Gearing Up

So I read James 1 5-8 from The Message and find that I am truly inspired yet again by the  living Word of God. 

"If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open."

It really speaks to me. It is a clear reminder of God's instruction to not be wishy washy. If we don't act like we believe we certainly aren't believing. In reading this I am convicted as I know I worry a lot in my prayers. Instead of letting my Amen be said, I have continued to spend time worrying about the very thing I am praying about even after I have just prayed! No wonder why it takes so long for my prayers to be answered! God waits on me to believe.

There are many prayers in my life right now that I have no doubt and am bold in belief, so why do I struggle with others?

This is the battlefield. Time to go back to The Book and gear up.

Proverbs, a word from the wise.

I am always sorrowed when I hear so many speak of others with hurtful judgment, especially those within their own family. In the Church we are all taught to love and forgive, so when did these teachings stop? Christ associated himself with people from all walks of life. He knew that we are all equally sinners and no one was any better than another.

 

I admit that it seems easier to follow the path of the enemy and cast stones than it is to be loving to strangers and purposefully help show them a different way, but I also know that is what the enemy wants. He wants us to go the easy route, the route that seems right when in fact it is wrong. He tricks us many times again, when all we need to do is practice love. Who better to practice than Jesus himself?

 

Over the past few years I have learned that there are many times in the Bible that God had forgave the Israelites time and time again, but it got to a point where they no longer listened or heeded his fore warnings that he had no choice but to stop forgiving them.

 

I don't want to get to that point in my own life - the point of not being able to forgive. So I pray that I will only be refined when there is trouble in my family no matter who the terrible judgments and gossip are pointed at. I also pray that those who feel compelled to judge others would become refined in the process of doing so. I don't know how but know that God is always working with his children in His own will, His own plan.

 

Proverbs is a wise book of the Bible and offers so much advice...in fact here are just a couple verses I received through email that happened to be the verse of the day when things were getting pretty tough in life this past week. Imagine how awesome it is to know that God is there when he knows I need it most!

 

He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

~Proverbs 11:29

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.
~ Proverbs 26:20

 

No matter what may come from any direction, I will do my best to keep the Word close to my heart to know that the things I am going through are not things I will go through alone and that there is purpose for what is happening in my life. I pray for those who have feasted upon evil thoughts and things that entertain their minds would allow Christ to enter their hearts instead.

Walking today...

What a joy to wake in the morning with thankfulness in my heart! Every morning this week I have found I am counting the blessings the Lord has given me already as well as what I will receive one day...blessings that I can't even fathom. I am so amazed at how God works why do I ever stray away from Him?

Lately I have been focusing in my walk with God on how the fruit of the Spirit is working in my life. I try and recite the fruits aloud so that I will remain always thoughtful of where I am spiritually. I ask, "What fruit do I have today?" Where I find that I am lacking then I know I need to seek God further in His word and especially in Prayer.

While doing this, it occurred to me this morning on how much the fruit of the Spirit and the Armor of God go hand in hand, take a look at these verses:

"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!"

Galations 5:22,23

 

"Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting 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.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
Ephesians 6:11-18

It is awesome to know that God sent not only Jesus Christ for our salvation but also a strong and Holy Spirit that will lead us through each and every day.