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Have you thrown out your black and white TV yet?

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Scriptural Foundation:

Jeremiah 17:9 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]?

Reflection:

One of the things I took away from my childhood was that emotions were a waste of time. After a couple of emotionally devastating situations, I found out two things about sadness – 1. it didn’t help anything and 2. it HURT.  Not only were emotions distracting, but they overwhelmed me at the most inopportune times.  Instead of compassion, I encountered manipulation.  So, after trying the whole “feelings” thing, I decided I was better off without them. Well that approach serves one well . . . until it doesn’t.

For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you. Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man. – Proverbs 3:2-4

If one doesn’t allow feelings of sadness then one also doesn’t allow feelings of happiness. Things become black and white and I know now that this view point creates an opening for the devil – i.e. depression or bitterness.  Thinking back, at moments when other people would be glowing with accomplishment, it would be business as usual for me. When others beamed with pride, I would be looking for ways to down play the situation. Like a marching cadence, I just kept it moving- left, left, left, right, left.  My friend from high school nicknamed me the ice queen…who knew they would eventually make a movie about me – Frozen….ok, bad joke.

He winks with his eyes, he speaks by shuffling or tapping with his feet, he makes signs [to mislead and deceive] and teaches with his fingers. Willful and contrary in his heart, he devises trouble, vexation, and evil continually; he lets loose discord and sows it. Therefore upon him shall the crushing weight of calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken, and that without remedy. – Proverbs 6:13-15

Although, I like the tin man in the movie the Wizard of Oz eventually I did find my heart . . . boy did I make up for that lost time.   Stuff that the average person experienced in middle school through high school I experienced all at one time in college. I didn’t totally give up my “under the rock living” – I was still the gal that did that “religious thing”, but I started to experience emotions again. Little did I know the damage that was caused to my spiritual man as to the way I processed past hurts.  Our ladies fellowship group this year is reading a book on the Enemies of the Heart.  Oh boy, talk about unpacking a lot of things that I didn’t know I still had.  It is like cleaning out my parent’s storage locker all over again.

The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end and His own purpose—even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity and evil. Everyone proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting, hateful, and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; be assured [I pledge it] they will not go unpunished. By mercy and love, truth and fidelity [to God and man—not by sacrificial offerings], iniquity is purged out of the heart, and by the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord men depart from and avoid evil. – Proverbs 16:4-6

Beloved, the Lord allows things in our lives not as punishment but as a bi-product of us setting aside His Word for something that we think is better.  Can I tell you there is nothing better than the plans that the Lord has for you?

Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. – Ephesians 2:9-10 

I don’t know about you, but I purpose each day to live it in full color! Sure, certain situations are not the most ideal, but Lord knows, I strive to do my best in Him.  You can choose to continue seeing things in black and white – doom and gloom, but it is lot more fun when you read and live out the Word of God in full color.

A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. – Ezekiel 36:26 (If you want to really get excited read the whole chapter!)

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Do you have some areas and/or subjects in your life that are off limits?
    • List this painful moments (don’t worry, it is for your eyes only)
  • Are those same barriers creating issues in other areas of your life?
    • Is there any correlation between an off-limit area and another area in your life? (Do you have “puzzle pieces” touching?)
  • Meditate on the Word, seek the Lord, and find scriptures that speak directly to that under developed area in your life.

“I quit!”

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Scriptural Foundation:

John 6:67-69 New King James Version (NKJV)

Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Galatians 5:17-26 New King James Version (NKJV)

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Reflection:

Do you know how often I think “I quit” in a given month . . . week. . . day. . . or even moment? The distractions and cares of this world attempt to suffocate our spirit man (Mark 4:19).  This crushing feeling only intensifies when you are seeking the Lord and keeping yourself in the will of God.  It is in these moments I pray for my pastors, church staff, and missionaries around the world.  If I feel like this, I can’t even imagine what they go through daily.

Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either]. Keep praying for us, for we are convinced that we have a good (clear) conscience, that we want to walk uprightly and live a noble life, acting honorably and in complete honesty in all things. – Hebrews 13:17-18

It took me a long time to recognize the difference between relief and peace.  Similar to condemnation and conviction the sources of these feelings come from very different places. Relief is a bi-product of condemnation, whereas peace is a bi-product of conviction. Relief comes from a self-reliant action, whereas peace comes from the Holy Spirit bearing witness with your spirit.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:25 

Left unchallenged relief will sometimes feel like peace, but it is a counterfeit!  Aligning your actions and decisions alone side the Word of God, it will become very apparent if you are feeling relief or peace.  If, one immediately gets agitated as to what is in the Word or tries to take certain scriptures out of context to support the situation, more than likely it is relief – succumbing to the flesh.

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. – Galatians 5:17-18

If, the Word confirms (all scriptures taken in full Bible context) the situation there is peace.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:7-9

It will take time to identify which is which when you get to the point of thinking “I quit”. That is the juncture where one has drifted away from the Lord, but praise God, He is faithful to throw us a life line every time (Beloved, keep in mind God is the One that provides life lines – you can’t, and I can’t provide a life line, only the Holy Spirit).

And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:28-31

So, my question to you is this . . .If there is only one true life line, whose line are you reaching out for? The one that has relief at the end of it or peace?

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Describe the situations where you have thought or said “I quit”.
  • [Leave it alone and come back another day to look at the description]
  • List the things that has brought to that place.
  • [Again, leave it alone and come back another day to look at it]
  • Seek the Holy Spirit for a “peace transfusion”. Like with a blood transfusion, you will have to change some past habits permanently, but if you do you are for certain to maintain that peace.

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

 

Well that is annoying…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Acts 17:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.

Reflection:

I never really thought about porcupines until about a year or so ago, I was describing to a friend a “feeling” I was having concerning a situation and the only word I could come up with was prickly.

Did you know that they are considered rodents? That there are two main subspecies of porcupines – old world (Africa, Europe, and Asia – fully nocturnal) and new world (North and South America – partly nocturnal)? Porcupines spend most of their time walking around with their pins down, it is not until there is danger or they are provoked in some way their sharp quills go up to put the predator on notice.

I love how the Holy Spirit teaches us through nature (God’s untampered master piece) concepts that seem intangible in the mind (our rational thought process). The world sees the Word as vile, just like porcupines are seen as rodents. Similarly, just because someone says they are Christian doesn’t mean that they are totally sold out for Jesus – hence the two types of Christians – Believers and Christian-light, but I digress… that is a whole other message…we are talking about the prickly “feeling” I started noticing in my spirit…

In the book of Acts, we read about the early church. In Chapter 17, we follow along as Paul travels from city to city (Thessalonica – Beroea – Athens). The word provoked jumped out at me – in other translations it was stirred or grieved and roused to anger. As Paul interacted with the world as it related to his relationship with Christ his spirit was provoked. I also noticed that to complete his mission, Paul had to keep moving but he strategically left certain men and women in cities to continue to do the work of the gospel. So, places where Paul’s spirit was provoked due to the Lord he knew, he left people to stay in those situations. Read that chapter in totality and then come back to this…

[Interlude. . .elevator music…] 

As I paid more attention to things of the Spirit, I have started to notice that the prickly feeling coincided with certain interactions/situations that sent flares going off in my spirit man. After seeking the Lord on this, it was revealed to me that it was my spirit man bearing witness with the Holy Spirit that something wasn’t quite right.  Before I would have my flesh override the prickly sensation and suppress it. We all know, no good can come of that. What is suppressed will eventually come up…just like what is done in the dark will come to light.

Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. – Luke 12:3

In these prickly instances, I noticed my tone of voice would become sharper and my compassion seemed to evaporate…either of those responses does not bring glory to the Lord or characteristics of Lord. Yes, the Bible gives us examples of how to deal with difficult people and situations. In all cases, we need to lead with love. I have learned to take a moment, and ask myself what it is that is causing me to act contrary to my Christ-like character? Granted the root cause may not become apparent right away, but as you seek the Lord and meditate/apply the Word to that situation the Holy Spirit will reveal to you what actions need to be taken. The more you identify and yield to your “prickly” sensation…that seemly annoying poke…the more you will realize it is the Holy Spirt ensuring that you won’t fall back asleep (backsliding – Isaiah 59:12-13) and that you won’t become dull (lukewarm – Revelations 3:16) to the things of the Spirit.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • For the next week, pay attention when you feel slightly/faintly annoyed by a person/situation.
  • Are you suppressing any words/ behaviors of response to these situations?
  • Ask the Holy Spirit for help you identify what that issue is and lean on Him to resolve it.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

 

Thank You, Lord for the In-Between . . .

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Scriptural Foundation:

Hebrews 10:24-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Galatians 5:25-6:3 New King James Version (NKJV)

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.  Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Proverbs 27:17 New King James Version (NKJV)

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Reflection:

For those that know me, I am a hugger. I love giving hugs and I love…LOVE…receiving hugs!  Like laying on of hands, so much comfort and strength can be transferred in an embrace.  In his letter to Timothy, Paul reminded his disciple of their last “transfer”:

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:6-7

As Believers, we are built to be overcomers. Jesus through His sacrifice guaranteed by His blood that we would go from victory to victory (1 Corinthians 15:56-58). That sounds awesome when you read it and even more powerful when you say it, but then there is the “in-between”.  The in-between period is the time from when the Lord spoke to your heart (yes or no to a request) to the time His Word manifests.

This is a critical moment in your life, like Job, situations; love one’s opinions; and your own thoughts/words will always challenge the Word that was given. The Book of Job has a lot to unpack on so many levels, but for the purpose of the “in-between”, let’s just look at the highlights:

  • Job was a Believer.
  • Through his actions, he allowed the devil into at least one area of his life (Job 1:5).
  • In destress, he sawt the Lord. (Stir up)
  • He had some three friends that were Believers, but their advice brought on more sorrow then encouragement. After deliberating with them, Job countenance grew dimmer. (Bear up)
  • Then came the one friend that provided Godly wisdom. (Sharpen)
  • Although still distressed, Job refocused on the Lord and that resulted in a restored life.
  • His life was a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

The “in-between” is the Job experience. We as Saints are under a new covenant and have been equipped by the Word of God to stir up, bear up, and sharpen each other.  There will be distractions (self-made and devil instigated), but hold tight to the Word.  This will eliminate the extras, allowing our victories to arrive that much faster and be that much sweeter.

Stir up

Each of us have untapped “potential” in us. This potential (i.e. power) has been imparted to us through the Holy Spirit.  This power can only be stirred up/awakened in the presence of the Lord.  Personal devotional time is vital but being connected to Body of Believers is just as important.

Bear up

It is through fellowship with other Believers that we realize that we are not alone in our struggles (1 Peter 5:9).  However, we must choose our Godly council by their fruit.  As in the Book of Job, there will be Believers that speak and act contrary to Word but praise the Lord our God is faithful and will always place someone in your life that will point you back to Him.

Sharpen

We all have strengths and weakness. In God’s perfect plan we are double-edged swords, sharpened on both sides.  Unfortunately, we live in an imperfect world where sin abounds.  Praise God, grace abounds greater than anything in this world (Romans 5:20).  As a result, the Lord will place other Believers in your life to sharpen your dull “sides”.  We are His Body here on earth (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). We all have a part to play and that part entails being stirred and using our strengths to sharpen the weakness of other and vice versa.  It is the dependence on the Lord primarily and the inter-dependence of our faith communities secondarily that will bring about revival in these last days.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Are you taking time daily to soak in the presence of the Lord? This will stir you up!
  • Are you ministering daily to family and friends in Love (1 John 4:8)? This will bear them up!
  • Are you sowing and receiving Godly wisdom daily? This will sharpen you up!

How is that kryptonite working out for you?

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Scriptural Foundation:

Romans 7:14-16 The Message (MSG)

I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.

Reflection:

In the past, money management was always been my kryptonite. Not that I was a poor steward, but because there never seemed to be enough resources to satisfy the need I saw around me.  I use to spend countless hours over our budget each month, trying to fit it into Malachi 3:10:

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.

I was plagued by condemnation. As a former Catholic, tithing was never taught, but “catholic guilt” was something that I was very familiar with.  When I started to walk out my sanctification, I realized that the Lord didn’t love me any less for my struggle in this area or  others:

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1

The Spirit convicts, where as the devil condemns; convictions brings to our attention that something needs to change. With the help of the Holy Spirit all things come under the Blood of Jesus.  The devil and his cohorts work overtime, trying to convince you and I that the struggles that we have are beyond resolve.  This is a lie out of the pit of hell!  There is nothing impossible for the Lord.  Looking back, instead of going to the Lord and asking Him to direct my steps in this particular area, I tried to “fix” it myself.  As a result, my spirit man was weakened each time I used my intellect as an alternative to the wisdom imparted to me through the meditation of the Word of God.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Sin is a Believer’s kryptonite. The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Psalm28:7).  If you have lost your joy in one or several areas in your life it is a good indication that you have picked up some kryptonite somewhere along your journey, but praise the Lord for His faithfulness!

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

If you feel discouraged today, take heart! Don’t be content staying under of weight of sin.  Instead, course correct on a daily basis striving after our Lord Jesus Christ.

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. – Hebrews 12:1-3

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What is your kryptonite? (What habit, situation, or person drains you of all your strength, spiritual and physically?)
  • If you keep going through the same strife in an area of your life, ask the Lord if there is something you have to do? Remember Saints, the Lord has laid out His promises; the only way we will receive them is through acts of obedience and reverence.

 

When you are distracted…you will accept anything as true…

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Scriptural Foundation:

Luke 4:17-21 New King James (NKJV)

And He [Jesus] was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

John 8:43-44 New King James (NKJV)

Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Reflection:

We have all heard the phrase “money does not grow on trees”. At the same time, counterfeiting and money laundering is still a very real threat.  One would think that as a society we have progressed to the point of rightfully discerning between the real thing and something that holds no value, but unfortunately that is not the case. In the spirit realm, the devil is the king of this world:

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

His primary objective is to swindle all of God’s children out of our inheritance here on earth and totally rob eternity from those that have not come to know the saving knowledge of Christ.

An expanded interpretive translation of John 10:10 could read this way:

“The thief wants to get his hands into every good thing in your life. In fact, this pickpocket is looking for any opportunity to wiggle his way so deeply into your personal affairs that he can walk off with everything you hold precious and dear. And that’s not all — when he’s finished stealing all your goods and possessions, he’ll take his plan to rob you blind to the next level. He’ll create conditions and situations so horrible that you’ll see no way to solve the problem except to sacrifice everything that remains from his previous attacks. The goal of this thief is to totally waste and devastate your life. If nothing stops him, he’ll leave you insolvent, flat broke, and cleaned out in every area of your life. You’ll end up feeling as if you are finished and out of business! Make no mistake — the enemy’s ultimate aim is to obliterate you….”

“…But I came that they might have, keep, and constantly retain a vitality, gusto, vigor, and zest for living that springs up from deep down inside. I came that they might embrace this unrivaled, unequaled, matchless, incomparable, richly loaded and overflowing life to the ultimate maximum!”

Beloved, no matter where you are on this journey of life it is never too late to spot a counterfeit and turn it in at the Altar for the promises of the Lord. Don’t feel ashamed if you feel like you missed an opportunity or you keep falling for the empty promise of a loved one.  Jesus’ primary objective when He came to earth was to redeem this lost/dying world. Determine in your spirit that you will pay attention, stay vigilant in prayer, and walk out Luke 4:17-21 in Him.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Are you accepting counterfeit feelings, relationships, and/or situations in your life?
  • Why do you think you are accepting something less than what the Lord has pre-destined for you?
  • Ask the Holy Spirit what you can do to trade in these counterfeits for the Blessings of Your Father.

 

 

I am awkward, how about you?

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Psalm 1 New King James (NKJV)

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish. 

2 Peter 3:8-10 New King James (NKJV)

 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Reflection:

I can’t accept a compliment to save my life. It is like playing water balloons with baby oil.  I can “catch” it, but then I drop it – always deflecting the compliment so it falls with a splash at my feet.  Where is the glory in that for the Lord? I know it makes the person giving the compliment feel uncomfortable and it is something the Lord has recently revealed to me as a stronghold in my life that needs to be removed.

I moved around a lot growing up. On the positive side, I didn’t get attached to people and things, however at the same time, I was always the outsider looking in.  My adult years have been the complete opposite.  I have been planted in the same place for quite some time and as the years pass, I am challenged by the Holy Spirit almost daily.  The Lord has blessed me tremendously. I see the fruit of the Spirit at work in my life. . .at the same time, do you know how fast weeds grow when watered?  They tend to grow faster than the flowers, vegetables, and fruits next to them.  What I have found in my “planted position” is that when one is always moving or making themselves busy, no real growth in the spirit can occur.

…his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. – Psalm 1:2-3

Everyone wants to prosper; however, everyone is not built for the process it takes to receive that kind of blessing. The Bible is filled with awkward people: Adam – Noah – Abraham – Moses – Rahab – Ruth – David – Mary – even Jesus.  From the opening credits of their awkwardness to their departure into eternity, the Lord used their perceived shortcomings to connect and draw souls into the Kingdom of God.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. – 1 Peter2:9-10

He must increase, but I must decrease. – John 3:30

It is through our awkwardness we connect with the people around us. I can’t feel your current heart ache, but I know your heart ache.  I haven’t experienced your current shame, but I have several shameful and disappointed moments in the folds of my past.  It is when we as Believer’s try to air brush our memories, that the grace and the mercy that God wants to pour through the vessels of our lives, is obstructed.  Similar to when there is an obstruction in the valve of a heart, the heart can’t pump the blood throughout the body efficiently.  The same is true, when we try to cover our awkwardness.  We obstruct the Blood of Christ being transferred to a lost and dying world.  The Lord does not want anyone to perish, but all of us to enjoy eternity with Him (2 Peter 3:9).

I have a friend that is broken spiritually, he has been diagnosed by several doctors throughout his life for mental health issues. The names of the diagnosis only describe the spirit.

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 6:12

Depression is a spirit Saints! [Check your offense meter Beloved, and really hear me.] I am not saying that doctors and medicine should not be used to manage such a feeling, but that is all that it is doing, managing it.  The Lord wants to break that stronghold off individuals that feel like they are lost and forgotten.  Although my friend and I both come from very different backgrounds, we have been able to talk and find out that other than my “religious thing”, we agree on a lot of fundamental view-points.  Most of these view-points, he will not admit it, reflect the ten commandments…just saying.  The bottom line is that as I continue to work through my awkwardness, the Lord is using me to connect with any and everyone around me for His glory.  Isn’t that worth embracing your awkwardness today?

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What areas in your life do you feel awkward?
  • Ask the Holy Spirit, how you can cultivate these “hinderances” into a landscape that reflects the Lord’s love and mercy. 
  • Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. – Matthew 5:5

Aborted Prayers. . .

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

2 Corinthians 1:20 New King James (NKJV)

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 New King James (NKJV)

Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.

2 Timothy 2:13 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

If we are faithless [do not believe and are untrue to Him], He remains true (faithful to His Word and His righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself.

Reflection:

The Lord speaks to me sometimes when I am doing the most mundane tasks. Laundry is one of those tasks.  It is a never-ending chore that must be done.  It is something taken for granted by individuals that solely benefit from this task being completed.  For example, on any given Saturday, my daughter can change her outfit three different times and all of them end up in the once empty laundry bin.  Arrrrg…the struggle is real, folks.

The laundry process has a clear objective – clean an article of clothing and return it back to its proper place. This process can get interrupted at any time, but the end objective never changes.  There are certain times in our walk with the Lord, we are closer to Him than others.  It is during these times, we come into agreement through prayer with the things that are poured into our spirits.  However, our soul (mind, will, emotions) gets involved and tries to convince our heart (our spirit) contrary to what has been revealed by the Holy Spirit.  Your mind is where prayers are aborted.

Abortion is when one makes a choice to end a life. Individuals may debate as to when life starts, but the bottom line is a seed of life was planted and it took hold in a womb and the end of that process is life no matter when it is interrupted (Psalm 139:13). Hence abortion is a choice.

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. – Deuteronomy 30:19-20

The Lord gives us a glimpse via our spiritual eyes into His glory and then the Word upholds that vision until it manifests. The choice it up to us, to hold on to these visions or to abandon them.  If our prayers line up with the Word of God, it is the Will of the Lord and His answers are yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].  – Hebrews 11:1

So then why are we not all walking through a field of daises? I perceive in my spirit that too many of us are aborting these prayers somewhere in the process. There will be challenges in your life that are there solely because you have chosen self over the prayer you had once spoken in faith. Prayers are conceived in faith but are aborted in doubt. When your words and your actions deny our Lord’s sovereignty to resolve a certain storm in your life. . . that is your choice not the Lord’s to abort that prayer.  But praise God we have a merciful Father! He sees when we choose to put on dirty garments (shame, rejections, pride, etc.)  instead of the ones He has laid out for us. He is faithful to take all these garments and put them through the sanctification measure – His heavenly laundry process.

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. – Lamentations 3:23

Beloved, fear not . . .

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Matthew 24:35

Make up your mind today that you will not abort another prayer placed in your heart by the Holy Spirit. Then rejoice that the manifestation is upon you (2 Timothy 2:13).  Faint not dear warrior of the Lord, faint not.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Do you have a journal specifically for prayer requests? This should be separate than your spiritual growth journal. If not, start one!
  • By practicing Habakkuk 2:2-3, you are actively choosing to see your prayer through to manifestation. It will serve as a reminder for you when your mind(soul) gets weary of waiting for your breakthrough.
  • Lean on the Holy Spirit and He will comfort and keep you through to victory.

 

 

 

Is waiting an active or passive stance?

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Revelations 2:2-5 New King James (NKJV)

I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Ephesians 6:13 New King James (NKJV)

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Titus 2:11-14 New King James (NKJV)

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Reflection:

My husband loves football season. End of July/August marks preseason training and September is right around the corner.  Preseason training, reveals very quickly how prepared a player is for the first game.  Ideally, each player during the off season has been working out in preparation for team training.  Unfortunately, that is not the case and the coach has to prepare certain individuals to advance the whole quad forward.  Players physically have a limited “shelf life”. The primary objective of the coach is to push each player to their ultimate potential.  There is a goal and everyone is pushed towards that goal or is left on the sidelines with the rest of the spectators.

As prayer warriors, our Coach is the Holy Spirit. His job is to guide us to the goal of accomplishing our assignment here on earth. He is a loving and patient Coach; however, He will not do the work for you.

For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as his child.” Hebrews 12:6

That is why I find it very interesting how and in what circumstances Believers choose to use the word wait. Studying out the word wait – 20 Hebrew/Aramaic and 13 Greek words – I have found that over time our understanding in our current vernacular has been watered down tremendously.  From what I gathered after meditating, is that waiting should be an active stance.  The Bible talks of lying in wait, to hunt, to hope, to long, and be in expectation.  Instead, when I hear some Believers talk about waiting, it seems more like a flat-footed approach rather a sprinters forward slanting stance before a race.  What can the Holy Spirit, really accomplish in the life of a flat-footed Believer?

In Revelations, John talks about a group of Believers that have “left” there first love.  I looked up the word left – G863 – aphiēmi. It means to send away; to permit, allow, not to hinder, to give up a thing to a person; to leave on dying, leave behind one; abandon, leave destitute. So, to a group of Believers the Word is telling us that somewhere along our journey we have abandoned our first love – the Word of God. Denying part of the Word, doesn’t forfeit your place on the team, but it does forfeit the impact that you can make for the Kingdom by choosing to be passive with your faith. 

What does an active versus passive stance look like? The Lord broke it down to me this way:

  • Active – keep doing the last thing He (the Lord) told you to do (disclaimer – without helping Him). In due time you will see the fruit of the Spirit abound in your life.
  • Passive – not putting any effort behind the last thing that the Lord told you to do. The Bible says that we will know them by their fruit. The Lord will always provide, but our obedience determines our return.      

There are two ways to keep us in the active waiting stance. That is to stand and to hope.  The Word says to put on the Armor of God and stand, all the while looking for the blessed hope.

Stand – G2476 – histēmi

To stop, stand still, to stand immovable, stand firm; continue safe and sound, stand unharmed, to stand ready or prepared; to be of a steadfast mind; of quality, one who does not hesitate, does not waiver.

Hope – G1680 – elpis

Joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation.

Waiting becomes a passive stance once you stop expecting things to change. When you get so tired of waiting that you fall asleep at your post.  Beloved, we can’t do that!

Then he [Jesus] returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? – Matthew 26:40

In the Spirit, there are no breaks from here till eternity.   There is no time for an off-season mindset, when the game is on now!  Strive to keep yourself in a perpetual state of hope and in a fixed active waiting stance – this will ensure that you will always bare much fruit and you will always move from glory to glory in Christ Jesus.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What was the last thing the Lord told you to do?
  • Are you actively pursuing that directive? – It is a yes or no answer – if there is explanation needed, then the answer is no.
  • Repent and ask the Holy Spirit for direction to get you back in to the active waiting stance position.

Search and rescue…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

1 Peter 2:11-12 New Living Translation (NLT)

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

Ephesians 6:12 New Living Translation (NLT)

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Romans 12:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT)

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Reflection:

Years ago, I determined in my soul to be in a constant state of praise. That was an ambitious goal and one that seemed impossible with my current mindset.  At the time, I desperately needed a change in my life and the Lord met me in my time of need.  The more I began to meditate on what Jesus did, the more I became emboldened to see beyond my temporal state of mind.

When I [John] saw Him [Jesus], I fell at His feet as if I were dead. But He laid His right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. – Revelation 1:17-18

The battle has been won in the Spirit, by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Satan’s “kingdom” has been reduced to rubble.  In every generation since that victory and in every season all there is left to do as Believers is to seek out the lost and share with them the Good News.  In a world where things move at the speed of light and depression is wide spread, the pace of life causes one to become desensitized to the struggles of another. The devil has been given his eviction notice but is still trying to convince us that this world is not worth inhabiting in the Spirit and is beyond saving.   Praise God that we are not of this world!

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. – Philippians 3:20

Spiritually speaking, planet earth is not our home. When we were born again our naturalization was changed.  It is up to us to keep our internal fire lit in faith, hope, and love.  Do you know how hard that is in our own strength?  It is impossible, but again praise God that impossibilities are the language of heaven.

Getting back to my constant state of praise goal. It didn’t happen overnight.  I purposely worshiped every chance I got, listened to messages, and read books that would encourage me in my faith.  The funny thing was, I never noticed how far I had come until more and more strangers noticed and told me how nice it was to hear someone singing while going about their day-to-day.

One interaction stands out in my mind and made an impact on my heart. It was when my vet ran out of the dietary food that we give our dog, so I had to go to a different vet to pick it up.   It was beautiful day, I had my windows down and one of my favorite songs was playing on the radio.  I parked and went into the store and proceeded to find the veterinary counter.  While the lady went in the back to get the food, this man walked up to me and ask if I was the same lady that was singing in the parking lot!  A little embarrassed, I said yes.  The man was overjoyed and wanted to share how it pleased him to hear someone go about their life singing to themselves.  Relieved I said thanks.  Not knowing how much it was second nature to me, as I was walking away, I again began singing to myself again…the same gentlemen yell from behind, “yeah man, you’re awesome!”

Another time, I was at the grocery store, again singing to myself and the grocery clerk asked me what song I was singing. Yet another time, I was whistling down the hallway and a co-worker called me out on it – “you must be having a good day.”  And the list goes on and on.  This change in my countenance didn’t come automatically but was a daily commitment that I made unto the Lord. I am determined to be a vessel that the Lord could use for that day to reach just one more person for the Kingdom.

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish. – Mathew 18:12-14

Saints, the truth is we are all on a search and rescue mission! The devil has a limited time left in this dark and chaotic world.  It is up to us, in our words and actions to search out opportunities to rescue just one more soul.  If someone has breath, they have an opportunity to accept Christ in their hearts and change the destination of their eternity.  Determine in your spirit today to keep your light shining like a light on a hill.  Be vigilant…the recovery mission is still in progress!

       You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16 

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Are you guarding your ears and your eye gates?
  • What music do you listen to on a regular basis? Is it edifying our spirit or pleasing your flesh?
  • Are you listening to messages outside church on Sunday? What nuggets are you applying to your sanctification walk?
  • Outside of your daily devotionals, what books are you reading to edify your spirit?
  • Who are the people you are praying for daily to come to the saving knowledge of the Lord?

Beloved, remember…

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9