Thank you for walking through this forgiveness series leading to Easter. When God provides revelation about the key to effective prayer, I’m urged to share that we all may walk in this life journey in greater victory.

Today, on Good Friday, the greatest miracle happens for us. Observing Easter when Jesus surrendered his life through His blood, we were completely forgiven. Our failures, wickedness, ignorance, selfish ambitions… all of it completely washed away.

Today, we are going to make this real. This is a prayer exercise that I find is effective. Relax and allow your imagination to help you with this process. 

Okay? Here we go.

I want you to envision your life book (Psalm 139:16) laying open before you on a table. It’s a very large book and there is writing on both sides. Jesus is standing there with you. The accusations of your life mess-ups and sins are scribbled upon these pages along with the acts of faith and love.

Jesus looks with love into your face then turns toward your book. He touches the top of it and his blood slowly flows over the pages. As it flows top-to-bottom, many of the words wash away and that which remains, is now shimmering-glowing.

This is the forgiveness of sins. This is the miracle of the New Covenant. All accusations are washed away and that which remains, the shining faithfulness of your life. That is your record in heaven. It's beautiful and life-giving to see from heavens viewpoint.

Now, we have one final act to forgiveness to walk through. Here is the last question.

Q: Jesus, do I need to forgive God?

This is a deep question but don’t ignore it.

God can handle your disappointments. He will comfort your need to know why. He is able to listen as you share your anger and pain. He will help you work through the secret hurts and disappointments you may hold against Him.

At Easter, what a perfect time to fully walk in Forgiveness and become fully free! Forgiveness, is a golden Key to the Kingdom of God.

Happy Easter. He is Risen…. Just as He said!

This Easter, I’m undone as I consider the forgiveness of Christ. I can’t help but to feel all the feels every time I read about the crucifixion of Christ.

As we ponder this week, let’s ask Jesus a few questions. I believe it’s this Easter that He is walking us into greater freedom and hope. Sit in your prayer time with your journal. Take each of these questions that I'm posting below to the Lord. Then just listen and follow the prompting in your heart.

Pray: Jesus, thank you for the new covenant. Thank you for your precious blood that sealed my deliverance and freedom 2,000 years ago. Thank you for the stripes upon your body that heal my body. Thank you for showing me the way to live and love.

Jesus, I want to experience greater freedom this Easter and live in your promises. 

Q: Jesus, I want to start with me. Do I need to forgive myself? Do I need to forgive any past offence, shame, guilt or action that is keeping me in bondage or regret? (Write them down and the confess, repent and ask for forgiveness. Then joyfully say: I receive your forgiveness. Then ask again until nothing else comes to mind.)

Q: Jesus, are there any past offences, pain, or hatred I carry toward another person? (Repeat the process above.)

Work your way through this process in the quiet of your prayer time.

Now here is the REAL TRUTH. This type of prayer takes work. This process takes time. I find most Christians won’t do it on their own. It takes courage and often tears to work through this. It takes significant effort to really pray effectively. So my question to you is, will you do it?

Here is the REAL, REAL TRUTH. This process works. Make the time. It’s worth every effort of prayer to step into greater peace, greater freedom, and GREAT LOVE.

On Friday we will look at the last area of forgiveness that most believers don’t know they need.

Okay, please someone share with me. Is this series helpful? I know it’s deep but it is truly the Christian life. This is the path of wisdom. This is the path toward freedom. This is holiness.

See you in the comments. Blessings, great encouragement and love, Lynn

The Forgiveness of Easter

SUMites, what if we prayed and we witnessed supernatural healing? What if we pray and we send back a hurricane? What if we pray and demons flee, or we pray and see life return?

I want all of these things to occur when I pray and I believe we are able to participate in these miracles because I’ve experienced most of them. I share some details about these stories in the book, Enforcer.

What does forgiveness prayer really look like? Could our unsaved spouse perhaps be saved? Do we need to forgive our unsaved spouse, family member, unsaved neighbors?

It appears obvious that when we look to the cross, we witness the forgiveness of our sins. We know, as believers, that Jesus died, shed His blood, making atonement, that we are forgiven by the Father. Our Father then welcomes us home from the badlands of prodigal living and rebellion.

But I want to direct our study to another person that day on a cross. A criminal, a guilty man, who was crucified next to Christ.

Luke 23: 38-43 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Remember earlier in the day Jesus says this, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34

It's mind blowing to me that as Jesus hangs, tortured on the cross paying for this convicted criminal’s sins, he's asking the Father to forgive him. And in a simple response to the man who asks to be remembered, Jesus says to him, 

The law of forgiveness is in full effect and demonstrated here. And what is fascinating is this man didn’t need to make a profession of faith. He wasn’t baptized or sprinkled. He merely asked to be remembered and Jesus speaks, assuring him of his eternal salvation in that moment.

This implores me to pause and consider the great compassion of our God. It makes me ponder just how wide and long and how far-reaching is the forgiveness of Christ. I’m compelled to consider that there may be many who are saved but not living like we expect but Jesus loves them and we will see them in heaven.

Jesus hung on a cross for them. He shed His blood to redeem many. He came to show us the way and many will find their way even if we don’t understand how this works here on earth.

Hmmmmmm, the things that make you ponder the Kingdom of God and our Lord Jesus this Easter.

I hope this helps you to ponder the depths of forgiveness and what happens when we choose to forgive others. Perhaps our forgiveness opens the door for a person to receive Jesus.

Wow, just Wow.

Oaky, thoughts? See you in the comments. Blessings, Lynn

Significant Key to Prayer

Hope you read last Friday’s post about prayer because you need that background to unlock this powerful and effective key to answered prayer. Also, all of this teaching is leading up to Easter….. Just wait until I make that connection!!!  It’s stunning.

Okay, let’s read on.

The commonality came to me in a moment of revelation at 5 am on a Sunday morning a few weeks ago.

So here is the summary and the key. Both of these passages in Mark and Matthew are Jesus teaching His disciples how to pray. They have nuances that are powerful and should be followed and language that is effective and works. I know this because I’ve prayed it myself and have watched the answers arrive.

The key here is the interesting and seemingly ignored sentences that follow BOTH of these different instructions to prayer.

And that key is forgiveness.

Mark 11:25-26, Jesus says, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Matthew 6;14, Jesus says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

These prayer models are undergirded by forgiveness. Our effective prayers must begin with forgiving those who have betrayed, those who are cruel, those who anger us, and those who should have protected, but didn’t.

Forgiveness isn’t easy. But it’s necessary. Forgiving others releases ourselves from a spiritual prison we have erected int he spiritual realm. We move from a victim to an overcomer. And in the Kingdom of God, overcomers wield great power and authority in Christ.

What’s challenging is that in our marriage, family, work life, ministry, etc, forgiveness is an ongoing practice. Grrrrrrrr. Sometimes we have to forgive over and over and over. Sometimes we forgive and then set a boundary or establish space between ourselves and an unsafe person. And there are times we need help with forgiveness because our wounding is deep. (Healing Prayer with Lynn Donovan.)

Genuine forgiveness is the key to these effective prayer models.

Let’s now consider something utterly astonishing as we look upon Easter. And it’s not our forgiveness by Christ, (which is utterly astounding) but something else quite interesting. Join me next Friday for the next installment in this series about Easter and Prayer.

Please take two minutes to share with me your thoughts regarding this connection in the comments. Have you prayed through Mark 11. Do you use the Lord’s prayer to pray. What has happened when you prayed this way? See you in the comments. Blessings, Lynn

As we approach Easter and consider prayer for our unsaved loved ones, I want to turn our study to what Jesus taught about prayer AND the key He revealed regarding effective prayer.

I’m exceedingly interested in praying effectively. There are lives on the line. Eternities are at stake. Tremendous needs for supernatural healing surround us. There are so many deceived and need to experience truth and love. My SUMite family, we must pray with effectiveness and boldness as the time grows short.

Today as I was studying when the Holy Spirit drew my mind to make a critical connection between two specific prayer models in the Bible.

So, let’s take a look at Mark 11:12-26, which I have taught extensively in my book, Spiritual Enforcer. Please stop here and get out your bible, read this passage beginning with the cursing of the fig tree. And follow that section all the way through verse 26.

Jesus teaches us in this passage about how to pray. He lays out all the details of effective prayer right here.

Now let’s visit the Lord’s prayer which is another prayer model taught by Jesus. Matthew 6:5-14

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

10 Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

13 And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

The Mark 11 model is incredibly effective, but I think many believers miss the extra step or the key that unlocks these prayer models in order that we actually experience the results of our prayer.

And next Friday I will share that key. But today, I hope I’ve stirred up your curiosity to dive into the scriptures. Open up your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the nuances to pray with effectiveness and to partner with the Kingdom of God to bring His will on earth as it is in heaven.

Tell me in the comments, what you have learned reading these passages. Have you tried to cast your mountain into the sea?

Love you. Keep learning. Keep knocking. Pound on the doors of heaven and revelation will be given. Blessings, Lynn

Image credit: Chatgpt, Lynn Donovan

Greetings SUM Nation. Lynn Donovan with you. I’ll be with you every Friday now as I’ve settled back into a routine and the Lord is encouraging me to write on the blog regularly again.

Easter Sunday is April 20th. So, for the next few Fridays, let's consider the weeks leading up to Easter and how we can look to this season as prayer prompts for our families and for us as well.

Today I want to teach you about "Launch Prayers."

I'll give you an example because it happened today. Last July my son lost his job when his company went through a round of layoffs. Ugh. Hard, I know. He took some time off but began to earnestly look for work in January. He started applying with gusto, yet no responses, until there was one. After a great interview, they hired him but then suggested a better position which would also be competitive to obtain. He threw his hat in the ring and then he waited.

He waited.... and waited... And waited.

Well while on the phone with him this morning (March 6, 2025), I asked him about the employment situation. And you have to know that my son believes in Jesus but isn't a regular church goer. Also, I have come to realize my adult children aren't keen to hear from their mother about some kind of faith topic either. Ho Hum.... In other words,... "Mom, don't preach." Okay, okay.

My son responds to my questions, "Mom, this is really becoming stressful. I haven't heard from them about this new position. And they haven't responded about the initial job that they said I had."

And this is where a launch prayer happens.

Without warning launch into prayer and I say, "In the name of Jesus I declare there is no more delay. This job belongs to my son. And he will hear about it now. In Jesus name. AMEN"

"Okay, son, well I'm praying about it. I know you want to be working, and can I send you some money?"

He says, "Thanks mom. I love you." We hang up.

And now, I kid you not, within an hour he sends me a text message: It's a photo of a text he received: You are the top applicant. Expect communication in your inbox. Congratulations.

I called him back immediately. I shouted, "Prayer works."

SUMites. Launch prayer is so cool. It must be spontaneous. It must be quick and to the point. Finally, after saying amen, move on with the conversation and/or change the subject. This beats the devil, as you prayed over someone and they didn't have time to go into unbelief or doubt. 

I love launch prayers. I pray them often and over many people in different situations and circumstances. Even complete strangers. I launch into prayer.

Okay, what do you think? Want to practice. Just take one courageous step and open your mouth. And then move along. 

Please, (((anyone....))) Share with me in the comments. What do you think about launch prayers? Also, I have a challenge for you leading up to Easter. Start to practice launch prayers. Come back here and share with me when you try this out. I read every. single. comment.

Blessings and hugs, Lynn

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 NIV

Praying for your family or praying while they listen in an unequally yoked home is challenging. But I've found a prayer model that works. 

So tune in tomorrow and I'll explain Launch Prayers. 

Are you curious?

Today, I bless you in the name of our Lord Jesus with hope. Great BIG and life-changing hope. In Jesus name. Amen

Love you, Lynn

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Hello, dear, SUMite friends. I trust this post finds you in a good place.

Two post ago, my New Year’s post, I shared my ‘Word for the year. ‘Adventure’! I’ve held onto that ever since and wondered what adventure lay ahead. I had a hunch it would be something specifically with the Lord and would involve me stepping out of my comfort zone in some way. I shared Joan Chittister’s quote that specifically mentions that: “Adventures happen when we take the time to do what we have not done before.” (Joan Chittister)

I recently finished a book by John Eldredge and the late Brent Curtis called ‘Sacred Romance: Drawing Closer to the Heart of God’ and I came across this quote from Christian author and philosopher G. K. Chesterton. It read:

“An adventure is, by its very nature, a thing that comes to us. It is a thing that chooses us, not a thing we choose.”

The authors sighted the two examples to emphasise Chesterton’s words. Lucy, stumbling into Narnia through the back of the wardrobe. She wasn’t looking for it, in fact, she was hiding and fell into a new world. Similarly, Abraham wasn’t looking for an adventure, God called him to one.

The choice before us is to NOT to make it happen. Lucy, could have NOT told her siblings and Abraham could have said No to God, just like Jonah, initially did.

“The choice before us is a choice to enter in.”

Lent – a wilderness adventure of the heart.

Today marks Ash Wednesday. The first day of Lent. Lent marks the 40 days before Easter, culminating in Jesus’ death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday. The 40 days mirror the number of days Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting and resisting the Devil prior to the commencement of his ministry.

It's useful to remember that immediately before Holy Spirit sent Jesus into the wilderness, Jesus had been baptised by John the Baptist. When Jesus rose from the water, the Gospel of Matthew says this:

“At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16b-17 NIV)

Jesus goes into the desert knowing he is beloved of the Father.

We too can enter the Lenten season with the same assurance: we are Beloved of God.

Lent is a favourite season of mine. I typically read the church liturgy each day and work through a couple of specific books during the season. And yes, I will generally ‘fast’ something but only do this out of desire to draw closer to God, not out of a sense of obligation. This year, I plan to detach myself from buying anything other than essentials like food and the like. No clothes, no books, no things.

I believe I found my adventure; well, it found me. I hope to dive deeper into God’s love for me, for us, for His beloved. To abide (John 15) in Jesus and to call on grace to help resist temptation including buying things. (I find it very easy to buy books – a great love of mine).

You may not observe Lent, which is all good. But I believe Father invites all of us into an adventure of love. A story, a great romance, where Father is both the author and the hero. And we’re His beloved.

May I invite us all to contemplate such themes during these next 40 days and step into this extraordinary story of love.

Much love, dear friends

Sum Nation. Lynn Donovan here.

Today in my Bible reading I was reading through the book of Mark, Chapter 3:

28 “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; 29 but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”—

I often ponder and asked the Lord, what is the unforgivable sin? What does it really mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.

From all my years of study, it all comes down to this: Loyalty

The unpardonable sin is: Rebellion

The unforgiveable sin of satan-rebellion. The rejection of the forgiver of sin who is Jesus-rebellion. For as long as the human race has existed, the Kingdom of God has fought against rebellion. There was rebellion in the heavens before Adam set foot on earth.

But what in the world does this have to do with our unique walk of the unequally yoked? Glad you asked.

What I find truly astonishing is our ability to persevere in faith while living on the front lines of spiritual battles. We have remained a believing Christian when opposition continually exists, in our own home, workings to tear us away from our faith.

We remain faithful when our atheist spouse has thrown every kind of “argument” or “truth” quote, unquote, toward us.

We have persevered when we have received ridicule, hatred, or mocking for our faith and belief.

We have been in training most of our married lives to become faithful believers who are loyal to the King.

Did you know this is the GREATEST GIFT you can bestow upon our Lord Jesus? Our loyalty and fidelity.

When you feel tired or the voice of deceit and deception tries to arise, speak to it and command it to stop. Walk away and KNOW that your faith and the Kingdom of God is worth every effort and we can overcome every attack the devil throws our way.

Well done solder of the Cross!!! Keep walking it out. We are survivors. We are the conquerors; we are those who shine brightly even if this world doesn’t see our faith. In the heavenly realms we are royal-loyalists who will wear a crown of righteousness.

I adore you. Be blessed this hour. Lynn

SUMites, I mentioned in my last post that Paul wrote two poems about Jesus in his epistles. We were going to marinate in them, given the time of year we're in. Here is the second one, may it bless you as you read its words:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by him all things were created:

things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,

whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;

all things were created by him and for him.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

And he is the head of the body, the church;

He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, 

so that in everything he might have supremacy.

For God was pleased to have all his fulness dwell in him,

and through him to reconcile to himself all things,

whether things on earth or things in heaven,

by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 1:15-20, NIV.

Friends, the team at SUM will now be taking time off and will be back in early January. We wish you a blessed Christmas season.

Love from all of us

SUMites, I mentioned in my last post that Paul wrote two poems about Jesus in his epistles. We were going to marinate in them, given the time of year we're in. Here is the second one, may it bless you as you read its words:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by him all things were created:

things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,

whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;

all things were created by him and for him.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

And he is the head of the body, the church;

He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, 

so that in everything he might have supremacy.

For God was pleased to have all his fulness dwell in him,

and through him to reconcile to himself all things,

whether things on earth or things in heaven,

by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 1:15-20, NIV.

Friends, the team at SUM will now be taking time off and will be back in early January. We wish you a blessed Christmas season.

Love from all of us

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Hello, dear Sumites, Ian from sunny Sydney.

Here we are at the end of another year! And another Advent season. It’s my favourite season of the year for a variety of reasons, one being that my birthday happens to be in it, but more significantly, it’s a season where I typically begin to reflect on the year past and the one that is ahead. The sense of “arrival” of a new year is significant. And of course that is the meaning of the word, Advent.

"In Advent we prepare for the coming of all love - that love which will redeem all the brokenness, wrongness, and hardnesses of heart that have afflicted us." Madeleine L'Engle

The arrival of Jesus

Advent of course is about Jesus. His birth and the expectancy of His coming again once day. Consequently, for me, it is a season of hope. Jesus is coming and the wonder of Advent is that for us we get to experience Him every day through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I find Advent is a good time to try to slow down and seek to be more present with Jesus and others. Jesus is always with us, and it requires intention to receive all the love and grace he offers us.

Even though for the traditionalists, hope is the theme for week one of Advent, I’ve sensed the entire 4 weeks for me is all about hope. As I lingered with this the other day, I sensed this ‘hope’ centered around 3 areas:

• Hope of a new future. I’m sensing an excitement about 2025 and something new. Maybe all it is, is just that. A New Year and the opportunities that present themselves. But, I’m hoping for something more … hmmm
• Hope of greater intimacy with our Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and people. Intimacy is a significant longing for me, and I seek it in all my relationships.
• Hope of overflowing in love in all I do.

I took great encouragement from 2 of the Bible readings that featured on Sunday, the first day of Advent, confirming my ‘hope-full’ intentions. I follow the Advent liturgy throughout the season which I find immensely enjoyable.

Holy Spirit nudged me particularly with two verses in Psalm 25:

“Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Saviour,
    and my hope is in you all day long. (v4-5 NIV UK)

All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
    toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.” (v10)

And then in 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIVUK)

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”

Here’s wishing you all a lovely Advent and Christmas. I wonder if you practice Advent or have any particular intentions for the month. And hope? What are you hoping for this season and 2025? I you haven't already, we'd encourage you to open. dialogue with the Lord about your hopes. Even though He already knows all things, it's the relational aspect of communicating, listening and sharing ideas that draw us closer to Him.

We’d love to start a conversation about Advent and hopes in the comments below if you are willing to share.

Go well, dear friends and many blessings for a peaceful and hope-filled Advent and Christmas season.

Politics and the Unequally Yoked

Lynn here.

Politics in the Bible? John Chapter 14?

I’m so glad you asked.

Let’s quickly define the scenario that is often at hand in our mismatched marriages as it relates to politics (and religion).

In our marriages we view life, morals, beliefs and purpose through the lens of God’s Word. There is a clash of world views within our marriage relationship and within our home. For me, our political views are as different as our religious perspectives. However, our faith differences have lessoned over the last several years, but our political views can still clash.

But, within the context of John, chapters 14 & 15 and a verse in 16 we can rest, without a doubt, in the truth. Jesus begins to describe the “Helper.”

This is such a profound new thing for the disciples. And the Holy Spirit is so important to us as New Covenant believers that Jesus said this:

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16: 7

Say what????

It’s better for us to have the Holy Spirit than to have Jesus, Himself with us.

So, here is the key to the Holy Spirit. Remember, I told you that this summer the Holy Spirit was teaching me to ASK Him to manifest. I’m more convinced than ever that we NEED to ask for His help, strength, wisdom, and peace.

When we ask, this is what happens. We gain power in the spiritual, which impacts the natural realm. This is why Jesus sent the Helper. And boy howdy, do we ever need power. But also, we gain discernment and wisdom.

It becomes quite easy to discern the heart of a person, good or bad. It becomes easy to hear a lie and then reject it by replacing it with truth.

Example: I will not watch the news because I just can’t put up with the lies or half-truths (distortions). My Holy Spirit meter starts to fire almost with every story and especially when it comes to politics.

So, want to test this out? Watch the news after praying and asking the Holy Spirit to manifest and reveal truth.

How does this affect our marriages? Well, when it becomes common place to recognize the lies and know the truth, you don’t need to engage, fight, or defend. You also don’t walk around in confusion. It becomes very peaceful.

Give it a try. Ask the Holy Spirit to manifest next time you walk into a meeting at work. Ask the Holy Spirit to manifest in your prayer time and in Worship. That will be an amazing experience. Be persistent. This is a lifetime of abiding in the Lord. Learning to manifest this precious Spirit was so important that it’s a large portion of what Jesus taught the disciples on His last day on earth.

Don’t you think it should be profoundly important to us today?

Thoughts? I want to hear your understanding on what Jesus is teaching about the Holy Spirit. PS. No right or wrong answers here, only learning. See you in the comments.

Blessings and hugs, Lynn

Hi Sumites, Lynn Donovan here.

A few weeks ago, I was stuffed in the backseat of a rental car with my two granddaughters. My son and his wife were driving us to an overlook in Portland where we would view the entire city and the volcano in the background. It was spectacular.

Somewhere in the conversation topics that ensued in the backseat, ranging from gymnastics, hair styles, boys, and parents, my eldest granddaughter shared a story about a girl at school who said to another girl who didn’t believe in God that “said” girl would go to hell.

Wow, nothing like being put on the spot. So, here is my best recollection of my response to this statement. “Well, you know that we all will make a choice about our beliefs in Jesus and God. And the girl who told the other girl she would go to hell probably heard that from her parents. But, what this sounds like to that child is that God is mean.”

I continued, “Why would anyone want to find out more about a God that is mean?” They both listened earnestly. Parents ears in the front seat tuned in.

“God doesn’t send people to hell. He doesn’t hurt people or make them sick. He loves them and cares about every detail about our lives. He loves our dogs, and he is with you kids in your classrooms at school. He would never hurt you.”

“This little girl only heard that God is mean and cruel but never learns about the good Father that we really have.”

“Now, on the other hand, the devil will do everything to hurt, destroy and make you sick.” At that point the conversation bounced to another topic. But the truth was made clear. God is good and it’s the devil that is the “bad guy.” (PS. Just for clarity, God doesn't send people to hell. Indeed, we choose hell for ourselves. *gulp*)

Sometimes you just have to tell people about the real God, our Father. Who is kind, loving, and filled with goodness and forgiveness.

John, Chapter 14 reveals the entire purpose of Jesus ministry. His ministry, not His death and resurrection.

The ministry of Jesus was and IS: To reveal the Father. And reveal that He is good!

The entire exchange with Philip is our invitation to “know” the Father. To understand and experience God, as an intimate and good Father, because we have seen and know Jesus.

The implications of being known and knowing God as Father are so far reaching, I doubt we can unpack it all, if ever.

Jesus leads the disciples to a statement that is life changing.

Verses 19 & 20: A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

Knowing the Father will lead us to comprehend who we are because He is in us, and we are in Him. We understand the power and authority we hold. The significance and the identity we receive from this statement, is a complete mind-blow.

If we are in God, and God in us, why would we fear the future. If this is true, we can do all things through Christ. We are more than conquerors. We are the head and not the tail. We are loved, strong, stable, fortified, provided for, never forgotten, abandoned, or insecure.

In all truth, I've only slightly begun to unpack the implication of these verses in my life. But knowing this, assures me that I hear God’s voice, that I will overcome everything the devil sends my direction, I am secure in my life, health, finances and I have a GREAT hope for every day of my future.

Sure, sometimes the chaos of the enemy works to pervert this truthful knowledge but, my greatest warfare is to simple return to the truth. Jesus is in God, the Father, and I am in Jesus and He is in me. This is the beauty of the Holy Spirit that abides within. God in us. How could we ever lose?

Gang, if you understand the implications of this message in John 14, please share. I’m waiting with great anticipation to hear what you think.

I love you. PS. If Jesus is in the Father, and you are in Christ and I am in Christ, does this mean we are all connected and within one another?

So many crazy and profound thoughts to consider.

Lynn

Glory and a New Command

(Read to the end. The prayer at the bottom is good) John, chapter 13, concludes with two messages. The first, Jesus is glorified.

But what does that mean? I jumped into some research and the one-word-summary that fits is: honor.

Father, is bestowing honor upon Jesus. And the honorable actions and life of Jesus bring honor to God. I believe these few passages are conveying meaning and depth that I’ve yet to grasp. Our understanding of what is implied is limited.

In other words: THIS IS A BIG DEAL.

Yet, I can’t unpack it fully. I can only compare this glorifying to how it feels when we are respected, honored, and appreciated for what we accomplish and stand for. It’s deeply satisfying and fulfilling. It’s peaceful and meaningful. Hmmmmmm probably a very weak description for what is actually happening in this portion of scripture. Please add your thoughts in the comments.

Secondly, tucked in this chapter is a new commandment: Verse 34: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 

35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

What came to mind when I read this is the obvious command to love, but then my thoughts were, What are the commandments of Jesus?

1 & 2. The greatest commandment, Love God with all your heart, soul, mind. Second commandment, love your neighbor as yourself. Matt 22:37-39.

3. Love your enemies. Matt 5:43-44

4. Forgive others. Matt 6:14-15

5. Do not judge. Matt 7:1-2

6. Give to the poor. Matt 19:21, Matt 6:3-4

7. Be humble and serve others. Matt 20:26-28, John 13:5-20

8. Pray for your enemies. Matt 5:44

9. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. Matt 6:33

What is interesting to me is that all these singular commandments lead to a life of love.

Forgiveness of friends and enemies opens our closed and bitter soul to love and peace.

Judgement/offense shuts love off. Humble service allows our viewpoint to change and builds compassion within. Praying for our enemies is difficult and teaches us we can do hard things and yet, not allow our hearts to harden. All of the commandments lead us to the Kingdom of God and right living.

This is the path of love.

This is the path to peace and contentment.

This is the Kingdom of our God. Everything about the life of Jesus was to reveal our Father and His Kingdom. A Kingdom of love.

This begs the question: What is the door to the Kingdom? Well, the answer awaits us in chapter 14. Stay tuned.

The most important thing about this Kingdom of love begins with knowing you are loved. Truly love, accepted, enough, and made powerful because God loves you.

In our world of strife, grief, and fear, this truth is always under assault. For me, sometimes, I have to cry out, pray, and ask God for a greater encounter of His love.

My friends, this is a great prayer and God will respond, just remain persistent. I couldn’t have walked these past six months without knowing God really loved me. He wants you to know that too. He will affirm, reaffirm, and do it again.

Just ask. Okay, here we go. Father, today I feel less-than, unworthy, beaten down, discouraged. Today, this very day, I need a love encounter with You. Reveal your love and approval in a way that changes my discouragement to great hope, wonder, and expectancy. 

Jesus, reveal yourself and power in my life. Show me where you are today and lead me in wisdom to make decisions that are centered in love and reflect Your character. Reveal love to me today in a way that changes me. In Your name, Jesus. AMEN

As I was preparing this teaching last week about washing feet, I received the following text from a SUMite. She had no idea I’d just started this study and this week we were reviewing John, chapter 13, Jesus washed the disciple’s feet.

This is what she wrote to me:

I haven’t shared this with anyone, but I thought, you know what, Lynn’s heart would love this, and she would know how miraculous this moment was. 

I’ve been wearing that victory bracelet every day since you sent it, even during the separation (and I had no intention of getting back together with my husband) Then I prophetically drew his ring on one day in a church service a few months back in response to a message I heard on The bible story when Elijah accidentally cooks poison gourds and makes everyone sick but prophetically throws flour in the pot and it feeds His people.

Well last week I wanted to go get a pedicure cause my feet were rough, but I decided not to and instead, do it myself. 

I was in the bathroom and suddenly my husband says to me, “Let me wash your feet.” I sat there on the edge of tub with him. I just sat there in silence and in awe of what God is doing in him and in our marriage.

 Lynn, he washed my feet! I’ve held that close to my heart and I’m only sharing it with you because it was so precious to me. You and your obedience to the call on your life are a huge part of my story!

My friends, God can restore, redeem, refresh, rearrange and restart. Every now and again, we get to participate in the divine and witness His love and miracles in our lives.

This is one of those moments.

Thank you, Father.

Share today how you have witnessed the bible come alive in your life? I can't wait to read these testimonies. When you share your story, your words are written down in the annals of heaven. I love you. Lynn

Similar prayers are in this book.

Hi, Lynn Donovan here,

I want to share a short but powerful prayer when we are standing in the gap for someone in the spirit. 

Lord, let me stand in the gap for_________________. So that his eyes will be opened, and he will be freed from demonic bondage, so he can see his need for, You, Jesus.  I also forbid any affliction, illness or attack to come against me, my family and all under my love, stewardship, jurisdiction.   And I also forbid the same for the person whom I’m standing in the gap for.  In Jesus name.  

Pray this aloud. 

Print this out. Place it somewhere that you frequent and then pray it aloud whenever you see it.

Blessings and hugs, Lynn

PS. Thanks for the prayers for Mike. He is in remission, and we are awaiting a donor for a bone marrow transplant that is in the near future. I'll drop an update when we have more info.

I LOVE YOU. I LOVE JESUS. LITTERALLY, HE HAS SAVED ME AND MIKE OVER AND AGAIN!

Hello SUMites, Amanda here! I was listening to a teaching on Jesus this morning and the priest started talking about the names and titles of Jesus found throughout the New and Old Testament. As he started saying the various names of our Father, I could not help but lift my hand in praise as I drove! Sometimes we just need to be reminded of all that he is!

I wanted to share a similar list with all of you for this week! I hope it inspires you as much as it did me!

Read this list out loud today! Maybe even every day for a week to remind you of all that he is! 

(This is not a complete list! If I miss one you love, please share it in the comments!)

He is our CREATOR! The God Who Sees ME! Yahweh! Jehovah!

He is Jehovah-Rapha (LORD that heals)! He is the I AM!

He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

He is the Star out of Jacob!

He is the Consuming Fire! The Shield! The Sword!

He is the Judge of All!

Faithful! LIVING! My Strength and Power!

The Father! The Friend! The Rock! The Fortress!

The Alpha and Omega!

He is all of these things and so much more! He is a great and divine mystery! And how amazing is it that he chose to share himself with us?! He chose us when he did not have to. He had (and still has) the universe under his feet, every planet, every moon, every star, yet he chose us!

I hope the weight of those words will stay with you in the coming days. If you are struggling in a hard season, or just get distracted with the business of life and need a reminder, come back to this list to remind yourself of who he is!

Rest in him. Hope in him. Depend on him.

Trust him!

Have a great week and be blessed my friends!

Hello SUM Nation. Lynn Donovan here.

Next week I'll offer the first of two LIVE video training sessions that expand on the teaching in Spiritual Enforcer. This will include an open Q&A at the end. April 10th at 11 am PACIFIC, I'll cover WHY we must have our stance established and what happens in the spiritual realm when we aren't firmly planted. 

Also, I'll delve into the demonic realm and why we need to know our enemy. But also, how vital it is to be in lockstep with Jesus and Holy Spirit. 

So, if you haven't read the book yet, pick it up and plow through the first couple of sections. You can buy the eBook, paperback or audio book here. 

If you gave during our annual giving in November, you have received an email with the Zoom invitation. If you want to attend purchase a pass; click here. 

Write down your questions. Admittingly, I don't know everything, but I've gained an enormous amount of effective strategies that truly make a difference in our faith battles. 

THIS is worth your time. THIS is worth every effort. THIS training is the real deal.

Jesus needs us, His Church, to discover our power and authority and to bring the Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. I can't wait to share as I've already gained more info since the writing of this book.

Love you all. Be expectant, filled with hope and walk in joy. Love and blessings, Lynn

Photo courtesy of Adrian Cogua at Pexels.com

Hi everyone, Ian from Sydney here. How was your Easter? We hope it was full of goodness and happiness, especially with the wonderful message of the Resurrection. Jesus is Risen!

Easter has passed for another year. What happens now? Did the message of the Resurrection change anything in our lives? Is anything different in our hearts and/or lives since Maunday Thursday, less than a week ago?

Maybe? Maybe not?

Why not take a few moments simply to reflect on what’s going on in your heart now. Check in with yourself to see how you are? Perhaps jot a few notes in your journal or phone.

Peace is Available

I love the scene in John 20, the night of Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples are locked in the Upper Room terrified the Jewish leaders are going to break down the door and haul them away. They’re confused. Word is out Jesus is alive. But where is He?

Let’s read it together¹:

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them …”

Let’s stop there. Did you catch it? Jesus appears out of nowhere. The door is still locked. If he’s risen from the dead, surely, he’d have to use the door to enter? Wouldn’t he? Then the being standing in front of them must be a ghost?

Let’s read on … 

“and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

They’re frightened because they’re unsure who or what is standing in front of them. Jesus comforts them with “Peace be with you!” To further convince the disciples he isn't a ghost, Jesus showed them his wounds that were healed but scars were still evident.

That seemed to do the trick. The disciples were convinced. Interestingly, in another Gospel (Luke 24:41-43), Jesus asks the disciples for something to eat. Which is quite funny when you think about it, but another way of demonstrating he’s not a ghost. Never say, Jesus doesn’t have a sense of humour.

The disciples are now convinced their friend and leader is here in the flesh. What a mixed set of emotions they must be experiencing. I expect relief is one of them which would bring such a comfort at this scary time.

Breath of God.

I imagine there’s a lot of good banter going on as this group is reunited, but Jesus isn’t finished with making this night even more special for his tribe.

Let’s see what he says next:

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus offers them peace and then breathes on the group. Wow! Can you picture what a moment this is for everyone present. The breath of God is life! Remember, Adam was formed from the dust and given life by God breathing life in him.

Closed Doors

What doors have you closed in your heart and mind? Invite Jesus into them, if you're able.  And picture him saying those wonderful words, “Peace be with you.” Not just once, but twice.

And then picture Jesus, the lover of your soul, breathing into you. Breathing new life, new love, new strength, new hope, and new joy.

Receive it. All of it. Breathe in His peace. And breathe out the stress, the worry, the fear, the whatever, that has locked you up.

Now step out boldly. Spirit is with you. Spirit is never leaving for. Your heart no longer needs to be locked up.

Jesus is Risen! Holy Spirit is alive in us!

Grace and peace, dear SUMites and enjoy the peace and release.

Note 1: The Bible passage referred to is taken from John 20: 19-23 (NIV)

Who is this man? (Luke 8:25)

Yeshua, the son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16)

My brothers and sisters, while in prayer, I have sat on hundreds of beaches with the Lord, and with a hurting or a hungry person who seeks and receives His love, wisdom, and healing. I’ve watched as our Savior holds the hands of a man or woman and releases them from insignificance, rejection, and false identities.

I’ve been in the room when our Savior entered. His presence is overwhelming and so intense, that I tremble. His love, goodness, and power are transformative, so much so, that He realign my thoughts, my disappointments, and sets me back on my feet, steadied on the narrow path.

His voice is tender, patient with us, and when he and the father converse, they share a familiar chuckle as they smile at our progress in our faith walk.

I’ve also experienced the sheer power of Jesus. I have viewed him in his glorified state. The devil appears next to him as a flea, whom the Lord flicks with a finger and he vanishes in fear. Jesus is strong, the ultimate power and ruler overall!

Jesus is my only protector. His blood heals, realigns my DNA, forgives, and blots out the failures of my life. He delivers me from evil.

Jesus is available. He leads us into greater encounters of truth, hope, and overwhelms me with his fathomless love.

My friends, on this, Easter, Sunday, along with millions who live on earth combined with the great cloud of witnesses, who have gone before us, we collectively proclaim our belief and faith in our King!

We declare before all of heaven and earth, that we are in love with an invisible man. We believe in heaven and an afterlife. We know in our hearts that Jesus came in the flesh, died, and arose on the third day. He is seated at the right hand of God.

He is the son of God.
He is the savior of the world.
He came to set the world right and reveal the kingdom of God on earth.
He is our Lord and lead us to our father, Yahweh.

Nothing is too hard for him. There is no sickness, mental struggle, or disease, he cannot heal. No one is too far away that he cannot reach. No devil or evil spirit can defeat him. Never will he leave or forsake you or me.

This is the Jesus we know. This is the Christ we love. This is the king, who we serve now, and for all eternity. 

I’m so thankful for the cross, the whipping post, and His glorious resurrection. I’m thankful with all of my heart Jesus willingly died for me and for you.

Who is this man? Yashua, the son of the living God. He is everything we will need or desire. And finally, and most importantly,

HE is risen!!!!

Just as he said!

Mark 16: 1-7 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. ² Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb ³ and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

⁴ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. ⁵ As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

⁶ “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. ⁷ But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

Dear SUMites

Today, Friday, the church commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus.

Today let's say to Jesus, 'Thank you for the blood.'

I wonder if, today, we could each take five minutes to get onto our knees to thank Jesus out loud for what he did for us on the cross? That is, take five minute to not move from your quiet spot, focus on what he did, and articulate our thanks to him. That would be a precious act.

I am going to go and do that now, the minute I press 'publish'.

Well, SUMites, I wish you a beautiful long weekend, and Lynn will be sharing on Sunday.

Ann

My friends

Yesterday, we shared in the comments about what life is like with the risen Jesus.

Two of you said, "He is my constant companion." That's how I would describe it too. In a strange way.

I am curious about the fact that I have only ever dreamt of Jesus twice in my life, and in only one of those dreams was he a person. I dream a lot, and given the amount I think about him, you'd think I'd dream about him more than this.

But it's as if he's too ... Heavenly ... to see. Perhaps a dream about him is a once in a lifetime kinda thing.

In the dream, I didn't recognise him. He was a man with shaggy hair, sitting and listening to me, nodding his head like a nice friend.

My family were far away, over by some rocks on a beach, and I was talking to him about them, pointing over at them, stressed, like 'Rescue them!' He simply nodded empathically. But what he was focused on was a set of two bowls in his hand. They were serving bowls. 

I woke up, and thought to myself, 'That was Jesus!'

Just like the two disciples on the Road to Emmaeus, I didn't see him at first:

Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaeus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained so that they did not know him (Luke 24:16, NKJV).

These two disciples chattered away to Jesus about what was on their mind. He was a nice companion. Then, they turned aside into a home:

Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight (v. 31).

See what I mean - elusive! He vanished!

And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" (v. 32).

That's the thing. My heart burns when it comes to him. After the dream, my heart burned.

What was he saying through that dream to me? He was saying: "Yes, I know you're stressed about your family, I hear you, but I'm not worried. So trust me. What I'm most interested in is the food you're going to serve to others through all this."

The late evangelist, Nabeel Qureshi, had a special dream of Jesus as he battled terminal cancer in his thirties. It was the same kind of thing: A quirky dream, a friendly encounter, and a message that helped him in a difficult time. You might enjoy the video in which he describes that dream, here.

So what are my reflections? He is a friend to us. He does reveal himself to us. But he also allows himself to stay hidden, or to suddenly vanish out of our grasp. He does listen, and he does speak in our lives, but he lets us get hungry for him. An encounter with him is pretty special, and he is our constant companion.

Phew, that's my turn over. And now I can't wait to read something from Ian about Jesus tomorrow.

Love you all.

Ann

Hello my friends, Ann here.

I have missed you! But I did so enjoy the beautiful, thoughtful posts that Jeanne shared with us over the last three weeks. 

And now to a new theme:

This week the church across the world commemorates the crucifixion and the resurrection of JESUS. Here at SUM, we always do the same.

Often at Easter time, we as a community take a trek through the story of Jesus's last week in Jerusalem. But this year I want to do something a little different: Each of us writers is going to write a post about the RISEN JESUS, and what he means to us.

Who is he?

How have we each encountered him?

What imagery does scripture show us about him?

He is the sword that sits between us and our spouse. He is the truth that we debate with our spouse. He is the lover of our soul who our spouse often feels they compete with.

He is the person whom other religions deny. Yet he is the only religious leader who ever died for their followers.

JESUS.

I don't know if it's like this for you, but for me he is elusive; though I know him. He is mysterious to me. I ask myself questions like, "What do you look like?" Or, "Why can't you just come and sit down on the couch next to me?" Or, "Why don't you appear to me in the flesh so that I can find you more real than I do now?"

I feel like I have to pursue him, even though I know that he pursues me.

And I love the fact that the Old Testament points to him, miraculously, over and over, in the most genius ways.

What does he look like?

.. One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last." (Revelation 1:13-17, NKJV)

Ah, that's what He looks like. Man I wish I could have seen this image for myself.

Well, tomorrow I'm going to carry on and share some personal reflections on times I perceive that I've encountered the risen Jesus.

And you? What does it look like having the risen Jesus in your life?

Back tomorrow, dear SUMites.

Ann