Soldiers without Eqipment

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

I feel lately like I have been on the battlefield without break. Do you ever just feel that there is a war waged against you? You feel like throwing your hands over your head and wave the white flag. That is the way I have felt for the longest while now. I started writing this blog intending on directing it on another topic but then it got lead in this direction.  I started thinking about a soldier’s mission and how he prepares for battle. I hope I am following the leading of the Lord.

If I am enlisted in the Lord's army, I was called for great and important duty and to proclaim justice and spread the Good News. I was not called to throw my hands over my head and wave my white flag. I was called to fight.

Let us talk about the soldier for a moment. Soldier: is one who fights as part of an organized land based arm force. The word is from Anglo-French soudeer or soudeour, meaning mercenary. A soldier continually strengthens himself mentally and physically through ongoing training. To build physical fitness and confidence, to instill discipline and obedience, and be taught the fundamental military skills necessary to function in the army. Some special soldiers are trained in night operations. He wears protective garments. They learn also about possible enemy strategies and tactics.

I ask myself how comes those that are called and anointed to do Gods work are always giving up so quickly and quick to give in to the enemy. Many times those that are suppose to carry the light have no light themselves and are emerged in the dark.

At the worst of times I think that the Lord has forsaken me, but how could that be. He made me in his own image and gave me dominion over His earth and most importantly gave his only son on the cross to take my place. He loves me so profoundly I still don’t even get it.

We are given everything to succeed for the work we are created to do. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.

I truly have struggled on this path lately, believing God for all that He has promised has been a real problem. Believing with all the faith that He has allowed me has been a battle for me. Then when my eyes are open I remember that my Father said I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.

Now going back, if my walk is much like that of a soldier then that means God has equipped me with all that I need. The same is required of the Christian as what is required of the soldier. Many of us are naïve to think that once we are saved that is the end, we will walk with the Lord, nothing will go wrong. STOP!! Please realize that the devil is real and sin is real and wickedness is real. This world is not your home, have you forgotten that you are just passing through. It is not the things that we can see that I feel we have to worry so much about, but it is the invisible spiritual things that we have little understanding of.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

It cannot always be about you and me, let us look to what Christ did for the world as our example. The world at this present moment is need of your service. You are called to service. You are the city upon a hill. Let your light shine for the world to see.

There is so much suffering in the world, the Lord is asking us to take up the cross and serve for Him. Is the darkness not at our door? Please do not close your eyes. Will a soldier be called and sent with no sword or armor or any way to win the fight? No. In the same way the Lord calls us but make sure we have all we need to win. The Lord is with us still, he is the same yesterday, today and forever.  Let us not give in and if you don’t know the Lord, know this that he has great plans for your life.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.

The Lord is my light and my salvation of whom shall I fear. The Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid. God please give us the faith to trust you, give us your strength to walk this narrow path. Help us to distinguish the devil’s fiery darts and all evil that is sent against those that are calling upon your name. I am nothing of myself but all things are possible with you. Help me to be well prepared for battle. The world is in need of my service. Help me to remember others in these perilous times, help my heart  not to be weakened and help me to love  as you do. Go ahead of me and my brothers and sisters in all we do. Amen.
    

Courage Under Fire

I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it, the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

You say goodnight to your children, laughed with your husband and kissed him goodnight. You put your baby down for the night, but took an extra five minutes to indulge yourself at how beautiful and precious this little human is. You ponder on her future, who will she marry and hope for the best future. You ask God to keep your family through the night. You kiss your husband one last time and rest your head on the pillow and closed your eyes.

The morning ascended, but you awake to chaos, evil, and death. Madness! Destruction has brought himself to your front door, without knocking he has already entered in, but not just at your door he has taken over the whole city. Ill prepared you must leave your home and all that holds a place in your heart.

The sun you use to enjoy is beating down on you and your newborn baby.

You have been travelling for days looking for refuge. There are dangers all around you. Maybe you have lost your husband and or perhaps a child, your heart is wrenching inside of you but you have no time to grieve. Hope and faith are your only  friends at the moment. They tell you it will be OK, just hold on a little more.

Does this sound like a Hollywood movie? Well it is not, this is the truth for thousands right now in Iraq and Syria.

Courage is the ability to act on what we know is right and good, to dare to do what we should or MUST. Fear paralyzes; courage is what helps us to move ahead. Courage is like a chain, we gain or lose courage by watching others, and others gain or lose courage by watching us.

We are called to serve others as Jesus laid a perfect example of love and unselfishness. I am not perfect, I am not even the most upright in all my daily living. But how can we sit back and not see that we are needed.

Hatred has no border line and evil has no face. God loves us all. “For He shall deliver the needy when he cry, the poor also and him that hath no helper”.

Our prayers are very mighty weapons. When we call upon the name of our Lord Jesus it can cause the lions to not open their mouths. When we trust in the Lord he causes the fire not to scorch us.

Mordecai said it plainly to Esther, “If you keep silent, God has others”. If I keep silent, God will use someone else. If you keep silent He will also use someone else.

I am imploring you to take action with me on March 30, 2015 as I use this day to fast and pray for the refugees of Iraq and Syria. Throughout the day please take five minutes to breathe a word of prayer for the refugees of Syria and Iraq. 

There are also many other ways to help, let the Lord lead your hearts. I have also posted some links; please take the extra time to read if you want more informative news. There are many more links on the internet.

Plead my cause O Lord with them that strive with me, fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler and stand up for mine help. Draw out also the spear and stop the way against them that persecute me, say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.

Thank you.

Resources: New  Living Translation(Touch point Bible), King James Bible,  ttp://www.vosizneias.com, European Parliament news,  abcnews.go.com www.dailymail.co.uk www.om.org/syriarelief-ca  http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28761383

I'm so hungry.....

John 6:33 for the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.

Regardless of where we live in this world and our circumstances, or how much or little money we have we all hunger and thirst for something deeper.

Can you imagine your stomach hurting so badly because it’s had no food in days? You search even the garbage but not even there you can find food. This is life for the Dalit (“untouchable”) children in South Asia. Hunger, poverty, and mistreatment are the way of life for these children.

As a mother I worry about having enough for my family. I ask my daughter to choose out of the many choices of snacks. I ask her what kind of juice boxes she wants. How we take having so many choices so lightly. Still I worry daily being on a budget. There have been times in which I only have so much and I put my trust in the Lord to provide for my family.

Can you imagine not having any choices, not having food to fill your child’s stomach? No energy that their body can recharge to play and enjoy being children. Not only is there no choice of foods but they do not know the comfort of Jesus either.

I am selfish, self-indulged, and work on a one track mind most of the times.  We who have should be thankful, yet we are never satisfied. Should we not be thankful and mindful of others? I speak to myself also when I speak these words. As I read this assignment the story of the unselfish boy and his fish and bread on the mount came to mind. When Jesus asked his disciple Phillip “where can we buy bread to feed all these people”, Phillip did not see the vision ahead nor the bigger miracle.

I believe the special young boy did. He could have kept quiet and not share the little lunch he had, thinking only of himself. But there was a greater vision in him and the glory of God to come.

  This miracle fed 5000…..Your miracle for one can extend out to many others also. We are blessed, so we should also bless others.

This miracle began with a sacrifice. Jesus used the lunch offered to minister to the needs of a multitude, the same way he will bless your gift and sacrifices so that they can come to the rescue of others.

Jesus taught that bread (food) is a necessity of life, but the greater need is for Spiritual sustenance that satisfies the soul. What if we can help a child to have both?

Oh Lord God we ask you today to fill our hearts with compassion, help us through the Holy Spirit to feel the infirmities of our brothers and sisters. We pray that your greater glory will come with the gifts and sacrifices that each person will give. In the name of Jesus.

Stress and the Mess- Just want to be Closer

Every day we have a high calling that we need to fulfill and every day we can do it, whether it’s just to smile at somebody we little know. Lacey Sturm

You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose, and to do it FEARLESSLY. Steve Maraboli

How blessed we are as human beings, as men and women on this God given earth. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and stars, which thou has ordained. What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man that thou visit him? For thou crowned him with glory and honor (Psalms 8:3-5).

The last few years of my life have been a terrain of ups and downs. Trials, errors, victories and loneliness. Confusion and testing of my faith. This life is and has truly been testing me. I read that we all will have the "Job" experience, but it is how we deal with it to build our strength and what God is doing in it that makes the difference.

I have looked down in the darkness of the well of life. I have FAILED in many aspects of my life (spiritually/physically). I have had to make very tough heart wrenching, belly aching, heart throbbing decisions. There were and still are many times that it has ONLY been the mercy of God that has held me and is holding me together. I have frayed at the edges so many days, asking the Lord so many questions. Often tears are my only words, my only form of expression.

My Savoir has never let go of my hand, I am sure there were many days where He picked up my lifeless body and carried me. I found refuge in prayer, the word of God, friends, honesty and asking the Lord to help me. I promised Him that I would not give up or let go, even if it means holding on by a string.

I feel like I am just standing still, I feel at times like I am having a strange experience. I can see purpose and myself in the mirror but...... but what? I feel like I am at a door, the sign says open, come in. I go in and speak to the wise man, He tells me great prophesies of life and promised me that if only I trust His words all will be well. Yet I am always stumbling, constantly questioning my purpose and His promises. He tells me that there are many great things for me to accomplish here. Great work to be done for the Kingdom. Strength and power He will give to me- just trust Him and have some faith.Why then the same story day after day, I know that I have been com-placement. I feel stuck,doing the same song and dance every day. The truth is I am fed up with the mundane. I want MORE. I have been asking the Lord where I belong. Where do you want me to be? Who do you need me to help? The fault is not with God you know it is within us.

For the longest time I have had dreams in which I am always helping the children of the world the poor and less fortunate. I once was set on travelling all over to do mission work with children. I am not sure who has taken that dream from me. The man who buried his talent was cast away and it was also taken away from him. I pray the gifts that the Lord gave to me I will use.A few nights ago I had another dream that a native Indian man came to me and entrusted a young girl in my care, but I was running away from it... I know dreams do not always walk straight, but I do feel that there is something in them.  I woke up with a strange feeling I cannot explain. God loves us so deeply we cannot even understand the half of his plans for us. He put His creations in our control to have dominion over the work of His hands. He said I only have good thoughts towards you.

I intend on having patience and will continue to ask Him to be my strength in all my weaknesses. We need to purpose in our hearts to live a full life for God and on the earth. We are here only for a moment. We are sent to TRANSFORM this world; all who are on this earth right now are here for this time, for a reason.

Lord you are my fortress, my refuge, and my strong tower. There are greater things in this life that you and I need to accomplish. Let us walk in his statues and continue to live, love and TRY our best and FEAR NOT.

The Lord is on my side, I will not fear, what can man do unto me (Psalms 118:6)

Lord direct our paths that we may walk in strength and PURPOSE. Equip us with the Holy Spirit and let our lives show that there is a special light in us. Help us to do our best; help us to not get weary in our walk. Help us to see our lives through heaven’s eye. 

Enjoy the songs.

God bless

God is still in control

A lot of times we go through this life giving up too quickly and easily. When we should stand up and fight and proclaim victory we run away from the battle, forgetting about all the promises of God.

I will be speaking today about the story of Joseph. The Bible tells us in Genesis that Joseph was loved more than the other sons of his Father (Jacob), because he was born to him in his old age. His father made him a fancy coat/robe.

His brothers hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. They plotted to kill him (Genesis 37:18-18). Then they sold him and took him to Egypt. Potiphar an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officials bought him. The Bible tells us that the Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant and Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted to his care everything he owned.

Now we see that even though Joseph was going through some stuff, some unkind situations the Lord was still there with him and was still blessing him.

The story tells us that Joseph was well-built and handsome. His master’s wife took notice and wanted to sleep with him. I’m going to break the story down briefly. He was wrongfully accused and was put into prison. Do you know that the devil try to put some of us in prison. It does not have to be the physical prison, but he plays tricks with our minds, life, and circumstances.

Guess what even though Joseph was in prison the Lord was still with him. The Bible said:  he showed kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. The warden put him in charge. While he was in prison there were two prisoners who had dreams and the Lord enabled Joseph to interpret their dreams.

Time passed and when Pharaoh had a couple of dreams and needed them interpreted, the prisoner that had his dream interpret by Joseph remembered him and told Pharaoh that he knew a Hebrew that could tell him the meaning of his dreams.

Joseph interpreted the dreams and saved Egypt from a horrible famine. Genesis 41:39-40 the Pharaoh said to Joseph, since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and ALL my people are to SUBMIT to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.

I want to encourage those that are going through trials and tribulations. Those that cannot see a way out of whatever situation(s) they are in.  I want to tell you there is a way out, he is called JESUS. What some take for evil God will turn it out for good. Pray and trust in the God of Abraham. He is the same God that parted the Red sea. He still is the same God who performs miracles. There is NOTHING too hard for God.

Like Joseph we must be a humble servant and wait patiently upon our change(s) with constant prayer, hope and faith. God said whatever door he has open no man can close, no door that he has shut can be opened. Let us remember that only one man died for us, his name is JESUS-EMANUEL. Let God sort out life for you. The devil can hate you as much as he chooses; man can do all kinds of evil against you, but who the Lord has blessed no man can curse.

If you want to go deeper into the story of Joseph read (Genesis 41-50)

Let’s pray: Father we come before you willing to give up and let you be victorious for us. We ask that you will strengthen us in faith, hope, love and humbleness. We ask that you purify our intentions and our minds. Help us to be like your servant Joseph. Help us to have faith that even though we do not understand at times we will still trust in you, because you always have a better plan for us. Teach us to wait upon you. Thou they plot evil against me and devise wicked schemes,they cannot succeed. Thank you Lord for everything you have done and will do in my life, in Jesus’name. 

One Word

It has no gender, no color, nor creed. It has no nation and no religion. There is no special place or right time. Victor Hugo said “those who do not weep do not see”.

Life has a way of bending you; it has a way of speaking to you without even a word. I will share a true story about a woman when she was young and unlearned in the school of life.

She was only 20, but felt as if she had already lived half her life. She had already seen hard times. She had already ridden the roller coaster of life. Some days she felt like the churning in her belly would never go away of hanging upside down to please others. 

She had felt life growing inside of her. God had given her the opportunity to know what it was to have life inside a life.So how could she? How could she be wondering about such a thing that made her in the end feel like a monster? 

She was fearful of life and what it held for her. If she only knew at the time what God had in mind for her life? 

She was a statistic- a young pregnant high school drop-out. Living with a man that she knew deep down she had no future with. Hope kept her alive.

She was taught that only God can take and give life. But what was she to do? Her boyfriend told her that this was not the right time.

She lay on her back in the blue gown. The room was cold, not from the temperature but from all the lives that came in this same room broken and confused. She could not go back; she had made a decision that would change her. How could it not? She had once before gone through the pain of child birth and was presented with the sweetest gift.

Time passed but there was still an empty space in her heart for the one that could have been. She sits thinking, what eye color would they have had. What would their hair color be? Or what would it sound like to hear the word mom rolled off their tongue.

These thoughts cut through her like a sharp razor. All she could do was cry. The tears flow from her soul like a monsoon. A tsunami rushed over her heart and came through her eyes. It washed away the hurt, the disappointment she felt about her choice.

Tears divide and disrupts. It demolishes strong holds. It release and it purifies.

Some have the misconception that crying is a weak man remedy, but I believe it only takes a strong being to face truth and allow themselves to be broken.

I wrote this blog today for http://blog.compassion.com

I urge you today to help lighten the burden(s) off the shoulder of a young child, by sponsoring or donating. Let God show you his world and how you can help.

Virginia Casey said “tears are like rain they loosen up our soil so we can grow in different directions”

For all the women who have been in a similar situation, there is forgiveness in love through Christ. This song by Yahzarah is for you(new life, new love)

Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.

You know I always leave you with some inspiration, enjoy the songs.

Images by 234pulse.com weheartit.com voanews.com

Music by Sade, Ayo and Yahzarah

The Day and Hour Unknown

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us” they said when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the ages?” This is what Jesus’ disciples asked him about the signs of the end. Are you ready? I ask myself this question constantly. Every day I walk around claiming to be a Christian and hoping in my heart to go to eternal life with my Lord. But I have to seriously check my life. Many of times we walk around beating our chest, thinking that we are walking perfect. We judge others, but how often do we stop and look into our lives. I dread the day when my Savoir comes and all the while thinking I was ready and then he says to me "depart from me I know you not". 

Can we not see that we are in the last days that the Lord spoke about? Some people say whatever He will not come, we have been in the last days for centuries. But can you really afford such ignorance. Can you afford to take that chance with the one life you were given. No one knows the time or hour nor day in which the Lord will make his appearance. When we see him in His Glory in the sky it will be too late.

As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating, and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. And they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away.

Right now this world is in turmoil, Satan is on a rampage. Do we sit and ponder this life? Do you think about your life and what is taking place around you? At times I divert away from the news because I am sickened by the crimes and violence. The destruction that are happening around the world are unbelievable.

Please do not sit with your eyes closed. Open them up and see. Do you think it is end times when an adult man rapes a child?  http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/04/30/india-rape-victim-dies.html Do you believe it is a wicked time when a parent or parents hurt their own children? http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/04/03/couple-convicted-of-manslaughter-after-plot-to-regain-custody-ends-in-fiery-death-of-six-children/  http://www.mississauga.com/news/article/1618690--trial-underway-for-parents-accused-of-killing-daughter Look around at the earthquakes, famines and natural disasters.  I can go on for awhile on all the things that are not right about this world. Look around children (teens) having babies. Fornication and adultery these are normal lifestyle habits of our culture now.

He told his disciples not to let any one mislead you, for many false prophets will come and lead many astray. Jesus told them that wars will breakout near and far. Is this not happening now and has happened?  You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

 All these are the beginning of birth pains. Jesus taught that the love of many will grow cold- if this was not so right now we would not be killing each other we would be at peace with one another. Jesus said a person outside the house must not go inside to pack. A person in the field must not return even to get a coat. What will happen to you and me in such times?

The only way survive is to have God by your side. To live right and do God’s will, to follow His commands and have your feet planted deep in the roots of Christ. Trust in Him, hope in Him and read His words. Keep watch, stay focus and keep the light on at the lighthouse at all times. There is a story of a rich man who led a selfish life and a poor man name Lazarus. One went to heaven and one into darkness. The rich man wanted to go back from darkness to warn his brethrens about the horror of this place, but could not do so. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+16%3A19-31&version=NIV Today I am warning you and I am also speaking to myself of that day to come. Live your life to the best of your ability for Christ. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know at what day your Lord will come. Let us pray for one another and those in the world.

The texts are taken from Matthew 24, pictures from www.un.org news.nationalgeographic.com 

Father we come before you because there is no other Lord but you. We ask you today to enter our hearts and show us how to be prepared to meet you on that blessed day. Help us to be pure in our hearts and mind. Let us not be frightened about the things to come because we have Jesus living within us. Help us to have a Spirit of discernment so we will not be deceived by those the devil will send our way. Make the pathway clear for us. Help us to walk upright and not unseeingly, we ask you of these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ our soon coming King.