Monday, April 28, 2014

humility...

It was  an act of humility.------ Jesus had to leave His throne of glory.  He became man, and thus granted us eternal redemption.

Philippians 2. 5-8
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!  

God's burning desire is for souls.
God wins.
We win when we have been obedient and allowed God to use us -- and another is saved.

This is nothing short of a miracle in itself.
Think about it.

Proverbs 11.30
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."

I heard something today that really made me think.

I know in my own life -- I chased after God for a VERY LONG time and I judged others and always --  compared their lives to mine.   I was raised that way -- to look at what others were doing and then compare.  From those standards I could tell myself if I was 'better' or 'needed improvement'.  Now mind you -- I am not blaming my parents.  I am not blaming grandparents,  culture, or the fact I  grew up on a dairy farm....I really am not.

  I will not allow the enemy to remind me to BLAME my past.  My past is not to blame.  But...the way I was taught and what I saw on TV and around me - did shape my thoughts and how I behaved.  IN a sense, we are all a product of our environments.

That is just me.   So, as I said, I can go back to the 'old chell' very quickly - I have not forgotten her.

And when I do - I  get a VERY SICK feeling -- of shame-- if I allow myself to go there.  But, I have been forgiven.

I  used to judge others.    I looked at others and felt they were 'freaks'.  I especially looked at people in church and judged them.  I really felt the 'better' church was a big church.  ( Did I say that?)  In smaller churches -- where people did not look like me -- they just did not HAVE it put together like I did...or we did.

I was so wrong.

God used a very sad and yucky situation to change and rebuild me.

I am a former IDIOT.    I am.

But now...when I hear a nonbeliever, or  a very judgmental believer, or just a random person that has no clue  making a comment on something --  I  WANT to jump into their brain and say --- "WHOA...WAIT.... Do you realize that you are judging another by your own standards, have you read the bible lately?  And when was the last time you walked a lost one to the feet of Jesus?"

James 5.20
"he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins".  

I really DO NOT wish any crisis of faith on another person.
I would not want to walk my 'best friend' through the doors that I have walked through but I would if I needed to.

I heard my Pastor say something  once and he was speaking about the fact if he found a brother in Christ in trouble - he would -- "if I got a phone call that you were in the most seedy place and you were shooting up or doing something unmentionable...I would come and get you...love you, pray for you...and walk with you so that you could be restored--cause I love you".

That is WHAT Jesus did.  That is what Jesus would do.  My Pastor taught me something that  very day -- that no matter what ...Jesus already paid the price and love does cover a multitude of sins.  Every person - every sinner deserves a 2nd chance.    I am not to determine "whom"...that is for God to judge.

I was really saddened  by what transpired with Ps. Bob Coy.  I have listened to him faithfully.  But, he is just a man.  Humans will fail us.  No one is immune to the enemy.  It is a constant daily walk with our Lord and we use our armor to fight the enemy.   I prayed that he had a Pastor friend or someone like my Pastor and I pray that he is being restored...with love...his entire family.   I prayed that God had a friend like my Pastor that would speak those very same words over him.

But as I said earlier, I would not want  a crisis of faith to be 'wished' upon another so they get it...or so they MUST seek God...cause MAYBE then they will really allow Jesus to be their Savior, not just the character they believe died for them.

Maybe then....they would be more than a spectator at church.
Maybe then they would see church as a place of healing instead of a place of rules.
Maybe then they would interact and want to be more than just a weekly visitor.
Maybe then...they would not think they are better than the rest of us 'freaks'....
Maybe then...they would understand that  the enemy has lied to them -- and that their 'playing' church is NOT going to save them.....

I believe it is a privilege now to serve my Lord and share with others the JOY and FREEDOM that has finally fallen upon my head and heart.  And, even if it took me 44 years to figure it out...ok.  And even if it took a very painful journey...Ok.  I am grateful for it - I am.  Really.

And, even if I am considered a 'freak'..... I know that I know - I am doing WHAT HE has asked me to do and I am blessed beyond measure.  And even if, I am persecuted because of it -- my rewards are in heaven!  

I could share a personal blessing that God just gave me today -- about something....but - it is for me and HE to share....I know that I know..... that when  HE heard me crying and shedding many tears...HE looked at me and gently whispered..."it will be ok"....and then the Holy Spirit whispered into my ears and said, "it will be Ok"....and then I know, I grabbed onto the notion that Jesus was RIGHT there - interceding and I could count on Jesus praying for me and the PIT I was in...and I knew, that one day -- I would be OK.    I have been OK for quite some time now.  Healing comes in chunks...and it comes slow, but it comes in HIS perfect time.


So, with that -- I just want to encourage another this eve --

If you are in a crisis of faith -- seek out some JESUS FREAKS....find a place -- a  real church family  that may not 'look' all put together at times ---but they are humble....and they LOVE the Lord...and they are REAL.






 Lord:
I am really tired of the ones that play church.  But I asked YOU  this evening to help me forgive them...as I was one of them for such a long time.  And  thank you,  Holy Spirit  for reminding me, that WHILE I was one of those judgmental churchy ones....I had NO clue that I did not get it.  I was just doing my best...and that is probably what those others are doing -- their best.   Who knows, maybe a 'churchy' one is reading this right now and is asking, 'is she speaking about me?'....Only YOU LORD  can answer that -- I won't.   But there is a way to check themselves.....is there fruit?
Lord, I pray they will ask....
When was the last time I  shared WHAT Jesus did for me?
When was the last time I  prayed with another?
So Lord,  for the one that got me thinking this evening...I pray that one will FIND you -- will understand that church is not about rules...well, maybe that is the church they have seen -- that YOUR church is about a RELATIONSHIP with YOU ...and the rest will fall into place.  God I pray - use me- I am humbled.  Lord, I pray this is NOT about me...only about YOU.
Empty me of me.....fill me with MORE of YOU.
Humbled...Amen.  



Saturday, April 26, 2014

no a/c, random thoughts, and soaring like an EAGLE -

1.  There is NO a/c in this house tonight.  The last time this happened it was 2010 and I spent a good week awaiting the right part and then fix and then break down.    Not fun.

My husband and I ran out to get supper - and  get some  a/c relief but that did not last too long.
 The landlord is going to come and look at it tomorrow.

Somehow we thought that while we were gone the a/c fairy would of come and fixed it.  Nope.


2.  Random thoughts:

FCAT is done...there are about 30 days or less left of school and the 'summer fun' attitude has already hit my students ....and me.

Planning ....summer vacation?  Shall we go to Wisconsin?  Will there be a 30th WHS class reunion?

And -- I get to teach at School of Leaders tomorrow!

3.  Now about soaring --

God continues to just amaze both me and my man -- prayer session today provided a cool relief for a moment but then the 85degrees sneaks back up on you.

So...in the past TWO weeks  I have been reminded of a few things --

1.  God's timing is NOT quick but it is perfect.
2.  Many people want a QUICK fix and are NOT willing to WAIT on God.
3.  Restoration  ( in a marriage ) really is  the harder part ....working on changing lives can ONLY work when both agree to give the process the time and effort needed.......Hence...the quick fix usually does not work.

Hence...separation or divorce.  Or just withdrawing.....

But Restoration in just the heart of any  person ( a single or married person ) takes time and  it is harder -- cause the enemy wants so desperately to PULL that one back into the sin.


I was brought to Isaiah 40. 31 this week for Cell group:  

31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.



Hence...separation or divorce--  Or just withdrawing.....
I do believe it is possible. 
I do believe it is possible. 
And I do believe that no matter what - we must forgive. 
I do believe  you won't grow faint -- with HIM.  


Just this week, I had some 'trigger' memories and words that took me WAY back to a time an place that hurt.  My flesh SO wanted to have its pity party and for a brief hour or two - or maybe just the ride to work and back....it did.  My flesh won.  Praise God that NO one else saw my flesh...just me and the Holy Spirit in my car.  But I have said this before.... it had to just stay in that car.  
It had to be just Jesus and me - working it out....fleshing it out...faithing it out....until my flesh was back under control.  

I don't think some stuff gets easier ......I think we just get more control over our flesh.  


And I will admit  another situation as well that happened ...... something really HURT my feelings last weekend. 
 It really did.
  I don't claim to have a handle on this 'people pleaser' gene or stronghold within me. 
 I mean...well, YES I do...I pray it down and pray that it DOES not have a stronghold over me.  But truth be told, when I am not as faithful in my quiet time....the enemy can SNEAK right back into my thoughts so fast.   So, I let God really 'have it'...about the situation that HURT my feelings.  And by the end of the week, God so clearly spoke to my heart and impressed upon me.... "it is NOT you that was offended.....that other person was offended ..convicted in her spirit...THAT is why everything went down like it did".  And then I got the MOST amazing peace within me.  And I knew that I knew -- God was saying, "atta girl".

And so....I guess what I am trying to convey here this eve before I try and fall asleep in a 'hot' bed...is that ---


IT HAS to be me and Jesus....

IT HAS to be YOU and Jesus....

Lord, I rambled...but thank you - thank you for really impressing and showing me this week that YOUR timing is perfect and YOUR timing may seem long...but is is NOT slow...the heart ache will NOT last one more day than necessary ....as YOU are in control.  And Lord, thank you for the quick fixes you do give here and there....like an instant healing or whatever...but thank you for the SLOW ones as well...as it allows us to get RIGHT with You and then, we can use WHAT you did for us...to help another and encourage another.  
Lord, right now this moment - I am believing for a miracle for one of my friends...a sister in Christ.  I pray she won't give up-- but that she will allow YOU to lead and guide and direct her...and HOLD her this evening Lord...remind her, YOu are enough.   But Lord, if she does give up - THAT is OK too....as I know - YOU have HER...and YOU will bring beauty out of the ashes.  

Amen. 

 EXTRA:  

Did you know that RIGHT before an Eagle becomes this big and powerful eagle...with the white head and fierce beak...it goes through a process where it looses all of its feathers and its beak and it must SIT AND WAIT...until its feathers and beak comes back in.   Think about that...WAITING on GOD....and then - we can SOAR.  

 I pray that right now...whomever this was written for---I pray this was your confirmation to wait..on Him...as YOU will SOAR soon.  In Jesus name......amen. 


Or maybe.... HOPE that  change can occur.  
HOPE that God can change a personality.  
I know HE can...I have experienced it.  
HOPE that one day -- we CAN soar on wings like eagles.......

 I do believe that if YOU are in the middle of a season of crisis or trial....that IF you will JUST hold on a little longer.....and NOT grow weary ....GOD is faithful.  
I do believe that God honors the faithfulness of a wife...so desperate to 'save' a family but first she must surrender to HIM - totally and completely.  

 Sometimes we have to forgive that same person each day ....or every 5 minutes...as we begin to work out the 'flesh' in us that wants the suffering  to be redeemed.  Or maybe we even want some sort of justice...

I don't want to dishonor WHAT God has done within my life or the lives of my family....  so, I press on and  let GOD fight the battles I need to fight.     

It has to be Jesus - HE has to be enough.


When THAT is right.....when that foundation is solid.......YOU and HE can work at restoration of a family.....or the death of a friend....or the heartbreak of a breakup....or the hurt of a wayward child...or just a family member that has HURT your feelings.......


Nothing is HIMpossible!  

( Sorry this got long. Can you tell I am avoiding the 'hot' bed? )  


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

HE will break open the skies......faith pledge - JUST do it!

 This is a very powerful song.  I urge you to play the link below and then read the lines within the lyrics.  

Can this speak to you today?  

"Strong Enough To Save"

[Verse 1:]
You faught 
but you were just too weak ( God knows how WEAK ) 
so you lost 
all the things you try to keep 
now you're on your knees, you're on your knees 

But wait, 
everything can change, 
in a moments time you don't have to be afraid, 
cause fear is just a lie 
open up your eyes 

[Chorus:]
And he'll break 
open the skies to save  ( God will BREAK open the skies to save you....)  
those who cry out his name 
the One the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you 

[Verse 2:]
Look 
now is not too late 
lift up your head 
let the rain fall on your face 
youre not far from grace, your not too far from grace 

[Chorus:]
And he'll break 
open the skies to save 
those who cry out his name ( All we need to do is CRY HIS name...)  
the One the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you 
[Repeat]

[Bridge:]
I know the weight of this world can take you down like gravity and I know the current of yourself can take you out, out to sea but hold on, hold on 

[Chorus:]
And he'll break 
open the skies to save 
those who cry out his name 
the One the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you



I believe God OPENED the skies and came to my rescue WHEN I felt my entire world had been crushed.  

I lived a long time - thinking that God and me were 'ok' - but, deep down I knew, I was not in LOVE with my Savior.  I knew Jesus had saved me.  I knew God blessed me and I knew WHAT HE did for me.  

But - I did not understand that HE could BREAK open the skies and rescue me.  

THAT is personal .  THAT happens when we truly WANT HIM and WANT a relationship like never before.  

Many will tell me that I am a strong woman of faith - I really am not.  
But I believe in a God - that BREAKS open the skies for me.  

I can encourage you - I can counsel you - I can even tell you 'what I did'...that worked...

BUT ONLY YOU and GOD...can walk each day - in your life...and if you want FREEDOM and a joy that is beyond words and if YOU want to believe that HE will BREAK open the skies for you -- 

THEN SEEK HIM.  

WITH ALL of your might.  
Get in church - a church that is alive and God's Word brings life. 

Get reading that love letter God gave us - the bible.  Start in the Book of John. 
Then read some Psalms.  My favorites right now are Psalm 38, 40, 25, 112, and 28...
Then read the other Gospels.  

Seek counsel - FIND a church to PLUG into.  
Find GOOD music that will help your mind focus on HIM...and then praise and Worship HIM. 

BE active.  

I believe that God will do what He said HE would do.  
I believe that God can DO what HE said HE would do. 
I believe that I am who  God says I am. 
I believe that I can do all things through Christ Jesus. 
And I believe that God's word is alive and active in me.  

I believe in God. 
I believe HE will BREAK OPEN the skies for me.  

If you have that relationship - I encourage you to leave a comment to encourage another as well.  If you want that relationship - inbox me on Facebook.  

Be blessed.  
- michelle 
There - that is a SAturday morn selfie with Bed- head and NO make up -- now THAT is freedom!  

Dear Mrs. Alone - repost!


Some time ago, in the middle of one of the MANY books I have read on marriage, love, hurt, God, restoration, healing...etc...  etc....  etc........I came across a book by Debi Pearl.


    Submission.  

What does it really mean and look like?

My opinion:

 Submission does not mean that you have to take verbal abuse OVER and OVER again.  
Submission does not mean that you can be hit and mocked and then left alone. 
Submission does not mean that you must do everything your husband says especially if it means lying, deceiving or harming another.  


THAT ....is not submission - that is being a bully.

 And if your husband is being a bully and hurting both you and your children by his actions, or putting you in physical harm because of habits and other stuff...you have EVERY right to seek counsel and say - enough.  

And you do not have to submit to that.  


Some factual information I found:

Submission is:
 (  http://carm.org/apologetics/womens-issues/what-does-it-mean-wife-submit-her-husband)


 One of the most difficult concepts in God’s Word is biblical submission.  The word submission is not limited to wives alone.  For example, Christians are to submit themselves to each other (Ephesians 5:21), to government (Romans 13:1), and unto God (James 4:7).  This is a frequent concept in the Bible.  Self-sacrifice is required in each circumstance.  Submission is never glossed over to be seen as easy or always convenient.  Instead, it is viewed as service unto God.
The Greek word for submission is hupotasso, “to subordinate…put under…”   God exhorts women to voluntarily follow their husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:221 Peter 3:1).  A woman is actively doing this-- choosing to put herself under leadership, choosing to be subordinate in a circumstance or relationship.  This is not forced upon her by the recipient.
A wife shows submission unto her husband when she allows him to take leadership in the relationship.  His position as leader is biblical (1 Corinthians 11:3).  Abraham’s wife, Sarah, is an example of a woman following her husband’s lead (1 Peter 3:6).  Sarah has never been confused with being a woman who was a frail doormat.  Peter notes that she was not afraid in life.  Submission should not be confused with a person being weak.

  My heart breaks for some. 

Now back to my opinion:

As I said, My heart breaks for some.  There are some that can not submit to a godly husband and they  must be the spiritual head in their home.  And yet, there are still others  ----

----Others that are hurting and trying to be their husband's holy spirit or their husband's mother.
Some ladies are trying their best to sabotage their marriage...they are speaking death into it --
How do I know this?

I see it and hear it - often.    How?      --Cause I used to be THAT person --

In my own way, I had allowed idols to come into our home and marriage.  I was not paying attention.
I became the  self-appointed holy spirit for my husband.
I  became the a self- appointed guardian of his thoughts....and I had other self- appointed qualities.

Now I do not have those qualities.

God changed me.
Therapy changed my attitude.   Therapy changed my habits.
And now - I must practice a some  godly communication practices to make sure - I submit to my Lord....

And...I allow my husband to be the spiritual head of my home.   And I submit -- but I am NOT weak.  

The letter posted below is a part of the book by Debi Pearl.  

   THIS letter....it was a letter that REALLY shook me up as I read this book by Debi Pearl.  ( 3 years ago. )  It put many things into perspective.   It was a letter that brought me to my knees for the 100th time  and it had me seek forgiveness from my own husband.  It was a letter that I read often to remind myself -- we are just as responsible for the marriage and its problems, there is never just one person at fault. 

If there are children involved....any age....we owe them...we need to try the HARD before we give up. God can heal and restore, HIS blood is enough but I am well aware that perhaps it is just too hard or too painful.  SEEK HIM in those decisions.

But anyway.........

I see and hear  woman around me.  I hear them  speak to their husbands on the phone, around their friends, and in front of their  children.  Sometimes I hear them talking in line at the grocery store.     children speak of parents of their friends.       It happens when I overhear ladies in Publix.  It happens at the gym.  It happens amongst friends.   It happens at my work place and in the parking lot.    It happens on TV all the time.  It happens at the hairdressers and especially at the nail place......it just happens.  I hear stuff.  And I want to say - 'do you hear yourself?'  

I know I don't know their  pain, and I am so sure there are always two sides to every thing, but I just wonder how much better some of their  world would be, if they  read and listened to the pain in this letter. 

I posted it first on September 21, 2010.  I felt led to post it again. 

This letter is in the chapter about submission.

 This letter is not written from a woman that was abused.  I believe this letter is written by a Christian woman that was VERY similar to me at one point - that is why it HIT me so squarely between the eyes and I wept.

I have not met  anyone in  particular  in the past few days that prompted me to share this again.  I have not counseled one or another....the Holy Spirit led me to this post again because I knew it needed to be shared.  I pray right now...that the RIGHT one reading this blog post - gets it.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Dear Alone,
         Thank you for your letter.  Your letter is something woman should read so  I am placing it in my book for others to read.
                           Sincerely, Debi Pearl

Here it the letter:

Dear Mrs. Pearl, I would like to tell my story . . that others may be warned .. I'm  alone but never thought I would be … I made many mistakes in my marriage but I wish someone would of pulled me aside and given me some advice. I hear many young marrieds or woman complaining…but they need to seek God’s word,  they need to be open to the truth.


The things I did or failed to do were not everyday, constantly overt, or  in the face actions. They were subtle, ebbing and flowing, but there, nonetheless.


When my husband acted selfishly at home, allowed his tempter to flare, and sometimes said curse words, and then went to church and acted spiritual, I wish I had prayed postively for him instead of withdrawing a little emotinally from him and letting my cynicism and lack of confidence in him be so manifest. I wish I had openly showed love and acceptance of him for himself, not impatiently wait until he acted right.


When my husband failed the children, failed to have devotions, failed to be spiritual, failed to lead as he should, I wish I had completely trusted God and maintained unity, honor, reverence, and submission with a glad and trusting heart. I wish I had kept the children honoring him and praying for their dad instead of allowing my martyred attitude to manifest itself so openly.


When he made a statement about someone or something, I wish I had not always put his opinion down, letting him know he was wrong again.


When he acted like a jerk, I wish I had remainded quiet and prayed for him, loved him anyway instead of letting him know what I thought about him and his actions.


When he tried to make it  up to me,  for some failure, I wish I had not been so cool, waiting for him to suffer a little more and be more intense and sincere about his apology.


When he spent money I thought we did not have, I wish I had remained quiet and trusted God. I wish I had shown continued confidence in him, regardless of his decisions.


When he wanted me to do something, and I did not want to do it, I wish I had cheerfully complied instead of making him sorry he asked. Hardheadedness is not a trait to endear any woman to a man.


When he needed a woman to believe in him, admire him, approve of him, accept him, regardless of his failures, I wish now that I had been the one to give him those things.


When I thought keeping his faults before him— just small things he did and said— and keeping myself a little standoffish in my approval of him, was the only way he would change, I wish someone would of taken me aside and told me how badly mistaken I was to think that it was my place to apply and keep the pressure on.


When he were in the company of family and friends, I wish I had not taken on a martyred air when he left to go off and do something on his own.


When he did not know how to show love, and I felt a void emtionally, I wish I had borne all things and hoped all things, and loved him unconditionally, instead of giving up inside and turning to friends and family for my emotional support and needs. I never saw the need to endear myself to him. I took for granted that he would fulfill the husband’s moral obligation to love me. I wish I had gone to “God’s Beauty School” for the whole woman.


I wish someone would of told me . .


Sincerely, Alone


Lord I pray for whomever this was for.  IN Jesus name, Amen.  I just got back from Church this evening and my Pastor spoke about POSITIVE words... I do believe this letter is a reminder - reminding a woman that is still married ....that maybe, just maybe  some positive prayer is the answer.  And God I pray you will protect this...I don't want anyone to read into this and think that this letter is an 'excuse' for sin.  I mean -- some marriages are VERY hard and there needs to be real counsel and perhaps even time apart so that REAL therapy can take ahold and changed are made.  As so many times.....no one wants to STOP the insanity -- they just continue to do what they always did and don't get to the ROOT of the problem.  But I do believe this letter represents several marriages....that could be healed with some godly submission to GOD.... Amen.  - Michelle 


Monday, April 21, 2014

Sticks and Stones PART II - I AM...

So - here are the words of LIFE...that if you are IN despair...read this prayer to yourself and memorize it ...and allow HIS words to REFRESH and renew your soul and your thoughts.  Amen.


Each statement is a truth from HIS word, if you call on Jesus as your Savior - this is your personal LOVE letter from HIm.

Dear Beloved - did you know that YOU are...  

I am...the light of the world.  ( Matt. 5.14)
I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood.  ( Eph. 1.7) 
I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty. ( Deut. 28. 15-68) 
I am called of God to be a voice of His praise.  ( Psalm 66.8) 
I am healed by the stripes of Jesus ( Isaiah 53.5 ) 
I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places. ( Eph 2.6 ) 
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit: I am not my own. ( 1 Cor 6.19) 

I have the peace of God that passes all understanding.  ( Phil 2.5) 
I have the mind of Christ ( 1 Corn 2.16) 
I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a Princess in the life of Jesus Christ. ( Rom 5.17)

I am complete in HIm Who is the head of all principality and power. ( Col 2.10)
I am alive with Christ. ( Eph 2.5) 
I am free from the law of sin and death ( Rom 8.2) 
I am holy and without blame before him in love. ( Eph 1.4) 
I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me. ( 1 Joh 5.18)  

I am forgiven, accepted, adopted, redeemed, chosen, and blessed....period.  
                   I am loved - Jesus 

These are only a handful of the promises from God to us - His daughters.

I pray this is something you print off or copy down and post it on a mirror or bulletin board and begin to believe each statement of truth.

- humbled that HE loves me THIS much and I so want others to experience this freedom in HIM...
Michelle

Sticks and Stones......


So, remember the old saying - "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"? Yeah right -- words hurt --words really can bring one down . . .and words can tear at a soul but the irony is --that words can heal . . .words can bring one up . . . and words can rebuild you.

It needs to be God's words.     God's.     HIS alone.

 I want to encourage someone who may be listening to words that are  hurtful -
I want to encourage someone who may be at the receiving end of hurtful accusations -
I want to encourage someone who may be reading this tonight and she has heard,"I never loved you"-
I want to encourage a wife who is ready to 'throw in the towel' cause the words and the lies are too hard to allow in...
I want to encourage another  - who maybe heard words THIS DAY that totally destroyed her life - 
I want to encourage myself....as I am in deep prayer this week for one beautiful woman who is at a crossroads.

 I am being honest - I WANT to tell her to GIVE up...she has taken ENOUGH - but I know that is NOT what God wants me to tell her.   It is only my flesh that wants to smack the one hurting her.  But saying, 'it is only a flesh wound' does NOT cover it.  

So with prayer and reading HIS word...I asked God - what do I do?  

I was reminded a  post I wrote 3 years ago called:  "Sticks and Stones"

I was reminded of a childhood situation where my teacher said, "don't worry about what he said, it does not matter anyway".  But it did matter....it devastated me.  

.....  Cause WORDS do hurt.  

Words are powerful.

Words can bring life and death.
 HIS words are perfect!  

God's word says: Isaiah 55.11 So will my word be which  goes forth from MY mouth, it will not return to ME empty.

Don't be discouraged. Don't.
God's words DO not return empty....they bring life.  


In reading  God's word today, I wanted to FIND the right words to comfort my sweet sister in Christ but I was secretly finding any of God's words about injustice and how the wicked are punished as well.

However, the Holy Spirit reminded me of our  Easter drama  yesterday at Church - and the story of Jesus and how at one point, when I was in prayer for another, the line in the performance was "you have not because you have asked not"...and I knew Jesus was speaking to me.  God was speaking to my head and heart but the actor of Jesus was literally LOOKING directly at me as well when he said this line and it pierced my heart.  -- God's word does not return empty.
 I knew God was speaking to me.   So today, when I met a few of my peers for our  morning prayer circle, I stated WHAT I wanted and God answered.  HE does that - HE speaks when we ask and when we LISTEN.  

 So, as I said,  God spoke and the Holy Spirit drew me back to the 'Sticks and Stones' post and I got a WORD  direct from God for my pal...and for me...

I will repost HIS Word:  

It is from the Living Bible: Habakkuk 2.3


But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!

 So...I won't ask GOD to hurry UP...I know He is at work. 
I won't tell my sweet sister in Christ to give up - HIS Word said - "nothing will be overdue by one day."  
I will continue to pray and believe in marriage and  for the marriage that the enemy is trying his best to destroy.    This one marriage is NOT the only one being attacked.  I can stop right now and think of several other families that grace our prayer list when my husband and I pray.

I will pray for the husband who seems to  continue to run back to sin.  
And I will believe that God is big enough to totally change this situation.  God is at work....the restoration can come...it will come.  Even when a person has free will -- the prayers of a wife are heard boldly at the throne of God and honored.  God is faithful.  

The miracle could be JUST right around the corner!  






Lord - may anyone reading this - be reminded -- "if it seems slow - do not despair"...the vision will be fulfilled.  Lord, You have given us all the patience we need - help us to WALK in that gift.  I needed this refreshing today  as well...I love you Lord and I praise what you have done, what you are doing, and what will come - In Jesus name, amen.