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Living Righteously

Prayers For Our Children


This article was first published onThe Christian Post Praying Life Blog.

Prayers For Our Children

by Yvonne Perkins

Children of this generation face challenges that we never dreamt of. In our generation we were allowed to play outside until the street light came on. There was the sound of laughter in the streets. There was a sense of community safety. We dare not talk back to an adult. Teachers were expected to be people with high standards and morals. Being a “bad” child consisted of sneaking a cigarette or drink from the family stash, or ditching school for a day. It was not hard to distinguish right from wrong. Your parents taught you that at home, the preacher taught it at church, teachers taught it at school and society backed it up as well. The village invested in raising their children.

In today’s generation, young children are being shot as they play on their front porch, or on the basketball court or even just going to the candy store. Children are taught how to fall on the floor at the sound of gunshots. Parents never thought that their child may not return home from school because someone beat them to death in the girl’s bathroom, or on the streets as they came home from school. Parents never consider the possibility that a pedophile would kidnap their child, rapist rape them or someone would rob little children walking home from school. Parents never thought their children would be taught about “different” families that included two moms or two dads. Who knew there would come a time when “homosexual/lesbian lifestyle” would be celebrated and it would be politically incorrect to criticize or speak against it. Your child’s teacher could come to school sporting a man’s suit one week and a fancy dress the next. You teach your child that using drugs is wrong but society legalized marijuana and promoted the use of it.

WE MUST PRAY FOR OUR CHILDREN. PRAY FOR THOSE THAT DON’T HAVE ANYONE TO PRAY FOR THEM. FOR THOSE THAT LIVE IN CHAOTIC SITUATIONS. THOSE BEING RAISED BY HOMOSEXUALS/LESBIANS PARENTS. WE MUST PRAY.

SPEAK THE ANSWER NOT THE PROBLEM. THE ANSWER IS THE WORD OF GOD. Heavenly father we come in the name of your son Jesus on behalf of our children. We ask that you cover them in the Blood of Jesus from the crown of their heads to the soles of their feet. We pray that you will give them good health, heal them from disease and infirmity. We decree and declare that they present their bodies as a living sacrifice to you, they understand that their bodies are your temple and you have purchased them with your blood. Therefore, they honor their bodies, they flee youthful lusts, drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes shall not touch their lips. Their bodies will not receive it but reject it.

We plant the seed of righteousness in them and decree that it shall prosper and take root in them and they shall be rooted and grounded in your word. Our children are facing a society that embraces perverse ideas and lifestyles. We decree and declare that every girl will be a woman and every boy will be a man and they shall embrace the image that you created them in. Your blood and holy word preserve them and we block every attack of the enemy in their mind, body, spirit and soul. We cast down every imagination that says otherwise and bring it into captivity and cause them to line up with your word.

Your word declares children obey your parents, honor your parents that it may be well with you. So we bind up the spirit of rebellion in them and lose the spirit of obedience into their lives. Your word teaches us to not provoke them to anger but to train, nurture and love them. We pray for wisdom to know how to reach them, give us words that they will hear, let us show them by example how to love and fear you. Teach us how to discipline without abuse but discipline in love through training, teaching, correcting and redirecting them in the right way. Show us the better way to meet their needs as their parents, not their friend but one who parents and guides them.

We decree that our children shall be taught of you and great shall be their peace Isiah 54:13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.14In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. We decree that all of our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, shall live in peace, peace surrounds them as they travel to and from school, in school and wherever they gather. Even as Rachel cried out for her children we cry out for our children for the blood had indeed come up to the windows and the blood of the innocent run in the street. We bind up violence, anger, rage and terror and it shall not come near them. Your blood is a wall between them and the rapist, drug dealer, gangs, terrorists, cults, false religion. God,you preserve them from the road of destruction.

You have set before them life and death and they choose life. They will love you with all their might, heart and mind. They shall be God chasers, pursuers of your heart, they hear your voice and another they will not follow. They love your law and delight in it, they seek to please you. They are a generation that shall raise us and declare your goodness. They shall be greatly used by you.

We pray for our children who live in chaotic situations that you will protect them and keep them safe from hurt and harm. We pray for those that are being raised by grandparents or other relatives because perhaps parents are caught up in drugs, or in prison. We bind up the spirit of rejection, anger, hatred and bitterness. Your word declares that all things work together for good for those that love you and are called of you. Work out your will in their lives. We pray for those that have lost parents due to tragedy or death that they will experience your love and care for you are a mother to the motherless and a father to the fatherless.

We decree and declare victory in their lives. They have favor in school, with peers and teachers. They are the best of the best. You open up their abilities to soak up knowledge like a sponge. Creativity is birthed in them, they are entrepreneurs, designers, inventors, teachers, lawyers, doctors, financial masters, sensitive, kind, compassionate and giving. They are the head and not the tail. They exceed in everything they put their hands to do. They shall not forget you but remember you in their youth. They shall remember that it is you who has given them favor, gifts and talents to get wealth and they shall always give you the glory. Every talent and gift you give to them shall be used for your glory.

Bind their feet to the path of righteousness, clothe them in sanctification and perfumed them with holiness. Saturate them in your love. Enlighten their eyes and open up their understanding. We draw the blood line around them, under them, through them and make a bold declaration that Satan will not have them. We will never give up on them. We will never let them go. They belong to you and we commit them into your hands. We ask that you send Warring angels to walk with them, Ministering Angels to be with them, and be a fence all around them. We give you praise in advance for how you are keeping them, loving them and protecting them. They shall be mightily used by you.

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Living Righteously

Rising Above Disappointment

Rising Above Disappointment. In this life, there will be disappointments. There is no way around it. Everyone will experience it at some point in time during this journey called life. Disappointment is defined by Webster as defeated in expectation or hope 2)sad or displeased because someone or something has failed to fulfill one’s hope or expectation. Disappointment can have devasting results on a person’s life if not handled in a positive manner. It can cause you to lose hope, or not believe anything good will come out of your life. It can hinder your growth, naturally and spiritually.

Rising above disappointment. Life is full of ups and downs. We do not always achieve everything we set out to do. Things don’t always go the way we envision it to go. Two people can look at a glass of water and one will see it as half empty and the other as half full. What difference does it make? The perception will impact your thoughts, your thoughts will impact your feelings, your feelings will impact your behavior.

Rising above disappointment. A person perceives the glass to be half empty. This person thought pattern about life is more likely to be one filled with negative thoughts i.e. nothing goes my way, everyone is against me, if it wasn’t for bad luck I wouldn’t have any luck, etc. If that is the thought pattern the feelings attached to that thought more likely include sadness, anger, and/or frustration. These feelings will more likely result in the person engaging in negative behaviors that will only enforce those beliefs, i.e. not pursuing dreams, not giving their best efforts, etc.

Rising above disappointment. A person perceives the glass to be half full. This person thought pattern about life is more likely to be filled with positive thoughts i.e. I am almost there, my goal is within reach, I can do this. The feelings attached to these thoughts are more likely to include, anticipation, an expectation of achievement, strength, happiness, etc. The behavior is more likely to include setting and pursuing goals, going the extra mile, taking chances with the expectation this will work, etc.

Rising above disappointment. Some examples of people who experience disappointment and/or failure are: Albert Einstein didn’t speak until he was four years old. Benjamin Franklin dropped out of school at age ten. Stephen King’s first novel was rejected 30 times. Oprah Winfrey was repeatedly molested but rose above her past to become one of America’s most influential women. Thomas Edison failed 1000 times before achieving success. He reportedly stated. I have not failed. I just found 1000 ways that didn’t work. They did not allow their failures, mistakes, or disappointments to cripple them. They continue to believe they could, they would achieve. They believed life had more to offer and it did.

Rising above disappointment. God has given me the gift of writing. I write poems, blogs, and gospel songs. I am not a singer so I am always looking for ways to get my music to the ears of producers and recording artists. I visit sites where recording artists, tv/radio producers, etc are looking for new materials. During the month of August. I learned that a well-known singer was looking for material for a new album. I submitted several songs. I heard from a well-known producer, Mr. Charles Hester Jr. “CHA-LO”. (Google his name, he is the real thing) that out of the many songs that were submitted, he selected my song “With Every Breath” to submit to this artist.

Rising above disappointment. I was very excited, to say the least. I believed in God for this open door. I stood on the word of God. I confessed the favor of God i.e. I’m surrounded by the favor of God, No good thing will be withheld from me, I delight myself in God, It is God’s good pleasure to give me the desires of my heart, etc. I had a few trusted intercessors stand in the gap with me.

Rising above disappointment. About a week ago, I learned that the song had been presented to the artist but she did not choose it for her album. I was very, very disappointed to say the least. How could this happen? I believed, I did not doubt I confessed the word of God. Immediately, Satan was in my ear. Faith without works is dead, how did you think you had a chance? You will never make it as a songwriter. You may as well stop wasting time and money during a demo. (Making demos of songs does not come cheap)Then he reminded me of things I have on the altar that has not yet manifested. Oh, yeah it was a real pity party. But Wait.

Rising above disappointment. The Holy Spirit has a voice too and begins to speak. This producer not only listened to my songs but he made encouraging comments on those I submitted. I don’t know him, he is not a friend, or acquaintance and I have no connection with him. He thought this song was good enough to introduce it to this singer! This well-known established singer Listened to my song. My name was on the lips of this producer and singer! Hey, the favor of God does surround me as a shield. As I continue to love and worship the giver and not the gift, God will give me the desires of my heart. Whew, I am ENCOURAGED. THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT.

Rising above disappointment. Don’t let disappointment cripple you, sabotage your future, take away your hope and dreams. Reassess, Reset, Rethink, Reexamine, take a deep breath, take a moment, dust your self off and start over. I love the quote of Thomas Edison. I did not fail. I just found 1000 ways that did not work. So I say, I did not fail. It may have been the wrong door. I will choose another door,

Speak the answer not the problem. The answer is the word of God. Heavenly Father, I thank you for your goodness, mercy, kindness, and faithfulness to me. I may not understand the whys or the reasons. I know that your ways are not my ways and your thoughts are not mine. They are much higher than mine. You are the only one that knows my end from the beginning. All of my time is in your hands and you know the seasons of my life. You are the author and finisher of my life. I trust your plans and desires for my life because you are perfecting those things that concern me and you are making good plans for me. Help me to embrace your will, and your plans and continue to be in a place of loving, trusting, and worshipping you. I have learned down through the years that your will is best. For this cause, I bow my knees and worship you, knowing that all power belongs to you. I’m secure in your love and wait with pregnant expectation for the manifestation of your promises.

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Living Righteously

The Author

Where are they? I know I had those keys. I need them now. Does this sound familiar? In two days back to back I lost two sets of keys. I searched every room, every place I could think of. I became anxious and frustrated. My frustration allowed Satan an opportunity to speak. “Your mom had dementia, your husband had dementia, and you seem to be misplacing a lot of things lately” My response “Satan you are a dementia liar. The memory of the righteous is Blessed (Prov10:7) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, (John 14:26) Shut your mouth Satan, stop talking to me. Jesus died to give me victory.

I kept reminding myself. Don’t be anxious. Go into worship. I stop looking and started worshipping God. The Holy Spirit brought this scripture to my mind: Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Have you ever read a good book, watch a good movie, and made a mental note to remember this author? The author knows the story from the end to the beginning. No one wants to watch a dull movie or read a dull book. No, you want something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, keep you guessing and wondering what is next. You will cry sometimes as you watch the character go through fiery trials, and rejoice with them when against impossible odds they come through victoriously and defeat the enemy. The story will have many twists and turns. In the end, you may say this deserves an Oscar.

So it is with Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. He doesn’t reveal everything to us. We have to learn to trust the author that he is in control of all of our times. The good time, bad times, sad and hurtful, the joyful times, hopelessness and hope. Whatever it is, the author is in control. We have to learn to trust the process. We know the author and how he writes the story. So, we know that the story has a happy ending, one that is victorious and full of power. How do we know this? He gave us clues.  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jer 29:11. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28.

I encourage you to trust the Author, stay with the script and watch the amazing ending of the story. Oh Yeah, I found both sets of keys. Satan can not handle a worshipper. Victory.

SPEAK THE ANSWER NOT THE PROBLEM. THE ANSWER IS THE WORD OF GOD. GOD IS HIS WORD. Heavenly Father we thank you for being the author and finisher of our faith. Thank you for your guiding hand and amazing favor over our lives. Thank you that all of the seasons of our lives are in your hands. We make our boast in you and declare that I will trust in the lord when I am afraid, I will trust, When I am hurting, I will trust. We may not understand all the challenges we face but we thank you for each and every experience for in your kingdom nothing is wasted. We have a perfect assurance that God is perfecting everything that concerns us.

Thank you for the sunshine and rain, laughter and pain, hopelessness and hope. Thank you for your oscar winning story of our lives. Help us to not try to rewrite the story but embrace the plot you have put before us Therefore, we bow ourselves down, lift up our hands, and love and adore you as we worship you. We will not resist but submit to your will. Continue to write on the tablets of our hearts.

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Living Righteously

4-9-2022 Intercessory training

4-9-2022 is the date of the next Intercessory Training. You don’t want to miss this 4 week’s training via Zoom from 10:30 am til l2:00. A well-trained intercessor is a threat to the enemy. I teach the first 3 classes. Apostles Linda Shearrill, Greg Jacobs, Elder Cynthia Bridges & Prophet Laron Matthews join me for the last session (Impartation & Release). Get your book now (For His glory Standing In The Gap Intercessory Instruction Manual) for $9.99. The course is $40.00. Register and get the book here at www.forhisglorysitg.com. GET YOUR BOOK NOW. IT IS REQUIRED FOR THE CLASS. Registration ends 3-31-2022. Note: For groups of ten that register by 3-26-22 I will donate $40 to your ministry. #Trainingchangemyprayerlife

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Living Righteously

Journey Through Grief (part 4)

Well, it has been quite a journey.  This grief journey is not one that we want to take but it is inevitable.  Let’s do a quick review of the 5 stages of grief.  They are:

  •  Denial: This can not be happening, it is not real.
  • Anger: Why me, why now, it is unfair, they didn’t deserve this.
  • Bargaining: If I had only done this, I wish I had…
  • Depression: I am so hurt, so sad, so lonely
  • Acceptance: I can’t change it but I must go on

Before I talk about the stage of acceptance, I want to briefly cover complicated grief.  The word complicated is defined as something that has many parts and is difficult to analyze, understand or explain. The Mayo Clinic describes it this way “Complicated grief is like being in an ongoing, heightened state of mourning that keeps you from healing.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/complicated-grief/symptoms-causes/syc-20360374. I suggest you take the time to read the entire article and others on this subject.

The arrival of Covid 19 shut down cities and out ability to function in our usual manner.  It affected the way we grieve our loved ones in terms of gathering to say goodbye, the viewing,the homegoing service, other gathering and so on.  Additiomnally, many families experience the deaths of more than one family member at  the result of this virus. Some as many of 3 or more.

WOW. Grief is difficult enough to deal with but so many,so close together. WOW. How do you cope with that? Before, you can comprehend the death of one, there is yet another.  People were not only dealing with Covid 19 deaths but there seem to be a surge in violence as well.

It may feel like the wind has been knocked out of you.  It may feel like your life has been shattered and your heart has been broken in so many pieces.  How do I go on? YOU MUST GO ON.

ACCEPTANCE.  You must come to the place of acceptance.  It is done, it has happened, this is real and there is nothing I can do to change it. How long must I grieve.  There is no right or wrong way to grieve. However, the Bible does indicate that we should not stay in the place of grief. Josh 1:[1] Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,

[2] Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Indicates we must move on with life. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. 

Isaiah 61:3 – To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

I remind you as I remind myself I must accept what is and move on to what will be.  I must create new memories and keep trusting God.  

Things you can do to help yourself:

  • Go out.  Visit family and friends you have not seen in awhile
  • Call families and friends check on them in terms of how they are coping
  • Rearrange the furniture in the home.  This creates a new space.
  • Start new traditions or ways of doing things.

I have two scriptures for you to meditate on. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 56; What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

SPEAK THE ANSWER NOT THE PROBLEM.  THE ANSWER IS THE WORD OF GOD.  YOU ARE YOUR WORD.  Heavenly Father, we come boldly to your throne to obtain help in our time of need.  Your word declares you are our refuge, our hiding place, and the source of our strength.  When the enemy whisper in our ears that we are weak your word declares that you are our strength, the lifter up of our heads, the one that sends the comforter along to help us.  You bind up our wounded spirits and heal our brokenness.  You come to make us whole again.  Increase our faith level that we will learn to trust you whenever fear would try to consume us. Fear of being alone and lonely, fear of feeling so vulnerable and helpless. We stand on your word that you are a present help in our time of need.  That means you are right here, right now at this very moment God.  Help us to walk through this journey trusting in you each step of the way to hold our trembling hands, to lead us step-by-step.  We believe when the journey becomes too rough for us, that you will then pick us up and carry us through the storm.  What an amazing God you are, how faithful, kind and loving.  You know just what we need and when we need it. Holy Spirit lead us to the secret place where we will find, rest, peace, and joy. Help us to be obedient to your word Rejoice, again I say Rejoice.  Help us to know this too will pass, we will have joy again. Therefore, Heavenly Father, we say thank you for being our God, our source of strength and hope. In the name of Jesus, we do make this request. 

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Living Righteously

Journey Through Grief (Part 3)

Welcome as we travel through the journey of grief together.  Let’s do a quick review of the 5 stages of grief; according to Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

  •  Denial: This can not be happening, it is not real.
  • Anger: Why me, why now, it is unfair, they didn’t deserve this.
  • Bargaining: If I had only done this, I wish I had…
  • Depression: I am so hurt, so sad, so lonely
  • Acceptance: I can’t change it but I must go on.

I am going to talk today about bargaining and depression.  What is bargaining? This stage is where your mind is struggling with the death of your loved one.  Your thought pattern goes to all the things you wished you had done and did not do. Be careful this can be an open door for Satan to come in and do damage. For example, if I had only told him to start that treatment earlier. If I had not been so angry with them when I left the house. If only I had come straight home instead of going shopping etc.

There are many things in life that are beyond our control. We have to learn to accept it, deal with it or make adjustments.  Satan will, if you allow him to do so, put you in a trap of second-guessing your every action, motive, and move.  Don’t let your life become filled with regret. Regret serves no purpose. God is in control so if it happens a certain way then there is a purpose for it.  

Can Christians be depressed? Absolutely.  What is depression? A mood disorder that affects how your think, feel, and act.  Symptoms include a change in your behavior etc. eating too much or too little, sleeping too much or too little, gaining or losing weight, and a loss of interest in the things that you were usually interested in.  it is natural for anyone facing the death of a loved one to experience sadness and emptiness. It is natural to shed tears. It does not make you weak or crazy to do so.

Once again, be careful though.  It can be an opportunity for Satan to come in.  Do not allow Depression to become your friend.  Don’t become comfortable with grief and allow it to be your friend.  

I have talked about steps to help you walk through this journey of grief such as journaling, engaging in activities to help others, using art, etc. But today, I am going to share with you the thing that has always helped and is helping me through this journey.  WORSHIP. God is still worthy of praise and honor. So every time sadness and depression is coming your way start worshiping. MEDITATE on the word of God.  Use your weapon of praise and worship.  These are weapons to put in your arsenal.  

Here we go.

  •  Job 1;20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,.
  • PSALM 30;11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
  • Matthew 5:4  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
  • Psalm 46:1-2  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
  • Isaiah 43:2  “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
  • Matthew 11:28  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
  • Deu 4;31 Amplified Bible
  • For the LORD your God is a merciful and compassionate God; He will not fail you, nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.

SPEAK THE ANSWER NOT THE PROBLEM. THE ANSWER IS THE WORD OF GOD.

Heavenly Father, we come before your throne to obtain help, mercy, and grace in our time of need.  Your word tells us that you are a present help and we need you to be just that to us as we journey through grief. Your word gives us strength when we are weak, hope in hopeless times, joy unspeakable, and peace that passes understanding. Holy Spirit help us to pour out our hearts to the father, interpret our moans and groans. We ask you to hold our trembling hands, lead us on, don’t let us fall. We are determined to make it through this storm and we are grateful for great is your faithfulness to us, your enduring love, and your grace. Give us more grace, father, we stand on your word, your grace is sufficient. For this cause, we bend our knees, lift up our hands and open our mouths to worship you.  Thank you for loving us the way you do.   

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Living Righteously

Journey Through Grief (2)

Last week I discussed the stages of grief and how we can journey through grief. The Holy Spirit impressed on me to share my journey because so many are dealing with death and grief during this season. The violence seems to be at an all-time high as well as so many deaths related to Covid 19.  Grief is an emotional state as well as a mental state. I’m going to do a quick review of those stages according to Elisabeth Kubler-Ross who wrote a book On Death and Dying where she describes the 5 stages of grief as follows:

  •  Denial: This can not be happening, it is not real.
  • Anger: Why me, why now, it is unfair, they didn’t deserve this.
  • Bargaining: If I had only done this, I wish I had…
  • Depression: I am so hurt, so sad, so lonely
  • Acceptance: I can’t change it but I must go on.

I reminded you, however, as children of the most high God that we do not grieve as unbelievers. But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

My husband transitioned from this life to the next on June 6, 2021. We had been married for 44 years and dated for 3 years.   My husband, Mike was a big man standing 6’6 weighing over 300 lbs at his heaviest. He lost significant weight during his illness weighing less than 200 lbs at his transition. He had been struggling with health problems for the last 5 years.  He was bedridden for a year prior to his transition. 

I have not heard anyone talk about this but my personal experience causes me to believe that you can grieve for a person even before they pass. There were times that I was in denial. God this can not be happening. He is going to turn around, he will get better.  Anger.  Mike struggled with depression and began to stay in the bed all day only getting up for meals and going to the bathroom.  I told him, “the old folks say the bed will take your strength away” you must get up. So, when he became bedridden I was angry.  I felt this was preventable. I missed our trips to the condo and travel, social outings, etc.  Don’t judge. I have learned there is no perfect person. Even as a therapist I didn’t comprehend the level of depression and its effects. This anger was a problem that I recognized and prayed about repeatedly until God delivered me.        

Caretaking is a difficult process. Sometimes, we are physically, emotionally, and spiritually tired.  Someone needs to know that it is ok.  For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. Psalm 103:14. However, do not leave room for Satan to enter. Take it to God and receive deliverance and grace to make it through those tough times.  I made it through.  God gave me grace, love, and compassion.  He anointed me to be Mike’s caretaker.  

SPEAK THE ANSWER NOT THE PROBLEM. THE ANSWER IS THE WORD OF GOD.  YOU ARE THE ANSWER.  Heavenly Father, we have learned down through the years that even when it hurts, your will is best.  We thank you that you give us your grace, help, and strength to conquer everything the enemy throws at us and emerge with the victory.  You do know our frame and show us, your grace. We are grateful that nothing is hidden from you and we can pour out our hearts to you.  We bind up the spirit of regret and any negative thought the enemy would try to plant in our minds regarding regrets. We will not open the door for depression, anger, or frustration in our lives.  We thank you that you a present help and the Holy Spirit is able to strengthen us from the inside out.  You are the hope of glory, the strength of our lives, minds, will, and emotions.  You are faithful to your word and you promised to heal the broken-hearted and bind up our wounds.  We are trusting you and inviting you to fill every empty space in our lives with your love.  We bow our knees, raise our hands, open our mouths and worship you.  We decree and declare you are always worthy to be praised.  

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Living Righteously

Journey Through Grief

Journey Through Grief

This is the first part of a series I will be doing dealing with grief.  We are in a season that we have never experienced before being surrounded by Death. Death is never a welcome guest. Not even when it is expected and even more when it is not expected.  Yet death is part of living.  Each day we live brings us closer to death. To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Eccl 3:1-4

So death is part of living.  Death does not come alone.  One of his companions is Grief. When you hear the word grief most will automatically think sorrow, pain, hurt, anger and frustration.  This is true even when it is job-related, divorce, loss of an animal, loss of friendship, or loss of health.

No matter how often we experience this grief the process is different each time. Each person even in sharing grief as when a family member dies experience will be different and unique to them.  Yet grief is a subject we seldom discuss and even though we experience it, we still struggle with understanding it.  

My background and role as a clinical therapist allow me to understand intellectually the stages of grief.  Emotional understanding and acceptance are different.  I have lost several relatives in my lifetime including aunts, uncles, cousins, my Dad, mom, brother, and in the last 5 months my husband, Michael.  

Michael and I  met in 1973 and marry Jan 15, 1977.  Until death do we part. I never envision my life without him.  Oh yes, we had ups and down, threaten to leave, headed for divorce, came back together again but I never envisioned being a widower.  I am going to share with you my thoughts on grief and my journey through this grief.  

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross wrote a book On Death and Dying where she describes the 5 stages of grief as follows:

  •  Denial: This can not be happening, it is not real.
  • Anger: Why me, why now, it is unfair, they didn’t deserve this.
  • Bargaining: If I had only done this, I wish I had…
  • Depression: I am so hurt, so sad, so lonely
  • Acceptance: I can’t change it but I must go on.

The word of God declares: “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep [dead], that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13 As Christians we are not immune from grief. What we do have is the comforter. God promises to send us the comforter.  We do have hope. Jesus Christ is the hope of our glory in us. 

The night before Michael passed, I woke up and went into his room (I had transformed the dining room into a hospital setting). When I open our bedroom door and looked at him he was moving his hand as in beckoning or as I look back now, waving goodbye.  I went and sat beside him told him I loved him, talked to him for a while (at this stage he was not communicating by speech). I told him I am tired and I am going back to bed.  I kissed him on the forehead and went back to my room.  

I said to God, he is so weak. God help me to not ask for things when I don’t know what I am asking. I had asked God to let him live to my birthday in July. Selfish, not considering what he wanted just that I didn’t want him to leave me. I said God I embraced your will.  I know you promised to not leave nor forsake me. I trust you to comfort and keep me.  The next morning, Michael had made his transition.  

As believers, we have the comforter, Holy Spirit, we have Christ the Hope of Glory residing within us and we have his promise that he will not leave nor forsake us.  

SPEAK THE ANSWER NOT THE PROBLEM. THE ANSWER IS THE WORD OF GOD AND YOU ARE THE WORD. Heavenly Father, we lift up every bereaved person that they may receive your comforting power and amazing love. We bind up heavy depression, pain and mourning, weeping and unbearable pain.  We receive your peace as you wrapped us in your arms and saturate our being.  We trust you to carry us through this storm.  We trust your promise to wipe away every tear and lift up our bowed down head in the name of Jesus.  

Be Bless and receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit

watch for the next blog.

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Living Righteously

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Living Righteously

I Will Wait

Wait. It’s a word for the most part that we don’t want to hear but often we find that it is something that we have to do.  We have to wait in line at the grocery store, at the gas station, when going to see the doctor and so on.  Most of the time we find wait to be frustrating or anxiety provoking. Sometimes we  complain what is taking so long or while is the line moving so slow. Other times we may take the attitude I can’t do anything about it so I may as well settle down, and be patient until it is my turn.  

Our attitude has a lot to do with how we wait. From a natural standpoint, it really does not benefit us to allow ourselves to become frustrated, irritable or anxious while waiting.  It will not change the situation for the better but only make our situation more stressful.  On the other hand if we take the position that I can’t change the situation so I may as well focus my energy on something else while I wait, may just cause the wait to not seem so unbearable.  

As is in the natural so it is in the spiritual realm.  David became frustrated and cried out to the lord “Psalm 13 How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? It’s not until Verse 5 and 6 that he regains his faith and says 5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.6 I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Whenever the enemy tests our faith and cause us to become frustrated, we must remember to trust in the lord and remember his goodness towards us.  There is a purpose to our waiting. Romans 5:3 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. God is teaching us something while we wait.

Sometimes. God is working something out of us, others he is putting something in us. He is preparing us to receive the blessings he wants to give us. Many of us are waiting for the manifestation of answers to prayers we have offered up to God. God knows if he gives us the answer to soon we will not know how to deal with it and it may cause us to shipwreck.  He has to prepare our hearts, minds and spirits to be able to handle the answer. If we find ourselves becoming anxious and frustration while waiting on the promises of God it indicates a lack of trust. It will cause us to make mistakes as Abraham and Sarah did while waiting for the promise.  God does not need our help to do what he has promise to do. 

One of the things I remember my teacher in psychology telling us is trust the process.  In other words when you have done what you know to do, trust that the process will work and eventually you will see the expected results.  

Trust the process.  Our attitude matters and what we do while we wait matters.  His word declares we must believe that God is a rewarder of those that seek him. The benefits to waiting for God’s timing are: his strength is made perfect in our weakness, he renews our strength as the eagle, he is perfecting those things concerning us. 

I wrote a song called “I learned to rest” Verse says: Bridge Rest on my word, trust in my word, obey my word

Rest on my word, trust in my word, obey my word

Rest on my word, trust in my word, obey my word

Lead Now, I know why the storms come, higher ground it

makes me seek. Through fasting and praying his secret place I did find. Under his wings I hid myself and at his feet I did learn

Chorus I learned to rest on his word. Oh yes, I learned to rest on his word. Hallelujah, I learned to rest on his word.

Juanita Bynum sings a song. I Don’t Mind Waiting on you Lord, it’s a privilege and honor to wait on you. May I add, while we waiting on the Lord, he is waiting on us to get to the place where we trust the process. 

Speak the answer not the problem. The answer is your word and you are the word. Heavenly father, help us to wait on you with patience. In expectancy that you are perfecting those things that concern us, that it is working together for our good.  Let us find ourselves in a place of rest because we know how it turns out. We shall have the desires of our heart because we delight ourselves in you, and in your law. Therefore, I will wait in hope, joy and peace and I will worship you while I wait for I know how much you love me and it is your good pleasure to give me the things that will make me strong and happy in you. I will wait on you lord to bring me to the place you need me to be. 

6-9-2021

Intercessor Yvonne Perkins

For His Glory Standing In The Gap

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