Category: Peace

No peace…no go

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Hebrews 4:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Isaiah 5:20 New King James Version (NKJV)

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Joshua 24:15 New King James Version (NKJV)
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Reflection:  

The older I get, the more I value stillness.  Not that it is comfortable as I wrestle with my restless thoughts, but it is vital to discern what the Holy Spirit is saying and the direction for the day.  Although the pandemic lock down was challenging on individuals, it forced the world to pause for a moment. As the #outside is trending, the world is speeding back up.  The Lord impressed on me that our lives should not look the same as it did before.  Certain thought processes should have been disturbed to the point of redirection. Like a stream is redirected when it comes upon a sudden obstruction, so our thoughts, words, and actions should be different because we have abided under the shadow of the Almighty.

 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

As Christians, having spent so much time at the feet of our Savior during this world pause, our spirits should reflect His glory.  Sadly, the Church does not seem to have gained as much ground as we should have, instead some have fallen by the wayside (Mark 4:4, Mark 4:15).  Instead of a lifestyle that is set apart and different, we adopt scriptures like catch phrases.  I am sure many of you have this scripture in your homes or up in your churches (I do…got mine from Holly Lobby):

But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15

I heard once that a person will tell you who they are the first time. I thought that was a strange phrase because it left no room for grace.  However, the more time that passes, I realize that there is always room for grace, but our words and actions proceed us, hence people tell you who they are the first time.  We tell others the condition of our hearts without realizing it. 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  – Proverbs 1:7

If we don’t have peace in our minds, we will not have peaceful thoughts, those thoughts will produce erratic words, that in turn will manifest in irrational behavior.  The Word of God is there to rightly divide our soul (mind) and spirit(heart). 

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. – Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

Sometimes our internal struggle is our mind and heart wrestling.  We should never be comfortable with this kind of internal tug of war.  The result, if our mind wins over our heart is that we will call evil good and good evil.   

What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. – Isaiah 5:20 (NLT)

If you sense in your spirit (heart), that there is turmoil in your soul (mind), then don’t move until you have the peace that passes all understanding in your heart (Philippians 4:7).  Remember beloveds that relief is a counterfeit to peace.  Yes, there is a struggle with discernment sometimes and the enemy of our soul comes and provides a perceived alternative to the narrow path that you have been walking on with the Lord. Relief will fade, but peace will always remain. Praise God, even if we miss it the Holy Spirit is always there to lead us back.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Sit down and be still for at least 30mins, before answering these questions.
  • Do you have peace in your spirit (heart)? If not, why?
  • Do you have peace in your soul (mind)?  If not, why? – there is a difference
  • List out the people, places, and/or things that have robbed you of that peace.
  • Present that list to the Holy Spirit and have Him, direct your path back to the peace that passes all understanding.

Hit the P.A.U.S.E Button

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Psalm 37:6-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;

do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Reflection:

Years ago, my friend said that if she could have a super power it would be to pause time. Not for the purposes of savoring a moment now, but for the purposes of catching up with her life.  After getting past the annoyance that it was just her and her husband and her cushy low stress high paying job in her world…she thinks she is busy… That was when the Holy Spirit took me by the “ear”.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct. – Galatians 6:4-5

It made me really look at my reflection in the Word and think things through, which usually always has me saying “forgive me, Father”. I took a step back and asked the Holy Spirit what was the root of this irritation concerning my friend’s wish?

In my observation, the two hardest things to do in this life is 1 – to pause in the natural and 2 – rest in the Spirit. I wish I had both of these things mastered, I relish sitting down in the presence of the Lord and resting in the Sprit.  However, in the natural, I feel like I am always playing catch up.

When I get home from work I have two choices, 1 – to sit down for a minute and rest or 2- to keep going until the evening routine is done. Neither of which gives me any true sense of accomplishment.  If I rest, dinner, homework, and bath time get done much later.  On the other hand, I keep going and things get done, but I am totally exhausted by the end and have no time for myself or my husband.  In both cases the mountain of laundry…mind you…clean clothes are still not put away.

Despite what it looks like, we do have power, a super natural power that lies in our covenant with the One true God. The key to unlock this is prayer.  To truly pray, you have to first be still and then wait…we often forget the waiting part.  We speak out our prayers, but don’t wait for Him to respond.  The wait, the pause of silence is often the point where most Believers get caught back up in their thoughts and miss Him speaking.

The more I reflected on my friends wishful thinking of a pause power, the more I realized that we as the heirs of the most High God, eternal beings with the power through Jesus Christ can create a pause affect in our lives. We need to recognize that when we pray, it is our battle stance.  This battle stance in the Spirit will create adversity.  However, if we take the time to be still and wait, God will make all things right in His divine timing.

Beloveds, prayer brings on adversity, which ultimately produces sacrifice, and then the expectation of victory.

Prayer – our battle stance, an offensive position

Adversity – the enemy’s defensive stance

Ultimately – eventually the path will be made clear

Sacrifice – to proceed down the narrow path will require a humble transformation

Expectation – once that transformation is complete all there is left is victory

Take it from me, the best place to use this “super power” is with the people and the situations that cause you the most irritation. Frustration is a weakness and the sooner you shine the light of the Word on it, the sooner you can use your P.A.U.S.E. button to remedy your fleshly short comings.  The best peace you will every find, is the peace that you are in the center of God’s will.  Use your pause button often and watch the Lord transform your life!

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • List out the top five frustrations you have in your life?
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to your what is the spiritual root of that frustration.
  • Mediate on specific scriptures as antidotes to that issue.
  • Continue to practice using your P.A.U.S.E. button.

 

 

I am ok with me…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

1 Timothy 6:11-16 New International Version (NIV)

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:16-19 New International Version (NIV)

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

Reflection:

It took me a long time to utter these words out loud of my mouth: “I am ok with me”. It wasn’t in a moment where I felt the most accomplished; but in the midst of a horrendous situation and at a point of complete brokenness. It was in that moment, re-playing the situation for the millionth time in my mind, I felt the peace of the Lord fill me. I heard a Pastor once say, “Your reason, will be your reward.” Rewards are good, right? Not necessarily, have you ever watched a debrief of any Hollywood awards show? You will always hear who was the best dress and the worst dressed. Looking back my reason in that terrible situation was not a positive one. My intent was good, I did everything in the name of love, but my reason, my actions, were not. My actions were motivated by fear. I experienced the fear of abandonment each time I came in contact with this certain individual. My fear ultimately provided my reward…that person eventually abandoning me.

The good news is, I have a soul scar, from that situation. A soul scar represents a healed situation (a testimony). Since then, I have approached all my relationships the same (Romans 2:11). We are instructed in one of our foundational scriptures to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Everyone is responsible for their actions. As Believers, we are set apart to talk and act differently than the world.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. – Romans 12:17-19

Ah, Beloved I can hear you now, “what if the person that hurt you was a Believer?” You are in good company then. Paul speaks a lot about relational disappointments in the ministry and Jesus had one of his closest friends betray Him. The closer the person is to you, the deeper the wound, but God can heal all wounds in time.

As a solider in the Army of the Living God, it is your mission to ensure that your soul wounds are cleansed in praise and wrapped in the anointing of prayer. We don’t have the luxury of staying wounded…yeah I know those things are polar opposites. A luxury is something of pleasure and a wound is something of pain – this the definition a stronghold, my friend! As Believers, we don’t have the “pleasure” of staying in pain like the rest of the world, because we have the One that is reconciling us to Himself daily. It is truly our choice to remain a wounded soldier, but where is the joy and testimony for the Lord in that?

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Are you in a situation today that is causing you both pleasure and pain?’
    • Describe the situation in detail
    • List the things that cause you the most pleasure
    • List the things that cause you the most pain
  • Set it aside for a few days.
  • Re-visit your lists during your devotional time with the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit for direction as to how to deal with this soul wound.
    • Write down what the Lord reveals to you. (Spoiler alert to your current mindset, it will be a challenge.)
    • Say out of your mouth that you “receive the answer” the Lord has provided to you.
    • Date your page and close your notebook

Change will not come overnight, if anything it will become harder before it becomes better (the devils MO to discourage you from the healing process). If you consistently renew your mind daily in the Word of God, change will come…not by your might, but by the power of the Lord within you.  Remember the Lord is with you in every trial/storm and you will get to the other side*.

We love hearing testimonies! If you need prayer or would like to brag on God a little, give us a shout!  – Prayer Requests/Testimonies

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

 

 

 

 

 

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?

 

“I quit!”

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

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

 

How is that kryptonite working out for you?

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

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.

 

Free range, not always a good thing…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Romans 3:21-23 New Living Translation (NLT)

But now God has shown us a way to be made right with Him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

Mark 3:23-27 New Kings James Version(NKJV)

So He (Jesus) called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man.  And then he will plunder his house. 

Reflection:

The best part of the year is when my parents come to visit. Everyone in our household gets spoiled and blessed by their love and wisdom.  Our dog, Sugatop, especially loves when my mother comes, because he is ensured a walk, not once, but twice a day!  This past visit though, he started doing something unusual the second night into her visit…barking in the middle of night.  For the sake of peace [red flag] we let him out of his crate.  For the next few weeks, he was fancy free and living the crate free life.

All good things must come to an end. However, when it came time to go back to the steady state of the household the following week, Sugatop refused to be crated.  Instead, He reverted to puppy-like behavior and literally started crying and barking all night long – night after night for a week after her departure.  The easiest thing for us to have done was to rationalize the situation – “Should we crate him now that he is an older dog? –  What kind of trouble could he get into? –  He has caused no issues for the past few weeks.”

The truth is, like a puppy, our senior citizen dog still chewed up things left on the ground and occasionally had accidents when left alone for long periods of time…hence the crate. So, instead of continuing to rationalize the situation, we pressed forward with getting him to accept the crate life once again. Don’t get me wrong, it was like the brutal process of weening a pacifier from a child, but we got-er-done!

In my sleep deprived frustration this process made me think – wasn’t Sugatop’s brief new-found freedom similar to our fleshly nature? As saints, it is vital that we renew our minds daily to the teachings of the Word. Left to our own devices, we all fallen short of the glory  of God (Romans 3:23).  At one time or another, there are so many distractions in this life – good and bad – that encourages us to stay in our flesh.  The funny thing is once you compromise in one area it effects other areas, until you look up and see that our spiritual house is out of order (Mark 3:27).  Satan can’t disturb you unless you allow him in through your actions.  Our spiritual man can only protect what the Lord has entrusted to us – as long as we don’t tie ourselves up with fleshly motivated distractions.

 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. – James 1:13-15

Once our “house” gets out of order, the challenge then becomes getting our flesh back under our feet. Incremental management with the help of the Holy Spirit is a lot easier to control than trying to do it all at once alone in the flesh

 Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!   – Matthew 23:24

If we are going to have any success in our sanctification walk we must strive to keep our flesh under in all circumstances. If it is not a fruit of the Spirit, it has no place in your life. We can’t think an outburst with a loved one or a co-worker will not equate to an “unanswered” prayer in another area of your life. Every action has a reaction.  Every seed sown produces after its own kind.  The Lord loves us too much to give us blessings that we will just trample all over with our flesh.  It may work for a short time, but in the long run, the Lord will eventually withhold His abundance for those who truly reverence Him.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Are there any areas of your life that you have allowed your flesh to be “free range”?
  • Are there areas in your life you are having challenges in?
  • If the answer was “no” to the first question, but “yes” to the second question, ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify your free range blind spots and get your flesh back under your feet in all areas of your life.

You are not your brother’s keeper; the Holy Spirit is…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

John 21:15-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

John 21:20-22 New King James Version (NKJV)

Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

Reflection:

Looking back on my life the one thing that has been constant besides my love for the Lord, was the heart to serve. If there was an issue, I have always felt compelled to figure out how to solve it.  Now this can be a positive and negative “super hero” skill.   On the one hand you can help others going through a difficult season, get back on track; however, at the same time it can become a distraction and may cause you to get off track with the Lord as it relates to your own assignment.

Often, I have cried out to the Lord for loved ones, passed along wisdom given to me by the Him, only to have them to go down the same path. Every once and a while I especially sense a grieving in my spirit. Although it is disappointing, I am never completely discouraged. It is in these moments, I press further into the Holy Spirt…He knows a thing or two about being grieved.

 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

 – Ephesians 4:29-30

The last time this happened, I heard Him very clearly say “You are not your brother’s keeper.” He gently reminded me that I delivered wisdom on behalf of the Lord and that person chose not to hear it and as a result, I had become too emotionally tied to the situation.

It may be hard to comprehend, but the Fruit of the Spirit has nothing to do with the soulish realm – one’s mind, will, and emotions. This kind of fruit is planted by the Holy Spirt to be nurtured and multiplied in your heart (in your spirit) for the Kingdom of God.  For example, peace is not something that is felt per say, as it is something that your spirit experiences through a manifestation of the Lord (Philippians 4:7).  The same is true with love, it is not a feeling, but a person – God is love (1 John 4:8 and 4:16).  If at any point the peace or love that you experience turns into an extreme emotional response, such as drama or anguish check to see if you have not drifted off into a soulish place.  The truth is that not everyone is ready to hear the truth at the time it is given with Godly direction.

I love the disciple Peter, for the simple truths he provided through the examples of his dramatic and emotional statements while he walked alongside the Lord. One that is memorable is Peter’s response to Jesus revealing His assignment:

But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” – Matthew 16:22-23

Peter later vowed that he would not be offended in the King James Version of the Bible:

Peter answered and said unto Him, though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. – Matthew 26:33-35

If you look at these same scriptures in different versions offended is swapped out for “stumble” (NKJV), “fall away” (NIV), or “desert you” (NLT)… all vows that we have made ourselves at some point during our sanctification walk. The only thing is that we only have control over ourselves and our relationship with the Lord.

Convictions (soul-sourced – Peter) can be challenged and ultimately can be a cause of distraction, but an assignment (heart-sourced – Jesus) is a process of evolution that cannot be derailed.   In this context, a conviction is an emotion where as an assignment is an order.  We must be careful that our responses to things beyond what has been revealed to us by the Holy Spirit are not one of emotion or conviction but one of sound wisdom from the Lord.  This will ensure that your steps and conversations are ordered by the Lord and everything else outside of this is fully in the Lord’s court.

Now, go back and read through our foundational scriptures. Our beloved Peter is commanded to “Feed the Lambs” then “Tend the Sheep” then “Feed the Sheep”.  Slight word changes should be picked up on and meditated on – lambs once and sheep from there after.  We as Believers are given the great commission of going out there and winning the loss, but at the same time we are to encourage and advise with Godly direction our brothers and sisters in Christ.  This will require that we go back and forth between feeding and tending, but the ultimate care and wellbeing of all the lambs/sheep are the Lord’s.  So, don’t get caught up again like Perter did at the end of the chapter observing a fellow saint’s lack of progress in a certain area – John 21:20-22 – instead follow Jesus and continue to feed and tend…feed and tend…feed and tend…

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Do you have a family member or friend that just grieves your heart?
  • Are you overly emotional – good or bad – when interacting with this person?
  • If that person belongs to the Lord, ask the Holy Spirit if you need to change your “feeding” or “tending” techniques.