My focus lately with my posts is the power of the Word of God. It can calm any sea, open any sea for that matter, create a universe, tear down kingdoms and prisons, and bring freedom and peace.
Shonda emailed me privately and left a comment about the power of the Word in her life. I suggested she write something up and let me post it (all credit going to her, or course). She then wrote a wonderful article on her blog about being set free from perfectionism through the Word.
I am slow in getting the link here, but if you have ANY prison or shackle that you are wanting freedom from, you need to read this. The verses may be different, but the principle is the same. Even if there is nothing you are struggling with right now, you need to read this. It is that good, and it is good reference for others you know who might be struggling.
Oh, and while you are at Shonda's, you'll also want to read "Rose Colored Glasses" and "From Wild to Privileged"...and lots of other stuff for that matter.
So visit Shonda. Get blessed. Listen to God. Get free.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Do You Know?
The last few days have been war here at the homestead. There have been four or five sizable assaults. While I'm annoyed, I'm not terribly surprised. Rob is in California this week. He thought the earthquake was cool. I'm not finding the shaking here as enjoyable.
Yesterday while the blasts exploded around us, I called my usual support group. Frankly, that only made things worse. Instead of rallying and praying, I heard, "Oh, that reminds me of my..." Friend, child, husband, family, church...fill in the blank with as many as you want because every time I tried to share my heart, it reminded folks of someone else, and they just had to talk about it. In the end, I got tired of hearing how much less important my heart and concerns were than everyone else and quit talking. I just listened silently. What was the point in talking? They obviously weren't listening anyway.
The friends I had turned to for help and aid in the midst of an assault became arsenal in the hands of the enemy.
And it hurt.
Last night I tried to pray through my anger, hurt, and anxiety, but instead, I just kept running into a wall. I tried to just let it go. God, however, wouldn't.
I cannot tell you how many times I woke up in the night with God goading me about my misery and my heart. Each time I answered Him with an angry response, and when He finally got all the anger peeled away, He asked the simplest question, "Don't you think I care about what is important to you?"
I wished I could say I did, but really, that is what all the pain was about. It was the pain of not feeling important, of not feeling like my heart was valuable, of not feeling like my concerns registered on anyone else's worthwhile meter.
I found myself praying something like this, "God, I want to believe you care, but it's hard when others--"
"So I'm now on their level?" He replied
Uh. Oh.
"It's just that in the past there have been things like this that I really wanted, and you didn't bring them to pass."
"Did you really expect them, or did you curse them with your words? I don't care much for the word 'if". Do you believe I will or not? Maybe the issue was more with your belief than my willingness." He responded.
Okay, I can do something with that. I like that, actually. That means I can actively affect things, not manipulate, but free up blessings that the Father wants to give.
"It's just that in the big scheme of things, these things don't seem that big."
"Not big? They are keeping you awake at night and making you grumpy, and they made you cry. Do you care when your children cry? Do you care when they are so bothered that they can't sleep? Are you really trying to tell me you care more about your children than I do mine?"
Yeah, I can see where my suggesting that is just flat rude.
"So, obviously, I'm missing your heart. Can you remind me again?"
He spoke lovingly.
If something concerns you, tell me. I care about everything that affects you (1 Peter 5:7).
Tell me everything that is bothering you, and I will show you the solutions and how to deal with it. If it isn't for you to deal with, I'll give you grace and peace to get through, but there is nothing you have to deal with on your own (Psalm 55:22).
I know what I have planned for you. I've already been thinking about it. I've considered all the factors, and I have the perfect plan for you, and everything I have in store for you is good. My heart is not to harm you but to do good things for you and to give you hope and faith in who I am, my character, and my heart toward you. I want you to know I love you with a perfect love, and all those plans are because I have a destiny for you. All I do is to enable you to fulfill your destiny (Jeremiah 29:11).
I have not left you, and I won't. I don't care if you are sad or angry or doubting. I'm with you. I've committed to the long haul, and I don't go back on my word. I'm with you, and I'm staying here, so just hold onto me, and I'll get you through this (Deuteronomy 31:6).
And I don't care what the circumstances are, and I don't want you to either. There is no circumstance, no power, no plan, no person who will succeed against me. I am above all of those things, and they cannot stop me. Do not let them stop you from believing in me or being all I have declared you (Psalm 128:2).
Trust me. My heart is for you, and I care about everything you do because I love you.
--------
And in case you are wondering, He loves you the same way.
Yesterday while the blasts exploded around us, I called my usual support group. Frankly, that only made things worse. Instead of rallying and praying, I heard, "Oh, that reminds me of my..." Friend, child, husband, family, church...fill in the blank with as many as you want because every time I tried to share my heart, it reminded folks of someone else, and they just had to talk about it. In the end, I got tired of hearing how much less important my heart and concerns were than everyone else and quit talking. I just listened silently. What was the point in talking? They obviously weren't listening anyway.
The friends I had turned to for help and aid in the midst of an assault became arsenal in the hands of the enemy.
And it hurt.
Last night I tried to pray through my anger, hurt, and anxiety, but instead, I just kept running into a wall. I tried to just let it go. God, however, wouldn't.
I cannot tell you how many times I woke up in the night with God goading me about my misery and my heart. Each time I answered Him with an angry response, and when He finally got all the anger peeled away, He asked the simplest question, "Don't you think I care about what is important to you?"
I wished I could say I did, but really, that is what all the pain was about. It was the pain of not feeling important, of not feeling like my heart was valuable, of not feeling like my concerns registered on anyone else's worthwhile meter.
I found myself praying something like this, "God, I want to believe you care, but it's hard when others--"
"So I'm now on their level?" He replied
Uh. Oh.
"It's just that in the past there have been things like this that I really wanted, and you didn't bring them to pass."
"Did you really expect them, or did you curse them with your words? I don't care much for the word 'if". Do you believe I will or not? Maybe the issue was more with your belief than my willingness." He responded.
Okay, I can do something with that. I like that, actually. That means I can actively affect things, not manipulate, but free up blessings that the Father wants to give.
"It's just that in the big scheme of things, these things don't seem that big."
"Not big? They are keeping you awake at night and making you grumpy, and they made you cry. Do you care when your children cry? Do you care when they are so bothered that they can't sleep? Are you really trying to tell me you care more about your children than I do mine?"
Yeah, I can see where my suggesting that is just flat rude.
"So, obviously, I'm missing your heart. Can you remind me again?"
He spoke lovingly.
If something concerns you, tell me. I care about everything that affects you (1 Peter 5:7).
Tell me everything that is bothering you, and I will show you the solutions and how to deal with it. If it isn't for you to deal with, I'll give you grace and peace to get through, but there is nothing you have to deal with on your own (Psalm 55:22).
I know what I have planned for you. I've already been thinking about it. I've considered all the factors, and I have the perfect plan for you, and everything I have in store for you is good. My heart is not to harm you but to do good things for you and to give you hope and faith in who I am, my character, and my heart toward you. I want you to know I love you with a perfect love, and all those plans are because I have a destiny for you. All I do is to enable you to fulfill your destiny (Jeremiah 29:11).
I have not left you, and I won't. I don't care if you are sad or angry or doubting. I'm with you. I've committed to the long haul, and I don't go back on my word. I'm with you, and I'm staying here, so just hold onto me, and I'll get you through this (Deuteronomy 31:6).
And I don't care what the circumstances are, and I don't want you to either. There is no circumstance, no power, no plan, no person who will succeed against me. I am above all of those things, and they cannot stop me. Do not let them stop you from believing in me or being all I have declared you (Psalm 128:2).
Trust me. My heart is for you, and I care about everything you do because I love you.
--------
And in case you are wondering, He loves you the same way.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The Lord's Prayer--Beyond Memory to Meaning
My Beloved Daughter was soaking in the Word this week when she ran across a passage that left her unsettled.
The Word says, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. (Matthew 6:7)." Anna was concerned because she pours her whole heart out to the Lord. She tells Him all about her day--good and bad parts. She tells Him if she is concerned about something, and when she is mad, she unleashes on Him instead of people. Her question: Mom, is that babbling?
I pointed out verses like:
Cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you.--Psalm 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.--Philippians 4:6-7
"Then what is 'babbling'?"
I explained that folks often say prayers without thinking about what they are saying. Rote prayers are common.
"God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for our food. Amen."
Do we really think about how great and good God is that we are eating the food we have, or do we just give lip service because that is what we are to do at meals?
Bedtime prayers can be the same way. We say the same thing, or virtually the same thing, every night and never really stop and think about what we are praying. We're supposed to say something to acknowledge God, so we do. We talk at God, not to God. That is babbling.
I gave her an example from the Bible--The Lord's Prayer. Many of us can recite it, and I will admit I've used it when my heart was so heavy I had no words. I admit for a long time my children and I prayed it every day at nap time because I wanted it deep into their memories. I wanted it firmly planted in their mind.
At some point, though, God has to go from our mind to our heart. Our prayers cannot be merely words we recite because someone told us they were good. Our prayers are to words of relationship, an acknowledgement of who we are and Who we know God is.
With that premise in mind, we talked about The Lord's Prayer in terms of relationship, not rote memorization.
These are the thoughts I shared with her. I hope they bless you, too.
The Lord’s Prayer
(the Mommy Translation)
Our Father who is in Heaven,
Father—the Loving One who meets all my needs, whose heart is for my good, who desires only the best for me, who is willing to die for me to live, who loves me enough to discipline and correct me, and leads me and teaches me to be like Him, who enjoys my company and delights in me, who will never abandon me or forsake me, hunts me down when I mess up or miss hearing you
In Heaven—Above all things, all situations, all circumstances, all needs, all sickness, all authority, all of the earth
Holy is your name.
You are holy. It is a defining characteristic of who you are. You cannot lie, cannot change, cannot do less than perfect. You deserve all of my respect, honor, and obedience.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Your kingdom is a kingdom of blessing, salvation, healing, and prosperity.
Your will is that none should perish but all know Jesus as Savior.
I give you permission to use my life and all influence you give me to bless others, lead others to salvation, heal others, and prosper them.
Show me your will for my life so that I can release your glory, your presence, and your spirit into this world so that you may save and heal those which are lost.
Give us this day our daily bread,
I refuse to worry about tomorrow. Meet my needs for today. Give me the strategy for living today, what to do, how to use my time and resources, and where to invest.
I refuse to lose today by focusing on what can and should be done tomorrow or being ashamed or regretful of anything in the past.
Show me Your plan for TODAY so that I can be fed body, soul, mind, and spirit and give of my abundance to others.
And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Father, I know I sin, and I need you to forgive me.
I also ask that you would show me if I have offense against anyone because I do not want to hold on to it. You have forgiven me out of the love in your heart, not because I earned it. I do not expect others to earn my forgiveness either. Instead, I choose to freely give it.
When my flesh tries to hold on to offense, enable me to let it go and walk in the freedom of forgiveness-both received and given.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Father, protect my heart, mind, and spirit. You are my refuge and stronghold. Remind me of your promises, your strength, your love, your faithfulness, and your mercy. Go before me and behind me. I trust you to not leave or forsake me but to lead me for your name’s sake.
For yours is the power and the glory and the honor forever.
You are all powerful. There is nothing that can stand up against you. There is no sickness—mental or physical, no kingdom, no lie, no temptation, no need of any form, no prison, no form of captivity, NOTHING that can stand against you. You are powerful above ALL.
All glory and honor is given to you because all good things come from you. All freedom comes from you. All life comes from you. All joy comes from you. You deserve all the glory and honor belong to you because you have kept your promises and stayed true to your name.
Amen.
Father, let it be so.
Copyright Jerri Phillips 2008
The Word says, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. (Matthew 6:7)." Anna was concerned because she pours her whole heart out to the Lord. She tells Him all about her day--good and bad parts. She tells Him if she is concerned about something, and when she is mad, she unleashes on Him instead of people. Her question: Mom, is that babbling?
I pointed out verses like:
Cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you.--Psalm 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.--Philippians 4:6-7
"Then what is 'babbling'?"
I explained that folks often say prayers without thinking about what they are saying. Rote prayers are common.
"God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for our food. Amen."
Do we really think about how great and good God is that we are eating the food we have, or do we just give lip service because that is what we are to do at meals?
Bedtime prayers can be the same way. We say the same thing, or virtually the same thing, every night and never really stop and think about what we are praying. We're supposed to say something to acknowledge God, so we do. We talk at God, not to God. That is babbling.
I gave her an example from the Bible--The Lord's Prayer. Many of us can recite it, and I will admit I've used it when my heart was so heavy I had no words. I admit for a long time my children and I prayed it every day at nap time because I wanted it deep into their memories. I wanted it firmly planted in their mind.
At some point, though, God has to go from our mind to our heart. Our prayers cannot be merely words we recite because someone told us they were good. Our prayers are to words of relationship, an acknowledgement of who we are and Who we know God is.
With that premise in mind, we talked about The Lord's Prayer in terms of relationship, not rote memorization.
These are the thoughts I shared with her. I hope they bless you, too.
The Lord’s Prayer
(the Mommy Translation)
Our Father who is in Heaven,
Father—the Loving One who meets all my needs, whose heart is for my good, who desires only the best for me, who is willing to die for me to live, who loves me enough to discipline and correct me, and leads me and teaches me to be like Him, who enjoys my company and delights in me, who will never abandon me or forsake me, hunts me down when I mess up or miss hearing you
In Heaven—Above all things, all situations, all circumstances, all needs, all sickness, all authority, all of the earth
Holy is your name.
You are holy. It is a defining characteristic of who you are. You cannot lie, cannot change, cannot do less than perfect. You deserve all of my respect, honor, and obedience.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Your kingdom is a kingdom of blessing, salvation, healing, and prosperity.
Your will is that none should perish but all know Jesus as Savior.
I give you permission to use my life and all influence you give me to bless others, lead others to salvation, heal others, and prosper them.
Show me your will for my life so that I can release your glory, your presence, and your spirit into this world so that you may save and heal those which are lost.
Give us this day our daily bread,
I refuse to worry about tomorrow. Meet my needs for today. Give me the strategy for living today, what to do, how to use my time and resources, and where to invest.
I refuse to lose today by focusing on what can and should be done tomorrow or being ashamed or regretful of anything in the past.
Show me Your plan for TODAY so that I can be fed body, soul, mind, and spirit and give of my abundance to others.
And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Father, I know I sin, and I need you to forgive me.
I also ask that you would show me if I have offense against anyone because I do not want to hold on to it. You have forgiven me out of the love in your heart, not because I earned it. I do not expect others to earn my forgiveness either. Instead, I choose to freely give it.
When my flesh tries to hold on to offense, enable me to let it go and walk in the freedom of forgiveness-both received and given.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Father, protect my heart, mind, and spirit. You are my refuge and stronghold. Remind me of your promises, your strength, your love, your faithfulness, and your mercy. Go before me and behind me. I trust you to not leave or forsake me but to lead me for your name’s sake.
For yours is the power and the glory and the honor forever.
You are all powerful. There is nothing that can stand up against you. There is no sickness—mental or physical, no kingdom, no lie, no temptation, no need of any form, no prison, no form of captivity, NOTHING that can stand against you. You are powerful above ALL.
All glory and honor is given to you because all good things come from you. All freedom comes from you. All life comes from you. All joy comes from you. You deserve all the glory and honor belong to you because you have kept your promises and stayed true to your name.
Amen.
Father, let it be so.
Copyright Jerri Phillips 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Gabrielle Update
The abbreviated version:
Gabe is going home with Jennifer today.
Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for them if/when the Lord brings them to mind.
Gabe is going home with Jennifer today.
Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for them if/when the Lord brings them to mind.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
My NEPHEW Gabe
First, I'm not sure how I gave the impression Gabe is my grandson. Where did I type that? I read through and didn't see it, but I could have missed it. Since I've gotten a few posts and emails congratulating me on my grandson, I'm wondering. I have done such things before.
In any case, he is my NEPHEW, as in the son of my husband's brother and his wife.
Second, I talked to my husband's brother, Ben, today, and there is good news and confusing news.
Good news--the culture came back negative.
Confusing news--Gabe vomitted last night and turned blue, which isn't unusual if you are choking on vomit because there is no nurse watching you in the NICU. As soon as the alarms went insane and a nurse checked on him, they cleared his throat. His oxygen went back to 100%, and he was fine. After that, my sister-in-law has fed him and stayed with him almost constantly. There has been no problem while she is there. If there continues to be no problem, Gabe and Jennifer will be going home together Tuesday.
Why is that confusing? You just had to be part of the four phone conversations that have gone on between here and Louisiana today to understand. In short though, things look like all will be fine.
Thank you for all your prayers. Please keep praying.
In any case, he is my NEPHEW, as in the son of my husband's brother and his wife.
Second, I talked to my husband's brother, Ben, today, and there is good news and confusing news.
Good news--the culture came back negative.
Confusing news--Gabe vomitted last night and turned blue, which isn't unusual if you are choking on vomit because there is no nurse watching you in the NICU. As soon as the alarms went insane and a nurse checked on him, they cleared his throat. His oxygen went back to 100%, and he was fine. After that, my sister-in-law has fed him and stayed with him almost constantly. There has been no problem while she is there. If there continues to be no problem, Gabe and Jennifer will be going home together Tuesday.
Why is that confusing? You just had to be part of the four phone conversations that have gone on between here and Louisiana today to understand. In short though, things look like all will be fine.
Thank you for all your prayers. Please keep praying.
Baby Gabe Update
Ben called last night, later than I cared to pull out my computer and post, and things are looking really good. The doctor expects to send Jennifer home Monday or Tuesday. He said in 2 days, so I'm not sure which one that is. She did get to see Gabe yesterday. They rushed him out quickly when his oxygen dropped, and since she was recovering from a c-section, she had not been able to visit. Seeing him did wonders for her.
As for Gabe, they were taking him out of the oxygen tent last night, and they were waiting for one more culture to come back. If it came back negative, they were going to send Gabe home when Jen goes home. If it is positive, they'll keep Gabe in the hospital for 7-14 days and give him a targeted antibiotic. As we understand it, since they are taking Gabe out of the tent, there is reason to believe he is already better. That indicates the broad spectrum antibiotics they have been giving him are already are doing their job.
We will know more later today, and I will update then.
As for Gabe, they were taking him out of the oxygen tent last night, and they were waiting for one more culture to come back. If it came back negative, they were going to send Gabe home when Jen goes home. If it is positive, they'll keep Gabe in the hospital for 7-14 days and give him a targeted antibiotic. As we understand it, since they are taking Gabe out of the tent, there is reason to believe he is already better. That indicates the broad spectrum antibiotics they have been giving him are already are doing their job.
We will know more later today, and I will update then.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
My Newborn Nephew Needs Prayer
Gabriel Phillips was born Friday by c-section. His oxygen level dropped, and they took him to NICU. They’ve determined he has a bacterial infection. They are working to determine the type of bacteria now. After the cultures come back, they plan to treat him in the hospital for 7 days. Some of you know how my sister-in-law Jennifer is handling this, not well.
We would like to ask you to pray for:
Gabe—that they identify the bacteria and successfully treat it
Jennifer—for physical healing and calming of her nerves
Ben—for his nerves and for him to have wisdom for Gabe’s treatment and understanding in dealing with Jen
I will update you as soon as I know more.
We would like to ask you to pray for:
Gabe—that they identify the bacteria and successfully treat it
Jennifer—for physical healing and calming of her nerves
Ben—for his nerves and for him to have wisdom for Gabe’s treatment and understanding in dealing with Jen
I will update you as soon as I know more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)