Category: Victory & Power

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Defeat the Giant

Yesterday we talked about impatience. How did you do? Did you sail through your day, willing to wait, with a good attitude or did you hit the road block of unexpected delays and disruptions?

I can say that my morning was pretty much interruption free but that doesn’t require much patience. In the afternoon, I felt more hurried and pressed to get things done and done NOW. I know I wasn’t as patient as I should have been.

When those obstacles or disruptions come our way we need to face things head on like a little shepherd boy with a giant. Am I comparing impatience to Goliath? You bet!

Impatience is a giant of an emotion and just like Goliath, impatience has brothers – anger, criticism, strife and rude behavior.

While the Israelite army was standing on a hillside trying to avoid conflict with the Philistines, Golaith would walk out and taunt them daily. There was no victory, no peace. What was a needed was a confrontation – a confrontation wrapped in prayer and the power of God.

You see, when David went to meet Goliath he picked up 5 stones. This was not a backup measure in case he missed with the first one. No! If that had been the case he would have been dead. It was an offensive tactic, he wanted to be armed to take out the whole family.

So let me ask – what giants are you facing today? Have you been avoiding them? Choosing to go another direction? There will come a time that you must face the giants but not in your own strength. God will be there to lead you into battle victoriously – you must simply trust in Him.

” David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the Lord will let me defeat you. I will kill you. I will cut off your head and feed your body to the birds and wild animals. And we will do the same thing to all the other Philistines too. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.” I Samuel 17:45-47 ERV

Follow His lead and claim victory today!

“I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 ERV

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Making Choices

The last few mornings I have had to make a choice that has delayed my blog. I have been getting out earlier for my morning walk because the temperatures in the desert have been increasing.

It was already in the mid-80’s when Dave and I walked out the door at 5:30. Yep. By the time we got back we were both a sweaty mess. Choices.

I know if we didn’t go out then it would be too hot later. There was something about turning 70 a couple weeks ago that told me I MUST be serious about my health for me and my family. It’s never easy but it’s beneficial.

“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will take him out of trouble and honor him. 16 I will please him with a long life. And I will show him My saving power.” Psalm 91:15-16 NLV

Now, I don’t want you to think that I am some great fitness achiever – I’m not. In fact, I still have another 20+ pounds to lose before I will feel I have accomplished my weight goal but I am working toward it.

“Growing strong in body is all right but growing in God-like living is more important. It will not only help you in this life now but in the next life also. 9 These words are true and they can be trusted.” I Timothy 4:8-9 NLV

There you have it – a strong body and a strong spirit are both important. God has given us His word on it.

I know how hard it is to make good and healthy choices at any stage of life so I want to encourage you and I would appreciate your prayers too.

“This is why I have never stopped praying for you since I heard about you. I ask God that you may know what He wants you to do. I ask God to fill you with the wisdom and understanding the Holy Spirit gives. 10 Then your lives will please the Lord. You will do every kind of good work, and you will know more about God. 11 I pray that God’s great power will make you strong, and that you will have joy as you wait and do not give up.” Colossians 1:9-11 NLV

More words to live by…God’s great power makes us strong, don’t give up. That’s where my failure comes, giving up before reaching my goal. Maybe you experience that too. So, today Scripture becomes very practical to me.

Trust the Lord to lead you and give you His strength to reach your goal. We have victory in Jesus!

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Held in Bondage

A new day! A fresh start – opportunities, potential, promise all lay ahead of you today. How will you spend the time that God has given you today?

If there are obstacles in your way do what Moses did:

“And the LORD said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh as he comes out to the water. Then say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.” Exodus 8:20 NKJV

Speak to that situation that is trying to keep you enslaved and tell it the Great I AM has freed you from its power. You have been moved to a place of victory through your relationship with Christ.

Is there a particular fear or apprehension that has you weighed down? Has anger and bitterness kept your emotions locked in chains?

“Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us, 4 because everyone who is a child of God has the power to win against the world. 5 It is our faith that has won the victory against the world. So who wins against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” I John 5:3-5 ERV

Joshua told us we would have good success if we kept our thoughts centered on God’s word day and night. Our faith strengthens when we are focused on His word.

“Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ERV

King David told us to rise early and seek God.

“Show me your faithful love this morning. I trust in you. Show me what I should do. I put my life in your hands! 9 Lord, I come to you for protection. Save me from my enemies. 10 Show me what you want me to do. You are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me over level ground.” Psalm 143:8-10 ERV

Don’t despise getting up early. It’s God’s time of preparation, getting us ready for the day and a walk of victory!

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I Wonder…

if I could sing at midnight?

“We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.” Proverbs 16:9 CEV

I’d like to tell you the story of a couple of fellows who let the Lord direct their plans.

They had been arrested for casting a devil out of a woman. Made a lot of folks mad and so they were beaten and thrown into the inner prison. They were chained in a dirty prison cell and they were in the dark. They knew they were being treated unfairly. They had plenty of reason to complain and bemoan their situation.

But instead of complaining they sang. Not quietly, they sang loud enough for the other prisoners to hear them. Singing at midnight in a dirty jail cell – what was there to sing about?

“Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from his love?…37 But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. 38-39 Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love…” Romans 8:35-38 ERV

Paul wrote these words. It was Paul and Silas who were in that prison cell. He knew that he had complete victory through Christ and that nothing could separate him from God’s love!

And as they were singing, God brought victory in the form of an earthquake.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was an earthquake so strong that it shook the foundation of the jail. All the doors of the jail opened, and the chains on all the prisoners fell off. 27 The jailer woke up and saw that the jail doors were open. He thought that the prisoners had already escaped, so he got his sword and was ready to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t hurt yourself! We are all here!’

29 The jailer told someone to bring a light. Then he ran inside and, shaking with fear, fell down in front of Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Men, what must I do to be saved?’ 31 They said to him, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all who live in your house.’” Acts 16:25-31 ERV

Paul and Silas were free but they didn’t escape. They stayed to share the Good News of God’s love with their jailer. When we trust God’s love and His direction, even a jail cell is an opportunity to tell about His goodness.

It’s possible you are in prison? Have you been badly mistreated and abused? Locked away and forgotten? Has sickness or poor health chained you to a wall? Has fear or financial ruin put you behind bars?

You’re not alone! God is right there with you – nothing will separate you from His love. Let that sink into your heart – it will cause you to sing at midnight and in singing praises to the Lord, your heart will come to a place of peace and the prison doors will open.

Rest well! God is bigger than your prison and He breaks every chain.

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What’s That Annoying Sound?

Roaring lion or barking Chihuahua, which one is the devil dressed like today?

“6 Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. 7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. 8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.” I Peter 5:6-8 CEV

Satan comes as a roaring lion. He isn’t a lion but he does a good job imitating one. He roars and the intense sound can shake us to our core. His roar sounds different to all of us. To some the roar is cancer, to others it’s divorce or financial devastation. It can be death of a loved one or loss of a job. That awful roar is intended to paralyze us with fear.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV

Roaring Lion conquered but now for the Chihuahua.

Years ago, we were holding a Camp Meeting at a ranch in Northern Arizona. When we arrived at the ranch, our friends weren’t home and we were greeted by their little dog that lived under the porch. He came out with the most ferocious bark he could muster. As I took a step toward him, he ran back under the porch.

This was a scene that repeated itself a number of times over the next 20 minutes. Finally, frustrated I scolded him and told him to hush. He ran back and stayed under the porch until his owners came.

I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart. He said, you know that little dog is a good example of the devil. He’ll yip and bark and annoy but he can’t win. The victory has been given to you through Christ Jesus! Don’t let him distract you from what you were called to do.

Annoying little distractions.

Currently, we are doing some site improvements and we have a list of things that need to be done. The list seems endless and there is an order, some things can’t be done ahead of others.

Yap, yap, yap. I hear that little Chihuahua of distractions barking and trying to frustrate Dave and me.

This morning I’m stomping my foot and sending the adversary running. God knows every detail and step that we need to take and I’m not going to be distracted, worried or frustrated by the enemy’s yapping!

“I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

Listen. The roaring and yapping have stopped. What you hear now is the sound of victory!

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Going Through

This morning I did a search on the word “bridge”. I wanted to share with you some wonderful thoughts about Jesus being our “bridge over troubled waters” (yes, our church youth choir actually sang that when I was in high school). But there is no bridge Scripture.

I got to thinking about times in the Bible when people would have needed a bridge. Crossing the Jordan, The Red Sea, Sea of Galilee. You know what I found – God either parted the water or gave power to walk on it.

You may be looking for a bridge. Looking for something to help you cross a river of circumstances in your life. I want to offer you a new prospective. Instead of looking for a way over, look for a way through.

“Elijah took off his coat, folded it, and hit the water with it. The water separated to the right and to the left. Then Elijah and Elisha crossed the river on dry ground.” II Kings 2:8 ERV

“But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says: Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 43:1-3 TLB

The Father has victory for us if we keep our eyes on Him.

“At once, Jesus said to them, ‘Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.’ 28 Peter replied, ‘Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.’ 29 ‘Come on!’ Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him.” Matthew 14:27-29 CEV

The first thing you will hear from the Lord is “don’t worry, don’t be afraid”. In other words I can hear Jesus saying, “I’ve got this!” Peter’s problem came when he got his eyes off Jesus and on the circumstances. We must keep our focus and not become distracted from God’s promises.

But if we do get scared, like Peter, we call out for help and Jesus will grab ahold of us and bring us to safety.

“ But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid! Be strong, and see how the Lord will save you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today, you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you. All you have to do is keep still.’…Then Moses put out his hand over the sea. And the Lord moved the sea all night by a strong east wind. So the waters were divided. 22 And the people of Israel went through the sea on dry land.” Exodus 14:13, 14, 21, 22 NLV

So instead of trying to build a bridge today, keep still, step in and go through with God!

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It’s A Done Deal

This morning I would like us to think about what Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished”.

I know that I have used this Scripture in Colossians on many occasions. It is one of my favorites. It gives insight to what Jesus meant by the statement above.

“God lives fully in Christ. 10 And you are fully grown because you belong to Christ, who is over every power and authority. 11 Christ has also taken away your selfish desires, just as circumcision removes flesh from the body. 12 And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death. 13 You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God’s people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins.

14 God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. 15 There Christ defeated all powers and forces. He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when he celebrated his victory.” Colossians 2:9-15

Here’s a brief recap of the above. All the fullness of God lives in Christ and since we are in Christ all God’s fullness lives in us. All of His power, faith, love and righteousness are ours – we need to renew our minds to what God has done for us.

By Christ’s death and resurrection, we have been raised to new life and our old sinful nature has been circumcised – it has been cut away. All of our sins have been forgiven and we have been made alive unto God – a new creature, a whole new species of being.

God the Father wiped out all the charges of sin that were against us when He nailed them to the cross and they were blotted out by Jesus blood. I like to think of it as this – He crashed the hard drive and all the evidence of our sin was lost forever!!!

On the cross Jesus defeated all the forces of hell. The picture painted here is of a Roman ruler parading a defeated monarch through the streets of his capital city, naked. He did this to prove to the monarch’s subjects that their king had been defeated completely, humiliated and he was unable to control what was forced upon him.

This is what Jesus did to Satan when He was placed in the tomb. He marched into hell; gather up Satan and paraded him through all the streets of hell – naked – striped of the keys of death, hell and the grave – striped of all his power – to prove that Jesus is Lord!

Oh, my goodness, if you’re not shouting by now – you’re in need of resuscitation!

He did this for you and me. He didn’t have to come to earth to have power over Satan, He had it since the beginning. He came to die and in death defeat Satan for us – we were the ones under his rule. What He did in hell, He did as our substitute and he defeated the devil and sin on our behalf so that we could have the fullness of the Father operating in our lives!

It’s a done deal.

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Harness the Wind

Dave and I enjoy watching shows on sailing. I’ve never been on a sailboat but I find that mode of transportation fascinating. There are a whole new set of pioneers who are crossing the waters of the world in their sailing vessels.

Recently we watched a movie, Kon Tiki, based on the travels of a Norwegian explorer, sailing from Peru to the Polynesian islands on a balsa wood raft with a crew of five men. They were subject to the power of the trade winds.

Another movie we watched was the chronicling of a young, 16-year-old, Australian girl who solo circumnavigated the globe. It took her 210 days to complete her trip. The movie shows how depressed she became when she was left without wind for seven days. No wind, no forward movement.

These modern day sailors, like their ancient counterparts, learned to harness the wind and navigate their way through the seas.

This morning the wind is blowing. I’ve been awake for several hours listening to it gust and die down only to gust again. That’s what prompted my thoughts on sailing but then it also guided my thoughts to God’s power and provision.

I’ve been thinking about the followers of Christ in the book of Acts. These were the men and women who stumbled in their faith while Jesus was here on earth but became an unstoppable force after His resurrection.

What made the difference?

The wind.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes into your life. You will tell about Me in the city of Jerusalem and over all the countries of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NLT

They had been timid in the face of adversity. Peter had denied even knowing the Lord when he was confronted on His association with Christ. Thomas had doubted the resurrection. Their testimonies were dead in the water, so to speak.

But then…

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit…” Acts 2:1-4 NLT

The wind of the Holy Spirit touched their lives and propelled them forward with the bold testimony of Jesus and salvation through His name.

“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today…38 Peter replied, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” Acts 2:32-33, 38 NLT

The presence of the Holy Spirit is vital to our lives as Christians. He empowers us to live the life God has designed for us. We will be emboldened the same way they were almost 2000 years ago.

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” Romans 8:11 NLT

It’s not a physical wind that propels us forward but something much greater – the power of the Holy Spirit. Harness the wind!

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ALWAYS

You’ve heard the old expression “Practice What You Preach”; well, I’ve had that opportunity many times. Sharing thoughts about peace and how keeping our minds STAYED on the Lord is the only real way to a life in peace.

To me, it is one of the most important seeds from God’s word that I can plant in my life.

Like many of you, I’ve had the invitation to attend a big old pity party. The guest list is small – me, myself and I plus my thoughts. When trying to figure out where all these thoughts come from, we should realize we need to take action against them. The source of these thoughts is our enemy and the one who would like to rob our peace.

The Apostle Paul gives us instruction on recognizing our enemy and he tells us how to fight him.

“Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.” Ephesians 6:10-12 CEV

“For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way, 4 since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments 5 and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 CEV

I love the part in this verse that says “taking every thought captive to obey Christ”!

Those thoughts of self-pity aren’t in line with God’s kind of thinking and so they have to go. I’d love to say that victory is instantaneous, but it probably won’t be. However, each time those thoughts try to come back, we should shift our focus and keep our mind stayed on God and His amazing love. Peace will return. When we stay focused the peace stays…just like He said it would.

Years ago, our oldest granddaughter came to visit. It was just her and I for almost two weeks. We had a great time together. One Sunday morning we were watching a pastor on tv. He was preaching a message on victory in Christ.

“ But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 ERV

Always leads us in victory!

Fear likes to hold us captive – there are so many what ifs and unknowns. But Christ leads us to victory and gives us peace. For many years my granddaughter and I have just written the word “Always” in some of our communications. We both know it describes the message we want to convey.

Today I share it with you, may you ALWAYS have victory and stay in the peace of God.

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Prayer Warriors

This is one of those rainy nights when I find myself up praying. Praying for those specific needs I know and praying by the Spirit for needs that are beyond my understanding.

First of all, I prayed for myself that I would know God’s will for my life in the day that will break in the next few hours. I prayed that I would be able to minister to you and to others I’ve not yet met.

“‘Be sure you watch. Pray all the time so that you may be able to keep from going through all these things that will happen and be able to stand before the Son of Man.’

37 Everyday Jesus taught in the house of God. At night He went to the Mount of Olives and stayed there. 38 Early in the morning all the people came to the house of God to hear Him.” Luke 21:36-38 NLV

We all face difficulties. None of us experience the troubles, defamation, and persecution that Jesus did. He is our example of a prayer warrior. Notice the verse above says he went to the Mount of Olives at night – everyone else went home but He went to the mountain top to pray. He lived what the Apostle Paul wrote.

“Never stop praying. 18 In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:17-18 NLV

The role of a prayer warrior isn’t glamorous. Every follower of Christ is commissioned to it, it’s our calling.

“You must pray at all times as the Holy Spirit leads you to pray. Pray for the things that are needed. You must watch and keep on praying. Remember to pray for all Christians.” Ephesians 6:18 NLV

The Old Testament prophet Elijah was a man of prayer. He prayed and the dead were raised. He prayed and the Lord sent him to a widow woman and her son during time of drought and he saw their provisions miraculously sustained. He prayed and God held back the rain for 3 1/2 years. He prayed and God sent fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice, proving to the unbelievers that our God was the only true God. Then he prayed again and the rain returned.

These instances weren’t the work of a super saint, but they were the outpouring of God on behalf of a man, a man like us, who believed God and prayed.

“The prayer given in faith will heal the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Tell your sins to each other. And pray for each other so you may be healed. The prayer from the heart of a man right with God has much power. 17 Elijah was a man as we are. He prayed that it might not rain. It did not rain on the earth for three and one-half years. 18 Then he prayed again that it would rain. It rained much and the fields of the earth gave fruit.” James 5:15-18 NLV

Never think your prayers don’t mean much. When you are praying for others and for your own needs, much power is released.

Thank you to all who have accepted the calling of the prayer warrior!

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