Okay, life got crazy for a bit! At this point I've finished reading "Fervent" but I just (finally) finished my prayer for this chapter today. I've tried to keep prayer in mind but if I'm not writing out my prayer I find myself extremely distracted.
Between moving and the holiday festivities I've been quite distracted and haven't really prayed for a week. I noticed today the difference that made in my life, in such a short amount of time. These specific prayers were unleashing God more fully in my life in two major ways; In me (wakening His Holy Spirit in me) and in the people I'm praying for. Today, in church, I notice all that was dimming. Pray matters!
So, here we go. Hurt. I'm confident you have been hurt in your life. I know for sure that I have. Some hurts I caused myself. Some were delivered by others. Some big, some small but all painful. We naturally want to avoid pain, so that makes our hurts a perfect target for Satan to keep us stationary. "He use every opportunity to keep old wounds fresh in mind, knowing that anger and hurt and bitterness and forgiveness will continue to roll the damage forward (Hebrews 12:15)" (Page 16). Can you relate?
"If I were your enemy, I'd use every opportunity to bring old wounds to mind, as well as the people, events, and circumstances that caused them. I'd try to ensure that your heart was hardened with anger and bitterness. Shackled through forgiveness" ( Page 151).
Reading this chapter I didn't really see this clearly in my life. I get over things pretty quickly. I typically don't dwell and stew. Typically. In my desire to brush this strategy off as no big deal that raised a red flag. There is no way this area of my life is spick and span. God would want me to clean out my closet but Satan, he would want me to keep walking. So, I prayed.
I know I have been hurt, even recently. I know that if I talk about it there is a great potential that I might cry. In many way's I don't think I'm holding it against the person that inflicted them...but maybe I do.
I have a desire to avoid them. It would be easier to not interact. New hurts wouldn't happen if I keep my distance. That's not unforgiveness, anger or bitterness...is it?
Well, when in doubt look to Jesus, look to the Bible. Jesus wasn't even angry at the people who brutally killed him. He said "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing" (Luke 23:24). That speaks to me as one of the best examples of forgiveness, kindness and gentleness. As a Christian (aka "Little Jesus", Christ follower) my reaction should follow His example.
WWJD...what would Jesus do?
He wouldn't avoid this person. He would be available to them even though they might hurt Him again. He would have compassion and empathy because what is in a person's heart is what come out of their mouth (Matthew 15:18-19. Luke 6:45). This person is not a Christ Follower. They have been hurt a lot in their life. Have you heard the saying "hurt people, hurt people"?
I don't believe this person knows what they are doing. Although I have expressed my hurt and genuine concern for how our relationship is I don't think they really understand where I'm coming from. That being said there is two sides to every coin. I'm sure I don't truly understand where they are coming from either.
God doesn't say we need to understand the other person to forgive them, we need only to forgive. It is a choice. Sometime the choice is harder then others. Sometimes is a choice we have to keep making. I think with this person in my life the latter is where I fall. My desire to stay away from them is proof I am keeping the past part in my present. That is not the definition of forgiveness.
My sins are many and never ending. No matter how many times I hurt Jesus, He always forgives me. He never pushed me away so I wont hurt Him again. He loves me so much that He stays vulnerable and available. He doesn't let it be a wedge between us. I have realized (even more in writing this blog post) that I can't let my hurt be a wedge in my relationship with this person. I need to move on and pray hard for walls to crumble and a healthy relationship to emerge.
This was not at all the blog I thought I would write just now. I had a different direction in mind but God is so good! He knows what I need better then I do. I hope He uses this to bless your life too! :-)
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Friday, November 18, 2016
Fervent, Strategy #8: Pressure
Satan doesn't want us to be well rested and content. "He hopes to over load your life and schedule, pressuring your to constantly push beyond your limits, never feeling permission to say no (Deuteronomy 5:15) (Page 16)." It's time to regain that ground!
Make no mistake, he is predictable. Be sure that the words to follow are not just what Priscilla "would do" but what Satan does do. "If I were your enemy, I'd make everything seem urgent, as if it's all yours to handle. I'd bog down your calendar with so many expectations you couldn't tell the difference between what's important and what's not. Going and doing guilty for ever saying no, trying to control it all , but just being controlled by it all instead...If I could keep you busy enough, you'd be too overwhelmed to even realize how much work you're actually saving me. (Page 133)" Did that ring any bells or raise a red flag for you?
Was one of the following thoughts "But no, those things I do are important. That can't be Satan attacking me."? Just because it's a "good thing" doesn't mean its a "God thing". Here are four ways Priscilla encourages us to step back and see the big picture. (This is found on page 145)
Make no mistake, he is predictable. Be sure that the words to follow are not just what Priscilla "would do" but what Satan does do. "If I were your enemy, I'd make everything seem urgent, as if it's all yours to handle. I'd bog down your calendar with so many expectations you couldn't tell the difference between what's important and what's not. Going and doing guilty for ever saying no, trying to control it all , but just being controlled by it all instead...If I could keep you busy enough, you'd be too overwhelmed to even realize how much work you're actually saving me. (Page 133)" Did that ring any bells or raise a red flag for you?
Was one of the following thoughts "But no, those things I do are important. That can't be Satan attacking me."? Just because it's a "good thing" doesn't mean its a "God thing". Here are four ways Priscilla encourages us to step back and see the big picture. (This is found on page 145)
- "Check your schedule for patterns where you're allowing yourself to be enslaved to things that aren't truly as critical, important, or indispensable as they seem."
- Check your motivations for why you say yes to so many things and why you feel such a guilt and loss of importance for saying no."
- Check to see if the places where you most typically overload your time involve people or goals or interest areas that you've elevated to the status of idols."
- Check how much emphasis you place on the current status of your wardrobe, house, car, job fitness, education, and any external measure that causes you to feel defensive, pressured to keep up and compare."
Obviously, it's easier to rehash this book out or list Bible verses but the point of me blogging this is to show how God is making a difference in my life. It is tempting to not be vulnerable with you. However, God gave me this life and it is His to glean the glory from. I want to stop right here and apologize if I've given into that temptation and got "surfacy" with you.
That being said, what I wrote previous was what Priscilla expressed about pressure. I'm here to reveal what God said to me. I really keep finding myself amazed by how compassionate, intimate and available. He humbles Himself to human level because He is crazy in love with us, with me! He IS eager to save! That one thought alone has my reeling.
That being said, what I wrote previous was what Priscilla expressed about pressure. I'm here to reveal what God said to me. I really keep finding myself amazed by how compassionate, intimate and available. He humbles Himself to human level because He is crazy in love with us, with me! He IS eager to save! That one thought alone has my reeling.
Priscilla paralleled the similarities between a lifestyle of pressure and slavery. When what's pressuring us calls the shots instead of God we find ourselves slaves to the agenda. The point about this that stuck me was that despite being declared "free" slaves don't know how to actually be free.
God not only frees us, through Jesus, but He makes a way for us to be totally free. Being free by name is only scratching the surface. We are not slaves to the pressure but family members of the Creator. Our identity and worth is in Him alone. Any other identity is an illusion.
This brought be to reflect on the chains He has cut me out of. Porn, anxiety, anger, immorality, lust, relative reality, pride, idolatry...the list goes on. In naming these chains I am not saying I don't still struggle. I am temped to put them back on (some more than others) but by God's grace and unconditional love I am no longer a slave to them. They no longer control me.
God not only frees us, through Jesus, but He makes a way for us to be totally free. Being free by name is only scratching the surface. We are not slaves to the pressure but family members of the Creator. Our identity and worth is in Him alone. Any other identity is an illusion.
This brought be to reflect on the chains He has cut me out of. Porn, anxiety, anger, immorality, lust, relative reality, pride, idolatry...the list goes on. In naming these chains I am not saying I don't still struggle. I am temped to put them back on (some more than others) but by God's grace and unconditional love I am no longer a slave to them. They no longer control me.
As one thought often leads to another I was thinking about how completely insignificant I am in the vastness of this universe. There are galaxies upon galaxies out there but God, the Mighty Creator of all that, cares able the struggles of this little speck of dust that I am. He is humble enough to not only notice my chains but help me get out of them. Wow! Talk about compassion!
That being said, I want to improve. I want to seek Him more. I don't want to keep taking for granted how generous He has been to me. So, I prayed through those bullet points Priscilla provided. I really asked God to show me where I allow myself to be a slave.
That being said, I want to improve. I want to seek Him more. I don't want to keep taking for granted how generous He has been to me. So, I prayed through those bullet points Priscilla provided. I really asked God to show me where I allow myself to be a slave.
Honestly, I was feeling pretty good about the answer. I don't have a busy schedule. Therefore, I don't have wrong motives for saying yes and I don't feel bad for saying no because I don't often have to say either. Bullet one and two were a breeze. When I got to the third bullet I felt some conviction.
Idols. This one has been something I have been keeping in the front of my mind since last Friday. I realized, in the small group we attend, that I let TV be the number one idol in my life, followed by social media. Praise God, He has helped me be victorious when it come to watching TV- binge watching to be honest. It has been refreshing to play a sermon or message in the back ground of my day. Being a person that loves talk radio this is really working for me. Social media has been a little better but victory has not been claimed yet.
Okay so 1 out of 4 not bad, right? Wrong. God woke me up to the truth that I allow my comfort zone to be my source of pressure. I mentioned in my last post how much a love being introverted. I am quite content laying low. There in lies the problem. I am not allowing myself to be available to God. More specifically: sloth-a habitual disinclination to exertion. I am a terrible disciple of Christ. God convicted me that staying in my comfort zone is not faith. In reality I am letting myself be ruled by 3 out of 4 points.
I am so thankful that God is alive and active. If not that reality would not have been shown to me by 'Fervent' alone. God is eager to save! It's not fun to let Him show you the mirror of your imperfections but it is always a blessing.
So here it is. Out in the open. If obedience doesn't follow repentance it wasn't really repentance...that's where I'm at with this. It's time to break out...I'm not comfortable with this. I have to be deliberate about acting. I'm feeling tempted to brush it off. It's overwhelming to think about. Reality check: Satan wants my focus blurred, my identity misdirected and the pressure on. God will have victory in this area of my life, but I'm really in the way. You're prayers are warmly welcomed.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Fervent, Stragegy #7: Purity
Be mindful, "He tries to temp you towards certain sins, convincing you that you can tolerate them without risking consequences knowing they'll only wedge distance between you and God (Isaiah 59:1-2) (Page 16)." Sin not only builds a wall between us and God but it nurtures a breading ground for more sin. It numbs us from Gods truth but illuminating self. Satan knows that full well.
"If I were your enemy, I'd tempt you toward certain sins, making you believe they are basically (even biologically) unavoidable. I'd study your tendencies and proclivities till I learned the precise conditions that make you the most likely to indulge them, And then I'd strike right there. Again and again. Wearing you down. Because if I can't separate you from God forever, I can at least set you at odds with Him for the time being (Page 119)."Our enemy is not all knowing but he is working very hard, studying us, learning our weaknesses. He cannot rob us of our salvation but he can convince us to forfeit our effectiveness.
Here are some key points I gleaned from this chapter:
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
"If I were your enemy, I'd tempt you toward certain sins, making you believe they are basically (even biologically) unavoidable. I'd study your tendencies and proclivities till I learned the precise conditions that make you the most likely to indulge them, And then I'd strike right there. Again and again. Wearing you down. Because if I can't separate you from God forever, I can at least set you at odds with Him for the time being (Page 119)."Our enemy is not all knowing but he is working very hard, studying us, learning our weaknesses. He cannot rob us of our salvation but he can convince us to forfeit our effectiveness.
Here are some key points I gleaned from this chapter:
- Satan is always searching for that perfectly timed low-blow. (Luke 4:13)
- "Obedience to God garners intimacy and nearness, divine blessing and favor. Always." (Page 122)
- "Disobedience creates a sense of distance and loss, grief and regret. Always." (Page 122)
- "Ripple effects of sin always affects your connection with the Father." (Page 122)
- "Impurity weakens your praying-which in turn weakens your power." (Page 122)
- Trying to maintain self-gratification and a godly life we become divided and unstable. (James 1:7-8)
- Our sin cuts us off from God and He will not listen to our prayers. (Psalms 66:18, Isaiah 59:1-2)
- Righteous living matters for a fervent, effective prayer life! (James 5:16)
- Stay on guard!
"God calls you to purity because He wants your heart protected and at rest, inhospitable to the devil and his intentions." (Page 126) He wants us to be free from our chains, free to bless and encourage others. But the struggle is real isn't it! Paul says it best in Romans 7:15,18 "I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t." The definition of our human, sinful, selfish nature.
We must not fall into the trap that tells us not to bother since we are going to sin regardless of how hard we try. Remember what Romans 6:1-2 says, "Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?" I encourage you to dig deeper, because Romans 6 (and much of the entire book of Romans) is packed FULL of encouragement regarding our ability to overcome sin through Jesus's death on the cross. Sins power over us is broken! That is a truth, a promise from God, that we can take to the bank.
As I was reflecting on all of this and praying praise to God I found myself in awe of how compassionate He is towards me. He is so, so much greater then me but He stoops low to help me. I am overwhelmed that His omnipresence and omniscience and even through He knows how completely flawed I am he never gives up on me.
I flipped open my Bible in search of a verse that came to mind but the first page I turned to demanded my attention. I immediately forgot where I was intending to go. This is the beautiful nugget of truth I was lead to:
Psalm 139:1-16, 23, 24
1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
I can never get away from your presence!
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
The Spirit really moved in me as I prayed this passage to God in praise! Even typing this now I am stunned by His grace. He knows and intimately understands literally every piece of my existence far beyond what I think I know about myself. In light of that He still loves me unconditionally and patiently guides me as I stumbled over and over again. How great is our God!
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Fervent, Strategy #6: Fear
Satan wants to stop us in our tracks. What better way to do that then intimidate us through fear. "He amplifies fear, worry, and anxiety until they're the loudest voices in your head, causing you to deem the adventure of following God too risky to attempt (Joshua 14:8) (Page 16)." Do not forget he is the best illusionist. There is no one greater than him in deception.
He has no code of conduct. There is no blow he will not take. He has no since of integrity. What better way to keep us from pursuing God than to overwhelm us with our greatest fears and doubts. Remember, "If I were your enemy, I'd magnify your fears, making them appear insurmountable, intimidating you with enough worries until avoiding them becomes your driving motivation. I would use anxiety to cripple you, to paralyze your, leaving you indecisive, clinging to safety and sameness, always on the defensive because of what might happen. When you hear the word faith, all I'd want you to hear is 'unnecessary risk'. (Page 105)" Have you hear that voice of fear?
Priscilla give us this Biblical parallel found in Exodus 14. The Israelites are literally backed into a corner with enemies quickly surrounding them. Behind them is the Red Sea. They are completely trapped! There is no escape. Yet, Moses encourages them this way "'Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.'" (Exodus 14:13-14) What really struck me here was what Priscilla brought to my attention. He did not tell them not to feel fear. Rather he told them not to be consumed by it, to choose it. He instead told them to choose God.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
He has no code of conduct. There is no blow he will not take. He has no since of integrity. What better way to keep us from pursuing God than to overwhelm us with our greatest fears and doubts. Remember, "If I were your enemy, I'd magnify your fears, making them appear insurmountable, intimidating you with enough worries until avoiding them becomes your driving motivation. I would use anxiety to cripple you, to paralyze your, leaving you indecisive, clinging to safety and sameness, always on the defensive because of what might happen. When you hear the word faith, all I'd want you to hear is 'unnecessary risk'. (Page 105)" Have you hear that voice of fear?
Priscilla give us this Biblical parallel found in Exodus 14. The Israelites are literally backed into a corner with enemies quickly surrounding them. Behind them is the Red Sea. They are completely trapped! There is no escape. Yet, Moses encourages them this way "'Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.'" (Exodus 14:13-14) What really struck me here was what Priscilla brought to my attention. He did not tell them not to feel fear. Rather he told them not to be consumed by it, to choose it. He instead told them to choose God.
Perhaps you have heard how this event ends. "Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!" (Exodus 14:21-22) Once every Israelites safely arrived on the other side Moses raised his hand again, at God's direction, and the walls of water fell, destroying their enemy. They all reached the destiny God promised them.
If they had decided the risk was too high and allowed their fear to dominate they would have missed out on the great miracle God was about to preform. That is exactly why Satan tries to magnify our fears. He wants our fear to appear to tower over our God. He is the master of illusions. Fear is a fantastic tool to cripple us with, but it is no match for our great God!
Just thinking about this form of attack, fear might be stirring in you. Remember, its okay to be afraid. It is not okay to let it take the wheel. If you are feeling this, please, realize Satan is doing this because he doesn't want you to accomplish what God has in your future. He doesn't want you to see the beauty and blessing on the other side. You are a threat to him NOT the other way around. Also remember that fear is not from God. We know that to be true from reading 2 Timothy 1:7. He has equipped us with the Spirit power, love and self-discipline. The spirit of God is not cowardly and fearful but strong and courageous! (Deuteronomy 31:6) "Fear is the antithesis of faith. And faith is what allows you to step food on the soil of your destiny (Page 113)." "Prayer is the difference maker (Page 114)"
I used to be crippled by anxiety. I am naturally an introvert. I would much rather keep to myself. I can really admire the life of a hermit. My anxiety, for many years, literally kept me up at night. My mind would race and wonder. I would recall things from the past that brought up insecurities and embarrassment. Mostly worrying about what other people thought. I would also be afraid of the next day or the days to come. Everything was too far gone or uncertain. There was no going back and I would rather not go forward.
My primary fear was social anxiety. I'm here today to tell you that when I came back to Christ a few years ago I prayed for help overcoming this crippling feeling. I let fear be more than a feeling. I let it consume me and I realized that was not good and not from God (James 1:17). I prayed God would remove my anxiety. This is completely true. God saved me from crippling fear.
I am still an introvert. I would rather stay home or be in familiar company, but I no longer let my fear take control. At times I am tempted to be a hermit. Some time long term but more often short term. However, I now know I can face my fear by the grace of God. I will not let my social fear stop me from allowing God to use me. I will not become the hermit I admire so much.
Even here, on this blog or my Facebook page I often feel my social anxiety arise. I am tempted to worry about what others think or what I didn't say just right. I am human and the words of mine you read are not perfect. I am imperfect. I make mistakes, but I want you to see them. I want you to know God can use a severely flawed person like me, like you!
Satan doesn't want me to ignore his intimidation. He wants me to say this blog is an "unnecessary risk" but I will not risk your relationship with Christ.If your salvation or deepened walk with Christ is the destiny of God's promise in my life I don't want to be inactive. I don't want to give up so I wont. I welcome your prayers because I know Satan will try harder to stop me the more of an impact God makes through me. That is what he does. He will keep trying.
Instead of sharing my own words of prayer today, I wand to share with you what I found in the Bible during my prayer against this strategy of Satan. Psalms 91. In my New American Standard Bible this passage is titled "Security of the One Who Trusts the Lord". I am going to close on this note from the New Living Translation:
Psalm 91
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
I found that very comforting and I hope you do as well. Our enemy does not stand a chance against our God!
God talks about fear over 300 times in the Bible. So, I encourage you to dig in and find what is true! Here is a place to start:
Priscilla's Bible Verses Against Fear
I have listed these links to be from the New Living Translation (NLT), but I would like to encourage you to read them in other versions as well. Personally, my top choices for comparison are Holman's Christian Study Bible (HCBS), New American Standard Bible (NASB), New International Version (NIV). I find NLT to be the most accessible translation for our modern day language. However, sometimes it can be a little watered down from the meatier versions. Paralleling multiple translations really helps me get a stronger grasp of the message at hand. I also find different points jump out to me in different translations. I hope that encourages and empowers you as you pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Fervent, Strategy #5: Past
Have you every head the saying "God has the power to turn any mess into a message and test into a testimony"? Well, that is completely true. That is why Satan attacks our confidence. "He constantly reminds you of your past mistakes and bad choices, hoping to convince you that you're under Gods judgment rather than under the blood (Rev 12:10) (Page 16)." If he can get us to doubt that we are changed, or that God would actually forget we did that he can convince us we are worthless and disgusting.
"If I were your enemy I'd constantly remind you of your past mistakes and poor choices. I'd want to keep you burdened by shame and guilt, in hopes that you'll feel incapacitated by your many failing and see no point in even trying again. I'd work to convince you that you've had your chance and blown it-that your God may be able to forgive some people for some things, but not you...not for this (Page 93)."
I know for a fact I have felt that pressure of discouragement. I've seen my regrets played across the big scream of my mind, bringing up my embarrassment and shame. It's amazing how vibrantly those feelings can flood in sometimes, making me feel worthless and disgusting. Bogging me down from accepting and living out my forgiveness through Christ and ignoring the promises of God.
Psalms 103:2 clearly tell us that when we are forgiven by God, He removes our sin "as far as the east is from the west"! That is how "anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Cor. 5:17)
One verse Priscilla shared really hit my heart deep. I've heard this passage many times but perhaps not in the translation and certainly not in the frame of mind I was in during that moment. Ephesians 2:1-5 reminded me 'Once (I was) dead because of (my) disobedience and (my) many sins. (I) used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) " (emphasis mine). Wow! God's grace is more than sufficient. How dare I allow Satan to convince me other wise. I am redeemed by the blood of Christ and he can NOT take that away!
This is part of my prayer today "God, Yahweh! Thank Your for Your all encompassing forgiveness. No past is to cluttered to forgive. The Bible is stuffed full of that truth. The people of Nineveh, the criminal on the cross, Saul into Paul, King Solomon, the prostitute washing Jesus' fee, Matthew the tax collector turned disciple...I could go on! The truth is everybody but Jesus has sin in their past, present and future. It seems to make sense to keep our sin, my sin, away from You, but that makes no sense at all. You are in the business of forgiving. You wouldn't have sent Jesus if You didn't want to remove sin. Thank You that nothing surprises You and nothing is too pig and bad for you to remove. You know full well the sin You have taken from me: addiction to pornography, casual sex, lying, swearing, getting drunk and high. You have removed those desire from me. Porn was the strongest of those by far, yet it is gone! Those images are so far away they are too foggy to recall. Sometime the thought of that desire perks up, but it's strength is greatly diminished. Because of You I can resist that addiction. Thank You Lord porn no longer has a hold of me and hasn't for many years now. By You grace alone am I saved! Praise You! Thank You!"
I am reminded that just because I am broken that doesn't mean I am useless. Over two years ago I wrote a blog called "I'm a Little Tea Cup". In this post I reflect on the truth of God in my broken life. My brokenness only serves to strengthen the power of Christ's effectiveness though me. “ My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." (2 Cor. 12:9) "God (truly does) causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Roman 8:28) (addition mine). Though prayer Satan is loosing ground in my heart and mind. It feels good to tell him "don't let the door hit you on the way out!" Good riddance! He will be back, but I will be stronger then.
If you aren't intrigued to pick up this book yet, my I encourage you to do it anyway? God is waiting for you to make the first move and pray is that move! There is so much more to this book then I am saying in these posts. What I'm telling you only scratches the main points. You will not be disappointed. However, keep your guard up. Satan doe not what you running him out of town. That being said I warmly welcome your prayers. As always, thank you for spending this time with me today. May you be aware of God's blessings in you life.
"If I were your enemy I'd constantly remind you of your past mistakes and poor choices. I'd want to keep you burdened by shame and guilt, in hopes that you'll feel incapacitated by your many failing and see no point in even trying again. I'd work to convince you that you've had your chance and blown it-that your God may be able to forgive some people for some things, but not you...not for this (Page 93)."
I know for a fact I have felt that pressure of discouragement. I've seen my regrets played across the big scream of my mind, bringing up my embarrassment and shame. It's amazing how vibrantly those feelings can flood in sometimes, making me feel worthless and disgusting. Bogging me down from accepting and living out my forgiveness through Christ and ignoring the promises of God.
Psalms 103:2 clearly tell us that when we are forgiven by God, He removes our sin "as far as the east is from the west"! That is how "anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Cor. 5:17)
One verse Priscilla shared really hit my heart deep. I've heard this passage many times but perhaps not in the translation and certainly not in the frame of mind I was in during that moment. Ephesians 2:1-5 reminded me 'Once (I was) dead because of (my) disobedience and (my) many sins. (I) used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) " (emphasis mine). Wow! God's grace is more than sufficient. How dare I allow Satan to convince me other wise. I am redeemed by the blood of Christ and he can NOT take that away!
This is part of my prayer today "God, Yahweh! Thank Your for Your all encompassing forgiveness. No past is to cluttered to forgive. The Bible is stuffed full of that truth. The people of Nineveh, the criminal on the cross, Saul into Paul, King Solomon, the prostitute washing Jesus' fee, Matthew the tax collector turned disciple...I could go on! The truth is everybody but Jesus has sin in their past, present and future. It seems to make sense to keep our sin, my sin, away from You, but that makes no sense at all. You are in the business of forgiving. You wouldn't have sent Jesus if You didn't want to remove sin. Thank You that nothing surprises You and nothing is too pig and bad for you to remove. You know full well the sin You have taken from me: addiction to pornography, casual sex, lying, swearing, getting drunk and high. You have removed those desire from me. Porn was the strongest of those by far, yet it is gone! Those images are so far away they are too foggy to recall. Sometime the thought of that desire perks up, but it's strength is greatly diminished. Because of You I can resist that addiction. Thank You Lord porn no longer has a hold of me and hasn't for many years now. By You grace alone am I saved! Praise You! Thank You!"
I am reminded that just because I am broken that doesn't mean I am useless. Over two years ago I wrote a blog called "I'm a Little Tea Cup". In this post I reflect on the truth of God in my broken life. My brokenness only serves to strengthen the power of Christ's effectiveness though me. “ My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." (2 Cor. 12:9) "God (truly does) causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Roman 8:28) (addition mine). Though prayer Satan is loosing ground in my heart and mind. It feels good to tell him "don't let the door hit you on the way out!" Good riddance! He will be back, but I will be stronger then.
................................................................................................................
If you aren't intrigued to pick up this book yet, my I encourage you to do it anyway? God is waiting for you to make the first move and pray is that move! There is so much more to this book then I am saying in these posts. What I'm telling you only scratches the main points. You will not be disappointed. However, keep your guard up. Satan doe not what you running him out of town. That being said I warmly welcome your prayers. As always, thank you for spending this time with me today. May you be aware of God's blessings in you life.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Fervent, Strategy #4: Family
Satan has a plan, a strategy to dismantle the unity of marriage because God created it as a symbol to humanity of the relationship between Himself and a believer (Ephesians 5:22-33). "He wants to disintegrate your family, dividing your home, rendering it chaotic, restless, and unfruitful (Gen.3:1-7)(Page 16)." Satan wants to contaminate the image of the saving gospel of Christ. This realization pushed me to claim this ground for my family.
It has, intentionally, been a few days since I last posted for that very reason. You see, Satan really wants to break apart and attack the family unit. Priscilla writes "If I were your enemy, I'd seek to disintegrate your family and destroy every member of it. I'd want to tear away at your trust and unity and turn everyone's love inward on themselves. I would make sure your family didn't look anything like it's supposed to. Because then people would look at your Christian marriage, your Christian marriage, your Christian kids, and see you're no different, no stronger than anybody else-that God, underneath it all, really doesn't change anything (Page 71)." My family, my marriage is guaranteed to be on Satan's hit list. Why stand still when the enemy is moving in? I'm not going to let him have victory when I have the god given tools to use.
I felt I was extremely important to camp out on this area and pray hard! I've spent the last three days praying seriously, specifically and strategically. These days have been focused on protecting my family spiritually by intentionally praying for them. I am realizing I need to dig into God's word as well. I want to become the godly wife and mother they need. I can't do that without being intentional and diligent. This has been in the front of my mind. Growing my relationship with God not only benefits me but directly impacts my family.
I have been praying a lot that the lies Satan tells my husband would be illuminated. I have been praying for his passion, focus and identity in a very similar way I prayed for myself in the pervious days. This is not a drill. Seriously, hear me say, prayer is making a difference!
Today we revisited Dialogue Church and God spoke loud into Justin's heart. Today, after parking on family in my prayer life for three days, he recommitted his life to Jesus Christ! This is no coincidence!!! God has heard my prayer for protection as his heart is softening, and his eyes are opening. This is not a trick or a subconscious reaction. If he's known in the last 3 days that I've been praying for him, he certainly did not know what I've been specifically praying. This account is genuine.
It has been clear that Satan has been pushed back and prayer is the weapon of victory. God does change everything! I've realized I need to claim His promises in prayer saying "You said this and I believe You. Let it be as You say".
In the sermon today (MEology vs Theology) we learned God is eager to save! We saw this in Jonah 3 when God saved the whole city of Nineveh through Jonah's eight word sermon. The scripture we dug into today was Jonah's reaction to this miracle (Jonah 4:1-4). He's furious with God for being so willing to save this group of violent, hatefully people. And that is the beauty of the gospel. No matter what you have done or what has been done to you God will welcome you into His family with compassion and unconditional love. In the same way when you tell God you want His will in your life and ask Him to deliver on His promises He is eager to do it. "You said this and I believe You. Let it be as You say". What parent withholds what is right and good from their child when they ask for it?
He is the good, good Father!
So, I've been asking God to stamp His truths deep into my heart. I don't want to believe Satan's lies any longer and I need God's help! Like any parent He doesn't want to see His child taken advantage of so He is eager to act. I've been asking to see the traps he has been setting for me, so I can walk around them and see where prayer is needed. I'm continuing to ask Him to help me hold my focus on Him as well as realize my full identity in Christ and the power it holds. And now I am asking Him to do the same in Justin and Bailey.
Through this serious, specific, and strategic prayers my heart and mind is being freed to pray more directly. Like a precision shooter my aim is gaining accuracy. I am seeing the significance of praying those prayers for my family as well. Priscilla sums up what I'm saying this way, "The way to see the real truth behind whatever's happening in this whole situation of yours is to pray...Prayer is how we isolate the real problems and attack them at the roots. It's how we isolate the real enemy (Page 80)". My family is worth defending and protecting so I will continue fighting hard, on my knees.
It has, intentionally, been a few days since I last posted for that very reason. You see, Satan really wants to break apart and attack the family unit. Priscilla writes "If I were your enemy, I'd seek to disintegrate your family and destroy every member of it. I'd want to tear away at your trust and unity and turn everyone's love inward on themselves. I would make sure your family didn't look anything like it's supposed to. Because then people would look at your Christian marriage, your Christian marriage, your Christian kids, and see you're no different, no stronger than anybody else-that God, underneath it all, really doesn't change anything (Page 71)." My family, my marriage is guaranteed to be on Satan's hit list. Why stand still when the enemy is moving in? I'm not going to let him have victory when I have the god given tools to use.
I felt I was extremely important to camp out on this area and pray hard! I've spent the last three days praying seriously, specifically and strategically. These days have been focused on protecting my family spiritually by intentionally praying for them. I am realizing I need to dig into God's word as well. I want to become the godly wife and mother they need. I can't do that without being intentional and diligent. This has been in the front of my mind. Growing my relationship with God not only benefits me but directly impacts my family.
I have been praying a lot that the lies Satan tells my husband would be illuminated. I have been praying for his passion, focus and identity in a very similar way I prayed for myself in the pervious days. This is not a drill. Seriously, hear me say, prayer is making a difference!
Today we revisited Dialogue Church and God spoke loud into Justin's heart. Today, after parking on family in my prayer life for three days, he recommitted his life to Jesus Christ! This is no coincidence!!! God has heard my prayer for protection as his heart is softening, and his eyes are opening. This is not a trick or a subconscious reaction. If he's known in the last 3 days that I've been praying for him, he certainly did not know what I've been specifically praying. This account is genuine.
It has been clear that Satan has been pushed back and prayer is the weapon of victory. God does change everything! I've realized I need to claim His promises in prayer saying "You said this and I believe You. Let it be as You say".
In the sermon today (MEology vs Theology) we learned God is eager to save! We saw this in Jonah 3 when God saved the whole city of Nineveh through Jonah's eight word sermon. The scripture we dug into today was Jonah's reaction to this miracle (Jonah 4:1-4). He's furious with God for being so willing to save this group of violent, hatefully people. And that is the beauty of the gospel. No matter what you have done or what has been done to you God will welcome you into His family with compassion and unconditional love. In the same way when you tell God you want His will in your life and ask Him to deliver on His promises He is eager to do it. "You said this and I believe You. Let it be as You say". What parent withholds what is right and good from their child when they ask for it?
He is the good, good Father!
So, I've been asking God to stamp His truths deep into my heart. I don't want to believe Satan's lies any longer and I need God's help! Like any parent He doesn't want to see His child taken advantage of so He is eager to act. I've been asking to see the traps he has been setting for me, so I can walk around them and see where prayer is needed. I'm continuing to ask Him to help me hold my focus on Him as well as realize my full identity in Christ and the power it holds. And now I am asking Him to do the same in Justin and Bailey.
Through this serious, specific, and strategic prayers my heart and mind is being freed to pray more directly. Like a precision shooter my aim is gaining accuracy. I am seeing the significance of praying those prayers for my family as well. Priscilla sums up what I'm saying this way, "The way to see the real truth behind whatever's happening in this whole situation of yours is to pray...Prayer is how we isolate the real problems and attack them at the roots. It's how we isolate the real enemy (Page 80)". My family is worth defending and protecting so I will continue fighting hard, on my knees.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Fervent, Strategy #3: Identity
My train of though feels more like pit of bumper cars. Today (yesterday) has been full of distractions and interruptions. I apologize if this post is scattered. I find my mind so rattled as I write this, so please bare with me. Despite how difficult it has been to complete this third day, I dug in and pushed hard. May God still speak.
Today starts "If I were your enemy, I'd devalue your strength and magnify your insecurities until they dominate how you see yourself, disabling and disarming you from fighting back, from being free, from being who God has created you to be. I'd work hard to ensure that you never realize what God has given you so you'll doubt the power of God within you (Page 55)."
What better way to weaken someone they getting them to believe they have no power. Think about it. How often does a villain play that very mind game with their victim? Obviously, its useful in real life too. What about ask a kid? I know for a fact I did that to my siblings growing up. I tried to convince them I had the upper hand so they are better off not trying to get me in trouble. In reality my parents had the true power, not me, but I didn't want my siblings to realize the truth. That truth meant I was done for, more often than not.
What I did to my siblings is exactly what Satan does with us. "He magnifies your insecurities, leading you to doubt what God says about you and disregard what He's given you (Eph. 1:17-19) (Page 15)." God has complete power and bestows that on his children. He gives us the power to not only get the Devil "in trouble" but to use it as well. If he keeps us blind to what God has equip us with, as His children, we think we are powerless. That allows Satan to keep us under his thumb. Just as the abuser tells the abused they don't amount to anything, that they can't make it with out them, that there is no point trying, Satan uses the same tricks to keep us in the box he designed for us.
This chapter has shown me that is not true! I've allowed Satan to disarm me by downplaying my strength from Christ. I've traded God's truth about me for Satan's lies. God reminds us through Paul in Ephesians 1:3-20 what are true identity looks like. Today for the "ask" part of my P.R.A.Y prayer I worked through that scripture.
"Soak my true identity into my soul. In Ephesians 1 You used Paul to define our identity. Equip me and guide me to use every spiritual blessing (vs 3). Help me to claim the identity you chose for me before the world existed. Show me how to see myself as you do, holy and blameless through Christ (vs 4). Reveal to me how glorious the blessing of my adoption and inheritance is by the kindness of Your will for my life (vs 5,11). Show me how to live out the redemption and forgiveness you lavished on me with abundant grace (vs 7-8). Guard my heart that I would always cling to the security of my forever salvation by the Holy Spirit of promise (vs 13-14). Open me to receive Your Spirit of Wisdom (vs 17). Enlighten me to understand the hope of Your calling for my life. Help me to grasp how beautifully full of glory my inheritance through Christ is (vs 18). Show me how great, how out of this world, Your power is in me and how mightily you use it in my life (vs 19). I want to be completely aware I am seated with You in heavenly places (vs 20). Awaken me to the spiritual realm that surrounds me (Ephesians 2:4-6). In the Lord's Prayer your teach us to pray for Your will "to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven". That tells me you are constantly dropping Heaven into our lives. Unveil me that I may see Heaven on earth. Stamp these truths repeatedly into my heart that I would completely access, engage and draw down their powers, Your powers, into my everyday life. Remove the lies I believe about my identity so that Your truth would be my foundation. Enable me to realize how vastly I've been equipped by You."
Monday, November 7, 2016
Fervent, Strategy #2: Focus
Earlier, she describes Satan's strategy against our focus this way: "He disguises himself and manipulates your perspective so you end up focusing on the wrong culprit, directing your weapons at the wrong enemy (2 Corinthians 11:14) (Page 15)." Carry this in your mind as I tell you about my realizations.
This chapter begins, "If I were your enemy, I'd disguise myself and manipulate your perspectives so that you'd focus on the wrong culprit-your husband, your friend, your hurt, your finances, anything or anyone except me. Because when you zero in on the most convenient, obvious places to strike back against you problems, you get the impression you're fighting for something. Even though all you're really doing is just...fighting. For nothing (Page 39)."
I began reading this chapter thinking my focus isn't really that bad. I know Satan is out there, behind the curtain, manipulating events, people and perceptions. However, it wasn't until I began praying that I saw two ways he has been pulling my attention and energy into wasted space. Inside I've been stewing and brewing on the nearest and most obvious frustrations and irritations in my life. As an unintended consequence I've let that enter in my marriage by taking out my emotions on my undeserving husband. I've underestimated Satan's scheming in my life. I've been giving him exactly what he wants.
Priscilla points out two key ways we allow Satan to gain ground in our lives. We are either "wasting precious time and energy that ought to be reserved and refocused on the real enemy" or we are "trying to fight ferocious spiritual forces by using weapons that don't faze them in the least-weapons that aren't even designed to hurt them (Page 43)". Prayer is the tool God has given us to open our eyes to where our focus has been misdirected.
My prayer life has always been weak if it existed at all. So far, this book is showing me that has been a great mistake. I've come to realize I've been pretty full of myself. I've assumed I've got my assets covered. Whatever comes my way I can handle. Now I'm beginning to see that I haven't been fighting the source, only the symptoms.
It has come to my attention that I've let two people really get under my skin in the last week. I've been so irritated the only action, besides stewing on my feelings, I've taken is inaction. I don't think it is a coincidence both of these people are not Christians.
How clueless am I? Of course Satan wants to weaken that bond. He wants to discredit God through my faults. As a bonus Satan has used my emotions to sneak attack my marriage. I've been so on edge I've been snapping at Justin and giving unwarranted attitude. Marriage is another obvious place for Satan to want to inflict damage on. I have been so blind to the chaos I've been hosting. I've allowed my focus to be sabotaged.
In light of realizing this today I've asked this of God:
"Lord, please take back the ground I lost. Give me the courage to follow Your plays. Grant me Your discernment to be wise. Give me the right words to say, especially to _____. Please give me patience where I lack it (which is clearly many places). Help me to be diligent, pushing hard to build up spiritual strength. Restore and upgrade my focus that it would be laser-like. Help me take my focus, attention and emotional energy off of the people and circumstances I've been directing it at. Unveil my eyes to be aware of the real Enemy as you warn us about in Ephesians 6:12. The fight is not against what is seen but what is unseen."
So, here I am. Day two. Small progress has been made, perhaps big, I'm not sure yet. I do know change is in the works and that's not what Satan wants. I welcome your prayers along this journey. I intend to rock the boat my life is in all the while knowing with my focus on Jesus I can walk on water, even during the strongest of storms.
This chapter begins, "If I were your enemy, I'd disguise myself and manipulate your perspectives so that you'd focus on the wrong culprit-your husband, your friend, your hurt, your finances, anything or anyone except me. Because when you zero in on the most convenient, obvious places to strike back against you problems, you get the impression you're fighting for something. Even though all you're really doing is just...fighting. For nothing (Page 39)."
I began reading this chapter thinking my focus isn't really that bad. I know Satan is out there, behind the curtain, manipulating events, people and perceptions. However, it wasn't until I began praying that I saw two ways he has been pulling my attention and energy into wasted space. Inside I've been stewing and brewing on the nearest and most obvious frustrations and irritations in my life. As an unintended consequence I've let that enter in my marriage by taking out my emotions on my undeserving husband. I've underestimated Satan's scheming in my life. I've been giving him exactly what he wants.
Priscilla points out two key ways we allow Satan to gain ground in our lives. We are either "wasting precious time and energy that ought to be reserved and refocused on the real enemy" or we are "trying to fight ferocious spiritual forces by using weapons that don't faze them in the least-weapons that aren't even designed to hurt them (Page 43)". Prayer is the tool God has given us to open our eyes to where our focus has been misdirected.
My prayer life has always been weak if it existed at all. So far, this book is showing me that has been a great mistake. I've come to realize I've been pretty full of myself. I've assumed I've got my assets covered. Whatever comes my way I can handle. Now I'm beginning to see that I haven't been fighting the source, only the symptoms.
It has come to my attention that I've let two people really get under my skin in the last week. I've been so irritated the only action, besides stewing on my feelings, I've taken is inaction. I don't think it is a coincidence both of these people are not Christians.
How clueless am I? Of course Satan wants to weaken that bond. He wants to discredit God through my faults. As a bonus Satan has used my emotions to sneak attack my marriage. I've been so on edge I've been snapping at Justin and giving unwarranted attitude. Marriage is another obvious place for Satan to want to inflict damage on. I have been so blind to the chaos I've been hosting. I've allowed my focus to be sabotaged.
In light of realizing this today I've asked this of God:
"Lord, please take back the ground I lost. Give me the courage to follow Your plays. Grant me Your discernment to be wise. Give me the right words to say, especially to _____. Please give me patience where I lack it (which is clearly many places). Help me to be diligent, pushing hard to build up spiritual strength. Restore and upgrade my focus that it would be laser-like. Help me take my focus, attention and emotional energy off of the people and circumstances I've been directing it at. Unveil my eyes to be aware of the real Enemy as you warn us about in Ephesians 6:12. The fight is not against what is seen but what is unseen."
So, here I am. Day two. Small progress has been made, perhaps big, I'm not sure yet. I do know change is in the works and that's not what Satan wants. I welcome your prayers along this journey. I intend to rock the boat my life is in all the while knowing with my focus on Jesus I can walk on water, even during the strongest of storms.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Fervent, Strategy #1: Passion
I have just started reading "Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer" by, Priscilla Shirer.
I must admit, I am not very good at being consistent. I struggle with diligence, but I'm going to push. I AM going to push! I want God to fan the flame in my heart and reignite my passion for Him through prayer.
Ideally, I will be decently consistent, at the very least, with this season of the blog. Clearly, I have many excuses to come up with like a baby, cleaning, knitting, social media, movie watching, me time...you know, really important stuff.
If you choose to read my blog, I welcome your reminders and encouragement to push myself. Please, your accountability would bless me greatly!
I'm trying not to set my bar so high that I get discouraged and don't accomplish anything. That being said, goal number one is to read and work through this book. I desire to sharpen my edge through serious, specific and strategic prayer. However, I also want to share this experience with you.
I anticipate God doing a mighty work in my heart and life. I expect to have many obstacles to overcome. I also expect the victory to point to God. I want to show you He is alive and active! Of course, I need to reminded myself of that too.
Currently, I am still "re-transforming" (if you have read my other posts). Yet again, I have been derailed and distracted. I am so thankful God is patient and always there when I plug back in.
So, here we go!
This book outlines the 10 primary ways Satan seeks to disarm our prayer life. Priscilla describes Strategy 1 (Against Your Passion) as this, "He seeks to dim your whole desire for prayer, dull your interest in spiritual things, and downplay the potency of your most strategic weapons (Eph. 6:10-20)" (page 15).
Prayer, our strongest weapon, is fueled by passion. She begins this chapter by saying "If I were your enemy, I'd seek to dim your passion, dull your interest in spiritual things, dampen your belief in God's ability and His personal concern for you, and convince you that the hope you've lost is never coming back-and was probably just a lie to begin with (Page 25)."
I have let my passion be stamped out. So, here begins my fight. I want my faith to be stronger and deeper. I want to have a closer relationship with my Savior. I want to impact this world and land powerful blows against the darkness in this world.
Along with praying through a acronym (P-praise, R-repentance, A-Ask, Y-yes), Priscilla encourages using God's words in our prayers. I found Psalms 23 coming to mind as I entered the "yes" portion of my prayer today, so I reworded it to fit my life. I used it to remind myself what I know about Him. Here is what I prayed:
"I know You are my Shepherd and You meet all my needs. I know You provide calm and comfort in the storm. I know You save me and lead me for Your glory. I know You protect me from Satan. I know You are with me. I know You provide for me when I am under attack. Your blessings are prefect. I know that life with You is filled with goodness and love, and they will purse me. I can't escape Your blessings. I know Your salvation provides Heaven here on earth, despite the lies Satan tells me. I know this battle, this war, is won and Satan is defeated and powerless."
I have been dulled towards spiritual things and my view of God's power greatly diminished. Today, I've asked God to give me a new heart and spirit. He promises to remove our heart of stone for a feeling heart of flesh (Ezek. 36:26) so, that is what I'm cashing in on. Today begins the journey allowing prayer to release all eternal resources (page 23). That being said, I welcome your prayers.
I must admit, I am not very good at being consistent. I struggle with diligence, but I'm going to push. I AM going to push! I want God to fan the flame in my heart and reignite my passion for Him through prayer.
Ideally, I will be decently consistent, at the very least, with this season of the blog. Clearly, I have many excuses to come up with like a baby, cleaning, knitting, social media, movie watching, me time...you know, really important stuff.
If you choose to read my blog, I welcome your reminders and encouragement to push myself. Please, your accountability would bless me greatly!
I'm trying not to set my bar so high that I get discouraged and don't accomplish anything. That being said, goal number one is to read and work through this book. I desire to sharpen my edge through serious, specific and strategic prayer. However, I also want to share this experience with you.
I anticipate God doing a mighty work in my heart and life. I expect to have many obstacles to overcome. I also expect the victory to point to God. I want to show you He is alive and active! Of course, I need to reminded myself of that too.
Currently, I am still "re-transforming" (if you have read my other posts). Yet again, I have been derailed and distracted. I am so thankful God is patient and always there when I plug back in.
So, here we go!
This book outlines the 10 primary ways Satan seeks to disarm our prayer life. Priscilla describes Strategy 1 (Against Your Passion) as this, "He seeks to dim your whole desire for prayer, dull your interest in spiritual things, and downplay the potency of your most strategic weapons (Eph. 6:10-20)" (page 15).
Prayer, our strongest weapon, is fueled by passion. She begins this chapter by saying "If I were your enemy, I'd seek to dim your passion, dull your interest in spiritual things, dampen your belief in God's ability and His personal concern for you, and convince you that the hope you've lost is never coming back-and was probably just a lie to begin with (Page 25)."
I have let my passion be stamped out. So, here begins my fight. I want my faith to be stronger and deeper. I want to have a closer relationship with my Savior. I want to impact this world and land powerful blows against the darkness in this world.
Along with praying through a acronym (P-praise, R-repentance, A-Ask, Y-yes), Priscilla encourages using God's words in our prayers. I found Psalms 23 coming to mind as I entered the "yes" portion of my prayer today, so I reworded it to fit my life. I used it to remind myself what I know about Him. Here is what I prayed:
"I know You are my Shepherd and You meet all my needs. I know You provide calm and comfort in the storm. I know You save me and lead me for Your glory. I know You protect me from Satan. I know You are with me. I know You provide for me when I am under attack. Your blessings are prefect. I know that life with You is filled with goodness and love, and they will purse me. I can't escape Your blessings. I know Your salvation provides Heaven here on earth, despite the lies Satan tells me. I know this battle, this war, is won and Satan is defeated and powerless."
I have been dulled towards spiritual things and my view of God's power greatly diminished. Today, I've asked God to give me a new heart and spirit. He promises to remove our heart of stone for a feeling heart of flesh (Ezek. 36:26) so, that is what I'm cashing in on. Today begins the journey allowing prayer to release all eternal resources (page 23). That being said, I welcome your prayers.
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