Don't Quit

 

Don't Quit Now

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

Recently I've seen a couple of commercials that focus on a person not quitting.  The temptation of chair appears and chases them, but they keep going.  They don't quit.  

It's almost four weeks from the start of the new year.  Some of our aspirations may be hitting the wall, but I'm reminded to not quit.  As a school teacher, I feel the pressures of school's goal weighing heavy on me. There is so much they want to get done and so little time to do it.  It makes me want to pause and tap out, but I have a purpose to fulfill.  I can't quit.  I can't give in now.

With God's help, I will have His strength and peace of mind as I seek His face.  I remember His grace and mercy and open my arms to receive what He so freely gives.  I recognize that He is Lord and I am a vessel that He works through.  Kids needs to see His light; they need to feel His love.

Maybe you have hit a wall emotionally, physically, financially, or spiritually.  Be encouraged.  Encourage yourself and remind yourself of who You are in Christ Jesus.  Remember that His Spirit lives within You.  Remember that He is Your shepherd and that You are not alone.  Inhale the Lord and receive His comfort.  Know this...For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.-Psalm 84:11. Do not quit.  He loves us and wants what's best for us.  So continue to walk in faith and trust in the Lord.

Father, the enemy would have doubt ourselves, but You came to give us life more abundantly.  Let us walk in that truth.  Let us walk in victory.  Give us strength.  Provide for us what we stand in need us because we know You to be a loving Father.  We thank You for being God.  We praise and worship Your Holy Name.  Forgive us when we stray and bring us back to You.  In Jesus name,  Amen

Tools for Victory

  Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. -2 Chronicles 20:3

Over the last few months, my pastor has been preaching from 2 Chronicles 20.  He has been breaking down the way we get to victory, the assurance of victory as proclaimed by God, and the assurance that God will fight our battles, as well as the unity of God's people as all stood on one accord.  Last week he focused on the seven tools to victory that come from 2  Chronicles 20.  He challenged us to read the passage for ourselves and see how many we could find. I would like to share some of the takeaways that God has laid on my spirit.

First tool, whatever comes your way, be resolved to take it to the Lord.  Jehoshaphat was told that a vast army was coming to to attack him and the people of Judah.  His first response was to be resolved to take it to the Lord ( 2 Chronicles 20:4)  To be resolved means to be firmly determined to do something.  So whatever problem or decision that arises, seek God first.  Remove all distractions ( Jehoshaphat called for a fast for the people of Judah-fast allow us to be concentrated on what the Lord would say to us) and take it to the One that handle any and all situations. 

The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. (2 Chronicles 20:4)  From this the Lord is telling me to be on one accord.  The scripture that says "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”(Mathew 18:20) comes to mind.  Maybe you call on some prayer partners as you seek the Lord.  Maybe it is your family or your church.  You have to be on  accord with your eyes fixed on Jesus ( another tool).

Don't focus on the problem, focus on Jesus.  You have been resolved to take it to God, now trust God to fix it.  Look to Him with expectation;  He is going to move on your behalf.   2 Chronicles 20  12 reads ...Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 

 So fix your eyes on the One who has all power in his hand and stand before Him and wait for the Spirit of  God to move.  Don't get ahead of God, but stand firm and watch and see what He does.  Let the Spirit show you( he will tell you where you enemy will be (2 Chronicles 20:16) and lead you. 

Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.  2 Chronicle 20: 14-15

The battle is not yours, but God's.  Yet, He tells us that we will face the enemy and we must take our positions. ( If the position is a posture of prayer take it.  If it is to take up your shield of faith do it.)  But we are not to be afraid or discouraged because God will be with us ( 2 Chronicles 20:17 

To gain victory we must acknowledge God and His presence.    2 Chronicles 20; 18-19 tells us that "Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice."

So when the Spirit moves acknowledge that it is God and not of our ourselves and praise Him in advance for the defeat of your enemy( mountain, valley or storm experience.) Praise Him, lift your voice and watch Him defeat your enemy.  I do not care who or what the enemy is or the battle-  God Will Give You Victory.

Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies.  They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the Lord with harps and lyres and trumpets. 2 Chronicles 20:27-28

Lord,  thank You for for fighting our battles so let us lay our burdens down before You and seek Your face.  Let us receive Your wisdom, strength, and anointing.  Help us to stand firm with expectation and take our positions.  Its a "fixed fight" Lord.  Thank You for being on our side.  You are amazing.  Bless your Holy Name.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen

A Transparent Start

We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.~ Psalm 78:4

This morning Proverbs 31 morning devotion was about sharing our stories.  It was a confirmation for how have approached this blog.  I am imperfect woman, flawed but saved by grace.  And as I look back over my life I see the Lord's goodness.  It is a new year, just seven days in and I have no other resolution, better yet resolve than to in gratitude draw nearer to God and to make an impact for His Kingdom.  

I want to share my stories because they are His stories.  His story of faithfulness even when I have been faithless.  His story of provision and care.  His story of redemption and revival for a once prodigal daughter.  His story of grace and mercy through the storms and travails of life.

His story of how He has built and strengthen my faith.  A story of relationship with the Father rather than legalism and pride.  So over the course of the year I will be sharing my stories in hopes that it will help someone else.  i won't let the devil shame me or judge me because Christ has covered it all.

I used yo be so busted and disgusted that I spoke death over my life.  I was in such a deep depression that suicidal thoughts walked camped in my mind.  I hated my life.  I was a believer, but I had lost hope.  I was twice divorced and feeling rejected and neglected.  I made one bad choice  with men after another.  I did this all while teaching and handling business(God's grace), but my spiritual  life was a mess. Chasing after romantic love became my god.  It left me incomplete.

When thunderstorms came I would wonder if it was Jesus and would I even be "worthy' to be taken up in the rapture.  I questioned my salvation.  I used to say I wouldn't live past 40. I talked about my funeral with my oldest son.  I was in a muddy pit.  BUT GOD!

You see I was angry with God because I thought because I was "doing the right things"  I deserved something.  He gave me enough wits not to curse Him, but I had to be broken in order to be healed.  Depression and anxiety would be my thorn.  I am now 52 and 11 months.  At the age of 40 I met my husband ( high school sweetheart).  I wrestled with God and was set free.  I was pulled out of the pit and stood on the foundation Jesus.  The death I spoke he turned into life.  I was drawn to God like a moth to a flame.  I was set free from trying to live life in my own strength.  I was humpty dumpty whom the KING put back together again.  Each day is a gift.  

The woman I was 20 years ago trusted in self and man.  The woman today trusts in God.  My foundation solid and my faith is strong because of God.  I'm still running the race, but I am fueled by His Spirit.  I have a good life.  My mind is regulated because I seek the Lord to do it.  He always brings a light when the darkness would want to creep in.  I am no longer a broken egg frying on a hot street.  I am faberge egg that rest in the arms of the Father.  With open arms He took me in and gave me me new robes to wear.  I am in relationship; I am a child of the King.  

Maybe someone is suffering or questioning the goodness of God.  If He brought me through He can bring you through too.  Jesus died on the Cross to restore our relationship with the Father,  He died that we may have hope.  He lives to bring us life abundantly.  It wont always be bad.  There won't always be a storm.  The eye will cross over.  Just hold on and believe.  Have faith and receive.  I am a witness to the goodness of God.

Father, this year may I walk in gratitude for all the ways You bless me.  May I be intentional in surrendering myself to You.  Use me any way You want.  May I be obedient.  Bless those that read this blog.  May it help someone. You get the glory.  In Jesus name. Amen

The Goodness of God

 Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.~ Isaiah 61:7

God is absolutely amazing.  He brings restoration and joy.  He is our hope.  The Israelites  were disobedient to God and would have to be punished by being exiled to a foreign land, but even in the midst of the shame, God promised that they would rejoice and inherit a double portion.  The abundance of grace is astonishing.  Its hard to fathom.

I am not so different from the Israelites.  I have been disobedient to God.  I have done things that have brought me shame and and disgrace.  I have been broken, but God has restored me through His Son Jesus.  Jesus' death and resurrection allowed me to receive mercy, grace, and a double portion.  I am forgiven and restored.  I am whole and its because of Christ.

As Christmas approaches I can not help but think of the goodness of God.  The gift of Jesus.  The promise of peace and the assurance of hope.  Thank You Lord.

Jesus, thank You for loving me so much.  Thank You for providing a path to You.  Thank You for being a light on my path.  Thank You for the gift of Your Son Lord.  Cover Your people and bless us as we bless Your Holy name.  In Jesus name I do pray.  Amen

Praise report:  I have been feeling much better.  God is a healer and a provider.  Merry Christmas.

Hope

 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he  will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  ~Isaiah 9:6

Life has felt pretty rushed to me lately.  The urgency of fulfilling obligations and roles has me anxious.  Freak accidents and chronic pain have been present, but I have hope.  I have hope in Jesus.  He came to earth humble, but a King.  He was born to die for my sins.  His life brings me peace in the middle of the chaos.  His life brings me joy and steadfastness and He is coming back.  This darken world is not my home.  I have a bright future ahead of me.  So I rebuke the enemy and stand firm on His promises because He will fulfill them all.

Lord, I thank You for Your provision and many blessings.  Bless my brothers and sisters during this special time of year.  Let us look to You unrushed.  May we feel your peace and live with expectation of Your return.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

I'm going to take a few weeks off to refresh, but I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.

Fight the good fight

  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  ~Ephesians 6:10-13

I was reminded today that I have an assignment.  One that the enemy does not want me to complete.  My health has been under attack for three weeks now.  I cannot get a clear diagnosis.  I am meeting obstacles, but God.  

I have to remember that my battle is not with flesh and blood, but against rulers and authorities of this dark world.  But I serve a greater authority.  I serve the Lord Jesus Christ and I will not give in.  I will not back down.  I will stand my ground for His grace is sufficient for me.  

I know that I do not fight alone.  I have a whole slew of prayer warriors who are lifting me up before God.  The enemies plans will not prosper.  I will be healed.  I will complete my assignments. I will spread the good news of Jesus Christ.  I will be a light for my students and my family.  I will continue to share His word.

I know I have been writing about my struggles for the last few weeks, but God is using my struggle to give someone else hope.  To have them fight on, whatever their battle may be. We have the victory in Christ Jesus.

Lord, I cling to you.  I trust in You.  I put on Your armor and stand firm in Your power.  I declare that the enemy is defeated.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Woke up this morning feeling pretty good.  Thank you Jesus.

Fuel for faith

 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  ~Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

I woke up this morning happy and in expectation. The pain is my leg has not stopped, it’s been weeks now, but the rash is slowly moving away.  My circumstances have not changed, but my faith is renewed.  

I have Jesus.  He gives me hope and energy to “run on and see what the end may be”.  He is my sustainer and hope for tomorrow.  He is my joy for today. 

I don’t know what He is going to do, but I know it will be for my good.  I will not be weary as I breathe in His breath.  I will not faint.  I will hold onto my faith.  Healing is on the way. 

Lord, thank You for being my strength.  Thank You for the renewed energy.  Thank You for hope.  In Jesus name.  Amen