Lifeline #8: Prepare.

It’s time.

For the past few years I have often shared messages focused on the promises of God and the fulfillment of dreams. I don’t know what all we will see in the days and months and year ahead, but I have sensed that God is about to unveil things that will show the world we have indeed entered a fullness of time.

In the last two lifelines I referenced Luke 22:31-32. In that passage Jesus tells Peter he has prayed that his faith will not fail. As the story continues, we see Peter fail three times (through his denial of relationship with Jesus), but his faith ultimately does not fail because we know him today as one of the foundational leaders in the establishment of the Christian church, and one of the respected twelve apostles.

Peter had three marked moments of failure (Mark 14:66-72). But do you know what happened before he denied Jesus?

He had three marked opportunities to prepare for the journey ahead from the place of prayer (Mark 14:32-42).

Then he (Jesus) returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:37 NLT

I wonder what the outcome would’ve looked like, in those moments when Peter was questioned about his connection to Jesus, if he would’ve stayed awake. What would’ve happened if his spirit was strengthened where his body was weak? Likewise, I wonder what the outcome will look like for you and me in the days ahead. What will we see when we choose to follow the instructions God gives us? What happens when we prepare?

Friend, it’s time. Are you ready?

Prepare from the place of prayer, but also in whatever other ways God may personally speak to you.

I have a final story for you today. There was a dream I had in March of 2022 that God brought back to my remembrance a few days before 8/18/23. In the dream the time was 8:18 and I was supposed to arrive at my destination by 8:30. I had physical CDs I placed in a backpack. I remember being super selective about which ones I chose to take with me for my ride to school. I woke up before knowing if I made it to the destination on time.

While life doesn’t look like a mirror image of what we may see in the night, I have felt such an urgency to make sure I share this while it’s still August. As I walked through the dream’s interpretation I was led to Romans 8:18-30 NIV. The Lord has used that passage to minister to me so much throughout this month. I hope you’ll read it today, and I pray this post will serve as not only a lifeline, but a clarion call to prepare as we close out 2023 with a bang. There may be hardships ahead of us or even right now, but the glory of the Lord will always be revealed! ✨

Prepare.

Officially,

Lena 💛

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p.s. Have you checked out the videos I’ve been sharing to YouTube? I am weaving together elements of what I share here on the ICU website via my channel, so I’d love for you to subscribe, youtube.com/carlenaprophet. I’m also releasing a new song with a friend soon so you’re one of the first to know. Make sure you’re following me on socials so you can catch the release!

p.p.s. The first Lighthouse gathering was in August 2015. I’ve been leading ICU for more than 8 years now! What a blessing! I’m currently praying about how to plan out the Songs of Thanksgiving which falls under this ministry, so please be in prayer with me. I honestly would love to host it at my new home this year. Pray with me on that as I continue to house hunt!

Lifeline #7: You will fail.

A few weeks ago I had a conversation with a friend that centered on accepting our human failures, and the reality that we don’t get all things right in life. About midway into our discussion, I thought of Lifeline #6, “Your faith will not fail.” Amazingly, I had just released that post the morning of that same day.

I found myself pausing to reflect on these two thoughts.

1. Your faith will not fail.
2. You will fail.

While the second thought may perhaps sound discouraging from the onset, I actually found comfort in those words. It reminded me that while I may fail me, my faith will not fail me. In simplicity, my God will not fail me. He actually is desiring to lift the pressure off of me and put it on Himself (Matthew 11:28, I Peter 5:7). 

What a relief! 🙌🏾

God wants our disappointments and failures to be the fuel that actually builds and propels our faith! You will learn to be okay with what you can’t do for you when you understand that Jesus is always working on your behalf. He has not, nor will He ever, fail you.

One of the sweetest lifelines I heard God speak to me this year was, “Lena, you’re still learning.” That’s actually how I thought I would title this post today, but God expanded what He was saying to me. If I could summarize those words for you and me, here’s what Holy Spirit said.

“You’re still learning. There will be moments when you will fail. That’s okay because I won’t (Psalm 73:26). Through Me you will have many victories! When you fall, I will help you get back up. (Psalm 37:24, Proverbs 24:16) Take the pressure off of you because your success is alive in Me. I’ll handle what you can’t (Psalm 55:22). I’ll make a way where you never could (Isaiah 43:18-19). You and I have a partnership (John 15:4). It is your FAITH [in Me] that I have prayed will not fail (Luke 22:31-32). Trust me to finish what I started (Hebrews 12:2).”

Friend, let me say this again, Jesus will not fail you.

Recently, I was reading Jeremiah 1 in the Amplified Bible. It’s in that chapter where we see God leading Jeremiah into his assignment. As I read the last verse, it ministered beautifully to my soul. Here’s what it says! 👇🏾

They will fight against you, but they will not [ultimately] prevail over you, for I am with you [always] to protect you and deliver you,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 1:19

What really grabbed me was not only God’s transparency in telling Jeremiah he would be fought against, but also the inclusion of the word “ultimately” in this translation. Think about it. How many times have you gone through battles and it seems like you keep losing? Loss after loss. Trial after trial. Test after test. Failure after failure.

Look, I get it! 😮‍💨 I may not walk in your shoes, but I’ll give you one of my favorite phrases. We may not all have the same circumstances, but we have the same instruction manual and there is one great God.

Just as God was transparent with Jeremiah, I believe He’s also being transparent with you and me today. We’re going to go through some things. We will have our share of failures in life (not that we’re out here aiming to fail 😆). But…

Ultimately, victory belongs to Jesus. Therefore, it belongs to the sons and daughters of God. If you’re in that number say, “That’s me! Victory belongs to me!” 🙋🏾‍♀️

WITH GOD, you will not ultimately fail (Jude 1:24-25). And when it’s all said and done, it is my prayer that we will SEE God’s complete purpose and plan made manifest on Earth as it is in Heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Officially,

Lena 💛

p.s. Check out Jeremiah 1:19 NLT. Interestingly, that translation uses the word “fail.” As you walk with God, the word “fail” will turn in the direction of those who come against you. 🙌🏾

p.p.s. Please know I am not speaking failure over you AT ALL! 🙅🏾‍♀️ From a very basic view, I just want you to know “You (void of Jesus) will fail.” We can’t see the wins (those that are truly worth it) without Him. This journey is not a solo ride. God is taking the pressure off of you today. Trust Him. It’s celebration season! 🥳 ...Oh, and if you aren’t already, subscribe to my YouTube channel as I’m sharing more teaching videos there, youtube.com/carlenaprophet!

Lifeline #6: Your faith will not fail.

It won’t. 

When I last wrote, I shared that I’d be releasing a series of lifelines God has spoken to my heart thus far in 2023. One of those lines was, “Your faith will not fail.”

Even today as I write this, it’s June 30, 2023. As I searched for the word “fail” in my saved notes, I saw the below words I saved from a friend’s text from June 30, 2022. How timely is that? May these words be an encouragement to you as they were for me. 👇🏾

“He won’t fail you! He won’t fail you! Isaiah 55:10-11. You love Him. You trust Him. You honor Him. You will not be disappointed. You’ve been fasting, praying and believing. You will win the war praying, fasting and living worry free. Whatever is God’s will will HAPPEN.”

One reason you can have peace in knowing your faith will not fail and that God will not fail you is found in Luke 22:31-32.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32 ESV

Those are the words of Jesus to Simon Peter, but today I hope you know Jesus has also prayed for you, see John 17:17-21. Trials will come. The enemy will attempt to sift you, but Jesus is praying for you. As your sister, I am also praying for you. 

Your faith will not fail. God will not fail.

Keep going! Keep believing.

It’s celebration season! 🌈

Officially,

Lena 💛

p.s. This past Sunday I shared a video to my Youtube focused on kingdom marriage with sprinkles of my journey of hearing God’s voice. If you’d like to check it out or watch some of my previous and future videos, please subscribe at youtube.com/carlenaprophet!

Reflections with Jesus: God, why are you allowing this?

Have you ever asked God why specific challenges are being allowed in your life? I believe in one way or another we all have moments when we find ourselves perplexed or outright frustrated with the events of life.

I’ve learned to stop, lean into God and ask Him to speak to me about the matters of my heart. That’s important for all of us to do! If we don’t bring our concerns to Him and leave them at His feet, then those challenges become all the more weighty and we’re more susceptible to turn our frustrations towards Him and lose sight of our real adversary, Satan.

As I journaled with God last month, I asked Him the question I just shared with you. In fact, I’m reading my handwriting as I type this. It says, “God, why are you allowing this to happen? Where is my victory?…” I was trying not to make God responsible for my pain, but it felt hard not to. Nonetheless, here’s what I live by…

If I’m choosing one constant in life, it will always be Jesus.

With that embedded in my heart, I responded to my situation with a resolve to trust Him. I intentionally gave myself one day devoted to hours of journaling my thoughts, reading scripture, and talking to the Lord through prayer. I let Him know how I felt, my frustrations, and how I desperately wanted to know things I did not/and still do not fully understand.

I share this with you today in hopes it will encourage you to seek the face of God! Spending time with Him is literally the BEST thing we could ever do for ourselves. Maybe there are some things in your life you need to write out and explore until you get a response. Give Him your questions. He can handle them. Intentionally meet with Him. That does not mean you’ll exit the secret place knowing everything, but He will NEVER leave you with nothing. You will walk out with an answer even if the answer is, “Keep seeking Me. I hold the answer.” (because that’s how it is sometimes! 😂🤷🏾‍♀️)

By the end of that day, I was far better than I was when I first stepped into His presence. And since that day, He’s given me simple and brief words that have kept me anchored. I’ll share those with you all as lifelines over the next few weeks, but here’s what He said to me in response to today’s big question.

If I have allowed it, then I will be with you as you walk through it. Your victory is coming.

For the person who needs this today, can I just encourage you to stop and let that marinate in your heart? Actually, go ahead and read it again!

If I have allowed it, then I will be with you as you walk through it. Your victory is coming.

The Lord has spoken to me in such beautiful ways in the past month through John 11. I totally recommend reading that! He allowed a man named Lazarus to die because he knew how the story would end. When I read of Lazarus’ sister Mary weeping, I thought to myself, “Mary girl, I feel you and I’m right there with you.” Then John 11:35 says, “Jesus wept.” I thought, “Wow, if Jesus would cry alongside Mary, then surely He’s got to see me too.” As many times as I’ve heard that scripture throughout my life, it became very personal. The good news for Mary, the good news for me, and the good news for you is that victory with Jesus always comes! Always!

Don’t worry about what’s been allowed. Keep believing in Jesus because victory is coming. He sees where you are, but He’s set on where you will be. The glory of God will be revealed. Do you believe that? (See John 11:40)

Isaiah 43:2 NLT

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

Now that you know His response, what is yours?

If this is for you, I totally encourage you to look up scriptures with “I will be with you” and sit with God so He can minister to your heart! Y’all I feel so strengthened in my spirit and grounded in His word! I am fully confident this season is marked! What a time to bloom! 🌸

Have a beautiful day and consider sharing this with someone if you believe it will help them! There will be sweetness unfolding in this year of 2023! I’ve already seen it in some ways and I am trusting God for more. I love you and I am praying for you!


Officially,
Lena 💛

Lifeline #5: Maybe you’re right at the edge

Maybe you’re right at the edge of breakthrough. Maybe you’re right at the edge of seeing the change you’ve prayed for and sought the Lord for. Wherever you are, trust that His plans for you are good. They are.

I took a break from writing last month, but I didn’t take a break from my conversations with God. One morning I found myself pondering so many questions about my life and the words the Lord gave me were “ye have need of patience.” With those words, I searched to find the corresponding verse I knew they were connected to.

To make sure I embedded them in my heart I grabbed my dry erase marker and wrote the scripture on my bathroom mirror. Every day since then, I wake up to those words staring me in the face. 

36 For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised.

Hebrews 10:36 AMP

That same morning, the scripture of the day in the Bible App also spoke to my heart.  Here’s what it said.

57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].

I Corinthians 15:57-58 AMP

I thought I’d throw you a lifeline today in case you’re needing a bit of hope like I do. And even if it seems like things are at the edge of falling apart, my prayer is that you (we) are found patiently waiting for the promises of God as we continue walking in victory through Jesus! This walk, no matter how challenging or exhausting, is NEVER without purpose.

Love you all so much and I am praying you see how beautiful your stories will end along with how they will begin!

Officially,

Lena 💛

Lifeline #4: It's time for you to STRETCH!

 

STRETCH! That word has blazed in my spirit this week.

Have you recently felt like you’re entering uncharted territory or waiting to take possession of new territory? I sure have, and if there has ever been a season I saw those around me walk through transitions all at once, RIGHT NOW is that moment!

I deeply believe God is asking us to stretch! In fact, yesterday evening a video popped up in my YouTube feed from Pastor Bill Johnson that reaffirmed for me I was indeed hearing from God. Here’s the link if you’d like to watch it. As soon as I heard him say “stretch,” I wanted to share the scriptures he mentioned and type a few lines to push you forward in your faith today!

2 

“Enlarge your house; build an addition.

    Spread (STRETCH) out your home, and spare no expense!

3 

For you will soon be bursting at the seams.

    Your descendants will occupy other nations

    and resettle the ruined cities.

4 

“Fear not; you will no longer live in shame.

    Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you.

You will no longer remember the shame of your youth

    and the sorrows of widowhood.

Isaiah 54:2-4 NLT

I encourage you to read the entire chapter and if you’re a man, this is not a message confined to women. It is for all of us as we are all purposed to carry the promises of God. God has so much for you in this year of 2023! STRETCH! You have to prepare and make room in order to have the capacity to possess those things God is gifting to you. What you have prayed for according to His will, YOU WILL SEE IT! I am standing in faith with you.

Officially,

Lena 💛

Reflections with Jesus: Ask Him to remind you!

As I awoke this morning, the song "Love of a King" by Cody and Julie Oliver was on replay in my mind. Two thoughts came to mind.

1. It's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! How fitting to think of "Love of a King!" 👑

2. There's a line that says, "I'm seated in heavenly places. Remind my heart." (Ephesians 2:4-7)

As I've now played the actual song repeatedly, I wondered who else may need God to remind them that they are seated in heavenly places. I sure needed the reminder so I'm sharing one of my previous reflections with you.

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September 10, 2020

This morning I woke up with the image of a rainbow in mind. It’s the one thing that seemed to stick out beyond my random dreams last night.

🌈... I received it as a reminder from Holy Spirit that God honors covenant with His kids and He keeps His promises.

In the past month, I’ve been reading the book “Gods at War” with friends and new friends through a book study. We’ve looked at the lives of the Israelites and their constant battle with placing their faith in God or the gods of this world. They were constantly looking for God to prove himself before submitting their trust. And their trust (their covenant with Him) was always temporal, but He was steadfast in His love and His pursuit of their hearts.

We are often much more like the Israelites than we desire to admit. Yet God’s love remains and He still reaches for us.

As I’ve reflected on this and examined the idols that fight to live on the throne of my heart, my prayer has become a repeated, “God remind me. Remind me of who you are. Remind me of who you’ve been and what you’re able to do. Remind me that you lived in yesterday, you live in today and all of my tomorrows. Remind me that you keep your promises. Thank you for sending Holy Spirit to help me keep my promises. Help me to recognize the promises you’ve delivered and fulfilled that I have disregarded. Remind me of your goodness so I won’t ever forget! Remind me.”

I share this today because maybe you need to say that too. 

He is a God who can be trusted. When you seek Him, you will find Him. That my friends is a promise. 🌈

Know that Yahweh your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commands.

Deuteronomy 7:9 HCSB

For I know the plans I have for you” —this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 HCSB

#ReflectionsWithJesus

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What do you need to be reminded of today? Ask God to remind you of how He's demonstrated His love for you. Keep believing for the things to come, while also holding gratitude for the victories you've SEEN Him win for you. He is good!

If Jesus is King (and He is) and you're seated with Him, are you not also royal? You are! (I Peter 2:9) I love that Martin Luther King, Jr. carried such a royal name and I'm so grateful that we get to celebrate him today. Happy King Day friends!

Officially,

Lena 💛

p.s. I received three responses to my last post and that made me so happy that it blessed y'all! THANK YOU! If you're reading these and at least one of them is a blessing, I'd love to know! 🤗 There are 30 folks who receive these posts via email right now. I know your names and I'm praying for you! Enjoy your day!

Lifeline #3: Are you seeking an answer?

If you’ve found yourself seeking God for clarity or direction, then we have something in common. If you’re waiting to see the fulfillment of the desires of your heart, then I can totally relate to parts of your journey. While I’m sure my questions to God may differ from yours, our instruction manual (the Bible) is the same.

Many of my prayers in the past few years have centered around the establishment of my family. Well, a few days ago, I recalled a time back in 2021 when I was seeking God for clarity about marriage. The Holy Spirit led me to study the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). He changed the way I visualized that story in scripture. I began to see the wine as simply the fulfillment of a need rather than the answer. I saw Jesus as The Answer because He was the supplier of the wine which was the need for that day.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 KJV

I want to share some of the words I jotted down that morning as the Holy Spirit gave them to me. I believe it’ll speak to you no matter your circumstance.

Your confirmation, clarity, and direction regarding your prayer request is coming directly to you (Jeremiah 33:3). You will discern what’s sent by Me as your mind is set on Me (Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:2). You will know where to place your yes and you will know where to place your noes. I, the Lord, will prepare you when you are face-to-face with the very things and people that have come to rise for or against my promises. You will be equipped and you will be ready (Ephesians 2:10). I'm making you ready right now. Trust. Just because you don't have all the natural answers does not mean I won't prepare you for the tests. My word is LIFE. I am your study guide (John 16:13) and I will not lead you astray. Follow Me (John 12:26).

I pray you are encouraged to follow The Answer today while you wait for the answer(s). I am so confident He will take care of you and you will have all that you need and the additional things you don’t even know to ask for in Jesus’ name.

I’m praying for you today. I love you!

Officially,
Lena 💛

p.s. Imagine if Jesus would’ve never been invited to that wedding in Cana? As a result of His presence and actions, His glory was put on display and His disciples believed in Him. Consider what will happen as we invite Him into our own stories! What a beautiful opportunity we have to trust Him today!