Don't Forfeit Your Victory!

1 Samuel 4
I was studying this morning the book of 1st Samuel and wow was the Holy Spirit speaking!  I am always amazed at how alive and relevant the scriptures become when we allow the Holy Spirit to speak through them.
In the beginning of 1st Samuel we are introduced to Hannah, Samuel and the sons of Eli.  The story of Hannah is such an encouragement for us to never give up in prayer and seeking the Lord for the desires of our heart, The introduction of Samuel's life gives hope that God always has a plan for our deliverance, but its the story of Eli's sons that jumped at me this morning.  These two boys lived a 'hellious' lifestyle.  Sleeping with women that were submitted to temple service, stealing the choice parts of the offerings that were supposed to be offered to God and threatening those that came to the temple to worship.  They were the ultimate representation of rebellion!  Though their position in life afforded them opportunity to the best that God had to offer ( His presence, His word, His provision)...they refused to receive it according to God's will for their lives.  
By the 4th chapter of Samuel Israel is engaged in a fight against the Philistines and attempting to win without appropriating the presence of God in the midst of their battle.  Of course-  they lose.  It isn't until after this loss that they recognize that something was missing.  The Ark- the power of God's presence with them, the very thing that represented God's desire to be with them was not with them at all.  [How many times do we engage in a conflict or circumstance or difficult conversation without first appropriating and submitting to the presence and word of God concerning the matter?]  So, they send out for the ark and have it brought into the camp.  The people are ecstatic, they send out a great shout because now they feel they have what they need to defeat the enemy.  Here is where the story takes a turn, they are still responding to what The Ark represents more so than WHO it represents.  But the Philistines (their enemies) know better.  They realize that not just a symbol of victory has entered the Israelite camp- but the same God that destroyed the Egyptians on their behalf...and they begin to respond not to the presence of the Ark...but to the power of who it represents.  They take on a more aggressive strategy and eventually steal the ark from the Israelites and kill the two sons of Eli.

What a powerful parallel this story brings to our present day experience.  Could it be that there are instances when the enemy of our souls understands the power that lives in us even more than we do? And could it be that the magnitude of attack/ hardship/ difficulty we experience at times in this life have more to do with his efforts to steal the power of "God with us" from us?  We cant' afford to be like Hophni and Phinehas and pursue a lifestyle that ignores the power of God, and refuses to cultivate and appropriate the presence of God- not if we desire true victory.

Eli and his sons perished, not because the Philistines outsmarted the Israelite military strategy, but because long before the battle- they forfeited their privilege of living in God's presence.  

Be determined to respond fully to the power of God's presence in your life.  Be determined to let the word of God keep your heart from rebellion and defeat!  Embrace the gift that God has given us through Jesus Christ and that is according to....
Luke 10:19- power over every evil work
John 10:10- life abundantly
John 14:6- truth
Luke 4:18- deliverance and freedom from oppression
 And the list could go on.

Blessings and Grace until next time....

Wow, What Worship Can Do!

This week has been challenging physically.  Its been a long time since my husband had to physically help me attend to the basics of my morning routine.  So thankful for a husband that loves me like Christ loves the church.  Hardship has a way of really exposing what is in someone's heart and his heart is wonderful towards me .

I have noticed a peculiar thing though with my physical body's response to the atmosphere of worship.  This morning I began to pray and felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to just put on some music and saturate the atmosphere not just with my confession of healing - but with songs of praise.  What a difference it made!!!
I found my stiffness loosening and my facial expression changing from concentration to move to ease and joy!

I opened my bible to two interesting Psalms and just began to meditate on them until praise just oozed from my heart!  Psalm 61:2-5 reminded me that I have a strength, a rock that is higher than I.  A place to find refuge outside of myself!  How wonderful is that? Knowing that help and protection from the attacks of the enemy are just a 'perspective' change away gives me hope.  Yes, all I have to do is turn my attention, my perspective toward the rock [God] and the magnitude of His offering of help becomes more tangible and clear and brings me HOPE! And when physical symptoms try to invite discouragement or frustration, hope has a way of chasing them off.

Worship feeds hope.  This is what I am experiencing today. Because of my choice to praise, worship and rejoice in the Lord, my hope is renewed and the physical benefit of the joy it brings.  Proverbs 13:12 tells me that "hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing realized is a tree of life"- because of this I know that I can't afford to 'defer' my confidence in what God has promised.

Psalm 71:14- is such a good declaration for this..." As for me, I will always have hope.  I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long,..."

Then second Psalm I turned to this morning was Psalm 65 where I am reminded that God does answer prayer and " Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your [his] house, of your holy temple"  I read this and think, well who does God choose and bring near to live in his courts?  Those that are willing to come, he extended an open invitation through Jesus Christ and all that are willing to draw near to him, He will draw near to them ( See Hebrews 10- I will have to write a post later about drawing near to God.)  God brings near those that seek to come nearer...those that respond to His voice, His invitation to experience His presence.    Boy could I use an overdose of the good things of His house, His temple.  There is no sickness in His temple, no struggle to survive in His court, there is only His presence and my response.  There is only His presence and my response!

How will you respond to the invitation to adjust your perspective and look toward the Father and worship Him?  Music is such a powerful tool to accomplish that.  Take some time today listen to a tune or a song that puts your thoughts back toward Him and reminds you of  His goodness toward you.  Your physical circumstance will be "better for it".

Here is a link to song that helped me get going today:   http://youtu.be/NQW1FFRzSEw

Blessings and Grace....
Stephanie O.

Mustard Seeds and Mulberry Trees...

Luke 17:6    And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you. 

2013 was a tremendous time of trial, learning to walk by faith .  I am so grateful for the miracles that have taken place  in my life and the lives of others.  I hope to share experiences that will encourage your faith and challenge you to live in the simplicity of Trusting God with everything.  These are my  testimonies of mustard seeds and mulberry trees, miraculous potential bursting into reality and demonstrating the glorious nature of our God!!  From saving my life from a fatal instance of  lymphadenopathy (lymph nodes were increased,  enlarged and wrapped around my heart) to reviving a beloved goldfish - God has used every experience in my life to demonstrate His goodness and grace.  I have found that it doesn't take a Goliath measure of  biblical knowledge, insight, understanding or spiritual aptitude to experience the supernatural, peace giving love of God...just a heart that is willing to come to Him.

Now on the subject of seeds and trees, there are two things that have become more clear to me as I progress to total healing:

• How will I respond to the presence of this 'mulberry tree', that stands to block my progress?
• What will I tell the Mulberry Tree (my circumstance that seems larger than my faith)?

First I must rest in my soul and declare the will of God for me directly to my circumstance...I have to speak to the tree!  Speak to the tree... not out of fear that it won't respond, not out of intimidation of the circumstance, but out of a restful trust in my exercise of faith in Christ's authority through me;  this tree cannot ignore my declaration.

Coming to God and resting in His authority and word , taking on His way of dealing with life,  is not an easy task.  I remind myself daily of Matthew 11:28-29 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."  Last year I felt like I had to fight to stay alive, and it turned out He (God) did the fighting for me...so now I finally get it.  I'm going to rest, I am going to let my soul (my mind, will and emotions) rest in what I learn of Christ and His love for me.  What kind of woman would I be- what kind of person would you be if you learned to rest like this?

Now what about moving the tree?  The most of my effort I am challenged to offer is the movement of my lips  and projection of my voice in the exercise of my trust in God-  my faith.  Where will I tell this Mulberry Tree to go?  I was recently reminded of the importance of my confession and never getting so weary or intimidated that I sit down and let the tree/circumstance remain in my way.   I love the scripture that says, " It is written, I believed, therefore I have spoken, Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak." (2 Corinthians 4:13) I think I have been quiet at times because I question whether I have enough faith to produce a response...but then I remember the mustard seed...even a little is more than enough.  I am now speaking to my 'Mulberry Trees' and reminding them that they are not permanent and subject to change with the activation of my faith.  Still growing in this thing - but grateful for God's help in the process-  Enjoying the journey!

Blessings and Grace