Soldiers

I recently read an author who shared something like this:  Some of my most significant times of spiritual attack have come after periods of great accomplishments with the Lord. How I wish I’d have listened, really listened to that statement, and done a better job of preparing for battle. 

 

My book is published and marketing is going well, praise the Lord!  Stepping out in obedience to the Lord has brought great joy, but instead of resting on a mountaintop, in the last 4 weeks the enemy has come with considerable attacks.  It has been tough to stand firm in the Lord.  I believe this is among the most difficult periods in my spiritual journey thus far, and the battles some of the most significant I have faced, yet HE continues to prove Himself faithful. 

We are all soldiers in the Lord’s army where battles rage continuously. Until we become warriors, until we face off with our enemy, until we find ourselves trembling with our heads ducked for cover behind our shields of faith, we – especially we women – may think that spiritual warfare is meant only for others.  Perhaps we believed that God uses only the strong and mighty as warriors, but in reality we, too, stand on the battle lines.  Our role as soldiers becomes evident when particular trials get personal, when resisting the enemy is crucial to survival, and when we can do nothing else but stand firm in our faith.

Paul teaches that our weapons are not of the flesh (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).   This is a spiritual battle to fight with spiritual weapons.  He instructs us to stand firm, and when he teaches about each aspect of the full armor of God, (Ephesians 6:10-20) we see that the complete armor leaves our backs unprotected.  We make ourselves very vulnerable if we turn and run, so we must stand and face our foe.  Peter tells us to resist the enemy, staying firm in our faith.  He then gives us the encouraging reminder that the Lord will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish us.  (1 Peter 5:8-9).    

As you begin to see yourself as a warrior, perhaps for the first time, let the truth sink in.  Our orders are simple:  stand firm, resist the enemy and stay firm in our faith.  This is the good fight.  Our only offensive weapons (prayer and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God) are divinely powerful.  Our armaments may seem meager if we judge them by what we can see, but we are in the Lord’s army, after all.  Do you believe He would send His soldiers into battle with anything less than what is needed for ultimate victory?  We are more thoroughly equipped than any army and we know that victory is ours.  Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King.  Stand firm, then, and praise His holy name!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”

Ephesians 6:10  (NASB)

The Dreamer

I tend to dream big… too big, sometimes, with tons of details and specifics.  I’m not talking about what happens when I sleep, but the sort of dream where I imagine my future.  Sometimes I dream so vividly that I can feel what it’s like 100 steps down the path.  I can taste what I believe God has for my future the moment He gives me the first glimmer of an idea.  Some people say I’m a visionary.   That might seem complimentary, but the truth is, I become so focused on my vision, I risk stepping off of the path that God has for my life. 

Dreaming is a good thing.  I believe that God often places dreams and ambitions in our heart.   The danger comes when an intense focus on goals blinds us to curves that God places in our path.  In our minds, the course is firmly set and when the Lord asks us to move in a different direction, we’re no longer following His map, but the course we’ve plotted for ourselves.

I’ll give you an example.  Many years ago, I accepted a position with a company that offered tremendous opportunity for success and advancement.  Even while in the entry level position, I could see myself at the top.  I knew this was the path that God set for me and believed that he wanted me to flourish in this new role.  I loved the position and I worked extremely hard, but became frustrated when it seemed that I could move only a few steps up the proverbial ladder, rather than climbing all the way to the top as I had imagined. 

Finally, it occurred to me that God was calling me in a different direction.  Originally accepting the position was the right decision.  God used it to teach me many things that I needed for the journey.  The path was His, but the dream was mine.  He never intended for me to become wildly successful in that role, but used my time there to prepare me for serving Him in other ways.      

I’ve had to do some refocusing of late.  It has required some re-surrendering to Him and His plans rather than allowing myself to get caught up in my own ideas and agenda.   I’ve asked for His wisdom and discernment on which dreams are my own and which of them He has planted in my heart.  Truly, those are the only ones that matter.

I once heard a teaching that God wants to stretch us, but He does not desire to frustrate us.  Any time that we feel frustrated, it is likely that we are acting too much in our own strength and not relying on His power working through us. My husband who is in law enforcement likes to say, “That’s what we call a clue.”  I am learning to recognize that when I feel as if I am beating my head against the wall, perhaps I am doing something that the Lord never intended for me to do.  When I feel frustrated I’m learning to bathe the matter in prayer, to step back and re-focus on the calling He has confirmed for me.   

When I walk in His path and obey what He has instructed, sometimes I can only see my next step.  My visionary nature can imagine the final outcome, but I’m learning to relax knowing that He is responsible for the results.   If I think back, I almost never achieve a dream exactly as I’ve envisioned, but without exception, His end results taste even sweeter than anything I’ve imagined.

The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 NASB

Joy for the Journey

From before creation, God desired that His children not only possess great joy, but also experience it, and ensured that we would carry it with us always.  He made joy a characteristic of the fruit of the Holy Spirit so that, with Him, it would reside within us and remain protected from the schemes of the devil who desires to kill, steal, and destroy.  The enemy desires to displace our joy by shifting our focus from the sovereignty and love of God to our own distresses and uncomfortable situations.  However, the delight of joy goes beyond our circumstances.   The key to living it out is keeping our hearts and minds fixed on Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  The sovereignty and perfection of God fuels our joy and provides a Savior to invite our fellowship with Him for all eternity.

The presence of God produces true joy, regardless of our circumstances.  Paul, as an example, had joy in prison, while awaiting news of execution.  The Spirit dwells in all who have accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, yet many believers do not allow His manifestation in their lives. They continue to push away the still small voice of the Spirit and neglect to allow His work to become evident.

With a willingness to live for Christ, we learn to not only accept but also embrace the good... and the trials that He allows.  The Spirit helps us in our knowledge that each trial moves us toward completion so that we will not lack any good thing that He desires for us (James 1:2-4).  Then, we have reached a monumental goal.  It is here that we can experience deep, abiding joy.

From Finding Joy in the Journey: Savoring the Fruit of the Spirit on sale now at www.strengthenedbytheword.com

From the Archives: "I Want That!"

This was my very first blog post for Strengthened by the Word.  Although it's not one of the most polished, it remains one of my favorites.  I pray it inspires you to embrace God's very best.


If someone said to me, "pleroo," I would politely say, "God bless you!" Many words that I don't recognize sound like sneezes to me. But dismissing this term with a casual joke would be a shame, for I would then miss an important gift from God.

Our Father desires that we be made complete - or filled - in may significant ways. "Pleroo" is the transliteration of the Greek word meaning: to fill to the full, to cause to abound, or to fill to the top so that nothing shall be wanting, to full measure, fill to the brim.

Think of the familiar illustration of a jar that is filled with rocks. The jar looks full - as if nothing else can be added. But we can now pour a large amount of sand into that jar and the sand will, indeed fit into the nooks and crannies of the rocks, especially if we gently shake the jar so that the sand will filter to the bottom. All of the spaces now look filled. But, if we pour water into the jar and add enough water so that it is level with the brim of the jar, NOW, the jar is truly filled. It has not been left wanting and is, indeed filled to the top. We cannot add anything else to the jar without causing the water to run over the sides. The jar is complete or filled and meets the definition of pleroo.

Paul prays that believers in the church of Colossae be filled with knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and understanding. King David is quoted in Acts as saying that the Lord fills us with gladness in His presence. Also in Acts, believers will be filled with the Holy Spirit. The first letter of John is written so that our joy may be made complete and Jesus, Himself prayed that we may have His joy made full.

When my daughter was small and spent time toddling around the house, the music from a TV commercial would often catch her attention. She would stop whatever she was doing, stare at the TV for a few seconds and give her full attention to the commercial, which was usually trying to sell her a toy. At the end of the commercial she would say with certainty, "I want that!" And within seconds, she was back to her toddling. Her words return to me often, mainly when I read a promise from God or see the light of Jesus shining through one of His people. I say to myself, "I want that." When I study what it means to be complete and filled with what God wants for me... peace... knowledge... wisdom... comfort... understanding... joy... gladness... and so much more, my spirit cries, "I want that!" And God is ever faithful!

Why did Jesus have to Die?

That’s a great question, and one that many people may ask this season.  Today, Good Friday, is the remembrance of Jesus’ death on the cross. Why was His death necessary?

Way back in the Garden of Eden, the first sin of Adam and Eve resulted in separation in their relationship with God. Instinctively, this couple knew their relationship with God had changed.  After all, they were used to walking through the Garden in constant fellowship with Him. Once they sinned, however, Adam and Eve hid themselves from God, feeling shame for the first time.

Today, sin isn’t a word that is used much in everyday lingo. Many believe in order to classify something as “sin,” it must be egregious, and cause great harm to another.  The truth is, in very simplistic terms, sin is anything that we think, say, or do that is not pleasing to the Lord. Most of us sin in one way or another every day of our lives. Such sin separates us from God, and results in spiritual death.

When Jesus gave His life on the Cross, He took on the burden of the sins of all of His followers for all time.  The shedding of His blood washes His followers as white as snow – as if they had never sinned in the first place – and offers a way for restoration of our relationship with God the Father.  In essence, the Cross provides a bridge to enter into fellowship with God.

Do you have sin in your life?  Have you made a habit of thinking of it as merely a “hang-up” or a “certain struggle” that you have?  Truth be told, these things (if they are not pleasing to God) are sin, and keep us from a right relationship with God.  Without the sacrifice of Jesus, who was perfect in every way, there is no way to cross the chasm between God and us.  Without the cross, there is no way to spend eternity with Him in heaven. 

If you have never known Jesus as your forgiver and as the leader of your life, you can simply and easily accept His sacrifice right now.   First, admit that you have sinned and that you need His forgiveness and peace.   Believe that Jesus Christ died for YOU on the cross and that He rose from the grave on the third day.   Talk to God through prayer (no special words are required) and ask Him to forgive your sins and become the leader of your life. 

If you have taken those steps for the first time, I would love to hear from you!  I would love to help you find encouragement and accountability as you walk toward a meaningful relationship with God. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 NIV

Whom are you trying to punish?

I’ve had a question rumbling around in my spirit for a couple of weeks now.  It hit me while trying to help a friend through a trying situation, but it has personally convicted me to my bones.  The conviction is not for my actions, but for my thoughts… my attitude… my heart.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the overwhelming significance of humility is evident.  As a Sunday school class, we recently read Chapter 2 aloud then listed every word and phrase in the chapter that emphasized humility in Christ, Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus.  Nearly every single verse of the chapter points toward humility and gives example for its demonstration in our own lives.

The convicting question continued to interrupt my thoughts.  As our class discussed humility and what it means to empty ourselves – pour ourselves out like a drink offering – and allow the power of Christ to complete us into becoming who He created us to be, the question flew into my head one more time.  Then it came out of my mouth, addressing myself as much as anyone:  “Whom are you trying to punish?” 

Does anyone besides me, in their struggle toward humility…

• in considering others as more important than themselves (Phil 2:3),
• in having the attitude of Christ (Phil 2:5),
• in doing all things without grumbling or disputing (Phil 2:14), and
• in proving themselves blameless and innocent (Phil 2:15)

battle feelings of revenge when they feel wronged by another? 

Honestly.  I’m completely comfortable showing humility to those that I respect and agree with, but how do I relate with those who have wounded my heart or hurt me in ways that bring lingering pain?  Personally, I fight the fleshly desire to take things into my own hands, and handle matters as I believe just and correct.  Instead of waiting on and trusting the Lord, I have an urge, almost a need, to deal with those who have hurt me by carefully aiming both barrels.  Oh, how I hate to confess this truth!

I am confident that others share these same ugly struggles and concerns.  I leave you this week with a request to consider the following questions for yourself:  Whom are you trying to punish?  Why do you wish to punish them?  How have you acted on such desires?  How do you believe that the incarnate Christ would have acted if He were in your exact situation?  After reading Philippians Chapter 2, how would Paul have behaved?  Or Timothy?  Or Epaphroditus?   

I’ll post again soon and look at God’s instruction on how to deal with such matters in ways that are pleasing and honoring to him.  I cherish your prayers as I continue to dig into His Word.  I'll pray for you as you search for answers, too.

"You shall not take vengeance,

nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people,

but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; 

I am the LORD."  (Leviticus 19:18 NASB)

Just as He Created

I remember an old T-shirt with the saying, “Please be patient.  God is not finished with me yet.”  I love the spirit of this message and the realization that the Lord continues, throughout our lives, to complete the exact design that He intended for each of us as His created children.    

I can’t put my finger on the exact time when, as a society, we stopped desiring spiritual growth and allowed the word of our day to become “tolerance.”  At some point, we (yes, we Christians) became those who feel entitled.  We recite the words, “to thine own self be true,” demand our personal rights and expect others to tolerate and accept us with all of our blatant imperfections.  Somehow, we consider ourselves “good enough” precisely as we are and accept the deception that we behave just as God created us to be.  It is almost as if we believe that the Lord finished molding us into His likeness and took His hands off the clay on the potter’s wheel. 

Once upon a time, it seemed folks realized that life consists of a process of spiritual growth and developing strength through reliance on God.  Most Christians recognized their need for continual improvement and transformation into the likeness of Christ.  In the past, I believe that we did more self-examination and less justifying.  We listened more and explained ourselves less.  Rather than stubbornly sticking to our guns, we tried to see things through the other person’s perspective and made an honest effort to meet them half way.  Now we seem to come at each other with the mindset of “accept me as I am, or you’re outta here.”    

The problem with this attitude is that it is not Biblical.  Throughout his writings, the apostle Paul taught that we should put to death the things of the flesh, pour ourselves out like a drink offering, and put on the attitude of Christ.  Paul used expressions like “put off” and “put on” to show the importance of purposeful, deliberate action when we trade our fleshly wants and desires for the attitudes and actions that resemble those of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The Apostle taught us to empty ourselves in humble service to Christ and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work through us.

Only by setting aside the traits to which we so selfishly cling and recognizing that without Christ, there is nothing good in us, can we begin to become who He created us to be.  His work in us is ongoing.  The transformation is continual.  Our metamorphosis will not reach completion until He calls us home.  We cannot serve Him as He desires, or resemble Him as He instructs, until we lay down our personal identity and fully surrender to Him.  We must give up “who we are” and allow the power of His Spirit to perform its work in us.  When we walk in full surrender, only then, can we become who He created each of us to be.  

"As you therefore have received Chris Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him, and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude."  Colossians 2:6-7

The Bible Describes Women as Helpers? Really?

A short excerpt from our presentation at the Prairie Community Marriage Retreat over the weekend:

Genesis 2:18 says, “Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”  Now the word “helper,” doesn’t sound very flattering, does it?  What if your husband introduced you at a party and said, “I’d like you to meet my helper?”   It sounds like an assistant, or a subordinate, or one who is of less significance. 

The Lord fashioned woman from the rib of the man (Genesis 2:22).  The Bible commentator, Matthew Henry, who died in the year 1714 and wrote long before anyone tried to convey "political correctness," explains it this way:  She was “not made out of his head to top him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected and near his heart to be beloved.”   

While the term “helper” doesn’t sound very romantic, it comes from a Hebrew term meaning, “to surround.”  The role of the helper is not a secondary one, but a vital role of surrounding a husband with support, encouragement, and comfort.  In fact, the Hebrew word for “helper” used in Genesis 2:18 is the exact same word that God used to describe Himself in Psalm 33:20, saying,  “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.”

In the role of "helper," wives simply make available all the godly qualities placed within us to enable our husbands to lead as directed and to help them develop into the godly men that they are called to be.  For me, it is an honor to be my husband's helper.  I cherish my involvement in his walk with Christ and equally cherish his involvement in mine.  

Have you ever thought of yourself as your husband's "helper?"  Please share your comments!

Well, How DO You Kill 11 Million People?

I am not a book reviewer… nor a critic.  But I feel a need to share a particular book that touched my life this month.  It stopped me in my tracks.  It made me think.  It called me to action.

How Do You Kill 11 Million People? Why the Truth Matters More Than You Think is by Andy Andrews (www.andyandrews.com).   It is a quick, easy read, yet packs quite a punch.  I read it while having my oil changed on a Wednesday.  I passed it onto a friend on Thursday, and she had it at church on Sunday, ready to share it with two more people.  

Andrews has a way of concisely demonstrating how history affects us today in our real-life situations. The book is about truth, or the lack of it, in politics.  It is not a pro-Republican, nor a pro-Democrat writing.  Rather, it is pro-USA and calls citizens to investigate facts for ourselves instead of accepting the word of many politicians, and media outlets, who don’t bat an eye when telling a lie.  

After reading it, I still have the following convictions buzzing in my mind, even two weeks later:

Why do I sit idly by and leave the political decisions of our country to others (especially when they may not consider themselves accountable to Jesus Christ?)

Why does our entire nation tolerate lies from the politicians we elect, at every level, and from both sides of the political aisle?
           
Why do we allow the bias of the media to sway our decisions instead of digging for truth?
 
Why have I allowed myself to believe that as one person, I can’t bring about change?

Why, when the Internet offers such vast information, have I neglected to learn and understand the political process?

How do I justify a lack of involvement that will affect my children and grandchildren?

Why, until now, have I shirked my responsibility to get involved?  

How Do You Kill 11 Million People is one of those books that I can’t stop thinking about.  It’s in my head, and, quite honestly, I can’t wait to get my hands on it again and read it one more time.  I encourage you to purchase it, read it immediately, and share it with as many people as you can.  Accept the call to action to get informed and get involved. 

 2 Chronicles 7:14

 If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

 Lord, help us.  We need your healing.

Speak the Truth in Love

I had a great conversation with a friend this morning about the Apostle Paul, his words in Philippians 1:15-18, and the relevance of those words today.  In our own day and age, there are those who proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives.  Instead of voicing frustration, Paul stated in verse 18 “Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes and I will rejoice.” 

Quite honestly, the hair on my neck stands up when I hear about false teaching or see evangelists who only desire fame and financial contributions.  Yes, I confess, I judge them, and there is no value in that.  There is little I can do when a preacher, teacher or leader – especially those on a national or international level – proceed to mishandle the word of God and act with selfish motives when proclaiming Christ.  Instead, I can adopt Paul’s attitude and celebrate the proclamation of our Savior.

I do feel a measure of responsibility, however, to friends in my circle of influence that may fall prey to such teaching.  When I see a beloved sister in Christ who is misled, I must gently take her by the hand and help her discover the truth.  This can easily become a teaching moment for both of us.  I cannot strive to teach her out of my own wisdom (especially because I do not have great wisdom), but by saying, “Let’s look at God’s Word together and see for ourselves what it says.” 

By helping my sister dig deeper into God’s Word, reviewing any questionable teaching by reading the Scripture in context, and prayerfully seeking the Lord’s wisdom and discernment, we discover the truth of Christ.  With an aim to help her delight in a more complete understanding of God’s character, I can help her see the relevance of the Bible in real-life, current situations.  In this, like Paul, I rejoice. 

Speaking the truth in love means not coming across as if I know every answer, and humbly seeking the power of the Holy Spirit as we walk shoulder-to-shoulder with one another.  Together, we can ask for the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that we can walk in a manner worthy of Christ (Colossians 1:9-10).  Then, we can embrace the truth of Scripture, knowing that our love will abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment (Philippians 1:9).

 

How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,

Who seek Him with all their heart.

Psalm 119:2

(NASB)