7 Prayer Points to Revitalise Your Spiritual Life (Part 2)

Without further ado, I’ll just launch into the second part of my post shared yesterday. If you missed Part 1 of this message, you may access it here.

• Engage the Help of the Holy Spirit and Use Your God-Given Authority!

Do you have what seems like an insurmountable problem in your life? Is there a recurring issue that has been troubling you for longer than you care to admit? These are what the Bible refers to as “mountains”. Maybe your problem is that you are trying to scale, or climb over them in your own strength. BIG MISTAKE! In Mark 11:22-23, Jesus says that we are to speak to them! So, adopt the same attitude as Zerubbabel (see Zechariah 4:6-7) and speak words of faith (i.e., scripture) to your mountains.

Don’t know what to do, or how to pray about an issue? Then ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen you internally, so that you have the necessary resilience to go the distance. Ask him to give you wisdom and to help you pray appropriately and effectively, then turn the matter over to the Holy Spirit, allowing him to pray with, for, and through you, using your spiritual prayer language. I can assure you from personal experience that 10-15mins praying in tongues, yields better results (i.e. quicker breakthroughs) than hours of agonising in your native tongue.

• Pray for Others

Don’t subscribe to the me-myself-and-mine philosophy. Have a generous heart and demonstrate concern and compassion for others. Jesus modelled this whilst here on this earth and even now, after all he has done to secure our salvation, he is still engaged in intercession for us.

The New Testament has many prayers that the apostle Paul prayed for fellow believers, which we can use in our own prayer life to support other Christians. And, in Colossians 4:12, one of Paul’s helpers, Epaphras, is brought to our attention as someone who was “always labouring fervently” in prayer for his brothers and sisters in Christ.

As someone who values prayer highly and considers it to be the most precious gift of time that anyone could bless me with, I’d be thrilled to know that there’s an “Epaphras” somewhere out there amongst my acquaintances, wouldn’t you?

• Embark on a love journey with Jesus

How would you feel if the only time your family members, friends or significant other contacted you, was when they wanted something?

Jesus is looking for a bride for himself and accordingly seeks to woo you into a loving, committed relationship.

Are you too busy, working for Him? Or too self-absorbed by your own life, to care about Jesus’ desires?

Perhaps you have focused your prayer life on relating solely to Father-God. Why not bring some spiritual romance into your devotional life and pursue a love relationship with His Son, Jesus?

Be like the Shulamite woman in Song of Solomon and respond to his affectionate attentions. Listen out for His gentle knocking upon the door of your heart. Open without reservation, allow him to come in and bless you from his banqueting table of love.

Enable this lover of your soul, to sing songs of deliverance over you, to soothe and tenderise your heart with his attentions. Submit yourself to him so he may transform you from a tortured or complacent individual to a contented, spirit-kissed soul. Then you will be able to join in with the chorus of those who passionately yearn, seek out and discover the fragrance of his abiding presence.

I sleep, but my heart is awake;

It is the voice of my beloved!

He knocks, saying

“Open for me, my sister, my love,

My dove, my perfect one […]

(Song of Solomon 5:2 (NKJV)

• “Pray” is a verb – so do it!

“I don’t know what to say!”

Do you give this as your reason for not praying? Then let’s explore this further.

Is this because you are intimidated by who God is? Or is this because you feel you need to have a certain type of language to speak to him? Or is it because you really don’t want to, and this serves as a useful excuse?

I was brought up in a family where children were to be seen but not heard. We were not allowed to watch TV in case we were corrupted by what was being shown. I was therefore unable to communicate with other children about Popeye, or other characters of children shows, because I’d not seen them. I grew up feeling awkward and strange, not used to articulating my opinions or feelings.

By the time I became an adult, I had to learn how to make general conversation with people outside of my immediate family. I’d agonise about whether I was interesting, or intelligent, or saying things in the right way.  I learned how to keep a conversation going simply by listening to the general chit-chat of work colleagues.

If you really don’t know how to pray, get with someone who does. And if you don’t know anyone or are too shy to ask, listen to those online who do pray and even offer a prayer ministry to others. Grace for Purpose is one such ministry that I highly recommend. Check them out on YouTube. I include a short video below for those interested.

For further assistance, read your Bible and read books on prayer. My own book, Petitions From My Heart, (see purchasing details below), offers you a prayer chart and gives you a whole range of ready-made prayers you can use. In this age of information technology and global reach, there is simply no justifiable excuse.

Finally, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. He is right there within you and his assignment is to come alongside you and help.

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To those who stuck with me through both parts of this blog post, I thank you for your patience and for blessing me with your time and attention. And to those who have a true desire to upgrade their prayer lives, may God use these two posts to convict, challenge or inspire you.

Wishing you a tremendously blessed year of spiritual growth, victory, and peace!

With love,

Carol E. Hind – Author/Blogger/Prayer Advocate

The effectual, fervent prayer avails much!

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Dear reader, your visit is appreciated. Would you be so kind as to share your response to this post in a comment box below? And if you know anyone who could benefit from its message, please don’t hesitate to share it. Thank you.

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Are you looking for a resource that will help you to draw closer to God and develop a consistent and confident prayer life? Then please don’t hesitate to check out the links below.

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__________________

Have you lost your spiritual verve? Has your Christian life become somewhat humdrum? Discover the secret to a vibrant and victorious spiritual life, through Holy Communion.

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Bold, Brave, but Bleeding

I’ve ‘known’ Shell Vera for a number of years now as a fellow-blogger and recall her being one of the very first to engage with me in a meaningful manner, regarding one of my posts. As a newbie blogger, I appreciated this so much. To date, Shell Vera is still a regular reader and commenter at my blogs, so I had no hesitation about supporting this publication of her creative endeavours.

BOOK REVIEW: When I Stopped Remembering Tomorrow

Hang on I thought, how can someone remember tomorrow – let alone stop remembering it?

I was intrigued from the get go!

Apart from my curiosity over the title, it’s not often we have the pleasure of having a personal insight into the lives and hearts of people we know. Granted, I only ‘know’ Shell Vera as a fellow blogger but it’s still somebody I know a lot better than most authors I’ve read, whether famous or otherwise.

I bought the book.

I loved the book!

And now I’m sharing my response to Shell Vera’s powerful, poetic pieces.

I don’t know about you but when I don’t really know the author, I hardly ever read the front matter, unless it is pertinent to my understanding of the book. Now that I’m a published author and when I’m reading books from fellow bloggers, I peruse these pages with eager anticipation.

I was happy to see a dedication to fellow warriors and overcomers. Well that includes me! So from the short distance of the title to the dedication page, already my attention has been piqued.

But then I felt slightly put off after reading a comment regarding the church, which seemed harsh and unfair, and to which I could not relate  – was I going to like this book after all? Is there more of this kind of thing to come?

I read on.

The long and the short of it is that Shell Vera fell in love, met her true self for the first time and in doing so “truly met God.”

I like the framework.

Part 1 shares poetic pieces about her yesterdays followed by a separate prose section in Part 2, providing background information, or explaining what Shell had sought to convey in those pieces, or providing encouragement to hurting souls who have suffered similar abuse, and feel their dreams are impossible.

Often, we readers interpret poems according to our own, or vicarious experiences, according to literary evaluations, personal perceptions and conclusions, which usually differ to what the author originally meant or intended. It is therefore nice to actually know what the writer had intended to convey.

And now for my assessment of Shell Vera’s creative endeavours (bearing in mind the fact that I am not a poetry expert). I discuss in terms of my personal reactions to her work.

Heartfelt compassion stirs the heart of the reader, and contrasts with the cold uncompromising truth of the writer’s experience in pieces like Alone and Detached (1992): Here’s an example:

This girl has given up hope for the future,

She’s only living still because when she knocked,

Death refused to open the door for her.

Powerful pieces like The Final Nightmare (1999) will haunt you.

And in her poem The Dance (1999), Shell Vera’s beautiful and clever depiction of the dance of life, reminds us that either we ourselves, or the people with whom we tango, can become catalysts of change, for the good.

Her poems make you think. Force you to consider what it is you believe, how you interpret the gospel and how you embrace it within your own life.  After reading Wandering (2012), I wonder, how many of us need to take Jesus down from the cross of our limited imaginations and actually invite him to be a living breathing being in our day-to-day lives?

When you think of warriors, you tend to picture someone strong, staunch and solid, someone tough and triumphant, despite the odds. We think of people like Hercules, or Alexander the Great, or even King David, who was known to have slain his 10,000s.

But in our normal every-day life, particularly as a Christian where there is often pressure to present a false ‘super-spiritual’ picture, a true warrior is someone who faces the rigours and injustices of life and survives. They are warriors because they live to tell the tale. They are victorious overcomers because instead of remaining as downtrodden victims, they drag themselves up from the dust and mire of catastrophe or rejection, and push forward through the doors of hope.

Women of Warfare friends and followers, only when you have truly met and committed your life to the Lord, only when you have engaged in prayer warfare and entrusted your well-being into the hands of your Creator-God, will those negative circumstances of life become a spiritual launching pad, enabling you to soar as victorious overcomers.

So, if you are guilty of doing this, stop wasting your life yearning for tomorrow.

Start living in the present, praying in earnest, and yearning for meaningful spiritual encounters with the God who holds your tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I’d encourage you to buy the book!

Order here

You may visit Shell Vera at her website and blog  

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Start living in the present, praying in earnest, and yearning for meaningful spiritual encounters with the God who holds your tomorrow.

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Self-Care During Lent

I realise this is the season of Lent and whether or not you have jumped on board with the whole denying-self routine, here are a few things I’d like you to consider, as part of your journey as a victorious overcomer.

How about denying yourself the “luxury” of thinking about yourself in negative terms?

How about taking the time to meditate on those scriptures which build your confidence about who you are in Christ?

How about you making a quality decision to oust from your consciousness, the malignant lies of the Enemy?

Proverbs 23:7 tells us in no uncertain terms that as a person thinks (habitually) in their heart, so that is who they will eventually become.

Are your predominant thoughts and habitual thinking focused on what other people think about you?

If so, how is that serving you, particularly if most of the time those thoughts and opinions undermine, rather than raise your self-esteem?

Why not take this season of Lent to minister some spiritual self-care and love?

Begin with how you perceive yourself!

Have you ever been treated as if you are a person of no value?

How did you respond?

It is easy to take on board the negative opinions of others (e.g. ageist, racist, sexist) but I am here to tell you today that there are only two opinions in this world that counts – God’s and yours!

Now if God feels you are worthy enough for him to send his Son to this earth to die for you, then who are you, in fact, who is anyone else, to think or say otherwise?

My dear friend, you are of value!

Stop dwelling on the unkind behaviour or negative opinion of others, which are (or were) designed to undermine you.

The Bible is FULL of God’s positive thoughts and ideas, towards and about you.

Here are just a few thought seeds to sow in the garden of your heart:

I AM created by God with infinite care and love

(Psalm 139:13-18)

I AM loved by God with a love which never changes!

(Jeremiah 31:3)

I AM chosen by God and precious ­

(1 Peter 2:4)

I AM so loved by God that he has adopted me into his family

(1 John 3:1)

God has so many wonderful thoughts about me they cannot even be counted

(Psalm 40:5; Psalm 139:17-18)

God’s innumerable thoughts towards me are thoughts of peace, and they give me hope for my final outcome

(Jeremiah 29:11)

There is a banner of love over my life, which speaks of Christ’s undying love for, and commitment to me.

(Song of Solomon 2:4)

Consider this.

Just before Jesus was driven into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, he received God’s ringing endorsement:

This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.

(Matthew 3:16-17)

Child of God, you are much loved.

Believe it. Accept it. Declare it.

You are loved and you are valued. End of!

With love,

Carol (aka Lady Cee)

A God-Seeker in His Secret Place (Psalm 91:1)

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SELF-SCRUTINY

• On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being the lowest and 10 the highest), how valuable do you feel in terms of God’s economy?
• What steps will you take to raise that value (presuming you have not scored yourself a 10!)?

Dear reader, your visit is appreciated. Would you be so kind as to share your response to this post in a comment box below? And, if you know someone who could benefit from its message, please don’t hesitate to share it. Thank you.

Are you looking for a resource that will help you to draw closer to God and develop a consistent and confident prayer life? Then please don’t hesitate to check out the links below.

AMAZON UK https://amzn.to/3ciUt1q

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5 Snippets on Prayer

(1)

If you want to know about prayer, examine the life of Jesus:

1. He prayed when the pressures of life increased.
2. He prayed when important decisions had to be made.

It’s when you think you don’t have time to pray, that you need to pray most. Spending time with God is the secret to having power with Him.

UCB Word For Today* (Excerpt from Devotional 26 June 2017)

In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.

(Proverbs 3:6 – The Living Bible)

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(2)

Whether placing stars or healing scars, no situation is too big or too small to get the attention of our loving God. To understand God’s healing expertise, look at the life of Job. No one in history lost more than Job did, yet God brought him through it all.

…Are you sad and heavy-hearted today? Do what Jesus did. Take time to pray about it.

UCB Word For Today* (Excerpt from Devotional 27 June 2017)

He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great he is! His power is absolute! His understanding is unlimited.

(Psalms 147: 3-5 – The Living Bible)

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Prayer shouldn’t be your last resort, it should be your first response. Prayer takes the situation out of your hands and puts it into God’s. #Christian #Prayer #SaturdayThoughts

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(3)

Jesus prayed when the pressures and expectations of others threatened to derail God’s plan for His Life.

…When you’re prayer-less you get careless. God has a plan for your life, and a schedule. To stay in sync with both you must pray regularly. Jesus realised He had only enough time to do what His Father wanted done, and that gave Him the ability to say no to other things.

UCB Word For Today* (Excerpt from Devotional 28 June 2017)

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

(Ecclesiastes 3:1 – NKJV)

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(4)

Jesus prayed when He was concerned about the people He loved.

…Prayer shouldn’t be your last resort, it should be your first response. Prayer takes the situation out of your hands and puts it into God’s.

…Invite God into the situation, then stand back and allow Him to work.

UCB Word For Today* (Excerpt from Devotional 29 June 2017)

Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly].

(1 Thessalonians 5:17 – The Amplified Bible)

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(5)

Jesus didn’t wait until the hour of His greatest crisis before he prayed. For three and a half years during His early ministry, He had built a life of prayer.

…Jesus had such an intimate relationship with His Father that in times of pressure and pain He could go to God, confident He would receive His sustaining grace. Can you do that?

UCB Word For Today* (Excerpt from Devotional 30 June 2017)

…Men ought always to pray, and not to faint…

 (Luke 18:1 – KJV)

Wishing you a peaceful and prayerful weekend.

With love,

Carol (aka Lady Cee)

A Student in His Secret Place (Psalm 91:1)

*Free postal copies of UCB Word For Today (UK and Republic of Ireland only) are available from: FREEPOST RLTX-ABUL-GRAR, United Christian Broadcasters, Westport Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4JF

For the online version click here:

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Are you looking for a resource that will help and encourage you to develop a consistent and confident prayer life? If so, don’t hesitate to check out the links below.

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What’s your response to this post? Please share your thoughts in a comment box below. Do you know someone who could benefit from its message? Then please don’t hesitate to share it. Thank you.

Are You Prepared for Life?

 

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Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was such a thing as a School of Good Habits, or if during our school days, Positive Habits Mastery had been on the curriculum?

I think many of us would fare a lot better in life, if we’d been taught how to adopt and maintain positive habits. Because when you think of it, a lot of what undermines us in life, is of course, bad habits!

If we always fail to get out of bed when the alarm clock goes off, it is a bad habit. When we always turn up late for appointments, it is a bad habit. When our default position is to think the worse, it is a bad habit. When we put off until tomorrow or next week, what we could, or should do today, it is bad habit.

Prayer and intercession are positive spiritual habits that we should maintain, yet many of us struggle with this, and not praying, or praying only in crisis situations, has become a bad habit.

The Bible tells us that we are not above our master but that it would be perfectly acceptable to be as our master (Luke 6:40).

Well guess what? Jesus (our Lord and Master), had a consistent prayer habit. The gospel of Luke tells us in several places that He often got up before dawn, to pray. Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not advocating that we do likewise!

I’m saying that if prayer (and I mean meaningful prayer – not the “bless me and my pet” kind from our childhood days), is not a regular habit of ours, then we should be looking at trying to change that.

Why?

Well, I have heard it said that prayer is to our spiritual life, what oxygen is to the natural life. What would happen if you suffered a lack of oxygen for too long?

Now imagine what your spiritual being looks like to God. Imagine what it might feel like to you, if you were to see your prayer life (or lack of it), in those terms!

There are some bad habits which whilst not good, you can still muddle along through life without coming to harm. But there are definitely other habits which could end up becoming life-threatening.

For instance, if you were to smoke 60 cigarettes per day, what is the likely outcome?

If you were to live on a diet of Coco Cola, cheesecake and chocolates only, how healthy do you think you’ll be, a few years down the line?

In the same way, a consistent, quality prayer life (or lack thereof), has future consequences. Those consequences will affect your relationship with God, your confidence regarding the effectiveness of your prayers, even your attitude towards and progress in life. And when a crisis hits, will you have the spiritual stamina to cope?

Friends and followers, if Jesus, the Son of God, felt it necessary to maintain a prayer habit, who are we to not do so?

Sorry to be blunt, but only pride, ignorance or deception would make a believer think that they don’t need to.

May I offer you some advice? If you do not already have a consistent prayer habit, please do something about it.

Not tomorrow. Not next month or next year. Do something about it today!

With love,

Carol (aka Lady Cee)

A Student in His Secret Place (Psalm 91:1)

Do you need a resource that will help and encourage you to develop a consistent and confident prayer life?

Petitions From My Heart is an ideal resource for the believer, no matter what stage you are at in your Christian walk, and no matter what your prayer ability, so don’t hesitate to check out the links below.

 

 

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Did you find this post encouraging? If so, please share your thoughts in a comment box below. Do you know someone who could benefit from its message? Then please don’t hesitate to share it. Thank you.

 

An Easter Sunday Prayer

 

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Who can compare with you Almighty God? There is no one like you. You are awesome. You are supreme. You are omnipotent.

I join with the psalmist in saying: ‘what is man that you are mindful of him?’ Yet I am so glad that you not only loved this world and loved me but you also sent your Son to this earth to die for us, making it possible for whomsoever believes and whomsoever will, to be reconciled to you… to become intimately acquainted with and worship you.

Today, I celebrate the resurrection of your Holy Child Jesus from the dead, which bears testimony to your miraculous power.

Hallelujah!

Lord Jesus, I acknowledge you as the Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, the one who was dead but is now alive and lives for evermore.

Hallelujah!

Holy Spirit, thank you for your anointing that teaches me. Grant me revelation knowledge regarding the outworking of this same resurrection power that resides within me. Help me to walk with confidence in this newness of life. Enable me to walk in the authority and dynamic power of Jesus, my Saviour, my Lord and my soon-coming King. Amen.

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The above prayer is an extract from my book, Petitions From My Heart. If you are looking for a resource that will help and encourage you to develop a consistent and confident prayer life, please don’t hesitate to check out the links below.

With love,

Carol (aka Lady Cee)

 

AMAZON UK – Print: click here; E-book: click here

AMAZON US – Print: click here;  E-book: click here

 

Did you enjoy reading this post? If so, please share your thoughts in a comment box below. Do you know someone who would benefit from its message? Then please don’t hesitate to share it. Thank you.

 

 

An Easter Petition

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I am sure it would not have escaped the notice of many of you who regularly read my posts, that I published a book of prayers last year, called Petitions From My Heart.

The prayer below is an excerpt from this book, which I share with you all, given the season of Easter.

I hope you will be blessed in your reading but I also hope this excerpt will serve as a sample of my book’s content and (if you have not already done so), will encourage you to explore its content further, even perhaps spur you towards a purchase!

Happy Easter!

 

—–oooooo000oooooo—–

 

Father God,

I thank you for sending Jesus to this earth to die for me and for every individual in the world, so that we might be redeemed from the hand of the Enemy and redeemed from the curse of the law.

Thank you for your perfectly executed plan, which not only satisfied your wrath against sin and demonstrated your mercy in providing an atonement but also outwitted the Prince of Darkness and his cohorts. Hallelujah!

Lord Jesus, you willingly relinquished your position of majestic power and prestige. Thank you for humbling yourself and assuming the limitations of human flesh in order to both identify with me and implement the will of the Father.

Triumphant Saviour, as I reflect on how you were betrayed and delivered into the hands of the Scribes and Pharisees, help me to learn from your exemplary conduct and your total commitment to the Father’s will. I thank you for your intercessory role and ministry and I pray your petitions will pave a path of humility in my life, enabling me to follow your example.

Holy Spirit, I acknowledge you as the one sent to walk alongside and assist me. Help me to walk worthy of the vocation to which I have been called. When occasion demands, bring back to my remembrance the relevant scriptures and motivate me to put my fleshly inclinations and desires to death and faithfully follow Christ. I thank you Holy Spirit for empowering me to take up my cross daily and follow Jesus, my Lord and Saviour. Amen.

With love,

Carol (aka Lady Cee)

Author of: Petitions From My Heart

 

Did you find the above post useful? Are you looking for a resource that will help and encourage you to develop a consistent and confident prayer life? If so, don’t hesitate to check out the links below.

 

AMAZON UK – Print: click here; E-book: click here

AMAZON US – Print: click here;  E-book: click here

 

I’d love to know your response to this post. Please share your thoughts in a comment box below. And if you know anyone who would benefit from a boost to their prayer life, please don’t hesitate to recommend my book and share the purchase links. Thank you.

 

 

 

A Living Letter Read by Others!

 

 

Simply No Excuse!

I’m sure I’m not the only one.

In fact, I’m positive I’m not the only child of God who has said something, or done something that undermines the integrity of the Christian stance we’ve taken and the godly pathway upon which we’ve chosen to walk.

But doing so, provides my enemies with ammunition, which they have no hesitation in using. And so, with perfect glee (whether behind my back or at point-blank range), they shoot and scoff: Call yourself a Christian do you? What a hypocrite! Now the fact that other people have fallen in this regard does not excuse me. As a child of God, I’m not called to measure myself against others but against God’s Word, His Will, His standards.

 

 

Stock-Check Your Spiritual Life

The Bible clearly tells us to examine ourselves (our thoughts, our attitudes, our conduct):

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. (2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV)

Another version puts it this way:

Check up on yourselves. Are you really Christians? Do you pass the test? Do you feel Christ’s presence and power more and more within you? Or are you just pretending to be Christians when actually you aren’t at all? (2 Corinthians 13:5-6 The Living Bible).

 

So how often do we stop and do this?

It is only as we take an inventory of our beliefs and our behaviour that we can comply with this request.

Unfortunately, we are more likely to focus our telescope or magnifying glass upon the deeds of others, than upon ourselves. No wonder Jesus issues a reprimand about seeking to remove a small spec from the eyes of those around us, whilst a log obscures our own vision and discernment!

 

Are You Play-acting Through Life?

Nobody wants to be a hypocrite.

I certainly don’t and I’m 100% sure that you don’t want to be one either.

Now don’t get me wrong. I get that we are not perfect beings and that we’ll never reach that stage of absolute perfection until Jesus returns. However, we do have a responsibility to live as true to our confession of faith and commitment to Christ, as far as we possibly can.

We do not want to be like the Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees of Jesus’ day, whom he denounced as “white-washed sepulchres”.

And we don’t want to be guilty of using our righteousness and liberty as a cloak to hide, or perpetuate a sinful lifestyle (1 Peter 2:15-16).

So how can we be sure that we are doing our utmost to live up to God’s standard of holiness?

As already suggested above, we can regularly examine our hearts and our lives.

And, as David did, we can ask God to search our hearts and reveal any hidden ways of rebellion and dishonesty.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23 KJV).

 

Before I go on, let me make something perfectly clear. Righteousness is not the same as holiness.

 

Righteousness –v- Self-righteous Rituals or Religious observance

Righteousness is our legal standing of approval and acceptance in God’s eyes.

Righteousness is a state of being which God has imputed to us because of our faith in Jesus Christ, because of that precious blood which He had shed for us, thereby justifying us in God’s sight.

Righteousness is a quality that cannot be increased or decreased. Just as daytime does not become night simply because rain clouds accumulate and dark skies occur, so the condition of righteousness we’ve been given, cannot be undone or contaminated by good or not so good deeds.

 

Holiness on the other hand is a godly standard of living. It can be maintained. It can be increased or it can be undermined.

Religious observance is not holiness. And rituals or legalistic rules do not constitute holiness.

From my understanding of the scriptures, I believe that holiness is a decision to separate oneself from the corrupting influences of the world. I believe it is a loving and submissive obedience to God, which results in reverence for and towards him, plus respect for and towards others.

When we indulge in behaviour that displeases our Father God and stands at odds to what we know we ought to do, then (provided our hearts have not become callous), the Holy Spirit convicts us. He does this as we read God’s Word, as we receive the counsel and teaching ministry of those placed in authority over us, or through His direct promptings within our hearts.

 

A Heart He Smites, Is a Heart that will do right!

Even King David revealed that his heart “smote” (i.e. convicted) him when he’d sinned.

And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.” (2 Samuel 24:10 KJV)

The other day, I read a post from one of my blogger friends, where the Holy Spirit “smote” her heart about a less than Christ-like behaviour. You can read about it here.

I laughed as I imagined the scenario and could identify with that temptation to become impatient and engage in behaviour which condemns us later down the road.

And indeed, there have been those occasions where my own heart “smote” me for un Christ-like behaviour, such as indulging in gossip and backbiting.

Dear reader, perhaps you can relate.

There are periods in our lives when we feel “enough is enough” and, taking umbrage because of other times in the past when we were pushed around or made to feel like a doormat, we charge full steam ahead, pushing our way past those who dare to stand in the way of our self-esteem.

Friends, as we go about our day-to-day lives, let us not forget that we are actually living, breathing, letters being read by others. It may be strangers. It may be work colleagues. It may be family or friends. But you can jolly well bet that amongst those onlookers, there will be a few enemies. So let us diligently strive to walk on God’s Highway of Holiness, so that our lives make at least good, if not riveting reading!

 

This Week’s Prayer Focus: (Don’t forget to put on your spiritual armour before entering the battlefield of prayer!)

Let’s pray for ourselves and for one another in the body of Christ that we will pay heed to James’ admonition to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only…” (James 1:21-24)

 

PRAYER:

Father God,

We come before you in meekness and with humility. Forgive us for those days when we fall far short of your standard of holiness. Forgive us when we indulge in less than Christ-like behaviour, in order to assert our rights or upholster our self-esteem.

Help us to remember Christ’s example in the face of challenging or humiliating circumstances. Help us to remember that he chose the path of obedience and humility and, as we recall his example, may we choose to emulate him.

O Lord God, help us to also remember the behaviour of Christ’s religious contemporaries, which stood at odds to His gospel. Let us take warning from this and examine our own ways.

Lord Jesus, we thank you for your precious, efficacious blood that even now speaks on our behalf from the mercy seat in heaven. We thank you that your blood speaks of nobler things than the blood of Abel, which had cried out for vengeance. We are so grateful to you that your blood cries out “mercy”, “forgive them for they know not what they do”. And we thank you dear Lord Jesus that whilst you are seated beside our Heavenly Father, you continue to make intercession for us.

Holy Spirit, what a precious gift you are to us. During the coming days, weeks, months and perhaps even years, help us to walk worthy of our calling. Help us to walk uprightly upon that Highway of Holiness. Whenever we stumble or fall, or deliberately desert that path, motivate us to repent, arise and move forward, confident that we are righteous in God’s sight. Finally, we ask that you make us zealous in our commitment to please and obey our Father God, in all of our ways.

We ask this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

© Carol Hind

Author of: Petitions From My Heart 

(If you live in the UK click here)

 

 

 

Women of Warfare followers and visitors have a wonderful and victorious week!

Did you enjoy reading this post? If so, please share your thoughts in a comment box below. Do you know someone whom would benefit from its message? Then please don’t hesitate to share it. Thank you.

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 Sunday’s Supplications

Sunday’s Supplications invites you to not only read the posts but also participate in the prayers. Let’s pray for ourselves and for each other. Let’s obey God’s command to watch and pray for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18)

Please note, you do not have to be a blogger to join this praying community.

 

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CREDITS: The above CC0 images come courtesy of Pixabay.com

A Living Dog Trumps a Dead Lion!

The above CC0 image comes courtesy of Pixabay.com

 

But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. (Ecclesiastes 9:4)

 

During my devotional time with God recently the phrase “an unpretty path” kept coming to mind. I knew I’d written a post with this title a while ago and felt that perhaps God wanted to bring this to the attention of someone.

Perhaps you are a reader who feels you are at the end of your tether. You are doing your very best to walk in faith and victory but somehow everything always seems to go pear-shaped. You are wondering whether you will ever experience the sweet taste of victory. You are wondering whether God really cares… whether he is listening to, or has even heard your prayers… and if so, why doesn’t he change your circumstances now?

If so, this post has been written especially for you.

 

—–oooooo000oooooo—–

 

…when the baggage of past negative experiences meet with the pressure of current difficulties, and when the vision of your future seems cloudy, burdensome or overwhelming, you might (as Jesus did) be tempted to ask God to relieve you, to take your cup of troubles away from you. We all want that idyllic path but more often than not, success requires us to travel via a thorny crossroad.

It is at this point of pressure that we face a choice. Do we back away from the path we have chosen, or do we trust God to empower us, to enable us to carry on?

Are we truly committed to our Father-God so that honouring him, obeying his will, takes priority over our own pain, fears, disappointments and discomfort? Are we focused on the bigger picture, knowing that once we achieve success, it equips us with the means to bless others?

 

—–oooooo000oooooo—–

 The above is an extract from a post titled It’s An Un-Pretty Path! If you would like to read the entire post please click here. 

Dear reader, I know what it’s like to become trapped within a cycle of negativity. To suffer debilitating hurts and wounds from nasty individuals within your life, whether they be colleagues, church members, family or “friends”. To experience perpetual punches from the Enemy, as he pushes your thoughts around from pillar to post and pulverizes your self-esteem.

I know what it’s like to feel bullied… to believe that the ill-treatment you’ve received in life means you are both unloved and unlovable… to give up hope on ever receiving the welcoming smile and warm handshake of favour. I know.

But. Dear reader. I have come through to the other side.

I came. I saw. I conquered! In that I FINALLY came round to God’s way of thinking about myself and about my circumstances. And as I saw myself in the light of God’s Word (rather than through the warped lens of my persecutors), I began to walk in victory, I began to see myself as a conqueror – not the conquered!

Perhaps you feel you cannot go on. Perhaps you are afraid to, or have no idea how to assert yourself, and so you’ve decided to just roll with the punches others mete out, to accept defeat and live a second-hand “poor me” existence.

Dear. Reader. No!

That is NOT God’s best for you. That is NOT God’s plan for your life. That is NOT your destiny!

So, whether you see yourself as an underdog… whether you feel you don’t have the willpower, or the energy to fight anymore… whether you see perpetual clouds on your emotional horizon, God’s liberating word for you today is: Don’t give up! Don’t accept the lies of the Enemy.

• Let the weak say: I am STRONG!
• Let the victimized say: I am MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!
• Let the hopeless say: God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above ALL that I can ask or think!

So trust God. And hold on. Your change WILL come!

With love,

Carol (aka Ladycee)

Author of: Petitions From My Heart

(If you live in the UK click here)

 

I do hope the message in this post has benefitted you in some way. If so, please share your response in a comment box below.

Do you know someone to whom this message applies? Then please don’t hesitate to share it. Thank you.

 

Not Now God!

 

I recently learned about a children’s story titled: Not Now Benard, from a work colleague.

When I heard the plot, I was shocked. Could this really be a popular children’s story? And how on earth could it be considered suitable reading material for young children? Just hearing about it disturbed me. I was intrigued and had to check it out for myself.

After doing so, I became even more convinced that this was more a story (a warning in fact), to adults, particularly parents. I also thought that this bizarre tale held a salutary lesson for us as Christians.

Now, if you are not familiar with this tale, you can watch a 2min version of it here.

As Christians, is it possible that when we habitually make excuses about our prayerlessness, when we say we are too busy to pray, we are by default allowing a spiritual monster to devour our loved ones and devour aspects of our own lives?

When we say: “Not now God!” (either literally or by default), when we choose other priorities, we may be unwittingly opening our lives to the presence of that spiritual monster, Satan.

Just a thought.

 

An A-Z Challenge – Looking back over 2018

 

 

I have to admit that when it comes to the idea of developing an attitude of gratitude, I’m a keen advocate. Particularly since God’s Word warns us that an unthankful attitude can cause us to have futile and foolish thoughts and worse, darken our hearts (see Romans 1:21).

No way do I want this to be my story!

I came across the idea of a Thankfulness challenge from Dainty M. See her post on this at: https://daintym.com/2018/12/30/think-thank-challenge-2018/

Dear friends and followers, there are some who expected to celebrate the New Year but did not even make it to the end of 2018. Remember – if it were not for the grace of God, this could so easily have been me, or you!

It’s easy to beat up on ourselves if we haven’t accomplished the goals we set out to achieve, or to entertain a bad attitude because life didn’t deliver the goodies we’d envisaged. As we prepare to close the door upon 2018 and move forward into a brand new year, let’s do so with a positive spirit. Let’s do so with a heart FULL of thanksgiving to our Father God, for his gracious goodness toward us.

And now for my personal take on this challenge, as I look back upon the year(s) gone by.

First and foremost, I am thankful that recent years have seen me develop and maintain an attitude of gratitude. It’s easy to go through life with a “poor me” mentality. Self-pity only blinds our eyes to the good aspects of our current circumstances.

I am grateful for unlimited access to books.  I love reading and in the past I have devoured books in the hundreds. This year I’ve read 13 non-fiction books and 7 novels. I’m supremely thankful for the various versions of the Bible available, and in keeping with my goal to read the entire Bible once per year, I have so far read 44 of the 66 books in the Amplified version (Yes, I am somewhat behind!). This makes a grand total of 64 books read this year, which have educated, entertained or empowered me. Yay!

I am thankful for Christmas. Not necessarily the baubles, gifts and glitter of the season but for the real reason we celebrate this event – the birth of Jesus Christ! If God had not sent him into this world, I shudder to think about where you and I would be, as spiritual outcasts doomed to damnation.

I am grateful to God for deliverance. Not just for the instant deliverance from the power of sin, received when I entrusted my life to Christ and chose to become his disciple, but also for daily deliverance from the power of the Enemy unleashed within and against my life and the lives of my loved ones.

I cannot thank God enough for his generosity of heart in granting us the opportunity of eternal life. I’m referring here not just to the assurance of life after death, a glorious future in heaven where neither tears nor trials will exist, but also to the God-quality type of life we can enjoy now, right here upon this earth, as an heir of salvation.

I am hoping for many things in 2019 and beyond, should God spare my life! I am therefore thankful for faith (the substance of things hoped for). I am grateful to God that even if my faith is as small as a mustard seed, it is enough to secure my miracle, or a significant breakthrough. It is sufficient for me to be able to withstand the wiles of the devil and emerge as a victorious overcomer!

During the latter part of this year, I have enjoyed the wonderful ministry of two individuals: (Joel Osteen and Rabbi Schneider).  I am so, so thankful for godly ministers such as these two men and the positive spiritual input they have contributed to my life.

I am thankful for the presence and assistance of the Holy Spirit. What a priceless and precious resource to have in one’s life! When I don’t know how or what to pray, when I have no idea what I should do in a particular situation, when I need the back-up of a spiritual heavy weight, guess whom I turn to. That’s right – my confidante and helper – the eminent Holy Spirit!

I am thankful God did not make us robots but blessed us with imagination. Now in the past, I have used this to my detriment, imagining mostly negative scenarios. But what a blessing to be able to use this ability in pursuit of our gifts and calling! What a blessing to be able to use this gift as a visualisation tool for success… to be able to use this in our creative endeavours. Recently, I wrote a poem, Autumn’s Soliloquy (click here to read), which I could not have done without the use of my creative imagination.

And how can I not be grateful for Jesus? He is my Lord and Saviour. He is the author and finisher of my faith. And it is only through him and because of him that I am able to reign over troublesome circumstances.

I am thankful for the gift of kindness. This year, I’ve been on the receiving end of beautiful acts of kindness from two of my sisters, who decided to celebrate me and whom God used to both tell and show me that I am “special” in his sight; as well as through prophetic words of encouragement received from a blogger (meet Holly), someone I have never met! Isn’t God amazing?

I am thankful for love. That is, God’s love! Agapē love. A brand of love that is extravagant and extraordinary. An unconditional love. A love that has been extended to me without reservation. Many people have gone out of their way to show me their disdain. But the one who has every right to shun me, has lovingly embraced me, welcomes me into his presence and wants to associate with me. I can only reiterate with heartfelt gratitude the lyrics of Graham Kendrick’s song, in which he so aptly observes: Such love!

I am thankful for precious memories. Having suffered the loss of my mother two years ago, I am grateful for those memories of when she was here on earth with us. Cherished memories of wonderful times at Christmas and birthdays which she created, are now stored within my memory bank alongside memories of her faithful prayer life, which challenges me to do better in my own spiritual journey.

I am thankful for new opportunities. Every day is a fresh chance to draw closer to God, to become a better version of myself as a disciple of Christ, to improve my relationships, to conquer adverse circumstances.

I am thankful for the various occasions that grant me an opportunity to dress up, meet with family members and friends, or host dinner parties at my home. Concerning the latter, I guess I’m more like Martha in the Bible, who became hot and bothered by all the preparation, rather than sitting and enjoying the company of her visitor. I also love those special celebrations, which enable me to participate in an atmosphere of praise and worship to our Father God. And I’m deeply thankful that I live in a country where I can enjoy such occasions without fear of persecution.

Without the shadow of a doubt, I know I could not survive, or thrive, without Prayer. I am thankful indeed for the opportunity to communicate with my Father God, at any time, without the need to make an appointment, or go through a third party. I am thankful for the privilege of having direct access to the ear and heart of the most powerful being in the universe.  

I am grateful for the ability to quench my thirst – whether literally (I live in a country where I can pour myself a clean glass of water to drink whenever I wish), or metaphorically (I can consult an expert or avail myself of the vast knowledge on the Internet) at the click of my mouse.

I am thankful for Rick Warren’s manifesto on the meaning of life, as revealed in his book, The Purpose-driven Life. This year’s re-reading of Warren’s 40-day spiritual guide has been a huge blessing to me, as I’m reminded of God’s five-fold purpose for my life.

I am thankful to God for a sound mind. There are so many people suffering from depression, or dementia, or some form of mental illness. There are also those of us who ordinarily believe that we are of a sound mind, yet we are being driven by different debilitating fears. I thank God for the lessons he is teaching me regarding maintaining a sound mind.

Today and every day, I am thankful for the Truth of God’s Word. The word of family and friends, line managers, national leaders and world rulers (even our own words), can prove fickle, untrustworthy. God’s Word is stable, fixed and unchanging. He will not break his covenant, or alter the word that has gone out from his lips (Psalm 89:34).

I appreciate and am grateful for the UCB Devotional, Word For Today (you can check out the audio and written versions of this resource at:  https://www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today). As anyone familiar with my two blogs: A Purpose-driven achiever and Women of Warfare! can confirm, I highly recommend this spiritual resource written by Bob and Debby Gass and often quote from these within my posts.

I’m grateful for the support of various bloggers, such as Shell Vera, who regularly leave a comment in response to my posts. As a blogger, comments are like gold dust. They are the only means by which I can receive valuable feedback to my posts. Equal thanks goes to those who regularly drop by and “like” my posts. You are a treasure!

I never thought I’d find myself uttering these words but I am thankful for my work. It is a job, rather than a career, but I am thankful that through this position, I’ve been able to help pay bills, maintain the roof over our head, enjoy great holidays and give towards the work of God’s kingdom.

I thank God for the X-chromosome that produced me. As Psalm 139 accurately and definitively declares: I am fearfully and wonderfully made! It’s reassuring to know that God purposed I should be born, even before my conception. It is so awe-inspiring to know that God planned every single detail of my conception from the parents who would raise me, to my geographical location. What an amazing God!

I’m not ashamed to admit it. I’m thankful to God for YouTube! Through this channel I’ve discovered motivational speakers such as: Brendon Burchard, Jim Rohn and Les Brown.

Finally, I am grateful for the zealous individuals who come across my pathway whether in the Body of Christ or in secular situations. I am thankful for the inspirational messages of people such as the Apostle Paul, TD Jakes and Maya Angelou.

Thank you dear Father God, for ALL that you have done within, for and through me, in 2018.

 

CREDIT: The above CC0 image comes courtesy of Pixabay.com

Progress Check – Where are you on your journey?

Hello Peoples!

How are you doing?

I trust you are enjoying an abundant life, enjoying your privileged relationship with God, and making good progress on your spiritual journey.

At the beginning of this year, I wrote a 7-part series which focused on your journey – the journey you will take from 1 January to 31 December 2018. I asked you to think about what this journey will look like.

Will it be a journey of frustration, or a journey of faith?

Will you emerge from this year’s journey as a victorious overcomer, or will circumstances hold you captive and make, or keep you a victim?

It may seem harsh to hear what I’m about to say but I hope you will hear me objectively and realise that I speak from a heart that genuinely wants the best for you.

So, what am I about to say?

That whether or not you reach the end of your journey this year as a victorious overcomer, will be your own choice!

And so my dear spiritual buddy, what are you choosing? Are you choosing to obey God’s Word or spending too much time listening to the voice of the Enemy? Or are your ears constantly attuned to the voice of secular opinion?

Are you choosing to die to self-serving desires, or to live a life which honours and glorifies God?

Are you praying or complaining? Praying or pity-partying?

Dear reader, whether by intention or whether by default, your decisions, your mind-set, your habitual actions will determine the success or failure of your spiritual journey this year.

I close with this beautiful quote I discovered today:

 

Whatever your storybook carries within its pages, own it with love, courage and compassion. Remember that you can change your story at any time – nothing is fixed and we all have free will. We should not seek to love someone else’s journey more than we love our own; the swords of comparison are sharp and cutting to our soul and innermost values. We are all designed unique with our own original paths to walk through; we lose momentum and our natural impulses for creativity and progression when we focus our energy on other people.
― Christine Evangelou, Rocks Into Roses: Life Lessons and Inspiration for Personal Growth

 

Have a blessed weekend!

ooooOOOOOooooo

 

In case you’d like to remind yourself of my message to you at the beginning of this year, or if you are a new visitor to Women of Warfare! here is the link to my post referred to above (click here).

 

Comfort For Your Journey

 

Good morning lovely people!

I came across this beautiful quote a few moments ago and just had to share it with you all.

Thanks for taking the time to read and have a blessed and God-flavoured day!

With love,

Lady Cee ♥♥♥

 

If we never experience the chill of a dark winter, it is very unlikely that we will ever cherish the warmth of a bright summer’s day. Nothing stimulates our appetite for the simple joys of life more than the starvation caused by sadness or desperation. In order to complete our amazing life journey successfully, it is vital that we turn each and every dark tear into a pearl of wisdom, and find the blessing in every curse. 

― Anthon St. Maarten, Divine Living: The Essential Guide To Your True Destiny

 

The above CC0 image comes courtesy of Jose Antonio Alba at Pixabay.com

Encouragement for your journey (2)

Success is a journey – not a destination!

 

Hello friends and followers,

How’s your journey going so far?

I hope you are managing to maintain your determination and optimism.

So here’s my second post in this series. Is your relationship with God flourishing? Are you seeking to draw even closer to him this year? I do hope so!

Many of you will have heard the saying: It’s not what you know but who you know that matters. Well that saying is never more true than when you are a child of God. Make it your aim to become intimately acquainted with his nature, with his heart, with his Word, his will, plan and purpose for your life.

As you listen to the short video below, may it motivate you to seek God’s face like never before. May it spur you to keep going, to reign in your circumstances. And may the grace and power of God enable you to emerge at the other end of 2018 as a victorious overcomer. Amen!

 

 

• How can you draw even closer to God this year?
• Will you let him into those hidden areas of hurt in your life?
• Will you allow him to cleanse and heal you?

Love,

Carol

Encouragement for your journey (1)

Success is a journey – not a destination!

 

 Hello friends and followers,

The journey to which I refer in the title of this post is the journey you will take from 1 January to 31 December 2018. What will that journey look like? Will it be filled with frustration or fuelled by faith? Will you emerge as a victorious overcomer? The choice is yours!

I don’t know about you but I love to receive words of encouragement and my Bible tells me that we should encourage one another while it is still “today”. So, because I want 2018 to be a year of immense satisfaction with regards to spiritual growth, personal development and significant achievements (both for myself and for you), I will be using the next few posts to send some encouraging vibes, or motivational messages your way, as you begin this journey.

 

 

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know your response in the comment box below. I’d love to hear from you.

And if you know anyone who would benefit from some inspirational encouragement, please don’t hesitate to share it with them, or with your social network.

Love,

Carol

 

 CREDIT: the above CC0 image comes courtesy of Pixabay.com

 

His Healing Balm

 

Why is my pain perpetual

And my wound incurable,

Which refuses to be healed?

(Jeremiah 15:18a NKJV)

 

Is your soul in need of healing?

This blog exists because I have a desire to encourage the people of God, particularly women, to walk victoriously, to reign in whatever circumstance they may find themselves in, which the Enemy may have orchestrated, or which has occurred as a result of their own disobedience to, and rebellion against God.

This blog exists to encourage you dear reader in your journey through life.

Do you need soul surgery?

Do you need to experience the healing balm of God’s unconditional love and mercy?

Then spend time in his presence.

He loves you. Absolutely.

He cares for you. Without the shadow of a doubt!

He hurts with and for you. Listen to what his Word says:

 

You have seen me tossing and turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in your bottle! You have recorded every one (i.e. each tear) in your book.

(Psalm 56:8 The Living Bible)

 

My Father-God has your very best interests as a primary concern upon his heart. So don’t let anything or anyone (not even yourself!) convince you otherwise.

Trust him. Yield to him. Seek to obey him.

Allow Jehovah-Rophe (the Lord God your healer) into those areas that have been bludgeoned by the merciless clubs of rejection and pierced by the swords of betrayal.

Allow him to begin that healing process TODAY.

I close this message with a few quotes that I trust will speak meaningfully to you and encourage you.

 

Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives. (author unknown)

 

For every negative there is a possible, for every failure there is success and for every broken heart there is someone out there to help you mend it, you just have to have faith and believe that even though the clouds are out, the sun will shine on your life again. (Rashida Rowe)

 

The day you let go of hurt and embrace healing is the day you will start to move forward in your life (Rashida Rowe)

 

Hate is self-destructive. If you hate somebody, you’re not hurting the person you hate. You’re hurting yourself. And that’s a healing. Actually, it’s a real healing, forgiveness. (Louis Zamperini)

 

Faith is the cure that heals all troubles. Without faith there is no hope and no love. Faith comes before hope, and before love. (Malika E. Nura)

 

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;

Save me, and I shall be saved,

For you are my praise.

(Jeremiah 17:14 NKJV)

 

Women of Warfare followers and visitors – have a wonderful and peace-filled weekend.

 

CREDIT: the above CC0 image comes courtesy of Arek Socha at Pixabay.com

Choosing a Journey of Joy

 

There was a song I used to sing in Sunday school that went something like this:

I’ve got joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart,

Down in my heart,

Down in my heart,

Yes – I’ve got joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart,

Down in my heart today.

 

As mentioned above, I used to sing it in Sunday school, yet if the truth be known, I really didn’t know what joy was. I suppose I thought it was just another word for happiness. I now know better.

I’ve since learned that joy is an ingredient of the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22). I therefore now understand that JOY in the biblical sense can only be experienced by those who are born-again (i.e. who have committed their lives into God’s hands and accepted Jesus as their saviour and invited him to be their Lord).

Even so, I still didn’t have a full grasp of what JOY is, or what it looked like, other than I believed it was a higher, deeper expression of happiness.

Well, I recently came across a wonderful and insightful definition of this quality.

Bob and Debbie Gass, writers of UCB Word for Today  shares the following:

• Happiness is external
• Joy is internal
• Happiness depends on outward circumstances
• Joy depends on inward character
• Happiness depends on what happens to us
• Joy depends on who lives within us
• Happiness is based on chance
• Joy is based on choice.

Now it is obvious to me that happiness is an unstable emotion because it fluctuates. The pursuit of joy is therefore a wiser move. Why? Because Jesus says that the joy he gives, is a joy that remains:

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

(John 15:11 NKJV)

 

As a woman of God, desirous of reigning in life through the power of Christ and aiming to walk each day as a victorious overcomer, I’m making a conscious decision to choose joy.

What do you choose?

 

CREDIT: CC0 image from Pixabay.com 

The darkness you have been through

The Beauty of Prayerful Submission

 

The following is a beautiful post I came across today, which I’d like to share with you all.

If you (as Christ’s disciples did), feel your prayers lack oomph, or if you wish to increase your prayer prowess, do as this blogger did – ask!

God will certainly hear your prayer and grant your request. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you – that’s why he was sent – to come alongside believers and help. So ask! Ask today. Don’t delay!

💖 💖 💖

 

I have been asking Jesus to show me how to pray. I am often thinking that it’s in relation to how I pray for others, but there’s so much I need to learn. How to approach him, how to wait for him, what I need, what he needs to show me. This was where he […]

via empty vessel, living sacrifice  — Threads of a Remnant

For God’s Sake, Let’s Grow Up!

 

Do you remember as a child how anxious you were to grow up?

Perhaps one of your parents, or a school teacher, used to measure your height against a wall at regular intervals and you took delight in the fact that you had grown taller since last month or last year.

Perhaps you watched one of your parents perform a task and you wanted to help because it made you feel “grown up”. Or perhaps when family and friends asked you your age, you added a half-year, or a three-quarters-of-a-year to your actual age because it made you sound older (I’m 6 and ¾ years old).

May I ask whether that same eagerness to grow, to mature, has transferred over to your spiritual life?

Are you as keen to imitate your heavenly father and Jesus, your older brother?

Do you take stock of your habitual actions and attitudes in light of God’s Word, to see whether they reflect those of a mature man or woman of God?

And if you do, are you satisfied with your conclusion?

There are several instances in the Bible where we are encouraged to grow and mature in our walk with the Lord.

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:1-2 NKJV).

 

 …till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect [i.e. mature] man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

So, as a child of God have you considered asking the Holy Spirit what area of your personality, or walk with the Lord you need to focus on this year, in order to mature as a believer, in order to walk as a victorious overcomer?

Do you have an accountability partner whom you can trust and with whom you can pray?

As a prayer warrior, or a prayer intern, have you set goals?

It could be as small as praying 5mins each day for a lost soul (whether family member, or friend), or as involved as engaging in diligent intercession for a nation notorious for persecuting Christians.

If having considered the above questions you feel there is a distinct lack in your life with regards to spiritual growth and maturity, between the time you were first born-again into God’s kingdom and where you are now, are you willing to do something about it?

Let me challenge you dear child of God to make 2017 a year of tangible personal growth, a year of perceptible spiritual maturity.

All God requires is a willing heart and obedience. So make him a proud parent! After all, given his amazingly generous sacrifice of love and, after all he has done for me and for you, he surely deserves to be – don’t you think?

Now remember, God doesn’t expect us to achieve all this through our own efforts.

‘Not by might nor by power, [i.e. personal ability] but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6b NKJV)

So don’t hesitate to invite the Holy Spirit’s assistance—that’s why Jesus sent him to come alongside us in the first place!

And don’t forget to keep a record of your progress (perhaps through journaling), so you have some means of checking how much you’ve grown and so you have the evidence for which to give glory, thanks and praise to God.

Blogger friends and visitors, I wish you an abundantly blessed and victorious week and, I pray you will experience a discernible measure of growth in your spiritual life this year!

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What’s your response to this post? Please leave a comment in the box below and if you enjoyed reading, or felt challenged, don’t hesitate to show your appreciation by leaving a ‘like’. Thank you.

The above CC0 images are from Pixabay.com

To All Fellow-Bloggers, Followers and Visitors

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR – WOW FOLLOWERS AND VISITORS!

 

As the old year retires and a new one is born, we commit into the hands of our Creator the happenings of the past year and ask for direction and guidance in the new one. May He grant us His grace, His tranquillity and His wisdom!

Peggy Toney Horton, Does God Want Us to Be Happy

 

A New Year has tiptoed in. Let’s go forward to meet it. Let’s welcome the 365 days it brings. Let’s live well with love in our hearts towards God and all people. Let’s walk through its corridors with praise songs on our lips.

Anusha Atukorala

 

Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.

Brad Paisley

 

No, dear brothers [and sisters], I am still not all I should be but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us. Philippians 3:13-14

 

Lord, as the New Year dawns today,

Help me to put my faults away.

Let me be big in little things;

Grant me the joy which friendship brings;

Keep me from selfishness and spite,

Let me be wise to what is right.

A Happy New Year! Grant that I

May cause no tear to any eye.

When this new year in time shall end,

Let it be said: “I’ve played the friend,

Have lived and loved and laboured here

And made of it a happy year.”

Edgar Guest (1881–1959), “Prayer for the New Year”

 

Thank you dear followers and readers for supporting me with your visits, comments and likes. It is truly appreciated.

May the Lord bless and keep you throughout 2017. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. And may the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Best wishes,

Carol

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https://apurposedrivenachiever.wordpress.com

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“…If you love what you are doing, you will be successful” – Albert Schweitzer

 

The Politics of Hope

This morning my heart is heavy.

The hospital doctor has told me they are unable to help my mother as she is not responding to treatment. Therefore, once the current infection in her body has taken hold (the source of which they say they are unable to identify), it will take her life. It could be days. It could be weeks. I am numb with disbelief.

I have a choice—choose to be a victim and succumb to anger and resentment (and believe me I have struggled with these)—or choose to be a victor.

But how does one emerge a victor in such a scenario?

One refuses to listen to the lies of the Enemy who whispers: how can God love you when he has not answered your prayer for miraculous healing? How can God love your mother when he is allowing her to die from such a cruel disease and without dignity?

One let’s go of the desire to dictate to God what he should do… how he should “prove” himself to you by manifesting his might and miraculous power within your mother’s life—surely her healing would bring glory to him?

One let’s go of the desire to determine how He (who does all things after the counsel of his own will) should perform, and genuinely say: “not my will O Lord but your will be done”. One accepts that you may not understand… the situation may not seem glorious or victorious, but God IS nevertheless in control.

One continues to pray and to believe God’s Word—even though circumstances may scream the exact opposite of what you have prayed and believed… even though circumstances question the very integrity of God’s Holy Scriptures. After all, neither Satan, nor man has the last word.

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. Desmond Tutu

One humbles self. I am not omnipotent. I am not omniscient. I am not omnipresent. I am a servant of the most High God—He does not serve me!

One dies to self. Dies to the temptation to be immature… to try to bargain, to sulk, to throw your spiritual resources (faith, hope, trust in God) out of the window.

One refrains from asking: “why my mum?” After all she has done. After all her faithfulness to God, to the Body of Christ, to the Great Commission, to her church members.

One rejoices in the fact that God has honoured me to be the daughter of such a beautiful, godly mother. One celebrates her life, her example and, as Proverbs 31:28 decrees will happen, one rises up and calls her blessed.

One prays for her… that she will be comforted by the Holy Spirit… that the Lord will minister to her with that peace which surpasses natural understanding… that God will continue to strengthen her with might in her inner man and that He will be the health and brightness of her countenance.

One commits her into our Father God’s hands knowing that He loves her with an EVERLASTING love, knowing that his mercies are NEW every morning, knowing that he is able to cause ALL things to work together for her good, since she has been called according to his purpose.

One trusts in the Lord with all their heart and refuses to lean on their limited understanding.

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure… than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt

One forgives. And one lets go those who have not celebrated or appreciated her the way you believe they should. But if not quite able to do this, one shares their heart, their feelings openly with the Lord (who sees and knows all things) and one asks him to work within your heart and bring you to the place where you desire to do God’s perfect will and also obey it.

One submits to the washing from the water of God’s Word, to the Word’s sanctifying fire, so that the dross of self-serving demands and ungodly attitudes are purified from one’s life.

One prays with new understanding and listens to the wise counsel of the Holy Spirit and sees from a new perspective.

One says along with Job: “shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10).

One hopes.

…hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

(Romans 8:24-25 NKJ)

 

QUESTION: How do you deal with disappointed hopes?

Help My Unbelief!

Hello dear ones,

I came across this video today during my cyber travels and felt I just had to share it with you all. Please don’t let the title put you off! This is not just a message for unsaved people.

Okay (I hear you ask), just where does the issue of evil come in? Well, before I explain, let me first introduce the following text:

So watch your step, friends. Make sure there’s no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God.

Hebrews 3:12 (The Message)

 

As you can see from the above quote, God tells us in no uncertain terms that unbelief is evil.

Now please understand that I am not accusing anyone of being evil.  However, because the Bible clearly tells us unbelief is evil, we have to accept that any belief system or predominant thought pattern contrary to God’s Word, is therefore evil.

Now, I’d be very surprised if there are any amongst us who will deny that they’ve had their struggles with unbelief. In fact, let me be the first to put my hand up and admit that I’ve struggled with this in the past and it has become even more an issue for me since witnessing the declining health of my dear mother.

Again and again, I’ve had to cry out to my Father God with the same desperate prayer uttered in Mark 9:24: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”.

Dear precious reader, if you are struggling with believing God’s promises because of a delay to your prayers, or if you feel confused and discouraged about perplexing world events or any other negative circumstance, don’t shrug your shoulders and remain passive in whatever situation seems to be at odds with God’s Word and don’t entertain the lies of the Enemy.

Carry your burdens and troublesome issues to God in prayer. Ask Him to work within your heart and bring you to the place where you can trust Him with all of your heart and not lean upon your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

And dear reader, if you are someone who has not yet made a commitment to Christ, I pray your heart will be open to the Spirit of God, as he woos you with his Word and soothes you with this beautiful music.

If this post, or the video speaks to you please let me know in the comment box below – even if it is to reiterate that prayer from Mark 9:24. Thank you.

WoW! followers and visitors have an exceedingly blessed weekend.

 

 

Five Minute Friday – DECIDE

Q: What is Five Minute Friday?

A: It is a 5min free write blog event hosted by Kate Motaung. Every Thursday Kate announces a one-word prompt on her blog at 10pm EST. The link-up is open for a full week, until the following Thursday evening. For further details on how to participate visit her blog at: Heading Home.

Image from Pixabay.com

 

Five Minute Friday Prompt: DECIDE

I’ve often likened my Christian walk to a James Bond assignment.

Yes, I get to decide to follow Jesus. I get to decide whether or not to obey God’s laws, his directions, his requirements. I do not get to decide my path.

I get to choose my destiny but I do not decide how I will reach it. Like John (Christ’s disciple) said: I must decrease and allow Jesus, the “anointed one” to increase in my life, to take the initiative.

My journey sometimes has clear directions but more often than not it has several roads where I have to decide which one to take. In order to make sure I am on the right path, God’s path, I have to humble myself and ask him. I have to allow his lamp to guide my feet and his light to direct my path.

I hate making decisions and this often leads to me either taking an inordinate amount of time in doing so, or putting off making it at all. That’s why it can be a relief having an all-seeing, all knowing, all powerful God take care of the decision-making for me.

 

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Five Minute Friday: ALIVE!

Q: What is Five Minute Friday?

A: It is a 5min free write blog event hosted by Kate Motaung. Every Thursday Kate Motaung announces a one-word prompt on her blog at 10pm EST. The link-up is open for a full week, until the following Thursday evening. For further details on how to participate visit her blog at: Heading Home.

 

Image by Alexas_Fotos (Pixabay.com)

Five Minute Friday Prompt – ALIVE

What a wonderful privilege I have been given. I am alive!

There was a time that I had God’s breath in me but I was merely existing, going from day to day in a spiritual fog, not knowing who I am, or where I was going in life. But since I invited my Saviour (the Lover of my soul), into my unregenerate heart, into my sordid life, I became alive!

Easter (being the time when I celebrate what my wonderful Saviour has done for me), has caused me to reflect upon the fact that if Jesus had not been raised from the dead, there would have been no hope, no destiny, no glorious future for me. I would have remained locked in a prison of misery.

Hallelujah to the Lord God Almighty! Because of his love for me, because of Christ’s obedience to him, I am alive!

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New PDA Post! – May I Wash Your Feet?

Hello Fellow Bloggers,

I write for another blog site but for some obscure reason my posts from there do not appear in the Reader. Consequently, I have no means of driving traffic towards this other blog, or making potentially interested bloggers aware of its existence.

I am therefore resorting to advertising my new posts through my Women of Warfare! (WoW!) blog and appreciate your forbearance.

 

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Image from Benno Oosterom – Pixabay.com

In recent weeks we’ve been looking at life metaphors. One of mine is that life is a journey. I believe most of you would agree with me that we are all on a journey of some kind—a journey towards our dreams and aspirations, towards God’s purpose for our lives and ultimately towards our eternal destiny.

In biblical times it was the custom for hosts to wash the dust and grime from the feet of their guests. It was an act of hospitality but also seen as an act of servitude. To wash someone else’s feet requires humility, as demonstrated by Jesus when he laid aside his garments to wash the feet of his disciples.

To read this post in its entirety please visit: https://apurposedrivenachiever.wordpress.com/2016/03/25/may-i-wash-your-feet/

If you are minded to leave a comment, like, or rating of this post, please do so on my PDA blog site. Many thanks!

 

Is Your Life-Metaphor Flawed?

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

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Metaphor:

• An expression in which the person, action or thing referred to is described as if it really were what it merely resembles (Chambers 21^st Century Dictionary)

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In his book, The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren states that the way we see our lives will shape our lives. He says, whether consciously or unconsciously, our life-metaphor (the internal image we have of life) will influence how we conduct our lives…

Interested in reading more? Please visit my PDA blog.

Not yet read part one? Follow this link.

 

PS: If you wish to like this PDA post, or leave a comment, I’d be grateful if you would kindly put these on my purpose-driven achiever site. Thank you.

 

O Come Let Us Adore Him!

Image: CC0 Public Domain – Pixabay.com

 

O Come…

Come. This requires us to leave our present situation, or move from our current location. It requires effort and a firm resolve on our part. It requires us to move from the position we are currently occupying – wherever that may be, whatever we may be doing. As well as it being a move from a physical place, it could also apply to a shift in our psychological state, or spiritual stance.

O Come…

The shepherds had to temporarily leave their duties in order to come. The wise men had to leave their country, their interest and preoccupation with astrology, their theories and text-book assumptions.

O Come…

Come. It requires us to respond to and accept an invitation. The invitation is to come, see and adore the Lord Jesus Christ. It requires humility – an admission that we don’t have it all… don’t know it all. It requires us to have ears to hear what God, or His servant, or the Holy Spirit is telling us. It requires us to let go of any desire to control our lives and be willing to take that journey, travel that path, which our Father God has predestined for us to walk in. It involves leaving our comfort zone.

O Come…

Come. What does it take for me or for you to respond to this invitation? What will it cost? It involves coming away from one location and arriving at another (usually an unknown), destination. It sometimes involves coming away from fear and arriving at a realisation of God’s unconditional love, or moving away from doubt and arriving at a place of faith. It could involve stepping away from a place of ignorance… from a place of passively waiting for the fulfilment of God’s promise(s), to a place of revelation… a resolve to passionately pursue the manifestation of God’s power.

What situation, paradigm, or religious stance do you need to come away from in order to “see” Jesus as Wonderful, Counsellor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace? (Isaiah 9:6)

What hindering mindset do you need to move away from in order to receive the rich resources of heaven, which Jesus’ birth has made available to you?  Will you come away from doubts and distractions and adore this holy child Jesus? Will you accept the invitation and come today, tomorrow, whenever, for whatever you may need? Will you approach him in humility, receive his precious offering of love, forgiveness and unqualified acceptance, adore him as your grace-giver, healer, intercessor and Saviour?

Dear reader, don’t hesitate, don’t listen to the voice of your arch enemy, don’t question, don’t doubt – just come!

Man Down!

Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise… (Micah 7:8)

 

If you’re familiar with the various types of cop dramas on TV, the above phrase will not be unfamiliar to you. For those of you who do not recognise, or know what this phrase means, it is used by the police fraternity to inform other members that one of their own has been shot, maybe even fatally wounded.

I want to borrow that phrase and apply it to the wounded saints and warriors within God’s Kingdom. I want to flag up those people within the Body of Christ (including myself), who are currently hurting, particularly those serving at the frontline as prayer warriors, or ministry leaders. Man down!

There are men and women, who in the line of duty have been targeted by the Enemy. His aim is to distract, discourage and dishonour. Man down!

I have walked with the Lord for a few decades now. My particular path, foreordained by God, has been an arduous, rough and largely lonely one, since friends are few, family members are preoccupied and the fellowship of believers oft times cliquey. Apart from the companionship of my husband, it’s been a solitary pilgrimage. In picking up my cross to follow Christ, I’ve traversed a hostile terrain, one charted by sustained unpopularity and systematic assassination of my character. Man down!

My path has led me into Enemy territory – towards mountains of adversity, across the Great Sea of Sorrow and through the Valley of Achor*. Man down!

I have cried over the perpetual and malicious cycle of mockery, scorn and derision. I’ve sighed at the shrine of sabotaged dreams, mourned at the monument of missed opportunities and crawled in the dust of punctured self-esteem. Man down!

No doubt, as I continue along this pathway, I will still at times struggle with seasons of self-pity, still have to wrestle with promises-of-God fatigue and still have to cope with days of despair.

But…

I know without a shadow of doubt that no matter how many times I must circle the desert because of disobedience, no matter how many times I must walk through the wilderness because of wilful rebellion, no matter how often I must engage with the Enemy of my soul who prowls and roars, waiting to pounce on his prey – because the Lord my God is with me, I will arise (Micah 7:8).

I know that when I choose to discard the spirit of heaviness and wrap myself within the garments of praise, God’s strength will empower me to rejoice in him (Philippians 4:4), to continue to rejoice in hope and to be patient during trials and tribulation (Romans 12:12). Warrior arise!

I know that when I tear my eyes away from my circumstances and keep them focused upon the God of my salvation and upon his promises, He will keep me in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Warrior arise!

I know that whenever I call upon him, my awesome God will rend the heavens, ride upon the wings of a swift wind and rescue me from the schemes, snares and strategies of Satan (2 Samuel 22:7-20). Warrior arise!

I know that my God will cause all things (the good, the bad, and the ugly!) to work together for my benefit (Romans 8:28). Warrior arise!

I know that because Jesus loves me, and laid down his precious, sinless life for me, I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). Warrior arise!

I know that no weapon forged against me will prosper, that the weapons of my warfare are not carnal but mighty in God and are capable of pulling down strongholds (Isaiah 54:17; 2 Corinthians 10:4). Warrior arise!

And because I know that greater is he that is within me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4), because I know Jesus has given me authority over all the power of the Enemy (Luke 10:19), I have determined in my heart (whether I walk through green pastures, or through the valley of the shadow of death), I will put on my spiritual armour. I will take my place on the battlefield of prayer and I will resist the wiles of the evil one. I will stand in the strength and might of my God and assert the victory of Christ’s resurrection life and power (Ephesians 6:10-11).

I will, as God’s flawed but feisty warrior get up from the dust heap of defeat and discouragement—and I will arise!

 

*Valley of trouble (see Joshua 7:24-26)