2 Kings 4:2-6
" Elisha replied to her, 'How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?'
'Your servant has nothing there at all, ' she said, ' except a little oil.'
Elisha Said, ' Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to the side.'
She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, ' Bring me another one.', But he replied, ' There is not a jar left.' Then the oil stopped flowing."
In the natural we find a widow woman who needed to put food on her table andGod, through Elisha, gave her an abundance of oil to sell, but what else is God trying to tell us?
God has given us a mighty gift! He has given us His Son as a sacrfice and His Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Even if we think that we have nothing to offer God, no talents, no money, nothing....we still have God's Spirit and therefore His anointing OIL.
We must step out in faith, without question, and seek those empty jars which are lost souls. Our neighbors are not mearly the people to the right and left of our home. They aren't simply the people who live across the street, but they are the people we come in contact everyday! We must gather the empty vessels and tuck them away for God. We must go before God, shutting the door to the ways of the world and allow His Spirit to move upon the empty jars. Let the LORD fill the jars through us and then set them aside, for Him. We must do this over and over and over again... staying locked away from the worldly ways and committed only unto God as we bring every empty vessel before Him to be filled, until each and every person has been filled with the Holy Spirit! Then, and only then, will the anointing stop flowing. It may stop, but it doesn't go away! When the woman was done filling all the jars she could find, did the oil dry up? Did the jars suddenly become empty again? Did her own jar ever empty? No, No and No! It was God's goodness, His Glory that continued to fill and pour out from her jar and it was His Glory that continued to fill each jar once they had been filled. His Glory, His Goodness, His Anointing Oil continues to fill us! That oil is still ever so precious and valuable. It never depreciates!
The LORD is looking for the "widow women" to go out in faith and spread his Word, bring in his sheep and fill his empty jars! It is the time of filling, it is the time for His Spirit to be poured out among all the land. He wants to show us the lost, He wants to bring them to us, but are we willing to close the door and do His will?
TripleClicks
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Prayers for the Leaders of our Nation
The President
Dear Father, in Jesus' name I lift up our president to You. I know that our leader's heart is in Your hand, so I ask You to guide the head of our nation in the way You would have him to go.
Father, I pray that You would surround our president with wise councel - men and women of integrity who place Your agenda and the good of this nation above thier own and whose motives are for that which is right.
I pray that You would give our leader discernment, understanding and knowledge so that our nation may know stability internally and abroad.
I give thanks for our president according to Your Word and thank You for working in and through his leadership so that we might lead peaceable lives in godliness and honesty.
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Scriptual refrences:
1 Timothy 2:1-2 ; Romans 13:1 ; Proverbs 28:2 ; Proverbs 21:1 ; Proverbs 16:10 ; Proverbs 8:15
" Direct my thought, words and work, wash away my sins in the immaculate Blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by Thy Holy Spirit...Daily frame me more and more into the likeness of Thy Son Jesus Christ. " - George Washington 1st US President
Dear Father, in Jesus' name I lift up our president to You. I know that our leader's heart is in Your hand, so I ask You to guide the head of our nation in the way You would have him to go.
Father, I pray that You would surround our president with wise councel - men and women of integrity who place Your agenda and the good of this nation above thier own and whose motives are for that which is right.
I pray that You would give our leader discernment, understanding and knowledge so that our nation may know stability internally and abroad.
I give thanks for our president according to Your Word and thank You for working in and through his leadership so that we might lead peaceable lives in godliness and honesty.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Scriptual refrences:
1 Timothy 2:1-2 ; Romans 13:1 ; Proverbs 28:2 ; Proverbs 21:1 ; Proverbs 16:10 ; Proverbs 8:15
" Direct my thought, words and work, wash away my sins in the immaculate Blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by Thy Holy Spirit...Daily frame me more and more into the likeness of Thy Son Jesus Christ. " - George Washington 1st US President
Prayer and our Nation
Probably one of the biggest complaints I hear on a daily basis is either negative comments about our President or the state in which our economy is in. These things are cetainly a concern for all, and there is plenty that we can do. We can vote, we can petition, we can boycott and ban, and we can PRAY!
Individuals praying can have amazing results, but imagine if we formed intercessory prayer groups that focused specifically on our nation?? The following is taken from a small booklet called " Pray for our Nation : Scriptual Prayers to Revive our country " published by Harrison House. You can find more info on this at www.prayforournation.com . I would like to follow this post with specific prayers from the book. I hope that you will join me in prayer for the United States, if you live here, and keep your own country in prayer if you are elsewhere.
"Faith, courage, and prayer birthed our great nation and guided America through more than 200 years of wars, natural disasters and nation crisis.
Prayer is a freedom guaranteed to us by our Constitution, and a God-given right to all humanity. The opportunity to pray is a privilege, honor and sacred duty.
History has proven that forces will wage war against our freedom. Terroism has shed blood on American soil. Violent crime has invaded American homes and schools. Drugs and alcohol abuse rage against the innocence of our youth. Forces of darkness threaten our morality, integrity and faith. Prayer for our nation is our defense.
Now is the time to be resolte in our defiance against the forces of destruction - to unite as a nation and not succeumb to fear. Americans must stand strong and remain bold in faith, courage and prayers.
The nation needs your prayers. The president, his advisors, Congress and all local and national leaders need your prayers. The armed forces, firefighters and law enforcement personnel need your prayers.
Often people are unsure how to pray. This book ( the following passages ) is designed to provide answers to your questions. It is the sincerity of the heart that determines a successful prayer, not the length, eloquence or level of vocabulary. Each prayer is based on biblical scriptures so that you can pray in confidence, knowing you are praying God's will for this nation. ...
Make a commitment to pray daily for your nation. Pray the prayers included within these pages with heart, purpose and passion. Minutes can change crisis into hope when you take the time to pray. Your heavenly Father is listening. He loves you and this nation."
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from thier wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and I will forgive thier sin, and will heal thier land. - 2Chronicles 7:14
Individuals praying can have amazing results, but imagine if we formed intercessory prayer groups that focused specifically on our nation?? The following is taken from a small booklet called " Pray for our Nation : Scriptual Prayers to Revive our country " published by Harrison House. You can find more info on this at www.prayforournation.com . I would like to follow this post with specific prayers from the book. I hope that you will join me in prayer for the United States, if you live here, and keep your own country in prayer if you are elsewhere.
"Faith, courage, and prayer birthed our great nation and guided America through more than 200 years of wars, natural disasters and nation crisis.
Prayer is a freedom guaranteed to us by our Constitution, and a God-given right to all humanity. The opportunity to pray is a privilege, honor and sacred duty.
History has proven that forces will wage war against our freedom. Terroism has shed blood on American soil. Violent crime has invaded American homes and schools. Drugs and alcohol abuse rage against the innocence of our youth. Forces of darkness threaten our morality, integrity and faith. Prayer for our nation is our defense.
Now is the time to be resolte in our defiance against the forces of destruction - to unite as a nation and not succeumb to fear. Americans must stand strong and remain bold in faith, courage and prayers.
The nation needs your prayers. The president, his advisors, Congress and all local and national leaders need your prayers. The armed forces, firefighters and law enforcement personnel need your prayers.
Often people are unsure how to pray. This book ( the following passages ) is designed to provide answers to your questions. It is the sincerity of the heart that determines a successful prayer, not the length, eloquence or level of vocabulary. Each prayer is based on biblical scriptures so that you can pray in confidence, knowing you are praying God's will for this nation. ...
Make a commitment to pray daily for your nation. Pray the prayers included within these pages with heart, purpose and passion. Minutes can change crisis into hope when you take the time to pray. Your heavenly Father is listening. He loves you and this nation."
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from thier wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and I will forgive thier sin, and will heal thier land. - 2Chronicles 7:14
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Rend your heart!
Joel 2: 12-13
"Even now, declares the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."
Let's start with the definition of "rend" :
To tear or split , usually clothing or hair, as a sign of anger, grief or dispair. It can also mean to lacerate mentally or emotionally. Or to pierce with sound.
In Biblical days it was common for one to tear his clothing as a sign of grief, anger or dispair. We may not see this so much these days, but this still applies. It's second nature, or maybe first for some, to put on a face that goes along with what we say.... such as when you appologize for bumping into someone, your face usually matches your words....until you look away and then many times thats when the grumbling and finger-pointing starts. " Well maybe if you knew how to stay on your own side you wouldnt be running into people! ", you may speak harshly under your breath. This is exactly what the Word is talking about here.
To rend the clothing ( or put on an act ) is an outward expression and doesn't always ring true to what the heart is doing. The Word is calling for us to cry out and lacerate our hearts, with true repentance, removing the sin which holds us. He wants our TRUE repentance and wants us to turn from our ways and back to Him.
You may think that weeping and fasting is an outward expression, and it is, to a degree. But they are also emotional and spiritual. When we fast, we are making a sacrifice, and when done properly and for the right reasons, there is a change made in our hearts and spirits.
Are you rending your heart? Or have you simply done the actions? The LORD simply wants us to turn to Him with all of our hearts. Just as He commanded us to love him with all our hearts, all our minds and all our strength.
"Even now, declares the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."
Let's start with the definition of "rend" :
To tear or split , usually clothing or hair, as a sign of anger, grief or dispair. It can also mean to lacerate mentally or emotionally. Or to pierce with sound.
In Biblical days it was common for one to tear his clothing as a sign of grief, anger or dispair. We may not see this so much these days, but this still applies. It's second nature, or maybe first for some, to put on a face that goes along with what we say.... such as when you appologize for bumping into someone, your face usually matches your words....until you look away and then many times thats when the grumbling and finger-pointing starts. " Well maybe if you knew how to stay on your own side you wouldnt be running into people! ", you may speak harshly under your breath. This is exactly what the Word is talking about here.
To rend the clothing ( or put on an act ) is an outward expression and doesn't always ring true to what the heart is doing. The Word is calling for us to cry out and lacerate our hearts, with true repentance, removing the sin which holds us. He wants our TRUE repentance and wants us to turn from our ways and back to Him.
You may think that weeping and fasting is an outward expression, and it is, to a degree. But they are also emotional and spiritual. When we fast, we are making a sacrifice, and when done properly and for the right reasons, there is a change made in our hearts and spirits.
Are you rending your heart? Or have you simply done the actions? The LORD simply wants us to turn to Him with all of our hearts. Just as He commanded us to love him with all our hearts, all our minds and all our strength.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Disciple's Fast
The purpose of the disciple's fast is "to loose the bands of wickedness" ( Isaiah 28:6 ) - freeing ourselves and others from addictions to sin.
This could be an addiction to drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex, food.....whatever has control of your life. You know those times when you say, " I just couldn't help myself!" ? This is an example of an addiction that has control of your life.
Something to remember when you are considering a fast. FASTING DOES NOT MAKE GOD HEAR US BETTER OR ANSWER US FASTER! Then what's the point of fasting, you ask? For one thing it's symbolic, but while being symbolic, it can have a real effect on our life. When we fast, whether it's food or TV or whatever, we are making a sacrifice of ourself in order that we may grow closer to the Lord. In growing closer, you reap several benefits, one of which is learning His voice. Fasting also helps us to discipline ourselves and our bodies. In other religions, Fasting is used to search one's own soul and for inner reflection. In Christianity, Fasting is used to search out God and reflect upon Him.
These "addictions" are also known as besetting sins. They happen when we unknowingly believe the enemy ( satan ) and his lies. Many Christians are in bondage to such besetting sins, and they are any sins that can not be broken with ordinary "willpower".
Jesus tells us in John 8:44 that " He is a liar" speaking of satan. In besetting sins, Satan gets us to believe one of the following three lies ( otherwise called "compulsions" ):
1. I tried before, and can't break it.
2. I don't want to do this, but can't help it.
3. I need an answer, but can't find it.
This is contrary to what the Word tells us, which is, "All things are possible for those who are in Christ Jesus and are called according to His purpose". Believing God instead of Satan isn't always that easy, however. Satan has convinced us that we are powerless against that sin which we are under, but " He who the son set's free is free indeed"! We are NOT powerless, but with Christ, we are ALL POWERFUL!
The Disciple's Fast is then a good way to break this chain which binds and show yourself that through Christ, you are NOT powerless!
You make a life-freeing CHOICE to be delivered!
You recognize that an external power is responsible for your bondage.
You confess your previous lack of faith.
You specifically state your besetting sin.
Write it down! Write down the thing that you are fasting for. And now, it's important to also note that you should fast for one thing at a time so that your prayer time can be better focused. And when you write down the thing you are fasting about, things begin to happen...
* You strengthen your will by stating what you want.
* You focus your energies on the problem.
* You build up anticipation to break the problem.
* You build up your faith in God to expect an answer.
Fasting is not a one time, cure-all, problem solver. It may take many times or it may only take once, but you keep on doing it!!
6 Steps to Freedom:
1. I renounce...( besetting sin / counterfeit control )
2. I acknowledge... ( self deception )
3.I forgive...( whoever you need to forgive, so that you may have forgiveness and freedom )
4. I submit...( God's authority and those He has placed over you. )
5. I take responsibility...(for your own part in your sin. We must confront the problem with humility )
6. I disown...( sinful influences. That may mean the sin of others and thier influence in our lives - past, present and future. )
There is so much more that I would like to share, so much I am leaving out from my findings and studies! Let me give you one more thing which is an outline of what you can write down to prepare for this fast...
AIM: Achieving freedom from addiction, or from a besetting sin.
AFFIRMATION: I believe there is no earthly temptation that can ensalve me, but that God has a wat of escape for me ( see 1Cor 10:13 ). I believe in the power of the blood of Chirst and in the strength of the name of Christ ( see Acts 3:16; 16:18). Therefore, I am fasting because I want the Son of God to make me free indeed ( see John 8:36 )
VOW: God being my strength, and grace being my basis, I commit myself to the disciple's fast outlined here.
FAST: Foods from which I shall abstain:________________________
BEGINNING: Date and Time I will start fasting: __________________
END: Date and time I will stop: _______________________________
PURPOSE: I am fasting to: _________________________________
BIBLE BASIS: " To loose the bands of wickedness" ( Isa 58:6 )
RESOURCES NEEDED: __________________________________
______________________________________________________
Signed: ____________________________ Date: ______________
( Taken from "Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A guide to nine Biblical fasts " by Elmer L. Towns )
This could be an addiction to drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex, food.....whatever has control of your life. You know those times when you say, " I just couldn't help myself!" ? This is an example of an addiction that has control of your life.
Something to remember when you are considering a fast. FASTING DOES NOT MAKE GOD HEAR US BETTER OR ANSWER US FASTER! Then what's the point of fasting, you ask? For one thing it's symbolic, but while being symbolic, it can have a real effect on our life. When we fast, whether it's food or TV or whatever, we are making a sacrifice of ourself in order that we may grow closer to the Lord. In growing closer, you reap several benefits, one of which is learning His voice. Fasting also helps us to discipline ourselves and our bodies. In other religions, Fasting is used to search one's own soul and for inner reflection. In Christianity, Fasting is used to search out God and reflect upon Him.
These "addictions" are also known as besetting sins. They happen when we unknowingly believe the enemy ( satan ) and his lies. Many Christians are in bondage to such besetting sins, and they are any sins that can not be broken with ordinary "willpower".
Jesus tells us in John 8:44 that " He is a liar" speaking of satan. In besetting sins, Satan gets us to believe one of the following three lies ( otherwise called "compulsions" ):
1. I tried before, and can't break it.
2. I don't want to do this, but can't help it.
3. I need an answer, but can't find it.
This is contrary to what the Word tells us, which is, "All things are possible for those who are in Christ Jesus and are called according to His purpose". Believing God instead of Satan isn't always that easy, however. Satan has convinced us that we are powerless against that sin which we are under, but " He who the son set's free is free indeed"! We are NOT powerless, but with Christ, we are ALL POWERFUL!
The Disciple's Fast is then a good way to break this chain which binds and show yourself that through Christ, you are NOT powerless!
You make a life-freeing CHOICE to be delivered!
You recognize that an external power is responsible for your bondage.
You confess your previous lack of faith.
You specifically state your besetting sin.
Write it down! Write down the thing that you are fasting for. And now, it's important to also note that you should fast for one thing at a time so that your prayer time can be better focused. And when you write down the thing you are fasting about, things begin to happen...
* You strengthen your will by stating what you want.
* You focus your energies on the problem.
* You build up anticipation to break the problem.
* You build up your faith in God to expect an answer.
Fasting is not a one time, cure-all, problem solver. It may take many times or it may only take once, but you keep on doing it!!
6 Steps to Freedom:
1. I renounce...( besetting sin / counterfeit control )
2. I acknowledge... ( self deception )
3.I forgive...( whoever you need to forgive, so that you may have forgiveness and freedom )
4. I submit...( God's authority and those He has placed over you. )
5. I take responsibility...(for your own part in your sin. We must confront the problem with humility )
6. I disown...( sinful influences. That may mean the sin of others and thier influence in our lives - past, present and future. )
There is so much more that I would like to share, so much I am leaving out from my findings and studies! Let me give you one more thing which is an outline of what you can write down to prepare for this fast...
AIM: Achieving freedom from addiction, or from a besetting sin.
AFFIRMATION: I believe there is no earthly temptation that can ensalve me, but that God has a wat of escape for me ( see 1Cor 10:13 ). I believe in the power of the blood of Chirst and in the strength of the name of Christ ( see Acts 3:16; 16:18). Therefore, I am fasting because I want the Son of God to make me free indeed ( see John 8:36 )
VOW: God being my strength, and grace being my basis, I commit myself to the disciple's fast outlined here.
FAST: Foods from which I shall abstain:________________________
BEGINNING: Date and Time I will start fasting: __________________
END: Date and time I will stop: _______________________________
PURPOSE: I am fasting to: _________________________________
BIBLE BASIS: " To loose the bands of wickedness" ( Isa 58:6 )
RESOURCES NEEDED: __________________________________
______________________________________________________
Signed: ____________________________ Date: ______________
( Taken from "Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A guide to nine Biblical fasts " by Elmer L. Towns )
Monday, June 16, 2008
The LORD stands firm!
Psalm 9:7-10
" The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.
He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
When I first read this, I thought " Hallelujah, He is my stronghold! " , but as I re-read it, I realized there was much more to this! You see, our Lord is a righteous, just ruler and judge. He has come to establish His kingdom. We, as His children, are a part of that kingdom. Not only can we always turn to Him for strength but also for refuge.
According to Websters Dictionary refuge is a noun meaning:
1. shelter or protection from danger or distress
2. a place that provides shelter or protection
3. something to which one has recourse in difficulty
This means that we can turn to Him for protection and shelter when there is danger or when we are in distress! And when we look at recourse, we see even more....
According to Websters Dictionary, recourse is a noun meaning:
1. (a) a turning to something or someone for help or protection (b) a source of help or strength.
2. The right to demand payment from the maker or endorser of a negotiable instrument.
The "Right to demand payment..." Now we don't tell God what to do, because then it would be "my will be done" and not "thy will be done", but according to this..." The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,..." If you are a child of God, then you have no reason to be oppressed and with God as your refuge, you have the right to demand to be set free! ( Which our freedom is found through Jesus Christ! )
Essentially the above says: The LORD is something to which we have the right to demand payment from as the maker or endorser of a negotiable instrument which is Jesus Christ.
God sent His son, he used Jesus to buy us. Jesus was the "check" which bought our freedom from sin and if we will simply claim what is already ours!!
This is a great enough point, but let's add to it. It also says " Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD have never forsaken those who seek you." (verse 10 ) Those who know the LORD as thier refuge, those who have demanded thier freedom and thier protection from thier distress and sin will trust Him because they know, they KNOW that the LORD will never forsake them. They know that when they cry out, He always answers.
Even when we wander away from God and start making choices without Him. Maybe we begin to go our own way and eventually get so far away from Him that we think there's no way He's even close. When we think that we have moved so far away that there's no hope.... that's when we have the most hope!!
We can NEVER go too far away. Even when we make the wrong choices, He is there. He is always close by, even if we can't see Him for the clouds ( sin and confusion ), He is like a mighty mountain unseen in those clouds, but He is still there. He is still our pillar of strength, our strongtower, our rock and our recourse and refuge. He will answer if we will just call out!
" The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.
He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
When I first read this, I thought " Hallelujah, He is my stronghold! " , but as I re-read it, I realized there was much more to this! You see, our Lord is a righteous, just ruler and judge. He has come to establish His kingdom. We, as His children, are a part of that kingdom. Not only can we always turn to Him for strength but also for refuge.
According to Websters Dictionary refuge is a noun meaning:
1. shelter or protection from danger or distress
2. a place that provides shelter or protection
3. something to which one has recourse in difficulty
This means that we can turn to Him for protection and shelter when there is danger or when we are in distress! And when we look at recourse, we see even more....
According to Websters Dictionary, recourse is a noun meaning:
1. (a) a turning to something or someone for help or protection (b) a source of help or strength.
2. The right to demand payment from the maker or endorser of a negotiable instrument.
The "Right to demand payment..." Now we don't tell God what to do, because then it would be "my will be done" and not "thy will be done", but according to this..." The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,..." If you are a child of God, then you have no reason to be oppressed and with God as your refuge, you have the right to demand to be set free! ( Which our freedom is found through Jesus Christ! )
Essentially the above says: The LORD is something to which we have the right to demand payment from as the maker or endorser of a negotiable instrument which is Jesus Christ.
God sent His son, he used Jesus to buy us. Jesus was the "check" which bought our freedom from sin and if we will simply claim what is already ours!!
This is a great enough point, but let's add to it. It also says " Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD have never forsaken those who seek you." (verse 10 ) Those who know the LORD as thier refuge, those who have demanded thier freedom and thier protection from thier distress and sin will trust Him because they know, they KNOW that the LORD will never forsake them. They know that when they cry out, He always answers.
Even when we wander away from God and start making choices without Him. Maybe we begin to go our own way and eventually get so far away from Him that we think there's no way He's even close. When we think that we have moved so far away that there's no hope.... that's when we have the most hope!!
We can NEVER go too far away. Even when we make the wrong choices, He is there. He is always close by, even if we can't see Him for the clouds ( sin and confusion ), He is like a mighty mountain unseen in those clouds, but He is still there. He is still our pillar of strength, our strongtower, our rock and our recourse and refuge. He will answer if we will just call out!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
What do you believe will help you?
You're probably wondering what in the world I am talking about, right? Well, I wont leave you waiting too long. But first, I have another question for you. What do you do when you feel fat? What about when you get stressed because there's so much month left at the end of the money? What do you turn to when you feel depressed? Well, I can't answer for you, but let me tell you my answer.
I have found that when I'm sad, lonely, depressed, scared, uncertain, and even when I feel fat, I turn to FOOD! How dumb is that?? Oh gee, I'm fat so I guess I'll have a bowl of ice cream! Until I really began to think about this and until God laid this all on me, I had no idea just how silly that really was. You see, I turn to this stuff for comfort. Do you know what finding comfort in something is liken to? It's like having faith in something. You take comfort because you have faith that something will be a certain way.
Now, can that food take away my obesity? Certainly not, but it *can* make it worse. Can that food take away my sadness and truly make me happy? Usually I ended up even more sad because I think of the calories I just ate. Can food make me any safer, can it protect me? If so, let me tell you, I'd be the most protected woman I know! Can food help me to discern what to do, make me more certain? No, but I can certainly eat plenty while trying!
The point here is this: When we are feeling any of these negative emotions, when we have an upheaval in our lives, when things don't look so bright, and when we aren't sure of our next move we need to turn somewhere that can actually HELP us! What would life be like if we turned to faith in God and His Word? How would our life change? Wouldn't it be wonderful to not worry? For me, I know that I am going to try to remember where I need to turn.
Every time I eat when I get upset, all I'm doing is adding to the reasons I am upset! What is your faith being put in? Now not everything can be bad, per say, as long as it's not overdone, but if we are turning to something time and time again to quell our fears or other emotions, I dare say it's overly done. Do you go jogging and thus, run away from your worries? Maybe you bake or clean. None of these things are bad on their own, but they can be if you are obsessive about them. And certainly if you smoke, drink, do drugs, etc... we all know that these things are not healthy alternatives.
I challenge you to change your focus. How about going to the Word before you do what you usually do. How about taking the situation to God in prayer before you try to drown the thoughts? How soon will it be before you don't need to turn to your normal ways? Wouldn't it be great to have a clear mind to find answers rather than give yourself something else to worry over?? I will do my best to keep you informed of my own journey, let me know about yours!
I have found that when I'm sad, lonely, depressed, scared, uncertain, and even when I feel fat, I turn to FOOD! How dumb is that?? Oh gee, I'm fat so I guess I'll have a bowl of ice cream! Until I really began to think about this and until God laid this all on me, I had no idea just how silly that really was. You see, I turn to this stuff for comfort. Do you know what finding comfort in something is liken to? It's like having faith in something. You take comfort because you have faith that something will be a certain way.
Now, can that food take away my obesity? Certainly not, but it *can* make it worse. Can that food take away my sadness and truly make me happy? Usually I ended up even more sad because I think of the calories I just ate. Can food make me any safer, can it protect me? If so, let me tell you, I'd be the most protected woman I know! Can food help me to discern what to do, make me more certain? No, but I can certainly eat plenty while trying!
The point here is this: When we are feeling any of these negative emotions, when we have an upheaval in our lives, when things don't look so bright, and when we aren't sure of our next move we need to turn somewhere that can actually HELP us! What would life be like if we turned to faith in God and His Word? How would our life change? Wouldn't it be wonderful to not worry? For me, I know that I am going to try to remember where I need to turn.
Every time I eat when I get upset, all I'm doing is adding to the reasons I am upset! What is your faith being put in? Now not everything can be bad, per say, as long as it's not overdone, but if we are turning to something time and time again to quell our fears or other emotions, I dare say it's overly done. Do you go jogging and thus, run away from your worries? Maybe you bake or clean. None of these things are bad on their own, but they can be if you are obsessive about them. And certainly if you smoke, drink, do drugs, etc... we all know that these things are not healthy alternatives.
I challenge you to change your focus. How about going to the Word before you do what you usually do. How about taking the situation to God in prayer before you try to drown the thoughts? How soon will it be before you don't need to turn to your normal ways? Wouldn't it be great to have a clear mind to find answers rather than give yourself something else to worry over?? I will do my best to keep you informed of my own journey, let me know about yours!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Confessions and Affirmations
( PLEASE NOTE: This is a list of confessions developed by Joyce Meyer. They are based on scripture and she began confessing them over her life in the early 1980's. I found this on her website: joycemeyer.org )
* I love all people, and I am loved by all people.
* I prosper in everything I put my hand to. I have prosperity in all areas of my life - spiritually, financially, mentally, and socially.
* All my children have lots of Christian friends, and God has set aside a Christian wife or husband for each of them!
* All my household are blessed in thier dees: we're blessed when we come in and when we go out.
* I take good care of my body. I eat right, I look good, I feel good and I weight what God wants me to weigh.
* I operate in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are tongues and interpretation of tongues, the working of miracles, discerning spirits, the word of faith, the work of knowledge, the word of wisdom, healings and prophecy.
* I know God's voice, and I always obey what He tells me.
* The love of God has been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost.
* I do all my work excellently and with great prudence - making the most of all of my time.
* I am creative because the Holy Spirit lives in me.
* I love to pray. I love to praise and worship God.
* I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. I will speak forth the righteousness of God all the day long.
* I have humbled myself, and God has exalted me.
* I am a giver. It is more blessed to give than to recieve. I love to give! I have plenty to give away all the time.
* I cast all my care on the Lord for He cares for me.
* I don't give the devil a foothold in my life. I resist the devil, and he has to flee from me.
* I don't have a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.
* I am not afraid of the faces of man. I am not afraid of the anger of man.
* I am a new creature in Christ: Old things have passed away, behold, all things are new.
* I have died and been raised with Christ and am now seated in heavenly places.
* I am dead to sin and alive unto righteousness.
* I am a doer of the Word. I meditate on the Word all day long.
* I am not passive about anything, but I deal with all things in my immediately.
* I do not judge my sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus after the flesh. I am a spiritual man and am judged by no one.
* I take every thought captive unto the obediance of Jesus Christ, casting down every imagination, and every high and lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
* I am a responsible person. I enjoy responsibility, and I rise to every responsibility in Jesus.
* I have been set free. I am free to love, to worship, to trust with no fear of rejection or of being hurt.
* I have compassion and understanding for all people.
* I catch the devil in all of his decietful lies. I cast them down and choose rather to believe the Word of God.
* I am anointed by God for ministry. Alleluia!
* Work is good. I enjoy work. Glory!
* I have a teachable spirit.
* I do not think more highly of myself than I ought to in the flesh.
* Pain cannot successfully come against my body because Jesus bore all my pain.
* I am a teacher of the Word.
* I lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
* I do what I say I will do , and get where I am going on time.
* God opens my mouth, and no man can shut it. God shuts my mouth, and no man can open it.
* The Law of kindness is in my tongue. Gentleness is in my touch. Mercy and compassion is in my hearing.
* As a man thnketh in his heart, so is he; therefore, all of my thoughts are positive.
* I do not allow the devil to use my spirit as a garbage dump bu meditating on negative things that he offers me.
* I am a believer not a doubter.
* No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper, but every tongue that rises against me in judgement, I shall show to be in the wrong.
* I am slow to speak, quick to hear, and slow to anger.
* I cast out devils and demons; nothing deadly can hurt me.
* I never bind a sister or brother with the words of my mouth.
* I am always a positive encouragment. I edify and build up; I never tear down or destroy.
* I will cry to God most high who performs on my behalf and rewards me.
* My son/daughter ( name ) has a sweet personality, and is not rebellious.
* I don't speak negative things.
* My children love to pray and study the Word. They openly and boldly praise God.
* My children make right choices according to the Word of God.
* I am an obediant wife, and no rebellion operates in me.
* My husband is wise. He is the king and priest of our home. He makes Godly decisions.
* I use my time wisely. All of my prayer and study time in wisely spent.
* I waslk in the Spirit all the time.
* My car is paid for.
* I am rich - very rich
* I love to bless people and spread the Gospel.
* I am an intercessor.
* I recieve speaking engagements in person, by phone, and/or by mail everyday.
* My daughter / son ( Name ) operates in Godly wisdom and discipline, and is full of energy.
* We have all the new furniture we need. We have a new car.
* I never get tired or grow weary when I study the Word, pray, minister, or praise God; but I am alert, and full of energy. And as I study, I become more alert and more energized.
* I will to study the Word of God. I will to pray.
* I do not hate or walk in unforgiveness
* I do not fear. I am not guilty.
NOTE: These are simply the things that Joyce Meyer confessed over her life. Some of these may not apply to you, and then again, there may be things that you need that are not on here. You do not need to confess each of these, unless the Lord leads you to and He may show you other areas in your life in which you need help. Let the Spirit guide you!
* I love all people, and I am loved by all people.
* I prosper in everything I put my hand to. I have prosperity in all areas of my life - spiritually, financially, mentally, and socially.
* All my children have lots of Christian friends, and God has set aside a Christian wife or husband for each of them!
* All my household are blessed in thier dees: we're blessed when we come in and when we go out.
* I take good care of my body. I eat right, I look good, I feel good and I weight what God wants me to weigh.
* I operate in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are tongues and interpretation of tongues, the working of miracles, discerning spirits, the word of faith, the work of knowledge, the word of wisdom, healings and prophecy.
* I know God's voice, and I always obey what He tells me.
* The love of God has been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost.
* I do all my work excellently and with great prudence - making the most of all of my time.
* I am creative because the Holy Spirit lives in me.
* I love to pray. I love to praise and worship God.
* I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. I will speak forth the righteousness of God all the day long.
* I have humbled myself, and God has exalted me.
* I am a giver. It is more blessed to give than to recieve. I love to give! I have plenty to give away all the time.
* I cast all my care on the Lord for He cares for me.
* I don't give the devil a foothold in my life. I resist the devil, and he has to flee from me.
* I don't have a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.
* I am not afraid of the faces of man. I am not afraid of the anger of man.
* I am a new creature in Christ: Old things have passed away, behold, all things are new.
* I have died and been raised with Christ and am now seated in heavenly places.
* I am dead to sin and alive unto righteousness.
* I am a doer of the Word. I meditate on the Word all day long.
* I am not passive about anything, but I deal with all things in my immediately.
* I do not judge my sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus after the flesh. I am a spiritual man and am judged by no one.
* I take every thought captive unto the obediance of Jesus Christ, casting down every imagination, and every high and lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
* I am a responsible person. I enjoy responsibility, and I rise to every responsibility in Jesus.
* I have been set free. I am free to love, to worship, to trust with no fear of rejection or of being hurt.
* I have compassion and understanding for all people.
* I catch the devil in all of his decietful lies. I cast them down and choose rather to believe the Word of God.
* I am anointed by God for ministry. Alleluia!
* Work is good. I enjoy work. Glory!
* I have a teachable spirit.
* I do not think more highly of myself than I ought to in the flesh.
* Pain cannot successfully come against my body because Jesus bore all my pain.
* I am a teacher of the Word.
* I lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
* I do what I say I will do , and get where I am going on time.
* God opens my mouth, and no man can shut it. God shuts my mouth, and no man can open it.
* The Law of kindness is in my tongue. Gentleness is in my touch. Mercy and compassion is in my hearing.
* As a man thnketh in his heart, so is he; therefore, all of my thoughts are positive.
* I do not allow the devil to use my spirit as a garbage dump bu meditating on negative things that he offers me.
* I am a believer not a doubter.
* No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper, but every tongue that rises against me in judgement, I shall show to be in the wrong.
* I am slow to speak, quick to hear, and slow to anger.
* I cast out devils and demons; nothing deadly can hurt me.
* I never bind a sister or brother with the words of my mouth.
* I am always a positive encouragment. I edify and build up; I never tear down or destroy.
* I will cry to God most high who performs on my behalf and rewards me.
* My son/daughter ( name ) has a sweet personality, and is not rebellious.
* I don't speak negative things.
* My children love to pray and study the Word. They openly and boldly praise God.
* My children make right choices according to the Word of God.
* I am an obediant wife, and no rebellion operates in me.
* My husband is wise. He is the king and priest of our home. He makes Godly decisions.
* I use my time wisely. All of my prayer and study time in wisely spent.
* I waslk in the Spirit all the time.
* My car is paid for.
* I am rich - very rich
* I love to bless people and spread the Gospel.
* I am an intercessor.
* I recieve speaking engagements in person, by phone, and/or by mail everyday.
* My daughter / son ( Name ) operates in Godly wisdom and discipline, and is full of energy.
* We have all the new furniture we need. We have a new car.
* I never get tired or grow weary when I study the Word, pray, minister, or praise God; but I am alert, and full of energy. And as I study, I become more alert and more energized.
* I will to study the Word of God. I will to pray.
* I do not hate or walk in unforgiveness
* I do not fear. I am not guilty.
NOTE: These are simply the things that Joyce Meyer confessed over her life. Some of these may not apply to you, and then again, there may be things that you need that are not on here. You do not need to confess each of these, unless the Lord leads you to and He may show you other areas in your life in which you need help. Let the Spirit guide you!
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