Allow me to vent. A) this day has been interesting. I woke up with timable contractions since 8 am, but then they stopped. I fell asleep, woke up and had more timable contractions. Then, they stopped again. I've been having them randomly throughout the day. My thoughts: Boy, this sucks. B) What is with Lindsay Lohan? I want to knock that girl in the teeth. I have no idea what she is up to these days, but I do know that she is all over the web. I don't care to read about her life, but it annoys me that news websites have nothing better to report than what is going on in Lind-sanity's life. My thoughts: Get a clue.
What frustrates me is that there is a whole other world going on around us and these people (i.e. mainly reality TV stars and celebrities) have no clue. Hasn't anyone told them about Jesus? Can I be a missionary to Hollywood? Haha that would be awesome. :) I digress, but it's frustrating to watch these self absorbed people walk around like there is no one in the world but them. I sometimes wonder what really goes through their minds. Do they think about a spiritual world or do they not even care? It is just so sad.
I just needed to vent.
By the way, if I go into labor today, it was because of the Oreos I ate last night........
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Life-Giving Faith
"How may I more and more abandon myself from any earthly, human fellowship, until I am absolutely so bound to God that God has the right-of-way to the throne of my heart, until the center of my emotions is blessedly purified, until there is no room for anything except the Son of God, who is the Author and Finisher of faith?"
It is so hard sometimes to turn off the flesh. When our human minds get the best of us, they can cause some serious damage. I should know. I am a worrier. The fear of the unknown gets the best of me a lot of the time. Some would say it is a simple human characteristic, but I let it take over completely sometimes. And when I let Satan in just a little bit, he is capable of causing a big ruckus if I don't put my faith in God.
The reading that goes along with this devotional is from Romans 4:8-5:2 and it is the justification of Abraham's faith. Even when all hope was gone (especially in the human sense) Abraham held on and trusted God. That is the hardest thing to do. There are so many times in my life where I've given up on God. I've said it verbally and mentally over and over when things didn't go my way. I can honestly say that when all hope is lost, I give up on God. Good thing He doesn't give up on me! I look back and feel bad and of course ask God to forgive me, but then I do the same thing again when life gets tough.
It's funny because lately I have been giving up on God. I swore I would never do that again, especially after the experience I had with my whole job situation last year. For those of you that don't know, I was unemployed for about two months after I finished my teacher certification program. I was so desperate for a job, I cried out to God every day. There were days I completely gave up on Him and wanted nothing to do with Him. When things worked out (and I got a job just like He promised me) I felt bad and swore I would never give up on Him again because He proved Himself to me. However, only a year later, I am in the same boat, arguing, yelling and fighting with God to give me my way when I want it and when He doesn't, I give up on Him.
Thank goodness God is merciful and gracious. Where would I be if He wasn't?
It is so hard sometimes to turn off the flesh. When our human minds get the best of us, they can cause some serious damage. I should know. I am a worrier. The fear of the unknown gets the best of me a lot of the time. Some would say it is a simple human characteristic, but I let it take over completely sometimes. And when I let Satan in just a little bit, he is capable of causing a big ruckus if I don't put my faith in God.
The reading that goes along with this devotional is from Romans 4:8-5:2 and it is the justification of Abraham's faith. Even when all hope was gone (especially in the human sense) Abraham held on and trusted God. That is the hardest thing to do. There are so many times in my life where I've given up on God. I've said it verbally and mentally over and over when things didn't go my way. I can honestly say that when all hope is lost, I give up on God. Good thing He doesn't give up on me! I look back and feel bad and of course ask God to forgive me, but then I do the same thing again when life gets tough.
It's funny because lately I have been giving up on God. I swore I would never do that again, especially after the experience I had with my whole job situation last year. For those of you that don't know, I was unemployed for about two months after I finished my teacher certification program. I was so desperate for a job, I cried out to God every day. There were days I completely gave up on Him and wanted nothing to do with Him. When things worked out (and I got a job just like He promised me) I felt bad and swore I would never give up on Him again because He proved Himself to me. However, only a year later, I am in the same boat, arguing, yelling and fighting with God to give me my way when I want it and when He doesn't, I give up on Him.
Thank goodness God is merciful and gracious. Where would I be if He wasn't?
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Why is it that....??
I can't remember exactly who I was talking to, but I've heard this comment several times in the past few weeks and it really got to me. It's something I always knew to be true and have thought about frequently, but lately more and more people are pointing it out and there's something to be said about it.
We all know miracles happen. If you work in the medical field, I'm sure you've seen a few. If you've had kids, I'm sure you've seen some. But we don't see miracles all the time. In fact, I think it's safe to say they are few and far between. But why is it that when we talk of miracles today, they usually take place in foreign countries? Do you find that to be the case? It just seems like when we hear about miracles, they happen in third world countries where you would never expect miracles to happen. Is it because they are desperate that they have nothing to rely on but God? Is it because we, as Americans, are too comfortable in our life styles that we don't need to depend on God because we can depend on doctors, medicine, or buy whatever it is we need to help ourselves? I am very curious as to why that is.....
We all know miracles happen. If you work in the medical field, I'm sure you've seen a few. If you've had kids, I'm sure you've seen some. But we don't see miracles all the time. In fact, I think it's safe to say they are few and far between. But why is it that when we talk of miracles today, they usually take place in foreign countries? Do you find that to be the case? It just seems like when we hear about miracles, they happen in third world countries where you would never expect miracles to happen. Is it because they are desperate that they have nothing to rely on but God? Is it because we, as Americans, are too comfortable in our life styles that we don't need to depend on God because we can depend on doctors, medicine, or buy whatever it is we need to help ourselves? I am very curious as to why that is.....
I'm okay with it...
So I wanted to continue my thirty day challenge and read my Smith Wiggleworth devotional every day, but I haven't been keeping up with it like I wanted to. I have to admit, I get very distracted on the weekends. My husband is home and we are still preparing for a baby so we are usually running around picking up a few last minute things (we are definitely over prepared)! I'm usually so tired by the time we get back home from shopping that I fall asleep for quite sometime. I know it sounds like an excuse, but it's true. I have to admit too that reading my devotional is the last thing on my mind as I wait for this baby to get here.
The doctors have been telling me since four weeks ago that he'd be arriving, but clearly, Caleb (our son) has had other plans. It is getting very frustrating. Each day I expect him to come and when he doesn't, I get upset. I shouldn't rely on what the doctors say because they obviously have NO idea what they are talking about. I knew that from the beginning, but part of me wanted to believe they knew something no one else did. Each day I sit around and wait, thinking today will be the day. I try not to do too much in an attempt to save up my energy, but eventually I get bored and go crazy (as in super clean the house or go out somewhere). PS I've tried ALL the tricks of getting this baby out and none have worked. Those silly old wives tales are, well, old wives tales and they don't work. Just because you ate a hamburger the night you went into labor doesn't mean the hamburger did the trick. If I go into labor sometime today, I will not say the oatmeal I ate for breakfast did it. That just sounds silly. But somewhere, a bunch of crazy pregnant ladies came up with these theories and people believed them. I'm at the point where I'm just 'banking on Jesus,' because nothing else is working. Clearly, (and according to my last post) God has an appointed time for this baby to come and no amount of walking, eating, jumping or squatting is going to change that. So I might as well sit back and wait and not kill myself by walking 134344 hours. Don't get me wrong, I will do what I got to do, but I'm not making it a point to walk excessively or drink castor oil. I would like to be able to say that God had a plan for when this baby was going to arrive and nothing I did could change that. I feel like that's so much better than saying it was the cheeseburger I ate the night before that sent me into labor....
So, I went to the doctors yesterday and asked them about being induced. I have been battling the whole idea of being induced the whole time I've been pregnant because in a way, I feel like it's 'playing God,' but the doctor insisted that I not go beyond 41 weeks because of potential placenta problems. At this point, I could honestly care less how they get the baby out as long as he comes out (well I shouldn't say it like that, but I am very ready to get rid of this belly). I was a little upset at first at the talk of being induced, but I feel like if this is the plan God has for me, then that's fine. I don't know what God's plan is for my labor, but I do know I can trust that He has it under control and that if I do get induced because Caleb doesn't come on his own, then it was God's plan all along. And I'm okay with it.
I did read my devotional today too. Before I talk about it though, I want to share something. My husband pointed something interesting out yesterday in the doctors office. He asked me what I would do if the doctor came in and checked me and said I was 5 centimeters dilated and had to go to the hospital because the baby was coming. I, thinking that this could actually happen, started panicking and freaked out. "I'm not ready, I'm not ready.." I said. I got really hot and started sweating. "I can't do this, I'm scared." My husband looked at me like 'oh boy here we go again.' He told me I'd be fine and not to worry. I shot back at him, "you're not the one who has to go through this. It's hard." He looked at me sympathetically and asked me what happened to my faith? I just stared at him. He then asked me if I had been reading my Smith Wigglesworth devotions. I told him I finished my thirty day challenge, but I hadn't read in a few days. He told me he could tell because my faith was dwindling. He told me I should read it again because when I read it, it helped me not to be scared. As much as I hate to admit it, he was right. I thought about the one devotion I read during my thirty day challenge about how if we don't get into the Word every day we aren't advancing and that was exactly what was happening to me. Not only wasn't I advancing, I was going backwards in my faith.
This morning (after I ate my oatmeal that will send me into labor) I kept staring at my devotional book. The last time I read Smith Wigglesworth, I must have left the book on the coffee table because there it was staring directly at me. I've heard people say things like 'it spoke to me and I had to pick it up.' Well, I had one of those moments. It was literally staring at me, urging me, almost darking me to pick it up. Taking the advice from my husband, I did just that.
The devotion was about a double cure. It wasn't about JUST being saved, but having the Holy Spirit in your life. Being saved is awesome (and I'm sure everyone who is would agree), but having the Holy Spirit move in your life is that much better. It's like having ice cream, but what's ice cream without sprinkles? Ice cream is good by itself, but add some sprinkles and it's way better. When you have the Holy Spirit in your life, God moves in big and mighty ways and it's just awesome. Seek and you will find, ask and you will receive. We are all capable of accepting the Holy Spirit into our lives.
The doctors have been telling me since four weeks ago that he'd be arriving, but clearly, Caleb (our son) has had other plans. It is getting very frustrating. Each day I expect him to come and when he doesn't, I get upset. I shouldn't rely on what the doctors say because they obviously have NO idea what they are talking about. I knew that from the beginning, but part of me wanted to believe they knew something no one else did. Each day I sit around and wait, thinking today will be the day. I try not to do too much in an attempt to save up my energy, but eventually I get bored and go crazy (as in super clean the house or go out somewhere). PS I've tried ALL the tricks of getting this baby out and none have worked. Those silly old wives tales are, well, old wives tales and they don't work. Just because you ate a hamburger the night you went into labor doesn't mean the hamburger did the trick. If I go into labor sometime today, I will not say the oatmeal I ate for breakfast did it. That just sounds silly. But somewhere, a bunch of crazy pregnant ladies came up with these theories and people believed them. I'm at the point where I'm just 'banking on Jesus,' because nothing else is working. Clearly, (and according to my last post) God has an appointed time for this baby to come and no amount of walking, eating, jumping or squatting is going to change that. So I might as well sit back and wait and not kill myself by walking 134344 hours. Don't get me wrong, I will do what I got to do, but I'm not making it a point to walk excessively or drink castor oil. I would like to be able to say that God had a plan for when this baby was going to arrive and nothing I did could change that. I feel like that's so much better than saying it was the cheeseburger I ate the night before that sent me into labor....
So, I went to the doctors yesterday and asked them about being induced. I have been battling the whole idea of being induced the whole time I've been pregnant because in a way, I feel like it's 'playing God,' but the doctor insisted that I not go beyond 41 weeks because of potential placenta problems. At this point, I could honestly care less how they get the baby out as long as he comes out (well I shouldn't say it like that, but I am very ready to get rid of this belly). I was a little upset at first at the talk of being induced, but I feel like if this is the plan God has for me, then that's fine. I don't know what God's plan is for my labor, but I do know I can trust that He has it under control and that if I do get induced because Caleb doesn't come on his own, then it was God's plan all along. And I'm okay with it.
I did read my devotional today too. Before I talk about it though, I want to share something. My husband pointed something interesting out yesterday in the doctors office. He asked me what I would do if the doctor came in and checked me and said I was 5 centimeters dilated and had to go to the hospital because the baby was coming. I, thinking that this could actually happen, started panicking and freaked out. "I'm not ready, I'm not ready.." I said. I got really hot and started sweating. "I can't do this, I'm scared." My husband looked at me like 'oh boy here we go again.' He told me I'd be fine and not to worry. I shot back at him, "you're not the one who has to go through this. It's hard." He looked at me sympathetically and asked me what happened to my faith? I just stared at him. He then asked me if I had been reading my Smith Wigglesworth devotions. I told him I finished my thirty day challenge, but I hadn't read in a few days. He told me he could tell because my faith was dwindling. He told me I should read it again because when I read it, it helped me not to be scared. As much as I hate to admit it, he was right. I thought about the one devotion I read during my thirty day challenge about how if we don't get into the Word every day we aren't advancing and that was exactly what was happening to me. Not only wasn't I advancing, I was going backwards in my faith.
This morning (after I ate my oatmeal that will send me into labor) I kept staring at my devotional book. The last time I read Smith Wigglesworth, I must have left the book on the coffee table because there it was staring directly at me. I've heard people say things like 'it spoke to me and I had to pick it up.' Well, I had one of those moments. It was literally staring at me, urging me, almost darking me to pick it up. Taking the advice from my husband, I did just that.
The devotion was about a double cure. It wasn't about JUST being saved, but having the Holy Spirit in your life. Being saved is awesome (and I'm sure everyone who is would agree), but having the Holy Spirit move in your life is that much better. It's like having ice cream, but what's ice cream without sprinkles? Ice cream is good by itself, but add some sprinkles and it's way better. When you have the Holy Spirit in your life, God moves in big and mighty ways and it's just awesome. Seek and you will find, ask and you will receive. We are all capable of accepting the Holy Spirit into our lives.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Really God?? Are you serious??
Back in September I remember telling everyone that I couldn't wait to have a baby bump. I was about two-three months pregnant at the time and I wasn't showing. I desperately wanted a bump to show off, but my little peanut was still, well, little. I felt like I was in that awkward stage of looking fat, but not pregnant (every pregnant woman knows what I am talking about), and I just wanted to look pregnant so people could oooo and ahhh and touch my belly. :)
I'll never forget, one day, when I was telling a group of women how bad I wanted a bump. One woman said, "Oh just wait! When you get that bump, you are going to be like. 'Really God? Are you serious?'" I swore I'd never say that and that I'd embrace my bump like the proud pregnant girl I was already becoming.
Fast forward like six months and I think I've said that very statement like 50 THOUSAND times! Trust me, I had no intentions of disliking my bump, but it's getting ridiculous. How much can one person stretch?! It's not easy having a big ol belly, but I do thank God that I was one of the lucky ones that can have children. Although I am totally convinced that the women that can't have kids would be saying the same things as me if they were able (I hope that doesn't offend anyone). Maybe I am wrong, but I do think that because I swore I'd be forever grateful for getting pregnant, but sometimes it gets rough when you are carrying around extra weight and a little human inside of you (i.e. the foot that is forever in my ribs)!
Anyway, my point to this whole post (I digress)....yesterday, I had one of those days where I was like 'really God?' See, I really thought this baby would come yesterday. Call it a motherly instinct (or the makings of), but I just had some intuition. Well, I was completely wrong and barely had a contraction all day. I got so upset when the baby didn't come that I really feel like I started to get depressed. I have been so over being pregnant, that its hard to wake up every day and still be pregnant, when I know the baby could come any time and be fine (developmentally wise). Ugh, the waiting game stinks.
Anyway, in the midst of all my despair, my husband told me to pray and read the bible. Let me tell you, that was the last thing I wanted to do. I was angry at God. He was in control of all of this, why wasn't He making this baby come?! Eventually, I knew my husband was right and that I should open my bible, so I did. I prayed a quick prayer and told God I needed a word from Him to get me through. I randomly open the bible and land in Habbakuk 1. "What could God possibly show me in here?" I thought. I started reading.
Basically, Habbakuk is complaining to God asking Him why He hasn't answered His prayer yet (Habbakuk was praying that God would do justice on the Babylonians). Sounds familiar, so I keep reading. God tells Habbakuk that He hears His prayers and He will do justice on the Babylonians, but that Habbakuk has to wait for the appointed time. Want to know my thoughts after I read that? Exactly what you are probably thinking..."Seriously God?! I asked for a Word and this is what You give me?! And this is supposed to encourage me?!" Needless to say, I didn't like this particular Word.
I read on anyway thinking God must have gotten it wrong. Maybe I was supposed to read chapter 2....??
What I come to find out is that God does tell Habbakuk He will answer his prayers, but God tells Habbakuk He can't tell him much more because what He is going to do is going to be so great that Habbakuk wouldn't believe Him if He told him.
My mind begins to wonder and I think to myself, "So, there is an appointed time for this baby to come and basically all I can do is wait, but in the end God will do something so great that I could have never imagined it. So, does that mean the baby will come out of my nose?"
I have to admit, I was a little bitter toward the Word God gave me and I found myself asking God over and over, "Are you serious?" I know God is teaching me something through this (my guess is patience), but didn't I learn that already when I was unemployed looking for a job?
On the flip, I do get impatient when God doesn't answer my prayers right away. I guess I just expect Him to give me what I want, when I want it.
What's funny is whenever I picture myself with God, I am always throwing a hissy fit. I always get this same vision when I picture God and myself together. We are in a candy store, and I am on the ground kicking and screaming. God is staring at me, but He isn't mad. He is patient and loving. He moves His hand in the direction of the door and in an ever so loving way says, 'Ok, Gina, let's go.' I continue to kick and scream.
The vision hasn't changed so maybe I still need to learn patience.....
I'll never forget, one day, when I was telling a group of women how bad I wanted a bump. One woman said, "Oh just wait! When you get that bump, you are going to be like. 'Really God? Are you serious?'" I swore I'd never say that and that I'd embrace my bump like the proud pregnant girl I was already becoming.
Fast forward like six months and I think I've said that very statement like 50 THOUSAND times! Trust me, I had no intentions of disliking my bump, but it's getting ridiculous. How much can one person stretch?! It's not easy having a big ol belly, but I do thank God that I was one of the lucky ones that can have children. Although I am totally convinced that the women that can't have kids would be saying the same things as me if they were able (I hope that doesn't offend anyone). Maybe I am wrong, but I do think that because I swore I'd be forever grateful for getting pregnant, but sometimes it gets rough when you are carrying around extra weight and a little human inside of you (i.e. the foot that is forever in my ribs)!
Anyway, my point to this whole post (I digress)....yesterday, I had one of those days where I was like 'really God?' See, I really thought this baby would come yesterday. Call it a motherly instinct (or the makings of), but I just had some intuition. Well, I was completely wrong and barely had a contraction all day. I got so upset when the baby didn't come that I really feel like I started to get depressed. I have been so over being pregnant, that its hard to wake up every day and still be pregnant, when I know the baby could come any time and be fine (developmentally wise). Ugh, the waiting game stinks.
Anyway, in the midst of all my despair, my husband told me to pray and read the bible. Let me tell you, that was the last thing I wanted to do. I was angry at God. He was in control of all of this, why wasn't He making this baby come?! Eventually, I knew my husband was right and that I should open my bible, so I did. I prayed a quick prayer and told God I needed a word from Him to get me through. I randomly open the bible and land in Habbakuk 1. "What could God possibly show me in here?" I thought. I started reading.
Basically, Habbakuk is complaining to God asking Him why He hasn't answered His prayer yet (Habbakuk was praying that God would do justice on the Babylonians). Sounds familiar, so I keep reading. God tells Habbakuk that He hears His prayers and He will do justice on the Babylonians, but that Habbakuk has to wait for the appointed time. Want to know my thoughts after I read that? Exactly what you are probably thinking..."Seriously God?! I asked for a Word and this is what You give me?! And this is supposed to encourage me?!" Needless to say, I didn't like this particular Word.
I read on anyway thinking God must have gotten it wrong. Maybe I was supposed to read chapter 2....??
What I come to find out is that God does tell Habbakuk He will answer his prayers, but God tells Habbakuk He can't tell him much more because what He is going to do is going to be so great that Habbakuk wouldn't believe Him if He told him.
My mind begins to wonder and I think to myself, "So, there is an appointed time for this baby to come and basically all I can do is wait, but in the end God will do something so great that I could have never imagined it. So, does that mean the baby will come out of my nose?"
I have to admit, I was a little bitter toward the Word God gave me and I found myself asking God over and over, "Are you serious?" I know God is teaching me something through this (my guess is patience), but didn't I learn that already when I was unemployed looking for a job?
On the flip, I do get impatient when God doesn't answer my prayers right away. I guess I just expect Him to give me what I want, when I want it.
What's funny is whenever I picture myself with God, I am always throwing a hissy fit. I always get this same vision when I picture God and myself together. We are in a candy store, and I am on the ground kicking and screaming. God is staring at me, but He isn't mad. He is patient and loving. He moves His hand in the direction of the door and in an ever so loving way says, 'Ok, Gina, let's go.' I continue to kick and scream.
The vision hasn't changed so maybe I still need to learn patience.....
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 30 - The Bread of Healing
Well, here we are. Day 30. I would have never thought it would have come so quickly. It went by so fast! I will be honest and say that I did not do a good job of keeping on top of my devotionals. There were days I missed simply because I just didn't feel like opening the book. I do plan on doing this again though. And of course I do plan on doing a better job....
This devotional was interesting, as they all are haha. Wigglesworth talks about the Syro-Phoenician woman in Mark chapter 7. Her daughter was possessed with a demon and when Jesus came she asked Him to cast out the demon. Jesus does not cast out the demon right away. The woman almost has to persuade Jesus to cast out the demon. Jesus sees the woman's faith and casts out the demon after her response.
Point made: when we pray, we need to persevere.
This devotional was interesting, as they all are haha. Wigglesworth talks about the Syro-Phoenician woman in Mark chapter 7. Her daughter was possessed with a demon and when Jesus came she asked Him to cast out the demon. Jesus does not cast out the demon right away. The woman almost has to persuade Jesus to cast out the demon. Jesus sees the woman's faith and casts out the demon after her response.
Point made: when we pray, we need to persevere.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 29 - A Vision Becomes Reality
This devotional was so kool. This woman was sick and had a vision about being healed. The next day, the exact circumstances that occurred in her vision happened in real life. So kooooooooool. :) She believed the Word of God and His promises.
Wigglesworth says: "Become grounded. God wants you to take the Word, claim the Word, and believe the Word. That is the perfect way of healing. Do not turn to the right hand or to the left, but believe God...He wants you to dare to believe His Word."
I'm daring to believe...
Wigglesworth says: "Become grounded. God wants you to take the Word, claim the Word, and believe the Word. That is the perfect way of healing. Do not turn to the right hand or to the left, but believe God...He wants you to dare to believe His Word."
I'm daring to believe...
Day 28 - Delivered from Alcohol
Wigglesworth talks about his experience on a boat and delivering a man from alcoholism. Basically, this guy was dying from drinking whiskey every day. Wigglesworth uses the power of the name of Jesus to deliver him from the disease. He casts out the alcohol demon (I am paraphrasing).
Wigglesworth goes on to say: "Oh, the name of Jesus! We make too little use of that name....If we would let ourselves go and praise Him more and more, God would give us the shout of victory."
Wigglesworth goes on to say: "Oh, the name of Jesus! We make too little use of that name....If we would let ourselves go and praise Him more and more, God would give us the shout of victory."
Day 27 - The Blessing of Persecution
Were you the type of person to get 'saved' every Sunday? If you're like me, you were. I was THAT kid. Every Sunday, I was getting 'saved.' I knew I messed up during the week and I felt that I needed to be 'saved' every Sunday. I would get frustrated (as would anyone) because I couldn't keep my slate clean during the week. Sometimes I made simple mistakes, other times, I made big ones. Either way, every Sunday, I was praying to be saved again. I just thought it was what I needed to do. I had a hard time believing I'd make it to heaven since I kept sinning during the week and my slate wouldn't be cleaned until Sunday. Oh, how naive!
I always enjoyed Sunday morning services. I felt uplifted and 'saved.' I got to start fresh and things were good. It wasn't soon after though(whether it be Sunday night or Monday) that I would add a few sins to the slate. I always felt that I couldn't make it a week unless I lived in the Holy Spirit constantly. But how in the world did I do that? I would have to live at the alter in church if that were the case! LOL
Wigglesworth talks about how as soon as we are filled with the Spirit we are a target for the devil. Satan does not want us to be filled and will do anything to get us to sin and to take our focus off of God. That's what was happening to be every Sunday. I would be filled with the Spirit, have a good few hours, and then fall off track. When you are filled with the Spirit, you can expect persecution from Satan, people (including family and friends), and pretty much anything Satan can use to throw you off.
One thing Wigglesworth says at the end is: "If you remain stationary, the devil and his agents will not disturb you much. But when you press on and go the whole length with God, the enemy has you as a target. But God will vindicate you in the midst of the whole thing."
I really believe when there's no drama in our lives that we have become stationary.....
I always enjoyed Sunday morning services. I felt uplifted and 'saved.' I got to start fresh and things were good. It wasn't soon after though(whether it be Sunday night or Monday) that I would add a few sins to the slate. I always felt that I couldn't make it a week unless I lived in the Holy Spirit constantly. But how in the world did I do that? I would have to live at the alter in church if that were the case! LOL
Wigglesworth talks about how as soon as we are filled with the Spirit we are a target for the devil. Satan does not want us to be filled and will do anything to get us to sin and to take our focus off of God. That's what was happening to be every Sunday. I would be filled with the Spirit, have a good few hours, and then fall off track. When you are filled with the Spirit, you can expect persecution from Satan, people (including family and friends), and pretty much anything Satan can use to throw you off.
One thing Wigglesworth says at the end is: "If you remain stationary, the devil and his agents will not disturb you much. But when you press on and go the whole length with God, the enemy has you as a target. But God will vindicate you in the midst of the whole thing."
I really believe when there's no drama in our lives that we have become stationary.....
Friday, March 18, 2011
Day 26 - A Better Plan For You
I'm beginning to realize the importance and power of the Holy Spirit. I knew the Holy Spirit was powerful and I knew it was important (just read Forgotten God by Francis Chan), but Smith Wigglesworth REALLY emphasizes its power and necessity in our lives on a daily basis.
Wigglesworth sayd, "..this infilling always lifts a man to a plane above the ordinary." And I completely believe that. When I am in tune with God, I find myself making better decisions. There is something to be said about the power of the Holy Spirit in us and what it can do through us. I believe a lot of us don't give the Holy Spirit enough attention and that's why we don't see the miracles we used to see back in the day.
WIgglesworth talks about Stephen and Phillip who were appointed to serve tables, but instead, because they were filled with the Spirit, they saved souls. Wigglesworth says, "When you are with the power of the Holy Spirit, GOd will wonderfully work wherever you go." To me, that means, wherever you work, play, eat, wherever you are around people, you have the power to save souls and do miracle works. I've heard of stories of people getting saved in the mall because God told them to go talk to someone about Him.
Doing these marvelous works, however, means we also have to be in tune with God and that comes with diving deep into His Word on a daily basis (goes along with the devotional from yesterday "Always Advancing"). Our spiritual beings need to be fed on a daily basis so we can be strong and we need God's Word to do that.
Definitely interesting stuff!
Wigglesworth sayd, "..this infilling always lifts a man to a plane above the ordinary." And I completely believe that. When I am in tune with God, I find myself making better decisions. There is something to be said about the power of the Holy Spirit in us and what it can do through us. I believe a lot of us don't give the Holy Spirit enough attention and that's why we don't see the miracles we used to see back in the day.
WIgglesworth talks about Stephen and Phillip who were appointed to serve tables, but instead, because they were filled with the Spirit, they saved souls. Wigglesworth says, "When you are with the power of the Holy Spirit, GOd will wonderfully work wherever you go." To me, that means, wherever you work, play, eat, wherever you are around people, you have the power to save souls and do miracle works. I've heard of stories of people getting saved in the mall because God told them to go talk to someone about Him.
Doing these marvelous works, however, means we also have to be in tune with God and that comes with diving deep into His Word on a daily basis (goes along with the devotional from yesterday "Always Advancing"). Our spiritual beings need to be fed on a daily basis so we can be strong and we need God's Word to do that.
Definitely interesting stuff!
Day 25 - Life In The Word
I didn't blog yesterday mainly because I had the worst day ever. Ok, so maybe I was feeling a little sorry for myself, but I totally broke down and cried for a good 10 minutes. I am so sick of being pregnant. The aches, the pains, the awful hormones, the waiting; I just wanted to be done. Sometimes I just wish I could take my stomach off for a second and put it down to get a break, but it unfortunately doesn't work that way. I did everything I could to make it better, but nothing helped. I got to the point where I just wanted to be alone to cry for a bit and I have to admit, it helped a little. I knew the best thing for me was to pray or read the Word, but honestly, it was the last thing I wanted to do. I did not want to praise God in the midst of my storm. Part of me was frustrated with Him. Why couldn't He make this baby come faster? I did eventually settle down and my night was better than my day...thank God.
I was upset with God (yeah, I know its not right, but I'm not going to lie and say I wasn't) so I didn't read my devotional until I went to bed last night. Part of me felt guilty for waiting so long to do it, but part of me was glad I did. I was able to focus more of my attention on it as opposed to just reading it to get through it.
Wigglesworth makes a great point about living a life in the Word. I have to admit, I truly struggle with reading. I don't like it. It's not something I usually find enjoyable. Some people could read all day. I am not one of those people. I usually get bored with reading or I skip around to find out what happens because I get impatient. All in all, I am not a reader. Unfortunately, same goes for reading my Bible. I could praise, worship, and pray all day, but reading my Bible is a different story. I think you get the idea.
Anyway, Wigglesworth says this, which really strikes a cord: I find nothing in the Bible but holiness; and nothing in the world, but worldliness. Therefore, if I live in the world, I will become worldly; on the other hand, if I live in the Bible, I will become holy.
He emphasizes reading the Word every chance we get to remain holy and to maintain our relationship with God.
After reading this devotion I feel I have more motivation to read my Bible, simply because Wigglesworth makes a good point. :)
I was upset with God (yeah, I know its not right, but I'm not going to lie and say I wasn't) so I didn't read my devotional until I went to bed last night. Part of me felt guilty for waiting so long to do it, but part of me was glad I did. I was able to focus more of my attention on it as opposed to just reading it to get through it.
Wigglesworth makes a great point about living a life in the Word. I have to admit, I truly struggle with reading. I don't like it. It's not something I usually find enjoyable. Some people could read all day. I am not one of those people. I usually get bored with reading or I skip around to find out what happens because I get impatient. All in all, I am not a reader. Unfortunately, same goes for reading my Bible. I could praise, worship, and pray all day, but reading my Bible is a different story. I think you get the idea.
Anyway, Wigglesworth says this, which really strikes a cord: I find nothing in the Bible but holiness; and nothing in the world, but worldliness. Therefore, if I live in the world, I will become worldly; on the other hand, if I live in the Bible, I will become holy.
He emphasizes reading the Word every chance we get to remain holy and to maintain our relationship with God.
After reading this devotion I feel I have more motivation to read my Bible, simply because Wigglesworth makes a good point. :)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Probably Wrote This Already
When I started this challenge, I thought God would meet me half way (and I don't doubt He has), but I didn't expect to have to make such a big effort. I guess I expected God to meet me more than half way when I really think about it. I guess I expected God to meet me as soon as I opened the book. I am finding that it is taking a greater effort on my part.
There have been many times in my life when I felt like God forgot about me (regardless of the countless verses that claim otherwise). I wonder if it was because I wasn't making an effort to meet Him half way. Maybe I was expecting Him to meet me without having to do anything.
Maybe I need to start making more of an effort.
There have been many times in my life when I felt like God forgot about me (regardless of the countless verses that claim otherwise). I wonder if it was because I wasn't making an effort to meet Him half way. Maybe I was expecting Him to meet me without having to do anything.
Maybe I need to start making more of an effort.
Day 24 - Kept By God's Power
Wow, God is good. He continues to reveal things and it just keeps getting better! I am finding with this devotional book that a lot of the passages are similar, but God continues to reveal new things to me everyday. I am loving it!
The devotional for today was titled 'Kept By God's Power.' I will talk about that devotional eventually, but I want to share something first. I was writing to a dear friend today via Facebook message, telling her how nice it was doing lunch with her the other day. I was sharing some things with her and without realizing it, I shared something that I have not shared with a lot of people. I told her that my prayer has been and continues to be that I would not become complacent in my walk with Jesus (it is something I strive for). I've never really shared this with anyone because I assumed it was just a given. Being a Christian all my life, I would never want my walk with Jesus to become complacent and since people know that I've been a Christian all my life, I figured that would assume the same. During discussion at bible study, we constantly talk about those 'complacent Christians' and I assume people know that I don't ever want to be one of them. I figured it was something I didn't need to mention.
Anyway, so I shared that with my friend. I didn't think anything of it at first until I got bored (yes, I was bored) tonight. My husband is preaching at a Wednesday night bible study at church and although I had every intention of going, I decided to stay home, mainly due to the fact that I am nine months pregnant and completely uncomfortable in anything but sweatpants and a large hoodie. I decided to make good use of my time and read another devotional from back in January before I bought the book. I flipped through the pages and landed on January 16 and a verse at the top of the page that read "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby." The verse caught my attention because it talked about newborn babes and I am pregnant. Then, the title caught my attention, "Always Advancing." Kind of sounds like "Forever Striving," doesn't it? :)
Anyway, I read the devotional I literally wanted to highlight every line! Every line was so powerful! Wigglesworth talks about how if we are not advancing on a daily basis we are backslidden. If we live on the same plane, even just for two days, we have become complacent and our walk has become stale. WHOA thats heavy stuff! How many days have I gone without advancing?! Definitely too many sometimes!
Wigglesworth also goes on to talk about how it is in the tough times that we are really reconstructed and that we read a lot about hard times in the Bible. It's all because God moves in a big way during those times! The times I remember God moving in a big and mighty way in my life was when I was in my darkest moments. Maybe it was because I was so desperate, but either way, God always moved. It;s pretty interesting.
Wigglesworth ends the devotion with this thought: It is when you are tried by fire that God purges you, takes the dross away, and brings forth pure god.
I almost forgot to talk about the devotional that was for today! I do apologize! Sometimes I get so excited at what God does that I don't think clearly. :) Anyway, the devotional for today was titled 'Kept By God's Power' and the verse that went with it was from John 17 - 'While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me, I have kept.'
If you read John chapter 17 you will see Jesus talking to His father telling God He has kept all those that were given to Him by God (this definitely brings up the idea of do we choose God or does God choose us). Being kept by God means that we are His. We can go to Him like we do our earthly fathers for our needs and He is there to help. Makes me think of the verse in Matthew where it says "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!"
God is good! One thing God has shown me over the past couple months are the many facets of his awesome characteristics. The crazy thing too is that every time I think I KNOW God, He reveals another facet. Its just amazing.
The devotional for today was titled 'Kept By God's Power.' I will talk about that devotional eventually, but I want to share something first. I was writing to a dear friend today via Facebook message, telling her how nice it was doing lunch with her the other day. I was sharing some things with her and without realizing it, I shared something that I have not shared with a lot of people. I told her that my prayer has been and continues to be that I would not become complacent in my walk with Jesus (it is something I strive for). I've never really shared this with anyone because I assumed it was just a given. Being a Christian all my life, I would never want my walk with Jesus to become complacent and since people know that I've been a Christian all my life, I figured that would assume the same. During discussion at bible study, we constantly talk about those 'complacent Christians' and I assume people know that I don't ever want to be one of them. I figured it was something I didn't need to mention.
Anyway, so I shared that with my friend. I didn't think anything of it at first until I got bored (yes, I was bored) tonight. My husband is preaching at a Wednesday night bible study at church and although I had every intention of going, I decided to stay home, mainly due to the fact that I am nine months pregnant and completely uncomfortable in anything but sweatpants and a large hoodie. I decided to make good use of my time and read another devotional from back in January before I bought the book. I flipped through the pages and landed on January 16 and a verse at the top of the page that read "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby." The verse caught my attention because it talked about newborn babes and I am pregnant. Then, the title caught my attention, "Always Advancing." Kind of sounds like "Forever Striving," doesn't it? :)
Anyway, I read the devotional I literally wanted to highlight every line! Every line was so powerful! Wigglesworth talks about how if we are not advancing on a daily basis we are backslidden. If we live on the same plane, even just for two days, we have become complacent and our walk has become stale. WHOA thats heavy stuff! How many days have I gone without advancing?! Definitely too many sometimes!
Wigglesworth also goes on to talk about how it is in the tough times that we are really reconstructed and that we read a lot about hard times in the Bible. It's all because God moves in a big way during those times! The times I remember God moving in a big and mighty way in my life was when I was in my darkest moments. Maybe it was because I was so desperate, but either way, God always moved. It;s pretty interesting.
Wigglesworth ends the devotion with this thought: It is when you are tried by fire that God purges you, takes the dross away, and brings forth pure god.
I almost forgot to talk about the devotional that was for today! I do apologize! Sometimes I get so excited at what God does that I don't think clearly. :) Anyway, the devotional for today was titled 'Kept By God's Power' and the verse that went with it was from John 17 - 'While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me, I have kept.'
If you read John chapter 17 you will see Jesus talking to His father telling God He has kept all those that were given to Him by God (this definitely brings up the idea of do we choose God or does God choose us). Being kept by God means that we are His. We can go to Him like we do our earthly fathers for our needs and He is there to help. Makes me think of the verse in Matthew where it says "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!"
God is good! One thing God has shown me over the past couple months are the many facets of his awesome characteristics. The crazy thing too is that every time I think I KNOW God, He reveals another facet. Its just amazing.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Day 23 - I Am the Lord Who Heals You
Growing up in a Pentecostal church, I feel I've seen it all. From people falling over in the Spirit, or laughing uncontrollably to speaking various languages. To any outsider, we'd look crazy. To me, this was a normal Sunday morning service. I have to chuckle to myself because it does seem kind of crazy, but it's how we believe the Spirit moves.
Anyway, one thing that I always found interesting (and honestly, sometimes annoying because it made the church service go longer than expected) was when the Pastor would call up anyone who wanted to be prayed for to the front so the elders of the church could anoint that person with oil. Most of the time, the people that went up to be prayed for were sick and needed healing. Other times, people went up for different things like: addiction, financial problems, to stand in place for others, or to simply get more of Jesus. The person could tell the Pastor their need or keep it anonymous if they didn't want to share. The Pastor would then dip his finger in some oil, make a vertical streak over the person's forehead, and begin praying while the elders joined in laying their hands on the person. The church agreed in prayer in their seats.
Some Sundays the line to be prayed for was long, other times, no one went up. I remember going up a few times. I can't even remember for what, but I did go up. I remember the oil dripping down my forehead and being worried it would clog my pores (oh the things teenagers worry about). I remember all these hands being laid upon me as I heard many voices believing in prayer for me. It sounds weird, no doubt, but I remember the feeling of the Spirit being very real every time I went up. It was pretty cool.
I remember thinking at times I could only find the Holy Spirit at the alter because that's where I first met Him. I found out later that the alter isn't the only place I could find Him, although He always seems to be there when I go, even to this day.
I digress. The devotional I read today is about the God that heals us (makes me think of the song they used to play in the background when people were getting prayed for, "I Am God, That Healeth Thee"). Wigglesworth points to James 5:14-15 that says, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
What really gets me about this verse is where it says, "...And if he has committed since, he will be forgiven." I like this part. Here's why: I love food. If I had a large enough stomach, I'd eat all day long. The thing is, I am lactose intolerant, but I love my ice cream. There have been so many times when I have eaten ice cream and payed the price a few hours later. The pains in my stomach can be pretty bad. Sometimes I feel guilty asking God to heal me when I willingly ate the ice cream knowing full well it would make me sick. Part of me thinks I should suffer, after all, I made the decision to eat it. But God doesn't think that way.
Even if we've made mistakes, whether willingly or unwillingly, God still promises to heal us according to his Word. Do we deserve it? Probably not all the time, but He does it anyway.
Wigglesworth sums it up with this: God provides the double cure, for even if sin has been the cause of the sickness, His Word declares in James 5:15, "If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
I love it. :)
I love this devotional and I love the verse in James. The one thing I don't love...the last time I've seen someone get anointed with oil was years ago in that small church I grew up in. Why don't churches do that today??
Anyway, one thing that I always found interesting (and honestly, sometimes annoying because it made the church service go longer than expected) was when the Pastor would call up anyone who wanted to be prayed for to the front so the elders of the church could anoint that person with oil. Most of the time, the people that went up to be prayed for were sick and needed healing. Other times, people went up for different things like: addiction, financial problems, to stand in place for others, or to simply get more of Jesus. The person could tell the Pastor their need or keep it anonymous if they didn't want to share. The Pastor would then dip his finger in some oil, make a vertical streak over the person's forehead, and begin praying while the elders joined in laying their hands on the person. The church agreed in prayer in their seats.
Some Sundays the line to be prayed for was long, other times, no one went up. I remember going up a few times. I can't even remember for what, but I did go up. I remember the oil dripping down my forehead and being worried it would clog my pores (oh the things teenagers worry about). I remember all these hands being laid upon me as I heard many voices believing in prayer for me. It sounds weird, no doubt, but I remember the feeling of the Spirit being very real every time I went up. It was pretty cool.
I remember thinking at times I could only find the Holy Spirit at the alter because that's where I first met Him. I found out later that the alter isn't the only place I could find Him, although He always seems to be there when I go, even to this day.
I digress. The devotional I read today is about the God that heals us (makes me think of the song they used to play in the background when people were getting prayed for, "I Am God, That Healeth Thee"). Wigglesworth points to James 5:14-15 that says, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
What really gets me about this verse is where it says, "...And if he has committed since, he will be forgiven." I like this part. Here's why: I love food. If I had a large enough stomach, I'd eat all day long. The thing is, I am lactose intolerant, but I love my ice cream. There have been so many times when I have eaten ice cream and payed the price a few hours later. The pains in my stomach can be pretty bad. Sometimes I feel guilty asking God to heal me when I willingly ate the ice cream knowing full well it would make me sick. Part of me thinks I should suffer, after all, I made the decision to eat it. But God doesn't think that way.
Even if we've made mistakes, whether willingly or unwillingly, God still promises to heal us according to his Word. Do we deserve it? Probably not all the time, but He does it anyway.
Wigglesworth sums it up with this: God provides the double cure, for even if sin has been the cause of the sickness, His Word declares in James 5:15, "If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
I love it. :)
I love this devotional and I love the verse in James. The one thing I don't love...the last time I've seen someone get anointed with oil was years ago in that small church I grew up in. Why don't churches do that today??
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day 16 - 22
I haven't read since last Monday. :( I feel like I've failed. I got so caught up in my last week of school before my maternity leave tying up lose ends, writing out a ton of thank you cards for all the shower gifts, and getting things ready for the baby that I just made up a ton of excuses not to read. I had the time. We always have the time. I just flat out didn't want to. I chose to watch TV instead. I could have easily picked up my book and opened it, but I didn't. I don't really know why I didn't. I know I had 1000 reasons of why I didn't need to, but I can't even remember them, that's how unimportant they were.
I did go back and read the days I missed. God really speaks through these devotions. Each word on the page jumps at me. It feeds the Holy Spirit in me. I feel so encouraged and uplifted and that's what I need right now.
Please allow me to share something with you. I am a few hours away from being 38 weeks pregnant. I have struggled this entire pregnancy with the fear of labor. Reading this devotional book has really helped me battle the fear and has helped encourage me. It has restored my faith and has given so many verses to hang on to when I am weak.
However, as 'built up' as I feel, I still sense the fear. I am no longer afraid of labor because I am holding onto God's promises and I truly believe them, but I am afraid to pray for help because I am afraid God won't show up. What if I pray and God doesn't help me in my most desperate hour?
My husband did a bible study on why we don't see miracles being performed like back in the day and it's basically because people are afraid to step out. What if I pray healing for someone, but it doesn't work? Will people see me as a failure? I guess that's how I feel...
Although I feel this way some days, I do feel the opposite on others. Even as I write this I am finding that God is giving me more faith to believe. Maybe the first step is to simply admit or weaknesses. Then, God can come in and move.
God is good.
I did go back and read the days I missed. God really speaks through these devotions. Each word on the page jumps at me. It feeds the Holy Spirit in me. I feel so encouraged and uplifted and that's what I need right now.
Please allow me to share something with you. I am a few hours away from being 38 weeks pregnant. I have struggled this entire pregnancy with the fear of labor. Reading this devotional book has really helped me battle the fear and has helped encourage me. It has restored my faith and has given so many verses to hang on to when I am weak.
However, as 'built up' as I feel, I still sense the fear. I am no longer afraid of labor because I am holding onto God's promises and I truly believe them, but I am afraid to pray for help because I am afraid God won't show up. What if I pray and God doesn't help me in my most desperate hour?
My husband did a bible study on why we don't see miracles being performed like back in the day and it's basically because people are afraid to step out. What if I pray healing for someone, but it doesn't work? Will people see me as a failure? I guess that's how I feel...
Although I feel this way some days, I do feel the opposite on others. Even as I write this I am finding that God is giving me more faith to believe. Maybe the first step is to simply admit or weaknesses. Then, God can come in and move.
God is good.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Day 15 - The New Covenant
Half way done...wow. I don't feel like I learned as much as I would have liked, but then again, what did I expect to learn in just 30 measly days? The entire Bible?
God continues to be awesome through all of this, even though I haven't done the best job with it. He continues to reveal things to me even though I don't take the time to listen like I should. In this devotion, Wigglesworth reminds us of the precious new covenant God sends when He sends His son to die on the cross. He compares it to Moses coming down from Mount Sinai and how the Israelites couldn't even look at his face because it was so glorious after seeing God. How much more awesome do you think it was to see Jesus come from heaven and give new life?
The best part is that the old law is now broken because of Jesus. I imagine that if I had to sacrifice a lamb every time I sinned, there wouldn't be any more lambs on earth for me to sacrifice after about a week (slight exaggeration of course, but still)! When I think about the old law, I don't think I could have lived under it. Too many rules and crazy ones at that. I thank God He sent His son to die for us so I could have life abundant in Him!
God continues to be awesome through all of this, even though I haven't done the best job with it. He continues to reveal things to me even though I don't take the time to listen like I should. In this devotion, Wigglesworth reminds us of the precious new covenant God sends when He sends His son to die on the cross. He compares it to Moses coming down from Mount Sinai and how the Israelites couldn't even look at his face because it was so glorious after seeing God. How much more awesome do you think it was to see Jesus come from heaven and give new life?
The best part is that the old law is now broken because of Jesus. I imagine that if I had to sacrifice a lamb every time I sinned, there wouldn't be any more lambs on earth for me to sacrifice after about a week (slight exaggeration of course, but still)! When I think about the old law, I don't think I could have lived under it. Too many rules and crazy ones at that. I thank God He sent His son to die for us so I could have life abundant in Him!
Day 14 - Triumphant in Trials
I like this devotional. :) It's funny because the sermon on Sunday morning was similar to this devotion. We will all be tempted, but God will not give us anything we cannot bear and He will always provide a way out of temptation. We also have the same power God had when He cast out darkness from heaven. We have that power!!!! We can cast out any evil spirit.
What really struck a cord in Sunday morning's sermon was that we cannot beat satan alone. In our own human power, we are not capable. However, we can defeat satan with God's power...and He gives us the power to do so.
I think all of that stems back to faith. We need to have faith in God and know that with Him, we can defeat satan. Otherwise, we are useless.
What really struck a cord in Sunday morning's sermon was that we cannot beat satan alone. In our own human power, we are not capable. However, we can defeat satan with God's power...and He gives us the power to do so.
I think all of that stems back to faith. We need to have faith in God and know that with Him, we can defeat satan. Otherwise, we are useless.
Day 13 - How to Obtain Spiritual Power
I have to share a story with you before I talk about the days devotional. Earlier this week God gave me a word. It was found in Ephesians 6. God actually gave me the word several weeks ago, but I never followed up on where it was found or what it meant, but God knew what He was doing, even though I failed to respond immediately. Anyway, God reminded me of this word he gave me. It's no coincidence that earlier this week I realized how much fear had taken over my life. The verses God gave me talked about the spiritual battles we fight every day and how to overcome them (i.e. by using God's Word, prayer, etc.). It is no surprise to me that the sermon that was preached on Sunday morning, was the exact verses God gave me! It was like a personal mini lesson God gave directly to me! The pastor broke down each verse and explained it. How awesome is that?! God is good!
Just had to share that.
In the devotional for Day 13, Wigglesworth talks about following Jesus on the 'straight and narrow.' It's not easy, after all, if it were, everyone would do it. We need to give ourselves completely over to God. I find this difficult at times because I get easily distracted by things of this world. Wigglesworth talks about the importance of staying focused so we can stay faithful. I feel it is in our human nature to get distracted and it take the easy way out, but Wigglesworth claims that if we take the easy way out, we cannot be followers of Jesus Christ. Definitely gives me a lot to think about!
Just had to share that.
In the devotional for Day 13, Wigglesworth talks about following Jesus on the 'straight and narrow.' It's not easy, after all, if it were, everyone would do it. We need to give ourselves completely over to God. I find this difficult at times because I get easily distracted by things of this world. Wigglesworth talks about the importance of staying focused so we can stay faithful. I feel it is in our human nature to get distracted and it take the easy way out, but Wigglesworth claims that if we take the easy way out, we cannot be followers of Jesus Christ. Definitely gives me a lot to think about!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Day 12 - Demonstrations of God's Might
Someone at work prayed for me the other day. After they were finished praying, this person said they sensed I had a lot of fear in my life. Talk about nailing it on the head. This person was 100% correct. All my life I have struggled with fear. Ever since I was little, I have found something to be afraid of. Sometimes I can control it; sometimes it becomes overwhelming.
I decided to find the root or source of the problem so I could fight this fear. I contacted my mom and my brother and asked them what they thought was the reason was that I was so fearful. I honestly expected one of them to pinpoint a particular time or situation in my life that initiated and then stirred this fear, but they didn't. Instead, my brother said that it was a lack of control that I feared.
My first thought to his response was that he was crazy. I am a very laid back person and I do not have to be in control. However, after I thought about what he said, I decided he was right. Most of the time, I don't mind not being in control, but it depends on the situation. I don't mind not being in control of decisions people make or the actions of people around me. However, I do not like not being in control of unsafe situations. Allow me to elaborate. I hate flying. Why? I don't like that I am not in control of flying and that my life is in the hands of the pilot. As a kid, I was afraid of my house catching fire (something totally out of my control). I was so afraid of it that I would look outside my window every night to make sure no one was setting my house on fire. I'm afraid of someone breaking in. Sometimes I will stare at my window at night and contemplate how I will react when (not if) someone breaks in. Again, totally out of my control.
Maybe I've watched too many movies or maybe I just have a crazy imagination. Whatever it is, it causes fear and it's a problem for me.
As I talked with my brother, I told him that sometimes I can control the fear and other times I cannot. He told me that when I get away from God's Word is when the fear can take over. However, if I stay in the Word every day, it is easier to battle the fear. Why didn't I think of that?!
It's funny that all of that came up on the day I read this particular devotional. Wigglesworth states "There is life in the Word. There is power in it. I find Christ in it, and He is the one I need for spirit, soul and body." For spirit, soul, and body. Makes sense for me. We need God's Word to battle spiritually and then everything else falls into place.
Thank God for His Word!!!!
I decided to find the root or source of the problem so I could fight this fear. I contacted my mom and my brother and asked them what they thought was the reason was that I was so fearful. I honestly expected one of them to pinpoint a particular time or situation in my life that initiated and then stirred this fear, but they didn't. Instead, my brother said that it was a lack of control that I feared.
My first thought to his response was that he was crazy. I am a very laid back person and I do not have to be in control. However, after I thought about what he said, I decided he was right. Most of the time, I don't mind not being in control, but it depends on the situation. I don't mind not being in control of decisions people make or the actions of people around me. However, I do not like not being in control of unsafe situations. Allow me to elaborate. I hate flying. Why? I don't like that I am not in control of flying and that my life is in the hands of the pilot. As a kid, I was afraid of my house catching fire (something totally out of my control). I was so afraid of it that I would look outside my window every night to make sure no one was setting my house on fire. I'm afraid of someone breaking in. Sometimes I will stare at my window at night and contemplate how I will react when (not if) someone breaks in. Again, totally out of my control.
Maybe I've watched too many movies or maybe I just have a crazy imagination. Whatever it is, it causes fear and it's a problem for me.
As I talked with my brother, I told him that sometimes I can control the fear and other times I cannot. He told me that when I get away from God's Word is when the fear can take over. However, if I stay in the Word every day, it is easier to battle the fear. Why didn't I think of that?!
It's funny that all of that came up on the day I read this particular devotional. Wigglesworth states "There is life in the Word. There is power in it. I find Christ in it, and He is the one I need for spirit, soul and body." For spirit, soul, and body. Makes sense for me. We need God's Word to battle spiritually and then everything else falls into place.
Thank God for His Word!!!!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
A few verses God put on my heart
Mark 11:24 keeps coming up. I read it in the first devotional when I picked up Smith Wigglesworth's book. It was February 2, but I "accidentally" read the devotional for February 3. Since then, the verse keeps coming back up time and time again.
Philippians 4:7 is a verse God gave me back in December. Someone confirmed it the other day when praying for me.
Ephesians 6:10 - 20 is something God gave me about a month ago and I never looked it up until recently, but it applies to my fears and lack of faith.
God is awesome!
Philippians 4:7 is a verse God gave me back in December. Someone confirmed it the other day when praying for me.
Ephesians 6:10 - 20 is something God gave me about a month ago and I never looked it up until recently, but it applies to my fears and lack of faith.
God is awesome!
Day 11 - Lesson From a Fish
Remember Peter? The fisherman? How Jesus told him to go fishing and find silver in a fish's mouth? That's what this devotional was about. Peter, a regular fisherman, had caught tons of fish, but never a fish with silver in its mouth. When Jesus told Peter to go fishing and that the first fish he caught would have silver in its mouth, I wonder if Peter gave Jesus a funny look. I know I would have! We don't really know what kind of look Peter gave Jesus, but we do know he listened.
Wigglesworth states that God does not want us to reason things out, for carnal reasoning will always land us in a bog of unbelief. And isn't that true?! Sometimes we let the human part of us take over too often. For me, I always doubt God's power because I simply cannot make sense of it with my human mind. For instance, take labor for example. I have been praying for a fast, relatively pain-free labor. The human in me says it is not humanly possible to have a pain-free labor. Ah ha, it is not HUMANLY possible, but it's possible with God. Some people might think I am crazy for thinking I will have a pain-free labor (after all, it IS labor), but why can't I believe for that? Isn't God capable of all things?
The reason I started this 30 day challenge was to build myself up for something I was very fearful about (i.e. labor). Since I've started the challenge, the fear is getting less and less and my faith is growing. Isn't God good!? All that is confirmed by what Wigglesworth says in this devotion: "All lack of faith is due to not feeding on God's Word."
The fear of labor had completely taken over me at one point. I was petrified. Since diving deep into this devotional book and reading the verses that go along with it (i.e. God's Word), my faith has increased and the fear has disappeared (don't get me wrong, there are still days when I let the fear get the best of me, but I've come a long way). Wigglesworth sums it up with a verse: Romans 10:17 - Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Wigglesworth also says this: "If you believe, the power of the enemy cannot stand, for God's Word is against him. Jesus gives us His Word to make faith effective. If you can believe in your heart, you begin to speak whatever you desire, and whatever you dare to say is done." (Mark 11:23-24) <----- God keeps giving me that verse, BTW.
Wigglesworth states that God does not want us to reason things out, for carnal reasoning will always land us in a bog of unbelief. And isn't that true?! Sometimes we let the human part of us take over too often. For me, I always doubt God's power because I simply cannot make sense of it with my human mind. For instance, take labor for example. I have been praying for a fast, relatively pain-free labor. The human in me says it is not humanly possible to have a pain-free labor. Ah ha, it is not HUMANLY possible, but it's possible with God. Some people might think I am crazy for thinking I will have a pain-free labor (after all, it IS labor), but why can't I believe for that? Isn't God capable of all things?
The reason I started this 30 day challenge was to build myself up for something I was very fearful about (i.e. labor). Since I've started the challenge, the fear is getting less and less and my faith is growing. Isn't God good!? All that is confirmed by what Wigglesworth says in this devotion: "All lack of faith is due to not feeding on God's Word."
The fear of labor had completely taken over me at one point. I was petrified. Since diving deep into this devotional book and reading the verses that go along with it (i.e. God's Word), my faith has increased and the fear has disappeared (don't get me wrong, there are still days when I let the fear get the best of me, but I've come a long way). Wigglesworth sums it up with a verse: Romans 10:17 - Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Wigglesworth also says this: "If you believe, the power of the enemy cannot stand, for God's Word is against him. Jesus gives us His Word to make faith effective. If you can believe in your heart, you begin to speak whatever you desire, and whatever you dare to say is done." (Mark 11:23-24) <----- God keeps giving me that verse, BTW.
You know you've read too much Smith Wigglesworth when..
...you have dreams of bringing back people from the dead. Haha! I know this may sound a little morbid, but I dreamed this last night. Lately, I have had many dreams of having a baby (go figure since I am nine months pregnant). Sometimes those baby dreams have happy endings where the baby comes out perfect and then there are dreams that upset me, and I wake up in tears. Last night's dream should have made me wake up in tears, but surprisingly, it didn't. It actually made me laugh and I think it's because my faith in God has gotten stronger that a simple dream couldn't stir any fear.
Anyway, last night I dreamed that the baby I gave birth to was dead. The cord was wrapped around his neck and he was all blue. The nurse kept telling me he was dead, but I didn't believe her because I knew God told me I'd have a perfect baby. She kept telling me over and over (like she was waiting for a reaction). Finally, I started crying, but it was a forced cry because I knew that was the reaction she wanted, not because I was sad. The nurses in the room told me to prepare for a funeral, but ignored them and asked them to let me see the baby. At first, they wouldn't let me. They thought it would be too painful. I begged and begged. Finally, they said yes. Anyway, I walk back behind this curtain to see my baby and he his laying there in a warmer bed, all blue. I immediately lay hands on him and begin praying. I don't remember what I prayed, but I do know I prayed. Immediately after I began praying, my baby went from completely blue, to completely peach. The color started at the top of his head until it reached his feet. He came back to life. Weird right? It get weirder.
The next thing I know, as I am standing there and I see my baby full of life, my first instinct is to listen for a cry. Instead my baby begins singing to me. What does he sing? Jehovah Jirah - My Provider. LOL You would think such a morbid dream would have me panicked and fearful, but I actually woke up laughing. The dream was so ridiculous!
Anyway, I had to laugh though because Smith Wigglesworth is known for bringing people back from the dead and it figures I would dream something like that...
Hahaha!
Anyway, last night I dreamed that the baby I gave birth to was dead. The cord was wrapped around his neck and he was all blue. The nurse kept telling me he was dead, but I didn't believe her because I knew God told me I'd have a perfect baby. She kept telling me over and over (like she was waiting for a reaction). Finally, I started crying, but it was a forced cry because I knew that was the reaction she wanted, not because I was sad. The nurses in the room told me to prepare for a funeral, but ignored them and asked them to let me see the baby. At first, they wouldn't let me. They thought it would be too painful. I begged and begged. Finally, they said yes. Anyway, I walk back behind this curtain to see my baby and he his laying there in a warmer bed, all blue. I immediately lay hands on him and begin praying. I don't remember what I prayed, but I do know I prayed. Immediately after I began praying, my baby went from completely blue, to completely peach. The color started at the top of his head until it reached his feet. He came back to life. Weird right? It get weirder.
The next thing I know, as I am standing there and I see my baby full of life, my first instinct is to listen for a cry. Instead my baby begins singing to me. What does he sing? Jehovah Jirah - My Provider. LOL You would think such a morbid dream would have me panicked and fearful, but I actually woke up laughing. The dream was so ridiculous!
Anyway, I had to laugh though because Smith Wigglesworth is known for bringing people back from the dead and it figures I would dream something like that...
Hahaha!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Day 10 - Remember God's Goodness
My husband has a bible study at our house every Tuesday night. He teaches on whatever he feels like God is telling him to teach. A few weeks ago, he talked about how we should write down the things God does for us so we don't forget. I'll be honest, that might be one of the few things I am good at. I get very excited when God moves in a big and mighty way in my life. I'll usually write it down in my journal or blog about it. However, I don't ever write down the little things God does on a daily basis. In fact, sometimes I think I miss them because I am so preoccupied with everything going on around me. That makes me feel bad. I don't deserve any of the blessings God gives me, yet I am too busy to even notice some of them.
Wigglesworth talks about all the awesome things God did for the Israelites, yet they seem to forget when they were in the wilderness. He also talks about the disciples, how they doubted Jesus even though he fed 1000s with a few fish and bread.
Sometimes I feel like I am like the disciples or Israelites. God does these amazing things in my life and proves Himself time and time again, yet only a short time later, I'm back to doubting Him. It's hard because there are times I want to believe, but I feel like I just can't.
For example, last night I was sitting on the couch watching a movie. My back was killing me and I was getting annoyed that I couldn't get comfortable. I decided to pray, but before I even began, I was defeated. I was afraid my prayers wouldn't work or God would disappoint me. However, I figured I had nothing to lose, so I prayed honestly to God. I told God I wanted to believe He could heal my back, but I was afraid He would disappoint me and that I would still be in pain. I told Him, I wasn't so sure my prayers would work, even though I knew He could do anything. Well, I guess God must have had pity on me because almost immediately my back felt better.
Yes, we do need faith. However, I think God appreciates our honesty. If you struggle with something, be honest with God (He already knows whats up anyway). I have found that anytime I was honest with God, He still moved on my behalf.
Thought for the Day: What can you do to remember God's goodness?
Wigglesworth talks about all the awesome things God did for the Israelites, yet they seem to forget when they were in the wilderness. He also talks about the disciples, how they doubted Jesus even though he fed 1000s with a few fish and bread.
Sometimes I feel like I am like the disciples or Israelites. God does these amazing things in my life and proves Himself time and time again, yet only a short time later, I'm back to doubting Him. It's hard because there are times I want to believe, but I feel like I just can't.
For example, last night I was sitting on the couch watching a movie. My back was killing me and I was getting annoyed that I couldn't get comfortable. I decided to pray, but before I even began, I was defeated. I was afraid my prayers wouldn't work or God would disappoint me. However, I figured I had nothing to lose, so I prayed honestly to God. I told God I wanted to believe He could heal my back, but I was afraid He would disappoint me and that I would still be in pain. I told Him, I wasn't so sure my prayers would work, even though I knew He could do anything. Well, I guess God must have had pity on me because almost immediately my back felt better.
Yes, we do need faith. However, I think God appreciates our honesty. If you struggle with something, be honest with God (He already knows whats up anyway). I have found that anytime I was honest with God, He still moved on my behalf.
Thought for the Day: What can you do to remember God's goodness?
Day 9 - My Own Remarkable Healing
Wigglesworth had appendicitis. It had gotten so bad that the doctors said there was nothing they could do for him. Basically, he was to stay at home and wait to die. However, Wigglesworth did not believe it was his time to go. He called on a fellow minister to come pray for him. The man came and prayed for the evil spirit of sickness to leave him. Wigglesworth thought this was weird because he didn't believe there was an evil spirit of sickness him. However, when the man prayed that prayer, Wigglesworth instantly felt better. He got up out of bed and went to work! Haha!
One small passage of this devotional stands out: "Some have never tasted the grace of God, have never had the peace of God. Unbelief robs them of these blessings."
It's funny because I was listening to a song and one part goes, "I find my rest in your faithfulness.." This part stuck out so much (even though I've heard the song 1000 times before) because it is so awesome to know we can rest in God's peace. We do not have to worry or be afraid. God is in control. Sometimes reminding myself of that makes such a difference.
One small passage of this devotional stands out: "Some have never tasted the grace of God, have never had the peace of God. Unbelief robs them of these blessings."
It's funny because I was listening to a song and one part goes, "I find my rest in your faithfulness.." This part stuck out so much (even though I've heard the song 1000 times before) because it is so awesome to know we can rest in God's peace. We do not have to worry or be afraid. God is in control. Sometimes reminding myself of that makes such a difference.
Day 8 - Christ's Work Continues
Wigglesworth talks about how Christ's work is continued through us and His Holy Spirit. How awesome is it that we are able to perform the miracles that Jesus performed 1000's of years ago?!
Wigglesworth was on a train to Sweden when he saw a woman who looked very sad. He asked her what was wrong since her expression was overwhelming. She told him that she was on her way to get her leg amputated and that there was nothing else the doctors could do for her except amputate her leg. Wigglesworth told her that Jesus could heal her leg. However, all of a sudden, many people got on the train and interrupted the conversation between Wigglesworth and the woman. Wigglesworth thought his work was done, but he felt God tell him otherwise. He pushed threw the crowd and made his way to the woman and prayed healing over her in Jesus' name. The woman jumped up and cried, "I'm healed!"
We are very capable of performing these miracles today, but we don't. Is it a lack of faith? Or are we scared? God is waiting to use someone to do His work.
Wigglesworth was on a train to Sweden when he saw a woman who looked very sad. He asked her what was wrong since her expression was overwhelming. She told him that she was on her way to get her leg amputated and that there was nothing else the doctors could do for her except amputate her leg. Wigglesworth told her that Jesus could heal her leg. However, all of a sudden, many people got on the train and interrupted the conversation between Wigglesworth and the woman. Wigglesworth thought his work was done, but he felt God tell him otherwise. He pushed threw the crowd and made his way to the woman and prayed healing over her in Jesus' name. The woman jumped up and cried, "I'm healed!"
We are very capable of performing these miracles today, but we don't. Is it a lack of faith? Or are we scared? God is waiting to use someone to do His work.
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