The Importance of Strong Walls!

Now that we've talked about the difference between God's discipline and the enemies torture (see the last 5 or so blog posts), I want to go back to Spiritual Fortification. I believe that understand this is so key to our becoming strong fortified Christians.

In Bible times, the strength of a fortress or city (and sometimes a nation) was determined by the strength of its walls. Could the walls stand against the attack of foes? As long as the walls could stand strong, and there were no breaches, the city would not be overcome. (The only exception, where a city was almost overcome, was through starvation.)

As Christians today, we are to be God’s temple and strong fortress. He lives here with us and in us through His Spirit (see Eph. 2:22). Because of this, we are to stand strong against the attacks of the enemy. We are not only to stand strong, but we are to fight and take territory from the enemy. And while the world may mock and say it can’t be done, we keep marching forward, just like the children of Israel conquering Canaan, gaining victory over one heathen nation (over one sin) after another.

We can gain the victory because God has not only given us His promise for victory, but He’s given us every provision to be victorious. Yet, despite this divine calling, and despite this divine enabling, for many of us, there seems to be something wrong, for rather than being victorious over the enemy nations (the sin in our lives), we are falling left and right. We are the ones being overcome! Could it be that there are holes in our spiritual walls, breaches that the enemy is taking advantage of and sneaking through? Could there be an “Achan” hiding within our own tents? 

Obviously, we all have our own trials and our own weaknesses. What is a strong temptation to one is not always a temptation to another. However, the devil is smart. He hasn’t been around 6,000 years for nothing. He has studied mankind well, and he is a master at tripping us up and making us fall. He’s also lazy. He doesn’t want to waste time trying to beat down a strong wall when he can sneak in a small crack or hole in our wall. Thus he’s constantly looking for a breach. He’s constantly testing the bricks around our fortress to see if he can find one loose stone that he can pull out and sneak through. He’s constantly checking to see if we’ve accidently left the back gate unlocked, or if we’ve dropped the key. He doesn’t care what the “breach in our wall” is called or how small it is. It might be “impatience,” “unforgiveness,” “lusts,” or “vanity.” As long as he can find a breach, he can squeeze through, and as a result, he can do all the damage that he wants within our fortress.

“However trifling this or that wrong act may seem in the eyes of men, no sin is small in the eyes of God. Man’s judgment is partial, imperfect; but God estimates all things as they really are. The drunkard is despised, and is told that his sins will exclude him from heaven; while pride, selfishness, and covetousness too often go unrebuked. But these are sins that are especially offensive to God; for they are contrary to the benevolence of His character, to that unselfish love which is the very atmosphere of the unfallen universe… Sin, however small it may be esteemed, can be indulged in only at the peril of infinite loss. What we do not overcome, will overcome us, and work out our destruction.” Steps to Christ, p. 30,33 

Being fortified spiritually is not just important. It is vitally important! And Satan knows this. That’s why he’s doing everything he can to gain a foothold in our lives so that he can break down our walls of protection.

Review:

• Bible Thought: We need to ask God to help us build strong walls!
• Blessing: God will give us strength, for He has promised. He's not only promised to make us strong, but He promises to give us strength to stand in the breach for others.
• Battle: Not to allow the enemy even one foothold!

My Shepherd…never fails!

This is the last comparison I will share for now! This is one of my favorites! 

As we begin a new week, let the reality of this promise be ours, no matter what we face.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Psalm 23

Shepherd vs. Roaring Lion

John 10:11-15 defines Christ as a good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. As our shepherd He is deeply interested and concerned in even the smallest matter, watchful, constantly alerted to the needs of His own. He never tires, He never sleeps. He is always looking upon His lambs with an affectionate gaze, ready to fight and defeat any fiend that would dare attack those under His care. Satan is defined as a roaring lion in 1 Peter 5:8. A roaring lion is the opposite of a good shepherd. He looks to control through fear instead of love. He rules through intimidation, not respect. He makes demands and threatens severe punishments if not obeyed. He makes the soul anxious and tense (rather than the absolute peace that is promised by the Shepherd in Psalm 23). The enemy roars loudly about his power and constantly yells, “Beware! The enemy is more powerful than you!” Anything of the “roaring lion” nature that comes against us is not from God. 

Review: 

• Bible Thought: God is our good Shepherd, and He loves us. He is not that roaring lion that is out trying to get us!!!
• Blessing: I have felt God's "shepherdly" guidance and love so tenderly this past week. From wakening me early to spend time with Him on some days, to allowing me to sleep in a little longer when I was exhausted on others, to chastening me gently when I did something wrong, to giving me thoughts and inspiration as I write that just flowed, to giving me just the words of encouragement to speak to friends in need. Some may think I have it all perfectly together, but the secret is, I'm relying on His strength. And He is amazing and dependable. And He gives me each day just what I need!
• Battles: That I will keep focused and keep my eyes on Him, not on myself or on the success He brings! "Not by might or by power, but by MY SPIRIT, saith the Lord of Hosts." It's all by Him!

The Pain of Surrender

Often in life, I've experienced very REAL pain as God cut something "of self" out of my life. Whether it was an inordinate affection I had toward something or someone, a selfish habit, or something of pleasure that I had put in the place of God, it wasn't fun to let it go. But I've learned that when God asks me to surrender something to Him, it's always so that I can grow closer to God. However, the devil has once again twisted this whole concept, and he's tried to convince us that God is out to make us suffer. He wants us to think that God is a harsh task master. But this couldn't be further from the truth.

Discipline vs. Abuse
Hebrews 12:5-7 compares Godly discipline to the discipline of a loving, devoted Father. This kind of discipline is expressed tenderly, in love, it is minimized to the level of need, brings about greater strength and health, and it is always presented with the hope of reconciliation and the fostering of even deeper intimacy with Him. The enemy works only in the arena of abuse. He is cruel, angry, harsh, extreme, breathes threats of abandonment and forsaking. Satan’s abuse injures, makes sick, breaks the spirit and hinders and disrupts intimacy. Anything of an abusive nature that comes against us is not from God.

God tells us in His Word, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." John 15:1,2

"Purgeth" is another word for "Prune." We often prune our grape vines so that the vines that produce will be stronger. And so God does allow us to walk through the fire and through pain. But He does it so He can purge away the dross (the sin) in our lives. 

So as we take on another beautiful day with Him, let us remember that He loves us and only does that which will bring us closer to Him!

Review:

• Bible Thought: God is our father, and just as it hurts our earthly parents to discipline us, so it hurts God as well. He only does what is needful!
• Blessing: I have to say that after all the "godly discipline" I've been through, I'm only stronger and more thankful for how He's led. Truly, He knows what is best and what needed to be removed from my life!
• Battles: Listen to God's voice, trust Him, and allow Him to do His work. But when bad things happen, don't blame Him, but go to Him for strength to stand against the attacks of the enemy!

The Perfect Husband

As a single women, one of my favorite promises is:

"For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called." Isa. 54:5

However, this isn't just a promise for us singles. It's a promise for all of us. God truly longs to be our husband: our Heavenly bridegroom. (And yes, a hum… this is for guys too!) The beautiful thing is, that if we allow Him to be, I truly believe that (while we can also be married to a wonderful godly man or women), He will be the best heavenly "lover" that we could ever hope for. He never fails, He is perfect in His love, and He is always there. (Read my article "My Perfect Valentine" to understand more!)

However, once again, here is where the enemy attacks. He wants us to look at God as harsh and exacting and mean, rather than as a loving Bridegroom. 

Listen to following comparison. Which husband do you have?

Loving Bridegroom vs. Harsh Husband
Christ is called our loving Bridegroom all throughout Scripture. A loving Bridegroom is a patient listener, affectionate, an advocate and rescuer, willing to give up His life to save, quick to respond to the needs of His bride, words of love and kindness are constantly on his tongue, prayers are continually ebbing forth for the benefit of His Beloved. The enemy’s ways are like that of a harsh husband; one who is impatient, cold and haughty, never pleased, distant, demanding, controlling, verbally and physically abusive, selfish and feigning tenderness only to get what he wants. Anything of the nature of a harsh husband that comes against us is not from God.

Let me close with this verse:

"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." 1 John 4:8

Review:

• Bible Thought: God is our loving bridegroom. He cares for us so much and He is long suffering and patient. He also asks us to be this way with others.
• Blessing: I love the Lord so much. He is truly my all and everything! And He has proved His love to me thousands of times over.
• Battle: I will not be controlled or manipulated by the tactics and lies of the enemy. I know the God in whom I trust!

God is NOT a liar!!

Have you ever heard those whispers, "You just aren't good enough? Look at all the mistakes you've made. You aren't ever going to become who God has called you to be! Why don't you just give up and stop trying!!" Well, I have. At times in my walk with God I've been very discouraged and I've felt like listening to that voice. However, this isn't God speaking to us…this is our enemy and he's a liar!!!!!!

Look at the difference between God's character and Satan's. We must stop blaming God with the lies that Satan tells us.

Father of Lights vs. Father of Lies
James 1:17 says that God is the Father of Lights in whom is no shadow of turning. In Scripture the Father of Lights is defined as the giver of good and perfect gifts, who is merciful, long-suffering, gentle, quick to forgive, strong to protect, able and eager to rescue us, and a tender deliver from all that would ensnare us. The enemy, on the other hand is the father of lies – a snuffer of life and hope, a condemner, a whisperer of fault, a noisome critic of the soul, a doubter of God’s ability, a persecutor of the spirit, an advocate for the flesh, a constant diminisher of God’s fatherly nature. Anything that causes us to lose hope or diminished our confidence in God is not from our Lord.

Listen to these two verses regarding God and truth.

"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Num. 23:19

"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." Titus 1:2

It's interesting that the very first thing that Satan (disguised as a serpent) did in the garden of Eden was to contradict the Word of God. God had told Adam and Eve, if you touch that fruit, if you sin, you will die. And so the devil tells Eve, "You won't die!" Basically he said. "God's a liar!" 

Now, for over 6,000 years THIS VERY FIRST LIE has been perpetuated. Even today, in direct contradiction to the Word of God, we as Christians are taught to believe the "immortality of the soul" when God clearly states that we will die/sleep (and not know anything) until He comes back to raise His children from the dead. Because of this confusion over what Satan has said and God's Word,  the way has been paved for "spiritualism" and many other false beliefs that has caused so much harm. But God doesn't lie, and His Word is true! So no matter what the devil tries to tell us, if it's not in God's Word, we cannot believe it. Christ came to save sinners of whom I am chief!

[Note: I'm going to share a Bible study on this "death topic" eventually…but for now, look up these verses for clarity.  And remember, as we teach in Bible study, you always let the clear texts interrupt the fuzzy ones. Here's the texts: Ecl. 9:5, John 11:11-14, 1 Thes. 4:13,18]

Review:

• Bible Thought: The devil may be a liar and he may have tried to convince us that God is a liar…But God cannot lie. And His Word is true. 
• Blessing: I'm so thankful that I can trust and stand upon the Word of God.
• Battles: To believe God's Word and not listen to the voice of doubt which comes from the enemy.

An Enemy hath done this!

The second thing we often get confused about regarding God is life and death. But let me share the difference between God's character and the enemies:

Life vs. Death
John 10:10 says that Christ came to give abundant life, not death. The qualities of abundant life are happiness, health, wholeness, strength, purity, spiritual success, and multiplication of blessing. The characteristics of death are disease, sickness, blindness, deafness, muteness, lameness, disorder, feebleness, erosion of strength, erosion of blessing and erosion of resources. Anything that breeds these qualities of death in our life is not from God. 

Yes, we live in a dying sick world, and as long as sins remains, we will continue to see death and suffering. My mother has struggled with health issues for years. My grandmother is currently in the last stages of breast cancer. However, just because God has allowed these things (or hasn't intervened) doesn't mean they came from Him. 

In Matthew 13 we see the story about the wheat and the tares.

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this." Matt. 13:24-28

When we see unexplained death and suffer, rather than blaming God for what we do not understand, we must just realize the simple truth…. "An enemy hath done this!" 

Thankfully, God tells us… "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." Rom. 12:19

Review:

• Bible Thought: God doesn't cause death, disease and suffering. We are living in the enemy territory, and he's wrecking as much havoc in our lives as he can. But in the end, God will heal and restore!
• Blessing: I love this promise: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Rom. 8:18
• Battles: We must trust God even when we don't understand this life and the pain and suffering that comes to us or loved ones. 

God's Pain or Enemy's Pain??

As I share what God's been showing me in regard to "Spiritual Fortification," I think it's important that we understand and recognize the difference between pain that God allows to "prune us and grow us" (see John 15:2) and pain that comes from the enemy to torture us and destroy us.

So often, I think that we as Christian's get confused and often blame God for things that come from Satan. And this is just what he wants. The enemy would like nothing better than that we blame every bad thing that happens in our lives on God. Because he knows if we do, we will become hardened and bitter, and we will lose our childlike love and trust. But while God allows trials, difficulties and pain to build us (and He does not explain everything that happens in this life), it’s important to understand the difference between what comes from the enemy and what comes from our God. Once we clearly understand the nature of God, we wont be confused by what is happening and we can stand up against the legitimate attacks of the enemy rather than simply blaming God.

Over the next few days, I'm going to share a list of things, compliments of my friend Leslie Ludy, that help us recognize the difference between the character of God and the character of the arch deceiver. Re-studying this topic has been so encouraging for me, and I know it will be for you all as well.

Here is the first one!

Light vs. Darkness
1 Peter 2:9 says that God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Think about the qualities of light: clear, not confused, not blurry, but bright, cheerful and hopeful. The opposite of light is darkness. Satan is the prince of darkness, meaning he is the prince of all things fearful, confused, indistinct, dim and forbidding. Anything of confusion, fear, or darkness is not from God. 

I know something that I've struggled with off and on for years is a "fear of the dark" and a "fear of flying." (That's pretty tough because I fly A LOT, and I also have to walk outside at night a lot in the dark!) One day recently, it hit me. God hasn't given me this spirit of fear. He's given me a spirit of love, of power, and of a sound mind. (See 2nd Tim. 1:7) This fear that haunts me, when I walk outside at night, or when I fly on my travels is NOT from God. It's from the enemy! I can no longer let this fear control me. 

Well, the fear isn't completely gone, but whenever it comes in, knowing that it's not from God, but from Satan, I start claiming promises, and soon I have peace again! Praise the Lord!

"I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Ps. 34:4

Review: 

• Bible Thought: There's a difference between what God sends and what the enemy sends. God is a God of light, not darkness. Let us remember this in our day to day struggles!
• Blessings: He's helping me overcome my fears!
• Battles: To keep my hand in His and not look at the darkness of the enemy!

Valiant and Mighty for Battle…

This past weekend, I was called to speak for a "Women's Ministry" meeting several hours away. As I was preparing for the weekend, I really felt impressed to speak on the topic of "Spiritual Fortification." This is a very needed topic, but it just doesn't seem many are addressing this critical area in our lives. Right and left we see people being harassed and overcome by the power of the enemy. Homes are falling apart, people's spiritual lives are falling apart, and we are beset by trials and setbacks on all sides. Of course, we are told to read our Bible and pray more (which is good), but how do we get fortified? How do we get strong? And besides being strong against the attack in our own lives, how do we be strong for others and help take territory back from the enemy?

As I've been studying this topic out more lately, let me share what God is showing me. 

In Proverbs 31, you read the story about the "Virtuous Women." (If you are a women, you know how impossible this list sometimes seems.) Is it really possible to be such a women?

Throughout the Bible, you ALSO read stories of many mighty and valiant men: Men who took lions and bears with their bare hands. Men who fought off and killed hundreds and thousands singlehandedly. Men who jumped over walls, who broke through camps of Philistines (just to get a cup of cool water) and much more. They were doing things that a normal ordinary human would never be able to attempt. But they conquered, they overcome! And why?  Because the power of God was working with them in a supernatural way!

It's interesting, because if you compare the Hebrew word that describes the "Virtuous" women… it is the same word that describes the "Valor" of these mighty men throughout history, specifically those that fought with David and won such amazing victories. The word literally means: “valiant, mighty, strong in battle.”

Could God be calling us (both men and women) to be "Valiant, mighty, strong in battle"? 

The Bible tells us:

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

“The people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.” Daniel 11:32
If these verses are true, it seems we all have a lot of "strength" and "fortification" needed so that these verses will be a reality in our lives. 

This is a prolonged subject, and I will actually be covering it in depth in our upcoming book. But I thought I'd share a few things here to get the ball rolling and maybe to encourage those that are being harassed. So over this next week or so, I'm going to focus on this topic.

For now, let me end today's Sonshine with this verse of encouragement.

"Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." Ps. 24:7,8

We must remember that while we are called to fight, ultimately the Lord is fighting for us. And He is mighty and strong. Because of His strength, we can have confidence that victory will be obtained. 

Review:

• Bible Thought: God has called us, both men and women, to be "Valiant" and strong!
• Blessing: Saw God answer more prayers this past weekend in an amazing way! He is so good!!
• Battle: However, there are still some big prayers I'm praying for. And I'm seeking to keep my eyes on Him and to persevere, even when I don't see the immediate answer I'm praying for!

In, but not really IN…Just passing thru!

Have you ever wondered how we are to be in the world, but not of the world?

Well, I just learned about this river in Zambia. It's called Luapula (or something like that, not sure on spelling as I heard this on a audio message). Anyway, there's something really special about this river…

The name Luapula means “Cutting through.” It cuts through three big lakes. One lake after another. It goes through one lake and then through mountains and valleys, and then across another lake. This river is something special. It’s dangerous actually, as many have drowned in the swift currents. So many people have died trying to cross this river. The interesting thing is that when the river cuts across the lakes, it does not change the speed. It is very powerful because it crosses the big lakes, but it keeps on going. It doesn’t change its identity. The fish from the lake and the fish from the river are different. (People that have fished there say that the fish caught in the river are different than those caught in the lake that the river is passing through.)You can also take water from the river and water from the lake and they taste different and have different ingredients.

I think this is a powerful illustration. We as people of God should be like this river. We are traveling on our way to heaven. On this journey, we travel through many mountains and many valleys. And we travel through the world (the big lakes), but we are not to become like the world. We are dead to the world. We are not to mix with the world…in other words, we don't become like the world. We are to be separate and set-apart. However, we should attract people to our current. And when they come, they should be swept into the current. They should die. What did I say? Yes, those in the big lake should die…die to their life in the world, die to their love of the world, die to everything else. And when they do, they will join the current of the river on the way towards Heaven. If we allow ourselves to be swallowed by the world, we not only loose our identity as believers, but we have no power to bring people with us to Heaven! But if we stay strong and undiluted and keep moving forward in Christ, the strength that we posses will pull others along into the current.

As I heard this story, it reminded me afresh of what it means to be a Christian on the journey. I want to be like the strong river. Yes, I live in the world. I live and breath, eat and sleep, pay bills to keep the lights on, and everything else like normal people. But my heart is not in this world. My heart and home is in heaven, therefore I keep my eyes single for that purpose and I keep moving forward. 

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1 John 2:16,17

Review:

• Bible Thought: In the world, but not of the world. We are just passing through, just like that river!
• Blessing: If we are abiding IN Christ, He gives us the strength to travel safely without getting sidetracked or mixed up. Let's keep abiding in Him!
• Battles: To keep my focus on Him! 

From the death of Winter to the life of Spring…

It's amazing to me how after a long hard winter, where it appears that everything around has died, when the sunshine and warmth of spring returns, everything begins to come back to life. The grass turns from dead brown to green. The flowers begin to pop out of the earth with vibrant bloom. And the dead appearing trees suddenly spring forth to new life. How does this happen? 

Well…it's a miracle! A complete miracle. And I think God wants to remind us that just as He created the world to begin with, He also re-creates it over again each year. Also just as this new life springs forth (no pun intended) to the flowers and trees, God wants to do the same miracle in our hearts. He wants to bring what is dead (or apparently dead) back to life! But not only does He want to bring us to life, He wants to bring us to life more abundant.

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Are we willing to let Him birth that new abundant life within our hearts today? 

"Though marred by sin, [nature] speaks not only of creation but of redemption. Though the earth bears testimony to the curse in the evident signs of decay, it is still rich and beautiful in the tokens of life-giving power. The trees cast off their leaves, only to be robed with fresher verdure; the flowers die, to spring forth in new beauty; and in every manifestation of creative power is held out the assurance that we may be created anew in “righteousness and holiness of truth.” (Ephesians 4:24) Thus the very objects and operations of nature that bring so vividly to mind our great loss become to us the messengers of hope." Education, p. 27
Review: 

• Bible Thought: Let us allow His abundant LIFE to spring forth in us this beautiful day!
• Blessing: Enjoying spring and all it's glories. I think this is almost my favorite time of year!
• Battles: I really want to go outside and play and plant a garden, but I must stay focused on what God has called me to do. So no sunny vacation days right now. :-)

Drink some Living Water Today!

Our bodies are made up of over 80% water. All our cells swim in water. Our brain can't function without water. Nothing can function without water. We need to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day, just to keep normal healthy function. The problem is, most of us don't. Most of us are dehydrated physically. Most of us are also dehydrated spiritually!

It's pretty hard to give water to someone if you don't have it yourself, but if we are connected to the living fountain, the water just flows! And that's who we need to connect with today. Never mind what mistakes we have made, or what we've done. Just come today, ask Him to cleanse you, ask Him to fill you, and start afresh today.

"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." John 7:38

"Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Jesus declares, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” (John 6:53) And he explains himself by saying, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63) Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so in the spiritual economy, it is what we meditate upon that will give tone and strength to our spiritual nature."

"The theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of the redeemed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study now? The infinite love and mercy of Jesus, the sacrifice made in our behalf, calls for the most serious and solemn reflection. We should dwell upon the character of our dear Redeemer and Intercessor. We should meditate upon the mission of him who came to save his people from their sins. As we thus contemplate heavenly themes, our faith and love will grow stronger, and our prayers will be more and more acceptable to God, because they will be more and more mixed with faith and love. They will be intelligent and fervent. There will be more constant confidence in Jesus, and a daily, living experience in his power to save to the utmost all that come unto God by him." Christian Education, p. 57

Review:

• Bible Thought: Are you thirsty? Go drink some "Living Water." Open His Word!
• Blessing: So thankful for a day of rest and gladness. Have been invited to speak for a "Women's Ministries" meeting in Gentry this tomorrow, so please pray for me.
• Battles: Sometimes in the physical rush of life, I forget to drink enough physical water and I start getting a headache. A sure sign that I need more water. Sometimes in the physical rush of life, I also skimp on the spiritual water and my attitude and heart begin to slip. This is a sure sign I need more water. So instead of complaining about my thirst, or about my problems, when I see the signs of dehydration, I'm learning to run to the water. Praying that we will all do this today!

Am I willing to climb a Tree?

God has definitely been calling me out of my comfort zone lately. At first, I was really concerned about what "others" would think of me, but I must admit, that concern is growing less and less.

As God calls me to go out on a "limb" for Him, He's challenging me to trust Him more and more. As a result, I believe I see Him working more and more. This is exciting. Yes, it's scary, but it's also exhilarating knowing that I'm on an adventure that is getting more and more thrilling with each passing day!

I'm reminded of a little man that we often heard about in Sabbath school. His name was Zacchaeus. You remember the song, "Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Saviour passed that way, He looked up in the tree. And he said, "Zacchaeus, YOU come down, for I'm going to your house today. I'm going to your house today!" 

You know, Jesus probably wouldn't have made the effort to go to Zacchaeus's home that day if Zacchaeus hadn't made the effort to climb the tree. But because he was so desperate to see Jesus, when Jesus came by, He stopped and called him to come down. In fact, He didn't just say come down, He said come down quickly. And this is how Zacchaeus responded, however, notice how the crowd responded:

"And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That [Jesus] was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner." Luke 19:6,7

Jesus isn't looking for perfect Christians that are doing everything right. Yes, of course, He wants to help us do right, and He will, if we let Him. But Jesus is looking for those that are willing, willing and committed to do whatever it takes to find Him. He knows if the willingness is there, then the heart will follow. And in Zacchaeus case it did. He was so touched by the love of God, that he went back and paid back all those that he had taken from wrongly! And it's the principle I really believe we should work from today as Christian missionaries. Our first goal isn't reform. Our first goal is heart reform. Because once the heart is reformed, all the other reforms will follow!

The main thought I'm inspired with today though is that Jesus wants to see that we are serious about finding Him. How serious are we? Is our desire a passing fancy, or are we…um… really serious! 

So… are you willing to go climb a tree today? To appear foolish and odd, to have strange stares and whispered comments, IF that means you can see Jesus? Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone today for Him! I am… I'm ready. Let's go climb some trees!

Review:

• Bible Thought: Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone to find Christ?
• Blessing: I tell ya what, if we do take the leap and go out on a limb, it's amazing what you will discover. Each day, I see more and more clearly things I'd never seen before. It's amazing!
• Battles: To not listen to the world around me that says, "That's crazy! What are you doing up there Melody? Don't you know that limbs are dangerous! You might fall!"Ha…if I fall, I fall into His arms! :-)

Importance of Heart Preparation

King Solomon has died and now his son Rehoboam sits on the throne in his place. However, Rehoboam would never experience the honor that Solomon had because he did not seek the Lord. In fact, we are told:

"And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD." 2. Chron. 12:14

Why did he do evil? Because he PREPARED NOT HIS HEART to seek the Lord! Is it all the wonder that even professing Christians do so much evil today? Of course, we don't intend to, after all, we want to be good people. But it just seems to happen…naturally! Honestly, I think this is because we haven't prepared our heart and we aren't seeking the Lord.

In another book of the Bible we are told:

"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments." Ezra 7:10

This is my desire, that I would every day prepare my heart and seek the Lord so that I would refrain from doing evil. Psalms 119:9,11 has one of my many favorite promises:

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." 

I think this is the secret. Let us prepare our hearts by hiding His Word in our heart. Because as we do this, we will not sin against Him. He will protect us from evil!

Review:

• Bible Thought: We need to prepare our heart so we don't do evil. Preparation comes through prayer and time in God's Word!
• Blessing: So thankful for the many things I'm learning as I study and go deeper in these topics.
• Battle: To start each day prepared. If I don't prepare, I know, because I fall very easily! Oh how easily it is to fall. Without Christ I can do nothing!

Respectable Sins of the Heart

So why did I choose the title above? I say "respectable sins" because no one in society would condemn you or think bad about you for these sins. They are expected. They are just part of normal every day behavior and life, even among Christians. But God calls us to a higher standard!

As I continue to speak and share, I've added another "Heart Evaluation" to my list. It's called "Heart Attitudes." I decided I'd share it with everyone today. It may not seem like "Morning Sonshine," but remember it's only as God continues to search and purify our hearts that we can be drawn closer to Him! So don't despair. He's just shedding light on the trash in our heart so that we know how to pray and clean!

“The LORD seeth not as man seethe; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. “ James. 4:8 

Though many sins may be "ok" in society, they are not respectable to God. And we must allow Him to purify and sanctify (cleanse) our hearts if we would be ready to meet Him in the clouds of glory. So with that in mind, and I speak to myself as well as everyone listening, if any of the following are part of your life or heart – allow God to change your by claiming Ezekiel 36:26, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you…”

Anxiety & Frustration – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Phil. 4:6 (ESV) “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isa. 26:3

Discontentment – “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Phil. 4:11

Unthankfulness – “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thes. 5:18. “Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” Ps. 100:4

Self-Pity – “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:13,14

Pride – “A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” Prov. 29:23. “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Ps. 34:18

Selfishness – “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Lack of Self Control/Lust – “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Prov. 25:28. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph. 6:11. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Gal. 5:16

Impatience and Irritability– “Great peace have they which love thy law and nothing shall offend them.”
Ps. 119:165. “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.” Rom 12:12

Anger– “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” Eph. 4:26,27. “Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath. For it is written, vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord. If thine enemy hunger, feed him. If he thirst, give him drink…heap coals of fire on his head.” Rom. 12:19,20

Gossiping/Sarcasm/Criticism/Complaining/Exaggerating Tales– “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. ” Eph. 4:22,23,29. “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.” Jam 4:11

Envy/Jealousy – “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” Prov 14:30. “Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.” Prov. 23:17 

So why did I share all these delightful reminders about how many things we all struggle with? Listen to the following and take these thoughts to heart…

"In the whole satanic force there is not power to overcome one soul who in simple trust casts himself on Christ. But we must have a knowledge of ourselves, a knowledge that will result in contrition, before we can find pardon and peace. It is only he who knows himself to be a sinner that Christ can save." p. 157

"No man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work…

Then the language of the soul will be, “Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak un-Christlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.” It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.” Christ Object Lessons, p. 159

Review:

• Bible Thought: We need a new heart today…that NOT even 1 respectable sin will find a home in!
• Blessing: If we ask God to search us and purify our hearts, He will. Just be careful what you pray for along this line, because if you pray, He will act! :-) I know… trust me!
• Battle: To allow Him to search out and clean each corner of our lives!

Above and Beyond My Expectations…

Here I am back on my journey through Chronicles. This time, the Queen of Sheba has heard of Solomon's wealth and glory and of his wisdom, and so she decides that she is going to pay him a visit and see if all this stuff she has heard is REALLY true!

How often we do the same today. Something good is going on, and we keep hearing rumors about it, so we decide we better check it out for ourself. But to be honest, we are a bit skeptical. "Surely, it can't be as wonderful as they all say. They have to be exaggerating!"

So the Queen comes. But not only is it all as good as she's heard, it's even better. Listen to her words:

"And she said to the king, It was] a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard." 2 Chron. 9:5,6

When people come to investigate what God is doing in our lives, may their testimony be as well, "What I heard isn't even half! This is amazing!" Unfortunately all too often, when we get closer to people that have a high profession of faith, we discover many shortcomings and failings, and sometimes we find outright hypocrisy. They had a high profession, but that's all it was, just a profession. But for God's true dedicated followers it will be their profession as well as their life and testimony. And as a result, they will say, "Wow, you serve a great God. I want to know Him like you do!"

Listen to Queen of Sheba's final response to King Solomon, as she reflected on their time together:

"Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice." 2 Chron. 9:7,8

She gave God the glory…as He deserved. May it be the same when people see our lives today! "Your God is above and beyond my expectations. And I give Him the glory!"

Review:

• Bible Thought: When people come see up close and personal what God is doing in our lives, may they be compelled to give God the glory! May they say, "He is above my expectations!"
• Blessing: God is so much better than anything anyone every told me… I have learned this for myself! What a great God we serve.
• Battles: May I never take His glory for myself. To Him be the glory!

If God gives me an "Inch"…I'm taking a MILE!

"He that began a good work in you will carry it forth unto completion!" Phil 1:6

As I write this Morning Sonshine post today, my heart is overflowing! Let me tell how you how God is answering another prayer…

Three weeks ago, I spoke in a small but beautiful congregation here in the area where I live. During this day, God blessed as many hearts were broken and many came forward asking for special prayer. One prayer request was for a husband that was estranged. The wife came forward pleading that God would restore her marriage. Her daughter (probably 12 years old) also came forward, asking for prayer that she could be reunited with her daddy. We all cried and prayed together.

Well, something God has been convicting me of for a long time is that when I go and speak, I must not just see people inspired, but I must see people changed. Also, that people will see ANSWERS to the prayers that we pray and know that there is POWER in prayer. It's not just a theory, it's a reality!!! Of course, neither of these goals can be accomplished without the power of the Holy Spirit. So every time I speak there is a lot of prayer (and often fasting) involved as I prepare. This weekend back in March was no different. Even after the seminar, I felt especially burdened for a number of the requests that were presented, and one being, that God would restore this relationship. In fact, my brother and some of my family have even joined me in praying for these requests over the last few weeks. I've been confident God will work, and I've just been waiting to hear what He would do.

As a result of how God blessed during this seminar in March,  I was invited to speak at another congregation in the month of April. Well, yesterday was the day, and so my brother and I again traveled some hours so I could speak and share.

To my surprise, who should greet me when I pulled up at the church yesterday, but this smiling middle-age man. He began telling me how much my prayer seminar had impacted his wife, how they'd been having marriage problems, but how God had been working in her life since the prayer seminar. And now he wanted to experience what she had experienced. He didn't even have to tell me his name. I looked at him incredulously! "You must be Bradley?!!" He looked a bit startled. "How did you know?" he asked. "Because I've been praying for you BY NAME ever since that prayer seminar when I prayed for your wife last month! I'm sooooo excited to hear that God is working." He smiled and continued to tell me how God had been restoring the relationship with his daughters and how he had hope for what God was doing in their lives and in his marriage.

Wow! Truly God is working…And once again, I'm reminded, God does answer prayers!

Well - as you can guess, God once again blessed my time with this new congregation. In the afternoon, when I opened up the time for personal prayer burdens, we took turns surrounding each other in prayer, and Bradley* was one that we prayed for as we all wept (in sorrow for the struggles, and also in joy for what God was doing). I told those that surrounded him, "We may not have finished the story yet, God is still at work here, but just the fact that we are here and that God has given us this inch means that we need to claim the full MILE!!!!!! I believe that "He which started the work in us will be faithful to complete it!"

God answered many more prayer request yesterday during my prayer seminar, but I just had to share this one for now. The prayers are not over, we will continue to pray until we see complete victory and restoration. But I praise God, because of the signs that HE IS WORKING and it's obvious that He is ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS and doing something very special! 

“I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel. He said, “Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are sure. Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.” I was then pointed to Elijah. He was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith endured the trial. Seven times he prayed before the Lord, and at last the cloud was seen. I saw that we had doubted the sure promises, and wounded the Saviour by our lack of faith.” Early Writings, p. 73

We are told that Elijah did not wait for the full evidence that God had heard him, but was willing to venture all on the slightest token of divine favor. And yet what he was enabled to do under God, all may do in their sphere of activity in God’s service.

Review

• Bible Thought: He which began a good work in us will complete it. Keep praying!
• Blessing: More answered prayers!
• Battles: To not despair just because we don't see what God is doing!

*Bradley is a pseudonym to protect privacy of individual!

Agonize and Organize

I have to admit this past week has been a struggle…not a bad struggle, but none the less, a struggle. I've been on my face wrestling in prayer with a greater intensity than before. The question has been burning in my heart, "So how badly do you want those prayers answered? If you are asking for more, are you willing to truly agonize and wrestle for more?" Tough questions, and my flesh cries out, " No, I can't take it. I can't sacrifice anymore sleep, I can't give up anymore time…" But God's Spirit calls.

It's a sweet battle and God is getting the victory. Although there are many more mountains to climb, I'm excited and hopeful for the things He's doing in my life and for how He is taking me deeper.

And so today, as we begin a new week, I want to challenge you all as well. Wherever you are in your walk with God, it's time to take it to the next level. It's time to pull up those tent stakes and start asking for more. After we've reached a milestone or achieved a goal, it's easy to settle and get a bit comfortable. And then, even if you have succeeded in climbing a higher mountain, once again the spiritual flab (as my friend Eric calls it) can begin to set in. We must not allow any spiritual flab in our lives. We must keep pressing onward and upward!

As I've been studying, I'm so amazed to see how often Jesus and others wrestled all night in prayer for the salvation of souls. Are we willing to wrestle more hours for those that you love? Are we willing to loose more sleep if that meant that our cousins, relatives, and unsaved friends found the peace of Heaven? We can stay up entire nights working on projects, having parties, or doing other trivial things! How come it's so hard to stay up and pray when this is what we need the most?

Here's a couple powerful punches for this new week. The first one is from the book, That I May Know Him, p. 34.

"We must look to Christ; we must resist as He resisted; we must pray as He prayed; we must agonize as He agonized, if we would conquer as He conquered."

"Where are the men who will work and study and agonize in prayer as did Christ?" Medical Ministry, p. 303

"Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God—how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God." Great Controversy, p. 621

As one friend puts it, "Pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on you!" So that is my challenge for this coming week and weeks to come. :-)

Review: 

• Bible Thought: If I want the prize, I have to wrestle…it is not easily won because we are in a battle between the power of darkness and the Kingdom of Light! 
• Blessing: So Thankful for God's grace that is sufficient in my weakness. 
• Battle: To keep praying and not give up, even when I don't immediately see the answers I pray for!