This is a prayer which you can pray any time you feel threatened by our evil enemy. It was written by a friend of mine here in Vancouver, and she prays this way every day. (No doubt she feels threatened every day!!) Praying this and similar prayers really EMPOWERS me and calms me spiritually, even helping me to rest or sleep when I'm exceedingly burdened.
The devil hunts us, tempts us, accuses us -- day and night. He works against us directly AND indirectly. But I believe that praying prayers like this one--aloud and with authority from Christ Himself, is effective in bringing protection and in safeguarding our hearts and homes from the father of lies. There is great power just in the NAME of Jesus! Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Dear Father God,
I humbly come to You today by the blood of Jesus Christ, My Savior and Lord. I submit my life to You this day to do Your will with all my heart. Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done. I am your child and in covenant relationship with You.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I put on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand against Satan and his schemes. I put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. I put the boots of the gospel on my feet. I take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God- and the shield of faith which quenches all the fiery darts of the enemy. I put on the helmet of salvation. Now, with sword raised and shield up, I stand fast in faith against Satan and his demons.
I ask You, Lord Jesus, to protect my family (mention by name) from sickness, disease, infirmities, afflictions, all harm, all accidents, and all natural disasters. I ask for extra angels, with swords drawn and shields up, to build a fiery hedge of protection around me and everyone in my family to guard and protect me (us).
I claim Psalm 91 for protection over me. Father God, as I abide in You, I ask you to hide me and my family in Your secret place, under the shadow of the Almighty. God Almighty, cover me with Your feathers. Under Your wings I take refuge. I declare I will not fear enemy attacks no matter what time of day or form they take. It shall not come near me. Only with my eyes will I see the destruction of the wicked. According to Your Word I put all demonic forces under my feet and under the feet of Jesus.
In the name of Jesus, I come against every curse, every negative word, negative prayer, every word curse, every hex, charm, chant, spell, incantation, or ritual of death and destruction. If I or anyone in my family have been subjected to any of these, I declare each one null and void in the name of Jesus Christ. If any evil spirits have been sent against me, I decommission each evil spirit in the name of Jesus Christ. I send each one to the pit. In the name of Jesus, I come against all spirits of witchcraft, all Jezebel spirits, spirits of magic and the occult, and spirits of pride and rebellion and stubbornness, that have been assigned against me and my family. I bind each evil spirit to the judgment of Almighty God and I break their power in Jesus' name. I cancel any effects of these spirits against me, and I loose them off me and my family in Jesus' name.
I cover myself, my family, and all of my possessions with the blood of Jesus. I take the sword of the Spirit and spring every trap that Satan has set against me and my family.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Thoughts (Ramblings?!) on Love and Marriedness and Singleness etc. etc.
I have had some thoughts to write out for some time, regarding singleness and marriedness and love and romance and all that jimble-jamble. And with Valentine’s Day approaching this weekend, and with Lynlee’s status update on Facebook earlier today (I hear ya, my sister!), I decided to just sit down and type out some of those thoughts. I will not write ALL of my thoughts, or this will be pages and pages long, reaching epic proportions if I were to truly write everything down that's in this head of mine. For my friends who aren’t married, my friends who are married, and my friends who are soon to be married, these thoughts I write with you in mind! They are nothing “earth-shattering” to be sure, but you know how I like to wax sentimental sometimes. And I care for you! So here goes:
First, let me say that when I think about the gift of marriage, and all of the gifts that come as a result of it (like our KIDS!), I completely understand why the devil wants to destroy it. Because it truly is a precious gift, precious in the sight of God AND man. Why are people SO HAPPY when a nice young couple gets married? It is because people recognize what a gift their union truly is! “Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 Marriage is certainly a gift. A gift that is meant to be kept and guarded.
But “the thief cometh to steal, kill, and destroy…” John 10:10. Yes, I talk about the devil a lot. It’s because I see his work all around me, and I see it exponentially in our marriages, and it makes me MAD! I see it in my own marriage, and I must rebuke it constantly. If you’re reading this and you’re married, or soon to be married, you must know that the devil wants to DESTROY your marriage! He wants to take your good and perfect gift away from you and turn it into something you believe to be a curse instead of a blessing. Sounds shocking, I know. It IS shocking. But so true. If you’re not married yet, chances are you will be at some point possibly soon—possibly even sooner than you even think—and this will be true for you, too. We must protect our marriages from the work of the devil, and we must do this consciously, purposely, resolutely!!
Marriage is a picture of Christ’s relationship with his bride, the church. It is fascinating to study the Hebrew traditions of weddings and to understand all of the symbolism that this actually involves. It’s so beautiful! But Satan wants to distort that picture—and all that our marriages stand for. In order to mar the image of Christ in the minds of men. He knows that heartbreak in marriage can cause people to doubt God’s good intentions for them, and ultimately to doubt Christ Himself as the bridegroom.
But the devil doesn’t only do this with people already married. He does it with the unmarried, too, leading them to believe that they are less than blessed in their single life. The solitude of single living can be at times dreadfully lonely and can cause one to doubt God's goodness, God's plan, their worth as an individual, their purpose, everything. I’ve been there. I started believing those lies REALLY good, back in college. The devil wants to steal our joy and steal the abundant life that Christ came to give us. He wants us to focus on all we do NOT have—and wants us to start believing that God is withholding from us. Again, in order to mar the image of Christ in our very minds, to make us deny that His intentions for our lives really are the best.
A long time ago, way before I met Mark, I read something that I have always kept and sometimes I go back and read it again, because it meant a lot to me when I wasn’t married but wanted to be. It was titled, “On His Plan for Your Mate”. I don’t remember where I got it, but I like what it says and I want to share it here:
“Everyone longs to give himself completely to someone. To have a deep relationship with another. To be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But God to the Christian says: No, not until you are satisfied- fulfilled and content with being loved by Me alone- giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me, having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone. Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found. Then you will be capable of that ‘perfect’ human relationship you dream of.
You will not be truly united with anyone until you are united with Me. Exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires or feelings. I want you to stop planning and stop wishing, and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing. I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to give it to you.
Just keep watching Me, expecting great things. Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I AM. Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you. Just wait on Me, that's all! Don’t be anxious. Do not worry. Do not look around at the things others have gotten,or that I have given them. Do not look at the things that you think you want. You just keep looking off and away. Look up to Me or you will miss what I want to show you.
And then when you are ready, I will surprise you with a love far more wonderful than anyone would dream of. You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have prepared for you is ready (I am working even at this moment to have both of youready at the same time)—until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I have prepared for you, you won’t be able to experience that love that exemplifies your relationship with Me. And is, thus, the perfect love.
And dear one, I want you to have that most wonderful love. I want you to see, in the flesh, a picture of a relationship with Me. And to enjoy completely the everlasting union of beauty and love that I offer you myself. Know that I love you utterly. I am the Lord your God, the MOST loving. I AM love. Believe it and be satisfied.”
That is not from the Bible, but I think there's a lot of good truth in it.
We are selfish by nature. We want what we want and what we think is best for us. This carries into our marriages. I believe that selfishness kills lots of marriages, even ones that start out great. Being married has certainly taught me just how selfish I truly am. And it has taught me about the kind of selflessness Christ had to have to die the way He did. Putting one’s own desires down for the desires of a spouse does not usually come naturally! But when we do this, it paints that picture of Christ laying Himself down for us. And I believe THAT is what makes a marriage "work"! Seeking the other person’s needs above your own. Whether it feels “fair” or not. Whether it’s fully reciprocated or not! Unconditional selflessness. And in WAITING on God to bring “the one” along, THE ONE that YOU will end up placing above YOURself, a person must not look to his own desires. As hard as that is to keep from doing! Because it will only lead to let-down and disappointment! Honestly, marriage is a long haul of putting down one's self. Does it bear fruit and bring forth reward? Certainly, yes! But before a person says "I do", he must be ready to DIE for the person he is marrying! He must die to self, in a sense, because He is no longer his own self-- the two are become one. He must want the marriage in order to meet the OTHER person's needs, FOR LIFE, motivated by a love so great and so pure that it supercedes his own selfish notions. He must be willing to DIE for the person he loves, without even a thought about it. He must marry not for the fulfillments of his own desires--desires for security, companionship, acceptance--but for the fulfillments of those things FOR THE ONE HE LOVES!
I’m too tired to type anything else, as much as I want to continue---I haven't even scratched the surface really. But I feel myself not making sense anymore. I do want to add one more thing, however. An old blog post from way back in June 2006. I wrote this at a time when I had started doubting God’s timing, and God’s purposes. It kind of relates:
THE PERFECT WORK OF PATIENCE (written 06/25/06)
There are many Bible verses that have impacted my life in a special way, but there is one in particular that actually CHANGED my life at one point (changed my whole OUTLOOK on life). The verse is James 1:4: "LET PATIENCE HAVE HER PERFECT WORK, THAT YE MAY BE PERFECT AND ENTIRE, WANTING NOTHING."
Background info: When I was a junior in college, I went through a serious time of struggle over two main things: 1) I was pursuing a career as a doctor, but it was becoming quite clear that was NOT the direction I was going to go... and ... 2) I wanted badly to find "the one", fall in love and get married, but again, it was becoming CLEAR that was NOT the direction things were heading. I began to think God may want me to remain single my whole life, AND not become a doctor, and believe me--that was hard to accept! Things I pictured for myself by that time in my life were NOT happening the way I pictured them!! And I had a hard time surrendering MY WILL to God's...GIVING the doctor thing AND the husband thing COMPLETELY over to God, for real. One day He led me to find this verse, and it was like a light bulb turning on in my heart (I "SAW THE LIGHT!!"). What I mean is, I realized I was being impatient and focusing on what I did not have, wanting the same things over and over--not content, and definitely not "entire". Three months after claiming this verse and coming to my senses, truly surrendered to whatever God had for me (or did NOT have for me, even a husband), I met Mark.
Well, today God brought this verse back into my mind and heart----and I realized I have lately been at the same place spiritually as I was back then in college---DISCONTENT and IMPATIENT about certain situations--WANTING the same things over and over--and it was like the Lord spoke right to me with this verse!! The past few weeks, I've actually had a pretty poor outlook on things overall---and I believe the Holy Spirit was at work in me today, because that light came on again. I was just washing my face, not thinking about much really, and this verse popped into my mind, and I began to dwell on it and WOW--I had a peace I have not had in awhile. God said, "Remember James 1:4?? You forgot it, didn't you?" (and I had) "You need to think about it again, Davida!!" (so I did) All that to say: Whatever circumstances you may face, where things have not gone the way you wished they had, or things just aren't how you THINK they should be--financially or physically or whatever it is---LET PATIENCE TAKE OVER and work in you. Being truly patient is NOT an easy thing. But letting patience have her perfect work will allow you to reach the point where you are ENTIRE and WANT FOR NOTHING. Psalm 23:1!! And if a verse just "pops into your head" out of the blue, maybe there's a reason God is bringing it to your attention! Maybe He is speaking to you and you have to be like Samuel and say, "SPEAK, LORD, for Your servant HEARETH!!" ... I'm listening now, God... I know it's YOU and I'm ready to do what You say.
So in closing, friends, it is my prayer that God’s perfect will be worked in your life. May you hold fast to the promises of His Word and His perfect love for you! In your married life or in your single life---whatever life you are living---God wants to teach you something. And above all, He wants to BLESS you!! So that you will BLESS HIM and OTHERS.
~With love in God, Who is LOVE HIMSELF ~Davida
First, let me say that when I think about the gift of marriage, and all of the gifts that come as a result of it (like our KIDS!), I completely understand why the devil wants to destroy it. Because it truly is a precious gift, precious in the sight of God AND man. Why are people SO HAPPY when a nice young couple gets married? It is because people recognize what a gift their union truly is! “Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 Marriage is certainly a gift. A gift that is meant to be kept and guarded.
But “the thief cometh to steal, kill, and destroy…” John 10:10. Yes, I talk about the devil a lot. It’s because I see his work all around me, and I see it exponentially in our marriages, and it makes me MAD! I see it in my own marriage, and I must rebuke it constantly. If you’re reading this and you’re married, or soon to be married, you must know that the devil wants to DESTROY your marriage! He wants to take your good and perfect gift away from you and turn it into something you believe to be a curse instead of a blessing. Sounds shocking, I know. It IS shocking. But so true. If you’re not married yet, chances are you will be at some point possibly soon—possibly even sooner than you even think—and this will be true for you, too. We must protect our marriages from the work of the devil, and we must do this consciously, purposely, resolutely!!
Marriage is a picture of Christ’s relationship with his bride, the church. It is fascinating to study the Hebrew traditions of weddings and to understand all of the symbolism that this actually involves. It’s so beautiful! But Satan wants to distort that picture—and all that our marriages stand for. In order to mar the image of Christ in the minds of men. He knows that heartbreak in marriage can cause people to doubt God’s good intentions for them, and ultimately to doubt Christ Himself as the bridegroom.
But the devil doesn’t only do this with people already married. He does it with the unmarried, too, leading them to believe that they are less than blessed in their single life. The solitude of single living can be at times dreadfully lonely and can cause one to doubt God's goodness, God's plan, their worth as an individual, their purpose, everything. I’ve been there. I started believing those lies REALLY good, back in college. The devil wants to steal our joy and steal the abundant life that Christ came to give us. He wants us to focus on all we do NOT have—and wants us to start believing that God is withholding from us. Again, in order to mar the image of Christ in our very minds, to make us deny that His intentions for our lives really are the best.
A long time ago, way before I met Mark, I read something that I have always kept and sometimes I go back and read it again, because it meant a lot to me when I wasn’t married but wanted to be. It was titled, “On His Plan for Your Mate”. I don’t remember where I got it, but I like what it says and I want to share it here:
“Everyone longs to give himself completely to someone. To have a deep relationship with another. To be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But God to the Christian says: No, not until you are satisfied- fulfilled and content with being loved by Me alone- giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me, having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone. Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found. Then you will be capable of that ‘perfect’ human relationship you dream of.
You will not be truly united with anyone until you are united with Me. Exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires or feelings. I want you to stop planning and stop wishing, and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing. I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to give it to you.
Just keep watching Me, expecting great things. Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I AM. Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you. Just wait on Me, that's all! Don’t be anxious. Do not worry. Do not look around at the things others have gotten,or that I have given them. Do not look at the things that you think you want. You just keep looking off and away. Look up to Me or you will miss what I want to show you.
And then when you are ready, I will surprise you with a love far more wonderful than anyone would dream of. You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have prepared for you is ready (I am working even at this moment to have both of youready at the same time)—until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I have prepared for you, you won’t be able to experience that love that exemplifies your relationship with Me. And is, thus, the perfect love.
And dear one, I want you to have that most wonderful love. I want you to see, in the flesh, a picture of a relationship with Me. And to enjoy completely the everlasting union of beauty and love that I offer you myself. Know that I love you utterly. I am the Lord your God, the MOST loving. I AM love. Believe it and be satisfied.”
That is not from the Bible, but I think there's a lot of good truth in it.
We are selfish by nature. We want what we want and what we think is best for us. This carries into our marriages. I believe that selfishness kills lots of marriages, even ones that start out great. Being married has certainly taught me just how selfish I truly am. And it has taught me about the kind of selflessness Christ had to have to die the way He did. Putting one’s own desires down for the desires of a spouse does not usually come naturally! But when we do this, it paints that picture of Christ laying Himself down for us. And I believe THAT is what makes a marriage "work"! Seeking the other person’s needs above your own. Whether it feels “fair” or not. Whether it’s fully reciprocated or not! Unconditional selflessness. And in WAITING on God to bring “the one” along, THE ONE that YOU will end up placing above YOURself, a person must not look to his own desires. As hard as that is to keep from doing! Because it will only lead to let-down and disappointment! Honestly, marriage is a long haul of putting down one's self. Does it bear fruit and bring forth reward? Certainly, yes! But before a person says "I do", he must be ready to DIE for the person he is marrying! He must die to self, in a sense, because He is no longer his own self-- the two are become one. He must want the marriage in order to meet the OTHER person's needs, FOR LIFE, motivated by a love so great and so pure that it supercedes his own selfish notions. He must be willing to DIE for the person he loves, without even a thought about it. He must marry not for the fulfillments of his own desires--desires for security, companionship, acceptance--but for the fulfillments of those things FOR THE ONE HE LOVES!
I’m too tired to type anything else, as much as I want to continue---I haven't even scratched the surface really. But I feel myself not making sense anymore. I do want to add one more thing, however. An old blog post from way back in June 2006. I wrote this at a time when I had started doubting God’s timing, and God’s purposes. It kind of relates:
THE PERFECT WORK OF PATIENCE (written 06/25/06)
There are many Bible verses that have impacted my life in a special way, but there is one in particular that actually CHANGED my life at one point (changed my whole OUTLOOK on life). The verse is James 1:4: "LET PATIENCE HAVE HER PERFECT WORK, THAT YE MAY BE PERFECT AND ENTIRE, WANTING NOTHING."
Background info: When I was a junior in college, I went through a serious time of struggle over two main things: 1) I was pursuing a career as a doctor, but it was becoming quite clear that was NOT the direction I was going to go... and ... 2) I wanted badly to find "the one", fall in love and get married, but again, it was becoming CLEAR that was NOT the direction things were heading. I began to think God may want me to remain single my whole life, AND not become a doctor, and believe me--that was hard to accept! Things I pictured for myself by that time in my life were NOT happening the way I pictured them!! And I had a hard time surrendering MY WILL to God's...GIVING the doctor thing AND the husband thing COMPLETELY over to God, for real. One day He led me to find this verse, and it was like a light bulb turning on in my heart (I "SAW THE LIGHT!!"). What I mean is, I realized I was being impatient and focusing on what I did not have, wanting the same things over and over--not content, and definitely not "entire". Three months after claiming this verse and coming to my senses, truly surrendered to whatever God had for me (or did NOT have for me, even a husband), I met Mark.
Well, today God brought this verse back into my mind and heart----and I realized I have lately been at the same place spiritually as I was back then in college---DISCONTENT and IMPATIENT about certain situations--WANTING the same things over and over--and it was like the Lord spoke right to me with this verse!! The past few weeks, I've actually had a pretty poor outlook on things overall---and I believe the Holy Spirit was at work in me today, because that light came on again. I was just washing my face, not thinking about much really, and this verse popped into my mind, and I began to dwell on it and WOW--I had a peace I have not had in awhile. God said, "Remember James 1:4?? You forgot it, didn't you?" (and I had) "You need to think about it again, Davida!!" (so I did) All that to say: Whatever circumstances you may face, where things have not gone the way you wished they had, or things just aren't how you THINK they should be--financially or physically or whatever it is---LET PATIENCE TAKE OVER and work in you. Being truly patient is NOT an easy thing. But letting patience have her perfect work will allow you to reach the point where you are ENTIRE and WANT FOR NOTHING. Psalm 23:1!! And if a verse just "pops into your head" out of the blue, maybe there's a reason God is bringing it to your attention! Maybe He is speaking to you and you have to be like Samuel and say, "SPEAK, LORD, for Your servant HEARETH!!" ... I'm listening now, God... I know it's YOU and I'm ready to do what You say.
So in closing, friends, it is my prayer that God’s perfect will be worked in your life. May you hold fast to the promises of His Word and His perfect love for you! In your married life or in your single life---whatever life you are living---God wants to teach you something. And above all, He wants to BLESS you!! So that you will BLESS HIM and OTHERS.
~With love in God, Who is LOVE HIMSELF ~Davida
Monday, February 2, 2009
Thoughts About Truth (Part 2 of still don't know how many)
This is a continuation from my last entry--some more of my ever-dominating recent thoughts about truth. But this time, I want to focus on some of the ways we are lied to by the devil. The more we expose his work for what it really is, the more it becomes clear what we must do to protect ourselves from its effects on us. All he wants is for us to get caught up in his lies. He knows this will keep us from clinging to the truth of God's Word.
The devil's "true" identity is simple: he's a liar. And not just any liar-the ORIGIN of lies. The ruler of lies. The master of lies. John 8:44-- "He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, and ABODE NOT IN THE TRUTH, because there is NO truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it." The devil is the father of lies. Everything he stands for is opposite of the truth. And yet, because of his power and authority in this world (for NOW--NOT forever), he is very, VERY good at making us believe his lies. He is a skilled deceiver. I'm not giving place to him or condoning his work, but I think it's important that Christians know their enemy if they're going to be live daily in victory over him. His character is 100% contrasted with the character of Christ, Who tells us in John 14:6, that HE IS THE TRUTH. The Holy Spirit is called the "Spirit of truth" more than once in Scripture. HE can and WILL guide us in ALL truth, but we have to choose to listen to HIM and not the lying spirits that hover around us, slithering and whispering in our "confused" ears, especially in our moments of weakness. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would "guide us into all truth, showing us things to come." HE SENT the Holy Spirit TO US so we could WALK in His truth, in His very Spirit of truth, after He left the earth. John 16:13; John 15:26
So what about those LIES WE BELIEVE? I could go ON and ON, but tonight I will write about only ONE that has-unfortunately-had a stronghold in my life from time to time. Here it is:
Lie #1: I'm rejected and abandoned.
The devil wants me to believe this because it hinders me from fully recognizing who I am as a child of Christ.
Psalm 139 tells me that no matter where I go in the entire universe, God will always be right there with me, and not just watching me or checking in once in awhile, but HOLDING ME. (verses 7-10) He knows the words I am going to say before I say them (verse 4). His thoughts toward me are precious and numerous, and more than the sands of the seashore (verses 17-18).
Whenever we feel rejected by others, and we WILL be (Jesus said men will revile us-Matthew 5:11), the devil wants us to feel rejected by God, too. So he lies to us. Telling us that NOBODY is there for us (not even God, or especially not God). He wants me to think, "NOBODY understands, NOBODY loves me, NOBODY cares." And if I'm absorbed in my own misery- enough to wallow awhile in that cycle of thinking- I will start to believe it. Forgetting all about Psalm 139.
Deuteronomy 4:31- "For the Lord thy God is a merciful God. He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them."
Ephesians 1:6- He has made us accepted in the beloved, in the glory of His grace.
Deuteronomy 31:6- "Be strong, and of a good courage. Fear not, neither be afraid (of man). For the Lord thy God, HE IT IS THAT GOES WITH THEE. He WILL NOT fail thee, nor forsake thee."
These are just THREE of MANY, MANY Scriptures that tell me that God's NOT going to reject me. If I really believe His Word like I say I do, why am I puttering around listening to the devil tell me otherwise?
I intend to write more entries on this--more about these lies we hear, these lies we must combat with the Word of Truth. Lies like "I'm worthless", "I can't do this because I'm a failure", "I'm guilty", "I'm not really saved". If you ever want to do a great word study in Scripture, look up "truth". It's a recurring theme throughout the entire Bible!! And it's no wonder!! The whole fall of man stemmed from a lie that Eve believed. We must WALK IN TRUTH, my friends!!! We must have it on our lips and in our hearts!!
Here is a video to a song that I recently came to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. The Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns. "I will choose to LISTEN AND BELIEVE THE VOICE OF TRUTH." NOT that other voice which only speaks lies to me every minute of every day, until that glorious day when he is finally silenced.
The devil's "true" identity is simple: he's a liar. And not just any liar-the ORIGIN of lies. The ruler of lies. The master of lies. John 8:44-- "He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, and ABODE NOT IN THE TRUTH, because there is NO truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it." The devil is the father of lies. Everything he stands for is opposite of the truth. And yet, because of his power and authority in this world (for NOW--NOT forever), he is very, VERY good at making us believe his lies. He is a skilled deceiver. I'm not giving place to him or condoning his work, but I think it's important that Christians know their enemy if they're going to be live daily in victory over him. His character is 100% contrasted with the character of Christ, Who tells us in John 14:6, that HE IS THE TRUTH. The Holy Spirit is called the "Spirit of truth" more than once in Scripture. HE can and WILL guide us in ALL truth, but we have to choose to listen to HIM and not the lying spirits that hover around us, slithering and whispering in our "confused" ears, especially in our moments of weakness. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would "guide us into all truth, showing us things to come." HE SENT the Holy Spirit TO US so we could WALK in His truth, in His very Spirit of truth, after He left the earth. John 16:13; John 15:26
So what about those LIES WE BELIEVE? I could go ON and ON, but tonight I will write about only ONE that has-unfortunately-had a stronghold in my life from time to time. Here it is:
Lie #1: I'm rejected and abandoned.
The devil wants me to believe this because it hinders me from fully recognizing who I am as a child of Christ.
Psalm 139 tells me that no matter where I go in the entire universe, God will always be right there with me, and not just watching me or checking in once in awhile, but HOLDING ME. (verses 7-10) He knows the words I am going to say before I say them (verse 4). His thoughts toward me are precious and numerous, and more than the sands of the seashore (verses 17-18).
Whenever we feel rejected by others, and we WILL be (Jesus said men will revile us-Matthew 5:11), the devil wants us to feel rejected by God, too. So he lies to us. Telling us that NOBODY is there for us (not even God, or especially not God). He wants me to think, "NOBODY understands, NOBODY loves me, NOBODY cares." And if I'm absorbed in my own misery- enough to wallow awhile in that cycle of thinking- I will start to believe it. Forgetting all about Psalm 139.
Deuteronomy 4:31- "For the Lord thy God is a merciful God. He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them."
Ephesians 1:6- He has made us accepted in the beloved, in the glory of His grace.
Deuteronomy 31:6- "Be strong, and of a good courage. Fear not, neither be afraid (of man). For the Lord thy God, HE IT IS THAT GOES WITH THEE. He WILL NOT fail thee, nor forsake thee."
These are just THREE of MANY, MANY Scriptures that tell me that God's NOT going to reject me. If I really believe His Word like I say I do, why am I puttering around listening to the devil tell me otherwise?
I intend to write more entries on this--more about these lies we hear, these lies we must combat with the Word of Truth. Lies like "I'm worthless", "I can't do this because I'm a failure", "I'm guilty", "I'm not really saved". If you ever want to do a great word study in Scripture, look up "truth". It's a recurring theme throughout the entire Bible!! And it's no wonder!! The whole fall of man stemmed from a lie that Eve believed. We must WALK IN TRUTH, my friends!!! We must have it on our lips and in our hearts!!
Here is a video to a song that I recently came to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. The Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns. "I will choose to LISTEN AND BELIEVE THE VOICE OF TRUTH." NOT that other voice which only speaks lies to me every minute of every day, until that glorious day when he is finally silenced.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Thoughts on Truth (Part 1 of I don't know how many...)
For the past two weeks, my mind has been pretty much engulfed in thoughts about TRUTH. I would go so far as to say that my mind has been STRICKEN by this. Stricken in a GOOD way! It's like I got hit in the head with a truth brick! In the past 2 weeks, I feel like I have gained a heightened understanding and a deeper appreciation of TRUTH and how important it is in our lives! I really wanted to share it on this blog, which coincidentally I NAMED for truth. Truth is huge to me, but look out--it just got MORE huge. In writing about truth, it is my hope that someone reading will be uplifted and will seek truth, FIND truth, and CLING to truth.
Two weeks ago, I was sitting in a church service when this all began. I was listening to sweet words of TRUTH coming from the Holy Scriptures, and I was overwhelmed. I felt SO PRIVILEGED to be hearing truth, KNOWING in the depths of my heart that it IS true. And I was thrilled that my children also were hearing the same truths. "I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth." (III John 1:4). I felt my heart swelling up with joy after "basking" in the glory of God's PERFECT WORD, the light piercing the darkness, the light which guides, the VERY SOURCE of TRUTH.
You know how comforting it is to KNOW that you're being told the truth? To know that you're NOT being lied to? What a great thing it is when you know WITHOUT A DOUBT that someone is being completely honest with you. Quite unlike those times when you're just not so sure. It's an uneasy, uncomfortable, itchy sort of feeling, WONDERING if someone's really being truthful with you. What's even worse is when you believe someone IS being truthful with you, only to later discover that you were deceived. With God, that will NEVER happen. He CANNOT LIE. (Titus 1:2)
I got to thinking about all of that, even there in the service that evening. I realized that all of those times in church when I feel good about a message, or when I am so uplifted, practically floating out the door of the church---it's because I just got a BIG dose of the most pure truth of all, the Word of the Lord. THE LORD NEVER HAS LIED AND NEVER WILL LIE TO US. It goes against His very nature. There is no part of His Word that is intended to deceive us. His Word opens our eyes to the truths of eternity--truths of His Kingdom. The more we can hear and read the Word, the more truth we receive. The more FILLED UP WITH TRUTH we become. And the truth really does set us free. John 8:32--"And ye will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." It's not a maybe. It WILL MAKE YOU FREE! FREE from despair and confusion and doubt and fear! FREE from shame and guilt and feelings of inadequacy, rejection, missing the mark. FREE from sin that destroys. FREE from the shackles and torments of hell.
I don't want this blog to be too long--alas, I feel a sermonette coming on. :) So I am going to just write about one thing at a time...I'll make this a multi-part blog entry. I just have too many thoughts for one entry. I'll just write as I can.
For tonight, I will just make this a challenge of sorts--to myself and to my family and my friends who read this and who may be needing a good dose of truth, but you didn't know that's what you needed. We all need MORE TRUTH every day. We'll never reach our truth "quota" because there isn't one. We can never have too much truth. We must FEED on truth spiritually, eat and drink it as sustenance to our malnourished sinful souls. And the only way we can do that is to be in the Word. Not hearing only-but doing. Not reading and listening only, but LIVING. The truth of God will be real in our lives and it will be evident to others as we show signs of it. As it flows from our mouths. As it permeates our thoughts and spoken words. Truth in, truth out. Lord, help us seize your truth. Help us to walk in it.
Two weeks ago, I was sitting in a church service when this all began. I was listening to sweet words of TRUTH coming from the Holy Scriptures, and I was overwhelmed. I felt SO PRIVILEGED to be hearing truth, KNOWING in the depths of my heart that it IS true. And I was thrilled that my children also were hearing the same truths. "I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth." (III John 1:4). I felt my heart swelling up with joy after "basking" in the glory of God's PERFECT WORD, the light piercing the darkness, the light which guides, the VERY SOURCE of TRUTH.
You know how comforting it is to KNOW that you're being told the truth? To know that you're NOT being lied to? What a great thing it is when you know WITHOUT A DOUBT that someone is being completely honest with you. Quite unlike those times when you're just not so sure. It's an uneasy, uncomfortable, itchy sort of feeling, WONDERING if someone's really being truthful with you. What's even worse is when you believe someone IS being truthful with you, only to later discover that you were deceived. With God, that will NEVER happen. He CANNOT LIE. (Titus 1:2)
I got to thinking about all of that, even there in the service that evening. I realized that all of those times in church when I feel good about a message, or when I am so uplifted, practically floating out the door of the church---it's because I just got a BIG dose of the most pure truth of all, the Word of the Lord. THE LORD NEVER HAS LIED AND NEVER WILL LIE TO US. It goes against His very nature. There is no part of His Word that is intended to deceive us. His Word opens our eyes to the truths of eternity--truths of His Kingdom. The more we can hear and read the Word, the more truth we receive. The more FILLED UP WITH TRUTH we become. And the truth really does set us free. John 8:32--"And ye will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." It's not a maybe. It WILL MAKE YOU FREE! FREE from despair and confusion and doubt and fear! FREE from shame and guilt and feelings of inadequacy, rejection, missing the mark. FREE from sin that destroys. FREE from the shackles and torments of hell.
I don't want this blog to be too long--alas, I feel a sermonette coming on. :) So I am going to just write about one thing at a time...I'll make this a multi-part blog entry. I just have too many thoughts for one entry. I'll just write as I can.
For tonight, I will just make this a challenge of sorts--to myself and to my family and my friends who read this and who may be needing a good dose of truth, but you didn't know that's what you needed. We all need MORE TRUTH every day. We'll never reach our truth "quota" because there isn't one. We can never have too much truth. We must FEED on truth spiritually, eat and drink it as sustenance to our malnourished sinful souls. And the only way we can do that is to be in the Word. Not hearing only-but doing. Not reading and listening only, but LIVING. The truth of God will be real in our lives and it will be evident to others as we show signs of it. As it flows from our mouths. As it permeates our thoughts and spoken words. Truth in, truth out. Lord, help us seize your truth. Help us to walk in it.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Matthew's Lego Movie
Matthew has been a LEGO fan for a long time. And just recently, he started taking interest in the Lego Star Wars. Not so much Star Wars- mostly just the LEGOs. He has been collecting Lego Star Wars minifigures and ships and things. He got a few for his birthday and Christmas...enough to make him really proud of his collection.
He badly wanted to make a movie starring some of his Lego Star Wars guys. And so Mark, being the patient and loving father that he is, spent a good part of yesterday afternoon helping Matthew with this. It turned out so cute! Here's the final product:
He badly wanted to make a movie starring some of his Lego Star Wars guys. And so Mark, being the patient and loving father that he is, spent a good part of yesterday afternoon helping Matthew with this. It turned out so cute! Here's the final product:
Thursday, January 1, 2009
My Oven Hates Me (and the feeling's mutual!)
Most of you already know that I enjoy cooking, but most of all I enjoy BAKING. I've always taken pride in my homemade breads and cookies and cakes--and I've always enjoyed making them. UNTIL NOW!You've heard of ROAD RAGE--is there such a thing as STOVE rage? Because I think I experienced that tonight! I think for the first time in my life, I wanted to hurt my oven. I wished I had a wrecking ball to swing at it. Repeatedly. While laughing like a mad woman and yelling, "Take THAT!!" really loudly.
The oven I'm currently using is very old. I'm not sure how old exactly, but I may start referring to it as Methusaleh. We have lived in our apartment for 5 months now, and I'm still figuring this oven out. And just when I think I've done that, it dumbfounds me. For example, I thought I had figured out that the oven would behave normally IF I set it 25 degrees lower and arrange the racks a certain way--AND use foil to cover the "hot spots". But tonight I did all those things--AND I turned the cookie sheet 180 degrees like I know I must in order to heat the back the same as the front. And my Russian teacakes still BURNED on the bottom!! And for extra fun, the smoke alarm went off and I had to open the front door for a few minutes. At that point I thought I saw the oven stick its tongue out at me.
It's a love/hate kind of thing. This morning I baked a quiche and it turned out perfect. Last night I baked a pie that came out just a little underdone in the middle (had to cook it for longer than I should have), but other than that, came out pretty good. I also baked cookies last night, and 1/2 of them burned on the sides. It's like tempermental! And it's making ME tempermental! Or just mental.
There is no point to this blogpost, other than to "vent" (no pun intended). And in typing this all out tonight, I now know what I must do. I shall request a new oven from the apartment management. The worst that can happen is they say, "NO". In which case I'll have to bake them a banana bread that's mushy in the middle- or perhaps a coffee cake that's hard as rock on the top.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
