Are You a P.O.W.?

"For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds."
2 Corinthians 10: 3-4

Are you a Prisoner Of spiritual Warfare?  You don't have to be!  There is more to this world than the eye can see.  The devil does not want you to know this truth.  Praise be to God that His Word warns us in Ephesians 6:12: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Have you ever noticed that almost as soon as you begin to pursue the Lord fervently, you get back on track in your Walk, you are blessing people through your obedience to God, etc, that some inexplicable things oftentimes begin to happen that really test the integrity of your faith?  In many cases, this is directly related to spiritual warfare.  Count it a blessing that the enemy is threatened enough by your allegiance to God to try and break you down and sever your ties of loyalty with the Lord.  When you become a follower of Christ, the battle is just beginning.  Sometimes the ignorant perceive identifying as a Christian as a sign of weakness, but, as Christians, we know it's grueling work characterized by discipline and devotion REGARDLESS of our emotions.  It takes a real warrior to choose Truth over feelings in 2012.  Unfortunately, Hedonism is much more popular than patience that builds Godly character.  Christianity is not for the faint of heart or the fickle.  Christianity is for the steadfast and wise warrior.

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16

The 1st thing you need to know in order to evaluate whether or not you are dealing with a spiritual matter is to be aware that SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS REAL.  Spiritual battles are fought and won DAILY on both sides of the spirit realm--Christ vs. Antichrist.  

The 2nd thing you need to know is that as believers we have victory in Christ (1Corinthians 15:57)!  The battle for your soul has already been won.  As children of God, He "...give[s] you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19).

The 3rd thing you need to know is that prayer is your most powerful, effective weapon.  Prayer, using God's Word, is to the enemy what Kryptonite is to Superman.  

The 4th thing you need to know is that prayer ushers in the presence of the Holy Spirit.  No spirit can compete with the Holy Spirit.  "When enemies come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will put them to flight" (Isaiah 59:19).

As an encouragement, please remember to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).  Store up your treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20).

Let's Devise2bWise all the days of our lives :)

Are You OCD?

Read this blog post to find out if you display signs associated with OCD.

Are you Obedient to the Lord, Committed to God's plan for your life, and Desperate for the Holy Spirit's constant presence?  If so, dear reader, then you are OCD!  I bet you have never been so happy to be diagnosed with anything in your whole life!  If you have symptoms associated with OCD, then you are in good shape!  Below are some tips to help you cultivate and foster obedience, commitment, and desperation for the triune Alpha and Omega!

1. Obedience to the Lord:  When I think about obedience, I often think of authority figures in my life: parents, teachers, doctors, bosses, etc.  Many people in our current, hedonistic society frown on obedience and smile on rebellion.  If you are a believer, you know that obeying God is part of the call He has placed on your life.  You also know that it can be a bizarre, risk-taking, and unreasonable call by earthly standards!  Isaiah 55:9 says it well:  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Sometimes, we don't  understand God's plan, but we must be obedient.  There is a level of worship in childlike obedience that blesses God beyond measure.  With obedience comes blessing on your life!  Isn't that awesome?  We are called to be obedient, and because we do what we are supposed to do, God blesses us!  What an AWESOME, GENEROUS, LOVING God we serve!  However, do remember to "test everything. Hold on to the good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

2. Commitment to God's plan:  Have you ever done something for someone to get something in return?  I know I have.  I find that many people pray to God with attached conditions.  Question:  Who are we to tell God what we will do ONLY if He does something for us in return?  Answer:  We are people saved by grace (by the blood of God's OWN son, I might add), yet NOT deserving of anything!  Let us remain humble and staid on God's Word and His plans.  God is ALL GOOD ALL THE TIME.  His plans for us are that we would prosper and have hope (Jeremiah 29:11).  Just because this is God's best for us does not mean that we always reap His best if we are not sowing obedience!  Why should He give us His best yet we try to give Him our lukewarm efforts based on emotion?  News Flash:  Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do, but we know that they are good for us--like cutting back on sugar, exercising, following rules, etc.  God makes this promise to us in Psalm 32:8:  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”  Let's commit to the TRUTH of God's Word with unwavering faith!  I promise He won't disappoint.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path.”

3.Desperation for the Holy Spirit:  When we invite the Lord into our hearts, "[God] identifie[s] us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us" (2 Corinthians 1:22).  From the moment we say, "Yes," to the Lord, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us.  Isn't that exciting?  Romans 8:26 explains that "the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."  What a gift from God!  The Holy Spirit intercedes on each of our behalves!  It is crucial that we remain obedient and committed to God's Word in order to be in tune with the Holy Spirit within us.  When we are practicing this plan of action, we are more likely to be guided by our spirit man than our flesh man.  Keeping the Spirit's "house" clean helps us exercise the fruit of the Spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  The Holy Spirit's presence and discernment go together like fried chicken and okra!  When we are operating in our spirit man, our gift of discernment helps us stay obedient and committed.  With this plan of action in full effect, we can't go wrong! 

Let's Devise2bWise all the days of our lives!

Lo and Behold!

"I don't build no heathen temples/Where the Lord has done laid his hand."--James Taylor

Have you ever heard the trite saying that "your body is a temple"?  Many people reference this "saying" to encourage and justify their self-obsessed vanity.  Do you realize that this is not merely a "saying," but a revelation from the ONE and TRUE God?  In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul admonishes the church and its people, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body."  When we dissect and study this verse, we come to realize the gravity of this command.  In Romans 10:13, we learn that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.  Romans 8 discusses the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives, provided that we are made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).  We are no longer bound to sin (our flesh), but by the Spirit of God that lives in us (Romans 8: 9).  We must heed Paul's words concerning the TRUTH that our bodies are not our own.  We were bought for a very precious price, and we must honor God because of His willingness to separate Himself from His son and allow Jesus to be a scapegoat for the sins of ALL mankind, past, present, and future.  God loves us so much that He sacrificed His only Son for us (John 3:16).  Hebrews 12:6 reminds us that "the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."  Treating our bodies as temples is a command not a suggestion. 

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13)

Our souls are like gardens.  They must be tended properly, checked often for weeds, dead roots, and bad fruit; they must also be fertilized with good soil.  When we give our lives to Christ, we are no longer to live for ourselves, but instead we are to live for HIM.  We are to fulfill God's purposes with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  As James Taylor once sang in his song, Lo and Behold, "I don't build no heathen temples/Where the Lord has done laid His hand."  Be careful of what you let into your body, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  You MUST guard your heart, because it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23).  Glorify the Lord with your body in action, thought, and word.  As you continue in this purging process, you will become holy, set apart, sanctified in the name of Jesus.  1 Peter 1:13-16 urges us to "prepare [our] minds for action; be self-controlled; set [our] hope fully on the grace to be given [us] when Jesus Christ is revealed.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires [we] had when [we] lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called [us] is holy, so be holy in all [we] do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”  Now, that is a TALL order, but it's possible with Christ (Philippians 4:13)!  Pursue righteousness and be comforted in this:  “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).

Let's Devise2bWise all the days of our lives!

Defeet Illness with High Heals

"The same power that conquered the grave lives in me."--Dave George, Grant Vater Pankratz

Do you believe in miracles?  How many times have you asked someone that question?  How many times have you been asked that question?  You must be willing to suspend your unbelief!  When you ask for anything from God, including healing, you must NOT doubt like a wave in the sea that is tossed about by the wind.  Should you be double-minded, you will not receive anything from God (James 1:6-7).  God requires faith on our part to trust Him with our problems.  Don't you want your significant other, sibling/s, child/children, etc. to trust that you will come through for them when necessary?  Well, God wants the same thing from us, His children!  Through Him, ALL things are possible, but what seems the hardest part sometimes is for us to actually BELIEVE that what we are praying for will indeed occur (Philippians 4:13).  Now, understand that if your request is not in line with biblical teaching or God's Will for your life, He will still answer you!  It may not be the answer you want, but God knows what is best for your life!  His plans are for you to live abundantly and with hope (Jeremiah 29:11)!  If you are seeking God first and truly believing Him to be all that His Word says He is, then many things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).  His Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11).  He is not a liar!  The Lord knows what we need before we even ask Him (Matthew 6:8)!  Isn't that so awesome?!?  Well, in March of 2009, I had two hardcore women on fire for God lay hands on me and pray for a miracle.  And, guess what?  I got my (really, God's) miracle!

Named after Dr. Burrill B. Crohn, who first described the disease in 1932 along with colleagues Dr. Leon Ginzburg and Dr. Gordon D. Oppenheimer, Crohn’s disease belongs to a group of conditions known as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. (www.ccfa.org)

In 1984, at the age of four, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease.  I battled mightily as a child until I was about 15.  From the ages of 5 to 15, I took a daily dose of Prednisone (different dosages depending on the level of severity), a medical steroid, used to treat inflammation for patients with Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, sinus infections, etc.  I was finally well enough to get off of the medication for almost a whole year while still in elementary school and felt very defeated when my doctor advised that my colitis needed some medicinal treatment again.  A few years later, I was able to get off of the medication when I was a sophomore in high school.  Upon graduating from high school, I had a colonoscopy to make sure things were still legit.  Everything looked okay, and I went off to college.  Fast forward 10 years.  I finally had a big girl job, and with that came insurance!  I decided to secure an appointment with a gastroenterologist as I had not been seen by anyone for my Crohn's in 10 years!  He scheduled a colonoscopy and discovered that I was battling mild to moderate colitis.  He advised me to get on medication as a preventative measure and to reduce inflammation.  I want to make it clear that from the age of 15 until 2009, I had a very asymptomatic case.  Even when I was having a flare-up, I had no symptoms!  Praise God!  I just happened to find out through a routine colonoscopy that I was having a flare-up while planning my wedding.  Go figure!

After these two women laid hands on me in March 2009, I was super excited to get my next colonoscopy.  Sounds a bit strange, I know!  Anyway, my doctor decided to move by annual colonoscopy up from late 2009 to closer to mid 2009.  I was so excited!  I went in for my annual scope in 2009 and 2010, and my doctor said there was only scar tissue but no evidence of disease.  Last October, I told my doctor before being anesthetized that he was not going to find ANYTHING!  Guess what?  I was right!  I had been believing God for several years to prove Himself, and He did!  My doctor said that my colon looked like a normal, healthy colon!  Psalm 103:3 says that the Lord heals our diseases!  Psalm 30:2 says:  "Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me."  Reader, there is power in prayer!  The Lord bends His ear to the prayers of the righteous (Proverbs 15:29).  Believe the Lord to bless you abundantly!  With obedience comes blessing and favour.  Remember not to be double-minded as the book of James reminds us.  We serve an Awesome, Almighty God!  Start believing God for some Awesome, Almighty healing!

Let's Devise2bWise all the days of our lives!

The Sound of Silence

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29)

There are 2 types of silence that are necessary in our Christian walks:  1. The silence (absence) of noise so that we can hear the Holy Spirit's voice; 2. The silence (absence) of anything that may come out of our mouths that does not produce edification of another.

1. The Silence of Noise:  Can you effectively listen while talking at the same time?  You may think you can, but you are definitely missing out on important information if your full attention is not devoted to the speaker.  Our faith is strengthened when we are still.  "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).  Be still so that you can know God (Psalm 46:10).  We make sacrifices and compromises every day when we are in relationship with people; we must apply the same formula to our relationship with God.  In Proverbs 9:13, we learn that, "The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge."  With silence, comes the voice of the Holy Spirit.  If we are still, we can learn discipline and wisdom, through the Holy Spirit's impartment.  These two qualities are vitally important in the character of a Christian.  Finally, get rid of the noise!  Fast from anything that is keeping you from spending time with God.  Be careful NOT to create your own noise.  "God has no use for the prayers of the people who won't listen to him" (Proverbs 28:9).

 

2. The Silence of the Tongue:  We've all heard the saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all."  This is actually a biblical principle!  From the overflow of our hearts, our mouths speak (Luke 6:45)!  This is another reason we need to be STILL.  Being still promotes faith, discernment and purification!  When we are pure, our hearts are pure, which means our words are pure!  Be careful what you say, because "death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits" (Proverbs 18:21). Proverbs 27:1 says, "Do not make a noise about tomorrow, for you are not certain what a day's outcome may be."  Our words carry tremendous power, and with anointing, can bring healing and peace.  However, without the blessing of the Lord, our words can bring death and chaos.  Certainly, death and chaos (the absence of peace) are not of God.  As Christians, we should aim to fulfill the command of 2 Timothy 2:16-17, which says the following:  "But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene."  As believers in Christ, let us edify one another and avoid grieving the Holy Spirit.   

Let's Devise2bWise all the days of our lives!


**All CAPS and bold emphasis are mine.  For those without a Gmail account, please submit comments or questions to lbeauwilliams@gmail.com.  If you have a Gmail account, please feel free to put comments on blog :)**

Get Your Mind INTO the GUTter

"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely haste leads to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5)

Have you ever gotten yourself into a situation that you felt unsettled about, but did not have enough confidence in yourself to trust the warning signs?  Well, recently, I got myself into one of the biggest pickles of my life by ignoring a host of foreboding signs because I lacked confidence in my judgment and in the strength of God's voice within me.  Through this experience, I realized that discernment AND diligence must be cultivated in our lives daily so that we can know what our gut is telling us.  Discernment as defined by dictionary.com is:  acuteness of judgment and understanding.  Diligence as defined by dictionary.com is:  the degree of care and caution required by the circumstances of a person.

By pursuing God consistently and committing His Word[s] of wisdom to our memories and hearts, we are being transformed into His likeness daily (2 Corinthians 3:18), thus pursuing righteousness, ultimately leading to discernment and diligence.  God hears the prayers of the righteous (John 9:31)!  His clarity and peace surround the righteous!  After all, righteousness and peace kiss one another (Psalm 85:10).  When you are in God's Will, your spirit promotes confidence within your being.  Your spirit, your heart of hearts where Jesus lives, is where your gut feeling can be heard.  This is the place in which the Holy Spirit speaks into your life His will for your life.

TIPS TO STAY ON GUARD:
1. Your ability to employ discernment and diligence is an ability that should not be taken for granted.  Your ability can and will get rusty if you do not properly attend to it.
2. Also, if your spirit is telling you something, and you ignore it, be prepared to suffer the consequences as I am doing right now!  Although the consequences can be great, the consequence of not following the Holy Spirit's promptings are even greater. 

Let's Devise2bWise all the days of our lives :)


**All CAPS and bold emphasis are mine.  For those without a Gmail account, please submit comments or questions to lbeauwilliams@gmail.com.  If you have a Gmail account, please feel free to put comments on blog :)**



 

Pants on the Ground? Tighten your Bible belt!

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."  (Ephesians 6:13)

Let's get ready to RUMBLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!  What am I talking about?  I'm talking about arming yourself against the enemy with the Armour of God!  Spiritual warfare is very REAL.  "Our struggle is...against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).  Have you ever tried to get to church on time and caught a train?  Or tried to get to church without having an argument with your spouse, but you just lost it?  Guys and gals, Sunday is the Lord's day, and you better believe that Satan is pulling out all the stops to try and get you to make decisions based on how you feel rather than what God's Word says to do!  But, it's not just on Sundays that the enemy and his demons are trying mightily to get the Lord's children to submit to confusion--it's every day!

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:11)

Part of the scripture in Chapter 6 of Ephesians deals strictly with spiritual warfare, which is something we as Christians deal with on a daily basis, whether we realize it or not.  Do I want to go work out or do I want to stay on the sofa and watch TV?  Hmm, choosing self-discipline over laziness is not temporarily appealing, but it has long-term benefits!  So does learning the Word of God and following His instructions regarding the heavenly realm.  Why should we "wear" the belt of truth buckled around our waists?  Why should we "wear" a breastplate of righteousness?  Why should our feet be "fitted" with readiness that comes from peace?  Why should we "protect" ourselves with the shield of faith?  Why "wear" a helmet of salvation?  And why should we commit to our memory and hearts the Word of God?

1.  Truth:  If we hold to Jesus' teachings, "[we] will know the truth, and the truth will set [us] free" (John 8:32).  God's Word is truth (John 17:17).  When we are free, we are living in a state of "peace that transcends all understanding and are made privy to a guarded heart and mind in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).  We must guard our hearts, for it is the wellspring of life! (Proverbs 4:23).
2.  Righteousness:  In order to avoid confusion, we must strive for righteousness.  Psalm 85:10 says that "righteousness and peace kiss each other."  The very eyes of the Lord are focused on the righteous!  The Lord's ears are attentive to the prayers of a righteous man! (1 Peter 3:12).  In the latter part of Ephesians 6, we are implored to pray!  Let's be righteous, so the Lord will be focused on us and hear our cries!
3.  Readiness and Peace:  Can you wake up one morning and decide to run 4 miles without ever having trained in your life?  I'm guessing not.  Being prepared helps alleviate anxiety and confusion and promotes discernment and wisdom.  Every day is a gift from God; let us not waste it with idleness, which encourages gossip and nosiness (1 Timothy 5:13).  The Bible commands us to fix our eyes on all things noble.  His Word is the truth.  Knowing God's Word equips us with truth, which sets us free, and infuses us with peace!  The enemy cannot compete with God's peace.
4.  Faith:  We are to live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).  "To the faithful, [God] show[s] [Himself] faithful" (2 Samuel 22:26).  In Galatians 3:11, we learn that "the righteous will live by faith."  Basically, if you are pursuing righteousness already, then living by faith will fall into place.  Knowing God's Word and knowing your identity in Christ will increase your faith.
5.  Salvation:  Nothing I have written means anything if you are not born again in Christ Jesus.  Romans 10:13 says that if you call on the name of the Lord, you will be saved.  Once you are saved, all of the words on the pages in the Bible suddenly start to make sense--more so than ever before!  Your salvation is made possible by the grace of God.  You cannot earn it.  You just have to receive it.  When you value your salvation, you will begin to crave the Word of God so that you can be prepared to fight the powers of darkness that war against you daily.
6.  Word of God:  "The Word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).  All the Holy Spirit needs is a minute portion of the heart to be softened, and the spirit can penetrate a person's life.  What better way to defeat Satan than planting seeds in a nonbeliever's life?  Let's Devise2bWise all the days of our lives :) 

**All CAPS and bold emphasis are mine.  For those without a Gmail account, please submit comments or questions to lbeauwilliams@gmail.com.  If you have a Gmail account, please feel free to put comments on blog :)**

Mercy Mercy Me

Micah 6:8

"Mercy mercy me.  Things ain't what they used to be, no, no," Marvin Gaye once sang. Amen to that!  God has brought me so far in such a short amount of time.  God loves us the way we are, so much so, that He does not intend for us to stay that way!  Boy, do I love me some mercy :) However, notice that in conjunction with loving mercy, God commands us to act justly and walk humbly, as well.  That can be hard to do sometimes--a lot of times! But we can't expect to reap benefits without sowing some effort!  I like to say that God helps those who help themselves! For instance, you will reap the benefits of feeling better physically if you adjust your eating habits, exercise, drink water, have a regular sleeping schedule, go to the doctor when necessary, take your medicine/s as prescribed, etc.  If you do the same thing over and over again, but expect different results, you will surely go insane!  So, God guides His children by giving us 3 concise, simple to remember (notice I did not say simple to do) steps to achieve peace!  

1. How do we act justly?  Remain impartial and know that God is the ONLY judge.  He will "avenge the wrongs done to [us]" (1 Samuel 24:12).  Deuteronomy 32:43 says that, "he will avenge the blood of his servants; he will take vengeance on his enemies and make atonement for his land and people."  Romans 12:19 is my favorite verse concerning God's retribution for His children:  "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge: I will repay,' says the Lord." That makes me feel so loved, secure, and treasured.

2. What does it mean to "love mercy"?  It's a strange, very seldom heard mandate used in today's society.  Well, we know that God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).That means we are to accept His mercy, love, and forgiveness daily without feeling the need to produce works in exchange for his FREELY given gift that CANNOT be earned.  In today's world, everything seems to be give and take.  It's almost as if we have turned cold and selfish, feeling that we DESERVE things "just because".  I'm sorry to knock us off our soap boxes, but that just isn't the case.  The mere fact that Jesus died on the cross for us alone is enough to sustain us for the rest of our days on Earth.  Mercy is just a bonus!  So, be grateful and love mercy!  Don't ever be too proud to accept a gift from God, which leads me to my final point.

3. How do we walk humbly?  One way to start walking in humility is to meditate on the Word of God so that you can learn how to be more like Jesus.  God gives grace (another FREE gift) to the humble.  I don't know about you, but I really appreciate God's grace and mercy each day. Sometimes, these divine gifts are the only things that get me through the day.  Approaching God's throne of grace with a quiet confidence will provide us with grace and mercy to persevere and finish the race (Hebrews 4:16).  To approach any person of authority seeking grace and mercy, you must be walking in humility.  Pride brings forth disgrace, but humility brings forth wisdom (Proverbs 11:2).  The Bible says that the Lord knows the proud from afar (Psalm 138:6).  Great Scott!  That is a scary revelation! Instead, let's Devise2bWise all the days of our lives!

 "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

**All CAPS and bold emphasis are mine.  For those without a Gmail account, please submit comments or questions to lbeauwilliams@gmail.com.  If you have a Gmail account, please feel free to put comments on blog :)**

Are You Offended by Easily Offended People?

"[Love] does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."  (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

Okay, so I know that most of us have heard parts of the above verse and others in Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians read at weddings at least once, maybe a thousand times.  It is so over-recited that it has begun to seem trite, archaic, and melodramatically idealistic.  In fact, I went to a wedding three nights ago, and guess what verses were read?!?!  However, for some reason, it really resonated with me this time.  Why?  Maybe because I am coming up on my sixth wedding anniversary, and I have been sharpened (Proverbs 27:17) by my husband for almost 2,200 days now!  The "love" talked about in these verses is a relational love, but not necessarily a romantic love.  It can pertain to platonic and familial love, as well.  In the Bible, we learn that people will know that we are disciples of Christ based on our love for one another (John 13:35).  The whole thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians is about love! Verse 13 states, "And now these three remain; faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love."  Don't misunderstand me.  Not for a single second am I saying that loving the unlovable is easy.  Loving the lovable is not even easy all the time, either!  But Christ does it with us--EVERY SINGLE DAY! 

It's important when trying to be Christlike in our every day lives, that we remember that God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23)!  We are not perfect and won't be until death.  However, we must "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:14). "God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but He gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7).  That means we need to make a very deliberate effort to love the unlovely!  How do we do this?  First, know who you are in Christ.  If you are confident in your beliefs, nobody can offend you!  If you are not offended, you are more likely to treat that person the way that Jesus would treat them.  Second, you must exercise profound self-control (a fruit of the Spirit), by "[demolishing] arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and [taking] captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Third, make it a point to stick with steps one and two NO MATTER HOW HARD IT IS!  Let's Devise2bWise all the days of our lives!

**All CAPS and bold emphasis are mine.  For those without a Gmail account, please submit comments or questions to lbeauwilliams@gmail.com.  If you have a Gmail account, please feel free to put comments on blog :)**

Ain't Too Proud to Beg

"...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16)

Let's talk about feeling desolate, desperate, uninspired, hopeless, wretched, unlovable, etc.  I have felt all of these, and I could use myriad additional descriptive words, as I'm sure you could as well.  It's no fun feeling this way, but what's even less fun is feeling too proud to get on your knees and pray!  MC Hammer once sang, in his song aptly titled, "Pray," that "we got to pray just to make it today!"  Isn't that the truth?  It is for me!  I cannot make it from day to day without "trusting in the Lord with all my heart and leaning NOT on my own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).  In James 4:10, the Bible says that if we humble ourselves before the Lord, then He will lift us up.

I've written previously about not giving in to your emotions because they are constantly changing, but trusting in Jesus Christ, who is the same, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  The reason I bring this up is because when you pray, it's important to confess your sins, praise God's holy name, and proclaim his promises with unwavering faith!  The Bible warns us:  "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does" (James 1: 6-8).  OUCH!!!  It's imperative that you retrain your thinking patterns if they are unhealthy!  We must take every thought captive in order to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).  Remember, that "when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom" (Proverbs 11:2).  Let's Devise2bWise today and every tomorrow that God affords us! 


**All CAPS and bold emphasis are mine.  For those without a Gmail account, please submit comments or questions to lbeauwilliams@gmail.com.  If you have a Gmail account, please feel free to put comments on blog :)**

Don't Bob for that Apple

"The man has now become like one of us, knowing good AND evil.  He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." (Genesis 3:22)

Let's talk about something that everyone faces, well if you are a human and not a robot, at least!  Temptation!  Yes, Temptation is a conniving mistress, a greedy coquette, a presumptuous paramour.  The Bible has a wealth of knowledge regarding the blessings that come with avoiding temptation.  "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12).  The good news is that God always provides a way of escaping temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).  You just need to make sure that you are spiritually in tune to those ways (1 Corinthians 2:10-16)!  How do you make sure you are spiritually accessible?  Learn the Word, fellowship with other believers, make sure you have an accountability partner, etc.

Today, I want to discuss practical thinking in conjunction with biblical knowledge in order to prevail over temptation.  First, it is imperative that you seek wisdom for it "will save you from the ways of wicked men" (Proverbs 2:12).  Second, cultivate your relationship with God DAILY.  Third, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23).  Fourth, know your triggers!  Know what emotions you have commonly experienced when you made less than desirable choices in the past.  Remember that you possess all 9 fruits of the spirit, and one of those is self-control, so employ it!  Fifth, DO NOT EVER THINK YOU ARE ABOVE TEMPTATION.  Even Jesus was tempted (Hebrews 4:15)!  Having ammunition when the enemy comes at you will bring you closer to making a savvy step in the right direction.  Below is an acronym I have formulated in order to help you remember the practical part of today's post when combating temptation:

Apply

Principles of the Bible &

Prior knowledge to

Leave behind

Evildoing

"Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

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Don't be a Judge Judy

 

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1-2

I have a confession to make!  I curse--A LOT.  Let's be honest.  We all have vices that we need God's help to confront and change.  "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives" (1 John 1:8-10).  Now, I definitely want to and intend to work on this nasty habit of mine; I know that as long as I am pursuing the Lord and his Word that he will align my heart with His will for my life (Matthew 7:7-11).  As Christians, we are perpetual works in progress, and we will be working towards the goal of perfection in Christ until the day we die (Psalm 57:2)!  I know that "from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45), but I also know that I am not perfect, and that is why I need a Savior!  "For sin shall not be your master, because your are not under law, but under grace" (Romans 6:14).  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God..." (Ephesians 2:8).

Do not misunderstand me.  I am not saying that we should just sin our days away.  Although God is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9) and His mercies are new each day (Lamentations 3:22-23), he does expect us to be obedient.  Obedience brings blessing and favor, and who wouldn't want that?!?  When feeling discouraged when you stumble, remember that "the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart'" (1 Samuel 16:7).  "Your father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:8).  In Romans 8:26, we learn that even though "we do not know what we ought to pray for, [the] Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."  God, omnipotent and omnipresent, knows the condition of our hearts (Romans 8:27)!

Although we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), we are not perfect due to the fallen world that we live in.  The good news is that through Christ all things are possible (Philippians 4:13)!  We "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), so let us not be proud, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).  God implores us to "approach the 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).  Have some confidence in the Father of our faith!

However, do not forget to heed God's warning while embracing his grace.  We must give grace to others if we want to receive grace from God.  In James, chapter 4, verses 11-12, we are given a big ole slab of humble pie.  "Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it.  When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.  There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy.  But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?"

I hope that you will commit the words that Paul told to the church in Corinth to your heart:  "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.  My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent.  It is the Lord who judges me."  God is a just God.  Don't be so presumptuous to think that you can do a better job than He can.  When you and I judge, we are essentially saying, "God, step down from your throne, give me your scepter, and let me rule for a while."

Don't be the person in this picture.  Be a Christian.

**Bold emphasis is mine.  For those without a Gmail account, please submit comments or questions to lbeauwilliams@gmail.com.  If you have a Gmail account, please feel free to put comments on blog :)**

Don't be an Idiom! Be a Black Sheep!

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me"  (Matthew 5:11).

Oftentimes, I buy jewelry pieces to reflect my Christian beliefs.  It's a good reminder to me on a daily basis that I am a Christian, and I should strive to ALWAYS act like one!  When I saw this black sheep pendant from Mignon Faget, I just could not pass it up.  Usually the term "black sheep" has a negative connotation; however, just as God works to illuminate good through His people here on Earth, I chose a positive outlook on this "black sheep".  I thought about how there are several times in the Bible when Jesus prophesies that people of the world will ridicule and persecute believers (as seen in the verse underneath the picture above).  Jesus blesses His followers and encourages us to forge ahead.  

I hope you are encouraged as you read this.  Verses 12-16 of the book of Matthew state the following:  "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Another interesting fact about the phenomenon of the black sheep is that it is rare and is considered to be a product of a much less dominant gene.  In the world we live in today, true Christianity is oftentimes a rare gem.  I hope that you "wear" your Christianity proudly and share the Gospel through your actions.  The Bible implores us to "not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22).  Like James Brown once sang, "Say it loud!  I'm black and I'm proud!"  ;)

**BOLD and ALL CAPS emphasis is mine.  For those without a Gmail account, please submit comments or questions to lbeauwilliams@gmail.com.  If you have a Gmail account, please feel free to put comments on blog :)**

Free Your Mind

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

“For He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight." Psalm 72:12-14

Patriotic Cookie Cake Recipe:

Ingredients:

 Directions:

Roll out cookie dough into a giant circle and bake according to directions on package.  Let cookie cool.  Frost cookie.  Place alternating stripes in frosting.  Sprinkle blue sprinkles for the sky and place little pieces of marshmallow for the stars.  Refrigerate until an hour before eating.  Enjoy!

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Stomp on Footholds

Below is my interpretation of the enemy's wily ways of attempting to keep God's children in bondage. 

Bondage

Who snuffed the light from your dying soul?
Why have you given the enemy control?

He seeps with vile deceit into your thoughts,
“You’re undesirable in your own thin skin,
So immutably broken in your vat of sin.
Keep comfort in your “living” den---
Away from people
I’ll be your friend.”

Who snuffed the light from your dying soul?
Why have you given the enemy control? 

It is imperative that you know the Word of God so that you can claim victory in Jesus Christ!  "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57). Per the above illustration, you need to know that "our struggle is against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm" (Ephesians 6:12).  Your best defense is knowing AND internalizing the Word, "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). 

"Do not give the devil a foothold" (Ephesians 4:27).  In Matthew 18:18, Jesus says, "whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."  Bind the enemy and any foothold before it becomes a stronghold!  Let loose what God says about you in your mind!  Learn who you are in Christ so that you can claim victory!  "...You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Courtesy of restorationministries.org.

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a.LWAYS r.EFER TO THE k.ING

My husband pointed out the above bumper sticker on the back of a truck on our way home from church today.  It immediately brought me back to why I love the story of Noah and the building of the ark so much.  When everyone else thought Noah was out of his mind, he listened to God, trusted Him, and walked by faith and not by sight.  Because of Noah's obedience to God, he "found favor in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8).  "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith" (Hebrews11:7). 

   

The more time you spend with God, the easier it is to hear the Holy Spirit's promptings.  Spend time cultivating your relationship with God just like you would your friends.  The result will be that "the Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).  "God is not a God of disorder but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33).  If you are feeling restless, you need to check your motives.  "Test everything.  Hold on to the good.  Avoid every kind of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).  If God is a God of peace as 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, then Satan is the author of disorder.  Keep this in mind when faced with small, medium, and large decisions.  "Do NOT be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " (Philippians 4:6-7).**

**ALL CAPS emphasis is mine.  For those without a Gmail account, please submit comments or questions to lbeauwilliams@gmail.com.  If you have a Gmail account, please feel free to put comments on blog :)**

Love is a Battlefield but YOU CAN WIN THE WAR

I'm sure you have had interactions with at least one person in your life that is the antithesis of who you are!  Their beliefs, motivations, style, habits, hobbies, etc. are all completely different than yours!  Sometimes this blending of personalities can be a harmonious concoction; however, at other times, it can be a dissonant disaster, to say the least.  I believe that God puts people in our lives in order to challenge us to become better people.  In Proverbs 27:17, the Bible says that, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."  I wholeheartedly believe this to be true; however, sometimes, I don't want to be sharpened!  Sometimes I just want to tell annoying people to "bug off!"

I felt a conviction from the Holy Spirit yesterday about my funky attitude while listening to the radio in my car.  The verse of the day was John 13:35: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  "Oh, jeez," I thought!  "But, sometimes I don't want to!"  Well, I hate to break it to you, but loving one another is a commandment from God, and if you are a christian, then you need to obey Him!  In 1 John 3:10, we learn that "anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother."  I know that the flesh can get us sometimes, but the condition of our hearts is what God is concerned about.  We are to guard our hearts because it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23).  Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).  If your heart is softened enough for the Holy Spirit to convict you, then you are on the right track!*

I'll be the first to admit that I'll be working on loving my "brothers and sisters" like Christ loves me for the rest of my life!  Loving people with a godly love is hard to do unless you are constantly reliant on the Lord.  Remember that "through Christ all things are possible" (Philippians 4:13).  In James 1:23-25, we learn that:  "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does."  Wow!  The first time I read this verse, I freaked out!  I thought, "Oh my gosh!  How scary it would be to have perpetual amnesia!"  When you read the Word but are not doers of the Word (James 1:22), you are in danger of living a life that is subpar to what God intends for you!  God allowed his only Son to die on the cross for you!  He loves us just the way we are, but He does not intend for us to stay the way we are--He intends for us to grow in Him and through Him!  "Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about
Christ and go on to maturity..." (Hebrews 6:1).

*Conviction and condemnation are NOT the same thing.  Conviction is of the Holy Spirit and is meant to edify you in your walk with Christ.  Condemnation is of the enemy and is meant to discourage you and lead you astray.*  

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