Worn Out Woman: Overcome Spiritual Blindness
As He Guides Us in Paths of Righteousness
Often the real reason that our emotions are out of control or our bodies are sick,
is that we are spiritually worn out. We have become self sufficient and blind to
the fact that an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the very
essence of our beings as Christians. Our faith becomes something that we do
rather than who we are and we make ourselves look pretty on the outside without
being mindful of to whom we belong.
Psalm 23:1The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not be in want.
“A Shepherd is responsible to feed, nurture, protect and to guide the flock. If a
sheep gets injured or sick, the Shepherd tends to it until it is well again. The
Shepherd provides it with what it needs but if the Lamb refuses to get well, the
Shepherd’s hand is proverbially tied.” CJ
So what does it mean that a sheep could refuse to get well? (reject Him, reject
promises, shy away, pull away, make excuses for illness or why cannot recover
or refuse to accept responsibility for one’s actions)
Psalm 23:3b-4
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no
evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
It is the very intent of our Lord that He guides us in paths of righteousness for his
name’s sake, that we are fully aware of His presence in even horrific
circumstances and that our comfort can be found in Him alone. And yet we often
follow paths that the Lord does not lead us on and seek comfort in anything that
brings quick results leading us to spiritual blindness and a feeling of being worn
out and un-fulfilled in our relationship with him.
In the life of an unbeliever, this is a common condition.
John 3:36, John 9:41,
2Cor 4:3-4But for the believer, we are a new creation.
2Cor 4:5-7, 2Cor. 5:17-21
So what happens? How do we become spiritually worn out?
It may be a heart condition Matt 23:23-28
Blind to our own sin Proverbs 16:2
We judge others and make excuses for our own sin Matthew 7:1-5
We give ourselves away to freely Matthew 7:6
We seek the wrong source: our culture is the most addicted, most
materially wealthy, most bankrupt generation of all time
We are prideful and arrogant Revelation 3:14-18
So what is the answer? How do we overcome spiritual blindness?
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth: Matthew 6:19-24
Seek Him First: Matthew 6:33
Ask, Seek, Knock : Matthew 7:7-8
Respond: Psalm 23: 3-4, Revelation 3:19-22
Gods Girls Ministry
Monday, October 24, 2011
Worn Out Woman: Small steps for Spiritual Health - Slow to Speak
Worn Out Woman: Small Steps for Spiritual Health
Slow to Speak
Psalm 138:2 KJVI will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy
lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word
above all thy name.
God’s word was exalted above God’s own precious name. It is as good as His name. He signed
His name, He endorsed His Word. Therefore, you can bank on His Word. He is reliable and
trustworthy. He makes His Word good by following through. He is the covenant maker and the
covenant keeper. He is faithful to His Word.
Ephesians 5:1-2 KJV1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given
himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling
savour.
When God says something, it is as good as accomplished. Is our word that reliable? If we are in
the habit of taking on more than we can handle, it will wear us out. But biting off more than we
can thoroughly chew does not only wear us out. It can wear out those others to whom we gave
our word. If we keep breaking our word because we cannot do what we said we would do, then
we become the person that others cannot depend on. Let’s not say anything at all if we do not
fully intend to keep our word. Yes, occasionally, emergencies come up and unforeseen things do
alter our plans and prevent us from doing what we said we would do.As a new habit, let’s be
slow to speak, even in small things.
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. Our small step, spiritual health
challenge this week is to:
Say it and do it or do not say anything at all.
It is OK to say no. Especially if you know you are already overextended. Know your limits.
Consider your priorities and your current responsibilities. Weigh carefully whether or not you
can commit to another project, another favor, another job. Do not say you will unless you fully
intend to die trying to carry it out.
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 5, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permission
Slow to Speak
Psalm 138:2 KJVI will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy
lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word
above all thy name.
God’s word was exalted above God’s own precious name. It is as good as His name. He signed
His name, He endorsed His Word. Therefore, you can bank on His Word. He is reliable and
trustworthy. He makes His Word good by following through. He is the covenant maker and the
covenant keeper. He is faithful to His Word.
Ephesians 5:1-2 KJV1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given
himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling
savour.
When God says something, it is as good as accomplished. Is our word that reliable? If we are in
the habit of taking on more than we can handle, it will wear us out. But biting off more than we
can thoroughly chew does not only wear us out. It can wear out those others to whom we gave
our word. If we keep breaking our word because we cannot do what we said we would do, then
we become the person that others cannot depend on. Let’s not say anything at all if we do not
fully intend to keep our word. Yes, occasionally, emergencies come up and unforeseen things do
alter our plans and prevent us from doing what we said we would do.As a new habit, let’s be
slow to speak, even in small things.
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. Our small step, spiritual health
challenge this week is to:
Say it and do it or do not say anything at all.
It is OK to say no. Especially if you know you are already overextended. Know your limits.
Consider your priorities and your current responsibilities. Weigh carefully whether or not you
can commit to another project, another favor, another job. Do not say you will unless you fully
intend to die trying to carry it out.
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 5, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permission
Worn Out Woman: Small steps for Physical Health
Worn Out Woman: Small Steps for Physical Health
Drink More Water
The bigger picture toward optimal physical health is so huge, we frequently get overwhelmed by
its enormity and choose to either do nothing at all, or strive hard for a few short weeks and then
give up in frustration. I can never eliminate all Dr. Peppers forever, but I can choose not to drink
one today. I can decide to reserve them for special occasions only like vacations or holidays.
God’s Girls watched a short, ten minute segment video recording from Bethel Church in
Redding, California about the Pillars of Good Health. Beni Johnson spoke about drinking more
water. She said if we remove water from a plum, we get a prune. If we remove water from our
skin, we get wrinkles. The optimum daily water intake is half your body weight of water in
ounces per day. Dehydration mimics many diseases or problemic symptoms such as back pain,
depression, ADD, memory loss, MS, Parkinson’s Disease, Lou Garrets, aging, wrinkling, etc.
When we drink water we are watering our organs. The brain gets watered. The heart gets
watered….
There are different types of water and different opinions to the healthiest kind (Tap, filtered,
bottled, distilled, alkalized, reverse osmosis etc.). Do your research and decide for yourself. But
be aware that there are thousands of chemicals in tap water. Toxins such as fluoride and
ammonia and chlorine are added to our tap water on purpose to kill bacteria and parasites (but
many of them live through the exposure anyhow). Drugs, chemicals from personal care products,
farm chemical run off and heavy metals are in our water supply. You will want to at least filter
these out before drinking or showering in it. A Brita or Pur filter is better than tap. Some bottled
water is good, some not so good. Choose bottled water that was bottled at the source, mineral or
spring is good, with low sodium. There are alkalized water machines that help bring your body’s
pH balance to more neutral level (neither too acidic or too alkaline). Do your research to decide
which water is best for you.
Many people are acidic and suffer from inflammation because of dehydration and eating
processed foods and too much protein. Drink more water and eat more fruits and vegetables to
balance your pH. Test urine, blood or saliva with test strips. (Your Health Your Choice is a good
book about pH and how to test it, read the results and how to alkalize an overly acidic body)
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. Our small step, physical health
challenge this week is to: Drink more water.
TIP: Sip water throughout the day to bathe your organs and cells in water. Drink no more than
four ounces at one time so your body will be able to use it on a cellular level instead of
eliminating it right away.
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 5, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permissionWorn Out Woman: Small Steps for Physical Health
Drink More Water
The bigger picture toward optimal physical health is so huge, we frequently get overwhelmed by
its enormity and choose to either do nothing at all, or strive hard for a few short weeks and then
give up in frustration. I can never eliminate all Dr. Peppers forever, but I can choose not to drink
one today. I can decide to reserve them for special occasions only like vacations or holidays.
God’s Girls watched a short, ten minute segment video recording from Bethel Church in
Redding, California about the Pillars of Good Health. Beni Johnson spoke about drinking more
water. She said if we remove water from a plum, we get a prune. If we remove water from our
skin, we get wrinkles. The optimum daily water intake is half your body weight of water in
ounces per day. Dehydration mimics many diseases or problemic symptoms such as back pain,
depression, ADD, memory loss, MS, Parkinson’s Disease, Lou Garrets, aging, wrinkling, etc.
When we drink water we are watering our organs. The brain gets watered. The heart gets
watered….
There are different types of water and different opinions to the healthiest kind (Tap, filtered,
bottled, distilled, alkalized, reverse osmosis etc.). Do your research and decide for yourself. But
be aware that there are thousands of chemicals in tap water. Toxins such as fluoride and
ammonia and chlorine are added to our tap water on purpose to kill bacteria and parasites (but
many of them live through the exposure anyhow). Drugs, chemicals from personal care products,
farm chemical run off and heavy metals are in our water supply. You will want to at least filter
these out before drinking or showering in it. A Brita or Pur filter is better than tap. Some bottled
water is good, some not so good. Choose bottled water that was bottled at the source, mineral or
spring is good, with low sodium. There are alkalized water machines that help bring your body’s
pH balance to more neutral level (neither too acidic or too alkaline). Do your research to decide
which water is best for you.
Many people are acidic and suffer from inflammation because of dehydration and eating
processed foods and too much protein. Drink more water and eat more fruits and vegetables to
balance your pH. Test urine, blood or saliva with test strips. (Your Health Your Choice is a good
book about pH and how to test it, read the results and how to alkalize an overly acidic body)
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. Our small step, physical health
challenge this week is to: Drink more water.
TIP: Sip water throughout the day to bathe your organs and cells in water. Drink no more than
four ounces at one time so your body will be able to use it on a cellular level instead of
eliminating it right away.
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 5, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permission
Drink More Water
The bigger picture toward optimal physical health is so huge, we frequently get overwhelmed by
its enormity and choose to either do nothing at all, or strive hard for a few short weeks and then
give up in frustration. I can never eliminate all Dr. Peppers forever, but I can choose not to drink
one today. I can decide to reserve them for special occasions only like vacations or holidays.
God’s Girls watched a short, ten minute segment video recording from Bethel Church in
Redding, California about the Pillars of Good Health. Beni Johnson spoke about drinking more
water. She said if we remove water from a plum, we get a prune. If we remove water from our
skin, we get wrinkles. The optimum daily water intake is half your body weight of water in
ounces per day. Dehydration mimics many diseases or problemic symptoms such as back pain,
depression, ADD, memory loss, MS, Parkinson’s Disease, Lou Garrets, aging, wrinkling, etc.
When we drink water we are watering our organs. The brain gets watered. The heart gets
watered….
There are different types of water and different opinions to the healthiest kind (Tap, filtered,
bottled, distilled, alkalized, reverse osmosis etc.). Do your research and decide for yourself. But
be aware that there are thousands of chemicals in tap water. Toxins such as fluoride and
ammonia and chlorine are added to our tap water on purpose to kill bacteria and parasites (but
many of them live through the exposure anyhow). Drugs, chemicals from personal care products,
farm chemical run off and heavy metals are in our water supply. You will want to at least filter
these out before drinking or showering in it. A Brita or Pur filter is better than tap. Some bottled
water is good, some not so good. Choose bottled water that was bottled at the source, mineral or
spring is good, with low sodium. There are alkalized water machines that help bring your body’s
pH balance to more neutral level (neither too acidic or too alkaline). Do your research to decide
which water is best for you.
Many people are acidic and suffer from inflammation because of dehydration and eating
processed foods and too much protein. Drink more water and eat more fruits and vegetables to
balance your pH. Test urine, blood or saliva with test strips. (Your Health Your Choice is a good
book about pH and how to test it, read the results and how to alkalize an overly acidic body)
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. Our small step, physical health
challenge this week is to: Drink more water.
TIP: Sip water throughout the day to bathe your organs and cells in water. Drink no more than
four ounces at one time so your body will be able to use it on a cellular level instead of
eliminating it right away.
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 5, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permissionWorn Out Woman: Small Steps for Physical Health
Drink More Water
The bigger picture toward optimal physical health is so huge, we frequently get overwhelmed by
its enormity and choose to either do nothing at all, or strive hard for a few short weeks and then
give up in frustration. I can never eliminate all Dr. Peppers forever, but I can choose not to drink
one today. I can decide to reserve them for special occasions only like vacations or holidays.
God’s Girls watched a short, ten minute segment video recording from Bethel Church in
Redding, California about the Pillars of Good Health. Beni Johnson spoke about drinking more
water. She said if we remove water from a plum, we get a prune. If we remove water from our
skin, we get wrinkles. The optimum daily water intake is half your body weight of water in
ounces per day. Dehydration mimics many diseases or problemic symptoms such as back pain,
depression, ADD, memory loss, MS, Parkinson’s Disease, Lou Garrets, aging, wrinkling, etc.
When we drink water we are watering our organs. The brain gets watered. The heart gets
watered….
There are different types of water and different opinions to the healthiest kind (Tap, filtered,
bottled, distilled, alkalized, reverse osmosis etc.). Do your research and decide for yourself. But
be aware that there are thousands of chemicals in tap water. Toxins such as fluoride and
ammonia and chlorine are added to our tap water on purpose to kill bacteria and parasites (but
many of them live through the exposure anyhow). Drugs, chemicals from personal care products,
farm chemical run off and heavy metals are in our water supply. You will want to at least filter
these out before drinking or showering in it. A Brita or Pur filter is better than tap. Some bottled
water is good, some not so good. Choose bottled water that was bottled at the source, mineral or
spring is good, with low sodium. There are alkalized water machines that help bring your body’s
pH balance to more neutral level (neither too acidic or too alkaline). Do your research to decide
which water is best for you.
Many people are acidic and suffer from inflammation because of dehydration and eating
processed foods and too much protein. Drink more water and eat more fruits and vegetables to
balance your pH. Test urine, blood or saliva with test strips. (Your Health Your Choice is a good
book about pH and how to test it, read the results and how to alkalize an overly acidic body)
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. Our small step, physical health
challenge this week is to: Drink more water.
TIP: Sip water throughout the day to bathe your organs and cells in water. Drink no more than
four ounces at one time so your body will be able to use it on a cellular level instead of
eliminating it right away.
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 5, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permission
Worn Out Woman: Small steps for Spiritual Health
Worn Out Woman:
Small Steps for Spiritual Health: Don’t Quit!
This week, before the new small step for spiritual health was announced, Lesa reemphasized last week’s small step, “Be Slow to Speak.” Do not quit was throughly illustrated by the personal testimony of Phyllis, a local elder’s wife. Before Phyllis gave her moving testimony, Lesa reiterated that we all want to be trusted. But if the words of our mouths do not line up with our actions, we are like the untrustworthy that brings pain, inconvenience and instability to whom we make promises and the others that the lack of follow through affects most.
Proverbs 25: 19
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth,
and a foot out of joint.
In the Old Testament, your word was as good as you were. You were bound to the words of your covenant. God knows that women have a tendency to over extend themselves. In that, He has placed a safety net for young women under the covering of their fathers and married women
under the covering of their husbands.
Look up Numbers 30:2-8,10,13-15
Divorced or widowed women do not have that safety net. If you are in this category, be extra
mindful of what you promise you will do.
Deuteronomy 30:9
But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they
have bound their souls, shall stand against her.
Phyllis shared that no matter how you feel, Get Up, Get moving, Jesus is always with you. She
referenced a Joyce Meyer teaching she heard that morning and Joyce’s book called I Dare You. Feeling sorry for yourself and throwing a pity party because you think you are the only one, that it’s just you and God, is pointless, even when you feel like you need a warm human being face to face to commiserate with you. It’s only you and God! There are worse things than that!
Luke 22: 39
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and
his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter
not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled
down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me:
nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening
him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was
as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he
found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into
temptation.
When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane, he asked his disciples to watch and pray with him.
The emotional trauma of the times was so severe that all they could do is sleep. They did not
watch and pray with him. Jesus was alone with God, facing his upcoming crucifixion without the
help from his disciples. He was all by himself. Phyllis asked, “Why is it always just God and me when all I want is to be with someone else?”Hmm. Can it be that God wants us to rely fully on Him alone? She wanted to give up. Sleep for sorrow. She wanted it all to be over.Rise up and pray so you don’t enter into the temptation and follow the temptation to quit. Press on, Press Through. God has a love note just for you. (Her love note was written in sand on the beach,”I love you, too.” ) Phyllis gave a perfect shell to a beautiful woman on the beach to encourage her that she was perfect in God’s sight already and lacked nothing.
What do you need? Go give that. What you want to harvest is the seeds you need to sow. Need support and encouragement? Go encourage someone else. Need money? Give money. Need more time? Give more time.Plant the seeds in order to harvest the fruit.
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. Our small step, spiritual health
challenge this week is to Do Not Quit!
Be trustworthy. Follow through on what you said you would do.
Do Not Quit!
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 15, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permissionSteps for Spiritual Health: Don’t Quit!
This week, before the new small step for spiritual health was announced, Lesa reemphasized lastweek’s small step, “Be Slow to Speak.” Do not quit was throughly illustrated by the personal testimony of Phyllis, a local elder’s wife. Before Phyllis gave her moving testimony, Lesa reiterated that we all want to be trusted. But if the words of our mouths do not line up with our actions, we are like the untrustworthy that brings pain, inconvenience and instability to whom we make promises and the others that the lack of follow through affects most.
Proverbs 25: 19
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth,
and a foot out of joint.
In the Old Testament, your word was as good as you were. You were bound to the words of your covenant. God knows that women have a tendency to over extend themselves. In that, He has placed a safety net for young women under the covering of their fathers and married women
under the covering of their husbands.
Look up Numbers 30:2-8,10,13-15
Divorced or widowed women do not have that safety net. If you are in this category, be extra
mindful of what you promise you will do.
Deuteronomy 30:9
But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they
have bound their souls, shall stand against her.
Phyllis shared that no matter how you feel, Get Up, Get moving, Jesus is always with you. She
referenced a Joyce Meyer teaching she heard that morning and Joyce’s book called I Dare You. Feeling sorry for yourself and throwing a pity party because you think you are the only one, that it’s just you and God, is pointless, even when you feel like you need a warm human being face to face to commiserate with you. It’s only you and God! There are worse things than that!
Luke 22: 39
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and
his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter
not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled
down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me:
nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening
him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was
as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he
found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into
temptation.
When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane, he asked his disciples to watch and pray with him.
The emotional trauma of the times was so severe that all they could do is sleep. They did not
watch and pray with him. Jesus was alone with God, facing his upcoming crucifixion without the
help from his disciples. He was all by himself. Phyllis asked, “Why is it always just God and me when all I want is to be with someone else?”Hmm. Can it be that God wants us to rely fully on Him alone? She wanted to give up. Sleep for sorrow. She wanted it all to be over.Rise up and pray so you don’t enter into the temptation and follow the temptation to quit. Press on, Press Through. God has a love note just for you. (Her love note was written in sand on the beach,”I
love you, too.” ) Phyllis gave a perfect shell to a beautiful woman on the beach to encourage her
that she was perfect in God’s sight already and lacked nothing.
What do you need? Go give that. What you want to harvest is the seeds you need to sow. Need support and encouragement? Go encourage someone else. Need money? Give money. Need more time? Give more time.Plant the seeds in order to harvest the fruit.
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. Our small step, spiritual health
challenge this week is to Do Not Quit!
Be trustworthy. Follow through on what you said you would do.
Do Not Quit!
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 15, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permission
Small Steps for Spiritual Health: Don’t Quit!
This week, before the new small step for spiritual health was announced, Lesa reemphasized last week’s small step, “Be Slow to Speak.” Do not quit was throughly illustrated by the personal testimony of Phyllis, a local elder’s wife. Before Phyllis gave her moving testimony, Lesa reiterated that we all want to be trusted. But if the words of our mouths do not line up with our actions, we are like the untrustworthy that brings pain, inconvenience and instability to whom we make promises and the others that the lack of follow through affects most.
Proverbs 25: 19
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth,
and a foot out of joint.
In the Old Testament, your word was as good as you were. You were bound to the words of your covenant. God knows that women have a tendency to over extend themselves. In that, He has placed a safety net for young women under the covering of their fathers and married women
under the covering of their husbands.
Look up Numbers 30:2-8,10,13-15
Divorced or widowed women do not have that safety net. If you are in this category, be extra
mindful of what you promise you will do.
Deuteronomy 30:9
But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they
have bound their souls, shall stand against her.
Phyllis shared that no matter how you feel, Get Up, Get moving, Jesus is always with you. She
referenced a Joyce Meyer teaching she heard that morning and Joyce’s book called I Dare You. Feeling sorry for yourself and throwing a pity party because you think you are the only one, that it’s just you and God, is pointless, even when you feel like you need a warm human being face to face to commiserate with you. It’s only you and God! There are worse things than that!
Luke 22: 39
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and
his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter
not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled
down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me:
nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening
him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was
as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he
found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into
temptation.
When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane, he asked his disciples to watch and pray with him.
The emotional trauma of the times was so severe that all they could do is sleep. They did not
watch and pray with him. Jesus was alone with God, facing his upcoming crucifixion without the
help from his disciples. He was all by himself. Phyllis asked, “Why is it always just God and me when all I want is to be with someone else?”Hmm. Can it be that God wants us to rely fully on Him alone? She wanted to give up. Sleep for sorrow. She wanted it all to be over.Rise up and pray so you don’t enter into the temptation and follow the temptation to quit. Press on, Press Through. God has a love note just for you. (Her love note was written in sand on the beach,”I love you, too.” ) Phyllis gave a perfect shell to a beautiful woman on the beach to encourage her that she was perfect in God’s sight already and lacked nothing.
What do you need? Go give that. What you want to harvest is the seeds you need to sow. Need support and encouragement? Go encourage someone else. Need money? Give money. Need more time? Give more time.Plant the seeds in order to harvest the fruit.
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. Our small step, spiritual health
challenge this week is to Do Not Quit!
Be trustworthy. Follow through on what you said you would do.
Do Not Quit!
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 15, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permissionSteps for Spiritual Health: Don’t Quit!
This week, before the new small step for spiritual health was announced, Lesa reemphasized lastweek’s small step, “Be Slow to Speak.” Do not quit was throughly illustrated by the personal testimony of Phyllis, a local elder’s wife. Before Phyllis gave her moving testimony, Lesa reiterated that we all want to be trusted. But if the words of our mouths do not line up with our actions, we are like the untrustworthy that brings pain, inconvenience and instability to whom we make promises and the others that the lack of follow through affects most.
Proverbs 25: 19
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth,
and a foot out of joint.
In the Old Testament, your word was as good as you were. You were bound to the words of your covenant. God knows that women have a tendency to over extend themselves. In that, He has placed a safety net for young women under the covering of their fathers and married women
under the covering of their husbands.
Look up Numbers 30:2-8,10,13-15
Divorced or widowed women do not have that safety net. If you are in this category, be extra
mindful of what you promise you will do.
Deuteronomy 30:9
But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they
have bound their souls, shall stand against her.
Phyllis shared that no matter how you feel, Get Up, Get moving, Jesus is always with you. She
referenced a Joyce Meyer teaching she heard that morning and Joyce’s book called I Dare You. Feeling sorry for yourself and throwing a pity party because you think you are the only one, that it’s just you and God, is pointless, even when you feel like you need a warm human being face to face to commiserate with you. It’s only you and God! There are worse things than that!
Luke 22: 39
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and
his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter
not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled
down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me:
nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening
him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was
as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he
found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into
temptation.
When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane, he asked his disciples to watch and pray with him.
The emotional trauma of the times was so severe that all they could do is sleep. They did not
watch and pray with him. Jesus was alone with God, facing his upcoming crucifixion without the
help from his disciples. He was all by himself. Phyllis asked, “Why is it always just God and me when all I want is to be with someone else?”Hmm. Can it be that God wants us to rely fully on Him alone? She wanted to give up. Sleep for sorrow. She wanted it all to be over.Rise up and pray so you don’t enter into the temptation and follow the temptation to quit. Press on, Press Through. God has a love note just for you. (Her love note was written in sand on the beach,”I
love you, too.” ) Phyllis gave a perfect shell to a beautiful woman on the beach to encourage her
that she was perfect in God’s sight already and lacked nothing.
What do you need? Go give that. What you want to harvest is the seeds you need to sow. Need support and encouragement? Go encourage someone else. Need money? Give money. Need more time? Give more time.Plant the seeds in order to harvest the fruit.
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. Our small step, spiritual health
challenge this week is to Do Not Quit!
Be trustworthy. Follow through on what you said you would do.
Do Not Quit!
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 15, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permission
Worn Out Woman: Small steps for Physical Health
Worn Out Woman:
Small Steps for Physical Health: Sleep and Rest
This week, our small step to physical health challenge is to work at getting plenty of rest and
sleep. God’s Girls watched another 10 minute segment of the Wellness Seminar produced by
Bethel Church. (You can subscribe by going to http://www.ibethel.tv/media/past/conference)
Psalm 127:2 The Message Bible
Its useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers
to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?
Matthew 11:28,29 KJV
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Sleep rejuvenates us and that is the time that growth takes place in children. Our bodies repair
and rebuild during sleep. Important hormones are released that regulate our appetites, weight
control, and growth. Sleep slows the aging process and boosts the immune system. Trillions of
cells are replaced while you sleep. If you will get 7-9 hours of sleep a night, your body will
produce what is known as Natural Killer Cells that fight off infection and other invaders. Your
brain will function better. It will reduce stress related cortisol levels in your body.
There are many reasons we cannot get a good night sleep. Caffeine, drugs, food, exercise, bad
pillows or mattresses, hot flashes, enlarged prostate, snoring spouse and other loud noises, and
newborn babies all affect the quantity and quality of the rest we get at night. There are some
things we have no control over that influence the quality of our sleep. But those things that we
can control, should not keep us from getting adequate rest.Do you drink caffeine? Caffeine stays in your body for 20 hours. Consider eliminating all caffeine from your diet. But if you do not,then consider having no caffeine after NOON. Nicotine and alcohol also disrupt sleep. If you are taking lots of medications, they too can impoverish your sleep. Eating too much sugar and processed foods can cause food insomnia. If your blood sugar crashes during the night because you consumed too much sugar the night before, it will wake you up suddenly. Try not to eat anything after 8 PM.When you do eat, make sure it is as natural and whole as God made it as possible, within balance. Eating a little protein before bed is helpful if you are prone to food insomnia. Exercising right before bedtime affects sleep, too. Do not exercise within 3 hours of bedtime, and preferably exercise 5 hours beforehand, if you want to be sure to get a good night’s rest. If you will bathe your eyes and face in sunlight for 20 minutes in the bright early morning sunshine, it will help to release melatonin for a good nights sleep as well as form natural vitamin D on your skin.
The best time for sleep is 10 pm. If you have a chronic disease, the best time for sleep is 9 PM.
Turn down the lights. Do not watch TV in your bedroom. Do not work in your bedroom. A
massage can help you relax to get to sleep. There are helpful herbs that help relax the body and
ready it for bed: valerian, 5HTP and others. Consult a natural health care provider for
information. From 10 PM-2AM, is the best body repairing sleep. From 2-6AM it’s the best
psyche repair or defrag time.
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. This week, our small step,
physical health challenge to add to last week’s drink more water challenge, is to:
Work at getting plenty of rest and sleep.
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 15, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permission
Small Steps for Physical Health: Sleep and Rest
This week, our small step to physical health challenge is to work at getting plenty of rest and
sleep. God’s Girls watched another 10 minute segment of the Wellness Seminar produced by
Bethel Church. (You can subscribe by going to http://www.ibethel.tv/media/past/conference)
Psalm 127:2 The Message Bible
Its useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers
to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?
Matthew 11:28,29 KJV
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Sleep rejuvenates us and that is the time that growth takes place in children. Our bodies repair
and rebuild during sleep. Important hormones are released that regulate our appetites, weight
control, and growth. Sleep slows the aging process and boosts the immune system. Trillions of
cells are replaced while you sleep. If you will get 7-9 hours of sleep a night, your body will
produce what is known as Natural Killer Cells that fight off infection and other invaders. Your
brain will function better. It will reduce stress related cortisol levels in your body.
There are many reasons we cannot get a good night sleep. Caffeine, drugs, food, exercise, bad
pillows or mattresses, hot flashes, enlarged prostate, snoring spouse and other loud noises, and
newborn babies all affect the quantity and quality of the rest we get at night. There are some
things we have no control over that influence the quality of our sleep. But those things that we
can control, should not keep us from getting adequate rest.Do you drink caffeine? Caffeine stays in your body for 20 hours. Consider eliminating all caffeine from your diet. But if you do not,then consider having no caffeine after NOON. Nicotine and alcohol also disrupt sleep. If you are taking lots of medications, they too can impoverish your sleep. Eating too much sugar and processed foods can cause food insomnia. If your blood sugar crashes during the night because you consumed too much sugar the night before, it will wake you up suddenly. Try not to eat anything after 8 PM.When you do eat, make sure it is as natural and whole as God made it as possible, within balance. Eating a little protein before bed is helpful if you are prone to food insomnia. Exercising right before bedtime affects sleep, too. Do not exercise within 3 hours of bedtime, and preferably exercise 5 hours beforehand, if you want to be sure to get a good night’s rest. If you will bathe your eyes and face in sunlight for 20 minutes in the bright early morning sunshine, it will help to release melatonin for a good nights sleep as well as form natural vitamin D on your skin.
The best time for sleep is 10 pm. If you have a chronic disease, the best time for sleep is 9 PM.
Turn down the lights. Do not watch TV in your bedroom. Do not work in your bedroom. A
massage can help you relax to get to sleep. There are helpful herbs that help relax the body and
ready it for bed: valerian, 5HTP and others. Consult a natural health care provider for
information. From 10 PM-2AM, is the best body repairing sleep. From 2-6AM it’s the best
psyche repair or defrag time.
Small steps are necessary to make lasting strides toward change. This week, our small step,
physical health challenge to add to last week’s drink more water challenge, is to:
Work at getting plenty of rest and sleep.
c.GodsGirlsMinistry April 15, 2010 http://www.godsgirlsministry.com/ Used with permission
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Peace
This teaching was presented to God’s Girls Ministry Women’s Bible
study on Monday, October 11, 2010. Personal testimonies are not
included in these notes. This editor believes personal testimonies
belong to the person telling it and should not be posted on a public
forum such as the Internet by anyone except the testifier. Bracketed
and italicized scripture references supplied in these notes were not
in the teaching but are here as a study reference for your learning.
King James Version Bible quoted unless noted otherwise.
PEACE
The three section painting at the Circuit, is appropriately placed; between the blood of Christ (JOY) and glory (HONOR) is His PEACE. He is our peace in the middle of our storm.
There are four aspects of peace:
Peace with God
Peace from God
Peace of God
Peace in God
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
We have peace with God because of our justification by faith. God justified us, as if we never sinned. God freely justified us when we made Jesus Lord and believed that God raised him from the dead by faith. The justification had nothing to do with our works or goodness or anything we did or did not do. We have been reconciled; we have been made right with God because of what Jesus did. [Romans 5:18]
John 14:27 AMP
Peace I leave with you; my [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid [stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]
Ephesians 2:14 AMP
For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both (Jew and Gentile) one (body), and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us.
Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. His peace keeps us from inner turmoil. Our own efforts will not keep us from inner turmoil or keep us in peace. It is from what He has done. Let’s RELAX & LET Jesus be Jesus in us. Everything Jesus is, we have in us. And He is peace. [Colossians 1:27]
Philippians 4:7 KJV
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3 KJV
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.Purposely shift and think your mind on Christ Jesus. Get a control of your mind and stay your mind on the Lord.
Ephesians 6:11-18
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
I could never wrap my mind around wimpy sandals for the shoes spoken of in Ephesians 6:15. I could see the heavy armor of the other parts but always imagined sandals. That never made sense to me. As I studied this I found out that the shoes the Roman soldiers wore were no ordinary shoes. They were elaborate. The soles were metal and leather with hobnail spikes on the bottoms. These spikes were used to plant their feet in the ground to keep them from being moved. Even in rocky places, they could stand fast and firm. Some of the spikes were longer so they could do damage to the enemy. The shoes also has shin armour on them to protect their shins and ankles. They were butt kickin’ shoes.
Even in rocky places we aren’t going to slip or fall and we can kick the enemy out of there! Strap on your spiked, armored boots. Plant your feet in peace so you won’t be moved.
Think about peace. There’s no the stress, relaxing on the beach, listening to the waves, no war kind of peace. Then there is the Hebrew word, Shalom, kind of peace. The Hebrew people speak Shalom over each other as a greeting a lot. The Hebrew written language is read from right to left. The first letter is a symbol of teeth, which is consuming, biting. The second symbol is the shepherd’s rod of correction, guidance and authority. The third symbol is a tent peg, which stabilizes and anchors. The last letter is the water symbol.
Shalom is a breakthrough kind of word; that breaks through the authority that brings chaos to bring peace. When you say, " Shalom," you are bringing peace to a chaotic situation. Speak shalom over our neighborhoods, our city, our country. It is a declaring-a release- a declaration to a situation, or place because we have the authority in Christ. It’s a declaration, creative kind of word.
Shalom is completeness, wholeness, safeness, wellness, soundness, prosperity, harmony, absence of discord and strife, health. It covers all categories of our life, body, soul & spirit, all situations, all aspects of you.
Luke 10:2-6
2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
When Jesus sent out the seventy, he said the harvest is plenteous but the laborers are few. Go like lambs, and he said to say shalom to the house you enter, that way all the chaos would leave. And if peace is not there, it will come back to you.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Our inheritance is to carry Jesus and all he is; it is our authority and responsibility to shalom over others.Because God is my Father, I can do the family business. I am in the family with the right and privilege and authority and responsibility. The situation changes when we walk in to the room! Be cognizant of this more.If we were royalty like the Queen of England, the whole room would stop, take notice of whatever we do or say and we could have whatever we say. We have the ability to do this spiritually. Our authority breaks down and tears down any structure of chaos, over a city, over our workplace, over everything. The peace of God breaks down heaviness. We have the ability to speak peace over our family, speak shalom over sickness.
-Mary Crowder
study on Monday, October 11, 2010. Personal testimonies are not
included in these notes. This editor believes personal testimonies
belong to the person telling it and should not be posted on a public
forum such as the Internet by anyone except the testifier. Bracketed
and italicized scripture references supplied in these notes were not
in the teaching but are here as a study reference for your learning.
King James Version Bible quoted unless noted otherwise.
PEACE
There are four aspects of peace:
Peace from God
Peace of God
Peace in God
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
We have peace with God because of our justification by faith. God justified us, as if we never sinned. God freely justified us when we made Jesus Lord and believed that God raised him from the dead by faith. The justification had nothing to do with our works or goodness or anything we did or did not do. We have been reconciled; we have been made right with God because of what Jesus did. [Romans 5:18]
John 14:27 AMP
Peace I leave with you; my [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid [stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]
Ephesians 2:14 AMP
For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both (Jew and Gentile) one (body), and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us.
Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. His peace keeps us from inner turmoil. Our own efforts will not keep us from inner turmoil or keep us in peace. It is from what He has done. Let’s RELAX & LET Jesus be Jesus in us. Everything Jesus is, we have in us. And He is peace. [Colossians 1:27]
Philippians 4:7 KJV
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3 KJV
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.Purposely shift and think your mind on Christ Jesus. Get a control of your mind and stay your mind on the Lord.
Ephesians 6:11-18
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
I could never wrap my mind around wimpy sandals for the shoes spoken of in Ephesians 6:15. I could see the heavy armor of the other parts but always imagined sandals. That never made sense to me. As I studied this I found out that the shoes the Roman soldiers wore were no ordinary shoes. They were elaborate. The soles were metal and leather with hobnail spikes on the bottoms. These spikes were used to plant their feet in the ground to keep them from being moved. Even in rocky places, they could stand fast and firm. Some of the spikes were longer so they could do damage to the enemy. The shoes also has shin armour on them to protect their shins and ankles. They were butt kickin’ shoes.
Even in rocky places we aren’t going to slip or fall and we can kick the enemy out of there! Strap on your spiked, armored boots. Plant your feet in peace so you won’t be moved.
Think about peace. There’s no the stress, relaxing on the beach, listening to the waves, no war kind of peace. Then there is the Hebrew word, Shalom, kind of peace. The Hebrew people speak Shalom over each other as a greeting a lot. The Hebrew written language is read from right to left. The first letter is a symbol of teeth, which is consuming, biting. The second symbol is the shepherd’s rod of correction, guidance and authority. The third symbol is a tent peg, which stabilizes and anchors. The last letter is the water symbol.
Shalom is a breakthrough kind of word; that breaks through the authority that brings chaos to bring peace. When you say, " Shalom," you are bringing peace to a chaotic situation. Speak shalom over our neighborhoods, our city, our country. It is a declaring-a release- a declaration to a situation, or place because we have the authority in Christ. It’s a declaration, creative kind of word.
Shalom is completeness, wholeness, safeness, wellness, soundness, prosperity, harmony, absence of discord and strife, health. It covers all categories of our life, body, soul & spirit, all situations, all aspects of you.
Luke 10:2-6
2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
When Jesus sent out the seventy, he said the harvest is plenteous but the laborers are few. Go like lambs, and he said to say shalom to the house you enter, that way all the chaos would leave. And if peace is not there, it will come back to you.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Our inheritance is to carry Jesus and all he is; it is our authority and responsibility to shalom over others.Because God is my Father, I can do the family business. I am in the family with the right and privilege and authority and responsibility. The situation changes when we walk in to the room! Be cognizant of this more.If we were royalty like the Queen of England, the whole room would stop, take notice of whatever we do or say and we could have whatever we say. We have the ability to do this spiritually. Our authority breaks down and tears down any structure of chaos, over a city, over our workplace, over everything. The peace of God breaks down heaviness. We have the ability to speak peace over our family, speak shalom over sickness.
-Mary Crowder
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Joy
Joy
by Carol Kenreigh
This teaching was presented to God’s Girls Ministry Women’s Bible
study on Monday, October 4, 2010. Personal testimonies are not
included in these notes. This editor believes personal testimonies
belong to the person telling it and should not be posted on a public
forum such as the Internet by anyone except the testifier. Bracketed
and italicized scripture references supplied in these notes were not
in the teaching but are here as a study reference for your learning.
King James Version Bible quoted unless noted otherwise.
JOY
I thought I had a pretty good understanding of joy before going into this study. I am a pretty joyful person, happy, content even for the most part. But there is more to JOY than what is on the surface. God brought me deeper.
The difference between JOY & Happiness: God gives us joy from within, happiness is based on external conditions.
Ecc 2: 26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy:
There are many Hebrew & Greek words translated JOY in our Bibles. One is samach.
Hebrew: samach, saw-makh'
rejoice: a primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
De 12:7 And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.
Whatsoever you put your hand unto, do it heartily as unto the Lord. AND REJOICE!!
De 26:11 And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house.
This does NOT say you shall be depressed, oppressed, burdened or sad because of every bad thing the devil does.
There are times when we are under a trial, under an oppressive attack of the enemy and that constant pressure is no fun, it is burdensome and hard. Even King David had extreme times like these and no one is immune to them. Even though the situation is not pleasant, we can still joy & rejoice in GOD, because we TRUST in Him. If you do not have confidence that God will see you through then it will suck you down into a pit of depression, doubt & unbelief. Next time you find yourself in a place like this, keep in mind some of these tips.
KEY TO REJOICING:
1 Chron 16: 10
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart [widely used of feelings, the will & intellect] of them rejoice that seek the LORD.11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;
GLORY IN HIS HOLY NAME, & LET YOUR FEELINGS REJOICE. LET THEM REJOICE THAT SEEK THE LORD. SEEK THE LORD & HIS STRENGTH. SEEK THE LORD, SEEK HIS FACE CONTINUALLY, REMEMBER HIS WORKS, BE MINDFUL OF HIS PROMISE, THE WORD. When under pressure that threatens to steal your joy, let your feelings rejoice. I know we often do not FEEL LIKE rejoicing when we are under pressure and under attack, or dealing with blows that come along at us in our daily life…the cat barks, the dog runs away, the kids make messes and the bills need paid Allow yourself to feel His joy ANYWAY. How? Glory in His holy name & seek Him, seek His strength. WE receive joy IN HIS PRESENCE. You know how when you are ina deep dark pit, self pity comes along, adds to the darkness, depression sets in, adds to it, shame comes, guilt, and on and on until we no longer desire company of believers, help from our elephants, or even feel worthy to sit in God’s presence anymore. Break this cycle once and for all. When under pressure, be deliberate to seek Him even more.
Ps 16: 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
James 1: 2 ¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience
A willing heart goes a long way. This scripture is about how the people brought gifts to build the temple.
1 Chron 29:9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect [complete, friendly] heart they offered willingly [presented spontaneously] to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
WHAT ELSE DO WE JOY & REJOICE IN?
(The following List was part of a handout)
2 Chron 6:41 rejoice in goodness.
Ps 9:2 Be glad & Rejoice in YAHWEH
Ps 9:14 I [my heart Ps 13:5] will rejoice in thy salvation.
Ps 16: 11 in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Ps 19: 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:
Ps 31:7 Be glad & rejoice in thy mercy bc you considered my trouble, known my soul in adversities
Ps 31:7 Be glad in the LORD & rejoice, shout for joy
Ps 21:1 1 ¶ The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
Ps 33:21 Rejoice in Him, bc we have trusted in his holy name
Ps 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
(WHEN YAHWEH IS MAGNIFIED, you & your problems are MINIMIZED)
Ps 63:7Rejoice b/c He is your help
Ps 5: 11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. {compass: Heb. crown}
Ps 71:23 Greatly rejoice when I sing unto you
Ps 89:16 Rejoice In thy name
Ps 90:14 Rejoice & be glad in your mercy
Ps 97:12 Rejoice in YAHWEH
Ps 98:4 Joyful noise unto YAHWEH, rejoice & sing praise
Ps 106:5 Rejoice in the gladness of others
Ps 118:24 Rejoice & be glad in the day God made
Ps 119:162 Rejoice at His Word as one that has found great treasures.
Ps 149:2 Rejoice in the Creator God & rejoice in your King
Prov 12:20 There is Joy in hearts of counselors of peace
Prov 21:15 It is joy to the just to do justice
Pr 23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
Pr 27:9 ¶ Ointment and perfume [FROM ESSENTIAL OILS & NATURAL PLANTS NOT SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS] rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Ecc 3:22 Rejoice in your works
Ecc 5:19 Rejoice in your labour
Ecc 9:7 Eat with joy
Isa 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel
Isa 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Isa 61:10 ¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Jer 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts
Lu 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Joh 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Ac 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Romans 5:2 rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Ro 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Ro 12:12 Rejoicing in hope;
Ro 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice,
Romans 14:17 righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Ro 15:13 ¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Ga 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy
Phil 1:25 joy of faith;
THERE IS JOY WHEN WE ARE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WALK IN THE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, IN THE RESURRECTION POWER OF JESUS CHRIST, BRINGING DELIVERANCE TO PEOPLE THROUGH CHRIST.
Php 3:3 rejoice in Christ Jesus
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always
1Th 1:6 ¶ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
1Th 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
1Th 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy.
1Th 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
1Th 5:16 ¶ Rejoice evermore.
James 1:2 ¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience
1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory
1Jo 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Re 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
De 16:11 And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.
Your whole family shall rejoice in front of YAHWEH in the place He chose to put His name.
Where has God chosen to place his name in our day and time? Is it not God, in Christ in you? Are we not Temples of the holy spirit? Are we not one now as God and Jesus are one? Is His name written on our hearts? Is this why we are instructed to Rejoice in the Lord always?
Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Ps 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy SINGING cometh in the morning.
Here is one of the first examples of JOY in the OT that boggled my mind.
1 Sam 2: 1 ¶ And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth [JUMPS FOR JOY] in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice [BRIGHTENED UP] in thy salvation.
2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
Hannah prayed this prayer of rejoicing. OMG How? She was about to leave her only son, a son she had after not being able to conceive, a son she asked of God, she was about to leave this son to the prophet when there was MUCH AMISS at the Temple. There was a lot of perverted stuff going on there.
Hannah was a woman of integrity for she prayed to God for a male child and said she would lend him to God if He would grant her request.She did it with rejoicing. I beleive she was able to do it because in these next verses was her prayer and confession. She had a different perspective about it. She did not think ...I gave away my son, I dont have a son what am I gonna do, boo hoo...She knew God would turn things around for her.
1 Sam 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
She ended up having three more sons and two daughters.
I was sad and feeling left behind when 6 of my friends moved in 3 months and I learned another couple would soon move too. God showed me I WAS NOT LEFT BEHIND, I WAS STAYING PUT. THIS IS A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE THAT TOOK THE STING OUT. I CANNOT REJOICE THAT MY FRIENDS ARE MOVING. BUT I CAN REJOICE IN THE lORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY WORKS. HE IS FAITHFUL.
Feeling depressed and succumbing to sad, depressing thoughts is the exact opposite of being brightened up and rejoicing in salvation. Just so you don't get discouraged, there is more to depression besides renewing your mind. There are REAL physical reasons we get depressed. Exposure to environmental toxins, lack of fresh air and sunshine, artificial food additives, food allergies, thyroid imbalances, and B -complex and D vitamin deficiencies, CAUSE depression. It also causes a weakened immune system. So if you still struggle with overwhelming feelings of sadness, you are doing all you can to cast out those depressive thoughts, look at your food and nutritional intake, and how much exercise do you get, ARE YOU EXPOSED TO PESTICIDES AND TOXIC CHEMICALS EVERYDAY? Get a good sublingual form of B vitamins and a good D 3 supplement. Get some fresh air & sunshine. Cod liver oil is high in natural D & A. D3 was shown to be more effective than anti anxiety drugs to combat depression.
Psalm 43:1 ¶ Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. {ungodly: or, unmerciful} {the deceitful...: Heb. a man of deceit and iniquity} 2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. {my exceeding...: Heb. the gladness of my joy}5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
(KJV)
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. In case you missed it the first time, it is repeated. Rejoice is EMPHASIZED. What do we have to be so full of joy about?
The Word
Jesus is the Word made flesh. We have holy spirit now and can do his works with power!
It is true, He is faithful.
WHY do we need JOY? The JOY of the LORD is our STRENGTH. If you have little joy, you have little strength, as anyone who has battles depression and oppression for any length of time can attest. If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small. The joy gets you through the tough parts.
Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before him.
HEBREWS 12:1-4
1 ¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside [PUT AWAY, LAY DOWN, SET ASIDE]every weight [MASS, BURDEN] , and the sin which doth so easily beset us, [(a competitor) thwarting (a racer) in every direction (figuratively, of sin] and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
HOW FAR AND FAST CAN WE RUN HOLDING ONTO A HEAVY LOAD OF BURDENS? HOW FAR & FAST CAN WE RUN BOGGED DOWN WITH WILLFUL SIN? HOW JOYFUL CAN WE BE? IT’S HARD ENOUGH TO RUN A RACE BUT WHEN WE ARE THWARTED BY THE COMPETITION IN EVERY DIRECTION AND BOGGED DOWN WITH A BACK PACK OF WORRIES, IT’S EVEN HARDER. IT’S NO FUN EVEN.
INSTEAD LETS RUN THE RACE WITH PATIENCE. THAT WORD PATIENCE MEANS: cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:
We cannot run with cheerful endurance if we are burdened and thwarted by sin.
2Co 10:5 Cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Hebrews 12: 2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. {author: or, beginner}
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds
4 ¶ Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
We can be full of joy. It takes action, deliberately seeking the Lord, acting on the promises of God, walking in resurrection power of the holy spirit, changing our perspective, casting down imaginations, rejoicing in the hope of the glory to come, setting aside the weight of sin, looking to Jesus the finisher of our faith. Oh praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy! Who gives us exceeding great love and joy!
by Carol Kenreigh
This teaching was presented to God’s Girls Ministry Women’s Bible
study on Monday, October 4, 2010. Personal testimonies are not
included in these notes. This editor believes personal testimonies
belong to the person telling it and should not be posted on a public
forum such as the Internet by anyone except the testifier. Bracketed
and italicized scripture references supplied in these notes were not
in the teaching but are here as a study reference for your learning.
King James Version Bible quoted unless noted otherwise.
JOY
I thought I had a pretty good understanding of joy before going into this study. I am a pretty joyful person, happy, content even for the most part. But there is more to JOY than what is on the surface. God brought me deeper.
The difference between JOY & Happiness: God gives us joy from within, happiness is based on external conditions.
Ecc 2: 26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy:
There are many Hebrew & Greek words translated JOY in our Bibles. One is samach.
Hebrew: samach, saw-makh'
rejoice: a primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
De 12:7 And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.
Whatsoever you put your hand unto, do it heartily as unto the Lord. AND REJOICE!!
De 26:11 And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house.
This does NOT say you shall be depressed, oppressed, burdened or sad because of every bad thing the devil does.
There are times when we are under a trial, under an oppressive attack of the enemy and that constant pressure is no fun, it is burdensome and hard. Even King David had extreme times like these and no one is immune to them. Even though the situation is not pleasant, we can still joy & rejoice in GOD, because we TRUST in Him. If you do not have confidence that God will see you through then it will suck you down into a pit of depression, doubt & unbelief. Next time you find yourself in a place like this, keep in mind some of these tips.
KEY TO REJOICING:
1 Chron 16: 10
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart [widely used of feelings, the will & intellect] of them rejoice that seek the LORD.11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;
GLORY IN HIS HOLY NAME, & LET YOUR FEELINGS REJOICE. LET THEM REJOICE THAT SEEK THE LORD. SEEK THE LORD & HIS STRENGTH. SEEK THE LORD, SEEK HIS FACE CONTINUALLY, REMEMBER HIS WORKS, BE MINDFUL OF HIS PROMISE, THE WORD. When under pressure that threatens to steal your joy, let your feelings rejoice. I know we often do not FEEL LIKE rejoicing when we are under pressure and under attack, or dealing with blows that come along at us in our daily life…the cat barks, the dog runs away, the kids make messes and the bills need paid Allow yourself to feel His joy ANYWAY. How? Glory in His holy name & seek Him, seek His strength. WE receive joy IN HIS PRESENCE. You know how when you are ina deep dark pit, self pity comes along, adds to the darkness, depression sets in, adds to it, shame comes, guilt, and on and on until we no longer desire company of believers, help from our elephants, or even feel worthy to sit in God’s presence anymore. Break this cycle once and for all. When under pressure, be deliberate to seek Him even more.
Ps 16: 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
James 1: 2 ¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience
A willing heart goes a long way. This scripture is about how the people brought gifts to build the temple.
1 Chron 29:9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect [complete, friendly] heart they offered willingly [presented spontaneously] to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
WHAT ELSE DO WE JOY & REJOICE IN?
(The following List was part of a handout)
2 Chron 6:41 rejoice in goodness.
Ps 9:2 Be glad & Rejoice in YAHWEH
Ps 9:14 I [my heart Ps 13:5] will rejoice in thy salvation.
Ps 16: 11 in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Ps 19: 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:
Ps 31:7 Be glad & rejoice in thy mercy bc you considered my trouble, known my soul in adversities
Ps 31:7 Be glad in the LORD & rejoice, shout for joy
Ps 21:1 1 ¶ The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
Ps 33:21 Rejoice in Him, bc we have trusted in his holy name
Ps 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
(WHEN YAHWEH IS MAGNIFIED, you & your problems are MINIMIZED)
Ps 63:7Rejoice b/c He is your help
Ps 5: 11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. {compass: Heb. crown}
Ps 71:23 Greatly rejoice when I sing unto you
Ps 89:16 Rejoice In thy name
Ps 90:14 Rejoice & be glad in your mercy
Ps 97:12 Rejoice in YAHWEH
Ps 98:4 Joyful noise unto YAHWEH, rejoice & sing praise
Ps 106:5 Rejoice in the gladness of others
Ps 118:24 Rejoice & be glad in the day God made
Ps 119:162 Rejoice at His Word as one that has found great treasures.
Ps 149:2 Rejoice in the Creator God & rejoice in your King
Prov 12:20 There is Joy in hearts of counselors of peace
Prov 21:15 It is joy to the just to do justice
Pr 23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
Pr 27:9 ¶ Ointment and perfume [FROM ESSENTIAL OILS & NATURAL PLANTS NOT SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS] rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Ecc 3:22 Rejoice in your works
Ecc 5:19 Rejoice in your labour
Ecc 9:7 Eat with joy
Isa 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel
Isa 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Isa 61:10 ¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Jer 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts
Lu 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Joh 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Ac 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Romans 5:2 rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Ro 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Ro 12:12 Rejoicing in hope;
Ro 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice,
Romans 14:17 righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Ro 15:13 ¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Ga 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy
Phil 1:25 joy of faith;
THERE IS JOY WHEN WE ARE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WALK IN THE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, IN THE RESURRECTION POWER OF JESUS CHRIST, BRINGING DELIVERANCE TO PEOPLE THROUGH CHRIST.
Php 3:3 rejoice in Christ Jesus
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always
1Th 1:6 ¶ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
1Th 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
1Th 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy.
1Th 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
1Th 5:16 ¶ Rejoice evermore.
James 1:2 ¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience
1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory
1Jo 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Re 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
De 16:11 And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.
Your whole family shall rejoice in front of YAHWEH in the place He chose to put His name.
Where has God chosen to place his name in our day and time? Is it not God, in Christ in you? Are we not Temples of the holy spirit? Are we not one now as God and Jesus are one? Is His name written on our hearts? Is this why we are instructed to Rejoice in the Lord always?
Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Ps 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy SINGING cometh in the morning.
Here is one of the first examples of JOY in the OT that boggled my mind.
1 Sam 2: 1 ¶ And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth [JUMPS FOR JOY] in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice [BRIGHTENED UP] in thy salvation.
2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
Hannah prayed this prayer of rejoicing. OMG How? She was about to leave her only son, a son she had after not being able to conceive, a son she asked of God, she was about to leave this son to the prophet when there was MUCH AMISS at the Temple. There was a lot of perverted stuff going on there.
Hannah was a woman of integrity for she prayed to God for a male child and said she would lend him to God if He would grant her request.She did it with rejoicing. I beleive she was able to do it because in these next verses was her prayer and confession. She had a different perspective about it. She did not think ...I gave away my son, I dont have a son what am I gonna do, boo hoo...She knew God would turn things around for her.
1 Sam 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
She ended up having three more sons and two daughters.
I was sad and feeling left behind when 6 of my friends moved in 3 months and I learned another couple would soon move too. God showed me I WAS NOT LEFT BEHIND, I WAS STAYING PUT. THIS IS A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE THAT TOOK THE STING OUT. I CANNOT REJOICE THAT MY FRIENDS ARE MOVING. BUT I CAN REJOICE IN THE lORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY WORKS. HE IS FAITHFUL.
Feeling depressed and succumbing to sad, depressing thoughts is the exact opposite of being brightened up and rejoicing in salvation. Just so you don't get discouraged, there is more to depression besides renewing your mind. There are REAL physical reasons we get depressed. Exposure to environmental toxins, lack of fresh air and sunshine, artificial food additives, food allergies, thyroid imbalances, and B -complex and D vitamin deficiencies, CAUSE depression. It also causes a weakened immune system. So if you still struggle with overwhelming feelings of sadness, you are doing all you can to cast out those depressive thoughts, look at your food and nutritional intake, and how much exercise do you get, ARE YOU EXPOSED TO PESTICIDES AND TOXIC CHEMICALS EVERYDAY? Get a good sublingual form of B vitamins and a good D 3 supplement. Get some fresh air & sunshine. Cod liver oil is high in natural D & A. D3 was shown to be more effective than anti anxiety drugs to combat depression.
Psalm 43:1 ¶ Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. {ungodly: or, unmerciful} {the deceitful...: Heb. a man of deceit and iniquity} 2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. {my exceeding...: Heb. the gladness of my joy}5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
(KJV)
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. In case you missed it the first time, it is repeated. Rejoice is EMPHASIZED. What do we have to be so full of joy about?
The Word
Jesus is the Word made flesh. We have holy spirit now and can do his works with power!
It is true, He is faithful.
WHY do we need JOY? The JOY of the LORD is our STRENGTH. If you have little joy, you have little strength, as anyone who has battles depression and oppression for any length of time can attest. If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small. The joy gets you through the tough parts.
Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before him.
HEBREWS 12:1-4
1 ¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside [PUT AWAY, LAY DOWN, SET ASIDE]every weight [MASS, BURDEN] , and the sin which doth so easily beset us, [(a competitor) thwarting (a racer) in every direction (figuratively, of sin] and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
HOW FAR AND FAST CAN WE RUN HOLDING ONTO A HEAVY LOAD OF BURDENS? HOW FAR & FAST CAN WE RUN BOGGED DOWN WITH WILLFUL SIN? HOW JOYFUL CAN WE BE? IT’S HARD ENOUGH TO RUN A RACE BUT WHEN WE ARE THWARTED BY THE COMPETITION IN EVERY DIRECTION AND BOGGED DOWN WITH A BACK PACK OF WORRIES, IT’S EVEN HARDER. IT’S NO FUN EVEN.
INSTEAD LETS RUN THE RACE WITH PATIENCE. THAT WORD PATIENCE MEANS: cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:
We cannot run with cheerful endurance if we are burdened and thwarted by sin.
2Co 10:5 Cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Hebrews 12: 2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. {author: or, beginner}
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds
4 ¶ Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
We can be full of joy. It takes action, deliberately seeking the Lord, acting on the promises of God, walking in resurrection power of the holy spirit, changing our perspective, casting down imaginations, rejoicing in the hope of the glory to come, setting aside the weight of sin, looking to Jesus the finisher of our faith. Oh praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy! Who gives us exceeding great love and joy!
Honor I
HONOR I
by Lesa Ankney
This teaching was presented to God’s Girls Ministry Women’s Bible
study on Monday, September 27, 2010. Personal testimonies are not
included in these notes. This editor believes personal testimonies
belong to the person telling it and should not be posted on a public
forum such as the Internet by anyone except the testifier. Bracketed
and italicized scripture references supplied in these notes were not
in the teaching but are here as a study reference for your learning.
King James Version Bible quoted unless noted otherwise.
Psalm 135:1-ff
1 ¶ Praise ye the LORD [YAWEH] . Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
2 Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,
3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
5 ¶ For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.
8 Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. {both...: Heb. from man unto beast}
9 Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.
10 Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;
11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:
12 And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.
13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations. {throughout...: Heb. to generation and generation}
14 For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.
15 ¶ The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
16 They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
18 They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.
19 Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:
20 Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.
21 Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
This community has served money and what money can buy for a very long time. This is the idol that has no eyes and no ears and no mouth. The people that serve and make these their idols have no eyes t see and no ears to hear just like them. We have to change that for them. The enemy had led them astray and deceived them. He changed their eyes. The enemy only used them as a pawn. Let's pray on their behalf. They do not think they even have a problem. In AA the first step is recognizing that you have a problem before you can overcome. The god of money is deteriorating. The enemy is falling apart.
There are already people coming here. The construction workers showed this place to another crew, the pizza guys, etc.. We will honor every person who comes in. We need to guard against having only an internal attitude of courtesy and respect with out having corresponding outward service is only lip service.
The caution for us here is people, especially broken people, know the difference. If your conversation is only lip service honoring them with your lips but your heart is far from them, while you look at them with disgust, you will not be honoring them.
Isaiah 29:13
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
God already knows about lip service. Be primed and ready to honor with action not just words.
In New Testament the word translated honor is a VERB which connotes ACTION. It is a value of great price.
Honor has a fixed value. It is not a variable rate. Fixed rates fixed values never change. When people disappoint you, their value does not change. You honor them the same. When they yell at you, their value does not change you honor them the same. This is how God honors us as well.
Whom shall we honor in this way?
Jesus.
John 5:23 We honor Jesus the son, just like we honor God the Father.
23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
Governing Authorities
This is hard especially f you do not like them or agree with them. There are several verses on this, here is one: Romans 13:1-7
In obedience to God, honor those authorities over you and God will honor you.
Bosses
1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Parents
Exodus 20:12
¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
[Ephesians 6:1 ¶
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.]
Teach children to honor their parents. It is so important because if they do not learn to honor their parents they will not honor their teachers, their bosses or civil authorities or anyone else. Do not let your kids get away with dishonoring you.
Fellow Believers
Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Widows
1 Tim 5:3 ¶ Honour widows that are widows indeed.
EVERYONE
1 Peter 2: 17
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
1 Peter 2:11 ¶
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings...
Prepare your mind for action to walk in grace and honour all who come in here.
Agreeing with everything they say and do is not synonymous with honor. ask God how you can honor the people better. It is simple in principal but not easy in practice. Rid yourself of all the malicious junk, all guile, all hypocrisies. Ask God what is in your heart. The way we correct yourself when mistreated, agitated, impatient or offended, is to look at yourself.Ask God to reveal what He would have you know about why you are responding the way you are and why you fell the way yu do. Crave the spiritual milk of the word so you can grow up.
We are living in the midst of the marketplace here at The Circuit. Some will not have the brokenness we are acquainted with. Some will be in suits and ties and others will be decked in high fashion and high heel shoes carrying Prada purses. Keep your eyes on Jesus long enough and you will crave pure spiritual milk and you will grow up.
Ask what can I do differently that I have done to honor people better?
Jesus is the reason we are here. Jesus is the reason we do what we do.
Challenge yourself to honor everybody.
by Lesa Ankney
This teaching was presented to God’s Girls Ministry Women’s Bible
study on Monday, September 27, 2010. Personal testimonies are not
included in these notes. This editor believes personal testimonies
belong to the person telling it and should not be posted on a public
forum such as the Internet by anyone except the testifier. Bracketed
and italicized scripture references supplied in these notes were not
in the teaching but are here as a study reference for your learning.
King James Version Bible quoted unless noted otherwise.
Psalm 135:1-ff
1 ¶ Praise ye the LORD [YAWEH] . Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
2 Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,
3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
5 ¶ For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.
8 Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. {both...: Heb. from man unto beast}
9 Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.
10 Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;
11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:
12 And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.
13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations. {throughout...: Heb. to generation and generation}
14 For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.
15 ¶ The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
16 They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
18 They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.
19 Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:
20 Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.
21 Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
This community has served money and what money can buy for a very long time. This is the idol that has no eyes and no ears and no mouth. The people that serve and make these their idols have no eyes t see and no ears to hear just like them. We have to change that for them. The enemy had led them astray and deceived them. He changed their eyes. The enemy only used them as a pawn. Let's pray on their behalf. They do not think they even have a problem. In AA the first step is recognizing that you have a problem before you can overcome. The god of money is deteriorating. The enemy is falling apart.
There are already people coming here. The construction workers showed this place to another crew, the pizza guys, etc.. We will honor every person who comes in. We need to guard against having only an internal attitude of courtesy and respect with out having corresponding outward service is only lip service.
The caution for us here is people, especially broken people, know the difference. If your conversation is only lip service honoring them with your lips but your heart is far from them, while you look at them with disgust, you will not be honoring them.
Isaiah 29:13
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
God already knows about lip service. Be primed and ready to honor with action not just words.
In New Testament the word translated honor is a VERB which connotes ACTION. It is a value of great price.
Honor has a fixed value. It is not a variable rate. Fixed rates fixed values never change. When people disappoint you, their value does not change. You honor them the same. When they yell at you, their value does not change you honor them the same. This is how God honors us as well.
Whom shall we honor in this way?
Jesus.
John 5:23 We honor Jesus the son, just like we honor God the Father.
23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
Governing Authorities
This is hard especially f you do not like them or agree with them. There are several verses on this, here is one: Romans 13:1-7
In obedience to God, honor those authorities over you and God will honor you.
Bosses
1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Parents
Exodus 20:12
¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
[Ephesians 6:1 ¶
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.]
Teach children to honor their parents. It is so important because if they do not learn to honor their parents they will not honor their teachers, their bosses or civil authorities or anyone else. Do not let your kids get away with dishonoring you.
Fellow Believers
Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Widows
1 Tim 5:3 ¶ Honour widows that are widows indeed.
EVERYONE
1 Peter 2: 17
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
1 Peter 2:11 ¶
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings...
Prepare your mind for action to walk in grace and honour all who come in here.
Agreeing with everything they say and do is not synonymous with honor. ask God how you can honor the people better. It is simple in principal but not easy in practice. Rid yourself of all the malicious junk, all guile, all hypocrisies. Ask God what is in your heart. The way we correct yourself when mistreated, agitated, impatient or offended, is to look at yourself.Ask God to reveal what He would have you know about why you are responding the way you are and why you fell the way yu do. Crave the spiritual milk of the word so you can grow up.
We are living in the midst of the marketplace here at The Circuit. Some will not have the brokenness we are acquainted with. Some will be in suits and ties and others will be decked in high fashion and high heel shoes carrying Prada purses. Keep your eyes on Jesus long enough and you will crave pure spiritual milk and you will grow up.
Ask what can I do differently that I have done to honor people better?
Jesus is the reason we are here. Jesus is the reason we do what we do.
Challenge yourself to honor everybody.
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