Sunday, November 18, 2007
Hear Him In Quiet Time
Your quiet time with God (Oct 10-16 2007)
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You." Psalm 63:1 NIV
When you come to meet with God you should have an attitude of:
(1) Expectancy. Expect to 'give and get' from your time together. And make it a time of intimacy. It's impossible to have a love affair in a crowd or a public place; intimacy calls for being alone with the one you love. The Bible speaks about Christ as the Groom and us as His bride. Think of the anticipation and excitement shared in such moments.
(2) Reverence. Don't rush into God's presence. Prepare your heart by being still before Him and letting the quietness clear away the thoughts of the world. Remind yourself Who it is you're meeting with - God! "You are worthy...to receive glory and honour" (Rev 4:11 NIV).
(3) Alertness. Get to bed early so you'll be in good shape to meet God in the morning. He deserves your full attention. Give God the best part of your day - when you are the freshest. Follow the example of Christ: "Very early in the morning...Jesus...went off to a solitary place, where He prayed" (Mk 1:35 NIV). Hudson Taylor said, "You don't tune up the instruments after the concert is over...you tune them up before you start."
(4) Willingness. This attitude is crucial: you don't come to your quiet time to choose what you will or won't do, but with the purpose of doing anything and everything God wants you to do. Jesus said, "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether My teaching comes from God" (Jn 7:17 NIV). So come to meet with the Lord, having already chosen to do His will no matter what!
Your quiet time with God (2) O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You." Psalm 63:1
Stephen Olford said, "I want to hear God's voice before anyone else's in the morning. And His is the last voice I want to hear at night." David and Daniel met with the Lord three times daily (See Ps 55:17; Da 6:10). Whatever time you set, be consistent. Put it on your calendar; make an appointment with God as you would with anyone else. And keep it. Don't stand Him up!
The question is often asked, "How much time should I spend?"
Here are some guidelines:
(1) Don't start with a two-hour quiet time. You'll get discouraged. You'll create memories of failure rather than memories of success. You must grow in this relationship as you do in any other. So begin with a few minutes and let it grow.
(2) Don't clock-watch. That'll ruin your quiet time faster than anything else. Decide what you can do in God's Word and prayer during the time you've selected; then do it! Sometimes it'll take more time than you have set aside, sometimes less. But don't keep looking at your watch.
(3) Emphasise quality, not quantity. It's what you do during your quiet time - whether 15 minutes or two hours - that's important.
(4) Choose a special place. "Next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord" (Ge 19:27 NIV).
Your special place ought to be a place where:
(a) you can pray aloud without embarrassment;
(b) you're comfortable. (Don't have your quiet time in bed - that's too comfortable!)
As the days go by your special place will come to mean everything to you because of the wonderful times you have there with the Lord.
Your quiet time with God (3) "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You." Psalm 63:1
For the next few days let's deal with some 'quiet time problems.'
The problem of discipline! This is known as "the battle of the blankets." It faces you the moment you wake up. The devil will exaggerate how tired you are. And when he and your flesh team up, it's a battle to get out of bed.
So here are some tips on overcoming this problem:
(a) Go to bed on time. Too many of us stay up late watching TV, therefore we have a hard time getting up in the morning. Dawson Trotman lived by the Scripture, "Early will I seek thee." Even if he had company the night before, he would excuse himself and go to bed because his top priority was meeting with Christ each morning.
(b) Get up immediately upon waking. If you wait to think about it, you've already lost the battle. Furthermore, when you wake up in the morning it's not the time to pray about deciding to get up. If you have to pray about it, do so the night before, and pray that you'll have the willpower to do it. Plan it. Be intentional! Resolve like the Psalmist, "In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice" (Ps 5:3 NIV).
(c) Go to bed with thoughts of Scripture. Fall asleep with the attitude of, 'See You in the morning, Lord.' Ask Him to wake you up with thoughts of Him. One of the best ways to do that is to go to sleep with a Scripture verse on your mind. "Do not let this Book...depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night" (Jos 1:8 NIV)
Your quiet time with God (4) O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You." Psalm 63:1
You say you're not getting much out of your quiet time? Rick Warren refers to this as "the battle of the blahs." He writes: "You can never judge your quiet time by your emotions. Emotions may lie; feelings may come and go. If you only have a quiet time when you 'feel' like it, the devil will make sure you never feel like it. Some days will seem bland. On other days you'll think Heaven has opened up to you. So don't expect a glorious 'experience' every morning. Not having goose-bumps doesn't mean God is not present."
Dry spells can be caused by:
(a) Disobedience. God won't bless you beyond your last act of disobedience. And He won't reveal step two until you've taken step one.
(b) Being in a hurry. Samuel Chadwick said, "Hurry is the death of prayer." So go for quality and content, not mileage!
(c) Being in a rut. When your quiet time becomes a ritual instead of a relationship, it dies. So be flexible; change your routine, keep it interesting - for you and the Lord.
(d) Not sharing your insights with others. When we give out, we get back more in return. Share your quiet-time thoughts with others and see what happens. If you're still not getting anything out of it, tell God about it. It takes time to develop a relationship. You must learn to see God in all kinds of circumstances in order to get to know Him well. So don't give up:
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Gal 6:9 NIV).
Your quiet time with God ( 5 ) "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You." Psalm 63:1
Once you have won "the battle of the blankets" and "the battle of the blahs," you'll have to fight "the battle of the brain." Your mind will wander off in 101 directions during your quiet time. The devil will make sure it does. You'll find yourself distracted by noises, lack of sleep, tensions with others, work, and things you 'just can't forget.'
So here are some helpful suggestions:
(1) Be sure you're thoroughly awake. Take a shower, splash cold water on your face, or do some exercise. Get the adrenalin flowing! The Psalmist writes, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God" (Ps 42:1 NIV). A deer being pursued by a hunter has only one thing in mind; getting to the stream where its wounds can be healed, its thirst quenched, and its strength renewed.
(2) Use a memo pad. When you decide to spend time with God you'll suddenly 'remember' everything you have to do, or have left undone. So write things down as they come to you, then tell yourself, "I'll get to that later," and go back to prayer.
(3) Walk while you're praying. You won't fall asleep while standing up, so move around.
(4) Personalise the Scriptures. Pray them back to God. Since God's Word is always in line with God's will, your prayers will get answered. For example, use Psalm 23: "Lord, You are my Shepherd, therefore I shall not want for anything. Thank You for leading me in paths that are right when I don't know which way to go." This simple technique can transform your quiet time.
Your quiet time with God (6) God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You." Psalm 63:1
Nothing is more difficult to maintain than your quiet time with God. When pressures mount, what's the first thing you're tempted to drop? Satan knows if he can keep you from it he's won the battle, because he'll have no opposition from you.
Backslidden Christians will tell you, "It started when I began to neglect my quiet time with God."
"So how can I overcome this problem?" you ask.
(1) Make a covenant with God. And be serious about it: "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it...It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfil it" (Ecc 5:4-5 NIV).
(2) Put it on your schedule. Block out time to meet with God each day, just like you plan a doctor's appointment or a business lunch. Can you imagine keeping an appointment that's more important?
(3) Be ready for the devil's excuses and attacks. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. So follow the Boy Scout motto, "Be prepared!" Dr. Robert G. Lee used to say, "If you wake up in the morning and don't meet the devil face on, it means you're headed in the same direction!"
(4) Leave your Bible open the night before at the passage you intend to read in the morning. When you wake up it will serve as a reminder to have your quiet time.
"But what if I miss a day?" Don't worry, and don't go on a guilt trip. If you miss a meal it doesn't mean you gave up eating. You simply eat a little more at the next meal, and go on from there.
Your quiet time with God (7 ) O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You." Psalm 63:1
Psychologists say it takes up to three weeks to get familiar with a new habit; then another three weeks before it takes root. You've got to get beyond that six-week barrier!
Here's a simple formula for developing a habit:
(1) Make a strong resolution! If you begin half-heartedly you'll never succeed. The Bible says "Encourage one another daily" (Heb 3:13 NIV). So become accountable to someone. Ask them to encourage you, and to remind you of the promise you made to God.
(2) Never allow an exception. A habit is like a ball of twine: every time you drop it some of the strands unwind. So never allow 'just this once' to occur. Each act of yielding weakens your will and causes you to lose ground.
(3) Seize every opportunity to practice your new habit. Whenever you get the slightest urge to practice it, do it right then. Don't wait, use that moment to reinforce it. It doesn't hurt to overdo a new habit when you are first starting.
(4) Rely on the power of God. When all is said and done, you must realise you're in a Spiritual battle and that you can only succeed by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. So pray that God will strengthen you. Depend on Him to help you develop the habit for His glory.Write down the following words and sign your name to the bottom of them. Then keep them before you constantly:
"Lord, I commit myself to spending a definite time with You every day, no matter what the cost. And I'm depending on You to help me to be consistent. Amen."
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Hearing from God (1) (Aug 29th- 1st Sept 2007) - "He will be our guide." Psalm 48:4 (NIV)
Jesus told His disciples, "The Spirit of truth (the Truth-giving Spirit)...will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth)" (Jn 16:13 AMP). Jesus spoke these words to men with whom He'd spent the previous three years. Now you'd think that if Jesus was with us personally for three years day and night, we'd have learned all there is to know. But Jesus said to expect more, because He will always have something to say to us about each new situation we are facing.
God wants to speak to you on a one-to-one basis. He wants to lead you step by step into the good things He has in store for you. He cares about the tiniest details of your life. Never hesitate to take what you think are small things to God; after all, everything is small to God! He even keeps track of how many hairs you have on your head (See Mt 10:30). He cares about the desires of your heart. He wants to reveal truth to you that will set you free from worry, fear, and limitation. His plan to share an intimate relationship with you existed before you were even born.
The Psalmist said, "All the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape" (Ps 139:16 AMP). Paul said that God "determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him" (Acts 17:26-27 NIV).
Doesn't it stand to reason that if God plans all of our days, and where we're going to live before we're even born, that it's important for us to learn how to hear from Him
Hearing from God (2) - "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
If you are unwilling to listen to God in one area, you'll be unable to hear from Him in other areas. People think they can't hear from God, but in reality there are a lot of things they already know He wants them to respond to, but haven't done so. The more quickly you do whatever it is the Lord tells you to do, the more quickly He reveals the next step you are to take.
Hearing from God must be developed by practice - especially if you're a talker! That's why He says, "Be still and know that I am God." Our flesh is full of energy and always wants to be active doing something, so it can be difficult for us to be still. Don't just talk to God when you want or need something; spend time with Him - listening! He'll open up many issues if you'll just be still before Him.
You say, "But I don't think I've ever heard God talk to me!" Could it be that you haven't learned to listen? When you ask God for something, it's time to tune your 'receiver.' Even if He doesn't respond at that moment, He will in due time. You may be doing some ordinary task when He decides to speak to you. But if you've honoured Him by listening as part of your fellowship with Him, He'll speak to you at exactly the right time.
Perhaps you've wasted many years going your own way. It's not too late to go in a new direction. If you are sincerely willing to obey God, He'll guide you on an exciting journey of learning to hear from Him every day of your life.
Hearing from God (3) - "His anointing teaches you concerning everything." 1 John 2:27 AMP
We need to have an attitude that says, "God, no matter what anyone else is telling me, or what I think myself, if I clearly hear You saying something to me I'm going to honour You and do what You say."If we pray diligently, hear from God, then start asking everybody else what they think, we're honouring people's opinion above God's. This attitude will prevent us from developing a relationship in which we consistently hear from Him. We need to trust God to instruct us - without needing reassurance from others:
"The anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you... His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true...so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him" (1 Jn 2:27 AMP).
This verse isn't saying that we don't need anybody to teach us God's Word. But it does say we have God's Spirit living inside of us to guide and direct our lives. We might occasionally ask somebody for advice, but we need not go constantly to other people to ask them about decisions we're making for our lives.If we are ever going to develop the ability to hear from God and be led by His Spirit, we have to start making our own decisions - and trust the wisdom God has deposited in our heart. The devil wants us to think we're not capable of hearing from God. Don't buy it! The Holy Spirit that dwells inside you will give you confidence, comfort, and counsel for your life. So, learn to listen to Him!
Hearing from God (4) - "For the revelation awaits an appointed time".
Please go to link http://www.ucb.com.au/ Sat 1st September to read the rest of this message!~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Praying for others: How to pray for others "Grace, mercy, and peace from...Jesus Christ." 1 Timothy 1:2
Paul prayed for three things to be given to those he loved. So when you're not sure how to pray for others, what better example than this one where he asks God to give Timothy:
(1) Grace: Peter says, "God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong...support you and keep you from falling" (1 Pet 5:10 NCV). This word grace implies 'all of God you'll ever need to handle whatever you're facing.' That's worth praying for, isn't it?
(2) Mercy: A large publishing house has a machine that automatically mails reminders to its readers that their subscriptions have expired. One day it malfunctioned and a rancher in a remote Colorado town received 9,734 notices! So he drove for kilometres to the nearest post office, mailed in his cheque, and wrote, "Send me the magazine. I give up!" That's how it is with God; He keeps sending us notices!
The Bible says, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness" (Lam 3:22-23 NIV).
(3) Peace: "All who listen to Me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid" (Pr 1:33 TLB). What a gift to know that God's peace can sustain you through the worst situations. And the kind of peace He gives is different from what the world offers (See Jn 14:27). At best, the world's peace gives us temporary relief;
but "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds" (Ph 4:7 NIV).
So the next time you're praying for someone ask God to saturate them in His grace, mercy, and peace.
Written Bob Gass Ministries Used with Permission from "The Word For Today" (Aug-Nov 2007): http://www.blogger.com/ to those in Australia the devotional is available free from UCB Australia by phoning 1800 068 204.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Come - Be Still - Listen
After much prayer I have today posted the following messages as I believe they are important to our daily walk - you will also find further messages related to these articles in the April 2006 archive - it is my prayer that you will find a message or scripture here that will minister to your situation & that you will leave here encouraged & refreshed in spirit. Be blessed today!
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Come Away to a Quiet Place (Phil Ware)
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place (Mark 6:30-32 TNIV). [Emphasis added.]
How do you restore your energies after you have reached the spiritual exhaustion point?
What do you do when the fatigue debt has mounted so high in every dimension of your life - physical, emotional, and spiritual - that you do not think you can do one more thing?
Where do you go for renewal when plenty of sleep won't relieve the bone-weariness that pulses through every fiber of your being?
These are not hypothetical questions. You probably know that from personal experience. There is a kind of tiredness that nothing seems to relieve. This kind of exhaustion comes at the end of a long spiritual battle or from being the long-term caregiver for a loved one or from ministering to people repeatedly until you are completely depleted or from battling a long and debilitating illness or from ...
For many of us who have found ourselves in such wearisome conditions, retreat and rest are often prescribed. They are also much desired.
Yet many find such restful retreats remedy their weariness for just a short time, only to learn its return has left them feeling completely and perpetually "burned out."
Elijah's example of rest and refreshment after his exhaustion is a good one. Food and rest were not enough for Elijah to be renewed (1 Kings 19:1-7), although they were part of his healing.
What Elijah needed most, however, was to be in the presence of God. He needed to have God minister to him and speak directly to his heart (1 Kings 19:8-18). God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12) and called Elijah back into service, reminding him there were others out there still serving the LORD God (1 Kings 19:18). One of these in particular needed Elijah to prepare him to lead God's people (1 Kings 19:15-17).
Carve out some sacred space and some holy time!
I am not surprised that when Jesus saw the weariness of his apostles, the Lord not only told them to go away to a quiet place, but he also called them to be with him. Getting away wasn't enough. Resting and being alone, far away from the crowd, wouldn't rekindle the holy fire they needed to minister. No matter how restful retreat from the maddening rush may seem at the time, getting away by itself will not restore what is spent.
Only the presence of the Lord can renew, restore, revitalize, reinvigorate, and re-establish our spirits. Only the Spirit of God, the breath of heaven, can make dry bones rise again (Ezekiel 37:1-13).
Used with permission - HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine 2007 -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Be Still! (Kimberli J. Brackett)
One of my favorite songs has always been "Be Still and Know that He is God" by Stephen Curtis Chapman. The scripture reference (which is also one of my favorites) is taken from Psalm 46:10 - a simple yet profound verse.
I sometimes wonder which part of the verse is most desired by God - that I am still or that I know He is God. I think the answer to my own question would be that you can't have one without the other. Something to ponder anyway ...
Today, I'm adding to those two favorites a verse that my children have learned this week while memorizing Psalm 37. Verse 7 says, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him."
I know I am drawn to both Stephen's song and these scriptures because it's so difficult for me, in my flesh, to be still. So often God says, "Be still my child," as a gentle reminder to me that I can only hear what he is asking of me, I can only see the unimaginable power He possesses, when I decide to quit talking, asking, and planning, and simply ... listen.
I don't know about you, but my heavenly Father sometimes has to go to extremes to get my attention. He decided in the last two weeks to take the "be still" part of my life into his own hands. In his infinite wisdom, the Father graciously moved our family to Noodle, TX - yes, there IS a town in Texas called Noodle...
God sometimes has to purposely remove us from what is comfortable and "normal" so He can show us how distracted and "busy" we are in this big noisy world we live in. He so desperately wants to show himself to us, to tell us he loves us, but so often we can't hear him speak words of love or see His fingerprints in our lives because we are so busy being busy. ....
God is gently calling you to be still!
BUT ... you know our God is faithful. Outside my bedroom window, He brings an incredible sunrise every morning over the pond - matter of fact it's 7:45 a.m. and I'm watching it as I type this to you. There is also a bridge and a windmill (which I love) outside the same window! Almost every day, He sends at least one roadrunner that plays on the bridge for me and my children to watch. .... He may have forgotten to put big trees in West Texas, but there are cactus and rocks and valleys and gorgeous terrain. The wind blowing on our faces reminds us of His angels that are protecting us everyday. When we sit on the rocks overlooking the valleys and hills, we hear nothing. Did you read that correctly ... we hear NOTHING.
The blessing of this is that when you PRAY in the quietness of this place you actually CAN hear God because there are no distractions.Why am I sharing "Life in Noodle, TX" with you? Because, my sweet friends, I know that you too need to be still ... I know that you too need to find a quiet place where God can show himself to you in a mighty way so you can, possibly for the first time in your life, "know that He is God."
I know that I desperately needed Him to help me be in a place of solitude so I could hear what he was asking of me as a mother and a wife and as a ministry leader. He wanted me to watch the sunrise every morning, to get into His word and lay myself face down at His throne so He could show me the path I needed to take to be in His will. I was off course ... way off course. He wanted me to see through His eyes and not my own the direction I needed to go. He wanted for me to prioritize things differently and allow Him to be the love of my life and the only guide in my journey.
God is gently calling you to be still ... can you hear him? What blessing has your Heavenly Father planned in the stillness awaiting only you? What amazing truth is almighty God going to reveal to you when you surrender your heart to the quietness of his throne?
Let him show you. You only have to "be still" and he will do the rest ... remember ... He is God.
Used with Permission: - HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine 2007 -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Who Can Be Still? (Rubel Shelly)
Ever feel guilty when somebody quoted this Bible verse: "Be still, and know that I am God"? (Psalm 46:10).
I'll bet you'd like nothing better than to find a quiet time today. Maybe you are even planning for it. Wonderful things can happen in times of solitude, stillness, and silence before God. But "stillness" is hard to come by and simply isn't available on some days or in certain life experiences.There's precious little time for stillness when production deadlines are close. A report is due in three hours. An inspection is in progress. If you live in a big city, there are voices and horns. There is constant motion. Shared living space has someone else's music, someone else's TV, and someone else's voice. Where do you find God in all the noise?
Then there is "noise" of a different quality altogether. Pain from illness or injury screams at you. The pressure of finding a new job or putting life together after a death takes away your tranquil sense of God. Sadness, disappointment, and loss crash over you with the roar of an angry sea. Strange as it may seem to say, the greater need for some of us may be less for stillness than to learn how to hear God's voice smack in the middle of all the noise, chaotic activity, and disorienting trouble.
"They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord ..." (Psalm 107:27-31).
Do you really think ours is the first to feel this way?
Do you really think ours is the first generation of humankind to feel the pressure of noise, tension, and uncertainty? Of course it isn't. And the experience of some of those people can guide us in our times of stress.
Whoever the subjects of this ancient-but-always-modern thought (Psalm 107), they were reeling and staggering under their load. There was no serene stillness before God for them. To the contrary, they were "at their wits' end." So right in the middle of their frenzy and distress, "they cried out to the Lord in their trouble" - and God heard them.
If your life has more tumult than stillness, more crash than tranquility, God has not abandoned you. He beckons you to cry out to him, and he will show himself to you.
Amidst the noise, you will find him with you in the middle of it all.
Used with permission: - HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine 2007 -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Reflective Prayer: Lord it is so hard in the busyness of life to find the time & place of solitude to be with you - help me Abba to be a wise steward of my time - help me stop & find that place that is yours & mine alone - help me to stop talking - let me be still and listen - help me to know you - thank you for hearing my cry today! Amen
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Learning to Listen - (Max Lucado)
Equipped with the right tools, we can learn to listen to God. What are those tools?
Here are the ones I have found helpful:
A regular time and place. Select a slot on your schedule and a corner of your world, and claim it for God. For some it may be best to do this in the morning. Others prefer the evening Others prefer many encounters during the day. Some sit under a tree, others in the kitchen. Maybe your commute to work or your lunch break would be appropriate. Find a time and place that seems right for you.
How much time should you take? As much as you need. Value quality over length. Your time with God should last long enough for you to say what you want and for God to say what he wants.
Which leads us to a second tool you need? an open Bible.God speaks to us through his Word.
The first step in reading the Bible is to ask God to help you understand it. Before reading the Bible, pray. Don’t go to Scripture looking for your own idea; go searching for God’s. Read the Bible prayerfully. Also, read the Bible carefully.
Here is a practical point. Study the Bible a little at a time. God seems to send messages as he did his manna: one day’s portion at a time. Choose depth over quantity. Read until a verse “hits” you, then stop and meditate on it. Copy the verse onto a sheet of paper, or write it in your journal, and reflect on it several times.
Will I learn what God intends? If I listen, I will.Understanding comes a little at a time over a lifetime.
There is a third tool for having a productive time with God. Not only do we need a regular time and an open Bible, we also need a listening heart. Don’t forget the admonition from James: “The man who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and makes a habit of so doing, is not the man who hears and forgets. He puts that law into practice and he wins true happiness” (James 1:25 PHILLIPS).
We know we are listening to God when what we read in the Bible is what others see in our lives. Paul urged his readers to put into practice what they had learned from him. “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do” (Phil. 4:9 RSV).
If you want to be just like Jesus, let God have you. Spend time listening for him until you receive your lesson for the day - then apply it.
From Just Like Jesus - - UpWords from Max Lucado - Copyright (W Publishing Group, 1998, 2001)
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Reflective Thought: Armour for the Battle
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. (NAS) 1 Peter 5:8-9"
Personal spiritual warfare is anything we do as a conscious effort to live out the kingdom of God and oppose the kingdom of Satan in our particular contexts." (Scott Morreau).
The basic secret for overcoming our enemy is simply knowing God in a vital and deepening relationship. Our focus as Christians should be on God, His power, His sovereignty, His holiness and His love. Because of Christ's victory on the cross, our standing against the enemy is possible. ...the struggle between being godly & being you. The amazing truth is that God has elevated us, spiritually, to the same exalted position Christ enjoys. God "raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6).
As we take our stand in the victory of Christ, Satan is powerless to defeat us. No one who is wise goes into battle unprepared. Paul tells us: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10).
Immediately after beginning a relationship with Christ, a believer finds himself in a constant struggle. On earth, there are 2 kingdoms in conflict: God's Kingdom and the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:10-12). It is not a question of which Kingdom is stronger. Jesus is the stronger who has bound Satan (Luke 11:14-22). Because of Christ's victory on the cross, our standing against the enemy is possible.
So what's the struggle? Basically it's the struggle between being godly and being you. Paul says "be strong." The word "strong" means to empower. It comes from the root word "dunamis" which is where we get our word "dynamite". So it is dynamite like power. But, you cannot be strong in yourself. The strength come from God and His power.
Paul continues to write: "Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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" (Ephesians 6:11-12).
The verb tense of "put on" means that it is a command to begin at this very moment. Right now, not later! Put on the whole armor or God, not just bits and pieces, but the full armor of God! The phrase, "Take your stand" implies that not everyone does take a stand. Often, the very fact that you are willing to stand while everyone else is falling away, draws the attention of others and makes them seek out your secret.
HINT: The secret is your relationship with Jesus Christ.
So, are you STANDING? Are you EVEN in the Battle? Whose strength are you fighting IN?
Your own strength or GOD'S? Everything aims at our ability to stand. . .refuse to yield ground. . .sometimes all you can do is stand! And you will "win" if you stand! But, expect an active battle as you stand. "You can always measure the weight of your blow by the one you get back." (from a missionary in New Guinea)
Written by Marji "Mike" Kruger - Anchor Your Life: Devotions - http://www.anchoryourlife.com
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Come Away to a Quiet Place (Phil Ware)
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place (Mark 6:30-32 TNIV). [Emphasis added.]
How do you restore your energies after you have reached the spiritual exhaustion point?
What do you do when the fatigue debt has mounted so high in every dimension of your life - physical, emotional, and spiritual - that you do not think you can do one more thing?
Where do you go for renewal when plenty of sleep won't relieve the bone-weariness that pulses through every fiber of your being?
These are not hypothetical questions. You probably know that from personal experience. There is a kind of tiredness that nothing seems to relieve. This kind of exhaustion comes at the end of a long spiritual battle or from being the long-term caregiver for a loved one or from ministering to people repeatedly until you are completely depleted or from battling a long and debilitating illness or from ...
For many of us who have found ourselves in such wearisome conditions, retreat and rest are often prescribed. They are also much desired.
Yet many find such restful retreats remedy their weariness for just a short time, only to learn its return has left them feeling completely and perpetually "burned out."
Elijah's example of rest and refreshment after his exhaustion is a good one. Food and rest were not enough for Elijah to be renewed (1 Kings 19:1-7), although they were part of his healing.
What Elijah needed most, however, was to be in the presence of God. He needed to have God minister to him and speak directly to his heart (1 Kings 19:8-18). God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12) and called Elijah back into service, reminding him there were others out there still serving the LORD God (1 Kings 19:18). One of these in particular needed Elijah to prepare him to lead God's people (1 Kings 19:15-17).
Carve out some sacred space and some holy time!
I am not surprised that when Jesus saw the weariness of his apostles, the Lord not only told them to go away to a quiet place, but he also called them to be with him. Getting away wasn't enough. Resting and being alone, far away from the crowd, wouldn't rekindle the holy fire they needed to minister. No matter how restful retreat from the maddening rush may seem at the time, getting away by itself will not restore what is spent.
Only the presence of the Lord can renew, restore, revitalize, reinvigorate, and re-establish our spirits. Only the Spirit of God, the breath of heaven, can make dry bones rise again (Ezekiel 37:1-13).
Used with permission - HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine 2007 -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Be Still! (Kimberli J. Brackett)
One of my favorite songs has always been "Be Still and Know that He is God" by Stephen Curtis Chapman. The scripture reference (which is also one of my favorites) is taken from Psalm 46:10 - a simple yet profound verse.
I sometimes wonder which part of the verse is most desired by God - that I am still or that I know He is God. I think the answer to my own question would be that you can't have one without the other. Something to ponder anyway ...
Today, I'm adding to those two favorites a verse that my children have learned this week while memorizing Psalm 37. Verse 7 says, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him."
I know I am drawn to both Stephen's song and these scriptures because it's so difficult for me, in my flesh, to be still. So often God says, "Be still my child," as a gentle reminder to me that I can only hear what he is asking of me, I can only see the unimaginable power He possesses, when I decide to quit talking, asking, and planning, and simply ... listen.
I don't know about you, but my heavenly Father sometimes has to go to extremes to get my attention. He decided in the last two weeks to take the "be still" part of my life into his own hands. In his infinite wisdom, the Father graciously moved our family to Noodle, TX - yes, there IS a town in Texas called Noodle...
God sometimes has to purposely remove us from what is comfortable and "normal" so He can show us how distracted and "busy" we are in this big noisy world we live in. He so desperately wants to show himself to us, to tell us he loves us, but so often we can't hear him speak words of love or see His fingerprints in our lives because we are so busy being busy. ....
God is gently calling you to be still!
BUT ... you know our God is faithful. Outside my bedroom window, He brings an incredible sunrise every morning over the pond - matter of fact it's 7:45 a.m. and I'm watching it as I type this to you. There is also a bridge and a windmill (which I love) outside the same window! Almost every day, He sends at least one roadrunner that plays on the bridge for me and my children to watch. .... He may have forgotten to put big trees in West Texas, but there are cactus and rocks and valleys and gorgeous terrain. The wind blowing on our faces reminds us of His angels that are protecting us everyday. When we sit on the rocks overlooking the valleys and hills, we hear nothing. Did you read that correctly ... we hear NOTHING.
The blessing of this is that when you PRAY in the quietness of this place you actually CAN hear God because there are no distractions.Why am I sharing "Life in Noodle, TX" with you? Because, my sweet friends, I know that you too need to be still ... I know that you too need to find a quiet place where God can show himself to you in a mighty way so you can, possibly for the first time in your life, "know that He is God."
I know that I desperately needed Him to help me be in a place of solitude so I could hear what he was asking of me as a mother and a wife and as a ministry leader. He wanted me to watch the sunrise every morning, to get into His word and lay myself face down at His throne so He could show me the path I needed to take to be in His will. I was off course ... way off course. He wanted me to see through His eyes and not my own the direction I needed to go. He wanted for me to prioritize things differently and allow Him to be the love of my life and the only guide in my journey.
God is gently calling you to be still ... can you hear him? What blessing has your Heavenly Father planned in the stillness awaiting only you? What amazing truth is almighty God going to reveal to you when you surrender your heart to the quietness of his throne?
Let him show you. You only have to "be still" and he will do the rest ... remember ... He is God.
Used with Permission: - HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine 2007 -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Who Can Be Still? (Rubel Shelly)
Ever feel guilty when somebody quoted this Bible verse: "Be still, and know that I am God"? (Psalm 46:10).
I'll bet you'd like nothing better than to find a quiet time today. Maybe you are even planning for it. Wonderful things can happen in times of solitude, stillness, and silence before God. But "stillness" is hard to come by and simply isn't available on some days or in certain life experiences.There's precious little time for stillness when production deadlines are close. A report is due in three hours. An inspection is in progress. If you live in a big city, there are voices and horns. There is constant motion. Shared living space has someone else's music, someone else's TV, and someone else's voice. Where do you find God in all the noise?
Then there is "noise" of a different quality altogether. Pain from illness or injury screams at you. The pressure of finding a new job or putting life together after a death takes away your tranquil sense of God. Sadness, disappointment, and loss crash over you with the roar of an angry sea. Strange as it may seem to say, the greater need for some of us may be less for stillness than to learn how to hear God's voice smack in the middle of all the noise, chaotic activity, and disorienting trouble.
"They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord ..." (Psalm 107:27-31).
Do you really think ours is the first to feel this way?
Do you really think ours is the first generation of humankind to feel the pressure of noise, tension, and uncertainty? Of course it isn't. And the experience of some of those people can guide us in our times of stress.
Whoever the subjects of this ancient-but-always-modern thought (Psalm 107), they were reeling and staggering under their load. There was no serene stillness before God for them. To the contrary, they were "at their wits' end." So right in the middle of their frenzy and distress, "they cried out to the Lord in their trouble" - and God heard them.
If your life has more tumult than stillness, more crash than tranquility, God has not abandoned you. He beckons you to cry out to him, and he will show himself to you.
Amidst the noise, you will find him with you in the middle of it all.
Used with permission: - HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine 2007 -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Reflective Prayer: Lord it is so hard in the busyness of life to find the time & place of solitude to be with you - help me Abba to be a wise steward of my time - help me stop & find that place that is yours & mine alone - help me to stop talking - let me be still and listen - help me to know you - thank you for hearing my cry today! Amen
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Learning to Listen - (Max Lucado)
Equipped with the right tools, we can learn to listen to God. What are those tools?
Here are the ones I have found helpful:
A regular time and place. Select a slot on your schedule and a corner of your world, and claim it for God. For some it may be best to do this in the morning. Others prefer the evening Others prefer many encounters during the day. Some sit under a tree, others in the kitchen. Maybe your commute to work or your lunch break would be appropriate. Find a time and place that seems right for you.
How much time should you take? As much as you need. Value quality over length. Your time with God should last long enough for you to say what you want and for God to say what he wants.
Which leads us to a second tool you need? an open Bible.God speaks to us through his Word.
The first step in reading the Bible is to ask God to help you understand it. Before reading the Bible, pray. Don’t go to Scripture looking for your own idea; go searching for God’s. Read the Bible prayerfully. Also, read the Bible carefully.
Here is a practical point. Study the Bible a little at a time. God seems to send messages as he did his manna: one day’s portion at a time. Choose depth over quantity. Read until a verse “hits” you, then stop and meditate on it. Copy the verse onto a sheet of paper, or write it in your journal, and reflect on it several times.
Will I learn what God intends? If I listen, I will.Understanding comes a little at a time over a lifetime.
There is a third tool for having a productive time with God. Not only do we need a regular time and an open Bible, we also need a listening heart. Don’t forget the admonition from James: “The man who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and makes a habit of so doing, is not the man who hears and forgets. He puts that law into practice and he wins true happiness” (James 1:25 PHILLIPS).
We know we are listening to God when what we read in the Bible is what others see in our lives. Paul urged his readers to put into practice what they had learned from him. “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do” (Phil. 4:9 RSV).
If you want to be just like Jesus, let God have you. Spend time listening for him until you receive your lesson for the day - then apply it.
From Just Like Jesus - - UpWords from Max Lucado - Copyright (W Publishing Group, 1998, 2001)
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Reflective Thought: Armour for the Battle
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. (NAS) 1 Peter 5:8-9"
Personal spiritual warfare is anything we do as a conscious effort to live out the kingdom of God and oppose the kingdom of Satan in our particular contexts." (Scott Morreau).
The basic secret for overcoming our enemy is simply knowing God in a vital and deepening relationship. Our focus as Christians should be on God, His power, His sovereignty, His holiness and His love. Because of Christ's victory on the cross, our standing against the enemy is possible. ...the struggle between being godly & being you. The amazing truth is that God has elevated us, spiritually, to the same exalted position Christ enjoys. God "raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6).
As we take our stand in the victory of Christ, Satan is powerless to defeat us. No one who is wise goes into battle unprepared. Paul tells us: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10).
Immediately after beginning a relationship with Christ, a believer finds himself in a constant struggle. On earth, there are 2 kingdoms in conflict: God's Kingdom and the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:10-12). It is not a question of which Kingdom is stronger. Jesus is the stronger who has bound Satan (Luke 11:14-22). Because of Christ's victory on the cross, our standing against the enemy is possible.
So what's the struggle? Basically it's the struggle between being godly and being you. Paul says "be strong." The word "strong" means to empower. It comes from the root word "dunamis" which is where we get our word "dynamite". So it is dynamite like power. But, you cannot be strong in yourself. The strength come from God and His power.
Paul continues to write: "Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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" (Ephesians 6:11-12).
The verb tense of "put on" means that it is a command to begin at this very moment. Right now, not later! Put on the whole armor or God, not just bits and pieces, but the full armor of God! The phrase, "Take your stand" implies that not everyone does take a stand. Often, the very fact that you are willing to stand while everyone else is falling away, draws the attention of others and makes them seek out your secret.
HINT: The secret is your relationship with Jesus Christ.
So, are you STANDING? Are you EVEN in the Battle? Whose strength are you fighting IN?
Your own strength or GOD'S? Everything aims at our ability to stand. . .refuse to yield ground. . .sometimes all you can do is stand! And you will "win" if you stand! But, expect an active battle as you stand. "You can always measure the weight of your blow by the one you get back." (from a missionary in New Guinea)
Written by Marji "Mike" Kruger - Anchor Your Life: Devotions - http://www.anchoryourlife.com
Friday, May 25, 2007
Affirmations
Due to many prayer requests I have once again added some old & some new affirmations below to use daily -
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The Power of Words:
There are so many people in the world that are capable of doing the Lord's work, but they have a problem with discouragement. This is the enemy's number one weapon and he is more successful with it then you may think. You would not believe the attacks and numerous times satan tried to discourage my heart to do what the Lord put in my spirit to do. My mouth is what kept me victorious and that is what I want to share with you today.
Our mouth is the most powerful weapon we can use when fighting spiritual battles, but it isn't in our own strength that we are victorious but in the Lord's. The Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue and we shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21).
Always be quick to speak words of life, blessing and prosperity. When life gets tough and you start speaking negative words, eventually that problem will get worse because you are giving the enemy the authority to stick around.
The enemy comes to us slowly and tries to plant a thought in our mind and then sits back to see where we will go with it. It is then up to us to accept it and pursue that thought or cast it down and speak words of authority over the devil.
You do have control over your mind and are completely capable to defeat satan and the plans he has for you.
If you have been washed by the blood of the Lamb and have opened your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, then the devil has no business hanging around you. You must renew your mind and realize that satan must flee when he's commanded to in the name of Jesus Christ. (Mark 16:17)
I want you to do something that I believe will help you understand that you do have control over your mind and the things that enter it. I will give you a sentence that I want you to repeat in your mind 4 times and when you are repeating this the 4th time I want you to start counting to ten out loud.
Are You Ready?
Repeat in your Mind this sentence: Nothing is working right and I should just give up.
Repeat again
Repeat again
Repeat again
Now start counting Out Loud --- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ok. What happened when you started counting out loud? The thought that was being repeated in your mind stopped the second you opened your mouth and started counting the numbers.
Every time the enemy comes with words of discouragement and defeat, we are to stand strong and speak the scriptures. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 the Bible declares "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Every thought that is not of God, we are to bring into our control and overcome it by speaking words of life and not death. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
The second the devil gives you a thought of discouragement or to quit a certain task the Lord has given you, you should be quick to speak words of authority using the scriptures.
Examples:
You are to weak to handle this situation; you are to open your mouth and say " I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10).
"I will overcome every obstacle with the help of the Lord and nothing shall overtake me." (Deut 28:1-3)
You are not smart enough to handle this problem; open your mouth and say "God will give me all wisdom to handle any situation" (James 1:5).
You are not going to beat the cancer; you are to open your mouth and say "By His stripes I am healed" (Isaiah 53:5).You will never be able to pay all your bills; open your mouth and say "God will meet all my needs according to His Riches and Glory. I will lend and not borrow and the Lord will make me the head and not the tail" (Deuteronomy 28:12-13).
You will never see your children and grandchildren get saved; open your mouth and say. "Me and my household will be saved in the name of Jesus" (Acts 16:31).
I have written these things to you for one reason. I want you to be encouraged to do all that the Lord has put in your heart to do. Never think that you are not good enough or do not have the skills to do the work of the Lord. The Holy Spirit will put in your heart every step that you need to take so don't worry about that.
Jesus says in Matthew 10:19-20 "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." KJV
I encourage you to search Gods Word and write down all the scriptures that are relevant to the problem or situation you are going through. The devil is not afraid of you but he is terrified of Gods Word and must obey when commanded to in the name above all names, Jesus Christ.
Remember This: Jesus doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called
In Christ Service, Dwayne Savaya Gods Work Ministry
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Reflection: Lest We Forget:
Always remember: The enemy wants to block your path. If he can tempt and divert you from your course, he can stop you from entering into the full portion (inheritance) that God has for you. He will develop strategies against you to bring deception and then division. He develops ways to accuse you so he can hold you in condemnation. He wants to block your supply, discourage you, stop you praying & praising. Do not be ignorant of his wiles.
Tear down mindsets of poverty. Poverty has a voice which says, "God is not able." Dismantle unbelief over provision. "Prove Me NOW," says the Lord! Look up and see the windows of blessings that He wants to open up. Watch Him overcome your devourer.
God says: I will supply all your needs Philippians 4:19
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Francis Frangipane: "TAKE UP THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT--THE WORD OF GOD--AND GO TO WAR!"
"If we advance protected by the Blood of the Lamb, if we war armed with the Word of God, and if we shoulder in our hearts the Cross of Christ, we will truly be more than conquerors through Him that loved us."
Christ not only came to set captives free, He came to train and empower the recently freed to be warriors. We may not always walk perfectly, but because God causes all things to work for good, we still can walk triumphantly. How can we, imperfect Christians, walk triumphantly?
The Bible says we overcome "because of the Blood of the Lamb and because of the word of [our] testimony, and [we do] not love [our lives] even when faced with death" (Revelation 12:11).
These three things--Christ's atoning blood, our testimony of God's eternal word, and choosing to not love our own lives--secure us in the place of victory. We are a covenant people, a people purchased for God from every nation. Yes, we still sin, but God has placed the iniquity of us all upon His Son, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53). When the enemy comes to accuse and condemn us for our failures, we must remind ourselves that every sin we have ever committed has been nailed to Christ's cross. The entire "certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us," has been paid in full by the Blood of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:14)!
As much as we need the blood of Christ, to functionalize our victory, we also need a living knowledge of God's Word. Many Christians are awakened spiritually, but they do not know God's promises in the Bible. To be successful, we must know God's Word, believe it, and speak it with faith when we pray. We overcome by the "word of our testimony."
Third, in our world of excess and self-gratification, we must learn the wisdom and power of carrying the Cross ("they did not love their life"). By becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ, the Cross keeps us focused on our transformation. It also keeps us from the quicksand of self-pity, gratuitous over-indulgence, and unforgiveness.
To aid your fight of faith, we've prepared a brief collection of Scriptures.
Remember, God's Word will not return to Him without accomplishing the purpose for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11). Let us, therefore, "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).
Don't murmur when you pray, proclaim the Word of God with authority. Indeed, the Holy Spirit tells us to take up "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). If we advance protected by the Blood of the Lamb, if we war armed with the Word of God, and if we shoulder in our hearts the Cross of Christ, we will truly be "more than conquerors through Him that loved us" (Romans 8:37).
The following are just a few of the many mighty promises of God. We urge you to print these verses, memorize them and pass them on to your friends and fellow intercessors.
Spiritual Warfare Verses
"Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven" (Matthew 18:18).
"The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).
"'No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,' declares the LORD" (Isaiah 54:17).
(Isaiah 42:13, 1 John 4:4, James 4:7, Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 16:18, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Luke 10:19, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Isaiah 49:24-25)
Divine Shelter of God
"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son" (Colossians 1:13).
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalm 18:2). (1 John 5:18, Psalm 91:1, Romans 8:28)
Fear
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4). (2 Kings 6:16, Hebrews 2:14, Hebrews 2:14-15)
Deliverance, Forgiveness and Salvation
"He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea" (Micah 7:19)."If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). (Isaiah 53:5, Psalm 32:7, Psalm 91:3, Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34, Luke 4:17-19)
Peace
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)."In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). (Romans 16:20, Philippians 1:28, Psalm 110:1)
The Power of the New Covenant
"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death" (Revelation 12:11). (Colossians 2:13-14, Matthew 26:26-28, Zechariah 9:11-12)
Healing
"But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). (Hebrews 13:8, Matthew 4:24, Isaiah 53:4)
Family
"For I will contend with the one who contends with you, and I will save your sons" (Isaiah 49:25).(Acts 2:17, Acts 16:31)
Discernment
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). (1 Corinthians 2:15, Ephesians 6:10-18)
We hope these Scriptures will be a blessing and an empowerment to you. Francis Frangipane - Ministries of Francis Frangipane - Email:francis1@frangipane.org - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Affirmations: (Author Unknown - Scriptures from Bible - God's Word)
Having problems & cant cope? Then search Gods Word and write down all the scriptures that are relevant to your situation. The devil is not afraid of you but he is scared of Gods Word. The second you feel overwhelmed you should be quick to speak with authority using the scriptures.
Note in the scripture when Jesus responded to the devil He said, "It is written..." (Mathew 4:1-11)
For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for each one ... Speak out daily:
Please find some useful scriptures to use below:
You are to weak to handle this - you are to say " I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephes 6:10). "I will overcome every obstacle with the help of the Lord and nothing shall overtake me." (Deut 28:1-3)You are not smart enough to handle this - say "God will give me all wisdom to handle any situation" (James 1:5).
You will never see your children and grandchildren get saved; say. "Me and my household will be saved in the name of Jesus" (Acts 16:31).
You will never be able to pay all your bills; say "God will meet all my needs according to His Riches and Glory. I will lend and not borrow and the Lord will make me the head and not the tail" (Deut 28:12-13).
You are not going to beat the sickness or infirmity; you are to open your mouth and say "By His stripes I am healed" (Isaiah 53:5).
You say: "It's impossible" - God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired" - God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me" - God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
You say: "I can't go on" - God says: My grace is sufficient (II Cor 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out" - God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it" - God says: you can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able" - God says: I am able (II Cor 9:8)
You say "It's not worth it" - God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself" - God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Rom 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage" - God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid" - God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" - God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Pet 5:7)
You say: I'm not smart enough" - God says: I give you wisdom (I Cor 1:30)
You say: I feel all alone" - God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5)
"Never Again" List (Author Unknown)
Never again will I confess "I can't," for "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
Never again will I confess unmet needs or poverty, for "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19).
Never again will I confess fear, for "God hath not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1:17).
Never again will I confess doubt or lack of faith, for "God has given to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:13).
Never again will I confess weakness, for "The Lord is the strength of my life" (Psalm 27:1). Also . . . "for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).
Never again will I confess supremacy of Satan over my life, for "Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world" 2 John 4:4).
Never again will I confess defeat, for "God always causes me to triumph in Christ Jesus" 2 Cor 2:14).
Never again will I confess lack of wisdom, for "Christ is made unto me wisdom from God" (I Cor 1:30).
Never again will I confess sickness, for " . . with His stripes I am healed" (Isai 53:5). And "Jesus Himself took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses" (Matthew 8:17).
Never again will I confess worries and frustrations, for I am "Casting all my cares upon Him who cares for me" (I Peter 5:7).
Never again will I confess bondage, for "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Cor 3:17). Never again will I confess condemnation, for "There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
Finding life impossible - It is written: Nothing is impossible with God - He will never forsake you - They that wait upon the Lord shall be refreshed & strengthened - The battle is the Lords & with Him on our side we will win.
Battle weary: It is written: "The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven." Deut 28:7 NIV
Lost direction: It is written: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Feeling defeated: It is written: "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." Isaiah 54:17.
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Reflective Thought:
Know your enemy. Your real enemy is the devil. Your enemy is not people. People are simply the instruments, simply the tools of the devil. It tells us in Ephesians 6:12, "We war not against flesh and blood." Recognize who the enemy really is and charge him with the Word and with faith-filled words.
Obey the Word of God. It is not enough just to hear it, we must obey. Sometimes obedience to God means there will be a good fight. We have to fight to get anything that is worth having. Don't just read the Word, obey what God is instructing you to do to get your breakthrough.
Keep standing. What do you do if you prayed and obeyed and you have not experienced breakthrough? The Word of God tells us we are more than conquerors. We are to fight the good fight of faith, perceiving and expecting the God of the breakthrough to come through. Having done all to stand, STAND!
Yesterday's failure can become today's success. Tragedies can become triumphs. You can change the direction of your life. The secret is to see your breakthrough. Perceive it and see it clearly. God is a God of breakthrough, and He can bring the breakthrough in your life today. Trust Him.
Let us say, " I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). "I will overcome every obstacle with the help of the Lord and nothing shall overtake me." (Deut 28)
Questioning what to do! Proverbs 3: 5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
God left us at least three powerful promises:
1. "I am with you always to the end of the world." Math 28:20
2. "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but ... will also provide a way out, so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. "If you ask for bread, He will not give you a stone. If you ask for a fish He will not give you a snake." Matthew 7:9-10
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The Power of Words:
There are so many people in the world that are capable of doing the Lord's work, but they have a problem with discouragement. This is the enemy's number one weapon and he is more successful with it then you may think. You would not believe the attacks and numerous times satan tried to discourage my heart to do what the Lord put in my spirit to do. My mouth is what kept me victorious and that is what I want to share with you today.
Our mouth is the most powerful weapon we can use when fighting spiritual battles, but it isn't in our own strength that we are victorious but in the Lord's. The Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue and we shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21).
Always be quick to speak words of life, blessing and prosperity. When life gets tough and you start speaking negative words, eventually that problem will get worse because you are giving the enemy the authority to stick around.
The enemy comes to us slowly and tries to plant a thought in our mind and then sits back to see where we will go with it. It is then up to us to accept it and pursue that thought or cast it down and speak words of authority over the devil.
You do have control over your mind and are completely capable to defeat satan and the plans he has for you.
If you have been washed by the blood of the Lamb and have opened your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, then the devil has no business hanging around you. You must renew your mind and realize that satan must flee when he's commanded to in the name of Jesus Christ. (Mark 16:17)
I want you to do something that I believe will help you understand that you do have control over your mind and the things that enter it. I will give you a sentence that I want you to repeat in your mind 4 times and when you are repeating this the 4th time I want you to start counting to ten out loud.
Are You Ready?
Repeat in your Mind this sentence: Nothing is working right and I should just give up.
Repeat again
Repeat again
Repeat again
Now start counting Out Loud --- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ok. What happened when you started counting out loud? The thought that was being repeated in your mind stopped the second you opened your mouth and started counting the numbers.
Every time the enemy comes with words of discouragement and defeat, we are to stand strong and speak the scriptures. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 the Bible declares "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Every thought that is not of God, we are to bring into our control and overcome it by speaking words of life and not death. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
The second the devil gives you a thought of discouragement or to quit a certain task the Lord has given you, you should be quick to speak words of authority using the scriptures.
Examples:
You are to weak to handle this situation; you are to open your mouth and say " I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10).
"I will overcome every obstacle with the help of the Lord and nothing shall overtake me." (Deut 28:1-3)
You are not smart enough to handle this problem; open your mouth and say "God will give me all wisdom to handle any situation" (James 1:5).
You are not going to beat the cancer; you are to open your mouth and say "By His stripes I am healed" (Isaiah 53:5).You will never be able to pay all your bills; open your mouth and say "God will meet all my needs according to His Riches and Glory. I will lend and not borrow and the Lord will make me the head and not the tail" (Deuteronomy 28:12-13).
You will never see your children and grandchildren get saved; open your mouth and say. "Me and my household will be saved in the name of Jesus" (Acts 16:31).
I have written these things to you for one reason. I want you to be encouraged to do all that the Lord has put in your heart to do. Never think that you are not good enough or do not have the skills to do the work of the Lord. The Holy Spirit will put in your heart every step that you need to take so don't worry about that.
Jesus says in Matthew 10:19-20 "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." KJV
I encourage you to search Gods Word and write down all the scriptures that are relevant to the problem or situation you are going through. The devil is not afraid of you but he is terrified of Gods Word and must obey when commanded to in the name above all names, Jesus Christ.
Remember This: Jesus doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called
In Christ Service, Dwayne Savaya Gods Work Ministry
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Reflection: Lest We Forget:
Always remember: The enemy wants to block your path. If he can tempt and divert you from your course, he can stop you from entering into the full portion (inheritance) that God has for you. He will develop strategies against you to bring deception and then division. He develops ways to accuse you so he can hold you in condemnation. He wants to block your supply, discourage you, stop you praying & praising. Do not be ignorant of his wiles.
Tear down mindsets of poverty. Poverty has a voice which says, "God is not able." Dismantle unbelief over provision. "Prove Me NOW," says the Lord! Look up and see the windows of blessings that He wants to open up. Watch Him overcome your devourer.
God says: I will supply all your needs Philippians 4:19
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Francis Frangipane: "TAKE UP THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT--THE WORD OF GOD--AND GO TO WAR!"
"If we advance protected by the Blood of the Lamb, if we war armed with the Word of God, and if we shoulder in our hearts the Cross of Christ, we will truly be more than conquerors through Him that loved us."
Christ not only came to set captives free, He came to train and empower the recently freed to be warriors. We may not always walk perfectly, but because God causes all things to work for good, we still can walk triumphantly. How can we, imperfect Christians, walk triumphantly?
The Bible says we overcome "because of the Blood of the Lamb and because of the word of [our] testimony, and [we do] not love [our lives] even when faced with death" (Revelation 12:11).
These three things--Christ's atoning blood, our testimony of God's eternal word, and choosing to not love our own lives--secure us in the place of victory. We are a covenant people, a people purchased for God from every nation. Yes, we still sin, but God has placed the iniquity of us all upon His Son, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53). When the enemy comes to accuse and condemn us for our failures, we must remind ourselves that every sin we have ever committed has been nailed to Christ's cross. The entire "certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us," has been paid in full by the Blood of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:14)!
As much as we need the blood of Christ, to functionalize our victory, we also need a living knowledge of God's Word. Many Christians are awakened spiritually, but they do not know God's promises in the Bible. To be successful, we must know God's Word, believe it, and speak it with faith when we pray. We overcome by the "word of our testimony."
Third, in our world of excess and self-gratification, we must learn the wisdom and power of carrying the Cross ("they did not love their life"). By becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ, the Cross keeps us focused on our transformation. It also keeps us from the quicksand of self-pity, gratuitous over-indulgence, and unforgiveness.
To aid your fight of faith, we've prepared a brief collection of Scriptures.
Remember, God's Word will not return to Him without accomplishing the purpose for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11). Let us, therefore, "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).
Don't murmur when you pray, proclaim the Word of God with authority. Indeed, the Holy Spirit tells us to take up "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). If we advance protected by the Blood of the Lamb, if we war armed with the Word of God, and if we shoulder in our hearts the Cross of Christ, we will truly be "more than conquerors through Him that loved us" (Romans 8:37).
The following are just a few of the many mighty promises of God. We urge you to print these verses, memorize them and pass them on to your friends and fellow intercessors.
Spiritual Warfare Verses
"Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven" (Matthew 18:18).
"The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).
"'No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,' declares the LORD" (Isaiah 54:17).
(Isaiah 42:13, 1 John 4:4, James 4:7, Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 16:18, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Luke 10:19, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Isaiah 49:24-25)
Divine Shelter of God
"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son" (Colossians 1:13).
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalm 18:2). (1 John 5:18, Psalm 91:1, Romans 8:28)
Fear
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4). (2 Kings 6:16, Hebrews 2:14, Hebrews 2:14-15)
Deliverance, Forgiveness and Salvation
"He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea" (Micah 7:19)."If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). (Isaiah 53:5, Psalm 32:7, Psalm 91:3, Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34, Luke 4:17-19)
Peace
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)."In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). (Romans 16:20, Philippians 1:28, Psalm 110:1)
The Power of the New Covenant
"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death" (Revelation 12:11). (Colossians 2:13-14, Matthew 26:26-28, Zechariah 9:11-12)
Healing
"But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). (Hebrews 13:8, Matthew 4:24, Isaiah 53:4)
Family
"For I will contend with the one who contends with you, and I will save your sons" (Isaiah 49:25).(Acts 2:17, Acts 16:31)
Discernment
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). (1 Corinthians 2:15, Ephesians 6:10-18)
We hope these Scriptures will be a blessing and an empowerment to you. Francis Frangipane - Ministries of Francis Frangipane - Email:francis1@frangipane.org - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Affirmations: (Author Unknown - Scriptures from Bible - God's Word)
Having problems & cant cope? Then search Gods Word and write down all the scriptures that are relevant to your situation. The devil is not afraid of you but he is scared of Gods Word. The second you feel overwhelmed you should be quick to speak with authority using the scriptures.
Note in the scripture when Jesus responded to the devil He said, "It is written..." (Mathew 4:1-11)
For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for each one ... Speak out daily:
Please find some useful scriptures to use below:
You are to weak to handle this - you are to say " I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephes 6:10). "I will overcome every obstacle with the help of the Lord and nothing shall overtake me." (Deut 28:1-3)You are not smart enough to handle this - say "God will give me all wisdom to handle any situation" (James 1:5).
You will never see your children and grandchildren get saved; say. "Me and my household will be saved in the name of Jesus" (Acts 16:31).
You will never be able to pay all your bills; say "God will meet all my needs according to His Riches and Glory. I will lend and not borrow and the Lord will make me the head and not the tail" (Deut 28:12-13).
You are not going to beat the sickness or infirmity; you are to open your mouth and say "By His stripes I am healed" (Isaiah 53:5).
You say: "It's impossible" - God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired" - God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me" - God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
You say: "I can't go on" - God says: My grace is sufficient (II Cor 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out" - God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it" - God says: you can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able" - God says: I am able (II Cor 9:8)
You say "It's not worth it" - God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself" - God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Rom 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage" - God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid" - God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" - God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Pet 5:7)
You say: I'm not smart enough" - God says: I give you wisdom (I Cor 1:30)
You say: I feel all alone" - God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5)
"Never Again" List (Author Unknown)
Never again will I confess "I can't," for "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
Never again will I confess unmet needs or poverty, for "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19).
Never again will I confess fear, for "God hath not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1:17).
Never again will I confess doubt or lack of faith, for "God has given to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:13).
Never again will I confess weakness, for "The Lord is the strength of my life" (Psalm 27:1). Also . . . "for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).
Never again will I confess supremacy of Satan over my life, for "Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world" 2 John 4:4).
Never again will I confess defeat, for "God always causes me to triumph in Christ Jesus" 2 Cor 2:14).
Never again will I confess lack of wisdom, for "Christ is made unto me wisdom from God" (I Cor 1:30).
Never again will I confess sickness, for " . . with His stripes I am healed" (Isai 53:5). And "Jesus Himself took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses" (Matthew 8:17).
Never again will I confess worries and frustrations, for I am "Casting all my cares upon Him who cares for me" (I Peter 5:7).
Never again will I confess bondage, for "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Cor 3:17). Never again will I confess condemnation, for "There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
Finding life impossible - It is written: Nothing is impossible with God - He will never forsake you - They that wait upon the Lord shall be refreshed & strengthened - The battle is the Lords & with Him on our side we will win.
Battle weary: It is written: "The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven." Deut 28:7 NIV
Lost direction: It is written: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Feeling defeated: It is written: "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." Isaiah 54:17.
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Reflective Thought:
Know your enemy. Your real enemy is the devil. Your enemy is not people. People are simply the instruments, simply the tools of the devil. It tells us in Ephesians 6:12, "We war not against flesh and blood." Recognize who the enemy really is and charge him with the Word and with faith-filled words.
Obey the Word of God. It is not enough just to hear it, we must obey. Sometimes obedience to God means there will be a good fight. We have to fight to get anything that is worth having. Don't just read the Word, obey what God is instructing you to do to get your breakthrough.
Keep standing. What do you do if you prayed and obeyed and you have not experienced breakthrough? The Word of God tells us we are more than conquerors. We are to fight the good fight of faith, perceiving and expecting the God of the breakthrough to come through. Having done all to stand, STAND!
Yesterday's failure can become today's success. Tragedies can become triumphs. You can change the direction of your life. The secret is to see your breakthrough. Perceive it and see it clearly. God is a God of breakthrough, and He can bring the breakthrough in your life today. Trust Him.
Let us say, " I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). "I will overcome every obstacle with the help of the Lord and nothing shall overtake me." (Deut 28)
Questioning what to do! Proverbs 3: 5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
God left us at least three powerful promises:
1. "I am with you always to the end of the world." Math 28:20
2. "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but ... will also provide a way out, so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. "If you ask for bread, He will not give you a stone. If you ask for a fish He will not give you a snake." Matthew 7:9-10
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The Lord Will Conquer Your Enemies
Dwell on Goodness of God:
Deut. 28:7 “The Lord will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven! “
Proverbs 6:31 “But if the thief is caught, he must pay seven fold as much as he stole…”
I may be wrong about this but I don’t think that I complain much or ever tell you about my bad days. I don’t because I usually don’t dwell on the things that make a bad day bad. That helps make a bad day better.
I usually dwell on the goodness of God and how that has impacted my life. I think about those things of real value and then I think of things in the light of God’s big picture – eternity and His eternal purposes. That makes any big problem immediately seem small and less significant.
On top of that, complaining glorifies the devil’s efforts. I won’t do that. I never let the devil get away with any attack he has brought against my life. The Apostle Paul taught us that “we don’t fight flesh and blood” – in other words, people are not our problem or enemy.
He taught us that there are spiritual forces that work to “kill, steal, and destroy.” Granted people are used by Satan to hurt one another at times but they are still demonic forces that try to hurt us, discourage us, and convince us that God is not real or does not care. That is a lie. He does.
Consequently, when I am attacked, I identify what it is that the enemy has done, I declare him caught, I identify him as the thief, and then I bring it to the Lord.
Why? Because of a very special promise that I remind God of – today’s Fresh Manna verse: “The Lord will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven! “
You may not know this about me but I love to do gardening – flower gardens. It is a place where I can get quiet with the Lord and wind down from working with people all day. I love to have a part in making things grow. Planting a garden is probably like painting on canvas to a painter. I put a variety of things in place in the garden. I nurture them, and over time, they spring into a beautiful flower garden.
This year our weather warmed up early. I was able to do my spring clean up in April. Then the weather stayed warm so I took a risk and planted it early. I actually had it mostly planted by the end of April. By May this year, it already almost looked like a summer garden. I had a broad mix of perennials and annuals. I invest a fair amount of money in building my garden as it’s a delight to Renee and I and one of the few hobbies that I spend money on.
Yesterday, we had a hard storm pass through. There were tornados in the area and we had hard hail and rain hit. It stripped many of the leaves from the trees. It also stripped the plants in the garden and every plant I had in a planter. I had beautiful towering geraniums three feet high with full blooms. It stripped them down to nothing. It stripped my beautiful blooming garden to the ground. Our streets were flooded. Part of one garden area was under water. Everything was a mess. I worked in three feet of water for an hour trying to clean the street sewers from debris so the streets would clear from flooding rain. I succeeded and the flood waters drained. Then I spend four hours just trying to rake the debris from the garden areas while trying also to not cry. A months worth of labor working many evenings and a significant investment in my garden and just been stolen.
I fell into bed last night exhausted. I fell asleep and began to dream. I had a horrible dream that Renee had died in this storm. Throughout the dream, I’d be walking but without her. Instead I’d be thinking about how much I missed her. It was such a sad dream. After what felt like a full night of this dream, I half woke up. I reached out for Renee but she wasn’t there. I fell back a sleep and dreamed more of the same. Then this morning I woke up and reached for her again. She wasn’t’ there but I realized she was next door at my daughter’s house. She’d been babysitting the grandchildren this week while my daughter and son-in-law were on vacation. When I realized this I was so happy!
I got up and looked out the window at my yard and garden. It is still devastated, but, it seems much smaller and less significant after my dream of Renee dying. I am so glad I have her. The garden I can replant. The time and money I’ve lost is not lost. I have turned it over to the Lord. I never let the devil steal even a nickel from me. What God has blessed me with is mine to use and to be a blessing. I will not let the devil steal from me.
What do I do about it? I turn it over to the Lord.
“Heavenly Father, Satan the thief has attacked our lives and he has no legal right to do so because Renee and I are children of God. I have prayed for your protection over this household and the enemy has violated that. I turn Him over to you. You said, you would “…conquer my enemies when they attack me.” You said, “Though they will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven!” You said that “if the thief is found, he shall restore sevenfold…” I thank you for a sevenfold return on what the enemy has stolen and lay hold of that promise by faith today. Thank you for watching over us and the promise of your word in Jesus name. Praise God I have my wife. Praise God I will have my sevenfold return!
Used with permission: Pastor Tim Burt - http://www.freshmanna.org
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Saturday, February 24, 2007
The Power of Prayer
To post the next two messages no surprises I went through much warfare! I believe both should be read regularly as positive reminders of why we pray& understanding spiritual warfare. I would recommend using the link at the end of the message to go & read the full hand book -Enjoy!
Power of Prayer
(From Spiritual Survival Handbook - (Part Message) Chapter 4: )
The safe place for your heart. "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks." Luke 11:9-10
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A young missionary on furlough told this incredible story while visiting his home church in Michigan. "While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point. On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital. Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord Jesus Christ. I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.
Two weeks later, I repeated my journey.Upon arriving in the city once again, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known that I carried money and medicines. He said, "Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by twenty-six armed guards." At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone out in that jungle campsite. The young manpressed the point, however, and said, "No sir, I was not the only person to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story: "On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here inthe sanctuary to pray for you. Would all of those men who met with me on that day please stand up?" The men who had met together to pray that day stood up. The missionary was not concerned with who they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw. There were twenty-six.
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Be a prayer warrior, not a prayer worrier. A prayer warrior walks in the authority of Jesus.
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1. What is prayer?
Prayer is the simple act of "talking with God" and opening our minds to receive His point of view on a matter. Prayer is a hotline to God. Each time we pray, we will not receive a busy signal, and we can spend all the time we want talking to God.
How can this be? Because God is never too busy to speak with us. He always welcomes our calls and we do not need to be concerned about any phone charges, because Jesus already paid our bill in full.
Whenever God is our focus we are praying. More specifically, prayer is:
~ Our S.O.S. signal to God in times of crisis. Prayer is one of the most important instruments in our spiritual survival arsenal as it stops the strategy of the enemy.
~ The key that unlocks the miraculous.
~ Where we become spiritually recharged.
~ Talking to God with a trusting heart.
~ Asking God for guidance.
~ Listening for Gods voice.
Is not listening one of the qualities we look for in others? This is the same in our relationship with God. He is looking for us to not only talk to Him, but care enough to spend time listening to him.
=============================
Prayer is the safe sanctuary where you can open your heart to God.
=============================
Praying when everything is going well is really great, but when pain and crisis hits prayer needs to be a "knee jerk" reaction. Talking with God about our problems and then giving our burdens to Him is a great benefit.
Undoubtedly, there will be times when we are too emotionally overwhelmed to find the words to pray, this is when we can rely on the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf. Romans 8:26-27, "The Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will."
* Due to length (also similar messages already in Archives) points 2-8 9-11 & 12 have not been included in this post - It is strongly recommended when you have time that you use the link at the bottom of this message to complete the study.
=================================
God understands your prayers even when you can not find the words to say them.
=================================
8. What happens if I don't take time to pray?
Satan will try everything in his power to keep you from praying by keeping you busy. Because he knows neglecting to pray produces doubt, weariness, discouragement, disillusionment, and vulnerablity to the devil's tactics.
Eventually discernment is destroyed, our heart becomes hardened, and it slowly brings spiritual disaster. So it's no wonder when we make it our goal to pray that distractions come our way. This is one of the devilss most obvious strategies in his attempt to keep us from a deep ongoing relationship with the Lord. When faced with distractions, the best response is sheer determination to make time for the Lord in prayer
.====================================
Seven days without prayer makes one weak.
====================================
11. Why do we need to pray Gods scriptural promises?
Praying the promise, not the problem is simply using biblical scriptures in our prayers as a way to be confident that we are praying according to the will of God. For God faithfully watches over his Word for it to perform what he wants to see happen in any given circumstance.
He intervenes in answer to our prayers no matter how bleak things may look. In order to pray this way, we first need to search the Bible for the verse that is the antidote to our problem and then boldly pray it.
Here are some verses to help you get started:
When all looks hopeless: Matthew 19:26, "Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible."
When feeling trapped with no way out: 2 Corinthians 3:17, "...the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom."
When grieving: Matthew 5:4
When in sorrow: John 14
When you worry: Matthew 6:19-34
When you are in danger: Psalm 91
When God seems far away: Psalm 139
When your faith needs stirring: Hebrews 11
When you are lonely and fearful: Psalm 23
When you grow bitter and critical: I Corinthians 13
When you feel down and out: Romans 8:31
When you want peace and rest: Matthew 11:25-30
When you leave home: Psalm 121
When you want courage: Joshua 1
If you are depressed: Psalm 27
If you are discouraged: Psalm 126
For dealing with fear: Psalm 34:7
For security: Psalm 121:3
For reassurance: Psalm 145:18
=================================================
Anxiety is the rust of life, destroying its brightness and weakening itspower. A childlike and abiding trust in God is its best preventive remedy.
==================================================
13. Why is prayer so important?
God is a builder. Through prayer He gives plans, strategies, patterns, and schemes to shape more of His kingdom within the world. For absolutely nothing good is accomplished on earth without it first being accomplished in prayer. This is one of the reasons prayer is so vitally important to our spiritual well being and our positive impact on others.
In fact, there will not come a time in our spiritual growth when we can say we have arrived and no longer need to broaden our prayer experience. Learning about prayer is a life long process.
============================
Delay never stops Gods purpose, it only polishes you His instrument.
============================
The final step in prayer is to trust God as we wait patiently for His answer. The key word here is patiently. A Spiritual Survivor is a person who learned to be prayerful and patient.
"Spiritual Survival Handbook Chapter 4 used with permission: Copyright (c) 1999-2007 Spiritual Survival Handbook by Rev. K. A. Brown. All rights reserved. To view complete 'Spiritual Handbook please go to the following link: http://www.spiritualsurvival.org
Power of Prayer
(From Spiritual Survival Handbook - (Part Message) Chapter 4: )
The safe place for your heart. "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks." Luke 11:9-10
~~~
A young missionary on furlough told this incredible story while visiting his home church in Michigan. "While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point. On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital. Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord Jesus Christ. I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.
Two weeks later, I repeated my journey.Upon arriving in the city once again, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known that I carried money and medicines. He said, "Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by twenty-six armed guards." At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone out in that jungle campsite. The young manpressed the point, however, and said, "No sir, I was not the only person to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story: "On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here inthe sanctuary to pray for you. Would all of those men who met with me on that day please stand up?" The men who had met together to pray that day stood up. The missionary was not concerned with who they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw. There were twenty-six.
====================================
Be a prayer warrior, not a prayer worrier. A prayer warrior walks in the authority of Jesus.
====================================
1. What is prayer?
Prayer is the simple act of "talking with God" and opening our minds to receive His point of view on a matter. Prayer is a hotline to God. Each time we pray, we will not receive a busy signal, and we can spend all the time we want talking to God.
How can this be? Because God is never too busy to speak with us. He always welcomes our calls and we do not need to be concerned about any phone charges, because Jesus already paid our bill in full.
Whenever God is our focus we are praying. More specifically, prayer is:
~ Our S.O.S. signal to God in times of crisis. Prayer is one of the most important instruments in our spiritual survival arsenal as it stops the strategy of the enemy.
~ The key that unlocks the miraculous.
~ Where we become spiritually recharged.
~ Talking to God with a trusting heart.
~ Asking God for guidance.
~ Listening for Gods voice.
Is not listening one of the qualities we look for in others? This is the same in our relationship with God. He is looking for us to not only talk to Him, but care enough to spend time listening to him.
=============================
Prayer is the safe sanctuary where you can open your heart to God.
=============================
Praying when everything is going well is really great, but when pain and crisis hits prayer needs to be a "knee jerk" reaction. Talking with God about our problems and then giving our burdens to Him is a great benefit.
Undoubtedly, there will be times when we are too emotionally overwhelmed to find the words to pray, this is when we can rely on the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf. Romans 8:26-27, "The Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will."
* Due to length (also similar messages already in Archives) points 2-8 9-11 & 12 have not been included in this post - It is strongly recommended when you have time that you use the link at the bottom of this message to complete the study.
=================================
God understands your prayers even when you can not find the words to say them.
=================================
8. What happens if I don't take time to pray?
Satan will try everything in his power to keep you from praying by keeping you busy. Because he knows neglecting to pray produces doubt, weariness, discouragement, disillusionment, and vulnerablity to the devil's tactics.
Eventually discernment is destroyed, our heart becomes hardened, and it slowly brings spiritual disaster. So it's no wonder when we make it our goal to pray that distractions come our way. This is one of the devilss most obvious strategies in his attempt to keep us from a deep ongoing relationship with the Lord. When faced with distractions, the best response is sheer determination to make time for the Lord in prayer
.====================================
Seven days without prayer makes one weak.
====================================
11. Why do we need to pray Gods scriptural promises?
Praying the promise, not the problem is simply using biblical scriptures in our prayers as a way to be confident that we are praying according to the will of God. For God faithfully watches over his Word for it to perform what he wants to see happen in any given circumstance.
He intervenes in answer to our prayers no matter how bleak things may look. In order to pray this way, we first need to search the Bible for the verse that is the antidote to our problem and then boldly pray it.
Here are some verses to help you get started:
When all looks hopeless: Matthew 19:26, "Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible."
When feeling trapped with no way out: 2 Corinthians 3:17, "...the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom."
When grieving: Matthew 5:4
When in sorrow: John 14
When you worry: Matthew 6:19-34
When you are in danger: Psalm 91
When God seems far away: Psalm 139
When your faith needs stirring: Hebrews 11
When you are lonely and fearful: Psalm 23
When you grow bitter and critical: I Corinthians 13
When you feel down and out: Romans 8:31
When you want peace and rest: Matthew 11:25-30
When you leave home: Psalm 121
When you want courage: Joshua 1
If you are depressed: Psalm 27
If you are discouraged: Psalm 126
For dealing with fear: Psalm 34:7
For security: Psalm 121:3
For reassurance: Psalm 145:18
=================================================
Anxiety is the rust of life, destroying its brightness and weakening itspower. A childlike and abiding trust in God is its best preventive remedy.
==================================================
13. Why is prayer so important?
God is a builder. Through prayer He gives plans, strategies, patterns, and schemes to shape more of His kingdom within the world. For absolutely nothing good is accomplished on earth without it first being accomplished in prayer. This is one of the reasons prayer is so vitally important to our spiritual well being and our positive impact on others.
In fact, there will not come a time in our spiritual growth when we can say we have arrived and no longer need to broaden our prayer experience. Learning about prayer is a life long process.
============================
Delay never stops Gods purpose, it only polishes you His instrument.
============================
The final step in prayer is to trust God as we wait patiently for His answer. The key word here is patiently. A Spiritual Survivor is a person who learned to be prayerful and patient.
"Spiritual Survival Handbook Chapter 4 used with permission: Copyright (c) 1999-2007 Spiritual Survival Handbook by Rev. K. A. Brown. All rights reserved. To view complete 'Spiritual Handbook please go to the following link: http://www.spiritualsurvival.org
Spiritual Survival!
"Victory Elements' - Disarming the darkness.
(Spiritual Survival Handbook: (Part Message) Chapter 8:
"God disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross of Christ."Colossians 2:15
~~~
In Mainland China during 2002, Pastor Li De Xian and his wife Zhao Xia refused to be silenced. "Christ was the first to suffer," Pastor Li De Xian said. We just follow him. There are many thorns, but we are just injured a little on our feet. This suffering is very little."
Despite continual pressure from the Public Security Bureau, Pastor Li refuses to miss a service unless he is in prison or change his message of salvation through Jesus Christ. He has been arrested so many times during the past two years that he has lost count. During one recent detention, jailers tied his arms and legs together and chained his arms and legs to a bedpost for three days. When they finally released him from this torture, he was forced to work on an assembly line in the prison factory putting bulbs into strings of Christmas lights to send to America.
"Don't feel sorry for us," Zhao Xia says of their lifestyle. "At least we are constantly reminded that we are in a spiritual war. We know for whom we are fighting. We know who the enemy is. And we are fighting. Perhaps we should pray for you Christians outside of China. In your leisure, in your affluence, in your freedom, sometimes you no longer realize that you are in spiritual warfare."
As members of Gods army living in enemy terrain, Christians are daily involved in a spiritual war between Gods kingdom of light and Satans kingdom of darkness. We are Christs foot soldiers and Jesus is the Captain of God's Army. As our Captain, He goes before us and with us as we do our part in taking dominion over and neutralizing the forces of darkness. As we do the practical with Gods anointing, the Lord does the supernatural.
The fearless confidence Pastor Li posesses is available to every Christian as we recognize the magnitude of Christs victory over Satan. Through Christs death and resurrection, the devils teeth and claws were pulled out. In spite of this, Satan presents himself as undefeated. He goes about "roaring" as a lion attempting to intimidate the soldiers in God's Army in to believing he can chew us up, spit us out, and shred us to pieces. The truth is Jesus crushed the Devil's authority over every Christian.
==============================
He (Jesus) is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe. Colossians 2:10
==============================
1. What is a satanic attack?
It is a deliberate and calculated assault by the devil with the intent to ultimately destroy or at least to cause harm spiritually, physically, mentally, materially, and emotionally. One of the focus of every attack is to cause us to doubt. Our thoughts are where our spiritual battles are either won or lost, so whatever the evil one is lying to you about, reject it. Then replace it with scriptural truths.
While Jesus lived on earth, he was not immune from Satans attacks. Jesus experienced spiritual battles on many occasions during his life. The first attack recorded came after his baptism:
Mark 1:12-13, "The Holy Spirit compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness. He was there for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him."Luke 4:1-13, "Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit to go out into the wilderness, where the Devil tempted him for forty days. He ate nothing all that time and was very hungry.
Then the Devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, change this stone into a loaf of bread."
But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, `People need more than bread for their life.'"
Then the Devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.The Devil told him, "I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them--because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will bow down and worship me."
Jesus replied, "The Scriptures say, `You must worship the Lord your God; serve only him.'"
Then the Devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, "If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, `He orders his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.'
"Jesus responded, "The Scriptures also say, `Do not test the Lord your God.'
When the Devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.
Just as Jesus used the powerful Word of God to defeat the Devi's attacks, we can do the same. For every spiritual attack there is a scripture which helps resist temptation and win the battle. In addition to using scripture, we need to keep from talking about how the devil is attacking us. By keeping our focus and speech on the Lordship of Jesus, the evil one is deprived of the attention his pride and ego craves.
===============================
When you do the practical, God faithfully does the supernatural.
===============================
2. Where are spiritual battlefields?
Within our thoughts. Our thought life is rich soil for spiritual battles. This is where we either win or lose every battle.
"Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith." 1 Peter 5:8-93.
Are there character traits soldiers in God's army need to develop?
Yes. The following traits are powerful in advancing God's Kingdom on earth by overthrowing the kingdom of darkness:
Alertness: Be aware of spiritual events and respond with the right actions.
Discipline: A learned lifestyle that is imposed from within one's self.
Confidence: Lack of insecurity due to the fact physical and spiritual abilities are not dependent on a soldier alone, but dependent on God for His resources and strength to flow through them.
Wisdom: Practical application of knowledge and discernment in moral and spiritual matters within daily activities.Endurance: Able to persevere regardless of the physical and spiritual obstacles encountered.
===================================
You may want to measure yourself by your aspirations instead of your performance, but the conduct of your life is the only real proof of the sincerity of your heart.
====================================
4. What is spiritual armor?
It consists of invisible spiritual weapons supplied by the Holy Spirit to be used in defending one self from Satans attacks and used in advancing the Kingdom of God on earth. Each piece of spiritual armor needs only to be put on once.
It has been reported by a national deliverance ministry that demons see spiritual weapons.
Ephesians 6:14-17, "Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
A prepared soldier never lets his or her guard down. Every day spiritual preparedness is required for whatever confronts them. Before going into spiritual battle, ask the Holy Spirit to anoint your spiritual armor.
Without the Holy Spirits anointing, you end up relying on your own natural strength. The anointing keeps your armor working properly and free of holes.
The Devil also uses the 4 D's of discouragement, disillusionment, depression, and deception to knock us down and distract us from focusing on the path to victory.
If you fall for this tactic, refocus, get up, and grab your sword and shield.
6. What is the anointing?
It is the supernatural manifestation of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, which enables us to function beyond our natural abilities within our work, our relationships, and our ministries. It can be seen through the operation of our spiritual gifts and our ability to stand firm by faith in the face of trials. If we want this anointing, we need to simply ask for it and voluntary surrender our plans and desires in exchange for Gods. This produces more room for the Holy Spirit to reside within us.
Through surrender to Father God our intellect, emotions, and physical abilities become available to the Holy Spirit for achieving His purposes. Under His control our natural gifts are elevated to their highest potential. Surrender is the pivotal element to the increase of the anointing. Our surrender indicates a fight has taken place. Surrender frees us from our futile efforts to depend on ourselves.The anointing is maintained and grows by living a consistent holy lifestyle of worship and walking in love.
This is the price tag for the anointing ... choosing to forgive rather than take revenge or allow bitterness to find a home in our hearts ... choosing to praise and worship the Lord rather than complaining or doubting.
This lifestyle keeps our armor working properly and free of holes. Sin creates holes in our armor giving the devil the ability to hook on to our minds, bodies, or souls. By standing guard against sin and being filled with the Holy Spirit nothing can stop us from winning our spiritual battles.
-----------------------------
* Due to length the remaining points of 6 - 13 have not been included in this post - It is strongly recommended when you have time that you use the link at the bottom of this message to complete the study.
===========================
A mind filled with doubt can't focus on the path to victory
===========================
13. What are the spiritual weapons of mass destruction used in obtaining victory for spiritual battles?
Gods spiritual weapons are not wimpy. They disperse and annihilate evil forces. They cause shifts in the spiritual realm. They dethrone wicked regional powers. When these mighty supernatural weapons are used, the forces of evil cringe and retreat.
In spite of this, the devil tries to convince us we are powerless and to ultimately give up, but the truth is God has given His children these five powerful spiritual weapons of mass destruction to defeat the devil's assaults.
~ The name of Jesus. Psalm 44:5, "Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes." While Jesus was on earth, everything he accomplished was through Father God's authority. As Christ's Dragon Slayers on earth, every spiritual victory we obtain is through the authority we exercise in His name.
The name of Jesus is powerful over the enemy of our soul as it represents the victory that redeemed us from Satan's ownership; it brings hope to the hopeless; and peace to the confused. When we call on the name of Jesus during a spiritual battle his very presence is manifested causing evil forces to scatter.
~ The scriptures. Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep." The whole universe was created through the spoken Word of God. When a verse is spoken and mixed with faith it accomplishes what it states it can.
As sons of God, our spoken words carry great power and authority. When we speak the Word of God into a spiritual battle it sends the evil forces running with their tails tucked like a submissive dog.
~ The blood Jesus shed on the cross. Revelation 12:11, "They have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony. And they were not afraid to die." The Devil fears the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ above every other power. Why? The hordes of hell don't want even a drop of Christ's blood to touch them. The blood of Jesus Christ is the most powerful element on earth.
It resurrects the dead, heals the sick, redeems sinners, and sets captives free from demonic bondage.
Spiritually applying Christs blood to a situation reverses it from a negative into a positive, meets the physical and financial need, and breaks off demonic bondage.
When we take communion in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, it brings spiritual nourishment, a deeper identification with Christ, and the anointing we need to defeat the devil.
~The power of the Holy Spirit. 1 John 4:4, "The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world."
~Trust in Jesus. Ephesians 6:16, "In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan." Another powerful step in response to a spiritual attack is worshipping God.
14. How does worship help in spiritual warfare?
Worship keeps our hearts focused on resting and trusting in the Lord to supernaturally fight for us as he accomplishes what we can't. Deuteronomy 1:30, "The LORD your God is going before you. He will fight for you." Deuteronomy 3:22, "Do not be afraid of the nations there, for the LORD your God will fight for you." When God steps into our battles we can count on them to always be won.
As we worship, the Holy Spirit scatters our enemies. In 2 Chronicles 20:14-24 is recorded an account of when praise and worship led the people of God into a victorious battle against their enemies. As a choir of people marched in front of the Israeli army, God began to ambush their enemy. Before the day was done, not one member of the enemy forces was left alive.
After the victories, we have the opportunity to build spiritual memorials. Memorials serve as a reminder to others and ourselves of God's faithfulness and his ability to deliver.
========================================
A Misfit looks for victory and refuses to settle for anything less in reaching his goals
========================================
15. What are spiritual memorials?
They are reminders of the victories we have won. With every spiritual victory, we can erect a monument to our victories as a spiritual landmark - a memorial. It can be an object established in memory of a person or an event worthy to be remembered. Memorials serve as a reminder to us and others of Gods faithfulness and his ability to deliver.
An Old Testament example, Joshua 4:1-9, is the time Joshua was instructed by the Lord to build a memorial out of twelve stones from the Jordan River as a reminder to the people of Gods victorious deliverance.
King David created his memorials through the writing of his Psalms. Thousand of years later these meaningful psalms continue to bring comfort and encouragement.
For us, a memorial can be an object that has special meaning such as a notation in our Bibles with the date of the answered prayer or just a memory we recall when giving our testimonies to others. Which ever itis, we are to celebrate our victories and build a memorial to God's glory. These memorials won't only be for our own encouragement in the future, but also to build up the faith of others and the generations to come as they face their spiritual battles.
As you face future spiritual battles, remind yourself of this truth: Spiritual battles are won through the words of "Yes" to God and "No" to Satan.
Suggested Prayer:
Dear Lord,Expose the evil ones working in my life. Bring what is hidden in darkness into Your holy light. I ask for strength and wisdom to release into Your care all that is uncovered. Keep me daily alert to the devils tactics and to resist from falling into his traps. Amen.
==========================================
Victory consists of getting up just one time more than we've fallen down.
=========================================
Spiritual Warfare Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise and worship You. I cover myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ as my protection. I pray that the blessed Holy Spirit would enable me during this time of prayer. I take a stand against all the workings of Satan that would hinder my prayers. I address myself only to the True and Living God. I reject any involvement of Satan in my thoughts and words. Satan, I command you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to leave my presence with all your demons. I command every work of darkness to be subject to the name of Jesus.
Heavenly Father, I recognize that You are worthy to receive all glory, honor, and praise. I am thankful that You have loved me from past eternity. That You sent the Lord Jesus Christ into the world to die as my substitute. I am thankful that Jesus came as my representative and that through Him You have completely forgiven me; You have adopted me into your family; You have assumed all responsibility for me; You have given me eternal life; You have given me the perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ, so I am now justified. I am thankful that in Him, you have made me complete, and thatYou have offered Yourself to me to be my daily help and strength.
Heavenly Father, open my eyes that I might see how great You are and how complete Your provision is for me this day. I am thankful that the victory the Lord Jesus Christ won for me on the Cross and in His resurrection has been given to me seating me with the Lord Jesus Christ in the heavenlies. I recognize by faith that all wicked spirits and Satan himself are under myfeet. I declare, therefore, that Satan and his wicked spirits are subject to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am thankful for the spiritual Armor You have provided. I put on the Girdle of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Sandals of Peace, and the Helmet of Salvation. I lift up the Shield of Faith against all the fiery darts of the enemy; and I take in my hand the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. I choose to use Your Word against all the forces of evil in my life.
I put on this Armor and live in complete dependence on You. I refuse in this day to believe my feelings. I hold up the Shield of Faith against all the accusations, distortions, and insinuations that Satan would put into my mind. I claim the fullness of the will of God for my life today.
I am thankful, Heavenly Father, that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, to the casting down of imagination and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge God, and to bring every thought into obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, in my own life today I tear down the strongholds of Satan and smash the plans of Satan that have been formed against me. I tear down the strongholds of Satan against my mind, and I surrender my mind to You, blessed Holy Spirit.
I affirm, Heavenly Father, that You have not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. I break and smash the strongholds of Satan formed against my emotions today and I give my emotions to you. I smash the strongholds of Satan formed against my will today, I give my will to You and choose to make the right decisions of faith. I smash the strongholds of Satan formed against my body today, I give my body to You recognizing that I am your temple. I rejoice in Your mercy and goodness.
I am grateful, Heavenly Father, that the Lord Jesus Christ spoiled all principalities and powers triumphing over them in Himself. I claim all that victory for my life today. I reject all the insinuations, accusations, and the temptations of Satan. I affirm that the Word of God is true. I choose to live today in the light of God's Word. I choose, Heavenly Father, to live inobedience to You and in fellowship with Yourself.
Open my eyes and show me the areas of my life that do not please You. Work in me to cleanse me from all areas in my life that would give Satan a foothold against me. I do in every way stand in all that it means to be Your adopted child. I welcome all the ministry of the Holy Spirit into my life. By faith and in dependence on You, I put off my fleshly works. I stand in all the victory of the resurrection and the provision He has made for me to live above sin.Today I put off all forms of selfishness and put on love. I put off all forms of fear and put on courage. I put off all forms of weakness and put on strength. I put off all forms of lust and put on righteousness, purity, and honesty. I am trusting You to show me how to make this practical in my daily life.
I stand in the victory of the ascension and glorification of the Lord Jesus Christ, where all the principalities and powers were made subject to Him. I claim my place in Christ as victorious with Him over all the enemies of my soul. I completely surrender myself to You, Heavenly Father, as a living sacrifice. I choose not to be conformed to this world. I choose to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. I pray that You would show me Your will and enable me to walk in all the fullness of Your will today. Blessed Holy Spirit, I pray that You would fill me. Come into my life, break down every idol and cast out every foe.
I am thankful that You have made a provision, so that today I can live filled with the Spirit of God with love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faithfulness, and self-control in my life. I recognize that this is Your will for me. I therefore reject and resist all the endeavors of Satan to rob me of the will of God.
Heavenly Father, I pray that now and through this day You would strengthen and enlighten me. Show me the way Satan is hindering, tempting, lying, and distorting the truth in my life. Enable me to be the kind of person that would please You. Enable me to be aggressive in prayer and in trusting you. Enable me to be aggressive mentally, to think about and practice Your Word, and to give You Your rightful place in my life.
Again, I pray that You, blessed Holy Spirit, would bring all the work of the crucifixion, all the work of the resurrection, all the work of the glorification, and all the work of Pentecost into my life today. I surrender myself to You. I refuse to be discouraged. For You are the God of all hope. You have proven Your power by resurrecting Jesus Christ from the dead, and I claim in every way this victory over all the satanic forces in my life. I pray this all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ with thanks giving. Amen.
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Copyright (c) 1999-2007 Spiritual Survival Handbook by Rev. K. A. Brown. All rights reserved. "Spiritual Survival Handbook Chapter 8 used with permission: Copyright (c) 1999-2007 Spiritual Survival Handbook by Rev. K. A. Brown. All rights reserved. To view complete 'Spiritual Handbook please go to the following link: http://www.spiritualsurvival.org
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