Eyes Wide Open

My dear friend's daughter is fighting the battle of her life. While walking and praying for her, I felt the Lord lay on my heart the chorus from the song
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth 

will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

As I journeyed further in my prayer walk I began to see with my mind's eye what that meant:

Turn your eyes  is a specific directive - one that dictates effort and deliberateness. We must redirect our full attention to Jesus, expecting His loving and gracious response.

Look full in His wonderful face  denotes an intense pondering of Jesus and His majestic character. It has been said that as angelic beings encircle the Throne in heaven they behold another facet of His glory each time they go by. An infinite array of bewilderment and awe settles upon each gaze.

The things of earth will grow dim  as we focus on heaven's glory. Our eyes are extremely sensitive to light. As we move from darkness into His illumination - we behold the brightness of His countenance. Conversely, as the light diminishes and we strain to see clearly - earth's allure fades and dims.

We have a unique opportunity as His children (if we are willing) to "be still, and know He is God." (Psalm 46:10)  I am preaching to myself here. One of the hardest things I face is stilling my mind and pausing to take in the Lord's loving kindness and grace extended to me.

Are you in a spiritual battle - unsure of your strength and resolve?  Do you face a monumental difficulty in your marriage?  Is there a loved one far from God's fold and living in rebellion?

"Then go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place." (Matthew 6:6) Steal away with the lover of your soul.  Hence you can say, "My eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."  (Isaiah 6:5)

As you meet privately with Jesus - keep your eyes wide open and your heart tender. When you gaze into His loving face be sure to recall what a great price was paid for your redemption. Praise Him for His gift of salvation.  Rejoice in a day of  celebration when we will behold Him as He truly is...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Eyes Wide Open

Are You Properly Dressed for Battle? Your Marriage Depends on it...

Do you find yourself battling your mate more often in the spiritual realm at home?  Are you being attacked by Satan in your spiritually mismatched marriage?

We all struggle with our thought life, but do you find yourself increasingly agitated around your spouse?

There are forces of darkness that are permeating your home and influencing your mate in a negative way. TV, movies, video games, the internet and other social media are gateways for negative spiritual advances.

As a child of the Living God - we will have times when evil spirits infiltrate our spaces and create a "tug of war" between God's Kingdom and the kingdom of darkness.  We must be aware of this fact in order to battle it effectively using God's weapons of warfare.

As believers - we are commanded to take up our spiritual armor and stand for righteousness! 

The Bible is replete with examples of taking up arms against the forces of evil.  Oftentimes the children of the Most High fought battle after battle as the underdogs - but they dutifully donned the right battle gear for the fight.

In biblical days the Israelites primarily had two types of armor they wore depending upon the battle at hand:  Light armor consisted of a sling, bow and quiver. Heavy armor included a large shield, helmet and spear (or sword).

Our spiritual armor for today's battles are both offensive and defensive in nature. It should be noted that there is no formal protection from a rear attack, confirming the assertion that we never retreat with the Lord. Isaiah 52:12 states, “For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”

“The whole armor of God” conveys the message of a heavily-armed soldier. Paul describes in Ephesians 6:10-17 the various pieces of spiritual armor the believer should wear. He states in verse 10 and 11, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Paul most likely thought of the heavily armored Roman guards as he penned his description of our battle gear. Of course, his concern was the spiritual battle the followers of Christ would encounter as they were persecuted for their faith. He understood the importance of praying and relying on God’s strength in times of trail.  He knew that Satan desired the destruction of the early church. Peter also wrote about evil and spiritual battles. I Peter 5:8 tells us to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

The belt (girdle) was worn around the waist and held the sword in place as it hung ready for battle. Truth is our belt and it wraps around our very being, keeping us steady, sure, and grounded for God’s use. His Truth is His Word, and we must walk in it purposefully. Jesus is Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Truth sets us free from the bondage of sin and deception (John 8:32).

The breastplate covered the life-giving organs including the heart and lungs. The righteousness of Christ must be our covering. Our heart is the center of our emotions. We are to be strong and courageous, which involves the will. A soldier can be well armed, and yet venerable to destruction if he is timid or faint of heart. No physical covering can protect him from spiritual harm unless he is stout of heart and resolute. I Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

The sandals (greaves) covered the feet & shins, and prevented injury from sharp sticks and gall-traps. Spiritually speaking, the shoes carry the good news of the gospel and take us steadily on our way to the cross. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news…who proclaims salvation.” We should step mindfully towards the world with the gospel of Christ in our journey with God.

The shield is invaluable as a defensive weapon. Ephesians verse 16 tells us that “above all take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” It is the most important piece of armor we possess in order to combat the enemy effectively. King David equates God Himself to a shield, as he found solace in His Presence. Psalm 18:2 tells us, “My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” And again in Psalm 91:4, “His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” 

Our shield of faith enables us to stand firmly without fear or worry concerning our destiny. We have but one thing to do, and that is to stand, therefore, and observe God’s sovereign action on our behalf. This is one piece of armor that needs to be “well worn” – pitted and dented from scores of lethal arrows repeatedly assaulting our person. The enemy of God’s children never ceases to war against us, and so we must keep our shield up, strong and steady.

The helmet was worn to protect the head from physical harm. We must wear our spiritual helmet and have “the mind of Christ” as we clash with the enemy. The mind is the battlefield where we must “cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5). I Thessalonians 5:8 declares we should, “put on…as a helmet the hope of salvation."  As believers our salvation assures us of the hope we have in Him.

The sword is the first weapon mentioned in the Bible. Genesis 3:24 describes, “a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Revelation 1:16 states, “He [Jesus] had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining it its strength.”

In Hebrews 4:12, the Apostle Paul tells us, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The sword in our arsenal of weapons is razor-sharp and makes a clean, swift cut. God’s Word penetrates and stabs at the evil intended for our harm. It disarms the enemy with one quick blow, severing its demonic head. Our Lord Jesus always used the Word when speaking to Satan. The gospels record the dialog in Matthew, Mark and Luke as Jesus repeated the phrase, “It is written…” Be sure to use your sword often and with deadly precision.

In II Corinthians 10:3-4 Paul writes, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” God’s arsenal of weapons is powerful and decisive. James says to, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

 Remember, it is God who goes before you in battle. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).

Be sure your armor is effective:

Inspect it often. 

Adjust it properly. 

Wear it always.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others. 

Are You Properly Dressed for Battle? Your Marriage Depends on it...

Is that an Oasis I see or just a Mirage?

courtesy  Photocrave.net 

When you find yourself roaming the wilderness or wandering in the desert, don't you normally seek out an oasis?

So why do we act as though one doesn't exist? Do we walk by faith and not by sight?  Don't we gravitate 'by default' towards ease and comfort? Does not our Heavenly Father encourage us in His Word to seek refreshment and reinvigorate ourselves in His Presence?

Refresh:  to restore strength; to revive; to replenish and renew supply.

When you are living in an unequally-yoked marriage, there will be times of weariness and discouragement.  Day to day interaction with someone who is not governed by God’s Spirit can begin to ‘chip away’ at your Christian character.  You often wrestle with yourself over a harsh word spoken, or perhaps you were misunderstood and you now harbor resentment.

I can tell you there were times when I literally felt as though I would scream out loud if I couldn't hand over to God my fickle feelings or raging emotions.  On one occasion I remember going into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me, and just gritting my teeth and shaking my head in disgust at the anger welling up inside of me.  I was emotionally out of control…

I am a student of Satan’s trickery and deception.  I keep my spiritual antenna up when I am in a heated discussion with my husband, because I know the enemy would love for me to say something horrid or disrespect him by marginalizing his opinion.  I find myself thinking, “This is so unfair, Lord! I’m tired of biting my tongue all the time!”

But lately – I have found myself in the wilderness of uncertainty and the desert of uneasiness. I am increasingly thirsty for something I am not getting in my marriage.  I crave spiritual intimacy.  I long for a oneness that only comes from sharing God things.  I have become parched in my soul…

What would you do in this situation?  Do you know where to go for help?

Here is the great news – Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:13-14).  Ephesians 5:26 tells us that God sanctifies and washes us by the water of His Word.  We are refreshed and revived as His life-giving Spirit cleanses our hearts and minds. 

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo

What does all of this have to do with me and my thirsty soul?  Simply put… Everything.  I must take the time to find my oasis.  I must force myself to rest and seek solitude with my Savior.  I need to separate myself from the world and its influence long enough to refresh myself in Him.

Jeremiah passionately preached that the people had forsaken their God, the fountain of living waters (Jeremiah 2:13).  He also lamented that when they tried to fabricate their own vessels [cisterns], they were inadequate and broken.  

An earthly jar fashioned by man simply cannot contain a heavenly commodity designed by God.

Isaiah tells us that Israel will be comforted by God’s great power of restoration.  Isaiah 43:19-20 declares how God will cut through the wilderness and provide life-saving water to His chosen.  Streams in the desert will spring forth, and rivers will flow unhindered.  In Chapter 44 Isaiah says, “For I [God] will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.”

God will always provide in miraculous ways when we are no longer able to by means of our own ability.

Moses discovered God’s faithfulness and provision in the Wilderness of Shur, the very place where Hagar and Ishmael lingered after leaving Abraham’s household (Genesis 16:7-14).  Often God’s greatest miracles are seen in the realm of physical impossibilities.  He uses bitter, lifeless things to bring forth life-giving refreshment. 

Do you have something in your spiritually mismatched marriage that needs refreshing?  Is there an attitude or unsettled feeling that you desire relief from?  How have you handled a wilderness experience in your home?

I am discovering that ‘pressing into’ Jesus – the Word of Life - will indeed enrich my life and restore my strength to continue my journey.  What about you?

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Is that an Oasis I see or just a Mirage?

Anger Management God's Way

Why can't you act civil?  Don't talk to me that way! Didn't you hear what I said?  I'm not yelling... I'm making a point!

How often do conversations and remarks get out of hand at your house?  If you're in a spiritually uneven marriage things can escalate rapidly.  What happens when you just don't see eye to eye?  I don't necessarily expect you to answer me - but I do know one thing...we all lose our tempers and react instead of acting with self-control.

Anger is a menacing thing - it simmers and stews and boils over.  It produces toxic poisons that seep into a relationship unless you take measures to stop it. There are many Scriptures concerning anger. Here's a sampling of them:

It is better to be slow-tempered than famous; it is better to have self-control than to control an army. ~Solomon (Proverbs 16:32)

A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.  ~Solomon (Proverbs 25:28)

A rebel shouts in anger; a wise man holds his temper in and cools it.  ~Solomon (Proverbs 29:11)

Self-control means controlling the tongue! A quick retort can ruin everything.   ~Solomon (Proverbs 13:3)

A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes.  ~Solomon (Proverbs 14:29)

A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels.  ~Solomon (Proverbs 15:1)

If you are angry, don't sin by nursing your grudge. Don't let the sun to down with you still angry - get over it quickly;  for when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil.  ~Apostle Paul (Ephesians 4:26-27)

Stop being mean, bad-tempered and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives.  ~Apostle Paul (Ephesians 4:31)

(All Scripture quoted is from The Living Bible - TLB)

Whether you are in a Christian marriage or in an unequally-yoked marriage, if you are a child of the King, you possess a different set of anger management skills than a non-believer.  God has equipped you with Spiritual sensitivity and an important component of your fruit of the Spirit; namely self-control.  

The Apostle Paul lists self-control last in the fruit array - but certainly not least (Galatians 5:22-23).  This particular quality enables the believer to mentally "pause in the heavenlies" before acting out in the flesh.  Christ in us provides us with a check in our Spirit man and the power to overcome our flesh in a time of weakness. Simon Peter writes in his epistle about our growth in the Lord, citing self-control as one of the keys to being fruitful in your walk in and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (II Peter 1:5-8).

 So - what do you intend to do with your your anger?  How about no retaliation?  How about bury it in the sea of forgetfulness?  How about trading it in for constraint? 


Below is an excerpt from Mission Possible - Chapter 4 ~ Painful Reality

 "Many times, in discouragement I would say, "God, I can't do this anymore; I'm too tired."  Then I would hear God speak to my heart, "Yes, I know you are...just rest in Me and leave this at My altar.  My grace is sufficient for you...My strength is made perfect in your weakness" (II Corinthians 12:9).  He would say "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden [weary], and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Verse 29 specifically says "rest for your souls." 

When you are weary from the battle and tired of the struggles in your marriage, what Bible verse brings you guidance and comfort?

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Anger Management God's Way

If You "Play God", You Just Might Get What You Want...

Oh, how we love to bash Eve for succumbing to temptation – but don’t we all struggle with that? Satan does not tempt us in generalities. He is far too clever for that. He likes to pick out something specific to hone in on. Take discontentment, for example. He will tell you that you deserve so much more, or maybe something better, and of course, that one particular thing you don’t have. He just aimed his poison dart at your “pride” and you fell for it. What happened to that shield of faith you were supposed to hold up for protection?

The enemy of our soul delights in focusing his deception on our desires or needs that haven’t been met. He picks the time and place of our temptation and sends us an “engraved invitation”, hoping we’ll reply quickly. He knows when we’re tired, hungry, upset, depressed, lonely or sick that we’ll be more venerable to his deceit. He patiently waits for us to let down our guard. God’s Word tells us to “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Satan loves to create doubt regarding God’s love for us. He did the same with Eve. This is what he told her, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every three of the garden’?” He simply twisted the truth and got her to question God’s goodness and character. We must be careful to not fall for the same trick. God may have given you a personal promise or verse to cling to regarding your mate. You may be waiting for God to do something special in your family, job situation, or with your children. Don’t let the father of lies trick you into believing his falsehoods. He wants to destroy your trust in God and your confidence in Who He is.

We know from I John 2:16, “that all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father, but is of the world.” Satan is the ruler of this age and our present physical world, and has been influencing the practice of sin since the beginning - starting with Eve. We must watch for signs of discontentment and jealousy as we evaluate our circumstances. We must focus on God’s sovereignty and His wisdom. We cannot lean unto our own understanding in matters pertaining to the fairness of life. We must believe God and believe in His Word, and leave the results in His hands.   I John 5:4-5 says this: "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

You may come to a point in your marriage when you were sure you heard from God about something, and then you didn’t see any evidence of God working it out. Your waiting has turned into years, not months... Now you're not sure you heard from God.  You can be tempted to take matters into your own hands - at your own peril of course.  We must surrender our desires and plans to be denied, changed, or granted as God sees fit. He is Sovereign. If through a broken heart He can bring His purposes to fruition, then thank Him for breaking your heart!

I was tempted to contemplate divorce not long after my conversion to Christ, but God plainly spoke to my spirit that it was not an option for me. God promised me a new husband with the “same man”! I Corinthians 7:14, 16 tells us, “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy… For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?”

 Temptation is around every turn, and in every decision. You must stay strong and focused on Jesus. Use His Word to diffuse them all.  As Jesus said, “It is written…” So be it! Amen!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
http://www.Godmissionpossible.com 

If You "Play God", You Just Might Get What You Want...

Guest Author Angel Brown - "The Great X-Cape"

Book Review - The Great X-Cape

We all have grown-up with superheroes: Superman, Batman, the Lone Ranger, Spiderman, and more. Angel Brown has written The Great X-Cape to showcase her Superhero: JESUS, the King of Glory!

After years of donning her own cape, she came to the realization that, in and of ourselves, we are nothing. Jesus is the rightful owner of that “superhero cape” – one that is supernatural, commanding all of our honor, respect and glory that is due Him. During one of the darkest periods of her life, Angel laid down her claim to her life, and made her great escape. Jesus began a work in her life that is on-going, just as it is with all believers, until we are complete in Him.

The Great X-Cape chronicles a variety of Angel’s experiences, and how God showed her what the “truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” really was. Living what she thought was the American dream, pursuing a career, and living her life on her own terms brought years of struggle and frustration. As she began to discover God’s perfect plan for her life, Angel grew in the grace and knowledge of Him, allowing her to relinquish control over to her new Superhero.

The author weaves the Holy Scriptures throughout her book in a way that brings practical help and encouragement to the reader. Her biblical applications enable us to understand how God wants to free us from ourselves, in order to bring Him glory. We cannot continue in our own strength for long, without running full-force into our own pride and human limitations. The Great X-Cape brings a fresh, personal look at how Angel overcame herself, and allowed God to showcase her as one of His crowning accomplishments – a true daughter of the King.

Reviewed by Deborah McCarragher, Author of “MISSION POSSIBLE”

                                                                  A little bit about the Author:

Angel Brown was born Catherine Frances Hernandez in Brooklyn, New York on July 23, 1966. After publishing her first book, The Great X-Cape, author Angel Brown joined the ranks of influential groups and people from Tuskegee, Alabama as Tuskegee’s newest author. Author Angel Brown found her God-ordained calling in life as a Christian writer in 2009 after experiencing the most impossible situation in her life. During that time, Angel found a deeper relationship with God and realized that nothing is impossible with Him. The concept of The Great X-Cape is about surrendering our self-made invisible cape to a real Superhero who cannot fail. Angel Brown’s second book, The Great X-Cape II (God’s Amazing Love) is in the process of being published through her own publishing company, Angel Christian Publishing, LLC. To contact Angel Brown email  angelbrown1966@yahoo.com  To view the author’s website please visit:  http://www.thegreatx-cape.com/ .

Tell us a bit about YOU as a person that your readers might not know.
I live in Tuskegee, Alabama. I am 43 years old. I have four adult children and two grandchildren. After working in various professions throughout the years, I became a writer of Christian and inspirational literature in 2009. . I have also started my own radio show on the BlogTalkRadio network called “The Angel Brown Radio Show".  You can hear excerpts from my book and the secret to my success at:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/profile.aspx?userurl=angelbrown1984

What happened in your life that made you want to become a writer?
I experienced the most traumatic and impossible situation in my life, and God used that particular situation to speak to my heart about what He wanted me to do. God first began to change me, and then He began to change my situation. When I found a real relationship with God, I found my calling in life as a writer of Christian and inspirational literature. God has done some amazing things for me and I just “had” to tell the world!
 
What is unique about your book?
My book is unique because it was written in a way that anyone can relate to. Even though my book is a Christian book, everyone can understand that hardships of life, and can be inspired and encouraged by my testimony in it. My book contains life changing messages that are biblical-based and it provides my readers with a unique spiritual message that can change their lives in a positive way.
 
What is the overall message of your book?

The concept of the great x-cape is about escaping from the things that have hindered our success in the past and becoming a different person that will ultimately make the difference in our circumstances. When we change, our circumstances change. Many times, we focus on our outside situations and we fail to see what is going on inside of us. We focus on our outward problems and we do not realize that, many times, we “are” the problem. When we change our problems change. Understanding who God is and who we are is vital to making our great x-cape. Two people cannot drive one car. Someone has to drive and someone has to ride. When we give God the wheel of our lives and we truly surrender to Him, we will find Him to be the greatest superhero that has ever existed. We all like to think of ourselves as invincible at times, but when we surrender our self-made invisible capes to a real superhero who deserves to wear it, we will be on the road to making our great x-cape. Nothing is impossible with God when we allow Him to drive us to the wonderful spiritual places that He intends for us to go.

 

Any last comments for your potential readers?
Actually, I want my potential readers to understand that the concept of the Great X-Cape is about being the Christian that we say we are, and knowing God for who He is.  I strayed away from God because I didn’t truly trust Him as I said that I did. God got my attention and allowed me to experience the worst tragedy imaginable in my life. I called out to God from the bottom of my heart. I didn’t know if God would hear me after I had ignored Him for so long. God is not like us. He is a forgiving and merciful Father who is full of love and compassion. After being delivered from the belly of a whale and the valley of the shadow of death, I experienced the true divine love of God that truly transformed my life. I am not the same person that I used to be and I thank God for everything that He has allowed to transpire in my life. All things truly do work for good when we love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28). I made my great x-cape by escaping from the person that I used to be to becoming the person that God ordained for me to be. Who would have ever thought that we could escape from ourselves! If God can help me, I know that God can help anybody!
 
If someone wants to get a copy of your book, The Great X-Cape, where can they find it?

My book, The Great X-Cape is now available nationwide. It can be purchased through Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Books a Million, Boone Bridge books, Tower books, Powell books, and any other places where books are sold. My book can also be purchased by me directly by contacting me at
 http://www.thegreatx-cape.com/ .

Guest Author Angel Brown - "The Great X-Cape"