And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light - 2 Corinthians 11:14
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour - 1 Peter 5:8
Faith Believers,
satan is like an angel of light, but lets be clear, he is a false angel of light. his methods, among others, are compromise and complacency. I find it more difficult to deal with a false angel of light than to deal with a roaring lion. At least you know who the enemy is when it’s a roaring lion. However, one must really have the leadership of the Holy Spirit when one deals with a false angel of light.
If we, the followers of GOD and Jesus Christ, are to live under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we must remove every hindrance to GOD's leading. For example, we cannot pray, “Lead me not into the temptation of lust,” and watch sexually provocative movies. We cannot pray, “Lead me away from impure thought,” and read literature that is profane and impure. We cannot submit to the leadership of GOD, and retain habits that grieve the Him, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. For GOD is ready to lead when Christians are ready to follow.
Prayer is not a plea for the absence of trials, but it is supplication for GOD’s leadership and the intervention of the Holy Spirit, in the midst of trials.
- Marilyn
~ Prayer ~
Holy Spirit,
I submit to Your leadership!
Help me to quickly recognize the works
of satan in my life, and to see the
double-mindedness in my actions when
they contradict what I say and what I believe.
Lead me far away from anything that grieves You.
Cleanse me and purify me.
Prepare me for battle
as I cry out to You for deliverance
from the temptations that the enemy
sets up against me.
Lead me into Your way of holiness Holy Spirit,
for I am ready to follow You with my whole heart,
with my entire soul.
Amen
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Friday, December 9, 2016
Stand in Agreement with God's Word, Do Not Doubt & Watch.... (12.9.16)
Faith Believers,
In Luke 1:26-38, we find the story of Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel, who announces to her that she would be carrying the Son of GOD. She responded, “be it unto me according to thy word.” She responded with simple faith to be unto her all that Gabriel, representing the Lord, had spoken.
Luke 1:38 - And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Such faith! How would you have responded if you were in Mary’s place, and an angel of the Lord came to give you a Word from the Lord? Would you have agreed with the Word and waited for His promise to come to pass?
I know tumultuous circumstances may surround the dream, or the Word, that the Lord has placed within us. However, we must respond in faith and say, “Lord; it will be unto Me according to Thy word;" because the Word of the Lord says, “He shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." That settles it! It is done!!
The Lord is simply looking for us to stand in agreement with His Word, to bring to earth what has already been established in Heaven.
Therefore, agree with His Word and do not doubt,
then watch as His Will is done in your life,
as it is in Heaven.
- Marilyn
Matthew 6:10 - Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Be Encouraged by My Still Small Voice
Read and Meditate on His Word
Matthew 9:27-29 - And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
Philippians 4:19 - But my GOD shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Romans 4:17 - (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even GOD, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
In Luke 1:26-38, we find the story of Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel, who announces to her that she would be carrying the Son of GOD. She responded, “be it unto me according to thy word.” She responded with simple faith to be unto her all that Gabriel, representing the Lord, had spoken.
Luke 1:38 - And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Such faith! How would you have responded if you were in Mary’s place, and an angel of the Lord came to give you a Word from the Lord? Would you have agreed with the Word and waited for His promise to come to pass?
I know tumultuous circumstances may surround the dream, or the Word, that the Lord has placed within us. However, we must respond in faith and say, “Lord; it will be unto Me according to Thy word;" because the Word of the Lord says, “He shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." That settles it! It is done!!
The Lord is simply looking for us to stand in agreement with His Word, to bring to earth what has already been established in Heaven.
Therefore, agree with His Word and do not doubt,
then watch as His Will is done in your life,
as it is in Heaven.
- Marilyn
Matthew 6:10 - Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Be Encouraged by My Still Small Voice
My Child,
Only believe and have simple faith.
Faith in Me is what you need.
Just rest in faith, believing that I Am working,
even when nothing seems to be changing.
Call those things that be not as though they were, and trust in Me. Yes, have faith and trust. Trust that what I’ve told you will come to pass. Have faith that the way has already been made, rest in My Word, and it shall be done as you believe.
Take hold of My Promises and all the good things that I've said I would do.
Put aside the words of the enemy and the fears of your heart.
Loose yourself from all that is not of Me and stand in faith.
Stand in faith, believe that I Am acting on your behalf,
and it will be done according to My Word.
Read and Meditate on His Word
Matthew 9:27-29 - And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
Philippians 4:19 - But my GOD shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Romans 4:17 - (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even GOD, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
God's Grace & Favor are Upon You (12.8.16)
My Child,
My Grace will flow from you, to all those around you, as you share your love for Me.
Do not fear what others are saying, or what they think of your past, for I shall surely help you. Trust Me to give you the grace to meet every challenge with wisdom and strength.
I Am with you, and My grace surrounds you.
Yes, you have My Grace and Favor upon your life, so do not limit Me because I Am able to do abundantly more than you think I can. My Grace will go before you and will open doors that others said were impossible.
So, please do not be afraid to take that step of faith, for I have planned your destiny, and even if you make a wrong turn, My Grace is bigger than any disappointment or failure.
My Grace has brought you this far
and My Grace will lead you the rest of the way.
Read and Meditate on His Word
2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Numbers 11:23 - And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.
My Grace will flow from you, to all those around you, as you share your love for Me.
Do not fear what others are saying, or what they think of your past, for I shall surely help you. Trust Me to give you the grace to meet every challenge with wisdom and strength.
I Am with you, and My grace surrounds you.
Yes, you have My Grace and Favor upon your life, so do not limit Me because I Am able to do abundantly more than you think I can. My Grace will go before you and will open doors that others said were impossible.
So, please do not be afraid to take that step of faith, for I have planned your destiny, and even if you make a wrong turn, My Grace is bigger than any disappointment or failure.
My Grace has brought you this far
and My Grace will lead you the rest of the way.
Read and Meditate on His Word
2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Numbers 11:23 - And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
A "More of Him. Less of Me." Prayer (12.7.16)
Lord GOD,
My heart is often not prepared to hear Your voice!
Forgive my lack of attentiveness to Your Word,
and my inability to block out all of the chaos
that sometimes surround me.
I need to hear from you Lord on a daily basis.
Help me to recognize that You are the Only One that has total control over my life, so when I do all the talking, I am not respecting nor valuing the absolute fact that You live in me and desire to commune with me.
May I learn, through patience, how to sit in Your lovely Presence and soak in the vastness of all that You are; without having to say anything. Please show my spirit how to be in a continual state of worship, desire and readiness to hear Your Voice.
Father, send the Holy Spirit to live and dwell within me,
to direct each of my steps and to keep me on the right path;
as I face trials and tribulations that sometimes
appear to be unbearable.
I know Lord that You are Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end of all things; and that you have all power over every situation.
Keep me GOD in Your Perfect Peace, as I sit at Your feet,
waiting to hear your voice.
Amen
My heart is often not prepared to hear Your voice!
Forgive my lack of attentiveness to Your Word,
and my inability to block out all of the chaos
that sometimes surround me.
I need to hear from you Lord on a daily basis.
Help me to recognize that You are the Only One that has total control over my life, so when I do all the talking, I am not respecting nor valuing the absolute fact that You live in me and desire to commune with me.
May I learn, through patience, how to sit in Your lovely Presence and soak in the vastness of all that You are; without having to say anything. Please show my spirit how to be in a continual state of worship, desire and readiness to hear Your Voice.
Father, send the Holy Spirit to live and dwell within me,
to direct each of my steps and to keep me on the right path;
as I face trials and tribulations that sometimes
appear to be unbearable.
I know Lord that You are Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end of all things; and that you have all power over every situation.
Keep me GOD in Your Perfect Peace, as I sit at Your feet,
waiting to hear your voice.
Amen
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
See Things as God Sees, Count Your Blessings & Watch Your "Weeds" Fade Away (12.6.16)
My Child,
I know your cares and responsibilities seem immense.
However, if you observe them from above,
you will see they’re really insignificant.
You’ve allowed the little things in your life to overwhelm you. Don’t let the small annoyances steal your joy. Can’t you see that I Am greater than anything that you will ever face?
Why not see them as I do,
like little weeds in a garden.
When you have weeds in your garden, you don’t become so focused on the weeds that you neglect to see the beauty of the flowers growing. However, this is what has happened. You’ve spent so much time trying to handle the weeds and you've neglected to take care of the treasures I’ve given you.
Spend time investing in the blessing I’ve given to you.
Take the time to water and fertilize your blessings,
by learning to appreciate and cherish all
that is good in your life.
When you do this, it will choke out the weeds, so they will uproot easily; and you will not have to worry about them anymore.
So, count those blessings and watch your weeds fade away.
Now, stop worrying about the weeds, and today set your mind on investing in the good things in your life. Then watch as I send the rain to water every dry area in your life and cause everything to flourish once again.
However, if you observe them from above,
you will see they’re really insignificant.
You’ve allowed the little things in your life to overwhelm you. Don’t let the small annoyances steal your joy. Can’t you see that I Am greater than anything that you will ever face?
Why not see them as I do,
like little weeds in a garden.
When you have weeds in your garden, you don’t become so focused on the weeds that you neglect to see the beauty of the flowers growing. However, this is what has happened. You’ve spent so much time trying to handle the weeds and you've neglected to take care of the treasures I’ve given you.
Spend time investing in the blessing I’ve given to you.
Take the time to water and fertilize your blessings,
by learning to appreciate and cherish all
that is good in your life.
When you do this, it will choke out the weeds, so they will uproot easily; and you will not have to worry about them anymore.
So, count those blessings and watch your weeds fade away.
Now, stop worrying about the weeds, and today set your mind on investing in the good things in your life. Then watch as I send the rain to water every dry area in your life and cause everything to flourish once again.
Read and Meditate on His Word
Matthew 6:30-34 - Wherefore, if GOD so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore, take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Matthew 6:30-34 - Wherefore, if GOD so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore, take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Ephesians 6:18, Praying in the Spirit (12.5.16)
Faith Believers,
When Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:18 to “pray in the Spirit,” he is urging us to pray as the Spirit enables us to pray; or to pray by the power and direction of the Spirit. In other words “pray in the Spirit” is not a command; it’s an offer of help, help that is available for any praying believer - anytime, anywhere.
The Holy Spirit is the great prayer helper and is eager to guide us in who and what to pray for. The Spirit is on the lookout for believers who will pray for what GOD wants to do.
How practically does the Spirit do this?
- The Spirit may do it by giving you a burden, such a deep love and concern for a person or a cause, that it weighs on you.
- The Spirit may do it by giving you an unexpected thought, a thought that breaks in so abruptly that you ask, “Where did that come from?”
- The Spirit may do it by giving you a strong impression, a sense that the Spirit wants you to pray about something so that the Spirit can act in response to your prayer.
- The Spirit may do it by making a scripture verse come alive in your heart, so that you are reminded of a person or situation that needs prayer.
The Spirit has control of our hearts and minds and emotions. The Holy Spirit can cause a burden, thought, impression, or insight at anytime to guide us in prayer. If you are not certain that a prompting to pray is from the Spirit, then ask GOD for the wisdom that He promises to give “generously to all” who ask in faith (James 1:5). Our Father God will give the wisdom that He promised so you can be certain.
It is no wonder that Jesus strongly urged believers to pray for the Holy Spirit and promised that His Father in Heaven would most certainly “give the Holy Spirit to those who ask” (Luke 11:13).
If you have ever asked yourself, “What is the first step I should take in order to improve my prayer life,” then here is the answer. Ask the Father for guidance from the Holy Spirit, trust that God gives you the Spirit, and then lean on the Spirit for help in every aspect of your prayer life. God is willing, He is able and He Will do it.
- Marilyn
~ Prayer ~
Thank You Father,
for the gift of Your Holy Spirit!
Help me to be continually aware as the Spirit works
around, in and through me to encourage my heart
towards prayer.
May I be looking for the Spirit’s promptings
and burdens so that I never miss
an opportunity to pray as the Spirit directs!
Lord, I ask in faith for the wisdom You
promised to give generously, so that
my prayer life is filled with purpose
and is always in agreement with You!
May I never choose to lean on my
own understanding, but continually follow
the leading of the Holy Spirit all the days of my life.
In your Son, Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Unshakable Hope & Faith, Anchored in the Word of God, Strong in the Lord. (12.4.16)
Faith Believers,
Satan’s relentless attempts to destroy my faith have been the very means by which my love for Christ has grown - and my faith, increased. Our lives will always be filled with some form of heartache, loss, and illness. But by GOD’s grace, it should only serve to increase our unshakable hope and greater longing for our glorious eternal future with our Savior, Friend, and Lord.
Do you find yourself believing these lies of the enemy? If so, would you join me in recognizing them for what they are, while fighting back with the truth? We must anchor ourselves daily in the Word of God, pray continually, and be involved in a local church.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10) - Marilyn
Friday, December 2, 2016
Trusting God's Leading & Letting Go of Fear (12.2.16)
This was written by Ms. Debbie West.
I decided to share because I have been in this same situation.
- Marilyn
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your GOD. - Isaiah 41:10
I am a “worst-case scenario” thinker. No matter what the situation, I can always jump to a horrible conclusion. A little cold could turn into a life-threatening disease. A vacation could end in disaster. One small risk might be the worst decision I’ve ever made.
It’s sad really. It would be so embarrassing to talk about some of the places my mind goes to. But beyond the embarrassment, my fear is like handcuffs around my wrists keeping me from serving freely.
Fear keeps me from taking a meal to a neighbor because I don’t want to be taken advantage of. It prevents me from speaking the truth to a fellow believer, because I worry about what they might think of me.
We have been invited to enjoy a blessed life, full of joy, love, and contentment. That means we have to step out to do the things GOD has called us to do. He invites us to participate in what He is doing around us, to connect with and serve people. Now, sometimes caution is wise. We must act with our eyes wide open. But if we don’t do things because we are afraid of what might happen, then we have said, “No” to the blessings of GOD in our lives.
The invitation is simple.
It’s time to trust His leading.
We need to serve our neighbors without fear.
Lord,
Help me to discern caution from fear.
Help me act wisely, but boldly to your invitation.
Amen.
Ask GOD to show you where fear shows up in your life.
I decided to share because I have been in this same situation.
- Marilyn
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your GOD. - Isaiah 41:10
I am a “worst-case scenario” thinker. No matter what the situation, I can always jump to a horrible conclusion. A little cold could turn into a life-threatening disease. A vacation could end in disaster. One small risk might be the worst decision I’ve ever made.
It’s sad really. It would be so embarrassing to talk about some of the places my mind goes to. But beyond the embarrassment, my fear is like handcuffs around my wrists keeping me from serving freely.
Fear keeps me from taking a meal to a neighbor because I don’t want to be taken advantage of. It prevents me from speaking the truth to a fellow believer, because I worry about what they might think of me.
We have been invited to enjoy a blessed life, full of joy, love, and contentment. That means we have to step out to do the things GOD has called us to do. He invites us to participate in what He is doing around us, to connect with and serve people. Now, sometimes caution is wise. We must act with our eyes wide open. But if we don’t do things because we are afraid of what might happen, then we have said, “No” to the blessings of GOD in our lives.
The invitation is simple.
It’s time to trust His leading.
We need to serve our neighbors without fear.
Lord,
Help me to discern caution from fear.
Help me act wisely, but boldly to your invitation.
Amen.
Ask GOD to show you where fear shows up in your life.
Ask Him to reveal the times when fear keeps you
from following His Spirit.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
God has Closed a Door. Leave it Shut, for He has Opened New Doors. (12.1.16)
My Child,
You’re wondering why your way seems blocked.
I closed a door you left open.
I closed a door that was a place of bondage for you.
You didn’t recognize the bondage that the door was causing in your life. So, when you prayed and asked Me to direct your path, I closed it. I will not allow My children to be fooled by the tricks of the enemy.
I’ve opened new doors to show you a better way, My Way. Look to Me and trust Me in all situations. I will show you the right direction. It’s a way that is not hindered by the ways of man. I will show you a new way that’s fresh and filled with unlimited possibilities.
Therefore, leave the door of bondage closed.
Don’t worry about what you think you lost
during your time there.
It doesn’t matter, for I have
so much more to give you.
Read and Meditate on His Word
Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Psalm 121:1-2 - I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:7-8 - The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
2 Corinthians 2:11 - Lest satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
You’re wondering why your way seems blocked.
I closed a door you left open.
I closed a door that was a place of bondage for you.
You didn’t recognize the bondage that the door was causing in your life. So, when you prayed and asked Me to direct your path, I closed it. I will not allow My children to be fooled by the tricks of the enemy.
I’ve opened new doors to show you a better way, My Way. Look to Me and trust Me in all situations. I will show you the right direction. It’s a way that is not hindered by the ways of man. I will show you a new way that’s fresh and filled with unlimited possibilities.
Therefore, leave the door of bondage closed.
Don’t worry about what you think you lost
during your time there.
It doesn’t matter, for I have
so much more to give you.
Read and Meditate on His Word
Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Psalm 121:1-2 - I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:7-8 - The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
2 Corinthians 2:11 - Lest satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
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