BLOG RESPONSE

Warring In the Spirit

 

This journal (11/12God-Powered Home) BLESSED me this morning. The loan process for my home here in NC has had me a little worried/anxious. I had been trying to fight the thoughts consuming me, but they kept me not sleeping all weekend. Finally, I fasted my breakfast this morning and just prayed. I was lead to Proverbs 3:5 (Trust in the lord with all my heart, lean not on my own understandings, in all my way acknowledge him and he will direct my path) God was telling me not to lean on my own understanding that he’s got me.  Like he has had me every step of the way down here in NC.  So when I read Warring in the Spirit this morning I understood what has been taking place in my mind all weekend. So now when those thoughts, doubts and anxiety try to bombard my mind I have Proverbs 3:5 to fight back with.

 

Thanks for sharing your battle; it gave me strength in my battle.

 

Love Ya

 

N. (A Wives club sista) 

 

PS. - That is exactly what you would tell us because you told it to me. (Smile)

Walking the Walk

Hi Ladies,

 

I'm really frustrated and just need to write, please indulge me.

 

I have decided to change.  I want to get off of the plantation!

 

I've sat in our class and nodded my head as we discussed taking your cares to the Lord, rather than berating your husband.  I know that God can erase my frustrations if I just repent and ask Him to fill my cup.  I am learning that my actions should not be dependent upon acknowledgment or appreciation from anyone.  When I serve my husband and children, I am really serving the Lord - not them, so their responses to me are irrelevant.  I am a servant and delight in doing things "unto the Lord" -- and I want desperately to have my actions please my heavenly Father.

 

Now, having said that:

 

Walking this out is hard!  I really feel like I'm in a test right now.  God wants me to SHUT MY BIG MOUTH and I DON'T WANT TO!  Right now, I want to wring my husband's neck and take these wild children back to the bad mother who left them at my house (laugh).  [ Sidebar - now I feel bad having said that because my infant daughter just walked over, gave me a pen and her sweetest smile, and said "thank you" (sigh).  I guess I do want them.]

 

OK - back to my venting.  I guess I'll keep the kids but I still want to wring my husband's neck -- at least a little (smile).  I want to fuss at him and have my say -- it feels good when I do that.  It does not, however, make the situation any better or please God so I have to change and hold my wicked tongue. 

 

I think that God is telling me it is time to use the things I have been taught.  It is time for me to grow up and stop drinking spiritual milk -- someone else needs it.  Time for me to join the fight, first in me, then my home, and then out in the world.  I want to help advance HIS kingdom.  Being a Christian ain't easy all the time for me -- but it is the best thing that has happened in my life.

 

Lord, I publicly repent for the evil thoughts I just had about my family.  I love them and thank you for bringing them into my life.  Please help me walk this out so that my actions are pleasing to you and the fruit of the spirit is visibly manifested in my life.  Please change my paradigm -- how I view things so I can pass this test and move on.  In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen.

 

Thanks for listening ladies.  I am going to go and give my family a hug -- they're safe for now (wicked laugh)!

 

Smtn (BIG SMILE)

Testimony

10/10/06

Hi Everyone!

 

I shared with you on Saturday what I believed to be the voice of God for me concerning the baskets of clothes that needed to be put away at my home!

 

Well, I must tell you GOD IS SO FAITHFUL!

 

I didn't get to the clothes Saturday evening but Sunday morning I got up and started putting away the clothes.  Right on my heels was my husband who began to help me.  I had to look up and blow a kiss and a wink to my God because I knew he honored my obedience.  Now, my temptation was to ask for his help but I kept my mouth shut and began to put my husband’s clothes away.  The next day I was able to tell him all what God did simply because I just did the right thing before Him!  He was excited to see the faithfulness of God as well!

 

Thank you, Sister G., for pouring into us Friday evening and Saturday morning.  I am living each day with a revised purpose to love God and obey His word!  COLOSSIANS 3:2-17 WILL FOREVER BE HIDDEN IN MY HEART SOI WON'T SIN AGAINST HIM!!! THE WORD IS SO POWERFUL AND I HAVE MADE A FRESH DECISION TO OBEY IT LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

 

 

Love Ya,

S.

TRUSTING GOD

Hello Wives,

 

I want to give you and update on my growing process as I have been preparing to move.

 

This has been a major transitioning period for me, my marriage and my family. There were several times in this journey I considered family and friend’s feelings. When I did this anxiety and fear overtook me because I was not focusing on what God told me to do. It is very hard leaving your hometown and relocating.  God lead me three times during this process to Genesis 12:1. The scripture speaks on the call on Abraham’s life. God told him to leave his hometown and go to a place he has prepared for him.  Well for me this meant my home town in the natural and my hometown in the spiritual realm. I had to trust God in the not yet shown places where I could not understand what came of my future. I still don’t know, but what I do know is that he is with me and in the end I win.  

 

Example of leaving my hometown in the spiritual realm: In my thoughts when I became afraid I began to try and control my atmosphere so I can feel comfort. I would call my husband several times a day to know his whereabouts. I did this because focusing on him was easier than examining my thoughts and searching God’s word to find comfort from my fears. This over time became overbearing and my husband began to feel trapped by my insecurities.  I was trying to get him to heal. Well, this is where God challenged me to leave my hometown of looking for man to do what only he can do:  the work to open up the door for my healing through Christ.

 

Example of leaving my hometown in the natural realm: When my home was on the market to be sold I really did not want to leave my home. This was my first home and God had taken me and my family through a lot of healing in that home. I often had thoughts of staying there and not relocating. However, it was through this process he continued to show me Genesis 12:1. He sent us an offer within one week of my home being on the market. That was too fast. In the negotiation process of selling the home I was hard-balling to no end. I never consulted God in the process because my heart was not really ready to let go off my home, so the offer went dead. Over the next week I prayed and talk with God. To make a long story short, we went back to the same people and they had put an offer on another home. The realtor did not contact them and it had been three day since that submitted a request for the other home. They really wanted my home, so they withdrew there contract on the other home, we talked and came to an agreement that satisfied both parties. My home was under contract 2 weeks after it went on the market. My challeng in leaving my hometown in the natural was to go when God told me to go.

 

My faith has grown in leaps and bounds. God’s love is so gracious. More than we can imagine. He only wants me to love him and rely on him.

 

N.P.

Being Stretched

These last several months I've been bombarded in the area of being long suffering and yet kind.

God has been killing me!  Even more stretching is that when I tell people “God had been killing me,” they say "that's good!".  I'm laughing and crying at the same time!

Love you all
C.  :-)

Critical Thinking

  Hi Ladies,

We tackled a new subject in our meeting: critical and competitive feelings toward our husbands.  The ways that they are different from us often cause us to feel superior.  It was encouraging to know that everyone could identify with those feelings (and actions).  One wife expressed relief at not being 'the only one.'  We spent time praying for one another, and asked God to help us acknowledge (and list) the positive things husbands bring to our lives.  It is so easy to major in the minor things and forget to choose peace.

L.

FEAR

7/11/06

 

Hello S.

That was a very courageous move you made. Be encouraged! For God said in his word “ALL things work together for those who do his will”.  Telling the truth is always in God’s will. The scary part is that we do not know the persecution we may endure for standing up for the truth. But no matter what you go thru, as you said God is your provider. The wonderful thing about all that is transpiring is what you’re learning about yourself.  The things you are learning are irreplaceable. These lessons are the lesson’s that will build your faith.

Thanks for sharing, you have encouraged me to remember who my Tather is during this transition process, too.  There are many unknown and unclear paths I have ahead of me. There are situations in this process I want to take in my own hands and lie and get over to get the outcomes I desire. But, I have to trust as you did S. and stand to the truth and let God work out every area that comes as a blockage and appears beyond my understandings.

 

Love You Girly, I will keep this entire situation lifted in heaven.

Your sister in Christ, N

Wives Work

7/11/06

FEAR

Hi everybody,

I read this message on Fear and I'm sitting here all emotional because, once again, God has provided for my needs.  I am really under the gun right now -  a multimillion dollar contract that I monitor is in crisis. There have been a lot of serious ramifications from this.  My boss is trying to protect herself and I think I might take a big hit from this professionally. 

 

Please pray for me.  I've found myself wanting to revert back to my pre-Christ days of lying and scheming in order to protect myself.  I have been fighting this and realize it's out of fear. I know I don't have anything to fear because God is my provider and all things work for His purposes among those who serve Him.  I must admit, I have learned some things about myself and my character from this situation (good and bad).

 

This message from Elizabeth Elliott was really helpful, T., thank you for sharing it with us.

Yours in Christ, S.

Wives Work

7/3/06 What are the advantages of being a biblical wife?

Hi Ladies,

Bless God.  This list is awesome. (I'm choking a little on number
12)  Forgive me Lord. 

I'm going upstairs now and read those scriptures.
thank you
C.

Wives Work

Hello Everyone,

7/7/06

Sorry I have been so quiet out here. I have been overwhelmed with things to do.

 

However, taking a look at this list, number 9 is what's being worked on in me at this time in my marriage. Whew, this is a difficult one; Because, I always have an opinion, judgment or better way to do something. (Smile) Mrs. Know-it-All as my husband would say. Lately I have been saying I don't know. I don't know. I don't have the answer for this one. Which is great because normally if I did not know the answer I would make something up that sounds real good so I can be right, The wonderful thing about this is I get to hear my husbands thoughts and opinion and God's voice.  It is humbling and inspiring all at the same time.  

 

N.

Wives Work

Readers: The Wives are working on a list of advantages of  being a biblical wife.  Feel free to contribute.

What are the advantages of being a Biblical Wife?

 

Being a Biblical Wife:

    1. pleases God  (1 Pet.3:4)

2.    allows you to stand.  (Eph. 6:13)

3.    keeps you from blaming others. (Jas. 5:16)

4.    brings peace (Rom 12:18, Phil. 4:7)

5.    allows you rest. ( Matt. 11:2)

6.    allows your husband to safely trust in you. (Prov. 31:11)

7.    teaches your children to trust in God.  (Prov, 31:28)

8.    makes you beautiful  (1 Pet 3:5)

9.    gives you a gentle and quiet spirit  (1Pet 3:4)

10.helps you to face adversity. (Jas 1:2, Jude 1:24)

11. makes you a gem of great value (Prov. 31:10)

12.lets you join Christ in his suffering (1 Pet 2:22-25

14. allows you to seek God for your grievances (Phil. 4:6)

15. brings you Joy  (Rom. 15:13)

16. helps you develop Godly friendships. (Jas 5:16)

17. encourages you to be unafraid. (1 Pet. 3:6)

Blessed me

Thank you M. for sharing. This has blessed me this morning.

 I really like the "take out the popcorn and watch the movie, but stay obedient". I have found myself doing that very thing and at times it has been hilarious.  I thank God that I am in a place where I can laugh and move on. During these times God has given me so much wisdom on where my husband was mentally and spiritually because I was not caught up in his craziness. Then I was able to pray for my husband according to what God has shown me.  

 Keep on pressing Girl. God is obligated to bless you for your obedience. He loves you.

 N.

Submission and obedience

Coworkers, Siblings, Sphere of Influence, As we're obedient and Submissive to them all, showing them love and not being a stumbling block to them at all cost, then we are submitting to God and being Obedient to Him.

 

Things people do, or that we do, cause us to Curdle with Anger inside or with fear inside of us.  God Cares about that very much.  Its our responsibility to take those things in the prayer closet daily.  But God, He cares for the other person's soul that we are interacting with most of all.  That by our interactions with others; husbands, coworkers, siblings, whoever, must be in our minds that we Love them so much despite our own feelings about them or what they have done to us to others, that we don't say or do anything that would cause them to slip stumble or fall from the salvation gift of God.

 

Get out of the plantation and don't be ruled by your feelings. 

M. 

 

C. said a profound statement her mother gave her once.  

 

"When your husband acts crazy,  pop some popcorn & watch the movie.  Remain obedient to God."

Crying Out

4/28/06

Hi Ladies,

 

I miss everyone too.  I've been crying out to the Lord for cleanliness in my life.  For a life wholly and pleasing to him.  Getting rid of old mind sets and laying aside every sin that so easily besets me that stop the blessings and promises of God. 

 

We can't walk in the light of the Lord and walk in his promises and get every prayer answered if we are not abiding in the vine, John 15.  I've been so so convicted about different things and God is putting me through a cleansing process, I Pray.

 

Jesus said whatsoever you ask in my name you will receive it.  but if you read this chapter with eyes to see,  you'll see that this requires abiding in Christ and a person who is fruitful will have whatever you ask in His name.  The person who is Fruitful. (They are known by their fruit)

 

I'm convicted.  This is where I am.  I need to be Fruitful, I need to grow up! 

 

I've been reading Revelations 21.  WOW!  What an encouragement to do what and live how God wants us to Live.  I told the Lord a few minutes ago, Crying out!!!,,,  “I DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ON PARADISE. I CAN'T DO THIS CHANGE AND LAYING DOWN WITHOUT YOU.  I NEED YOUR HELP, PLEASE.”  (Just call me Hanna)

 

LOVE YOU!

M.

 

 

Healing

4/26/06

Last night during worship at church, while I was singing I was praying to the Lord also saying, "Lord I want my song to be directly to you and don't let my thoughts wonder and don't let my thinking be on myself or others looking at me. I want to Sing to you Lord and only you". Lord, I don't want to worry about "Others looking at me".

I struggle with this during worship:  "Are people looking at me?"   "Are people watching me?" 

 

These thoughts during worship always distract my worship and I know they are from the enemy.  Because we are to be God Pleasers and Not People PLeasers.

 

On my way home as I was praying for a sister at the church, and God showed up in my vehicle.  I began singing in such an intimate way directly to the Lord, directly to him.  As I did this, I again realized, I say, again realized, not only how much I love the Lord but how much of a hold on my heart He has, And also how much he loves his Children.

 

God Loves His Children soooo much.  He desires intimate relationship with us always, all the time. 

 

As I continured to worhip, even when I pulled into the parking lot at the community center down the street, (because I was in no condition by this time to walk into my house) God was working on me. I didn't realize how much healing still needed to take place in me.  I had to forgive myself for failure.  I asked the Lord to heal the wounds I inflicted upon myself and I had to ask God for forgivness for Blaming my husband for things he had nothing to do with.  I blamed him for all the reasons why I acted out.  I had to ask God to forgive me for that.

 

Remember Ladies.  God Loves us so much and sometimes we have to step to the plate and take inventory of our own actions and be accountable to ourselves for ourselves.  Just Like our wonderful speaker said last night.  We are responsible for ourselves.  We are not responsible for our husbands.  We will stand before God at the judgement seat for what we have done, no excuses.  Not for what are husbands have or have not done.

 

1Peter 2:21-3:6.  This scripture brought deliverence to me.

A.

 

Defending Yourself

4/18/06

Hello Ladies,

I want to recommend you read this small book called: How to Respond When You Feel Mistreated by: John Bevere; the book has 93 pages. This is a powerful book.

 Exerpt from the book:

When you try so hard to prove your innocence, you quickly put yourself at the mercy of your accuser. In other words, your accuser will get out of you everything he believes you owe him. The moment you start making a stink and seeking to justify and defend yourself, you make the person accusing you your judge. Because when you try to answer and defend all of his charges, you in sense are now submitted to him and his view of things. He is calling the shots. If he’s not your judge, why do you need to answer to him? You elevate him as your judge when you feel you have to defend yourself. By rising up and trying to defend yourself at all costs, you forfeit your spiritual right of protection. In the process your accuser rises above you, as his influence is elevated by our self-defense. You actually give him greater influence over you by trying so hard to stand up for your rights. We as Christians have to follow humbly the example of Jesus, who did not seek to defend himself when mistreated, joins the ranks of the finest warriors in advancing the cause of Christ and the kingdom of God in defeating evil! Praise God- what an honor that is! And it all starts with turning the other cheek and staying quiet---letting God be our defender when life isn’t fair.

N.

A Story

A Cherokee Indian elder was teaching his grandchildren about life. He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me...it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves."

"One wolf represents fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego."

"The other represents joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. This same fight is going on inside of you, and inside every other person too."

The children thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee elder replied simply..."The one you feed."

 

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

N.

Missing the Club

4/1/06

Missed everybody,

I'm doing better at not over committing.  I'm trying to only take on projects that deal with my season (area of growth, focus etc).  It's taking me a little while to give people back their stuff and not feel guilty. 

I'm trying to plan my daughters Sweet 16.  I wanted to emphasize her moving closer to becoming a young women.  Perhaps some kind of "rite of passage".

Anyway -- hope everyone is having a blessed week.
C.

LORD bless [your name] watch, guard and keep [your name];  LORD, make Your face shine upon and enlighten [your name]and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to [your name];  LORD, lift up Your (approving) countenance upon [your name],and give [your name] peace, tranquility of heart and life continually.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.

From Numbers6:23-26 New King James Version

Peaceful Weekend

3/20/06

Good Morning Everyone,

I pray that your weekend was delightful. I had a very insightful weekend. God removed one more layer of the protection/control blanket I knitted for my self in the many different stages of my life.  In removing this he showed me the root of this layer and why I created and have held on to it for so long. It was very freeing and liberating. However, it is also a bit scary, walking in this vulnerability.

 

Last night a situation presented itself where I wanted to pick the blanket back up, but I didn’t. I got on my knees and I prayed that I keep God on the throne at this time and not try to control the situation. I repented for my thoughts in the situation and asked God to search my heart for any wicked ways and reveal them before me so I can repent and change. I also prayed that God would help me say only what he wanted me to say.  In result of this I was able to bring my thoughts and emotions under the control of the Holy Spirit and the situation did not go where I knew it would have gone if I had not taken the time to pray and allow God to protect me and calm my fears.  

I just wanted to share with you a growth moment for me this weekend. Does anyone else have a growth moment to share?

Be Blessed

Love You All! 

N.