The last two weeks have been quite a learning curve. If you don't accept the idea that our enemy, Satan, can hammer us once in awhile over his agenda certainly not ours, you can stop reading.
After one accident of tripping and falling, and the same thing 5 days later, plus lots of other physical pain issues, I said, "I give up!" Okay. Enough already. Shortly after that statement, a call came for my help about someone. Would I help that person get rid of the enemy or learn about how to stay away. I knew right then, uh oh! Something great is about to happen. That weekend, last weekend to be precise, at church the confirmation came. Among other things, this song. If you like to use the internet, go in on Google and look up the Crabbe Family and this song.
Through the Fire by the Crabb Family:
So many times I question certain circumstances and things I could not understand.
Many times in trials my weakness blurs my vision and that's when my frustration gets so out of hand.
It's then I am reminded, I've never been forsaken.
I've never had to stand one test alone, oh no.
As I look at all the victories, the spirit of God rises up in me.
And, it's through the fire of my weakness is made strong.
Chorus: He never promised that the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb.
He never offered our victory's without fighting.
But He said help would always come in time.
Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision and the adversary says GIVE IN, just hold on.
Our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again.
I know within myself that I would surely perish, but if I trust the mighty hand of God, he'll shield the flank again, again. . .
So just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again, again, and again.
So there you have it. The complete mantra for every day. EVERY DAY. Don't give in, call out, and He will show up.
He did in spades this last Thursday, and its been life changing for many. Especially me. Its a steady confirmation that He Has IT! God's Got It!
Our job is to STAY THE COURSE. It's my new steady job.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Sunday, April 12, 2015
SERIOUSLY!!! JUST A STONE
SAUL REPLIED. . ."YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO GO OUT AGAINST THIS PHILISTINE AND FIGHT HIM; YOU ARE ONLY A BOY, AND HE HAS BEEN FIGHTING MAN FROM HIS YOUTH."
Have you ever heard that type of comment from others, or yourself? I heard that all my growing up life. "If I wanted a good job done and a job done now, I should have done it myself!" Some of us have lots of parent tapes that roll around in our heads. I spent a lot of time trying to undo that tape most of my life. When I learned about the power of God, and His love, I thought sure I would be good to go now.
The story of David and the Philistine is one of the oldest most fun stories every told. I saw it on the flannel graph. There is an old word many won't know. It is a fascinating story about how Goliath needed taking down. Someone was sent to find a foe strong enough and with the right tools to take him down. David's brothers were all bigger, more mature and very strong. But God pointed to David. Saul was flabbergasted. David was just a shepherd boy. When confronted about how small and demure he was, he quickly pointed out to Saul that he had to come against the bear and the lion.
That he had slain them easily - so what is the big deal. Here he is very young, and already knowing that he had the power of God and he trusted God. If he was to go up against anyone or anything, he had God's power in his hand. God would surely show him how to defeat the foe.
How are you with that knowledge these days? I must admit it has been a very fascinating week. I have gotten a PhD in just one week about the power that is in me to defeat the foe. Even though I teach about the Full Armor of God and Girls with Swords, I lost that concept. I got quite angry about an attack that was very present physically, emotionally and spiritually. And, then I got angry at God.
I identified that I am like my dad in that respect. If things weren't comfortable or going just right so he could do his life, he would get extremely angry and loud.
In our story David, outfitted in armor did what? He took it off. It was too heavy. He went out picked up a STONE and defeated his foe, everyone's foe. I don't know about you, but this story in I Samuel 17: 33/through 50 blows my mind right now. Read it! See it! Take it all in! A prayer partner prayed for me this week and she heard God say. . ."Do you not remember that this same spirit that is in me is in you???? The spirit that rose Christ from the dead!!! Yes! That spirit is in you."
We don't even need a stone. We just need the Name of Jesus. Come Lord Jesus Help Me defeat my foe! NOW, NOW enemy get your hands off me today, tomorrow, or next week or at all! I am property of the Lord Jesus and you can't have me, how dare you put your hands on me. Thank you Holy Spirit for protecting and delivering me.
Today everyone, you need to be Focused on Him who gave His spirit to be free and strong and powerful. That name arises above all names. Start acting like it.
Have you ever heard that type of comment from others, or yourself? I heard that all my growing up life. "If I wanted a good job done and a job done now, I should have done it myself!" Some of us have lots of parent tapes that roll around in our heads. I spent a lot of time trying to undo that tape most of my life. When I learned about the power of God, and His love, I thought sure I would be good to go now.
The story of David and the Philistine is one of the oldest most fun stories every told. I saw it on the flannel graph. There is an old word many won't know. It is a fascinating story about how Goliath needed taking down. Someone was sent to find a foe strong enough and with the right tools to take him down. David's brothers were all bigger, more mature and very strong. But God pointed to David. Saul was flabbergasted. David was just a shepherd boy. When confronted about how small and demure he was, he quickly pointed out to Saul that he had to come against the bear and the lion.
That he had slain them easily - so what is the big deal. Here he is very young, and already knowing that he had the power of God and he trusted God. If he was to go up against anyone or anything, he had God's power in his hand. God would surely show him how to defeat the foe.
How are you with that knowledge these days? I must admit it has been a very fascinating week. I have gotten a PhD in just one week about the power that is in me to defeat the foe. Even though I teach about the Full Armor of God and Girls with Swords, I lost that concept. I got quite angry about an attack that was very present physically, emotionally and spiritually. And, then I got angry at God.
I identified that I am like my dad in that respect. If things weren't comfortable or going just right so he could do his life, he would get extremely angry and loud.
In our story David, outfitted in armor did what? He took it off. It was too heavy. He went out picked up a STONE and defeated his foe, everyone's foe. I don't know about you, but this story in I Samuel 17: 33/through 50 blows my mind right now. Read it! See it! Take it all in! A prayer partner prayed for me this week and she heard God say. . ."Do you not remember that this same spirit that is in me is in you???? The spirit that rose Christ from the dead!!! Yes! That spirit is in you."
We don't even need a stone. We just need the Name of Jesus. Come Lord Jesus Help Me defeat my foe! NOW, NOW enemy get your hands off me today, tomorrow, or next week or at all! I am property of the Lord Jesus and you can't have me, how dare you put your hands on me. Thank you Holy Spirit for protecting and delivering me.
Today everyone, you need to be Focused on Him who gave His spirit to be free and strong and powerful. That name arises above all names. Start acting like it.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Happy Resurrection Weekend!
Just remember that Jesus hated our sin so much more then we did, so he died on Calvary to free it from us. Do we get it at all? I am convinced this week that the enemy has stepped up his game. He does not want us to surrender or lay down our "thing" for the Lord Jesus to pick up and take away.
It could be eating too much, it could be that your unforgiving and bitter right now. I can name a dozen of things that I see people need to lay down. Do you need to always be right? Jesus can change that. You can write your own ticket today. However, you will have to make a choice to Surrender those things that hold you back. I could write a book on that word.
Psalm 25: 1 Unto you O Lord do I bring my life.
Lots of people think that this is a very nifty verse. But, and I do mean but. . .what are doing to thank Jesus for dying on the cross for you? Little old you! How is it helping you to hold back and keep that unforgiveness alive. You know things have to die before they come to life. When you pick a tomato or a carrot, it begins the dying stage, before you cook it and eat it to add life to your body.
Death brings Life. Think about it. Think about Him!
It could be eating too much, it could be that your unforgiving and bitter right now. I can name a dozen of things that I see people need to lay down. Do you need to always be right? Jesus can change that. You can write your own ticket today. However, you will have to make a choice to Surrender those things that hold you back. I could write a book on that word.
Psalm 25: 1 Unto you O Lord do I bring my life.
Lots of people think that this is a very nifty verse. But, and I do mean but. . .what are doing to thank Jesus for dying on the cross for you? Little old you! How is it helping you to hold back and keep that unforgiveness alive. You know things have to die before they come to life. When you pick a tomato or a carrot, it begins the dying stage, before you cook it and eat it to add life to your body.
Death brings Life. Think about it. Think about Him!
Saturday, March 28, 2015
GETTING LOST IN THE HALLWAYS OF LIFE!
A friend of mine and prayer partner sent me picture of an office building hallway. There were many doors and they were all shut. I tried to upload this into this blog, but it won't load. So I will establish my own take on the hallways of life.
They used the verse from Isaiah 22:22 about David getting a key from God to open the door and that no one could close the door on him.
We all wonder at times why a door shuts and sometimes a window opens. Sometimes the doors just don't open to what you thought they would. We pray, we wonder? We pray, we question? We pray, we yell at God! The door still doesn't open. In my older years and experiences I have certainly been there and did that.
So, hallways! What do they mean to you. It can be a real trip trying to wonder up and down the hall trying this door and that door. It becomes frustrating and unnerving. We have friends who say, keep praying. We have friends who say, it is just not God's will for you right now. Let it go. Or, of course you can continue to WAIT. Hmmm! I am not a good waiter. However, God has taught me to do just that. My hallways had lots of yelling in them, and asking, doubting and banging on those doors. What does your hallway look like when you have been shut out of something?
There are lots of scriptures that tell us that God knows best. His perfect and pleasing Will is the best one. Romans 12: 1-2 This is all about making a decisive dedication of your body and mind to be a living sacrifice - holy and consecrated for God. And, to NOT be conformed to the world. Thinking its thoughts and wanting what it wants. You have heard people say, the heart wants what the heart wants!! You need instead to renew your mind and attitude - WHY? So that you can KNOW what is the good, acceptable, perfect will of God is, what He knows is best for you.
In order to get out of the hallway you need to PAY all your attention to God and what He wants. It will require from you some letting go and waiting. He knows best.
Psalm 25: 3 and 4, and 5.
Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause. Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You (you only and altogether) do I wait (expectantly) all the day long.
In other words, let's not be that little train engine that runs up and down the track, smoking puffing and whistling a lot. God will come to get you and show you the way.
They used the verse from Isaiah 22:22 about David getting a key from God to open the door and that no one could close the door on him.
We all wonder at times why a door shuts and sometimes a window opens. Sometimes the doors just don't open to what you thought they would. We pray, we wonder? We pray, we question? We pray, we yell at God! The door still doesn't open. In my older years and experiences I have certainly been there and did that.
So, hallways! What do they mean to you. It can be a real trip trying to wonder up and down the hall trying this door and that door. It becomes frustrating and unnerving. We have friends who say, keep praying. We have friends who say, it is just not God's will for you right now. Let it go. Or, of course you can continue to WAIT. Hmmm! I am not a good waiter. However, God has taught me to do just that. My hallways had lots of yelling in them, and asking, doubting and banging on those doors. What does your hallway look like when you have been shut out of something?
There are lots of scriptures that tell us that God knows best. His perfect and pleasing Will is the best one. Romans 12: 1-2 This is all about making a decisive dedication of your body and mind to be a living sacrifice - holy and consecrated for God. And, to NOT be conformed to the world. Thinking its thoughts and wanting what it wants. You have heard people say, the heart wants what the heart wants!! You need instead to renew your mind and attitude - WHY? So that you can KNOW what is the good, acceptable, perfect will of God is, what He knows is best for you.
In order to get out of the hallway you need to PAY all your attention to God and what He wants. It will require from you some letting go and waiting. He knows best.
Psalm 25: 3 and 4, and 5.
Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause. Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You (you only and altogether) do I wait (expectantly) all the day long.
In other words, let's not be that little train engine that runs up and down the track, smoking puffing and whistling a lot. God will come to get you and show you the way.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
FROM FALLING THROUGH TO HINDS FEET FOR HIGH PLACES!
When we experience straight on fights, or getting undermined, isn't it gracious and relieving to know Jesus pulls us up so we have hinds feet for high places.
"The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk (not stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of) trouble, suffering, or responsibility!"
Last week we talked about staying alert for straight on attempts at stealing our joy and now we talk about how to visualize climbing higher. Goats have hinds feet to climb mountain and craggy places. We don't have that. There is a book written on Hinds Feet for High Places which I highly recommend to all. It is a fascinating, can't put it down story, about how a fictional character went through all kinds of barricades to climb to Jesus.
Since Jesus knows about our every moment, every hour of each day, it stands to reason then, that we
can trust Him to get us up out of any pit. Jesus can get us away from any pit. And, He can steer us to higher places where His strength is our everything. His strength is our very power to do all things in His strength. Phil 4: 13.
I was praying with someone the other day and felt like I had hit all the marks of that request in asking God to show them the path etc. As soon as I was done that person said, "Well, I sure hope we know what to do about________?" I was floored. So there it is. The biggest, the hardest, thing we learn about God, is to get out of our heads and into His heart for us.
GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND INTO GOD'S HEART!
Let Him have it. Surrender. Step out and watch Him do it. God's Got It!
Sunday, March 15, 2015
FALLING THROUGH!
Look at each one very carefully. The Painted Turtle thinks he is on solid ground. Jax thinks he is on solid ground. Both are precarious at best. The ice will melt and he will fall through. The Glass can break and Jax will fall through.
The point is, we can truly believe we are on solid ground. But we aren't always. It can be a delusion.
The Bible doesn't say how many ways the enemy, Satan can find to delude us, distract us, discourage us, and bring us down. We just know he is evil and we can expect trials and tribulations.
During our Prayer Team Meeting this week, I said with all conviction he has found another way at us.
We are to be alert, put on our full armor every day. Pray, and stay strong. Beth Moore has a book about The PIT. I love that book. It explains how we must be very careful and stay alert. You can walk close to the pit Satan has for you, but walk on. You can not be paying attention, and fall in involuntarily. You can also choose to get too close, bend over to see. . ."What's all the big deal, what is really in there?" And, step too close, it crumbles, you are in the pit.
Now there is another way. And, beware it is even more cunning then all the other ways. I noted earlier about how I saw a couple of red flags in February. However, I went on thinking I was fine, after all I prayed, and made note of the situation for a later time. When I came crashing down through the ice, glass, solid ground, I woke up and didn't like what I saw when I looked around.
So then what did I do, I got so mad at myself that I started in with that self condemnation we get so good at. "How stupid are you?" "How could you get caught up in yourself and the enemy dug a great big burrow underneath you and then goodbye!!!!?" From there I made myself sick for three days. Some people call it stress sick. I have names I can't use on here. I thank God for my prayer team and how they pray and keep me lifted up. Thank God for His written Word.
"For Greater is He that is in me, then he that is in the world!" I John 4: 4
Psalm 27 is just one great chapter that says it all.
Ps 27: 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation---whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?"
PS 27: 8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
PS 27: 9 Do not hide your face from me, do not tur your servant away in anger; you have been my helper.
PS 27: 14 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart ad wait for the Lord!"
I could write hundreds of scriptures. The point here is, there is a NEW way we need to be aware of.
He will burrow under you. You won't see it coming. So, what do I do then?
You will pick yourself up out of that mud puddle, Ask God for forgiveness, and move on. Ask, of course, for more awareness, more prayer time, more alertness, until the next new thing. God is always just to forgive our sleep walks and put us back up in righteousness.
Let's BE AWARE. Put on your armor and hold that Sword of the Spirit up higher than normal, and also, point it to the ground, and straight out. Turn around and be sure your back is covered.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
ARE YOU TEACHABLE?
I CHRONICLES 16: 11
Look to the Lord and His Strength; seek His face always!
Several things are pressing in on my brain today! Questions in particular!
God wants our full attention, our full obedience. He wants us to seek Him at all corners, roads, junctures, etc. I have been one to not clean out the corners very well. How about you. It takes a toothbrush sometimes to get things. Or maybe even a q-tip. I don't like getting down on the floor to do it, so it doesn't get done. What does that have to do with anything? Think about your own life right now. I am quite tired of thinking about mine, but God doesn't always give us a break. How holy is your thinking these days, your obedience, your teach-ability. Are you humble?
Pastor Stu was talking about John 14: 15 to the end of the chapter. Are we teachable? It takes humility to be less worldly. That takes some seeking God and His strength to put a fence around that
concept. I have always thought I was way out there and extremely teachable. I found myself in the corner looking hard at the pile up of dirt in that corner. One particular aspect of my personality sucks this afternoon. Think about it for yourself today. See what you come up with. Ask for forgiveness, ask Him along on the journey, be willing to be changed.
Look to the Lord and His Strength; seek His face always!
Several things are pressing in on my brain today! Questions in particular!
God wants our full attention, our full obedience. He wants us to seek Him at all corners, roads, junctures, etc. I have been one to not clean out the corners very well. How about you. It takes a toothbrush sometimes to get things. Or maybe even a q-tip. I don't like getting down on the floor to do it, so it doesn't get done. What does that have to do with anything? Think about your own life right now. I am quite tired of thinking about mine, but God doesn't always give us a break. How holy is your thinking these days, your obedience, your teach-ability. Are you humble?
Pastor Stu was talking about John 14: 15 to the end of the chapter. Are we teachable? It takes humility to be less worldly. That takes some seeking God and His strength to put a fence around that
concept. I have always thought I was way out there and extremely teachable. I found myself in the corner looking hard at the pile up of dirt in that corner. One particular aspect of my personality sucks this afternoon. Think about it for yourself today. See what you come up with. Ask for forgiveness, ask Him along on the journey, be willing to be changed.
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