Prize Fighter

            You can’t be victorious if you don’t fight the battle.

This was true of the Israelites who came out of Egypt. They would have to take their promised land by force little by little but God was with them in the battle. So too is God with us in the battle. We cannot receive the blessings in our promised land without fighting for them.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 KJV

I fight a battle daily. It is the fight to get out of bed when the anxiety tries to convince me its better trapped inside with it. But I have evidence to the contrary. I’ve lived that life. I’ve stayed inside in my bed and it was miserable. I was miserable. Day after day I slipped further and further into a stagnant life.

When I was suicidal one thing that saved my life was having a job and having to get out of bed. There was somewhere I had to be. There were people counting on me. The same is true even now but the stakes are higher. I’m the boss. I’ve got to come to work in the best possible mood I can be in because it will affect how I lead others. So my battle is getting out of bed.

What’s your battle?

So recently I succumbed a little to the anxiety. I get up at 6:30 every morning to walk. I didn’t stick to my routine Monday or Tuesday and it depressed me. However, I’ve decided to use this verse to battle the anxiety and get out of bed.

So let’s not get tired of doing good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT

There’s a blessing on the other side of your struggle.

Don’t give up.

Fight the battle.

You win the battle because Christ is victorious.

You win you just have to fight!

Genuinely Yours,

               Amy Z

Dare to Dream Again

          When the Lord turned our captivity again then we were like them that dream. Psalm 126:1

I was suicidal, thought I was possessed by demons, I was on the last thread of my life and the Lord rescued me. He plucked me out of that situation and put a new song on my lips (Psalm 40:3). I was in the shadow of death. I had no dreams in that place. I thought hell and death were where I was headed. I couldn’t dream in such a hell. It took me awhile to dream again. I began to dream of being a librarian and God brought that dream to fruition. I dreamed my book would be published and it’s on its way. God is the one who brings our dreams to pass. What’s your dream? Those who are broken, do you dare to dream again?

Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with singing then said they among the heathen God hath done great things for them. Psalm 126:2

I began to laugh again. I began to sing. I began to be blessed and love my life all because God brought me back from captivity and gave me a dream. Many shall read or hear my testimony and many shall receive Christ through my testimony. God’s word says

And they have conquered him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony. Revelations 12:11

My testimony through Christ will reach the deepest darkest places of the hearts of the people.

The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. Psalm 126:3

The Lord hath done great things for me. He gave me a job with the library eventually promoting me to librarian. I started out at the bottom position but because of God I was able to reach higher. He broke the silence for me about the cult and brainwashing that happened. He showed me Jesus when I needed him most. He’s carried me through every trial, every anxiety, every burden. He gave me the words for the book Set Free Through Christ Who Strengthens Me. He gives me the words for the blog each week. He speaks to me through his word. He calls me beloved.

Turn again our captivity o Lord as streams of the south. Psalm 126:4

Anxiety holds me captive. It was a mountain before me and God has chiseled it down to a grain of sand. He is doing a new thing in my life. He’s making me a new creation.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19.

They who sow in tears will reap in joy. Psalm 126:5

I have wept many of tears over anxiety. I have cried out to the Lord many times and even though it is not completely gone I still feel as though I can reap in joy because my Savior, my God, my King is making a way for me to finally be free.

He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6

I have wept, I have cried out, I have prayed for the anxiety to be gone. God honors those moments when we are completely transparent before him and even though I’m on the last bit of the anxiety I see the relief on the horizon and I will be made new. I know God will give me even greater dreams than these.

What’s your dream?

Will you share it with me?

I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

Fiery Trials: A Test of Faith

          We all face fiery trials. They are meant to grow and mature us in the Lord. I’m being stretched at work. I’m going to be doing contact tracing, which puts me way out of my comfort zone. I don’t want to do this, but neither do I want to stay stuck in the state I’m in. This is going to free me from anxiety. This is to grow my confidence in the Lord. This is to try me. To show me if my faith will stand strong in this trial. Will I continue to seek the Lord even in this? Or will I try to do it on my own? I know I want to seek the Lord in this. If I want to get past my comfort zone I have to do this. I want to move forward. I want to forget my past and strive toward the future. Paul put it like this:

 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 KJV

We have not arrived. We will always be a work in progress in the Lord. Thank God. Letting go of our past rejections will help us strive forward for the high calling God has placed on our lives. No matter where you find yourself today God has placed a high calling on your life.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13 KJV

So the word says a fiery trial is to be expected. I fully believe that God is giving me a heart for people. It is an answered prayer but boy its uncomfortable. But God is not here to keep us comfortable. He’s here to make us holy and look more like Jesus. I thank God that he does not give up on me and that he keeps refining me because I need it. I can’t wait to feel joy at the end of this trial instead of fear and trepidation. God has not failed me yet. However, I still imagine that he will. That I can’t do this but God says I can. God encouraged Moses when he asked him to go before Pharaoh. Moses had trepidation just like we all do. He said:

And Moses said unto God, who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring for the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, certainly I will be with thee; Exodus 3:11-12a KJV

See how God encouraged Moses right away? He said he would be with him. So too is God with us in our fiery trials. And God tells us not to fear.

Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

What fiery trail are you in?

Share it with me.

I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

Do Not Be Anxious

             Have you ever felt anxious about something and well-meaning friends say Don’t be anxious you’ll be fine? These words hold little to no comfort. Because it’s a surface level answer to a heart level problem. Many of you know I struggle with anxiety. From big things like what will I do when my parents die? To small things like what if the flag gets stuck on the rocks and I can’t get it down? We have a flag at work that we put up every day. These anxieties produce only fear and trepidation. They are with me when I lay down and sometimes they pop up right when I wake up. The anxiety is with me. Do you know who else is with me? Jesus. His word says, let your heart not be troubled neither let it be afraid. John 14:27b

Why is Jesus so confident with his words? Because his confidence is not in himself it is in God the Father. I tend to rest my confidence in my own efforts and not in the Lord. It makes me anxious when I think of doing things by myself instead of with the Lord. We can take comfort in knowing the Lord is with us and he never leaves us. So in order to address a heart level problem we must go to the Lord for guidance.

Let’s look at what God’s word says about anxiety.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22.

A burden is a heavy load and boy do the anxious thoughts weigh me down. To sustain means to strengthen or support physically or mentally. So this verse deals with our thoughts we are not lifting a real thing with our hands but we definitely get weighed down by heavy thoughts. So this verse is saying God will strengthen us mentally. I encourage you to memorize scripture and when the anxieties come battle it with the truth of God’s word. It works, believe me I’ve tried it time and time again. One scripture I hold onto is God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

I’m almost through the struggle with the anxiety. It used to be a mountain in front of me, then it was a pebble and now it’s a grain of sand. That’s a big improvement in my book and I’m so grateful that the anxiety is less and less.

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT

God can take your worries upon himself. He can bear your burdens. He cares so deeply for us. He cherishes us and he’s willing to take all our cares upon himself. Can you surrender your worries to Jesus? It helps.

Finally the scripture that is quoted all the time is Philippians 4:6-7

 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God hears our cries for relief from our mental anguish and he provides peace in those moments. I just encourage you to give your fear and anxiety to the Lord and he will strengthen you.

What scripture helps you with your anxiety?

I’m here.

                I’m listening.

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25 NLT

Genuinely Yours, 

Amy Z

Know Your Worth

            My cousin Lauren bought several jackets valued at $200 dollars. She offered to give me two. I said no I don’t need two jackets and that’s too extravagant. Then she told me she paid 14.99 for each jacket. So I said ok I’ll take two. It got me thinking why was I not worth it for the higher price? This in turn got me thinking about Jesus and the high price he paid for my sins. He bought me at a high price to reconcile me back to the Father.

 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV

Jesus sacrificed his life so that I may have life and have it more abundantly.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV

How about you do you feel worthy of his extravagant love? You are precious to God it even says so in his word.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you peoples in exchange for your life. Isaiah 43:3-4 ESV

Can you take a moment and pause and think about your Father your God loving you? You have value to God.

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26 NKJV

 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

God was so motivated by love for you that he sent his only begotten son to die for your sins so you could be reconciled back to the Father. He put a plan into place in the beginning to save you from eternal judgment.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!  If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You. Psalm 139:17-18 NKJV

You are on God’s mind every single day. Every moment he thinks of you. That’s how deep his love is for you. Now I ask you do you know your worth?

You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalm 139:5 NLT

What has God been doing in your life to show you how much he loves you?

Share it with me.

I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

My Defender

         So I got to thinking about an old defense mechanism that I’ve been using to keep at bay from feeling the effects of fear of rejection. I tend to be less transparent with my loved ones than I am here in this blog. I want to share how I feel with my loved ones and let them hear my opinions. This hasn’t been easy for me because it’s such an old habit this mechanism that I do it without consciously thinking about it. So it got me thinking about God and how God is our defender. He goes before us, beside us, behind us and within us.

What is a defense mechanism? According to healthline.com: Defense mechanisms are behaviors people use to separate themselves from unpleasant events, actions, or thoughts. This is definitely what I do when I shy away from being transparent. So this defense mechanism no longer serves me well.

So God is my defender. God shows up during our deepest troubles and rescues us. There’s a powerful story in the bible about Elisha the prophet being surrounded by enemies. His servant was afraid and questioned what they would do. Watch how powerful a protector God is.

¹⁴ Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. ¹⁵ And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” ¹⁶ So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” ¹⁷ And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:14-17 NKJV

Elisha was given the ability to see the army surrounding him. He was then able to pray for his servant to see the army too. So often we see things that God is doing and don’t share them with others. We should pray for others to see the ways God is at work in our lives. It’s so awesome that God protected his prophet in this way.

So what does it look like for us to see God as our defender? Let’s look at some verses.

So David wrote this psalm after God rescued him from the hands of Saul and his army.

I will love You, O Lord, my strength. ² The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ³ I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3 NKJV

God is the strength of our lives. He gives us everything we need when we need it.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NKJV

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Psalm 46:1-2 NKJV

And God told Joshua what to do when leading the people of Israel. We can take this to heart as well.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV

One final thought:

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 NKJV

What is God defending you from?

Share it with me.

I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

She is Strong

              Dear faithful readers I come before you to talk about some of the strong women of God that we read about in the bible.

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25. The title of this blog is another version of Proverbs 31:25.

A strong woman of God is grateful.

The woman at the well after speaking with Jesus goes back to the village and tells everyone about Christ. This woman moved forward with gratitude and shared that the Messiah might be among them.

The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah? John 4:28-29 NLT

A strong woman of God is brave.

The woman with the blood issue braved the crowd, moved forward and touched Jesus’ robe and was healed. She was considered unclean and wasn’t supposed to be around anyone yet she braved possible death to get to Jesus.

                        She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”  Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. Mark 5:27-29 NLT

A strong woman of God has courage and a great love for others.

Esther was a Jewish woman who was able to marry King Xerxes who did not know her heritage. Haman a man who was advisor to the king was jealous of Mordecai Esther’s uncle who was Jewish so he wanted to wipe out the Jewish people. He took his request before the king and the king approved the request. Esther had to go before the king and petition him to save her people. The challenge here was that the king had to summon Esther for her to be able to be in his presence. She could die if she burst into his court without being summoned. She went into the outer courts to see if the king would call her to be able to see him. The king did and he overturned his decree to kill the Jewish people. Esther had great courage and a great love for her people.

A strong woman of God is loyal and kind.

Ruth was married to Naomi’s son. Naomi’s husband and both her sons died leaving her in despair. She told her daughter-in-laws to go back to their own families and leave her since she couldn’t produce new sons for them to marry. Ruth refuses to go.

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Ruth 1:16 NLT

Naomi and Ruth go back to Bethlehem. There Ruth is kind to Naomi she gathers food in Boaz’s field and takes care of her mother-in-law. Ruth marries Boaz and Christ’s lineage comes from their union.

A strong woman of God is humble. We find out in the other gospels that Mary is the woman who knelt at Jesus feet.

When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume.  Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.

A strong woman of God sacrifices her own desires to serve the Lord.

Hannah was barren and relentlessly teased by her husband’s other wife who could bear children. She was in distress. She goes to the temple to pray and makes this promise to God.

Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.  And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.” 1 Samuel 1:10-11

A strong woman of God is favored by the Lord.

 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. Luke 1:30-31 NLT

A strong woman of God is servant to the Lord.

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:38 NLT

A strong woman of God is righteous in God’s eyes.

Elizabeth was barren. She and her husband Zechariah were:

…righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. Luke 1:6 NLT

A strong woman of God recognizes God’s kindness.

…Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” Luke 1:24-25 NLT

Elizabeth’s son is John the Baptist who made the way for Jesus by telling people to repent of their sins. Luke 3:3

Can you relate to any of these women?

Just know that you are a strong woman of God chosen by him to serve a great purpose.

Do you share their attributes?

Will you share with me?

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

Where I Come From

           It makes me want to cry to think of how merciful God has been to me. I was so broken. Where do I come from? Let me tell you where I come from. I lived a very limited life without Christ. I hated myself. I did things that I’m not proud of. I didn’t even know Christ but Christ knew me. I didn’t even know I needed saving but he still saved me. I was living in sin, coveting a man who had a girlfriend. What broke the sin off my back was an evening in which I was with the guy I was seeing at a bar. He was groping me, pulling my hair, talking to his girlfriend on the phone and hitting on the waitress and I had the thought I deserve no better than this. Right away another thought came to mind, I do deserve better than this. I was his designated driver. I drove him home and I was done with him after that. I believe the Holy Spirit spoke to me to help me know my worth.

I started walking every day because I heard that releases endorphins and is good for you. That was in April of 2012. In June of 2012 I went to a church service at High Desert Church. The sermon was on regret and the pastor said when you sin you sin against God. I finally understood salvation I thought to myself, Oh I’m a sinner. Because I had been in one of the 10 commandment sins I finally understood I was a sinner. I gave my heart to Christ right then. I had known about Christ but didn’t realize that I was a sinner in need of a Savior. I got baptized in October of 2012. I wound up following a false prophet in 2014, which led to me being in a cult, suicidal, brainwashed, believing I was possessed by demons and on the last thread of my life. I would have lost my life if it wasn’t for God. He plucked me out of that situation and set my feet upon a rock and put a new song in my mouth. I am completely healed from the trauma because of Christ. I wrote a book called Set Free Through Christ Who Strengthens Me. It’s getting published. I will reach many with my testimony and many will come to Christ. I wanted to write for God when I first got saved in 2012. I didn’t really start writing for God until the book came pouring out of me in 2016. It is with this blog that I believe I’m writing for Christ. I journal consistently and the Lord speaks to me through my writing. It’s such a blessing to write for God. It’s such a blessing to serve God. I wanted to share this with you so that you know where I come from, but also as a reminder to myself that I’ve come so far. I’m still a work in progress and I can’t wait to see what Christ has in store for me.

Will you share your testimony with me?

I’m here.

I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

Voice of God: Psalm 139

 Search me, o God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts; point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me on the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24 NLT

Amy: Ok God I feel stuck, can you get me out of this season?

God: All seasons were created by me. You aren’t stuck you’re moving forward into all the blessings I have in store for you. Don’t forget I am a fact not a feeling. Your feelings are deceiving you-let go and grab onto me.

Amy: Why can’t I feel you the way others feel you? I want to feel your presence in the depths of my soul.

God: My relationship with you cannot be compared to others. I’ve given you gifts and talents that I haven’t given to others. Don’t compare yourself. You can’t compare yourself to them because there is no one else like you and you are in different stages of maturity.

Amy: Is there a blockage God? Is that why I Don’t feel you?

God: No beloved there isn’t a blockage. It’s ok for you to feel how you feel. It’s ok for you to open up to me. I will not hurt you. I’m here for you. You are growing and changing day by day. You’re getting closer to the purpose I have for your life. Don’t give up. Don’t stop.

Amy: I don’t want to give up but sometimes it’s hard because I don’t feel you. I have to remind myself my relationship with you is based on facts and not feelings.

God: Beloved you don’t feel me when you let other things take your focus off of me. The anxiety for example to a certain degree you control it. You cast your thoughts on the future hoping to gain control or have power. Let your future rest in my hands. You don’t know what is to come. Only I do. Why don’t you come to me with questions about your tomorrow?

Amy: But God what if you can’t be trusted? What if you’re going to fail me? What if I have to live my life without you?

God: You perceive a future without me and it is never to be. I have never failed you and I won’t start now. You can trust me my child.

Amy: Lord will you give me the strength to bear the challenges in my life? Will your grace cover me?

God: My power is made perfect in weakness when you are weak I am strong. I am the strength of your life. You can borrow my strength.

Amy: When will you set me completely free from the anxiety?

God: When you completely let it go. Stop casting your cares onto anxiety and cast them to me. I can bear the weight of your burdens; you cannot.

Do you come to me?

 

Jesus went to his cousin John to be baptized. John replies “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” So often we question when God comes to us to do a great work. We think surely God could do something far mightier either on his own or with someone besides us. However, there are people out there who won’t listen to God himself but will listen to you. Why? Because you are an example of a life changed by Christ and people will be more open to hearing about your conversion and your testimony. So I encourage you dear readers don’t think surely God should use someone else. It is an honor to be chosen by the Lord and I know what you’re thinking, but I can’t possibly do that (whatever God has called you to do). You can because God has equipped you with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is within you and can help you do whatever task God has called you to.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. Matthew 3:13-15 NIV

Jesus also was unable to do miracles in the city he grew up in Nazareth.

And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:57-58 NLT

Jesus said we would do greater works than what he did. Again I repeat, people won’t listen to Christ himself, but will listen to you. Will you take the time to share what God has done for you with someone this week?

I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. John 14:12 NLT

Who do you need to reach out to today?

Don’t delay, you are a blessing and will bless those you reach out to.

What do you need prayer for today?

Share it with me.

I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

Obedience Don't Delay

       So God prompted me to pray for someone at church last night and I didn’t. I was given a second opportunity to pray and I asked her brother if I could pray for her. They didn’t have the time for me to pray for them right then and there. If I had prayed for her when first prompted I could’ve done so. God knew I would not obey. He also knew that I would have that second opportunity. So often I question was it really God that prompted me or just my own idea. The beauty of it is that even if it wasn’t God it will still bless that person. God’s in it anyways because he’s in you. So I encourage you if you feel the Lord prompting you don’t delay. Act now. Whatever it may be, whether it’s a job offer you need to take, your marriage that needs saving, your kids that need to know you love them. Whatever it is be obedient anyways because God’s in it because he’s in you. God’s word says:

¹⁰ For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

¹¹ So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

His word will not come back void. So step out in faith and be obedient. It will bless you.

What has God called you to do?

Share it with me.

I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

Grief Does Not Keep Time

        Grief does not keep time. Grief may lessen over time but it has no timeline as to when you will be relieved of your grief. I know something about grief. Grief hit my home when I was 8 years old and my favorite uncle died of cancer. It hit again at 12 when my grandpa died of heart disease. It hit again when I was 15 when my brother died in a car accident. It hit again when I was 19 and my grandma died of complications from diabetes. It hit again when both my dad’s parents died when I was 24. It hit again when I was 30 and my aunt died of lung cancer. Those are just a few examples of the people who have passed. There are many more. That’s a lot of deep hurt to deal with in my short 40 years of life.

However, Jesus brings light to the deepest hurt of our lives. He is the only one who can relieve us of our grief. It is he who brings peace that surpasses all understanding. Jesus has given me peace. There is a small residue of grief left over with  my brother but the rest of the deaths no longer grip me with grief. God released me of my grief over my brother in 2013. I was finally ready to let go of the death that had such a prolonged grip on me. I miss my family that has passed but I know one day I will see them again for with Christ it is goodbye for now but not forever.

Let’s consider the following scripture:

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort: who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God is there to comfort us in our grief. Why does he do it? Because of his great love and mercy for us, but also so we can comfort those who are grieving.

Can I bring some comfort to you from my experience? Don’t be hard on yourself. Grieve how you grieve. It’s ok to yell, cry, be angry, be numb, it’s ok to feel joy, it’s ok to let go of the grief. It’s ok to live your life and move on. Your loved one would not want you to punish yourself. Let go of the guilt. Whatever way you grieve go ahead and grieve. For those who are comforting those who are grieving just listen. Just hold their hand and sit in silence with them if that’s what they need. Be there for them. I know when my brother passed I lost a lot of friends. I’m not sure why. I think because they thought death was contagious. That if it happened to me it could happen to them. I just think they didn’t know what to say. So I encourage you be there for your loved one who’s grieving. Your presence will make a difference in their lives.

Those of you that are still grieving over your loss I encourage you to write a letter to your loved one telling them all you want to say. The last thing I would’ve said to each would be I love you and I’m sorry I didn’t appreciate you more. I miss you. I can’t wait to see you in heaven.

What’s one thing you want your loved one to know?

What’s the last thing you would have said?

I’m here. I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

God Speaks: Shift for the Increase

 My child I’m here. Stay in my word. I love you. I really want you to hold onto my hand and hear me. My love for you is limitless. My scope of influence is limitless. I am there in all your todays and tomorrows. Stop looking for things to be anxious about and just look to me. I will carry you through. Your attitude about work is shifting. I am causing the shift so I can move you into your next blessing. Stretch out your tent for the increase. I am blessing you abundantly, not just finance wise but spiritual blessings as well. You will come out a purer form of gold. Stronger than when you went in. You are stronger than you know, so much stronger. The codependency is being lifted. You are being set more and more free each week. Trust me. I’m doing it for your good. I won’t hurt you.

Behold I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

What is God shifting in your life?

What is God speaking to you?

I'm here. I'm listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

Jesus My Good Samaritan

 

Calls me by name (My Sheep hear my voice John 10:10)

Binds up my wounds (Psalm 147:3)

Anoints my head with oil (Psalm 23:5)

Shelters me (He who covers thee with wings Psalm 91:4)

Sets my feet upon a rock (Psalm 40)

Sees me when I slumber (Psalm 121:7)

Collects my tears (Psalm 56:8)

Hears my cries (Psalm 40)

Bears my burdens (Matthew 11:28-30)

Bears my iniquities (By his stripes we are healed Isaiah 53:5)

Covers my sin (Come let us reason together Isaiah 1:18)

Reconciles me back to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18)

Petitions for me night and day

Knows what I go through

He restores my soul (Psalm 23:3)

Leads me on the paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3)

Knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139)

Gave me the breath of life (Genesis 2:7)

Wakes me each day

Brings peace (Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6)

Lives within me (Holy Spirit)

Leads me to the promised land (Joshua 1:8)

Gives me courage (Joshua 1:8)

Sets the captives free (Isaiah 61:1)

Keeps plagues from me (Isaiah 91:5-7)

Prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies (Psalm 23:5)

Jesus shows us mercy on a daily basis and does all of these things. I encourage you to look up the scriptures and soak in the promises of God.

In what way is Jesus your good Samaritan?

Share it with me. I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

Walk Out of That Grave

 I’m comfortable in my grave.

The grave clothes scratch me reminding me of a time when I was alive.

I’ve been sitting here so long I don’t remember what it was like to live.

Are there birds outside this grave?

Does God still look after each one?

Does God still look after me even now in this tomb?

If I lift up my head and fix my eyes heavenward will he see me and take these grave clothes off of me?

I hear a whisper, a still small voice, Amy what are you doing here?

I’m hiding Lord, they’re all gonna laugh at me. It’s safe here.

There’s no life in the grave.

I have given you life abundantly, get up and walk.

Let me take the grave clothes off of you.

Look do you see that light?

Yes Lord.

Move toward it.

I can’t Lord I don’t want to move.

You can. I’m right here beloved.

Walk out of your grave.

The tomb is not meant for you.

I have promised you eternal life.

Life is what’s waiting for you.

It’s been there all along just waiting for you to move.

I’m afraid.

I know but my perfect love casts out fear.

Walk out of the grave.

Will you hold my hand?

My child I’m always here to catch you when you fall.

I will make straight your paths.

Ok Lord I’m walking out of here because you said so, but I need you Lord, every step of the way.

I need your love to be with me.

I always am with you. My love never fails.

Dear reader, are you ready to walk out of that grave you find yourself in?

Will you let the Lord take off your grave clothes?

Will you share your journey with me? I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z.

Sacrifice of Praise

       I’m so blessed to have a pastor who pours into my life. Last night’s sermon was about resilient people praising through pain. I don’t believe I’m in any pain per se but it’s something I want to explore with you dear reader. When you come face to face with an obstacle do you turn to God or do you try to move it yourself? I try to move it myself. I think that I can move it in my own effort without turning to God. God probably would say go ahead, I’ll wait. God is waiting for us to come to him with the impossible areas of our lives. Nothing is impossible for God. That’s when we have to lean into God and let him move the obstacle.

For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37 KJV

So on to this concept of a sacrifice of praise. We have to praise the Lord no matter what we’re going through. There is healing in praise. There is intimacy with praise. We get to have a one on one encounter with God. A one on one moment where we set aside every sin that besets us and rejoice in the blessings God has given us.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15 KJV

Can you take a moment dear reader and praise the Lord for all the situations he brought you through?

But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23 NLT

Heavenly Father I praise you. Thank you for all the blessings you’ve poured into my life. Thank you for life. I had moments where I didn’t want to live anymore, but you God reached into those moments and brought life back into this lifeless body. Thank you for shining the light of Christ into my life. Thank you for surrounding me with true followers of Christ. I praise you Lord for covering my sins with the blood of Jesus. I love you so much Lord and I pray for those reading this Lord that they would be able to rejoice in their hearts truly with a sacrifice of praise no matter what they are going through. Help them see where you’ve provided for them. Help them see where you’ve brought healing for them. Help them see where you have brought peace into their lives. Let them turn to you Lord and give you their burdens. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What sacrifice of praise are you offering to the Lord?

Share it with me. I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z

There’s Strength in Weeping

       When I was eight years old at my favorite uncle’s funeral my dad told me not to cry. Trying to please my dad I didn’t cry at funerals after that for a very long time. I didn’t cry at my own brother’s funeral. It took me a long time to actually cry at a funeral. Dear reader it was so very hard and hurtful to not cry. I feel the Lord telling me, there’s strength in weeping. It takes great strength to know that you need to break down and great courage to actually do it. I’m holding back my tears as I write this but I want to let them flow. I’ve come to the realization that there’s a lot of work that needs to happen for me emotionally before I can be free of all the baggage I carry. I want to offload it here, but now is not the time. I’m still processing the revelations of what I need to work on. I carry a heavy load, a heavy burden if you will. I’m so used to living my old way of life that I’m having a hard time living in the freedom I so desperately want to have. There is freedom with Christ. God has shown me I’m a new creation, but I’m a work in progress. I have in no way arrived, but boy do I sure want to get this progress quickly. It’s a process that I need to go through.

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5b NLT

I’d like to change that last line to joy comes with the mourning. We have to mourn our losses if we are to be truly free. We have to mourn our disappointments. What disappointments are you carrying around? Will you share them with me? One of my major disappointments is that I have never been married. I’ve never had a good relationship. I’ve never been in love and I so desperately want to have a family, a husband and children and on this side of things it’s hard not to question God and wonder if it will ever happen. I believe I do have a family in my future but it’s the waiting that is so hard. So I mourn the loss of my youth. I’m not as young as I used to be and I want a family before I get much older than I am now. I have faith that it will happen I just don’t know when it will happen. So back to weeping. There’s so much healing in tears and do you know that God’s word says he collects every one?

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 NLT

God sees us when we weep and our tears do not go to waste.

What do you need to mourn the loss of?

Will you share it with me?

I’m here. I’m listening.

Genuinely Yours,

Amy Z