Verse and Message (Week of Sept 21-27, 2008) September 24, 2008

John 20:20-22

After He said this, He showed them His hands and side.  The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.  Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”  And with that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

  

I am leading prayer force again this semester, and I felt led to share an incredible nugget of this week’s chapter on the Holy Spirit that I received from one of our participants, Yvonne Avila. She was under the weather and was unable to attend last night’s gathering, but she emailed me about a “rhema word” that the Lord expressed to her as she studied the assigned material entitled ”The Capacity for His Presence.” 

 

I must admit her words were a “rhema word” to me, and I hope you will be encouraged by it as well.  Before her thoughts, I wanted to touch on the basics of the Holy Spirit.  We all have a body and soul, but there is another part to us that no other creation has…..a spirit.  Jesus left us His Holy Spirit when Pentecost occurred following His ascension. Every person who has been saved by Jesus receives the Holy Spirit at the point of salvation.  However, the Holy Spirit may be difficult for us to grasp until we allow Him to take us deeper with the power He has placed within us. 

 

We are all being sanctified day by day by our Jehovah M’kaddesh (Who Sanctifies) and this sanctification process continues until we go home to Him. Jesus shed His blood to cancel the sin in our lives, and through His death and Resurrection God gave us access to experience as much of God as we desire! It’s our choice if we want to tap into that power.  We all have the capacity to embrace the power within us that was left as a deposit……but just as we sometimes take for granted people and/or gifts…..some don’t take hold of the full effect of the power within us.  We either don’t understand it, because we don’t choose to seek it…….or we buy into the lies of the enemy, who tells us we are in control.  Wake up…….God is in control…. 

(sorry couldn’t resist…facebook flair)

BUT……He’s a gentleman, and we must allow Him to lead us and direct us. When we fully submit control, His Holy Spirit is free to flow in power from us to others.

 

Here’s Yvonne’s take on it…..

 

 

I really enjoyed the chapter this week on the Holy Spirit. A lot of the information I already heard and studied before and I was praying to God for fresh revelation and for Him to show me new things in the material, and new things to deepen my relationship with the Holy Spirit.  One of the things that really struck me was the part of the chapter where it said that Peter spent three years with Jesus, and could not even witness to a small girl after all that time with Jesus!  But after a moment of being filled with the spirit, he was empowered to speak and witness to the thousands!!  So many times I wish that I could have been around when Jesus was here, and how awesome to have been one of his disciples.  But then I read that about Peter and realized that what we have in the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of what Jesus was doing, and through the Holy Spirit we have access to the power that Jesus had.  Jesus couldn’t complete in Peter or the disciples what He wanted until he left them and sent the Spirit.  And we have that Spirit!!  How awesome is that?  We aren’t short-changed, we are blessed to have it all now.  They didn’t have it all until Jesus died and sent the Holy Spirit, but now we have access to it all.  It’s amazing how we can have a relationship with God that seems good, but unless that relationship involves the Holy Spirit’s power, it is lacking.  Jesus was one man, and the Holy Spirit is with each one of us individually, and technically they are one and the same.  But Jesus wanted us to have the Holy Spirit so that through the Holy Spirit we could each do more than if Jesus himself was here on earth.  That is why I believe he said you will do greater things than what Jesus did…we will take his influence and power that was in that one place in the world at that time, and take it with us through the Holy Spirit into the whole entire earth!!  Amazing! In addition, this morning I was reading in Ephesians 1 and 2, and it was talking about the fact the Holy Spirit is our seal that we belong to Him and His deposit guarantees that He will do what He promised.  And I was so encouraged just by that very fact…that because I am praying with the Spirit, I know that I bear the mark of a child of God!  I am sealed!  What hope that brings, what security, what joy, what a benefit of the Holy Spirit!!!  I don’t know if that makes sense, but it just kind of refreshed and encouraged me that even when I couldn’t exactly see in the list from the chapter where and how the Holy Spirit is working in me, just to know that I have the Holy Spirit as proof that I am sealed as God’s child encourages me to walk in His power and dig in even deeper!

 

WOW..thanks Yvonne for that inspiration!

 

My closing thoughts….

When we don’t know what to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us. The Holy Spirit has a host of benefits, but namely His Spirit will allow us to tap into His power, help us in our weakness, strengthen our inner man, allow us freedom in worship, and assist us in spiritual warfare. Why would we ever turn our back on that bonus?  However, it doesn’t just happen…we must desire and seek His Spirit, and we must be vulnerable and open to what He wants to do in and through us.

 

WELCOME THE CAPACITY FOR HIS HOLY SPIRIT…

 

YOU WILL BE FILLED…

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Week of Sept 14-20, 2008) September 16, 2008

 1 Corinthians 10:12

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!

 

James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 

As I ponder the state of our generation, it saddens me.  We were told by Jesus that our enemy is the ruler of this world. However, isn’t it a relief to know that He Who is in us is GREATER than he who is of this world? (1 John 4:4) We as Christians have a responsibility to live a life that reflects the love of Jesus. This is our calling so that everyone has a chance to experience true life everlasting. 

 

We all sin.  God knows we sin and that we will continue to sin while we are here in the flesh on earth.  The difference is that even though we sin, we can be set-apart and made holy by the blood of Jesus. Even when we have lived a true Christian lifestyle, no one is immune to the bondage of consistent sin that the devil is able to lure us into….no one– not even God fearing men and women. 

 

The following video has been posted by a couple of my friends on FACEBOOK.  It’s a profound statement of what an impact that habitual sin can make in someone’s life and the lives of loved ones.  We can choose to make the choice to follow the narrow path, or we can choose to walk the line that leads to the pit of destruction.  Sin starts with a thought.  We must take captive every thought (2 Corinthians 10:5).

 

“Slow Fade” by Casting Crowns is about the little compromises we make that can lead us down the road of destruction. The video highlights an extramarital affair and how it affects the family spotlighted. However, that is only one sin in the numerous sins we can act upon. Affairs, pornography, drug addiction, gambling addictions etc, don’t happen overnight. As each compromising choice is nurtured, little by little, the one who makes the choices will fall into in bondage.

 

Before moving onto the video and lyrics, I wanted to share some steps of finding freedom from sexual (or sinful) pollution that was shared in April during Church of the Highlands series on “Sexual Revolution.”  Of course, this applies to any sinful pollution of the flesh. If we are obedient to honor these steps, consistent sin will not overcome us.

 

*Make a commitment to God’s standard.

*Manage your mind.

*Monitor your media intake.

*Minimize the opportunities that tempt you.

*Maintain healthy relationships.
*Magnify the consequences before action.  

  

Now, check out this compelling video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-8SYA6rfbs

 

“Slow Fade”

by Casting Crowns

Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to followIt’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fadeBe careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day 

 

 

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

 

Yes, the enemy’s lies can lead us ALL into a slow fade of destruction.  Thank God for His Son Jesus Who has redeemed us and gives us the grace and strength to run from sin. We must recognize that once a choice is made, it’s more difficult to resist the choices that follow.

 

WATCH OUT FOR THE SLOW FADE

FLEE FROM COMPRISE

BE SENSITIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HIS WARNINGS

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Week of Sept 7-13, 2008) September 10, 2008

The following devotion that I am using as my “Verse and Message” this week came from  www.crosswalk.com

 

I receive a daily devotion from Crosswalk: Girlfriends In God, and I thought this particular one was significant to apply to our journey regarding relationships that the Lord has designed for us. Men, this doesn’t just apply to women, even though the title “girlfriends” may appear misleading. I honestly do not have much to add to the message, so I simply included a couple of my favorite verses that I picked to go along with this message, some smiley graphics, and a couple of closing thoughts.

Note: Be sure to read the prayer that the writer included at the end of the devotion.

 

My Verses to tag onto the following message:

 

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

   

Ecclesiastes 4:10
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

 

  

Accountability:  A Hedge of Protection

from Crosswalk: Girlfriends In God
Mary Southerland

 

Today’s Truth
Romans 12:5b “…and each member belongs to all the others.”

 
A certain expert guide lived in the deserts of Arabia.  He was known for his tracking skills and the fact that he never lost his way. The secret of his success could be found in the fact that he carried with him a homing pigeon that had a very fine cord attached to one of its legs. When he had doubts as to which path to take, he threw the bird into the air. The pigeon quickly strained at the cord to fly in the direction of home, leading the guide accurately to his goal. Because of this unique practice, he was known as “the dove man.”

  

We always need connections to those who will point us in the right direction.  We will take the wrong path or make a wrong turn and there will be times when we have no idea which way to go or how to get home.  We must then turn to God and to those who hold us accountable. 

 

Accountability is often seen as confining, a relationship straight jacket that limits freedom of expression and hinders those who “march to the beat of a different drummer”.  Actually, the opposite is true.  Accountability frees us to grow and change and is an important part of every relationship. 

 

When I married into the Southerland family, I didn’t know that tent camping was part of the deal.  I might have reconsidered (just kidding).  I decided that I could learn to camp and maybe even enjoy it!  My first trip to Lake Greason in the foothills of the Ozarks was quite an experience.  It did not take me long to learn the daily routine.  Each morning, Dan’s mom would prepare a huge breakfast, after which, the kids did dishes while mom changed into her swim suit, donned her sun glasses, grabbed a towel and headed for the lake.  On the shore, she would grab an inner tube, position her towel in just the right spot over the tube, turn around and sit down. She would then float blissfully for hours.  There was a slight problem with this plan.  Lake Greason had a current that would carry mom down the lake, around the bend and into the path of ski boats.  Several times a day, someone would have to swim after her and pull her back to the safety of the shore, where she would profusely thank them and go right back to floating.  Finally, one of the kids came up with a great idea!  Get a rope!  We grabbed a ski rope, tied one end to mom’s inner tube and the other end to a wooden stake driven securely into the ground.  She could then float until the rope ran out and someone “reeled her in.” 

  

What a perfect picture of accountability — giving someone who loves you the permission to “reel you in” when they see you headed in a dangerous direction.  When we willingly make ourselves accountable to others, we are creating a hedge of protection that ultimately yields boundaries, parameters or behavioral lines that should not be crossed.

 

Honestly, most of us have experienced very little accountability in life because at the heart of being accountable to someone is the willingness to be submissive to them.  We have abused the concept of submission.  It was never intended to be demeaning and does not involve slavery in any form. 

 

Submission is protection and an intentional willingness to consider first the desires and wishes of another before our own.  God places others in our lives to see things that we cannot see, to encourage and build up, to correct, love and protect, but still, we tend to view accountability as a crutch and submission as a weakness.  Submission is harnessed strength, a controlled strength that is born out of obedience to God’s command.  “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”  (Ephesians 5:21) 

 

Jesus submitted Himself to the will of His father.  He willingly laid down His desires and dreams, His plans and hopes in total submission.  Out of that total surrender came the most powerful life ever lived.  When we willingly submit ourselves to God and choose to make ourselves accountable to others, we will experience a freedom and power we have never known before.

  

Let’s Pray

  
Father, I come to You today, submitting myself to You.  Thank You for the protection, direction, and power that comes from that submission.  Forgive me when I have stood silent while someone I loved made dangerous decisions.  Give me the courage to confront in love.  Give me the wisdom to receive correction and to be accountable to others.  Thank You for Your love that never condemns but always stands ready to keep me from making mistakes.  And when I do fall, thank You for being there to pick me up and walk with me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

If you liked this message, be sure to check out www.crosswalk.com. It’s a great source for inspiration to kick off each day.

 

My closing thoughts:

Accountability is not judgment, it’s speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) with the ones who are closest to you….as iron sharpens iron.  Make sure you have a clearly defined accountability partner to assist you in your walk.  You might even want more than one.  These special relationships are gifts from God!

 

If you don’t have an accountability partner, and you need someone to talk to regarding personal issues or something on your heart, I recommend that you check out the following blog link associated with my friend, Jason Cooke of the staff of “Truth In Love” Ministries

(Biblical Counseling) http://histruthinlove.wordpress.com/ 

 

GET ACCUSTOMED TO BEING ACCOUNTABLE!

  

SUBMISSION PROVIDES STRENGTH AND PROTECTION!

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Week of August 31-September 6, 2008) September 5, 2008

Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

  

Colossians 3:13

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Dory is the name of a regal tang fish in the movie Finding Nemo.

Dory suffers from short-term memory loss. Dory accompanies Marlin in his search for his son, Nemo, and her short-term memory provides much of the film’s comic relief. Dory’s optimism and her light spirit help Marlin throughout his journey. Dory has a sunny point of view over everything in life. 

  

Wouldn’t it be GREAT if we had short-term memory loss when someone offended us or hurt us?  Unlike our Creator, we are unable to forget offenses.  However, we are capable and commanded to forgive. Why is it that our old nature (with the help of our enemy) hounds us with the obsession of stewing over an unfavorable incident by another? Or, sometimes we beat ourselves up when we have messed up and cannot forgive ourselves.  Or, even worse, we cannot forgive God at times, when we feel He could have intervened for us.

 

I used to think that when I chose to forgive a person who has caused me pain that I should automatically feel brand-new, fresh, and no longer have hurt feelings toward that individual. However, I realize that by deciding to forgive does not dismiss the offense; it simply means that I voluntarily choose to cancel the debt, and that I am working toward peace in my heart and mind regarding the situation. 

 

All this to say, I cannot do this without the help of the ONE who has forgiven me. I know that my human ability cannot transform or change the feelings in my heart and mind.  It is a process, and only God can heal my heart and change my mind. 

 

Nonetheless, even though I decide to let the offender off the hook, I have to remain in the process and forgive repeatedly when necessary.  I must have the attitude of forgiveness and grasp His wisdom by striving to be open and willing for the Lord to work on me to a point of complete healing.  He will respond to my plea by providing me His perfect peace that transcends all understanding. 

 

He wants me to seek Him to assist when developing and maintaining relationships so that the Person of Jesus can be reflected through my actions. 

 

Most times I don’t “feel” like expressing kindness and mercy when I have been hurt.  But, I must realize that my job is to commit to the process..WHETHER I FEEL LIKE IT OR NOT. Just as “Love is an action, not a feeling” I must recognize that “Forgiveness is an action, not a feeling.” 

 

When we make the decision to forgive, God welcomes us to “pass the buck” to Him to take care of the rest. Again, we are not equipped to release the hurt on our own….but we do have free will to choose to forgive. When we release our will to Him….then He is able to take over and work on the cleansing and reconciliation. 

 

In conclusion, I want to leave you with some profound insight I found in a booklet called “When Forgiveness Seems Impossible” by RBC Ministries. 

 

“Prerequisites For a Forgiving Life”

 

*When facing forgiveness, think of it as the process of a lifetime.

 

*When you are the offender, be careful not to demand forgiveness.

 

*In anticipation of future hurts, begin developing a heart of forgiveness by:

 

 –Have a passion for more than what the here-and-now can provide.

(The immediate pleasure of sweet revenge is only temporary).

 

 –Have a brokenness through sorrow and grief.

(As we become more aware of how much we need the mercy and forgiveness of God, we will be more willing to extend the same to others).

 

 –Have a refusal to seek revenge.

(The poison of an unforgiving heart is not merely offered to the enemy but is swallowed first by the one who is holding the bottle).

 

 –Have a courageous desire to love others as God has loved us.

(Loving others with a passion to see them receive forgiveness is a distinguishing mark of a person who knows God).

 

I think most importantly, we must pray for the one who has hurt us.  And…just as we must forgive repeatedly, we must pray consistently. 

THE REWARD?

THE MIRACLE OF FREEDOM FROM THE PAIN WILL COME!

 

INDEED, FORGIVENESS BRINGS FREEDOM!

WHEN WE FORGIVE, WE WILL HAVE A SUNNY POINT OF VIEW OF LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS!

  

SUSIE MC