Category: God’s Heart

This Too Shall Pass

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This Too Shall Pass

Erin Lamb, all rights reserved.

Have you ever been through a rough storm? In the natural you wonder when the lightening will cease, when the winds will stop blowing, and when the thunder will end? In our lives we wonder, when will the person we are praying for encounter Jesus, when will each day not seem like it saps energy and joy, when will the storms pass over? Maybe you have been in your storm for a week, maybe a month, maybe a year, maybe years, maybe a decade or decades. The word God spoke to my heart today was, “This too shall pass.” No matter the storm, it will one day end.

I am encouraged by people who lived through wars and the Great Depression. They truly understood the storms of life. Or those who lived through segregation, not being able to vote, and were treated like animals instead of human beings. I admire those who did not lose faith during the Holocaust, those that survived and still believed in a loving God.  I look back to those who suffered and say, “This too shall pass.” My heart is encouraged that no matter what it looks like today, tomorrow is a new day.

Are you facing sickness, this too shall pass…

Are you facing depression, despair, or discouragement, this too shall pass…

Are you facing relational problems or even loneliness, this too shall pass…

Are you facing what seems like a steep mountain to climb, this too shall pass…

Are you wondering how you will make ends meet, this too shall pass…

The words I wrote to you, are the words God speaks to me. God will not leave you where you are. God will always make a way. I can’t always see it when the winds are crashing against the shore, but I hear my Savior crying out, “I still walk on the water. I command the winds and waves to obey. This too shall pass.”

In the storms of life, cry out to Jesus. He loves you more than you can imagine. He is the peace in the storms. He heals, He restores, He gives joy, and He is a comforter.

My dear friends, the sun will come out again. The Son is shining on you right now! He never stops shining. May the peace of God rule in your hearts. More than being able, God is willing to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ask or imagine. He’s the God who loves us.

Encountering the Master Gardener

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What I’ve Learned about God Through Gardening

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clipart

Erin Lamb, all rights reserved.

God is in all things, all we have to do is look closely. I have found some applicable life lessons in my time spent tending to a garden or plants. So, come with me on the journey to encountering God in the garden.

We reap what we sow-meaning what we plant is what comes to the surface. A gardener would be horrified if they found what they planted in the ground is not what they have at harvest time. They planted tomatoes, but somehow grew corn.

Often in life I think we are shocked to see negative things breaking through the surface of our lives. We scratch our heads and say,”Where did this come from?” We neglect to ask ourselves what seeds are planted in our minds and hearts. Out of the mouth the heart speaks (Matthew 12:34b). If the seeds planted in our hearts are seeds of un-forgiveness, unbelief, hatred, selfishness, jealousy, envy, strife, or lust-that is what will break forth.  Where do the seeds originate from? Seeds are planted in our minds and make their way to our hearts; that is where each seed, either good or bad is planted. What we allow to sink in and take root is what will blossom in our lives. It’s to our benefit to take every thought captive and make it obedient to God’s word (2 Cor. 10:5).

We reap more than we sow. Seeds yield more than the small seed planted. If we invest in what is good, there are great things that will spring forth, more than what was sown.

Plants need light, water, and pruning. So do we. God is light. Everything good, He encompasses. He is the source of life.  Plants left inside turn themselves to grow towards the light. The plants need the light to grow and thrive. Without the light, the plants will wither and die. We need God to grow and thrive. Some plants (like ivy) will climb over any obstacle to get its light source. How would our lives be different if nothing stopped us from seeking the light?

Another important part of plant development involves watering. I left a plant with a friend while in Australia and we she returned it, the leaves were withered and limp. It was still alive, but looked a bit sick. Once the plant was watered it perked up. I liken my sick plant to the spiritual condition of the human soul. If the love of God is not being poured in, if truth is not saturating the soul, it begins to dry up. Water is crucial to life. We can’t wait for church services to meet with God or have our hearts filled by Him. It is a daily drawing near to Him. He is standing there with His water pitcher saying “Here is more love, more truth, more hope, more revelation, and more encouragement. Now grow, thrive!”

The last point is the beauty of pruning, weeding, and attentive care. If you have a garden you are aware that weeds will try to crowd out your beloved plants. They will attempt to rob the soil of nutrients and have the potential to kill your crop or flowers. Our weeds may be described as discouragement, deception, unbelief, or fear. Those things must be quickly uprooted before they crowd out faith, hope, and love. Gardeners care for what they have planted. They have invested in what they have sown.

God is the master gardener, and He is invested in you. He loves you. God wants you to grow and thrive, and not just for His own personal satisfaction.  He also wants to bless everyone around you. My greatest satisfaction as a gardener is being able to give away the fruit of my labor. God loves you infinitely more than I love my plants. He has so much invested in you. Praying you not only grow, but thrive.

You’re My Favorite

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What I’ve learned about God through painting

By Erin Lamb, all rights reserved.

I am by no means a professional artist. However, I love to paint. I have loved painting since I was a child. Every painting is a treasure because it was birthed from my imagination. I think of the vast imagination of God. He is the most ingenious being in the Universe. If you look around, you will see His greatness painted on this canvas called earth. Every person was birthed in His mind before the foundations of the earth. He pulled out His living paint brush and began to create. Every pink sunrise and vivid sunset is a reminder of His creative genius. He took great care in creating the most sophisticated things in the world. Everything was made by Him and for Him.

So what about you? You are one of His favorites. You might say that is a little bold and God doesn’t have favorites. Well, you are His favorite you. He only made one of you and therefore you are His favorite you.

I have been obsessed with painting trees or butterflies the past few months. Every painting has trees or butterflies, but no painting looks exactly the same. Even though they are all paintings that contain trees or butterflies, each one is my favorite. Each one has tremendous value. Others may look at the rows of paintings and say, “I like the lean trees, they are prettier.” Or someone else might say “I like the richness of the larger trees and the beauty in the diversity of the bark.” Or they may say, “I love the colors of this butterfly.” The truth is I am the artist. All the paintings have the same value to me. I hate to part with any of them. I hate to choose which one I like the best. They are each the best to me. They are mine. I created them. They are all fine-looking to me. If someone asked me which painting was my favorite I would say, “They are all my favorites. I love them all.”

God is the finest artist. He looks over the earth and smiles on what He has made. Since every living creature originated from His mind first, each creature has immense value. He says to you, “I love you. I knew you before you were a thought in your parent’s minds. You were made by Me and for Me. You have tremendous value. No one can take your place. I breathed life into My imagination to make you. The way you look, the way you sound, and your capabilities were designed by Me.”

There is freedom when we recognize that we all have immeasurable value. We are not a mistake. The great artist says “You’re My favorite you.” It doesn’t matter what anyone else says, or even what you think of yourself. You are valuable. You are a gift. You are priceless. Listen to the words of the One who loves you more than anyone ever could. He loves you. God loves you, and to Him you were an excellent idea.

I AM (poem)

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Photo Credit: Microsoft Clipart

(Love letter from God)

written by Erin Lamb, all rights reserved.

I am the first and I am the last. My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they all stand up together, Isaiah 48:12b-13

I AM

the One who’s been in your yesterday and collected every single tear;

carrying you when you could not take a single step or even muster the strength to stand.

I’ve sailed on the sea of your tears and bottled each one.

I AM

the One who saw your depravity and decided I would exchange My life for yours.

I surrendered My rights, for you to have freedom, so your heart and Mine could collide.

I AM

the only One who knows you fully,

seeing you exactly as you are and how I intended you to be.

I look at you through the eyes of love; what matters to you, matters to Me.

I AM

the One who loved you first.

You will never outgrow your welcome, here in My embrace.

I AM

the One who plants flowers on your path, lights your day with sunlight,

and breathed life into your lungs.

I AM

here when you are happy, and I remain when you have lost peace.

I AM

the One who will never leave you nor forsake you.

My covenant I must keep, not out of a burden or pure obligation,

but out of love for you, the object of My affection.

I AM

rest for the torn, worn, abused, and fatigued;

the One who stands as your defense.

I will not leave you alone or defeated.

I AM

the One who has waited for you to see that only I can make you truly happy and complete.

My heart is longing to fill your sense of belonging,

as you have cried out on bended knee.

I AM

the Redeemer,

who takes all that has been lost and shattered, bringing restoration, hope,

renewing your sense of wonder.

I AM

the miracle worker.

Marvel at the works of My hands.

What is impossible with men, I can do with one word spoken from My lips.

I AM

the One who stands alone with the perfect key to your heart;

the only One who can make you whole.

You may look for another savior, but no other one you’ll find.

I AM

the Alpha and Omega;

the One who created and holds all time.

I AM

the bookends that hold your life together,

and with one whisper I can call you home.

There is no one who can stand above Me, I’m sovereign over all.

I AM

the One who created all life,

and I applaud My great work called you.

I made you for Myself, for My likeness to shine through you.

If only you could see what I see, who I made you to be.

If only you knew, in the depths of your heart, how much you mean to Me.

I AM

the One who loves you unconditionally.

My love is unlike what you’ve known.

It is not based on what you do or what you have to offer.

I love you with a love that is unbreakable, unmovable, and I will not fail you.

You may not understand My ways, but when you bask in My love

you’ll understand that I only want what’s best for you.

I AM

the One who comforts you.

In this life there will be pain, there will be loss, and sometimes your heart will ache.

I AM

the One who went ahead of you to prepare a place with no sorrow, and no pain.

A place where you and I could forever remain.

In Me there will be no more death, for I defeated it once and for all.

Take hold of My love, right here, and right now.

My love is a love that will not and cannot disappoint.

I AM

the ultimate Creator; you were made for My Glory.

All creation points to Me, and how marvelous are all My deeds.

So, My child, come.

Come to the One

who knows everything there is to know about love.

I AM

the One who can love you better than you can love yourself,

better than anyone else can.

I can see what you cannot see,

and I can make your dreams a reality.

I AM

the One to meet your deepest needs.

What your heart needs is more of Me; more of My love, more of My grace,

and more time where we meet face to face.

All other loves are simply substitutes that can not love you the way that I do.

I know you.

I see you.

Even with all that I see; I chose you, I choose you, and I want your heart to abide in Me.

There is a God sized void in all of us whether we recognize it or not. Something inside us that wants to be loved just the way we are. We long for a love that will not fail us or disappoint us. We long for security, comfort, hope, healing, justice, and unconditional love in a world that can be dark, bleak, and full of shadows. There is only One I know who does it perfectly; His name is Jesus. God knew we needed a Savior. Jesus is the only One who can save us. He is the only One who can complete us and make us whole. He sees us exactly the way we are and as the person we were created to be. We won’t find a better love. He is the only One who can do the impossible. My prayer is that God takes us so deep into the depths of His love, we are never the same.

You Were Made for Love

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Below are encouraging words God deposited into my heart. They settled in my soul, watered my heart, & delighted my spirit. I hope they do the same for you. You are deeply loved.

“You were made for love!

You are My great idea, a grand idea. I smiled from ear to ear when I thought of you. I gathered the angels for them to see, what beauty the world would behold. My heart danced. There was a sparkle in My eye. I thought to Myself, ‘What a genius I am; I will create mankind.’

I made you for Me, and I made you for love. A love that is richer, deeper, purer, and more fulfilling than any love you will ever experience in this world. I made you with a deep longing for intimacy that could only be fulfilled in Me. You won’t find a greater love anywhere. You may try to fill the void in your heart with other things, or even with people, but you will not be complete until you rest in My love. The most precious of all loves.

Your identity is rooted in Me. You won’t know fully who you are until you look into Me. Look into the depths of My heart and there you will find the key. There you will find the answer to your life’s destiny. No one can tell you who you are except for Me. I made you. I made you for Me. I made you to fit into a mold that was custom made for you. You cannot fit into anyone else’s place, nor can they take your place. You are unique, set apart, different, made from heavenly stock. You were not meant to be like anyone else. You were meant to be who I set you apart to be. Someone bold. Someone courageous. Someone who bears the image of their Father. You are an extension of Me. You are My workmanship created for My glory. When they see you, they will inquire of Me. I have placed My seal on you. I have placed My name on you. You are the child of the King. I made you to be loved, honored, cherished, and treated as the object of My love. I made you for love, to be deeply loved. So let My love come and settle in the cracks, sealing your foundation so it is unbreakable. Let My love restore all the devastation and stains left from years of disappointments. Let My love heal any place where fear has come to steal promise and destiny.

I am the One who loves you. I am the One who is for you. I am the One who heals you. I am the One who adores you. I am the One championing your dreams. I am your biggest cheerleader. I am your most loyal friend. No one can take your place in My heart. As the sun rises, so My heart rises to rejoice over you with love. I eagerly await any second I get for you to look My way, for you were made for Me. You were made for love. So, dance under the waterfall of My love. Frolic in the river of My grace. Bask in the radiance of My glory, and let Me put a smile on your face. I love you today, and I will love you always. My love is not based on what you do, what you have done, or what you will do. My love is based on who I am, and I can’t help but love you. Look not to your lack or inadequacies, they are covered by My sufficiency. I define you by who I made you to be. My opinion is not swayed by your behavior, by your weakness, nor by other’s opinions. I thought of you and said, ‘What I made is good.’

So, My child, live loved. Live cherished. I am always here with arms wide open. Nothing can separate you from My love.”

My dear sweet friends, you are deeply loved. May God saturate your hearts to overflowing with His unfailing love. A love that is rich and vast beyond measure. May He wreck the walls that separate you from receiving even more.

There is no end to His love. It’s wider, deeper, purer than any love in this world. God bless you and keep you. May His righteous face shine brightly on you. May He bless you with love, joy, peace, hope, and deeper intimacy with Him. He is the greatest lover of your soul. Have a wonderful week.

I Am (Listening to God’s Heart)

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I Am (Listening to God’s Heart)
By Erin Lamb
May 9th, 2012

My dear friends, you are so precious to God. Giving thanks for you today. In being still before Him these words were deposited into my heart. I hope they bless you. You are deeply loved.

From Abba’s heart:

“I am the One who delights in your laughter and bottles all your tears. I am the One who knows all there is to know about you, and I love you still. I am the One who stands watch, neither slumbering nor sleeping. I never take My eyes off you. I am the Friend who longs to be known intimately by you. I want to be your best friend. I want to be the One you run to, the One you can’t wait to be with, and the One who you love the most. I am the One who can’t go one second without thinking about you. If you could only see the smile on My face, when you gaze My way. I can not help but love you, for you were My idea. I celebrated in My heart when I spoke you into existence. My heart danced. My eyes welled with pride, for you were and are My grand design. How I love you! How I cherish you! How I long for you to seek Me as the source of all your needs. What you feel, I feel. I am so in tune with you that I know you better than you know yourself. There is nothing that touches your heart that does not touch Mine.

I am the One who understands you. I am the One who hangs on every word you say or pray. I don’t forget a word, for they are stored in My heart. I listen. I hear. I see. I am the One eager to bless you and give you treasures beyond your wildest dreams. Simply put your trust in Me. Believe that from you, I will withhold no good thing.

I am the One who loves you. I am the One who has always loved you. I am the One who will always love you. Even if you turn and walk away, you will find My love remains faithful, steadfast, and unshakable. I am so committed to love you! I love you with an everlasting love. I am not watching life happen to you from a distance. I am right here holding your hand and giving you strength to carry on. On days you feel your heart might break, I am holding the fragments together. I won’t allow you to be destroyed. And I promise I am the One who will give you beauty for ashes, joy for sorrow, and double for your trouble. I am faithful! I keep My promises. I can swear by My name, for I am perfect in keeping My word. So my dear child, rest in Me. Quiet your soul before Me, and know that even if the entire world is shaken, My love for you will remain. You can rest in My embrace, and I am the One who will empower you to carry on.”

How I Love You (God’s Perfect Love)

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How I Love You (God’s Perfect Love)

Describe your best loving relationship? How did you know the person loved you? What did they do to show you their love?
Do you think God responds to you in a similar way?

What if God knows the way you receive love and responds to you in a way that is tailored to you? What if His love is bigger, greater, more passionate, and deeper than any earthly love you have felt? It is! His love is perfect.

I pray as Paul prayed.

I pray that we, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that we may be filled to the measure of all measure of fullness of God.~ Eph 3:17-19.

God loves us perfectly but often we miss His love for the following reasons:

1. We don’t believe God loves us deeply and personally. So, we fail to recognize His love when it’s always there. If we don’t believe, we fail to receive. Have you ever gone out of your way to show someone you loved them, yet they failed to believe you? It’s the same with God. It starts with faith (believing God).

2. We don’t spend time with Him. It’s challenging to receive love from someone we don’t know. It’s strange and uncomfortable. However, the more familiar we are with someone, the easier it is to feel the heart to heart connection. Knowing leads to greater intimacy.

3. We think God is like the people we encounter. He can’t be compared to a person. He’s kinder, more generous, and more loving.

4. We blame Him for the bad things that happen and fail to thank Him for the good.

5. When He uses people to bless us, we end up thanking them and forget Him. He uses people to encourage us, care for us, show us kindness, etc…Too often we thank them instead of seeing God was the one who gave them the idea. It’s good to thank people, but ultimately God is the one longing to bless us.

I can say that God has gone out of His way to shower me with love. Sometimes I thanked people and saw only them. Other times I simply did not fully believe He was a personal God who wanted to have deep relationship with me. What I found was the more time I spent with Him, the more time I spent praying for a deeper revelation of His love, the more I saw His love. Here are some examples, just a few:

During times of discouragement or grief God would bring scriptures to mind. He sometimes sent people who were caring and kind, who wiped tears, and were a support. Often when the season was over the people were gone, but He never left.

During times of little resources God would send people to take me to dinner or make meals. He has always provided.

He spoke and speaks encouraging words into my heart. He calls out the good! He’s my greatest cheerleader.

He placed so many beautiful things in nature I can’t photograph them all. Nice!

I love art, and He has allowed there to be numerous talented artists in the world. I am able to see their work and marvel at their creativity.

Sometimes He allows my favorite songs to be played on the radio right as I’m thinking of them.

He inspired people to write worship songs that connect my heart to His.

He sent people to teach and show me His love (my parents).

He forgives over and over and over again. That’s love!

He convicts and corrects me when I’m wrong.

When I have been faithless, He’s still been faithful.

He speaks through His Word which has been a source of tremendous encouragement and blue print for life.

Last but not least, He sent His Son to take away all my sins! I put this one last because He did this for everyone. However, we fail to see that if we were the only lost person on earth, He still would have sent Jesus. His love is personal, not a blanket love. I told God once when I was young, “You love me because you have to.” His response, “I love you because I want to.” See verse below.

“Long before He laid down the Earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love….(What pleasure He took in planning this!) Eph 1-4-5 the Message.

So my beautiful friends I hope and pray that His perfect love is revealed more and more to us. The way I sense His love may be radically different than how you sense His love. All that matters is that you know that there’s nothing He’d love more than to have a close, personal relationship with you. You were worth dying for! And you are worth pursuing. You are deeply loved. You’re in my heart and in my prayers.

I Came For You

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I Came For You

In reflection on the cross here are some words God pressed into my heart. Hope they bless yours.

“I came for you. Before the heavens were formed and the earth below I was thinking about you. I was thinking about how I would make you. You were on My mind. I held the pieces of your DNA in My imagination and I smiled. I smiled because I was about to speak life into someone who I loved. I loved you before anyone else would know you. I strategically picked your parents to create what would be My masterpiece. I came for you. I knew that I wanted you. I have always wanted you and to be known by you. I wait eagerly for you to awaken so I can spend the day with you. You are always in My thoughts, as a matter of fact, I never take My eyes off you. I LOVE you. I know everything there is to know about you, and I still smile over you. I did not come just to die so that you would have eternal life, but so that you would be able to enjoy the life I paid to give you. A life free of worry. A life free of oppression. A life free of loneliness, for I am with you always. I came to set you free; free from feeling anything other than cherished, loved, accepted, adored, cared for, and significant.

I came for you. I would do it all again, just so I could have the chance to be with you. I love you that much. I will always love you that much. I love you so much that I was willing and am willing to lay all that I am down for you. I was willing and I am willing to place myself in harm’s way so you can freely receive My forgiveness, love, freedom, mercy, and grace. That is why I came. So on this day may you bask in the love I have for you. Nothing can separate you from My love, not today or any day. I love YOU! Take the love you feel I have for you and multiply it by infinity, because it’s greater, it’s grander, and it is more powerful than any love you have ever felt. And don’t forget, I rose. I rose with all power in My hands and through Me you have been given access to do even greater things than I did. My Spirit empowers you to do amazing things. Death has been defeated! All that you need has been given. So hold your head up high, the King has paid your ransom and empowered you to do great and mighty things!

I believe in you. I believe in what I made. I take delight in you! So rise up My child and know that I came to give you the very best of Me. I love you now and always.”

You are deeply loved.

Love,

Erin

You’re a Child of the King

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So, I have been missing in action for the past few weeks. I have not forgotten you. There have been a few things that have temporarily grabbed my focus.

Enough about me, how are you? How has life been treating you? I hope exceptionally well.

I like to turn my ear to God and wait for what stirs in my heart. He speaks in a still, peaceful voice. Today He deposited the encouragement below. It was originally for my female friends, but I made it gender neutral, men need encouragement too. I hope it inspires you, encourages you, and puts a smile on your face. Keep your head up high, you’re a much loved child of the King.

Child of the King

Inspired by Jesus

You are My child. My priceless treasure. You are the one that I came and died for. Yes, for 33 years I walked the earth, thinking of you, knowing that the day was coming that I would give My very life to save you. You were and are always on My mind. Everything about you makes me smile. I was so happy, delighted, and excited to make you. I would do it all again. I would suffer again, to have a deep, intimate relationship with you. How I long for you to know that I am crazy about you. I can’t take My eyes off of you. I have so many wonders to share with you. I have so many mysteries to reveal to you. How I long to draw you into My Quarters, for time alone to speak My heart, to your heart.

I placed the stars in your eyes. How they sparkle and shine. I placed My words in your heart, so seeds could grow and would grow tall! There is no mountain I will not move for you. There is nothing that touches your heart, that does not touch Mine. How I long for the day when you look into the eyes of Love, My eyes, and see all the beauty I have placed inside of you. You are a gift.

You are the love of My heart.

I never want anyone or anything to take My place. I love you that much. I have so many amazing plans for your life. If you could see Me, you’d see me sitting on the edge of My throne, loaded with promises, loaded with gifts, loaded with great things made just for you. I never want you to look at someone else’s gifts and want what they have. I want you to turn your face towards Me and trust that I have the best plan. I LOVE you! I am CRAZY with love for you.

You don’t have to be perfect; I am perfect for you.

You don’t have to carry guilt or shame; I paid the penalty for all your sins. So forgive others, ask for forgiveness, and receive all that I paid to give.

You don’t have to fit into anyone’s mold; I made one mold for you!

You don’t have to try hard; just fall back on My love.

You don’t have to worry; I am sending you help from above.

You don’t have to fear; I am Your Protector, Provider, and an ever present help in trouble.

You don’t have to strive; I designed you to thrive.

You don’t have to pick yourself apart to be humble; I am your identity, it is rooted in relationship with Me.

You don’t have to search for love; I am all the LOVE that you will need. Anything else I give you is simply icing on the cake!

You don’t have to meet your own needs; I have the capability and desire to meet all your needs according to My riches in Glory. Just ask and wait for Me.

You don’t have to defend yourself; I am your defense.

You don’t have to figure it out; I have all the answers.

You don’t have to be alone; I am with you always.

You don’t have to fight through life; I send you help from heaven’s throne. The battle has already been won and anything else you face I have made provisions for.

You don’t have to be insecure; I have made you beautiful/handsome, set apart, chosen, lovely, the King’s child, a royal heir, and your future is secure in Me.

You don’t have to be without a friend; I am the friend who sticks closer than a brother!

You don’t have to feel left out or forgotten; I can never forget you, your dreams, or even the unspoken desires of Your heart. Just trust Me. Trust My timing. Know that your dreams and desires are written on My heart.

You don’t have to feel rejected or fear rejection; I have adopted you into My family. No one can separate you from My love. You and I were meant to be.

You are the King’s child. You are loved so deeply and profoundly. No one can take your place in My heart. I am here. I will always be here. Cheering for you. Wanting the best for you. Loving you. Singing your praises in the heavens. Praying for you. Watching over you. Listening to you. Wanting more of you. Desiring all of your heart. Eagerly awaiting time alone with you. I have so much to show you, teach you, and share with you. Most of all may you never forget, “I will always love you.”