GodStrong Men Online

New and Growing Site of Encouragement!

Check them out at the link below!

GodStrong Men On Facebook

God, You Can Steal My Show. Yes!

"So I'll step out the way.

I'll give you center stage. 

Need you to steal my show. 

Can't wait to watch you go."

I just absolutely LOVE this song.

Our lives are a show as well. A show of God and His truths to those around us. We were created to testify, 

but we have the choice of what we testify. Some may havea  problem with giving over control, 

but it's spoken that we must choose a side whether by decision or undecision. There's nothing wrong with being a puppet folks. :)

The issue is whose puppet are you?

Father God, it's all yours. What we really need is you. you've freed and filled us to overflowing!

I want my life's spotlight to be on you. It's is soo pleasing to me. ♥ ! ♥

God, You're Beautiful.

It all breathes you. It lives as we live. All your creation knows you, God. 

From the heavens to the waters, from that which thrives off the land to that which seeks and chooses you.

Your loving mysteries abound

gift wrapped just for us 

through your word

and from all that was formed by your hands. 

It all proclaims you 

 though words

or through sunsets

through heads bowed

or through sunrises

through upraised hands

 or through even the beauty in the storms. 

In the rebirths, in the deaths, in the ever flowing rivers

and winds whispering your name.

It all knows you. 

We Are God's Advocates To All

I awoke to a dagger to my heart, but I chose... I struggled, but chose to turn to God and let Him take it out. Had I struggled with it in my own way, I would have caused more damage. With each loving stitch I felt, I was reminded of the scar tissue already there. Not as haunting memories, but of God's faithfulness and His love soo deep. He wrapped me in His arms and reminded me who I was in His eyes. I handed over the pain and said "please take this. I'm trusting you with this. Now what do I do."


*tears*

Through God's overflow in me, He said

Forgive.
and Love
because I love them..... like I love you.
Pray for them...... not against them.
Be my advocate.
Now .... I'm trusting you with this.



Father, thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to cover a soul for you. It's not about me. I know. Thank you.

You are soo good to me and you bless me and yes, I am very much yours. Your Will is what I desire.

My Prayer For You Now

You're still seeking happiness, self vindication, but you'll never find it in the anger you hold onto so proudly. Even if I had chosen a different path by joining yours, you still would not have been satisfied. Your spirit must be so weary from a lifetime of trying to find a place to lay the burden on. The burden of being completely accepted. The weight of trying to mold your own path. The strain that you feel the need to take - in order to gain. There's only one rock that can take the complete wieght of your pain. Not only hold it off your shoulders, but transform it for your good. That rock is God. Your value lies in Him - Not your parents, not your significant others. You will never be satisfied through people. Until you realize this, you will continue to close yourself off and destroy anything in your path - even those that try to help. You were so broken before I came into the picture. I wasn't your problem. I just became a part of the problem. I'm soo sorry that I was too broken myself to help guide you to God our healer. There's hope though. Only one hope, and that's in a God that loves you unconditionally yesterday and tomorrow. So, keep shooting your arrows at me. Yes, they make me stagger for a second still even today. Today, though, I choose to stand and face you and allow you to shoot however more you need to release till you're exhausted. I'm just praying even harder now and my prayers WILL come into fruitation. Prayers for your soul in eternity. In Jesus name, because I'm not not praying against you anymore, but for you.



Arrows from old love,
how they hit so devastatingly.
Once binded to me by you,
Now seeks to destroy me.


Father stop this bleeding.
Block them at the gates.
Shield my heart.
Break this soul tie’s hate.


It’s binding was broken long ago.
But I am yours alone, Father.
You alone have access to me.
None other.


Where I fail and can no longer give,
You will finish in him.
Take hold of your wounded creation
And draw him to you.


God, have mercy on him.
Poison eats at his core still.
His eternity is at stake.
Establish, in him, your will.




 

You Were No Mistake

You are soo beautiful.

You were created with loving hands. 
He smiled through tears of joy as He dreamed of you
and how you could love Him out of a willing heart.
A love for Him unique only to you.

He spoke words of destiny into and over you.
He whispered your name as he quietly sang His song over you
telling you what His plans for you are.
Everything about you was thought out.

He gave you a name that you would one day hear after some time -
A draw to Him that would be familiar to you.
You were defined before you were in your mother's womb, and no one
has the ability to take that from you unless you give it to them.
They will try,
but don't you take heart to it.

God makes no mistakes
and He makes everything perfect and He makes everything for a purpose.
It's no mistake that you're here
and my my
you are soo loved.

Confidence In God Isn't Shaking In Your Boots. Speak To That Mountain and Tell It To Move.

Confidence in God isn't knowing how to avoid a fearful situation.

Confidence in God isn't standing up to fear while crossing your fingers with high hopes and closing your eyes like you expect to be blindsided.

I've decided today to not tiptoe around fear aka these "mountains" anymore. Instead, I've decided to speak to these mountains and tell them to MOVE, in Jesus name. I'm going to stand tall with my eyes wide open because my God is soo much bigger than what's in front of me.

We are not going to hope that it will turn out alright.
We are not going to beg that it will turn out ok.
This mountain WILL move because God said we could tell it to move.

We already know how this story ends! and it's NOT for our doom. We are going to be humble and confident in knowing that God's path for us continues on the other side of this. We're going to walk in faith towards God's plans even now because we believe in Him that much. God's good for us was already planned and in motion before we heard Him speak to our hearts for the first time. So we are going to walk right up to fear and speak God's authority to it without hesitation or grimacing and tell it to get out of our way. We are not going to hope God will come through for us. He already has. It's done. There's nothing to question. Our God doesn't need to avoid, tiptoe around, hide, nor run and neither will we, His obedient children. Amen

Prayer For Restoration In A Person/Relationship

Father God, we hold onto your promise that you will restore us as the church and as individuals as well and also the relationships we are involved in. 

What you have joined together and created is YOURS. 
What we have committed to you is YOURS.  
What we submit to you is YOURS.  
We are YOURS because YOU created us.  

Those of us who have returned, use us to strengthen the weak.  We will be obedient and not care what attacks us.  We will not focus on who attakcs us.  We will not hand over our energy to the enemy.  It's all just outward attacks because the enemy ultimately has NO authority over what is yours, God.  Be our shield physically and emotionally.  

Those who are lost or running, draw them to you.  Your plans are irrevocable.  You are a jealous God for our hearts! and we pray in agreement as you go after the lost ones running from you, from themselves, and from their families.  We pray loving conviction and protection over them.  In the meanwhile, we that are stronger will not join the world in condemning them. We will not tear down what you once built up.  We will have faith and prepare for healing and restoration in them before we see it.  We will praise you in the rain.  Draw your prodigal son/daughter to you, God.  Soften their hearts, Lord. Reveal yourself to them.  Give us the strength to pray continuously for them in word, in song, in prayer, and in thought. 

God, YOUR WILL be done adn NONE OTHER. Amen

When There Seems To Be No Hope, What Would You Do?

"I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining. I believe in love, even when I don't feel it.  I believe in God, even when He is silent."

These were the words found on a wall inside a concentration camp, after the war. This story is the inspiration for this song by the BarlowGirls.  In the dark, when all hope seems lost, do we shake our "fists at God, or do we write words of faith on the walls" surrounding us...

No matter the outcome here on Earth, God, your glory awaiting us is worth our last strength here.  Powerful and soo humbling. Father god, there's so much more to all this than us and these daily things we call "struggles".  In the grand scheme of things, we are still so blessed even on our worse days. Help us to really embrace you at all times.  Help us to see the deep faith out there that is possible to have given to us by example by those soo unshakable and devoted to you.

The Vision Never Left

Philipians 1:6   ...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.


1 Thessalonians 5:24    Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.



Romans 11:29    For God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.



The only thing that would stop these promises is if you absolutely refused to want them.

So if you're trying, keep trying. The dream, the desire, the hopes, the vision of you being a key person in God's kingdom and feeling the fulfillment of who you were meant to be...they're not gone. They weren't missed. They weren't taken away. They just need to be picked back up. God had plans for you before you were even born and it doesn't matter if you've never really sought Him before. If you are now for the first time, it's still something that was already in motion. You're on track if you're seeking. Praise God! ♥Praise God! God, you are wonderful!  <3

When There's Nowhere To Look But Up

There's someone on my heart this morning and it has me thinking about the dark pit it seems they are just starting to wake up to. Having been "there" before myself, I'm trying to find the right words that can give actual hope. The only lasting and true hope is through God, but if anything might help it's this. This is also for anyone that can relate to this.

If I can think of one truth from my own experience that is worth sharing, it's this:

I know there's nothing anyone can say that would truly ease this pain and diminish that gut feeling of not knowing what's ahead, but this I promise... Hold onto to this God you've heard about your whole life. Jehova God. Even if you don't have a clue how "all this works" (faith and life with God), just a mustard seed of faith is all He needs to start showing you. God loves you, and He sees you right now. He's ready if you are. Sweetheart, this darkness you're in that feels like the end of the world, is really just the beginning of something new in you. ♥ This dark around you is not because everything seems to be gone but rather it's a clean slate..a new beginning. It's a moment for you to build the foundation of you on the right stuff this time around. If you're praying or hoping for something around you to drastically change, allow God to first change and renew the person that has access to this situation...you.

Drawing Close To God

The easiest way to discern if something is a counterfeit is to know what the real thing looks like. The better you know the Lord, the less likely you are to be fooled by someone or something falsely representing him.// Pastor Duane Vander Klok

So true. And this brings to mind the whole process of getting to know the "real thing". I've thought on this soo many times in my life - frustrated over and over again wondering how we are to discern things, how to know what examples to leave- how to "get to know God".

In the past, I'd give up repeatedly using a pathetic excuse of "if they want me to understand, it should be easier to understand". I'd flip the bible open, but then close it just as quickly. I wanted something instant with no effort on my part. Mind you, we don't earn salvation, but building a relationship follows and building any kind of relationship takes some work. You have to put some effort into it and go into it with a sincere mindset and a positive expectation. Get into the word truly expecting, by faith, that you're going to get something out of it. Even if you don't understand it, read it, speak it, and claim it. You'll be surprised at how the confirmations start coming and how complex things become simple.

 I've learned that it's not by my own understanding that I will become closer to God. If that were true, then the ability to get to know God would be limited and different for each person. That's not what is promised to us though. It's by our true desire and blind step of faith that God reaches out and draws you to Him. It's about your heart!  Where is your heart at when you begin to seek? Are you doubting before you've even started? Are you skeptical? You'll get out of it what you put into it. Go in with your heart ready. If not by choice, than by circumstance: you will eventually find yourself on your knees with no other place to look. 

There's no better way to understand a book than to get to know and understand the author. Seek Him first, and all the rest will be given to you. Allow an actual relationship with God to develop - and you'll know what isn't of him, and you'll want nothing but Him. ♥ If all you know to say and can understand to say tonight is "Father, I want to know you. Show yourself to me", than you've said it all.

Are You Stewarding Well What You Have Right Now?

Sometimes it's not that extra blessings aren't available to you, but rather God is waiting for us to show ourselves good stewards with what we already have right now on our own.

He's not teasing us by holding back. God's pulling for us wanting us to be in the right mindset so He can start pouring it on so that we can share it according to His plan.

Remember, it's always always about His plan for us and others, and He has to make sure things develop in order to follow that plan. He's not holding back on you. He just needs you READY. So maybe the answer or blessing we seek isn't what's best for us. Maybe it's that we aren't ready, but we can change that. Pray for guidance and courage to use what He has given you today according to His will. He can't wait for you to be ready in stewardship because that means blessings for others. ♥

　

Can God See Your Current Struggle?

We have to stay focused on God's spiritual truth while we are here in order to keep moving forward.

The truth is that we are just visiting here. :)  There's a saying that I just love, and it goes like this:

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.." Teilhard de Chardin

It's true. This...all this around you, is temporary. The bigger picture is that we are spiritual beings who have a certain amount of time to get eternity right while here on this physical Earth. God does IN FACT care about your daily struggles even if you can't "see it". But you see, God sees in the spiritual. God sees what you will need most in the long run. He knows what you need now to get you to the ultimate spiritual finish line, not just to earth's tomorrow. Have faith that He will provide, and be comforted that He is also taking care of your soul at the same time. He cares that they (our struggles) in some way lead us to Him. He does not cause us harm, but He will turn it into good. We have to understand what ultimate good is in God's mind, and that is getting you into heaven with Him for eternity. His picture of good for us is so much bigger than we can truly comprehend. It's much bigger than meeting that goal today or having this and that taken care of by next week. It's soo much bigger because He knows there's soo much more at stake than we can understand sometimes. Have faith. Stay strong because even though you struggle today and you don't quite understand God's movements in your life, He's loving you into eternity. ♥

God Already Knows That Thing You Hide. Let Him Have It And Get Free.

The enemy wants us to think that when we submit things to God that we think we are hiding from God, that we are done because it shows weakness according to the world's standards or that condemnation ensues. The enemy does so by trying to make us feel ashamed or afraid.

The truth is that the opposite happens. The more we submit to God, the more He heals. The more God heals, the stronger those areas become. We take on God's mindset and God's confidence. We become free to be who we were meant to be. We are free to see who around us is for us. We are free to know that we don't need anything less anyways! INSECURITIES DISAPPEAR BECAUSE THERE'S NOTHING LEFT TO HIDE! There's no Godly reason for the feelings of shame or embarrassment in this physical realm other than that the enemy puts those feelings on us because he wants us as ineffective as possible in the spiritual realm.

If you have spent a lifetime of holding onto shame or the fear of rejection...I'd love to see what God's plan is for you because apparently "somebody" REALLY doesn't want you fully walking in Christ. The enemy doesn't attack you with feelings of inadequacy because you're supposedly weak or unloved. You're attacked because you're capable of doing some major damage to the enemy's camp. So kick the enemy away from your ear, and get FREE.

Eph. 6:12 Do, but don't stress. The War Is Already Won!

Watch this --> Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers. Col 2:9-10 For in Him (Christ Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are COMPLETE IN HIM, who is the head of ALL principality and power. //



 In other words, take prayer seriously because we ARE at war, but don't stress about it because GOD IS LORD.



Amen!!

God Strength Through Our Weakness Is Only The Beginning

We sing and yell out proclaiming how great God is and how much He does through us in our weakness - in times where we aren't even looking to be used or provided for.
Have we ever thought, then, what we could accomplish if we walked in His strength- if we made purposed decisions at our spiritually strongest...

♥ Miraculous in our weakness. Impossible to stop at our strongest.

　

My Google Search For Inspiring Articles For "Single Christian Woman"

Singles/Single Parents: I was looking for something to encourage me on how to stay refreshed spiritually as single christian woman. I did three searches using "single Christian women/Christian single mothers", and each time more than 2/3 of the results were geared toward how to attract a husband. This was the basic topic in the top three results each time. Things are rated at the top because they are the most searched or the most posted about. I have to say that I was a little saddened by this. I desire a companion like the next person, but these aren't the results I was hoping to find today. I'm saddened that there's soo much focus on this instead of an overwhelming desire to be Christ minded on our own.

I'm sorry, but I'm not going to put off planning for the future because "I'm waiting for a husband". That means I would be making him my future. There's no assurance in that. I'm not going to miss the significance of the moment right now thinking that my life will only be significant with a husband beside me. Isn't this moment going to create who we need to be anyways? Therefore, this phase you're in is very significant.

I'm not going to spend my heart's energy so strongly focused on something when I claim to leave everything up to God and His timing. We either have submitted it to God or we haven't. I would someday "like" a godly husband and to be his godly wife, but I NEED God right now and in all my tomorrows. There are soo many other things to spend our powerful prayer on daily.

I'm tired. I feel like I'm running in circles sometimes against the wind. For moments, I get a glimpse of the lie that there is no hope. I have the enemy side-swapping me at times with flashes of guilt over being single with children.

My heavenly father is the ONLY anwer to these circumstances.
 
I'm going to take care of myself because I deserve to feel good today and yes it's possible being on my own. I need daily supernatural refreshing so that I can perform above and beyond the roles God has placed me in right now. I find joy like no other in this very special relationship that is just me and God. Get rest. Get refreshed. It's ok to be filled with joy. Be motivated. Change the world around you today, and all that may take is someone seeing you rested and smiling in your current situation.

Loving Everyone Regardless Of Opinion

"I believe He wants us to love others so much that we go to extremes to help them." // Francis Chan


“God's definition of what matters is pretty straightforward. He measures our lives by how we love.” // Francis Chan


When I worried about what others thought of the people I spent my time on, I was always alone and unmoved in my faith walk. (That has sometimes included disagreeing opinions of other believers.)

Now I love, keep close, and go after more those who NEED IT regardless of opinions around me. ♥ I've never felt a more moving and deeper love than for those who currently walk the shoes I use to walk. ♥ Don't get me wrong - correction and advise is always welcomed, but I refuse to listen to critics tell me I shouldn't share the same love and grace I've been given. Isn't that what we are here for? To draw in and welcome those who don't believe? I'm not talking about living a double life style. I'm talking about making people feel welcomed and loved just as they are in their moment of
unknowing and need. This is not a game nor a club. Souls are at stake. We can't be willing to miss opportunities to show God to people. As women, we have a God given characteristic to nurture people. We're GOOD at this loving thing. Don't waste it! What "image" are you portraying? The image the world thinks you should have, or the image and example Christ gave us to follow? Be blessed today by being a blessing.


Mark 12:30-31 NIV  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.

Matt. 4: 1-11 Fight Back With God's Word

In Matthew 4: 1-11 Jesus was coming to the end of his 40 day/40 night fasting when the devil "the temptor" came to him. This scripture has always scared me growing up. I guess because it scared me that satan would even try to mess with Jesus. But I don't fear this now - not with some clarity. :)

Other than Christ's crucifixion, this point in His fasting was possibly the weakest Jesus ever was physically. Isn't like the enemy to strike at moments when we are at our lowest? The cool thing is that even though the devil tempted Jesus and placed him in different stressful situations, he never harmed Jesus. I think that he probably couldn't. ;)  So the worst that can be done to us is that we are presented choices to tempt us. Not so scary now is it? :)

More importantly, Jesus didnt use magic or fight an epic fist battle to defeat satan that day. Jesus simply replied to each temptation with scripture. The enemy is not dumb and knows God's Word as well, but he IS powerless under God and God in Us. Get into God's Word and cling to it. It's our sword and defense. If you are God's, the enemy can not touch you. He can only use smoke and mirrors around you, so have your spiritual glasses on so that you're not fooled, and always be ready with an answer (scripture). Praying protection, peace, assurance, and JOY over you today. God Is Good! ♥

　

Be and Do What We Know

There comes a point in our lives where we realize we've been marinating and soaking in God soo much and soo long that we've forgotten to open our eyes to look around and see opportunities where we can apply what we've been learning. Maybe you didn't know yet that there's more than just sitting here in God's presence. Maybe there was still some work to be done on you, but maybe you just don't want to step out of that comfort zone. It's time to step out to do and be the example we've been praising.

God's word has some strong words regarding us hearing His word yet not doing His word. You don't have to be superhuman either. Just pay attention to the "tug" at your heart particularly in the more personal not-on-exhibit moments. Lend an ear. Offer a shoulder. Wipe a tear. Hug that neck. Release a prayer over them. Hold that hand. Don't be afraid to reach out. I think you'll be surprised how easily peoples' walls come down when sincerity is on the forefront. Simply ask God today to show you opportunities to show His love, and watch God form you into what you've been hearing. God bless you today as you become one of God's stories. ♥ -

Obama vs Romney 2012

My response to the election, results, and reactions of soo many:



I Timothy 2: 1-8

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.



We will always be disappointed and saddened when we place our trust, faith, and hope in other people. They are no more super human than we are, but we have a supernatural God who has not changed. He is the same right now, post election, as He was in the beginning - creating and shaping everything into existence while having you, me, us on His mind. Today and tomorrow are no surprise to Him. Have faith. Be obediant and pray for those in positions of authority. Praying peace for you and so many.

Bringing Down Internal Strongholds

All I can do is sit back in awe of what we are capable of with God leading us. Yet sadly, some of our biggest hindrances are ourselves. So when God brings to light negative strongholds within ourselves, don't lash out or run away because you think it's to embarrass us. The shame may be momentary, but we are already promised grace and have mercy waiting to bannish the shame. Listen, God brings it (things we need to repent or fix) to light to give us the chance to destroy it! To completely demolish something, we need to see all of it.

Seeing Our Struggles Transformed: Being Equipped

If the Lord calls you, He WILL equip you for the task He wants you to fulfill" // We are all called; therefore, we will all be equipped. God will not send us out without purpose. Though our training in the past and present is not always easy, our ultimate victory will come from wisdom gained from failures. If our vision becomes clear it means that it was once clouded. Our past stumbling blocks become our stepping stones. Everything is an opportunity for God's glory to shine ♥ It's up to us to allow the struggles to be transformed.

Seek Peace And Prosperity Where You Are (Jeremiah 29:7)

Jeremiah 29:7  Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.



(Can I get an amen for direct direction? I hate having to guess. This ^ is soo powerful and comforting.)
　



♥ Have faith that where you are is where you are meant to be regardless of how you got there. Nothing touches us or our life that hasn't first gone through God's hands. He knew ages ago that you would be right where you are right now. It may be that in this place, location or phase, that you are finally submitting enough to allow God to mold you. If you feel this isn't happening, then the winds of change are on our side because God never messes up. Maybe we've seen this place or situation or phase as a curse and we've treated it as a curse. Instead, start blessing the place you're in/at. Start blessing it because there's a reason you are there even if you can't see it. Start speaking blessing to it because the tongue holds the power of life and death. Be God's willing light of love to those around you. Be a part of prospering what is around you. Everything we do is an investment into God's kingdom and into our own lives.




 

God Doesn't Call The Qualified. He Qualifies The Called.

Researching the history and lives of Christ's first twelve disciples, the one after His own heart, and countless others in the bible we see every day people who failed daily yet are now considered pillars in our faith. That should have us feeling confident and absolutely free to lay down our complete imperfections before God. If He can use them...He can use us. There's no getting ourselves right before going to God. Going before God gets us right.

"God doesn't need you. He want's you."

"God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called."

Got it?

Good :)

God uses common, ordinary, everyday people who have uncommon goals and visions for His purpose. Loving others regardless of persons.

Speaking Of Dating Failures Or The Absence Of Dating

If you have to chase it or force it into the mold it should be, it's not for you to have. Sometimes the only problem in a relationship is that you simply wanted it more than the other person. Guess what? That’s ok. There's no blame game to play. There's no baggage that we need to create. Have faith in even this area. Surrender and believe that God is orchestrating all aspects of your life, and that includes doors that are shut. So when it doesn't work out, praise God for it because it's STILL a confirmation. Confirmations don't always come in a positive result. Pray for and bless the other person, and graciously move on.

One day you'll not meet resistance, you won't have to create a scenerio that doesn't exist, nor feel an impossible distance from the love interest across from you. Until then, dive into your days. Every day is training in God's kingdom, and there's a much bigger picture outside of ourselves. ♥ Don't put all your focus on chasing what's not meant for you and possibly miss out giving God's love to someone who shouldn't have to chase you for it.

As wonderful as marriage and parenthood are, they are not THE goal. These things are a branch off from who we truly are. They are a blessing to enjoy and used to teach, but do not lose sight of your true value by basing it on just a ring and stroller or lack thereof! You are a child of a king - The King ♥ - and OH He has plans for you! that encompass winning a world!

Easier Route VS Harder Route (Exodus 13:17-18)

Exodus 13:17-18 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.



You know, all through their wonderings in the wilderness, the Israelites complained at Moses and God about the difficulties of their journey. I've always thought they spent that much time in the wilderness because of their repeated disobediance. Maybe they needed time for God to work on their hearts. I see the OT as many stories of parallelism to today.

In the scripture above, it states that they avoided the faster route (land of the Philistines). Why? Because God knew that going that easier route, at that time, would cause the Israelites to lose heart and run back to Egypt. Whatever was there in Philistine was something that would make God's people see bondage back in Egypt as "better".

So you see, God was keeping in mind their future, the long term effect, the big picture. He does that with us today. Sometimes we get caught up in the today's struggles and want to give up and shake a fist at God when he's actually putting us in a position to live and prosper in the long run.

When a door closes in you life, it may be for your best. When you are going through a difficult time, it may be the better of two paths and you just can't see it. The harder paths may be because they are going to eventually get you to YOUR finish line...in the way YOU were created to finish it. The way you think something "should have" happened may have actually turned out to be your destruction just like how the Israelites' chance at freedom would have been jeopardized had they gone the quicker easier route. Only God sees all - then, now, tomorrow. Only God sees, on all planes, what would have been. Have faith in this fact. Be still and listen. Obey. Praise God in your wilderness because it is all and always for your ultimate good.

Having Faith Can Take Some Tough Decisions

Something has to be broken first in order for "Healing" to show up. Brokenness can happen when we finally let go of what is not ours to hold even if what you held onto was something that blossomed while in your hands. Sometimes, there just comes a time to let it go and it you. This is by far one of the most difficult things I must do. It is though, the first time I've laid something like this at your feet Father. I'm placing this at your feet. It's yours. Take it.

This was yours to begin with. In my hands, it will only produce bad fruit. Let the sky pour down. Let the rains fall. Cleanse all this from me. Don't let this end in vain. Take it and do with it as only you can, Father. Stay with me till the morning.

Father's Day Giveaway !!!!

Here's your opportunity to win your hubby or father or that special guy a cool father's day package. The giveaway is being held by GodstrongWomen on Facebook.  Below are the details. Don't miss it !!!!


GodStrongWomen Father's Day Giveaway !!

We've GOT To Stop This Bickering

As believers we are not to argue for the sake of arguing! What is it accomplishing? Because it IS accomplishing something. We either accomplish something positive or we accomplish something negative. There is no such thing as a non-productive argument as in nothing is produced. SOMETHING always comes out of something.

I'm talking specifically about debates about God, religion, spirituality, atheism, etc. with those that don't believe. I don't really get upset at non-believers even in their most irritated state. You know, whether we agree or not, they are living out their belief. They are holding true to how they perceive things at that moment. You can't hold that against them because they truly don't know better. They are blind. From the standpoint of a Christian, even during a non-believer's most irritated state, you should have sympathy and understanding because we weren't always right with God and you KNOW where their non-belief will lead them. Your heart should be SHATTERING for them no matter what is coming out of their mouths. Nail down your ego and don't add fuel to the fire.

As for believers, we are held to a different standard and that standard is to be reflecting God's image - love. If that is not what is pouring out you, then you need to have a serious talk with God. Us arguing to the point of insulting, being sarcastic, or spewing "better than thou righteousness" is  doing the OPPOSITE of what we are called to do! Now THAT....upsets me...instantly. I think we have all done it, but it's the ones that are relentless even with correction that are disturbing. As the cliche goes, "it gives us a bad name" and it's turning people away...and I can't blame them.

Yes, we are to reason with each other. Yes, we are to share the gospel and God's love. Yes, we can even debate, but the moment...the very moment words start coming out of our mouths that will plant ungodly seed, we should STOP.

1 Peter 3:15-16    But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Acts 19   (My summary -->)   After 3 months of speaking boldly and persuasively, Paul left Ephesus because there were those there who continued to disbelief and slander the word. HE LEFT THE ARGUMENTS because it was obvious NOTHING positive was coming out of it. He went ELSEWHERE to do what God told him to do and in turn the work in Ephesus was eventually accomplished.

We...are not here to save people. That is NOT our job. We are here to love, share, listen to the word, do the word, and plant good seed. Sometimes the harvest in someone's life happens instantly, but most times the harvest happens later on down the road and it happens because we helped plant seeds and nourish those seeds.

We are STILL helping even if we NEVER see the outcome. Have enough faith that God can take of it. Don't stay in an atmosphere where you will plant seed that will destroy the good seed already there. Don't be a part of it.




Romans 13:8       Owe no on anything, except to love each other, for teh one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Galations 5:13     For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Ephesians 4:2    with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

1 John 4:7     Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God

  

When Losing Is Gaining

Short and sweet today:


Sometimes, it's not about salvaging the leftovers in a situation. Sometimes, it's about us just needing to get up and leave the whole shipwreck behind.

There was a situation in my life years ago that I spent a lot of time going over in my mind. I went from regret to guilt to anger to indifference to just analyzing it to glean from it what could be used in the future.

One day in that time, I was driving along and thinking about it and speaking to God from my heart saying: "NEVER AGAIN will I let the enemy come in and take from me". Then I got mad and I was remembering all the times I prayed over that situattion that God would remove the obstacles in the way and asking Him why He hadn't removed the obstacles. I was yelling through tears...asking Him why He didn't fix what needed to be fixed. As I was in that thought, this thought came to my heart INSTANTLY, quietly, and as clear as a bell:

"..but I DID remove it. I heard you, and I answered. I removed what was hindering you from me. That what you were trying to hold on to...was the obstacle."


I was instantly bawling. I had to pull over because of the clarity and overwhelming love I felt. It was a bitter sweet experience. In a moment, a lifetime piece fell into place.

Sometimes it's not that we are being punished.

Sometimes it's not that we failed.

Sometimes..... it's that we were being saved from    destruction that we couldn't even recognize.

...and Sometimes It's Just The Atmosphere

....that I need.

I'm talking about church.

I've never left there without being fired up and motivated about my faith. I walk in emptied and leave filled up. We have amazing pastors and church family. I drive a two hour round trip to attend if that tells you anything. (Because it's worth it.) I'm not even involved in anything. Being an hour away, all I've been able to do is just show up. It's been enough so far though to impact me and my life. In the two years we have attended, I've never once regretted attending a service.

Today was no different from the pulpit. There was a difference today though and it was on my end. It was still motivating and very much a learning environment, but I can't really remember any phrase in particular like I usually do. I usually have a page of "!!"s and "WOW"s and quotes galore to be passed on. Today my notes have a heading and one sentence. That's it. Sometimes I just can't think or listen or analyze. Sometimes everything is just white noise. Sometimes I'm just looking for God and a moment of my spirit being still with him. Sometimes all I can do is just sit there and....breathe.  The lesson is usually always making me want to shout to the world what I just heard or felt. It's just not how I connected today though. I drug in almost halfway through the service. I thought I'd cry if I couldn't just get in and sit there a bit. I didn't leave there on a "high" like usual. I DID leave there peaceful and refreshed. That's what I needed. I'm not saying one or the other is a better reaction. Just different. I think it's ok if every now and then we just need to be tended to by God. We just need to sit with him and just lean on him for a bit and that's ok. There's just something special about seeking and finding it among your church family. It's so instantaneous and powerful. It's precious and I'm so grateful the opportunity and place is available to me to do just this - to leave feeling I have been sung to and held.  I just needed to walk in and marinate in God's presence.


Now - focusing in on talking about an actual home church, - God is everywhere and His presence is where you welcome it, but sometimes He can be sensed more strongly in certain places (church/gathering). I can simply walk into my church's sanctuary and just be absolutely refreshed before I find my seat. It's like literally walking into another world. Whatever I've been worried about or have struggled with...it's like it's instantly erased from my heart at the sanctuary doors. Call me crazy, but the transformation comes like a breeze. There's something cleansing and powerful behind those doors. It's the Holy Spirit. Most times I leave there finding peace about life without even knowing "the hows" and being ok with that. That's God peace and it's His presence that I find in that place. I believe it is created by the leadership and those that support that leadership. It's the simple fact of several believers coming together. That's the importance of church and when you find one where the body is united as the one I attend, it's priceless. It's life saving - literally.

I'll be the first one to tell you all sorts of resources you can use online or through books to be fed spiritually. I see nothing wrong with spending your time and focus on these things. I encourage it actually. It's how I got started back on this path. I use to think that a person didn't necessarily need to physically be a part of a church to be the person they need to be. My thinking is different now. You need it. Everything else should be supplementary.

Having a church home and getting involved is not a social status show. It's not an obligation or routine. "Church is not a museum for the saints. Church is a hospital for the sick."  You should have one and go because you need it. If you truly believe in the word then you will believe in the power and possibilities and promises of being in the midst of a God fearing God loving church family gathered together in agreeance. You should be running to it. God has given us a spiritual family for a reason. It's needed. If you're not welcomed where you are, then keep seeking. Unfortunately, at one time or another, you will be in churches that are not united and you will feel it. They're not all that way though.  If you don't have a church home, I pray God guides you to one and that God's presence in that particular place will have you running to take that step through those sanctuary doors every chance you get.




Matthew 18:20    For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. 

Hebrews 10:24-25  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Colossians 3:16     Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, sniging psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

GodStrong Women and Godstrong Forums

Join us on GodstrongForums.com...an online Christian Community to connect and strengthen Christian men and women from around the world!

GodstrongWomen

A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of Godly strength knows it is in the journey where she will become strong.



Facebook site:   https://www.facebook.com/GodstrongWomen


Youtube site:  http://www.youtube.com/user/GodstrongWomen?ob=0&feature=results_main

Godstrong Forums:  http://godstrongforums.com/  for all.

Derrick: Founder

"...My walk with Christ defines me and my desire is to awake every day in eager anticipation to what He has in store and how I can better serve Him.  Envisioning Godstrong Women, our goal is to create a multitude of resources for women (both online and offline) to cultivate and maintain a vibrant relationship with the Lord.  Our vision statement is, "A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of Godly strength knows it is in the journey where she will become strong. - D"

Godstrong Women Ministries // Actively supporting a Revolution of Love <3

Kind words are like honey...sweet to the soul and healthy for the body // Proverbs 16:24

A Lullaby

Zephaniah 3:17  The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quite you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you adn not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Colossians 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as  you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God

What Comes Out Is What We Put In

..and that's why there's not been much posting on here. I've not been doing my devotional time or even reading much and it shows. Then I wonder why things seem "foggy" or not understood. Hello....



....and that really is all there is to this one. Admitting what I'm not doing, then going from there. :)

Who Am I

On my knees, head down, hands at side with palms up in reverence..... as if I can do anything else. All I can do is sit here overwhelmed by your personal love for me. I have no strength outside of yours. My desire for things other than you were burned off and you continue to cradle as you mold me. Pliable and quick I am to lay at your feet everything - you break my heart time and time and time again only to enlarge it and fill me beyond my understanding. My complete trust is in you as I lean into your urgings on each ledge I come to. No one told me how much I would finally see when I truly believed even as blind as I am. This blind faith is not wishing on uncertainties. It's knowing that all that you are is everything. I'm at your feet. If nothing else, allow me this closeness. Pull me close to you. I want to see your face. This is all about you, and you are about me. It's not possible to imagine the depth of your love for us. It would be too much....for now. 

Who Do You Relate To In The Bible?

Mary Magdalene.

Her history is questioend at times but the fact is that she loved Jesus and she served willingly.  We don't know what she was healed from but it's said that she was set free from several demons.  "Demons" are also seen as a spirit of depression, self-injurious behavior, anxiety issues, debilitating insecurities, anger, paranoias, etc demons.  I think things like these are what she suffered from.  I relate to these things. 

I grew up thinking that there was this big thing I was going to do for God.  That somewhere down the road my life would come to a climax...the moment I had waited and prpared for my entire life.  I've sat and thought on this question and the truth, for me, is that sometimes it's the daily small things of being faithful that are our calling.  Being humble, not needing a spotlight, just wanting to follow and be close, being faithful in all I do. Grateful and faithful...mary M. is symbolic of these.  I'm just soo grateful.  If all else failed, I know my God will not fail me. No matter how close I get, I feel like I can't get close enough. 

Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

To add:  

I think we fit different characters according to our life phase.  We are all doubting Thomas from time to time even for just a split second.  Over time (I hate saying "with age"), I've cooled my horses on the impatience and fear things.  I'm just...here. God can take care of it all.  I don't want the stress of control anymore. 

I was just cleaning the toilet while I thought:  "Lord knows I've been a Jezebel, and I liked it.  Man, God, I was soooo bad. 

Just thought you needed to hear that - toilet thing an-all.  

The Enemy Wants To Get You Out Of A Position Of Effectiveness

"The enemy wants to get you out of a position of effectiveness." Pastor Kile Bateman

^  This struck me soo strongly on different aspects.


1. It's a reminder that we are at war in the spiritual realm.

2. That we are only to obey, and if that means to stay out of God's way then so be it. He doesn't need us. He wants us. So, don't charge into a battle without asking God first how exactly He wants to use you and where He wants to use you. He's got this covered. It's finished. We are just playing out the rest of the story so just listen to him and follow along. We can either have significant part in this or we can get lost in the general mass of those who didn't have the faith and courage to obey and assist at God's side.

3. Most profoundly, for me, the enemy is not making it personal when he attacks us. That's right. It's nothing personal against us. That would mean that he cares enough about us to find out about us, to learn our heart, and to really get to know us. But the devil doesn't care about us, so his attacks are not personal. It's nothing but mere battle strategy. Cold, calculated, general attacks -so don't take his obstacles personal. Don't get swallowed up in emotions that pull you into a pit of self-sympathy. Get mad. Get mad at the enemy for daring to think he could use you as his tool or that he could pull you out of your God ordered position of victorious authority. The truth is that the attacks WILL come when you are obeying God. Obeying doesn't keep us from being stressed out or without obstacles. It protects us during the attacks. What you fear is actually what you worship because when you are crippled in fear, you are obsessed with the object of your fear. When you start to have doubtful thoughts, begin to feel fearful, or have hurt feelings - tell satan to shut up. Stay at your post and keep looking where you need to be looking.

"The apostle Peter warns, "The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer" (4:7). He is saying, in other words, "This is no time for lightness. You have to get sober-minded about spiritual matters. It is an issue of life and death."// David Wilkerson

Psalm 25:9    He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.



Luke 18:27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."


1 Cor 10:13  No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.


2 Cor 1:21-22  Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.


Ephesians 6:10-18  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;


Heb 4:14-16  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.