Rainbow equals an everlasting covenant

Keona Tann | @ICFWriters

I’ve always felt there is something special about rainbows. I’m excited every time I see one in the sky. As a child I loved running through the sprinkler, especially if I caught a glimpse of a rainbow! I’d imagine myself getting caught up in the colours and becoming a beautiful mix of colour. I’d try and get my wet skin to shimmer and shine like the rainbow which I found I could sometimes achieve if I added some detergent.

For quite a few months I’ve been researching and contemplating the true meaning of a rainbow, I desperately want to know the hidden mystery that God has placed within the rainbow.

The Biblical origin of the rainbow is found in Genesis‬ ‭9:11-16 (‭NLT): “Yes, I am confirming my covenant with you. Never again will floodwaters kill all living creatures; never again will a flood destroy the earth.” Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.”‬‬‬‬‬‬

As I read I was reminded that the sign of the rainbow is a reminder for us and for God. The rainbow equals an everlasting covenant between God and humanity. It is a visible reminder that God is faithful to keep the promises that He has made.

As I researched more I came across a verse which gives us a wonderful glimpse into heaven: “The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones — like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭4:3‬ ‭(NLT)‬‬‬‬‬‬

As I reflected upon that verse rainbows took on another dimension, they are a glimpse into the heavenly realm. I am fascinated by the colours of the rainbow and desired to know the meanings behind each one. It has been hard to research but this is what I’ve found so far:‬‬‬‬
Red: represents the blood of Jesus; power and love; and the Spirit of Revelation
Orange: fire of God; and the Spirit of wisdom
Yellow: God’s glory; and the Spirit of understanding
Green: new life; and the Spirit of Counsel
Blue: Holy Spirit; holiness; the heavenlies; and the Spirit of might
Indigo: covered by God; and the Spirit of knowledge
Purple: royalty; and the Spirit of the fear of the Lord (that is awe and adoration over His wonder and majesty)

As I faced more challenges, and feelings overwhelmed me, I sat down and poured my heart out to God:
Lord as I sit here struggling to take the next breath
As I sit here and wrestle with these feelings
A rainbow breaks in the sky, right in front of my eyes!
A rainbow, the oldest visible reminder around that Your promises are steadfast and true
A rainbow reminding me of Your unending grace; mercy; love; and redemption
A rainbow, the oldest covenant made
the rainbow equals an everlasting covenant
Lord, all of creation is sealed with Your covenant
The rainbow appears to remind all that Your glorious reign is set in place
A rainbow reminds me of Your throne in the heavenly realms
God, You do not lie for it's impossible for You to do so!
Therefore the promised breakthrough will come
Just as the rainbow shines to declare Your promise, I will shine bright and new
Your saving grace will be outworked in my life
You will not abandon me to this cloud of despair
You will not leave me wandering in this wasteland
You will not allow the storm to blow me off course
I declare afresh that I’m in Your hands
I declare afresh God is with me!

I pray that today you’re encouraged to hold fast to the promises God has given you and inspired to declare that His promises are steadfast and true.

“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:35-36‬ (‭NLT)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
Many blessings, Keona

About Keona:

I’ve lived most of my life in Tasmania, which is one of the beautiful Australian states. Deliriously happily married to my college sweetheart for over 20 years, we consider ourselves extremely blessed to be raising 2 wonderful teenagers. Hubby and I have also been long time child sponsors with Compassion so we have overseas kids!

I struggled with illness and disease for most of my life. The biggest battles were: endometriosis for 28 years and adrenal/chronic fatigue which was severe for 28 months. In September 2016 healing was declared over my life, praise God, this set me on a path of deep inner healing, restoration and transformation. My passion to write was reignited and I wrote out a mission statement:

“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:3 (NLT)

I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding.

In my new-found boldness I’ve started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/

Many Blessings, Keona

More Mysteries Than We Can Imagine

Keona Tann | @ICFWriters

I used to get so frustrated when someone would start to tell me something but then stops and say: ‘oh I better not tell you’. But then I realised that it was probably a prompting from the Lord for them to NOT say any more. Some people listen to that prompting and others ignore it and tell me stuff that I wished I hadn’t heard. I then have to spend hours praying to try and rid those words from my mind. I’m trying to not engage in these types of discussions but sometimes it is hard to stop people from ‘spilling’ all.

I came across a verse that reminded me very much of the ‘oh I better not tell you’ line. In John‬ ‭20:30 (NKJV) it states: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book.”‬.‬

‭‭I read that and wondered why it was put there, is it there as a statement that Jesus did more mysteries than we can imagine? Is it there so that we press in to search for more mysteries? Or is it there so that we can know that the Bible cannot contain ALL of the wonderful things of God?‬‬‬‬
I’m not sure what the answer is, but it has sparked in me a great excitement to search for more mysteries than I can possibly imagine.

The very next verse goes on to assure us that the things that have been written are so that we may believe, with a deep abiding trust, that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) and the Son of God. We can know that by believing; trusting in; and relying upon Him we may have life in His name. (John 20:31 Amplified version paraphrased)

As I ponder on those wonderful words I’m so encouraged that my future will unfold, one wonderful mystery after the other. I cling tight to the process of preparation that is taking place right now and ask for Jesus to reveal what I need right for this moment. As I faithfully serve in the seemingly small things, things that are within my ability right now, I trust in and rely upon Jesus to unfold more opportunities to serve Him AND the ability to do it.

Right now my future is simply a dream, a desire and sometimes seems a long way off from becoming. BUT I believe in the miraculous Jesus and I trust that my future will unfold at just the right time. I surrender yet again to the process of preparation, trying hard to wait patiently.
As I think about the mysteries yet to be revealed, I’m reminded of the promise in Jeremiah 33:3 where God invites us to call to Him. He promises that if we ask He will answer! He longs to tell us remarkable secrets; marvellous and wondrous things; and show us great and mighty things. He promises to reveal the things that are fenced in and hidden; things we do not yet know; the things we haven’t yet distinguished and recognized; things that we don’t presently have knowledge of or understand about; the things to come; and things that we could never figure out on your own. We’re urged to call to Him because He promises to answer and tell us of all that is to come! (AMPC, NLT and MSG paraphrased).

How truly amazing that is! I pray that you’re encouraged today to press in and ask for more mysteries, more than you can possibly imagine.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You so much for the wonderful promises contained in Scripture. I ask that You would grow within me a deep abiding trust in You my Saviour. I believe that You are the Messiah, the Anointed One, the precious Son of God who died to set me free. As I trust in You and rely upon You, I am promised to have life and life to the abundance.

Almighty God, You invite me to call out to You and You Promise that if I ask You will answer. I ask right now that You would reveal what I need for this moment. I ask that You would reveal to me remarkable secrets; marvellous and wondrous things; more mysteries than I can possibly imagine; and please show me great and mighty things. By Your Holy Spirit reveal the things that are fenced in and hidden, things I do not yet know. Reveal to me the things I haven’t yet distinguished and recognized; things that I don’t presently have knowledge of or understand about; the things to come; and things that I could never figure out on my own. I thank You so much Lord that I can call to You and for the glorious promise that You will answer and tell me of all that is to come!

Inspired by John 20:31, John 10:10 and Jeremiah 33:3

Many Blessings, Keona

About Keona:
I’ve lived most of my life in Tasmania, which is one of the beautiful Australian states. Deliriously happily married to my college sweetheart for over 20 years, we consider ourselves extremely blessed to be raising 2 wonderful teenagers. Hubby and I have also been long time child sponsors with Compassion so we have overseas kids!
I struggled with illness and disease for most of my life. The biggest battles were: endometriosis for 28 years and adrenal/chronic fatigue which was severe for 28 months. In September 2016 healing was declared over my life, praise God, this set me on a path of deep inner healing, restoration and transformation. My passion to write was reignited and I wrote out a mission statement:
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:3 (NLT)
I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding.
In my new-found boldness I’ve started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/
Many Blessings, Keona

Why Should I Write?

Keona Tann | @ICFWriters

I've been a long-term journal writer, I've always found it so therapeutic to pour my heart into those lined notebooks. During my illness the stuff that was brewing inside of me threatened to take me to a very very very dark place and I found it was simply a must to pour it all out. There were times that I knew I had to destroy those words because I never ever wanted to read or acknowledge them again! If I didn’t feel a need to destroy the dark moment I can now look back over those painful words and praise God at how much He has done.

For me the 'leap' between a closet journal writer and a blogger was a long process and came about kinda by accident. Over 12 years ago I thought I could share my struggle with endometriosis to encourage others and so I started writing about it. Then my computer ‘died’ and I lost all my writing. I figured that I wasn't a writer anyway so that had just been a silly idea. But at the end of 2015, I felt the desire to write return. I entered every competition possible during the first half of 2016 but didn't have any success. I chatted to a writer friend towards the end of 2016 and she suggested I could start a blog. I had been reluctant as I wasn't sure I had the energy levels to commit and I really didn't know if I wanted to go public in calling myself a writer. Therefore, I just 'sat' on the idea.

Then on the 27th of November 2016 I attended a writing workshop. I'm not sure if I misunderstood the blurb of what I had signed up for, or if it was a huge big push from God but suddenly I found myself in this workshop creating a blog site. Now of course I could have closed it down and again told myself: 'don't be silly, you're not a writer, why should you write? who would want to listen to your ramblings?' but something had been ignited in my heart. Suddenly I realised that the thing I'd been resisting for SO long was actually something I was called to do! I was given a mission statement by God:

I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding.

“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” Psalms 40:3 NLT

I decided that November day that I would venture upon this journey called writing and allow God to take my seemingly small efforts and turn them into something truly extraordinary. I promised myself I would walk along the unknown path and rely upon God. I've placed my trust in God to turn a desire into a destiny. I'm allowing God to interrupt my schedule; my to do lists; and plans so that He can reveal something far greater than I could possibly imagine.

"Believing for something God put on your heart is trusting that He will bring it to pass in the way He wants to when He wants to. It’s also having the humility to understand our purpose isn't for our personal elevation, rather for the promotion of the Kingdom." Kristen Dalton

Why should I write? Well I decided that if my story only touched and helped 1 person it was well worth the uncomfortable-sick-feeling I get sharing my heart. To be a writer isn't an easy path in life and I know that there will be many people who simply don't get what I'm trying to convey but I'm trying to be ok with that. Because I believe God is calling me to write then I've just got to trust that He will get the right words out and into the right hands to read them.

So today, my dear reader, know that I've given you a piece of my heart here today. I pray you're encouraged by my story. If you're also called to write, then PLEASE do it! Don't wait another minute, quick get those fingers swiftly pouring out your own story. Remember that:

"Your story could be the key that unlocks someone else's prison. Don't be afraid to share it." Unknown

Now go and write, write, write!

Many blessings, Keona

Crossposted at Australasian Christian Writers

About Keona:
I’ve lived most of my life in Tasmania, which is one of the beautiful Australian states. Deliriously happily married to my college sweetheart for over 20 years, we consider ourselves extremely blessed to be raising 2 wonderful teenagers. Hubby and I have also been long time child sponsors with Compassion so we have overseas kids!
I struggled with illness and disease for most of my life. The biggest battles were: endometriosis for 28 years and adrenal/chronic fatigue which was severe for 28 months. In September 2016 healing was declared over my life, praise God, this set me on a path of deep inner healing, restoration and transformation. My passion to write was reignited and I wrote out a mission statement:
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:3 (NLT)
I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding.
In my new-found boldness I’ve started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/
Many Blessings, Keona

Devotional: Thoughtful Silence

By Keona Tann | @ICFWriters

As I read Proverbs 10:19 I was greatly inspired to reflect upon thoughtful silence:
“When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, But he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise.” Amplified version.
There have been many times that I’ve babbled on simply for the reason of filling an awkward silence. Sadly, I’ve also reacted to a verbal or written attack without careful thought and prayer.

The Passion Translation gets straight to the point:
“If you keep talking, it won’t be long before you’re saying something really wrong. Prove you’re wise from the very start— just bite your tongue and be strong!” Proverbs 10:19 - TPT
‭‭
Incessant babbling, speaking for no reason other than to fill silence, can be a dangerous trap which can lead me to saying something silly or wrong.‬‬‬‬
Speaking without prayer and thought can also be damaging. The Passion Translation suggests that we ‘bite our tongue’, which is another way to say: ‘count to 10 before responding’ and what I try to live my life by is: pray first then respond.
Thoughtful silence I translate as prayer. As I focus my thoughts on Jesus, I allow His Amazing Grace and Transforming Love to change me, which will change my response. Instead of retaliating with hurtful words I can respond with words of truth and life.
One of the weapons we have available to us, through the armour of God, is the Sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). God’s Word transforms us and the situations we face so it is a mighty weapon to have.

As I pressed in for more revelation around this I was led to study Proverbs 17 and I created the following prayer around my study:

Abba Father, I ask for Your discernment so that I can have true knowledge of situations that I face. Grant me wisdom so that I respond to situations with self-control and godly grace. Lord I ask for an understanding heart so that I can be cool, calm and collected in any situation. When I’m provoked and goaded into making a silly retaliation, I pray that I will bite my tongue and look to You Lord. May I always control my tongue and avoid using hurtful words by praying before I speak. Lord when I need to be discreet and close my mouth, grant me the wisdom to do so. When You grant me a message to share I ask for boldness and the right words. Inspired by Proverbs 10:19 & 17:27-28‬ ‭‬‬

I pray that You’re encouraged to reflect upon the phrase thoughtful silence and press into God to find out what it means for you.
Many blessings, Keona

About Keona:
I’ve lived most of my life in Tasmania, which is one of the beautiful Australian states. Deliriously happily married to my college sweetheart for over 20 years, we consider ourselves extremely blessed to be raising 2 wonderful teenagers. Hubby and I have also been long time child sponsors with Compassion so we have overseas kids!
I struggled with illness and disease for most of my life. The biggest battles were: endometriosis for 28 years and adrenal/chronic fatigue which was severe for 28 months. In September 2016 healing was declared over my life, praise God, this set me on a path of deep inner healing, restoration and transformation. My passion to write was reignited and I wrote out a mission statement:
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:3 (NLT)
I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding.
In my new-found boldness I’ve started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/
Many Blessings, Keona

Friday Devotion: Complete Salvation

Keona Tann | @ICFWriters

In Luke 22:19 Jesus asked His disciples to partake in communion in remembrance of Him:

“And when He had taken bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke ‭22:19‬ ‭Amplified)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

There were so many things that Jesus could have asked His disciples to remember Him for. But He wanted them to take communion with Him, to remember that moment, the moment that was the start of the cross.

We are given powerful access to Jesus when we remember the cross. There is power in declaring the complete work of the cross, for the cross is the centre of victory:

The process that Jesus endured was one that gives us access to complete salvation:

Jesus secured emotional healing in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus went there to pray and He cried out: “Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Luke‬ ‭22:42 NLT‬‬‬

More explanation is provided of just how distressed Jesus was, in verse 44 Jesus is described as being in agony; deeply distressed; and anguished. It even states in the Amplified version that Jesus was “almost to the point of death”. He prayed with such deep intensity that “his sweat became like drops of blood, falling down onto the ground.” (Luke‬ ‭22: 44‬ ‭NIV‬‬)‬‬‬‬‬‬

You might be able to relate to Jesus’ feelings because you might be there right now, in that place of despair. Can I encourage you grasp hold of these words:

I’m overwhelmed right now, Lord let Your will be done.

I’m facing an impossible situation, please Lord let Your will be done.

I can’t see a way forward, Lord let Your will be done.

We have mental healing because of the crown of thorns that Jesus bore as described in Matthew‬ ‭27:29‬a (NIV): the guards “twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head.” ‬‬‬

But more importantly we are healed because Jesus is now “crowned with glory and honor” as declared in Hebrews‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭(NIV‬‬).‬‬‬‬‬‬

Our physical healing and wholeness comes from the physical punishment Jesus endured, this is described in Isaiah‬ ‭53:5‬: Jesus was wounded for my transgressions; He was crushed because of my wickedness; my sins and my wrongdoings were his undoing. Jesus was pierced because of my rebellion. The punishment that should fall upon me was taken by Jesus. He was beaten so that I could be whole. He was whipped so that I could be healed. Because of what my precious Savior Jesus endured, I can boldly declare: ‘by His stripes and wounds I am healed and made whole!’ (Amplified version paraphrased).‬‬‬

Our spiritual healing comes from the complete work of the cross, when he cried upon the cross: ‘it is finished’ (John 19:30), it was a declaration that the price was paid for our sins. It was a declaration that the enemy’s grip upon us was broken! It was a declaration that Jesus holds the victory. Philippians‬ ‭2:9-11‬ declares that God elevated Him to the place of highest honour. Jesus’ name is the name above all names. At the name of Jesus Christ every knee shall bow and every single tongue will declare that He is Lord. All for the glory of God the Father. (NLT paraphrased)‬‬‬

Romans‬ ‭8:11 declares that the Spirit of God raised Jesus from the dead. We are promised that the very same spirit resides in us, therefore giving life to our bodies! God’s Spirit of Resurrection breathes life into us. (NLT paraphrased)‬‬‬

Now that’s a very complex and wonderful promise and something that is hard to comprehend but If we can truly grasp the complete work of the cross and Jesus’ resurrection, I know it will be life changing!

If we live our lives walking in the victory of the cross and Jesus’ resurrection, I know we can change the world around us.

I pray that this Easter you can reflect on the complete work of the cross. I pray that you can find time to thank Jesus, the triumphant and conquering Lamb, the Lord of lords and King of kings (Revelation 17:14).

Here is a prayer that you can you boldly pray today:

Precious Jesus, thank You so very much for the sacrifice You made for me. Thank You for the extravagant love You displayed.

Jesus, I declare boldly over my life that I have received complete salvation. I am emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually healed because You are my Saviour.

Jesus, I thank You for Your precious blood that You so willingly shed for me. I ask that You would cleanse me afresh and fill me with Your amazing grace and transforming love. Lord let Your will be done in every area and aspect of my life.

Thank You Jesus. All glory and honour to You forever and ever, Amen!

Many blessings, Keona

About Keona:

I’ve lived most of my life in Tasmania, which is one of the beautiful Australian states. Deliriously happily married to my college sweetheart for over 20 years, we consider ourselves extremely blessed to be raising 2 wonderful teenagers. Hubby and I have also been long time child sponsors with Compassion so we have overseas kids!

I struggled with illness and disease for most of my life. The biggest battles were: endometriosis for 28 years and adrenal/chronic fatigue which was severe for 28 months. In September 2016 healing was declared over my life, praise God, this set me on a path of deep inner healing, restoration and transformation. My passion to write was reignited and I wrote out a mission statement:

“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:3 (NLT)

I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding.

In my new-found boldness I’ve started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/

Speak When Asked

Keona Tann | @ICFWriters

Cross posted at https://australasianchristianwriters.blogspot.com/

I remember when I was first asked to give a talk about tithes and offerings at church, I REALLY didn’t want to do it. At the mere thought of public speaking I broke out in a nervous sweat and my mouth completely dried up. I initially said ‘no’, but I was asked to pray about it. A few days later I was vacuuming at church and as I prayed about it God directed me to read the story of Moses and the burning bush, found in Exodus‬ ‭3. ‬‬

Sweet Publishing/FreeBibleimages.org

Moses was out looking after his father-in-law’s sheep in the wilderness and came to Horeb (also known as Sinai), the mountain of God. “There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” (Verses 2 - 4 NIV).
God asks Moses to take off his sandals for the place he’s standing on is holy ground. God then confirms who Moses is speaking to: “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.” (Verse 6)

God continues speaking and declares that He has seen the misery of His people in Egypt and heard them crying out in their suffering. God declares that He wants to bring them out of Egypt and take them into the promise land – a land that is good, spacious, and a place where milk and honey flows freely. Then God unfolds the plan and informs Moses that he is being sent to tell Pharaoh to let God’s people go free. But Moses starts a debate with God:

Moses: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (v11)
God: “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” (v12)

Moses: “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” (v13)
God: “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (v14)

The conversation continues with God detailing instruction after instruction. Then we come to the part that I felt God was saying was for me to really listen to:
“But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”” ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭4:10-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

As I read through that story I felt God say 3 very distinct things:
• Speak when asked - God has given me a mouth so I need to speak what He tells me to say.
• Trust Him to give me the message - He promised to give me the words.
• Speak His message with courage - I needed to step out in faith and speak.

As you can imagine it wasn’t the answer I was hoping for. I hoped God would see my inability and say: ‘don’t worry I know you’re unqualified so just let them know you can’t give the offering talk’. But He doesn’t think that and He doesn’t say that to us. Instead God declares that where we are weak He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-11).

As look to 2018 I believe that I will have opportunities to speak, I’m not sure exactly what I’ll be speaking about, but I do know that I’ll need to go back to the 3 points God gave me over a decade ago:
• Speak when asked
• Trust God to give me the message
• Speak His message with courage

I pray that today you will be encouraged to speak when asked. I believe that each person is given a testimony that needs to be shared to encourage and build up the people around them.
If not you, then who?
If not now, then when?
You’ve been given a message to share, your audience may be small or large, whatever the size be bold. Take a courageous step forward in faith. I hope that when the opportunity presents itself, whatever format it is, that you will trust God to give you the message and the courage to speak it boldly!

Many blessings, Keona

For most of my life I struggled with sickness. The 2 dominant afflictions were endometriosis (for 28 years) and adrenal fatigue (I was severely debilitated for 28 months and the recovery has been a journey of 11 months so far). In September 2016 God declared healing over my life. This set me on a path of restoration and transformation. My passion for writing was reignighted and I wrote the following mission statement: I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding. “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I've started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/ I'm currently working on my testimony as well as my journey with endometriosis and adrenal fatigue. I hope that I'll launch my first book soon.

A Reckless Extravagant Love

By Keona Tann @ICFWriters

When my son, Jake, was 5 I enrolled him in swimming lessons. We were spending a lot of time around water and in boats so it was important for him to have water skills. One day we arrived and Jake was actually excited about his lesson, this was a huge milestone as he had previously not enjoyed them. As we walked past the deep end, to join his group on the other side of the pool, another excited child ran past Jake. I’m not sure how it happened, but next thing I knew Jake was in the deep end and sinking! I had one of those slow-motion moments. With great clarity I saw Jake sinking; I heard the gasps from the mums at the opposite end of the pool and saw their horrified faces; I saw the swimming teacher turn and start her way towards Jake but I felt she was going to be too late.
I felt as if I was moving too slow but I knew that I HAD to act. I took my handbag off my shoulder and placed it on top of Sarah (my daughter who was 3 at the time) and as I pushed her to the ground I yelled: ‘stay!’. Then without thinking I laid flat on my tummy and reached my arm in (jumper and all) to grab Jake. As I was reaching down I saw Jake sinking deeper and deeper. Just before Jake slipped out of reach I somehow grabbed him and pulled him out one handed, the strength to do that was simply divine intervention. As I hugged a wet crying Jake I wept tears of relief. I was hesitant that he would want to get back in the pool but thankfully he had a great lesson. I was so grateful that he was ok and I didn’t mind sitting there with a soggy jumper for the entire lesson.

Recently I was reflecting upon that story with Sarah (now 15) and talking about how instincts simply ‘kick in’ and you act without thinking. Sarah had a similar incident with her cousin, she was with family at a pool and her cousin was walking on the ledge between the spa and the pool when he tumbled in. Sarah said she quickly reached for him and grabbed him, scraping her leg on the pool edge in the process. At the time she didn’t feel the scrape but when things settled down her leg started stinging. Sarah’s cousin was fine thanks to her quick reaction and actions.

I’m sure you can easily think of stories where people have reacted out of instinct to rescue a loved one or even acted to save the life of a complete stranger. But the greatest story of all, for me, is the actions that Jesus took to set me free.

There is a song which I absolutely love that talks about the extravagant love of God, it’s a song called “Reckless Love”. I listened to one YouTube version where the songwriter, Cory Asbury, explained his thoughts behind the song. He opens with the passage from Luke‬ ‭15:1-7,‬ which is a parable of a shepherd who leaves behind 99 of his sheep in search of a missing sheep. When the shepherd finds his lost sheep he joyfully carries the sheep back to the others. Then Cory goes on to explain his lyrics: “When we use the phrase ‘the reckless love of God’, we are not saying that God Himself is reckless, He’s not crazy. We are however saying that the way He loves is in many regards quite so. What I mean is this: He is utterly unconcerned with the consequences of His actions with regards to His own safety, comfort and wellbeing…” Cory finishes declaring that Jesus laid His life down for us in pursuit of our hearts.‬‬‬

Jesus did not just react out of instinct, He knew the path set before Him and walked it with great obedience. He responded out of pure love and a desire to save us. Jesus knew that it would cost Him everything! In John 10:10 Jesus explains that he had come to give us life in abundance, He gave His all for us so that we could walk in divine freedom. It’s a powerful and life changing promise!

I pray that today, right now, you can know the One who laid down His life for You. That You can realise that God is with you, as promised in ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7:14. Grasp hold of the truth that Jesus offers you life in abundance, as promised in John 10:10. Know that Holy Spirit is ready and waiting to be your Helper, Comforter, Advocate and Intercessor, as promised in John 14:26.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Many blessings, Keona

For most of my life I struggled with sickness. The 2 dominant afflictions were endometriosis (for 28 years) and adrenal fatigue (I was severely debilitated for 28 months and the recovery has been a journey of 11 months so far). In September 2016 God declared healing over my life. This set me on a path of restoration and transformation. My passion for writing was reignighted and I wrote the following mission statement: I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding. “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I've started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/ I'm currently working on my testimony as well as my journey with endometriosis and adrenal fatigue. I hope that I'll launch my first book soon.

Share Your Story

By Keona Tann @ICFWriters

I have suffered from endometriosis (commonly shortened to endo) for 28 years. It's a disease that is hard to pronounce (en-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis), difficult to diagnose and impossible to understand. From the age of 13 I suffered horrendous periods that were associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, clammy sweats and frequently unbearable pain. Often I would suffer pelvic pain that could last for months. I struggled for years to be diagnosed and then still suffered extensively due to the fact that my endo growths were drug resistant. This meant that the only way to control them was with surgery. In my late teens I was advised that I may not be able to have children. But miraculously I managed to conceive naturally and I'm the proud mum of 2 gorgeous kids that are really a blessing.

Finding you have an illness, disease or condition is just the start of a very long and difficult road. It's hard to understand long term suffering and so many seemingly unanswered prayers. I’ve found that an invisible illness is a very lonely existence! The disease left me severely debilitated many times and unable to participate in life as I desired. I believed the lie of being alone for a long time but thankfully God sustained me and revealed that companionship in shared suffering can be found.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, the New Living Translation, states that: “two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help”. I find that I ‘fall’ so many times physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually that I need regular prayer time with God and a team to help me.

For me my team consists of a good GP who I trust and can talk to; specialists who are knowledgeable and want the best for me; an amazing husband; a supportive and caring family; a Christian counsellor; a psychologist; a close circle of friends I can text, message etc. and importantly a team of prayer warriors.
I implore you please DON’T suffer in silence alone.
With the modern technology that we have today you can connect from your bed to people all over the world. There are great Facebook support groups for numerous diseases and conditions. I have found reaching out and inviting friends for a cuppa catch up gives me an opportunity to be encouraged and supported as well as a chance to try to encourage and support them.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) challenges me to: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.”. I believed, for a long time, that I couldn’t possibly make an impact from my bed as I felt trapped and shackled to my illness. But I believe God will empower us to reach out to others and He will take our small effort and turn it into something amazing. A simple text to a friend can brighten their day, so don’t underestimate the small gestures you make as they can have a HUGE impact.

So please take a big deep breath, pray and then share, share, share!

 First published at ACW on August 5, 2016

For most of my life I struggled with sickness. The 2 dominant afflictions were endometriosis (for 28 years) and adrenal fatigue (I was severely debilitated for 28 months and the recovery has been a journey of 11 months so far). In September 2016 God declared healing over my life. This set me on a path of restoration and transformation. My passion for writing was reignighted and I wrote the following mission statement: I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding. “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I've started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/ I'm currently working on my testimony as well as my journey with endometriosis and adrenal fatigue. I hope that I'll launch my first book soon. Many blessings, Keona

A Season of Miracles

By Keona Tann

For as long as I can remember Christmas holds a great excitement for me. There is something special that happens the moment I see the first signs of Christmas. A great joy and hope springs in my heart.

The joy and hope of Christmas dates back to the very first one, a great joy to the world was born, for the Savior was born. Earth received its long-awaited king in the form of a tiny babe born in a manger. All of heaven and nature joined in singing Jesus’ glorious praises, for the great hope for mankind was born that very night!

Mary, a virgin, conceived a child through the Holy Spirit and gave birth to Jesus who is Immanuel = ‘God is with us.’ Matthew 1:23

The first Christmas also birthed a new season, a season of miracles. Jesus’ life on earth revealed miracle after miracle. Jesus boldly declared: “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” (John 6:38 New Living Translation). He invested his life into others by teaching them how they could walk in relationship with God and complete His work on earth.

Christmas is an opportunity to reflect upon the great Christmas miracle - Jesus’ birth. It’s an opportunity to choose worship over chaos; peace over turmoil; joy over despair; and forgiveness over hurt. We can allow the ‘silly season’ to consume us or we can celebrate the fact that it is a season of miracles.

I was reminded of the Prayer of Saint Francis and as I reflected upon that prayer I felt a great desire to make that prayer my focus for Christmas and the coming year. This is my version of that prayer:

Lord may I walk in and exude Your peace

Where there is darkness, let me shine Your light

Where hatred reigns, let me sow Your extravagant love

Where hurt runs deep, let me sow Your miracle healing

Where grief is overwhelming, let me sow Your great comfort 

Where doubts surround hearts, let me sow Your faithfulness 

Where despair rules, let me sow Your unending hope

Where there is dryness, let me sow Your bubbling joy

O my glorious Lord may I be empowered to comfort others

May I receive divine revelation so that I have great understanding in each and every situation I face

Because You love me so much I can love others

Because You bless me abundantly I can always bless others!

Because You have forgiven me I can forgive others

Because You laid down Your life for me I can live eternally with You

Because of the great work You’re doing in my life I can impact the world around me!

Lord enable me to do Your work, I ask that my words, actions and deeds would draw people to You Lord

Lord help me to live a life of honour

Jesus may I become more like You

Abba Father may I truly grasp hold of my identity

Holy Spirit fill me to overflow

In Jesus’ name, Amen

I am so grateful for all that God has done, is doing and will do in my life.

I hope and pray that Christmas for you will be a season of miracles, that the longings of your heart will be fulfilled.

Many blessings, Keona

Keona

For most of my life I struggled with sickness. The 2 dominant afflictions were endometriosis (for 28 years) and adrenal fatigue (I was severely debilitated for 28 months and the recovery has been a journey of 11 months so far).
In September 2016 God declared healing over my life. This set me on a path of restoration and transformation.
My passion for writing was reignighted and I wrote the following mission statement:
I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding.
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬
I've started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/
I'm currently working on my testimony as well as my journey with endometriosis and adrenal fatigue. I hope that I'll launch my first book soon. Many blessings, Keona

Devotional: Strengthened For All Things

By Keona Tann

Restoration is hard. Waiting is difficult. I get excited about being able to do stuff and then overdo it and therefore ‘crash’. Today is one of those days. I’m too tired to do much and a daytime sleep is a must not a luxury.

I listened to John Zeckendorf talk about his journey to become the first Tasmanian to climb Mt Everest. It was inspiring! He said that at one point he couldn't go on so he said to himself at each step: "through Christ I can do all things".

“For I can do everything through Christ who give me strength.” Philippians 4:13 New Living Translation

I need that reminder so much today! I've got worship music playing and as "It Is Well" plays I’m reminded to 'let it go and trust in Him!'. I'm reminded again that God has got this!

As I’m forced to bed, for a sleep, I struggle with Philippians 4:13. If I’m promised to be able to do all things, then why can’t I? I have a sleep and wake up with those thoughts still running through my head. I need to investigate this some more so I research and find 2 different bible versions to compare:

"I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I'm trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty." Philippians 4:12-13 The Passion Translation

“I can do all things (which He has called me to do) through Him who strengthen and empowers me (to fulfil His purpose – I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace).”

Philippians 4:13 Amplified Bible

The Amplified version clarifies it for me – I can do ALL the things God calls me to do. My extreme nature is to try and do ALL THINGS – that is I race ahead and try to achieve my to do list and not necessarily God’s to do list! I really need to be careful about this. It is so easy to get distracted from what I’m meant to be doing and try to achieve something that looks good but isn’t the right thing for me to do right now.

I’m reminded that I am able to do what is set before me because of Jesus’s strength within. Although it feels like defeat, sleeping during the day is still what my body needs. This is simply part of the recovery process. I need my strength to return and it is and will grow as I listen to God as well as my body’s needs. 

My prayer is this:

I ask You, Lord God, to give me complete knowledge of Your will and to give me spiritual wisdom, insight, revelation and understanding. Then I will be empowered to live in such a way that it always honours and pleases You Lord. As I live a life of virtue and honour this will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, I will grow as I learn to know God better and better. I also pray that I will be strengthened for all things by Your glorious power, so that I will have all the endurance and patience I need. May I be filled with joy, awe and wonder - always thanking the Father. For He has enabled me to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, those who live in the light. For God has rescued me from the kingdom of darkness and transferred me into the Kingdom of his dear Son, Jesus, who purchased my freedom and forgave my sins. inspired by Colossians 1:9-14.

You may find me sleeping, but don’t worry for very soon I will be strengthened for all things and even better I will have the wisdom to know what I’m meant to be doing!

I pray that you’re encouraged to seek God’s wisdom and strength for your own challenges.

Many blessings

Keona

For most of my life I struggled with sickness. The 2 dominant afflictions were endometriosis (for 28 years) and adrenal fatigue (I was severely debilitated for 28 months and the recovery has been a journey of 11 months so far).
In September 2016 God declared healing over my life. This set me on a path of restoration and transformation.
My passion for writing was reignighted and I wrote the following mission statement:
I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding.
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬
I've started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/
I'm currently working on my testimony as well as my journey with endometriosis and adrenal fatigue. I hope that I'll launch my first book soon. Many blessings, Keona

The Cloak of Mourning by Keona Tann

Grief is a strange companion the barbs of sadness pierce your heart at the strangest times. Everyday tasks can bring overwhelming sorrow.

It's like a cloak you sometimes forget it's around your shoulders but then, like a punch to the stomach, you'll realize it's still there, surrounding you.

At first you wear it heavy like a winter wool cloak but gradually over time it becomes a light silk cape.

Grief and healing is a process that we simply cannot rush! We need to allow it to take shape. Find someone who can help you through the process.

As I wallowed in my grief during my illness; loss of employment; and loss of loved ones I was led to Psalm 42:1-3,5 (NIV): “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God (stand before Him)? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.”.

I realised that I was given a choice each day - I could celebrate the small victories or wallow in my grief! As I pondered that I decided to celebrate the beauty of the sunrise. I declared that God's mercy and grace is new each day, like each dawn (Zephaniah 3:5). So the suffocating heavy cloak of grief gradually changed into a light silk cape. I allowed Jesus to speak to my heart and He gradually replaced my mourning with peace and then eventually joy!

I pray that your cloak of mourning lightens as you press into God’s promises:

Lamentations 5:21 (NLT) “Restore us, O LORD, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had!”

Lord ignite in me a joy for you that burns bright and clear!

Psalms 30:11 (NLT) “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy”  

Lord remove my mourning from my mind and replace it with joyous thoughts of you!

Lord remove my mourning from my heart and fill it with Your joy!

Lord remove my mourning from my spirit and wash me afresh in Your never-ending joy!

“God’s peace is joy resting. His joy is peace dancing.” F.F. Bruce

Many blessings!

For most of my life I struggled with sickness. The 2 dominant afflictions were endometriosis (for 28 years) and adrenal fatigue (I was severely debilitated for 28 months and the recovery has been a journey of 11 months so far).
In September 2016 God declared healing over my life. This set me on a path of restoration and transformation.
My passion for writing was reignighted and I wrote the following mission statement:
I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding.
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬
I've started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/
I'm currently working on my testimony as well as my journey with endometriosis and adrenal fatigue. I hope that I'll launch my first book soon. Many blessings, Keona