such system might be my first clue that I am actually on the right path. ;)

I was even given a word (that I am trying desperately to cling to) that “I am blessed because I rise above” – to be even more transparent, I immediately reacted in my mind with …blessed how…with a bit of attitude…but quickly repented and returned to thanking God for the MANY ways I am already blessed and trying to reposition into a posture of expectancy for the continued blessings to come.

Then tonight at the I am Woman Woman’s Conference Pastor David referenced the story of the paralytic man who was “let down” through the roof to Jesus to receive healing (Luke 5:19). Maybe my feelings of being “let down”/disappointment are just the very process of getting closer to Jesus and everything I need!?!?  My faith is being noticed and I am about to get everything I am coming to him for and more!

Also P.S. if you read the story: Luke 5:17-26 you will see that Jesus attends to the heart of the matter before the natural/physical/practical of the matter. ;)

 

I believe there is so much he is just starting to unravel for me and some incredible romance he intends to unfold in my immediate future. I am excited (though completely aware of how much focus and attention it will require) to experience this in expectation of his goodness!

Just because it is Godly doesn’t mean it is God Led

This weekend I met with a beautiful group of women to discuss a book we are all reading together. In this group we discussed what things hold us back from following God. The summarizing answer was: We just can’t seem to FULLLY surrender. It seems we can do a most of the way version (after all we are a group of women seeking God and who love him dearly.) However, the FULLY evades us.

Have you ever been given directions by God and obeyed kinda?

In one of the previous books our group read (I forget which at the moment), I remember the words or at least the concept: Partial obedience is still disobedience. IT stuck out to me…probably because I knew/know I’m guilty of it. This was more than a year ago…I remember the concept, but I haven’t eliminated the habit.

I seem to try to find the loophole that allows me to achieve compliance while still maintaining an ounce of control…. I don’t know why….I don’t have a reason/explanation for it, I know better, I should surrender FULLY.

My right now example:

 God instructed me to spend more time in his word and to dive DEEP. DEEPER. I recently became unemployed (weird circumstances and long story – for a later time) with suddenly a LOT of extra time. While seeking God about this loss and the lack of a new job (yet)…he told me this time if for me to get in his word and dive DEEP. DEEPER.

I know this is the answer…but I haven’t FULLY surrendered and I have only partially obeyed…which means I have disobeyed. :/

God even clarified when he saw my delay and half effort it. He told me to take all of my different bible translations I like to study in, my concordance, my journals, my highlighters and pens, sticky notes, flash cards, etc. and set them all up on my dining room table (where I had previously set up my remote work station for my job) and get up in the morning and go to his word like I used to go to work.   

 What did I do?

I gathered a few of these items and I put them by my bedside…..so that as soon as I opened my eyes I could pick them up and get started….(side note to those who know me and my anti morning self…I even got up one morning at 4:30 am and studies the word for over an hour) I was giving myself a little pat on the back…look…I am giving my attention to his word FIRST thing in the morning….this is SO godly…… big smile.

But it isn’t God Led!

That isn’t what He told me to do. He didn’t tell me to spend more time in his word and dive in first thing (which you would think this anti morning person would be incredibly thankful for AND thus would be the LAST thing she elects to do instead of what God did ask….). He said to dive DEEP. DEEPER. He knows (and I know) how laser focused, on task, thorough, detailed oriented I can be at work (in a work like environment – like at my dining room table)….as well as….how comfy/sluggish/easily let myself off the hook after a short time and go back to sleep I can be in my bed only partially sitting up under the covers.

I also told the worship team leader (where I am currently serving at my church) that I had extra time while not working and she could schedule me more often/any campus/any day. This was even after reading in Exodus and digging deep in and about how the phrase is repeated in full “Let my people go, so they can worship me” more than a dozen times (it isn’t shortened to just “let me people go” … ie the importance and purpose of freedom (like in unemployment) is worship). SEE GODLY! …big smile….pat on the back.

But it isn’t God led!

This isn’t what he told me to do. He didn’t tell me to worship him in song and dance more. He said to spend more time in his word. He knows (and I know) how easy it is for me to enter into song and praise and dance and devotion loosing hours of time in deep adoration. He also knows that while he delights in this too, faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. Obtaining more truth and deeper understanding of his word will only create more intimate worship and fuel even more passion and jubilee into my praise.

So what did God do?

…..well….somehow (his how)… I am not on the schedule AT ALL for next month. Que my mouth drop….then sulking face. Again, God did not tell me to worship him more (at least not in song – I do plenty of that already and should and will keep doing that). He told me to worship him specifically by spending more time in his word and to dive DEEP. DEEPER.

Don’t be fooled or deceived into thinking that you can replace the specific direction God has given you with some version (or multiple versions) of his general instruction. Just because it is godly doesn’t mean it Is God led. Of course you should always follow his general instruction (the scriptures and commands in the Bible). I will still do my best to make God the center of my thoughts and actions as soon as I open my eyes/first thing in the morning when I rise. I will also still worship him in spirit and in truth with thanksgiving.

Most importantly, I will and without delay follow exactly what he has specifically directed me to do. I will go to his word like I would go to work and I will dive DEEP. DEEPER.   

Echo

A few nights ago, I asked a group of friends to go to bed meditating on one scripture which contains a characteristic of God. I chose Isaiah 51:15.

For I am the LORD your God, who stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar. My name is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. Isaiah 51:15 (NLT)

After dreaming on this I woke up with one word and continued to dwell on his one word: Echo.

A few months ago (last end of October/start of November) I had a dream about a tsunami. This tsunami was the favor of God about to disrupt the landscape. I have remained planted in this promise and I now believe God asked me to listen to the sound of waves….the echo. See a wave isn’t just one; it can’t be. There is a ripple and echo effect creating a rhythm, a pulse, a cadence. God in his splendor and generosity revealed another promise. Another level of his goodness: He is promising an echo of favor in wave after wave, tsunami after tsunami, of his blessing, joy, deep richness.  

Then this morning!

I opened my bible to a random page (sometimes those adventures are the best). I started reading in Romans 7 and stopped and soaked in Romans 8:32. Watch God!

I was reading in the Passion Translation and Romans 8:32 says: For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all,^[a] he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give.

God will not withhold from us anything else he has to give. Can you imagine the storehouses of heaven?! Can you even list all that he has in his procession?!?

If we ask for direction (which we know he has to give because his word is a light unto our feet and a lamp unto our path), this is so much smaller than giving and watching his greatest treasure brutally crucified on a cross. If we ask for healing (which we know he has as his word says over and over I will heal. I will restore you to health and heal your wounds), this is so much smaller than giving and watching his greatest treasure brutally crucified on a cross.  

BUT WAIT; It had one of those lovely little foot notes. What did the foot note say:

[a] Romans 8:32 This is an intentional echo of Gen. 22:16. Although God spared Abraham’s son, Isaac, he would not spare his own Son, Jesus Christ.

This is an intentional echo. The bold, underline, and supersize clearly added first by God in my heart and then by me for this post ;)

God knows that I struggle not with knowing that he can, but that he will….like he might choose not to….it is awful and wrong thinking and I know better, but I have been working on this (with Him). I know being good, kind, generous are not choices he makes, they are his very makeup/character/being….

And what does God do: He sets an EXTRA emphasis on the promise to echo tsunamis of favor (as if the promise itself were not MORE than enough!) pointing out that he is making this promise, keeping it, and fulfilling it with intent!! (for this legal studies/law girl – with intent is a game changer; an absolute game changer! If you can prove intent, game over, slam dunk, case closed!) And what does Genesis 22:16 say you ask?    

¹⁶ “This is what the Lord says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that ¹⁷ I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. ¹⁸ And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.” Genesis 22:16 (NLT)

- I swear by my own name (God’s name!)

- I will certainly bless you (no doubt choose!)

- conquer the cities of their enemies (drive out the enemy from our cities!! They are ours!)

THEN

THEN

When I went to save this (sometimes I draft what I want to share n a post or blog) this is the picture I saw:

Motivated

Settled

Echo

Motivated Settled Echo = Intentional Echo! A certain tsunami of favor to be repeated!

This is Love.