Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
Faith, Trust and Obedience Continued
I just haven’t been able to get Faith, Trust and Obedience out of my head. So, I am going to expand a little more. It may seem like basic stuff to some, but it is what God is dealing with me about right now and there is nothing wrong with the basics. I want a strong foundation.
I looked up the definitions of each and found more scriptures that I love and they seem to go perfectly with the subject at hand. I want it to really get down in my soul. I want it so far down in there that even if it isn’t fresh on my mind that I am still living it and doing it. It needs to be a part of my life that is just there even if I am not consciously realizing it. Like blinking my eyes, I am always doing it, but I am not making that conscience effort.
My definitions came from the American Dictionary of The English Language by Noah Webster 1828. I have a link to it on my page. If you haven’t used the original Webster’s Dictionary, you are missing out. It is amazing.
I looked up the definitions of each and found more scriptures that I love and they seem to go perfectly with the subject at hand. I want it to really get down in my soul. I want it so far down in there that even if it isn’t fresh on my mind that I am still living it and doing it. It needs to be a part of my life that is just there even if I am not consciously realizing it. Like blinking my eyes, I am always doing it, but I am not making that conscience effort.
My definitions came from the American Dictionary of The English Language by Noah Webster 1828. I have a link to it on my page. If you haven’t used the original Webster’s Dictionary, you are missing out. It is amazing.
FAITH
Faith- saving faith is assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God’s testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God’s character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation. In other words, the firm belief of God’s testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2 Corinthians 5:7-9
For we walk by faith, not by sight:
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Romans 12:3 tells us that “God has dealt to every man a measure of faith.” So we all have faith. Hebrews 11 defines faith and gives us examples of faith. Now it is on us to put our faith into action. Jesus tells us in Matthew 17:20, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Do we really understand that our faith can move mountains? Putting our faith into action melts the heart of God. It’s like your children’s reliance on you. They look at you like you can fix the world for them and as a parent seeing that faith your children have in you, you do everything in your power to make it happen. Well, my heavenly Father is the creator of worlds without end. He knows what I have need of before I even ask. He wants us to put all of our confidence in him. What other option to we have? He is our confidence. He is our way maker. He is our strong tower and our strength. Our only hope is in him and what a great hope he gives!
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2 Corinthians 5:7-9
For we walk by faith, not by sight:
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Romans 12:3 tells us that “God has dealt to every man a measure of faith.” So we all have faith. Hebrews 11 defines faith and gives us examples of faith. Now it is on us to put our faith into action. Jesus tells us in Matthew 17:20, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Do we really understand that our faith can move mountains? Putting our faith into action melts the heart of God. It’s like your children’s reliance on you. They look at you like you can fix the world for them and as a parent seeing that faith your children have in you, you do everything in your power to make it happen. Well, my heavenly Father is the creator of worlds without end. He knows what I have need of before I even ask. He wants us to put all of our confidence in him. What other option to we have? He is our confidence. He is our way maker. He is our strong tower and our strength. Our only hope is in him and what a great hope he gives!
TRUST
Trust can be a hard one. We have had trust broken in life and sometimes this causes us to build walls in our heart. God can heal our broken hearts. I have been amazed time and time again (in my own life and in others lives) at how God mends our broken heart.
Having trust in our Savior is also essential in our walk. It opens our hearts to God. We become vulnerable before him. It is another part of our being we are giving to him and he will never let us down.
Trust- confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person -to place confidence in; to rely on, to commit the care of, in confidence.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
This confidence theme seems follow through faith and trust. So, yes, I looked it up too. Confidence is a trusting or reliance, an assurance of mind or firm belief in integrity, stability or veracity of another or in the truth and reality of a fact.
1 John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
What have I learned so far? I have learned that at the core of faith and trust there is an unwavering confidence in God. As my confidence in him increases, my trust will increase and I will tap into the faith that he has already given me.
Having trust in our Savior is also essential in our walk. It opens our hearts to God. We become vulnerable before him. It is another part of our being we are giving to him and he will never let us down.
Trust- confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person -to place confidence in; to rely on, to commit the care of, in confidence.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
This confidence theme seems follow through faith and trust. So, yes, I looked it up too. Confidence is a trusting or reliance, an assurance of mind or firm belief in integrity, stability or veracity of another or in the truth and reality of a fact.
1 John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
What have I learned so far? I have learned that at the core of faith and trust there is an unwavering confidence in God. As my confidence in him increases, my trust will increase and I will tap into the faith that he has already given me.
Obedience
Romans 6:16
Know ye not, that whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or if obedience unto righteousness?
Obedience- compliance with a command, prohibition or known law and rule of duty prescribed; the performance of what is required or enjoined by authority, or the abstaining from what is prohibited, in compliance with the command or prohibition. To constitute obedience, the act or forbearance to act must be in submission to authority- Voluntary obedience alone can be acceptable to God.
“O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E is the very best way to show that you believe. Doing exactly what the Lord commands and doing it faithfully. Action is the key do it immediately and joy you will receive.” I think that is how it goes. A song I remember from Bible School and it has a great message. There are benefits to obeying God, not only in this life, but also in the life to come. Obeying God brings joy and peace to your life. Everything around you may seem to be falling apart, but he will give you peace and strength to come through with a testimony of his faithfulness.
I don’t know how it was when you were a child, but I knew when my parents were happy with me. It is no different with our heavenly father; we will know that he is proud of us. He rewards our lives in many ways. It may not be with material things, but there is nothing like feeling a touch from the Master’s hand. To feel him wrap his arms around you just when you think things couldn’t get any worse. The benefits he gives, nothing else compares to.
Hebrews 5:8-9
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Luke 6:46-49
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like:
He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the run of that house was great.
Jesus is the rock on which we are founded. We must be settled and established in him and in his word. We have to grow in faith, trust and obedience. If we give Jesus all of our heart, soul and mind, it doesn’t really matter what we face in this life. We will not be shaken because we are founded upon the Rock.
Know ye not, that whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or if obedience unto righteousness?
Obedience- compliance with a command, prohibition or known law and rule of duty prescribed; the performance of what is required or enjoined by authority, or the abstaining from what is prohibited, in compliance with the command or prohibition. To constitute obedience, the act or forbearance to act must be in submission to authority- Voluntary obedience alone can be acceptable to God.
“O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E is the very best way to show that you believe. Doing exactly what the Lord commands and doing it faithfully. Action is the key do it immediately and joy you will receive.” I think that is how it goes. A song I remember from Bible School and it has a great message. There are benefits to obeying God, not only in this life, but also in the life to come. Obeying God brings joy and peace to your life. Everything around you may seem to be falling apart, but he will give you peace and strength to come through with a testimony of his faithfulness.
I don’t know how it was when you were a child, but I knew when my parents were happy with me. It is no different with our heavenly father; we will know that he is proud of us. He rewards our lives in many ways. It may not be with material things, but there is nothing like feeling a touch from the Master’s hand. To feel him wrap his arms around you just when you think things couldn’t get any worse. The benefits he gives, nothing else compares to.
Hebrews 5:8-9
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Luke 6:46-49
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like:
He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the run of that house was great.
Jesus is the rock on which we are founded. We must be settled and established in him and in his word. We have to grow in faith, trust and obedience. If we give Jesus all of our heart, soul and mind, it doesn’t really matter what we face in this life. We will not be shaken because we are founded upon the Rock.
FAITH, TRUST and OBEDIENCE
Hebrews 11:1-3,6
Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him
Mark 4:41
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, what manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Psalm 3:5&6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Psalm 18:30
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Our Sunday School lesson was on Joshua and the parting of the Jordan. Yes, there was more than one parting of the waters- Moses and the Red Sea and Joshua and the Jordan River. It never ceases to amaze me. Time and time again in the Bible men and women of God put their faith and trust in God, obeyed his will and GREAT things happened. He healed not just people, but Nations. God has his way in the whirlwind. Almost mind boggling, isn’t it? The truth of the matter is, it is probably easier for him to have his way in a whirlwind. I don’t know about you, but I can be very stubborn at times. And other times I dismiss a little thought and say that is just crazy or worry about what other people will think if I do what God has whispered to my heart.
Needless to say, our Sunday lesson got this overactive mind of mine turning. And every great move seems to have 3 of the same characteristics. You may look and find more, but 3 of them ring out loud and clear to me. There is Noah and the Ark, the Wall of Jericho, Joshua and the Jordan, Moses and the many instances during the journey with the Israelites, Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall, Daniel in the Lions Den and the revealing of the meanings of dreams and the writing on the wall, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace, Paul, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph and the list goes on and on. Every move of God, every miracle all involved FAITH, TRUST and OBEDIENCE. There is no doubt a great move of God about to happen. There is a stirring and expectation in the hearts of Christians. There is an out pouring that at this point we can’t begin to grasp and it is right at our finger tips. I don’t know about you, but I not only want it, I need it. I know it is way after the first of the year, but this isn’t so much a resolution for the year. It is a resolution for my life. My goal is to trust more, to lock into that faith that I know is in me and to obey even those things that may seem insignificant. I can’t wait to see where God is taking us.
Ephesians 4:11-13
And he gave some, apostles and some, prophets and some, evangelist and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ;Till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him
Mark 4:41
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, what manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Psalm 3:5&6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Psalm 18:30
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Our Sunday School lesson was on Joshua and the parting of the Jordan. Yes, there was more than one parting of the waters- Moses and the Red Sea and Joshua and the Jordan River. It never ceases to amaze me. Time and time again in the Bible men and women of God put their faith and trust in God, obeyed his will and GREAT things happened. He healed not just people, but Nations. God has his way in the whirlwind. Almost mind boggling, isn’t it? The truth of the matter is, it is probably easier for him to have his way in a whirlwind. I don’t know about you, but I can be very stubborn at times. And other times I dismiss a little thought and say that is just crazy or worry about what other people will think if I do what God has whispered to my heart.
Needless to say, our Sunday lesson got this overactive mind of mine turning. And every great move seems to have 3 of the same characteristics. You may look and find more, but 3 of them ring out loud and clear to me. There is Noah and the Ark, the Wall of Jericho, Joshua and the Jordan, Moses and the many instances during the journey with the Israelites, Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall, Daniel in the Lions Den and the revealing of the meanings of dreams and the writing on the wall, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace, Paul, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph and the list goes on and on. Every move of God, every miracle all involved FAITH, TRUST and OBEDIENCE. There is no doubt a great move of God about to happen. There is a stirring and expectation in the hearts of Christians. There is an out pouring that at this point we can’t begin to grasp and it is right at our finger tips. I don’t know about you, but I not only want it, I need it. I know it is way after the first of the year, but this isn’t so much a resolution for the year. It is a resolution for my life. My goal is to trust more, to lock into that faith that I know is in me and to obey even those things that may seem insignificant. I can’t wait to see where God is taking us.
Ephesians 4:11-13
And he gave some, apostles and some, prophets and some, evangelist and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ;Till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
"Work to do Mommy!"
Hebrews 13:14
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
A couple days ago, my oldest son followed me to his younger bothers’ room and picked up one of his toys that was shaped like a toolbox and had a little hammer on the side. Then he looked up at me and said, “Work to do Mommy!” Then he walked out of the room and started hammering away. He has been saying this for a while now, even with his own toy tools, but this time it has kept rolling over in my head. “Work to do Mommy!” Then while I was cleaning today, he started singing, “Working building, working building!” He is keeping with this ‘work’ theme and even though he is just playing and having a good time… he is preaching to me.
So, I know this is really short, but I think my son has put it best and I don’t want to add to what really spoke to me. We are working on a building for our Lord. We can’t just be sitting around waiting on everyone else to do our part. We all have a part and we have work to do!
Hebrews13:21
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
A couple days ago, my oldest son followed me to his younger bothers’ room and picked up one of his toys that was shaped like a toolbox and had a little hammer on the side. Then he looked up at me and said, “Work to do Mommy!” Then he walked out of the room and started hammering away. He has been saying this for a while now, even with his own toy tools, but this time it has kept rolling over in my head. “Work to do Mommy!” Then while I was cleaning today, he started singing, “Working building, working building!” He is keeping with this ‘work’ theme and even though he is just playing and having a good time… he is preaching to me.
So, I know this is really short, but I think my son has put it best and I don’t want to add to what really spoke to me. We are working on a building for our Lord. We can’t just be sitting around waiting on everyone else to do our part. We all have a part and we have work to do!
Hebrews13:21
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Wake Up!
Luke 22:39-46
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were drops of blood falling down to the ground.
And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
And said unto them, Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were drops of blood falling down to the ground.
And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
And said unto them, Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
Matthew 26:36-46
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What could ye not watch with me on hour?
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What could ye not watch with me on hour?
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
WAKE UP! WAKE UP!
I hit the snooze once again. Just five more minutes Lord. I hear him wisper "Seek for me early morning. Study to show thyself approved. Please come and talk to me now." I sit in my little comfort zone, curled up in my rest and expect God to work around me. He will be there when I wake up. I wonder why things go wrong. I wonder why prayers are not answered. All the while I am pointing my finger and telling God what needs to be done and just how I think he should do it. "Wake up!" I hear sermon after sermon telling me how I should live and the steps I need to take to get closer to my Savior. I wonder why I feel like I am hitting a wall. I wonder why God doesn't want to use me. All the while I am pointing my finger telling God what he needs to do in my life. "Wake up!" It just keeps stirring over and over in my spirit . . . wake up, wake up!! I start rubbing my eyes just trying to get them to focus in on what I see. The things that are finally starting to sink in to this thick skull. I am waking up Lord! I am waking up! Speak to me, show me your ways, lead me, guide me. Please Lord get this Adam nature out of my way.
Every time I hear “See the Bright Light Shine,” I feel a stirring. The song becomes a prayer:
I see the bright light shine – The light of the world- I’m looking for you, Jesus!
It’s just about home time – I have to be ready. I have to stay ready. Take away everything that is not of you.
This world has been a wilderness – Full of wrong turns and wrong decisions, but I am searching for you, Lord.
I’m ready for deliverance – Deliver me Jesus!
I’ve never been this homesick before – I need you Jesus, I need you!
I see the bright light shine – The light of the world- I’m looking for you, Jesus!
It’s just about home time – I have to be ready. I have to stay ready. Take away everything that is not of you.
This world has been a wilderness – Full of wrong turns and wrong decisions, but I am searching for you, Lord.
I’m ready for deliverance – Deliver me Jesus!
I’ve never been this homesick before – I need you Jesus, I need you!
Sis. Becky got this quote stirring in my spirit, “Who is this I see, coming up out of the wilderness, leaning on the arm of her beloved? It’s me Jesus, it’s me!” It is me Jesus. I need you more than the breath that I breathe. On good days and on bad days, I have to hear from you. I must be able to reach you on my own to know that when I call your ear will turn in my direction and he will hear my prayer. I live to feel your presence and to worship you. You are my King.
Let’s take it further. It’s (fill in your name), Jesus. We are waking up from this sleep. We have heard your word and we are obeying. We are ready to listen and walk in your way. We are laying aside these weights that hold us back. We are letting go of what other people think. We want to be in your will. We want to hear from you Jesus. We must have you! There is so much that God wants to do for us. We must break out of our comfort zone. We must wake up from our sleep and be obedient to what the Lord wants for our lives.
Everywhere I turn, I am feeling that stirring in my spirit. I have to get closer. I have to know him more. I need this self to get out of the way. I don’t want to miss what the Savior has for my life. I don't want you to miss what he has for your life. It is going to be so much greater than we could ever imagine. God is getting us ready for something great and it is right around the corner. We must wake out of our sleep and be watchful and ready. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
The Lord wants every part of our being. We must give it all to him. When Jesus prayed for the cup to pass from him. He prayed until his sweat was as drops of blood. When is the last time you broke any sweat praying? Talk about getting down to business with God. Lord, help me to break past what this body feels like doing. Jesus said, “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Lord, have your will in my life. You took on the sins of this world. You were beaten until there was barely anything left of your physical body. You knew what was going to happen. Yet you prayed until your sweat was as drops of blood asking God’s will be done. Oh, the pain you endured for my benefit. It shouldn’t be a struggle for me to obey your word, to pray, to not only go to church, but to get in when I am there. Not only am I giving you the relationship that you long for, but I will also reap so many benefits. My lost loved ones will be saved. Prayers will be answered. Healing will take place. I will rest in perfect peace. My joy will be full! My home will be happy in whatever circumstance. I will find the strength that I need to stand in this day.
Romans 13:11-14
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.
The Battle
“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;
Casting Down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
II Corinthians 10:4-5
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 Man, does that ring in my ears. It seems that the more I feel I become determined on this walk, there is a fall sure to follow. Not because it has to happen, but because I start depending on myself to overcome sin. It is not me, but Christ in me the hope of glory.
I struggle major battles of the mind. I can feel on top of the highest mountain one day and the next day feel like I have lost my salvation and that I am an utter failure. Why would God want me? A verse in my devotional the other day hit me between the eyes, sent chills down my spine and brought tears to my eyes. Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are we saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” I have heard this verse before, but it has never hit me the way it did that day. I so need Jesus to lead this walk. I need his grace and I claim his gift!
I get so caught up on a list of dos and don’ts that I get my eye off the purpose. Not that the works are not important, but we have to understand that if we are walking with Jesus and we keep refreshing our walk daily with his word and in conversation with him, he will change what needs to be changed. If we continually put in what is clean, there will be no room for the filth. Dad has said that time and time again.
One battle I faced was that I could not get everything I need from my church. The devil started telling me that I had all of these unrealistic expectations to have to live up to because I was a preacher’s daughter. That I could never tell what God has really done for me because I would be an embarrassment to my parents and I would cause those who have watched me grow up look down on me. I fed right into every word.
I decided that I would go to this group meeting with a friend of mine. There would be no expectations. No one would know me and I could give God all the glory for what he has truly done for me. It even sounds ridiculous to say it now! Well, I went. I made excuses for how they didn't believe certain things that are foundational to me. Then the group leader said that the small group meeting was more important than church and I could look past that because I was going to get so much and get such a touch from going somewhere other than my church. What a joke! I got my devotional from the group meeting and what is my 5th devotion question? “How devoted are you to your church family?” Did that cut like a knife, or what!
All the time I am wondering why I can’t rise about this battle I am having in my mind. I have been ‘fighting’ this battle for a couple weeks. I just couldn’t seem to get it. Here I am listening to the devil. Running from my church family. The place where I know the truth is and God gently rebukes me with the very thing I am trying to run with. How devoted are you to your church family? I had to repent.
It was right in front of me the whole time. I had been neglecting my prayer life and my Bible reading. I was listening and feeding every excuse that crossed my mind. I was allowing myself to become defeated when God has told me that I am an over comer. All I had to do was come to my church during a revival with Brother Mike Ferree. For 2 nights he preached on spirits that are there to destroy. All the way down to the examples of what the devil tells you, it was my battle. Just showing up could have prevented my battle. Instead weeks after Brother Ferree had been to my church, I hear the CD and finally find my answer.
How many blessings do we miss out on because we listen to the excuses that the devil places in our mind? Romans 15:29 “And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.” We are going to have battles, without a doubt. Why create extra ones that just a closer walk with Jesus could prevent. Just a closer walk with Jesus, that is what we need . . . a closer walk with Jesus.
Time To Stand
Nehemiah 1:4-11
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.
And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.
We have dealt very corruptly against thee and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.
Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:
But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.
And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.
We have dealt very corruptly against thee and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.
Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:
But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.
It is time to rebuild the wall! Rebuild the wall of faith, righteousness and prayer. The wall of right and wrong and of taking a stand and fighting for what is ours! What does that mean? It means we are going to have to get to work. Some of us are called to be prayer warriors, but some of us are called to fight. We are all soldiers in this army. That means action is required of all of us.
The book of Nehemiah is about a man who had a vision and took a stand. A man who heard from God and he stood firmly on what God had called him to do. Nothing stood in his way. He faced conspiracies, poverty, famine and false rumors. Not once did he give up. He was determined to rebuild the wall. How determined are we to stand for what is rightfully ours?
Nehemiah was known as an organizer, a man of God that did not act without prayer and did not pray without acting. He recognized God’s role and always gave God the credit. He was outspoken, not easily intimidated and trusted God. The list could go on and on. Where are the Nehemiah’s in this day? Who will be willing to take a stand?
Our founding fathers fought for our freedom and we are sitting back quietly, allowing these freedoms to be taken. There are martyr’s who have gone on and we are allowing those deaths to be in vain. We have taken God out of our homes, schools, and government. They are working on taking Him off our money now. Tell me how many quarters you have seen that after a couple months use still have the ridges along the outside edge? We are reaping the product of a generation that has pushed God to the side. The divorce rate is over 60%, drugs are taking our children. Our children are not safe at school and we are not safe anywhere we go. It is time the church takes a stand. What is it going to take for us to open our eyes? It is time the church fights back. Take back what we have allowed the enemy to have.
They say it was one woman who took a stand. She was offended by prayer. That one woman taking a stand made a difference . . . not a good difference, but she accomplished what she set out to do. Prayer is out of our schools. What would happen if we just took a stand? If we just didn’t sit back and allow these things to happen.
We hear all the answers in the media, crack down on the 'bullies', stricter gun laws, tighter security and so on. None of these things will fix the problem we have. The bad guys will always find a way to get what they want and do what they want. Someone will find a way around what ever rule is made. We need to get our eyes on Jesus. He is the answer. We took him off the scene and we have made a mess.
The tragedy happened at VA Tech and I heard our President state that there is power in prayer. Our Governor referred to the story of Job and then to how Jesus said while hanging on the cross . . . “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” The news showed the students praying. I hope that the realness of the prayer and hope that they are hearing from some of the ministers will stick with them. My question is, if we had been praying before the tragedy happened, what could have been prevented?
The same thing happened with the attack of the Twin Towers. There was a cry for people to pray. If we had been praying before hand, what could have been prevented? We treat God like a band-aid and as soon as the wound starts healing, we rip him off. He doesn’t just want to be the band-aid. He wants to be our shield.
We say we want revival, but when will we be willing to fight? Not one revival or great thing has ever happened without those who are willing to take a stand. We have sit back too long. We have gone with the flow too long. We say all we can do is pray. Well, we do need to pray . . . for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of STRONG HOLDS (2 Corinthians 10:4). We also need to fight . . . FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD. We have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc that are growing up in scary times. Are you willing to just sit back and see what happens? Our marriages are failing, mothers don’t want to care for their children, men who don’t know how to be men . . . .it is time to take a stand. We have got to take a stand.
This world will not endure forever. The Bible plainly tells us of the end days. God also tells us in Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” If it is something that could make us faint, that means we are putting forth some type of effort. God sent his only begotten son to us. The Bible tells us that Jesus’ own received him not. Jesus denied himself and hung on that cross for our sins. The ultimate sacrifice was given. What will you do with the opportunity you have been given? Will you take a stand?
James 2:17-24
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God: thou doest well: The devils also believe and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham out father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
And the scripture was fulfilled with saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God: thou doest well: The devils also believe and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham out father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
And the scripture was fulfilled with saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God
From My Heart
January 7, 2003
My worst fear is being alone and not having children. It looks like I have helped bring it to pass. I can’t say I wasn’t warned before I heard the gun go off. Wanting to believe the best in people – always some doubt, but grasping for the good. This is the second birthday that I have spent alone- how does that work? I need to move on and face my worst fear. I don’t want to start over- just to be shot again. I might not wake up next time . . .
March 23, 2003
ALONE, that’s where I am, but now that I am here it doesn’t seem too bad. It still isn’t what I want . . . I’d rather be with someone I love, but things don’t always work the way I think they should. Some people are meant to be alone. Maybe this is how it’s meant for me. You can’t change how things are meant to be- you just have to love and be happy with- right? I hope to God that is WRONG! “It is better to live and have known true love than to never know love at all.” Don’t you end up lonely either way? A love that will stand thru everything that comes to try to tear it apart. That is what I need and long for~
June 23, 2003
I feel like I am losing my mind! I am so sick of being alone! I think I am just going to wake up one morning and my mind will be completely gone. I deserve so much more than I am allowing myself to have. I think the fact that I know I could easily have so much more, makes it even worse. Why do I make things so much harder on myself?
That is the evidence left from a very miserable and lonely person. A person that just wanted to be happy and feel loved. They are exact excerpts from a very short journal I kept in 2003. I am so thankful that the only thing left from that person is memories. They are now my reminder of what Jesus brought me out of.
I was cleaning out a closet when I ran across some memories of what was my life. I had forgot the journal even existed. Not saying I forgot that part of my life or my failures. They are never far from my mind. Satan tries to use them often to pull me down. I know it was God that I ran across this little memento. My battles today lean more towards: “No matter what you do- it just isn’t good enough.” or “You are just never going to measure up.” They now seem to be such huge mountains that I have to conquer. I get so overwhelmed at times trying to be ‘perfect.’ God used my own words to make my mountains look like molehills. I love it when he does that!
Pam sings that song:
I searched for him and I knew not what I searched for
I longed for him and I knew not what I longed for
When I met Jesus, I knew that I would search no more
He filled that longing-down in my soul
You know he does this for us all the time. We don’t know what we need or the exact answers, but He does. We don’t have to search and search. He is our answer!
At that point my entire life was a battle. A battle to for sanity, a feeling of belonging and for real love- all the things I had before I strayed from God. After reading my journal, I spent the rest of the day thanking my God for where he has brought me. I am so glad he didn’t give up on me and that he allowed me another chance. I am so thankful for my new life. I have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. Just a little mind visit to the past that reminded me that I am NOT where I was and I know God isn’t finished with me yet.
There are a lot of things I wish I could go back and change. I know I can’t, but if I could- one of those would be the hurt and worry I caused my family. During my time running from God I missed a lot of valuable time with my family. Time I can never get back. I would go days if not a week at a time without talking to my parents. They would call, along with other family members, and I would avoid even a phone conversation like the plague. I knew I wasn’t living right and I didn’t want to face the shame and hear the disappointment or worry in their voices. I know it had to feel at times that their heart was being torn from their chest. I now sit and feel my heart sink to my toes at the thought of the time I allowed to pass without spending time with my family. While I was running, time wasn’t waiting.
My daddy used to ride past where I was living just to make sure I was ok. And no one has to tell me, but I can picture my mom lying in the bed with her heart aching while she cried out to God for my safety and my soul. It breaks my heart to think of the pain I caused them. Our choices do affect those around us.
Another regret I have is missing Bro Hall’s (Pawpaw Hall’s) services. He was like family to me. I know he loved me too. I never got to see him that one last time or to say good-bye. How I would love to just one more time sit in one of his meetings. To hear him say, “Leap for Joy” or hear him sing ‘This is Why I’m Thankful’ and include his personal testimony of praying in the cabbage patch or ‘Didn’t Rain Children – Didn’t it Rain’ or hear his sermon on the blood . . . I could go on and on. He was a prophet. A man who totally dedicated his entire being to God and in return God used him to touch the lives of so many. You could feel when he walked into the room. God’s anointing was on him constantly it seemed. I can literally picture Jesus sitting in a room with him having a conversation. Just like we read about how God walked with Adam in the cool of the day. It is a reminder that we need to keep striving, keep walking because God longs for that kind of relationship with us too. That is why we were created. God wants to fellowship with us.
He’s still working on me
To make me what I ought to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and the stars
The sun and the Earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient he must be
He’s still working on me
There really ought to be
A sign upon my heart
Don’t judge me yet there’s some unfinished parts
But I’ll be perfect just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master’s loving hand.
It is simple song from my childhood that seems to have a brand new meaning to me. When I feel the devil trying to take my thoughts – I sing it to him. I make sure I give special emphasis to the “I’ll be PERFECT just according to HIS plan – fashioned by the Master’s loving hand.”
I am so thankful for a praying family. A family that fears God and that lives their life as a testimony of his goodness. If it had not been for the Lord on my side . . . where would I be?
Psalm 61:5
For thou hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
My worst fear is being alone and not having children. It looks like I have helped bring it to pass. I can’t say I wasn’t warned before I heard the gun go off. Wanting to believe the best in people – always some doubt, but grasping for the good. This is the second birthday that I have spent alone- how does that work? I need to move on and face my worst fear. I don’t want to start over- just to be shot again. I might not wake up next time . . .
March 23, 2003
ALONE, that’s where I am, but now that I am here it doesn’t seem too bad. It still isn’t what I want . . . I’d rather be with someone I love, but things don’t always work the way I think they should. Some people are meant to be alone. Maybe this is how it’s meant for me. You can’t change how things are meant to be- you just have to love and be happy with- right? I hope to God that is WRONG! “It is better to live and have known true love than to never know love at all.” Don’t you end up lonely either way? A love that will stand thru everything that comes to try to tear it apart. That is what I need and long for~
June 23, 2003
I feel like I am losing my mind! I am so sick of being alone! I think I am just going to wake up one morning and my mind will be completely gone. I deserve so much more than I am allowing myself to have. I think the fact that I know I could easily have so much more, makes it even worse. Why do I make things so much harder on myself?
That is the evidence left from a very miserable and lonely person. A person that just wanted to be happy and feel loved. They are exact excerpts from a very short journal I kept in 2003. I am so thankful that the only thing left from that person is memories. They are now my reminder of what Jesus brought me out of.
I was cleaning out a closet when I ran across some memories of what was my life. I had forgot the journal even existed. Not saying I forgot that part of my life or my failures. They are never far from my mind. Satan tries to use them often to pull me down. I know it was God that I ran across this little memento. My battles today lean more towards: “No matter what you do- it just isn’t good enough.” or “You are just never going to measure up.” They now seem to be such huge mountains that I have to conquer. I get so overwhelmed at times trying to be ‘perfect.’ God used my own words to make my mountains look like molehills. I love it when he does that!
Pam sings that song:
I searched for him and I knew not what I searched for
I longed for him and I knew not what I longed for
When I met Jesus, I knew that I would search no more
He filled that longing-down in my soul
You know he does this for us all the time. We don’t know what we need or the exact answers, but He does. We don’t have to search and search. He is our answer!
At that point my entire life was a battle. A battle to for sanity, a feeling of belonging and for real love- all the things I had before I strayed from God. After reading my journal, I spent the rest of the day thanking my God for where he has brought me. I am so glad he didn’t give up on me and that he allowed me another chance. I am so thankful for my new life. I have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. Just a little mind visit to the past that reminded me that I am NOT where I was and I know God isn’t finished with me yet.
There are a lot of things I wish I could go back and change. I know I can’t, but if I could- one of those would be the hurt and worry I caused my family. During my time running from God I missed a lot of valuable time with my family. Time I can never get back. I would go days if not a week at a time without talking to my parents. They would call, along with other family members, and I would avoid even a phone conversation like the plague. I knew I wasn’t living right and I didn’t want to face the shame and hear the disappointment or worry in their voices. I know it had to feel at times that their heart was being torn from their chest. I now sit and feel my heart sink to my toes at the thought of the time I allowed to pass without spending time with my family. While I was running, time wasn’t waiting.
My daddy used to ride past where I was living just to make sure I was ok. And no one has to tell me, but I can picture my mom lying in the bed with her heart aching while she cried out to God for my safety and my soul. It breaks my heart to think of the pain I caused them. Our choices do affect those around us.
Another regret I have is missing Bro Hall’s (Pawpaw Hall’s) services. He was like family to me. I know he loved me too. I never got to see him that one last time or to say good-bye. How I would love to just one more time sit in one of his meetings. To hear him say, “Leap for Joy” or hear him sing ‘This is Why I’m Thankful’ and include his personal testimony of praying in the cabbage patch or ‘Didn’t Rain Children – Didn’t it Rain’ or hear his sermon on the blood . . . I could go on and on. He was a prophet. A man who totally dedicated his entire being to God and in return God used him to touch the lives of so many. You could feel when he walked into the room. God’s anointing was on him constantly it seemed. I can literally picture Jesus sitting in a room with him having a conversation. Just like we read about how God walked with Adam in the cool of the day. It is a reminder that we need to keep striving, keep walking because God longs for that kind of relationship with us too. That is why we were created. God wants to fellowship with us.
He’s still working on me
To make me what I ought to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and the stars
The sun and the Earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient he must be
He’s still working on me
There really ought to be
A sign upon my heart
Don’t judge me yet there’s some unfinished parts
But I’ll be perfect just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master’s loving hand.
It is simple song from my childhood that seems to have a brand new meaning to me. When I feel the devil trying to take my thoughts – I sing it to him. I make sure I give special emphasis to the “I’ll be PERFECT just according to HIS plan – fashioned by the Master’s loving hand.”
I am so thankful for a praying family. A family that fears God and that lives their life as a testimony of his goodness. If it had not been for the Lord on my side . . . where would I be?
Psalm 61:5
For thou hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
My Testimony
I grew up in church. I saw many things while growing up in church that never left my life quite the same . . . wonderful things that touched the lives of many and changed many lives for the good. When I turned 18 I went my own way and church was no longer a priority in my life. Choices that I made in those years made my life harder than it ever had to be. Unfortunately, I learned that the hard way. I know not a day went by that my family didn’t pray for me and ask God to keep me and bring me back to Him. God answers prayers!
After getting out on my own I made decisions that brought sadness and emptiness to my life. I lost the joy that God had given me. I would pop into church here and there and at times feel like I had the determination to do what was right. I would pray and start going to church more regular, but my life outside of the church was still the same. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t seem to rise above the situation I had allowed myself to fall into. I would get frustrated with my failures and give up. Knowing deep down I would never be able to do it on my own, but not quite to the point of grasping what that really meant.
It was about two years ago at a tent revival that I can look back on and see how God started changing my life. I had come to the end of my rope. The situation that I had wanted so badly to rise above had pulled me down physically and mentally and I couldn’t take anymore. I went to the alter that night and I cried out like I have never cried out to God before. I told Him that I had tried many times on my own and fell flat on my face every time. I wanted a better life and I wanted to do what was right, but my desire for the things of this world had not let go. I told God that He would have to be the one to change my desires and change my situation because I could not do it on my own. Not long after saying those words to God, the preacher prayed for me and then told me that he could see me sitting in my house telling God that I just wanted to be happy . . . why couldn’t I just be happy. He also told me that night there would be a change in my life. I wouldn’t be the same. I had told no one, but God knew. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I sat on the couch in my house and just looked up in tears and literally said out loud “Why can’t I just be happy. I just want to be happy.” I was miserable and the hardest part to deal with was my decisions had made me this way.
I cannot tell you how many times I have thought back to that night. No, my life has not been anywhere close to perfect since that night, but God has continued to move despite my failures. It was the following January that I was finally able to leave the situation I was in . . . it had to be God because I had tried many times before and fell right back into it. That February I ran into who is now my husband and best friend. He made sure that we came to church every Sunday night. Things in my life still were not the way that I knew they should have been, but God was making me new.
Eddie and I would talk about church and the different messages we would hear. I told my husband several times that no matter what was going on, even though my life wasn’t the way it should have been when I would go to church I felt peace. There was nothing else we would do that even came close to that peace. Sister Becky Trammel was at the church one weekend and I had really been ministered to by the sermons she had preached. Even the songs that were sung got down deep in my soul and I could feel God’s presence. It was after church one of those nights that I looked at Eddie and said, “You know that peace that we feel when we go to church? Why can’t I just feel that all the time?” His response was, “We can.” It was that simple. We could feel that peace all the time.
I look back now and not only did God bring me from my rock bottom, but He has changed my desires. Not saying temptations don’t come my way, but the desire to do the things that this world offers, the things that bring you down lower than you ever want to go . . . that desire is gone. I look at things differently now. I miss church and I can’t help but wonder what I have missed. My dad has even preach a sermon saying “Sin will take you further than you want to go and make you pay more than you are willing to pay.” I cannot think of a truer statement. The greatest miracle is that God can turn it all around, all we have to do it ask.
Psalms 4
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness; Thou has enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, an hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? But know that the Lord hath set him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord only makest me dwell in safety.
After getting out on my own I made decisions that brought sadness and emptiness to my life. I lost the joy that God had given me. I would pop into church here and there and at times feel like I had the determination to do what was right. I would pray and start going to church more regular, but my life outside of the church was still the same. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t seem to rise above the situation I had allowed myself to fall into. I would get frustrated with my failures and give up. Knowing deep down I would never be able to do it on my own, but not quite to the point of grasping what that really meant.
It was about two years ago at a tent revival that I can look back on and see how God started changing my life. I had come to the end of my rope. The situation that I had wanted so badly to rise above had pulled me down physically and mentally and I couldn’t take anymore. I went to the alter that night and I cried out like I have never cried out to God before. I told Him that I had tried many times on my own and fell flat on my face every time. I wanted a better life and I wanted to do what was right, but my desire for the things of this world had not let go. I told God that He would have to be the one to change my desires and change my situation because I could not do it on my own. Not long after saying those words to God, the preacher prayed for me and then told me that he could see me sitting in my house telling God that I just wanted to be happy . . . why couldn’t I just be happy. He also told me that night there would be a change in my life. I wouldn’t be the same. I had told no one, but God knew. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I sat on the couch in my house and just looked up in tears and literally said out loud “Why can’t I just be happy. I just want to be happy.” I was miserable and the hardest part to deal with was my decisions had made me this way.
I cannot tell you how many times I have thought back to that night. No, my life has not been anywhere close to perfect since that night, but God has continued to move despite my failures. It was the following January that I was finally able to leave the situation I was in . . . it had to be God because I had tried many times before and fell right back into it. That February I ran into who is now my husband and best friend. He made sure that we came to church every Sunday night. Things in my life still were not the way that I knew they should have been, but God was making me new.
Eddie and I would talk about church and the different messages we would hear. I told my husband several times that no matter what was going on, even though my life wasn’t the way it should have been when I would go to church I felt peace. There was nothing else we would do that even came close to that peace. Sister Becky Trammel was at the church one weekend and I had really been ministered to by the sermons she had preached. Even the songs that were sung got down deep in my soul and I could feel God’s presence. It was after church one of those nights that I looked at Eddie and said, “You know that peace that we feel when we go to church? Why can’t I just feel that all the time?” His response was, “We can.” It was that simple. We could feel that peace all the time.
I look back now and not only did God bring me from my rock bottom, but He has changed my desires. Not saying temptations don’t come my way, but the desire to do the things that this world offers, the things that bring you down lower than you ever want to go . . . that desire is gone. I look at things differently now. I miss church and I can’t help but wonder what I have missed. My dad has even preach a sermon saying “Sin will take you further than you want to go and make you pay more than you are willing to pay.” I cannot think of a truer statement. The greatest miracle is that God can turn it all around, all we have to do it ask.
Psalms 4
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness; Thou has enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, an hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? But know that the Lord hath set him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord only makest me dwell in safety.
Proverbs 3:25-26
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep they foot from being taken.
He Will Make A Way
God will make a way where there seems to be no way.
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to his side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way for me
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep they foot from being taken.
He Will Make A Way
God will make a way where there seems to be no way.
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to his side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way for me
Do You Really Know Him?
Job 11:6-9
Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than hell; what can’t thou know?The measure there of is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.
Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than hell; what can’t thou know?The measure there of is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.
This passage is taken from the speech Zophar gave Job about his great sins being the cause of his misery. I looked a little further into these verses. Zophar says, “Canst thou by searching find out God? Cansn’t thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?” In my words: Can you look and find God? Can you know everything about the Almighty? In searching I found that these questions are sometimes asked to make a point that God is so great that even the most learned cannot comprehend Him because He cannot be found in a telescope or by any other man made means we may try to seek for Him. He is beyond this natural mind’s comprehension.
To know a man, you must be introduced to him. You must become acquainted with his ways and traits by association and living with him continually under all circumstances of life. That is how we find God. To know God we must be introduced to him. We must become acquainted with His ways by living with Him CONTINUALLY and under ALL circumstances of life. We seek Him with our whole heart. We must fellowship and have that daily experience. We must read His word and accept Him. We have to believe. Once we have given ourselves totally to Him we will be like Job and no matter the circumstance we will say, “Though He sleigh me yet will I trust in Him.”
Job 12:15
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
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