Reflection in Action!

This morning I searched my heart before the Lord to see what He would have me write on this blog as it has been a long time since I've updated it. I felt impressed to read over some previous entries and my eyes and heart stopped on one that I wrote in February.

As I read it the Lord ministered all those words "BACK" to me. In His gentle way letting me know that this consecration is again taking place in my heart! We know that HE never stops the process until HE knows the work is done. I am humbled in knowing that HE is able, HE is faithful and HE will FINISH the work.

I thought this entry would bless you as it has me. Reflection is a GOOD thing when it accomplishes the "FRUIT of the Spirit" in and through you. I want to be 100% sold out to the things of the Lord. Why? Because I yearn for Him...because I know He is the giver of my life, the source of my Hope and the builder of my faith. He is LORD! Be blessed today as you read, reflect and apply!

Let's believe together for our PHILISTINES to be torn down in the Name of the Lord God who does ALL things well according to His purposes and plans!!!!


Tuesday, February 03, 2009

A consecrated heart....
Time and time again the Lord requires us to purify our hearts before Him. He knows that we can not do His will without a pure heart, at least not with power and fruition. We can do nothing apart from the Lord, so that would make sense to "have a pure heart before Him" our Maker!

The word of the Lord say's "Blessed are the PURE in heart, for they WILL see God." Matthew 5:6

Many times I have thought "OK Lord" I know my heart is deceitful, so, what I can't see...PURIFY! And, what follows are circumstances and situations that draw out the impurities in my heart, by the way I react to them!
Wow...How He allows this only for our good to "answer the desire of our hearts" and of course His desire for us. So, I adjust my heart according to His word. This is a process. I believe that is why we "daily pick up our cross" because daily there is that consecration going on...from Glory to Glory! Thank God He does not leave us or forsake us, that He performs His word IN us to accomplish what it is set out to do! He is faithful. He is coming back for a PURE spotless bride and He does not take that lightly, neither should we!

When our hearts are purified by the Lord through confession and spending time with Him we are then able to be USED of Him to bring down strongholds of many kinds. We are used to come against armies of Satan in ways we never thought possible!
Take David for an example....He knew deep in his heart he could bring down the Giant Philistine but he knew it was only because of WHO lived in his heart! Evidentually David had spent many days in the Lord's presence "getting his heart right" and drawing on courage and strength through his own trials as a shepherd boy! He heard the Lord's voice and knew the authority he could walk in! When the day came, David's heart was prepared and ready....consecrated, purified, and made strong IN THE LORD to fight.
His words of declaration were heard...."You come against me with sword and javelin, BUT I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. THIS DAY the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head"!!!! I Samuel 17:45-46

David, a man of consecrated heart, placed his confidence in the living Lord to deliver. On that day he displayed an act of Proclamation in the spiritual sense before anything physical came about....then he ACTED on it with the power of the Lord, giving the Lord all credit and glory in bringing the Philistine stronghold down!

I meditated on this much today, realizing that if we fight Satan before our hearts have been purified before the Lord we are only setting ourselves up to become a wounded soldier.
But, if we confess our sins, let HIM purify our hearts, line up our will with the Lords commandments (precept upon precept), proclaim and use His weapon (the Word) THEN, He will deliver any Philistine that we fight today into our hands and He will use us to be the AX in taking it down and uprooting it!

I truly believe this because I have seen Him move in this capacity many times in my own life!

If you are facing a battle, a Giant Philistine in your life....ask the Lord to shine light on any sin in your heart (it may be bitterness, an unforgiving heart) be open, then simply repent and let Him restore your heart. I promise...authority will begin to RISE up in you BY the Spirit of the Lord to take down the Philistine in the spirit first, by prayer and intercession, waiting on Him...then, He alone will deliver it into your hands for you to apply the AX!
It is so powerful and yet so humbling to know He chooses to use us in this way!

Be encouraged child of the LIVING Lord...He will hand over the Philistine to you to be cut off! Freedom is at hand...be strong!

Sonja

Committed to the grave!

I read this little testimony out of the work book "Discerning the Voice of God" and I wanted to share it with you. There are times when the Lord sends us places we DO NOT want to go...people we DO NOT want to minister to, etc. But, if we are "committed to the grave" so to speak, then what we reap for the Glory of God is greater then what we would face if we were disobedient. Maybe this will help you STAY at your post...it definitely is encouraging me to!

Hemet, California was once known for gang activity and drug business. The gang activity was so widespread that it wasn't uncommon to see three generations of one family with membership in the most pervasive group, the First Street Gang. The violence was so rampant that even police officers wouldn't go into the area without back up. Nine methamphetamine labs supplied more than a million people a year. The dominant religion was Scientology and a meditation center stood as the centerpiece of the town, a symbol of the New Age fetish. A spirit of competition particularly among the pastors, marked the Christian community. Known as a pastor's graveyard, Hemet was the last place most pastors wanted to be in ministry.

God called the Beckets to this valley, but they didn't want to be there. When they arrived, they didn't even unpack their bags, hoping God would let them leave. But they were soon assured this was God's calling on their lives. To show their commitment to God's word, the Beckets bought a cemetery plot as a way of saying, "There's no way out. Unless God tells us differently, we will die here."

In the years since their commitment to God's leading and with the help of other area pastors, Hemet has completely changed. Cult membership has sunk to less than .003 percent of the population. First Street Gang members have gotten saved and disbanded the group. The drug trade has dropped by 75 percent. Even the New Age Meditation Center was demolished by a fire that didn't destroy anything else. Government officials, officers, and teachers have gotten saved. Hemet schools used to be the laughing stock of California and now have the highest scores and lowest drop-out rates. Churches and pastors aren't competing anymore, they are coming together to build the kingdom of God. All because of an unrelenting commitment to obedience!

Wow...I don't know what you thought of this story, but to me it spoke volumes!!! Staying committed is so hard at times when all you see around you are the "DRY BONES". One day however, if you stay...the Lord begins to allow LIFE to be seen in the midst! However, it seems to require that "commit to the grave" attitude!

I do not want to live in Louisiana forever...I do not really even want to die here! But, this is where the Lord has Wil, Jonah and myself as a family. This is the land HE allowed our feet to be planted. One day, I believe we will leave but for now that day will have to be nothing but a "light hearted dream". We are here, and here is where HE uses us today!

I am being challenged in this area like never before! I want to run, the Lord tells me "stay". I don't want to commit, the Lord say's "stay committed!" Wow, it is not easy. Sometime it really takes effort to follow through!!!

So, this entry is to encourage those who want to LEAVE the place you are in because you are tired and see no fruit! Be encourage that if the Lord say's STAY, you will be rewarded for that! Most of the time HE say's stay because we don't see the hidden work before us! One day though what was hidden will be brought to LIGHT! And oh what a joy that will be when there is much fruit!!!

Staying committed to the end!

Sonja

Sunrise...Sunsets....

Psalm 113:1-3 Praise the Lord. Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

I took these picture while visiting my in laws at their beach house in Texas. The colors, the breeze in the air, the birds flying by, the quiet of the evening all made for a beautiful sunset.


Today I realize so much how important it is to capture something in your heart that gives you joy. A focus of the Lord's heart and love.
This did it for me.

I am amazed at how the sky is painted so perfectly to capture this moment of peace!

"The Lord is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sit enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?" Psalm 113:4-6

Sunrise and sunsets I believe are captured moments of PEACE...I know I myself need to cease them more often. They are like little gifts from the Lord letting us know that another day has started and yet another one ended...but, He is always there. He is IN them through and through. He created the living portraits...just for us to enjoy!

Captured moments like this deserve few words in order to reverence the already powerful expression it gives.
I will see it again, it won't ever be the same, but it will be painted for that moment in time.

One of my favorite expressions to say, when I see something beautiful is..."take a picture and capture it in your heart." What I really wish is that at those moments time would just STOP a while....Awe yes! That is it! Unfortunately that is not the case.

Seasons come and go and, so do moments like this, so I choose to freeze frame it in the heart! My how we take the simple sunrise and sunsets for granted!

The Lord is so good, and worthy to be praised for sure! "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." Psalm 116:7

"How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people." Psalm 116:12-14

I hope this entry has helped you to remember the sunrise and sunsets in your lives. When you see one...breathe deep knowing you can. Don't forget to give the Lord praise for making that time a precious one, to stop and really capture it in your heart, not just your head!

Moments like that may stir up an emotion, but hey that is ok...whatever emotion you feel, let it out! When you do, a great peace will come! I know this to be true! Try it.

Sonja

"Livin"

It is not often I write what I would call a song, but the other day words came to me while I waited for Wil as he installed some cabinet work. I was sitting outside, feeling a little blue. Wondering what all this was about, these are the words that came out. I named my thoughts "livin"...

Staring out the window of a small construction house
wondering what my life is all about.
hearing sounds of birds singing in the air, drills and nail guns, watching Jonah playing without a care.
A dog in the distance laying on the grass, black coat, red collar, a breeze in the air, no boundaries no resistance.

What is it all about?
the life that I am livin
Do I believe or do I doubt
the time that I've been given?

Wrestling with an emptiness no human seems to fill
I RISE above the place I'm in and find some life back again.
Though it is not easy and even very dry
I remember the whisper I heard one day "my child just be still."

What is it all about?
the life that I am livin.
Do I believe or do I doubt
the time that I've been given?

Though I know my ultimate destiny lies within the boundaries of eternity
I desire to walk out and focus on the here and now without regret or doubt
The child I've been given I did not deserve at all but somehow the grace of God
allowed such a plan, I hope to live the years I've been given and see him become a man.

Some how, some where I hope to feel settled
where loves a constant ring and hopes and visions are a flowing thing
Until that time...I'm livin.


Ok, so it not real poetic...and not does not even have a fancy flare, but they were my thoughts and that counts for something. Ever feel out of place? Like you are where you are but some how it just does not settle what is inside? I'll leave it at that since I can't seem to figure it out myself.

Sonja

A list...

I was challenged yesterday while talking to one of my favorite friends...to write a list. A list of things I Am or roles I play in life. Strange how I felt after she challenged me to do this, I actually laughed under the tears that rolled down my face when she said the words!

But the challenge is a good one I believe. So, what better way to start then have my fans (are there any?) out there read them and of course comment if they want. Don't be too hard on me! However I do want truth...how else will I then grow?

Here is the List so far:

A child of God
A wife
A mother
A daughter to earthly parents
A granddaughter to earthly "pawpaw" by marriage
A daughter in law
A friend to many
An encourager to many
A pain in the butt to many too I am sure!
A good listener
A woman who considers moral values
A woman who does not like seeing others down, hurting, etc...
A woman that absolutely enjoys prayer!!!!
A woman who loves to journal
A woman who loves to read
I am talented with my hands
I often can create something out of nothing
I try to be honest most of the time
I love people
I love life

Well I am running out of things...not sure what else to put but hey, I feel pretty good about it so far. The reason for the list came when I told my friend that I felt like all my other friends had careers...positions of employment that seemed to identify them but I didn't.

I guess you could say I was having an "identity insecurity", being a wife and mother seemed such boring roles...but then she started listing some other things and ok, so I feel a little better about my life here on earth.

Have you ever been in a phase of life when you question "Am i doing what I am suppose to?" or "Am i living my life to the fullest?" Lately, through a series of events and connection with past friends, those questions have been blaring in my head. So, today I am getting a sense of a "boost" of life...and asking the Lord to show me what HE wants from me TODAY.

This post is different from previous ones I have done, but I felt very important. So, if you want to be challenged, start writing a list of things you are and roles you play! You might surprise yourself and try not to write the negative ones...we are focusing on the positive ones!

Ok...until next time!

Living!

Sonja

Faithful One...

I thought of the word "faithful" and pondered on the times I really was not faithful in many ways, to myself or others, especially to God. It was a time I didn't KNOW him...so, how could I be faithful to someone I did not Know?

When my journey from broken roads...led me to the One true and faithful God I began to learn How faithful He really is! So faithful that He gave His One and only Son to die on the cross...just for me. That is how personal his faithfulness became.
I still can't imagine why he would do that, I know it is only because of the depths of His love for a generation that is lost. A people who needed a way of salvation for the tremendous path of Sin and destruction.

The Love He has for us is still to me very tough at times to understand because of the true fact that I am NOT totally molded into it's True likeness and won't be until I am home with Him.
There are times when I will reflect on the word "faithfulness" and I ask myself...am I a faithful one? Have I been faithful?
The dictionary defines the word Faithful as this:

-Firm in faith
-Loyal
-True and constant to a person to whom one is bound
-True to ones word
-Worthy of belief

I am sure being "faithful" is so much more, but the above is enough to help me realize that I can only be all those with the Help of the one and only "faithful" one. The Lord molds my vessel into His image, as I yield it. Though, at times I want to fight the process...a deep desire in me gives up the fight and once again I am yielding to His hands.

I want to be a faithful person. Since the Lord gives you the desires of your heart, I know He will be faithful to mold this character in mine. It will not come easy, and it will require a search of my own heart to be TRUE to the process, even when storms come or the one you love the most betrays you. I do not want to be like Peter...however, if in my heart still lies within it the seed of deceit may the Lord ever so deal with me until it is forever gone!!!

To mine own self be true right? To the Lord I want to be true...in doing that He will help me to be true to others and faithful to do what He alone enables my feeble arms to accomplish. I am NOTHING without His Love, His salvation, His Spirit that guides mine.

"To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty." Psalm 18:25-28

It is a challenge to stay "faithful" in these times of so much deceit. It is a challenge to take a stand daily against the lies of the devil and his vicious schemes. It is a challenge to KEEP praying for something you haven't seen fruit of yet, to keep walking when we at times are not sure what is ahead...

One thing I am sure of...if you "remain faithful to God, He will show you His faithfulness." I can breathe easier knowing and trusting that He makes my way straight. Even when I may venture on paths unknown, He is always faithful to lead me beside His ways. He has proven this time and time again.

"You, O Lord, KEEP my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God HIS way is perfect, the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn." Psalm 18:28-36

Who wouldn't want to be faithful to this kind of friend? One that KEEPS THE LAMP burning! Turns DARKNESS into LIGHT. One whose WAY IS PERFECT (safe to follow)...A SHIELD, one who TRAINS MY HANDS FOR BATTLE, and gives me HIS SHIELD of VICTORY to have His RIGHT HAND sustain me!!! One who desires to make me GREAT!

My, My, yes...that is the FAITHFUL one! And my heart is growing ever so closer and IN LOVE with His ways!!! I hear Him in the depths of my heart causing it to be "steadfast" and "true" because I am leaning on Him and because of His love for me! Wow!

I am His, He is mine.

Sonja

Faith vs Worry

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:25-27

Worry...where does this word come from? How did it even get into our vocabulary? Ever thought about that? I have obviously! And the Lord knew it would be a word we would have to be ALERT about in our life.

Worry...we worry about what others think, we worry that what we have said may have hurt others, we worry about what tomorrow might bring or not bring, we worry about our children and their future, worry, worry, worry, am I drilling my point? Sick of the word yet?
I imagine all of us can make quite a list of stuff and attached to it the word worry. Now, before you do, let me give you something that will WAKE YOU up! Have you ever looked the word up in the dictionary? I never thought I needed to until today...a prompting for sure.
Here it is:

Definition of worry:
to harass with importunity or with care and anxiety
to plague, tease, bother, vex, persecute
to be unduly careful and anxious
to be solicitude or troubled
to fret
perplexity, trouble, anxiety, fatigue

Ok...read that again! Now, is there ANYTHING in this definition that would describe an abundant life? Something you can anchor to? I am ask myself that question too!

Nothing...absolutely nothing! And yet it seems easier to worry than to walk in Faith...why?

I believe because of generations of mind-sets...patterns that we have been accustomed to from generation to generation. The good news is we still have time, we can still turn that clock around. We can defy those mindsets and set NEW ones. We CAN!!! If we CHOOSE Christ and CHOOSE to let Him help us!

Now here is the definition for FAITH:

Faith:
The assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another.
Firm and earnest belief on probable evidence of ANY kind.
Belief in what is given forth as a revelation of man's revelation to God and the infinite
A settled conviction in regard to religion.
Word of honor, a pledge, a promise given
In real honesty, with perfect sincerity

Wow! Now that I can put an anchor to! When I read those words LIFE supernaturally takes place, an energy comes over my mindset. The KEY is to KEEP it there!!!! To have it rooted! The only way to do that is to repeat it over and over again...like adding clean water to a class of water that is muddy,repeating the process until a pure glass of water appears before you!(from Glory to Glory)...then change has occurred!!!!!

Our walk and journey in this Life is to grab hold of the PROMISES of our faithful Father. He is not one to lie, he is FIRM and EARNEST...He has SETTLED conviction....and He is a God of HONOR and SINCERITY!!!!!

Worry is nothing but from the pit it came from! The sooner I realize that the sooner I will begin to renounce it every time it decides to rear it's ugly head in my life!

I am not there yet...but I am getting there! And I WILL get it! With the Word of God in my mind like that powerful two edge sword, there is no choice but for Worry to be cut up and thrown out and FAITH begin to grow!!!

Chomp on that a while and see where the Lord locates you today on the word WORRY! Yuk...what a cursed word.
Also, make note of how many times you say that word on a given day and try REAL hard to get it completely out of your vocabulary!!! Who set us up to that word anyway??? My how we follow things and not realize it....

Be blessed.

Sonja