Monday, December 29, 2014

Kingdom Principles: Dr. Myles Munroe


The week that I heard about Dr. Myles Munroe's departure, like everyone, I was shocked and saddened for this tremendous loss to the body of believers in Christ.

I remembered that he was a dynamic teacher of the word of God and I was moved to search for videos that would remind me of his teaching as it had been a while since I personally heard/seen him on TV.

My first search produced the video below, It appeared to be just several months before. Dr. Munroe was being interviewed in the Bahamas (his home Country) by Pastor Benny Hinn about his signature message The Kingdom.

I was captivated (so was Benny Hinn) by the Kingdom Principles that Dr. Munroe shared and my "eyes" were opened. I can't do justice to interpret, summarize or paraphrase the treasure of information shared so I'll share the interview with you in the video below and It's my prayer that you will never be the same.


 Daily Manna From Heaven: Interview with Myles Munroe Part 1

  Benny Hinn Ministries
 
 


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

2015 God's Will

 
There are times when my faith is stronger than others.  I'm moving forward towards 2015 with the desire to grow deeper by living out the principles of God in every aspect of my life.

I'm dedicating 2015 to the will of God.  I'm declaring, Lord, not my will, but yours be done in my life;  Lord I trust You...
 
  
We've come this far by faith
Leaning on the Lord
Trusting in His holy word
He never fail me yet

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Can't turn around
We've come this far by faith
 
I will trust in the Lord
Till I die

I'm gonna stay on the battle field
Till I die

I'm gonna treat everybody right
Till I die
Donnie Mcclurkin
 

I Trust You
 (Chorus)

I will
Trust you 
 
I will
Trust you
 
I will
Trust you
 
I'll trust you
I---iiiii will
 
God will make a way...

James Fortune
 
 
 
 
Tis so sweet to Trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word...
 
 
 
 
"Man says....Show me and I'll trust you.
 
God says....Trust me and I'll show you. "
 
 
What are your spiritual plans goals for 2015? 
 
God bless you and I pray your personal spiritual aspirations be fulfilled to His Names Honor and Glory.
 
May the Lord bless you and keep you, May the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and give you Peace.
 
Much Love,
 
Highly Favored

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Christmas: Jamaican Style

Even though I came to America when I was 11 years old, I have been able to preserve some nostalgic memories of Christmas time in Jamaica as a little girl that warms my heart remembering them.

These memories  just bring back the vibes that were in the "air" during those times like my nuclear family traditions, the Jamaican/Reggae Christmas music playing on the radio, smell of food cooking for Christmas dinner, specific drinks and just the overall happiness, joy and excitement that was felt and seen all around during this time of year.

I especially remember my Mother always making roast beef where she would cut holes all over the beef and inject her seasoning blend of fresh garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper etc.  The aroma that filled the house was mmmmmmm so good and the meal was always mouth watering delicious.

I remember crates of 'irated water' (as my mom calls soda) with various flavors at home.  They were the popular Jamaican brand D&G, back in then the soda bottles were tall and resembled the classic Coca-Cola bottles. I could drink as many and as often as I wanted. This only happened at this time of year though we didn't really drink soda during the year only a once in a while for a treat.

As with all cultures, each family/individual has their own unique traditions within a cultural unit, however there are some common constants that I will share about a typical Jamaican Christmas.

Below is a list of the common constants for a "Jamaican Christmas"

1.  Classic Reggae Christmas Songs such as...

 
Let the Christmas catch you in a Good Mood
The Joe Gibbs
 
Little Drummer Boy

Barrington Levy
 
 
 
 
2.  Jamaican Christmas (Fruit/rum) Cake

 
http://simplymarvia.wordpress.com/2013/12/09/jamaican-christmas-fruit-cake/






3.  Sorrel Drink Jamaican Style

Sorrel Drink Recipe



4.  Squeaky Clean House, New Curtains etc.
 
   
5.  Everybody exchanging Christmas and 'Compliments of the Season' Greetings.
 
 
6.  People reminiscing about Christmas time when they were growing up:
 
 
 
                           
  
Happy Holidays to you and Yours!!
 
 
 


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

God Favors Me.....Letting Go

I thank God for His continued mercy, grace, protection, deliverance and FAVORS that He displays in my life. Hence the name of this Blog 'Highly Favored'


Who would ever imagine writing a testimony associated with 'letting go'? Last night I had a letting go experience that re-awakened my appreciation and thankfulness to God and for my Mother.

I got my first car right after graduating from High School.   My first job after High School was working at Wal Mart and one evening I was working the closing shift which ended around 10:30/11.  I would take the bus to work, the bus stop was a very looooong walk from my home at the time, and uphill climb too.  My sweet mom would pick me up in the evenings/night when my shift was over. 

One night I was getting off the late shift and usually my Mother would be there waiting by the time I'm ready to leave, this night she was not. Just about all my co-workers leaving asked, do you need a ride? I replied no, my mother is coming for me.  As time passed and I didn't see her, I wasn't sure what happened but I just knew she was coming for me.  Well after waiting a very long time and with just about everyone gone, I realized something must be wrong and I started walking home.  I would stop along the way and use a pay phone (1998) and call home several times....no answer. So I kept walking and praying that I would not be harmed.  After walking a very looong distance I saw a car make a BIG round about in the road and stopped!  It was my mother trying to hold her composure and fright/panic attack.  She related that she overslept and didn't hear any of my phone calls.  She said she woke up and looked at the time and was almost paralyzed when she remembered that she needed to pick me up and her mind started being flooded of what could/may/might have happened to me. 

After that incident my Mom bought me car (used) out of necessity as I was also about to begin going to school college locally and to make my commuting easier from work to school to home etc. 

The testimony of this post happens a couple years later.  I was 21 years old and came home one random day and saw a brand new Toyota Solara, (2 door, V6, silver, sunroof, power seats and all the works)  parked in front of our home.   I said to my mom, someone parked a nice car in front of our house.  My mother laughed and said, that is your car!  I was confused because the car I had was perfectly fine, no problems and I didn't understand,  my car! really? why?!  

Do you know that my Mother bought me a brand new car just to express how proud she was of me? and how much she loves me? 

I was OVERWHELMED.  I resented the car initially. I didn't jump up or squeal for joy because I felt like this was just too much for me. I felt like I hadn't done anything "special" to deserve this.  I felt like this should be for someone else not me, I'm not a show off, flashy type of person, just easy going and content, don't like to be the center of attention or anything like that. 

Well my friends, my mother had to coax me and tell me I'm worth it and so much more and that I deserve it etc, etc. I was afraid to go in the car and to drive it.  She had to demand that I drive the car and little by little I came to accept. 

The letting go part happened last night.   We sold the car and  I cried so much just remembering the sentimental story behind this faithful and favored ride that God through my Mother blessed me with. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us  "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven." 

The season came last night to say goodbye to this special car that holds with it this precious story and history.  But I'm learning that in letting go God can and will replace in a more abundant way for this present season of my life.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Give PEACE a Chance

As we conclude the Battle Ready series it is my prayer that we have become more enlightned, aware and equipped to face all of lifes challenges, distractions in any form with a Godly resolve, knowing that God is with us and that fact guarantees our Victory. 

I am convicted that having Victory in spiritual battles is synonimus to Peace.

Peace is a spiritual gift and promise from God.  God himself is the Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

When the 'storms' battles are raging being fought in our lives remember that we serve the true and living God that when we call on Him for help he is ready and faithful to comand peace.

Mark 4:38-40  But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

As we live on this sinful earth, being sinners ourselves, there will always be trouble of some sort that we will face at one point or another.  Our Saviour promises that our peace of mind comes through Him and we should be joyful because He has conquered and is in controll.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

The declaration of Peace on earth was made from Heaven at Christ birth

Luke 2:13-15
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:




14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
 
The declaration of Peace in Heaven was made by his deciples days before his death.
 
Luke 19:37-39
37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen,  saying: ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Jesus taught us that peacemakers are sons called children of God.
Matthew 5:9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
9 Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and  maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!

I desire to be a child of God in the true sense of the word.
Let us strive with all our might to be peacemakers, peace makers with our thoughts, our family, or enemies, the disadvantaged....in every way possible.
 
God bless you and thank you for taking this journey with me.
 
May the principles we've discovered over the past couple weeks empower us for  greater victories in Spiritual battles.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Good Soilder

This weeks Battle Ready post outlines the job description and qualifications of a Good Soilder for Christ.

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

2 Timothy 2 (NLT)

 1My dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 
 
2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
11 This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him,
we will also live with him.
12 If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is.

14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer,[as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.

19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”

20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Prisoner of War

This weeks Battle Ready post is on being a Prisoner of War.

During Wars, whenever the enemy captures a solider or in some cases a civilian, and keeps them in bondage the captured is called a Prisoner of War.

Being a Prisoner of War has a devastating effect on the Prisoner's mental state due to the loss of physical freedom and emotional freedom too.

Just imagine not being able to express your emotions freely without punishment and not being able to move about as you desired, in addition to being forced to say and do things you otherwise would not.

Oftentimes, Prisoners of War are chained and/or physically confined so that they will not escape their captors.

Spiritual Prisoner of War

Did you know that we can become spiritual Prisoners of War?

If we are not cautious we can easily become Prisoner's of War to any one or more the following spirits enemies:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Fear
  • Addiction (of any kind)
  • Negative Thinking
  • Incessant feelings of Guilt
  • "Living" in the Past
  • Incessant Worry
  • Laziness
  • Unforgiveness
  • Low Self Esteem
  • Unhealthy Rage/Anger
  • Controlling Attitude (my way or no way)
How do we loose these spiritual chains and experience freedom from these confining, debilitating, contrary spirits?

The word of God states that we have the authority to loose these chains.....

Matthew 16:19  And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

As Sons and Daughters of Royalty, our King and Heavenly Father has given us keys to both bind and loose on earth AND in Heaven.  This gift is is assured...

Matthew 18:18 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

We have the authority in the Name of Jesus Christ to loose corrupt spiritual chains that keep us bound, limits our influence, diminishes and/or erases our testimony for Jesus. Say it, claim it, Believe it and Live it in the Name of Jesus.

Sister Tasha Cobbs reminds us that there is an Army (God's Army) rising up to break EVERY chain and there IS POWER in the Name of JESUS...

Tasha Cobbs


Sometimes these chains are not spiritual but for some they face physical circumstantial chains.  These physical chains can be confining on any one or more of the following circumstances:

  • Finances
  • Relationships
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Reproduction
  • Social Engagement/Interactions
  • Career Advancement
  • Procreation
Did you know that our praise and worship has the power to loose chains?

It is important to note that our lifestyle as Christians must include Praise and Worship. Not just in a Church service but daily. Are you aware that the highest form of praise and worship is our obedience to God's principles and standards for our lives?

We also sing songs to and about God in Praise and Worship. Through song we declare the promises of God and love in a uniquely beautiful way.

Singing songs of Praise has the power to 'Break us Free' by Uplifting, Encouraging, and Releasing our Spirit form confining spiritual chains.

Acts 16:24-26   Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 

Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Today let us declare, I am no longer a Prisoner of War in the Spirit! I am FREE in Jesus Name....

No more shackles
No more chains
No more bondage
I am free
Eddie James

Monday, December 1, 2014

Singing BATTLE READY Songs

Slowly winding down on our Battle Ready series.  We have a couple more post to go! 

This week enjoy these Battle Ready Songs...
 
It's Mighty Nice to Be on the Lord's Side
 Oh-oh-oh, how sweet it is to be on the Lord's side
Oh-oh-oh, how sweet it is to know that Jesus lives inside
Oh-oh-oh, if I don't praise Him the rocks are gonna cry
It's mighty nice to be on the Lord's side.

He's my rock, my sword, my shield
Yes, He is; Oh, yes He is!
He's my captain on the battlefield
Yes, He is, Oh, yes He is!

There is no other place that I would rather be
It's might nice to be on the Lord's side
 
Oh......oh-oh-oh
SO! oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, So Wonderful
Gloo-o-ory, Hallelu
Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir



Stand
What do you do when you've done all you can
And it seems like it's never enough?

And what do you say
When your friends turn away
And you all alone, alone?

Tell me, what do you give when you've given your all
And it seems like you can't make it through

Well, you just stand when there's nothing left to do
You just stand, watch the Lord see you through

Yes, after you've done all you can,
You just stand...
Donnie McClurkin
 
 
 
 
Can't Give Up Now
There will be mountains that I will have to climb
And there will be battles that I will have to fight
But victory or defeat, it's up to me to decide
But how can I expect to win If I never try.

I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where I started from
Nobody told me the road would be easy
And I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me

Never said there wouldn't be trials
Never said I wouldn't fall
Never said that everything would go the way I want it to go

But when my back is against the wall
And i feel all hope is gone,
I'll just lift my head up to the sky
And say help me to be strong...
Mary Mary
 
 

 
The Battle Is Not Yours
There is no pain Jesus can't feel
No hurt He cannot heal

For all things work according to His perfect will
No matter what you're going through
Remember God is using You
For the battle is not yours, it's the Lord's
 
There's no sadness Jesus can't feel
And there is no sorrow that He cannot heal

For all things work according to the Master's holy will
No matter what you're going through
Remember that God is only using You
For the battle is not yours,
it's the Lord's...
Yolanda Adams




Troubles Away
Byron Cage



I Will Live

Charles Jenkins & New Fellowship Choir



God is Good
Lisa Page-Brooks



Testimony

Anthony Brown & Group Therapy

Friday, November 28, 2014

A Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving

I had such a wonderful day yesterday.  I've anticipated this day for a year now and was so looking forward to volunteering with the Bea Gaddy Foundation to serve Thanksgiving to the disadvantaged in the City.

The Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving tradition started by Ms. Bea Gaddy in the 1980's.  She was a single mother of 5 and fell on hard times.  One day she bought a 50 cents lottery ticket and won about $300. She used the money she had, cooked and fed her family and distributed food to her neighbors; this act of selflessness began a long tradition and has grown by leaps and bounds over the years with many corporations, businesses and individuals donating food, money and time to keep this tradition alive on Thanksgiving Day.

Bea Gaddy died in 1991 from breast cancer, however her daughters have kept the tradition alive.

Yesterday my Mom and I had the privilege of volunteering at the Annual Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving and we had a blast.  The event was held at a community center in the heart of the City. It was well organized, lots and lots of food and there were many, many volunteers. There were several "entertainers" such as hip hop dancers, Michael Jackson dancers, church groups entertained with their dance ministries, Black Santa, and a man making balloons for the children.

It was great! May God bless and continue to maintain this legacy and tradition for years to come.



Monday, November 24, 2014

Battle Gear: Camouflage

Christian Solders! How are you doing in the battlefield of life?  Remember there are more with you than against you.....God's Army.

This weeks Battle Ready post is on Camouflage!

Camouflage is achieved by hiding/covering or "dressing" things or up to deceive an enemy.  This is achieved by painting and color coding people and clothing so that they are lost to view or difficult to notice when operating in certain environments.

marines camoflage
Source
 
In the battlefield, camouflage uniforms are worn with a combination of brown and green which are suppose to make solders harder to be detected by the enemy.


 
Depending on the environment they are in, these uniforms help them to blend into the landscape.
 
 
Spiritual Environment/Landscape

The natural environment that we are born in is surrounded by the consequences of sin disobedience to our Creator's operation manual (the bible).  The bible is our manual for optimizing our spiritual/physical well being, protection and preservation.

Every vehicle manufacturer provides an operating manual that accompanies every vehicle they make.  The manual outlines the various features and functions, provides troubleshooting solutions to problems and includes specific instructions for optimal operation. For example, the vehicle manual will explicitly state put gasoline in the gas tank. Should one decide to not read the manual and/or read the manual but decide to try something different, like, put oil in the in the tank instead of gasoline, will the vehicle work?
 
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NET) Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

The bible, aka...The Word of God, is our manual. The bible is a complimentary gift to us from our Creator.  Our manual provides instructions for optimal spiritual connectedness to our Creator (which is our "fuel/gas"), guidance for daily living and interactions with other humans, guarantees for our well being and our protection.
 
Psalm 119:105-112(NET)
 
 Your word is a lamp to walk by,
and a light to illumine my path.
 


 I have vowed and solemnly sworn
to keep your just regulations.

 I am suffering terribly.
O Lord, revive me with your word!

 O Lord, please accept the freewill offerings of my praise!
Teach me your regulations!

 My life is in continual danger,
but I do not forget your law.

 The wicked lay a trap for me,
but I do not wander from your precepts.

 I claim your rules as my permanent possession,
for they give me joy.

 I am determined to obey your statutes
at all times, to the very end.

 
Spiritual Battle Gear

 We are sinners saved by the blood of Jesus which covers camouflages our sins. The devil, our enemy knows that we are not worthy to enjoy the blessings of God and be called sons and daughters of His.  So he is constantly accusing us and pointing out our fallen state;
 
Revelation 12:10-11
 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying,
“The salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the ruling authority of his Christ, have now come,
because the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
the one who accuses them day and night before our God,
has been thrown down.
 But they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,
and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
 
Our 'camouflage' colors in this spiritual battle are symbolically red and white.  Red-The blood of Jesus; White-God's righteousness that covers us (Hallelujah, thank you Jesus!!!).
 
Revelation 7:13-14  Then one of the elders asked me, “These dressed in long white robes—who are they and where have they come from?”  So I said to him, “My lord, you know the answer.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb!
 
As believers, when we face fiery trials and the testing of our faith, patience, love and all the virtues of the spirit, let us be confident and know that we are covered by the blood of Jesus. Stay in relationship, stay connected, don't wait until the trials come, it will be more difficult and in some cases too late for protection..
 
The account of the passover for the children of Israel points to the importance of obedience and relationship. God fought for the release of Israel and the final plague required the Israelites to do something in order to be protected from the impending judgement...
 
Exodus 12:7-13
They will take some of the blood and put it on the two side posts and top of the doorframe of the houses where they will eat it. 8 They will eat the meat the same night; they will eat it roasted over the fire with bread made without yeast and with bitter herbs. 9 Do not eat it raw or boiled in water, but roast it over the fire with its head, its legs, and its entrails. 10 You must leave nothing until morning, but you must burn with fire whatever remains of it until morning. 11 This is how you are to eat it—dressed to travel, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. You are to eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover.
12 I will pass through the land of Egypt in the same night, and I will attack all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of humans and of animals, and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment. I am the Lord. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, so that when I see the blood I will pass over you, and this plague will not fall on you to destroy you when I attack the land of Egypt.
 
Obedience is vital for survival. We are instructed in Ephesians 6:10-18
 
 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 
 
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 
 
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 

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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Oh The Blood
Gateway Worship

Monday, November 17, 2014

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Hi Friends!!  How was your weekend? My weekend was great. How are you enjoying the series so far?

Today's Battle Ready post is about Weapons of Mass Destruction. 

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) are defined as:

-any destructive device (i.e. explosive device);

- any weapon that is designed or intended to cause death or serious bodily injury through the release, dissemination, or impact of toxic or poisonous chemicals, or their precursors;

- any weapon involving a biological agent, toxin, or vector

- any weapon that is designed to release radiation or radioactivity at a level dangerous to human life.”

The following is a sample list of Weapons of Mass destruction (WMD) used in warfare:  Landmines, Nuclear Bombs, Missiles, Smart Bombs just to name a few.

Spiritual Weapons of Mass Destruction Distraction

Just like the various weapons of mass destruction listed above that are used in physical warfare, there are also various weapons of mass destruction distraction used in spiritual warfare.

Some of these Spiritual WMD's are actually physical instruments and there are the unseen spiritual ones as well.

  • Physical Weapons of Distraction:

Let's call the Physical Weapons of Distractions 'Smart Bombs'. They appear in the forms of our 'Smart Phones',  'Tablets', 'Netflix', 'Facebook','Scandal', 'Twitter' 'Blogs' 'Instagram' 'Relationship(s)'...........In other words, every gadget, social media site, TV show and/or person that we allow to occupy the majority of our spare time at the expense of, a lacking, deserted, neglected, empty and defenseless spiritual life.

Ecclesiastes 9:18 (NKJV) Wisdom is better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroys much good.”

The word of emphasis in the text above is wisdom. We apply wisdom to weapons of distractions in our lives by carefully planning and monitoring where and how much time is spent on what.

Do you find that you are feeling empty, having a hard time connecting spiritually? and/or feeling distant from God?  Conduct a personal evaluation of your time to determine if you are spending excessive time on your phone/Apps, social media, the TV, etc.

These distractions are dangerous to our preparedness and response to spiritual attacks because they prevent the proper nurturing and building up our spiritual defenses. It is essential that we make build up our spirit by reading God's word and spiritually uplifting material; Memorize scripture passages, and spend time in prayer/meditation.

Engaging in spiritually uplifting activities enables us to be armed with spiritual weapons and ready for spiritual battles.  Ephesians 6:17 tells us that the sword of the spirit IS the word of God.
 
  • Spiritual Weapons of Distraction

Let's call the Spiritual Weapons of Distraction 'Landmines'. They appear in the forms of pride, gossip, fear, vanity, jealousy, covetousness, lying, lack of self control, instigation, arrogance, malice, unforgiveness, impatience to name a few.

Every person, should we be honest with ourselves, battles with at least one of these landmines.  It is important to be aware of these weapons hidden in our spirits and work on uprooting them. Explosion of these landmines leaves us limping in our Spirit and defenseless.

How do we counter attack these weapons of distraction?

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (NKJV) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Whatever stronghold we are struggling with today, let us be encouraged that our weapons are mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds and every thing that exalts itself, bringing every thought into captivity to obedience in Christ.  Let us receive our deliverance Today.

If we desire to be delivered from all Spiritual Weapons of Distraction let us carefully manage and monitor our time, study the word of God, recognize that Silence is the Secret, commit to memory the promises of God, and surrender or will to His. 

Monday, November 10, 2014

Battlefield

Continuing with our Battle Ready series, in the previous post, we talked about the two structured Spiritual Armies that are fighting. Good vs. Evil or Dark vs. Light.  We discussed the fact that both Armies have a General in command of subordinate forces and both Armies have a distinct mission. 

I'm encouraged to know that the Good/Light Army has an extensive comprehensive Mission, which is to Save, Deliver and Protect us from evil and the eternal consequences of sin.  In addition, to eternally destroy all evil and darkness from existence.

Today we are going to talk about the battlefield where this war is taking place.

First, let us define the term Battle.  Battle, often used interchangeably with War, is a violent fight in which Military forces use weapons in order to gain control of something.

A battlefield by extension can be described as the place where this violent fight takes place; it's an unsafe area of conflict. 

I have never been in a physical battlefield of war before, but from what I have seen in movies,  documentaries and news reports, the battlefield is a tense place, there is destruction everywhere, there are big weapons being used to shoot, blow up and destroy.  The whole aim usually is to gain control of something.


Spiritual Battlefield: The War Within

We are now talking about the Spiritual War.  Spiritual wars take place in our minds, the epicenter of our thoughts, imaginations and Will Power(where we make decisions).  Needless to say, our mind is a spiritual battlefield where Light vs. Darkness/Good vs. Evil is fighting for control.

1 Peter 5:8 (CEV) Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.

How do we stay awake spiritually and guard our spirits form the enemy's attack?

1 Peter 5:9(CEV)  But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith...

James 4:7(CEB)  Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you.

It is important to realize that the spiritual attacks on our mind, challenging our faith, our beliefs and our moral standards as it pertains to the Statutes/Commandments of God, will come. As Christian solders, we must be aware and ready (on Guard) for the attacks. 

Mental spiritual attacks on our faith, belief and moral standards of God can look like any combination of these thoughts (note the counter attacks/defense necessary to fight back in this spiritual battlefield of our mind):

  • You are not committed, why do you even bother with this Christian journey? look at you, this minute you are full of joy/faith and the next you are doubtful and afraid, just give up,  give up and kill yourself, all your worries and pain will stop then.
Resistance/Counter Attack: Matthew 6:23 .... “Satan, get away from me! You’re in my way because you think like everyone else and not like God.”

Psalm 118:17-18 I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord.
 The Lord has chastened me severely, But He has not given me over to death.

  • You are missing out on all the fun in life,relationships, sex, SEX and more sex.  You are missing out!! You probably wont make it to heaven any way! forget all this modest living stuff and go enjoy your life,  after all you only have one life to live/YOLO (You Only Live Once). Everyone is living life except you!

Resistance/Counter Attack: 1 John 2:16-17  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

  • Why did I marry him/her? Perhaps if I had waited a little longer my real husband/wife, my soul mate, would have come. Now I'm stuck and I'm not feeling my husband/wife anymore. I'm unsatisfied most of the time and his/her actions annoy me so much! I wish he/she didn't talk so much....shop so much....eat so much...cry so much........ (fill in the blank, so much), then I would have the perfect marriage, just like that couple. I just want to be in eternal bliss. This is NOT what I expected. Why, why, WHY!? can't my husband/Wife be, say, like and do what I want!?


Resistance/Counter Attack: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
                                            Love is kind and patient,
never jealous, boastful,
proud, or  rude.
Love isn’t selfish
or quick tempered.
It doesn’t keep a record
of wrongs that others do.
 Love rejoices in the truth,
but not in evil.
 Love is always supportive,
loyal, hopeful,
and trusting.
Love never fails!

We could go on and on with various examples of thoughts attacks to our minds and thinking from the evil army. The point to take away is that we need to armor ourselves spiritually with the word of God for counter attacks and to defend our beliefs in God's word!!

In this spiritual battlefield, always have your spiritual sheild, helmet and sword READY, don't take them off or put them down EVER....

Ephesians 6:16-17 Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation AND the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.


Onward Christian Soldiers
Fountianview Academy Choir and Band



P.S.  On 11/11 every year, the U.S. celebrates and honors all Veterans of War. We appreciate the sacrifice and feedom your service brings.  Happy Veterans Day!!