Put Your Umbrella Down

“You were created to be blessed.”

By Erin Lamb

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-10)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will— to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

You and I were created by God to be blessed. In Christ we are blessed and highly favored. Do you believe that? Deep in your heart do you believe that you have access to everything that Jesus paid to give you?

What we believe we empower. If we do not believe we are blessed, loved, cherished, set apart, favored, accepted, forgiven, and the apple of God’s eye, then we are essentially standing under the downpour of God’s love with an umbrella. Yes! We stand under a waterfall of God’s goodness, love, mercy and grace with an umbrella of unbelief blocking us from receiving. We see others dancing in the waterfall of His goodness and we are often upset. Where is my blessing? Why do they have joy or (fill in the blank)? Often it’s because they threw their umbrella down.

I have noticed that joyful people don’t have less problems. They simply trust God to work out their problems. They do their part and know God will do His part.

I have noticed that people who believe they are blessed, are blessed. People who believe that the world is out to get them and God doesn’t care, seem to have circumstances that validate their beliefs. What we believe is powerful. How we view God and ourselves will determine our actions. Our belief doesn’t stop God from being God. His love is still raining down, day after day, hour after hour. We, however, miss the opportunity to bask in it if we refuse to believe it’s for us.

We are His children. We are His beloved children. He has amazing plans for our lives. He doesn’t want to give us junk. He wants us filled to overflow so we ooze out the blessings of God. What a great representation of His Glory. When people can look at God’s kids and say, “They are blessed (filled with joy, love, peace, abundance, and hope) in the midst of a crumbling society, God must be better than we think.” I am not talking about monetary blessing or a prosperity message. Certainly, God wants to bless us with finances, but that is not the only indication of being blessed. We are truly blessed when we know who we are in Him, accept His love and purpose for our lives, and when we overflow with the fruits of His spirit! Then not only are we blessed, but anyone who comes into contact with us is blessed. Where His Spirit is, there is life and life more abundantly.

So here’s my prayer for us.

“Father I pray that every day we wake up looking into Your eyes as our mirror. May our view of You be transformed into the true likeness of who You are. Abba remove any obstacles to believing that You are good, we are loved, and You have great plans for our lives. Fill us to overflow. More love, more faith, and more hope in You. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.”

 

A Million Souls

A Million Souls
By Erin Lamb

“…with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible fulfillment,” Luke 1:37.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation,'” Mark 16:15.

God is amazing! He more than amazing, but I cannot think of a word sufficient enough to capture His goodness. Not only is God good, He does things that are so incredible! God does things that shock our minds and rattle our logic. For example, the fact that God would send His Spirit to breathe life into Mary to birth the Messiah; isn’t that radical? It is the only true virgin birth in history. To have that same man Jesus die on a cross taking on all of humanity’s sins only to rise again. It’s radical. Some would say impossible! However, with God nothing is ever impossible. He lives in the realm of, “If I think it, it can happen.” How incredible it is to love someone so good and so powerful.

So, in pondering His goodness, I thought what could I ask Him for that’s also beneficial for the Kingdom! Well, I asked for a million souls. For a million people to come to know Jesus through my life, testimony, and legacy. It’s an ambitious prayer request. I’m a regular person serving an extraordinary God.

My heart’s desire is to help enlarge heaven. I want it to be the biggest party ever! I want His name to be even more famous in the earth because He is so good. Will you help me?

How you can help:

1. Pray for more laborers, people to share the gospel. The harvest is plentiful, we need more laborers.

2. Pray for the lost. Take time daily or weekly to pray for those who don’t know how good God is. Ask God to open their eyes and heart. Pray and keep praying.

3. Share God’s love with others! You don’t have to be smooth or have all the answers. Share your story, what God has done for you!

4. Ask God to open doors for you to talk to people about how good God is, then walk through those doors.

It’s that simple friends! Thank you for your prayers, love, and support! Together we can change the world. We can transform our sphere of influence!

P.S God=Love! Spread the word. 🙂

I Came For You

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

Perfect Love

Perfect Love
By Erin Lamb

God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. God is good to all. He has compassion on all that He has made. ~paraphrase of Psalm 145:8-10.

God is good, and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. ~Psalm 100:5

Have you ever felt unloved? Have you ever felt as though God was trying to punish you through bad things happening?

Well, I recall having conversations with God where I asked why I didn’t feel His love. I recall going to Him in times of tragedy looking for what I needed to learn from it instead of crawling up into His love as a safe place.

Over the years I’ve found that His love is perfect. The times when I did not feel His love were the times where I expected it to flow perfectly from those who claimed to be His children, times when I was lead by emotions, and times of intense trials and tribulations.

The truth is that God is love. Faith says, “Even when I don’t feel loved, I believe that God is love.” Faith says, “Though I do not always understand His ways, I can trust His heart.” Faith says, “His word is truth whether my emotions line up or not.” It boils down to this one word, “Faith.”

Investigating the questions:

If God’s Spirit is in His children, why do they behave in un-loving ways?

People are human and therefore come with flaws. We will not find perfect love in another human being. We may find people who make us feel loved from time to time, but they will never be able to replace God or fill our need for His love. I truly believe God allows us sometimes to be disappointed by people so we will see only He is perfect. Only He loves perfectly. When we elevate people above Him or even on the same level as God, we will always be disappointed. He wants our pure devotion to be to Him. Only He completes the human heart.

If God loves me, why do so many bad things happen to me and in the world?

I dare not try to answer this fully. I can say that some of the bad things that happen are simply a result of living in a fallen world. Some of the bad things happen because Jesus said in the world we would have tribulation, but to take heart as He overcame the world. Some bad things happen due to the fact this isn’t heaven. Some bad things happen because of our sin or the sins of others. Some bad things happen due to a lack of prayer. Some bad things happen as a result of our bad choices and decisions.

When life is hard, run to Him. Only He has all the answers. Only He knows all and sees all. I’ve found He does not answer all my questions, but He always responds with love. I’ve learned He is faithful to tell me what I need to know. I’ve learned He is more interested in drawing me close to His heart than beating me down with harsh circumstances. I’ve learned He’s the best friend I’ve ever had. And while my heart still bows in respect, honor, and admiration for Him, I still trust that His eyes are flooded with love and through Jesus I can go boldly to His throne.

Whatever you face and however you feel, my prayer is that you know that God loves you! You may be hurting right now, but He longs to comfort, heal, and shower you with love. He is the safest person you can go to! He is overflowing with compassion. He is overflowing with love. He is the only One who understands you perfectly, loves you perfectly, and can do more for you than anyone can! It’s God. It will always be Him standing with arms wide open ready to be there for you.

Closing prayer:

“Abba shower us with hope, healing, and Your agape love. Remove any barriers to receiving Your perfect love. You love us! May we believe it, feel it, and experience it every day!”

You’re a Child of the King

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.”