It has been a while since I have posted, for a variety of reasons; vacations, summer schedules, and trials. Often, when I am in the midst of a trial or getting my heart around something God is teaching me, I can't quite put it into words.
I learned this Spring that God operates in 3 different ways during trials. (Thanks to a lady who I have never met personally, but mentors me through her bible studies. ) God rescues us completely which builds our faith, He allows us to go through the storm which purifies our faith (building stamina and character), or He perfects our faith by taking those who trust Him as Savior HOME! Home, for those who believe that Jesus is the perfect lamb slain for all our imperfections is Heaven, dwelling in the presence of God for eternity. Heaven is described throughout the Bible. For those who don't believe Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life; Earth is the closest they will ever get to Heaven. I find many like to talk about Heaven, but Hell doesn't seem to be quite as popular. For Christians Earth is the closest they will ever get to Hell. Our adversary HATES that! If you don't own a bible, please feel free to look it up online at: http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/. Many of these ideas are specifically captured in John chapters 14-17. Scripture is either entirely true or not worth the paper it is written on.
As people experience storms in their lives, the question of God's goodness often arises. How could He be good and allow this horrific experience in my life? What have I done to deserve this? Scripture says that God is unchanging. (Hebrews 6:17) It says that He is Holy (meaning set apart) and yet filled with love, justice, and compassion. (Exodus 15:7, Exodus 34:6, Psalm 45:6) Scripture assures us He can't contradict Himself. (Hebrews 6) That can be difficult to wrap our minds around, especially when it seems the world is falling apart. Children are starving, natural disasters are becoming more and more common, war abounds; people are so filled with self that personal gratification has justified hateful words, killing, affairs, divorce, and so on.... Scripture says this wasn't His intention in the book of Genesis. He loved us enough to allow the human race to make their own choices. When Adam and Eve consciously chose disobedience, Satan gained access to power on Earth. He is crafty, Satan loves to make us hurt and then points the finger at God. Scripture says this will all be redeemed one day. Satan will be held accountable. (Revelations 20: 7-10)
I believe scripture tells those who are Christians that they have the ability to affect change on Earth through prayer and intercession. (Psalm 34:1-6, Daniel 10:12-14 ) I believe the Church needs to practice this. We have to get better at this. I believe we need to teach our kids as they gain maturity in their own relationships with God. We cannot be fixed on expectations of security in what we have. We must find our security in its entirety in the Lord. As finances are changing in America, we are finding out just how tied to this stuff we are. I believe God is extending his grace to us. We may be on the precipice of trials that God uses to purify our faith. We must fix our eyes on Christ. We must remember what we are living for. We must choose to develop a deeper relationship with God, diving into His Word. We must ask Him to reveal the Truth on subjects we don't understand. He will be faithful. We must find the peace that plows on through the storm.
I found this gifted sister when my husband and I went on a date weekend. We traveled to a church in California called Bethel. She is young, but the maturity of her music overwhelms me.
The first few stanzas of: I have found
I have found a peace that plows on through the storm
I have found a joy that jumps over sadness
I have found a love that lights up every room
I have found, I found you
You are all I want
You are all I need
Everything my heart could hope for
We are longing for the glory of the Lord
'Cuz we know there is so much more
Listen for yourself!
http://www.imeem.com/people/0kXr7ME/music/W1RhZ2QB/kim_walker_i_have_found/
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=92209677
Abundant blessings in your life-in whatever shape or form God chooses...
Friday, July 11, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
God continues to blow my mind!
I just had to share a God moment with anyone who is interested. I have been feeling a burden for teaching children the meat of the Word of God. It is so rich with so many insights that we could never exhaust all God has desired to communicate to us.
I was raised in a small, conservative, community church here in Oregon. I grew up praying for parking spots and sometimes over a meal, but really didn't see God actively participating in my life until my mid 20s. It wasn't until after my 4th child was born in 2001 that I began to search for something more. I needed God to show me how strategically involved in His kids' lives he was. I needed to know He cared I was having an identity crisis (recently graduating from a MS program), operating as a Nurse Practitioner in the ED of a university hospital and changing more diapers than I would care to count. I felt stretched and torn between two jobs I loved dearly that required 100% of me. If I made a mistake in either arena, the cost was enormous. I couldn't give life or childhood back. I decided to take a break and be mom full time. My husband was going through his own set of growing pains that compounded my identity issues. Nurses are commonly co-dependant and I guess I signed up for that class without knowing it!
Jesus made a way for me to involve myself in women's bible study. I am very tender with the Lord. He can zero in to the dark places in my heart faster than a toddler focused on a candy dish. He began a process of revealing himself and healing my heart for which I will be eternally grateful and truly ties into this blog's name. I have received mercy for eternity. Over the years, as I have studied and found freedom in the Truth, expressed in the Word, and manifested in the Freedom of Christ, through His death and the power of the Spirit, I have been searching for ways to teach my children this same Truth. My heart is that they be spared some of the burdens I have carried for so long.
Our journey to home schooling was not about protecting, or taking a greater opportunity to infuse them with the Word. It was truly about watching our oldest, compliant child become disenchanted with learning in the 3rd grade. I had returned to work and we were doing a lot of parenting in the car; to and from private school, sports, play dates and parties. As they all came home in the fall of 2006, I was petrified! I was still working as an NP part-time and then taking on 4 different grade levels. God showed me a new meaning to His strength being made perfect in my weakness!
Inspite of the crazy schedule something amazing happened. He began to give me a vision for equipping the saints in the next generation. I truly think that my kids may not enjoy the same lifestyle my generation has been privy to (or distracted by). I have been sharing the content I study with them. I don't water it down, we worship and invite the presence of God and let Him take over. I have been amazed at how rivetted they are on the content. I can see the Spirit removing the scales from their eyes as they say, "Don't stop mom!!!" We have talked through how the voice of God feels in our hearts; condemnation vs conviction, and asking the Lord for discernment, as we wade through emotions that want to hear Him vs legitimate experiences with Him. COMPLEX!!! But they get it! As I have prayed about this I have felt the Lord has given me a picture of Moses and Joshua. Joshua gained so much by shadowing Moses and his growing relationship with God.
The last few weeks have been amazing. This ole conservative girl has been learning that the Spirit has a valid part in the Trinity. I don't claim to have it all figured out, but I am giving the Holy Spirit more license in my life as I agree to cooperate with Him as He carries out His role. As I learn this, I share it. A few weeks ago I asked the kids to go listen for the Lord to show them how He sees them. My kids each had a very unique experience with God. As we shared them, my oldest son had a word of knowledge about the younger son and what he was sharing while he was sharing it. Everyone was tearful about the awe of God. This past week I was relating what I was studying in Daniel. A study written by Beth Moore that I would count in my all time top 5 and highly recommend to male or female. We were discussing Satan's ploy of fear and our charge to stand firm (Chapter 10). The kids were eating it up. I am a baby in the gifts of the Spirit and believe I have been given a prayer language, but rarely pray out loud. I don't remember praying out loud in this language, but evidently I did. My oldest heard me, told me he asked the Lord for an interpretation, and then proceeded to tell me what he felt the Lord had laid on his heart in response. It was right on with what we were praying about!
I have instructed my kids that we must be discerning and write these things down. We must ask God to confirm them in our lives. We don't know our parents' voices right off the bat. We learn them. So God is teaching us His. I pray I learn it well. I pray my husband and I lead our kids in the way they should go. That we not look to the right or to the left but to the Word. Thank you for 'listening'. I would love to hear anyone's thoughts....
I was raised in a small, conservative, community church here in Oregon. I grew up praying for parking spots and sometimes over a meal, but really didn't see God actively participating in my life until my mid 20s. It wasn't until after my 4th child was born in 2001 that I began to search for something more. I needed God to show me how strategically involved in His kids' lives he was. I needed to know He cared I was having an identity crisis (recently graduating from a MS program), operating as a Nurse Practitioner in the ED of a university hospital and changing more diapers than I would care to count. I felt stretched and torn between two jobs I loved dearly that required 100% of me. If I made a mistake in either arena, the cost was enormous. I couldn't give life or childhood back. I decided to take a break and be mom full time. My husband was going through his own set of growing pains that compounded my identity issues. Nurses are commonly co-dependant and I guess I signed up for that class without knowing it!
Jesus made a way for me to involve myself in women's bible study. I am very tender with the Lord. He can zero in to the dark places in my heart faster than a toddler focused on a candy dish. He began a process of revealing himself and healing my heart for which I will be eternally grateful and truly ties into this blog's name. I have received mercy for eternity. Over the years, as I have studied and found freedom in the Truth, expressed in the Word, and manifested in the Freedom of Christ, through His death and the power of the Spirit, I have been searching for ways to teach my children this same Truth. My heart is that they be spared some of the burdens I have carried for so long.
Our journey to home schooling was not about protecting, or taking a greater opportunity to infuse them with the Word. It was truly about watching our oldest, compliant child become disenchanted with learning in the 3rd grade. I had returned to work and we were doing a lot of parenting in the car; to and from private school, sports, play dates and parties. As they all came home in the fall of 2006, I was petrified! I was still working as an NP part-time and then taking on 4 different grade levels. God showed me a new meaning to His strength being made perfect in my weakness!
Inspite of the crazy schedule something amazing happened. He began to give me a vision for equipping the saints in the next generation. I truly think that my kids may not enjoy the same lifestyle my generation has been privy to (or distracted by). I have been sharing the content I study with them. I don't water it down, we worship and invite the presence of God and let Him take over. I have been amazed at how rivetted they are on the content. I can see the Spirit removing the scales from their eyes as they say, "Don't stop mom!!!" We have talked through how the voice of God feels in our hearts; condemnation vs conviction, and asking the Lord for discernment, as we wade through emotions that want to hear Him vs legitimate experiences with Him. COMPLEX!!! But they get it! As I have prayed about this I have felt the Lord has given me a picture of Moses and Joshua. Joshua gained so much by shadowing Moses and his growing relationship with God.
The last few weeks have been amazing. This ole conservative girl has been learning that the Spirit has a valid part in the Trinity. I don't claim to have it all figured out, but I am giving the Holy Spirit more license in my life as I agree to cooperate with Him as He carries out His role. As I learn this, I share it. A few weeks ago I asked the kids to go listen for the Lord to show them how He sees them. My kids each had a very unique experience with God. As we shared them, my oldest son had a word of knowledge about the younger son and what he was sharing while he was sharing it. Everyone was tearful about the awe of God. This past week I was relating what I was studying in Daniel. A study written by Beth Moore that I would count in my all time top 5 and highly recommend to male or female. We were discussing Satan's ploy of fear and our charge to stand firm (Chapter 10). The kids were eating it up. I am a baby in the gifts of the Spirit and believe I have been given a prayer language, but rarely pray out loud. I don't remember praying out loud in this language, but evidently I did. My oldest heard me, told me he asked the Lord for an interpretation, and then proceeded to tell me what he felt the Lord had laid on his heart in response. It was right on with what we were praying about!
I have instructed my kids that we must be discerning and write these things down. We must ask God to confirm them in our lives. We don't know our parents' voices right off the bat. We learn them. So God is teaching us His. I pray I learn it well. I pray my husband and I lead our kids in the way they should go. That we not look to the right or to the left but to the Word. Thank you for 'listening'. I would love to hear anyone's thoughts....
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Pressing In
Over the last month the Lord has brought about study, conversations, books and sermons on prayer. It may seem superstitious for some, but as I have watched my relationship with the Lord unfold, I am more confident than ever that He has the power to manage this world on His own, yet would love for me to join Him. He doesn't need me, He is sovereign, the Beginning and the End, The Creator, The Ancient of Days, The Redeemer, The Holy One. Scripture shows over and over that He created us for the purpose of relationship. In spite of His ability to control, He chooses not to. He chooses to give us choice. He wants the relationship to be our hearts responding to His, in a fine balance of His calling and our acceptance.
This all started with circumstances in my life that have required a lot of prayer. As I have searched the scriptures I have found more scripture than I can represent on this blog. It must be important to God for us to understand what He thinks about prayer!
Some of the scriptures that spoke deeply to my heart are:
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Isaiah 65:24
24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.
Daniel 9:20-23
20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill- 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision:
Daniel 10:12 12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
Matthew 6:9-13
9"This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Luke 22:40
40On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
John 17
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
Acts 1:4-5, 8
4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:12-14
12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. 13When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Romans 8:25-27
25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
Ephesians 6:18
18And 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.
These scriptures touched my heart for various reasons. I look at the landscape of this time, this season of America and I am not sure our children will enjoy the bounty that we have enjoyed. Being a home schooling mom, I am honestly internalizing some parts of their education for the first time. Last year we studied ancient history and I was appalled at how kingdom after kingdom and culture after culture was founded on the backs of sacrificial people who risked their lives for the good of the whole. The magnificent thing about that was that was the standard of the people groups for that time. Those who were mostly self serving were the few. As the culture developed, generations began to enjoy the fruits of the ancestor's labor. Time after time, when each society was at its peak, enjoying leisure and prosperity self centered behaviors became the norm. Soon after, each kingdom fell.
I know there are more books written on prayer than I could read in a year. The above scripture says that our prayers have the ability to affect change. I believe that born again Christians are viceroys of God on Earth. That He has a perfect will. We can be involved, by influencing the Spiritual Realm in the power of the Spirit; and by the blood of Christ, through faith and prayer. He says that we are His inheritance. We are children of a heavenly kingdom. We have the power to do all the miracles He did while here on this Earth and more.
My flesh wants to pray for America's future and our children's lifestyles. Moreover, my heart is growing increasingly heavy for the people of America. I am feeling burdened for our response to the sifting that will come. That hearts will turn to the One of Truth. That Christians and the following generations will rise up, demonstrate the mercy and love of Christ inspite of circumstances. We must press in to the Lord in prayer. We must not forget what a powerful tool we have in the Word and use it as we pray back the Truth to our Father. We must look at this world with eyes of faith, asking the Lord to see it as He does. We must train up our kids to digest the meat of the Word. They are more ready than we think. I watch our kids hang on every word as we study The Bible together. I am in awe at how much further along their walk of intimacy with God than I was at 30!
I leave you with this last scripture. I can't believe you have hung in with me this long... I share this because scripture says the Lord will return to a bride who is radiant. We must be discerning to know the scriptures so we will be radiant and not lead astray!
2 Thessalonians 2
1Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
5Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. 13But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
This all started with circumstances in my life that have required a lot of prayer. As I have searched the scriptures I have found more scripture than I can represent on this blog. It must be important to God for us to understand what He thinks about prayer!
Some of the scriptures that spoke deeply to my heart are:
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Isaiah 65:24
24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.
Daniel 9:20-23
20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill- 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision:
Daniel 10:12 12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
Matthew 6:9-13
9"This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Luke 22:40
40On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
John 17
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
Acts 1:4-5, 8
4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:12-14
12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. 13When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Romans 8:25-27
25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
Ephesians 6:18
18And 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.
These scriptures touched my heart for various reasons. I look at the landscape of this time, this season of America and I am not sure our children will enjoy the bounty that we have enjoyed. Being a home schooling mom, I am honestly internalizing some parts of their education for the first time. Last year we studied ancient history and I was appalled at how kingdom after kingdom and culture after culture was founded on the backs of sacrificial people who risked their lives for the good of the whole. The magnificent thing about that was that was the standard of the people groups for that time. Those who were mostly self serving were the few. As the culture developed, generations began to enjoy the fruits of the ancestor's labor. Time after time, when each society was at its peak, enjoying leisure and prosperity self centered behaviors became the norm. Soon after, each kingdom fell.
I know there are more books written on prayer than I could read in a year. The above scripture says that our prayers have the ability to affect change. I believe that born again Christians are viceroys of God on Earth. That He has a perfect will. We can be involved, by influencing the Spiritual Realm in the power of the Spirit; and by the blood of Christ, through faith and prayer. He says that we are His inheritance. We are children of a heavenly kingdom. We have the power to do all the miracles He did while here on this Earth and more.
My flesh wants to pray for America's future and our children's lifestyles. Moreover, my heart is growing increasingly heavy for the people of America. I am feeling burdened for our response to the sifting that will come. That hearts will turn to the One of Truth. That Christians and the following generations will rise up, demonstrate the mercy and love of Christ inspite of circumstances. We must press in to the Lord in prayer. We must not forget what a powerful tool we have in the Word and use it as we pray back the Truth to our Father. We must look at this world with eyes of faith, asking the Lord to see it as He does. We must train up our kids to digest the meat of the Word. They are more ready than we think. I watch our kids hang on every word as we study The Bible together. I am in awe at how much further along their walk of intimacy with God than I was at 30!
I leave you with this last scripture. I can't believe you have hung in with me this long... I share this because scripture says the Lord will return to a bride who is radiant. We must be discerning to know the scriptures so we will be radiant and not lead astray!
2 Thessalonians 2
1Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
5Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. 13But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Abiding in the Truth
Have you ever felt like you have been in a season of special intimacy with the LORD? Like a dream Christmas as a child. The feeling of warmth, inspite of the cold outside. The sounds of Christmas worship honoring the King. The tree, bright and colorful, sweet smelling and blending nicely with the baking scents from the kitchen. The blessing of unwrapping gift after gift of things that are beyond your hopes and dreams.
My recent time with the Lord and the abundance of His revelations in my life have felt like that. But after Christmas is over, there tends to be grief, realizing that Christmas is over. The last few weeks my time with the Lord wasn't over really, although I believe the enemy has intended to strategically bring circumstances into my life to undermine all the Truth the Lord has revealed. When things are shaking in life, it is so hard to keep your eyes up. I don't know about you, I can keep them on Him when a few things shake, but it is especially hard for me when the layers of death and destruction that the world has to offer begin piling up. The time of opening treasures seems so removed. Sometimes as if it was a world away, maybe even the twilight zone. Or is the time of destruction the twilight zone?
I have had circumstances like that lately. Several issues, too detailed and personal to go into. I know Satan has been trying to undermine everything the Lord has done just a month ago. Thankfully, the Breast Cancer scare was only a weak attempt of "The Counterfeit" to allow God a platform to strengthen my faith. God has graciously rescued me from that experience and all tests are negative. Praise the Lord!!!
Other issues are ongoing. They may resolve tomorrow, next month, next year... I will choose to pick up my cross and follow Him. I will choose to keep my eyes on the Strong Tower. I will choose to sit in the room with all the opened treasures and abide in His Truth. It is unchanging. He has proven Himself over and over. Whatever season we are experiencing in life, let us choose to hold onto the Truths He has given us. Let us, choose to receive them as gifts. Don't be distracted by circumstances, doubt and self help montra. He IS my hope.
Thank you Lord for bringing me back to this place of resting contently in your hope. Your Word is my lifeline Lord. Help my spiritual muscles strengthen in the face of adversity. I declare this game is rigged and you have the outcome of Victory Lord. Thank you for your assurrance!
My recent time with the Lord and the abundance of His revelations in my life have felt like that. But after Christmas is over, there tends to be grief, realizing that Christmas is over. The last few weeks my time with the Lord wasn't over really, although I believe the enemy has intended to strategically bring circumstances into my life to undermine all the Truth the Lord has revealed. When things are shaking in life, it is so hard to keep your eyes up. I don't know about you, I can keep them on Him when a few things shake, but it is especially hard for me when the layers of death and destruction that the world has to offer begin piling up. The time of opening treasures seems so removed. Sometimes as if it was a world away, maybe even the twilight zone. Or is the time of destruction the twilight zone?
I have had circumstances like that lately. Several issues, too detailed and personal to go into. I know Satan has been trying to undermine everything the Lord has done just a month ago. Thankfully, the Breast Cancer scare was only a weak attempt of "The Counterfeit" to allow God a platform to strengthen my faith. God has graciously rescued me from that experience and all tests are negative. Praise the Lord!!!
Other issues are ongoing. They may resolve tomorrow, next month, next year... I will choose to pick up my cross and follow Him. I will choose to keep my eyes on the Strong Tower. I will choose to sit in the room with all the opened treasures and abide in His Truth. It is unchanging. He has proven Himself over and over. Whatever season we are experiencing in life, let us choose to hold onto the Truths He has given us. Let us, choose to receive them as gifts. Don't be distracted by circumstances, doubt and self help montra. He IS my hope.
Thank you Lord for bringing me back to this place of resting contently in your hope. Your Word is my lifeline Lord. Help my spiritual muscles strengthen in the face of adversity. I declare this game is rigged and you have the outcome of Victory Lord. Thank you for your assurrance!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
"The Lord is close to the broken hearted" Psalm 34:18
My husband read this scripture to me this week as I was teary, in his arms. I had an abnormal mammogram and normal ultrasound in August of 2007. My six month follow up mammogram is concerning to the specialist so we are going for further studies. There are possibilities that it is purely a lymph node, but the possibilities of other diagnosis are very scarey for me.
I am not scared if the Lord calls me home. For goodness sake, it is HOME! If we had a clue at what home is, we would be begging to leave this place. I have felt worried and tearful over my first brush with the fact that my days are truly numbered. You see, I homeschool our 4 kids ages 6-11 and I am amazed at how I see the Lord influencing their lives. I love that I am a part of it. I love that I get the priviledge of being a conduit of His love and passion for their growth and realization of their callings. I believe they have callings on their lives. I see their potentials and I selfishly want to be involved in watching these masterpieces take shape. When it all comes down to it, they don't NEED me. They NEED Jesus. He will sustain them. He will help them reach their potential better than I ever could.
So I have rested in the fact that He promises:
Psalm 34:17-18 (New International Version)
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
As I have let myself feel the grief and explore the what ifs to a point, I have allowed myself to be real with him. He has ministered to my soul. He has brought peace that passes all understanding. My faith is increased and I can say I am okay with whatever you decide Lord. We will walk it together. I am getting together with some dear friends as well, praying for complete healing and trusting that God can choose to do it in a moment.
Last night we watched a special on the Shrowd of Turin on PBS. They explained new discoveries about various aspects of it, linking it to the time of Christ. Our kids were truly in awe. It is an amazing opportunity to walk this life knowing one like Christ has not only given His life, but conquered death. As Good Friday is tomorrow, I am tremendously thankful for His sacrifice and victory as he conquered death. Read the scriptures for yourself. His love letter will blow your mind!
I am not scared if the Lord calls me home. For goodness sake, it is HOME! If we had a clue at what home is, we would be begging to leave this place. I have felt worried and tearful over my first brush with the fact that my days are truly numbered. You see, I homeschool our 4 kids ages 6-11 and I am amazed at how I see the Lord influencing their lives. I love that I am a part of it. I love that I get the priviledge of being a conduit of His love and passion for their growth and realization of their callings. I believe they have callings on their lives. I see their potentials and I selfishly want to be involved in watching these masterpieces take shape. When it all comes down to it, they don't NEED me. They NEED Jesus. He will sustain them. He will help them reach their potential better than I ever could.
So I have rested in the fact that He promises:
Psalm 34:17-18 (New International Version)
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
As I have let myself feel the grief and explore the what ifs to a point, I have allowed myself to be real with him. He has ministered to my soul. He has brought peace that passes all understanding. My faith is increased and I can say I am okay with whatever you decide Lord. We will walk it together. I am getting together with some dear friends as well, praying for complete healing and trusting that God can choose to do it in a moment.
Last night we watched a special on the Shrowd of Turin on PBS. They explained new discoveries about various aspects of it, linking it to the time of Christ. Our kids were truly in awe. It is an amazing opportunity to walk this life knowing one like Christ has not only given His life, but conquered death. As Good Friday is tomorrow, I am tremendously thankful for His sacrifice and victory as he conquered death. Read the scriptures for yourself. His love letter will blow your mind!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
"With God we will gain the victory" Psalm 60:...
Today is a day with a host of mixed feelings. I celebrate victory, because Glory be to God, I was successful at staying faithful in my 30 day fast. I tell you the truth, I have NEVER had victory like this before. I continue to walk in freedom in this area of my life by God's grace. I have an inner peace that has taken up residence and is allowing me to be myself like never before. There is a room in my heart that has been cleaned out, renovated, furnished by the Holy Spirit who has designed warm, bright, and cheerful colors and textures. A fresh, warm, spring breeze blows tenderly through the light, sheer, curtains. Natural light abounds in this room. It is a wonderful sanctuary of rest and rejuvination.
Juxtaposed to that is a heart of grief, a dear friend in my life lost her husband this past Sunday to brain cancer. He left a wife and 5 children between the ages of 7-16 to walk this next season without him. The memorial service was today, celebrating his life, the confidence we have of his place in Heaven, but being real about the pain of his abscence. I consider the daunting task of raising 5 alone and I pray that God will be her strength like never before. The scriptures regarding holding fast come back to the surface of my mind. I picture the disciples on their boat in the raging waters on the Sea of Galilee, holding on for dear life while Christ slept. How quickly he calmed the storms with a word. Be still.
Lord, today I will be still. I will reflect on your sovereignty. I will embrace that you are trustworthy at all times. I will hold fast Lord. Thank you that sometimes you allow us to weather a storm with you and yet promise it won't consume us. Thank you dear Father.
Praying these scriptures today:
1 John 5:3-5 (New International Version)
3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Isaiah 43
1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
Daniel 2:19-23 (New International Version)
19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king."
Juxtaposed to that is a heart of grief, a dear friend in my life lost her husband this past Sunday to brain cancer. He left a wife and 5 children between the ages of 7-16 to walk this next season without him. The memorial service was today, celebrating his life, the confidence we have of his place in Heaven, but being real about the pain of his abscence. I consider the daunting task of raising 5 alone and I pray that God will be her strength like never before. The scriptures regarding holding fast come back to the surface of my mind. I picture the disciples on their boat in the raging waters on the Sea of Galilee, holding on for dear life while Christ slept. How quickly he calmed the storms with a word. Be still.
Lord, today I will be still. I will reflect on your sovereignty. I will embrace that you are trustworthy at all times. I will hold fast Lord. Thank you that sometimes you allow us to weather a storm with you and yet promise it won't consume us. Thank you dear Father.
Praying these scriptures today:
1 John 5:3-5 (New International Version)
3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Isaiah 43
1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
Daniel 2:19-23 (New International Version)
19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king."
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Crossroads
Jeremiah 6:16
This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. "
Today is Day 19 of this fast for me. I am trying to log all that the Lord has shown me in the past 19 days and I can't fit it into my mind succinctly enought to include it all here. I surrender to the Spirit's leading for the biggest stuff. I have never walked in complete victory this long. All I can say is to God be the Glory. There is no way that all this could be on me. Sure, I have eeked it out with sheer will power in the past, but it has been with white knuckles, clenched jaw, and a very tight back. Today, I write with peace and contentment that is so deep, I feel as if I am truly resting for the first time in my life. I am not even thinking about what comes next... sometimes (which is huge).
I have been reading this book about codependence and realized how many qualities I had that alligned with the codependent lifestyle. I believe God has used this to reveal the circuit Satan has used for so long in my life. I don't know how many times I have said to dear friends, "I am ready to get off this track... Done a few too many laps around this one..." I see how the cycle lead me to an unhealthy outlet that supported the notion to serve and sacrifice for others without regard for considering my own needs. I had somehow misinterpreted the scripture to "love your neighbor as yourself" meant to serve others first because they are more valuable. It didn't sink in until about a week ago that I was supposed to take the time to love myself before I stepped out in serving. I wonder how many others are out there that have the "wool" pulled over their eyes.
As I have asked Jesus to show me how to love myself, he has been so gracious. He has been working on this for at least 10 years, slowly, gently revealing His love for me. It has blown my mind so many times. At times, I have received it in confusion, with detached feelings. Other times His grace has won out and He has seared through the dead weight of baggage and gone right to my core. Please hear me, He has been a gentleman the entire time. Revelations 3:20 states, "... I stand at the door and knock". You see God has never forced Himself on us. It wouldn't be pure love if we were puppets and didn't have an element of choice in the matter. But He loves us so much that He continues to pursue intimacy with us, inspite of our sinful hearts. The God of the universe, who could have done it any way He wanted, knew His just heart couldn't look on sin with grace, so He provided His sacrificial lamb once and for all. The curtain was torn in the temple and we were invited in. Not only to have a conversation, but to believe and gain salvation. To be sealed with the Spirit and become a coheir with Christ. To have everything that was available to Jesus while he walked on this Earth available to us.
So if that is the case why does it take so long for victory? I may never know all the details this side of Heaven, but I do know this. If God is graciously granting me permanent freedom for such a time as this... For every day I have agonized, cried, felt isolated, ashamed and defeated; there is a story of His work, His story of a "crown of beauty instead of ashes", His redemption in spite of Satan's ploy for my demise, an opportunity for His radiant glory to be revealed and for an intimate relationship for me with the creator of the universe.
Because of the blood of Christ and the power of the Spirit, I will hold fast. I will stand firm. I will stand up and be counted Lord. I stand with the helmet of Salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith and the sword of your word. They may feel like they are 10 sizes to big Lord and intimidate me as they rattle when I move. .. You are my Jehovah Nissi Lord, you go before me and you come behind me. You hem me in from all sides and your banner over me is love. Glory to your name oh Father. Glory to the name of Jesus Christ!
This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. "
Today is Day 19 of this fast for me. I am trying to log all that the Lord has shown me in the past 19 days and I can't fit it into my mind succinctly enought to include it all here. I surrender to the Spirit's leading for the biggest stuff. I have never walked in complete victory this long. All I can say is to God be the Glory. There is no way that all this could be on me. Sure, I have eeked it out with sheer will power in the past, but it has been with white knuckles, clenched jaw, and a very tight back. Today, I write with peace and contentment that is so deep, I feel as if I am truly resting for the first time in my life. I am not even thinking about what comes next... sometimes (which is huge).
I have been reading this book about codependence and realized how many qualities I had that alligned with the codependent lifestyle. I believe God has used this to reveal the circuit Satan has used for so long in my life. I don't know how many times I have said to dear friends, "I am ready to get off this track... Done a few too many laps around this one..." I see how the cycle lead me to an unhealthy outlet that supported the notion to serve and sacrifice for others without regard for considering my own needs. I had somehow misinterpreted the scripture to "love your neighbor as yourself" meant to serve others first because they are more valuable. It didn't sink in until about a week ago that I was supposed to take the time to love myself before I stepped out in serving. I wonder how many others are out there that have the "wool" pulled over their eyes.
As I have asked Jesus to show me how to love myself, he has been so gracious. He has been working on this for at least 10 years, slowly, gently revealing His love for me. It has blown my mind so many times. At times, I have received it in confusion, with detached feelings. Other times His grace has won out and He has seared through the dead weight of baggage and gone right to my core. Please hear me, He has been a gentleman the entire time. Revelations 3:20 states, "... I stand at the door and knock". You see God has never forced Himself on us. It wouldn't be pure love if we were puppets and didn't have an element of choice in the matter. But He loves us so much that He continues to pursue intimacy with us, inspite of our sinful hearts. The God of the universe, who could have done it any way He wanted, knew His just heart couldn't look on sin with grace, so He provided His sacrificial lamb once and for all. The curtain was torn in the temple and we were invited in. Not only to have a conversation, but to believe and gain salvation. To be sealed with the Spirit and become a coheir with Christ. To have everything that was available to Jesus while he walked on this Earth available to us.
So if that is the case why does it take so long for victory? I may never know all the details this side of Heaven, but I do know this. If God is graciously granting me permanent freedom for such a time as this... For every day I have agonized, cried, felt isolated, ashamed and defeated; there is a story of His work, His story of a "crown of beauty instead of ashes", His redemption in spite of Satan's ploy for my demise, an opportunity for His radiant glory to be revealed and for an intimate relationship for me with the creator of the universe.
Because of the blood of Christ and the power of the Spirit, I will hold fast. I will stand firm. I will stand up and be counted Lord. I stand with the helmet of Salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith and the sword of your word. They may feel like they are 10 sizes to big Lord and intimidate me as they rattle when I move. .. You are my Jehovah Nissi Lord, you go before me and you come behind me. You hem me in from all sides and your banner over me is love. Glory to your name oh Father. Glory to the name of Jesus Christ!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Holding Fast
This past week I was doing a devotional with my kids when the Lord gave me great encouragement through Daniel. In Chapter One of the book of Daniel, it reveals how Daniel listened to the conviction of the Spirit to abstain from parts of a lifestyle had been designed for him.
He had been taken prisoner by Nebuchanezzer along with 49 other top ranking Jewish young men after Babylon had taken over the Jewish land. First Nebuchanezzar ordered that they be made Eunichs to remove their strength, then he proceeded to educate them for 3 years to try to indoctrinate them into the Babylonian culture. He brought them near to his rule to keep close watch over them, but also in an attempt to win these young leaders over to embrace his rule. He gave them new names, new identities and fed them the finest fare of the civilization.
God reminded me of truths, that as Daniel felt conviction and obeyed the Spirit's leading to go against the grain and say no to food that had been offered as sacrifices to other Gods, God blessed Him with favor, strength, and further gifts of the Spirit (to have and interpret prophetic dreams). Isn't it amazing how difficult it feels to go against the tide of our culture - to stand up and be counted? As I go against the tide of the culture of my own heart and lifestyle during this fast I hold onto the promises that I will reap the blessings of obedience. They look different for every person and circumstance, but they will come. One of the blessings for me is to see how personal God is to specifically encourage me to hold fast to Him.
Give the Lord an opportunity, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Jesus Christ has made a way for each of us and He longs to draw near. Be watching, if you ask Jesus to show Himself to you, you won't be disappointed.
He had been taken prisoner by Nebuchanezzer along with 49 other top ranking Jewish young men after Babylon had taken over the Jewish land. First Nebuchanezzar ordered that they be made Eunichs to remove their strength, then he proceeded to educate them for 3 years to try to indoctrinate them into the Babylonian culture. He brought them near to his rule to keep close watch over them, but also in an attempt to win these young leaders over to embrace his rule. He gave them new names, new identities and fed them the finest fare of the civilization.
God reminded me of truths, that as Daniel felt conviction and obeyed the Spirit's leading to go against the grain and say no to food that had been offered as sacrifices to other Gods, God blessed Him with favor, strength, and further gifts of the Spirit (to have and interpret prophetic dreams). Isn't it amazing how difficult it feels to go against the tide of our culture - to stand up and be counted? As I go against the tide of the culture of my own heart and lifestyle during this fast I hold onto the promises that I will reap the blessings of obedience. They look different for every person and circumstance, but they will come. One of the blessings for me is to see how personal God is to specifically encourage me to hold fast to Him.
Give the Lord an opportunity, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Jesus Christ has made a way for each of us and He longs to draw near. Be watching, if you ask Jesus to show Himself to you, you won't be disappointed.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The beginning...
I need to come clean about how this blog got started. I was reading another blog and wanted to respond and thought I had to have my own blog to do so. I can't imagine that anyone would really be interested in anything I have to say, but as I worshipped this morning I felt I needed to write some things down that I am 'wading through' as a testimony to why I wrote the things I did below my picture. If it encourages anyone who would ever visit this site so be it. To Him be the glory.
I have hit a road block in my spiritual life. This invades every part of me, as the Spirit has been given license to have every part of me. I have been dealing with a particular issue since I was about 8 and I can't shake it. I have done multiple bible studies by various people who have found victory in so many areas. I too have found victory. I set out to find victory in Subject A only to find victory in Subjects B, C, D.... Thank the Lord He knows what He is doing.
I have felt the Spirit whispering "fast" in my ear. I have fasted before, but I say, "Really? Are you sure?" So this morning I spent time in The Word and as I was researching fast, the Lord opened my eyes to so much more. I will list some of the scriptures here:
Deuteronomy 10:20
Listen to this passage
20 Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.
Deuteronomy 11:22
Listen to this passage
22 If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him-
Deuteronomy 13:4
Listen to this passage
4 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Listen to this passage
19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Psalm 119:28-32
Listen to this passage
28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
It is so uncomfortable to be stretched. It can feel miserable to face the destruction that the world has to offer in relationships, health, personal wounds, circumstances, finances. I have truly found that when I am at my end that is when the LORD gets to begin. He just wants my surrender. He wants me to trust Him with all that I am. Everything I have experienced and read in His Word is that He truly is faithful and will be a gentleman with my emotions, heart, life... He has redeemed so much in my life! I will choose to hold fast to Him for this victory. I leave with this song. It may sound macabe, but I truly want this played/sang at my funeral because it is my life song.
It is sung by Darlene Zschech with Hillsong worship if it ministers to you.
I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust him at all times
He has delivered me from all fears
He has set my feet upon a rock
And I will not be moved
And I'll say to the Lord,
"You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower
My very present help in time of need"
Who have I in heaven but You?
There's none I desire beside You.
You have made me glad,
And I'll say to the Lord,
"You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower
My very present help in time of need"
Because I live in His undeserved grace from the time He conceived me in His mind for all eternity, I am a mark of His Mercy for Eternity....
I have hit a road block in my spiritual life. This invades every part of me, as the Spirit has been given license to have every part of me. I have been dealing with a particular issue since I was about 8 and I can't shake it. I have done multiple bible studies by various people who have found victory in so many areas. I too have found victory. I set out to find victory in Subject A only to find victory in Subjects B, C, D.... Thank the Lord He knows what He is doing.
I have felt the Spirit whispering "fast" in my ear. I have fasted before, but I say, "Really? Are you sure?" So this morning I spent time in The Word and as I was researching fast, the Lord opened my eyes to so much more. I will list some of the scriptures here:
Deuteronomy 10:20
Listen to this passage
20 Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.
Deuteronomy 11:22
Listen to this passage
22 If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him-
Deuteronomy 13:4
Listen to this passage
4 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Listen to this passage
19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Psalm 119:28-32
Listen to this passage
28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
It is so uncomfortable to be stretched. It can feel miserable to face the destruction that the world has to offer in relationships, health, personal wounds, circumstances, finances. I have truly found that when I am at my end that is when the LORD gets to begin. He just wants my surrender. He wants me to trust Him with all that I am. Everything I have experienced and read in His Word is that He truly is faithful and will be a gentleman with my emotions, heart, life... He has redeemed so much in my life! I will choose to hold fast to Him for this victory. I leave with this song. It may sound macabe, but I truly want this played/sang at my funeral because it is my life song.
It is sung by Darlene Zschech with Hillsong worship if it ministers to you.
I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust him at all times
He has delivered me from all fears
He has set my feet upon a rock
And I will not be moved
And I'll say to the Lord,
"You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower
My very present help in time of need"
Who have I in heaven but You?
There's none I desire beside You.
You have made me glad,
And I'll say to the Lord,
"You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower
My very present help in time of need"
Because I live in His undeserved grace from the time He conceived me in His mind for all eternity, I am a mark of His Mercy for Eternity....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
