I have not posted any blogs in a while. Our house was flooded about two months ago. My aunt has been kind enough to let stay in an empty house that she has, but we are waiting on God to help us find a permanent place to stay. Waiting on God is one of the most difficult things to do, but strength will rise as we wait on the Lord (I quoted that from Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster).
In the meantime, while I am waiting, I will still continue to worship my God and live for Him. He has a reason for my wait just as He has a reason for any wait you may be going through.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Praise As A Weapon
2 Chronicles 20:21, And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness as they went out before the army and were saying: Praise the Lord for His mercy endures forever.
If you really want to do damage to the enemy of your soul, praise to God works well!! Satan was once the praise and worship leader in heaven. Because of his pride, he wanted to exalt himself above God. This was a huge mistake. God cast Him down from heaven along with about 1/3 of the angels who had decided to take part in Satan's scheme. (See Isaiah 14:12-16 and Ezekiel 28:12-15)
Whenever Satan hears praise to God, it infuriates him. When you praise God, it reminds him of what he once was, and it reminds him that you now have his job.
In the above scripture, King Jehoshaphat's enemies were coming for him. His first reaction was fear. This is normal. He was a human being as we are. Then he began to seek the Lord. This is what we need to do when we are being attacked. After seeking God, he appointed singers to sing "Praise the Lord for His mercy endures forever." That's all they had to do. Can you imagine going into a battle only singing? When their enemies got closer and heard them singing praise, they became confused and slaughtered each other.
That's what happens to the demons who attack you when they hear you praising God, their plans are thwarted. There is power in praise. You have to speak it. Speak God's word and speak God's praise. Your enemy will be self-slaughtered.
If you read on in chapter 20 of 2 Chronicles, you will find that once the enemy was slaughtered, it took the people of Judah three days to gather the spoils. Once your enemy is defeated, he has to give back what he stole from you plus more. That is your right at a blood bought child of the Living God.
Don't complain. Don't be overcome by fear. Fight fear and all other enemies with praise.
If you really want to do damage to the enemy of your soul, praise to God works well!! Satan was once the praise and worship leader in heaven. Because of his pride, he wanted to exalt himself above God. This was a huge mistake. God cast Him down from heaven along with about 1/3 of the angels who had decided to take part in Satan's scheme. (See Isaiah 14:12-16 and Ezekiel 28:12-15)
Whenever Satan hears praise to God, it infuriates him. When you praise God, it reminds him of what he once was, and it reminds him that you now have his job.
In the above scripture, King Jehoshaphat's enemies were coming for him. His first reaction was fear. This is normal. He was a human being as we are. Then he began to seek the Lord. This is what we need to do when we are being attacked. After seeking God, he appointed singers to sing "Praise the Lord for His mercy endures forever." That's all they had to do. Can you imagine going into a battle only singing? When their enemies got closer and heard them singing praise, they became confused and slaughtered each other.
That's what happens to the demons who attack you when they hear you praising God, their plans are thwarted. There is power in praise. You have to speak it. Speak God's word and speak God's praise. Your enemy will be self-slaughtered.
If you read on in chapter 20 of 2 Chronicles, you will find that once the enemy was slaughtered, it took the people of Judah three days to gather the spoils. Once your enemy is defeated, he has to give back what he stole from you plus more. That is your right at a blood bought child of the Living God.
Don't complain. Don't be overcome by fear. Fight fear and all other enemies with praise.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
God's Continual Gift
Peace is God's continual gift to us. It flows from His throne. It is available to us. I have to make the choice to accept His peace. The Israelites could only gather enough manna for one day. (Exodus 16:14-20). We can only gather enough peace for one day. The next day, we receive from God what we need for that day. It is a day by day process. This keeps us aware of our dependency on God. If He gave us permanent peace, we would become independent of Him. That is the last thing we need to do!!
From Jesus Calling, "As your awareness of your neediness increases so does your realization of My abundant sufficiency."
God is all-sufficient. Allow Him to fill you. Only He can satisfy.
Philippians 4
6.Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
19.And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus
From Jesus Calling, "As your awareness of your neediness increases so does your realization of My abundant sufficiency."
God is all-sufficient. Allow Him to fill you. Only He can satisfy.
Philippians 4
6.Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
19.And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Death and Life
This is an appropriate time to talk about death and life. At this time of year we do our best to honor the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. (Although this should be a year-long celebration.)
Matthew 28
1.After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2.There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3.His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
4.The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5.The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6.He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
7.Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8.So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
9.Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.
10.Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me"
The women went to annoint Jesus' body. They thought he was dead. They went seeking for Him at the place of the dead. How many times do we do that? How many times do we seek for things in dead places? We won't find what we need in the dead places. We need to be in places where life is. Where is that? At the feet of Jesus. He is life. He is the resurrection and the life. He has the keys of death and hell. It is under His power now. It has no hold over us. Because of Jesus' victory over death, we are alive forever. Yes, this physical body will die, but we will live on.
When Jesus returns, our bodies will be resurrected and reunited with our souls and spirits. We are alive, and we will always be alive. Let's live for Christ because to live IS Christ. Hallelujah!!!
If we are dead in any way, it should be to sin. Jesus died and rose again so we could die to sin and bondage and come alive to His righteousness. We do not have to be bound to our sins. How awesome is that!!
1.What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?
2.By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
3.Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4.We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5.If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.
6.For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--
7.because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8.Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
9.For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
10.The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11.In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
If something is going to be dead in us, it must be our old nature, our sin nature; however, our new nature is alive in Jesus Christ.
Stop seeking what you need among things that are dead. Those things cannot fulfill you. Life in Christ is the only thing that brings true fulfillment.
I have posted a song by Travis Cottrell called Alive Forever Amen.
Matthew 28
1.After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2.There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3.His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
4.The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5.The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6.He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
7.Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8.So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
9.Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.
10.Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me"
The women went to annoint Jesus' body. They thought he was dead. They went seeking for Him at the place of the dead. How many times do we do that? How many times do we seek for things in dead places? We won't find what we need in the dead places. We need to be in places where life is. Where is that? At the feet of Jesus. He is life. He is the resurrection and the life. He has the keys of death and hell. It is under His power now. It has no hold over us. Because of Jesus' victory over death, we are alive forever. Yes, this physical body will die, but we will live on.
When Jesus returns, our bodies will be resurrected and reunited with our souls and spirits. We are alive, and we will always be alive. Let's live for Christ because to live IS Christ. Hallelujah!!!
If we are dead in any way, it should be to sin. Jesus died and rose again so we could die to sin and bondage and come alive to His righteousness. We do not have to be bound to our sins. How awesome is that!!
1.What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?
2.By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
3.Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4.We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5.If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.
6.For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--
7.because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8.Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
9.For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
10.The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11.In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
If something is going to be dead in us, it must be our old nature, our sin nature; however, our new nature is alive in Jesus Christ.
Stop seeking what you need among things that are dead. Those things cannot fulfill you. Life in Christ is the only thing that brings true fulfillment.
I have posted a song by Travis Cottrell called Alive Forever Amen.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Enjoying Today
Matthew 6:34, Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I am a planner by nature. I like to have things worked out ahead of time. This is alright to a certain extent; but if I am not careful, it can become an idol.
God is teaching me to trust Him one day at a time. To enjoy each day. This is totally against my human nature, but it is in line with God's word. Trusting God is leaning on Him minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day.
Too many times, I look to the future, when I need to enjoy the present. The following quote is from Joyce Meyer: "We can enjoy where we are at on the way to where we are going."
I have things right now that God has given me to enjoy. No, life is not perfect, but God is still sovereign.
From the devotional "Jesus Calling": "Trust Me one day at a time. This keeps you close to me, responsive to my will...Exert your will to trust me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My presence. Don't get tangled up in worry-webs. Trust Me one day at a time."
I am a planner by nature. I like to have things worked out ahead of time. This is alright to a certain extent; but if I am not careful, it can become an idol.
God is teaching me to trust Him one day at a time. To enjoy each day. This is totally against my human nature, but it is in line with God's word. Trusting God is leaning on Him minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day.
Too many times, I look to the future, when I need to enjoy the present. The following quote is from Joyce Meyer: "We can enjoy where we are at on the way to where we are going."
I have things right now that God has given me to enjoy. No, life is not perfect, but God is still sovereign.
From the devotional "Jesus Calling": "Trust Me one day at a time. This keeps you close to me, responsive to my will...Exert your will to trust me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My presence. Don't get tangled up in worry-webs. Trust Me one day at a time."
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Freedom In Christ
Galatians 5:1, It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Anyone who knows me or has read any of my blog entries knows that I have much to praise God for. He has set me free from some serious bondage. I praise Him for that; however, I have to remember that I must remain close to Christ and stay obedient so that I am not ensnared again by former strongholds. I have found that when I am not in the Word daily and sitting at His feet daily, my old person tries to come to life again. I do not want to go back to what I used to be. I have to make the choice to stand in the freedom Jesus has given me.
I love the song "In Your Freedom" by Hillsongs. Some of my favorite words to this song are as follows: "In your freedom I will live. In your freedom I will live. I offer devotion. I offer devotion. I love you, Lord. You rescued me. You are all that I want. You're all I need."
He has rescued me. He is all I need. He is all you need. If you are bound by any stronghold, He wants to rescue you. All you have to do is surrender to Him. If you are not saved, ask Him into your heart and life right now. Romans 10:9, That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:13, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
If anyone reading this blog wants prayer or someone to talk to, feel free to email me at allisonmitchell53@yahoo.com.
I have posted this song. I pray it blesses you as it has me.
Anyone who knows me or has read any of my blog entries knows that I have much to praise God for. He has set me free from some serious bondage. I praise Him for that; however, I have to remember that I must remain close to Christ and stay obedient so that I am not ensnared again by former strongholds. I have found that when I am not in the Word daily and sitting at His feet daily, my old person tries to come to life again. I do not want to go back to what I used to be. I have to make the choice to stand in the freedom Jesus has given me.
I love the song "In Your Freedom" by Hillsongs. Some of my favorite words to this song are as follows: "In your freedom I will live. In your freedom I will live. I offer devotion. I offer devotion. I love you, Lord. You rescued me. You are all that I want. You're all I need."
He has rescued me. He is all I need. He is all you need. If you are bound by any stronghold, He wants to rescue you. All you have to do is surrender to Him. If you are not saved, ask Him into your heart and life right now. Romans 10:9, That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:13, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
If anyone reading this blog wants prayer or someone to talk to, feel free to email me at allisonmitchell53@yahoo.com.
I have posted this song. I pray it blesses you as it has me.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
I love this song. It's called "The More I Seek You". I have found that the more I seek my God, the more I find Him. His presence becomes more real all the time. No, I do not always FEEL Him, but I know He is always there. He cares about every aspect of my life.
His presence is a necessity in my life. I can do nothing without Him, but I can do all things with Him.
Isaiah 55:6 (NLT), Seek the Lord while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near.
1 Chronicles 16:11, Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 27:8, My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Deuteronomy 4:29, But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Because of what my Jesus did at the cross, we can go directly to God the Father. Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
His presence is a necessity in my life. I can do nothing without Him, but I can do all things with Him.
Isaiah 55:6 (NLT), Seek the Lord while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near.
1 Chronicles 16:11, Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 27:8, My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Deuteronomy 4:29, But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Because of what my Jesus did at the cross, we can go directly to God the Father. Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
I Want It All Back
There is a song by Tye Tribbett called "I Want It All Back". I love this song because it is very scriptural, and it reminds me that we need to take back those things that the enemy of our soul has stolen from us.
Ephesians 6:10-18: 10. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15. and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16.In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Sometimes it's difficult to remember that our battle is not with people. Our battle is with the enemy who uses people to come against us.
Matthew 11:12, From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
Isaiah 59:19 tells us that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift a standard against him.
As you grow closer to God, the attacks against you will become more agressive. It's important that we get off the defense and get on the offense as far as the enemy is concerned. Our only offensive weapon in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) is the sword of the Spirit. What is the Sword of the Spirit? We are told plainly that it is the Word of God. We have read and study the word and apply the truth of the Word to our lives.
Matthew 16:19, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Jesus has given us power over the enemy. We can take back our joy and our peace and the other things the forces of evil have stolen from us. Note that we must keep sin out of our lives to do this. I can't have cherished sin in my heart and expect to be able to overcome the enemy.
Luke 10: 19-20, "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Jesus reminds us that we have power over the enemy, but he also reminds us not to become arrogant. Remember He is the one this power comes from. The enemy can bring attacks, but it's up to you how much power you will let him have in your life.
Realize who you are in Christ and take back what the enemy has stolen from you. Jesus suffered and died and rose again so you could have that power.
Click on the following link to watch the video and listen to the song, "I Want It All Back.":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUtJgU7sdd0
Ephesians 6:10-18: 10. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15. and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16.In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Sometimes it's difficult to remember that our battle is not with people. Our battle is with the enemy who uses people to come against us.
Matthew 11:12, From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
Isaiah 59:19 tells us that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift a standard against him.
As you grow closer to God, the attacks against you will become more agressive. It's important that we get off the defense and get on the offense as far as the enemy is concerned. Our only offensive weapon in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) is the sword of the Spirit. What is the Sword of the Spirit? We are told plainly that it is the Word of God. We have read and study the word and apply the truth of the Word to our lives.
Matthew 16:19, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Jesus has given us power over the enemy. We can take back our joy and our peace and the other things the forces of evil have stolen from us. Note that we must keep sin out of our lives to do this. I can't have cherished sin in my heart and expect to be able to overcome the enemy.
Luke 10: 19-20, "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Jesus reminds us that we have power over the enemy, but he also reminds us not to become arrogant. Remember He is the one this power comes from. The enemy can bring attacks, but it's up to you how much power you will let him have in your life.
Realize who you are in Christ and take back what the enemy has stolen from you. Jesus suffered and died and rose again so you could have that power.
Click on the following link to watch the video and listen to the song, "I Want It All Back.":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUtJgU7sdd0
Friday, March 6, 2009
Enjoying God's Presence Even In Adversity
From Jesus Calling: "Continue on this path with Me, enjoying My presence even in adversity...The One who goes ahead of you opening up the way is the same One who stays close and never lets go of your hand...I am everywhere at every time, ceaslessly working on your behalf."
I am learning to enjoy God's presence even in adversity. I have been through some adversity the last few weeks. The bank I am working for has been in the process of a merger, and I have had to work some long hours. The stress level at my job has been extremely high. I am so thankful that Jesus is with me through all of this. I am enjoying a weekend at home, and I am so looking forward to church this weekend.
I need Jesus so much. I cannot get through life without Him. He is my joy and my peace. He is so awesome. I praise Him for how He can bring peace and good things out of the worst of circumstances. He has done that over and over in my life.
Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose.
Psalm 37:3-4, Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
I am learning to enjoy God's presence even in adversity. I have been through some adversity the last few weeks. The bank I am working for has been in the process of a merger, and I have had to work some long hours. The stress level at my job has been extremely high. I am so thankful that Jesus is with me through all of this. I am enjoying a weekend at home, and I am so looking forward to church this weekend.
I need Jesus so much. I cannot get through life without Him. He is my joy and my peace. He is so awesome. I praise Him for how He can bring peace and good things out of the worst of circumstances. He has done that over and over in my life.
Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose.
Psalm 37:3-4, Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Guard What God Has Given You
2 Timothy 1:6-7, For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
God has given us all gifts or talents to be used to bring glory to Him. To know what your gift or calling is, you have to go before God and seek Him. Also, look at the things you enjoy doing. If you enjoy singing, maybe God wants you to sing. If you love to help people, maybe you are called into some type of helps ministry. This is just to name a few of the things we can do for the glory of God.
We have to fan these things into flame like the above scripture stated. We do this by dedicating our gifts or callings to God then using them. The more we use them for God's glory, the more He increases them.
I also like what verse 6 of the above scripture says. "God has not given us a spirit of timidity.." God will give us boldness that we need. He will give us power, but we must walk in love and self-discipline."
I have found that in sharing my struggles with overeating and sexual impurity that I have been able to help others who struggle. I praise God for this!! If you are overcoming a stronghold or have already overcome it, share with others (as God leads) what God is doing for you.
2 Timothy 1:14, Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Whatever God has given us, we must guard it. The enemy will try to come and sidetrack us in someway. We must not allow him to take what God has given. Yes, the gifts and the callings of God are without repentance, but in order to use what we have to help others, we have to keep our hearts pure and our hands clean before God.
The enemy of my soul has tried to get me distracted from my focus on Christ just in the last several days. I noticed it (because of the Holy Spirit's prodding) and I have put my focus back where it needs to be. I am doing what I need to keep it there.
Let's guard the good deposit that God has entrusted us with, and let's lead others to freedom.
God has given us all gifts or talents to be used to bring glory to Him. To know what your gift or calling is, you have to go before God and seek Him. Also, look at the things you enjoy doing. If you enjoy singing, maybe God wants you to sing. If you love to help people, maybe you are called into some type of helps ministry. This is just to name a few of the things we can do for the glory of God.
We have to fan these things into flame like the above scripture stated. We do this by dedicating our gifts or callings to God then using them. The more we use them for God's glory, the more He increases them.
I also like what verse 6 of the above scripture says. "God has not given us a spirit of timidity.." God will give us boldness that we need. He will give us power, but we must walk in love and self-discipline."
I have found that in sharing my struggles with overeating and sexual impurity that I have been able to help others who struggle. I praise God for this!! If you are overcoming a stronghold or have already overcome it, share with others (as God leads) what God is doing for you.
2 Timothy 1:14, Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Whatever God has given us, we must guard it. The enemy will try to come and sidetrack us in someway. We must not allow him to take what God has given. Yes, the gifts and the callings of God are without repentance, but in order to use what we have to help others, we have to keep our hearts pure and our hands clean before God.
The enemy of my soul has tried to get me distracted from my focus on Christ just in the last several days. I noticed it (because of the Holy Spirit's prodding) and I have put my focus back where it needs to be. I am doing what I need to keep it there.
Let's guard the good deposit that God has entrusted us with, and let's lead others to freedom.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Trust and Thankfulness
I don't know if I have mentioned this or not, but I love my newest devotional "Jesus Calling". The lady who wrote this was under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit if ever anyone was.
Today's devotional talked about trust and thankfulness.
The following is from "Jesus Calling, February 21": "Trust and thankfulness will get you safely through this day. Trust protects you from worrying and obsessing. Thankfulness keeps you from criticizing and complaining: those sister sins that so easily entangle you."
I never had thought about these sins being like sisters, but they are. One leads to the other. They seem to feed from each other.
Many times I catch myself worrying and obesessing. This always leads to frustration which in turn causes me to criticize and complain. When I am frustrated, I often start finding something to take that frustration out on. I then become critical and negative. I have found that when I release my frustration to my God, I am free from the sins of criticizing and complaining. Those sins are so demeaning. We do not realize how they affect our witness for Christ.
I do not want to complain and remain. I want to praise and be raised. Complaining only causes us to have to stay in our trials and tests longer. I certainly don't want to stay in mine any longer than I have to. I want to learn what God wants to teach so that I can move on.
Today's devotional talked about trust and thankfulness.
The following is from "Jesus Calling, February 21": "Trust and thankfulness will get you safely through this day. Trust protects you from worrying and obsessing. Thankfulness keeps you from criticizing and complaining: those sister sins that so easily entangle you."
I never had thought about these sins being like sisters, but they are. One leads to the other. They seem to feed from each other.
Many times I catch myself worrying and obesessing. This always leads to frustration which in turn causes me to criticize and complain. When I am frustrated, I often start finding something to take that frustration out on. I then become critical and negative. I have found that when I release my frustration to my God, I am free from the sins of criticizing and complaining. Those sins are so demeaning. We do not realize how they affect our witness for Christ.
I do not want to complain and remain. I want to praise and be raised. Complaining only causes us to have to stay in our trials and tests longer. I certainly don't want to stay in mine any longer than I have to. I want to learn what God wants to teach so that I can move on.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Pride In Thinking My Sin Is Too Great
Jeremiah 13:17, If you will not listen, my innermost being will weep in secret because of your pride.
Pride is so subtle. We can be walking in pride in an area and not even realize it. I pray for the Lord to keep pride from me.
In today's devotional of Breaking Free Day by Day, Beth Moore points out a way we can be walking in pride that I had never really thought of, but it is so profound that I want to share it.From Breaking Free Day by Day, "I have known people, for example, who thought they were too far gone to save- too wicked, too sinful. Such people would be shocked to hear that even this attitude is a form of pride as well. They think their sin or problem is bigger than God."
Ouch and amen!! Who do we think we are that our struggle with overeating or any other sin is beyond God's reach? I have been guilty of that type of thinking. It may be over my head, but it is under God's feet.
Pride is so subtle. We can be walking in pride in an area and not even realize it. I pray for the Lord to keep pride from me.
In today's devotional of Breaking Free Day by Day, Beth Moore points out a way we can be walking in pride that I had never really thought of, but it is so profound that I want to share it.From Breaking Free Day by Day, "I have known people, for example, who thought they were too far gone to save- too wicked, too sinful. Such people would be shocked to hear that even this attitude is a form of pride as well. They think their sin or problem is bigger than God."
Ouch and amen!! Who do we think we are that our struggle with overeating or any other sin is beyond God's reach? I have been guilty of that type of thinking. It may be over my head, but it is under God's feet.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Alive In Christ
Ephesians 2:1-10
1.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,
2.
in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
3.
All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
4.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
5.
made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.
6.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
7.
in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
8.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
9.
not by works, so that no one can boast.
10.
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
We are reminded once again of what God has done for us. We used to walk in the ways of disobedience. Used to. This should be the case of anyone who has come to Christ. We will not always be perfect, but our lives should reflect the glory of God.
Because of God's mercy, we have been saved. We did not earn this salvation, but He gave it freely. After salvation, God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms. Hallelujah!! How blessed we are. We do not have to feel sorry for ourselves when things don't go our way. We can remember that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. God has wisdom and revelation available to us. He has a work for us to do, but we have to be obedient.
God raised us to heavenly places so that He may be glorifed just as verse 7 says. If we bring glory to Him with our lives, we will be blessed.
Our salvation is a free gift, but as a result of our salvation, we have a work to do. Verse 10 says that we are His workmanship created to do good works. He had this prepared in advance, before we were even born.
The purpose of our lives is to bring glory to our God. I want to do that with everything I have.
1.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,
2.
in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
3.
All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
4.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
5.
made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.
6.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
7.
in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
8.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
9.
not by works, so that no one can boast.
10.
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
We are reminded once again of what God has done for us. We used to walk in the ways of disobedience. Used to. This should be the case of anyone who has come to Christ. We will not always be perfect, but our lives should reflect the glory of God.
Because of God's mercy, we have been saved. We did not earn this salvation, but He gave it freely. After salvation, God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms. Hallelujah!! How blessed we are. We do not have to feel sorry for ourselves when things don't go our way. We can remember that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. God has wisdom and revelation available to us. He has a work for us to do, but we have to be obedient.
God raised us to heavenly places so that He may be glorifed just as verse 7 says. If we bring glory to Him with our lives, we will be blessed.
Our salvation is a free gift, but as a result of our salvation, we have a work to do. Verse 10 says that we are His workmanship created to do good works. He had this prepared in advance, before we were even born.
The purpose of our lives is to bring glory to our God. I want to do that with everything I have.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Wisdom, Revelation, Power
Ephesians 1:15-23
15.
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
16.
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
17.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
18.
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19.
and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
20.
which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
21.
far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
22.
And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
23.
which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
I think Ephesians just gets better and better the more I read it. Verse 17 tells us that God will give us wisdom and revelation. He doesn't give this to us so we can look intelligent, but He gives this to us so we can know Him better. The more I get to know God, the more I love Him.
We can have wisdom in making important decisions, and we can have wisdom to make decisions about every day life. We need wisdom in handling difficult people. We need wisdom in raising our children. We need wisdom for many different situations. We can also have revelation. God will reveal things to us as we are able to handle them. He will reveal His will for our lives. He will reveal hidden knowledge and wisdom; however, we have to be in a place spirituall where we will not become prideful about what He gives us.
Verse 19 tells us that we have His imcomparably great power available to us. We can live a godly life. We can overcome adverse circumstances through this power. We cannot do it on our own, but through Christ we can live powerful and victorious lives.
The last few verses tells us that God is above all rule and all dominion. Everything is under His feet including what is over our head. If your problem is over your head, remember it is under His feet.
During this journey to overcoming the strongholds in my life, discovering what God has available for me through Christ has encouraged me not to give up. I want to keep pressing forward. There is no way like His way. His ways are better than my own. If I followed my ways, I would still be a slave to sexual sin and to overeating. His ways are victorious. His ways bring freedom. Submission to Jesus Christ may sound like it takes your life because it does. It takes your sin and bondage, but it gives you a new life, a better life, a victorious life.
I thank God that He has blessed me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. Not only has He blessed me, but He has blessed you as well. What will you do with what He has given you?
15.
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
16.
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
17.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
18.
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19.
and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
20.
which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
21.
far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
22.
And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
23.
which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
I think Ephesians just gets better and better the more I read it. Verse 17 tells us that God will give us wisdom and revelation. He doesn't give this to us so we can look intelligent, but He gives this to us so we can know Him better. The more I get to know God, the more I love Him.
We can have wisdom in making important decisions, and we can have wisdom to make decisions about every day life. We need wisdom in handling difficult people. We need wisdom in raising our children. We need wisdom for many different situations. We can also have revelation. God will reveal things to us as we are able to handle them. He will reveal His will for our lives. He will reveal hidden knowledge and wisdom; however, we have to be in a place spirituall where we will not become prideful about what He gives us.
Verse 19 tells us that we have His imcomparably great power available to us. We can live a godly life. We can overcome adverse circumstances through this power. We cannot do it on our own, but through Christ we can live powerful and victorious lives.
The last few verses tells us that God is above all rule and all dominion. Everything is under His feet including what is over our head. If your problem is over your head, remember it is under His feet.
During this journey to overcoming the strongholds in my life, discovering what God has available for me through Christ has encouraged me not to give up. I want to keep pressing forward. There is no way like His way. His ways are better than my own. If I followed my ways, I would still be a slave to sexual sin and to overeating. His ways are victorious. His ways bring freedom. Submission to Jesus Christ may sound like it takes your life because it does. It takes your sin and bondage, but it gives you a new life, a better life, a victorious life.
I thank God that He has blessed me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. Not only has He blessed me, but He has blessed you as well. What will you do with what He has given you?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
To The Praise of His Glory
Ephesians 1:11-14 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.
I love reading Ephesians, especially the first two chapters. We have so many blessings available to us.
We were chosen by God before the foundation of the world. Before we were even conceived, God knew everything about us-how we would live, what we would think, what we would feel, and most of all, He has a very specific purpose in mind for each of us. Talk about personal!! That's the kind of God I serve. He is personal. He cares about every aspect of my life.
Also, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit. When a person accepts Jesus Christ into his or her life, the Holy Spirit begins to dwell inside that person. We do not receive the Holy Spirit when we begin speaking in tongues or demonstrating some other spiritual gift. I love the gifts, but every person who is saved has the Holy Spirit living on the inside. There are deeper experiences we can have with the Holy Spirit such as developing the gifts.
The Holy Spirit is a guarantee of our inheritance and what an inheritance it is!! We can have eternal life, but we can also have abundant life. I can walk in victory while I am living on this planet. That does not mean I won't go through hard times, but I have the Holy Spirit to guide me through those hard times in order to be victorious.
The last part of verse 14 says we are God's possession, for the praise of His glory. Our purpose is to glorify God. I want to fulfill that in my life, and I can. You can too.
No matter what walk of life you are on, God created you to bring glory to Him. Live the life He gave you surrendering everything to Him. He will take care of you and everything that concerns Him.
Let's live for the praise of His glory.
I love reading Ephesians, especially the first two chapters. We have so many blessings available to us.
We were chosen by God before the foundation of the world. Before we were even conceived, God knew everything about us-how we would live, what we would think, what we would feel, and most of all, He has a very specific purpose in mind for each of us. Talk about personal!! That's the kind of God I serve. He is personal. He cares about every aspect of my life.
Also, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit. When a person accepts Jesus Christ into his or her life, the Holy Spirit begins to dwell inside that person. We do not receive the Holy Spirit when we begin speaking in tongues or demonstrating some other spiritual gift. I love the gifts, but every person who is saved has the Holy Spirit living on the inside. There are deeper experiences we can have with the Holy Spirit such as developing the gifts.
The Holy Spirit is a guarantee of our inheritance and what an inheritance it is!! We can have eternal life, but we can also have abundant life. I can walk in victory while I am living on this planet. That does not mean I won't go through hard times, but I have the Holy Spirit to guide me through those hard times in order to be victorious.
The last part of verse 14 says we are God's possession, for the praise of His glory. Our purpose is to glorify God. I want to fulfill that in my life, and I can. You can too.
No matter what walk of life you are on, God created you to bring glory to Him. Live the life He gave you surrendering everything to Him. He will take care of you and everything that concerns Him.
Let's live for the praise of His glory.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Spiritual Blessings
In my last post, I discussed Ephesians 1:3-5. In this post, I will be discussing Ephesians 1:7-9 to find some specific blessings that God has for those who love Him. These blessings are available to anyone who is saved, but we have to learn to take these blessings. Also, these spiritual blessings are not for us to just keep to ourselves. We are to share what we have and what we learn with others. The more we give out, the more we will receive. I love God's ways!!!
Ephesians 1:7-9, In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ.
First and most importantly, we have forgivenss of sins. Hallelujah for that one!! I had to have my sins covered with the precious blood of Jesus. Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Everyone needs this salvation. We cannot have eternal life without Jesus. I am so thankful for the pain and suffering that Jesus went through so that I could have the priviledge of abundant life-not only in heaven but here on earth. Praise God for His marvelous grace.
He also promises us wisdom and understanding. This is to understand spiritual things, but if we are in a situation we do not know how to handle, we can go to Him and He will give us the wisdom we need to handle it. James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. If we ask, God will give it to us. When He gives us the wisdom and understanding that we need, we must be willing to obey His instructions.
Proverbs 3:1, My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart.
The book of Proverbs is a great guide for wisdom. It offers great teaching on wisdom in many different situations we might encounter in our every day life.
God is so awesome! He cares about every aspect of our life. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. We do not have to live in defeat.
Ephesians 1:7-9, In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ.
First and most importantly, we have forgivenss of sins. Hallelujah for that one!! I had to have my sins covered with the precious blood of Jesus. Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Everyone needs this salvation. We cannot have eternal life without Jesus. I am so thankful for the pain and suffering that Jesus went through so that I could have the priviledge of abundant life-not only in heaven but here on earth. Praise God for His marvelous grace.
He also promises us wisdom and understanding. This is to understand spiritual things, but if we are in a situation we do not know how to handle, we can go to Him and He will give us the wisdom we need to handle it. James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. If we ask, God will give it to us. When He gives us the wisdom and understanding that we need, we must be willing to obey His instructions.
Proverbs 3:1, My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart.
The book of Proverbs is a great guide for wisdom. It offers great teaching on wisdom in many different situations we might encounter in our every day life.
God is so awesome! He cares about every aspect of our life. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. We do not have to live in defeat.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Blessed With Every Spiritual Blessing
I love the book of Ephesians. I have taught on this book in Sunday School and Bible Study at my church. If you are feeling depressed, this is a good book to read. The Apostle Paul talks about who we are in Christ and the spiritual blessings that God has given us. These blessings are ours, but it is up to us to walk in them.
Ephesians 1:3-5, Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will...
WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST!!! Think about that. All these blessings are ours, but will we take them? How do we take them?
Look at the next part, He chose us to be holy and blameless in His sight. We have to surrender to our God and be obedient. Only an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ brings this. His love is unconditional and salvation is a free gift from God, but God's promises have conditions. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and life to help you become holy and blameless. (Every one who has received Jesus Christ into his or her heart and life has the Holy Spirit dwelling on the inside. There are different outpourings of the Holy Spirit that we experience, but the Holy Spirit of God dwells on the inside of every believer.) Becoming blameless and holy does not mean we will never make a mistake, but it means we have allowed Christ into every part of our heart and life. We surrender our weak areas to Him and allow Him to work in us.
We have been adopted. When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, we are adopted by God the Father. It was and is His good pleasure to do so.
In my next post, I will discuss some more of our spiritual blessings that we can find in Chapter 1 of Ephesians.
Ephesians 1:3-5, Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will...
WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST!!! Think about that. All these blessings are ours, but will we take them? How do we take them?
Look at the next part, He chose us to be holy and blameless in His sight. We have to surrender to our God and be obedient. Only an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ brings this. His love is unconditional and salvation is a free gift from God, but God's promises have conditions. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and life to help you become holy and blameless. (Every one who has received Jesus Christ into his or her heart and life has the Holy Spirit dwelling on the inside. There are different outpourings of the Holy Spirit that we experience, but the Holy Spirit of God dwells on the inside of every believer.) Becoming blameless and holy does not mean we will never make a mistake, but it means we have allowed Christ into every part of our heart and life. We surrender our weak areas to Him and allow Him to work in us.
We have been adopted. When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, we are adopted by God the Father. It was and is His good pleasure to do so.
In my next post, I will discuss some more of our spiritual blessings that we can find in Chapter 1 of Ephesians.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The More I Seek You
This is absolutely a beautiful worship song. Please listen and enjoy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk
Friday, January 16, 2009
Jesus Calling
I just got a new devotional entittled "Jesus Calling". I am loving it already.
Today's devotional talks about how we have a tendency to rehearse our troubles. Ouch!!! I find myself either dreading something before it happens, or I find myself going over things that have already happened. This has robbed me of so much joy and peace. We are meant to go through our sufferings as they actually occur not as we rehearse them or dread them before they even happen.
Joshua 1:5, No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you or forsake you.
Joshua 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Matthew 11:28-30, Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
God never meant for us to go around all weighed down, dreading what lies ahead. Even in my journey away from food addiction, I have had to learn to rest in Jesus and not try to figure out the what if's. What if I fall again? What if I go back to the way I was before? What if....
Beth Moore said it well in one of her sessions on the bible study, "Esther, It's Tough Being A Woman." She said If _____ then God!!!! No matter what happens, we serve a faithful God.
Yes, Jesus is calling. He is calling us to a peace like we have never known before that is not dependent upon our circumstances or our positions in life. His peace and His love are like no other.
Today's devotional talks about how we have a tendency to rehearse our troubles. Ouch!!! I find myself either dreading something before it happens, or I find myself going over things that have already happened. This has robbed me of so much joy and peace. We are meant to go through our sufferings as they actually occur not as we rehearse them or dread them before they even happen.
Joshua 1:5, No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you or forsake you.
Joshua 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Matthew 11:28-30, Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
God never meant for us to go around all weighed down, dreading what lies ahead. Even in my journey away from food addiction, I have had to learn to rest in Jesus and not try to figure out the what if's. What if I fall again? What if I go back to the way I was before? What if....
Beth Moore said it well in one of her sessions on the bible study, "Esther, It's Tough Being A Woman." She said If _____ then God!!!! No matter what happens, we serve a faithful God.
Yes, Jesus is calling. He is calling us to a peace like we have never known before that is not dependent upon our circumstances or our positions in life. His peace and His love are like no other.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Barriers To Contentment
In Weeks 4 and 5 of Freedom From Emotional Eating, the issues of discontentment and anger are discussed. I have already posted on each of these subjects, but I felt the need to expand on these subjects. I called this entry Barriers to Contentment.
Philippians 4: 11-13, .I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
We have to find our place in Christ in order to be content in every circumstance, and we can reach this place through the power of the Holy Spirit or the Word of God would not command us to. How did Paul do this? He drew on Christ's power for strength. We must do this too because we cannot be content on our own . It is against our human nature.
We find true contentment in looking to Christ and then looking at what we do have instead of what we don't have.
Let's look at some mindsets that can keep us from being content (I got these from Freedom From Emotional Eating, and I added some things I feel the Lord gave me.)
1. Expecting someone to make you happy.
Whether it's a friend, co-worker, spouse, pastor, or any spiritual leader, we must stop making them responsible for our happiness. These people cannot make you happy. They will fail you at one point or another.
Stop blaming other people for your dissatisfaction. If you are dissatisfied, look inward. Something needs to be surrendered to the cross of Christ. As Barb Raveling said in Freedom From Emotional Eating, "We need to give up our have-to-have attitude." We must be willing to live for our God no matter what circumstances He has placed us in.
There's nothing wrong with asking God to change circumstances, but if He doesn't, don't be bitter. God is all-sufficient. I am not saying this with any malice because I still struggle from time to time with this. I have to be reminded that Jesus is the only one who can bring complete fulfillment.
Looking for other people to make you happy sets these other people up as an idol in your life. God told Moses in Exodus 20 that He would have no other gods before Him.
2. I Don't Think I Should Have To Suffer
"I should not have to put up with this..."
"I should not be inconvenienced like this.."
"I should not have to wait..."
We need to get our minds off ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
When we put the needs of others ahead of our own needs, God will meet ours.
I truly believe these mindsets cause emotional eating and other problems. If our focus is not on Christ, by our nature, we will look for something to fill us.
3) Having Unrealistic Expectations of Others
If you are a perfectionist, you get irritated at those who are not. If you are well organized, you get irritated at those who are not. If you are always on time or even early, you get irritated at those who come in late to church or some other function. You may even get angry when someone doesn't agree with you. You may get angry when people don't do things the way you would have.
We have to learn to give people to God for change. Then we have to learn to let go of those things that may just be a personality clash. Everyone is not just like you. God made us all to be different.
Matthew 7:1-5, Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
4) Your Self-Esteem Is Dependent Upon The Approval Of Others
If you depend upon the approval of others for contentment, you will get angry or upset when criticized or if someone does something to embarrass you. If you NEED people to think well of you, this needs to be surrendered to Christ. We only need His approval.
Reality time: People are not going to approve of everything you do. You are going to mess up in front of people. Your children and your family are going to mess up.
No one is going to think well of us all the time.
Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are created in God's image. Genessis 1:31 tells us that everything He created is good. Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-14 tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Romans 8:1 tells us that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ. I John 3:1-2 tells us that we are His. We are being made like Him. He is purifying us.
We are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. If we are saved, He approves of us. If we are right with Him, the opinions of other people are not to be our focus.
As Sons and Daughters of the Most High God, let's remember who we are in Christ, and let go of our approval addiction as well as our food addiction. We have an awesome God and none of these things I have discussed are impossible in Him.
Romans 5:1-5, Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Philippians 4: 11-13, .I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
We have to find our place in Christ in order to be content in every circumstance, and we can reach this place through the power of the Holy Spirit or the Word of God would not command us to. How did Paul do this? He drew on Christ's power for strength. We must do this too because we cannot be content on our own . It is against our human nature.
We find true contentment in looking to Christ and then looking at what we do have instead of what we don't have.
Let's look at some mindsets that can keep us from being content (I got these from Freedom From Emotional Eating, and I added some things I feel the Lord gave me.)
1. Expecting someone to make you happy.
Whether it's a friend, co-worker, spouse, pastor, or any spiritual leader, we must stop making them responsible for our happiness. These people cannot make you happy. They will fail you at one point or another.
Stop blaming other people for your dissatisfaction. If you are dissatisfied, look inward. Something needs to be surrendered to the cross of Christ. As Barb Raveling said in Freedom From Emotional Eating, "We need to give up our have-to-have attitude." We must be willing to live for our God no matter what circumstances He has placed us in.
There's nothing wrong with asking God to change circumstances, but if He doesn't, don't be bitter. God is all-sufficient. I am not saying this with any malice because I still struggle from time to time with this. I have to be reminded that Jesus is the only one who can bring complete fulfillment.
Looking for other people to make you happy sets these other people up as an idol in your life. God told Moses in Exodus 20 that He would have no other gods before Him.
2. I Don't Think I Should Have To Suffer
"I should not have to put up with this..."
"I should not be inconvenienced like this.."
"I should not have to wait..."
We need to get our minds off ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
When we put the needs of others ahead of our own needs, God will meet ours.
I truly believe these mindsets cause emotional eating and other problems. If our focus is not on Christ, by our nature, we will look for something to fill us.
3) Having Unrealistic Expectations of Others
If you are a perfectionist, you get irritated at those who are not. If you are well organized, you get irritated at those who are not. If you are always on time or even early, you get irritated at those who come in late to church or some other function. You may even get angry when someone doesn't agree with you. You may get angry when people don't do things the way you would have.
We have to learn to give people to God for change. Then we have to learn to let go of those things that may just be a personality clash. Everyone is not just like you. God made us all to be different.
Matthew 7:1-5, Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
4) Your Self-Esteem Is Dependent Upon The Approval Of Others
If you depend upon the approval of others for contentment, you will get angry or upset when criticized or if someone does something to embarrass you. If you NEED people to think well of you, this needs to be surrendered to Christ. We only need His approval.
Reality time: People are not going to approve of everything you do. You are going to mess up in front of people. Your children and your family are going to mess up.
No one is going to think well of us all the time.
Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are created in God's image. Genessis 1:31 tells us that everything He created is good. Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-14 tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Romans 8:1 tells us that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ. I John 3:1-2 tells us that we are His. We are being made like Him. He is purifying us.
We are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. If we are saved, He approves of us. If we are right with Him, the opinions of other people are not to be our focus.
As Sons and Daughters of the Most High God, let's remember who we are in Christ, and let go of our approval addiction as well as our food addiction. We have an awesome God and none of these things I have discussed are impossible in Him.
Romans 5:1-5, Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Our Part (Conclusion)
I am thankful that any readers are being patient with me as I share the things that have blessed my heart and soul. I stopped yesterday with Step 5 in Our Part.
Father, in the name of Jesus, let this post bring glory to You alone, and help someone to draw closer to You. I pray that your annointing falls upon this blog. Not because of me, but because of your goodness and grace. In Jesus name, Amen!!
The following are excerpts from "Nurture" by Lisa Bevere.
"Step 6 Asset
"An asset is somebody or something that is useful. You are a vital part of this victory. you are an asset to this world. There is a gift deep within you only you can give.
"Step 7 Approach
"To approach is to move closer to somebody or something. There is no quicker way to move closer to God than to declare who and where He is. We can approach His throne with confidence. Hebrews 4:15-16, This high priests of ours understands weaknesses for He faced all of these same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
"Step 8 Ask
"Ask is to make a request for something. Healthy daughters are not afraid to ask for what they need. God invites us to ask. Actually, He urges us repeatedly to ask Him for whatever we need.
In my spirit, I hear this entreaty from heaven, Ask daughters, ask! The goodness of God invites us all to taste and see that He is in fact good.
"Matthew 6:8, Your father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him.
"Matthew 7:8, For everyone who asks receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
"John 15:7-8, But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."
Step 9 Act
To act is the action of carrying something out. There is nothing left but to do. You are writing one aspect of heaven's involvement on earth each and every day. The story is not over. The race is not complete. Run well, daughter. You are watched for, loved, and well able."
I appreciate any readers bearing with me as I shared this. Whatever we are overcoming, whether it is food addiction, sexual addiction, gossip, negativity, etc., we need to take these steps discussed in the last few posts. We need to awake, arise, attire, be aware, be an asset, have a godly attitude, approach, ask, and act. When we draw near to our God, that is how these bondages will fall off. Like Lisa said, the race is not over. The story is not finished. I am concluding with this scripture.
Hebrews 12:1-Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Father, in the name of Jesus, let this post bring glory to You alone, and help someone to draw closer to You. I pray that your annointing falls upon this blog. Not because of me, but because of your goodness and grace. In Jesus name, Amen!!
The following are excerpts from "Nurture" by Lisa Bevere.
"Step 6 Asset
"An asset is somebody or something that is useful. You are a vital part of this victory. you are an asset to this world. There is a gift deep within you only you can give.
"Step 7 Approach
"To approach is to move closer to somebody or something. There is no quicker way to move closer to God than to declare who and where He is. We can approach His throne with confidence. Hebrews 4:15-16, This high priests of ours understands weaknesses for He faced all of these same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
"Step 8 Ask
"Ask is to make a request for something. Healthy daughters are not afraid to ask for what they need. God invites us to ask. Actually, He urges us repeatedly to ask Him for whatever we need.
In my spirit, I hear this entreaty from heaven, Ask daughters, ask! The goodness of God invites us all to taste and see that He is in fact good.
"Matthew 6:8, Your father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him.
"Matthew 7:8, For everyone who asks receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
"John 15:7-8, But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."
Step 9 Act
To act is the action of carrying something out. There is nothing left but to do. You are writing one aspect of heaven's involvement on earth each and every day. The story is not over. The race is not complete. Run well, daughter. You are watched for, loved, and well able."
I appreciate any readers bearing with me as I shared this. Whatever we are overcoming, whether it is food addiction, sexual addiction, gossip, negativity, etc., we need to take these steps discussed in the last few posts. We need to awake, arise, attire, be aware, be an asset, have a godly attitude, approach, ask, and act. When we draw near to our God, that is how these bondages will fall off. Like Lisa said, the race is not over. The story is not finished. I am concluding with this scripture.
Hebrews 12:1-Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Our Part (Continued)
Yesterday, I went over Step 1 Awake and Step 2 Arise from Lisa Bevere's Book, "Nurture". Today, I want to go over some of the other steps.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that you will annoint this blog and use it for Your glory. I can do nothing on my own. I thank You that You chose to use me in some small way to help someone else. To You alone be the glory. Amen.
The following are excerpts from "Nurture":
Step 3-Attire
Romans 13:12, So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
To dress, you have to undress. Once sin is confessed, consider it removed. We then attire ourselves in light. This means we exchange a sin-darkness-unbelief consciousness for a faith-light-belief consciousness. Do you know why I remained in darkness so long after being born again? I was captive to unbelief. This leads to the next step.
Step 4-Aware
We must live in the Spirit with an awareness of God. He is good. He is willing. He is present. He is love. He is holy. He is true. He is faithful. I believed that God was, but forgot that God is.
When you truly get the revelation of His goodness, mercy, and love, you can't help but live in a constant and ever-increasing awareness of His light, love, and beauty.
Step 5-Attitude
Psalm 57:8, Wake up, my heart, wake up, O lyre and harp. I will wake the dawn with my song.
You have the opportunity to set your attitude first thing in the morning. Rather than waiting for life to happen to you, hasten toward life by laying hold of your attitude.
Psalm 17:15, As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness.
There is no doubt that God is righteous and David is in the process of transformation into God's likeness. Just like David, you are being transformed daily and renewed from the inside out.
The world is not happening to us. We are happening to it. The light is far more powerful than the darkness and its time we acted as if this was true. We need to lose the Christian escape-the-world mentality and be those who overcome this world.
Romans 8:37-39, No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today, nor our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below- indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I want to conclude by saying that God is calling me to step out of my comfort zone and be willing to uncomfortable at times. It is so He can use me for His purpose. God is more concerned about using me for His glory than He is about my comfort. It's not about me. It's not about you. It's not about being comfortable. It's about letting our attitudes show that we love God and we know that the world does not have to affect us, but we can affect this world in a mighty way; however, we have to awake, arise, attire, be aware, and have a godly attitude.
When we attire, it's important to put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-17, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand, stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
We are not just conquerors, we are more than conquerors. Hallelujah!!
I will post some more on this tomorrow. God bless.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that you will annoint this blog and use it for Your glory. I can do nothing on my own. I thank You that You chose to use me in some small way to help someone else. To You alone be the glory. Amen.
The following are excerpts from "Nurture":
Step 3-Attire
Romans 13:12, So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
To dress, you have to undress. Once sin is confessed, consider it removed. We then attire ourselves in light. This means we exchange a sin-darkness-unbelief consciousness for a faith-light-belief consciousness. Do you know why I remained in darkness so long after being born again? I was captive to unbelief. This leads to the next step.
Step 4-Aware
We must live in the Spirit with an awareness of God. He is good. He is willing. He is present. He is love. He is holy. He is true. He is faithful. I believed that God was, but forgot that God is.
When you truly get the revelation of His goodness, mercy, and love, you can't help but live in a constant and ever-increasing awareness of His light, love, and beauty.
Step 5-Attitude
Psalm 57:8, Wake up, my heart, wake up, O lyre and harp. I will wake the dawn with my song.
You have the opportunity to set your attitude first thing in the morning. Rather than waiting for life to happen to you, hasten toward life by laying hold of your attitude.
Psalm 17:15, As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness.
There is no doubt that God is righteous and David is in the process of transformation into God's likeness. Just like David, you are being transformed daily and renewed from the inside out.
The world is not happening to us. We are happening to it. The light is far more powerful than the darkness and its time we acted as if this was true. We need to lose the Christian escape-the-world mentality and be those who overcome this world.
Romans 8:37-39, No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today, nor our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below- indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I want to conclude by saying that God is calling me to step out of my comfort zone and be willing to uncomfortable at times. It is so He can use me for His purpose. God is more concerned about using me for His glory than He is about my comfort. It's not about me. It's not about you. It's not about being comfortable. It's about letting our attitudes show that we love God and we know that the world does not have to affect us, but we can affect this world in a mighty way; however, we have to awake, arise, attire, be aware, and have a godly attitude.
When we attire, it's important to put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-17, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand, stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
We are not just conquerors, we are more than conquerors. Hallelujah!!
I will post some more on this tomorrow. God bless.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Your Part
I had recently finshed a book called "Nurture" by Lisa Bevere. The entire book was awesome, but the last chapter really spoke to me, or should I say, God spoke to me through that chapter.
The book is about women stirring up the gift of nurturing. Many times women have been abused or neglected in some way which destroys their nurturing instinct, but God can heal this.
God has given me victory over overeating and sexual immorality, but I must do my part. Don't misunderstand, salvation is through grace alone, and God's love is unconditional; however, victory over strongholds requires us doing our part. We cannot accomplish victory without Jesus, and He died so we could have it, but we have to take it up.
The following are excerpts from "Nurture". I hope this blesses you as much as it did me.
"The following points of action are ones only you can initiate. No one can pray you through this process. Yes, someone can pray the conditions would be right, but when all the information is given...it is you who must make your move. It is time to complete the truth with action.
Are you ready to step into your destiny?
Step 1: Awake
Waking is how we naturally begin each day, so it stands to reason we must awake spiritually to this new day as well. Romans 13:11-12, This is all the more urgent for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone ; the day of salvation will soon be here.
Once we are awake, we must move to our next step because it does us no good to remain in bed.
Step 2: Arise
Once awake, we need to arise. If we don't, we run the risk of falling back asleep. Ephesians 5:14, Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead , and Christ will give you light.
When we arise, we change our position. God awakens us so we can rise above what has been and move into what will be."
I will stop here and continue with these steps in my next post. I think the two steps awake and arise need require some thought. It is time for God's daughters to awake and arise so we can walk in victory. More importantly, it is time for God's daughters to awake and arise so we can help others. I have been wounded, but I have been healed. There are so many more who need healing emotionally. There are so many people bound tight in their strongholds. God wants to use each one of us to help these. We cannot help others if we are asleep spiritually, and we cannot help others if we will not arise once we are awake.
Romans 8:37, No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
The book is about women stirring up the gift of nurturing. Many times women have been abused or neglected in some way which destroys their nurturing instinct, but God can heal this.
God has given me victory over overeating and sexual immorality, but I must do my part. Don't misunderstand, salvation is through grace alone, and God's love is unconditional; however, victory over strongholds requires us doing our part. We cannot accomplish victory without Jesus, and He died so we could have it, but we have to take it up.
The following are excerpts from "Nurture". I hope this blesses you as much as it did me.
"The following points of action are ones only you can initiate. No one can pray you through this process. Yes, someone can pray the conditions would be right, but when all the information is given...it is you who must make your move. It is time to complete the truth with action.
Are you ready to step into your destiny?
Step 1: Awake
Waking is how we naturally begin each day, so it stands to reason we must awake spiritually to this new day as well. Romans 13:11-12, This is all the more urgent for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone ; the day of salvation will soon be here.
Once we are awake, we must move to our next step because it does us no good to remain in bed.
Step 2: Arise
Once awake, we need to arise. If we don't, we run the risk of falling back asleep. Ephesians 5:14, Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead , and Christ will give you light.
When we arise, we change our position. God awakens us so we can rise above what has been and move into what will be."
I will stop here and continue with these steps in my next post. I think the two steps awake and arise need require some thought. It is time for God's daughters to awake and arise so we can walk in victory. More importantly, it is time for God's daughters to awake and arise so we can help others. I have been wounded, but I have been healed. There are so many more who need healing emotionally. There are so many people bound tight in their strongholds. God wants to use each one of us to help these. We cannot help others if we are asleep spiritually, and we cannot help others if we will not arise once we are awake.
Romans 8:37, No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Discontentment
Day 30 of The Lord's Table talked about discontenment breeding bondage to sin. Beth Moore says that discontentment is a stronghold waiting to happen. I have found this to be so true in my life. Anytime I have walked in discontentment, I have looked for ways to be satisfied, and I have in times past looked in other areas besides Jesus Christ and His holy word.
I have learned (the hard way, of course) that the only true satisfaction is in an intimate relationship with God. True fulfillment only exists in that relationship. God made us with that void that only He can fill.
Food does not bring satisfaction. Sexual impurity does not bring satisfaction. Gossip, fault-finding, speaking negatively, and hurting other people does not bring satisfaction. Only Jesus Christ fills the longing inside of me.
Philippians 4:11-13, I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Many times we misquote that last verse. Don't get me wrong, we can use it when we need to feel confident in who we are in Christ, but we must also remember that Paul wrote that within the text of talking about difficult circumstances. I can be content even when I don't have everything I want. I can be content in any situation because I can do all things through Christ.
When our focus is on Jesus, we can be content no matter what the circumstances. I am so thankful that my joy and peace do not have to depend on my circumstances. My God is so good!!
Matthew 5:6, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
The longing we have deep inside of us is for righteousness whether we know it or not. If we look to God, He will fill it. Hallelujah!!
I have learned (the hard way, of course) that the only true satisfaction is in an intimate relationship with God. True fulfillment only exists in that relationship. God made us with that void that only He can fill.
Food does not bring satisfaction. Sexual impurity does not bring satisfaction. Gossip, fault-finding, speaking negatively, and hurting other people does not bring satisfaction. Only Jesus Christ fills the longing inside of me.
Philippians 4:11-13, I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Many times we misquote that last verse. Don't get me wrong, we can use it when we need to feel confident in who we are in Christ, but we must also remember that Paul wrote that within the text of talking about difficult circumstances. I can be content even when I don't have everything I want. I can be content in any situation because I can do all things through Christ.
When our focus is on Jesus, we can be content no matter what the circumstances. I am so thankful that my joy and peace do not have to depend on my circumstances. My God is so good!!
Matthew 5:6, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
The longing we have deep inside of us is for righteousness whether we know it or not. If we look to God, He will fill it. Hallelujah!!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Anger
In Week 5 of Freedom From Emotional Eating, the subject of anger is discussed. God showed me that I had some anger issues that I had not dealt with.
When I went to food for emotional comfort, I suppressed alot of anger I had toward certain people. As God has delivered me from going to food for emotional comfort, the ugly monster of uncontrolled anger has risen up in my life. I found that I had been angry at some people who had mistreated me or my family, and the scary part was, it had been there for a long time.
By God's grace, I am dealing with my feelings of hurt and anger toward others. I am thankful that God revealed this to me. Many times, I don't see what is hurting me and keeping me from a stronger and more intimate relationship with my Lord. Thank God for the Holy Spirit and His delivering power. Without it, I would be most miserable.
The following are some excerpts from Week 5, Day 1 of Freedom From Emotional Eating:
When our eyes are on the faults of others, they are not on God. Do you ever worry about what the other person is getting away with? I think it helps to remember that the person we're angry with is God's responsibility. Someday he or she will have to answer to God for his or her actions. God does not call the people we are angry with to answer to us. (What a revelation that was to me!) If God is merciful, who are we to be unmerciful? We desperately need to forgive. God requires it of us.
This study has really inspired me to allow God to bring out any hidden sin in my life, including anger and unforgiveness. These are as dangerous as a loaded and cocked gun. Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right, it makes me free. (I am quoting from someone else, but this is so true.)
James 1:19-20, My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for a man's anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.
I can only be slow to anger by yielding completely to the Holy Spirit, and I desire this above everything else. I want anything gone that hinders an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
When I went to food for emotional comfort, I suppressed alot of anger I had toward certain people. As God has delivered me from going to food for emotional comfort, the ugly monster of uncontrolled anger has risen up in my life. I found that I had been angry at some people who had mistreated me or my family, and the scary part was, it had been there for a long time.
By God's grace, I am dealing with my feelings of hurt and anger toward others. I am thankful that God revealed this to me. Many times, I don't see what is hurting me and keeping me from a stronger and more intimate relationship with my Lord. Thank God for the Holy Spirit and His delivering power. Without it, I would be most miserable.
The following are some excerpts from Week 5, Day 1 of Freedom From Emotional Eating:
When our eyes are on the faults of others, they are not on God. Do you ever worry about what the other person is getting away with? I think it helps to remember that the person we're angry with is God's responsibility. Someday he or she will have to answer to God for his or her actions. God does not call the people we are angry with to answer to us. (What a revelation that was to me!) If God is merciful, who are we to be unmerciful? We desperately need to forgive. God requires it of us.
This study has really inspired me to allow God to bring out any hidden sin in my life, including anger and unforgiveness. These are as dangerous as a loaded and cocked gun. Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right, it makes me free. (I am quoting from someone else, but this is so true.)
James 1:19-20, My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for a man's anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.
I can only be slow to anger by yielding completely to the Holy Spirit, and I desire this above everything else. I want anything gone that hinders an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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