Saturday, November 30, 2013

"setbacks"

Allow me to introduce myself, Hi, I'm Heather, and I am a sloooooooooooow learner.  Lately I am finding myself back on my knees, asking for HIS forgiveness, as I have once again made a HUGE mess of the circumstances in my life.  I am having to relearn the same things over and over again, as I have once again allowed myself to be "emotionally led."

It never fails, that I could be in a great mood, praising and worshiping GOD.  I could be having the BEST day with my family, life couldn't possibly get any better.  I love those moments, I cherish those moments of pure blissful contentment.  Sadly like clockwork, and I know this, so why does, it keep happening to me?  

Not following me, okay allow me to paint the current theme in my life.  I have HUGE problem in my life, and this is my selfish, foolish pride.  I suffer from the bratty girl syndrome much like the one on Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  You might know her as the "I want it now girl."  Like her, "I don't care how, I just want it, I NEED it NOW!!!"   I can be a very selfish individual like that.  I get my mind set on something, and it's like GOD is prying my vice grip off of my "needs." 

It's all so foolish I know, of course I know, so why do I continue to do it?  Over and over again I make the same foolish mistakes.   This morning HE woke me up at 3:30 a.m. and I REFUSED to get out of bed.  Well that lasted for all of 20 min, when the harder I tried to fall back asleep the more I felt HIS urgency to talk to me.  

As I began to journal I spilled my heart to HIM, I confessed that I once again have made a HUGE mess of things, and I needed HIS help.  That my mess, involved other people, and I'm not sure how to make things right, or if I even can make them right.  I poured my entire emotional being into my confession, and then slowly HE began teaching me.

HIS Daily Teachings was HIS loving reminder, that while I have grown so much, I must understand that I will have "setbacks."  As I heard those words, I quickly became discouraged, and didn't feel any better.  I felt like saying, "Hey that's great GOD, thanks for that..."  I really felt like saying, "Tell me something I don't already know."  The more HE spoke to me the bigger the failure I felt.  Slowly the guilt of pride, set in, and I couldn't hardly write, or think about what HE was teaching me anymore.


As I sat there wallowing in my self pity, have the biggest pity party for myself, crying about how I always mess up, I began to think about the things I needed to get done today.  If you were to come to our home today you would see that it is decorated in hot pink, purple, gold, and silver.  We are having a sort of surprise birthday party for our daughter who is turning 9 this Friday.  I say sort of surprise, as she knows there is a party, however she doesn't know anything else about it.  

So, picture this, me sitting, thinking, looking at the decorations, admiring my husbands handiwork, and all the hard work my two teenage daughters put into the party, my heart filled with gratitude.  I began praising HIM, thanking HIM, and before I knew it, so much time had past, I forgot I was in the middle of my bible study.

HE quickly brought me back into focus, and continued with HIS teaching.  The very next thought that HE showed me that I struggle with is "the beast" that lives inside of me.  That "beast" is my pride.  HE slowly revealed to me that I have been very ungrateful in wanting to be able to go to our old church, have our old church family, and live our old life.  He has shown me that in wanting to have back what we have "lost" I am missing out on so many blessings that HE is trying to pour over my life, and my families life.  HE is wanting me to know that I must let go, and let HIM teach me.  

I am learning that I must choose to trust HIM completely with everything in my life, so that HE can bless me.  HE is wanting me to know that my life is sort of like the "surprise party" that we are having for our daughter.  I know HE is fighting for me.  I know HE is transforming me.  I know that HE has HUGE plans for my life.  I know that HIS timing and HIS provision is perfect.  

So while, I know all of that, why do I foolishly forget?  HE has revealed to me this morning that HE isn't interested in making sure that I receive full freedom from all the strongholds in my life.  After all, if HE freed me from everything, then how could I possibly need HIM?  HE is wanting me to know and understand that I am going to mess up.  I am going to make foolish selfish pride mistakes and decisions.  However, HE doesn't want me to fall for Satan's condemnation.

"The Lord your God will clear away these nations before you little by little. You may not make an end of them at once, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you." Deuteronomy 7:22

HE is letting me know that HE isn't surrounding me saying, "OH Heather, you my dear are an idiot.  You keep making these same stupid mistakes over and over again.  Why can't you ever learn?  What is wrong with you?  Why must we keep going over this?  You make me angry, you are a disgrace.  You are not my daughter, the daughter to the KING, you are a failure."

When He revealed my inner dialogue to me this morning, I felt ashamed.  However, HE quickly told me that I must not accept feeling condemned, I must pick myself up, and dust myself off, and try again.  HE doesn't want me wallowing in my self pity, throwing some HUGE pity parties.  HE wants me to seek HIM, and ask HIM to teach, lead, and guide me through every single moment of my life.

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1

HE is wanting me to know that when I seek HIM, I will find HIM, and HE will show me, and HE will deliver me from the mistakes I have made, and HE will make all things come together for my good.  HE is wanting me to know that I will be filled by HIS strength, and HE will shower me with HIS grace, and HIS blessings will be poured over my life.  I am learning that the more I seek HIM, and align my thoughts to HIS, and follow the path for HIS plans and HIS purpose for my life, the more peaceful blessed life I am able to live.  Therefore, I must let go of my, "I want it now" attitude, and put on a new attitude of gratitude.

"And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

Joyce Meyers words, really struck home with me today. "When you fail (which you will) that doesn't mean you are a failure, it just simply means you don't do everything right."

In my humanness I "think" that just because I write this blog titled "HIS Daily Teachings," then isn't it hypocritical of me to write about things over and over again.  I mean shouldn't I be over this by now? Shouldn't I have been delivered from it, shouldn't I have been able to overcome the strongholds in my life?

HE has loving reminded me this morning, that growing, learning, and relying on HIS strength alone takes time.  HE has shown me that this is what HIS plan and purpose is all about for my life.  I am thankful that HE loves me enough to teach me, and reveal to me exactly what I had been needing to hear this morning.  

HE is telling me that it is time that I break Satan's "broken record" in my life, and play, listen to, and even dance to the song of my salvation in my life.  I must praise HIM for allowing me to overcome so much in my life.  I must praise HIM and thank HIM that surely I am not where I want to be, but thanks to HIM, and praises to HIM that I am not where I used to be.

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

"And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:4

I pray today that you are struggling with "setbacks" in your life, you will know that it is HIS timing and provision in your life.  I pray that you will seek HIM and allow HIS plans and HIS purpose be the path that you will choose.  I pray for HIS favor and blessings to be poured over your life when you seek HIM, and ask HIM to teach, lead, and guide you how to live every single moment of your life.

Blessings,
Heather 







Wednesday, November 27, 2013

"reprogrammed"

Early this morning, like clockwork, I could feel HIM calling me and telling me it was time to get up.  I looked at the clock and it said 4:32 a.m.  Thinking to myself, "not today LORD, I'm sleeping in."  It's now 5:26 a.m. and I just finished my bible study, so you can see who won this morning.  

This morning HE set the stage for me to understand just what it is that HE is trying to teach me today.  A "normal" day for me starts out like this:  My two teenage daughters are fighting over clothes.  I have forgotten that I needed to iron my husbands dress clothes.  My four year old son runs into his eight year old sisters room and steals something.  She beings to cry, and the yelling begins.  My one year old son is ripped from sleep from all the yelling, and he is soaked through his pajamas and sheets and blankets.  Everywhere I walk there is a mess in every area of our home.  The garbage that someone conveniently "forgot" to take out, is starting to smell horrible by the back door.  As I retreat to the kitchen to get away from all the "fighting" I step into something sticky.  I can hear that my two teenagers fight is escalating, and my other two children are beginning to hit one another.  Pretty soon I can hear someone say, "Mama make her stop, make her give it to me."  I'm not responding, as secretly I am hoping that they won't find me.  However, as it never fails, when I don't answer them, they bring the fight to me.   Now I am refereeing a fight about clothes, over a toy, and dealing with a now screaming soaking wet toddler.  My husband is running around frantically looking for something decent to wear to work, as he is now late!  Until it is time to go the fighting continues, and when all school aged children are finally gone to school, I am left in the aftermath of the destruction of the morning.  My two little boys are needing attention, and I. am. spent.  

I retreat upstairs for a quick shower, and strip my toddlers crib.  I forgo doing my hair, or any makeup and grab both boys and put them in the tub. While they are bathing, the thoughts begin.  Before long, tears fall, and I begin to repeat my thoughts out loud.  Over and over I say how overwhelmed I am.  I ask GOD if HE's sure that I was made for this?  I continue to let the doubts and feelings of defeat roll freely from my tongue, and before I know it, I have myself all worked up.

HIS Daily Teachings today was to let me know that Satan and his demons have had years to program all of their garbage and lies into me, and now because I have decided to follow JESUS, HE is waiting patiently to "reprogram" me.  HE is wanting me to know that it is vital that I allow myself to be "reprogrammed."

I am learning that this means I must not allow my negative thinking to cultivate in my mind, as it will then become my words.  HE is wanting me to know that I must allow HIM to "reprogram" me to have life-generating thoughts, so then my words will be life-generating.  HE is wanting me to know that HE is like the anti-virus protector in my mind, as Satan is the virus, or as I like to say, "the broken record" that plays over and over in my mind.

HE is wanting me to know that when the negative thoughts come, HE is there fighting the good fight with me.  Therefore, I must allow myself to being "reprogrammed" so that I will then be CHRIST like.  I am learning that this means I must rebuke all negative thinking, and strike the word "overwhelmed" from my vocabulary.  I must not allow Satan and his demons to cloud my thinking, and to pull the wool over my eyes.  I must see past the smoke screens and mirrors that Satan and his demons have methodically and strategically placed in my life.  I must choose to let go... and allow myself to be "reprogrammed" by HIS HOLY SPIRIT.

HE is showing me that when the waters rise, and the oceans rage in my life, I need to know that HE is there.  HE can, will, and does carry me through.  I am learning that it is by my faith and trust in HIM that I am not overtaken by the waves of storms in my life.  HE is letting me know that when I allow myself to be "reprogrammed" NOTHING can overwhelm me.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." Isaiah 43:2

HE is wanting me to know that the only way I can face the challenges in my life, is to go through them.  HE is  teaching me that HE will help me through the rough times, and HE can, will, and always does sustain me.  I am learning that with HIM, NOTHING impossible.  Time and again, HE has proven this to be true for my life.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

HE is telling me that HE is equipping me to be able to climb the mountains of circumstances in my life.  HE is letting me know that with HIM, I will be able to overcome, therefore, I must continue to seek HIM, and let myself be "reprogrammed" in order to achieve victory in HIM.

HE is wanting me to understand that while I am searching for some worldly thing to "help me" through the tough times in my life, I must realize that the only way through things in my life, is with HIM leading me.  HE is telling me that though I may be able to navigate a single storm in my life, the storms will rage and the oceans will rise, and the waves will be upon me once again.   I am learning that by allowing myself to be "reprogrammed" I will no longer have to gasp for air when the waves wash over me.  I know that HE will sustain me, and HE will help me tread the water, get back on my feet, and continue to walk the journey that HE has chosen for me.

"God, the Lord, is my strength;  he makes my feet like the deer's;  he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments." Habakkuk 3:19

HE is teaching me that once crucial way that HE is reprogramming me is for me to choose life.  HE has revealed to me that this is the complete opposite as to what I have been conditioned to believe for so long.  Even without realizing it, and "thinking" that I was choosing life, I have been choosing death, by allowing the lies of Satan and his demons to spill from my lips.  I am learning that in order to choose life, I must first think life, so then I will speak life.  

This past weekend at church the Worship Pastor talked about what Thanksgiving should mean to us.  He went onto say that we should write on our hand a blessing that we are so thankful.  That day I wrote my "faith legacy."  That has started with me, in speaking GOD's truth, no matter what the "naysayers" have said in my life.  The legacy that I am leaving my children, and then their children.  My great-grandmother left a legacy of love, grace, and mercy, but she never spoke of JESUS to me until I became a CHRIST follower.  I came to CHRIST on my own, not because I was encouraged by anyone else.  I don't want to be like that, hide my faith, I want to live my faith out loud.  

HE has shown me this morning that my desire to live my faith out loud is a direct result of allowing myself to be "reprogrammed."  I know that HIS blessings and HIS favor will be poured over my life, and the generations to come in my families life because of the decisions that I am making today.  Therefore, I must remember that it is vital to allow myself to continue to be "reprogrammed" to have CHRIST like thinking, speaking, and actions.  I must choose to live a life that is full of HIS plans and HIS purpose for my life, and rebuke any and all thoughts of Satan and his demons.

" I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live" Deuteronomy 30:19

Joyce Meyer writes: "Don't give up.  When the battle seems endless and you think you'll never make it, remember that you are reprogramming a very carnal, fleshly, worldly mind to think as GOD thinks."

HE is wanting me to know that as long as I am going to be spending time doing something why not choose to speak thoughts that will move me forward and not keep me in the same miserable mess I am finding myself in.  HE is wanting me to know that in choosing to speak life-generating thoughts I will then be able to move forward in my walk, and not stalled in the same mess I am in for the rest of my life.

"These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab. It is eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea.  In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses spoke to the people of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him in commandment to them,after he had defeated Sihon the king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth and in Edrei.  Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to explain this law, saying,The Lord our God said to us in Horeb, ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain.Turn and take your journey, and go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all their neighbours in the Arabah, in the hill country and in the lowland and in the Negeb and by the sea coast, the land of the Canaanites, and Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates.  See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them." Deuteronomy 1:1-8

HE is wanting me to know that just as in this scripture, what should have only been an eleven day journey, took forty years, HE is wanting me to know that I, Heather have too been on this mountain long enough.  HE is wanting me to be victorious over the strongholds in my life, and to seek freedom in HIM.  Therefore, I must choose to be "reprogrammed" so that I will be able to overcome, and be victorious in HIM.

I pray today that you will allow yourself to "reprogrammed" by HIM, so that you will be able to overcome the challenges in your life.  I pray that you will have the courage to seek HIM, surrender, to hear HIM call you, and heed HIS "whispers."  I pray for HIS blessings, and favor to be poured over your life, and your families generations to come because of your obedience.  I pray that today is the day that you choose to first think life, and then speak life.

Blessings,
Heather 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

think

It seems as if though the harder I strive to become more CHRIST like, the harder I fall flat on my face.  These days have been filled with monstrous mistakes when it comes to my thoughts and actions.  I have found myself giving into anger more than I have in a long time.  I go to bed feeling like a complete failure and a fraud.  So today HE is letting me know that it is back to the basics for me.

HIS Daily teachings today was HIS loving reminder that before speaking or doing, I must first T.H.I.N.K. What does that mean you ask?  

    T ~ Is it true?  Am I speaking HIS truth when I say whatever it is I am saying?

    H ~ Is it honoring?  Am I speaking in love, and building someone up?  Am I being respectful?     Am I speaking in a way that GOD would approve?

    I ~ Is it inspiring?  Am I speaking in a way that encourages positive results?

   N ~ Is it necessary?  Is what I am saying truly needed to hear?

   K ~ Is it kind?  Am I speaking in love, like, or praise?

I can tell you these days that my words and actions have been less than stellar.  I have forgotten to t.h.i.n.k. when it comes to most of my interactions with people.  This includes my family.  Sadly I have been living each day forgetting to t.h.i.n.k. and in the process I have offended and hurt the people whom I love.  I have even offended myself at times.

I have found myself apologizing more and more as each day passes.  The level and sarcasm and snarkiness has been at it's all time high when it comes to be and interacting with my family, and well pretty much anyone who I come in contact with.  Let me put this another way, "HI I'm Heather, and I have a problem with letting my mouth run, and I say very stupid, mean, hurtful things."  

HE is wanting me to know that now is NOT the time to give up.  Thankfully HE has shown me several scriptures that talks about this very problem that I am having.  I love it when I can open my bible and HIS help is always present.  HE has shown me that just in the book of Proverbs alone is enough to show me how to think, how to speak, and how to act. 

Today HE is wanting me to write HIS commands on my heart, meditate on them, and practice them as each moment passes throughout my day.  

A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

How many times in this past week alone, have I answered with harsh words.  In speaking in harsh words, I have stirred the anger in my family, mainly my children.  Of course when I did that, they lashed out, and then I, hypocrite Heather became offended.  When in all fairness I started it!  YIKES!

When HE revealed that to me this morning, I felt so ashamed, however HE is wanting me to know that it's time to move on.  It's time to face the music, and realize that the things I think, say, and do affect how my children are being raised.   I can't expect them to be one way, when I am the complete polar opposite.

"When words are many, transgression is not lacking,but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." Proverbs 10:19

This is a huge problem that I have.  In my "need" to constantly feel as if though I am being heard, I talk way too much!  What I mean is, instead of saying what I mean, I drag it on and on forever.  By the time I finish talking I have offended the people whom I am trying to build up.  HE has revealed to me today that the more I talk, the more opportunities I am giving the enemy to make a fool of me.   The more words I say, the more chances Satan and his demons have to wreak havoc over my relationships.  In other words I could feel GOD say to me this morning, "sometimes it's better to say one or two words, and then be still."

HE is wanting me to know that HIS good news is that I don't have to do this alone.  HE will give me the words to speak, all I have to do is ask.  I must remember that I have a helper, and HIS name is JESUS, and HIS HOLY SPIRIT lives within me.  I must seek HIS guidance, and ask HIM to teach, lead, and guide me through every single interaction I have with people.

"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion." Proverbs 18:2

HE is revealing to me another problem I have and that is my incessant "need" to have my opinion be heard.  I have this problem when it comes to my family, and that is "I think I am always right."  When truthfully most of the time, I am in the wrong.  However, I in my humanness struggle with pride, and let it get the best of me.  Many confrontations in our household have been centered around pride.

HE is letting me know that today is the day that I must let go of my pride, as it is keeping me from HIS plan and HIS purpose for my life.  I must learn to be still, and be quiet, and wait for HIS "whispers."

"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble." Proverbs 21:23

HE is wanting me to remember that when I am silent, and patiently wait for HIM, I will stay out of trouble.  More often that I would like to admit, my mouth gets me into a ton of trouble, with people, and with HIM.  There have been days where I have felt that all I have done is apologize.  HE is wanting me to know that true freedom from my troubles can only be found when I learn to quiet my tongue.  Therefore, I must t.h.i.n.k. before I speak, so that I will be honoring to HIM and to those of whom I am speaking to.

I am thankful that HIS word is full of advice in how to live my life in regarding to speaking.  I am learning that HE is wanting me to dedicate a huge portion of my day thinking about what it is that is truly honoring to HIM in the way that I speak.  HE has given me several scriptures to write on my heart, and meditate on.

"And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell."  James 3:6

Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2

"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;keep watch over the door of my lips!" Psalm 141:3

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" James 1:19

"The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools" Ecclesiastes 9:17

"Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin." Proverbs 13:3

"If you have been foolish, exalting yourself,or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth" Proverbs 30:32

"I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak" Matthew 12:36

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits" Proverbs 18:21

" Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?" Ecclesiastes 5:6

HE has been teaching me for quite some time that I am thermostat for my home.  Meaning I set the tone of attitudes in my home whether I like it or not.  HE is showing me that when I react and behave poorly so do my children, and so does my husband.  When I am mean, they are mean.  However, when I am loving, and kind, when I actually remember to t.h.i.n.k. before I speak, I build the people up whom I love.

HE is wanting me to know that HE hears my cries for freedom, to break free from the chains of bondage of the strongholds that Satan and his demons have in my life.  HE is telling me that HE can, will, and does give me all the necessary tools that I am in need of to break free.

I pray today that you will t.h.i.n.k. before you speak.  I pray that your words will be of life, and will bring HONOR and GLORY to HIM.  I pray for HIS blessings and favor to be poured over your life when you t.h.i.n.k. before you speak.

Blessings,
Heather 

Monday, November 25, 2013

vital....

At 4:27 a.m. this morning I felt the LORD nudge me and tell me it was time to wake up.  I knew HE was waiting to talk to me.  As quietly and quickly as I could I retreated to our office downstairs and dove straight into my bible study.  As I journaled, and read, a song that has been life changing for me began to play in my mind.  That song was  "My Help" by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.  As I began to sing the lyrics out loud, a sense of peace and calm came over me, and HE let me know once again that HE is my help.

HIS Daily Teachings this morning was to show me that, these days I have forgotten the most vital piece of information and that is to be HOLY SPIRIT lead, I must think positive thoughts, so that I will be lead by HIS HOLY SPIRIT, and not lead by the flesh.  The more I journaled this morning, the more HIS truth of my situation was revealed to me.  The more HE revealed to me, the more HE showed me where Satan has footholds in my life.  

Today HE revealed to me just exactly what those footholds are that are keeping me from HIM.  HE is wanting me to know that I should never feel alone, as HE is there waiting to help me.  HE is my helper, I must seek HIM, lean on HIM, and ask HIM to teach, lead, and guide me through every single step of my journey.

Joyce Meyer writes in the "Battlefield of the Mind,"  "If our thoughts are going to affect what we become, then it should certainly be a priority that we think right thoughts."  In other words, it's time that I, Heather, ditch my stinkin, thinkin!  I have been guilty of allowing the negative thoughts to take over in my mind, and failing to realize that they have seeped over into my heart, and have been changing me.  

My soul sister "N" wrote yesterday that she struggles with the constant "need" to be in control, and the same goes for me.  I am ok, and on fire with my faith as long as I am somewhat in control.   However when I lose the control that I "think" I have, I melt when I can't foresee what is coming in my future. 

This morning HE revealed to me that I am not in control of my future, therefore, it is vital that I choose to trust HIM that HE has it all worked out for my own good.  

"You cannot have a positive life with a negative mind."

Today HE has revealed to me that I have allowed my thoughts to become crowded with negative thoughts, and any positive thoughts that are trying to form, are quickly being chased out.  I am learning once again, the hard way, as I "tried" to do things "my way" that in order to live a truly blessed life, I must surrender all of me, this include my thoughts.  You see, in my humanness I carelessly forget that I cannot hide anything from HIM.  HE has reminded me once again that nothing I do surprises HIM.  HE is teaching me over and over again that I must learn that it is vital for my physical, and spiritual well being that I seek HIM and put HIM first in my life.  I must not be of this world.  HE is letting me know that I must let go of my "need" for fleshly desires.  I must seek HIM and allow HIS HOLY SPIRIT to lead me.  I must understand and know that it is vital for my walk with HIM.

"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." Romans 8:5

I am learning that it is vital for me to have CHRIST LIKE thinking in order to live a truly successful CHRISTIAN life.  It has become one of my hearts cries, that not only do people know that I walk with GOD daily, but that HIS presence in so known in me, and seen through me, that all anyone would have to do is look at me, and they would be looking at HIM.  That through HIM, HIS healing touch would be given through me.  I desire greatly to have HIS HOLY SPIRIT so bright in my life, that it is contagious.  

HE is wanting me to know today that in order to breakdown the strongholds in my life, that are keeping me from achieving my hearts cry I must be intentional in seeking HIM daily.  I must be serious about wanting to break free from the strongholds that Satan and his demons have methodically placed in my life.

I am learning that it is through HIS help that HE has equipped me with HIS word, and through my praise, and prayers to HIM, that HIS power and authority have been given to me to break free of the strongholds that threaten my freedom.  GOD wants me to know that HE is waiting for me to truly want to break free from the chains around my wrist.   

"One of the best aids to freedom is asking GOD for a lot of help, and asking often"

"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence,so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

HE is wanting me to know that it is NOT through my determination alone that I am able to break free, but rather I must seek HIM daily, and ask HIM to teach, lead, and guide me through every single moment of my journey with HIM.  I must remember to always lean on HIM as I can never do any of this alone.

One of the most life changing messages I have ever heard was when Sujo John.  His testimony is truly remarkable.  When he spoke, he did so in a way that revealed just how vital it became for his survival to truly rely on the help from the LORD.  His testimony began with a book, "The Prayer of Jabez" by Bruce Wilkinson.  As he read, Sujo prayed that GOD would use him in such a remarkable way.  He surrendered all of himself to the LORD, and the very next day was 9-11.  Sujo's story of survival was so moving, that I must have cried all of the tears inside of me, as he shared with how GOD's help was all that he had that day.  I was so moved by his story, that I went back a second time to hear it.  

HE is wanting me to know that HE is waiting for me, to let go.... and let HIM take over once again.   HE is waiting for me to give up my foolish ways, and foolish thinking.  Thinking that I am learning is keeping me from HIS blessings that HE wants to pour over my life.  Therefore, I must choose to align my thoughts to HIS word, HIS plan, and HIS purpose for my life.


"Right thinking is vital to victorious living"

I am learning that my thoughts bear fruit, therefore if I want to live a good life, it is vital that I think good thoughts, as nothing good comes from bad thoughts.  HE has shown me once again that I am like a tree planted by the water, HIS living water, and no matter what comes my way, when I am firmly planted in my faith, and being lead by HIS HOLY SPIRIT, no matter what circumstances happen in my life, I will continue to bear good fruit.

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." Matthew 12:33

"They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8

At the end of my bible study, I felt HIM say to me, "meditate and write this on your heart."  HE is telling me that it is vital  that I remember it.

"for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost.“Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you." Proverbs 23:7

Today I will seek HIM, and learn just what that very verse means for my life.  I know HE specifically told me to write in on my heart, so I know that it is vital that I understand what HE is telling me.

I pray today that you will know that true freedom can only be found when you realize how being lead by HIS HOLY SPIRIT is vital for your survival in this cruel, tough, broken world.  HE is wanting you to know that HE is the light, and the lamp unto your feet.  I pray that you will know that when you seek HIM, HE will teach, lead, and guide you through every single step of your journey.  I pray today that you will have the courage to stand against the strongholds in your life, and remove Satan and his demons, and stop them from wreaking havoc all over your life.

Blessings,
Heather 


Sunday, November 24, 2013

"it is written"

Since moving to our new home, and our new community, I have forgotten what vital piece of information, and that is, "WHOSE I am."  I have forgotten that I am to be NOT of this world, rather, I am to extend the same grace that has been pour over me.  HIS Daily Teachings today was HIS loving reminder, that HE fully understands temptation, and that HE too was tempted.  HE fought Satan with GOD's word, and stated, "it is written."

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.  

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”   Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.  

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.  And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.  If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.  

The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you carefully;
 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.
 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time." Luke 4:1-13


HE is wanting me to know that I must stand firm in HIS truth, and it is HIS truth alone that will set me free. HE is wanting me to know that HE understands what I have been going through, and that because  HIS HOLY SPIRIT resides in me, I too have the power and authority to resist, and rebuke Satan from my thoughts and actions.  HE is wanting me to write in deep into my heart, "WHOSE" I am.  

GOD has reminded me once again that Satan's plan of attack began right at the time of my birth.  I was born unto a woman who had been tormented all of her life by demons.  She would lash out at me at any time.  I have scars from her punishments that she chose for me.  Truthfully, when I am extremely angry with my own children, I fully understand the "rage" that she fought so hard not to give into.

Sadly, she wasn't filled with the word of GOD, and the demons in her life won out.  I haven't spoken to her in 15 years.  I have no desire what so ever to ever speak to her again.  That is a chapter in my life where it is closed, and I choose not to ever open it again.  It took me a long time to recover from what the demons in her life had led her to do what she did to myself, and my brother.  I have forgiven her, however I do not trust her, with myself, or more importantly with my children.

It's truly a tragedy that she is missing out because of the choices she made when I knew her.  GOD is wanting me to know that my own children will remember how I treated them as they were growing up, and they too will have a choice when they are older as to whether or not they will have a relationship with me.  I pray that they will, as I love them, and can't imagine not having them in my life.

HE is wanting me to know that the little things that I give into, the thoughts, that are less than GOD honoring, all of those things are the "methodical" works of Satan to the ultimate take down of my life.  Therefore, I must get a reign on my thoughts and actions, by aligning them to what HIS word says just as JESUS spoke "it is written."

Just yesterday while driving with D, I could feel myself tensing, as everywhere we seemed to go, people were being rude.  Not only rude while driving, but also in the stores we were shopping at.  It seemed as if though every where we went , it was full of rude people.  This rudeness really started to get on my nerves, and before I realized it, I allowed the "rage" to well up inside of me.  

At our last stop I was "trying" to park my SUV, and this woman cut me off, not only did a woman cut me off, but another woman got completely in the way as I was turning, and I couldn't complete my turn, and ending up running over the curb.  In my anger, I lashed out, screaming horrible expletives to her, and honestly you would have NEVER seen that HIS HOLY SPIRIT is in me at that point.   

My anger carried me all the way through the store, and on the drive home.  With failing to realize that I had a choice, to be "WHOSE" I am, and to be not of this world, I had given myself over completely to Satan's lies and manipulation, I had given into the "demons" of my life, and the excuses started to spill out of my mouth.

I hadn't even realized just how badly I had behaved until I read this in my bible study this morning.  "Everyone is without excuse because JESUS always stands ready to fulfill HIS promise to set the captive's free.  HE will walk us across the finish line of victory in any area if we are willing to go all the way through it with HIM."  JOYCE MEYER "Battlefield of the Mind"

"It is a painful process to face our faults and deal with them."

I would also add that not only is it painful, it is embarrassing.  I am ashamed as I, Heather, writer of this blog, talking about HIS Daily Teachings, things I have been learning for months, and given plenty of opportunities to practice, fell once again, flat on my face.  

HE is wanting me to know today that I must not allow myself to feel like a failure, but rather remember these moments as teachable, and change my behavior.  "It is written" that HIS truth, and HIS truth alone will set me free.  I must believe that!  I am learning that HE understands fully that I am being tempted, and that I must remember that HE will always give me a way out of that temptation.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

HE has reminded me from HIS teachings from a couple weeks ago that I have been anointed by HIS HOLY SPIRIT.  I have been called to speak HIS truth, and to preach HIS good news.  I have been called to be not of this world, and to pour grace onto the people who "offend" me.  Therefore, I must chose to say "I am not easily offended."  I must chose to say, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." Luke 4:18-19


“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more." Mark 4:24

"Jesus said, “Father, forgive themfor they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

As each day passes on my journey with CHRIST, I am learning the importance of seeking HIM, and asking HIM to teach, lead, and guide me through every single step of my journey.  HE is telling me that I must meditate on the very thought, that HIS HOLY SPIRIT resides in me.  That my mind is a battlefield which Satan has waged war against.  I have been given HIS power and authority to demolish the strongholds in my life.  I have been anointed to speak HIS truth, and it is HIS truth that will destroy and demolish the strongholds in my life, and will give Satan absolutely no footholds in my life.

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  2 Corinthians 10:4-5

"JESUS  said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.   Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

HIS truth has revealed to me today that I am not who Satan and his demons say I am.  I am GOD's daughter, a daughter of the KING of all kings and the LORD of all lords.  I am loved, I am cherished, I am wanted, I am good enough, I am just the way HE made me.  I am a strong warrior of HIS army.  I do speak HIS truth.  I am NOT of this world.  I am Heather, a sinner, who has been saved, redeemed, and is choosing daily to be lead by HIS HOLY SPIRIT.

I pray today that you will know "it is written" that HE is who HE says HE is.  HE loves you, and HE desires and wants a relationship with you.  HE sees you hurting, and it hurts HIM as well.  HE loves you and wants to see you free from your strongholds.  HE is wanting HIS HOLY SPIRIT to reside in you, so that you will be able to speak HIS truth just as "it is written."  I pray that you will have the courage to say "NO" to Satan and his demons of this world, and be NOT of this world.  I pray that you will choose to be "WHOSE" you are.

Blessings,
Heather