When I first discovered there was more to this Christian walk than just accepting Christ so I would spend eternity with Him I started reading...and read I did. Of course, I dove head first into the Word of God and then I started reading books on freedom, deliverance, spiritual warfare, and walking in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ...to name but a few topics I studied.
One of the first books I read that put me a little outside my comfort zone was "The Three Battlegrounds" (An in-depth view of the three arenas of spiritual warfare; The mind, the church and the heavenly places) by Francis Frangipane. Extra points if you can pronounce the author's last name correctly...oh wait, I can't even pronounce it correctly:)
This is a great book to open your eyes to the fact we are at war, not with each other, but with the forces of darkness Paul writes of in Ephesians 6:10-20.
From the beginning of my journey to where I am today I've taken all kinds of turns. At first, I must admit, I was a little in awe of the kingdom of darkness and the power it has here on the earth. Now, please hear me...I was never interested in dallying with the kingdom of darkness, but I did find myself looking for a demon behind every bush. The "devil made me do it" and "the devil is after me" mentality. I was giving him way more credit than he was due!
Thank God, I didn't stay in that camp for long! The Lord has shown me, although the kingdom of darkness and the devil are very real, they are also a defeated foe. He also taught me the Kingdom of God is much stronger than the kingdom of darkness! I realized what I placed my focus on I would empower. I was faced with a choice...focus on God and empower His truth in my life or focus on the work of the enemy and stay in a constant state of defeat and a never ending battle.
When we focus on the works of the enemy we are in essence making the devil really big and our God really small...when the fact is they are not equally matched opponents. Think about that for a moment and ask yourself the question, "Am I or have I made the devil bigger than my God?" Be honest with yourself. It's okay to admit it. I did. Confess, repent and turn to God and start empowering His truth in your life.
It's been over five years since I first read "The Three Battlegrounds." I decided recently to go back and re-read it. It's like I'm reading it with new eyes and a new mind (a renewed mind.) Many points are speaking to me, but I'm especially drawn to a paragraph on page 31, under the section "Repentance Precedes Deliverance." I want to quote this section for you:
"If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you have already had many strongholds broken in your life. These were broken when you repented and came to Jesus. Deliverance is often just that simple when a soul is willing. Yet, without some measure of repentance, deliverance is almost always impossible, for although a spirit may be commanded to leave, if the structure of the individuals thoughts has not been changed, his wrong attitude toward sin will welcome that spirit back."
Now, at this point, this post could take several different paths, deliverance being one of them. We could explore the house being swept clean, but not replaced with truth taught in Luke 11:21-26. Or we could explore how repentance proceeds deliverance as taught in Mark 6:12. But I want to take it a somewhat different direction, although in the end it all comes back to the same point.
Can you think of a time, place, service, retreat, etc. where you really connected with God? Maybe it was a revival, a secluded weekend retreat or perhaps your salvation experience. The power of the Holy Spirit moved and worked through the speakers, the worship and the environment. You left the moment having received a deposit into your heart directly from the heart of the Father. The feeling was amazing and you felt invincible...there was nothing you couldn't accomplish with Jesus by your side.
Then...life intruded and interupted your utopia, the unexpected happened, tragedy struck, circumstances changed and your sense of security was brought into question and at the very root, your faith was challenged...or maybe none of the above took place but you slipped back into a life of mediocrity. You were left wanting the "high" of your divine mountain top moment back...and maybe you even sought it.
I see this some in the inner healing ministry. People coming in wanting an encounter with God, wanting their junk gone, wanting a quick fix and some even wanting to fix their spouse (we won't go there:)..."make my problems go away" or "fix this mess I've found myself in." Kind of a sense of drive-thru Jesus. They might find themselves going from program to program, ministry to ministry, church to church seeking a feeling or a quick solution to life's problems...only to complete the process and still walk away without lasting change.
As I read the above passage from the book I was drawn to this conclusion. Our freedom and deliverance is our choice, first and foremost. We can't expect to confess a little, cry a little and receive a touch from God than go back to doing the same sins, having the same ungodly thoughts or believing the same lies and expect to walk in freedom. Sure, grace is abundant and we can continue to sin/confess all we want, but if we do so we are choosing an inferior life. As a Christian there is more and let me tell you from experience, there is freedom and victory!
We can't have actions or thoughts that come into agreement with the kingdom of darkness and expect to walk in victory in that area. Let's face it our thoughts and/or actions either agree with the Kingdom of God or the kingdom of darkness.
As I walk this journey I am asking God to reveal those thoughts not in agreement with His. He is gracious and does so gently. In the past I have been discouraged when He brings up something negative to address, but as I grow I look forward to those things rising to the surface so that I can enter into the pruning process and come out the other side looking a little more like Jesus. (see II Corinthians 3:16-18)
Friends, don't be discouraged, it is a process and a journey we will find ourselves on until we meet our Savior face to face...the Christianese word for it is sanctification. Being a Christian doesn't make us perfect. It doesn't mean life will be all roses. It certainly doesn't mean we will not sin.
To me being a Christian means I'm so in love with my Savior I want to imitate Him in everything I do and say. I want to walk freely in all Jesus' death and resurrection secured for me. I don't want to waste a moment of grace. I want to be all He made me to be. It means receiving grace, love and mercy and freely giving it away to others. I simply can not afford to have thoughts not in alignment with His...not so I can be perfect, but so I can live fully and freely. I've tried a life of keeping the "rules." It didn't work for me and it was absolutely exhausting.
Today I choose life, I choose to take my thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ and I choose Jesus...the freedom this brings makes my soul sing!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
God is speaking, are you listening?
First I want to begin by stating this post is not doctrine, theology or even a translation of the passage of scripture I will reference. This is simply me sharing with you a way in which God spoke to me through His Word and through nature around me.
When we box ourselves into thinking God only speaks through His Word we will miss some wonderful opportunities to hear Him speak to us otherwise. Although I do believe when He speaks to us outside of scripture it will be consistent with His nature. In fact, that is one way to discern His voice...it will always be in line with His Word and His character.
Hopefully your eyes and ears will be open to ways He is speaking to you in everyday circumstances! It is also probably an appropriate time for me to state I do not believe in coincidences. I see God in everything and I seek to hear Him in everything. He is speaking, it's up to us to listen:)
Here in Southeast Tennessee we have experienced the most snowfalls I can remember. I've lived 28 of my 38 years in Chattanooga and I don't remember more snows than those of 2010! In a recent conversation, a friend mentioned she planned on asking God what He was saying through these frequent snow showers. I thought this was a great idea, but wasn't necessarily planning on asking Him myself. Although I did immediately think of Isaiah 1:18 which says, "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow."
It wasn't until several days later when it was unseasonably warm and sunny He got my attention. You see, not only have we had record snows, but record rainfall...which means our weather has been dreary. Even on days when it's not raining or snowing most of them have been gray and cloudy. So a sunny and warm day has been a rare treat this winter.
On this particular day the sun was shining and people were talking about how wonderful the weather was. He led me to another passage in Isaiah. This time it was Isaiah 60:1-3...
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of Your dawn."
I read the above passage and postured myself to hear what the Lord was wanting to say to me. This is what I heard (again, this was for me and I'm sharing it with you. It is your responsibility to test this word for yourself:)
The darkness in this verse to me represents evil. The thick darkness over the people represents depression and mental illness, both of which are rampant in the earth right now. I might also add here neither are from God, but from the enemy. Remember God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind. (II Tim. 1:7) He also says in Isaiah 61:3 He gives us a spirit of praise instead of despair. Clearly, depression and mental illness are not from our Daddy!
The gloomy weather has represented the darkness. The repeated snowfalls represent His glory! We are made pure by the blood (covering) of Jesus! I began to see the snow as a blanket of His glory covering us in these dark days!
Then the unseasonably warm and sunny day represented His LIGHT! The Lord is rising over us with His light which is able to penetrate all darkness (evil)! As believers we are the "kings" in the verse drawn to His brightness, because He is the King of kings! I believe the Lord is saying He is drawing His people to Him like never before...we must be listening and watching!
I found this revelation very encouraging, which is another way to discern it was from God. Our Daddy is speaking to us via many avenues. I encourage you to be watchful and listen...what is He saying to you? He may speak through a message, a song, a billboard, an advertisement, nature, another person, the time on the clock when you awaken in the middle of the night...His ways are not our ways and we can miss Him speaking if we aren't paying attention.
My Soul Sings because my Creator is gloriously creative and not boxed into speaking only through words! Speak O Lord, your servant is listening! (I Samuel 3:9)
When we box ourselves into thinking God only speaks through His Word we will miss some wonderful opportunities to hear Him speak to us otherwise. Although I do believe when He speaks to us outside of scripture it will be consistent with His nature. In fact, that is one way to discern His voice...it will always be in line with His Word and His character.
Hopefully your eyes and ears will be open to ways He is speaking to you in everyday circumstances! It is also probably an appropriate time for me to state I do not believe in coincidences. I see God in everything and I seek to hear Him in everything. He is speaking, it's up to us to listen:)
Here in Southeast Tennessee we have experienced the most snowfalls I can remember. I've lived 28 of my 38 years in Chattanooga and I don't remember more snows than those of 2010! In a recent conversation, a friend mentioned she planned on asking God what He was saying through these frequent snow showers. I thought this was a great idea, but wasn't necessarily planning on asking Him myself. Although I did immediately think of Isaiah 1:18 which says, "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow."
It wasn't until several days later when it was unseasonably warm and sunny He got my attention. You see, not only have we had record snows, but record rainfall...which means our weather has been dreary. Even on days when it's not raining or snowing most of them have been gray and cloudy. So a sunny and warm day has been a rare treat this winter.
On this particular day the sun was shining and people were talking about how wonderful the weather was. He led me to another passage in Isaiah. This time it was Isaiah 60:1-3...
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of Your dawn."
I read the above passage and postured myself to hear what the Lord was wanting to say to me. This is what I heard (again, this was for me and I'm sharing it with you. It is your responsibility to test this word for yourself:)
The darkness in this verse to me represents evil. The thick darkness over the people represents depression and mental illness, both of which are rampant in the earth right now. I might also add here neither are from God, but from the enemy. Remember God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind. (II Tim. 1:7) He also says in Isaiah 61:3 He gives us a spirit of praise instead of despair. Clearly, depression and mental illness are not from our Daddy!
The gloomy weather has represented the darkness. The repeated snowfalls represent His glory! We are made pure by the blood (covering) of Jesus! I began to see the snow as a blanket of His glory covering us in these dark days!
Then the unseasonably warm and sunny day represented His LIGHT! The Lord is rising over us with His light which is able to penetrate all darkness (evil)! As believers we are the "kings" in the verse drawn to His brightness, because He is the King of kings! I believe the Lord is saying He is drawing His people to Him like never before...we must be listening and watching!
I found this revelation very encouraging, which is another way to discern it was from God. Our Daddy is speaking to us via many avenues. I encourage you to be watchful and listen...what is He saying to you? He may speak through a message, a song, a billboard, an advertisement, nature, another person, the time on the clock when you awaken in the middle of the night...His ways are not our ways and we can miss Him speaking if we aren't paying attention.
My Soul Sings because my Creator is gloriously creative and not boxed into speaking only through words! Speak O Lord, your servant is listening! (I Samuel 3:9)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Word Up!
For this Word Up! post I want to focus on a name of God. Several years ago I learned the importance of studying the names of God. I realized knowing who He is builds a more intimate relationship with Him.
There are countless characteristics and attributes about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. You could spend a lifetime getting to know them all. The more you understand and experience His character, the greater understanding you will have of who He makes you as a believer in Him!
Knowing Him this intimately will also change how you pray. The more you encounter His heart, the more in line with heaven your prayers will be (on earth as it is in heaven.) You can pray the will of God because He will have aligned your heart to His! This only comes through a close and deep relationship, which He longs to have with each of us.
Prior to Genesis 16:13 we find Hagar, Sarai's maid, in an encounter with the Lord after running away from Sarai. Hagar is carrying Abram's child. The angel of the Lord has told Hagar her son's name will be Ishmael. Hagar is dealing with her emotions after being harshly addressed by Sarai. God meets Hagar in her place of pain.
Genesis 16:13 "So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "You are a God of seeing," for she said, "Truly here I have seen Him who looks after me." It is in this verse where we are introduced to El Roi, the God who sees.
Another place in scripture we see El Roi is in Psalm 139. He saw us while we were still in the womb! Way before 3-D and 4-D ultrasounds!
What area of your life do you take comfort in knowing God sees you? I feel especially loved knowing my heavenly Father is watching over me. He sees each tear I cry. He watches as I go through disappointments, hurts and victories. Nothing in my life is too small or insignificant to Him. He sees everything and longs to meet me in each place, in both joy and sadness...simply another reason knowing Him makes my soul sing!
There are countless characteristics and attributes about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. You could spend a lifetime getting to know them all. The more you understand and experience His character, the greater understanding you will have of who He makes you as a believer in Him!
Knowing Him this intimately will also change how you pray. The more you encounter His heart, the more in line with heaven your prayers will be (on earth as it is in heaven.) You can pray the will of God because He will have aligned your heart to His! This only comes through a close and deep relationship, which He longs to have with each of us.
Prior to Genesis 16:13 we find Hagar, Sarai's maid, in an encounter with the Lord after running away from Sarai. Hagar is carrying Abram's child. The angel of the Lord has told Hagar her son's name will be Ishmael. Hagar is dealing with her emotions after being harshly addressed by Sarai. God meets Hagar in her place of pain.
Genesis 16:13 "So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "You are a God of seeing," for she said, "Truly here I have seen Him who looks after me." It is in this verse where we are introduced to El Roi, the God who sees.
Another place in scripture we see El Roi is in Psalm 139. He saw us while we were still in the womb! Way before 3-D and 4-D ultrasounds!
What area of your life do you take comfort in knowing God sees you? I feel especially loved knowing my heavenly Father is watching over me. He sees each tear I cry. He watches as I go through disappointments, hurts and victories. Nothing in my life is too small or insignificant to Him. He sees everything and longs to meet me in each place, in both joy and sadness...simply another reason knowing Him makes my soul sing!
Friday, February 26, 2010
No tomatoes, oh my!
I went into my friendly Walmart store this afternoon where I visited the Subway. As I approached the counter the dismayed young man working said, "I just have to tell you, we are out of tomatoes!" He said it with an air of defense like I was going to hold him personally accountable.
The lady in front of me was joking with him about how this was a grocery store and why couldn't they just go get some tomatoes from the produce department. She was teasing him, but by his response I could tell he was in no mood for folly.
I joined in the lighthearted conversation and she said, "we are nice customers, we're just giving you a hard time." He replied, "yeah, not everybody is nice and I don't have no respect for those that disrespect me." He went on ranting about how he doesn't get paid enough to do this job and get disrespected by customers.
I know enough about hurting people (due to the fact I once was one and I minister to wounded people on a weekly basis) to know with his current attitude he will never rise above "working for the man" for a meager hourly wage. But I didn't allow this to stop me from taking advantage of the opportunity to love him unconditionally.
Everyone has a story and I certainly don't know his...I just know he is discouraged and by what he was saying, deeply wounded...people are talking, are we really listening? If we listen the Lord will allow us to see into their heart beyond the gruff exterior and into the areas of hurt.
Before you go imagining me pulling out my KJV pocket Bible and a couple of evangelistic tracks, think again. Evangelism is NOT one of my spiritual gifts...in fact, on every spiritual gift assessment/test I have taken I score the lowest in evangelism. I'm not saying this kind of witnessing is wrong, it's just not my style. I just was drawn to show this boy the love of Jesus through kind actions and words...not preach to him about his lack luster attitude.
In the end it's the love of Jesus that draws people to the Father. In fact, I didn't even mention Jesus in our conversation. But I know he encountered the love of Jesus through me. I had spent the morning talking to Jesus, worshiping Jesus and basking in His presence....yes, I was having a grand day and; therefore, I was able to give away some of my joy from the overflow in my heart. I was living from heaven to earth and so I was not effected by his mood or attitude.
He remarked, "not everybody is as understanding as you about the tomatoes." I replied, "it isn't your fault the store is out of tomatoes. I believe if we want to receive respect we must first give it away, it truly comes back to us." Now I could have told him about the Biblical law of sowing and reaping...but fortunately for him I left the preacher girl side of me at home:)
Friends, I hope you see where I'm going with this story. It had nothing to do with tomatoes. I would be willing to guess this boy has a rejection issue and when customers "go off" on him he takes it personally...thus the gruff exterior...I will hurt you before you hurt me thinking.
There is a quote I've seen several times recently, "be kind to everyone you meet, because everyone is going through some kind of battle." I would say this is true. Who knows what a kind word from us will do for those in the midst of a battle.
He was incredibly slow at sandwich making might I add. While I was waiting the delivery truck came and brought the tomatoes. I was able to have my sub with tomatoes and he even added extra. As I paid I said to him, "you are doing a great job, have a nice day." Those words of encouragement cost me nothing, but who knows, they might have meant everything to him.
I love Proverbs 16:24, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 18:21 is another favorite, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
I would like to be able to tell you I walk around releasing words of life everywhere I go, but sadly, that is not the case. What was different about my trip to Subway today? I was filled. When we try to give and our hearts are empty or dry we usually don't make the mark because it is from our flesh. You might get the best of Amy, but you don't get His best which is far superior to anything you will get from me. When we are filled with the Spirit of God and our hearts and minds are set on Him giving away His presence comes naturally and without great effort because it comes from a place of overflow and abundance.
After reading this post some of you will be inspired to give more encouraging words. That would be good, but you would be missing the more important point I feel the Lord is wanting me to share with you. If you read this post and thought to yourself, "I need to spend more time being filled with His presence" than you win the golden ticket:)
Spending time in His presence, being filled with His glory and then being able to release encouragement, joy and presence to others makes MY SOUL SING, it will make your soul sing too...give it a try!
The lady in front of me was joking with him about how this was a grocery store and why couldn't they just go get some tomatoes from the produce department. She was teasing him, but by his response I could tell he was in no mood for folly.
I joined in the lighthearted conversation and she said, "we are nice customers, we're just giving you a hard time." He replied, "yeah, not everybody is nice and I don't have no respect for those that disrespect me." He went on ranting about how he doesn't get paid enough to do this job and get disrespected by customers.
I know enough about hurting people (due to the fact I once was one and I minister to wounded people on a weekly basis) to know with his current attitude he will never rise above "working for the man" for a meager hourly wage. But I didn't allow this to stop me from taking advantage of the opportunity to love him unconditionally.
Everyone has a story and I certainly don't know his...I just know he is discouraged and by what he was saying, deeply wounded...people are talking, are we really listening? If we listen the Lord will allow us to see into their heart beyond the gruff exterior and into the areas of hurt.
Before you go imagining me pulling out my KJV pocket Bible and a couple of evangelistic tracks, think again. Evangelism is NOT one of my spiritual gifts...in fact, on every spiritual gift assessment/test I have taken I score the lowest in evangelism. I'm not saying this kind of witnessing is wrong, it's just not my style. I just was drawn to show this boy the love of Jesus through kind actions and words...not preach to him about his lack luster attitude.
In the end it's the love of Jesus that draws people to the Father. In fact, I didn't even mention Jesus in our conversation. But I know he encountered the love of Jesus through me. I had spent the morning talking to Jesus, worshiping Jesus and basking in His presence....yes, I was having a grand day and; therefore, I was able to give away some of my joy from the overflow in my heart. I was living from heaven to earth and so I was not effected by his mood or attitude.
He remarked, "not everybody is as understanding as you about the tomatoes." I replied, "it isn't your fault the store is out of tomatoes. I believe if we want to receive respect we must first give it away, it truly comes back to us." Now I could have told him about the Biblical law of sowing and reaping...but fortunately for him I left the preacher girl side of me at home:)
Friends, I hope you see where I'm going with this story. It had nothing to do with tomatoes. I would be willing to guess this boy has a rejection issue and when customers "go off" on him he takes it personally...thus the gruff exterior...I will hurt you before you hurt me thinking.
There is a quote I've seen several times recently, "be kind to everyone you meet, because everyone is going through some kind of battle." I would say this is true. Who knows what a kind word from us will do for those in the midst of a battle.
He was incredibly slow at sandwich making might I add. While I was waiting the delivery truck came and brought the tomatoes. I was able to have my sub with tomatoes and he even added extra. As I paid I said to him, "you are doing a great job, have a nice day." Those words of encouragement cost me nothing, but who knows, they might have meant everything to him.
I love Proverbs 16:24, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 18:21 is another favorite, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
I would like to be able to tell you I walk around releasing words of life everywhere I go, but sadly, that is not the case. What was different about my trip to Subway today? I was filled. When we try to give and our hearts are empty or dry we usually don't make the mark because it is from our flesh. You might get the best of Amy, but you don't get His best which is far superior to anything you will get from me. When we are filled with the Spirit of God and our hearts and minds are set on Him giving away His presence comes naturally and without great effort because it comes from a place of overflow and abundance.
After reading this post some of you will be inspired to give more encouraging words. That would be good, but you would be missing the more important point I feel the Lord is wanting me to share with you. If you read this post and thought to yourself, "I need to spend more time being filled with His presence" than you win the golden ticket:)
Spending time in His presence, being filled with His glory and then being able to release encouragement, joy and presence to others makes MY SOUL SING, it will make your soul sing too...give it a try!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Is There Anybody Out There?
Hmmm...the title sounds like a familiar lyric to a Pink Floyd song from my past...nevermind:)
You guys are out there, I know you are! But if I didn't have my handy dandy widget telling me you are there I would think this blog is nothing more than a publicized, but unread, journal. And, by the way, I don't know who you are, I just know where you are...so you can still come here anonymously...I still welcome stalkers:)
Yes, I know my high school English teacher would be all over my grammar in this post and the fact I started a sentence with "and" and "but." But ya know what, this is my blog and nobody is grading my grammar...woo-hoo...that's a relief, being an adult sure is fun!
Wow, I'm feeling quite random...back to the subject. I had come to accept that feedback around here was going to be almost non-existent until a couple of my peeps said they have tried to comment, but the process is confusing. So me, and all my technological talents (if you know me you know such talents don't exist) set out to give you a tutorial on how to comment...please don't tell my technologically genius husband who writes complex computer programs and laughs at my inability to figure out Outlook! Don't worry I'll be sure to tell him myself, because I like to see him have a good laugh at my expense, because after all laughter is good medicine (the Bible tells me so!)
Now, the real reason for this post. I want to hear from you! How are you doing? What have you found helpful or encouraging? If you have a google account when you go to comment you simply click "google" than follow the instructions. If you don't have a google account I came up with two other options that worked for me when I signed in as my hubby. You can either comment anonymously and sign your name if you want me to know who you are; or you can click on the Name/URL button and type in your name. I tested this and it didn't require me to put in an URL, whatever the heck that is.
So, if you are reading this and want to humor me, send me a comment! Even if you don't normally comment (I've been reading blogs for years and have commented less than 10 times) I would love for you to send me a few tests, so that I know my tutorial was helpful...because we know at the very least it was entertaining to hear me ramble:)
Please note I do have comment moderation enabled, so your comments will come to me for approval before they appear on the blog. I promise not to censor anything unless it is offensive or inappropriate.
Oh, and also, become a follower of My Soul Sings...if you want to of course...absolutely NO PRESSURE!
If you've stuck with me this far into this post you are a true peep! I pray a blessing over you for your time and patience. May Papa God reveal Himself in a new way to you today. May you feel His love wrapping around you like a warm blanket. He is rejoicing over you with singing, may you hear His song in your heart!
You guys are out there, I know you are! But if I didn't have my handy dandy widget telling me you are there I would think this blog is nothing more than a publicized, but unread, journal. And, by the way, I don't know who you are, I just know where you are...so you can still come here anonymously...I still welcome stalkers:)
Yes, I know my high school English teacher would be all over my grammar in this post and the fact I started a sentence with "and" and "but." But ya know what, this is my blog and nobody is grading my grammar...woo-hoo...that's a relief, being an adult sure is fun!
Wow, I'm feeling quite random...back to the subject. I had come to accept that feedback around here was going to be almost non-existent until a couple of my peeps said they have tried to comment, but the process is confusing. So me, and all my technological talents (if you know me you know such talents don't exist) set out to give you a tutorial on how to comment...please don't tell my technologically genius husband who writes complex computer programs and laughs at my inability to figure out Outlook! Don't worry I'll be sure to tell him myself, because I like to see him have a good laugh at my expense, because after all laughter is good medicine (the Bible tells me so!)
Now, the real reason for this post. I want to hear from you! How are you doing? What have you found helpful or encouraging? If you have a google account when you go to comment you simply click "google" than follow the instructions. If you don't have a google account I came up with two other options that worked for me when I signed in as my hubby. You can either comment anonymously and sign your name if you want me to know who you are; or you can click on the Name/URL button and type in your name. I tested this and it didn't require me to put in an URL, whatever the heck that is.
So, if you are reading this and want to humor me, send me a comment! Even if you don't normally comment (I've been reading blogs for years and have commented less than 10 times) I would love for you to send me a few tests, so that I know my tutorial was helpful...because we know at the very least it was entertaining to hear me ramble:)
Please note I do have comment moderation enabled, so your comments will come to me for approval before they appear on the blog. I promise not to censor anything unless it is offensive or inappropriate.
Oh, and also, become a follower of My Soul Sings...if you want to of course...absolutely NO PRESSURE!
If you've stuck with me this far into this post you are a true peep! I pray a blessing over you for your time and patience. May Papa God reveal Himself in a new way to you today. May you feel His love wrapping around you like a warm blanket. He is rejoicing over you with singing, may you hear His song in your heart!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Bluff or Show My Hand
This could be considered a follow up to our parenting series . If you haven't read the parenting series click the link above and I suggest you start there.
In short review of Loving on Purpose (LOP) remember love casts out all fear (I John 4:18.) In LOP we looked at Biblical parenting principles and parenting like Father God. We learned not to parent from control, but with the goal of teaching our children to manage their freedom. We learned not to fear our children's sin. Fearing their sin will lead us to control them, thus producing in them either fear or rebellion, which later in life will lead them to use control as a means of protection (it's a cycle.)
We learned to build a relationship with our children in which we protect each other's hearts. Ultimately it is from this relationship our children will learn to make wise choices and how to respond when their choices aren't so wise. Remember it is His kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4.) True repentance is not admitting our sin because we got caught or because we fear punishment. Repentance is brought about by conviction from the Holy Spirit where we confess and turn from the sin, allowing Him to empower us to walk in victory over it.
So now we have refreshed our memories on the basic concept let me introduce you to another facet the Holy Spirit revealed to me (through a recent life experience.) Light exposes all darkness. Just as fear and love can not inhabit the same space, light and darkness can not co-exist. Which is stronger? I hope you said light:)
Scripture is full of references to light and darkness. Jesus himself says "I am the light of the world;, he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) I love I Peter 2:9 which says we have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Satan is described in John 8:44 as the father of lies, when he speaks he is lying...ALWAYS! Satan is always aligned with the kingdom of darkness. Jesus is always aligned with the kingdom of light...never are there any exceptions! As followers of Christ, which kingdom should we align with? LIGHT!!!! When the Lord reveals an area in our heart not in alignment with His we are to repent and confess it as sin, thus breaking agreement with the enemy and realigning ourselves with God's truth.
Back to my story...I was recently faced with a decision. I could either show my hand (for all you card players out there) or I could try to "bluff" and get my daughter to show me hers. While I was pondering the situation, praying and asking for wisdom I clearly heard the Lord say, "show your hand." How did I know this was God's voice and not my own or the enemy's? Simple...this statement aligns with the truth of His Word. All throughout scripture we are shown how God's light reveals things hidden in darkness. If I had chosen to "bluff" I knew I would be guilty of manipulation, which is just another form of control...the very thing I'm trying to avoid doing! NEVER, EVER, EVER do we see Jesus use control or manipulation in His ministry on earth...and remember He is the example we should follow.
My goal was to expose deeds done in darkness to the marvelous, saving and redemptive light of Jesus Christ. So, I was honest...real honest, shockingly honest. I shared my heart and revealed things hidden there not even my husband (before now) knew all the details about. You see the enemy wanted to keep what I shared in the darkness, where he could use it to bring me shame and guilt...but most importantly in this case to breed FEAR. Fear of my children making the same mistake. Once these details were exposed I felt a shift take place in my heart because carrying secrets is burdensome and heavy. Once exposed my heart felt lighter...remember what the enemy intended for your destruction God works together for good!
You might be wondering how this applies in the parenting department. In our 4th parenting post we discussed the issue of self-control and respect. As parents we model respect (or disrespect) to our children. They are watching us. We can not expect for them to exhibit more respect than what has been taught them through their observation of us. Same concept applies in our post today.
In the past I have modeled to my children control, fear, manipulation and lying (to keep things from being exposed.) I have also modeled to them judgment, criticism and ungodly anger. We were reaping what was sown, rotten fruit and all.
BUT!!!!! The story doesn't end here. You should know me well enough by now to know my confessions are always followed with the story of God's redemption and restoration. He is faithful to His children! He repairs what has been broken. He restores what has deteriorated. He returns what has been stolen. It's nothing I earned or deserved by any self effort, only by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It was a matter of listening to His instructions and following through in obedience. It took faith and trust, which I admit were hard for me. Everything in me wanted to resort back to ways that were familiar, but I knew they weren't in alignment with the kingdom of God and I had come too far to turn back now.
Is the process complete? No. Is it easy? No. Is it painful? Sometimes. Is it fruitful? You bet! Is it worth trusting Him? Absolutely! Is there satisfaction with knowing my obedience to God exposed the work of the enemy? DUH! Can I trust God to complete the work He has begun in my family? YES! And this is why MY SOUL SINGS!!!! Hallelujah!
In short review of Loving on Purpose (LOP) remember love casts out all fear (I John 4:18.) In LOP we looked at Biblical parenting principles and parenting like Father God. We learned not to parent from control, but with the goal of teaching our children to manage their freedom. We learned not to fear our children's sin. Fearing their sin will lead us to control them, thus producing in them either fear or rebellion, which later in life will lead them to use control as a means of protection (it's a cycle.)
We learned to build a relationship with our children in which we protect each other's hearts. Ultimately it is from this relationship our children will learn to make wise choices and how to respond when their choices aren't so wise. Remember it is His kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4.) True repentance is not admitting our sin because we got caught or because we fear punishment. Repentance is brought about by conviction from the Holy Spirit where we confess and turn from the sin, allowing Him to empower us to walk in victory over it.
So now we have refreshed our memories on the basic concept let me introduce you to another facet the Holy Spirit revealed to me (through a recent life experience.) Light exposes all darkness. Just as fear and love can not inhabit the same space, light and darkness can not co-exist. Which is stronger? I hope you said light:)
Scripture is full of references to light and darkness. Jesus himself says "I am the light of the world;, he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) I love I Peter 2:9 which says we have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Satan is described in John 8:44 as the father of lies, when he speaks he is lying...ALWAYS! Satan is always aligned with the kingdom of darkness. Jesus is always aligned with the kingdom of light...never are there any exceptions! As followers of Christ, which kingdom should we align with? LIGHT!!!! When the Lord reveals an area in our heart not in alignment with His we are to repent and confess it as sin, thus breaking agreement with the enemy and realigning ourselves with God's truth.
Back to my story...I was recently faced with a decision. I could either show my hand (for all you card players out there) or I could try to "bluff" and get my daughter to show me hers. While I was pondering the situation, praying and asking for wisdom I clearly heard the Lord say, "show your hand." How did I know this was God's voice and not my own or the enemy's? Simple...this statement aligns with the truth of His Word. All throughout scripture we are shown how God's light reveals things hidden in darkness. If I had chosen to "bluff" I knew I would be guilty of manipulation, which is just another form of control...the very thing I'm trying to avoid doing! NEVER, EVER, EVER do we see Jesus use control or manipulation in His ministry on earth...and remember He is the example we should follow.
My goal was to expose deeds done in darkness to the marvelous, saving and redemptive light of Jesus Christ. So, I was honest...real honest, shockingly honest. I shared my heart and revealed things hidden there not even my husband (before now) knew all the details about. You see the enemy wanted to keep what I shared in the darkness, where he could use it to bring me shame and guilt...but most importantly in this case to breed FEAR. Fear of my children making the same mistake. Once these details were exposed I felt a shift take place in my heart because carrying secrets is burdensome and heavy. Once exposed my heart felt lighter...remember what the enemy intended for your destruction God works together for good!
You might be wondering how this applies in the parenting department. In our 4th parenting post we discussed the issue of self-control and respect. As parents we model respect (or disrespect) to our children. They are watching us. We can not expect for them to exhibit more respect than what has been taught them through their observation of us. Same concept applies in our post today.
In the past I have modeled to my children control, fear, manipulation and lying (to keep things from being exposed.) I have also modeled to them judgment, criticism and ungodly anger. We were reaping what was sown, rotten fruit and all.
BUT!!!!! The story doesn't end here. You should know me well enough by now to know my confessions are always followed with the story of God's redemption and restoration. He is faithful to His children! He repairs what has been broken. He restores what has deteriorated. He returns what has been stolen. It's nothing I earned or deserved by any self effort, only by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It was a matter of listening to His instructions and following through in obedience. It took faith and trust, which I admit were hard for me. Everything in me wanted to resort back to ways that were familiar, but I knew they weren't in alignment with the kingdom of God and I had come too far to turn back now.
Is the process complete? No. Is it easy? No. Is it painful? Sometimes. Is it fruitful? You bet! Is it worth trusting Him? Absolutely! Is there satisfaction with knowing my obedience to God exposed the work of the enemy? DUH! Can I trust God to complete the work He has begun in my family? YES! And this is why MY SOUL SINGS!!!! Hallelujah!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Word Up
This post will be short and sweet! Betcha don't think I can do it, do ya? We are going to continue looking at some of my favorite scriptures in our "Word Up" series. I have decided (for now) I will go in order of the books of the Bible.
It doesn't matter what translation you read it in Genesis 3:21 pretty much says the same thing:
It doesn't matter what translation you read it in Genesis 3:21 pretty much says the same thing:
"The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them."
Short verse, to the point and simple. Adam and Eve were naked and for the first time (because of the fall in the garden) this was a problem. Up until this point shame had not entered into the picture and they freely frolicked around in their birthday suits...how fun. In Genesis 3:10 we see Adam and Eve are afraid (because of their sin) and naked so they hid...enter in fear and shame...thanks guys, we really appreciate it.
Where am I going here? I love how God reveals His mercy in verse 21. HE CLOTHED THEM. This verse may be short and simple, but we see a part of God's character many times overlooked by those who want to paint a picture of God as angry, full of wrath and out to "zap" us. This verse shows the kindness of God and we are merely three chapters into the Bible!
How many times have you been "clothed" by God? I don't think I could begin to count the times His mercy and grace has clothed me...let's just say, it's a very high number!
So, today I am thankful and my soul sings because I serve a God who is merciful, kind and loving...and it's His kindness that leads me to repentance (see Romans 2:4.)
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