Category: Strength

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Call to Battle

I was reading about King David this morning. The account in II Samuel 21 is long past his days of youth when he defeated Goliath but here he is leading the Israelites in battle against the Philistines again.

David had grown weary in the fight and the Philistines knew it. A warrior had come to destroy him but King David’s aide defended him and destroyed the enemy. The Israelites were victorious, and the Philistines were once defeated once again.

Do you feel like King David? Have you grown weary in the battle?

I don’t know why Christians think that we won’t have troubles or battles. We do and we will. But our battles aren’t against flesh and blood, they are against the spiritual evil and darkness that has so much influence in our world.

“We live in this world, but we don’t act like its people 4 or fight our battles with the weapons of this world. Instead, we use God’s power that can destroy fortresses. We destroy arguments 5 and every bit of pride that keeps anyone from knowing God. We capture people’s thoughts and make them obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 CEV

We fight against thoughts and arguments that take hold of people’s thinking, leading them away from obedience to Christ. The weapons we used are given to us by God and don’t conform to man’s way of thinking.

“Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11  Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.

14  Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. 15  Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. 16 Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17  Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit.

18 Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.” Ephesians 5:10-18 CEV

Young David said he battled Goliath not with sword and spear but with the name of the Lord. Joshua went to battle in the power of the Lord. We also go to battle in the same way.

“ So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.” vs 13

Each piece of armor listed in the verses above, truth, the gospel of peace, salvation, righteousness, faith, sword of the Spirit, are all found in God’s word. He gives them freely to each of us to use.

When we grow weary, like David did, we pray for strength and the Lord will provide that too. The armor that God gives us prepares us for battle and assures us ultimate victory!

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Back In the Box

This past week Dave and I have been packing things up and getting ready to head back to the Valley. Our biggest struggle has been trying to get things back in their original boxes.

No, we don’t have a cat and if we did we wouldn’t put them in a box but we did have canvas tarps and poles for our garage and also the awning and stakes for our canopy. Dave kept saying, “how did they get all this in the box”.

After what seemed to be hours of struggling with folding and refolding, packing and unpacking and packing again, we were tired. At one point I said to him, “no more today, it can wait till tomorrow”. I went in and he kept working.

This may all seem silly to you but each of us face daily struggles. How do we keep everything in order? How do we get all our “junk” back in the box?

“He said, “This is the message from the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Your help will not come from your own strength and power. No, your help will come from my Spirit.’ This is what the Lord All-Powerful says.” Zechariah 4:6

When we have Christ in our life we never have to draw on our own strength. We have his promise that He will provide the strength that we need.

Some things become easier with age. We have the experience to be more relaxed in different situations. Things don’t seem as stressful because we’ve walked this ground before and know that eventually everything will work out. Or at least that’s how it seems.

However, with age some things can seem more difficult. The physical things that we once had the power to handle when we were younger not can be tiring and frustrating.

“I love you, Lord! You are my strength. 2 The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety. He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection. He is my shield; by his power I am saved. He is my hiding place high in the hills. 3 I called to the Lord for help, and he saved me from my enemies! He is worthy of my praise!” Psalm 18:1-3 ERV

The Lord never intended for us to do things on our own. He came to walk and talk with Adam and Eve each evening. He talked with Abraham, friend to friend. The Lord visited with Moses and gave him direction. He gave David strength to defeat a giant and was there when Daniel needed Him in the lion’s den.

Jesus talked with the Father continually and obtained the strength He needed for each day. The Apostle Paul made this statement to the churches in a letter written as a prisoner in Rome.

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

What is it that takes your strength? Packing up to go home, an illness, an obnoxious co-worker, financial stress? In each and every situation the Father promises to be our help and provide our strength.

Trust Him. He knows how to put everything back in the box.

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Begging for Attention

The last few days the chipmunks have been clamoring for attention. The nights and early mornings are getting colder, and their internal clocks must be telling them winter is coming soon.

They are busy collecting seeds and other sources of food. Up the tree them go, depositing their cache and back down again. Running here and there, collecting as much as they can, filling their cheek pouches, depositing it and returning again.

They are busy about life!

How many times have we gotten busy with life? We get so caught up in all the activities, things and people demanding part of our time. Too much pressure and not enough time.

Do you think God doesn’t know this? He does!

Do you think He is caught by surprise when events are clamoring for your attention? He isn’t! Problems have surfaced like the waves of a tsunami and you feel like you are about to be washed away. He is the one who speaks to the winds and waves and says peace be still!

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?…So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:25-33 NLT

Look at the birds, or in my case, look at the chipmunks.

“Many people say, ‘Who will show us better times?’ Let your face smile on us, Lord.
7 You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:6-8 NLT

The Lord not only provides for our essential needs of food and clothing but for our emotional needs of joy, peace and rest. We have His assurance that He is in control.

“Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. 8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.” Psalm 37:7-8 NLT

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!…Be still, and know that I am God!  I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:1-3,10 NLT

Be still! Have strength and refuge. Be Still! So much around us is fighting for our attention. Let’s give it to the One who has the answers and can bring us peace!

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Made Whole

Last night we had dinner with friends in the campground. I was speaking with a gentleman that had lost his family home and all its belongings earlier this Spring in the fires that consumed a large portion of New Mexico.

Ranchers and farmers not only lost their homes but their livelihoods. He told me that there is an effort under way to help all those who suffered loss so they would be “made whole”.

Made whole. Those two words resonated within me. Made whole carries a meaning of lacking imperfection.

Made whole . It’s a phrase used time and again when Jesus healed people. Look at these few examples:

“But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.” Matthew 9:22 KJV

“And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.” Matthew 14:36 KJV

“And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” Mark 10:52 KJV

“The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.” John 5:15 KJV

Be made whole!

In most of these cases the Biblical account goes on to say that Jesus also told them their sins had been forgiven. They weren’t just made whole physically but also spiritually. The Father is concerned with our “complete” person, spirit, soul and body.

“May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!” I Thessalonians 5:23 MSG

When the Father touches our lives He doesn’t leave us broken – He makes us whole, He makes us new.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” II Corinthians 5:17 NLT

The life we once lived, operating under our own power and intellect has been removed and we have become a new person. Sins forgiven and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” Romans 8:11 NLT

“ The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can’t receive the gifts of God’s Spirit. There’s no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God’s Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God’s Spirit is doing, and can’t be judged by unspiritual critics. Isaiah’s question, “Is there anyone around who knows God’s Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?” has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit.” I Corinthians 2:14-16 MSG

One phrase in one conversation filled my heart and my mind. God the Father has made us whole. We have His nature and are created in His image!

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Needing Support

Last night a memory came to mind. It’s coming on the end of summer and when we lived in Montana that meant it was time to harvest the apple tree.

The branches of this tree were heavy laden with fruit. I would have to place wood posts under the branches to hold them up and keep them from breaking. But that’s not the only support this tree needed.

The wind in Montana seems to never stop. So, the folks who planted the tree tied it to a very sturdy post to keep if from blowing over when its trunk was young and easily bent . Those ropes were still providing it with support when we bought the home some years later. We left them in place.

Maybe you’ve felt like that apple tree, in need of support. I know I have.

As children we are nurtured and supported by our parents, grandparents, teachers at school, coaches and loving friends. They are there to give us instruction, correction and guidance. They pick us up when we fall down. They help us develop and begin our journey in living fruitful lives.

As we grow older, we still need a support system. Loving family and caring friends are a priceless treasure but even then, we have dark days when we feel alone. That’s when we need the support that only the Father can provide.

“You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. 8 I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.” Psalm 63:7-9 CEV

I’m sure each of us can remember a time when we were without hope, feeling wind-blown and insecure. But then we experienced a strength and grounding that only the Lord could give. We might not have recognized it as such, but it was the Father’s help just the same. It could have come as the kind words and prayers of a friend or perhaps, just an inner strength and determination that kept us tethered. God has a way of providing us with what we need in those times.

“Since childhood, you have known the Holy Scriptures that are able to make you wise enough to have faith in Christ Jesus and be saved. 16 Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. 17 The Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds.” II Timothy 3:15-17 CEV

His word gives us support and instruction, instruction that will keep us strong.

“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it was built on solid rock, and so it did not fall.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

There is no more reliable and sure counsel, no other place of unfailing support than what we will find in God’s presence and in His written word!

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Under the Weather

There are two phrases I have heard used quite frequently that are little disconcerting to me. In fact, in my prayer time this morning I used one as I was talking to the Father. I told Him I was feeling under the weather – I didn’t sleep well, I am achy in all my joints and there’s the tummy upset and indigestion.

I felt a prompting to ask you all to pray for me so that my body would be strengthened and I would have the energy I need for today.

I went to look for a picture to use with the blog today and was drawn to the one I took last night. Then it struck me how appropriate this image is.

It had been lightly raining most of the afternoon. The clouds were heavy and the wind currents had positioned them right over our campground. The sky was dark because the clouds were thick and blocked the sun’s light.

The Son is never gone, only briefly out of sight.

The other phrase that annoys me is “under the circumstances”. Have you ever asked someone how they’re doing and the answer comes back “pretty good under the circumstances”? I always want to ask “why are you under your circumstances”.

God’s word promises us that we have been made overcomers. That is a position of victory, a place that is over our circumstances.

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” I John 5:4 ESV

Paul tells us this in Romans 8: “In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. 38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, 39 and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:37-39 CEV

We are overcomers and we are victorious in Christ.

If we are under anything let’s be under the shadow of the Almighty and under His wings of protection.

“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.
2 Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God,
and I trust you.” 3 The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. 4 He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure.” Psalm 91:1-4 CEV

Never let the circumstances or the weather put you under.

The Father has set us as overcomers, living under His protection, in a place of security.


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There’s An App for That

Somedays do you feel weak not really able to face the day? Or is it a feeling that you’re unappreciated or undervalued for who you are? If that’s the case, then here’s your answer to end those days of malaise.

Years ago, many, many years ago, a well-learned man put down a plan that has the ability to uplift, encourage and strengthen anyone who will put it into practice.

I guess you could say he wrote a life-changing app before anyone knew what an app was.

” I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 16 So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. 17 I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. 18 My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people.

19 I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used 20 when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. 21 There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well. 22 God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything. 23 The church is Christ’s body and is filled with Christ who completely fills everything.” Ephesians 1:15-23 CEV

When we ask the Lord, He will give us understanding of that hope , the power that He has made available to us (raising from the dead power) and what it truly means to be a part of the body of Christ!

This is a bad analogy, but I will use it just the same. Many Christians are like a new smart phone user. Only using their phones to make calls and send a few texts. They don’t know how to use it any more than that…download the apps, take pictures, use the GPS, on-line banking, the language translator, etc.

It’s time to get educated about who you are in Christ.

Utilize what’s been given to us. The data plan is unlimited and we’ll never have a power outage or dropped call. We are Christ’s body and we are filled with all He is.

Download the app. Take advantage of all the Father has programmed into it. He’s designed it perfectly – forgiveness, acceptance, protection, provision, peace, joy, worthiness, abundant life. It’s all at our fingertips.

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Soaring

Yesterday morning my attention was held captive by the view across the meadow. I was enjoying watching the clouds that filled the sky. Huge, white billowy clouds, and suddenly there it was.

An eagle.

He appeared from what seemed nowhere and now he was the focus of my attention. I watched as he soared, with wings outstretched, each circle rising higher and higher. I realized too late that I should be trying to get a picture of this magnificent sight.

I reached for my phone but by the time I had it on camera setting the eagle had disappeared into the clouds. I waited but he didn’t reappear.

As he rose higher and higher there was really no effort exhibited on his part. His wings were locked and the wind thermals were lifting him. This morning I looked for some explanation of how this happens. This is what I found:

“Like many people, I am fascinated by bird flight. Unlike most people, I get to study flight of Golden Eagles for a living. These large birds move through the landscape primarily by soaring—a style of flying where they hold their wings outward and rarely flap, saving them considerable energy. Instead of flapping, they rely on rising air currents to gain altitude.

Two types of rising air currents provide most lift for soaring eagles. The first, thermal updrafts, form when energy from the sun heats air at the Earth’s surface and causes it to rise. Eagles circle within these columns of rising air to gain great altitude and then glide out of the thermals to move across the landscape…” from the American Ornithological Society, americanornithology.org

Did you know that the Lord wants us to soar? It’s not to be on our own efforts. He wants us to find our support from the energy, the updrafts as it were, that He provides.

“Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle.” Psalm 103:5 CEV

“The Lord gives strength to those who are weary. 30 Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. 31 But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:29-31 CEV

“Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help.” Psalm 27:14ERV

The word “wait” in the last verse can also be translated “trust”. When we trust the Lord, we find new strength. We can rely on Him instead of our own abilities and then we will soar.

May I ask, what has been weighing you down? What has been causing you to become weary or has caused you to stumble or fall?

Wait on the Lord – He will give you new strength and show you how to soar!

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“Your Grace”

I am up this morning, listening to the pouring rain on the roof of the RV and watching the lightning flashes illuminate the night sky. But my blog has nothing to do with rain.

Recently I was watching a series where the men would bow and the women would curtsy before royalty. The common greeting at such a time as this was simple. The curtsy preceded these words, “Your Grace”.

“Your Grace”.

A title that distinguished them as the ruling class. A title that identified their authority. A title that indicated their supreme authority to rule.

This ruler has been bestowed with the responsibility to rule. From their lips came words of forgiveness, restoration, acceptance, clemency, a new start. Now that my friend is grace!

Our life in Christ is all about grace. Receiving from the Father what we don’t deserve, receiving what we are unable to obtained on our own merit.

His grace.

The Apostle Paul wrote this: “But the Lord said, ‘My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.’ So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me.” II Corinthians 12:9 ERV

In our weakness, whatever that may be, His grace is all we need. His grace fills our life with the power of Christ. His grace has provided forgiveness, restoration – a new life.

“I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ERV

Grace is a gift – a gift from God. We can’t buy it, we can’t earn it, we don’t deserve it – that’s what makes grace so amazing! It’s a gift given in love.

Those two words, Your Grace, fill my heart with such gratitude!

I hope you will start your day in the presence of the King of Kings, our Father, and humbling bowing or making a curtsy. Then say to Him, “Your Grace is all I need”!

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Each Day Has Promise

I know some are waking up this morning filled with a sense of regret. Don’t let past failures, current obstacles or the devil’s lies rob you of this day’s promises.

“God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him.” Psalm 18:30 ERV

Embrace God’s promise for today. Let His word be your focus and sense of strength. Don’t let 3% of difficulties overwhelm the 97% of God’s goodness. In fact, the 97% of difficulty is never greater than just 3% of what God’s faithfulness can do.

“Lord, listen to me and understand what I am trying to say. 2 My God and King, listen to my prayer. 3 Every morning, Lord, I lay my gifts before you and look to you for help. And every morning you hear my prayers.

4 God, you don’t want evil people near you. They cannot stay in your presence. 5 Fools come near you. You hate those who do evil. 6 You destroy those who tell lies. Lord, you hate those who make secret plans to hurt others.

7 But by your great mercy, I can enter your house. I can worship in your holy Temple with fear and respect for you. 8 Lord, show me your right way of living, and make it easy for me to follow. People are looking for my weaknesses, so show me how you want me to live.

9 My enemies never tell the truth. They only want to destroy people. Their words come from mouths that are like open graves. They use their lying tongues to deceive others. 10 Punish them, God! Let them be caught in their own traps. They have turned against you, so punish them for their many crimes.

11 But let those who trust in you be happy forever. Protect and strengthen those who love your name. 12 Lord, when you bless good people, you surround them with your love, like a large shield that protects them.” Psalm 5 ERV

We are surrounded by His love!

The Father’s love protects and gives us strength!

This is our promise for today, it’s as real as the rainbow in the sky. Never doubt the Father’s love!

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