Lover of my soul

It's great to have a weekend in Memphis to visit great friends and my home church, The Life Church of Memphis. I'm over halfway through my journey at Mercy Ministries. It's been amazing and God continues to blow me away with His unconditional love. Here is a vision I had recently:

I saw myself in a wedding dress. My Father clothed me in a beautiful white gown of righteousness and guided me to the beginning of the aisle. Then I asked Him, What is for me at the end? Who waits for me? Will I stumble along the way? He responded:
Daughter, I will walk with you step by step just like a father walks his daughter down the aisle. Just like a bride, you will feel the love and support of your Father. Though many people look on and cameras flash, her focus remains on her Prince at the end of the aisle. Daughter, my princess, fix your eyes on the Prince of Peace, your Savior Jesus. As you walk, you will feel the presence of your Father and be guided by my Holy Spirit. Find all your delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Do not be led by your desires, but be led by me. The treasures you will find at the end are even greater than your mind can imagine or ask for.

A week later, I went with Mercy to The Ramp in Hamilton, AL - amazing ministry. They talked about Jesus being our lover, but many of us have other lovers we need to divorce. I realized, in order for me to walk down that aisle and truly follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, I must divorce my other lovers - pride, guilt, condemnation, depression, success, people pleasing...to name a few. God continues to break down those walls. He is faithful to reveal anything in my heart that offends Him and cleanse me and make me new. This takes daily renewal of my mind to God's Truth. He continues to teach me how to battle in the Spirit. Here is my latest lesson:

Though others tried to trespass, you belong to Me. Nothing can take you out of my hand. Others tried to steal you and tell you I've abandoned you. Daughter, I've never left you. If ever you don't feel me holding you, it's only because I'm fighting for you. Now my daughter, as you grow stronger, not in your flesh (oh yes He knows my flesh is weak!) but in my spirit that lives inside you, you are able to battle with me. I've placed power and authority in you to resist and fight the darkness. Keep growing, keep trusting, and do not doubt what I have given you.

I'm amazed at how much He reveals to me, even in my brokenness. I've messed up so much as the enemy often reminds me. Of course, when I hear him say, "Look at what you've done. YOu should be so ashamed." I hear Jesus loud and clear say, "Look at what I have done. What I have done takes shame off of you."

As I plan my future after Mercy, this is my prayer:

"Oh Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the right path, O Lord; point out hte road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you." Psalm 25:1-5.

Here is my prayer for all of you:

"And may you have the power to understand as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is." Ephesians 3:18.