february 7, 2024 #livingoutluke252
daily documenting #livingoutluke252
I can feel the difference in my body since starting this experiment for myself. Spiritually, emotionally, mentally and even physically I can already feel the difference. I feel more peaceful, more joyful, more grateful for the everyday things. I’m not a touchy-feely love language girl, unless you’re a baby, toddler or my husband, but I’m finding myself wanting to squeeze all my kids more and look into their faces and tell them over and over how incredibly wonderful they are. It’s like the Lord has expanded my heart like the grinch’s heart did. I feel radical contentment which can only point to the working of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I’m seeing things differently. I’m praying for God’s heart and eyes for my children and have felt the Lord highlight the need to be praying for, not only my children’s futures but specifically to be praying for their future spouses. Those future spouses are in the thick of their growing up years too and I’m asking the Lord to move powerfully in their hearts and families as well. That the Lord would watch over them and protect their hearts and minds and bodies and that He would meet with them and mark their lives for His glory.
I have six kids and six future kids (and alllll the future grandbabies and great-grands) and I have and will continue to give my life to leading them forever and always to Jesus. I want to be on my knees for them in prayers.
And I read this yesterday with my children:
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let not MERCY and TRUTH forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.”
The NIV says it this way:
“Let LOVE and FAITHFULNESS never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
It’s not in popularity or compromise or false praise of God and man that brings favor. It’s wearing like jewelry and imprinting on our hearts, mercy and truth and love and faithfulness that brings favor from God and man. So beautiful.
I want encourage any that are reading these words, wherever you are in life and in your walk with Jesus, whether you are actively walking with Him or not, seek Him daily. Read the Bible daily. Ask Him to speak to you. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” -Jesus (in John 10:27)
HE IS WORTH GIVING UP ALL TO FOLLOW AFTER.
Before His public ministry, he spent His first 30 years growing in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52)
Ways to imitate Jesus:
🌱Grow in wisdom through reading the Bible and seeking the face of Jesus.
🌱Grow in stature by preparing your physical body for the work of the ministry He is leading you in. Exercise, take care of your body, stay hydrated, take supplements, choose health over convenience so that your body is strong. Jesus had to be strong physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually to carry out His ministry.
🌱Grow in favor with God and man by living out the verse in proverb 3:3-4 by wearing mercy, truth, love and faithfulness like jewelry around your neck and on your heart.
And then see what He will do with your life of surrender! Wait with hopeful expectations! The God who created the UNIVERSE sees you, loves you, created you on purpose for His purposes and there is literally nothing He can’t do. 🔥
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Thank you so much for reading and following along on our family's journey! I'd love to hear from you!