Understanding satans schemes is very important. We must learn to aware of how satan may be trying to distract us. He could be using everyday things like: worry, self-reliance, anger, bitterness, and our vulnerability. Satan can use those things to attack us a make us believe that our God doesn't have our best interest in mind. They make us question God.
I've been reading The Invisible War by Chip Ingram and WOW! it's given me a new perspective on what the Bible says about the plans of satan and how God uses those to teach us. In the book of Job it talks about how God allowed satan to shake up things in Job's life, but it was still in God's control. He wasn't going to allow satan to destroy him completely. The Lord used all those trials to teach Job. We have to see God's perspective in the midst of our trials, we can't focus on the hurt and pain. God's perspective is for the good to come from it, He desires for us to grow closer to Him through the trials. He desires for us to rely on Him completely. If we aren't prepared for the battle then it's going to be more difficult to see that God is all over it.
How can we be prepared?
Matthew 6:33 says "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
Seeking the Lord wholeheartedly, completely, with all you have. Making Him your focus everyday, even if that means daily giving up things that hold you back. For me I have to surrender daily, my worries about people I care for deeply. Every morning I have to ask the Lord to take those worries, because if I don't give them up they become my focus. Also being prepared can be as simple as asking our Heavenly Father for the armor to fight this battle. Paul tells us about the armor of God in Ephesians. The Lord is on our side and He freely gives us the tools to fight the battle. Are we going to ask for them and put them to use? With this we can win, we can and will defeat the enemy. Yes Satans power is scary, but God is so much bigger and more capable than the enemy.
So I encourage you to dig deep into God's Word, discover all the He has to offer you. He desires to know you personally and fight this battle with you. No one said it would be easy, but the end reward is so much greater, surrender to letting the Lord be your leader, He knows exactly how to defeat the enemy.
4.09.2011
4.02.2011
"It is finished!"
I had the great privilage to serve at the Get Real youth conference this weekend. It was a completely new experience to me but I was willing to jump in with all I had. I wanted to just bless others and go wherever they needed me. Little did I know God had something planned for me. It was the smallest, shortest moment, yet it was HUGE!
The speaker began describing Christ's death on the cross. In John 19:30 it reads... "Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit."
Kent, the speaker at the conference, quoted this verse and when he spoke "it is finish!" I heard the voice of the Lord. I could feel it inside me, like I could audibly hear the Lord speaking directly to me. The Lord was telling me... this trial, this situation you've been laboring and toiling with, the past mistakes and sins it's all FINISHED!!! I am no longer to worry about, dwell, labor, or sort through. This chapter of my life is complete, closed and I can move on to start the next chapter. The Lord has said "I will take it, you're finished with it and I want you to give it up to me." In order for me to completely focus on what the Lord has for me next I must let go of it. I am so excited to see where the Lord leads me next and I don't want anything to hold me back.
I'm all yours Lord, take me as I am and use me for your kingdom. May I be your servant and as I surrender to your will may I walk with faith, always relying on you 100%.
The speaker began describing Christ's death on the cross. In John 19:30 it reads... "Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit."
Kent, the speaker at the conference, quoted this verse and when he spoke "it is finish!" I heard the voice of the Lord. I could feel it inside me, like I could audibly hear the Lord speaking directly to me. The Lord was telling me... this trial, this situation you've been laboring and toiling with, the past mistakes and sins it's all FINISHED!!! I am no longer to worry about, dwell, labor, or sort through. This chapter of my life is complete, closed and I can move on to start the next chapter. The Lord has said "I will take it, you're finished with it and I want you to give it up to me." In order for me to completely focus on what the Lord has for me next I must let go of it. I am so excited to see where the Lord leads me next and I don't want anything to hold me back.
I'm all yours Lord, take me as I am and use me for your kingdom. May I be your servant and as I surrender to your will may I walk with faith, always relying on you 100%.
3.30.2011
Discouraged turned to Joy!
I am continually encouraged by the Proverbs 31 Ministries. What a wonderful thing the Lord is doing through this ministry, He deserves all the honor and glory for how they have reached people for Christ and encouraged many!
My day began in discouragement and satan had a plan to keep me there. The Lord had a bigger plan, He knew that I would feel discouraged but He wanted to bring me great joy. He blessed my day with coffee with an amazing sister, which brought great encouragement. I am so thankful that I can be honest and express my true feelings without fear. Just the simple reminder that the Lord is on my side, waiting for me to turn to Him daily, sometimes in every moment. To die to myself every day and yield to His will in each moment. As Psalm 86:15 says ... He is slow to anger, compassionate, gracious, and always faithful and true. His mercy is new every morning! (Lamentations 3:22-26). His desire is our faithfulness to Him!
2 Corinthians 12:9 talks about boasting in my weakness because in it I am strong. When I am weak, His power is used in me, I have strength because of His Holy Spirit that lives and moves in me. We all have those days that we are so discouraged and overwhelmed by the situations in our lives, but we can find great joy in Christ. He knows my hurt and the pain I must endure, He desires to take those burdens from me. Will I give it up? Will I let Him free me from the sin that holds me down and discourages me? Is it keeping me from being used by Him?
I can be honest with my God, He already knows my heart and He wants to bring me freedom. I'm trying hard to let Him lead and carry me though this time. Each day brings something new, a new somthing that I have to surrender, ask for His help and strength to get through it (Isaiah 43). He is always faithful to answer me!
My day has ended with joy! Joy of knowing that my God is with me! He cares and He has a great things planned for me! He loves me for who I am, His creation!
My day began in discouragement and satan had a plan to keep me there. The Lord had a bigger plan, He knew that I would feel discouraged but He wanted to bring me great joy. He blessed my day with coffee with an amazing sister, which brought great encouragement. I am so thankful that I can be honest and express my true feelings without fear. Just the simple reminder that the Lord is on my side, waiting for me to turn to Him daily, sometimes in every moment. To die to myself every day and yield to His will in each moment. As Psalm 86:15 says ... He is slow to anger, compassionate, gracious, and always faithful and true. His mercy is new every morning! (Lamentations 3:22-26). His desire is our faithfulness to Him!
2 Corinthians 12:9 talks about boasting in my weakness because in it I am strong. When I am weak, His power is used in me, I have strength because of His Holy Spirit that lives and moves in me. We all have those days that we are so discouraged and overwhelmed by the situations in our lives, but we can find great joy in Christ. He knows my hurt and the pain I must endure, He desires to take those burdens from me. Will I give it up? Will I let Him free me from the sin that holds me down and discourages me? Is it keeping me from being used by Him?
I can be honest with my God, He already knows my heart and He wants to bring me freedom. I'm trying hard to let Him lead and carry me though this time. Each day brings something new, a new somthing that I have to surrender, ask for His help and strength to get through it (Isaiah 43). He is always faithful to answer me!
My day has ended with joy! Joy of knowing that my God is with me! He cares and He has a great things planned for me! He loves me for who I am, His creation!
3.29.2011
Freedom in Fasting
Today I read a devotional on Proverbs 31 Ministries website. It talked about the importance of fasting and how there is power when we sacrifice something.
Resently I have given up Facebook, not because it's a sacrifice but because there were so many things on there that satan was using to attack me. Also it can become a meaningless distraction from some other important things. So far I've done well. It's very freeing to not have the distraction. At first I thought it might be extremely difficult to keep myself away from clicking on the link and scanning the page for news/drama in other peoples lives. Surprisingly it wasn't that hard not to click on it. I started sending cards and using other ways of communication to contact friends. Yes I may be missing the happy moments on facebook, like my friend Abby who just got engaged. But life goes on, my life doesn't only exist on facebook. My value isn't found in facebook.
My value is found in Christ, my Creator! He has so much more for me than what Facebook can offer. I has carried me through one of the most difficult places I've ever been, He has healed the most wounded parts of my heart, showed me that I can trust His plan. Even though it seems like it's crazy and doesn't make sense to me, His plan is whats best; in the end, when it's all over I will see and know why His plan is best. Yes I'm not perfect, I have my days that I doubt and begin to question, but He quickly reminds me of His power and purpose in my life. What about you? Where do you place your value? Are you listening and obeying the calls that the Lord gives you? You can do it! His ways are best!
Resently I have given up Facebook, not because it's a sacrifice but because there were so many things on there that satan was using to attack me. Also it can become a meaningless distraction from some other important things. So far I've done well. It's very freeing to not have the distraction. At first I thought it might be extremely difficult to keep myself away from clicking on the link and scanning the page for news/drama in other peoples lives. Surprisingly it wasn't that hard not to click on it. I started sending cards and using other ways of communication to contact friends. Yes I may be missing the happy moments on facebook, like my friend Abby who just got engaged. But life goes on, my life doesn't only exist on facebook. My value isn't found in facebook.
My value is found in Christ, my Creator! He has so much more for me than what Facebook can offer. I has carried me through one of the most difficult places I've ever been, He has healed the most wounded parts of my heart, showed me that I can trust His plan. Even though it seems like it's crazy and doesn't make sense to me, His plan is whats best; in the end, when it's all over I will see and know why His plan is best. Yes I'm not perfect, I have my days that I doubt and begin to question, but He quickly reminds me of His power and purpose in my life. What about you? Where do you place your value? Are you listening and obeying the calls that the Lord gives you? You can do it! His ways are best!
3.23.2011
My Jesus
MY JESUS!
I love the sound of it! He truly is mine, and He is yours too! My mind can not fathom the deepness of His love. Even in the midst of my great trials and frustrations, even the consequences I face for my sin, He is right there with me, inside me, giving me strength to carry on. This might sound like a jumbled mess but it's whats on my heart tonight.
He is my Rock, Comforter, Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Healer, Creator, Refuge, Sustainer! Holy is He! There is no one greater, no one higher, no one like our God! Mighty to save! Redeemer, friend, unchangable, always faithful, trustworthy, and leader! He is always speaking, moving, healing, and leading. He desires for me to trust and obey him, let Him lead, to let Him be the Lord of my life, and to lean on Him.
When I am so weak He wants to fight my battle, when nothing is left and I'm empty He wants to fill my cup and give me joy. He saved my soul and sacrificed everything for me, to free me from the guilt of my sin and proclaim His name to all the world! I am free! He is able and willing to help me! I am so undeserving of the love and healing He brings. He is the One that keeps my going each day, He will never leave me, always staying right by my side. When I feel completely alone, He is right there to keep my company. When it feels like I've lost it all, He is my everything, what I cling to. I am His, my soul belongs to Him and one day I will be in Heaven praising His name. He has plans for me far beyond anything I know, He has started a work in my life and He will complete it. I will remain faithful and true, I will walk with Him daily and remember the promises He has for me. Satan can not devour me... the Lord is my protector! I will sing His praises, I will rejoice and embrace His teaching.
He is My Jesus!!!!
I love the sound of it! He truly is mine, and He is yours too! My mind can not fathom the deepness of His love. Even in the midst of my great trials and frustrations, even the consequences I face for my sin, He is right there with me, inside me, giving me strength to carry on. This might sound like a jumbled mess but it's whats on my heart tonight.
He is my Rock, Comforter, Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Healer, Creator, Refuge, Sustainer! Holy is He! There is no one greater, no one higher, no one like our God! Mighty to save! Redeemer, friend, unchangable, always faithful, trustworthy, and leader! He is always speaking, moving, healing, and leading. He desires for me to trust and obey him, let Him lead, to let Him be the Lord of my life, and to lean on Him.
When I am so weak He wants to fight my battle, when nothing is left and I'm empty He wants to fill my cup and give me joy. He saved my soul and sacrificed everything for me, to free me from the guilt of my sin and proclaim His name to all the world! I am free! He is able and willing to help me! I am so undeserving of the love and healing He brings. He is the One that keeps my going each day, He will never leave me, always staying right by my side. When I feel completely alone, He is right there to keep my company. When it feels like I've lost it all, He is my everything, what I cling to. I am His, my soul belongs to Him and one day I will be in Heaven praising His name. He has plans for me far beyond anything I know, He has started a work in my life and He will complete it. I will remain faithful and true, I will walk with Him daily and remember the promises He has for me. Satan can not devour me... the Lord is my protector! I will sing His praises, I will rejoice and embrace His teaching.
He is My Jesus!!!!
3.01.2011
Forever My King!
Do you ever have a day where all you want to do is curl up on the couch, turn on Klove radio and dig into your Bible? Today is one of those days for me. I would much rather spend the day, praising, reading, and praying. Instead of going to work I would like to share with friends, talk about the Lord and how AMAZING He is.
Even though satan has already tried to make his way into my day, the Lord has blessed me and kept the evil one from discourageing me. I'm so blessed to have a Father who is always watching out for me. He is... almighty, knows all, sees all, speaks all, powerful, gracious, merciful, healer, unchanging, eternal, compassionate, redeemer... just to name a few.
These a few verses I read today.
Psalm 71:19,20 - For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? You who have shown me many troubles and distresses Will revive me again, And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
12 - O God, do not be far from me; O my God, hasten to my help!
Hebrews 10:35-36 - Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
In the midst of a great trial and learning to trust in God a completely new way, I am constantly reminded that my God is my healer and will restore my soul. When I am so down and feel completely hopeless, if I simply ask for His help, for I am completely incapable to do this on my own, He will come to rescue me. He holds me in His hands and His protection is so much greater than my own. He reminds me of the blessings I will have once I surrender and let Him lead each step of my life. And all the glory goes to Him... I don't deserve any of it. I am only able to realize these things because He chose me as His daughter, and He chooses to speak to me.
Even though satan has already tried to make his way into my day, the Lord has blessed me and kept the evil one from discourageing me. I'm so blessed to have a Father who is always watching out for me. He is... almighty, knows all, sees all, speaks all, powerful, gracious, merciful, healer, unchanging, eternal, compassionate, redeemer... just to name a few.
These a few verses I read today.
Psalm 71:19,20 - For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? You who have shown me many troubles and distresses Will revive me again, And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
12 - O God, do not be far from me; O my God, hasten to my help!
Hebrews 10:35-36 - Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
In the midst of a great trial and learning to trust in God a completely new way, I am constantly reminded that my God is my healer and will restore my soul. When I am so down and feel completely hopeless, if I simply ask for His help, for I am completely incapable to do this on my own, He will come to rescue me. He holds me in His hands and His protection is so much greater than my own. He reminds me of the blessings I will have once I surrender and let Him lead each step of my life. And all the glory goes to Him... I don't deserve any of it. I am only able to realize these things because He chose me as His daughter, and He chooses to speak to me.
2.05.2011
The Little Things
Do you ever stop to reflect on the little blessings in your life? The tiny activities we just don't really think about.
Today I was blessed with spending time with the Shellnutt Family. I got to help them with their chores, get them ready and off to basketball tryouts, and enjoy a wonderful lunch made my "Betty Crocker". Then as the afternoon went on I was asked to paint Miss Isabel's finger nails, and she in turn got to paint mine. By the way she did a wonderful job, I feel like my fingers are full of magic... they are so brightly colored! I enjoyed some fun times helping "Betty Crocker" figure out facebook and bring her back to the 21st century. A very simple day but such a huge blessing. I didn't spend any money, had some great quality time with some of God's great people, at the end of the day I have no regrets. I love being able to invest into their lives and get the same in return. Isabel was so excited and felt so privilaged to do the simplest thing as painting my nails. Then she wanted me to do her hair. It was like having a little sister, it was such a blessing to bless her with that quality time.
And I enjoyed the company of the boys too! They are so full of life and don't have a worry... oh how I wish my life was free of worry at times. If that was true then I doubt those sweet moments of little blessings wouldn't be so exciting. It's great to take time out of my CRAZY schedule and focus on doing something for someone else for once.
Today I was blessed with spending time with the Shellnutt Family. I got to help them with their chores, get them ready and off to basketball tryouts, and enjoy a wonderful lunch made my "Betty Crocker". Then as the afternoon went on I was asked to paint Miss Isabel's finger nails, and she in turn got to paint mine. By the way she did a wonderful job, I feel like my fingers are full of magic... they are so brightly colored! I enjoyed some fun times helping "Betty Crocker" figure out facebook and bring her back to the 21st century. A very simple day but such a huge blessing. I didn't spend any money, had some great quality time with some of God's great people, at the end of the day I have no regrets. I love being able to invest into their lives and get the same in return. Isabel was so excited and felt so privilaged to do the simplest thing as painting my nails. Then she wanted me to do her hair. It was like having a little sister, it was such a blessing to bless her with that quality time.
And I enjoyed the company of the boys too! They are so full of life and don't have a worry... oh how I wish my life was free of worry at times. If that was true then I doubt those sweet moments of little blessings wouldn't be so exciting. It's great to take time out of my CRAZY schedule and focus on doing something for someone else for once.
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