When Heaven Rewrites Your Identity
I love it when God shows you something new in a very familiar scripture. That’s what happened to me recently when I read the prayer of Jabez found in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.
Two short verses, just a few words, but they say so much! Many have taught on this verse. A bestselling book was even written focused solely on Jabez’s prayer.
What stood out to me in my recent reading of it might not be what you’d think.
I first asked the Lord what He meant by Jabez being more honorable than his brothers. When I looked up “honorable” in Strong’s concordance1, I discovered it’s the word “kabad,” which I knew meant “glory,” but it also means “to be heavy, honorable, make weighty, and great,” among other things. What I found interesting is that there’s also a negative aspect to this word. It can mean “burdensome, severe, dull.”
Hold that thought.
Can we talk about his name for a moment? “Jabez” literally means “He Will Cause Pain.” His momma named him that because she experienced pain during his delivery. (Aren’t most births accompanied by some level of pain?) I couldn’t help but wonder what his brothers must have been named!
As I pondered on these two things - the meanings of kabad and Jabez, I began to form a very different picture of Jabez in my mind, and I heard his heart’s cry in an entirely different way as I read his prayer.
When we read Jabez’s prayer and personalize it, we often focus on the blessing, the enlarging, God’s hand being with us, and Him keeping us from evil. It’s easy for the last part - “that I may not cause pain” to become a bit of an add-on as we think of others in what can be an otherwise self-focused prayer.
What I suddenly recognized was that every time Jabez heard his name, what he really heard was “he will cause pain,” “he will cause pain,” “he will cause pain.” That was programmed into his identity every time it was spoken.
Could it be that the reason Jabez was described as being more honorable than his brothers was because of the burden he bore in being told he would cause pain wherever he went and in the lives of anyone he knew and loved? Was that internal belief system he was supposed to keep as his own?
If so, it gives an entirely different perspective on the last portion of Jabez’s prayer. When he asks God to keep him from evil, that doesn’t just mean bad things (morally or naturally), but also “adversity, affliction, calamity, distress, sorrow, and trouble.2”
I personally believe Jabez had developed such an intimate friendship with God that he knew he could not only cry out to the Lord in prayer for the blessings, but he could also bring before God the injustice of his name. That declaration of causing pain had been made by his momma, but God spoke a better word over Jabez. He knew his identity wasn’t as one who would cause pain. The cry of Jabez’s heart was that he wouldn’t fulfill what others had spoken over him every day of his life, but he would walk in the truth of God’s original design for him.
The King James Version of verse 10 says, “ . . . keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!” In this context, “grieve” means “to worry, pain, anger, vex, or be sorry.3” Put that together with the definition of “evil” and we discover in this sense, Jabez is asking God to keep him from adversity, calamity, distress, sorrow, and trouble so that it wouldn’t cause him worry, pain, anger, or to be sorry.
Either way we look at it, I believe Jabez is holding God to the truth of what he knew GOD had spoken over him, and the only way he could know that was through deep friendship with God.
God’s response was to grant Jabez what he had requested. I find the entire exchange to be incredibly beautiful - from Jabez’s heartfelt cry to God’s loving response!
We’ve each had things spoken over our lives that aren’t in alignment with God’s truths and our original design.
What would it look like for us to bring those things before God like Jabez did? To cry out before Him and in essence say, “God, this is what has been said, but I know it’s not who I am. Tell me who I am and enable me to walk in it!”
It could shift so many things in each of our worlds!
We are His sons and daughters, His beloved Bride, His perfect partner, His friend - those are just some of the truths He has spoken over us. Father God, help us to walk in the truth of who YOU say we are!
I hear God responding, “So I granted him what he requested . . . "
Living for Him,
Andrea
P.S. Praying this Easter fills your heart with fresh hope, deep joy, and the unshakable truth of who you are in Him. May you hear heaven speaking a better word over you. You are loved. You are His. You are made new. Much love and many blessings, now and always!
Endnotes:
- “Honorable.” e-Sword, version 2024, Rick Meyers, 2024. I Chronicles 4:9
- “Evil.” e-Sword, version 2024, Rick Meyers, 2024. I Chronicles 4:10
- "Grieve." e-Sword, version 2024, Rick Meyers, 2024. I Chronicles 4:10
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
Where He Is . . .
Is always where we want to be and that very rarely looks like what we expect.
Ever have one of those moments as you’re reading the Bible when you can’t move past a verse or two – you have to know more? That was the case with me this morning. I love those moments because they send me on the most glorious rabbit trails of searching out word meanings, reading commentaries, and researching on the internet. That may sound boring to some, but I’m unapologetically an avid student and when I’m learning about my favorite subject, faith, it’s an absolute joy to me!
So, what captured me today? It was Matthew 11:16-17, two verses that hadn’t yet been underlined in my over 25-year-old Bible, so they’d obviously not made an impact previously. This is Jesus speaking . . .
“But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions and saying: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not lament.’” Let me give you a bit of background before I dig into what the Lord was speaking to me in those two verses. In the larger picture of this passage, Jesus is talking to the multitudes and is validating John the Baptist and his ministry. He’s calling out the people, including the teachers of the law – the Pharisees and Sadducees, for their responses to John’s ministry. While many people believed in the message John preached, they didn’t all believe he’d come as Elijah to prepare the way for the Messiah, many ridiculed him for the way he lived as a Nazarene and fasted, and some certainly didn’t like how he delivered his message. Jesus, on the other hand, didn’t fast, He hung out with “sinners and tax collectors,” and drank wine. There were plenty of those who weren’t pleased with that either. They refused to be satisfied.
Now, back to verses 16-17. What Jesus was doing was likening the people to children who played in the marketplaces. Several commentaries mention children would have seen their parents at weddings and funerals and could easily pretend play at those things and likely often did. These children were frustrated because whether they played the flute and danced, like at weddings, or “mourned,” their friends weren’t happy with either and didn’t want to join in with them. It was the same with John and Jesus – the people weren’t satisfied with either way of living and preaching.
This got me thinking about dissatisfaction in the church body today. For instance, some are “Team Traditional,” while others are “Team Contemporary” (and there are different views on what “contemporary” looks like among churches). There are cries of dissent over all kinds of things in the church.
- “There’s too much grace preached and not enough repentance!”
- “Worship has become a glorified, too-loud concert all about people and their needs, rather than it being focused entirely on Jesus!”
- “Tradition has no place in modern Christianity – that’s for churches that don’t preach the salvation message. It’s just dead religion.”
- “People have become too familiar with the Lord in their desire for intimacy with Him. There’s not enough fear of the Lord in the church today.”
I’m not saying there aren’t valid points in what I’ve written above. What I’m pointing out is that there will always be those who oppose one “side” or the other, just as people opposed John or Jesus.
My question for God was, “Where is Jesus in all of this? Is He in the flute playing or in the mourning?” Here are some personal opinions of mine that lead me to believe He’s in both.
- I’m so thankful for His grace given to me every moment of every day . . . and I believe in the importance of repentance in our walk with Him. I love that it’s His GOODNESS and KINDNESS that draws us to repentance (Romans 2:4 ) – that part of the message is often left out.
- I see beauty in the hymns and the ways they can draw us into His presence. I really appreciate the words and meanings of those songs written so long ago and love how many of today’s artists have re-recorded those hymns in powerful renditions. I’ve been totally caught up in His presence through those yet choose much more contemporary worship on a daily basis because that’s what I love. There’s a place and room for both. I’ve been grateful for each time I’ve needed Jesus to meet me in hard places in my life and He’s done so through songs that are more about me and my needs than about the beauty of His holiness. In this season, I’m much more in search of songs about Him than about me because I’ve finally discovered everything I need is found in His presence.
- I have pretty strong feelings against religion because I believe Jesus died to forgive us of our sins and free us from the law. To me, religion is the law – it’s the trappings of legalism that hold people in bondage to “do/don’t,” “should/shouldn’t”, and “have to.” I want to see people freed from the shackles of religion and brought into encounter with God. Why? So they can experience the truth of who He is, rather than be bound by legalism and a wrong view of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and so the things they do or don’t do stem from the love for and depth of relationship they have with Him. That doesn’t mean I believe Jesus looks at all traditions and things of the past as “bad” or “useless.” For instance, I believe there’s a place for quiet contemplation and meditating on Him, spending quiet time in His presence, much as monks and others have done for centuries. There’s also such power and transformation that takes place through Communion, yet for most, it’s mainly become an act done on a specific Sunday of the month and lost its meaning and purpose. I also believe in the supernatural and the realm of the Spirit. I believe in praying in the Spirit, miracles, healing, raising of the dead, partnering with angels, visions, dreams, the prophetic, and so much more that’s available through our relationship with God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. Many discount so much of what’s available to us through the Spirit realm because the New Age movement hijacked much of what was meant for Christian believers and accessed it through an entirely different spirit realm.
- The fear of the Lord is crucial in our walk with Him yet often, we ignore this aspect because we don’t know how to walk out fearing the Lord. I don’t believe our loving Father would ever ask us to be afraid of Him. He would never require something of us that would drive a wedge between us, especially not after having sent His Son to die on the cross so that we might be forgiven, redeemed, and restored to right relationship with Him. To walk in the fear of the Lord is to walk in reverence, awe, and wonder. We simply haven’t understood how fear is defined.
In response to the John and Jesus debate about which was right or better, Jesus said in the second part of Matthew 11:19 (NKJV), “Wisdom is justified by her children.” In another version (NASB 1995), you read, “Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” My favorite is “God’s wisdom will become visible by those who embrace it” (TPT).
Wisdom isn’t found in arguments over this or that being right or wrong. It’s found in the person of Jesus. Together, let’s find Him in the dancing and in the mourning. Where He is is always where we want to be and that very rarely looks like what we expect.
I think there’s a lot more we can discuss on this topic and what I’ve written has just scratched the surface. What are your thoughts? Reach out and let me know!
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
Creating a Legacy for the Generations to Come
The other day, I was reading the Bible, and something stood out to me as never before. Maybe it’s because we’ve been loving being grandparents and are now preparing for the arrival of our second grandchild. Maybe it’s because I’m turning 55 in April. Or it could simply be founded on the importance we place on family. Whatever the reason, I saw building a legacy in a new way as I read 1 Chronicles 22, 28, & 29.In these chapters, we read about King David’s desire to build a house for the Lord, but God told David his son, Solomon, would build it instead because David had been a man of war and had shed blood, whereas Solomon would be a man of rest (1 Chron. 22:7-10).
David’s heart was right, his plan was honoring, and yet it wasn’t his work to accomplish. He could have chosen to do it anyway because he really wanted to be the one to do it. He could have felt defeated, slighted, or offended by God. He could have felt shame, frustration, or disappointment. But David didn’t do or feel any of those things. Instead, he thoroughly prepared for his son’s success in building the temple.
David made sure the stones were prepared, the wood was cut, iron was available “in abundance for the nails of the doors of the gates and for the joints,” along with having enough bronze available it was “beyond measure” (1 Chron. 22:3). He also prepared a massive amount of gold and silver (vs. 14) and made sure the workers and craftsmen were in place for “every kind of work” (vs. 15).
In chapter 28, we read how David prepared detailed plans for every facet of the temple construction, the work of the priests and Levites, and all of the articles used – plans given to him by the Spirit (vs. 12-13). The weights of gold and silver were meticulously measured out for everything, even down to the forks used (vs. 14-18)! It’s really amazing to read how thorough David was in making sure his son could succeed at the work God had called him to do.
I love how David said, “All this . . . the Lord made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans.” (1 Chron. 28:19) David set his son up for success and made sure he had everything he needed to accomplish the work and it was all by the instruction of the Lord.
David was also certain to speak into his son’s life, preparing him for what was ahead. “And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” (1 Chronicles 28:20)
Not only that, David made sure the leaders were also prepared to help Solomon. “David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, ‘Is not the Lord your God with you? And has He not given you rest on every side? For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the Lord and before His people. Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy articles of God into the house that is to be built for the name of the Lord.’” (1 Chronicles 22:17-19)
So, David gave up his personal dream but created a legacy (that was ridiculously thorough) that would propel his son to success. It was far more than leaving a monetary inheritance. While David amassed and bequeathed ample financial blessings, he didn’t miss the facets of investing in his son’s character, equipping him to not just build the physical temple for the Lord but to also be a man with a loyal heart who would keep the Lord’s commandments, testimonies, and statutes, knowing that by doing those things, Solomon would have success in building everything for which provision had already been made (1 Chronicles 29:19).
David also knew where all the blessings came from – the hand of the Lord, and publicly acknowledged that as He worshipped the Lord before the people of his nation. David also prayed for his son and the people he governed who would now come alongside Solomon in this work.
How does all of this apply to us today and why has it been stirring my heart so much? As parents and grandparents, it’s vitally important we think through the details of the legacy we’re leaving the generations who will come after us.
- We may or may not have a financial treasure to leave them, but as with David, the Spirit still gives us plans to implement that will propel our generations for success in the work of their hands that God has called them to accomplish on earth.
- We can pray for them and cheer them on (including those yet to come), impart wisdom, and live lives of faith and worship that become inheritances they can build upon as our ceilings become their floors and our battles become their victories.
- We can be sure they know where all the blessings come from and how to live with grateful hearts.
- We all recognize it “takes a village” to grow and launch our kids into their God-given callings and destinies. We can be really intentional about creating that community, as well as pray for those who will be with them in the work set before them, and lead them in blessing and worshiping the Lord.
- We can teach our kids not to fear and how to walk with strength and courage, as well as what it looks like to have a loyal heart – one that’s intimately connected with God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.
- We can walk humbly before God, lean into His leading, be willing to let go of the things that aren’t ours to do, and joyfully celebrate the callings of the ones we love – whether or not they’re called to carry on the dreams we had in our hearts to accomplish.
Psalm 123:7 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Heritage is defined by Merriam-Webster as “something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor (legacy, inheritance).” Children are our legacy and our inheritance, our reward and our gift from the Lord.
None of us were created to simply take up space on the earth, live the best lives possible with all the shiny things, make a name for ourselves, and do what’s best for us.
We were created to rule and reign in partnership with God and our families, establishing heaven on earth in the process, and bring light to dark places as we worship the Lord together and see His glory fill the earth.
We have a responsibility to create a lasting legacy, passing the torch to the next generations - after we’ve helped prepare and equip them for success.
I sense an urgency to this, and it includes an added element. As mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, we have to be aware of those who are fatherless around us and step in to raise them up as a generation who knows who they are and Whose they are because we’ve shown them through being part of their lives.
Will we say yes to intentionally doing all in our power as led by Holy Spirit to create a legacy for our generations? It couldn’t have been an easy task for David, but he didn’t shy away from it – he went above and beyond to see it through. Will we shape the world by the legacy we create or abdicate our responsibility? What will our decision be?
Living for Him,
Andrea
P.S. As always, if Brian and I can pray for you, please reach out!
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
NOVEMBER PROPHETIC WORD: STAND
As I played instrumental worship music and entered into His presence this morning, I had a powerful encounter with the Lord.I was dancing the waltz with God in the midst of a stunning ballroom decorated in creams and gold, illuminated by glorious light. We were both dressed in white. I held my long, flowing gown out to the side as we spun in circles around the dance floor that was reserved only for us as others stood along the perimeter. I was flooded with joy and as I watched the scene unfold in my mind, I wept, releasing all I’d been holding within.
After a while of dancing on the ballroom floor, we began to ascend into the heavenlies, and we were dancing in and on the clouds. Small, delicate stars began to fall all around us, some landing on me and soaking into me, infusing me with their heat and light. I wept even more. It’s hard to even describe it.
The scene changed as Papa offered me His hand and we walked together in the most beautiful, English garden. He pointed out the smallest of flowers, not wanting me to miss seeing their delicate beauty amidst the rest of the splendor.
We eventually came through the garden and were standing on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea – like one seen on the coasts of Cornwall. It was dawn and I heard Him say to me, “STAND, and watch the Son rise.” It was the most incredible sunrise I’d ever seen. The light of His presence rising shone on me and warmed me to the core of my spirit and soul, strengthening me with its power.
Then, we were at the edge of a river, and I was now clothed in battle gear. The Lord spoke again, saying, “Drink, and wash your face, daughter. You carry the marks of war.” I drank deeply and felt the refreshing of the water within. I washed off the dirt and the blood of the war-filled season I’d been in and when I finished, I stood once again, face set like flint, looking across the river, facing the risen sun / son. I heard just a snippet of the Elton John song, “I’m still standin’ better than I ever did!” and the vision ended.
“So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing.” (Ephesians 6:13, CJB)This has been the most intense season of war for so many, yet God’s word to us is to STAND.
I was reminded of the final fight scene in “Wonder Woman” when she fights against Ares. I saw her stand firm against the onslaught of his attacks, and as she did, she discovered even greater power in the weapons she’d possessed all along as she took what the enemy used against her and turned it on him.
God has equipped us with every weapon needed as we come face to face with the enemy.
“Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last: Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force of his explosive power flowing in and through you.
Put on God’s complete set of armor provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser! Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage. 13Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious.
Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart. Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace.
In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the evil one! Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken word of God.
Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times.”
(Ephesians 6:10-18, TPT)
Dance with Him and have your joy restored.
Let His stars fall on you, infusing you with light and direction (Star of Bethlehem / Jesus, our Morningstar).
Notice the beauty all around you and be intentional in seeing it.
Let the Son rise on you, strengthening and empowering you.
Drink of His living streams of water to refresh your spirit and soul.
Be dressed for battle, keep your eyes on the Son and . . . STAND!
This is the music I worshipped to this morning when I had the encounter. So thankful for Upper Room! I'd love to hear of any encounters you have with the Lord as you listen!
Living for Him,
Andrea & Brian
P.S. As always, if we can pray for you, please reach out!
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
September 2022: Breath / Breathe
The Lord gave me two, similar words for this month – breath and breathe – a noun and a verb, two ways to look at what the Lord is speaking for September.
This month, it’s time to take a breath – a moment away from the intensity that life has been. It’s a pause to refresh and strengthen weary spirits and souls for what’s ahead. Breath is LIFE to us. It’s time to breathe in life and exhale anything that’s been toxic.
Breathe this month. Many have been holding their breath in anticipation – of good or bad. For some, anxiousness has crept in. Others have been holding their breath in defiance before God, much like a child trying to get their way and prove a point to a seemingly unresponsive parent. There are those who have held their breath to dive deep into God and the things of life and the Lord is saying it’s time to come up for fresh air.
I believe this is an Ezekiel 37 month – a time when God is asking if the dry bones of things we’ve believed God for can actually have life still breathed into them. So many have been in the midst of the valley and seen nothing that would give them hope – just the dry bones of dreams, promises, and things we thought were going to come to pass. Yet, God is asking, “…Can these bones live?” (vs. 3)
Breathe in, remember life is found in His breath within us, and dare to hope.
This month, God is inviting us into deeper partnership with Him in bringing life back to dead bones.
Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” ’ “ (Ez. 37:4-6)
Breathe in. On the exhale, PROPHESY! Death and life are in the power of your tongue – which will you choose? (Proverbs 18:21) Breathe out LIFE with the words you speak and watch as the bones begin to rattle, come together, and have flesh cover them. But . . . DON’T STOP THERE!
Breathe in the Breath of God and release it into continued prophecy over the things you had thought were dead.
Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” ’ ” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. (Ez. 37:9-10)
What will form out of the bones you prophesy over?
Multiple times in Song of Songs, God calls us His “equal,” but always in the context of being His love, His partner, His Bride. As we breathe this month, it’s in absolute partnership with Him – breathing in the life of God and releasing it to a dying world around us.
First? Take your own breath in. Let it be life to YOU. Pause for a moment and let it refresh you. Focus on the act of taking a breath in, then releasing it. As you do, you’ll come into sync with the heartbeat and Breath of God. Then you can move forward in partnership with your Bridegroom-King to bring life to dry bones as you breathe!
Here's a great worship song for this month sung by Chris McClarney:
Next Thursday, September 8th, I'm relaunching the "Watchmen & Gatekeepers" online prophetic intercession group that was on summer break. If you'd like to participate in the FB group and Zoom prayer meetings, we pray together on Thursday mornings. Click below if you'd like to join the group.
Brian and I have also said, "YES!" to God's nudging on our hearts to host a "Gathering" in our home, creating a place and a space to gather with others, encounter God together, and come to know Him more fully and intimately in the truth of who He is, rather than who religion has portrayed Him as being.Have you had a longing in your heart to connect more with God and understand Him better?
Have you wanted to grow in intimacy with Him?
Have you ever longed to hear His voice and enjoy a deep friendship in His presence?
Have you felt disconnected from God because of the "shoulds" and "have tos" of religion and felt like you just couldn't live that life or measure up, but still had a longing for God to be in your life?
Have you wanted to connect with a community of others in pursuit of His heart in a relaxed atmosphere, but haven't found that place yet?
Come to "The Gathering" and encounter Him with us!
Launch Date: Thursday, September 15th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Canton, GA
Send us a message for more details and our address. We'd love to have you come to "The Gathering!"
Living for Him,
Andrea & Brian
P.S. If we can pray for you, please reach out to us.
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
