So throughout my life I considered myself to be creative and somewhat inspired. I loved to draw and I loved to write. But some where along the way I lost the creativity and the inspiration. So my question to myself is where did it go? I wonder if there is somewhere deep inside of me that it stays hidden.
I used to be able to pour my feelings onto paper, I used to be able to poetically speak on what was inside of me. I really miss being able to voice my thoughts and have a written account. I know there is something still there. Many times when I drive I am flooded with things, but can't remember what it was when I have a second to sit down in write. I wish I could tape record my thoughts!!!
I want to find this person again, the artist in me. So for now I guess I will pray that if this is lost inside of me that God delivers it to my consciosness
July 30, 2010
July 27, 2010
Thankful for the Hubby
I am so thankful for you and so blessed to be your wife. We have weathered many storms together and always manage to stand firm in our trials. I am grateful that we didn’t have an easy road to marriage because I feel that road made us stronger individually and as a couple. When I first met you I was drawn to you. You have not been like any other man in my life and at times I questioned am I addicted, is the pull he has on me something abnormal? But now I know it was fate. There is no accident that God had us meet. There is no accident that we took Broken Roads to find one another. You were created for me by my precious heavenly father. I accept you as my perfect gift from God. I am so grateful that I get to be the constant in your life. The one who will always be there no matter what, the one who supports you and follows your lead, and the one who loves you more than any on this earth. I call it a privilege to love you. Thank you for all that you do and all that I know you will do in our marriage. You are amazing and you are my rock. I am so proud of the man you are and the man I know God wants you to be. I appreciate all you are doing to become more like the man God has for you to be. You do so much for me and I don’t always give you the praise that you deserve. I admire you and love you beyond measure.
July 26, 2010
Yesterday I Cried by Iyanla Vanzant
I want you to understand,
I had myself a really good cry yesterday.
Yesterday, I cried,
for all the days that I was too busy,
or too tired, or too mad to cry.
I cried for all the days, and all the ways,
and all the times I had dishonored, disrespected,
and disconnected my Self from myself,
only to have it reflected back to me in the ways others
did to me the same things I had already done to myself.
I cried for all the things I had given, only to have them stolen;
for all the things I had asked for that had yet to show up;
for all the things I had accomplished, only to give them away,
to people in circumstances, which left me feeling empty,
and battered and plain old used.
I cried because there really does come a time when
the only thing left for you to do is cry.
Yesterday, I cried.
I cried because little boys get left by their daddies;
and little girls get forgotten by their mommies;
and daddies don't know what to do, so they leave;
and mommies get left, so they get mad.
I cried because I had a little boy,
and because I was a little girl,
and because I was a mommy who didn't know what to do,
and because I wanted my daddy to be there so badly until I ached.
Yesterday, I cried.
I cried because I hurt. I cried because I was hurt.
I cried because hurt has no place to go
except deeper into the pain that caused it in the first place,
and when it gets there, the hurt wakes you up.
I cried because it was too late.
I cried because it was time.
I cried because my soul knew that I didn't know
that my soul knew everything that I needed to know.
I cried a soulful cry yesterday, and it felt so good.
It felt so very, very bad.
In the midst of my crying,
I felt my freedom coming,
Because...
Yesterday, I cried
with an agenda.
I had myself a really good cry yesterday.
Yesterday, I cried,
for all the days that I was too busy,
or too tired, or too mad to cry.
I cried for all the days, and all the ways,
and all the times I had dishonored, disrespected,
and disconnected my Self from myself,
only to have it reflected back to me in the ways others
did to me the same things I had already done to myself.
I cried for all the things I had given, only to have them stolen;
for all the things I had asked for that had yet to show up;
for all the things I had accomplished, only to give them away,
to people in circumstances, which left me feeling empty,
and battered and plain old used.
I cried because there really does come a time when
the only thing left for you to do is cry.
Yesterday, I cried.
I cried because little boys get left by their daddies;
and little girls get forgotten by their mommies;
and daddies don't know what to do, so they leave;
and mommies get left, so they get mad.
I cried because I had a little boy,
and because I was a little girl,
and because I was a mommy who didn't know what to do,
and because I wanted my daddy to be there so badly until I ached.
Yesterday, I cried.
I cried because I hurt. I cried because I was hurt.
I cried because hurt has no place to go
except deeper into the pain that caused it in the first place,
and when it gets there, the hurt wakes you up.
I cried because it was too late.
I cried because it was time.
I cried because my soul knew that I didn't know
that my soul knew everything that I needed to know.
I cried a soulful cry yesterday, and it felt so good.
It felt so very, very bad.
In the midst of my crying,
I felt my freedom coming,
Because...
Yesterday, I cried
with an agenda.
July 24, 2010
A song in my heart today
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise You I just wanna praise You
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise You
I'm gonna praise, praise you
In the corners of my mind
I just can't seem to find A reason to believe
That I can break free
Cause you see I have been bound for so long
Felt like all hope was gone
But as I lift my hands I understand
That I should praise You through my circumstance
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise You I just wanna praise You
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise You
I'm gonna praise, praise you
Everything that could go wrong
All went wrong at one time
See so much pressure fell on me
I thought I was gonna lose my mind
Lord I know You wanna see
If I will hold on through these trials
But I need You to lift this load
Cause I can't take it no more
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise You I just wanna praise You
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise You
I'm gonna praise, praise you
Been through the fire and the rain
Bound in every kind of way
But God has broken every chain
So let me go right now
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise You
I just wanna praise You
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise You
I'm gonna praise, praise you
I just wanna praise You I just wanna praise You
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise You
I'm gonna praise, praise you
In the corners of my mind
I just can't seem to find A reason to believe
That I can break free
Cause you see I have been bound for so long
Felt like all hope was gone
But as I lift my hands I understand
That I should praise You through my circumstance
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise You I just wanna praise You
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise You
I'm gonna praise, praise you
Everything that could go wrong
All went wrong at one time
See so much pressure fell on me
I thought I was gonna lose my mind
Lord I know You wanna see
If I will hold on through these trials
But I need You to lift this load
Cause I can't take it no more
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise You I just wanna praise You
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise You
I'm gonna praise, praise you
Been through the fire and the rain
Bound in every kind of way
But God has broken every chain
So let me go right now
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise You
I just wanna praise You
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise You
I'm gonna praise, praise you
July 23, 2010
Soul searching
I wrote this in June 2001
I am lost within myself
Lost within this world
Lost within these feelins of loneliness
Deserted
Only left with my mind and the thoughts it produces
And my heart with these feelings I try to hide
Written By:
Meghan Leigh
I am lost within myself
Lost within this world
Lost within these feelins of loneliness
Deserted
Only left with my mind and the thoughts it produces
And my heart with these feelings I try to hide
Written By:
Meghan Leigh
July 22, 2010
Maya Angelou- I am Christian
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin."
I'm whispering "I was lost,"
Now I'm found and forgiven.
When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need CHRIST to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and need HIS strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
who received God's good grace, somehow.
Author ~Maya Angelou~
Maya Angelou - Still I Rise
Still I Rise
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Marriage- Committment
Here are some more things I have learned through books, scripture and Weekend to Remember. I made a covenant before God to stay committed to my marriage no matter the circumstance. I pray that with each passing year as trials and tribulations occur in my marriage that I always remember the I committed to Troy until the day I die or the day he leaves this earth, which ever comes first.
Commitment is a decision to have the abundant marriage God desires, regardless of circumstances or whether you think your spouse is doing their part. This includes:
• Realizing that marriage is an unbreakable covenant before God. Marriage is covenant not a contract, which could be broken, but a binding, permanent agreement — just like the covenant God makes with us.
• Choosing to love someone whether you Feel “love” or not. We often let our feelings dictate our actions, but we are actually built for the opposite. Our Creator has designed us so that when we love another person with our actions, our feelings inevitably follow. You may not always feel like loving someone, and a marriage love is a choice to love that person no matter what (Choice not feeling)
• Engaging in Christian community, prayer and discipleship — especially when you don't want to. These three aspects of the Christian life help sustain every believer, but they are particularly essential for those going through a difficult season.
• Not pointing out the flaws of your spouse but recognizing the good in them and the sin in yourself. If you're dissatisfied with your marriage, try this challenge: For the next 30 days, don't say anything negative about your spouse — neither to him or her nor to anyone else. Every day, find something you appreciate about your spouse, and verbalize it. This marital application of Philippians 4:8 (which instructs us to focus on whatever is praiseworthy) has the power to transform a marriage. When we examine and work to change ourselves, we often bring out the best in our spouse as well.
• Realizing that you cannot change your spouse. When you married them you accepted them for who they were. That doesn’t mean you or your spouse do not have things to we need to change, but too many times we feel like we can change the person we are with. We only have the power to pray for our spouse and ask that God reveal to them what may or may not need to change. Reflect on yourself, many times we are the ones in need of change
• Relying on God to help you put your spouse’s needs above your own and to make pleasing God your priority not making yourself happy. God calls us to grow in relationship with Him, to make Him our number one priority then our spouse. Doing something because God commands you to not because your spouse may or may not deserve it.
• Allow each other to openly talk about temptations, weaknesses, etc. When we commit to one another we must know that the world doesn’t stop and we are not in a bubble. Build a strong foundation with your marriage and create safeguards. Also allow the other person to come to you for help, advice, or concern about things that tempt them. We all have some sort of temptations and Satan is alive and trying to destroy marriages. When you both attack issues face on, together in unity with God you can win the fight against Satan’s attack. One area of temptation is affairs, and they are not just physical and emotional. Anything that takes up our time and consumes us away from our marriage can be considered an affair.
o Activity Affairs- busy, busy, busy You have so much going on and are constantly on the go that you never have time for one another
o Work Affair- you make your career a priority above all else and keep adding more demands to keep you away from your family and keep you distracted
o Materialism Affair- you are consumed with things and what you can have and will have to the point that it consumes you
o Children- Your sole focus is on your children and you are so consumed with them and what their needs are. You never take time for you and your spouse because that would take time away from your kids. You only focus your interactions with your spouse about your children. You have a child centered and child focused home (which is not how God designed the family)
There are many things that occupy our time and keep us away from our marriage and family but making the commitment that no matter what occurs in the marriage you are committed to one another and to the vows you made before God.
Commitment is a decision to have the abundant marriage God desires, regardless of circumstances or whether you think your spouse is doing their part. This includes:
• Realizing that marriage is an unbreakable covenant before God. Marriage is covenant not a contract, which could be broken, but a binding, permanent agreement — just like the covenant God makes with us.
• Choosing to love someone whether you Feel “love” or not. We often let our feelings dictate our actions, but we are actually built for the opposite. Our Creator has designed us so that when we love another person with our actions, our feelings inevitably follow. You may not always feel like loving someone, and a marriage love is a choice to love that person no matter what (Choice not feeling)
• Engaging in Christian community, prayer and discipleship — especially when you don't want to. These three aspects of the Christian life help sustain every believer, but they are particularly essential for those going through a difficult season.
• Not pointing out the flaws of your spouse but recognizing the good in them and the sin in yourself. If you're dissatisfied with your marriage, try this challenge: For the next 30 days, don't say anything negative about your spouse — neither to him or her nor to anyone else. Every day, find something you appreciate about your spouse, and verbalize it. This marital application of Philippians 4:8 (which instructs us to focus on whatever is praiseworthy) has the power to transform a marriage. When we examine and work to change ourselves, we often bring out the best in our spouse as well.
• Realizing that you cannot change your spouse. When you married them you accepted them for who they were. That doesn’t mean you or your spouse do not have things to we need to change, but too many times we feel like we can change the person we are with. We only have the power to pray for our spouse and ask that God reveal to them what may or may not need to change. Reflect on yourself, many times we are the ones in need of change
• Relying on God to help you put your spouse’s needs above your own and to make pleasing God your priority not making yourself happy. God calls us to grow in relationship with Him, to make Him our number one priority then our spouse. Doing something because God commands you to not because your spouse may or may not deserve it.
• Allow each other to openly talk about temptations, weaknesses, etc. When we commit to one another we must know that the world doesn’t stop and we are not in a bubble. Build a strong foundation with your marriage and create safeguards. Also allow the other person to come to you for help, advice, or concern about things that tempt them. We all have some sort of temptations and Satan is alive and trying to destroy marriages. When you both attack issues face on, together in unity with God you can win the fight against Satan’s attack. One area of temptation is affairs, and they are not just physical and emotional. Anything that takes up our time and consumes us away from our marriage can be considered an affair.
o Activity Affairs- busy, busy, busy You have so much going on and are constantly on the go that you never have time for one another
o Work Affair- you make your career a priority above all else and keep adding more demands to keep you away from your family and keep you distracted
o Materialism Affair- you are consumed with things and what you can have and will have to the point that it consumes you
o Children- Your sole focus is on your children and you are so consumed with them and what their needs are. You never take time for you and your spouse because that would take time away from your kids. You only focus your interactions with your spouse about your children. You have a child centered and child focused home (which is not how God designed the family)
There are many things that occupy our time and keep us away from our marriage and family but making the commitment that no matter what occurs in the marriage you are committed to one another and to the vows you made before God.
Bruised but not Broken
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...Psalm 139:4
This weekend I will be attending the Desperate for Jesus Conference at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship with my mother. I am so excited about what God will reveal to all the women in attendance. We have gone to this conference in the past and it has been such a blessing. I can't wait to post the after thoughts from this special weekend. So excited to hear Beth Moore speak in person!!!
The Aftermath
Wow can I just say what an amazing weekend with Sisters in Christ!!! It was great to see all different cultures, denominations come together to be uplifted, inspired, transformed by the Word delivered through Beth Moore and Tara Jenkins.
This year the theme was bruised but not broken. So many times in life we are bent over with the storms in our lives. We learned so much about those storms and how to have faith in our Lord Jesus. It was great weekend that lifted your spirits and reminded you of your royalty in Christ.
Sisters- God does not forsake us. In Jesus you CANNOT be destroyed!!! Nothing can pull you out of the Hand of God. If God is for us who can be against us. Below I want to share some of the things we learned.
Acts 27: 13-20
The Storm
13When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island. 15The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure. 17When the men had hoisted it aboard, they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. 18We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
6 Planks (from wrecking ship to safe land)
1) Sometimes we are standing in the exact spot where several storms collide
* the storms of our life can turn it into a whirlwind that we think we can't deal with and become overwhelmed
CHAOS- Can't have anyone over syndrome
* Why does God allow Satan to keep getting at you and attacking you??
Because sometimes we think we have obtained exactly what we wanted and settle
We haven't even begun to know what God wants for you
If we had all He wanted for us we would be dead
Remember ladies...There ain't no going back...stop running back to our past or dwelling in you past Focus towards tomorrow not yesterday You have not yet obtained what Jesus wants for you
2) The question of fault feeds the fury of every storm
We are constantly trying to find someone to blame this only adds strength to the storm in your life
If you could name your hurricane what would you name it? Many times our storms are people in our lives
(Acts 27:9-12) There is a lot of power in anger and finding fault quit fueling your storms
**** THERE IS A PLACE GOD WANTS TO TAKE YOU AND YOU CAN ONLY GET THERE THROUGH THE STORM ****
Some storms are perfect storms if you get to where God has for you. Remember though through the storm the enemy will do everything he can to stop you from getting to where God wants you to go
3) The titanic temptation in any storm is to give way to it (Acts 27:14-15)
How do you want your storm to turn out? How do you see yourself on the other side of your storm? Are you going to let it kill you or HEAL you?
vs. 22 I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost
vs. 25 faith in God just as He told me
If God is for us who can be against us us. There is no accident in your life.. God has brought you in the storm to emerge a victor
You can be full of the Holy Spirit and still be in storms
Acts 27: 27-44
The Shipwreck
27On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic[b] Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet[c] deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet[d] deep. 29Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved." 32So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away.
33Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. "For the last fourteen days," he said, "you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven't eaten anything. 34Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head." 35After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.
39When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.
42The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43But the centurion wanted to spare Paul's life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety.
*** The only reason God would say no to you is because there is a greater yes ahead
Read Luke 11:13
In unanswered prayers and pleading, whatever God withheld and said no to He gave you the Holy Spirit in its place
4) To make it through the storm sometimes we have to cut ropes
(our freedom could be at stake in what we cut loose)
Read Proverbs 30:4
vs. 44 CONSTANT SUSPENSE- living in constant suspense can be tormenting, nothing is more demoralizing, nothing more that can defeat you, gets old to live in, sick to death of living in constant suspense. When you are in a season of constant suspense apply constant certainties...(Declare God's promises for you)
1) God is always for me and not against me
2) He will work all things for the good
3) you can have power in the word of your testimony
4) God is faithful
5) God never falls us
Come up with 10 Constant Certainties and declare them when in constant suspense
5) One life can invite the favor of God to many in the storm
Remember when you see people in the stronghold of sin it doesn't mean they are having FUN...
some are sinning out of desperation and a life that has led them to not stand tall and cry out is there a way to live in victory I want to be free
** You can be the one where it all begins to change if you take courage
Acts 28:1-6
Ashore on Malta
1Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." 5But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
I may be in a storm but soon I will be safely on shore
6) On the other side of a perfect storm, the serpent is all BITE and no VENOM (PRAISE GOD)
Let the winds and waves of the storm do what they will but you will get to where the devil loosed his fight for you and be exactly where God wants you
1 John 3:8
The son of God appeared to destroy Satan's work
In a storm God breaks to pieces the hold Satan has on you, or the devils work in you
There is more of the weekend to come, I am still trying to soak in all that was revealed to me this weekend....All I can say is praise God He is faithful and there is nothing in my life I can't face with the Lord Jesus by my side. I know this all to well, when I should have perished my Lord did not forsake me, he reached into the pits of Hell and reclaimed his lost child. Oh Lord I live because of you, I am so undeserving but you forgive me and love me. Thank you Lord for the blood of the Lamb so that I may be washed clean. When storms in my life face I must always remember to have faith in you oh God for you know what is best and this storm will bring me to where you want me and Lord there is no greater place than that. Jehovah Rapha thank you!!!
This weekend I will be attending the Desperate for Jesus Conference at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship with my mother. I am so excited about what God will reveal to all the women in attendance. We have gone to this conference in the past and it has been such a blessing. I can't wait to post the after thoughts from this special weekend. So excited to hear Beth Moore speak in person!!!
The Aftermath
Wow can I just say what an amazing weekend with Sisters in Christ!!! It was great to see all different cultures, denominations come together to be uplifted, inspired, transformed by the Word delivered through Beth Moore and Tara Jenkins.
This year the theme was bruised but not broken. So many times in life we are bent over with the storms in our lives. We learned so much about those storms and how to have faith in our Lord Jesus. It was great weekend that lifted your spirits and reminded you of your royalty in Christ.
Sisters- God does not forsake us. In Jesus you CANNOT be destroyed!!! Nothing can pull you out of the Hand of God. If God is for us who can be against us. Below I want to share some of the things we learned.
Acts 27: 13-20
The Storm
13When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island. 15The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure. 17When the men had hoisted it aboard, they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. 18We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
6 Planks (from wrecking ship to safe land)
1) Sometimes we are standing in the exact spot where several storms collide
* the storms of our life can turn it into a whirlwind that we think we can't deal with and become overwhelmed
CHAOS- Can't have anyone over syndrome
* Why does God allow Satan to keep getting at you and attacking you??
Because sometimes we think we have obtained exactly what we wanted and settle
We haven't even begun to know what God wants for you
If we had all He wanted for us we would be dead
Remember ladies...There ain't no going back...stop running back to our past or dwelling in you past Focus towards tomorrow not yesterday You have not yet obtained what Jesus wants for you
2) The question of fault feeds the fury of every storm
We are constantly trying to find someone to blame this only adds strength to the storm in your life
If you could name your hurricane what would you name it? Many times our storms are people in our lives
(Acts 27:9-12) There is a lot of power in anger and finding fault quit fueling your storms
**** THERE IS A PLACE GOD WANTS TO TAKE YOU AND YOU CAN ONLY GET THERE THROUGH THE STORM ****
Some storms are perfect storms if you get to where God has for you. Remember though through the storm the enemy will do everything he can to stop you from getting to where God wants you to go
3) The titanic temptation in any storm is to give way to it (Acts 27:14-15)
How do you want your storm to turn out? How do you see yourself on the other side of your storm? Are you going to let it kill you or HEAL you?
vs. 22 I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost
vs. 25 faith in God just as He told me
If God is for us who can be against us us. There is no accident in your life.. God has brought you in the storm to emerge a victor
You can be full of the Holy Spirit and still be in storms
Acts 27: 27-44
The Shipwreck
27On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic[b] Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet[c] deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet[d] deep. 29Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved." 32So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away.
33Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. "For the last fourteen days," he said, "you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven't eaten anything. 34Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head." 35After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.
39When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.
42The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43But the centurion wanted to spare Paul's life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety.
*** The only reason God would say no to you is because there is a greater yes ahead
Read Luke 11:13
In unanswered prayers and pleading, whatever God withheld and said no to He gave you the Holy Spirit in its place
4) To make it through the storm sometimes we have to cut ropes
(our freedom could be at stake in what we cut loose)
Read Proverbs 30:4
vs. 44 CONSTANT SUSPENSE- living in constant suspense can be tormenting, nothing is more demoralizing, nothing more that can defeat you, gets old to live in, sick to death of living in constant suspense. When you are in a season of constant suspense apply constant certainties...(Declare God's promises for you)
1) God is always for me and not against me
2) He will work all things for the good
3) you can have power in the word of your testimony
4) God is faithful
5) God never falls us
Come up with 10 Constant Certainties and declare them when in constant suspense
5) One life can invite the favor of God to many in the storm
Remember when you see people in the stronghold of sin it doesn't mean they are having FUN...
some are sinning out of desperation and a life that has led them to not stand tall and cry out is there a way to live in victory I want to be free
** You can be the one where it all begins to change if you take courage
Acts 28:1-6
Ashore on Malta
1Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." 5But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
I may be in a storm but soon I will be safely on shore
6) On the other side of a perfect storm, the serpent is all BITE and no VENOM (PRAISE GOD)
Let the winds and waves of the storm do what they will but you will get to where the devil loosed his fight for you and be exactly where God wants you
1 John 3:8
The son of God appeared to destroy Satan's work
In a storm God breaks to pieces the hold Satan has on you, or the devils work in you
There is more of the weekend to come, I am still trying to soak in all that was revealed to me this weekend....All I can say is praise God He is faithful and there is nothing in my life I can't face with the Lord Jesus by my side. I know this all to well, when I should have perished my Lord did not forsake me, he reached into the pits of Hell and reclaimed his lost child. Oh Lord I live because of you, I am so undeserving but you forgive me and love me. Thank you Lord for the blood of the Lamb so that I may be washed clean. When storms in my life face I must always remember to have faith in you oh God for you know what is best and this storm will bring me to where you want me and Lord there is no greater place than that. Jehovah Rapha thank you!!!
July 19, 2010
God's Purpose for Marriage
Troy and I attend Weekend to Remember from Family Life annually and the conference is geared to teach God's Purpose for Marriage.
Purpose One: Mirror God’s image. After God created the earth and the animals, He said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” The account continues, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:26-27).
God’s first purpose for creating man and woman and joining them in marriage was to mirror His image on planet earth. Center your attention on those words, mirror His image. The Hebrew word for “mirror” means to reflect God, to magnify, exalt, and glorify Him. Your marriage should reflect God’s image to a world that desperately needs to see who He is. Because we’re created in the image of God, people who wouldn’t otherwise know what God is like should be able to look at us and get a glimpse.
Purpose Two: Complete each other and experience companionship. Scripture clearly outlines a second purpose for marriage: to mutually complete each other. That’s why God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18).
Adam felt isolated in the Garden, and so God created woman to eliminate his aloneness. Writing to the first-century church in Corinth, Paul echoed the teachings in Genesis 2 when he asserted, “However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman” (1 Corinthians 11:11).
I was convinced that Barbara was “the one,” because I sensed that she could complete me as well as be a wonderful companion. Now, many years later, I really understand how much I need her. The two of us are like a computer and software. Standing alone, the computer and software are impressive, but combined as a team, they can accomplish so much more! And that’s exactly what God had in mind when He performed the first marriage with an original groom and bride named Adam and Eve. (Deniss Rainey)
You need each other. You recognize that now. But if you build your marriage according to God’s blueprints, as the years go by, you will really appreciate the genius of how God has custom-made your mate for you.
Purpose Three: Multiply a godly legacy. A line of godly descendants—your children—will carry a reflection of God’s character to the next generation. Your plans for children may still be in the future, but if He gives you a child, you will be in for an amazing adventure.
God’s original plan called for the home to be a sort of greenhouse—a nurturing place where children grow up to learn character, values, and integrity. Too many couples today seem to be raising their children without a sense of mission and direction. They aren’t imparting to them the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy of changed lives. They aren’t evaluating their lives in light of the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, where Christ commands us to preach the gospel to all nations.
One of your assignments is to impart a sense of destiny, a spiritual mission, to your children. Your responsibility as a couple is to make your home a place where your children learn what it means to love and obey God. Your home should be a training center to equip your children to look at the needs of people and the world through the eyes of Jesus Christ. If children do not embrace this spiritual mission as they grow up, they may live their entire lives without experiencing the privilege of God using them in a significant way.
Your marriage is far more important than you may have ever imagined because it affects God’s reputation on this planet. That’s why it’s essential for you to set Jesus Christ apart as the Builder of your home.
Purpose One: Mirror God’s image. After God created the earth and the animals, He said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” The account continues, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:26-27).
God’s first purpose for creating man and woman and joining them in marriage was to mirror His image on planet earth. Center your attention on those words, mirror His image. The Hebrew word for “mirror” means to reflect God, to magnify, exalt, and glorify Him. Your marriage should reflect God’s image to a world that desperately needs to see who He is. Because we’re created in the image of God, people who wouldn’t otherwise know what God is like should be able to look at us and get a glimpse.
Purpose Two: Complete each other and experience companionship. Scripture clearly outlines a second purpose for marriage: to mutually complete each other. That’s why God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18).
Adam felt isolated in the Garden, and so God created woman to eliminate his aloneness. Writing to the first-century church in Corinth, Paul echoed the teachings in Genesis 2 when he asserted, “However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman” (1 Corinthians 11:11).
I was convinced that Barbara was “the one,” because I sensed that she could complete me as well as be a wonderful companion. Now, many years later, I really understand how much I need her. The two of us are like a computer and software. Standing alone, the computer and software are impressive, but combined as a team, they can accomplish so much more! And that’s exactly what God had in mind when He performed the first marriage with an original groom and bride named Adam and Eve. (Deniss Rainey)
You need each other. You recognize that now. But if you build your marriage according to God’s blueprints, as the years go by, you will really appreciate the genius of how God has custom-made your mate for you.
Purpose Three: Multiply a godly legacy. A line of godly descendants—your children—will carry a reflection of God’s character to the next generation. Your plans for children may still be in the future, but if He gives you a child, you will be in for an amazing adventure.
God’s original plan called for the home to be a sort of greenhouse—a nurturing place where children grow up to learn character, values, and integrity. Too many couples today seem to be raising their children without a sense of mission and direction. They aren’t imparting to them the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy of changed lives. They aren’t evaluating their lives in light of the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, where Christ commands us to preach the gospel to all nations.
One of your assignments is to impart a sense of destiny, a spiritual mission, to your children. Your responsibility as a couple is to make your home a place where your children learn what it means to love and obey God. Your home should be a training center to equip your children to look at the needs of people and the world through the eyes of Jesus Christ. If children do not embrace this spiritual mission as they grow up, they may live their entire lives without experiencing the privilege of God using them in a significant way.
Your marriage is far more important than you may have ever imagined because it affects God’s reputation on this planet. That’s why it’s essential for you to set Jesus Christ apart as the Builder of your home.
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