Give thanks for the inheritance

God gave the land of these kings as an inheritance -
  His faithful love endures forever.
a special possession to his servant Israel.
  His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136: 21, 22

As the children of Israel were obedient to God's call, He rewarded them. They had to fight the battles, but in faith they knew God was with them, giving them victory over the enemy. When the battle was won, God gave them their inheritance - something that would always remind them of the battle, their obedience, and God's faithfulness. He gave them the very land the enemy had possessed.

Father God, thank you for going ahead of us in battle. Thank you for your faithfulness and love as you give us victory. Please help us stay faithful to you. Help us win the battle and take possession of the inheritance you have prepared. In Jesus' name, Amen.

What battles do you fight today? We pray that you meet the enemy with faith, knowing God is with you and giving you victory!

Throwing off the old

“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:22-24

Throw off the former way of life. I love the way that sounds, and I wish it was as easy to do as it sounds… But maybe it’s not as hard as we make it.

When I was twelve years old, I began experiencing symptoms of depression. Listlessness and poor self image were the easier-dealt-with problems. Suicidal tendencies were another thing entirely. Over the next several years, my parents took me to counselors, doctors, and church mentors. Some wanted to talk about my thoughts and feelings. Some wanted me to take pills. The one that helped most was a young mom from the church. She taught me about women in the Bible, about faith, about friendship, and about prayer.

Through the prayers of this woman, my mom, and others who loved me, God began drawing me nearer to Him. Though I rarely have suicidal thoughts now, each day begins a new battle for my mind. I work to throw off the old, sinful nature (i.e. lack of trust and faith, joylessness, etc.) and to renew my thoughts and attitudes.

I knew Jesus Christ before all this began, but through it I’ve grown to know Him better. His love, His sacrifice, and His power have become more real to me. As if taking holy medicine, if I miss a daily dose of prayer and time in the Bible, my thoughts reflect it. Would I rather not battle depression? Perhaps. But if losing the need to fight meant losing the need to seek Him, I’d rather do battle.

Spiritual seeds are usually planted in and through situations we don’t expect and would rather not experience. Whether you fight depression or some other potentially debilitating condition, renewing your mind and attitudes is a daily effort.

Are you ready for any situation to plant seeds? Are you spending time in the Bible and in prayer to keep your thoughts where they belong?

Father God, help us throw off our former ways and learn to renew our thoughts and attitudes. Draw us near and remind us to spend time in your word and in prayer with you. Amen.

Prayer against discouragement

Happy Wednesday, faithful readers!

We're taking a very short bunny trail off the Lord's Prayer path today. It's come to our attention that many people are struggling against overwhelming discouragement. What an effective tool the enemy has developed against us! Discouragement, fear, strife. Fear is one of the most powerful motivators to stay where you are or to move from where you should be. Discouragement is another form of fear.

We're in battle. The field is your mind and the prize is your soul. Dramatic words perhaps, but no less real. How do we fight this battle? We pray. And pray and pray until we see a break in his assault. Satan quivers in fear when we go to our knees, or when we bow our heads, or anytime we reach out to the God of creation and begin talking with Him.

We want to reach out and lift you up, whatever your struggle. God says that whatever is not of faith is not from Him. Let's make a decision today to stop playing into the enemy's hand. We will live in faith. We will no longer bow to the voice that tells us we can not do it, or that it's pointless to go on, or that no one cares anyway. Tell that voice to be silent!

Father God, we pray protection over our hearts and minds. Silence the voice of the evil one and help us to realize that we have the almighty power of the Holy Spirit living in us. When we say, "Be still!" our adversary must be still in the name of Jesus. Help us realize that we have the victory of every blessing you bestow. You are kind, generous, compassionate, and full of love. Every good gift comes from You. We pray that Your blessings would rain down on us, drenching us with Your love and Your vision of us. Remind us to put on the full armor of God so we can continue this fight. We love You and thank You for hearing our prayer. Amen.

Don't give up the fight, dear ones. Don't let discouragement stop you from serving Him and doing what you know to be His calling. Write to us or leave a comment and tell us how you fight discouragement or fear.

Blessings on you today,
Shelley