Good morning!
Ephesians 3:20-21: God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. (The Message)
Yesterday was an epic day at church! It will go down in Genesis Metro history I bet! The sermon was titled "Dream On" so of course the band performed Aerosmith's Dream On and absolutely rocked it out! The singer is none other than my brother and man I am proud of him. I had no idea he could hit those notes!
Pastor Tim spoke about Joseph and how when God gives you divine dreams, you should be ready for doubters, traitors and possibly even assassination attempts! The Devil wants you to fail as your dreams fall apart. Many of us feel like we've wasted too much time or we are too old to be chasing after a dream. But that is exactly what the enemy wants! More than anything, he wants you to forget the dream altogether.
His sermon also reminded me of this Scripture since I am a consummate day dreamer. I can dream up all kinds of scenarios and plans. But nothing comes close to what God actual brings to pass! His Will is always bigger and better than anything I can ever dream up. He always outperforms, always goes over and beyond, always blows my mind with His goodness. But you have to believe He is able to do it! You have to believe He can do anything...even more than you can dream or imagine! Stop putting limits on God. Don't ever stop dreaming and believing for BIG things. Dream on!
Showing posts with label Ephesians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ephesians. Show all posts
Monday, August 22, 2011
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Ephesians 2:8
Good morning!
Ephesians 2:8: For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God. (Amplied)
As we near the Christmas season, our minds are cluttered by what to buy our family and friends. This time of year beats you over the head with sales and marketing and savings and presents! Everything is new and shiny but seems to fade once the new year comes. All of those gifts are forgotten and you are usually in debt because of them!
But the gift that God gives is everlasting. It is meaningful. It is life-changing. It is fullfilling and satisfying. It is given freely just because He loves you. The faith that is inside of you takes hold of that gift and all of a sudden, you are made partakers of Christ's salvation! There is nothing you have to do on your own. It is simply a gift that you must reach out and accept. He does not beat you over the head. He does not lure you in with fancy andvertisments that don't live up to the hype. His gift of salvation will be the best gift you have ever received. You will want more of Him after the new year comes. All of your debts are forgiven and you will never forget how that moment felt when you gave your life over to Him and experienced that gift for the first time.
Sure it's fun to open present on Chrismtas morning but let's never forget the ultimate gift. Salvation wrapped up in free grace and opened with your faith!
To: My child
From: Your Loving Father
Because: I love you
Ephesians 2:8: For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God. (Amplied)
As we near the Christmas season, our minds are cluttered by what to buy our family and friends. This time of year beats you over the head with sales and marketing and savings and presents! Everything is new and shiny but seems to fade once the new year comes. All of those gifts are forgotten and you are usually in debt because of them!
But the gift that God gives is everlasting. It is meaningful. It is life-changing. It is fullfilling and satisfying. It is given freely just because He loves you. The faith that is inside of you takes hold of that gift and all of a sudden, you are made partakers of Christ's salvation! There is nothing you have to do on your own. It is simply a gift that you must reach out and accept. He does not beat you over the head. He does not lure you in with fancy andvertisments that don't live up to the hype. His gift of salvation will be the best gift you have ever received. You will want more of Him after the new year comes. All of your debts are forgiven and you will never forget how that moment felt when you gave your life over to Him and experienced that gift for the first time.
Sure it's fun to open present on Chrismtas morning but let's never forget the ultimate gift. Salvation wrapped up in free grace and opened with your faith!
To: My child
From: Your Loving Father
Because: I love you
Monday, August 10, 2009
Ephesians 3:17-19
Good morning!
Ephesians 3:17-19: I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God's love, and to know the Messiah's love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with the fullness of God.
As I watch my children grow, they seem to do new things every day. I can't keep up with them! It just amazes me to see how smart they are and I am so proud when I realize they have learned something new. They are so proud too because when they do new things, they look to Mommy and Daddy for recognition and praise. And boy do we give it to them. We clap our hands and love on them and give them huge hugs!
I imagine that's how God feels when I finally get things or when I learn new things about Him or when I realize how much He loves me. I can just see Him clapping His hands and screaming with the angels, "Yea!! That's My girl!!". I can almost feel His huge arms wrap around me.
His love is better than life...it's amazingly powerful. Get ready, grab a hold of something and get ready for a wild ride. His love changes everything!
Ephesians 3:17-19: I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God's love, and to know the Messiah's love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with the fullness of God.
As I watch my children grow, they seem to do new things every day. I can't keep up with them! It just amazes me to see how smart they are and I am so proud when I realize they have learned something new. They are so proud too because when they do new things, they look to Mommy and Daddy for recognition and praise. And boy do we give it to them. We clap our hands and love on them and give them huge hugs!
I imagine that's how God feels when I finally get things or when I learn new things about Him or when I realize how much He loves me. I can just see Him clapping His hands and screaming with the angels, "Yea!! That's My girl!!". I can almost feel His huge arms wrap around me.
His love is better than life...it's amazingly powerful. Get ready, grab a hold of something and get ready for a wild ride. His love changes everything!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Ephesians 6:7-8
Good morning!
Ephesians 6:7-8: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is a slave or free.
Imagine if everything we did was as if Jesus Himself was standing right there next to us. How awesome would our prayers be? How quickly would all the everyday things that become more important to us melt away? Gossip would never begin in the first place. Hate-filled words would be quickly silenced and replaced with uplifting and loving words. Meaningless quarrels between friends and families would cease and deep relationships would grow in their place.
I believe God wants us to use that word wholeheartedly a lot more often! If we are serving, praying, loving, believing, and trusting wholeheartedly, it means we are completely and sincerely devoted, determined and enthusiastic! If we pursue everything wholeheartedly, then we are completely committed, free from all reserve or hesitation. We need to stop worrying about what everyone around us thinks or says about us. For it is God we are living for and working for and serving for. He will reward those who do good in His name. He wants to see hearts that are open and willing to do His will!
Will you incorporate this word more as an adjective that describes you? I will if you will!
Ephesians 6:7-8: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is a slave or free.
Imagine if everything we did was as if Jesus Himself was standing right there next to us. How awesome would our prayers be? How quickly would all the everyday things that become more important to us melt away? Gossip would never begin in the first place. Hate-filled words would be quickly silenced and replaced with uplifting and loving words. Meaningless quarrels between friends and families would cease and deep relationships would grow in their place.
I believe God wants us to use that word wholeheartedly a lot more often! If we are serving, praying, loving, believing, and trusting wholeheartedly, it means we are completely and sincerely devoted, determined and enthusiastic! If we pursue everything wholeheartedly, then we are completely committed, free from all reserve or hesitation. We need to stop worrying about what everyone around us thinks or says about us. For it is God we are living for and working for and serving for. He will reward those who do good in His name. He wants to see hearts that are open and willing to do His will!
Will you incorporate this word more as an adjective that describes you? I will if you will!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Ephesians 6:18
Good afternoon!
Ephesians 6:18: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
If you ever questioned before if prayer works or why you should pray when God already knows the answers, then this is the Scripture for you. With all your armor on, standing firm, His command is for you to pray on all occasions, about any and every need. You see, sometimes we go to pray without all our tools that we need. We forget to strap our belts of truth on, we leave our breastplate behind, our helmets are loose and falling off, are feet are bare and vulnerable, and we are defenseless without our shield and sword. I imagine it's like a kid in a candy store to the enemy. Seeing you with all your needs, yet you are praying without your armor on to protect you.
I want my prayers to make a difference. I want them to be powerful and to move mountains. I want to speak truth over situations and connect in my heart with the ones I am praying for. I want to hold my head up high as a child of God and step forward in faith as His peace carries me. The more I pray the more my faith grows. My shield is protecting me as I wield that sword in the name of Jesus!
With all this in mind, be alert! I remember when my dad was teaching me to drive. He was obnoxiously persistent that I learned to use my mirrors. He was insistent that not only was I to be focused on the road ahead of me but everyone else around me. Use my peripherals. Notice what the other person on the side of you is doing. I not only had to do my job but keep my eye on everyone else.
It is the same way in our walk in a world full of enemies. No we shouldn't live in fear, pessimistically thinking everything is going to turn out bad or that something awful is going to happen. We need to live our lives and live them abundantly! But we must be alert, always aware of what is going on in the unseen. We need to be ready when that day of evil comes. And we must keep praying for our family, our friends, are brothers and sisters around the world.
Our instructions are clear: Put on the full armor of God, and take your stand against the devil's schemes. Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of requests. Be alert, and keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Christ.
This lesson this week has touched my heart, and I hope it has done the same for you.
Ephesians 6:18: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
If you ever questioned before if prayer works or why you should pray when God already knows the answers, then this is the Scripture for you. With all your armor on, standing firm, His command is for you to pray on all occasions, about any and every need. You see, sometimes we go to pray without all our tools that we need. We forget to strap our belts of truth on, we leave our breastplate behind, our helmets are loose and falling off, are feet are bare and vulnerable, and we are defenseless without our shield and sword. I imagine it's like a kid in a candy store to the enemy. Seeing you with all your needs, yet you are praying without your armor on to protect you.
I want my prayers to make a difference. I want them to be powerful and to move mountains. I want to speak truth over situations and connect in my heart with the ones I am praying for. I want to hold my head up high as a child of God and step forward in faith as His peace carries me. The more I pray the more my faith grows. My shield is protecting me as I wield that sword in the name of Jesus!
With all this in mind, be alert! I remember when my dad was teaching me to drive. He was obnoxiously persistent that I learned to use my mirrors. He was insistent that not only was I to be focused on the road ahead of me but everyone else around me. Use my peripherals. Notice what the other person on the side of you is doing. I not only had to do my job but keep my eye on everyone else.
It is the same way in our walk in a world full of enemies. No we shouldn't live in fear, pessimistically thinking everything is going to turn out bad or that something awful is going to happen. We need to live our lives and live them abundantly! But we must be alert, always aware of what is going on in the unseen. We need to be ready when that day of evil comes. And we must keep praying for our family, our friends, are brothers and sisters around the world.
Our instructions are clear: Put on the full armor of God, and take your stand against the devil's schemes. Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of requests. Be alert, and keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Christ.
This lesson this week has touched my heart, and I hope it has done the same for you.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Ephesians 6:16-17
Good morning!
Ephesians 6:16-17: In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The first time you have to take your stand against an enemy attacking you at full force is not easy. Your knees may quake in fear, you may swing your sword with your eyes shut, and the first few punches may sting a little. You may have put on the full armor of God but it may feel heavy to you and you may not move well in it at first.
That is when we must remember all the times in the past God has proven Himself faithful. Your faith, your trust in the One who is unseen is a powerful shield that the enemy cannot stand against. You can't stand against a powerful enemy without a shield. It is added in front of your weapons of truth and righteousness so that it can block any flaming arrows that the evil one tries to throw at you.
I am sure it is because I am doing this study this week, but I have been attacked harder than I ever have before. I'll be thinking about one thing and it instantly turns into horrible visions of my children being hurt or dying. How awful is that?! I am so aware now of the fiery darts the enemy is trying to use to pierce my armor but my faith is blocking them from ever hurting me. God has seen me through years of trying to conceive these babies and then 34 weeks and 3 days of carrying them inside me! He has a plan for their lives and no one can convince me otherwise. My faith grows and so does my shield! I want to have one of those shields like in the movie 300. It covers the Spartans whole body and they use it and wield it in an acrobat-like fashion. That is how I want to use my faith against all these images the enemy keeps trying to hit me with. The more I use my shield, the faster I will be with it. My knees will no longer shake, I'll look my enemy in the eye when I strike him and he won't be able to get in the first punches any longer!
The two final pieces to your armor are your helmet and your sword. The helmet holds your salvation and marks you for all eternity as to what side you are on. You are a child of God and knowing that truth will keep your mind clear and on guard. Your helmet will protect you just like your breastplate will from sin. The two areas I sin are in my heart and in my thoughts. The enemy wants to get you to slip in the midst of your battle and get you to sin. He wants you to take off your helmet, just for a second to get a little rest. He wants you to remove your breastplate to catch your breath. Stand firm! Don't let him in! Keep your mind strong and your heart covered.
All the pieces mentioned before, belt, breastplate, readiness for your feet, helmet, and shield are to protect you. But here is what will slay your enemy every time. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Jesus used it to defeat the devil when he tempted him for 40 days. He cannot stand against the infallible Word of God. Hebrews says that the Word of God is active and sharper than any double-edged sword. It is alive for all time and it will always have what you need to defeat your enemy in any circumstance. Study it, memorize it, believe it, and use it!
I will be making sure everyday when I wake that my armor is on, good and tight. I want to be ready when that day of evil comes. Until then, God gives us another command so stay tuned tomorrow to find out what it is!
Ephesians 6:16-17: In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The first time you have to take your stand against an enemy attacking you at full force is not easy. Your knees may quake in fear, you may swing your sword with your eyes shut, and the first few punches may sting a little. You may have put on the full armor of God but it may feel heavy to you and you may not move well in it at first.
That is when we must remember all the times in the past God has proven Himself faithful. Your faith, your trust in the One who is unseen is a powerful shield that the enemy cannot stand against. You can't stand against a powerful enemy without a shield. It is added in front of your weapons of truth and righteousness so that it can block any flaming arrows that the evil one tries to throw at you.
I am sure it is because I am doing this study this week, but I have been attacked harder than I ever have before. I'll be thinking about one thing and it instantly turns into horrible visions of my children being hurt or dying. How awful is that?! I am so aware now of the fiery darts the enemy is trying to use to pierce my armor but my faith is blocking them from ever hurting me. God has seen me through years of trying to conceive these babies and then 34 weeks and 3 days of carrying them inside me! He has a plan for their lives and no one can convince me otherwise. My faith grows and so does my shield! I want to have one of those shields like in the movie 300. It covers the Spartans whole body and they use it and wield it in an acrobat-like fashion. That is how I want to use my faith against all these images the enemy keeps trying to hit me with. The more I use my shield, the faster I will be with it. My knees will no longer shake, I'll look my enemy in the eye when I strike him and he won't be able to get in the first punches any longer!
The two final pieces to your armor are your helmet and your sword. The helmet holds your salvation and marks you for all eternity as to what side you are on. You are a child of God and knowing that truth will keep your mind clear and on guard. Your helmet will protect you just like your breastplate will from sin. The two areas I sin are in my heart and in my thoughts. The enemy wants to get you to slip in the midst of your battle and get you to sin. He wants you to take off your helmet, just for a second to get a little rest. He wants you to remove your breastplate to catch your breath. Stand firm! Don't let him in! Keep your mind strong and your heart covered.
All the pieces mentioned before, belt, breastplate, readiness for your feet, helmet, and shield are to protect you. But here is what will slay your enemy every time. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Jesus used it to defeat the devil when he tempted him for 40 days. He cannot stand against the infallible Word of God. Hebrews says that the Word of God is active and sharper than any double-edged sword. It is alive for all time and it will always have what you need to defeat your enemy in any circumstance. Study it, memorize it, believe it, and use it!
I will be making sure everyday when I wake that my armor is on, good and tight. I want to be ready when that day of evil comes. Until then, God gives us another command so stay tuned tomorrow to find out what it is!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ephesians 6:12-13
Good morning!
Ephesians 6:12-13: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
I can do all the things I can think of to keep my children safe. I can feed them good food, put sunscreen on them, keep them away from other kids who are sick, baby proof my house to try and eliminate major injuries, take them to the doctor for every sniffle and fever. But all these things aren't going to stop them from getting cancer if that is what is supposed to happen. I can't prevent tragedies if that is God's will.
I don't need to take a stand against keeping my kids safe. It is the evil thoughts that are trying to take over my mind and keep me from being the mother I know I need to be that I need to take a stand against. My children belong to God and there is nothing that can happen to them on this earth that would be impossible for God to heal or change. But He can't do anything with them or through them if I am keeping them hold up in my house til they are 18 (or 21!), being fearful of anything and everything that might hurt them. If I am letting these evil thoughts control the way I raise my children, then I am ultimately hurting them by never letting them actually live.
I pray I never have to see the day when my children are sick or hurt more than I can care for them. But if they are, I know having my full armor on will be all I need to stand through it instead of cowering in the corner through it. Whatever your struggle is, know that deep down, it is not the people or things around you that are the problem. It is the evil forces behind the scenes, that you cannot see, battling in the heavenly realms to steal your peace, your joy, your life!
I imagine just like in today's military when a soldier sees his enemy defenseless and unprepared, it is the best time to strike, quickly and powerfully disabling them until they are defeated. But if they see their enemy is armed, smart, ready, and standing their ground at all times, their attack may take longer to come together and there would be no way of a sneak attack!
No one is spared their share of evil days. We all see them come...it is inevitable. So when your day of evil comes, be ready. Put on your full armor of God and take your stand. See through the world around you to the evil behind the scenes. That is your real enemy who wants nothing less than to destroy you!
Stay tuned tomorrow and you'll learn what the armor is made of!
Ephesians 6:12-13: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
I can do all the things I can think of to keep my children safe. I can feed them good food, put sunscreen on them, keep them away from other kids who are sick, baby proof my house to try and eliminate major injuries, take them to the doctor for every sniffle and fever. But all these things aren't going to stop them from getting cancer if that is what is supposed to happen. I can't prevent tragedies if that is God's will.
I don't need to take a stand against keeping my kids safe. It is the evil thoughts that are trying to take over my mind and keep me from being the mother I know I need to be that I need to take a stand against. My children belong to God and there is nothing that can happen to them on this earth that would be impossible for God to heal or change. But He can't do anything with them or through them if I am keeping them hold up in my house til they are 18 (or 21!), being fearful of anything and everything that might hurt them. If I am letting these evil thoughts control the way I raise my children, then I am ultimately hurting them by never letting them actually live.
I pray I never have to see the day when my children are sick or hurt more than I can care for them. But if they are, I know having my full armor on will be all I need to stand through it instead of cowering in the corner through it. Whatever your struggle is, know that deep down, it is not the people or things around you that are the problem. It is the evil forces behind the scenes, that you cannot see, battling in the heavenly realms to steal your peace, your joy, your life!
I imagine just like in today's military when a soldier sees his enemy defenseless and unprepared, it is the best time to strike, quickly and powerfully disabling them until they are defeated. But if they see their enemy is armed, smart, ready, and standing their ground at all times, their attack may take longer to come together and there would be no way of a sneak attack!
No one is spared their share of evil days. We all see them come...it is inevitable. So when your day of evil comes, be ready. Put on your full armor of God and take your stand. See through the world around you to the evil behind the scenes. That is your real enemy who wants nothing less than to destroy you!
Stay tuned tomorrow and you'll learn what the armor is made of!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Ephesians 6:10-11
Good morning!
This week I'll be covering The Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18. This is one of my favorite passages from God's Word. Everytime I read it, I seem to pick up something new from it. I hope by the end of this week, we are all stronger and are faith is built up and we are ready to stand our ground against anything that may come our way!
Ephesians 6:10-11: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
There is a recurring nightmare in my head and it has seemed to get worse the more I come in contact with families who are losing their children or fighting with them through terminal diseases. What will I do if I lose my children or husband? How will I survive without them? I just don't think I would be strong enough to go through what some of these ladies are battling through, seeing their children sick and in pain and even dying. This is one of my biggest struggles but I am sure it is not for everyone. I will use this example all week long but just insert your own biggest trials. We all have things we struggle with. We all have reasons why we need to put on the full armor of God. Get yours in your mind and determine to study with me this week on we can overcome this together!
I read these stories and blogs of these families losing their precious children and I am telling you, I weep like a little baby. My heart feels like it is breaking and I say out loud to God, "I don't know how I could survive Lord. There is just no way!" Part of that is correct. I am not strong enough to survive such a loss on my own. There is no super human strength in me that would be able to keep me going. My mind would be mush, my heart would be in such pain, and that heartache would physically shut my body down. But God promises that I can be strong in Him. I can find all that I need to survive through Him and Him alone. He is mightily powerful and we can use Him to keep our minds clear, our hearts won't completely fall apart and the pain won't crush us to death. Think of your battle and admit out loud that you can't do it on your own. But be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power!
I have three healthy children and haven't had to face anything close to what these women are living with. The truth is this is not my reality so why is it something I think about all the time? Why do I have nightmares about it? Because the devil knows exactly where to hurt me. He knows what pushes my buttons and keeps me in a state of fear. If I am in fear, I am not where God wants me to be. He knows what weapons are at my disposal, but as long as I am cowering in fear, I have lost and he has won.
God has given us armor that will protect us from anything the devil tries to throw our way. He seeks to destroy your heart, your soul and your mind. We must believe that we can be strong against anything he throws our way, and we must put on the armor before the attack comes. I did not and have been wounded by the images in my head of my children dying or being sick. But no more will I let the devil torment me like this. I am taking a stand now. God's armor is impenetrable. It has no weak spots and it will never fail you.
Now that we are strong in the Lord and have put on our armor, stayed tuned tomorrow to find out exactly what are struggles are really against and why we need to take our stand.
This week I'll be covering The Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18. This is one of my favorite passages from God's Word. Everytime I read it, I seem to pick up something new from it. I hope by the end of this week, we are all stronger and are faith is built up and we are ready to stand our ground against anything that may come our way!
Ephesians 6:10-11: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
There is a recurring nightmare in my head and it has seemed to get worse the more I come in contact with families who are losing their children or fighting with them through terminal diseases. What will I do if I lose my children or husband? How will I survive without them? I just don't think I would be strong enough to go through what some of these ladies are battling through, seeing their children sick and in pain and even dying. This is one of my biggest struggles but I am sure it is not for everyone. I will use this example all week long but just insert your own biggest trials. We all have things we struggle with. We all have reasons why we need to put on the full armor of God. Get yours in your mind and determine to study with me this week on we can overcome this together!
I read these stories and blogs of these families losing their precious children and I am telling you, I weep like a little baby. My heart feels like it is breaking and I say out loud to God, "I don't know how I could survive Lord. There is just no way!" Part of that is correct. I am not strong enough to survive such a loss on my own. There is no super human strength in me that would be able to keep me going. My mind would be mush, my heart would be in such pain, and that heartache would physically shut my body down. But God promises that I can be strong in Him. I can find all that I need to survive through Him and Him alone. He is mightily powerful and we can use Him to keep our minds clear, our hearts won't completely fall apart and the pain won't crush us to death. Think of your battle and admit out loud that you can't do it on your own. But be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power!
I have three healthy children and haven't had to face anything close to what these women are living with. The truth is this is not my reality so why is it something I think about all the time? Why do I have nightmares about it? Because the devil knows exactly where to hurt me. He knows what pushes my buttons and keeps me in a state of fear. If I am in fear, I am not where God wants me to be. He knows what weapons are at my disposal, but as long as I am cowering in fear, I have lost and he has won.
God has given us armor that will protect us from anything the devil tries to throw our way. He seeks to destroy your heart, your soul and your mind. We must believe that we can be strong against anything he throws our way, and we must put on the armor before the attack comes. I did not and have been wounded by the images in my head of my children dying or being sick. But no more will I let the devil torment me like this. I am taking a stand now. God's armor is impenetrable. It has no weak spots and it will never fail you.
Now that we are strong in the Lord and have put on our armor, stayed tuned tomorrow to find out exactly what are struggles are really against and why we need to take our stand.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Ephesians 4:26-27
Good afternoon!
Ephesians 4:26-27: "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
This morning has been one of those mornings! You know those that start off bad and don't get any better? I've let lack of sleep and not feeling well affect my children today and they have paid me back for it! Of course, I got angry and have not dealt with my kids the way I know I should have. Any other day, I think things would have been different. But that is no excuse to let anger fester and grow into sin. Foothold: a position usable as a base for further advance. I refuse to let the devil get a foothold between me and my children.
So I am so thankful that after a rough morning, I open my Bible to this Scripture! I plan on praying, recharging my batteries, resting, and when my kids get up (from hopefully a long nap), I'm going to ask for forgiveness, hug my kids necks, and do my best to not let anger take control over my emotions again.
Oh and Daddy coming home helps too!
Don't let your anger outlast the day. Don't let the devil get a foothold. Let it go, tomorrow is a new day!
Ephesians 4:26-27: "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
This morning has been one of those mornings! You know those that start off bad and don't get any better? I've let lack of sleep and not feeling well affect my children today and they have paid me back for it! Of course, I got angry and have not dealt with my kids the way I know I should have. Any other day, I think things would have been different. But that is no excuse to let anger fester and grow into sin. Foothold: a position usable as a base for further advance. I refuse to let the devil get a foothold between me and my children.
So I am so thankful that after a rough morning, I open my Bible to this Scripture! I plan on praying, recharging my batteries, resting, and when my kids get up (from hopefully a long nap), I'm going to ask for forgiveness, hug my kids necks, and do my best to not let anger take control over my emotions again.
Oh and Daddy coming home helps too!
Don't let your anger outlast the day. Don't let the devil get a foothold. Let it go, tomorrow is a new day!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Ephesians 1:22-23
Good afternoon!
Ephesians 1:22-23: And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
When I first read these verses, I was a bit confused. I had to reread them several times actually. But then it all clicked in my mind! God has given his Son, Jesus authority over ALL things concerning His church. We are the church, believers who are full of Jesus. He is appointed as the head over everything that concerns us. The head houses the brain which we would be useless without. You can live without a brain, but you'd just be a beating heart, no function or life in you. When you become a part of His church, your body is now sprung into life, moving and thinking and being who God meant for you to be all along. And not only is He your head, He makes sure all things are under your feet. There is nothing that can stand against Him, He will take care of you in every way. We are the fullness of Him and He fills us in every way with everything we need. We are the church, His body of believers who are full of Him...Jesus is above us, in charge of it all, enriching our bodies and giving us life...and Jesus is below us, fighting for us and protecting us from every evil that would try and rise up to trip us up.
If we could only see ourselves this way more often.
Ephesians 1:22-23: And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
When I first read these verses, I was a bit confused. I had to reread them several times actually. But then it all clicked in my mind! God has given his Son, Jesus authority over ALL things concerning His church. We are the church, believers who are full of Jesus. He is appointed as the head over everything that concerns us. The head houses the brain which we would be useless without. You can live without a brain, but you'd just be a beating heart, no function or life in you. When you become a part of His church, your body is now sprung into life, moving and thinking and being who God meant for you to be all along. And not only is He your head, He makes sure all things are under your feet. There is nothing that can stand against Him, He will take care of you in every way. We are the fullness of Him and He fills us in every way with everything we need. We are the church, His body of believers who are full of Him...Jesus is above us, in charge of it all, enriching our bodies and giving us life...and Jesus is below us, fighting for us and protecting us from every evil that would try and rise up to trip us up.
If we could only see ourselves this way more often.
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