We Will Face Persecution

About a year after I decided to get off the proverbial fence and truly surrender all of my heart, my plans, my will, my entire life to Christ Jesus I began experiencing persecution in my life and ministry. I had never really experienced persecution for my faith, until I decided to live a more consecrated life and start walking in my calling. The Holy Spirit reminded me and led me to Matthew 5:10-12,

10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
After reading this I was prompted to write in the margin of my bible, “Be encouraged Lisa, it’s just the beginning.”

It’s the beginning of a new year and He has brought me right back to this subjection of persecution by bringing me to 2 Timothy 3:12 which says,

“Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution”.

He Has Not Abandoned You!!!

“O Jacob, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles?
O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.” – Isaiah 40:27-28

This is a word that I have on my heart for my brothers and sisters that have been faithfully serving our Lord and His people. To those of you who have been diligently pressing forward in your faith in the face of persecution, trials, and testings. For those of you who are going through difficult times and are crying out to God with a broken heart or contrite spirit. I feel lead to tell you,

“Our Lord has NOT abandoned you!!!”

He knows you are tired and weak. He knows you are hurt and angry at your oppressors. He knows that you are grieving your loss. He sees the struggle with your loved ones. He sees you and He IS with you in your trouble. You are not alone in the storm.

Harvest Of Right Living For Those Who Are Trained In This Way

“As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” - Hebrews 12:7, 11-13


The definition for discipline is:

1. Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.
2. Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; self-control.

Over the past weeks the Holy Spirit has brought me to different scriptures in the Word showing me where our heavenly Father uses trials, testing, and hardships as divine discipline or training to produce in us godly living and Christ-like character, and also to prepare us for our callings. Even those terrible attacks that the enemy will try to use to destroy us or those bad things that happen in life that we just don’t understand, God turns for our good. He did it for Joseph, Jacob’s son, the dreamer who was sold into slavery by his own brothers.

I’ll give you the very short version of what happened to Joseph. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and they intended to rid themselves of him forever so they sold him into slavery. He suffered loneliness, betrayal, and sadness. While Joseph was in slavery God never left him. He gave him favor, wisdom, and prophetic dreams with the gift of interpretation. He used these giftings to lift Joseph up to a position of authority and prominence in Egypt. Many years later a famine hit the land and the only place to find grain was in Egypt. So that is where his family went to buy food. Joseph forgives his brothers and the family is reunited. In the end Joseph looked back at all that had happened to him and finally understood why God allowed everything to happen the way it did. It was so that He could use Joseph to save the lives of many, including his own family. (Genesis 50:20)

Now I want to take you to some other scriptures that our Lord brought me to and showed me specifically how He uses life’s troubles to do the following:

Humble us and to prove our character, whether we would keep His commandments or not and to teach us to rely on His Word.

Deuteronomy 8:2-3 “2 Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands. 3 Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” (NLT)

To test the genuineness of our faith

1 Peter 1:6-7 “6[You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, 7So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed.” (Amplified Bible)

To reveal or demonstrate to us the true quality of what‘s in our hearts.

2 Chronicles 32:31 “31 However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.” (NLT)

To teach us patience endurance, maturity of character, joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

Romans 5:3-4 “3Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. 4And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.” (Amplified Bible)

To develop steadfastness and Christ-like character

James 1:2-4 “2Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”

It can be difficult while we are going through these holy trials and tribulations. But we must remember that our divine God sees the future and He has always had good plans for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11) These scriptures confirmed to me that trials and testing are meant to test the reality of our faith and produce the likeness of Christ in us. They are meant to bring out the best in us, if we will allow them to. It’s part of our remolding and refining process. So let us not lose hope when we our heavenly Father lovingly trains us up. He has assured us that EVERYTHING that happens in our lives works together and is fitting into a plan for good to and for those who love God and are called according to His design and purpose. (Romans 8:28)

As I write this I am reminded of when our Heavenly father told the prophet Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house. He said, “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” So Jeremiah did as He told him and Jeremiah found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so the potter crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. Brothers and sisters, God is our potter and I believe the Lord is saying to us today,

“Can I not do with you as the potter does? (Jeremiah 18:6)

Let’s allow Him to continue the good work He has started in us and trust Him in the middle of the refining fire. He is here with us. We will come out unbound and with stronger faith. So keep joyfully and hopefully pressing on! (Philippians 1:6, Daniel 3:26-27)

The Poisonous Root of Bitterness

“Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” (Hebrews 12:15b)

We are warned to “WATCH OUT!” for the root of bitterness. The Holy Spirit refers to bitterness as a poisonous root that will grow up to trouble us. Here are just some of the troublesome synonyms and related words for bitterness:

resentment, sarcasm, HATRED, bad blood, harshness, HOSTILITY, ANGER and venom.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of ALL bitterness, rage, ANGER, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Brothers and sisters we are living in an evil and corrupt world with a selfish and sinful people. There will be times when people will fail us, offend us, talk about us, take us for granted, neglect, abuse, and betray us. Of course when these things happen it will hurt us and even anger us. Anger is not the problem, staying angry and sinning in response to the anger is the problem. You see bitterness is the evil behavior or sin resulting from unresolved anger. It will corrupt our hearts and will keep us from producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. (Galatians 5:19-23)

Bitterness in our heart will most certainly result in hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, dissension, and division. Jesus said that from the treasury of our heart we will speak. Meaning what is coming out of our mouths shows what is truly in our hearts. What is in our hearts can defile us which is why we must guard our hearts above all else, for it determines the course of our life. If our hearts are consumed with bitterness, resentment, and anger then our life is definitely not on the right course. We have fallen off the narrow road and started taken the broad road. (Matthew 12:33-37, 15:16-20, Proverbs 4:23)

“Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:21

When we are allowing bitterness to rule in our lives we are actually nursing hatred in our hearts. We can try to hide it but the Holy Spirit says that, “Hidden hatred will be exposed publicly”.

”People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.” (Proverbs 26:24-26)

It is best for us to not ignore the signs of bitterness but to acknowledge them and go before the Lord to find help before the day comes that we explode in front of everyone and make utter fools of ourselves. Oh that we would be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to search out our hearts and expose any roots of bitterness that have crept in to trouble us, but not only us those around us also.

Let us follow our Lord’s example. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. We know that our Lord is for us and is on our side, so who can truly be against us? We also know that what the enemy means to destroy us our heavenly Father works out for our good, so we don’t need to seek revenge on those that hurt or betray us because our Lord will take revenge for us. He will pay them back. We need don’t need to harbor unforgiveness and bitterness. (1 Peter 2:23, Romans 12:17-21)

Instead let us conqueror the evil and wrongs done against us by doing good. Our Lord has given us these instructions on how to deal with the haters and users in our lives,

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you..” Matthew 5:44

When we handle our offenders like this then we are acting like true children of our Father in heaven.

The Holy Spirit is always reminding me of what He has said through Paul in Colossians 3:12-17:

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, YOU MUST clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive ANYONE who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so YOU MUST forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, DO IT AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LORD, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

Clothing ourselves in love is the answer. Love through the power of the Holy Spirit will teach us to be long suffering, patient, and forgiving. I believe with all my heart that when we remember and truly meditate on how merciful our Lord has been with us, and how much He has forgiven us for, then we should be more willing to forgive and make allowances for others faults and offenses against us. After all we are supposed to be imitators of our Father. (Ephesians 5:1)

Also, let us always remember that we are not battling against flesh and blood people that we see, but we are battling against the evil spirits and principalities that are manipulating and oppressing people. We must learn to love the person and hate the sin. That is why our Lord has commanded us to pray for those who use and persecute us. He wants them to be delivered from their bondage and rebellion because if they continue in their sin they will most certainly suffer consequences.

So let us rid ourselves of the poisonous, venomous root of bitterness so that we can be true representatives of the Lord. Let us not let the sun go down on our anger because that is how we give foothold to the devil and allow room for the root of bitterness. Instead let’s chose to forgive and rejoice in the opportunity to suffer for doing good because it is pleases God when we suffer for the good. May we keep on doing what is right and trusting our lives to the God who created us, and who will NEVER fail us. (Ephesians 4:26, 1 Peter 4:19, James 1:12)

A Test Of Faith-Carrie Prejean

Crosspost from www.WeUsed2bu.com

Written By Beloved By Him

The Miss USA pageant was in its final event as Carrie Prejean, Miss California 2009, faced the judges and prepared herself for her question on Saturday night. But did she have any idea that she was actually entering into a spiritual battle of great significance? The judge who presented the question, Perez Hilton, asked her if she thought that all the United States should follow Vermont’s example and legalize homosexual marriage. In response, while she did say that she was proud to live in a country that supported freedom of choice, she went on to assert that she believes that marriage should be between a man and woman, and that was the standard by which she was raised. The crowd roared, whether in support or disagreement, and Carrie, who seemed to be the front-runner, lost the competition and became first runner-up, partially due to the fact that Hilton apparently gave her a score of “zero” for her response. Hilton later went on to his weblog and, in an outrageous example of disrespect, called her by an obscene name and ranted against her personally. She was also criticized by people from both the Miss USA and Miss California pageants for not being supportive of gay marriage. Without question, Carrie paid a price for taking a stand for the righteousness of God.

Carrie will get much more than she paid for, however. Not just the negativity and criticism from those who hate God’s ways. Besides the outpouring of support from others who share her beliefs, and the opportunity to speak to various media sources and continue to talk about her faith, Carrie has also invested in the kingdom of God, which the Bible likens to a pearl of great price. Matthew 13 explains how her sacrifice is ultimately her reward:

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid, and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matt. 13:44-46)

Carrie shared with Fox news that she believed that the Lord was testing her character and her faith. In her heart, Carrie knew that there was nothing, no title, no earthly crown, that could ever compare to her Lord and her place in His kingdom. She could have sold out her beliefs and given a more politically correct answer, and maybe she would have gone on to win. But as she told Matt Lauer on the Today show the following Tuesday morning, then she wouldn’t be there with him. She knows that she has been given an opportunity by her testimony to show that God, and her faith in Him, is more important to her than anything she might temporarily gain here on earth.

On a platform that was viewed by millions of people, Carrie Prejean showed the world an example of a woman who is beautiful not just because she is pretty and poised, but because she is strong and fearless, gentle and wise. She may be attacked by those who would see God’s laws trampled underfoot, but their words will not stand—His will. Instead, because of God’s faithfulness to use for good what the enemy means for harm, Carrie and her testimony are like the kingdom she represents—a priceless pearl.

“All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Is. 40:6-8)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Beloved By Him

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From the Archives: Is Anything too Hard for God?

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind; is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 33:27

Our troubles, temptations, strongholds, and enemies are not too big for our God. Often times I have been at the point where I wonder if I am going to be overcome by my troubles. I fear people saying, “Where is your God now.” Then the Holy Spirit reminds me that I serve Elohim, God the Sovereign, Powerful, Creator of Heaven and Earth. He is always there willing to supply all of our needs. He is El Shaddai, God Almighty.

In the movie screen of my mind I see stories of deliverance from the bible playing. I am suddenly filled with excitement and faith knowing that our God is powerful and faithful. One of my all time favorite stories is Daniel in the lions den. You may know the story.

Daniel was one of three presidents of Babylon helping king Darius rule over the Medo-Persian Empire. He was a godly man who proved more capable than the other presidents and governors. The king was contemplating putting Daniel to rule over the entire empire as his administrative officer. This made all of the other presidents and governors very jealous. They began plotting on him, trying to find fault in the way he handled his affairs. But they couldn’t, they knew their only chance was his religion.

They devised a plan to have a law made and approved by the king that no one would worship or pray to any other god. King Darius approved their decree that permitted no petitions to any God or man except to him for a thirty day period. This law was irrevocable under the law of the Medes and Persians. Anyone who disobeyed would be thrown into the lions’ den.

Daniel’s haters knew that he loved God and that he prayed three times daily. Once the law was approved they immediately went to see if Daniel would continue seeking God’s face anyways. They saw him praying in his window and they went running to tell the king. The king was upset with himself and wanted to save Daniel, but he couldn’t undo what had been done. By decree he was forced to order Daniel to be thrown to the lions. The king said to Daniel before throwing him in, “May your God, whom you worship continually, deliver you.” He was so upset that he couldn’t eat, refused entertainment, and couldn’t sleep all night.

(Daniel 6:19-23) Very early the next morning he hurried out to the lion’s den, and called out in anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the Living God, was your God, whom you worship continually, able to deliver you from the lions?” Then he heard a voice! “Your Majesty, live forever!” It was Daniel! “My God has sent his angel,” he said, “to shut the lions’ mouth so that they can’t touch me; for I am innocent before God, nor, sir, have I wronged you.” The king was beside himself with joy and ordered Daniel lifted from the den. And not a scratch was found on him, because he believed in his God.

Daniel’s God is the God we serve, the Deliverer. He is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He preserves his people and delivers them. Always remember that nothing is too hard for our God so keep believing in Him.

Let It Roll Off Your Back

" An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all types of sins.” Proverbs 29:22

I used to be full of anger, easily offended, and constantly fighting. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the renewing of my mind with the Word of God over the years, I have conquered anger issues that used to control my moods and emotions. However, I find myself still getting bent out of shape over situations that I just can’t change or people who don’t change. Although I do not react the way I used to, I hate that I still get so angry.

Let me clarify, I don’t want you to get the wrong impression. I am not a time bomb waiting to go off. For the most part I am a pretty chill and easy going person. I’m the first to make excuses for others offenses, trying to see the best in them, and trying to see their point of view. I am also very long suffering and patient. I really don’t care if I am talked about or persecuted because I know that my Lord was too, so I don’t take it personal.

However, recently the enemy has attacked me where it hurts the most, with my family. I see my children facing situations that they don’t deserve. I see my loved ones being tempted and persecuted. My first reaction is anger. Then there is an internal battle between my old nature and my new nature. They war within me each wanting to resolve the situation in their own way. I wish I could say that all the time the new nature wins, but that would be a lie. Sometimes I quickly retort with words of anger, without even thinking.

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:19-20

I have learned by experience that if I am lead by the emotion of anger I will only make matters worse. Instead of acting out foolishly I have learned and am still learning to give the situation to the Lord and I trust Him to have His way.

Through tears I pray for God’s mercy and grace. Then I sit back and I pray for those that hurt me or those I love. My prayer is always for God to have mercy on them, to help them, and draw them to Jesus. He gives me the power and the willingness to want to forgive them. Then I am full of peace as I trust Him to work it out for our good and for His glory. It is always so amazing to me that He turns my anger into sorrow and compassion for our offender. I KNOW that is a God thing for sure.

Anger is a natural emotion. We will get angry sometimes, but what matters is that when we are angry that we do not sin and that we do not go to bed with that anger still lurking inside of us.

“Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27

Recently my pastor taught on anger. The two things that still stand out in my mind that he said are, “Don’t be angry about the things you can’t change. You’re angry for no reason. And don’t get angry about the things you CAN change.”

When I heard him say this I chuckled to myself because is just makes so much sense to me. It’s so simple and yet so profound. It was an on time Word that I needed to hear. I am determined to apply these words of wisdom to my own life and would encourage you to do the same. We will avoid so much unnecessary drama if we do not react in anger but instead we learn to let things roll right off our backs.

Harboring anger will only lead to malice, wrath, bitterness, clamor, slander, resentment, and unforgivness. It will have a huge snowball affect in our lives and will hinder our relationship with God and others. If we sit and really think about it, it’s silly and pointless to get angry about things that we can’t change because what’s done is done. You can’t change it and getting angry isn’t going to help the situation. Getting angry will usually make the situation worse. We may say things that we don’t mean or we may do something that can’t be undone. Dealing with our problems in anger most certainly will have regrettable repercussions.


However, in some situations we have the power to change the problem. Rather than getting angry and adding to the problem we can make a difference and seek change. Instead of anger being our guiding emotion let us be inspired by the Holy Spirit and full of determination to transform our problems.

Anger is pointless. Let it roll of your back and don’t allow anything to steal your joy and peace.

Is Anything Too Hard For God?

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind; is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 33:27

Our troubles, temptations, strongholds, and enemies are not too big for our God. Often times I have been at the point where I wonder if I am going to be overcome by my troubles. I fear people saying, “Where is your God now.” Then the Holy Spirit reminds me that I serve Elohim, God the Sovereign, Powerful, Creator of Heaven and Earth. He is always there willing to supply all of our needs. He is El Shaddai, God Almighty.

In the movie screen of my mind I see stories of deliverance from the bible playing. I am suddenly filled with excitement and faith knowing that our God is powerful and faithful. One of my all time favorite stories is Daniel in the lions den. You may know the story.

Daniel was one of three presidents of Babylon helping king Darius rule over the Medo-Persian Empire. He was a godly man who proved more capable than the other presidents and governors. The king was contemplating putting Daniel to rule over the entire empire as his administrative officer. This made all of the other presidents and governors very jealous. They began plotting on him, trying to find fault in the way he handled his affairs. But they couldn’t, they knew their only chance was his religion.

They devised a plan to have a law made and approved by the king that no one would worship or pray to any other god. King Darius approved their decree that permitted no petitions to any God or man except to him for a thirty day period. This law was irrevocable under the law of the Medes and Persians. Anyone who disobeyed would be thrown into the lions’ den.

Daniel’s haters knew that he loved God and that he prayed three times daily. Once the law was approved they immediately went to see if Daniel would continue seeking God’s face anyways. They saw him praying in his window and they went running to tell the king. The king was upset with himself and wanted to save Daniel, but he couldn’t undo what had been done. By decree he was forced to order Daniel to be thrown to the lions. The king said to Daniel before throwing him in, “May your God, whom you worship continually, deliver you.” He was so upset that he couldn’t eat, refused entertainment, and couldn’t sleep all night.

(Daniel 6:19-23) Very early the next morning he hurried out to the lion’s den, and called out in anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the Living God, was your God, whom you worship continually, able to deliver you from the lions?” Then he heard a voice! “Your Majesty, live forever!” It was Daniel! “My God has sent his angel,” he said, “to shut the lions’ mouth so that they can’t touch me; for I am innocent before God, nor, sir, have I wronged you.” The king was beside himself with joy and ordered Daniel lifted from the den. And not a scratch was found on him, because he believed in his God.

Daniel’s God is the God we serve, the Deliverer. He is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He preserves his people and delivers them. Always remember that nothing is too hard for our God so keep believing in Him.

Beware of Anger!

More on prayer tomorrow but for now..

BEWARE OF ANGER! When we have been hurt, offended, gossiped on, betrayed, or taken advantage of we must not allow ourselves to be consumed by anger. Anger is determined to take over all of our emotions and hinder our thinking provoking us to meditate on the offense over and over again.

It’s a trap! Don’t meditate on the offense!

By constantly remembering the offense we are feeding the anger and prolonging forgiveness and healing. We need to learn to choose to forgive and leave the offense and the offender in God’s hands. Believe me; I know it is easier said than done especially when it hits close to the heart. However, the Word of God tells us that if we do not forgive our offenders than God will not forgive us either. We are also commanded to get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger in our lives.

“Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who have sinned against you; but if you refuse to forgive them, he will not forgive you.” (Matthew 6:15)

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

I am not saying don’t get angry. There will be times that we all get angry. We just can not allow the anger to overcome us. So what do we do when we have been hurt? How do we not allow anger not to consume us? Below are just some suggestions:

Ø Be lead by the Spirit. Don’t allow your fleshy emotions to take over your mind. Remember there are principalities in the spiritual realm wanting to agitate the situation more and could even be the influence provoking it. We must keep in mind that we are constantly in a spiritual battle.
Ø Control your tongue. Don’t be loose with the lips saying things that you will regret. I know my first reaction is to want to come out of my mouth and start verbally retaliating. I feel the need to defend myself with my tongue. This is not the answer! It will only help to quickly escalate the conflict.
Ø Do not hesitate, immediately begin to pray! Ask God to help keep a cover over your mouth until the Holy Spirit has helped you get control over your emotions. Then try to resolve the situation amicably, in love and with patience.
Ø If your offender is unreasonable and does not care to resolve the conflict then you have got to let it go and leave it in God’s hands. Remember that God is our vindicator. There is no reason to defend yourself or retaliate in anger, trust our Lord to work on both of your hearts and forgive the person right away for your own good.
Ø Refresh yourself by playing some praise and worship music so that you can get your spirit and mind back on the Lord and off the offense. It’s hard to be angry when you are worshipping God.

Lord, we thank you that through the power of the Holy Spirit we can forgive quickly and not allow anger to have its way with our emotions. We pray that You would have mercy on our offenders and draw them closer to You. In Jesus name…Amen.

Meekness-Power Under Control

Recently the Lord gave me clear instructions on how to handle one of my most recent battles. He said “learn meekness”. “Be lead of the Spirit and walk in love. Practice self control and don’t let yourself become upset. Meekness is power under control.”

I have never really meditated on meekness or what it truly means, until now. The more I searched the scriptures and read about the life of Christ I begin to realize that meekness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that I desperately need if I want to live a successfully Christian life. (Galatians 5:23)

During my studies I found a lesson titled Jesus: The Meek on http://www.thebiblewayonline.com/ . Here is an excerpt from the lesson:

"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth", Jesus said in Matthew 5:5. What does it mean to be meek? According to our dictionary, to be meek means you are "showing patience and humility, gentleness ... easily imposed upon, submissive". The meek one doesn't throw fits or fly off the handle under pressure. A good synonym is "gentle". A meek person is under control. To be meek does not mean to be weak. A horse, before it is tamed, is strong but, being wild, is useless to man. After being tamed it does not lose its strength. It just becomes tamed, controlled and useful. A good definition for meekness is "strength under control". (Jesus: The Meek)

Now..Imagine if we developed the character of meekness by allowing the Holy Spirit to control our lives. We will have self control and not want to lash out when someone angers, persecutes, or provokes us. Instead we will be gentle and compassionate thinking about the other person and how our reaction will affect them. We will want our actions to reflect the love of God.

Being meek doesn’t mean that we allow ourselves to be pushed around. We must not compromise our faith, integrity, or standards. We are still to stand for truth justice, and fight against the attacks of the enemy. We just need to do it in love, gentleness, and self control.

It seems to me that meekness is a matter of walking in love.

Ø Speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. Titus 3:2

Ø I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Ephesians 4:2

Being meek when someone is attacking or persecuting us will be difficult. However, it is NOT impossible with the help of the Holy Spirit. Psalms 147:6 says “The Lord lifts up the meek.” So let us humble ourselves for Christ sake and allow the fruit of meekness to grow in our lives so that we may be bring glory to God.

Jesus Freak!

When you decide to follow Jesus with all of your heart those closest to you will notice. All of a sudden you talk different. You have become more aware of the things that come out of your mouth. You no longer want to hang out in those places that will cause you temptation or ruins your testimony. You are truly different!

You now have a desire to please God so you begin to reevaluate your life. This process can often be difficult. Your friends and family may not understand. They may not even agree. So don’t be surprised if you are being persecuted from those closest to you. You may be called extreme or a Jesus Freak. Some may even feel the need to bring up what the old you was up to just months, weeks, or even days before you surrendered to Christ Jesus.

Don’t be discouraged! Jesus was persecuted and we will be persecuted too because we belong to Him. (John 15:20) Keep diligently doing God's will. You will no longer be spending the rest of your life chasing after evil desires. You have had enough in the past of the evil things the godless enjoy- sex, sin, lust, getting drunk, wild parties, drinking bouts, and the worship of idols, and the other terrible sins.

Of course your former friends will be very surprised when you don’t eagerly join them any more in the wicked things they do, and the will laugh at you in contempt and scorn. But just remember that they must face the Judge of all, living and dead. They will be punished for the way they have lived. Thank God daily for your salvation. (1 Peter 4:3-5)

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.

Be a strong living testimony for all your friends and family to see. Walk in love and pray for them constantly. Be prepared at all times to give an account of why you believe the way you do in a gentle and respectful manner. (1 Peter 3:8) Remember that our Lord called you to Him so that He could use you to minister His love to others. Don't be ashamed to be a Jesus Freak!

May God give you strength and courage on your journey to becoming His vessel of honor.