Category: Joy

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The Sacred Wooing Invitation

“Such an intimate encounter with our Lord and Savior… it has changed my relationship with Christ.”

I wrote “The Sacred Wooing” as an invitation to the church to rekindle her “first love” purity for Jesus and as a witness to the blessing of walking wholly devoted to Jesus while empowered by grace.

I warmly welcome beta readers who are passionate about drawing closer to Jesus to review my newest novel, The Sacred Wooing (Experiencing the Bridegroom Love of Jesus), before it’s published.

*Fans of Francine Rivers (Redeeming Love), Paul Young (The Shack), and Sarah Young (Jesus Calling) will enjoy the biblical parable style of The Sacred Wooing, which also captivates fantasy fans with its epic storytelling.

*The words of Christ in this story reflect the universal and eternal longing in every woman’s heart for everlasting love, while also emphasizing the ongoing spiritual battle for the allegiance of men’s souls.

*This story invites readers to experience Jesus’s love as their bridegroom and to reconnect with their First Love (Revelation 2:4).”

Qualifications for Readers:

  1. Readers need to commit to reading the entire manuscript before its publication date. (Please be aware that publication dates can be more fluid than solid and require flexibility. This is usually to the reader’s advantage, as it often takes longer than predicted to finalize a book)
  2. Readers understand that they are committing to write their review on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, and a social media platform of their choice during the first two days of the book’s release. (It’s okay if it’s the same review. As long as it’s your honest and hopefully positive feedback <3)
  3. Readers must not share any material from the manuscript with anyone unless given written permission by the author and/or publisher (this is copyright material).
  4. Readers must love Jesus and desire to love others with His love.
  5. Readers must be available to communicate with the author during the publishing process (I want to hear your thoughts and suggestions, and I will need you to be open, especially as the deadline approaches).

Opening Scene

The highest king sat with blinding light shining from him. Contrasting cumulonimbus clouds and radiant lightning swirled around him like a halo crafted from a tempest, subjugated by an unimaginably powerful force. His appearance was suffused with fiery amber gems. The clouds around him pillowed upward, creating vast, vaporous terrains rippling with the colors of the hemisphere. 

 Majestic flying creatures filled with spiritual power orbited the omnipotent king. Their multiple, feathery wings swayed across their celestial forms like silken curtains. The swooshing of their gargantuan wings caused the air to vibrate with tornadic winds. Their booming voices charged the atmosphere like thunder as they paid homage to the one they revered.  

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!”

Royal lords donned in flowing, priestly garments bespeckled with jewels bowed reverently as they circled the throne. Their transcendent voices harmonized into a swelling crescendo. The sound was akin to rushing waves, more resplendent than any music on earth. 

“You are worthy oh Lord to receive glory and honor and power! For you created all things! And by your will they exist, and were created!”

Seven golden lampstands flamed brilliantly, and incense rose like a sheet of fragrant mist from the scintillating floor.

The omnipotent king sat on his immaculate throne and held seven gleaming stars in his hand. They glimmered like fiberoptic pearls. His robe cascaded down as the clouds canopy the Amazon forest. His clothes shone whiter than fresh snow and a regal, sash hung like sunlight from his shoulder to his waist. The golden floor was transparent glass, mirroring everything above it with an aureate glow.

To the left of the king sat his father. He was the creator of all. They were unified in purpose and in heart. Their resemblance in soul and features were so akin, that having seen one, you would have known the other. From the father’s mouth came the spirit of life—the most precious breath. A single exhale from this spirit could form planets.

The seated father and kingly son watched for the son’s bride to prepare herself fully. The son had waited patiently for eons and excitedly looked forward to the celebratory day, the day of his gladness of heart. He had prepared himself in the finest apparel. The wine he would offer was the richest created, and he had earnestly desired to drink it with her in the kingdom. A feast in the heavenly clouds, surrounded by a balcony of translucent rainbows and shimmering, fiery jasper stones, had been set. The table alone was lengthier than a galaxy. It would be a greater feast than all royal weddings in created history. Serving angels stood ready to attend to the king and his beloved wife. All that awaited her. 

For thousands of years, the son had sent messages to her, and yet she was easily distracted and discouraged from her bridal preparations…

Story Synopsis

Heaven is prepared for the most joyful wedding feast, but only one thing is missing—the bride. Noelani, a mortal woman with the divine spark of eternity inside her, is troubled by a cohort of evil spiritual beings plotting her downfall. Battle-worn, she begins to lose her only connection to her kingly groom, her faith.

All seems lost until her powerful groom knocks on her door and invites her to take his hand on a journey that will bring out her deepest fears and cause her enemies to double their attacks. Will her faith endure to the end?

Signing Up

Hello everyone, if you’re interested in becoming a beta reader, may you DM me directly at nourishementthroughwords@gmail.com

Thank you so much for your interest! 

❤

Thank you so much for your time and commitment! I pray you are ushered into a deeper relationship with Jesus that brings wholesome love and restoration to your soul.

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Eternal Life has Defeated Death

Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, and might set free those who all their lives were subject to slavery through fear of death. -Hebrews 2:14-15 BSB

Are you afraid of death?

This week, I received a text from a dear friend whom I’ve known since I was a little girl. She said that her mother had gone to Heaven and specified the time in the evening when she took her last breath on this side of eternity. It was a surprisingly short text considering the news.

She had written earlier asking for prayer for her family because her mom was “so ready to see Jesus.”

The night before, my mother-in-law echoed a similar statement as she sat across from me beside my sister-in-law while my husband sat next to me.

“I’m not afraid of dying,” she said calmly, “I know where I’m going.”

I investigated her warm, dark eyes and saw she was serious.

Her words reminded me of my late grandmother’s. A flash of memory crossed my imagination to the fateful conversation I’d had years ago, as I stared at my (then) last living grandmother.

I was holding my newborn, and my grandmother’s weathered countenance took on a bright enthusiasm as she recalled her vision of Heaven. She talked about glorious gold and colors too vivid to put into words. She spoke of how beautiful everything was and how Earth was a “trash heap” compared to what she’d seen in Heaven.

Her smile became dreamy, and she told me she was ready to see Jesus. Although I was dazzled by her courage toward death, the selfish part of me shrank. For as long as I could remember, her prayers had canopied over our family.

“Don’t leave us just yet. We need you.” I said nervously,

The fearlessness of my mother-in-law, my late grandma (who passed away shortly after our discussion), and my friend’s mom made me realize what a beautiful thing Jesus has done for us!

Through his resurrection, He has taken away the bitterness of death.

Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

“Death is swallowed up in victory
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. -1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NLT

Jesus has paid the price to defeat one of our greatest enemies.

As children of God, we don’t have to fear death.

In fact, we shouldn’t fear death.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” -1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

I didn’t see fear of death in my mother-in-law’s and my late grandmother’s eyes. More than anything, I saw anticipation. They were looking forward to seeing Jesus.

I can understand that.

The reality of seeing Jesus has the power to take away the fear of death.

Nothing is lost in eternity.

Christ has redeemed those who put their faith in Him, and we can trust that, as our King, our righteous Judge, and our Redeemer, He will ensure that nothing is lost. We can entrust everything and everyone we love to His care. We can have complete confidence in His power to save us, even from death.

Years ago, the fear of death haunted me like a shadow. I had just given birth to my first child shortly after losing four people I loved. Two of these were my teenage cousins, who had both been murdered in their home. I can’t properly describe the deep pain I felt in my heart. I was in my last trimester when I received this news, and I remember sobbing in the bathroom, running the water to drown out my cries.

Shortly after that, fear began to follow me. It tormented me day and night. I didn’t realize it was a spiritual attack at the time.

 I fretted about Eden’s safety when she was a newborn (I’m being very vulnerable). I was also afraid of dying and leaving my baby, Eden, and my husband.

But more than anything, I feared dying alone. I dreaded facing the ultimate enemy on my own. I feared my loved ones facing this enemy alone as well. Death takes away the presence of the ones we love, leaving us alone with our memories. This, to me, was the biggest fear… until Jesus addressed this.

I woke up one morning before sunrise. A deep blue shaded the sky, and the atmosphere was peacefully still as my family slept soundly. The cold autumn air outside seeped through the windows, and I moseyed over to the piano downstairs before playing the keys. I could sense the nagging fear, stealing my peace. I prayed to Jesus, and He spoke to my heart.

“You will never be alone.”

I paused and knew He was speaking directly to my fear of death.

“There will never be a second of your life when I won’t be with you. Even in death, I will be there. I will be there when you close your eyes to this life, and I will be there the second you open your eyes in the next.”

His comforting presence enveloped me like a warm, heavenly blanket.  His love melted away the fear that had frozen a place inside of me for months. The assurance of His constant presence gave me a peace I can’t fully put into words.

Since that day, the enemy has not been able to shake me with the terror of death. Jesus has truly set me free from the slavery of fearing death.

I know that I can face death because the Resurrected Conqueror loves me wholeheartedly, and He will uphold me.

He offers you this same gift.

Now, I look forward to seeing Jesus! I can honestly say, like my grandmother, I want to see Jesus.

Once, while I was worshipping at a dear friend’s house, whom I call “my second mother,” I felt so aware of eternity that death became as insignificant as a tiny ant. My friend and our mutual friend praised Jesus, and His holy Presence filled the room. Sometime during our late-night worship, I looked at my friends and wished I could be their age. They are in their early seventies, and I’m in my early thirties. I wanted to be their age because I knew, if things progressed naturally, they would go to Heaven first. I felt jealous (in a good way) that they had faithfully served God throughout their lives and were nearing the end of their race through life.

In that sacred moment, I wished I was older so I could be with Jesus sooner, but I hesitated because of my love for my family and my desire to fulfill God’s will for my life; I also knew that my husband and children wanted and needed me to stay with them.

I know that might seem crazy to people who don’t know the Lord. It may even seem out of place to some Christians, but as Paul said. “I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.…” –Philippians 1:22-23 BSB

I tasted the transcendent power of Psalm 73:25. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”

And in that heavenly moment, I valued Jesus more than my own life on this earth.

(I hope you understand what I’m saying. I’m not looking for death or condoning the early end of my life. Rather, I have peace in the face of what I once dreaded. I pray to live a long life and fulfill God’s plans for my life on this earth, while keeping my eyes heavenward) 

Like my late grandmother, my mother-in-law, and my friend’s mother (who passed this week), I understand where I’m going, so death has no real power. I know Whom I want to see more than anyone else: Jesus, The Life. And I dream of seeing His beautiful face!

As a newly saved teenager, I used to wonder if I was truly saved and going to Heaven. Instead of just trusting the scriptures, which assure us that we will be with Jesus forever, I wanted to hear it directly from Jesus, so I kept asking, “Am I saved?” (Jesus was gracious enough to help me in my unbelief).

One day, He whispered in my heart, “Yes, you are saved.” Not two minutes after He spoke that, an angel appeared in my room. I sensed his presence, and he told me the same thing, “You are saved.” Then he “disappeared.”

Before I even had time to process the angelic encounter, my cell phone rang, and I answered it. It was a Christian friend. “Yes?” I greeted.

“Ashley!” My friend exclaimed, “I was just talking to God and He told me you and I are saved!”

I could barely speak. Father God had given me three confirmations in under ten minutes!

I know I will be with Jesus forever. My future is secure.

I have a blessed sense of peace about eternity.

You can feel this way, too.

You are a favored and loved child of God.

Jesus died and rose again to defeat every enemy that would ever hurt you.

Dear one, no matter who you’ve “lost” or what grief you feel, He is there with you, and He is there with those you love, regardless of where they are. Through Jesus, we are united, even when death temporarily separates us. One day, we will all be together physically.

Not even death can separate you from those you love. If they are “with” Jesus, He will take care of them. You can trust His saving power. We can trust everyone we love into His hands. He is the Resurrection. He is the Life. He is our Redeemer. Nothing good will be lost.

The things you believe you’ve lost while battling in this world will be restored. Everything God intended for you to have will be redeemed. You will lack nothing good. Every cause of your pain will be washed away.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. -Revelation 21:4 NLT

I pray the Holy Spirit will use these words to bring your heart eternal comfort and peace.

You are secure in His hands.

xoxo

Enjoy this devotional video I created as an invitation for you to soak in the unconditional love and healing peace of God.

“When I read Visions of Celestial Love, it is as if I am brought down to my knees to worship. What the Holy Spirit has done in and through Ashley, He is also doing in me. What a wonderful experience. It is very rich. Thank you for sharing the treasure.”—Riko Suci Alam, CEO of Ligar Jaya and owner of Clove Garden hotel in Bandung Indonesia.

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Receiving His Beautiful Love

~This excerpt was taken from my book, Visions of Celestial Love. May your soul be blessed by the Holy Spirit as you read.

It’s been one of those mornings, those really beautiful ones. I have the feeling of belonging to God. I taste the sweetness of His total forgiveness.

It’s a special kind of pleasure to sit by the window and watch rays of sunlight stream through the glass, touching Mom’s golden tablecloth decorated with picturesque mats of fruit in a translucent bowl. This morning, I awoke early, determined to spend time with God.

I sat down and read Matthew 5. There, the sweet humility that comes from being forgiven and loved freely came into my heart and melted away all the poisonous lies that the enemy had been using against me.

It’s amazing how sweet it is to simply bask in the knowledge that you are loved unconditionally and accepted without reservation. Just to know that you are a cherished child of God, whom He delights in, changes you. No work is required, no mustering of strength. Because you realize your strength is nonexistent. He has all the strength. He has all the power. He has all the love. And you are the center of His attention, and His chosen affection. You are His most beloved child.

I have been very replenished in the knowledge of His undying love and favor. I feel like I’m a lush grape hanging off the vine of all that He is. I don’t need to work to produce my own fruit or sap. He produces that for me. His veins fill me with the graciousness of all He is. His indwelling Spirit melts away all my diseases and fills my soul with beautiful thoughts.

Peace and joy are infinite, love is endless, and they trail within, making rivers and paths of life below hills lush with vegetation. I see golden paint in the sky fall upon the terrain of my heart and soul. I drink in water that graces the sky with rainbows. I am loved forever.

Dear reader, nothing is as sweet as knowing God loves you and will do all the work in transforming you. Don’t try to do it on your own, as is the constant trap of man. Trust in Jesus, not on your own merits or strength. Be like a child again. Realizing this all over again filled me with such sweetness that I rose, played worship music, and fixed my family breakfast. When we receive God’s love for us, it’s so easy to walk in unselfish love toward others.

My mom was pleasantly surprised to find blueberry-cranberry scones, hearty omelets, and a homemade smoothie fixed up in the kitchen. We broke out my dad’s gifted plum jam and ate merrily. It’s amazing how beautiful life is when you know you reside in the heart (in the very chest) of Almighty God…and you are able to call Him “Father.” It’s amazing when you carry the atmosphere of Heaven inside, because you are more conscious that you live under grace and favor than anything else.

I pray that this deep knowledge of His love be yours. I pray the Holy Spirit will make this a reality in your life. That you would fully accept and feel your completeness in Christ. You are accepted in the beloved. -Ephesians 1:6

To check out my devotional book, Visions of Celestial Love, click here.

“Ashley presents us with a true cornucopia of modern psalms, personal testimonies, and short stories. She has set out to reveal and unravel some of the most complex heart issues mankind faces in our quest of understanding what true intimacy with God really looks like. Prepare to have your soul massaged and worked on as you read Visions of Celestial Love.” — Jeremy Minard

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Free Autumn Devotional

What a sweet blessing it was for me to be a part of Anchored Magazine’s cozy Fall edition 🍂✨🍁🕯😍!

Snuggle up with a warm blanket, a hot cup of coffee and be embraced by encouraging words full of grace ☕🥰!

🌈

Click here to read 😊:

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Joyful Sparks of Christmas Praise

From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas. 🕯

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. -John 3:16-17 NKJV

“It is nearly impossible to believe God shrinking down to the size of a zygote, implanted in the soft lining of a woman’s womb. God growing fingers and toes. God kicking and hiccupping in utero. God inching down the birth canal and entering this world covered in blood, perhaps into the steady, waiting arms of a midwife. God crying out in hunger. God reaching for his mother’s breasts. God totally relaxed, eyes closed, his chubby little arms raised over his head in a posture of complete trust. God resting in his mother’s lap…” -Rachel Held Evans

Over 2,000 years ago, He came meekly perfuming wells of mercy as our representative, the Son of Man, our Passover (sacrificial) Lamb, the One who died in our place, the One who came to serve, seek and save the lost. He is the One who came to heal the broken-hearted and the sick, the One who came to be touched with the feelings of our troubles and humanness and offer the deepest empathy and compassion 💖:

🎁👑🤍 When God gives a gift…the blessings never end…they go into eternity 💛🥳🙌🏽❤! The gift of Jesus is grandeur than the expanse of the cosmos. His life is more costly than all the jewels and treasures in the world 🌎💎.

I will praise God forever for the gift of Jesus and the peace-giving gift of forgiveness and reconciliation He purchased for us all🕊👑!

I thank God for the gift of relationship with Jesus that brings endless abundance and life 🌱🪴🌳💐🌸!

God becoming human just amazes me time and time again.

I very often read and see things related to Jesus that cause my heart to leap forth in adoration, worship and excitement. Sometimes I feel like a child for how pure and sporadic my soul can leap into praise like someone lighting a match. Praise comes sparking out of me like fireworks crackling through a starry night. I react to the goodness of God with as much (if not more) glee and bliss as someone who has seen the most beautiful, wonderful thing. If you’ve ever been taken aback in awe and wonder at a sight, like a coming gasp at seeing the greatness of the Grand Canyon, then you understand my reactionary worship-born spirit.

“The first time He came, there was no room for Him. The next time He comes the whole world won’t be able to contain His glory.” -John MacArthur

Over two years ago, my heart sang when I saw this post quoting John MacArthur (the picture above)! I could feel first love fire 🔥 inside of me breaking forth in spontaneous worship 🙌🏽🕊💥👑🥰!

The words below began to gush forth from within me in reactionary praise:

“Oh, how I love Him and delight to worship Him.

I excitedly look forward to the day of His return and to worship before Him as never before where my body will never tire to pour out adoration, and praise, and tears of joy and gratitude and passion for this One great, glorious Man who is Truth, Light, Salvation, Love, and everything good we were created for. We came forth from Him. In Him God has rebirthed us and every leader comes from Him. Our only Life. Our High Priest. In Him, through Him, by Him, for Him!!

Hallelujah to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Faithful and True is His name. Hosanna in the highest heaven 💛👑💥☀️🤗😍!

I look forward to that day when His glory rises over the darkness like the sun’s stunningly, blinding rays pierces the irises of dimmed eyes. May glimmering rays of His glory be seen like shafts of lightning and flickers of candlelight in the hearts of born-again men/women on earth 🌎…those who have surrendered to His amazing love and Lordship and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth ❤🙌🏽.

Oh, for the glory of His name! There is no One so beautiful and magnificent or good than Him ✨!”

Below is one of my favorite Christmas songs. It beautifully captures the finer details of the incarnation of Christ and how natural, yet supernatural His appearing was. How closely He relates to us:

Lyrics:

It’s still a mystery to me
That the hands of God could be so small
How tiny fingers reaching in the night
Were the very hands that measured the sky

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Heaven’s love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah, son of God, servant King
Here with us, You’re here with us

It’s still a mystery to me
How His infant eyes have seen the dawn of time
How His ears have heard an angel’s symphony
But still Mary had to rock her Savior to sleep

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Heaven’s love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah, son of God, servant King
Here with us, You’re here with us

You’re here with us

Jesus, the Christ, born in Bethlehem
A baby born to save, to save the souls of man

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Heaven’s love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah, son of God, servant King
Here with us

Oh, hallelujah, hallelujah
Heaven’s love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah, son of God, servant King
Here with us, You’re here with us
You’re here with us

Songwriters: Joy Elizabeth Williams, Jason Ingram, Ben Glover. For non-commercial use only. (I own no rights to the music or lyrics of this amazing song)

Always remember that He is with you, no matter how you’re feeling or where you are. He is with you, and He loves you. Because you have Him, you have hope.

Have a blessed Merry Christmas 🕊❤🙏🏽✨👑

xoxo

If you enjoy reading devotionals full of worship, praise, and modern psalms, you will most likely love my book, Visions of Celestial Love (An Invitation into Healing Intimacy):

“Ashley presents us with a true cornucopia of modern psalms, personal testimonies, and short stories. She has set out to reveal and unravel some of the most complex heart issues mankind faces in our quest of understanding what true intimacy with God really looks like. Prepare to have your soul massaged and worked on as you read Visions of Celestial Love.” — Jeremy Minard, Servant King Apparel

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Magazine Feature!

God has been doing so many amazing things!

I feel so incredibly blessed and honored to have been a part of this amazing book project spearheaded by Dr. Sherley.

My chapter, Created in Heaven Born on Earth, is the 1st chapter in the book. It is about the dignity and worth God places on every human being and how we have inherited value because we were created by God Himself, even if we weren’t planned by our parents. I pray this book brings great healing and ministers to the hearts and souls of every reader.

Recently, I was featured in an article on Making Headline News about my book, Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul. To read the article, click here!

Also, recently, I was added to an international catalog for my life coaching services. I am a certified life breakthrough coach and before 2024, I will be certified in New Testament Leadership. I offer coaching services with prayer counseling to my clients. If you have a God-sized-dream, feel stuck in life, would like a comforting source of cheering you on, a listening ear and a Jesus-loving encourager, I would love to partner with you- as your coach. Email me for more information: nourishmentthroughwords@gmail.com

At the beginning of 2023, with the encouragement of my pastors, I wrote down a list of things I was believing for the year 2023. I prayed about this list as I thoughtfully wrote each one down on a special card. So far, 5 out of 7 have come true.

I believe God loves to make His children’s dreams come true. He places desires and dreams in our hearts, and He does it so we can follow Him, full of trust, into a satisfying life where we feel fulfilled and pour out His goodness to the world around us. I want to encourage you to never let go of the dreams in your heart! The world needs you to fulfill the calling on your life. And nothing will ever make you happier than living a life of closeness with God while seeing your prayers answered and the power of Jesus in your world.

And then God answered: “Write this.
    Write what you see.
Write it out in big block letters
    so that it can be read on the run.
This vision-message is a witness
    pointing to what’s coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!
    And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait.
    It’s on its way. It will come right on time.

-Habakkuk 2:3 MSG

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Crying Out For Eternal Beauty

One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord. And to meditate in His temple. -Psalm 27:4 AMP

David said he sought this one thing of the Lord.

I have this request too.

I imagine the tabernacle, knowing God has already torn the veil of separation through Jesus’s body. I want to bypass it all, all the form, all the ritual, all the religious nonsense and go straight into the chest of God and drink of the wine of his heart.

I want to know his inner thoughts, his emotions, his feelings, his mind, his very essence as intimately as his Holy Spirit.

I want people to look at me like they did the disciples on the day of Pentecost and see that I am drunk…not with the wine of the world, but the wine of his presence.

I am full and surrounded by the most pure, beautiful, powerful, amazing, intoxicating, clarifying, extravagant, enriching, life-giving, source and presence in all of existence…the love of God.

Father, I want to be so close to your thoughts that I can feel your breath coursing more deeply within me than my own blood.

I desire to fall in reverence under the brilliant splendor and beautiful weightiness of your holiness.

I long to know your divine truth in such a way that surrender is natural and easy. Because You are worthy of my daily surrender.

There is no treasure on earth worthy of more pursuit than You!

There is nothing more costly or precious than your Presence!

You are the King who breathes life into the dead. You are the Savior who laid down your life for your beloved.

You are unshakable living hope. You are everlasting security. You are profusely gracious and merciful. You are extravagantly giving and generous. You are full of sacrificial love!

You are eternal glory!

Whom have I in Heaven but You? And on earth, there is nothing that I desire besides You! -Psalm 73:25

You are worthy of my hearts’ affection!

You are worthy of my eternal devotion!

You alone are worthy!

Beautiful, wonderful, loving, glorious Jesus. Your presence is the cure for all of man’s woes.

I adore You!

King of all kings and Lord of all lords!

None can compare with You.

-If you enjoyed this prayer psalm, you may be refreshed by my book, Visions of Celestial Love (A Devotional Book to Draw You Closer to God’s Heart)

“Come, all you are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.” – Isaiah 55:1-2 NIV

Are you ready to taste of the sweet delicacies of God in a deeply reviving and personal way? For those who want to drink, for those who want to eat and be refreshed and renewed, Visions of Celestial Love is a feast between you and the King of Heaven, who loves you more than anyone else. He invites you to dine on wholesome, good, savory food and delicious, zesty, fruitful drink. He awaits you with a sparkle in His eye. He is ready for your company. He delights to have you as a guest.

“Eat, friends, and drink; drink your fill of love.” – Song of Songs 5:1 NIV

*To purchase this goodie book, click here. 

“When I read Visions of Celestial Love, it is as if I am brought down to my knees to worship. What the Holy Spirit has done in and through Ashley, He is doing also in me. What a wonderful experience. It is very rich. Thank you for sharing the treasure.”—Riko Suci Alam, CEO of Ligar Jaya and owner of Clove Garden hotel in Bandung Indonesia. 

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The Joy in His Voice

“I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.” -Jesus in John 15:11. 

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When Jesus speaks to you, keep in mind that He is speaking to you to bless you, to lavish you with grace and truth, to give you rich life, to help you to receive His joy, love, freeing truth and peace in abundance until you are so full you are overflowing. 🍂

Jesus is wonderful and His nature is good. Therefore, when He speaks to you Who He is comes out…. pure goodness. 🌻

He wants to bless you more than you know. 🌼

Healing is in His heart of love toward you…🥰

Until next time, may this Autumn bring you great and soft reminders of the goodness of God’s heart toward you. May you count your blessings and continually keep your gaze on the things of Heaven, so your soul may experience the peace and delight of Heaven. 

Love,

Ashley

xoxo

P.S: If you enjoyed this small devotional, you would enjoy my book, Visions of Celestial Love (a cornucopia of a modern psalms, personal testimonies, devotionals, prayers and short stories). You can order a copy, by clicking here.

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Upcoming Book: His Beauty for My Ashes

I’m very excited to share this chapter in the book, His Beauty for My Ashes!

God showed me a vision of Heaven and how He created me… and it’s my honest belief that He wants to show you your priceless value, acceptance, purpose and divine uniqueness so you can shine on the earth because the DNA of Heaven is inside of you…

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HIS BEAUTY FOR MY ASHES Anthology with Visionary DrSherley Lefevre.

This book is a dedication to the resilient kings and queens transitioning from weeping to reaping. Crafted by fearless women who’ve conquered adversity, it’s your manual for empowerment, filled with testimonies, revelations, and biblical insights to deepen your faith. Get ready to rise above, triumph, and thrive!

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Promo Video:

The expected publishing month is November 2023! Be on the lookout for more details soon.

To check out my previously published books, click on the books tab. I pray you are blessed by God as you read!

Reviews:

“Ashley Thompson’s book, Visions of Celestial Love is just that; a visionary work of epic proportions. It is glimpses into a loving and remarkable relationship with the creator of the universe. You are invited to Dive into stories of love and compassion, healing and provision, loss and recovery, profound grace and faith. Ashley draws us in with her descriptive prose and unique style of writing. There are so many stories to relate to in this book and I’m sure you will find your own story among the many that are told here. So, find your favorite spot, your favorite beverage, and curl up with, Visions of Celestial Love.” -Amazon reviewer

“Romantic Rendezvous is a beautiful invitation into intimacy with Jesus! Ashley has done a masterful job of creating stories that depict the heart of the Father. I have truly been blessed by this book! As I read each story, I felt the closeness of Jesus and had continual reminders of how deep the Fathers love is for me. From the very first chapter, I felt the flame of my heart be rekindled with God’s goodness and love. This book is a must read!” -Jessica Leon

My review is biased but Fallen Coins really reminded me of my childhood growing up with the author(My Sister) she would tell me many stories before bed but this one i remember i asked to repeat several different times. The characters brought back many memories of us playing and enjoying each others company as well as the situations we’d find ourselves in often due to our impulsive curiosities the settings paints beautiful scenery of a wonderful small village our protagonists find themselves in. This short story is a wonderful read driving the importance of obedience especially to our parents.” -Amazon Reviewer

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Royal Righteousness to Replace Shame

This testimony is shared in the revised version of my book, Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul. To read the original version, click here.

But YOU will be called the priests of the LORD; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will feed on the wealth of nations, and you will boast in their riches. In place of your shame, you will have a double portion; in place of disgrace, they will rejoice over their share. So they will possess double in their land, and eternal joy will be theirs. -Isaiah 61:6-7 (emphasis mine)

I have found that shame was the number one tool the devil used to keep me in bondage throughout my early Christian walk. During one of my first visits to Charis Bible College, the Father gave me a vision of myself. One of the worship leaders began keying what sounded like a spontaneous worship song on the stage piano. She created melodic and beautiful music on the keys.

Within seconds I saw a vision of myself kneeling on a still, watery floor. The water was so calm it appeared like glass. I was robed in a dark shirt and pants. Jesus began walking toward me to embrace me. Instead of receiving his love, I turned my face away and held out my hands as if pushing the air to discourage him from seeing me.

“No, no!” I cried. “Stay away from me.”

 I closed my eyes tightly until he “left.” I didn’t think of myself as worthy enough to look at him. Being a gentleman, he walked away (although he never truly left). When I opened my eyes again and didn’t see him. I began to feel lonely and I regretted pushing him away.

Before I could cry because of my poor decision, my black clothes began to transform into a beautiful pink dress with twinkling lights that moved. After I saw that I was more prettily donned, I felt worthier and my heart began to desire to see Jesus.

As if the water below me heard the silent language of my heart, it began to rise in large drops. It was like reverse rain. Large drops of water solidified and formed a spiral staircase that had the appearance of precious stone. The stairway led up to the heavens, beyond the starry dome ceiling. As I gazed up, I saw billions upon billions of stars. They twinkled and shimmered like silver, blue, green, gold and purple glitter refracting light. Star dust painted the sky like aurora lights and cosmic clouds.

Unconsciously, I knew the stairway would lead me to God. It was like Jacob’s ladder in a way. I began to ascend the stairs but before I could reach the top, Jesus reappeared. This time, I didn’t turn him away, because he had dealt with my shame by clothing me in a gown of royal righteousness.

I also believe he appeared before I could reach the top because he wanted to show me that I didn’t have to labor for intimacy. He didn’t want me to. He wanted to show me that he was always wanting connection with me.

And that he was the only way to the Father, who lived up the stairs…

In the same way, I pray Jesus shows you a picture of yourself clothed with royal righteousness. You are a child of God. Thus, you are royalty. You don’t ever have to earn your way to God because Jesus paid the ultimate price for the veil to be torn that separated you from God. The work is already finished. You are perfectly loved by God. Your body has been made into the temple of the Holy Spirit. Christ, the Lord lives in your heart by faith. All your sins have been washed away. You have no stains. You are a new creation in Christ and you have been given a righteous nature.

“Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.” -Colossians 1:22

Reflection Questions:

  1. Are you dealing with any level of shame in your life? If yes, why?
  2. Are you currently struggling with faith righteousness? In what ways have you personally allowed Jesus to show you that you are the righteousness of God through him (not by your works but his finished work)? “For it is by graceyou have been saved,through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works,so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9 NIV) “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile.” (Romans 3:22 NIV) Look up 2 Corinthians 5:21.
  3. Would you describe yourself as more God-reliant or self-reliant?

“This book is simply wonderful. Deliciously descriptive, it nourishes the soul with fresh revelation of God’s love for humanity. This collection of short stories may challenge your thinking about what true intimacy looks like, while making your heart yearn to daily experience the Perfect Love described within its pages. It invites you into a world created by Love Himself, where there’s no mistaking that His love is not only unconditional and never-failing, but also deeply personal and precious to Him. Get ready to experience the purpose, pleasure, and power of real love!” -Amazon Reviewer