Category: Victory & Power

Posted on

Not On the Menu

Dave and I will be heading to the mountains with friends in a couple of weeks and the guys are looking forward to some fishing.

I remember when I’d go fishing with my dad, I have fun digging through the worm can to find a big, fat, juicy worm and then put it on the hook. I just knew I was bound to catch a big fish…and most of the time I did.

Do you know the devil has a can of big, fat, juicy worms he uses to try and catch us? His bait has names like condemnation, fear, bitterness, jealousy, low self-esteem, guilt, greed, depression and he tries to catch us on his hook.

As a kid, I’m sure you all said this little chant once or twice. “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, guess I’ll go eat worms. Big fat juicy ones, little tiny scrawny ones, oh, how they do squirm.”

Ya, I know kids stuff right? Not so much – that feeling is all too prevalent in adults as well but we just don’t sing the chant.

That feeling that I’m all alone and that nobody really understands me or loves! It can be overwhelming. We’ve all had people let us down, turn against us or just ignore us as if we don’t exist.

But! There is One who promises to never leave us or forsake us.

I love Hebrews 13:5b. “God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.” Now that’s good news but let me give it to you from the Amplified version.

“for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5b-6

Now read that again. The Amplified version gives us the depth of the meaning of the words the way they were written in the original language.

This is how God feels about us – He’s there for us. He will not leave me!!!! His love never fails. This ties into what we read yesterday. Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God.

When the devil tries to entice us with his bait, we do what God’s word says.

“The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:4-5 ERV

Don’t take the bait – it’s not on God’s menu.

Be blessed today because God loves us, and nothing can compare to that!!

Posted on

Get In Touch with God

turn the radio on!

I hope I’m not the only one who grew up listening to Gospel Quartets. If I am, I’m sorry you missed it. It was a regular part of our Sunday evening services at the church my family attended.

Those memories tie in with yesterday’s blog on experiencing the presence of God. Tuesday, I happened to be in town, Dave was at the dentist. As I was driving from one location to the next, I turned the radio on. This is not the norm when Dave and I go somewhere together because we always seem to have so much to talk about.

Anyway, a song came on the radio that was so powerful that it filled the car with the presence of the Lord. I wanted to pull over and just let the words penetrate my soul without the distraction of traffic. I couldn’t do that, so I looked up the lyrics once I got home. (song by Chris Brown, Elevation Music and Brandon Lake, I Know A Name)

I know a name that can silence the roaring waves
I know a name that can empty out a grave
I know a name, it’s the only name that saves
And it’s worthy of all praise

I call You, Jesus
I call You, I call You Healer
Risen and reigning in power
Something comes out of the grave
Every time I call You, Jesus
I call You, I call You Savior
Worthy of glory forever
Something comes out of the grave
Every time I call Your name

When we speak the name of Jesus, dead things come to life. We receive new life – old things pass away and everything becomes new! The grave is no match for the power in the name of Jesus.

“ Peter said, ‘I have no money, but what I have I will give you! In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!’…16 You see and know this man here. He has been made strong through faith in Jesus’ name. Yes, it is faith in Christ that has made this man well and strong. This man is standing here in front of you all.” Acts 3:6-16 NLV

“Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:16-17 CEV

There is power in the name of Jesus. Power to change lives, heal the sick and even raise the dead.

“‘ I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name [[a]as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it.'” John 14:11-14 AMP

The miracles that Jesus did gave honor to His Father and Jesus wants our lives to glorify the Father as well.

There’s a gospel song that says, “Get in touch with God, turn your radio on”. I tell you it was sure true for me. We can experience God’s presence anywhere we go.

Posted on

Stand Up to Fear

I love that we have the story of Gideon in the Bible. He is the poster child of transformation. Going from fearful farmer to valiant warrior, all because he had an encounter with the Lord.

I think what I love most about this story is God’s faithfulness. He lovingly encouraged Gideon each step of the way. The Lord didn’t become impatient or frustrated, instead He gave continued instruction and showed His commitment to direct Gideon and deliver Israel.

After Gideon asked the Lord for proof of His willingness to lead him and Israelites, Gideon stepped out with the army but look where they went.

“ Early the next morning, Gideon and his army got up and moved their camp to Fear Spring. The Midianite camp was to the north, in the valley at the foot of Moreh Hill. 2 The Lord said, “Gideon, your army is too big. I can’t let you win with this many soldiers. The Israelites would think that they had won the battle all by themselves and that I didn’t have anything to do with it. 3  So call your troops together and tell them that anyone who is really afraid can leave Mount Gilead and go home.” Judges 7:1-3 CEV

They went to “Fear” Spring. God had a purpose for going there; remove fear from the camp. Everyone that was afraid was sent home. Twenty-two thousand soldiers left, only ten thousand remained.

Fear is persistent. It tries to wear us down, it’s goal is to defeat us and keep us from being who God created us to be.

“God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 CEV

“Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:13 CEV

“ Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. It is his punishment that makes a person fear. So his love is not made perfect in the one who has fear.” I John 4:18 ERV

God was not only working in Gideon’s life but also in the lives of the men who remained. The men needed to be alert, ready for battle.

“Gideon,” the Lord said, “you still have too many soldiers. Take them down to the spring and I’ll test them…6 Three hundred men scooped up water in their hands and lapped it, and the rest knelt to get a drink. 7 The Lord said, “Gideon, your army will be made up of everyone who lapped the water from their hands. Send the others home. I’m going to rescue Israel by helping you and your army of 300 defeat the Midianites.” Judges 7:3-7 CEV

Victory doesn’t come because of great numbers or worldly prestige. It comes from faith; trusting in God’s word and His purposes. It comes when we stand, firmly planted on God’s promises.

“ I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 CEV

Stand up to fear; we defeat it not in our own efforts but by placing our trust in our God who never fails!

Posted on

Get Up & Go!

This week has presented me with some real challenges and in fact, I was sidelined for a few days. Maybe you were too. Things just not the way you planned, and you faced set backs? Well, today it’s time to get up and go again!

Today is a day of victory!!

I went to Bible Gateway and looked up the words “arise go”. Definitely didn’t find the vernacular I’m accustomed too, “saddle up and ride” but it means the same.

The prodigal son said “I will arise and go to my father’s house”; Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Arise take up your bed and walk and go to your house”; he also told the leper “Arise and go thy way, thy faith has made thee whole”; then there was the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus when the Lord spoke from heaven and told him to “Arise and go into the city”. Of course, we have the angel telling Joseph to “Arise and go to Egypt” with Mary and baby Jesus to keep him from being killed by Herod.

However this morning I want us to look at a story of victory “Arise and Go” from the Old Testament. Let’s put the story in context, there is a famine in the land. The Syrian army is in full siege against the Israelites. The Israelites are hold up in the city and things are so bad they are eating animal dung and even their own children. There are 4 lepers outside the city wall, and they are starving to death.

“… Why sit we here until we die? 4 If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.

5 And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.

6 For the LORD had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, …7 Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.

8 And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.

9 Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king’s household.” II Kings 7:4-9 KJV

Notice the thought process of the lepers. If we sit here we will die so they “arose up to go” to the Syrian camp. And when they did, God not only provided for them but He provided deliverance for all the Israelites and destroyed their enemy.

When we arise and go forth, we are moving in the right direction. We can trust the Lord to direct our paths and to secure our outcome. Don’t become complacent and sit where you are until you die. Rise up – go forth – go forth in His name and He provides the victory.

Saddle up – victorys is ahead!

Posted on

He Lives

There were three that died that day on crosses but only One lives!

You all know how I feel about the old hymns. There is so much truth and power in those songs but because I sang them over and over again as a child I didn’t realize the value of the words. Also, sad to say, the message of those songs didn’t line up with the message that many times was being preached from the pulpit.

I often heard “this life down here will always be a struggle BUT when we get to heaven it will all be worth it”. I agree with the fact the heaven will be so much greater, not even comparable, with the life we live here but we are called to be victorious and world over comers living the abundant life of Christ while we are here. So many times, Christians live as if they were saved and stuck.

Jesus didn’t live that way and He doesn’t want us to either. When he died, rose and ascended to the Father, Jesus lives to make intercession for us. He is our source of strength and our example of victory.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 NKJV

“But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 NKJV

Remember our message a few weeks back on the resurrection – Jesus spoke Mary’s name and told her to tell the disciples that He is risen! This old hymn reminds us that Jesus is alive and walking with us, giving us a life of victory.

• I serve a risen Savior

He’s in the world today.

I know that He is living,

Whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy;

I hear His voice of cheer;

And just the time I need Him

He’s always near.

• He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

• In all the world around me

I see His loving care,

And though my heart grows weary,

I never will despair;

I know that He is leading,

Through all the stormy blast;

The day of His appearing

Will come at last.

• Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,

Lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs

To Jesus Christ the King!

The Hope of all who seek Him,

The Help of all who find,

None other is so loving,

So good and kind.

Lyrics by Alfred Ackley

HE LIVES! He lives within my heart.

Posted on

And the Winner Is…

We all like to win. I was never very athletic so I would cheer from the sidelines, encouraging those who were competing.

But I know now that I am a winner and I’m cheering for you.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

Those who have gone before us in this life of faith are cheering us on. Their lives are examples of encouragement of what God will do in the lives of common, ordinary people.

Do you realize Jesus considered Himself a winner when He endured the cross?

“In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:15 NLT

He did this for all of us.

“ My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” I John 2:1-2 NLT

When our lives are committed to Christ we participate in His victory.

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” I John 5:1-5 NLT

We are destined to be winners – victorious – overcomers.

“ We thank God for the power Christ has given us. He leads us and makes us win in everything. He speaks through us wherever we go. The Good News is like a sweet smell to those who hear it.” II Corinthians 2:14 NLV

God uses us to be a voice for Christ in the world telling the Good News of His love, forgiveness and victory.

“ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 15:57 NKJV

“ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 NKJV

Better than winning the lotto or anything else is the victory we have in Christ. And the winner is…US!

Posted on

People With A Past

Do you ever get caught up in judging people? Writing them off because of their actions in the past.

The Bible is filled with people who had a less-than stellar past. Take Peter for instance.

Strengths: Outdoorsman, Co-owner of a fishing fleet. Tough, outspoken. Born leader. Loyal, committed. Determined. Repentant. Teachable, Usable.

Weakness: Overconfident, speak first think later. Self-promoting. Folds under pressure. Proud.

Peter cut off a soldier’s ear in the Garden when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus. He denied Christ three times in the courtyard. He was one of the first to run to the tomb and find it empty but then he went back to the disciples and they locked themselves in. Fearful.

50 days later he was in the upper room when the Holy Spirit filled the 120 with God’s power. He spoke boldly to the crowds, pointing out that they were the ones responsible for killing Jesus. But he preached forgiveness and over 3000 repented at the first preaching.

Now in Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested for preaching Jesus. No denial here. In fact, Peter spoke boldly to the religious leaders.

“Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and you older leaders, 9 are you questioning us today about what we did to help this crippled man? Are you asking us what made him well? 10 We want all of you and all the people of Israel to know that this man was made well by the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You nailed Jesus to a cross, but God raised him from death. This man was crippled, but he is now well. He is able to stand here before you because of the power of Jesus! 11 Jesus is ‘the stone that you builders thought was not important. But this stone has become the cornerstone.’

12 Jesus is the only one who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save anyone. We must be saved through him!” Acts 4:8-12 ERV

This man who had denied knowing Jesus to a servant girl now stood before the rulers and proclaimed openly that he was a follower of Christ. What if Jesus had written him off as unusable because of his earlier shortcomings?

What made the difference in Peter? The Holy Spirit! Jesus said they would receive power when the Holy Spirit baptized them.

Power to be witnesses, power to be bold, power to heal the sick, power to preach!

Now let me ask you a question. Are there things in your past that you are ashamed of? Times that you feel you have failed, not just failed yourself or your family, but times that you have failed God? Those failures don’t disqualify you from service. They are stepping stones.

Stepping stones for service. Peter’s failings didn’t disqualify him instead they were examples of God’s grace and forgiveness. No one’s past prevents them for experiencing the Father’s love and restoration.

Thank you Father for changing my life from self-confident to God-confident. Thank you for seeing me as usable and trusting me with Your message of love and forgiveness!

Posted on

Caution Low Power

Every morning I pick up my laptop and share what the Lord has put on my heart for that day. After I post, I look at what others have posted overnight, read through emails and then do some research.

Inevitably, I will receive this message. “Power supply at 10%. Plug into power source.” And if I don’t heed the warning, I will get another one in a few minutes telling me I only have 7% of my power and if I ignore that warning the laptop just shuts down.

Do you ever feel like that? Your power is in short supply, you’re running low and about ready to shut down? I’ve been there many times and that weariness is my warning that I’m operating on stored power and need to reconnect to the power supply.

In Acts, Jesus had spent 40 days with His followers proving to them that He had died, rose again and was fulfilling the Father’s plan. Their main concern seemed to be the Roman government. They wanted to know if Jesus was going to set up His earthly kingdom and do away with the Romans. Jesus said to leave that up to the Father; He would handle things. (a good word for us today)

Jesus then gave them what He saw as their primary mission.

“Jesus said to them, ‘The Father is the only one who has the authority to decide dates and times. They are not for you to know. 8 But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” Acts 1:7-8 ERV

Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to give testimony of what God has done in our lives. Starting first with those closest to us and spreading out from there. Our family, our friends, neighbors, work mates…

The Book of Luke puts it this way.

“You saw these things happen—you are witnesses. You must go and tell people that they must change and turn to God, which will bring them his forgiveness. You must start from Jerusalem and tell this message in my name to the people of all nations. 49 Remember that I will send you the one my Father promised. Stay in the city until you are given that power from heaven.” Luke 24:47-49 ERV

Jesus knew they needed to be connected to the power supply, the Holy Spirit. It was essential. Jesus didn’t do any miracles or ministry until He had the Holy Spirit empowering Him and He doesn’t want us to attempt anything on our own either.

We need to be connected.

Thank you Father for reminding me that my power is draining and that I have a power source with unlimited supply. I desire to stay plugged into You today!

Posted on

The Good Fight

and some days it’s a real battle.

This morning I woke up with two scriptures on my mind. “Fight the good fight of faith” and “our God is great”. The two of these run hand in hand. When we try to accomplish things on our own, we can become frustrated, discouraged, disappointed in the battle and then see the same results when we complete the task.

Striving to reach a goal, develop a relationship, coming back from devastating circumstances, or just daily life in general can be an all-consuming endeavor that causes us to lose sight of the joys that are all around us on a daily basis. But when we “go for it” in faith God directs our steps and although our goal may be the same, the purpose for reaching that goal is God centered and it brings a much more pleasant reward.

The other side of the coin is those that don’t even fight. They have no motivation to succeed or venture toward the goal. They live with the outlook of “whatever will be, will be”. So, they never even try to fight or to win.

But when we fight the good fight of faith, our faith isn’t in ourself or our abilities it’s in God and what He has placed within us. Today – make the effort, go for it and most of all trust in God who is there with us every step of the way.

“…Always try to do what is right, to be devoted to God, and to have faith, love, patience, and gentleness. 12 We have to fight to keep our faith. Try as hard as you can to win that fight. Take hold of eternal life. It is the life you were chosen to have when you confessed your faith in Jesus—that wonderful truth that you spoke so openly and that so many people heard.” I Timothy 6:11-12 ERV

Deuteronomy 10:16-18 “Stop being stubborn. Give your hearts to God. The LORD is your God. He is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He is the great God. He is the amazing and powerful fighter. To him everyone is the same. He does not accept money to change his mind. 18 He defends widows and orphans. He loves even the strangers living among us. He gives them food and clothes.”

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV

God is more than able!

Posted on

Bravery & Boldness

Bravery: displaying courage, especially when facing danger or adversity. A brave person might face challenges head-on, despite feelings of fear.

Boldness: a daring spirit or the willingness to take risks. A bold individual doesn’t just face challenges but does so audaciously.

When we trust the Lord He will give us both bravery and boldness.

Think of David facing Goliath. Courage in the face of danger and the willingness to take the risk.

“ David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the Lord will let me defeat you. I will kill you. I will cut off your head and feed your body to the birds and wild animals. And we will do the same thing to all the other Philistines too. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.” I Samuel 17:45-47 ERV

Bravery and Boldness has always been at the forefront of the life of those who followed God. Hundreds of years later, the Christians were facing persecution. They were imprisoned, beaten, and even killed.

“They were upset because of what Peter and John were teaching the people. By telling people about Jesus, the apostles were teaching that people will rise from death. 3 The Jewish leaders arrested Peter and John and put them in jail. It was already night, so they kept them in jail until the next day.,, 24 When the believers heard this, they all prayed to God with one purpose. They said… 28 These people who came together against Jesus made your plan happen. It was done because of your power and your will. 29 And now, Lord, listen to what they are saying. They are trying to make us afraid. We are your servants. Help us to say what you want us to say without fear. 30 Help us to be brave by showing us your power. Make sick people well. Cause miraculous signs and wonders to happen by the authority of Jesus, your holy servant.”

31 After the believers prayed, the place where they were meeting shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak God’s message without fear.” Acts 4 ERV

We may not experience arrest and beatings because we speak out for Jesus, but we may. We may lose friendships, business relationships and standing in social circles. It’s time for bravery and boldness.

The Apostle Paul penned these words: “I am not ashamed of the Good News. It is the power of God. It is the way He saves men from the punishment of their sins if they put their trust in Him. It is for the Jew first and for all other people also.” Romans 1:16 NLV

Be grateful that the Lord has called us to be brave and bold. It means that He is investing His power to change lives through us.

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress