My friend Cheryl has posted an awesome entry about the difference between being led by the Spirit and being led by your emotions. Pop on over and read her entry, Feelings…Nothing More Than Feelings.
Awesome post!
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Today, I would like to give you a few suggestions on how to overcome worry.
Philippians 4:6-8 says:
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (ASV)
Now, there are several things here that speak directly to how not to worry.
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How can I know God?
This is an age-old questions, isn’t it. On the one hand, most of us would probably say that we know about God, but do we really know God?
How do you get to know someone?
Well, one of the best ways to learn about someone is to spend time with them. However, it’s not that easy with God because it’s not like you can physically sit down with Him and have a two-way conversation across the dinner table; or with the two of you sitting in an easy chair in the front room; or even walking side-by-side down a country road enjoying the scenery.
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Today is Olivia’s birthday. She is seven years old.
I’m so excited to have a seven year old, but it makes me stop to think that ten years ago, I didn’t think I would ever have children.
When I was a kid, I thought I would have a house full of kids. I LOVED kids! I babysat all the time and I just loved it.
But, I made several bad decisions and by the time I was 30, I had come to the conclusion that it just wasn’t going to happen…so, I tried to convince myself that I didn’t want kids.
That was where I was when I met my husband, and he was really disappointed when I said that I didn’t want to have children. He wanted a big family, and unlike me, he hadn’t given up on his dream.
I must say, though, it didn’t take me long to jump back on the bandwagon. 
We were married in March of 1999 and in May of 2000, we had started our family. We’ve never looked back and now, we have a houseful…and a heart full…of wonderful, growing children.
Thank God for all His many blessings!
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I’d like to take a few minutes today to talk with you about the devil.
Now, there is a lot of incorrect teaching in the church today concerning Satan. There are some who would discount the existence of the devil, but the Bible clearly says that there is a devil. There are close to 100 references to Satan and the devil in the New Testament.
On the other hand, I would say that most Christians who acknowledge the existence of the devil ascribe him more power than he truly possesses. Satan does not have power to cause a person to sin.
A few of you may remember a comedian named Flip Wilson. (I’m dating myself here.) He created a character named Geraldine and her famous line was, “the devil made me do it.” Though it was meant for entertainment, the truth is, there are many people, non-Christians and Christians, who believe that. Oh, they may not say it out loud, but in their heart, they believe sometimes you just can’t help yourself; the temptation is too great.
Well, I’m here to tell you, the devil can’t make you do anything. Satan’s only power is to deceive.
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I promised yesterday that I would be defining faith for you. How fortunate for me that the Bible does that for me.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
Substance here is a compound word in the Greek, hupostasis from the words hupo or “under” and histemi which means “to stand.” It is also translated “confidence” in other scriptures. In Hebrews 11:1 it has the meaning of “confidence, assurance, giving substance to.” So, faith gives substance to the things that we hope for. Faith goes in to the spiritual world and makes tangible those things that Christ obtained for us with His death on the cross.
The second phrase in this definition is perhaps a little easier to wrap our brains around. Faith is the evidence of things not seen.
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I wanted to respond to a comment made by Elaine a couple days ago when I posted about faith. She talked about throwing down the shield of faith and I thought that was such an incredible word picture. I have plans to write more about the armor of God in the next issue of Intentional Living! so watch for that.
Let’s explore the phrase “shield of faith,” but first, allow me to put it in context.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Eph 6:13-20 (KJV)
I don’t know about you, but it is hard for me to really grasp the concept of “the whole armor of God” and specifically “the shield of faith.” Of course, I know what a shield is, but it’s hard for me to imagine a situation in which I would need something to protect my physical life. I just don’t have experiential knowledge of armor and warfare, so I needed to go and read about it.
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Sometimes, I think of my heart (or soul) like a huge house with many rooms. There is a beautiful sitting room where I allow company to come when they visit. Only the best furniture is there and the most beautiful decorations. That room is always kept clean and dusted. It’s where I put on “my best face” and it’s very formal. When people are only allowed in this area of my heart, they don’t know the real me.
Next is the main living area. I’m much less formal there. That’s where I let my family and friends come. It’s a little more lived in. People who are allowed in this area see more of the real me, my thoughts, my hopes, my dreams, my attitudes. They see how I really live, but they only see what I allow them to see.
There are, however, some rooms that are closed up and dark; full of clutter, cobwebs, and dust; the windows covered with heavy drapes so that no light comes in. Those are the areas of old baggage, bad attitudes, and hurt. No one is allowed in those areas of my house. I don’t even go there very often.
But…
God goes in there. I don’t like to think about it, but He’s there. He’s everywhere at all times. And, He beckons me to come in with Him and clean those rooms out.
The first thing He does is open the drapes to let the light come it. Then, I truly see the disarray. I find old reminders of hurts from the past and they have to be grieved over and healing received.
It’s hard work. Sometimes it’s scary, and sometimes it is painful.
But, when it is finished…it is worth it.
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I finished up the 21 Day Reformation with my new friends this past week end. My area of focus was on prayer.
There were several things that I took away from that time. First of all, I remembered that the time I was most consistent in my prayer time was after I had read Becky Tirabassi’s book, Let Prayer Change Your Life, so I dug out the copy that I had and reread it.
One of the things that she recommends is that you think of your prayer time as if it were an appointment with God.
What an awesome thought!
Imagine for a moment, if you were able to make an appointment with someone that you truly respected…the CEO of the company you work for (unless that’s you, LOL), your favorite Bible teacher (Joyce Meyer or Beth Moore, for example)…the President (or other government official). If you were given that opportunity, do you think you would be late? Would you ever think, “I would really rather sleep in this morning” or “I’m just too busy to meet with President Bush”?
Thinking of my prayer time as an appointment with God has really made me more purposeful in prayer. I actually imagine God sitting down with me at the dining room table and I write a letter to Him as if I were talking to Him. I ask Him the questions I have as I’m reading the Bible. I ask Him what He wants me to do with my life. It’s been just awesome!
Now, this may not effect everyone the way that it has effected me, but I would challenge you to make an appointment with God and see if it doesn’t make you feel a little differently about your prayer life.
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I would like to invite you to read or download the next issue of my e-zine, Intentional Living! This issue is all about journaling.
As you can see, I have links to the current issue and past issues on the right as well as all the articles.
You may also visit my website and find this information.
If you would like to receive future issues automatically, there is a sign-up box at the right. I invite you to take advantage of this service. Signing up will also enable you to receive notification of each new blog post.
God Bless You!
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