Am I sinning against God in the area of my thankfulness towards Him? Meditate on the verses then answer the questions below. Any affirmative answer is sin and should be confessed. Confession alone will not put us in the position we need to be for revival to come. We must ask God to change our heart and then we must also cooperate with God by changing the way we think then our behavior will follow. This take time and determination on our part…I believe this process is part of what is an “effective, fervent prayer.’
Job 1:21
And he said:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord."
Psalm 34:1
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Ephes. 5:20
giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
I Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Philip. 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Col. 3:17
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Hebrews 13:15
Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
Are you worrying about anything? Do you pray about everything?
Have you failed to thank God for all things? Do you thank Him for the seemingly bad as well as the good? Is there a trust problem that causes you to forget He is always good and always does good?
Do you neglect to give thanks at mealtime? Do you truly focus on what you are praying or do you just quickly go through the motions?
Are you praising God enough? What are the majority of your words related to?
Is your thanklessness a result of your thinking you deserve more or better? This can lead to jealousy, covetousness and discontent. Do you feel cheated or that life isn’t fair? Do you feel sad when you look at others and what they have?
Put Off Put On
Ungratefulness (Rom.1:21) Gratefulness (Eph. 5:25)
Covetousness (Luke 12:15) Contentment (Heb. 13:5)
Discontent (Heb. 13:5) Contentment (1 Tim 6:8)
Murmuring/Complaining (Phil. 2:14) Praise (Heb. 13:5)
Jealousy (Gal. 5:26) Trust (1 Cor. 13:4)
If you like me are seeking revival then we must start asking ourselves the hard questions. I am going to prayerfully go through each of these verses and questions seeking God to show me the truth. I don’t want to deceive myself one iota. I don’t want to miss revival because I just didn’t want to take the time to examine myself before Him. I don’t want to be the cause of my church experiencing all God wants. This won’t be easy…it takes time and wrestling.
If anybody out there is joining me let me know so we can hold each other accountable and pray for one another.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Humble Yourself
Sunday morning my pastor gave us challenge to desire revival personally and corporately. He gave us a vision and challenge from 2 Chronicles 7:14. I want to take that challenge seriously. The first thing His child is to do is to humble himself. I have been around the block enough to know that I would much rather humble myself than have God have to humble me; been there a few times and don't want to repeat the experience again. I will humble myself.
Ok, so what does it mean to humble yourself? How do you do it? Where do we begin?
Humbling ourselves we know will require work on our end.
I found some quotes that I found interesting:
"Humility is nothing but truth, while pride is nothing buy lying."
Vincent De Paul
"Humility is strong - not bold; quiet - not speechless; sure - not arrogant." Estelle Smith
"Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil's reach as humility"
Jonathan Edwards
"The boughs that bear most hang the lowest."
"Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self.' Charles Haddon Spurgeon
To be humble means:
*having the proper attitude toward God and the things of God
*having proper dependence on God
*having proper perspective of ourselves (not self-abasement nor self-deprecation)
*having a strong awareness of our unworthiness not our worthlessness
*without pride (pride being the direct opposite of humility)
*not self-centered but God centered
"Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self." This is what I want to do the next few weeks. I have an idea that may help me to do a proper estimation of my self and you too if you would like to join me on the journey. I want to go through a check list if you will to discover any hidden sin, habitual sin and certainly any self-centered or prideful attitudes. I want to humble myself before my God because I trust Him when He say it is the way to His healing.
Check in tomorrow for the beginning of our self-evaluations. It wont be easy but it will be worth it. Soli Deo Gloria.
Ok, so what does it mean to humble yourself? How do you do it? Where do we begin?
Humbling ourselves we know will require work on our end.
I found some quotes that I found interesting:
"Humility is nothing but truth, while pride is nothing buy lying."
Vincent De Paul
"Humility is strong - not bold; quiet - not speechless; sure - not arrogant." Estelle Smith
"Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil's reach as humility"
Jonathan Edwards
"The boughs that bear most hang the lowest."
"Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self.' Charles Haddon Spurgeon
To be humble means:
*having the proper attitude toward God and the things of God
*having proper dependence on God
*having proper perspective of ourselves (not self-abasement nor self-deprecation)
*having a strong awareness of our unworthiness not our worthlessness
*without pride (pride being the direct opposite of humility)
*not self-centered but God centered
"Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self." This is what I want to do the next few weeks. I have an idea that may help me to do a proper estimation of my self and you too if you would like to join me on the journey. I want to go through a check list if you will to discover any hidden sin, habitual sin and certainly any self-centered or prideful attitudes. I want to humble myself before my God because I trust Him when He say it is the way to His healing.
Check in tomorrow for the beginning of our self-evaluations. It wont be easy but it will be worth it. Soli Deo Gloria.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thanks Dad
I was listening to a radio show the other day and the preacher was talking about parenting today. He said that many parents think the number one foundation for parenting young children is love. He then stated that he thought biblically this was wrong that the foundation should be fear, healthy fear.
Proverbs 9:10 (KJV) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.’ I know many people have said we are to fear God? Yes! I know a lot of people say will this only means that we are to respect God not have a healthy fear of Him. I have researched the original meaning and they all seem to suggest fear and not respect.
From my own personal experience I was deeply afraid of my parents mainly my Daddy. I truly believe because I had a healthy fear of him and knew there would be severe consequences for my disobedience, I was saved from much heartache and potential evil. I was never abused nor fearful of such harm. What I did know was that certain behaviors were acceptable and other behaviors were not. I also knew when he spoke concerning something he meant it. I know that my Daddy was not perfect nor would my Daddy say he was perfect then or now, yet I know that my Daddy was perfectly chosen by God for me and I thank God for him.
I no longer have to have a healthy fear of my Daddy. I am a grown adult now and have been for some time. He taught we well. I have him to thank for being able to look back and seeing how close to pitfalls I came and escaped because I had a healthy fear of my Daddy. Now instead of fear I now respect him greatly.
Thanks Billy Fugitt for being a great dad to me. I owe you thanks for helping me take the path I took. A path full of joy and not shame, and a path full of peace and not pain. I could go on and on. Thanks
Proverbs 9:10 (KJV) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.’ I know many people have said we are to fear God? Yes! I know a lot of people say will this only means that we are to respect God not have a healthy fear of Him. I have researched the original meaning and they all seem to suggest fear and not respect.
From my own personal experience I was deeply afraid of my parents mainly my Daddy. I truly believe because I had a healthy fear of him and knew there would be severe consequences for my disobedience, I was saved from much heartache and potential evil. I was never abused nor fearful of such harm. What I did know was that certain behaviors were acceptable and other behaviors were not. I also knew when he spoke concerning something he meant it. I know that my Daddy was not perfect nor would my Daddy say he was perfect then or now, yet I know that my Daddy was perfectly chosen by God for me and I thank God for him.
I no longer have to have a healthy fear of my Daddy. I am a grown adult now and have been for some time. He taught we well. I have him to thank for being able to look back and seeing how close to pitfalls I came and escaped because I had a healthy fear of my Daddy. Now instead of fear I now respect him greatly.
Thanks Billy Fugitt for being a great dad to me. I owe you thanks for helping me take the path I took. A path full of joy and not shame, and a path full of peace and not pain. I could go on and on. Thanks
Thursday, February 04, 2010
My Jesus, what a thrill You are to me
Last night we had a great Bible Study, It started with the question who is Jesus. How can we fully define who eternal and infinite Jesus is? I don’t think we can but I do think it does us good and brings Him glory to at least begin.
Who is Jesus and who is Jesus to me are two totally different questions. I want to focus my thoughts today on, who Jesus is to me. He is my Father, my Healer, my Strength, Joy, and Peace. Often He has been my Corrector and Disciplinarian. He is my Teacher, Revealer, and Comforter. I really could go on and on but I won’t because I am Hoping you will take the time to recall all He is to your personally.
What I really wanted to share is that for the last 4 days He has been my Personal Trainer. Yes, this is a first for me. Let me start at the beginning, I have known for a few months, hmm, ok maybe a few years that God has been telling me that I need to change my lifestyle. I needed to take better care of His temple. This has been hard for me, I love food and I hate exercising.
A few weeks, hmm ok a few months ago I had a revelation. I can’t remember who God used I just know that the revelation came by the Holy Spirit. They were talking about our bodies being the living temple of God and that it was our reasonable service to sacrifice it to God as our act of worship. That was it! It was my Aha moment. Exercise could be my time of worship? I could exercise and offer it up to the Lord as my sacrifice of praise?
For the last four days I have been doing just that on our treadmill. First, I had to get the clothes off and dust it. Then I plugged in my Nano (a gift from Chad and Amanda, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you). The I started her up and off I went into the Holy of Holies on my treadmill! At the end of my walking I looked to the heavens and shouted, We did it!” In my weakness He is my Strength and Endurance.
This morning I woke up with a terrible pain all down the right side of my neck and arm. I couldn’t figure out why it was hurting; until I was on my treadmill and noticed in the midst of worship up went that right arm in praise to the LORD.
So if you hear that I have been hospitalized due to a treadmill injury, just praise Him ‘cuz you’ll know It happened while I was worshiping my blessed Savior. What a thrill you are Jesus!
Who is Jesus and who is Jesus to me are two totally different questions. I want to focus my thoughts today on, who Jesus is to me. He is my Father, my Healer, my Strength, Joy, and Peace. Often He has been my Corrector and Disciplinarian. He is my Teacher, Revealer, and Comforter. I really could go on and on but I won’t because I am Hoping you will take the time to recall all He is to your personally.
What I really wanted to share is that for the last 4 days He has been my Personal Trainer. Yes, this is a first for me. Let me start at the beginning, I have known for a few months, hmm, ok maybe a few years that God has been telling me that I need to change my lifestyle. I needed to take better care of His temple. This has been hard for me, I love food and I hate exercising.
A few weeks, hmm ok a few months ago I had a revelation. I can’t remember who God used I just know that the revelation came by the Holy Spirit. They were talking about our bodies being the living temple of God and that it was our reasonable service to sacrifice it to God as our act of worship. That was it! It was my Aha moment. Exercise could be my time of worship? I could exercise and offer it up to the Lord as my sacrifice of praise?
For the last four days I have been doing just that on our treadmill. First, I had to get the clothes off and dust it. Then I plugged in my Nano (a gift from Chad and Amanda, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you). The I started her up and off I went into the Holy of Holies on my treadmill! At the end of my walking I looked to the heavens and shouted, We did it!” In my weakness He is my Strength and Endurance.
This morning I woke up with a terrible pain all down the right side of my neck and arm. I couldn’t figure out why it was hurting; until I was on my treadmill and noticed in the midst of worship up went that right arm in praise to the LORD.
So if you hear that I have been hospitalized due to a treadmill injury, just praise Him ‘cuz you’ll know It happened while I was worshiping my blessed Savior. What a thrill you are Jesus!
Monday, February 01, 2010
Remembering When
I was just setting here taking a break from my Monday’s housecleaning chores playing a card game while I listen to K-Love. They were playing one of my current favorites; Born Again by Third Day. I was taken back to the day I had a life changing experience with the Lover of My Soul, Jesus.
I hadn’t grown up in church but the LORD had purposefully moved me along the path to find a church and a youth group where I could be involved. I don’t know if anybody had been praying for me; if they had been they never said. As far as I can remember no one ever shared the gospel with me directly. I heard it, I am sure from the pulpit in services and I am assuming I heard it during the Youth Camp services at Horn Creek, CO. I don’t remember definitely.
What I do remember is sitting all alone on the bus (‘Ole Blue Goose) returning home from Youth Camp at Horn Creek. I was alone on purpose; God’s purposed. I knew I was a mess and that if something didn’t change I would be an even bigger mess. I knew that Jesus was a possible answer to my mess. I can’t tell you how I knew that, I just did.
I also knew that I had heard through the messages at camp, Jesus loved me as I was and wanted me. Me? Why and how? I knew from what I had learned about Jesus that I was captivated by Him. I wanted Him if He really did want me. If it was true He loved me and wanted me then I wanted Him back.
So in 1975 on a August [Friday or Saturday] night I prayed, actually my prayer became a song to Him telling Him if He would have me I wanted Him, no I think I need You Jesus. HE CAME!
I have never been the same since. Where I once was hopeless I was now filled with hope in my Jesus. Where I was full of fear I was now full of courage. Where I was filled with insecurity in this world I was now filled with security because of His love and acceptance.
So much more; so much more to share of the difference He has made in me and in my life. So much more He has for me; although I am 35 years in Christ I know it is still only the beginning.
A portion of the lyrics from Third Day’s Born Again
I was lost when You found me here
And I was broken beyond repair
Then You came along and You sang Your song over me
It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
For the very first time
In my life
I've a feeling in my soul
And I pray that I'm not wrong
That the life I have now, it is only the beginning
It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
For the very first time
It feels like I'm breathing
It feels like I'm moving
For the very first time
For the very first time
I wasn't looking for something that was more
Than what I had yesterday
Then you came to me and you gave to me
Life and a love that I've never known
That I've nver felt before
I hadn’t grown up in church but the LORD had purposefully moved me along the path to find a church and a youth group where I could be involved. I don’t know if anybody had been praying for me; if they had been they never said. As far as I can remember no one ever shared the gospel with me directly. I heard it, I am sure from the pulpit in services and I am assuming I heard it during the Youth Camp services at Horn Creek, CO. I don’t remember definitely.
What I do remember is sitting all alone on the bus (‘Ole Blue Goose) returning home from Youth Camp at Horn Creek. I was alone on purpose; God’s purposed. I knew I was a mess and that if something didn’t change I would be an even bigger mess. I knew that Jesus was a possible answer to my mess. I can’t tell you how I knew that, I just did.
I also knew that I had heard through the messages at camp, Jesus loved me as I was and wanted me. Me? Why and how? I knew from what I had learned about Jesus that I was captivated by Him. I wanted Him if He really did want me. If it was true He loved me and wanted me then I wanted Him back.
So in 1975 on a August [Friday or Saturday] night I prayed, actually my prayer became a song to Him telling Him if He would have me I wanted Him, no I think I need You Jesus. HE CAME!
I have never been the same since. Where I once was hopeless I was now filled with hope in my Jesus. Where I was full of fear I was now full of courage. Where I was filled with insecurity in this world I was now filled with security because of His love and acceptance.
So much more; so much more to share of the difference He has made in me and in my life. So much more He has for me; although I am 35 years in Christ I know it is still only the beginning.
A portion of the lyrics from Third Day’s Born Again
I was lost when You found me here
And I was broken beyond repair
Then You came along and You sang Your song over me
It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
For the very first time
In my life
I've a feeling in my soul
And I pray that I'm not wrong
That the life I have now, it is only the beginning
It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
For the very first time
It feels like I'm breathing
It feels like I'm moving
For the very first time
For the very first time
I wasn't looking for something that was more
Than what I had yesterday
Then you came to me and you gave to me
Life and a love that I've never known
That I've nver felt before
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Ready Yourselves
I know that without any doubt, hesitation or reservation that the end is drawing ever closer. I have within me a deep urgency to truly be the church and not just do church. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. Can anyone out their relate? It is a matter of life and death, eternal life and death and I do not want blood on my hands. Instead I want to be a partaker of the blessings in being God's messenger of hope. I have been personally called to take the key of Christ and unlock prison doors so that captives may know true freedom. Called to take the salve of Christ and place it on the scars of the wounded. Called to bring the Joy of the Lord to those in mourning and deep sorrow. Called to stitch up the broken hearts. May the Spirit of the Lord be upon us all to go out.
I truly believe even more than ever that God is up to something huge at my church, Jackson Park Baptist. Over and over again He has confirmed to me personally in our times together that the old things are gone behold a new thing is about to spring forth. I am so ready. He has also told me that I must be ready for the new thing. I am to ready myself for what He is bringing. Henry Blackaby says in Experiencing God, "I cannot stay where I am and go with God." I want to go with God. How about you?
A song that has reverberated with my soul in recent days is the new one by Casting Crowns. I love the words and they express so much better the battle cry I am sounding to my fellow servants of the Lord.
Lord I want to feel your heart
and see the world through your eyes
I want to be your hands and feet
I want to live a life that leads
chorus
ready yourselves
ready yourselves
Let us shine the light of Jesus in the darkest night
ready yourselves
ready yourselves
May the powers of darkness tremble as our praises rise
Until the whole world hears Lord we are calling out
Lifting up Your name for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
as the day draws near
we'll sing until the whole world hears
Lord let your sleeping giant arise
Catch the demons by surprise
Holy nation sanctified
Let this be our battle cry
chorus
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
Want to be your hands and feet
Want to be a life that leads
To see you set the captive free
Until the whole world hears
and I pray that they will see more of you and less of me
Lord I want my life to be the song You sing
Until the whole world hears Lord we are calling out
Lifting your name up for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
as the day draws near
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
I truly believe even more than ever that God is up to something huge at my church, Jackson Park Baptist. Over and over again He has confirmed to me personally in our times together that the old things are gone behold a new thing is about to spring forth. I am so ready. He has also told me that I must be ready for the new thing. I am to ready myself for what He is bringing. Henry Blackaby says in Experiencing God, "I cannot stay where I am and go with God." I want to go with God. How about you?
A song that has reverberated with my soul in recent days is the new one by Casting Crowns. I love the words and they express so much better the battle cry I am sounding to my fellow servants of the Lord.
Lord I want to feel your heart
and see the world through your eyes
I want to be your hands and feet
I want to live a life that leads
chorus
ready yourselves
ready yourselves
Let us shine the light of Jesus in the darkest night
ready yourselves
ready yourselves
May the powers of darkness tremble as our praises rise
Until the whole world hears Lord we are calling out
Lifting up Your name for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
as the day draws near
we'll sing until the whole world hears
Lord let your sleeping giant arise
Catch the demons by surprise
Holy nation sanctified
Let this be our battle cry
chorus
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
Want to be your hands and feet
Want to be a life that leads
To see you set the captive free
Until the whole world hears
and I pray that they will see more of you and less of me
Lord I want my life to be the song You sing
Until the whole world hears Lord we are calling out
Lifting your name up for all to hear the sound
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out
as the day draws near
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
we'll sing until the whole world hears
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
SS After thoughts
Interesting that we just finished on faithfulness being a fruit of the Spirit. In my Quiet time a couple of verses stood out in relation to the lesson we had this past Sunday. Since they can also pertain to the previous blog I wanted to share them here as well as with my class (the most wonderful class ever)!
Isaiah 36:5 (NKJV)
I say you speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. Now in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me?
We that have been give the truth are now accountable to and responsible for the truth given. We cannot just let these truths of God shared become just mere words because God clearly says that would be a personal rebellion against Him. I don't want to go there do you? We must BELIEVE GOD. It is not enough to recognize we are in a battle and to agree that it isn't easy nor just plan on ignoring it. We must enter into the battle with our shield of faith, BELIEVING GOD for the victory and the conquering of the kingdom that stands against God.
Ephes. 1:19 (NKJV)
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
We are not in this battle alone. Do you see the promise here for those of who are willing to take God at His word and believe it so that it changes the way we behave and think? Exceeding great power toward us. I could use more of His power in my life and circumstances what about you? Let's BELIEVE GOD.
Remember that we have to go "through" and not around. We don't want to take the long way around nor do we want to give up because there is so much at stake. Look at this verse and see what is at the other end of the battle:
Psalm 66:12 (NKJV)
You have caused men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
Rich fulfillment...it has the meaning of satisfaction and running over
What shall be our battle cry? God be glorified, Jesus exalted and the Spirit manifested! Who is ready to fight?
Isaiah 36:5 (NKJV)
I say you speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. Now in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me?
We that have been give the truth are now accountable to and responsible for the truth given. We cannot just let these truths of God shared become just mere words because God clearly says that would be a personal rebellion against Him. I don't want to go there do you? We must BELIEVE GOD. It is not enough to recognize we are in a battle and to agree that it isn't easy nor just plan on ignoring it. We must enter into the battle with our shield of faith, BELIEVING GOD for the victory and the conquering of the kingdom that stands against God.
Ephes. 1:19 (NKJV)
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
We are not in this battle alone. Do you see the promise here for those of who are willing to take God at His word and believe it so that it changes the way we behave and think? Exceeding great power toward us. I could use more of His power in my life and circumstances what about you? Let's BELIEVE GOD.
Remember that we have to go "through" and not around. We don't want to take the long way around nor do we want to give up because there is so much at stake. Look at this verse and see what is at the other end of the battle:
Psalm 66:12 (NKJV)
You have caused men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
Rich fulfillment...it has the meaning of satisfaction and running over
What shall be our battle cry? God be glorified, Jesus exalted and the Spirit manifested! Who is ready to fight?
Shield of Faith
The first piece of armor that our young people are to put on is their 'shield of faith". Note that I said their "shield of faith." Our young people cannot ride the faith of their parents. Even in battles where the shield was used it was made to cover one person and each person going to battle had to pick up their own personal shield to be covered. You didn't go into battle without one hoping if the arrows came your way you could jump behind someone's shield and find safety; there would not be room for two because it is a personal shield. Just as each person must individually take responsibility for their own sins and seek personal forgiveness so each person must have their own personal faith.
More about faith in a minute. The shield that was used most in biblical times was a large shield around 4ft tall and 2ft wide. Some were even curved to give the most coverage of protection. Scripture tells us that God is our shield! He is our coverage of protection but we must seek His refuge when the enemy comes at us. The shield was often covered with linen and leather which had been saturated so that when the flaming arrows were hurled they would be quickly extinguished.
Let me give an analogy; God Himself is our shield, the saturated linen and leather is the truth of God. Having them in our arsenal is great but unless we know how to use them we are in trouble. A Scripture God showed me in preparation for my SS lesson shows this:
"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle."
They were armed for battle...just as we have been fully given every piece of armor we need for battle. But having armor doesn't mean we are fit for battle nor that we know how to skillfully use the armor. We need (parents, grandparents...) to know how to use the armor and then train our young people likewise.
So back to the analogy, If God is our shield and the leather and linen God's truth how do we effectively use it? We must hide behind it. We must stand behind it. Now in day to day living how is that accomplished? That is why it is called the "shield of faith." We must have faith.
Faith is pistis and it means "firm persuasi1on, conviction, belief in the truth, veracity, reality or faithfulness."1 It means simply to believe God. Our shield will protect us and put out the enemies lies when we believe God's truth! When we believe God. When we take God at His word. When we take God's word over every other word that sets itself up against God's word.
We must believe God and train our children in the reality and sureness of God's word. It is the word that is the lamp to our feet and light to our path. It is the only way to overcoming the darkness of this world. Give your young people more and more light! Be and example before them by standing behind your own personal shield of faith. Be a light give the light. Believe God!
More about faith in a minute. The shield that was used most in biblical times was a large shield around 4ft tall and 2ft wide. Some were even curved to give the most coverage of protection. Scripture tells us that God is our shield! He is our coverage of protection but we must seek His refuge when the enemy comes at us. The shield was often covered with linen and leather which had been saturated so that when the flaming arrows were hurled they would be quickly extinguished.
Let me give an analogy; God Himself is our shield, the saturated linen and leather is the truth of God. Having them in our arsenal is great but unless we know how to use them we are in trouble. A Scripture God showed me in preparation for my SS lesson shows this:
"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle."
They were armed for battle...just as we have been fully given every piece of armor we need for battle. But having armor doesn't mean we are fit for battle nor that we know how to skillfully use the armor. We need (parents, grandparents...) to know how to use the armor and then train our young people likewise.
So back to the analogy, If God is our shield and the leather and linen God's truth how do we effectively use it? We must hide behind it. We must stand behind it. Now in day to day living how is that accomplished? That is why it is called the "shield of faith." We must have faith.
Faith is pistis and it means "firm persuasi1on, conviction, belief in the truth, veracity, reality or faithfulness."1 It means simply to believe God. Our shield will protect us and put out the enemies lies when we believe God's truth! When we believe God. When we take God at His word. When we take God's word over every other word that sets itself up against God's word.
We must believe God and train our children in the reality and sureness of God's word. It is the word that is the lamp to our feet and light to our path. It is the only way to overcoming the darkness of this world. Give your young people more and more light! Be and example before them by standing behind your own personal shield of faith. Be a light give the light. Believe God!
See You At The Pole
Today is a very important day for students across the United States. Many sold out Christian young people gathered early this morning at their school flag poles to pray.
1 Tim. 4:12 (NKJV)
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Father God, I humbly pray for this young generation that they will believe you exist and that You are a rewarder of those who earnestly seek You. God I pray that they will seek to flee temptation and not even put them selves in places of possible temptations. When they find them selves in situations that could be harmful I pray Lord that you would reveal to them clearly the escape route you have placed there for them out of Your great mercy and love. I ask that you will give them a heart to delight in You, a mind that hungers for the truth and a soul that thirsts for Your presence. O Lord that You would give them pure hearts and clean hands. I also ask that they would hear Your Spirit within them and they would respond with, "Yes Lord." Help them to be leaders with courage and not followers. Lord give them discernment to recognize lies being taught, shared as truth and sold as good and right when they are wrong and bad. Help them not to fall into the pit of political correctness over Your holiness. God fill everyone of their deepest needs, wounds and longings with Your unfailing love that they not seek to fill their emptiness with anything but You. God give them supernatural power to be more than conquerors that they will be the generation to turn this world upside down. God without You this generation is dangerous. Please Lord hear our prayers today that all may see and know that You alone are Lord God. Jesus rules and by His blood and life we pray. Amen
1 Tim. 4:12 (NKJV)
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Father God, I humbly pray for this young generation that they will believe you exist and that You are a rewarder of those who earnestly seek You. God I pray that they will seek to flee temptation and not even put them selves in places of possible temptations. When they find them selves in situations that could be harmful I pray Lord that you would reveal to them clearly the escape route you have placed there for them out of Your great mercy and love. I ask that you will give them a heart to delight in You, a mind that hungers for the truth and a soul that thirsts for Your presence. O Lord that You would give them pure hearts and clean hands. I also ask that they would hear Your Spirit within them and they would respond with, "Yes Lord." Help them to be leaders with courage and not followers. Lord give them discernment to recognize lies being taught, shared as truth and sold as good and right when they are wrong and bad. Help them not to fall into the pit of political correctness over Your holiness. God fill everyone of their deepest needs, wounds and longings with Your unfailing love that they not seek to fill their emptiness with anything but You. God give them supernatural power to be more than conquerors that they will be the generation to turn this world upside down. God without You this generation is dangerous. Please Lord hear our prayers today that all may see and know that You alone are Lord God. Jesus rules and by His blood and life we pray. Amen
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Still Burdened for our Youth
While at Youth Camp I became overwhelmingly burdened for our children and young people. I heard and saw things that although didn’t surprise me still shocked me. Let me remind you where I was, at a Christian Youth Camp. A few days later God drew my attention to a passage that dealt with warfare and how important it was to have those going to fight to be prepared for battle, able and skillful. At that time God spoke through the Spirit that our young people and children are in the battle of their lives, literally and they are losing because they are not prepared. I don’t even know if they realize they are in a battle, if this is true then they are loosing solely because they are not fighting.
This has constantly been bearing on my soul and I know there are others out there too because you have responded to me either by commenting on the blog or personally. Since the initial burden God has called me to talk to our young girls at church during one of their Wed. evening meetings. I’m not quite sure they get it. I have also been honored, in recent weeks, by God to lead 6 young ladies to Christ. I want each of them to live the victorious and abundant life. What do we do?
What God is showing me:
It begins in the home. Parents if you are a Christian you have been given biblical mandate to train your children in the ways of God. You will stand accountable before God on what you do and don’t teach your children. Are you teaching and training them for the battle they are in or are you hoping that either they will just get it on their own or the church will do it for you? I want sure fire guarantees when it comes to my children and not a wishful, not sure attitude towards their lives. They will not get it on their own. There is also no guarantee they will get it from the church. I have talked to many adults who have grown up in the church and were leaders who clearly don’t get it, probably because they were never taught. We cannot teach others what we don’t know. Parents do you know how to fight in the battle? Teaching warfare is better taught with hands on experience led by those who have been there already. Teach with passion the dangers of losing the battle and the rewards of winning! Parents start fighting yourselves.
Before entering for battle the people of God would always go before God in prayer, worship and sacrifice. You can’t win victories with burdens and weights draped all over you. Through prayer we must continuously seek to be free of sin, scars and fears. Through worship we continuously acknowledge that He is Lord and His ways are worthy of our fighting for. Through sacrifice we give up our lives to be lived according to our wants and whims over to His greater causes. We follow Him into battle and He will fight for us.
Are you doing this (praying, worshiping and sacrificing) on a consistent basis? Are you doing it out of ritual and religion or out of a loving and trusting relationship, if you aren’t start. If you don’t know how, I really do want to show you so that you can truly experience His personal love and attention. There isn’t anything or one that satisfies the deepest needs of the soul like our God. If you are doing this parent or grandparent are you then showing your children? Are you teaching them how God speaks through His Word? Are you allowing them to hear of your personal testimonies of how God is working in your own life? Are you growing in your love for the Word of God and letting them see it? Yes many will catch it but let’s not lose the reward of teaching them.
I have more to share but for now let’s examine our lives, our parenting and our homes. What are you teaching your children directly or indirectly? Are you aware of what they are watching, reading, texting, facebooking, speaking, doing outside your home? Are you aware of the “stuff” out there that is dominating your child’s attention? Do you know the agendas that are directed at your children in the schools and media? Have you heard the recent polls taken of our Christian youth and how they don’t even believe there is a devil, nor in absolute truths and that Jesus is only one of many ways? These are Christian youth that attend church regularly. Could that mind-set be one of ours?
Ok one more thought to go with the above questions. One of the enemy’s strategies would be to surround their target, or prey with the plan of cutting off food and water supply and therefore they would just surrender. Our enemies (we have three, the Devil, the World and our own Flesh) still seek to do the same thing. They want to cut us off from our food and water supply so we just surrender. We can surrender into the enemy’s hands without even realizing it. What is our food and water supply? The Word is our bread from heaven that we must gather daily for true nourishment. Our water is the Living Water of the Holy Spirit that warns and reminds us there is a battle that can and must be won. Do our children know the power they have available or are they surrendering into the hands of the enemies without a clue. Do they know what they are giving up? Have we told them and shown them? The wise kings would stockpile food and water in order to be prepared when an enemy attacked. We must be prepared and lead the way so our children are prepared for battle.
What will be our war cry?
This has constantly been bearing on my soul and I know there are others out there too because you have responded to me either by commenting on the blog or personally. Since the initial burden God has called me to talk to our young girls at church during one of their Wed. evening meetings. I’m not quite sure they get it. I have also been honored, in recent weeks, by God to lead 6 young ladies to Christ. I want each of them to live the victorious and abundant life. What do we do?
What God is showing me:
It begins in the home. Parents if you are a Christian you have been given biblical mandate to train your children in the ways of God. You will stand accountable before God on what you do and don’t teach your children. Are you teaching and training them for the battle they are in or are you hoping that either they will just get it on their own or the church will do it for you? I want sure fire guarantees when it comes to my children and not a wishful, not sure attitude towards their lives. They will not get it on their own. There is also no guarantee they will get it from the church. I have talked to many adults who have grown up in the church and were leaders who clearly don’t get it, probably because they were never taught. We cannot teach others what we don’t know. Parents do you know how to fight in the battle? Teaching warfare is better taught with hands on experience led by those who have been there already. Teach with passion the dangers of losing the battle and the rewards of winning! Parents start fighting yourselves.
Before entering for battle the people of God would always go before God in prayer, worship and sacrifice. You can’t win victories with burdens and weights draped all over you. Through prayer we must continuously seek to be free of sin, scars and fears. Through worship we continuously acknowledge that He is Lord and His ways are worthy of our fighting for. Through sacrifice we give up our lives to be lived according to our wants and whims over to His greater causes. We follow Him into battle and He will fight for us.
Are you doing this (praying, worshiping and sacrificing) on a consistent basis? Are you doing it out of ritual and religion or out of a loving and trusting relationship, if you aren’t start. If you don’t know how, I really do want to show you so that you can truly experience His personal love and attention. There isn’t anything or one that satisfies the deepest needs of the soul like our God. If you are doing this parent or grandparent are you then showing your children? Are you teaching them how God speaks through His Word? Are you allowing them to hear of your personal testimonies of how God is working in your own life? Are you growing in your love for the Word of God and letting them see it? Yes many will catch it but let’s not lose the reward of teaching them.
I have more to share but for now let’s examine our lives, our parenting and our homes. What are you teaching your children directly or indirectly? Are you aware of what they are watching, reading, texting, facebooking, speaking, doing outside your home? Are you aware of the “stuff” out there that is dominating your child’s attention? Do you know the agendas that are directed at your children in the schools and media? Have you heard the recent polls taken of our Christian youth and how they don’t even believe there is a devil, nor in absolute truths and that Jesus is only one of many ways? These are Christian youth that attend church regularly. Could that mind-set be one of ours?
Ok one more thought to go with the above questions. One of the enemy’s strategies would be to surround their target, or prey with the plan of cutting off food and water supply and therefore they would just surrender. Our enemies (we have three, the Devil, the World and our own Flesh) still seek to do the same thing. They want to cut us off from our food and water supply so we just surrender. We can surrender into the enemy’s hands without even realizing it. What is our food and water supply? The Word is our bread from heaven that we must gather daily for true nourishment. Our water is the Living Water of the Holy Spirit that warns and reminds us there is a battle that can and must be won. Do our children know the power they have available or are they surrendering into the hands of the enemies without a clue. Do they know what they are giving up? Have we told them and shown them? The wise kings would stockpile food and water in order to be prepared when an enemy attacked. We must be prepared and lead the way so our children are prepared for battle.
What will be our war cry?
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