I recently attended a funeral for the mother of a friend. The night she fell ill she was heading to church. During the funeral, the preacher told us that prior to leaving the house she had asked a family member, "how's my dress?" This lady was known for always looking her best and for being a fashion pioneer in this area. She made it to church that night, but died a few days later.
The preacher stated that we as Christians ought to ask the same question when it comes to our spiritual garments: how is my "spiritual dress?" Such a powerful question! How do we look in the eyes of the Lord? Are our outfits too tight and "binding" in certain areas - i.e. envy, jealously, unforgiveness? Have we put on the garment of praise? Or are we still cloaked in the spirit of heaviness? Are you wearing your armor today (you know the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of rightousness, etc.)?
The next time you get ready to leave your house and go out into the world representing God's kingdom, ask yourself "how is my dress?" (Remember, God has a great return policy on used garments! No receipt necessary because He's already paid it all! Hallelujah!)
Monday, January 29, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Drive It Out
In their efforts to possess the Promised Land, the children of Israel were told to drive out the inhabitants that were living in Canaan. God said that if they obeyed this instruction, He promised to help them win their battles. But instead of driving out the inhabitants, the Israelites got a little "friendly." They married into the Canaanite families, took on their idol worship and other practices. As a result they never fully possessed the Promised Land and eventually fell into capitivity. (Judges 1). Something that Joshua warned them about, saying that if they go back and cleave to a remnant of these nations that there would be hefty price to pay. (Joshua 23:12)
Sometimes God instructs us to get rid of or "drive out" some things in our life. These are things that are keeping from us from walking in victory, and possessing whatever the Promised Land is for us. But instead of driving these things away, we start to remember the good times and try to compromise. Hanging on to just a remnant of the very thing that is actually killing us spiritually. These things later become a snare for our souls, leading us into Satan's captivity. God told the Israelites since they proved to be unfaithful to Him, that these inhabitants would now be a thorn in their sides, and their gods would be a snare unto them (Judges 2:3). The only thing the Israelites could do was cry.
Let's not even consider the consequences of disobedience, because the rewards of sacrifice are so much better. If God says drive it out, put the pedal to the medal and be blessed.
Sometimes God instructs us to get rid of or "drive out" some things in our life. These are things that are keeping from us from walking in victory, and possessing whatever the Promised Land is for us. But instead of driving these things away, we start to remember the good times and try to compromise. Hanging on to just a remnant of the very thing that is actually killing us spiritually. These things later become a snare for our souls, leading us into Satan's captivity. God told the Israelites since they proved to be unfaithful to Him, that these inhabitants would now be a thorn in their sides, and their gods would be a snare unto them (Judges 2:3). The only thing the Israelites could do was cry.
Let's not even consider the consequences of disobedience, because the rewards of sacrifice are so much better. If God says drive it out, put the pedal to the medal and be blessed.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
It Ain't Over
Are you faced with a situation that seems to be dead? A loved one that you just don't think will get saved; a dream that seems like it will never be realized; a ministry that just can't seem to grow. In your mind it may be over, but it is never too late for God. Not only can He work a miracle with the living, He can even resurrect the dead.
Check out the story of Lazarus. No doubt his friends and family loved him and had expectations for him. But when he died, they buried him and started trying to figure out how to live without him. As far as they were concerned he was gone, never to return again. When Jesus arrived 4 days later, Lazarus' sister told Him "if you'd been here earlier maybe Lazarus would have lived." It was like telling God "you're too late! I needed you then but you did not come. I've already buried him (it); what can you do now?" But my God is not limited by time. He is the creator OF time! And it does not matter what time or stage you've reached in your situation, God can turn things around.
So whatever it is that you've given up on, understand that God can still bring it to pass. He can still saved that loved one. He can place a baby in a barren womb. He can restore love in your marriage and give life to a dead situation. Those desires/goals/wishes you've buried in your mind and heart can still come to pass. Is there anything too hard for God?
Check out the story of Lazarus. No doubt his friends and family loved him and had expectations for him. But when he died, they buried him and started trying to figure out how to live without him. As far as they were concerned he was gone, never to return again. When Jesus arrived 4 days later, Lazarus' sister told Him "if you'd been here earlier maybe Lazarus would have lived." It was like telling God "you're too late! I needed you then but you did not come. I've already buried him (it); what can you do now?" But my God is not limited by time. He is the creator OF time! And it does not matter what time or stage you've reached in your situation, God can turn things around.
So whatever it is that you've given up on, understand that God can still bring it to pass. He can still saved that loved one. He can place a baby in a barren womb. He can restore love in your marriage and give life to a dead situation. Those desires/goals/wishes you've buried in your mind and heart can still come to pass. Is there anything too hard for God?
Monday, January 22, 2007
Praising in Pain
A young woman had one child, but really wanted to have another one. The first child was already a miracle because doctors told her she would not get pregnant. So she thought God would again honor her request with no problem. The pregnancy came but ended in a miscarriage. And so did the next one. Had she done something wrong? She had prayed so hard, laying hands on her womb, speaking life and calling those things that weren't as though they were. But yet God had allowed death instead of life to touch her body... twice. It was her Job-like experience; a time of great pain while doing all she knew how to serve the Lord. Well-meaning church folk said that "it's just God's will," and that she should "be glad, because the baby could have been deformed." Her response was simple: if the child had abnormalities, isn't God the Almighty healer?
Through this pain, life still goes on. And so do her praises. She is not foolish enough to "curse God and die" as Job's wife suggested in his time of sorrow. She has decided to trust God that the pain is for a reason; a purpose that only He could design. When you see her lift her hands towards heaven, its not because the praise team said to do it; its because she has finally learned to surrender everything to the only one who can control it all. She's just going with the flow.
Through this pain, life still goes on. And so do her praises. She is not foolish enough to "curse God and die" as Job's wife suggested in his time of sorrow. She has decided to trust God that the pain is for a reason; a purpose that only He could design. When you see her lift her hands towards heaven, its not because the praise team said to do it; its because she has finally learned to surrender everything to the only one who can control it all. She's just going with the flow.
The All-Seeing One
How many times have you been faced with a situation or problem and you were ready to take action, only to discover you didn't know what to do? You prayed but you heard nothing; there was no strong desire to do any particular thing. Could it be that there is nothing for you to do? As women, we have a subconcious desire to fix everything; to make it right for everyone around us. But is that God's will? Sometimes He allows the problem or situation to come so that you can ask HIM to do something about it. We don't have all the answers, but He does. Because God is all-seeing and all-knowing, He alone knows what type of action is required for each situation.
For example, if you have a loved one with an alcohol problem, you cannot force that person into rehab. If they are not willing to get help, they will not be rehabilitated anyway. It can be extremely frustrating, especially if this is a long-term problem. You want to see that person healed, but they just don't seem to want it for themselves. But instead of beating your head against the wall for someone else's problem, ask God to help you see it from His perspective. You will feel a weight being lifted as you take the focus off of your frustrations and see the alcoholism as a stronghold for that loved one. Your words will go from anger to a desire to see God's healing power take over and destroy that stronghold. God may not want you to do anything except pray. So just go with the "flow."
Whatever the situation - loved one's addiction, a friend's impending divorce or a negative work situation - turn to the all-seeing God for your instructions. He's the perfect Commander-in-Chief because He will never lead you astray.
For example, if you have a loved one with an alcohol problem, you cannot force that person into rehab. If they are not willing to get help, they will not be rehabilitated anyway. It can be extremely frustrating, especially if this is a long-term problem. You want to see that person healed, but they just don't seem to want it for themselves. But instead of beating your head against the wall for someone else's problem, ask God to help you see it from His perspective. You will feel a weight being lifted as you take the focus off of your frustrations and see the alcoholism as a stronghold for that loved one. Your words will go from anger to a desire to see God's healing power take over and destroy that stronghold. God may not want you to do anything except pray. So just go with the "flow."
Whatever the situation - loved one's addiction, a friend's impending divorce or a negative work situation - turn to the all-seeing God for your instructions. He's the perfect Commander-in-Chief because He will never lead you astray.
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