LET'S BLOW OFF THE FATHER OF LIES!
John 8: 44
"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for her is a liar and the father of lies."
The context of any chapter, of course, needs to be read in its context. I chose to single this out, because I encounter the brunt of this statement in my counseling, and in my life. The friends and family I encounter on a regular basis.
Joyce Meyer was talking about that this morning in her devotion on The Confident Woman. What impresses me the most about this life we all live is that there is the truth and there is the lie. We have that choice each and every day. I truly wish I could give that as a Christmas present to the whole world. The gift of being able to get up each morning and KNOW the truth and live it in ease and style. Confident and without compromise. However you cut it, I can't do that. We can, however, practice and practice and practice the truth. And, how do we do that most of the time? We know the enemy and how he operates. Many theologians and others will argue that if you know Jesus Christ and He is your personal Savior, you never have to worry about the enemy. He can not penetrate your life. I totally disagree. That is why I teach Putting on the Armor - suiting up - being aware, processing the Word, and knowing God.
We need to know the language of our enemy. His lies. How does he get by with tripping us up? We generally understand "free-will", but it still irritates me that Adam and Eve got so tripped up. They are our first step to understanding that it is going to happen to us as well. Know God - Trust His Character. This is our mantra and platform. So, then, when we do get tripped up with a lie it will come easier and easier to BLOW it off. Visualize a powerful leaf blower. Keep it in your tool belt of armor. Test the lie. I John 4: 1/4. God will be there to show you the truth.
DON'T LET THE ENEMY FILL YOUR YARD FULL OF LEAVES (LIES)! Have your tool belt ready at all times. We know he is always looking for a loophole, or place to get a foothold.
I remember JUST ONE OF MANY he pulled on me. Back in 1982 I called the University of St. Francis main office to check how many credit hours I had to go yet. They name it off, and I immediately went into a deep depression. I wanted to quit, go start something else. I was sitting in the top of the Bass Mansion library and I heard God in a small voice say - "GO TO THE OFFICE - do inventory, don't believe this." I did and they had missed 15 hours. I was a first semester senior, not junior. That is just one of hundreds. I have become a veteran of "inventory" and checking lies out.
I promise you I don't spend all my time on that, but I am ready. So can you be ready!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
PERSEVERANCE! Trusting God's Character!
UPDATE: The Winning the Battle excerpt will be next week - November 6th.
II PETER 1: 1-11
This needs to be a series all by itself. Every verse. This will be a preamble to that down the road.
Peter is writing about a very serious intent here. The intent would be to drive us to holiness. In today's world that is a huge chuck to absorb. I realize now, that when I started this book in January ("I Hate It When My Soul Is Crying!") it is really all about Perseverance. I want to connect with women and let them know we need extra supernatural amounts of Perseverance. We have all heard that word and yet, do we take understand what it means for us individually? So, what does it mean? Peter is telling us to be steadfast in everything we do. To have endurance in all life's trials, patience beyond all imagination?
Let us look specifically at verse 6: "And in (exercising) knowledge (develop) self control (develop) steadfastness (patience - endurance), and in (exercising) steadfastness (develop) godliness (piety)." Amplified version
NIV - "and to knowledge; self control; and to self control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness;"
Putting that altogether, it says to me; Peter wants us to develop a trust for the character of God. The real question is: Can you hang on long enough to see Him work in your situation and life? Can you exercise, the knowledge and truth that God promises us his protection and deliverance? Can you exercise the self control it takes to endure through, believe and practice His peace for what is going on? All good questions. I talk to lots of people and 2011 has been a rough year. Everything from loss of work, to death, cancer, illnesses, political scares, weather phenomenons etc etc.
God's Word says He hears us. God's Word says, hang on I am coming. God's Word is the truth. So then, I need to take a big breath and TRUST that He goes before me, He marches with me. He never fails, forsakes, or leaves me (us). Endurance and Perseverance means I need to sit back, pray, and trust for His outcome. He never fails. He always loves, He always forgives, He always delivers.
What do you need deliverance from today? Lack of trust, too much fear, too impatient?
Let us look deeply into the character of God and see we can get through anything with Him.
comments can go to:
shirley.faith.souder@gmail.com
II PETER 1: 1-11
This needs to be a series all by itself. Every verse. This will be a preamble to that down the road.
Peter is writing about a very serious intent here. The intent would be to drive us to holiness. In today's world that is a huge chuck to absorb. I realize now, that when I started this book in January ("I Hate It When My Soul Is Crying!") it is really all about Perseverance. I want to connect with women and let them know we need extra supernatural amounts of Perseverance. We have all heard that word and yet, do we take understand what it means for us individually? So, what does it mean? Peter is telling us to be steadfast in everything we do. To have endurance in all life's trials, patience beyond all imagination?
Let us look specifically at verse 6: "And in (exercising) knowledge (develop) self control (develop) steadfastness (patience - endurance), and in (exercising) steadfastness (develop) godliness (piety)." Amplified version
NIV - "and to knowledge; self control; and to self control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness;"
Putting that altogether, it says to me; Peter wants us to develop a trust for the character of God. The real question is: Can you hang on long enough to see Him work in your situation and life? Can you exercise, the knowledge and truth that God promises us his protection and deliverance? Can you exercise the self control it takes to endure through, believe and practice His peace for what is going on? All good questions. I talk to lots of people and 2011 has been a rough year. Everything from loss of work, to death, cancer, illnesses, political scares, weather phenomenons etc etc.
God's Word says He hears us. God's Word says, hang on I am coming. God's Word is the truth. So then, I need to take a big breath and TRUST that He goes before me, He marches with me. He never fails, forsakes, or leaves me (us). Endurance and Perseverance means I need to sit back, pray, and trust for His outcome. He never fails. He always loves, He always forgives, He always delivers.
What do you need deliverance from today? Lack of trust, too much fear, too impatient?
Let us look deeply into the character of God and see we can get through anything with Him.
comments can go to:
shirley.faith.souder@gmail.com
Sunday, October 16, 2011
WINNING THE BATTLE!
Ever wonder which battle you should win? Considering that the majority of us are not in a REAL war zone, we do have to consider that our world around us can sometimes be that event. Interesting that I am sitting here pondering the idea - "Don't you ever have anything positive to write about?" Is everyone going through something? Aren't there some people who have a great thing happening; like going on vacation, or going on a missionary trip?
Winning the Battle will be a chapter near the very end of my book, "I Hate It When My Soul Is Crying." It is spearheaded by a guest writer friend of mine. The title is quite a huge one to write about. From my perspective, it is an every day suiting up and putting on the Armor of God! J.E. goes into a deeper realm of reaching women who get displaced in the Jar of life and cover themselves quickly with the lid. That lid keeps things out and also keeps things in. I will be exploring this title from her chapter soon. It is a positive approach because we learn how simple it can be to win the war with the tools we already possess.
COMING SOON!
HAVE A GOOD WEEK - SUIT UP - DON'T FORGET!
Winning the Battle will be a chapter near the very end of my book, "I Hate It When My Soul Is Crying." It is spearheaded by a guest writer friend of mine. The title is quite a huge one to write about. From my perspective, it is an every day suiting up and putting on the Armor of God! J.E. goes into a deeper realm of reaching women who get displaced in the Jar of life and cover themselves quickly with the lid. That lid keeps things out and also keeps things in. I will be exploring this title from her chapter soon. It is a positive approach because we learn how simple it can be to win the war with the tools we already possess.
COMING SOON!
HAVE A GOOD WEEK - SUIT UP - DON'T FORGET!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
REFLECTIONS!
Reflections can mean just about anything. For Dakota it is a reflection of herself in the Lake James water. Her very favorite place. It is taking movies of her getting in the water, so I can look at them later. I do admit, that I wonder each time up there, is this the last time?
It can be reflecting on one's past and making determinations about the special learning's and how you changed. It can also mean "Wow, I still haven't got that!"
It can mean, reflecting on one's future and also wondering what do I still need to learn and will I get it? What is in God's plan for my life? There are a lot more questions there, I believe then about what we have already experienced.
And, without a doubt there is a lot to reflect on when God takes special people away to be with Him. I have been reflecting a lot on John Martin Smith and his wife Bobbie leaving our community at this time. John just had a two hour lunch with John Martin Tuesday, they sat and planned a Carriage House to be built in John Martin's back yard on the farm. How they would move in their summer, and let Thom and Jama take over the Brick. John got right down to business and did a rendering of the Carriage House and had it almost done Wednesday evening. And, then everything changed. a good friend, a gracious kind human being and his good wife Bobbie were taken away. People that brought so much to our community. People who cared about our community. People who changed things in our community because of that love.
In reflecting on the why, and why now, it soon becomes evident. That it is life and things can't always go on forever. I remembered thinking back in 2002 that my parents would certainly go on forever. They had so far. Dad was 90 and climbing ladders to clean out eaves. They went anywhere they wanted and did whatever they wanted. Never ill, never even a cold. And, then it stopped as suddenly as a doctors visit. Out of the clear blue, you realize, this isn't going to last forever.
God brought a peace this week to my heart in remembering that life is for the living, so live it well and always bring glory to God in your living well. John Martin and Bobbie both did that. My last contact with them at the fair, I thought, how gracious and full of life are these two. John Martin with all his ideas and plans. So, now I reflect that it is the bottom line to living your life. It won't change. God never changes. Live your life full and large all to the glory of the Lord.
We can always remember and glory in what these two people brought, how they mirrored life for God. I want that too. Thank You John Martin and Bobbie Smith!
It can be reflecting on one's past and making determinations about the special learning's and how you changed. It can also mean "Wow, I still haven't got that!"
It can mean, reflecting on one's future and also wondering what do I still need to learn and will I get it? What is in God's plan for my life? There are a lot more questions there, I believe then about what we have already experienced.
And, without a doubt there is a lot to reflect on when God takes special people away to be with Him. I have been reflecting a lot on John Martin Smith and his wife Bobbie leaving our community at this time. John just had a two hour lunch with John Martin Tuesday, they sat and planned a Carriage House to be built in John Martin's back yard on the farm. How they would move in their summer, and let Thom and Jama take over the Brick. John got right down to business and did a rendering of the Carriage House and had it almost done Wednesday evening. And, then everything changed. a good friend, a gracious kind human being and his good wife Bobbie were taken away. People that brought so much to our community. People who cared about our community. People who changed things in our community because of that love.
In reflecting on the why, and why now, it soon becomes evident. That it is life and things can't always go on forever. I remembered thinking back in 2002 that my parents would certainly go on forever. They had so far. Dad was 90 and climbing ladders to clean out eaves. They went anywhere they wanted and did whatever they wanted. Never ill, never even a cold. And, then it stopped as suddenly as a doctors visit. Out of the clear blue, you realize, this isn't going to last forever.
God brought a peace this week to my heart in remembering that life is for the living, so live it well and always bring glory to God in your living well. John Martin and Bobbie both did that. My last contact with them at the fair, I thought, how gracious and full of life are these two. John Martin with all his ideas and plans. So, now I reflect that it is the bottom line to living your life. It won't change. God never changes. Live your life full and large all to the glory of the Lord.
We can always remember and glory in what these two people brought, how they mirrored life for God. I want that too. Thank You John Martin and Bobbie Smith!
Friday, September 30, 2011
CAN YOU KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN?
Matthew 11: 28/30
28:Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. (I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls).
29: Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
30: For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good - not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
In studying a study of Hebrews today, I remembered something from 15 years ago when studying this whole Yoke and rest thing. From there I began to see that whole journey thing in another way. A new way! I want to share this with you, and pray it opens up some new vistas for you as well.
Years ago we learned about the yoke of oxen. There is always two at the head of the group. Of that two we have one who is the lead, most experienced Oxen. The study back then illustrated how the lead oxen is Jesus and we can rest in that co-pilot position. Jesus faces ALL of our life's events with us. As I had pointed out once before in Deut. 31: 8 - He goes before us and He marches with us on every road of our map. We do not have to fear failure, being forsaked, or abandoned.
As I visualized being in that safe yoked place with my high priest, lead oxen who knows the way and knows what we face at all times, I saw my eyes closed. I chuckled. How typical for me. When things are going to fast, and are too scary I close my eyes.
I remember a trip through downtown Chicago with John. I sat on the floor, eyes shut.
If we TRUST God, have FAITH in God, BELIEVE in His safety and outcome; then should we not keep our eyes open?
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE! JESUS CHRIST!
And, that my friends is the truth about coming to Him when you are heavy laden. He will face all that gives us labor and fears. Let us then, keep our eyes open to SEE how He works it all out. He will probably get on a road less traveled. But, no matter if it is the one most traveled, He still takes us there in victory. We win, the enemy losses.
28:Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. (I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls).
29: Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
30: For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good - not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
In studying a study of Hebrews today, I remembered something from 15 years ago when studying this whole Yoke and rest thing. From there I began to see that whole journey thing in another way. A new way! I want to share this with you, and pray it opens up some new vistas for you as well.
Years ago we learned about the yoke of oxen. There is always two at the head of the group. Of that two we have one who is the lead, most experienced Oxen. The study back then illustrated how the lead oxen is Jesus and we can rest in that co-pilot position. Jesus faces ALL of our life's events with us. As I had pointed out once before in Deut. 31: 8 - He goes before us and He marches with us on every road of our map. We do not have to fear failure, being forsaked, or abandoned.
As I visualized being in that safe yoked place with my high priest, lead oxen who knows the way and knows what we face at all times, I saw my eyes closed. I chuckled. How typical for me. When things are going to fast, and are too scary I close my eyes.
I remember a trip through downtown Chicago with John. I sat on the floor, eyes shut.
If we TRUST God, have FAITH in God, BELIEVE in His safety and outcome; then should we not keep our eyes open?
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE! JESUS CHRIST!
And, that my friends is the truth about coming to Him when you are heavy laden. He will face all that gives us labor and fears. Let us then, keep our eyes open to SEE how He works it all out. He will probably get on a road less traveled. But, no matter if it is the one most traveled, He still takes us there in victory. We win, the enemy losses.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
LETTING THEM SWIM TO YOU!
As I thought about what I wanted or needed to share with you today, I have to share something I heard today.
Visualize sitting in a boat out in deep waters. Why you ask? I have to agree with Pastor Stuart that sometimes we look for deeper waters in our spiritual life. A new book, music concerts, special targeted workshops, anything to spruce up our own spiritual level. So, what if we see someone on the shore that needs to hear about Jesus and they are waving at you. What do we normally do? We wave back and bid them to swim out to us. Think about that a minute.
Putting my own spin on this today - because it is very convicting to acknowledge that we can miss an opportunity to share our God with others, so easily.
I don't know about you, but the older I get, the more I am likely to say, "Hey, come on out, the water is great, I have plenty of snacks, and the sun is so much warmer here out of the wind." The more it is convenient, the better. Geesh! Shame on me, or any of us that take the easy way out to share our Lord with those who need Him most.
My prayer for each one of us is that we ask God to help us become bold and unafraid. Remember, when we put on the armor of God, we need to have the shoes of "being prompt and ready" to do whatever brings glory and honor to Him. We have the authority, He never wastes anything. HE NEVER WASTES ANYTHING!
So, no matter how you think you bungled it, you didn't. He turns everything we intend for good to His good.
SIDEBAR: Along with this theme, I want us to remember the widows of this world. When my cousin's wife, Nancy was here Monday, we had a moment on the 2nd floor of the ACD Museum. It reminded me of the time when Cheryl Sheeler, ten years ago, said - "Shirley, we need to talk about our husbands. It is a healing thing to be able to do that. No one seems to want to do that with us!" Nancy verified that she can talk with a group who has lost their husband, but not when you are with couples. Another thing that says, "Hey come on out, swim out to me and let's talk." My commitment then became to write to her and I asked a page full of questions about my cousin Denny. I promised to call and let her talk about him as I need to know more about him too. It is that whole thing about, we don't want to make them cry or feel bad. I want to commit to being more real, more ready, more prompt about others. It is easy to do that in the counseling office, but what about outside?
Who needs you today to talk to them?
Let's be prompt and ready to serve God.
Visualize sitting in a boat out in deep waters. Why you ask? I have to agree with Pastor Stuart that sometimes we look for deeper waters in our spiritual life. A new book, music concerts, special targeted workshops, anything to spruce up our own spiritual level. So, what if we see someone on the shore that needs to hear about Jesus and they are waving at you. What do we normally do? We wave back and bid them to swim out to us. Think about that a minute.
Putting my own spin on this today - because it is very convicting to acknowledge that we can miss an opportunity to share our God with others, so easily.
I don't know about you, but the older I get, the more I am likely to say, "Hey, come on out, the water is great, I have plenty of snacks, and the sun is so much warmer here out of the wind." The more it is convenient, the better. Geesh! Shame on me, or any of us that take the easy way out to share our Lord with those who need Him most.
My prayer for each one of us is that we ask God to help us become bold and unafraid. Remember, when we put on the armor of God, we need to have the shoes of "being prompt and ready" to do whatever brings glory and honor to Him. We have the authority, He never wastes anything. HE NEVER WASTES ANYTHING!
So, no matter how you think you bungled it, you didn't. He turns everything we intend for good to His good.
SIDEBAR: Along with this theme, I want us to remember the widows of this world. When my cousin's wife, Nancy was here Monday, we had a moment on the 2nd floor of the ACD Museum. It reminded me of the time when Cheryl Sheeler, ten years ago, said - "Shirley, we need to talk about our husbands. It is a healing thing to be able to do that. No one seems to want to do that with us!" Nancy verified that she can talk with a group who has lost their husband, but not when you are with couples. Another thing that says, "Hey come on out, swim out to me and let's talk." My commitment then became to write to her and I asked a page full of questions about my cousin Denny. I promised to call and let her talk about him as I need to know more about him too. It is that whole thing about, we don't want to make them cry or feel bad. I want to commit to being more real, more ready, more prompt about others. It is easy to do that in the counseling office, but what about outside?
Who needs you today to talk to them?
Let's be prompt and ready to serve God.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
A FALL NOTE!
Just a few days away and it becomes a new season. One of my favorite. I think it is the way the sun falls to earth. Its almost like its sleepy. Muted and hazy like colors make you just want to sit in the grass. The sun hits our water on the pond differently. I have tried often to capture it on film. It is impossible. I promised one year to put this gorgeous fall picture of the sun on the lake, glistening and glittery so I could see it in January with snow and ice everywhere. (It doesn't help on those days - by the way) There are different smells too!
You swear someone is burning leaves, but it can't be time yet! Fall has a softer gentler touch. If I didn't know better I would say Fall is trying to soften the harsh winter that is, or could be lurking just weeks away. I don't enjoy the sweeping or blowing of leaves so much. They all congregate at my front door. I have to check the front door every time a client comes, because they really pile up there. But, it is no matter how you put it, a very beautiful time. I have hundreds of pictures of the same date, different year and how the trees turn early or late. We have an Ash tree that we have saved. I am going to take a battery of pictures this year, because it won't be long and that tree will have to come down. It has been there 41 years. Dan Pfister keeps belting the top part together where it is splitting and John has kept the ash- boror away several times. I always know when it is October 16th - The Ash tree is completely gone - announcing winter is on its way. Last year it was two weeks behind.
All of that to say - seasons are for our enjoyment. Seasons of our lives are for our enjoyment. Contentment reigns when we are 12 and enjoying the fun of throwing leaves and fall parties. Or when we are 35 and living each day to its honor as before God. The age of 60 wasn't even to bad. But, I have got to say, I am actively looking for the tarnish remover in my 70's. It is a time we all have to make a decision, even though we see the finish line coming up, we need to live each day all to the glory of the Lord.
I do give Him the glory too, when I realize that my cousin Denny's wife, Nancy will be visiting in my home Monday. Denny died of brain cancer last year. I did get to visit with he and Nancy at their beach home near Manizita Way, Oregon. The picture as I stated was my crown and glory. Its just a thousand feet from where they live. I would never have believed you - had you told me she would be coming east and in my living room this coming Monday. Now all I have to do is start praying about God's intervention to bring Denny's sister Gwen, and her husband Doug out here. That would be another major miracle. It is these kinds of things that propel us forward in each season of our lives. Find it, it is there.
Eph 4: 21/24
You swear someone is burning leaves, but it can't be time yet! Fall has a softer gentler touch. If I didn't know better I would say Fall is trying to soften the harsh winter that is, or could be lurking just weeks away. I don't enjoy the sweeping or blowing of leaves so much. They all congregate at my front door. I have to check the front door every time a client comes, because they really pile up there. But, it is no matter how you put it, a very beautiful time. I have hundreds of pictures of the same date, different year and how the trees turn early or late. We have an Ash tree that we have saved. I am going to take a battery of pictures this year, because it won't be long and that tree will have to come down. It has been there 41 years. Dan Pfister keeps belting the top part together where it is splitting and John has kept the ash- boror away several times. I always know when it is October 16th - The Ash tree is completely gone - announcing winter is on its way. Last year it was two weeks behind.
All of that to say - seasons are for our enjoyment. Seasons of our lives are for our enjoyment. Contentment reigns when we are 12 and enjoying the fun of throwing leaves and fall parties. Or when we are 35 and living each day to its honor as before God. The age of 60 wasn't even to bad. But, I have got to say, I am actively looking for the tarnish remover in my 70's. It is a time we all have to make a decision, even though we see the finish line coming up, we need to live each day all to the glory of the Lord.
I do give Him the glory too, when I realize that my cousin Denny's wife, Nancy will be visiting in my home Monday. Denny died of brain cancer last year. I did get to visit with he and Nancy at their beach home near Manizita Way, Oregon. The picture as I stated was my crown and glory. Its just a thousand feet from where they live. I would never have believed you - had you told me she would be coming east and in my living room this coming Monday. Now all I have to do is start praying about God's intervention to bring Denny's sister Gwen, and her husband Doug out here. That would be another major miracle. It is these kinds of things that propel us forward in each season of our lives. Find it, it is there.
Eph 4: 21/24
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