Content ~ Fighting the Battle

We are right in the middle of the Bible study - No Other Gods  by Kelly Minter. God is showing me things throughout my day that are little "gods" in my life. One thing that I loved about our discussion on Monday, was battling lies with scripture. The enemy has placed so many lies and untruths in my life and I tend to dwell in the depth of a pit he wants me to wallow in. 

I want truth, don't you? 

And why wouldn't we want truth?

Truth is so much better than the deceitful ways of our enemy. He is at every turn, do not fall for the mess he throws at you. God has warned us in His word that the enemy is seeking to devour us, and our Heavenly Father has given us truth that He will never leave us, we are so much more than satan says we are. In order to battle the enemy we must STAND on HIS WORD and proclaim truth! Put on our whole armor every day, and when we slip out of part of our armor, the enemy will attack when we least expect it. 

On Monday morning, I was reading a devotion, and of course God placed it to confirm our lesson from Sunday School Sunday morning.  A side note read:

"This is war. You are right in the middle of it. And choosing sides is going to be an everyday battle."

Hmm, isn't this the truth??!!

In my yearlong quest to be content. God has shown me so much. There are things that He has shown me, that I seem to know.... yet, I struggle in some of those very areas. Some of them I have seemed to struggle for years in the same place. Other times, I thought I had gotten victory over them, only for them to resurface and then guilt sets in. Another part of being content, is realizing that I must remain prepared for battle. I must make choices based on God's Word. I must live my life as unto the Lord. I cannot fall for the enemy's attempts to choke me. I must be armed with God's Word at every turn. May I use His Word to encourage and help point others to Him. I know that God has more to show me about this Word He has given me for 2012, and as I learn what He wants may I use it for His Glory!!  

In some recent events, I have seen just how evil the enemy is, tearing families apart, filling minds with lies and deceit, corrupting lives at every turn and robbing us of more than we even know. As Christians we must know that we have the power within us to fight! And I know when I can't fight, the LORD will fight for me!!

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and 

having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to 

quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:10-18     

Won't You Join Me??

I wasn't going to mention this on here. BUT I am.........

Soooooo....... I am going to just throw myself out there, just in case someone else may be lead to do this along with me and the umpteen (don't judge!) others out there in Cyberland that are participating.

I started an online study of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope on Monday.

How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises

I have NEVER participated in an online Bible Study, and I was a little concerned about it, but I thought, well if I am not able to keep up, no one will really know, and I can comment and no one will really know me.... 

Hmmmm how about that for confidence??? Think I need this study???

So, YES, I am doing a new thing.... the Lord has continually put this book before me. I have heard about it on 106.9 radio programs. I get Proverbs 31 Ministries email devotions and there was one by Renee Swope. And it came from this book!! 

Since I am confessing, I will tell you that when I am not in an organized study (remember, our Bible Study group just completed Believing God), I tend to flounder in my quiet time. I have several books, devotionals, yet, I don't dig into God's Word the way I do when I am in an organized study.

Which leads me to flounder from here to there. If you didn't know it already by reading some of my posts, I am sure that I have some form of ADD. To my really close friends, you do not have to agree so easily!!! 

So there I have CONFESSED and I am sharing this for two reasons:

1. Maybe you have doubts and insecurities that you face and you just don't think you are good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, knowledgeable enough & blah blah blah...... You may want to JUMP in quickly, IT'S just the 1st week!! You can catch up!! We are still in Chapter One!! DO IT WITH ME!!! You just need to get your book! I got mine at F*mily Christian and I got the last one....so you may want to call before you go there to see if more came in. They have ebook form too!!

2.And if you don't feel lead to be a part of it, call, text, comment, email me, or at least pray for me. I have struggled with doubt and the big WORRY for way too long and I know that its not going away over night. BUT GOD can help me through this study so that I can gain even more discernment and wisdom and ways to defeat the enemy's lies!!! Staying in His Word and focusing on HIM instead of my circumstances are crucial!!

Visit Renee Swope's for more info.

Hope to hear from you soon!!

Learning to Be Content

 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned,

in whatsoever state I am, 

therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

So much for my LoveMonth postings.... 

I had great intentions and as usual life takes over. I have had two posts ready with the exception of adding video clips to them. For some reason they will not UPLOAD... I haven't had a problem before BUT I have tried several times even on different computers and no such luck. And things are so busy, I haven't had time to try to figure it out. But, when and if I do, I will post.

I have also realized that keeping up blogging can be a little stressful when I "vow" to do something that requires a daily post, or thought or whatever. I have also found that I can get so involved in reading many blogs that have been blessings to me as well as my "blog stalking hobby" checking out frugal crafty blogs (there are 100s out there) as well as on Pint*rest (that's another story in itself!!). I could spend hours if I don't pay attention to the time. 

So for that reason, I am going to have to be better about my time management. I say way too much, "I just don't have time." "I am too busy." "I am worn out"  and on and on......

In our Bible study, we were asking God what he would have us give up so that we could have more time to do our homework each week. Some have given up Fac*book, some TV, some a certain food, and take that time that they would have spent doing whatever that is to spend in Bible study or just time with the Lord. It wasn't real clear to me what I should give up..... And now I do know what I am to give up and it goes right along with my on word for 2012. 

I must give up trying to DO EVERYTHING, BE EVERYTHING, AND DO & BE PERFECTLY ....... I must give up trying to keep up with a theme, or a daily blog post (its just too stressful and takes up way too much of my time), I must give up comparing myself to others, I must give up holding on to stuff that doesn't really matter. I have some stuff that just drives me crazy, I need to give that up, too.

Seriously, is it such a big deal that I never see the bottom of the laundry basket? Or that coats are on the chair instead of the closet? Or that I didn't get to post last week. I wasted more time trying to get those videos to work and really does it matter?

I can be anal about so much that really doesn't matter. I say this to my kids when they are fussing over some of the silliest stuff ever, "If Jesus came back tonight, would this really matter??" Yet, I its one of those things I say.....but don't apply to myself. 

I still have a long way to go in seeking the Lord for my contentment. I haven't quite "learned in whatever state I am in to be content". But, I am thankful that He has shown me that there are lots of things that don't really matter. And I am wasting too much of my time spinning my wheels on some of those things. I must work on my time management along with my priorities. It's my nature to be a planner, and its odd how I don't use that "planner" in me to plan my day or my time. Not that I am going to plan everything on my to do list, because I know well enough, that curve balls are thrown and if I am in "PLAN IT" mode, I too will be thrown.

I know I have said this before, yet, I need the constant reminder to

 

Will you pray for me as I do my best to give up the "stuff" that keeps my focus OFF of the ONE TRUE GOD!! And strive to learn to be content where ever I am!!

Love is .... Day 2

In my last post I mentioned getting my priorities in the right order, as God would have them to be. My first priority is my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I must do all that I can to be in His will. The only way that I can draw closer to Him is to get into His Word, hide His Word in my heart, talk with him throughout my day,  live each day to praise Him,  to bring honor and glory to His Name. 

Just last week our Women's Bible Study began and it is exactly what I need right now!! We are doing

By Beth Moore

So far I am seeing what God has and wants for me. I have some issues/struggles and most have been  revealed by past Bible studies and for some reason, I am still battling some of the same ol' junk!!! (I may share them one day). I am sick of it! I want to get well!! I want to live the abundant life that Jesus came to give me!! Please pray for me as dig into His word, and focus on what He wants for me. I want to keep HIM on top of my priority list, and as I do, He will get the glory in the rest of my priorities. 

from Believing God:

God is who he says He is.

God can do what He says He can do.

I am who God says I am.

I can do all things through Christ.

God's Word is alive and active in me.

I'm believing God!!

2011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

I did it, I did it, uh, huh, uh, huh... (just imagine me doing the happy dance, on second thought, DON'T!!)

That is all in fun...but, the truth of the matter is

 

I could not have done it without my Heavenly Father!! I made it through the 24 verses...I still have a hard time with some, but there are A LOT that I have gained so much from. Each verse has a reason for my choosing it, God led me to each one. Most every one has a story behind it. What led me there or how God used it. So many times I have used one that I learned (not just memorized) in my life and have been able to share it with someone right when they needed it. God's word is living and working in me. If I have learned anything from accomplishing this...I did this for me and my relationship with HIM. Not my friends that were doing it, not to go to the celebration in Houston, (even though, I wish now that I could, ~D don't even!!) and just not to be able to say that I did it. BUT, God showed me what He wanted me to learn, not memorize and He brought each one ALIVE in my life. If you don't understand what it means for God's word to be alive, then just dig in and learn a verse or two, you won't want to stop!

 I have a hard time memorizing ANYTHING... and I have such an easy time forgetting things....In 2009 I started the SSMT but, halfway through I just fizzled out... I just couldn't do it. Even though I said I would, I didn't make it. That seems to happen a lot to me. I think, I am going to do that... or this... and sometimes even before I begin I stop..or I quit...or its too much.... too hard... not for me...ohh and sometimes I am raring to go.....and then...B.A.M its over.

Which brings me to my next thought.... here we are on the 11th day of a new year... and I had thoughts of a resolution...a life change...something I wanted to do different in my life..a word for the year....something on my blog...something that would keep my focus on the Lord. I have seen sooo many great ideas in blogland and I have to say some of you are so precious, so encouraging that it makes me want to jump in and join in the Challenge or the monthly activity, or, or, or. So my mind has been reeling for several days.....ok weeks. And I won't commit to anything because I am afraid of not finishing. CRAZY....yes, I know.

SO, I haven't committed to anything (with the exception of staying in the word). There are a couple of things at the top of my list and I am praying about what GOD wants me to do as this year begins. 

Staying in THE WORD.... sooo excited, to say that on January 23 we begin 

I have to say I LOVE OUR BIBLE STUDIES!! My life tends to go outta control when I am not in an organized Bible Study. Pray for Deidre (our faithful leader), and for the women that will attend. 

Fall 2011 Bible Study Group

God has reminded me in the past day or so that, I am me.... and GOD MADE ME! I am fearfully and wonderfully made. He knows my name, my thoughts, my heartaches, my passions, and He has lots in store for me!! I cannot live through the blessings, trials, defeats or victories of others. God has some JUST for me.... I have got to find what is right for me at this time in my life. No one else is facing what I am, or living in the craziness I am right now. Whatever I do, I must do it as unto the Lord. And I am seeking Him not just to say I did ??? in 2012, but I can say that because of ??? I am different and I allowed God to WORK in me!!So I have to find what is best for me and what will glorify HIM.

What are you doing in your life, on your blog, in your quiet time to keep your focus on HIM in 2012?? Do you have a word, a challenge, a daily post, a weekly devotion or whatever for this year?

Give Thanks - Days 20, 19 & 18

(This is my attempt to catch up my Give Thanks posts.......)

Day 20

Yesterday, I GAVE THANKS for those wilderness times. You know the times and trials that you seem to be wandering around just as the Israelites did? Oh, yes those times are hard, tough, devastating, discouraging, etc. I know you are probably thinking, why would you be thankful for those times. God's word says:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 To some of you it may seem very odd that I would be thankful for those times, but as I think back to when I turned my life completely over to the Lord was when I was so far down in a pit that I couldn't look anywhere but up to Him. I had tried so many times to just do it my way. My way was a disaster. My way was really ugly. My way, wasn't too good. My way turned out to be a huge long way around.....just like the Israelites. I wandered far too long  until I realized that the only thing I needed in my life was God, nothing ever worked for me. He became so near and dear to me during that time, that I didn't ever want to be far from Him again. I was too scared. He had let me go way off His intended path for me and I knew I never wanted to go down that road again. He brougnt me to a relationship that I never knew existed. I drew closer to Him. I may have never gotten to that place had I not spent that time in the wilderness. Oh, yes, I still have trials, and I find myself wandering around, but God is working on and in me during those times and yes, I am thankful that He loves me so much, that He just won't leave me where I am.

Day 19

On this day I GAVE THANKS for my church, my pastors and my church family.We have called WGBC home for almost 15 years. We can feel God's presence when we walk through the doors.  I am thankful for men that preach God's truth every time they stand behind that pulpit. These men of God pray for our church family and are there whenever you need them. They give us what God wants us to hear, even if it isn't popular. Even if it steps on our toes. For me, its usually a crushed foot. I love them and their families so very much! Our church family is full of prayer warriors and those that are there for you whenever you call on them. We have many friends that we have been blessed with since we have been there. They pray with you, cry with you and laugh with you. Our children have grown up with many Christian friends and other Christian influences and mentors. I can only pray that those of you that may read this that don't worship with us, have a church and church family that is touched by God's hand.

Day 18

On day 18 I GAVE THANKS for my home..... now understand I am very thankful we have a house and I don't take that lightly. But, God didn't just give us a building with four walls to live in. He gave our family a home, one where there is family, laughter, love, tears, hugs, each other, troubles, arguments, picking, and aggravating. Oh, there is so much more than the piles of laundry, the dirty dishes, the meals to prepare, the beds to make, toys to put away, the clutter that makes this house a home, or even the floors that constantly need to be swept. There is God's provision, a picture of His mercy, His grace, His love and His redemption. At the end of the day, when I finally crawl into bed, I thank God for the house He made a home!!

Give Thanks Day 16

So, maybe I will stay a day behind, it looks that way.

Anyway, yesterday I GAVE THANKS for Opportunies to Serve HIM.

 

GOD is showing me and confirming a lot of things in my life. I work full time, but my role as wife and mother are the most important things in my life. We just finished up One In A Millon Bible Study Tuesday night and one day's discussion was on the topic of what does God have us doing right now that doesn't seem worthwhile for Him? Well, laundry is on the top of that list!!! Several things are on that list.

 

 

BUT, God has shown me through this Bible study that all tasks are necessary that He leads us to. Some may think less of themselves when others are called to do what we think is greater or cooler than what we have been called to do. BUT GOD has shown me how very important my ministry as a wife & a mother are. Yes, those are ministries and if I neglect being my husband's helpmate and serving him and I neglect my responsibilities in raising my children and serving them, then I am not being obedient to the Lord.  Those are the most important things God has placed before me. Everything else must come after those.... Children's ministry, my job, co-workers, Women's ministry, etc.... are all good things and if we consider accepting the things God has placed in our hands right now and doing those as unto HIM. With that list of things, why would I ask God, what is your will for me? What would you have me do? Hmm, I know what it is and I need to remember what He has entrusted me with and be obedient!! 

 

Can you just imagine Him saying, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: "thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25:21 Now, I am to jump in there and do that laundry, and as I am folding it I will pray for whoever's underwear I have in my hand!!!

 

Father thank you for the opportunities you have give me to serve you. Please forgive me for not accepting my role as wife and mother as a ministry. Please forgive me for not thinking that I am doing big things for you. You call Christians to do hard things, and some things don't seem very hard, or exciting or pleasant. Please forgive my disobedience and my searching for what's next. You have blessed me with so many opportunities to interact with my family, my friends, children, women and people I don't even know. Thank you for reminding me that you have me right where you want me..... I just need to focus on You and you will help me do the rest!

Give Thanks Day 15

Ok, so I am running a day behind, I guess I can look at the positive side, I am still at this. When I first posted my Give Thanks post  I had my doubts about following through. So, a day late, better than not at all!!

Yesterday, I GAVE THANKS for my Bible Study Group and Women of Grace (Women's Ministry). What a blessing and a joy this group of women are to me!!  Our Bible study has been such a blessing to me. God has used it to point things out in my life and to challenge me to be different. (Hopefully, I will post another day about One In A Million). I have participated in most of the Bible Studies and this one was one of my top favorites!! Many women start and for whatever reason, do not finish. This one was different, there were very few that didn't and a few had family sicknesses and others had family obligations (Not thinking badly of anyone, just hang in there and finish it anyway, you don't want to miss what God has for you!!) The picture below is of most of the women that came to Bible study (well, one I know did sneak out, you know who you are, lol!!), these women are gracious, faithful, encouraging and will keep you accountable, pray for you and love you!! Our leader, Deidre is a blessing to us all and I appreciate her so very much! 

Love this group of women!! And so blessed that my baby girl is digging in God's Word, too!! (she's the second from the left on the bottom row) Deidre is the 3rd from the right n the bottom row, would you have guess that she set the camera timer and ran like the wind to get in her place. She's looking calm as if she had been sitting there the whole time!! 

Women of Grace is in its beginning stages and participation in this ministry is growing.  I am so excited to see what God is doing in the lives of women that I worship with and love!! There have been two events that I have gotten the opportunity to help plan and enjoy!!! There was a Fall Retreat and just last week the Thankful Breakfast. I have been so blessed by getting to help and to get to know other women in our church family! Please pray that God will continue to draw us closer to Him and to each other. Need some encouragement?? Come join us anytime you can!! You will be blessed!

 

Thank you Father for my Bible study group, and the Women of Grace. It is amazing to see you at work in the lives of so many women. I have needed something like this for a long time, and I thank you for the opportunity to be involved. Help me to be a help and an encouragement to my sisters in Christ. Help me to take you at your word and to be faithful and obedient in what you would have me do.