Posts tagged Christ

Living Water

Christianity

Monday Devotional – April 4, 2022

Living Water

‘but if anyone drinks the living water I give them, they will never be thirsty again.  John 4:14

Read: 

6 - 8 ' Wearied by his long journey, he sat on the edge of Jacob’s well, and sent his disciples into the village to buy food, for it was already afternoon. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 9 She replied, “Why would a Jewish man ask a Samaritan woman for a drink of water?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew who I am and the gift that God wants to give you, you’d ask me for a drink, and I would give you living water.” 11 The woman replied, “But sir, you don’t even have a bucket, and the well is very deep. So where do you find this ‘living water’? 12 Do you really think that you are greater than our ancestor Jacob who dug this well and drank from it himself, along with his children and livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “If you drink from Jacob’s well, you’ll be thirsty again, 14 but if anyone drinks the living water I give them, they will never be thirsty again. For when you drink the water I give you, it becomes a gushing fountain of the Holy Spirit , flooding you with endless life!” ' John 4:6-14

Reflect:

Our devotion today comes from the popular interaction between Jesus and the woman at the well. Depending on your interaction with this story we can associate it with God’s ability to cleanse us from sexual sin, or maybe the prophetic power of God in a moment to speak to our deepest issues. Perhaps this story reminds you of God’s ability to cross religious barriers and get to the heart of the matter and heal not just physical scars but emotional ones. Indeed it is all of the above. However, today we focus on Living Water.

The phrase appears more than 8 times throughout Scripture. In Jeremiah 2: 13 & 17:13 God refers to Himself as the “fountain of living waters”.  So when Jesus declares to this nameless woman and  to us that “If you only knew who I am and the gift that God wants to give you, you’d ask me for a drink, and I would give you living water”, He referred to Himself. 

Do we truly have a revelation of who Jesus is, not out of religion but relationship? The Samaritan woman knew religion; she did not recognize Him at the moment because she lacked a relationship with the God she served.  Do we know the God who wants to give us Himself? In Jn 7:39 we learn that Living Water is the Holy Spirit. What a gift!! Through the Holy Spirit God gives us Himself within our hearts, washing us clean, making us new, empowering us to function in all the gifts, purposes and plans He has ordained for our lives. 

Do you want this precious gift that transforms our lives from inside out? Then believe! You have heard the testimony of many who experienced Him. I bet if you examine your own life you will see the evidence of how He has helped you, rescued you and been there for you. So place your trust in the One who is able to do abundantly more than you can ask or imagine because of His power within us. Ephesians 3:20

Today God’s invitation to us is simple: 

“All you thirsty ones, come to me! Come to me and drink! Believe in me so that rivers of living water will burst out from within you, flowing from your innermost being, just like the Scripture says!” ‘ John 7:37-38

Song of the Week:

Journal Prompt:

In what area of your life are you struggling to believe God can fix?

Ask God to help your unbelief

Pray: 

Holy Spirit I thank You for You. Your presence is the most precious gift to us. Jesus died so that You can live in us as living temples. I am grateful for You. Continue to fill me with more and more of Yourself. Teach me to live a life of surrender to You.

Affirmation: 

I will believe in Living Water. His transformation power in my life will cause an outflow of Living water from heart.

—————

Have a great week!

See you next week for another Mocha Monday – a weekly Monday Devotional by Lady Kavan.

To read more from Lady Kavan, check out her blog 

You can find Lady Kavan on Amazon. Follow this link for an overview of her available books

The Lord is close

Christianity 1 Comment

Monday Devotional – March 21, 2022

God is close

‘The Lord is close to all whose hearts are crushed by pain…”

Psalms 34:18

Read: 

2. 'Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. 8.  “Why are you crying, Hannah?” Elkanah would ask. “Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?” 10.  Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord . 12 - 17 As she was praying to the Lord , Eli watched her. Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking. “Must you come here drunk?” he demanded. “Throw away your wine!” “Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord . Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” “In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.” ' 1 Samuel 1:2,8,10,12-17

Reflect:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” – that scripture has brought me comfort in many difficult moments. But as I reflected this time, I asked the Lord why He chooses to be close to the brokenhearted. Why did You ensure that this specific scripture was written? His response was one word: LOVE. 

Romans 8:38 reminds us that ‘there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. ‘

Yet so often when we are broken, depressed or drowning in sorrow our ability to sense love and the joys thereof diminishes. It is difficult to see anything beyond the pain. That is why He gets close. He chooses nearness so that we can sense His Presence. 

 I recently had to hold one of my sons close as he expressed his brokenness about losing his father. My job, at that moment, was to remind him by my presence that he was not alone. My touch was meant to communicate how deeply loved he is because love communicates safety and provides a space to heal. As I held him, tears streaming down his face and mine, whispering words of comfort I thought about the many times I felt the Holy Spirit do that for me. He cocoons me in a peace beyond human comprehension.

In times of turmoil and immense heartache, when we are broken and unsure if the pieces of our hearts are recoverable, God is close. It is hard to fathom, but it is true.

Today, if that is you, sit still enough to sense His presence, He longs to hold you and remind you that ‘He heals the wounds of every shattered heart.’ Psalms 147:3. Allow Him to heal yours. In the story we read Hannah brought her sorrow straight to the Presence of God. He granted her peace.

Song of the Week:

I found You in the middle of my mess
You had been there all along
Open arms and open heart,
You called me in
You didn’t hesitate at all

Prophesy Your Promise – Bryan and Katie Torwalt

Journal Prompt:

Share with God how you truly feel and then sit still and listen. Write what you hear.

Pray: 

Comforter and Friend, we need You today. Bring comfort to those who mourn. Bring healing to every place in our hearts that is broken and blocked by pain. Help us to remain aware of Your Presence. In Jesus name. AMEN

Affirmation: 

I am loved by God who chooses to be near

—————

Have a great week!

See you next week for another Mocha Monday – a weekly Monday Devotional by Lady Kavan.

To read more from Lady Kavan, check out her blog 

You can find Lady Kavan on Amazon. Follow this link for an overview of her available books

“I am seen” is a devotional about El Roi the God who sees me. A personal name for God who promises hope and a future

I am seen

Christianity Devotional Life

Monday Devotional – March 7, 2022

I AM SEEN

‘Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord , who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” Genesis 16:13

Read: 

'Abram replied, “Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away. The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. The angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai,” she replied. The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.” Then he added, “I will give you more descendants than you can count.” And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.” Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord , who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” ' Genesis 16:6-13

Reflect:

At the burning bush Moses asked God His name: “Who should I say sent me?” In response God declares Himself as “I am”; a name that is both definitive and open ended. God cannot be confined to a box. As we progress through life’s journey our revelation of Him evolves. In different circumstances we are able to append different descriptors of Him. He becomes Ezer (our Help), Jireh (our Provider), or Rapha (our Healer). 

One of my favorite descriptions of God comes from the scripture we read above. Interestingly , this name appears only once in Scripture and I feel like it was added just for me. In Genesis 16, Hagar is placed in an awkward position. She is given to be a child bearer for her mistress and then is despised and mistreated for it. This was not her choice. With no seeming way of escape, Hagar runs away.

In this place of feeling lost, unworthy, betrayed, abused, despised, rejected and unseen, I Am sends help. He calls her by name and promises her a future. Thousands of years later, we know her name. In response Hagar calls God “EL ROI”. The Hebrew translation for The God who sees me. How powerful. 

Imagine, that as a servant girl, crucial  to the functioning of her master’s household she was part of the family but not a “main character”. How interesting that God pauses the story of Abraham and Sarah to validate this supporting character in the story. He makes it a point to affirm her value in the big picture.

Today He wants to do the same for you.

Have you ever felt unseen or unheard? Have you ever felt as though your contribution was not valued, not enough, not deemed worthy or taken for granted? This morning, the Lord wants to remind you that you <insert your name here> are seen. He sees you. All of you and He loves you. He sees the injustices that keep you up at night. He sees the reasons for your pain. Though it is hard to see now, there is a place for you in God’s big picture. Embrace God in your mundane knowing He will weave all things in your “today” for a greater purpose tomorrow. “He works our progress and our failures, our tragedies and our victories into a beautiful rendition of a poem called good.”

Song of the Week:

Journal Prompt:

  1. What will you approach differently in your life, knowing you are seen?
  2. How does knowing you have a part in God’s big picture help you to live fully  today?

Pray: 

El ROI, You are God who sees me, all of me and I am grateful. Lord help me to see myself as you see me, full of purpose. Help me to remember that in you, I have a legacy greater than I can ask think or imagine. Teach me to walk in obedience to You in Jesus name. AMEN

Affirmation:

El Roi sees and knows me. I have a story to tell and a part to play in God’s big story. I am worthy of Life and of Love.

_____

Have a great week!

See you next week for another Mocha Monday – a weekly Monday Devotional by Lady Kavan.

To read more from Lady Kavan, check out her blog 

You can find Lady Kavan on Amazon. Follow this link for an overview of her available books

I am chosen

Christianity

Monday Devotional – February 28, 2022

I AM CHOSEN

‘For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. ‘ Deuteronomy 14:2

Read: 

“So this is my command: Love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you. For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends. “You show that you are my intimate friends when you obey all that I command you. I have never called you ‘servants,’ because a master doesn’t confide in his servants, and servants don’t always understand what the master is doing. But I call you my most intimate and cherished friends, for I reveal to you everything that I’ve heard from my Father. You didn’t choose me, but I’ve chosen and commissioned you to go into the world to bear fruit. And your fruit will last, because whatever you ask of my Father, for my sake, he will give it to you! So this is my parting command: Love one another deeply!” John 15:12-17

Reflect:

Jesus declared in John 15:16 – I chose you… Sit with that thought for a moment. 

I am by no means athletic. I remember as a child wanting to play sports and was typically last picked or added by default because there was no other choice. It was not a good feeling.

Here Jesus speaks to intentionality. With purpose He chose us to bear fruit that will last. We are not added to the vine by default as though there was no other choice.  In fact, if you go back and read John 15 in its entirety its central theme is God’s love nourishing and caring for us so that we can be an extension of that love to others. 

What comes to mind is that each fruit tree is designed to bear it’s own fruit. Mango trees yield mangos and apple trees yield apples. A “You tree” can only bear “you fruit”. Your tree can’t bear my fruit or his fruit or her fruit. Simply said you are chosen by God to bear the fruit he prepared within your soul’s seed. Watered by His love and intimate friendship you will become all you were meant to be. Why? Don’t miss this part, so that we can love one another. We are His ambassadors of love in the earth. This is why we are chosen. Not for selfish ambition, not for self aggrandizement but to show your world the immeasurable love of God. Chosen one, fill up on His love and produce your own species of love fruit that your world can feast on. 

Song of the Week:

This powerful song carried me through 2021 and even now rings loudly in my spirit. Soak it in. As I read John 15, this section of the song was on autoplay in my mind

I’m already loved
I’m already chosen
I know who I am
I know what You’ve spoken
I’m already loved
More than I could imagine
And that is enough

Jireh
Elevation Worship, Maverick City Music

Journal Prompt:

  1. What will you approach differently in your life, knowing you are chosen?
  2. What fruit am I offering my corner of the world?

Pray: 

Loving Father, I am grateful to be chosen by You. Help me to stay connected to your vine. Thank You for reminding me that Your love is a gift that once I feast on it, I can bear the special fruit you designed in me. Amen

Affirmation:

I am chosen by God. I will fill up on His love and bear fruit. My fruit is unique to me and only I can give the world my fruit.

—————————————————

Have a great week!

See you next week for another Mocha Monday – a weekly Monday Devotional by Lady Kavan.

To read more from Lady Kavan, check out her blog 

You can find Lady Kavan on Amazon. Follow this link for an overview of her available books

God in your Mundane

Christianity Life Stuff 1 Comment 
mun·dane /ˌmənˈdān/lacking interest or excitement; dull."seeking a way out of his mundane, humdrum existence"of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one. Oxford Dictionary

Reflection

I have been reflecting on the way I saw Christianity being modeled when I was growing up. Generally, God and spiritual things were relegated to the times you were at church or around “church people”. Time with God was the few minutes you spent praying or worshipping at the start of your day and then again at bed time. The altar where His Spirit was readily available for healing and deliverance was mainly at the front of the church sanctuary.

I had a perspective shift a few years ago, ironically, from a friend who converted to Islam. She was talking to me about how as a Muslim her faith carried through as a way of life. So as a Mulsim she sees God in her everyday life whether it is eating or washing the dishes. I thought well isn’t that the way it should be? When did we, as a faith group in general, start compartmentalizing God? It is as if we found a cute little box, put Him in it, and then placed the box on a shelf for access at our convenience.

Over and over, throughout Scripture we see evidence of a God craving intimacy with His created ones. In the Garden of Eden, God was present as Adam named the animals. He was present for the mundane. As Israel traversed through the wilderness and faced many enemies God declares “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.” When He manifested as Emmanuel (God with us) in the form of Jesus, He ate, drank and did life with His disciples every day. He calls Himself the Good Shepherd. That for me is the most vivid picture of Gods desire to be with us all day, every day. He longs to guide, nourish, protect and sometimes just relax in the cool of the evening.

I remember feeling very frustrated when the boys were babies, and I had to nurse them during the worship session at church. At the time, I felt like I was robbed of time with God. How different would I have felt, if I understood God as present and available in the mundane. Worship in that season was nursing the blessing He gave me. Since life is Gods gift to us then everything we do in life can and should be worship. Brushing teeth or bathing? Well, you are taking care of the temple He gave you. WORSHIP. Eating food? Working to sustain yourself or your family. All are part of worship.

I leave this thought with you:

Whether you eat or drink, live your life in a way that glorifies and honors God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 TPT

Invite God into your mundane. He is interested. Break open the box you’ve placed Him in and allow Him to walk with you through your day. Life is far more interesting.

Write Fully Yours

Lady Kavan

To read more from Lady Kavan, check out her blog 

You can find Lady Kavan on Amazon. Follow this link for an overview of her available books

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I am more than a conqueror

Christianity

Monday Devotional – February 14, 2022

I AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR

‘Yet even in the midst of all these things, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors, and his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything! ‘ Romans 8:37

Read: 

Who could ever divorce us from the endless love of God’s Anointed One? Absolutely no one! For nothing in the universe has the power to diminish his love toward us. Troubles, pressures, and problems are unable to come between us and heaven’s love. What about persecutions, deprivations, dangers, and death threats? No, for they are all impotent to hinder omnipotent love, even though it is written: All day long we face death threats for your sake, God. We are considered to be nothing more than sheep to be slaughtered! Yet even in the midst of all these things, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors, and his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything! So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!' Romans 8:31-39

Reflect: 

Happy Love Day! I know the title of today’s devotional does not conjure feelings you would equate to sunshine, rainbows and hearts. But maybe it should. In this passage, Paul writes a riveting exhortation to the Romans in chapter 8 about living by the power of the Holy Spirit,  our position as children of God and the destiny that awaits us. Finally in the last section his encouragement to all of us in Christ is that nothing in this life has the power to overcome us because of God’s indescribable love for us. 

I love that Paul doesn’t paint a picture of a utopia on this side of eternity. He makes it clear, there may be “persecutions, deprivations, dangers, and death threats”. There may be life’s troubles, fallen angels, present or future circumstances that threaten us. But none of that has the power or authority to shut God’s love out of our lives. This is the kind of love that strengthens our inner being. Love like this empowers us to fight and conquer any threat in our lives. 

Do you have an issue that feels insurmountable today? Have you been up all night trying to figure out your next move? Power is already available. You are more than a conqueror. That statement brings an imagery of a fully equipped and trained soldier, a fearless warrior. Well that is you and that is me. We are loved by the Author of the universe and that makes us more than conquerors. 

I pray today that of all the love relationships you experience, the deepest one and the one that makes you smile today, is the one you have with God. His love in us, that is the the one most worthy of celebration. 

Song of the week

This week I wanted to give us a battle cry, a song that would get us pumped to face the week. So I’m pulling on a bit of my Jamaican roots for  this one.

Journal Prompt:

  1. What circumstance in your life do you crave victory over?
  2. Does knowing that in His love you have the power to be more than a conqueror change your perspective?

Pray: 

Heavenly Love, I am so grateful that your love is embedded in me. It is a privilege to be called yours. Help me to come into the full understanding that no matter what comes against me I will be more than okay. I will more than survive. I will thrive because I am more than a conqueror through your love.

Affirmation:

I am more than a conqueror. There is nothing in this life that has the power to permanently defeat me. The love of God in me makes me victorious. 

__________________

Have a great week!

See you next week for another Mocha Monday – a weekly Monday Devotional by Lady Kavan.

To read more from Lady Kavan, check out her blog 

You can find Lady Kavan on Amazon. Follow this link for an overview of her available books

I am adopted

Christianity

Monday Devotional – February 7, 2022

I AM ADOPTED

‘For it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us as his delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One…’ Ephesians 1:5a

Read

Ephesians 1:3 – 10

'For it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us as his delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One, so that his tremendous love that cascades over us would glorify his grace —for the same love he has for the Beloved, Jesus, he has for us. And this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure! For it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us as his delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One, so that his tremendous love that cascades over us would glorify his grace —for the same love he has for the Beloved, Jesus, he has for us. And this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure! Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm has already been lavished upon us as a love gift from our wonderful heavenly Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus—all because he sees us wrapped into Christ. This is why we celebrate him with all our hearts! And in love he chose us before he laid the foundation of the universe! Because of his great love, he ordained us, so that we would be seen as holy in his eyes with an unstained innocence. Since we are now joined to Christ, we have been given the treasures of redemption by his blood—the total cancellation of our sins—all because of the cascading riches of his grace. This superabundant grace is already powerfully working in us, releasing all forms of wisdom and practical understanding. And through the revelation of the Anointed One, he unveiled his secret desires to us—the hidden mystery of his long-range plan, which he was delighted to implement from the very beginning of time. And because of God’s unfailing purpose, this detailed plan will reign supreme through every period of time until the fulfillment of all the ages finally reaches its climax—when God makes all things new in all of heaven and earth through Jesus Christ.'

Reflect

After reading that beautiful piece of scripture my heart was stunned into reverent silence. I almost want to type.. THE END. 

I will say this though, God has adopted into His family because of love. I cant speak for anyone else but there was a time I felt like God only tolerated me. I believed that He merely took pity on me like someone would pity a stray dirty animal caught in a storm. The situation would only be temporary and it was done because it was the right thing to do. I felt then that I had to be a good little pet to get to stay in the house. Oh how different “it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us” reads. ALWAYS HIS PLAN… what!?

Even better “in love he chose us before he laid the foundation of the universe”. I was loved and chosen BEFORE he laid the foundation of the universe? Yes!!

Listen, you were not accidentally pulled in out of the rain. You don’t need to worry about being sent back to the streets. God saw you and I long before Adam drew his first breath and intentionally planned our adoption into His family. That should give us something to rejoice over. Our adoption grants us all the rights and of a birthed child. We are His. Our names have changed because we are loved by Love Himself. 

Song of the week

Who You say I am by Hillsong

Journal Prompt

  1. What does adoption mean to you?
  2. How does knowing that in His love He made plans to adopt you from before the foundation of the universe was laid?

Pray

Abba, Father, it is a privilege to be called yours. I rejoice in the fact that You planned for my adoption before I was even a thought or a twinkle in my earthly parents eyes. I am blown away by your love. You thought me worthy of adoption even though my actions disqualified me. Hallelujah!

Affirmation

I am adopted by Love Himself. I am a child of God not by accident but His divine plan.

Have a great week!

See you next week for another Mocha Monday – a weekly Monday Devotional by Lady Kavan.

To read more from Lady Kavan, check out her blog 

You can find Lady Kavan on Amazon. Follow this link for an overview of her available books

I am clean

Devotional Life

Monday Devotional – January 31, 2022

I AM CLEAN.

‘The words I have spoken over you have already cleansed you. ‘ John 15:3

Read:

John 13:1,3-11

'Jesus knew that the night before Passover would be his last night on earth before leaving this world to return to the Father’s side. All throughout his time with his disciples, Jesus had demonstrated a deep and tender love for them. And now he longed to show them the full measure of his love. Now Jesus was fully aware that the Father had placed all things under his control, for he had come from God and was about to go back to be with him. So he got up from the meal and took off his outer robe, and took a towel and wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ dirty feet and dry them with his towel. But when Jesus got to Simon Peter, he objected and said, “I can’t let you wash my dirty feet—you’re my Lord!” Jesus replied, “You don’t understand yet the meaning of what I’m doing, but soon it will be clear to you.” Peter looked at Jesus and said, “You’ll never wash my dirty feet—never!” “But Peter, if you don’t allow me to wash your feet,” Jesus responded, “then you will not be able to share life with me.” So Peter said, “Lord, in that case, don’t just wash my feet, wash my hands and my head too!” Jesus said to him, “You are already clean. You’ve been washed completely and you just need your feet to be cleansed—but that can’t be said of all of you.” For Jesus knew which one was about to betray him, and that’s why he told them that not all of them were clean.'

Reflect:

What does it mean to be clean really? Last week we boldly declared God’s word saying “I am forgiven”. How are the two concepts different? In 1 John 1: 9 God promised both forgiveness and cleansing.

Imagine that you spilled coffee all over your friend’s crisp white shirt on a Monday morning right before the major meeting with the executives. You say you are sorry, your friend forgives you but the evidence of the spill is still splattered across what was once a clean shirt.

Forgiveness is the pardon, cleansing is the removal of the stain associated with your shortcomings. God is in the business of not only pardoning our sins but also of wiping our records clean. He remembers our sin no more. ‘“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. ‘ Isaiah 43:25.

I believe we sometimes forget that we are not only forgiven but we are cleansed from the things that once polluted our souls. We aren’t dirty anymore. Jesus says my words spoken over you have already cleansed you.

When God sees you he no longer sees or remembers the version of you too filthy for His presence. He sees the Advocate Jesus who died so our filthy rag rendition of righteousness can be exchanged for His cleansed robe.

Today God is giving us an invitation:  ‘Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. ‘ Isaiah 1:18

Song of the Week:

Natalie Grant is one of my favorite Christian Singers. I believe her voice has some direct connection to God. Listen and meditate while you listen to this song: “Clean”

Journal Prompt:

  1. In what area of my life do I feel dirty, stained and or unworthy?
  2. How has God’s word spoken over me provided a way out or a cleansing?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, I thank You that You not only forgive but You wipe our records clean. Thank You Lord for reviving and refreshing my spirit in Jesus name. Amen

Affirmation:

I am clean. My soul no longer bears the stain of my past sin. I am washed and made whole!

Have a great week!

See you next week for another Mocha Monday – a weekly Monday Devotional by Lady Kavan.

To read more from Lady Kavan, check out her blog 

You can find Lady Kavan on Amazon. Follow this link for an overview of her available books

Unexpected Grief Waves

Grief Life
dark water

Recently, I’ve been having a series of small unexpected waves of grief. The waves show up at the oddest time.

I’m sitting on the couch watching episode 4 of the final season of “This is Us” and I’m crying my eyes out. I know, I know. That series in and of itself is a recipe for tears and emotional trauma. But honestly, it pulls me in when I know I need a good cry. 

A couple Sundays ago the worship team sang “Great are you Lord” and I fought hard to swallow the large dry lump that had formed in my throat. The tears didn’t start in response to worship but rather the memory the song sparked. You see, it was his favorite song. Hearing it brought me back to standing in a pew of purple chairs, seeing his hands stick out of the sound room while he belted out the song from the depth of his soul. I brought my attention back to worship and the wave subsided. 

The waves have kept coming – many little ones – unexpected like the tremors before the major earthquake. They show up with Matthew’s quizzical expressions, Isaiah’s 100 questions or inquiries about how the boys are doing. These invariably lead to thoughts of “I wish he could have seen the boys now”.

The irony is, I am at a place of genuine happiness and peace in my life. So it may seem quite strange, in the midst of this satiated state, that grief comes gently knocking. I am sharing this to remind you; it is not strange. Unexpected waves of grief are normal.

I love this quote pic I found on twitter:

I believe, like Scribbles & crumbs, that because love “never ends” (1 Cor 13: 8) we will live with the impression of those who have gone before us. Always. Love may change how it expresses itself, but real love doesn’t just go “poof”.

Allow your heart to feel and then release pangs of “I miss you”. There is no shame in it. Embrace and release. It doesn’t matter if it has been 10 yrs, 10 weeks or 10 days. Embrace and release. Understand dear that grief is a natural response to change or loss of any kind.

Losing a loved one is the most permanent loss or change. No matter how long it has been, that change will be inscribed in your heart forever. Learn to expect unexpected grief. Does that make sense? I hope it does.

There is a “but” though. Grief is not an excuse to stay stuck. Cry when you need to, but get up. 

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Nelson Mandela.

I leave this word with you: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 . Lean in to the one who is close and willing to save.

Here is a bonus…

Seven Scriptures that Help to Comfort Me in Grief

7 Scripture references to help handle grief
7 Grief Scriptures

These are my personal favorites:

  1. Psalms 73:26 – My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
  2. Matthew 11:28 – Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
  3. Psalm 34:18 – The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
  4. Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
  5. John 14:16-18 – …the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will be to you a friend just like me—and he will never leave you. … “I promise that I will never leave you helpless or abandon you as orphans—I will come back to you! ‘
  6. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2,4 – ‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; ‘
  7. John 16:33 – ‘I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.’

Write Fully Yours,

Lady Kavan

To read more from Lady Kavan, check out her blog 

You can find Lady Kavan on Amazon. Follow this link for an overview of her available books

I am forgiven

Christianity Devotional Life

Monday Devotional – January 24, 2022

I AM FORGIVEN

‘I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. ‘ 1 John 2:12

Read:

John 8:1-11

'Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” ---------- '

Reflect: 

Guilt is a heavy emotion. I think of it as a pandora box stuffed with other not so lovely ones like fear, anxiety, condemnation, self loathing and depression. There were days when guilt weighed so heavily on me that I was sure at any moment some freak accident would take me out. The truth is, I knew for certain I was guilty of a lifestyle that dishonored God. 

There were times though I felt nothing. It was as if I was unaware of my sin, at least until I got into God’s presence. Like Isaiah I had to declare “woe is me for I am undone. I am a man of impure lips.” I used my own words though. 

Contrast these to the feeling of absolute freedom when God lifts the weight of sin from our hearts. The relief makes you feel like a whole new person. To the sinner (in other words ALL of us) God says… neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more. 

So my friends, let us confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. The best part is He wants to forgive. The only prerequisites are confession and asking for it.

Song of the Week:

This is a powerful oldie but goodie. The lyrics are are powerful scriptural imagery of how God deals with our sin. The song is: East from the West by Casting Crown

Journal Prompt:

  • Is there any area in my life where I am holding on to shame inducing guilt?
  • Why is it so hard to release the guilt and accept God’s forgiveness?

Pray:

Jesus I do not deserve your forgiveness, yet You offer it. I am extremely grateful! Forgive me for every sin and cleanse me deep within of everything that offends You. I thank You, that once I confess my sins You are faithful and just to forgive and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I accept your forgiveness in Jesus name AMEN.

Affirmation:

I am forgiven. No accuser within or without has the power to condemn me because Jesus has already removed my sins. As far as the east is from the west so far has He cast away them. I AM FORGIVEN

Have a great week!

See you next week for another Mocha Monday – a weekly Monday Devotional by Lady Kavan.

To read more from Lady Kavan, check out her blog 

You can find Lady Kavan on Amazon. Follow this link for an overview of her available books