Put On His Armor

I am in the midst of finalizing 1,000 details for the upcoming Potomac District Council next week. We have record registration with over 700 already pre-registered. Lots of good things happening next week which makes me a very busy lady this week! I pulled this post from the archives. Forgive me for not posting something new today but the message in this post is still real!

Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

God tells us in His Word that we are to put on His whole armor. He commands each of us to stand up against ALL the strategies and the deceitfulness of the enemy. That is about as forthright as you can get wouldn't you agree? Then why are so many of us struggling daily with things in our lives that continually entangle us and hinder our walk with Christ?

There is something in each of our lives that definitely needs to take a hike! It could be habitual shopping, overeating, overspending, intimidation, lack of self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy and the list goes on. These may not always seem like huge obstacles but they can isolate us from God. When we permit that to happen it allows the enemy to take continuous jabs at our minds in an attempt to destroy us spiritually. We sometimes become so beaten down and discouraged that we are totally ineffective for the Kingdom of God.

God's Word promises if we put on the WHOLE armor (in it's entirety), we can stand up to the enemy and ALL the challenges he chooses to bring into our lives. That means we must read and study God's Word daily permitting God to penetrate our hearts and our minds. Cultivating a relationship with Christ requires getting to know Him on a personal level. It requires spending daily uninterrupted quality time in prayer listening intently for that still small voice. It means showing others the fruit in our lives that comes from serving Him.

Don't be a wimpy Christian partially dressed in God's armor. Dressing ourselves is an important part of our daily regime and we are careful not to miss any articles of clothing needed to cover our bodies. We certainly would not intentionally go out of the house missing our blouse and one of our shoes! Why are we so careless with God's armor? The enemy knows God's Word is our source of power. He has majored in creativity and will present all sorts of distractions to deter us from spending time with the Lord.

Identify one thing you know is a hindrance to your relationship with Christ. Record that on a piece of paper along with the scripture reference from Eph. 6:11 and tuck it in your Bible. Each time the enemy brings that particular thing to your mind I encourage you to read and meditate on Eph. 6:11. Clothe yourself in God's WHOLE armor and proceed to do something fantastic for Him!

Blessings!

In "other" Words - You Are What You Think

"The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel determines the way you act."

~ Rick Warren ~

When I read this statement I can't help to think about all the "sad" Christians who are walking around our workplace, neighborhoods and churches, who are constantly dragging their lips across the carpet. Why? Because they are overburdened with the cares of the world. Life has become overwhelming to them and they have lost their joy in the Lord.

If we think insecure thoughts, we will feel insecure and those around us will recognize our insecurities. If we think we are losers, we will feel like losers and those around us will recognize us as losers. If we think we are defeated, we will feel like we are defeated and those around us will recognize us as being defeated. If we think we are secure in Jesus Christ, saved by the blood of the lamb, pressing towards the prize of heaven, we will feel encouraged and those around us will see us as encourager's. Our attitudes will become contagious and people who know us will want what we have. You are what you think.........

My God is not a loser. He is bigger than anything this world can place upon us. He is our hope. He is our future. He is our encourager and He loves us. He cares about us and He is available to us 24/7. When we feel alone in the middle of the night, God is there. When the enemy speaks words of discouragement into our thoughts, God is there to assure us that we are special. We are His creations and He doesn't make mistakes and He doesn't make junk?

I know I am nothing without Christ. He has made me who I am today. Each day, part of my prayer to Him is, "Lord, may I decrease and you increase." I want to be a light in this dark and hopeless world.

Debbie at Heart Choices is hosting, In "other" Words today. Check out the posts on this topic.

Be encouraged friends. God loves you!

Blessings!

God Equips the Called

GOD EQUIPS THE CALLED. That statement says it all. If God calls you to do something He will give you everything you need to complete the task. EVERYTHING! Amazing isn't it? All we have to do as Christians is to be willing to accept the challenge and allow God to do the rest. That's it. No strings attached. Just demonstrate your faith in Christ by being obedient to the call He places upon your life. No matter how old or young you may be. It doesn't matter. God uses all kinds of folks to complete His work. The Bible is full of examples where God continually used ordinary people to do extraordinary things. He has a work for each of us. There is no retirement when God is your employer.

I feel such an urgency in my own spirit to seek God for clear direction in my life. Time is short and there is a tremendous task at hand to tell people about Jesus. Do not allow fear and the voice of the enemy to hinder God's call on your life. He is looking for willing vessels who are anxious to step out of the comfort zone and take a risk for the Kingdom. Yes, it can be frightening to accept the challenge of God in blind faith, attempting to do something that you have no idea how to do, but God will be with you every step of the way. I encourage you to be diligent and obedient in your walk with Christ. Serving Him is an exciting adventure. It becomes boring and unfruitful when we demand control of our lives and refuse to listen and obey His call. I challenge you today to be a risk taker for the Kingdom. God has big plans for your life. What are you going to do with it?

Blessings friends!

Thankful Thursday - Provision

My heart has been so sad this week as I listened to the heart wrenching reports on the news of so many who have taken their lives and the lives of their families. Overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness and desperate for answers to the huge problems they were facing, these people couldn't grasp the truth that God was their provision even in the midst of horrible storms.

So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?" 1 Kings 17:10 (NIV)

In a nation that was required by law to care for its prophets, it is ironic that God turned to ravens (unclean birds) and a widow (a foreigner from Jezebel's home territory) to care for Elijah. God has help where we least expect it. He provides for us in ways that go beyond our narrow definitions or expectations. No matter how bitter our trials or how seemingly hopeless our situation, we should look for God's caring touch. We may find his providence in some strange places!

When we pray"Give us our daily bread", we are acknowledging that God is our sustainer and provider. It is a misconception to think that we provide for our needs ourselves. We must trust God daily to provide what he knows we need.

I thank God today for His provision in my life. When situations look absolutely bleak I am thankful that my God is still on the throne. Where would we be without His provisions?

Check out Laurie's blog for more TT posts.

Blessings friends!

Spectator or Doer?

The presence of the Lord has been absolutely AWESOME in our services. People are truly hungry for the things of God and are coming to church with expectancy, waiting for God to show up!

"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. (James 1:23,24 NIV). "

Each day, as Christians, we make choices regarding our relationship with Christ. We choose to be a spectator or a doer in this big world of Christianity. Think about that for a moment..... Strong words with powerful meanings.

SPECTATORS choose to basically do nothing. They remain in the same place doing the same thing, making no changes and no progress for the Kingdom of God. This creates staleness, boredom, no fruit, not even a smidgen of positive influence for Christianity. Spectators settle for total mediocrity in their Christian walk. Spectators may read God's Word but refuse to apply it to their lives in the way God commands.

On the other hand, if we choose to be a DOER we are stepping up to the plate and saying, "Here I am God. Use me however you choose to accomplish Your will for my life." Now that is doing something. Accepting the challenge to become a doer means accepting what God has for us each day of our lives. It means demonstrating boldness to step out even when the uncertainty of the unknown appears to be overwhelming. God is looking for willing vessels who are waiting to be used to accomplish what appears to be the impossible. He is ready to equip each of us to fulfill his plan for our lives. Doers are always active and busy doing things for the Kingdom. Doers are continually striving to do more for God, never becoming satisfied with where they are spiritually and never giving up even when the battle appears to be devastating. Doers are constantly seeking God's face for more of Him. Excitement and expectancy radiate from those who are genuine in their pursuit for Christ. Doers respond to God's Word and it is reflected in how they live their lives.

"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. (James 1:23,24 NIV). As we read and study God's Word the Holy Spirit places a mirror in front of us. He challenges us to look at ourselves so we can make whatever adjustments are necessary to be successful Doers.

Let's not wimp out on Christ. Accept the challenge to be a DOER. God has an awesome plan for you!

Blessings!

In "other" Words

"Give yourself permission not to know and be satisfied knowing the One who does."
~ by Joyce Meyer, "I Dare You" ~

I am often reminded that as Christians, we are supposed to trust God in all circumstances. Although we are not capable of seeing beyond today, God expects us to have the faith to trust Him with our future.

Like others, I often become frustrated because things I expect to happen in my life are just not! You know what I am talking about.... God gives us dreams. Dreams that continue to grow but many times doors don't seem to open as quickly as we expect. Years pass and the dream still has not become a reality. Frustration? Maybe. But God really spoke into my heart at the beginning of this year and told me to stop focusing on what it is I want to do with my life, and focus on the NOW. He has given each of us a work to do and I believe it is our training ground for a bigger task He has planned for our lives. Is it easy? Absolutely not! Will I become frustrated and perhaps discouraged? Absolutely! But God is doing a work in us and when He feels we are ready for that next level He will open the doors and make things happen.

Our faith grows in God when we are forced to trust Him because we cannot figure out what it is He is doing. Pretty exciting don't you think? Serving Christ is a continuous adventure for me. I never know what a new day will bring and that my friends is awesome! I could never understand how anyone could say that serving the Lord is boring! They certainly must not serve the same God I know!

Over the years, as I have matured in Christ, it has become easier to wait on God and trust Him with my life. Even though sometimes I may find myself in a very frustrating place, I know God will work it all out in His timing. I have learned to trust Him even when life just does not seem to make sense.

Nina at Mamas Little Treasures is hosting IOW today. Visit her blog and read what other women have shared about this quote.

Blessings friends!

Friday's Cup of Wisdom - Character

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.

~ Helen Adams Keller ~

Have an incredible weekend friends!



Blessings and hugs!

Thankful Thursday - Legacy

I posted this blog several years ago but it seemed so appropriate for today.

I am thankful today for my husband, Bobby. We were married the summer I graduated from high school and left the following month for bible college. I seriously would not encourage anyone to do that but thank the Lord we survived! We will celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary in July.

Even though the ministry can be a tough and challenging profession, Bobby has taught me numerous lessons over the years as we have co-pastored. He is a wonderful father and my very best friend. He is a true example of putting God first in everything he does. His life truly represents God in all ways.

My dad passed away at the age of 49 with lung cancer. I was seven months pregnant with our first child. My children never had the opportunity to meet their grandfather. I am thankful today that my dad accepted the Lord on his death bed and that one day we will be reunited.

My grandfather was a Pentecostal Holiness pastor and passed away from complications associated with cancer. I am thankful today for his heritage. His influence in my life inspired me at a very young age to seek Christ. I can remember the summer's that I would spend with my grandparents in the mountains of West Virginia. My grandfather would take me to church and encourage me to play my accordion. I have no idea what happened to that incredible musical instrument, no idea how to play or a desire to try! Anyhow...... he was a great man of God and made a huge difference in my life.

My father-in-law was another great man of God who influenced my life tremendously. He passed away a number of years ago. Although he battled sickness most of his life I am thankful for the incredible Godly legacy he left behind. He was a great model for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

And most of all I am thankful today for my Heavenly Father who consistently puts up with me! Sometimes I react like the children of Israel whining and complaining about everything. He continually loves me and encourages me daily. I love Him so much and am so thankful that He is such a tolerant Father.

Visit Laurie today for other Thankful Thursday posts.

Blessings!

Purpose

Life can bring discouragement and disappointment. If we focus on the circumstances around us we often become confused and lose sight of our purpose.

"But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel . What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice." Philippians 1: 12-18

Paul was a leader who never drifted from his mission. He determined to leave his mark wherever he went. George Washington Carver wrote, "No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it." Paul's sense of purpose kept him in the battle as he sat in prison.

A personal sense of purpose functions in two ways. First we have a responsibility to work on that purpose. Then, the purpose works on us. Once Paul was able to determine his life mission, that purpose daily improved his attitude. Throughout the trials he faced Paul was able to continue to smile because he demonstrated a strong sense of purpose in his life. He understood that leaders can either wimp out and surrender to their circumstances, or they can surrender to a cause that is much greater. When that decision is made their circumstances won't matter.

Life will always throw you curve balls but the true result of the foundation of your relationship with Christ will be determined by how you respond to that pitch. When you surrender to the circumstances in your life you are definitely at the mercy of what happens to you. But when you make a decision to surrender to a purpose that purpose will never die. Paul's attitude helped his purpose go forward, then his purpose helped his attitude go forward! His attitude helped him make a decision that it didn't matter what happened to him as long as the mission continued.

It is easy for us to lose our purpose when life seems to continue to bring adversaries into our path but God encourages us to stay focused. "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14. There is a much larger reward waiting for us that far exceeds anything this world has to offer. The key to attaining that goal is to stay focused on our purpose for being and chase after God each and every day with your whole heart

Purpose in your life is important. A purpose will motivate you. A purpose will keep your priorities straight even when you feel there are no immediate answers for what you are going through. God is doing a work in your life and proceeding to the next level may be determined by your reaction to the circumstance you are facing. A purpose will absolutely develop your potential. A purpose will encourage you and give you strength to live in the present even when life is discouraging and frustrating. And a purpose will help you evaluate your progress.

If you are facing a challenge in your life, seek God's face with passion. He is our rock and always provides everything we need to overcome any situation. Pursue His purpose for your life and don't lose sight of the mission God has called you to complete.

It's a new day filled with new opportunities!

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday - Sacrifice

How can we think about Easter without thinking about the incredible sacrifice God offered for us? He gave his only Son so that you and I would be given an opportunity to spend eternity in heaven with our Lord. That my friend is the ultimate sacrifice.

The word sacrifice implies giving something that costs the giver in terms of self, time, or money. To give sacrificially requires more than a token effort or gift. God wants us to give voluntarily, but he wants it to mean something. Giving to God what costs you nothing does not demonstrate commitment.

Following Jesus is not always comfortable. Many times it requires great sacrifice, with no earthly rewards or security. Jesus didn't have a place to call home. Following Christ may cost us friendships, popularity, or leisure time. But while the cost of following Christ is high, the value of being Christ's disciple is higher. Discipleship is an investment that lasts for eternity and yields incredible rewards.

Let us never lose sight of the end result of our humility and self-sacrifice - a joyous banquet with our Lord! God never asks us to suffer for the sake of suffering. he never asks us to give up something good unless he plans to replace it with something even better. Jesus is not calling us to join him in a labor camp but in a feast - the wedding supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19: 6-9), when God and his beloved church will be joined forever.

I am so incredibly thankful today for the sacrifice that was made on the cross for my salvation. I am looking forward to an awesome day in the House on Sunday. I am praying for lost souls to be saved! Jesus Christ is alive!

Laurie at Women Taking A Stand is hosting Thankful Thursday this week. Check out her blog and the other ladies who are participating.

Blessings and hugs!

In Other Words - Is Heaven Seen in Me?

Heaven must be in me, before I can be in heaven.

by Charles Standford

God expects us to live according to His Word. Many people today are trying to mold God into who they want Him to be, filling their lives with compromise and false teachings.

"And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple" Luke 14:27 (NIV). Jesus' audience was well aware of what it meant to carry one's own cross. When the Romans led a criminal to his execution site, he was forced to carry the cross on which he would die. This showed his submission to Rome and warned observers that they had better submit too. Jesus spoke this teaching to get the crowds to think through their enthusiasm for him. He encouraged those who were superficial either to go deeper or to turn back. Following Christ means total submission to him and death to ourselves.

How can we lead others to Christ if we settle for a life of compromise? How can we preach to others about serving the Lord if they do not see the example in our lives? Are we truly "walking the talk"? Do others really see Jesus in us?

Following Christ and living a Christian life is not an easy task but the rewards are incredible at the end of the journey! Our God is there for us 24/7 no matter what time of the day or night we choose to call upon Him. He offers peace and joy and will always walk with us through every circumstance this life throws in our paths.

If we are not reading our Bibles and spending quality time with Jesus how can others see heaven in our lives? We cannot give away what we don't have. To many folks we are the only example of Christianity they may see. We must live our lives according to God's Word. We need to be imitators of Christ so that those around us can see heaven in us.

Denise at ShortyBear's Place is hosting "In 'Other' Words" today. Visit her site and the links to the other women who have shared in this quote.

Blessings friends!

Making a Difference

For me, Monday is far more difficult to roll out of bed than any other day of the week! I am usually exhausted from the weekend and a full day of events on Sunday. My motivation when the alarm begins to "buzz' at 5am seriously needs some help! I hear Starbucks calling my name!

Do you ever feel weary in the ministry? Have you ever questioned God about how you can really make any difference in the Kingdom of God?

God has a plan for you and I and that plan is huge. He tells us in His Word that we are to be imitators of Christ. That tells me that others need to see Jesus in me even when I am tired,weary and basically worn out!

All of us can make a difference for the Kingdom of God. I feel such an urgency in my heart for those who are unsaved. People need to know that God loves them and He is returning soon for His church. Christians need to continue being "busy" about God's business. Some folks have developed a habit of only attending church on Easter and Christmas. Easter is this Sunday so we need to take the initiative and invite them to church! Not just any church but a church where the pastor preaches the truth from the Word of God and is not afraid to step on any toes for fear of losing numbers in their church. OUCH! People are searching for hope in a desperate world. God offers that hope and peace to those who surrender their lives to Him.

I realize that preaching truth in church today is not popular. I also realize that those pastor's are often labeled "old fashioned and not relevant". Well friend, when the trumpet sounds, who really cares about being relevant. I just want to know that I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am washed in the blood of the lamb and on my way to heaven! How about you?

Blessings!