Author: Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

The human condition of the heart is sick…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Jeremiah 17:9 English Standard Version (ESV)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Reflection:

Have you ever seen the light go out in someone’s eyes? It is the light that makes them, them.  Over the last six months, the Lord has brought across my path two individuals that act outwardly, how I felt like inwardly many moons ago – disenchanted.

Several years back, a co-worker of mine, that has since left my company, but I think was sent by the Lord told me the best adjective to describe me at the time was sullen…me, sullen! Now, the last time I checked that was not a fruit of the Spirit.  After much reflecting and soul searching, I realized that I had allowed the light I had in the Lord to go dim.  There are certain areas of our lives where human civility has gone out the window.  One area that most of us can relate to is the workforce – you are either in it or closely connected to someone navigating through it.  Either way, there are plenty of opportunities and circumstances in that mission’s field to become disenchanted.

It is my observation that there have always been ethical and moral issues especially as relates to the workforce. What has masked the complacency of the masses has been professionalism – a set of social norms that regulated manufactured sincerity. With the passing of time, certain things have fallen by the wayside.  For example, formal attire is seen as restrictive, while casual Fridays, have become an everyday and every situational dress code.  In many cases, not all, one’s job becomes one’s primary source of income and social network. It is when life becomes this transparent, idol worshiping is right around the corner.

No one can serve two masters’ for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. – Matthew 6:24

The Lord placed these two people in my life, unbeknownst to them, as teaching tools for me. Living parables played out before my eyes.  Both these individuals look at their jobs as their only source of life and feel trapped. The Lord revealed to me, when you feel trapped, you will start feeling hopeless; when you start feeling hopeless you start feeling anger; when you start being angry you start justifying this anger then the root of bitterness will set in.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. – 1 John 2:15(NIV) 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2(NIV)

For a Believer, allowing the root of bitterness to grow, is one of the worst things that can happen. This metamorphosis of the heart in this manner causes you to become a poor witness for the Lord. It is an indication that you have gotten off on the wrong track. Remember friend, we are to be in this world not of this world.

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.  And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

– 2 Timothy 2:3-5

In all circumstances you must choose to be content. The Lord holds the whole world in His hands. His precepts cannot be shaken or changed.

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14

In this world where “grey” has taken over the truth of the light vs. the darkness…truth vs. fact… morale & ethics vs. perception is reality…we must purpose in our own mind and heart not to be consumed by things that are just not right. Remember David tried on Saul’s armor before going out to face Goliath, but it didn’t fit. The ways of today’s world will not fit us, Saints!  Our hope must be in the Lord that despite feeling naked and powerless in front of “giants” that by the world’s standards are above us; your covering and strength is in the Lord. In Him, you can overcome any and every hardship you face.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What area(s) in your life have you allowed your eyes to grow dim?
  • Why have you lost your hope in this area?
  • Think back when your eyes shined bright?
  • Ask the Lord to renew your strengthen. Press the reset button, through prayer and meditation and watch that area change by the power of God.

 

 

 

I feel like the maid…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

2 Peter 1:3-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Reflection:

When my step-son was younger he loved the Pixar film, ‘The Incredibles’. As with every five your old, he watched that movie so many times that he knew all the words by heart.  One of the lines that has stayed with me all these years was when Mr. Incredible was asked about saving the world, he said, “No matter how many times you save the world, it always manages to get back in jeopardy again.  I feel like the maid. I just cleaned up this mess, could we keep it clean for ten minutes.”

I am fixer, it is what I do. I observe all the angles of an issue and then seek to solve the problem in the most amicable way I can.  I love peace, the God kind of peace.  This is the atmosphere my husband and I strive to have in our home, marriage, and relationship with our children.  Despite the challenges that may come up, our “no strife” policy in the Word of God has kept us grounded.  Sadly, it is when I venture into other areas of my life, I feel like my peace is constantly being threatened.

And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]. – Matthew 11:12 (AMPC)

The world lives in constant chaos. Trying to accomplish a task for the betterment of the whole is like trying to clean up a section of an eight-lane interstate highway.  You have a goal as to what you want to accomplish, but then the preoccupied people that are whizzing past don’t seem to see or care about the bigger picture.  This can become discouraging.  Similar to when you work diligently for or with someone, only for all your hard work to be “wasted” – plans change or directions shifted all because of someone’s ego and pride.

Beloved, I am not saying that change is bad…it is just messy. The motive behind our actions are either for peace or for strife.  It is imperative in whatever environment you find yourself in, that you hold fast to your confessions of faith (Hebrews 10:23).  I have concluded, that it is not my job to fix everything.  As a mom, we carry the burden of being everything to our loved ones.  This is not what we were created to do.  We are vessels to carry God’s Word out into the world (to pour out in due time and in due season).  If you are like me and feel like you are constantly “cleaning up” after other people and/or situations – stop and repent for your own pride.  The Holy Spirit is the greatest fixer there is, He will fix your life and mine if we yield to the Potter’s hand.

The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. Jeremiah 18:1-4 (NLT)

Stop striving in your own strength. Let go and let God and see not only your life come into order in all areas, but that it stays that way.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What areas of your life do you feel are out of order? Why is that? Is it something you are doing or is it a person/situation in your life causing it?
  • What is your motivation in this area? Is it self-centered or God-centered?
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where you have missed it and how you can get back on track.

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;  but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:13-16

 

 

All I need is one pot and one pan…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Luke 10:38-43 New King James Version (NKJV)

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.  But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Reflection:

I have thanksgiving prep down to a science. I start cooking at twelve noon the day before the sides and then the turkey on the actual day.  That means, I feed my kids and husband their “last meal” on Wednesday and then everyone must clear out of the kitchen until the next day.  Yes, that means everyone fends for themselves until the thanksgiving dinner bell rings.

I literally use one pot and one sauce pan to make upwards of 10 sides. Did I mention that I was Italian by osmosis? I prepare a 20lb turkey and 10 plus sides to feed three adults and three kids.  Yeah that is over kill…but I love it.  I have learned over the years that preparing one side at a time is the best way to weave the holiday tradition together.  Sure, it prolongs the process, but the outcome is simple perfect.  When I say perfect, I don’t mean a holiday without snags.  It just means that the day moves at a speed that I can fully absorb with all of my spirit, soul, and body the gratitude that I have in the Lord.

Looking back, the years that had been the most challenging in the moment were the ones that I didn’t have full control of course of the events. Some examples…the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is the only program on, on Thanksgiving morning; there is no working if you are physically off on this day; and if I send you to the store for a specific item there should be no substitutions.  All these examples are silly and at the end the day things were still perfect despite my need to “make” it perfect.

In our foundational scripture we see Martha trying to control the narrative of the social gathering. Jesus rebuked her not because what she was doing to for everyone was not appreciated, it was just not important at that time.  In our need to make our lives perfect we miss the moments that the Lord is trying to teach us how to be thankful.  The only way to fully experience thankfulness is to stop and breathe in the moment.  It is my hope that you pause today, and really breathe in the moment and thank God for all the imperfections.  It is in this thankfulness you will find Heavenly perfection!

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What is the most frustrating thing about today? Make it a point to look at the situation from a Heavenly perspective. Considering eternity, is this frustration something that will tarnish your day…really. Breathe in peace, exhale strife.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18

 

 

 

 

 

Precept upon precept..is the best tea spoon

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Psalm 119:27 King James Version (KJV)

Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

Mark 4:10-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, so that

‘Seeing they may see and not perceive,
And hearing they may hear and not understand;
Lest they should turn,
And their sins be forgiven them.’ ”

Reflection:

Years ago my mother, signed us up for a sand castle contest at our local beach. On the morning of the event, we arrived with our kid shovels and pails and to her dismay the people there were constructing palaces out of sand.  The tools that we brought were no match for the equipment and precision of the other participants.  Needless to say, we didn’t win…back then they didn’t hand out participation ribbons (not that I am a big fan of participation awards…that is another discussion all together).  A couple of days later visiting that same beach, nothing remained of those sand masterpieces.  Just re-affirming for me as a child that even the winner of the contest efforts was futile.

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. – Ecclesiastes 2:11

In these moments when life seems as unimpactful as a grain of sand; looking back over your life these same moments in the Father’s hands can become a beautiful mosaics. Our lives are like private beaches, with a limited view of the world where people visit, and the waves of emotion are relentless.  We may witness many storms, but one thing remains, the horizon of God’s glory will always be in front of us.

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” – Matthew 7:24-27

Our foundational scriptures speak to the Lord’s tea spoon approach to wisdom. Each of us have a purpose to be fulfill.  The Lord reveals that purpose one moment at a time. It is up to us if we are going to use these moments, His instructions, and His commandments to bring it to pass in His timing.  Or we can use our grains of sand (our time, talents, and treasures) to build something to suit ourselves.  Are you going build something that will stand and last for generations to come or something that will be washed away with the very next challenge?

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Do you have areas of your life that feel futile? Why do you feel that way?
  • Go back to the last time you experience peace in that area? Did the Lord reveal something to you? Did you take it as a commandment(precept) or a suggestion?
  • Find a scripture to stand on to bring that area in your life back in line with the Word. Meditate on that Word until it comes alive in your inner man and restores this area to righteousness.

 

 

No is not my finish line…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Genesis 37:5-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

 Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.”

And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”

So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind. 

Genesis 41:14-16 New King James Version (NKJV)

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.” So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” 

Genesis 41:39-41 New King James Version (NKJV)

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”

Reflection:

I love the age that others call the “terrible twos”. You know that age, where “no” is their favorite word.  It is in this season where a child goes from not understanding the use of the word “no” by the parent to correct and protect; to understanding it and using that same word to assert their position.  There is so much behind those eyes of innocence as they decode their emotions and figure out how to communicate properly with the world.  The word “no” is seen as something negative or oppressive, when actuality it is just a brief pause in the bigger picture.  Issue arise when we look at these denials as being finish lines instead of starting lines.  I heard a pastor say one time, “your set back is preparing you for your come back”.

So if that is true then Joseph was poster child for the “come back” kid. The path that the Lord had chosen for him, had a lot of setbacks.  As a teenager the Lord gave him a dream, but that dream was not fulfilled until he was in his thirties.  During that time, Joseph encountered several “finish lines” in the natural, but God was positioning him at “starting lines” in the Spirit.

From slavery to management mind set

The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.  And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.  So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.  So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. – Genesis 39:2-5

We will at times feel helpless whither it is due to a health challenge, financial stress, or being used for you talents but not compensated the work. As you meditate on the Word and confess it over your life, God will from the inside out change your position in life from helpless to commanding.  We as Believers have such untapped potential and power in us, that at no time should we ever feel helpless in any circumstance.  It is truly a mindset change that only can be brought about through revelation.

From the prison to the palace mind set

But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.  And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing.  The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper. – Genesis 39:21-23

As you walk in your calling you will encounter “trap doors” along the way (i.e. people and/or situations). A diagnosis dragging on and on in the natural when you know it is resolved in the Spirit (Isaiah 53:5).  Hard times in your finances when you know that God has already provided all that you would ever need (Philippians 4:19).  A job promotion alluding you time after time – despite your spirit of excellence someone else is chosen over you.  Beloved, these potential finish lines may side line a weaker person, but they are not where your story ends (Jeremiah 29:11).  Continue to run your race despite the obstacles you encounter.  Settle today in the depth of your soul, loved one, that there is no finish line for the Body of Christ – our work is from here to eternity.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What area(s) in your life do you feel like you have reached a finish line?
    • Why do you feel this way?
  • Ask the Holy Spirt to reveal to you your starting line for that situation in the spirit realm.
    • Then start visualizing yourself healed….start visualizing yourself prosperous….start visualizing yourself recognized for you work….give God all the glory! Remember Jericho, Saints (Joshua 6) – thanksgiving/praise always proceeds victory!

On your mark…get set…GO!

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

1 Corinthians 9:23-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.  Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

Hebrews 12:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 

Reflection:

My youngest loves her cowboy boots. This particular pair she has been wearing for over a year…even though at the start they were a little too big.  Now, my little lamb has gym almost every day at school. As a result, she has to pack sneakers so that she can wear her beloved boots.  One would think that by now mornings would run smoothly at least in this area because she and I have an understanding.  Yeeeeaaah, no…  At least once, if not twice a week she can’t find her sneakers and she is reduced to a tearful mess on the floor.

In our house every morning there is a mad dash for the door to get everyone up and at their respective places on time. As a mom, I have done my best to make the process as smooth as possible.  We have hooks by the door for our back packs and coats.  We have shoe cubbies in the garage and another one in the front hall closet.  We have a place to put the small forest of paper that comes home for school daily and a place for the lunch bags to be replenished for the next day.  So, why then with the stage all set, does my family still find a way to be upset and/or late getting out of the house? That is one of the great mysteries of life.

For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).  By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.

 – 2 Peter 1:3-4 (AMPC)

These are the days, I just have to laugh…not because I have finally lost it, but because I catch a glimpse as to what the Holy Spirit has to deal with on a daily basis with the children of God. The Lord through His son has given us everything we need in this life to run a successful race for the Kingdom of God.  Instead of using our secret weapon of unlimited Godly wisdom – the Holy Spirit –  we go through our days, months, years…banging our heads against the wall.  You know where you find walls? At dead-end streets…just saying.  I think I have a permanent mark on my spiritual forehead from past dead-end detours.

If what you have been doing in a certain area of life is not working, check in with the Lord and see if you are even in the right place. By place I mean spiritual…too many people move from place to place only to be in the same place spiritually.  If you are not bearing any fruit in your life….love, joy, peace, hope…chances are you are running in the wrong direction.  Stop, get on your knees and pray….yes physically…this is a lost practice in my humble opinion…and ask the Lord to lead you back to the path that He predestined you to be on.  Then get back up, dust yourself off, and start running your race again.  It is never too late to make a impact.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What areas in life have you veered off your path with the Holy Spirit?
  • What areas do you feel like you are just banging your head against the wall? In that area, what is the opposite action of the action(s) that you are taking right now?
  • Lay your frustrations at the feet of the Lord, listen to the wisdom that is given, and then act in obedience to that Word.

 

Self-reliance is overrated…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Proverbs 16:18 New King James Version (NKJV)

Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Psalm 31:30-31 New King James Version (NKJV)

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Reflection:

The pride of life in this world smells worse than a dead skunk on the side of the road in the middle of summer. Our society celebrates the self-made man or woman, while shaming the helpless and the hopeless.  This is the total opposite to what the Bible says we should do.

The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world. – James 1:27 (TLB)

The more I listen to the cries of the women I come in contact with, the more I am convinced that self-reliance is not the way. As the birthers of life (whether you have had children or not), we as women feel obligated to fix all issues presented us.  That same is true with the men that my husband ministers to – everyone is trying to take on the world on their own.  Neither side was not created to carry the burden of their household alone.  Coupled with our sinful nature, it is no wonder we all tend to feel alone and overwhelmed by the cares of this life.  God didn’t create us to be self-reliant.  How else would we, truly experience joy…happiness is something felt by one, but the joy of the Lord overflows into the lives of others.  Beloved, we were created to cultivate the gifts in ourselves and in turn, the people around us.

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. – 1 Corinthians 3:7-9

We may have come into this world alone and will exit in the same manner, but while we are here, we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves. How can you have reverence for the Lord, if you can’t see past yourself?  The measure of a person statue should not be the things that he/she has accomplished, but in the moments and fruit that was produced through the cultivation of purposefully acts of love (Psalms 31:30-31).  Live your life, like someone is taking care of you…because He is.

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. – Psalm 34:15

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What areas of your life make you the proudest?
  • Is it because of what the Lord has done or is it something you “made happen”?
  • What areas of your life brings you the most grief?
  • In James 1:17 it says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” What person or situation is causing your grief today? Have you truly surrendered it over to the Lord? If not, what are you waiting for?

 

Change is not optional…how else will you know what kind of foundation you have?

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Hebrews 12:25-28 New King James Version (NKJV)

 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Luke 6:48 New King James Version (NKJV)

He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.

Reflection:

Have you ever woken up with a song in your heart? It is like a sun rise put to melody. On mornings like that, I brace myself before I open my eyes.  Many times, I wonder if on the other side of my eyelids I will see eternity.

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. – 2 Corinthians 5:8-10 

When the trumpet’s sound, I sincerely believe that only the Believers will hear it. That is a sobering thought.  Not the good people that cringe at anything “religious”.  Not the good people that go to church once a week out of religious obligation.  Not even the good people that serve in church, but then live like the world once their feet hit the bottom step of the church steps.  Not everyone is going to hear the call Home…

Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. – Matthew 24:40-41

It is our Heavenly Father desires that all are saved (1 Timothy 2:4). However, not everyone will qualify. If it were easy, then it wouldn’t be the narrow path.  If it were easy, then everyone would be doing it and you would be one of many rock stars in all your social and work circles.  Instead, each day that we open our eyes on this side of eternity we are going to be challenged, pushed, and shaken.  Not because we are super spiritual, but because we actively choose to stand for Christ and stand in the gap for those whose souls that are tittering in the balance.

The Bible is the best love story on the planet. The Lord pursues us like a jealous lover. Each time we choose self over the Spirit, our intimacy with the Lord is affected.  Don’t be fooled that you have an unlimited amount of time to change your ways.  As quick as a blink of an eye, your time here on earth will be spent.  If change is not optional, then make it count for something.  Let any and everything that is not of the Lord be shaken and removed from your life.  Not only for your sake, but for the sake of all the “good” people…and not so good people that haven’t had their spiritual channel tuned in to hear the final call.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • In the last year, what area of your life has been shaken the most?
  • Take spiritual inventory as to why this might be the case?
  • Ask the Holy Spirt to reveal to you any other areas in your life that may jeopardize your call Home.

 

Beloved, don’t have the way you live your life disqualify you or others from building a strong foundation in Christ Jesus.

 

What type of vessel are you?

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

2 Timothy 2:20-26 New King James Version (NKJV) 

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Reflection:

My daughter is in first grade. At the beginning of the year she came home from school talking about buckets.  “Mommy my heart is a bucket.”  The teacher, in an effort to provide something relatable for the class, created the bucket system.  The goal is to fill up someone else’s bucket with kind words and actions and to not to knock those buckets over again.  I have found this heart exercise, has my already thoughtful daughter, really thinking about how she reacts to situations and vocalizing when something is hurtful to her without whining…bonus!  In the same way, we as Believers were created to love and serve the Lord.  Each day we choose to be filled up with something – positive or negative – or to stay empty.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10

Life is a cycle…the only catch is that we walk through it once. Today’s foundational scriptures laid out the different types of vessels in the Lord’s great house.  I liken these vessels to our progression through the faith.

From a young age, religion was instilled in me. Going to church was the one thing that stayed constant in my life.  This carried over into my college years.  When others were partying for spring break, my friend and I were building wheel chair ramps for the elderly in rural America.  At the time, I never thought I was missing out on anything.  The dynamic group of friends I had, made that season of life that much more memorable.   Spring break on a beach or in the country, it made no difference to us, we all went to church every Sunday . . . we were all good people.

Clay/Earth to wood vessel – *ostrakinos (G3749)

There are a lot of good people that go to church. However, that is the most primitive relationship we can have with the Lord.  The kind that allows, us to keep all our “stuff” that doesn’t fit in with what the Bible outlines as righteous living.  This type of relationship may keep you out of harm’s way for the most part, but eventually the “stuff” that you choose to keep will overwhelm you.  Suddenly that clay vessel of religion will not be strong enough to keep your life together.  As a result, we may have to choose to trade up for a different vessel.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. – 2 Corinthians 4:7

Wood to silver vessel – *xylinos (3585) and *argyreos (G693)

I have found the way one starts one’s day has a ripple effect – positive or negative. I am an early bird . . . not because I live for sunrises, but because I have learned the hard way that a prayerful start sets the stage for a restful day.  I don’t read the Word because I am afraid of what God will do to me if I don’t follow a whole bunch of rules laid out by a man-made church format, instead like a person madly in love, I can’t wait to meet with Him in our secret place.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2

Silver to gold vessel – *argyreos (G693) and *chrysous (G5552) 

It wasn’t until I started studying the Word and watching my words and actions that I found that some aspects of religion and religious people were manufactured. The Lord that I knew through meditating on the scriptures, was a loving God, a faithful God, One worthy of all reverence.  Almost overnight, I traded in a cookie cutter religious life, for one that welcomed the presence of the Holy Spirit and I never looked back.

Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15

Gold vessel – *chrysous (G5552)

I know I can never do anything to make the Lord love me less and I am grateful every day for His mercy and forgiveness…because it is hard to love and forgive everyone in life…I mean really hard. However, we should never become disenchanted with life due to the actions of men that we take for granted the things of God.  Despite the destructive actions of many, the Lord is still faithful to the few.  We must always look to the Lord to finish our race.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. – Hebrews 12:1-4

We may never get to the gold vessel status in this life, but that shouldn’t stop us from striving to be the best vessel for the Lord that we can be. Beloved, remember your walk of faith is not supposed to be perfect, it supposed to be impactful.  – Selah

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What type of vessel are you?
  • What is hindering you for trading up for a vessel of more honor in the Lord’s house?
    • What sorts of past behaviors are you holding on to?
    • What sorts of relationships have past their useful life?

 

*Note – all word origins were looked up in the Strong’s concordance via blueletterbible.org

Content, but not satisfied

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

John 15:9-18 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me]. If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love. I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.

This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you.

No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends. You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do. I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.] 

You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I Am], He may give it to you.

This is what I command you: that you love one another.

If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you

Reflection:

This past year I hit a big mile marker in age. Not that I am usually age conscious at all (my husband is eight years older than me, so I always “think up” in age anyways), but when I transition into a new decade of life, I take a different kind of pause than my habitual monthly marathon partner accountability goal assessments.  My life’s endeavor has always been to hear from my Heavenly Father – “well done My good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).  To accomplish such a lofty goal, one must always have eternity in mind.  It is at these “pinnacles” in life, I double, and triple check my “God positioning Spirit” (GPS).

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. – Ecclesiastes 3:11

To stay on course, we as Believers must always be seeking the Lord for direction in this journey of life.   In my personal experience and observations, this can only be accomplished through constant truthful and candid discussions with the Holy Spirit.

And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. – Matthew 6:7-8

Beloved, remember your flesh will always tell you “yes” and although the Word does say His answers are yea and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20) – it is only within His will. So, in His will, you may hear “no” or “not right now”, but it is ultimately for your own safety and good.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:8-9

I am fully persuaded and confident that the Lord will never leave me nor forsaken me (Hebrews 13:5, AMPC).  I have had many a dark day – week, even years…but His Word is written in my heart (2 Corinthians 3:3), so I am completely content with my life.  Content is defined as a state of peaceful happiness.  People that know me, know that my husband and I are passionate about striving after and keeping our peace in the Lord.  Our peaceful witness acts like a light house in our “mission fields”.  We live out and understand what Paul was saying in Philippians:

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13

Sadly, some Christians get to be content in their own lives and forget that there is still so much work to be done for the Kingdom.  My lack of satisfaction is not one of ungratefulness, but one of great expectation in the One that created the universes.  Satisfy is defined as completely fulfill/meet expectations, needs, or desires of (someone).   As I look back at my last decade lived, my soul overflows with love and joy, however at the same time, it grieves/groans for Jesus to come.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. – Romans 8:20-23

Beloved, never be caught being content with life, always look up in the expectation of the Lord and never quit until you are fully satisfied (fully measure and complete and overflowing).

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Mentally sort the people and/or situations in your life in three categories – positive, negative, and neutral.
    • For the positive things – first give thanks to the Lord that they are where they are, then ask yourself if you are content or fully satisfied with how things are.
    • For the negative things – seek the Lord and see if you have been holding something that had once been a blessing too long or holding on too tightly to something deep down your afraid to surrender to the Lord.
    • For the neutral things – seek the Lord and see if you are luke warm in this area. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you either hot or cold to the person or situation so that growth in that area can start again.