Bo, our dog, and I took a long walk on the property this morning that led us through the boat harbor. Part of our walk took us along a concrete wall that was about 2 feet wide. On our left was mud and tall prickly grass that cut our legs. On our right was a huge drop off and boat harbor water with who knows what underneath.
Bo doesn't like water. He stayed right next to me, continually brushing up against me as if to check in and feel safe.
As we walked on the concrete wall, I was reminded of the Israelites when they faced a "between a rock and a hard place" moment. The Red Sea was in front of them and Pharaoh's army was quickly approaching on the other side. (Exodus 14)
The Israelites cried out to the Lord and their leader, Moses. (Exodus 14:10, 11) Being in between this rock and a hard place, they tweaked on their leader and shouted accusations!
(Exodus 14:10-12)
A side note. If your marriage (or any relationship) is in between a rock and a hard place today, don't turn on your leader. Suit up and STAND! (Ephesians 16:13) As the saying goes, "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem."
Moses said, "A'ight, errrbody listen up! C'on now, don't anybody be skeered. Just stand. The Lord is about to show up and do battle. And these guys chasing us are about to be fish food. You see them now, but you will never see them again. So errrrbody, please just stay calm! (Exodus 14:13).
Then Moses, at some point, cried out to the Lord and the Lord tells Moses, "Don't cry, MOVE!" Or more specifically, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!" That'll preach! If you've been crying over a situation, stop squawking and do something!
Oftentimes I hear, "Well...the Lord...is in control. He is gonna do what He wants to do. All I can do is try to pray." Followed up with a huge sigh and a head hung low while their thought process and their actions remain the same as it has for decades. That is a lazy, defeated, irresponsible, ignorant response to Him and His Word. (James 2:17)
Please allow me to challenge you today. Purposely commit to His Word (2 Timothy 21:5, 2 Timothy 3:16, 17) and "continually brush up" to Him in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and you will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! (Psalm 27:13) Light affliction, is but for a moment and is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory! (II Corinthians 4:17 NKJV)
When the Israelites were in between a rock (Red Sea) and a hard place (Pharaoh's Army) God delivered, just like He always does! (Psalm 34:19)
Are you facing a "Red Sea" on one side and a "Pharaoh's Army" on the other? Get up and move, do something because God is can show up with a "strong east wind"! He will unleash His mighty power! And you will be filled with awe! (Exodus 14:13-15, 21, 31 NLT)
Please make this confession with me.
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for being mighty to save! I thank You for saving me! You never said I wouldn't face adversity but You did tell me You would deliver me out of all of it! I thank You for always showing up and unleashing your mighty power in all situations that attempt to rise up against me and my family. You have filled me with awe of You! I love You, praise and worship You my mighty King! Thank You for all the "strong east winds" You have blown in my life so that I could walk through on dry land!
Disclaimer:
In no way is this an attempt to advise anyone to stay in an abusive/neglectful relationship. Nor it is an attempt to advise anyone to move out. Be led and allow wisdom to rule! (Psalm 143:10 and James 1:5)
The Key Tov Blog is a relevant, easy to digest and often humorous look into the Word of God that can be easily applied by people of all ages. Genice Fulton endeavors to bring the reader to an understanding of simple Biblical truths through sharing scripture, life experiences, and keys for empowered living in the 21st century! Welcome to the Good Life!
Showing posts with label stand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stand. Show all posts
Monday, January 14, 2013
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Screeching Halt
And He said to them, “ I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven". (Luke 10:18, NLT)
Yesterday, my family and I took stand up paddle lessons. A stand up board is similar to a surf board except it is longer and wider. For momentum, a paddle is used in a similar manner as when paddling a canoe while the boarder is standing up.
Our instructor was excellent and she had us paddling within minutes. After paddling for a short time, I felt so confident I was ready to paddle outside the buoys and go fast! The weather was beautiful, the water was so clear I could see to the bottom, and the tropical breezes were making for a perfect day. I saw tropical fish, turtles and a whale. I was gliding through the water like a boss having a wonderful time when, quite unexpectedly, the fin of my board hit a reef. Instantly, my board came to a screeching halt. I however, did not. I catapulted off my board and landed partially on my board and partly on the reef with a big, "Ummmph!" All the sudden, I became very thankful for the seat-belts in my car and wished I had had one on my board.
I caught my breath and surveyed the damage. My foot was bleeding so I paddled back in. Once back at shore, I saw I had a small knick on my left hand, bruised my foot, and had ripped the skin off several places on the ball of my foot.
While I was washing the sand off at the shower, ("licking my wounds"...add a little whine because I was hurt) I thought, "That's exactly how the enemy attacks us at times." We are going about our lives, having a great time, when all the sudden...Ummmph!
But then the Lord brought to my remembrance, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." (Luke 10:18, NLT) Even though I was still bleeding at the shower, even though my hand and foot was still hurting, my spirit leaped! And I corrected myself and said, "No, this is how we wrestle not with flesh and blood!" I will explain.
For we are not wrestling against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12, NLT)
As we speak God's living, powerful Word, we catapult ourselves into His perfect plan for us! (Hebrews 4:12) His plan for us is perfect because He is perfect!
As we, put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], we successfully stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11, AMP)
With every faith filled word we speak, the enemy's schemes experience a great big Ummmph!
An easy qualifier is:
When we speak negatively, it's death.
When we speak positively, it's life.
(Deuteronomy 30:19, Matthew 12:37, Proverbs 6:2)
But, we mustn't waver. (James 1:6)
We cannot say:
By His stripes I was healed! (Isaiah 53:5)
But I don't feel healed.
God works all things out for my good! (Romans 8:28)
Things don't look good.
I walk by faith and not by sight! (2 Corinthians 5:7)
I don't see how this can ever work out.
That's division. (James 1:6)
I believe God's Word is so powerful, at times it takes our circumstances a little while to catch up to that power. (James 1:5). That's why we hold fast to our confession and waver not. He is faithful! (Hebrews 10:23)
Just like the bruising on my foot, I will allow my flesh (current circumstance) time to "catch up" with God's Word. God's Word never fails. (Isaiah 55:11, 1 John 5:15) Even though it is currently bruised and requires bandaging, (not where I want to be) I will continue to keep my mouth under submission only saying, "Like I've been saying, By His stripes I have been healed and made whole." (Where I want to be.) Imitating my Father. (Ephesians 5:1, Romans 4:17)
His Word can be applied to every circumstance because nothing is impossible to Believers. (Mark 9:23)
Every day:
find "your" scripture
keep your confession
don't waver
Delivering an Ummmph to the negative situation and praising God as He turns it around for your good!
Many of you have written me. I know many have had a hard week, month and some, a very hard year. Today, you are one day closer to victory than you were yesterday. Next week, you will be one week closer to victory than you were this week. Don't give up now. (Galatians 6:9)
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I ask for every reader to allow the eyes of their hearts be enlightened in how to refuse to be divided and hold tight to their confession catapulting their life into excessive abundance, know the hope of Your calling, and walk in the riches of Your glorious inheritance! (Ephesians 1:18, John 10:10) I pray love and kindness never leave them as they bind them around their necks finding favor with You and man. (Proverbs 3:3, 4) And when they've done all to stand, stand! (Ephesians 6:13)
Yesterday, my family and I took stand up paddle lessons. A stand up board is similar to a surf board except it is longer and wider. For momentum, a paddle is used in a similar manner as when paddling a canoe while the boarder is standing up.
Our instructor was excellent and she had us paddling within minutes. After paddling for a short time, I felt so confident I was ready to paddle outside the buoys and go fast! The weather was beautiful, the water was so clear I could see to the bottom, and the tropical breezes were making for a perfect day. I saw tropical fish, turtles and a whale. I was gliding through the water like a boss having a wonderful time when, quite unexpectedly, the fin of my board hit a reef. Instantly, my board came to a screeching halt. I however, did not. I catapulted off my board and landed partially on my board and partly on the reef with a big, "Ummmph!" All the sudden, I became very thankful for the seat-belts in my car and wished I had had one on my board.
I caught my breath and surveyed the damage. My foot was bleeding so I paddled back in. Once back at shore, I saw I had a small knick on my left hand, bruised my foot, and had ripped the skin off several places on the ball of my foot.
While I was washing the sand off at the shower, ("licking my wounds"...add a little whine because I was hurt) I thought, "That's exactly how the enemy attacks us at times." We are going about our lives, having a great time, when all the sudden...Ummmph!
But then the Lord brought to my remembrance, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." (Luke 10:18, NLT) Even though I was still bleeding at the shower, even though my hand and foot was still hurting, my spirit leaped! And I corrected myself and said, "No, this is how we wrestle not with flesh and blood!" I will explain.
For we are not wrestling against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12, NLT)
As we speak God's living, powerful Word, we catapult ourselves into His perfect plan for us! (Hebrews 4:12) His plan for us is perfect because He is perfect!
As we, put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], we successfully stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11, AMP)
With every faith filled word we speak, the enemy's schemes experience a great big Ummmph!
An easy qualifier is:
When we speak negatively, it's death.
When we speak positively, it's life.
(Deuteronomy 30:19, Matthew 12:37, Proverbs 6:2)
But, we mustn't waver. (James 1:6)
We cannot say:
By His stripes I was healed! (Isaiah 53:5)
But I don't feel healed.
God works all things out for my good! (Romans 8:28)
Things don't look good.
I walk by faith and not by sight! (2 Corinthians 5:7)
I don't see how this can ever work out.
That's division. (James 1:6)
I believe God's Word is so powerful, at times it takes our circumstances a little while to catch up to that power. (James 1:5). That's why we hold fast to our confession and waver not. He is faithful! (Hebrews 10:23)
Just like the bruising on my foot, I will allow my flesh (current circumstance) time to "catch up" with God's Word. God's Word never fails. (Isaiah 55:11, 1 John 5:15) Even though it is currently bruised and requires bandaging, (not where I want to be) I will continue to keep my mouth under submission only saying, "Like I've been saying, By His stripes I have been healed and made whole." (Where I want to be.) Imitating my Father. (Ephesians 5:1, Romans 4:17)
His Word can be applied to every circumstance because nothing is impossible to Believers. (Mark 9:23)
Every day:
find "your" scripture
keep your confession
don't waver
Delivering an Ummmph to the negative situation and praising God as He turns it around for your good!
Many of you have written me. I know many have had a hard week, month and some, a very hard year. Today, you are one day closer to victory than you were yesterday. Next week, you will be one week closer to victory than you were this week. Don't give up now. (Galatians 6:9)
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I ask for every reader to allow the eyes of their hearts be enlightened in how to refuse to be divided and hold tight to their confession catapulting their life into excessive abundance, know the hope of Your calling, and walk in the riches of Your glorious inheritance! (Ephesians 1:18, John 10:10) I pray love and kindness never leave them as they bind them around their necks finding favor with You and man. (Proverbs 3:3, 4) And when they've done all to stand, stand! (Ephesians 6:13)
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Stand back to back...AND conqueror!
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22, 23)
I woke up today with another song on my heart!
This joy that I have, the world didnt give to me, ooh ooh!
This joy that I have, hey hey hey, the world didn't give to me!
OH this joy that I have, the world didn't give to me, the world didn't give it,
and the world can't take it away, oh yeah!
Do you know who can take our joy away? Only who we allow.
Did you also know, we can take scripture and personalize it for our specific situation?
Before we go to bed at night, we can find a scripture that fits our needs for the next day. First thing in the morning, when our eyes pop open, immediately begin meditating on that scripture. And meditate on it all day long.
For example, we know we have a lot of errands to run with our kids in tow. And we know, that requires joy as well as all the fruit of the spirit! (Galatians 5:22, 23)
So we prepare ourselves the night before:
Father God, I thank you for Your Holy Spirit producing fruit in my life! I praise You for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23)
Next morning, eyes pop open, meditate on it again!
Faced with an irritable husband on his way to get his blood drawn for a second time because he didn't finish all his medication. SING! "I've for that joy-joy-joy-joy down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart! Where?...everybody sing!"
*Disclaimer: This did not happen at my house. I'm just saying, it could happen under certain circumstances.*
When we are on our 3,928th errand for the afternoon and our kids smack each other, let the best man (or kid in this case) win. Survival of the fittest! Why? How? Because we have maintained our joy!
If we encounter a cranky cashier in the checkout line, smile and shout, "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy!" (Psalm 47:1) Be led on that one so security doesn't get involved. Do not ask me how I know.
If your flesh screams, "But I don't feel like it." Answer back with, "Big woo." (Thank you Dr. Larry Ollison.) Walk in authority over your flesh. Tell it, "You turn that frown upside down right now in the name of Jesus!"
Our kids don't feel like cleaning their room either but we enforce that. Do some flesh enforcing!
Take every thought captive and override the current situation with scripture. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
"Father God, I thank you for Your Holy Spirit producing fruit in my life! I praise You for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."(Galatians 5:22, 23)
Write it on a card if need be and pull it out in case of emergency!
And when we find ourselves really struggling, we call a friend. Not to complain and go into great detail about our struggle de'jour (that's Okie for dujour) but to say, "I've been bombarded today, please speak the Word over me and agree in prayer with me." (Luke 17:1, Hebrews 4:12, Ecclesiastes 4:12) Email us at Key Tov Blog, we are happy to pray in agreement with you! Or join us on our FB page!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whatsoever-Things-are-of-Good-Report/123471901011836
Whatever means work for you, do not stand alone!
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NLT)
I woke up today with another song on my heart!
This joy that I have, the world didnt give to me, ooh ooh!
This joy that I have, hey hey hey, the world didn't give to me!
OH this joy that I have, the world didn't give to me, the world didn't give it,
and the world can't take it away, oh yeah!
Do you know who can take our joy away? Only who we allow.
Did you also know, we can take scripture and personalize it for our specific situation?
Before we go to bed at night, we can find a scripture that fits our needs for the next day. First thing in the morning, when our eyes pop open, immediately begin meditating on that scripture. And meditate on it all day long.
For example, we know we have a lot of errands to run with our kids in tow. And we know, that requires joy as well as all the fruit of the spirit! (Galatians 5:22, 23)
So we prepare ourselves the night before:
Father God, I thank you for Your Holy Spirit producing fruit in my life! I praise You for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23)
Next morning, eyes pop open, meditate on it again!
Faced with an irritable husband on his way to get his blood drawn for a second time because he didn't finish all his medication. SING! "I've for that joy-joy-joy-joy down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart! Where?...everybody sing!"
*Disclaimer: This did not happen at my house. I'm just saying, it could happen under certain circumstances.*
When we are on our 3,928th errand for the afternoon and our kids smack each other, let the best man (or kid in this case) win. Survival of the fittest! Why? How? Because we have maintained our joy!
If we encounter a cranky cashier in the checkout line, smile and shout, "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy!" (Psalm 47:1) Be led on that one so security doesn't get involved. Do not ask me how I know.
If your flesh screams, "But I don't feel like it." Answer back with, "Big woo." (Thank you Dr. Larry Ollison.) Walk in authority over your flesh. Tell it, "You turn that frown upside down right now in the name of Jesus!"
Our kids don't feel like cleaning their room either but we enforce that. Do some flesh enforcing!
Take every thought captive and override the current situation with scripture. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
"Father God, I thank you for Your Holy Spirit producing fruit in my life! I praise You for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."(Galatians 5:22, 23)
Write it on a card if need be and pull it out in case of emergency!
And when we find ourselves really struggling, we call a friend. Not to complain and go into great detail about our struggle de'jour (that's Okie for dujour) but to say, "I've been bombarded today, please speak the Word over me and agree in prayer with me." (Luke 17:1, Hebrews 4:12, Ecclesiastes 4:12) Email us at Key Tov Blog, we are happy to pray in agreement with you! Or join us on our FB page!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whatsoever-Things-are-of-Good-Report/123471901011836
Whatever means work for you, do not stand alone!
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NLT)
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Wanna Stand? Gotta get Dressed Every Day!
Put on all of God's armor so that you
will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)
Currently, there are cutesy little
signs on the internet regarding awkward moments; for example, “Awkward Moment #
9,362” and then they fill in the blank with something awkward.
Today I
experienced an awesome moment!
Someone made
a random comment to me about a pastor (as if it were firsthand knowledge) and I knew the comment to be untrue. Behold! I
was handed the amazing opportunity to respond with, “Oh really? Well, they are
a close personal friend of mine, I will call them right now to confirm or deny
that situation.” I immediately got a shocked look, eyes bugged out and I distinctly
heard a big gulp.
This is how
we handle these type of situations:
In doing so, the momentum of the weapon of the enemy immediately
falls to the ground! It completely loses its force!- Never, ever link up with that.
- Always go directly to the source.
- Cut that things head off, immediately.
- Stand up for the person who is not there as if you are standing up for yourself, or your spouse, or your children, or your best friend.
The second element in this battle is no less critical than the first. That is, once we successfully decapitate the enemy in the first strike (negative comment) we must never resuscitate it by speaking about the incident. Loose lips sink ships. Some information is just not worthy of passing on. (Philippians 4:8).
For example, I could have called the pastor and told him/her all about the incident. That is, winning the first strike but suiting up for a suicide mission for the second strike and taking all those around me down with me.
I could have told my husband, Mike. In the overall battle, first strike would have been won while the third strike blew up home base.
I could have told all my closest girlfriends at church. First strike won while fourth strike scattered the forces.
Or worst of all options, I could have posted the incident on Facebook, KABOOM! Won one battle but lost the war...
We must be vigilant, alert, self controlled and refuse to be devoured! (1 Peter 5:8)
God has set
us up to successfully stand and Ephesians 6:12-18 tells us how!
- Get dressed in His full armor and stand!
- Stand firm in our belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness in place!
- Insure our feet are fitted and stay ready with the gospel of peace!
- Use our shield of faith, it extinguishes all flaming arrows!
- Protect our head with the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, His Word!
- Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Be alert and always pray for the Lord’s people!
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