Patience Isn’t A Bad Word

Written by Lawanda Martinez

I have heard people say, don’t pray for patience as if patience is a bad word. The idea is that if we pray for patience then our patience will be tested constantly. The bible says patience is a fruit of the Spirit. How can anything the Spirit produces be bad? Fruit takes time to grow and the time needed for growing is considered waiting. Are you waiting patiently? Anytime I think of waiting, I not only think about fruit growing, I imagine waiting in a doctor’s office for an appointment. Are you in a waiting room right now? Are you being told to wait?  

I am no stranger to being told to wait. I’ve had my variety of struggles and hard times. Recently, I was homeless and displaced. I wanted to look for a place to live or settle for just any place to rent for me and my kids. I also wanted what God would have for me. When I inquired of the Lord for His direction He asked me to trust Him and to wait. I actually wanted proof in writing that He wanted me to wait. He was faithful and confirmed His word when I read a something I wrote from a message at church. The note stated “a patient waits in the waiting room.” As I began to think about my situation, I rewrote the note to state “patience waits, in the waiting room”.

I began to ponder the idea of a patient waiting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office, waiting to be called. Once the patient is called, the patient is directed to a room where more waiting occurs as the patient waits to be seen by the doctor. Once seen, the patient may be referred to have tests done or obtain a prescription. Both involve more waiting.

My waiting room experience happened over the course of three months. I was living my everyday life- going to work, church, the gym, the grocery store and simultaneously I was in a waiting room, waiting. During this time the fruit of patience was developing. Through seasons of suffering the roots of patience were growing deep. As my trials continued, the fruit of patience was finally maturing. The greatest part of waiting for the fruit of patience was when I was able to taste God’s faithfulness and His blessings.   

I was in need of a place to live. I had looked for rentals and homes for sale and it only frustrated me to see homes that were not in my budget, the wrong size, or in the wrong area. There were pressing issues at work and with my sons that needed my focus, and looking for a place to live was an additional burden. A burden that God did not want me to carry. I prayed for direction and I pleaded with God for an answer. God had already answered me. He said wait.  And the revelation from the note said “patience waits, in the waiting room.” If love is patient, then love waits. If God is love, then God waits too.

During this time I had shared with my son that the Lord told me to “wait.” Later, I said, “should I be looking for a place?” and he replied to me “looking is not waiting, wait means wait.”  Again, I thought to myself what does it mean to “wait”?

I was reminded how all throughout the Bible we are told to wait on the Lord. At the doctor’s office you know at some point you will be called. Sometimes we approach the receptionist to make sure we haven’t been forgotten because we’ve been waiting for so long. Yet we really have no alternative if we want to see the doctor, except to wait. While waiting at the doctor’s office, I usually bring things to occupy my time while my main focus is listening for when my name is called. I am waiting but I am not bored. There are other things I can get done while I am sitting down, this waiting time is the perfect opportunity to rest.

I could have disobeyed God and continued looking and getting bitter; instead I obeyed. I had peace about God’s instructions to me. I stopped looking and I waited. Since the burden was lifted, I began to enjoy my situation, discovering the good and the opportunities available to me. By not having household chores or expenses to deal with, I had more time to visit family and time for myself. I made a budget, I paid off necessary debt, my credit score increased and then one day out of the blue I received an email asking me if I was still in need of a home. It was a 4-bedroom home that I now own. When escrow closed I already had equity in my home.

What I learned through this waiting room experience was that it was impossible to wait well, until I had total confidence in the Lord’s faithfulness. I knew He had the ability to bring about a good resolution because I had a promise from God. Jeremiah 29:11 He has a plan and it is for good, to give me a future and a hope. My job was to believe God meant what He said. I had to stay in the position of waiting so that I was ready when He called my name.

God said He knows the plans He has for me and they are good. My outward situation seemed devastating, however inwardly I knew my foundation was my relationship with the Lord. I had been through hard times before and God had always seen me though. In similar past  experiences I had always waited in fear. This time there was no fear. I had grown with God to know that He was not oblivious to what was happening in my life. I knew He had the answers and I needed to trust Him. God said wait and so I said ok.  

Even though I may not know the appointed time, I know that to wait means carving out time, believing God will answer me within a specified time, and that He will help me, even after hours if necessary. God doesn’t always share how long we are required to wait. That is where faith comes in. Remember faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Having the confidence in God’s ability to bring about a good plan within His appropriate time is our responsibility. Then we will taste the sweetness of His faithfulness because we took the time to wait and we allowed patience have its perfect work in us.   

Do you find yourself in a waiting room experience? This is your chance to allow more faith to develop, as you trust in Him every minute of the waiting. Remember to put your total confidence in God’s faithfulness. Know that God has a good plan for your future (Jer 29:11). He is trustworthy. He loves you, put your hope in Him again. Even in waiting- believe God and believe His word. Jeremiah 29:11 is for you.

Purpose

Written by Petra Rodriguez

Purpose, is the reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists.  In the book “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, one of his catching quotes that grabs readers’ attention is “What On earth Am I Here For?”  Sometimes we may feel as if there is something missing or more that we should be doing, but we don’t exactly know what. 

In his book some of those titles are 1) You are not an accident 2) The reason for everything 3) What drives your life.  God knew exactly what He was doing, when He purposely, intentionally created each of us individually. Your birth was no mistake or mishap, and your life is no fluke of nature. You are a masterpiece! Your parents may have not planned you, but He did. Each of us was given different talents, gifts, and abilities.  This difference is no accident. You are unique, one of a kind! A masterpiece! You were not meant to be, look, act, and sound just like everyone else. 

These attributes are not meant to be kept for oneself and for selfish reasons. They were given to us to pay it forward, to benefit and help others and for others to benefit and help us….share it.  What drives you; what moves you: Everyone’s life is driven by something, guided, controlled, and directed. What’s your driving force: materialism, approval, fear, anger, guilt?  Is it love, trust, hope, giving, helping, and joy?

Knowing your purpose is a key to gaining meaning to your life.  The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose! I’ve come to realize that purpose is LOVE….created intentionally to be loved and to love. These are some of the words that come to my mind when pondering the word purpose; loved, accepted, forgiven, significance, wanted, hope, prosperous, ability, favor, eternity, joy, breakthrough, victory, family, job, and life.

Consider those things in our lives that are put there that make no sense at the time, but eventually prepare us for that purpose in our lives.  Believe you’re here for a reason and that your purpose is greater.

“Your life has purpose. Your story is important. Your dreams count. Your voice matters. You were born to make a difference and an impact.” Genius Quotes

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Pablo Picasso

REFLECTION

Think about the purpose in your life, sit and imagine how you were purposely made to come into existence, God planned it! Wow!  You have great significance in this life!

What’s In a Name?

by Judy Smith

There is no other name like the name of Jesus Christ. There is power in the name of Jesus, and there is an assignment against the name of Jesus. His name is being removed from our country. Many no longer pray in the name of Jesus. His name has been taken out of Christmas. His name is not being proclaimed like it once was in some churches. We must fight against this assignment to have Jesus’ named removed. The enemy hates the name of Jesus Christ. I don’t even hear some Christian acquaintances pray in His name anymore. I am so grieved by this that I am asking you all to not forget the name of of Jesus Christ. 

His name is Counselor, Mighty God, and King. Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. I hear people throw the name of Jesus Christ out there like a crystal ball, or use His name to curse. 

His Name is to be exalted and praised. When we say His name it should be in reverence and in awe. And He has instructed us to make requests in His name. John 14:14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. Our prayers are answered through the name of Jesus Christ. Let’s review and reverence the name of Jesus Christ, and the identity that we have through His name.

Romans 1:6 I am called in Christ

Romans 3:24 I have redemption in Christ

Romans 5:17 I reign in life by Christ

Romans 6:23 I have eternal life through Christ

Romans 8:17 I am a joint heir with Christ

1 Corinthians 1:2  I am sanctified in Christ

1 Corinthians 6:15 My body is a member of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:16 I have the mind of Christ

1 Corinthians 15:57 I have victory through Christ

2 Corinthians 2:14 I triumph in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 I am a new creation in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:21 I am the righteousness of God in Christ

Galatians 2:4 I have liberty in Christ

Galatians 3:27 I have put on Christ

Galatians 4:7 I am an heir of God through Christ

Ephesians 1:4 I have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world that I should be holy and without blame

Ephesians 2:10 I have been created in Christ to do good works

Philippians 3:3 I rejoice in Christ

Philippians 4:19 God supplies all of my needs through Christ

Colossians 1:27 Christ in me the hope of glory

Colossians 2:10 I am complete in Christ

Hallelujah! That is the name I am talking about! Jesus Christ, King of kings, and Lord of lords! He is everything to me; I love His name, Jesus. Speak His name, ask in His name, proclaim His name!

Are You Lonely?

Written By Tina Cobian

Have you ever been in a room full of people, a party, or even at a table in the midst of many conversations but you are disconnected and you just feel lonely?  There was a time when I felt just like that.

A while back I realized I was feeling very lonely. Even though I have a husband and four children always around me; I felt alone.  Friends weren’t calling and my social life was really very superficial, in fact non-existent.  There were no meaningful conversations or even just fun daily banter taking place.  It was a difficult time, but one that taught me a lot about myself and especially about my God.  At first when I started feeling this way I wasn’t sure what was happening.

I would see people going off to lunch together after church, and inviting each other to their homes

I realized I was walking through a season.  It was a season where God was calling me to His heart.  It was time to draw closer.

and on fun outings.  But that just wasn’t happening for me.  When things like this occur in my life I usually do some self-reflection.  Be careful it can be a slippery slope between self-reflection and self-abuse.  I started wondering what was wrong with me and at times acted defensively towards others because of it.  I tried being more friendly and outgoing.  Nothing was working and my situation didn’t appear to be changing.  I started to pray.

I love praying on the way to work.  When I leave in the morning it’s dark out and fairly quiet.  Even the freeway doesn’t seem to be as noisy as it does at four or five in the afternoon.  There were many times I would be praying on my way to work, tears streaming down my face crying out to God about how alone I felt.  I would ask Him to come to me, cover my and comfort me.  It was in those times, I felt His tender hand wipe away my tears.  He would touch my heart and say, “I am here.”  It was then that I realized I was walking through a season.  It was a season where God was calling me to His heart.  It was time to draw closer.

It’s important for you to know that if you are feeling lonely; if you aren’t already, you need to begin to guard your heart.  It’s very easy to mistake this season of growth for a pitfall such as rejection.  The enemy would love for you to believe you are not wanted, less than, or not accepted.  It’s a lie, plain and simple.  There were times where offense tried to rise up in me, but I had to recognize the lie and liar and squash it right away.  Make sure that you are praying and most importantly, listening.  It’s the voice of God that will carry you through the valleys of this season.

I began to hear God’s voice often and sought after knowing Him in a closer way.  There were even times when I would be at work and songs would pop into my head.  I would hear them over and over again.  One day as I walked through the hallway at work I heard Him clearly say, “I am singing my song over you.” It’s so hard to physically stay in control of yourself in those moments when you just want to crumble to the floor and weep in His presence.  Not for sorrow, but in gratefulness.  Thank God for the large stall in the ladies restroom!

These are months I wouldn’t trade for a hundred close friends.  I don’t know how many times I have said and sang the words, “He is Everything to me.” But during this time I learned to live them.  I couldn’t look to my husband, friends or children for fulfillment.  It had to be God first now and always.  Proverbs 18:24 says that a man with too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.   I would often think about Moses and how Exodus talks about the Lord speaking with him face to face.  The dark place of loneliness quickly disappears when you are surrounded by His light.  When His breath is on your face and your heart begins to beat in sync with His heart.  There is absolutely no one and nothing in this world that is better than that.

Recently, I have had waning relationships that were put aside return in newness and in health. They are simply the bi-product of putting HIM first.  Matthew 6:33 can be applied to so many areas of our lives, but it has really come alive to me in the area of friendship.  I sought after a real friend and there He stood before me.  I was sinking into loneliness and He carried me out of it.  I needed someone to talk to and He listened and even answered.

You see it is NOT good for man to be alone.  That’s basic bible.  It was never God’s intention for us to live closed-off, shut- out and alone.  He created us to commune with others but He intended for us to look to Him first.  So if you are feeling lonely; look to Him to fill your heart.  If you don’t feel like you are connecting, you can connect with Him.  If you need love, love on God.  I can tell you right now, it’s not going to be an overnight process.  But building relationships with anyone never is and HE isn’t just anyone…this is the King of Kings we are talking about.  Remember, relationships work both ways.  So spend the time, build the relationship.  You won’t be disappointed.  I promise.  I’m not.

Watch Your Mouth

Written By Tina Cobian

Have you ever had one of those moments where you are going about life, minding your own business when you are suddenly hit with a thought or revelation?  At this point you stop, do a double-take and look straight into life’s camera as if to say, “Really?  Well that only took me fifteen years to get.”  Well, I had one of those moments while reading Psalm 59.  I need to rewind a bit to the beginning of my lesson called, “Watch Your Mouth.”

I was at work when my boss pulled me aside and started talking to me about promotion.  This would not be the last time he would spend moments speaking to me about future plans for our organization and how I was going to fit into that.  I was excited about the prospect of promotion and worked hard daily to keep moving forward towards that goal.  Soon after my initial conversation with my boss I became very ill and put out on medical leave for two months.  When I returned things at work had drastically changed.

The department I worked in had been split and some individuals had been promoted into a new department, not me.  However, there was one spot left that and I was sure was being held just for me.  A couple of weeks after returning to work, I went to see my boss and told him that I would love to move into the vacant position and I casually brought up one of our previous conversations about promoting me.  He looked at me it was as though while I was out on leave, he had also fallen, bumped his head and could not remember the last three months of his life.  He told me that he couldn’t remember those conversations and he would have to, “Check his notes.”  I was stunned.

The next few weeks were difficult for me because I felt so disenfranchised.  I started nit-picking

At this point I had convinced myself that it was ok to speak badly about him… It was an ugly moment in me.

everything and becoming bitter over what had taken place.  I tried to still do my job with pride but I found myself complaining quite a bit and even stirring up others by the negative things I would say.  At one point I sat down to “unload” on a co-worker who had been with the company for 15 years.  Surely, I would receive sound council from this older, wiser woman.

I mumbled, griped, complained and even gossiped about my boss.  I was so upset and felt it was my right to say the things I did.  Picking and choosing what we will call sin is a dangerous game; and it is one that we will lose every time.  At this point I had convinced myself that it was ok to speak badly about him since he had done me wrong.  After all, he wasn’t in “church” with me. I knew it was sin, the Holy Spirit lives in me… Just confessing this part makes me cringe.  It was an ugly moment in me.

Very soon after I was praying and I heard the Lord so clearly say to me, “You have a choice.  You can let me handle it, or handle it yourself. Or will your friend do more for you than I? There are those moments when God speaks to you and He is the Lover of your soul, your heart flutters and you rejoice at the sound of His voice in your ear.  He can also speak to you and be Daddy, or Papa loving and tender.  At this very moment He spoke to me as Father and Lord.  The sound of His voice commanded me to attention and I knew there would be no more excuses or justifications for my behavior.  Plain and simple, I was wrong.

From that moment on, I let it go.  (I wonder if Queen Elsa knew she was going to release a song of deliverance.) I asked God to forgive me and I moved on by making a decision to change my attitude and chose the high road at every turn.  Every time I wanted to remember what I thought had been stolen from me, my mind returned to God’s words over me and I was empowered to return to peace…His peace.

Our organization shifted again and this time because of the changes a large amount of the work load swung over to my group.  Coupled with the growing industry demand our department found itself heavily bombarded with more work than we could handle.  We were all working ten to eleven hours every day.  I kept a good attitude about it all and was determined to be God’s instrument of peace amidst the chaos and complaining.  Every day, He put a smile on my face and gave me a reason to laugh out loud and enjoy my job.

One day my manager called me in to her office and told me that we were hiring a new group of representatives and they were starting the next week.  She had recommended me for a mentoring position.  It was going to be my responsibility to train a new employee.  I was ecstatic.  I love teaching and this was an amazing opportunity being trusted with a new hire.   If I had been promoted those months ago, this opportunity would not have been available for me.  I would have been operating in a different capacity and not in the place I was called to be.

Current day…I am reading Psalm 59 and I am looking into life’s camera dumbfounded.  I hear the words of David.  He is crying out for deliverance from those who seek to destroy him.  He is pouring out his broken heart before God and waiting on him to move on his behalf.  The man who had become a father figure to him, Saul sought to kill him and yet he waited.  What I found most profound about David’s Psalm was that he hadn’t gone out gossiping about Saul telling his woes and troubles to whoever would listen.  He took all of that to God and at the end of Psalm 59 in verses 16-17 David praises and worships God, while he waits.

David, in the midst of this great trial and grief, remembers the Lord and how worthy He is.  He draws his strength and resilience from Him.  He remembers that there is nothing more important than his bond, heart to heart with God.  As I came to end of this Psalm I heard the Lord speak to me again and although the scripture may seem harsh to some; at that moment his voice was like gentle rain on my face.  It brought refreshing and renewal to me.  He said, “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life.  But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction and I have come that you may have life.”

I close my eyes and He is nearer to me than the skin that covers my flesh.  He is my breath and the life that moves through me every day.  In Him I live…I move…I exist because of Him.  Once again he has lovingly taught me a much needed lesson about trust and honor.  I sense the chuckle in His voice as He speaks again, “Are you ready?…New level, new lesson.”  I can’t help but giggle with Him.  Never a dull moment with our God.

Recognize Your Season

Written by Tina Cobian

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.  A time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what has been planted.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

It is 5:10 on a Monday morning and I‘m headed out the door on my way to work.  My drive in is usually dark due to the early morning hour but today the dawn is quickly breaking through the night sky and the asphalt of the usual dark streets has now begun to reflect the early morning sunlight.  The transformation of daylight is only one of the marks of the season’s change.  The weather is also changing and the green leafy trees have begun their makeover into an array of browns, orange, red and golden yellows. On this particular morning I can almost see the finger of God pointing to the horizon as the sun begins to peak though.

My heart races, my eyes are open and I sense this season of change is more than just an annual event written in the almanac.  His voice is clear although it is a mere whisper in my ears.  It is as loud as thunder and as gentle as a soft warm breeze.  On mornings like these I wonder how I arrive at my destination. I am completely captivated by His voice and He has all of my attention.

He shows me the beauty in the colors of the leaves and I realize that although lovely to behold these changes signify the death of the leaf.  Soon they will dry, wither and fall from the branch.  It is a necessary cycle preparing the tree for the next season of life.  As the season continues, the rains will come.  Each drop of water will aid the process gently removing the unfruitful parts of the tree to make room for the newness and life that will soon come.  I see myself and what I have walked through so clearly.  I had not relinquished the unfruitful leaves in my life so willingly at first, but as I have surrendered each and every fruitless branch, He has been faithful gently prune it in preparation for new areas of life.

This has been a season of transformational change for me in so many ways.  There have been areas in my life that were dead and fruitless.  Those areas seemed so beautiful to my eyes and yet it was time to allow the removal to take place.  Just like the gentle raindrops washing away the lifeless leaves from each branch, He has washed away these areas in my life.  Some of the changes were painful and there seemed to be a time where I even mourned the loss of these areas.  God walked me through this too. He allowed me the time to process and when it was time He called me to stand up, and grow up.  I would not have come to this place of thriving life if I had not allowed the pruning process to occur. 

A time to break down, and a time to build up, a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.  Ecclesiastes 3:3-4

When the dead leaves fall to the ground they are transformed further.  They break up and become nourishment to the tree, bringing it strength and feeding it for the next season.  The leaves go into the ground and become a type of fertilizer which is then absorbed by the root.  The useless, dead leaf is now once again part of the tree, but this time in a way that gives life.  Those things that have been removed out of my life are areas where I have gained strength.  Each learning process will forever remain in my memory, not as a source of pain, but as a remembrance for growth.  I share with you these areas of victory because God has the ability to transform every dead thing that was cut off into an instrument of change and seed for new life.  I am reminded of one of my favorite scriptures.  It was one of the first ones I learned and it has carried me through many situations.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

I arrive at my destination and I am about to enter the building I see a tree at the entrance.  There are benches and tables under it.  Sometimes at lunch we sit under this tree and it provides shade from the sun.  Even during the triple digit heat of summer, it provided shelter and a cool place to rest.  I study the trees structure. The trunk is weather and time worn, but wide and strong reaching past the three stories of the building’s height.  Its branches spread out across the yard and stretch towards heaven in a stance of praise and surrender.

Breakthrough has come and the new season is here.  I see it, feel it and every fiber of my being is alert to what is breaking forth right now.  It’s time for me to embrace this newness and walk in the fullness of His plan for this season of my life.  My heart is surrendered to Him and all that He desires to do in me.  I sense His nearness and I know that His plans for me are good.  I can’t help but smile, because I know He is with me here, now, and always.

A Season of Change

Written By Amber Lawton

I am enamored with autumn. The change in weather, captivating colors, warm sweaters, and intimate gatherings make this the best season of the year. Even the fragrance of autumn invokes warmth and friendliness that the other seasons do not share. You see, spring carries the excitement of new life, and fresh blossoms. While summer is about the outdoors, cook-outs, and travels. Winter may be cozy, but is so over-chilled any reason to stay indoors is welcomed. This brings us back to autumn. Autumn, in my opinion, is the centerpiece of community. We can once again gather to drink hot coffee, pumpkin flavor of course. We hold dinner parties, and engage in meaningful conversations because we are less likely to be distracted by a beach ball flying in our face. If married with children, this is the season where our children have returned to school, which means bedtimes, routine, and order are back in place. In the movies, this is the season when couples really fall in love.  I could go on.

Yet, we are so captivated by the beauty that surrounds us, we don’t consider all that is being removed.

 Instead I would like to consider something this season also represents, but is to some extent ignored, and that is transition. Foliage fades from vibrant greens to serene oranges, and browns before floating to the ground. The bright scorching sun is overshadowed by clouds. Gardeners prune back the once brilliant landscape as plants are no longer producing. This cycle of death is what leads us into the serenity of winter. Yet, we are so captivated by the beauty that surrounds us we don’t consider all that is being removed. One day I was in what was an intense study for me.  The words “intentional, deliberate friendships” had been playing over and over in my head. Partly because I realized I have a smaller group of close friends than I used to, and partly because I questioned my decision to decline an offer to “hang out.” Saying no has become fairly new for me, and lately I have used the word more than I have in the past 5 years. So I asked God, “Show me characteristics of what being intentional looks like. Show me how to receive others well, and to be deliberate in my actions towards them.” He showed me many different aspects of relationships through different individuals in the Bible. Then, right in the middle of the lesson I asked for, was a lesson I needed. It was after putting together the list of characteristics that He then showed me Autumn.

 Autumn is significant to the season of friendships or relationships falling away. The desire to be a well-liked person can overshadow what God is doing in your life, pushing you into a place of loneliness. We are surrounded by beauty as change is manifesting, but if we don’t allow ourselves to embrace the pruning we will miss it. In order for new plants or fruits to grow the lifeless and fruitless must be removed. Autumn is a season of transition because it is a season of cleaning out or making room. That transition brings winter into a cherished space. The winter is where we can sit in His serenity. In the winter is where we find His peace. In the silence of our alone time we can hear His voice clearer, and feel Him strengthen us. Below the cold desolate surface, in the richness of the soil He has planted us in, are new seeds waiting for the time to spring forth and bring fruit.

 Ecclesiastes 3:1,2b (HCSB) says “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven… a time to plant and a time to uproot;”

 My prayer is that you find the beauty in the uprooting.

Walk With Jesus

Written By Judy Smith

In John 16:33 Jesus “these things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Tribulation can be defined as pressure, oppression, stress, anguish, adversity, affliction, crushing, squashing, squeezing or distress.  To me, tribulation is like putting a lot pressure on the freedom Christ has given us. It feels like bench pressing a weight you can’t lift without putting everything you have into it. So I start my day praying, petitioning, taking authority, binding, loosing, and committing everything into the hands of the Lord. And He truly has given me supernatural strength and peace in the midst of the storm.

 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.  I know in whom I believe in, and I know I am an overcomer. I know this too shall pass. The hard part is saying strong and walking through it. It’s not by might nor by power but by His spirit.

 We are more than conquerors through who Him who loved us Romans 8:37. I know that in this the enemy is trying to wear me down and get me frustrated and discouraged enough to make me give up, but instead I choose to allow the Lord to use all this to make me stronger than ever and to come out on the other side of this with an even greater faith. Thank you Jesus!

 Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Thank you Jesus that when you are on our side, we have nothing to fear!  My hope is in the One who overcame so that I could become an overcomer.

 Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. True hope begins with the daily pressure we face, through tribulation we grapple with the truth of God, who He is, and what He has promised. Pressure produces perseverance- the ability to keep going and be patient because we see that God had never let us down. And perseverance produces character because our lives are not based on daily challenges, but on God’s eternal truths.

 That truth produces hope which does not disappoint because you have seen His goodness. Through it all we know Him and love Him more. And that is what is truly a reason to feel encouraged and hopeful. We need to praise Him and hope our way through our tribulations because in them, He is doing wonderful things.

 His love helps us endure all things. God wants us to be assured of His love and never allow anything to separate us from it. With a heart full of gratitude, we can rest in the knowledge that God loves us in good times, and He loves us in the hard times. God loves us on the days we act right, and He loves on the days we don’t act right. Thankfully His love is unconditional!

 He loves us based not on what we do, but on who we have become through The blood of Jesus. In other words we need to know that we are God’s beloved children and how to separate our “who” from our “do.” We won’t do everything right all the time, especially during tribulations, but we are still in right standing in God through Christ. I can celebrate through my tribulations because He loves me through them.

 Even though I want to please Him with my actions and my attitude through it all I know that His love for us is deeper than that, I know that through this troubling time in my life there is a mighty battle going on for my peace of mind but I when I shut out the world and focus on His presence, I can enjoy sitting with Him in heavenly realms. My greatest strength is my desire to spend time communing with Him.

 As I concentrate on Him, His spirit fills my mind with life and peace. I choose to stay in constant communication with Him as I walk through this season of my life. I refuse to worry, because worry is not faith.

 Psalms 5:3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You,

And I will look up. 

Winning the Battle of the Mind

Written By Judy Smith

I have always struggled with the thoughts of my mind. My mind runs a hundred miles an hour and I have a huge imagination. As a child, I would use my imagination to escape. I was alone on the farm with my grandparents and there were no other children living nearby. So I pretended and used my vivid imagination to take me out of my pain. As I grew older I had to face reality and I toned my imagination down.

After becoming a Christian I discovered two scriptures to decree over my thoughts daily. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

We need to bring even our thoughts into obedience to Christ. We are to have a change of heart, and we must also have a change of mind. Obedience signifies attentive hearing and listening with compliant submission and agreement. We have all had strongholds in our minds. Strongholds are established ways of thinking that are contrary to the truth of God. This is why we are to take every thought captive. Behind a stronghold is also a lie- a place of personal bondage where there are unscriptural ideas, confusion, or an ungodly belief that we think is true.

Some of the weapons that pull down these strongholds are God’s word, the blood of Christ Jesus, and the name of Jesus.  Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

When I war and decree and declare the scriptures over my mind, I see change. I am sure this battle will continue the rest of my life because the enemy will always want to rule our minds. Resist him. Satan has declared war on us and our minds are the battlefield on which the war is won or lost. Satan loves to place wrong thoughts into our minds; thoughts that are not in agreement with God’s word, hoping we will meditate on them long enough for them to become reality in our lives. We can cast down these wrong thoughts and bring every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ.

Be thankful that you can choose your own thoughts and that you are not a prisoner to any thought that crosses your mind. Think good things that agree with God’s word on purpose. Think about God’s love for you, and the good plan He has for your life. Think about how you can be a blessing to God by simply being available for Him to work through. Thinking right thoughts will close the door to wrong thoughts and in the process it also closes the door to the devil.

Release the thoughts of worry. Matthew 6:27 And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure to his stature or the span of his life? Worry and anxiety manifest in physical illness and disability. It is one thing to know that we should not worry, but it is quite another to be the thankful for that truth, and then actually stop worrying.

Cast out the stronghold of worrying. What helped me let go of worry was realizing how useless it is. Let me ask you: how many problems have you solved by worrying? Has anything ever gotten better as a result of worrying or being anxious? Of course not.

The instant you begin to worry or feel anxious, give your concern to God in prayer. Release the weight of it, and totally trust Him to either show you what to do or take care of it Himself. Prayer is a powerful force against worry. Years ago we sang a praise song that said If I know the Lord is taking care of me what do I have to worry about? And if I know the Lord is going to see me through, why don’t I sing and shout? When you’re under pressure, pray about your need instead of fretting or complaining about it. Take those thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ!

Understanding alone will never bring peace. That’s why God has instructed you to trust Him, and not in your own understanding. Many of us have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over our life. But the world presents you with an endless series of problems. As soon as you master one problem, another pops up to challenge you. The relief you had anticipated is short lived. Soon your mind is gearing up again, searching for understanding instead of seeking God.

The wisest of all men, Solomon could never think his way to peace. In Ecclesiasts we see that his vast understanding and wisdom resulted in feelings of futility, rather than fulfillment. Ultimately, he lost his way and succumbed to wrong thinking and began to worship his wives’ idols.

God’s peace is not an elusive goal, it is not hidden, and it is not unattainable. You are enveloped in peace when you are in His presence and in His word. As you look to God and draw near to Him, you gain a greater awareness of His peace and love. What do you have to worry about?

Do We Really Believe?

Written By Judy Smith

Believe- to as accept true or real; to hold onto religious beliefs.

Beliefs- something that is trusted or believed.

Sometimes we as Christians have a belief system, but do we really believe? John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 In my thirty years before Christ there were many who let me down and did not keep their promises. I didn’t trust anyone. When I welcomed Jesus into my life, I said that I believed, but I was still working hard to earn my salvation. I studied God’s word and prayed believing, yet I was still trying to fix everything and trying to make it happen.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Did I really believe that I had received salvation? I began to search my heart. As I studied the scriptures I discovered that the disciples struggled with unbelief even after being taught by Jesus for three years.
Mark 16:14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. In Mark 9 the father of a demon possessed son brought him to the disciples and they could not cast the demon out. Jesus said in verse 19 “O faithless generation how long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me. In verse 24: Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord I believe; help my unbelief!”

I began crying out to Jesus, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief,” and thus began my journey to greater belief and greater faith. Let me encourage you to do this daily; and let me encourage you today through scriptures. Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Hebrews 11:1 NASB Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Here is the definition of faith for us to live by today: being completely assured of what we hope for, and absolutely certain of what we do not see. Though everything around us goes against that hope, we have complete confidence in God. We believe in God, and that He can do the impossible. Perhaps the question is “will He?” Does God love me enough to help me? The answer is absolutely yes. Even though God has shown His love for us in Christ, we must still accept His love by faith; fully believing that He will not fail us. God loves you, believe it!

 Psalms 42:11 ESV Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God…

Every morning we have an option. We can either choose to be discouraged, or choose to hope and believe. It is a decision that remains in your power. We can govern our attitude, especially when meditating on the God who can turn everything around for us. Our circumstances need not dictate our mood.

Are you discouraged? Put your hope in God. Believe! He will certainly bless you. Psalms 43:3 NLT Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live.

Blessed is the believer. Luke 1:45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said. There is so much peace in simply believing and knowing that God will do as He said. Even at her young age, Mary knew to believe. Perhaps that is the reason God chose to bless her with being the mother of the Messiah, because her faith was so strong; she believed. Certainly it’s not always easy to rest and believe in God’s promises. When you believe- really, fully trust- that God will do as He says, you will experience a deep abiding peace, faith, and belief that bless you. You will know His presence and power in a way that will amaze everyone.

Lord Jesus we want to have Mary’s faith; the kind that believes the impossible. Thank you for blessing and strengthening our faith!