October 16th, 2005. That is the day my life turned around. That Sunday morning 14 years ago, I truly gave my heart to the Lord. I actually grew up in church and gave my heart to the Lord when I was 5 years old. I can't say that I was living for the Lord though. That Sunday morning 14 years ago was the day the heart change really happened. I remember that day so well. I was sitting maybe three rows back and I was weeping. The Lord had really convicted me on how I was treating others. You see, I was so full of pride. I thought I was better than everyone else. He really showed me that I was not showing His love at all. That day was the beginning of the true heart change.
He has done a lot of work in me since then. After that day I developed a hunger for the Word of God like never before. I can't stress enough how important it is to get in that secret place with Him everyday. It doesn't matter if it is in the morning, afternoon, or evening, you just need that alone time with Him. I can tell a difference in the days I don't spend that quiet time with Him. I compare this time to spending time with my best friend. You know those friends where you really don't want to go a day without at least talking to them? That is how it is with me and the Father. I don't want to go a day without spending time with Him and hearing from Him.
This past year has been the most accelerated and exponential growth I have experienced spiritually. I don't know if you have ever felt like "There has to be more" but I have felt that so many times and this year more than ever. I can say that this past year I have experienced more but I also know there is so much more. That hunger for more should truly never leave us. We will never experience the fullness of all that He has on this earth. I want to experience all that He has for me here and I am looking forward to the day I stand before Him. I honestly feel like I have only scratched the surface of what He has in store for me.
2018 started with a prayer asking the Lord for a mentor. I really longed to have someone who could speak into my life and hold me accountable. Well the Lord answered that prayer in October of 2018. This friendship could only be setup by the Father. I have never felt so connected to someone so quickly. She has opened my eyes to so many things of the Lord that I didn't know about. I have done things this past year that if you would have told me I would be doing I would have laughed. The Lord has completely shifted my focus to Him. Sometimes it's very confusing why I don't have the desire to do activities that I once enjoyed but it may just be for a season. Honestly, I have found what matters most and that's Jesus! He is the one my heart desires.
This past year has been hard but also amazing. Seeing the Lord's provision this last year has been amazing. He has brought dreams and desires out that had once been crushed and pushed down. He has given me many promises that I am looking forward to seeing come to pass. He is so faithful!
I have gone on this wonderful journey of healing this past year and I can finally say that fear no longer has a stronghold in my life. I have been set free! I'm not saying that those thoughts don't come but I have to choose everyday to not except those lies from the enemy. I have to say some days are much harder than others but I have the promise that through Him I am an over comer. We already have the victory! God is so good! I can say that I am really excited for this new year in Him. I am excited to go where ever He has me and do what ever He has me doing. His adventures are way more fun than anything I could dream up! 14 years is just the beginning!
Thank you for reading! If you would like to learn how you too can live with the Lord, please reach out! I would love to pray with you.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Friday, January 11, 2019
The Year of Seeking!
2018 started off really rough. I was optimistic that it would be a great year but work was awful and I literally hated life. I did purchase my first home in January, which really should be exciting but it wasn't for me. The fear that I had struggled with just a few years earlier was trying to take hold again. Not only was I struggling with this fear but I really felt like I was being disobedient to the Lord. I definitely was. The start of 2018 I was searching for more of God. I would hear from Him every once and awhile but I didn't really know what His voice sounded like. As I look back now I heard from Him more often than I thought I just didn't recognize His voice. I asked God for a mentor in my life. That is something I had been missing for so many years. That mentor didn't come until much later in the year. I honestly believe I could have had that much earlier in the year if I was obedient to the nudging to go to church during the week.
Things at work didn't really improve at all, but at that point I felt stuck. Now I had a mortgage and bills to pay for. What is a person to do? I was so desperate to hear from God that I decided to go to a night of healing prayer in March. Ironically that was the same night as the prayer team meeting at our church. I was ashamed though of the way I felt and I didn't want any of them to know what I was going through. Can you relate? I got to the prayer night alot later than I thought and honestly didn't think anyone would be able to pray with me. These three ladies ended up staying late to pray with me. They changed the direction of my life by doing that. Their willingness to sacrifice their time helped me that night. This night was the first time the word Boldness was spoken over my life in 2018. This was the beginning of me searching and trying to go even deeper with God. Yet, I still didn't know how to hear from God. This season was so dry. I was still reading the Word everyday and learning something new but I still wasn't hearing His voice. My life definitely wasn't reflecting Christ either. I hated the person I had become.
Just a month later, in April, I was in a really bad place. I hated pretty much every part of my life. I saw no way out. I realized just how easy it was to be in the lowest of lows. I did have those thoughts of "you aren't good enough, No one loves you, why are you even here." Lie, after lie, after lie. I am so thankful for friends and a church body at that time. No one knew I was struggling that bad but they were there to encourage me. I didn't want to add this part in because honestly I was ashamed. It is hard to say you had all of those thoughts when you are a Christian but we are all still human. So that one day I got really honest with God. I told Him everything I was feeling and thinking (He already knew). It was so good for me to just release it all to Him. It felt like the weight lifted, just a little. I didn't feel so oppressed. Again I am extremely thankful that He was always watching over me and protecting me even though in that time it felt like He was completely absent. I can't say enough how OKAY it is to just be honest with God. He already knows it all anyways but it is good for us to cast those cares on Him that we have been carrying. He says, " Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) The thing is He wants every part of you. He can't start the healing process until we surrender.
So in May, once again, I went to the night of healing prayer but this time in a much better place. He confirmed that He wanted me in some sort of ministry. I didn't know what that looked and still don't have a clear picture of what that looks like, but maybe a little better understanding. Life was a little better after that. Work was still awful but I just kept keeping on. I was considering going to Bible college and also seriously considering leading small group. I just never felt the peace about going to Bible College so I didn't. That was one of the best decisions I made. So this sets up the launching pad for the second half of the year.
Small groups. I really felt the need to do a small group on fear. Yes, the girl who had been struggling with fear all year long. I kept reading all of these prayer requests of people dealing with fear and I knew what kind of hell that was. I was completely consumed by it several years ago. The devil no longer has that power over my life and never will. So work, have I said enough about that yet? It was still awful. I felt like it was this never ending cycle of negativity. It was a toxic environment that I hated being in everyday. I was such a negative person and I hated being like that. So I did end up co-leading a small group in the fall with Kathy. I was so thankful God chose her to be my co-leader. I enjoyed every second of being in her home and learning so much from her on leading. Her heart for women is so beautiful. Through leading that small group and just having more of a hunger for His word my perspective began to change. I no longer hated certain people as much. Let me tell you though, I still had a lot of hate and bitterness there. The small group was just as good for me as it was for the ladies I was pouring into. God really orchestrated a beautiful group of ladies with varying age ranges and life experiences. I love how He works.
Yet, I was still seeking more. I definitely hear Him more but I still didn't recognize His voice. As I look back now I know it was Him but in the moment I didn't. I started going to the Wednesday night Women's Bible study in October and started learning so much. Deborah has been instrumental in the complete change in my life. God knew I needed her. Actually she is the mentor I prayed for at the beginning of the year. He is such a good God who hears the prayers of His people. Once again Boldness was spoken over my life. I have always been this quiet, shy, timid person but on the inside I am not shy. It is time for who God made me to be to come forth. She actually told me how to ask the Holy Spirit to speak to me. She shared with me the different ways the Lord speaks. No one had ever shared that with me before. Finally I had found what I had been seeking for so long. The first verse He spoke to me was Jeremiah 29:11. I love that this was the first verse He spoke to me. He showed me things in this verse to the point that I will never read it the same way. It actually has become my Word for this year, 2019. I will share more on this in the coming weeks.
Through this process of asking and then waiting I have learned what the voice of God sounds like. Now it is not just a verse but encouragement. He speaks to me all the time. I just have to be listening and obeying. I can have a conversation with Him just like I can with my best friend. He truly has become my best friend. I know He is actually guiding my steps if I actually take the time to listen. I love to listen to Him. It is always Truth. Now I can't say that these last two months have been super awesome. Circumstances haven't changed and the devil has been attacking me BUT GOD is faithful. When I chose to surrender, He is faithful. There has been a lot of healing taking place in me. I still need more, but don't we all. Letting go of things and forgiving people has been freeing. I have even had to forgive myself for things as well. He is a good and gracious Father though. Work isn't as bad anymore. Do you want to know why? Because He has changed me. He has changed my heart. The work circumstances haven't changed, the people haven't changed but my heart has towards them. He is so good!
For the first time in a really long time I am actually excited about this new year. Every dream I have on my vision board has been spoken by God. They aren't my dreams but His. I have great expectation that all of these impossible dreams will come to pass. He said He is a God of the impossible and nothing is impossible with Him!
He is good God who delights in His people. Since the first time He spoke boldness over me, that same word has been spoken over me multiple times. Even again last night He spoke Boldness. He is breaking that fear and timidity that has plagued me for far to long off of me. It is time to step into my calling and do what He has called me to do. I am teacher, but let me tell you I would have been an awful teacher a year ago. It wouldn't have been done in love. Now I can truly say that I could do that with the Love of God. His Love is like no other and He loves to surround us with that Unspeakable Love.
So for those of you are are struggling in the dry season. The ones who are desperately seeking yet you feel He is silent. I am here to tell you, you will make it! He is right there even though it may not feel like it. As I look back over this past year I see just how faithful He has been. He saved me, He protected me, and He lifted me up. He is Faithful! I promise your day is coming when you encounter His love in a new way. Maybe like me you aren't asking the right questions. I would challenge you to get by yourself, get quiet, and ask the Holy Spirit what He wants to speak to you today. Then just wait. He will speak. The key is to make sure what you are hearing lines up with the Word of God. That is Truth! Ask Him, learn to be still. I am telling you there is nothing like His presence! There is nothing like it! I believe that if we desire His presence and press in we will encounter Him more and more. He Loves YOU so much! He Delights in YOU!
Zephaniah 3:17 says, "The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of Joy."
Isn't that a beautiful promise. HE LOVES YOU! Don't ever doubt that.
If you need someone to talk to or pray for you or with you, please reach out! I would love to encourage you and pray for you. God has a plan for your life.
Things at work didn't really improve at all, but at that point I felt stuck. Now I had a mortgage and bills to pay for. What is a person to do? I was so desperate to hear from God that I decided to go to a night of healing prayer in March. Ironically that was the same night as the prayer team meeting at our church. I was ashamed though of the way I felt and I didn't want any of them to know what I was going through. Can you relate? I got to the prayer night alot later than I thought and honestly didn't think anyone would be able to pray with me. These three ladies ended up staying late to pray with me. They changed the direction of my life by doing that. Their willingness to sacrifice their time helped me that night. This night was the first time the word Boldness was spoken over my life in 2018. This was the beginning of me searching and trying to go even deeper with God. Yet, I still didn't know how to hear from God. This season was so dry. I was still reading the Word everyday and learning something new but I still wasn't hearing His voice. My life definitely wasn't reflecting Christ either. I hated the person I had become.
Just a month later, in April, I was in a really bad place. I hated pretty much every part of my life. I saw no way out. I realized just how easy it was to be in the lowest of lows. I did have those thoughts of "you aren't good enough, No one loves you, why are you even here." Lie, after lie, after lie. I am so thankful for friends and a church body at that time. No one knew I was struggling that bad but they were there to encourage me. I didn't want to add this part in because honestly I was ashamed. It is hard to say you had all of those thoughts when you are a Christian but we are all still human. So that one day I got really honest with God. I told Him everything I was feeling and thinking (He already knew). It was so good for me to just release it all to Him. It felt like the weight lifted, just a little. I didn't feel so oppressed. Again I am extremely thankful that He was always watching over me and protecting me even though in that time it felt like He was completely absent. I can't say enough how OKAY it is to just be honest with God. He already knows it all anyways but it is good for us to cast those cares on Him that we have been carrying. He says, " Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) The thing is He wants every part of you. He can't start the healing process until we surrender.
So in May, once again, I went to the night of healing prayer but this time in a much better place. He confirmed that He wanted me in some sort of ministry. I didn't know what that looked and still don't have a clear picture of what that looks like, but maybe a little better understanding. Life was a little better after that. Work was still awful but I just kept keeping on. I was considering going to Bible college and also seriously considering leading small group. I just never felt the peace about going to Bible College so I didn't. That was one of the best decisions I made. So this sets up the launching pad for the second half of the year.
Small groups. I really felt the need to do a small group on fear. Yes, the girl who had been struggling with fear all year long. I kept reading all of these prayer requests of people dealing with fear and I knew what kind of hell that was. I was completely consumed by it several years ago. The devil no longer has that power over my life and never will. So work, have I said enough about that yet? It was still awful. I felt like it was this never ending cycle of negativity. It was a toxic environment that I hated being in everyday. I was such a negative person and I hated being like that. So I did end up co-leading a small group in the fall with Kathy. I was so thankful God chose her to be my co-leader. I enjoyed every second of being in her home and learning so much from her on leading. Her heart for women is so beautiful. Through leading that small group and just having more of a hunger for His word my perspective began to change. I no longer hated certain people as much. Let me tell you though, I still had a lot of hate and bitterness there. The small group was just as good for me as it was for the ladies I was pouring into. God really orchestrated a beautiful group of ladies with varying age ranges and life experiences. I love how He works.
Yet, I was still seeking more. I definitely hear Him more but I still didn't recognize His voice. As I look back now I know it was Him but in the moment I didn't. I started going to the Wednesday night Women's Bible study in October and started learning so much. Deborah has been instrumental in the complete change in my life. God knew I needed her. Actually she is the mentor I prayed for at the beginning of the year. He is such a good God who hears the prayers of His people. Once again Boldness was spoken over my life. I have always been this quiet, shy, timid person but on the inside I am not shy. It is time for who God made me to be to come forth. She actually told me how to ask the Holy Spirit to speak to me. She shared with me the different ways the Lord speaks. No one had ever shared that with me before. Finally I had found what I had been seeking for so long. The first verse He spoke to me was Jeremiah 29:11. I love that this was the first verse He spoke to me. He showed me things in this verse to the point that I will never read it the same way. It actually has become my Word for this year, 2019. I will share more on this in the coming weeks.
Through this process of asking and then waiting I have learned what the voice of God sounds like. Now it is not just a verse but encouragement. He speaks to me all the time. I just have to be listening and obeying. I can have a conversation with Him just like I can with my best friend. He truly has become my best friend. I know He is actually guiding my steps if I actually take the time to listen. I love to listen to Him. It is always Truth. Now I can't say that these last two months have been super awesome. Circumstances haven't changed and the devil has been attacking me BUT GOD is faithful. When I chose to surrender, He is faithful. There has been a lot of healing taking place in me. I still need more, but don't we all. Letting go of things and forgiving people has been freeing. I have even had to forgive myself for things as well. He is a good and gracious Father though. Work isn't as bad anymore. Do you want to know why? Because He has changed me. He has changed my heart. The work circumstances haven't changed, the people haven't changed but my heart has towards them. He is so good!
For the first time in a really long time I am actually excited about this new year. Every dream I have on my vision board has been spoken by God. They aren't my dreams but His. I have great expectation that all of these impossible dreams will come to pass. He said He is a God of the impossible and nothing is impossible with Him!
He is good God who delights in His people. Since the first time He spoke boldness over me, that same word has been spoken over me multiple times. Even again last night He spoke Boldness. He is breaking that fear and timidity that has plagued me for far to long off of me. It is time to step into my calling and do what He has called me to do. I am teacher, but let me tell you I would have been an awful teacher a year ago. It wouldn't have been done in love. Now I can truly say that I could do that with the Love of God. His Love is like no other and He loves to surround us with that Unspeakable Love.
So for those of you are are struggling in the dry season. The ones who are desperately seeking yet you feel He is silent. I am here to tell you, you will make it! He is right there even though it may not feel like it. As I look back over this past year I see just how faithful He has been. He saved me, He protected me, and He lifted me up. He is Faithful! I promise your day is coming when you encounter His love in a new way. Maybe like me you aren't asking the right questions. I would challenge you to get by yourself, get quiet, and ask the Holy Spirit what He wants to speak to you today. Then just wait. He will speak. The key is to make sure what you are hearing lines up with the Word of God. That is Truth! Ask Him, learn to be still. I am telling you there is nothing like His presence! There is nothing like it! I believe that if we desire His presence and press in we will encounter Him more and more. He Loves YOU so much! He Delights in YOU!
Zephaniah 3:17 says, "The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of Joy."
Isn't that a beautiful promise. HE LOVES YOU! Don't ever doubt that.
If you need someone to talk to or pray for you or with you, please reach out! I would love to encourage you and pray for you. God has a plan for your life.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Great is His Faithfulness!
October 16, 2005 I sat in a seat listening to a sermon and realized I wasn't really saved. I didn't really know if I was going to heaven. Even though at the young age of 6 I made a decision to follow Jesus. I never really acted like a Christian growing up. I know several people who can attest to that. It was not really until that day, 12 years ago, I made a real decision to pursue a relationship with Jesus. It was definitely the best decision I have ever made. He has shown Himself faithful over and over again.
That day 12 years ago I was weeping, yet I felt ashamed because everyone knew I was supposed to be a Christian. But that day He changed my heart and life forever. Now I am no where near perfect and will never be perfect on this earth. This journey hasn't been easy but it has definitely been worth it. He has taught me so much over the years. Things that used to be a constant stumbling block and thing that used to set me off no longer do.
My first real teachable moment that I remember was at Chick-fil-a. Weird set of circumstances but so life changing. Someone finally just told me flat out that I was full of myself and boy did God convict my heart. I realized then that I was living in pride and it was running rampant in my life. That very day I chose not to be that way anymore. I asked God to change my heart. I still struggle with pride sometimes. I am usually able to see when I am stepping into that and catch myself from going there. I thank God everyday for making me aware of things like that. He does that on many things He has taught me. The Holy Spirit says, "Hold up! Don't do that or say that!" I know can't do life without Him. Aren't you so glad God gave us a helper? The Lord has taught me how to lead with a program in our youth group at church and He has given me opportunities to pray with people. He is always presenting new opportunities that I have to be ready for.
I want to share a couple of more learning moments with you. I have spoken on this one before but I think it is worth repeating. (You can see my previous blog post to read the full story.) Just a few short years ago I struggled greatly with anxiety. So much so that I was becoming physically ill. I hardly wanted to do anything or go anywhere. So many fears of the what-ifs. What if this happened or what if that happened? I know we all have those kind of anxieties to some extent. I was so over feeling that way and failing to live life. I chose to go to a prayer meeting where people pray over you. This meeting changed my life forever. I walked out there looking forward to not being controlled by fear. I was no longer going to be a slave to fear. I have to choose everyday not to fear. To this very day I have to choose not to fear. I have to choose life over fear and joy over fear. It is much easier now than it was 3 years ago to not let fear take over. This year I have done so many thing that I would have never done 3 years ago.
This brings me to what I wanted to share about this year in particular. This year started out with a lot of stretching. The Lord told me to trust Him with my finances. So this year I have tithed no matter what and He has gone above and beyond with His Blessings. When I look back on just my tithes this year, I can see how he has doubled my original tithe from the first of the year. That is a testament to His goodness and faithfulness.
"He who is faithful in very little is faithful also in very much." (Luke 16:10)
"Prove me now, says the Lord, if I will no open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a Blessing that shall not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3:10)
I have also saved more than I thought would even be possible and the car is being paid off early because of His Blessings. I give Him all the Glory!
This year also brought big change with a promotion at my Job, another huge Blessing but teaching moment (still happening). You know that fear and anxiety I was talking about? Yeah, I had a lot about this job promotion. I prayed for a week and I felt like God was telling me He was going to teach me how to trust Him with my job. Once again He has shown himself faithful. I jumped in, even though I was beyond and scared and this is totally out of my comfort zone. The past two weeks have been my best weeks ever. I can only attest that to Him. I have no idea what I am doing but He is showing Himself trustworthy. Great is His faithfulness! Dreams are being fulfilled. The Lord has taught me how to trust Him this year and He isn't done yet!
I said all of this to encourage you that even those dry, desperate moment, He is still there! He is always right there beside you. Make that choice today to follow Him. He will be faithful to you too! Make that decision to step out of fear and walk in His light, He will protect you. Make that decision to trust Him with your everything. He is faithful. He loves you like no human can. He is trustworthy, faithful to the end, and provide unconditional love to the brokenhearted. You are Loved!
There are many more stories I could share of His faithfulness over the years. If you want to know more, please ask. If you want to know where to begin, please reach out to me. The first step is making that decision to follow Him. After that dig into the Bible and start learning His way of being and doing. I can give you some tips on where to start. As always I love to hear your stories. Please share!
Until next time....
That day 12 years ago I was weeping, yet I felt ashamed because everyone knew I was supposed to be a Christian. But that day He changed my heart and life forever. Now I am no where near perfect and will never be perfect on this earth. This journey hasn't been easy but it has definitely been worth it. He has taught me so much over the years. Things that used to be a constant stumbling block and thing that used to set me off no longer do.
My first real teachable moment that I remember was at Chick-fil-a. Weird set of circumstances but so life changing. Someone finally just told me flat out that I was full of myself and boy did God convict my heart. I realized then that I was living in pride and it was running rampant in my life. That very day I chose not to be that way anymore. I asked God to change my heart. I still struggle with pride sometimes. I am usually able to see when I am stepping into that and catch myself from going there. I thank God everyday for making me aware of things like that. He does that on many things He has taught me. The Holy Spirit says, "Hold up! Don't do that or say that!" I know can't do life without Him. Aren't you so glad God gave us a helper? The Lord has taught me how to lead with a program in our youth group at church and He has given me opportunities to pray with people. He is always presenting new opportunities that I have to be ready for.
I want to share a couple of more learning moments with you. I have spoken on this one before but I think it is worth repeating. (You can see my previous blog post to read the full story.) Just a few short years ago I struggled greatly with anxiety. So much so that I was becoming physically ill. I hardly wanted to do anything or go anywhere. So many fears of the what-ifs. What if this happened or what if that happened? I know we all have those kind of anxieties to some extent. I was so over feeling that way and failing to live life. I chose to go to a prayer meeting where people pray over you. This meeting changed my life forever. I walked out there looking forward to not being controlled by fear. I was no longer going to be a slave to fear. I have to choose everyday not to fear. To this very day I have to choose not to fear. I have to choose life over fear and joy over fear. It is much easier now than it was 3 years ago to not let fear take over. This year I have done so many thing that I would have never done 3 years ago.
This brings me to what I wanted to share about this year in particular. This year started out with a lot of stretching. The Lord told me to trust Him with my finances. So this year I have tithed no matter what and He has gone above and beyond with His Blessings. When I look back on just my tithes this year, I can see how he has doubled my original tithe from the first of the year. That is a testament to His goodness and faithfulness.
"He who is faithful in very little is faithful also in very much." (Luke 16:10)
"Prove me now, says the Lord, if I will no open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a Blessing that shall not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3:10)
I have also saved more than I thought would even be possible and the car is being paid off early because of His Blessings. I give Him all the Glory!
This year also brought big change with a promotion at my Job, another huge Blessing but teaching moment (still happening). You know that fear and anxiety I was talking about? Yeah, I had a lot about this job promotion. I prayed for a week and I felt like God was telling me He was going to teach me how to trust Him with my job. Once again He has shown himself faithful. I jumped in, even though I was beyond and scared and this is totally out of my comfort zone. The past two weeks have been my best weeks ever. I can only attest that to Him. I have no idea what I am doing but He is showing Himself trustworthy. Great is His faithfulness! Dreams are being fulfilled. The Lord has taught me how to trust Him this year and He isn't done yet!
I said all of this to encourage you that even those dry, desperate moment, He is still there! He is always right there beside you. Make that choice today to follow Him. He will be faithful to you too! Make that decision to step out of fear and walk in His light, He will protect you. Make that decision to trust Him with your everything. He is faithful. He loves you like no human can. He is trustworthy, faithful to the end, and provide unconditional love to the brokenhearted. You are Loved!
There are many more stories I could share of His faithfulness over the years. If you want to know more, please ask. If you want to know where to begin, please reach out to me. The first step is making that decision to follow Him. After that dig into the Bible and start learning His way of being and doing. I can give you some tips on where to start. As always I love to hear your stories. Please share!
Until next time....
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Overcoming Fear!
I really felt like I needed to share my heart on the subject of fear. So this blog post will tell some of my story and struggles with fear. As many of you know I took the position at my workplace and I had a lot of fear to overcome just taking this position. The first week has come with a lot of doubt in myself. I was constantly wondering what in the world I was thinking. I had to saturate myself with His Word. I have also found myself listening to more worship music lately. I just need to be in His presence more. It is amazing how over the past week, as I have been doubting myself, the Lord has brought encouraging words my way through many different sources. It has been really neat to see what He can do as I put my complete trust in Him. Change is hard but it is so amazing when we stop trying to do everything ourselves and just Trust in Him!
There has been a ton of changes happening in my life and I have found myself under a lot of pressure. We can choose to let pressure break us or make us more beautiful. I have had to constantly remind myself that God's way is better than my way. The devil would like nothing more than for me to rush into things than to wait on God. I am reminded often of this verse, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
Colossians 3:15
https://www.bible.com/bible/1/COL.3.15"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts." (Colossians 3:15) When I feel the pressure growing I am reminded that I must slow down and hear from the Lord before I can jump into something. I don't have to worry about how things will happen or when. My job is to trust in the Lord.
So three years ago I was so full of fear and anxiety is was nearly crippling. I was so afraid of change that I just stayed where I was. So many things scared me. I was afraid of the future, going away on trips, and so many other things. Many people don't even know this about me. Three years ago I decided I had had enough. I decided to go to a healing night of prayer at a local church and that is where it all began. God radically changed my heart though this precious couple. They helped me see how God truly wanted me to live. From that day forward I began finding verses on fear that I could combat the fear and anxiety with. As I began to speak those verses my life began to change. I was happier and more joyful. I was able to actually do things I would never have done before.
I said all of this because if God had not rescued me from fear I would have never taken this position and I would never be thinking about the future with hope and excitement. I also know that I am not the only one who has struggled with fear and anxiety. I think we all do in some way. I am also not saying I don't still have to fight with fear but I can tell you it gets so much easier to push fear away the more you learn and grow closer to God. You don't have to live a life worrying and scared about anything. God has a plan for your life and it is a good one. He is so faithful! I have learned this. I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8) He is forever faithful!
If you are dealing with fear and anxiety please reach out to someone. You can overcome it, I am living proof of that. God can help you out of that deep hole you may be in. He is faithful to those who seek Him. I want to leave you with some of the verses I used to overcome fear. I spoke these every time I felt fear coming on. I knew if I didn't change my thinking quickly I would be consumed with fear. Oh, and God says do not fear 365 times in the Bible so He knows we can overcome it. He also wants the best for you and He knows fear isn't the best. So here are those verses:
This one is my favorite. "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self control." - 2 Timothy 1:7
I spoke this verse daily and really multiple times a day.
"Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain surpassing victory though Him who loves us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:37-39
" Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up to retain you with my right hand of rightness and justice." - Isaiah 41:10
"God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (or time of need)." - Psalm 46:1 (reading this entire chapter is helpful)
"I sought (inquired of ) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fear." - Psalm 34:4 (also a good one to read the entire chapter)
"The Lord shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways." - Deuteronomy 28:7
This is just a start. Go search for your own verses that apply to your situation and start speaking them over yourself. The key is speaking the Word out loud. When you speak your mind stops. So start speaking God's Word over your life today and don't ever stop!
There has been a ton of changes happening in my life and I have found myself under a lot of pressure. We can choose to let pressure break us or make us more beautiful. I have had to constantly remind myself that God's way is better than my way. The devil would like nothing more than for me to rush into things than to wait on God. I am reminded often of this verse, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
Colossians 3:15
https://www.bible.com/bible/1/COL.3.15"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts." (Colossians 3:15) When I feel the pressure growing I am reminded that I must slow down and hear from the Lord before I can jump into something. I don't have to worry about how things will happen or when. My job is to trust in the Lord.
So three years ago I was so full of fear and anxiety is was nearly crippling. I was so afraid of change that I just stayed where I was. So many things scared me. I was afraid of the future, going away on trips, and so many other things. Many people don't even know this about me. Three years ago I decided I had had enough. I decided to go to a healing night of prayer at a local church and that is where it all began. God radically changed my heart though this precious couple. They helped me see how God truly wanted me to live. From that day forward I began finding verses on fear that I could combat the fear and anxiety with. As I began to speak those verses my life began to change. I was happier and more joyful. I was able to actually do things I would never have done before.
I said all of this because if God had not rescued me from fear I would have never taken this position and I would never be thinking about the future with hope and excitement. I also know that I am not the only one who has struggled with fear and anxiety. I think we all do in some way. I am also not saying I don't still have to fight with fear but I can tell you it gets so much easier to push fear away the more you learn and grow closer to God. You don't have to live a life worrying and scared about anything. God has a plan for your life and it is a good one. He is so faithful! I have learned this. I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8) He is forever faithful!
If you are dealing with fear and anxiety please reach out to someone. You can overcome it, I am living proof of that. God can help you out of that deep hole you may be in. He is faithful to those who seek Him. I want to leave you with some of the verses I used to overcome fear. I spoke these every time I felt fear coming on. I knew if I didn't change my thinking quickly I would be consumed with fear. Oh, and God says do not fear 365 times in the Bible so He knows we can overcome it. He also wants the best for you and He knows fear isn't the best. So here are those verses:
This one is my favorite. "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self control." - 2 Timothy 1:7
I spoke this verse daily and really multiple times a day.
"Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain surpassing victory though Him who loves us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:37-39
" Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up to retain you with my right hand of rightness and justice." - Isaiah 41:10
"God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (or time of need)." - Psalm 46:1 (reading this entire chapter is helpful)
"I sought (inquired of ) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fear." - Psalm 34:4 (also a good one to read the entire chapter)
"The Lord shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways." - Deuteronomy 28:7
This is just a start. Go search for your own verses that apply to your situation and start speaking them over yourself. The key is speaking the Word out loud. When you speak your mind stops. So start speaking God's Word over your life today and don't ever stop!
Friday, March 31, 2017
Trust
I haven't written anything in awhile but I felt I needed to share what I have been learning just in the first three months of this year. I honestly haven't had the time to just sit down and share my heart but God has been doing a lot.
The first Sunday of this year I listened to a sermon by Pastor George Pearsons of Eagle Mountain International Church. He talked about how 2017 is the year of great prosperity in your household. The first thing that comes to mind is financial prosperity. For months that is what I was thinking about was financial prosperity. This week I went back and revisited the notes from that sermon and realized that he was not only speaking of financial prosperity but about spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional prosperity. Not only that kind of prosperity but prosperity in everything we set our hands to just like Deuteronomy 28:12 says.
So since that first Sunday of the year I have been confessing out loud every morning that 2017 is the year of great prosperity in my household. Just in these first three months I have been given two raises. He has been teaching me that by trusting Him with my finances He will pour out a blessing . Tithing has become a way of life instead of something that always felt hard to do. It is just so easy to do now. He said to test Him and see if He will not pour out a Blessing , that there will not be room enough to receive. (Malachi 3:10) God has proven Himself faithful to me when I am faithful to give my tithe to Him. He has poured out an enormous Blessing on me.
This past week I was offered an amazing position that also terrifies me. I had to work and pray through some serious fear and anxiety. Oh, how faithful He has been though. What I came to was that just maybe God is going to teach me how to trust and depend fully on Him. Not just in finances but in my job as well. I would say that I have become comfortable with where I am and can do my job pretty well, but with this new position I will need to lean on Him fully. It is way out of my comfort zone. But hey don't we learn the most when we are put through the fire? I know in my heart that this year is going to be an amazing year of growth in my life. He has shown me so much about trust this week and I am so very thankful for that. I'm jumping in with both feet and trusting Him with everything. I know, that I know, that I know that He is faithful to the end.
Oh, and you know how I said He has Blessed me financially? Well this new position will come with a raise as well. God is so good. This has not been easy and I still have fear thoughts that I have to rebuke and replace with the Word. I am an over comer and the future looks bright. If you would have asked me five years ago if this is where I would be and what I would be doing I would have laughed at you. God knows what He is doing and His way is always the best.
So I will leave you with this. Put your trust in Him in every area of your life and see what He will do. Let the Spirit lead you and just see where God will take you! He is faithful!
~Dallas~
The first Sunday of this year I listened to a sermon by Pastor George Pearsons of Eagle Mountain International Church. He talked about how 2017 is the year of great prosperity in your household. The first thing that comes to mind is financial prosperity. For months that is what I was thinking about was financial prosperity. This week I went back and revisited the notes from that sermon and realized that he was not only speaking of financial prosperity but about spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional prosperity. Not only that kind of prosperity but prosperity in everything we set our hands to just like Deuteronomy 28:12 says.
So since that first Sunday of the year I have been confessing out loud every morning that 2017 is the year of great prosperity in my household. Just in these first three months I have been given two raises. He has been teaching me that by trusting Him with my finances He will pour out a blessing . Tithing has become a way of life instead of something that always felt hard to do. It is just so easy to do now. He said to test Him and see if He will not pour out a Blessing , that there will not be room enough to receive. (Malachi 3:10) God has proven Himself faithful to me when I am faithful to give my tithe to Him. He has poured out an enormous Blessing on me.
This past week I was offered an amazing position that also terrifies me. I had to work and pray through some serious fear and anxiety. Oh, how faithful He has been though. What I came to was that just maybe God is going to teach me how to trust and depend fully on Him. Not just in finances but in my job as well. I would say that I have become comfortable with where I am and can do my job pretty well, but with this new position I will need to lean on Him fully. It is way out of my comfort zone. But hey don't we learn the most when we are put through the fire? I know in my heart that this year is going to be an amazing year of growth in my life. He has shown me so much about trust this week and I am so very thankful for that. I'm jumping in with both feet and trusting Him with everything. I know, that I know, that I know that He is faithful to the end.
Oh, and you know how I said He has Blessed me financially? Well this new position will come with a raise as well. God is so good. This has not been easy and I still have fear thoughts that I have to rebuke and replace with the Word. I am an over comer and the future looks bright. If you would have asked me five years ago if this is where I would be and what I would be doing I would have laughed at you. God knows what He is doing and His way is always the best.
So I will leave you with this. Put your trust in Him in every area of your life and see what He will do. Let the Spirit lead you and just see where God will take you! He is faithful!
~Dallas~
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Tithing- It's Not All About The Money
I can't believe it has been over a year since I posted on here. That is going to change! There is too much that needs to be said that people must understand! So onto what God has been showing me over the past 5-6 months.
A lot of people think that the tithe is just about the 10%. There is so much more to it though. Let's start in Malachi 3:8, "Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions." (ESV)
So when we withhold our tithes and offerings from God, we are essentially robbing God. This was a huge slap in the face to me! To know that I am robbing God when I don't obey His word to Tithe. When we withhold our tithes we are saying we don't trust Him to provide for us. He told us that He would supply all we have need of. "And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (AMP) We must learn to trust in His love for us. He is our supply. Not our salary, not our jobs, nothing! He is our supply. Trust me, I know how hard it is to say, "Ok, God is my supply, He will provide for me." Once you surrender though, He holds nothing back!
"You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation. [Lev. 26:14-17.]
A lot of people think that the tithe is just about the 10%. There is so much more to it though. Let's start in Malachi 3:8, "Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions." (ESV)
So when we withhold our tithes and offerings from God, we are essentially robbing God. This was a huge slap in the face to me! To know that I am robbing God when I don't obey His word to Tithe. When we withhold our tithes we are saying we don't trust Him to provide for us. He told us that He would supply all we have need of. "And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (AMP) We must learn to trust in His love for us. He is our supply. Not our salary, not our jobs, nothing! He is our supply. Trust me, I know how hard it is to say, "Ok, God is my supply, He will provide for me." Once you surrender though, He holds nothing back!
"You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation. [Lev. 26:14-17.]
Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the
storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it,
says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you
and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to
receive it. [Mal. 2:2.]" Malachi 3:9-10 (AMP)
Now let me start out by saying God is a good God and He does not bring anything bad on you! If things aren't going as planned examine yourself, repent, and start anew. The only reason bad things happen is when we allow them to by our actions and our words. The devil has no power to do anything to you unless you open the door. (For more on this see previous blog posts, there will be more in the future too.)
When we bring the tithe (10% of our income) to the Lord we are trusting that He will pour out Blessings on us. We are taking what His Word says and testing or proving it! God even tells us to prove (or test) His Word in the passage above. I love the the last part of the verse where it says, "There will not be room enough to receive it!" How awesome is that?
Before I go any further I want you to get a mental image in your head. I want you to think of God as your Father. Can you see it? Now think about how much you want to give your children things, like if you had unlimited funds just imagine the things you would give them. Ok, do you see that? Now imagine this big, gracious God who loves you so much and wants to Bless you with everything above and beyond what you could ever think or imagine! Your love for your children is great but how much greater is His love for you? Can you picture it? Can you picture this big, loving God who wants nothing more than to see you grow and Prosper in every area of your life? Really take some time to let this picture sink in. Once you grasp this Great Love He has for you, you can do anything He has planned for you!
In verses 11and 12 it says "And I will rebuke the devourer [insects and plagues] for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine drop its fruit before the time in the field, says the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts." (AMP)
This is one of my favorite verses. Why you may ask? Well because it says that when I give my tithe to God, HE WILL protect me from the devil (the devourer)! All the devil wants is to kill, steal, and destroy and God wiped him out with the Blood! I obey His Word and I stay Blessed in every area of my life.
Now I know you may be saying, " I can't afford to tithe." But I say you can't afford not to. You will always come up short if you don't obey His Word. Now am I saying that I am great at tithing? No. I have been really walking through this this year and I am determined to give and trust God where I feel I may come up short. Let me tell you, when I have given and felt like I would come up short I was Blessed with the unexpected and God has always come through. My life mantra is #NOFEARHERE. I live everyday knowing that God has got me, no matter what life brings!
There is so much more I could say about tithing but for now I just want you to think on this and put it into practice. Test His word and see what He can do! Remember that He loves you and truly wants to shower His Blessings down on you! Don't forget to keep your mental image of that big, loving God with you!
Please, if you have any question do ask. I would love to help you go deeper with God! Maybe you don't know this big, loving God and you would like to. All you have to say is "Lord, take my life and do something with it." Then go get a Bible and start reading. I would love to hear your testimonies about what God has done in your life.
When we bring the tithe (10% of our income) to the Lord we are trusting that He will pour out Blessings on us. We are taking what His Word says and testing or proving it! God even tells us to prove (or test) His Word in the passage above. I love the the last part of the verse where it says, "There will not be room enough to receive it!" How awesome is that?
Before I go any further I want you to get a mental image in your head. I want you to think of God as your Father. Can you see it? Now think about how much you want to give your children things, like if you had unlimited funds just imagine the things you would give them. Ok, do you see that? Now imagine this big, gracious God who loves you so much and wants to Bless you with everything above and beyond what you could ever think or imagine! Your love for your children is great but how much greater is His love for you? Can you picture it? Can you picture this big, loving God who wants nothing more than to see you grow and Prosper in every area of your life? Really take some time to let this picture sink in. Once you grasp this Great Love He has for you, you can do anything He has planned for you!
In verses 11and 12 it says "And I will rebuke the devourer [insects and plagues] for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine drop its fruit before the time in the field, says the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts." (AMP)
This is one of my favorite verses. Why you may ask? Well because it says that when I give my tithe to God, HE WILL protect me from the devil (the devourer)! All the devil wants is to kill, steal, and destroy and God wiped him out with the Blood! I obey His Word and I stay Blessed in every area of my life.
Now I know you may be saying, " I can't afford to tithe." But I say you can't afford not to. You will always come up short if you don't obey His Word. Now am I saying that I am great at tithing? No. I have been really walking through this this year and I am determined to give and trust God where I feel I may come up short. Let me tell you, when I have given and felt like I would come up short I was Blessed with the unexpected and God has always come through. My life mantra is #NOFEARHERE. I live everyday knowing that God has got me, no matter what life brings!
There is so much more I could say about tithing but for now I just want you to think on this and put it into practice. Test His word and see what He can do! Remember that He loves you and truly wants to shower His Blessings down on you! Don't forget to keep your mental image of that big, loving God with you!
Please, if you have any question do ask. I would love to help you go deeper with God! Maybe you don't know this big, loving God and you would like to. All you have to say is "Lord, take my life and do something with it." Then go get a Bible and start reading. I would love to hear your testimonies about what God has done in your life.
Dallas <3
Friday, April 3, 2015
Restoration: The powerful meaning
"Is
any sick among you? 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 shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him
up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."
James 5:14-15
So this evening (3/19/2015) I was studying up on health and healing in the Bible in hopes of writing a blog post. I am just starting out with my research so I am writing down all of the verses out of my first resource. When I got to James 5:14-15 I saw the word restore. Now I have read this verse several times and this word never stuck out to me until tonight. I looked up the word restore and was blown away by the meanings. The revelation of How God restores us is so evident in the meaning of this word. I am going to share the many different meanings of the word restore in this post! (These meanings come from Dictionary.com as well as Websters American 1828 Dictionary of the English Language)
"So that He may strengthen and confirm and establish your hearts faultlessly pure and unblamable in holiness in the sight of our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) with all His saints (the holy and glorified people of God)! Amen, (so be it)!" 1Thessalonians 3:13
The first meaning of the word restore is to bring back to existence, or the like, to reestablish. Is this not what happens when He comes in and saves us? He takes us from darkness and brings us into the light and He sets us on high with Him. I love what the word establish means. To found, institute, build, or bring into being on a firm or stable basis: to establish. He brings us back to solid ground in Him. That is so good!! If we continue to study the Word and meditate on it we can be firmly established in Him! What this brings to mind is on the Solid rock I will stand. These verses represent what it is to be firmly established in Him. "He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!" Psalm 62:6-8
I love these verses because I know He has got my back and on Him I firmly stand!
The second meaning or restore is to bring back to a former, original, or normal condition; a former place or position. I think about how before I was saved I was not living in the way God intended for me to live. I was not in my original, planned purpose that God has for me. When I accepted Christ He started restoring me to my original purpose. He started making me more like Him which is how I was originally supposed to operate. Amazing? Yes! There are a few verses that go really well with this meaning so I will add them here below.
"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit." Psalm 51:12
"For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4
"Thus says the Lord: Behold, I will release from captivity the tents of Jacob and have mercy on his dwelling places; the city will be rebuilt on its own [old] moundlike site, and the palace will be dwelt in after its former fashion.Out of them [city and palace] will come songs of thanksgiving and the voices of those who make merry. And I will multiply them, and they will not be few; I will also glorify them, and they will not be small. Their children too shall be as in former times, and their congregation shall be established before Me, and I will punish all who oppress them." Jer. 30:18-20
The third meaning of restore is to give back, make return, or restitution of (anything taken away or lost). There are so many great verses on this meaning of restore. Joel 2:25 says, "And I will restore or replace for you the years that the locust has eaten–the hopping locust, the stripping locust, and the crawling locust, My great army which I sent among you." He will restore (replace) the years that were taken from us. In Isaiah 61:7, Job 42:10, and Zechariah 9:12 God tells us that He will restore two-fold, twice as much, and double what the enemy has stolen. Now that is something to get excited about! He will not only restore what has been stolen but He will double that to more than enough! In Jeremiah 29:14 God said He would restore Israel to the place where He originally wanted them. This happened in 1948 when Israel became a nation once again! I believe that if we have fallen off the path He had for us He will restore us to our place in the body of Christ. We may not get there as fast as we would like, but we will get there. In Deuteronomy 30:3-5 it is saying the same thing about restoring them to the land He had for them but with an added promise. "He will do you good and multiply you above your father." This is a promise to you and me that He will Bless us above and beyond our parents. This really excites me!!
I decided to combine these two meanings because they are very similar. To reproduce or reconstruct int the original state; To repair, to rebuild. When we asked Jesus to come into our hearts He made us a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). From that very moment the rebuilding starts. Now it is up to us to read our Bibles, meditate on the Word, and pray and seek Him. When we do this it allows the Lord to repair our broken hearts and rebuild, or restore, them to their original state. When I think of the Word reconstruct I think of something that is in disrepair, something that has been neglected that must first be torn down and then the rebuilding process can begin. God does this same thing. He tears down the walls that we have set up so He can continue to grow us back into our original state. We were created in His image. (Genesis 1:27) We look like Him, but we also must act like Him. He can restore us to that with the help of the Holy Spirit. Let's just say we are all a work in progress. We will one day meet our Savior face to face and be brought back fully to our original state.
So this meaning of restore was I think my most favorite out of all of them. To revive; to resuscitate, to bring back to life. To me this is what Jesus represents. He died to bring us back to life! He breathed life into use! When we ask Him into our hearts He breathes new life into our spirits. Not only did He give us new breathe, He gives us a fresh start. He remembers our sins no more! (Isaiah 43:25, Heb. 8:12, 10:17, Jer. 31:33-34) I love that every time we come before Him and ask for forgiveness it is done for us and He doesn't remember those sins! The one story I thought of when I saw this meaning was Ezekiel and the dry bones in the valley. (Ezekiel 37:1-10) God told Him to prophesy over the dry bones and God raised them back to life. He breathed new life into them, placing a spirit in them, and putting flesh back on those bones. He restored them! Lazarus also is brought to my mind! (John 11:1-57) There are so many verses that could go with this meaning. I will add these for you to study on your own. Just let each one really sink down into your spirit. Acts 3:19-21, Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Cor. 5:17, John 5:24, John 3:16, Ruth 4:15.
Here is a great song about Ezekiel and the dry bones by Casting Crowns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MWGJ5EFjkE
So I saved the last meaning for the end because this is what I originally intended to write about. I will probably end up writing another post going into further detail. The final meaning of restore is: To bring back to a state of health, soundness, or vigor (active strength or force). To heal; to cure; to recover from disease. These two different meanings are very similar yet so different. So the first half to me really is not only about your physical body but about your mind, soul, and spirit. When I think of soundness I immediately think of 2 Tim 1:7. "We don't have a spirit of fear but of power, love, and of a sound mind." This is one of my go to verses when I feel fearful. It is a great reminder to me that I was not made to fear but to love.
The last part of the first meaning really stuck out to me. Vigor (Active Strength and force). This is what each of us should have! We should be a force for God! Hope (expectancy) in the Lord renews our strength and power. (Isaiah 40:31) The more we learn about God and His ways the more expectancy that is built up inside of us. We can expect to be healthy, we can expect to be a force for God, and we can expect to live a strong fearless life! I don't know about you but I want vigor! I want to be an active force for God!!
The second meaning is: to heal; to cure; to recover from disease. This has been on my heart for awhile. I know so many people who say they believe in healing but they don't speak healing or they don't really think God will do it for them. I am here to tell you that God WANTS you healed and healthy!! Let me ask you this question: What good are you to the kingdom of God if you are sick or depressed? Can you truly do what God has called you to? Before you freak out please hear me out!! God came and suffered greatly for each of us. He was beaten, bruised, and hung on the cross for our sickness and disease. He went to hell for those three days and defeated Satan so we wouldn't have to carry that sickness or disease, that problem that you are struggling with. He bore it all for us! Really let His love for you sink in! He loves you so much He died for you! Now I am not saying that Satan won't try to come against you with sickness or disease. He most certainly will. The thing is you don't have to take it! You can tell him to get out and get under your feet! He has to leave at the name of Jesus! You must speak God's Word to stop Satan from coming in! You may ask How do I know what to say? You have to go search the Word and find what it says about your situation. When you find something, even if it is only one verse, speak it out! If you need healing go find every scripture in the Bible that speaks about health, healing, and miracles God has already performed. Healing is not just for the Jesus time. Healing is for now and I believe He wants each and everyone of us healed and living in health every day of our lives! There are plenty of verses in both the old and new testaments about healing. I will add some verses below to help you get started. Get the revelation and begin speaking them!
Jeremiah 30:17, Mark 8:25, Hosea 6:1, Psalm 103:1-5, Luke 4:18, Jeremiah 17:14, 1 Peter 2:24, 3 John 2, Exodus 23:25-26, Exodus 15:26, James 5:14-15, Proverbs 4:20-22, Psalm 34:19-20, Psalm 107:20, Psalm 118:17.
Now go out there and get restored in every area of your life! Read His Word and SPEAK it into your life! Know God loves you know matter where you are or what you are going through. He already knows just talk to Him! He will meet you where you are! <3
This song is one of my favorite songs and it is all about the restoration Jesus brings to us. https://youtu.be/VqehS9s2E2k
"You bring restoration to my soul"
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