A Woman's Walk

[Judy Harder]

Worship

by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of July 29, 2012

"And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "'Let all God's angels worship him.'" -  Hebrews 1:6

Everyone searches for significance. If we are not taught any better, our priorities get out of alignment with God's will as we affix ourselves to sex, money, power, spouses, children, angels, etc. But all is fleeting except the one true God. Children grow up. Spouses pass on. But God is the only person who is constantly with us. He goes before us, never leaves us and doesn't forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:. 

Who (or what) is your God?

Both Moses and Joshua had to ask this rhetorical question to the Israelites. "But if you refuse to serve the LORD," Joshua asks, "then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD."

Who (or what) is your God?

Some people choose angels. But Matthew Henry's Commentary tells us, "The most exalted angels are but ministering spirits, mere servants of Christ, to execute His commands. The saints, at present, are heirs, not yet come into possession. The angels minister to them in opposing the malice and power of evil spirits, in protecting and keeping their bodies, instructing and comforting their souls, under Christ and the Holy Ghost." Angels are not to be worshipped. Although powerful and divinely appointed, they are not even redeemed when they sin. Rather, they fall into the enemy's camp and serve the evil one.

So who (or what) is your God?

It is important to let go of everything that is not of the Lord. Survey your heart; then ask the Holy Spirit to survey your heart. Choose to release everything that has been holding you back from serving Him fully. Lay it all at the foot of the cross, and choose to trust Almighty God to take care of those things (and people) for you. Do you trust Him enough to fully surrender what you value most to Him? Do you believe that He is for you, that He has your back, that He loves you beyond measure, that He has a plan for you, that He sees and knows all things?

What (or who) do you wrap your life around?

If we hold onto unforgiveness or other sins, we choose, by default, to limit God in our lives and make that unforgivensss or sin a god.

Worship involves the attitude of the heart. Praise involves the action of a worshipful heart. The two work in tandem. Whatever is inside will pour out. Gratitude, thanksgiving, joy, even longing for more of God are facets of a worshipful heart. When you love God, you can't help but worship Him, and corresponding praises will come out in many forms, not just singing. David danced. What has God done for you lately that would cause you to do a happy dance? I know of a woman who arranges flowers beautifully. She believes this expression of her gift to be an act of praise unto the Lord. What are your gifts? Do you use them to honor the Lord? Even work is a form of worship when we work unto the Lord. Colossians 3:23 tells us, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

Worship doesn't have to end on Sunday morning. Carry it with you to work and watch the atmosphere of your workplace change. And at the end of the day, the best way I know to transition from work to home is to praise God on the drive home. By the time you arrive, the issues of the day will seem much smaller, and your evenings will be more peaceful.

Putting God first in every area of our lives honors Him and blesses us. I encourage you to keep Jesus the Lord of every area of your life. Do it joyfully. Ask Him to renew your heart and mind. Ask Him to show you new ways to worship and praise Him. You'll be glad you did.

[Judy Harder]

Week of August 4
Redemption

"My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You—I, whom You have redeemed."  ~ Psalm 71:23

What comes to mind for many Christians when we hear the word "redeemed" is being saved from the pit of hell by Jesus Christ, Our Savior.

But what may not come to mind as often is having abundant life on earth.

The dictionary defines redemption as saving or improving something that has declined into a poor state.  Ones career, marriage, finances or physical health can be examples.

The root word, redeem, is from the Latin word, redimere, which means to buy back.  To redeem can mean to keep a promise, fulfill a pledge, pay off an outstanding portion of debt, atone for human sins, restore someone to favor or to make acceptable despite negative qualities.

Indeed, Jesus Christ is Our Redeemer.

The Bible says that we are redeemed from the grave (Psalms 49:15), from death (Hosea 13:14), from the law (Galatians 4:5), from all wickedness (Titus 2:14), from the curse (Galatians 3:13), from sin (Colossians 1:14) and from the pit (Psalms 103:4).

The Apostle Paul may have said it best as he beseeches us to "live a life worthy of the Lord," to "please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.  For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves..."

God's word is true.  It is purposed for us.  Let us keep our eyes on Him so that we may have abundant faith, love, hope, prosperity, health, joy and relationships.

What do you have need of?  Do you feel special, or are you just getting by?  Have you called on your Redeemer?  He awaits you.

[Judy Harder]

Wait Upon the Lord
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of August 11, 2013

"Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD."  -Psalm 27:14

Like my father, I enjoy a good auction. And if ebay has taught me nothing else in these accelerated times in which we live and work, I've learned to wait for just the "right" item. No compromise. When it's God, there's nothing missing, nothing broken, and there's no remorse added to it. Long before ebay existed, auctions—and life's big crossroads—have tested my faith that God will bring just the right thing at just the right time and at just the right price, value and benefit.

But do we always listen to the Holy Spirit when He tries to guide us? Do we really believe God at His word? Or do we need to repent of unbelief? Some areas are easy for us to trust God. Others aren't.

Just recently, I sat behind a young couple in church who were clearly in distress. While a leader ministered to them, the Lord spoke to me to encourage them to trust Him.

What is it within us that causes us to doubt God's best for us? To think His best will never happen for us? Fear? Past trauma? Weariness?

Despite our life experiences, God's truth is that we are who HE says we are, not what others say. Others' views are limited by their own mental lenses. Only God sees the entire plan He has for us on earth as it is in heaven. And no matter what we've been through in life, we can forgive, repent and intentionally choose to get our thoughts, words and behaviors in alignment with God's truth so that we don't miss His best.

Galatians 6:9  tells us that " . . . we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Some difficulties we must endure. Other challenges, God delivers us from instantly for the asking. Yes, God allows both. Each way is a path for God to do a unique work within us. Endurance forges patience and divine grace within us if we process through the journey God's way. And when the breakthrough comes, we will often enter into it with ease because God has prepared us incrementally over time for the new season that we are birthed into.

When God delivers us from troubles instantly, our faith is encouraged. When He allows us to endure them, our faith is tested. In this way, He matures our faith and refines us, causing us to lay down everything that tries to interfere with that for which we believe God to produce in our lives. We must be careful with whom we share information and revelation during our seasons of waiting upon the Lord. Remember, God is testing us in the wait, not necessarily them. Some will not have any understanding of the unique work that God is doing in our lives. Some promises we need to hold in our hearts until the breakthrough. Then share our testimonies.  Hebrews 13:21  says, "may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen."

God always has a best strategy for us to receive His best. It's up to us to seek Him first and ask for His wisdom in all things; then be obedient every step of the way. And especially guard against ungodly fear, the enemy's tool to produce distraction and interference. God instructed Joshua, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). God gave Joshua unique strategies for his battles to take dominion, to win. In this way, Joshua was dependent upon the Lord for his very life and the lives of others as well as the future of a nation.

One of the most endearing scriptures the Lord gave to me when I was going through a challenging journey was  Ecclesiastes 3:11 : "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end." I knew He was lovingly telling me that the beautiful thing He promised me would come to pass in His perfect time. I choose to trust that God knows best and to believe Him at His written and revealed word.

What are you depending upon the Lord to bring about in your life? Choosing to wait upon Him will produce beautiful things in you and for you. You'll see . . . in His time.

[Judy Harder]

Restoration
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of August 18, 2013

"Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back."  -Luke 6:38

When God restores, He does so better than our original state. Big or small, God knows what's important to us, to our heart, to our body and to our mind. He cares about every detail. And He knows just how to position us to receive His abundant restoration.

Early this morning, I received a text from a dear young woman who was delighted to inform me that she had just received two scholarships to attend college. From where she was to where she is now is as different as night and day. She is on her own, and the journey had been a struggle for years in many ways. But now, she has received her much needed breakthrough, and she doesn't even have to pay for textbooks. Oh, the guidance and favor of God!

A dear relative of mind recently had his hope restored. After several decades of hardship, condemnation, rebellion and diminished faith, God used a pastor to reach him through a gentle approach. This family member's faith and trust in God was consistently increased little by little over time. He also experienced a physical healing that was unexplainable by any other means except supernatural intervention. His faith was so boosted that he finally shared with the family that he wanted to return to church—the same church he attended as a child. God is a full-cycle restorer!

One of the tasks around my home that I enjoy is polishing metal hollowware. Every time I hold a piece of metal in my hand and patiently polish it to a super shiny finish, I am reminded of God caring enough for His creation to take time to patiently polish us to shine for Him.

Jesus died to redeem us from sin, curses, sicknesses and diseases. Father God's desire is for us to receive His full redemption and restoration. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that "Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday and forever." Beth Moore recently said that we make the most grievous mistake when we dumb Jesus down. She's right. God's word is living. It is truth. He is who He says He is. He hasn't changed. Let us embrace His love and power in every form He desires to demonstrate.

Just today, I spoke with a dear friend, whom I've known for many years. A few years back, I prayed for her to know more of God's love and for her to understand that He heals just as He did when Jesus walked on earth. My friend had a need for physical healing, and, for the first time, she asked for prayer in that regard. I believe the Lord will soon turn her test into a testimony through His healing power, just as He did for so many in the Gospels. I believe God will grow her mustard-seed faith into a knowing.

All around, God is moving on our behalf and through us. Do we take time to see His amazing answers to our prayers and the prayers of others? Are we sensitive to the Holy Spirit promptings? When the Holy Spirit prompts us to pray for someone, it's because He wants to answer that prayer! He desires to co-labor with us to bring about miracles.

In what areas do you need to be restored? Emotionally? Financially? In your relationships? God is big enough. Nothing is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37). We either take God at His word, or we do not. Are you ready to elevate your faith? Ask Him to help you, and then watch what He does for you . . . simply because He loves you.

[Judy Harder]

Week of August 25
Flourishing

"But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."  ~ Psalm 52:8

The word "flourishing" in this context translates into the Hebrew word "ra`anan," which means "to be or grow luxuriant or fresh or green."

During this late spring season, I am reminded of God's promise of a summer harvest every time I tend to my vegetable garden.  When I see how my plants have flourished in such a short time since I set them out, I am awed at what God has created, and I am inspired by the fruit He produces.  The days are long here in the south, therefore the plants have an abundance of light.

Get the point?

Through God's bountiful love and His righteousness in us, we can produce much fruit, be blessed and in turn bless others.

Psalm 1:3 tells us that a righteous person "is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers."

It's important to remember, however, that it's not our righteousness that produces good fruit, it's God's.  Isaiah 64:6 is quick to remind us that "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."

But do we really trust this truth deep in our heart?

Jeremiah 17:7-8 reveals that "blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Interestingly, an olive tree lives for hundreds of years, producing much fruit, blessing animals and man (Ps. 1:3 note).  Imagine the many seasons it flourishes through.

Conversely, Jeremiah 17:5-6 tells us, "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.  He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes.  He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives."

When we find ourselves in a wasteland, we can be quick to remember that God offers us forgiveness through Jesus Christ, His Son and our Redeemer when we confess and repent.  Even so, remember that the consequences of sin can last longer than we would like to tolerate.

Consistently choosing obedience to God's righteousness is the wisest choice.

Proverbs 8:19-21 encourages us that wisdom's fruit is better than fine gold; what wisdom yields surpasses choice silver.  Wisdom walks in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love wisdom and making their treasuries full."

Remember that God does not set us up to fail.  He sets us up to flourish.

How green are you?  And how green would you like to become?

[Judy Harder]

Week of September 1

Harmony

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds."  ~ 1Peter 3:8 (NLT)

Have you ever been part of a team of any kind and experienced discord?  People just didn't agree.  Everything felt hard, out of sync and each step of progress was painstaking.  Your team wasn't of "one mind."  You didn't have harmony.

What did your team do?  What was the ultimate outcome?  Did they meet their goal on time?  Or did they dismantle?

I believe when people come together in the right spirit, there is harmony.  When egos bow to God's purpose and when comfort zones succumb to stepping out in big faith, God is able to accomplish much through us.  We were made by Him for Him.

In Romans 12:16 (NIV), the Apostle Paul warns us to "Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud."  The New Living Translation states, "Don't try to act important . . . And don't think you know it all!"

This is love.  And God gives grace to the humble.  All that's required of us is to do our part.

Harmony means agreement, the Greek translation of which is Sugkatathesis, which means to put together or deposit jointly.

Even if your authority figures overrule your opinion, suggestion or idea, making a decision that you don't like or understand, know that God holds them accountable and the burden is off of you.

Romans 13:3 says, "Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority?  Then do what is right and he will commend you.  For he is God's servant to do you good."

Oftentimes, God uses joint efforts to refine us, to teach us something new, to lend His wisdom and to test our pride.  Could it be that God is preparing us for promotion?  After all, He exalts the humble.

Consider Joseph.  So many of his joint efforts bombed—in the relationship he had with his brothers and in relationships he experienced while in Egyptian captivity—yet in the end, God exalted him above all those who troubled him.  And when his brothers came to him in desperation, he extended love to them.  He chose to live in harmony once again, even though he could have chosen otherwise.  Clearly, God taught him much on the path to promotion.

What is He teaching you?

[Judy Harder]

Affirmation
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of September 8, 2013

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."  -Hebrews 10:23

Recently, I had lunch with a dear friend I hadn't seen in several months. From the moment we sat down in the restaurant booth, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit syncing us up in a profound, accelerated manner. I knew in my spirit that I was supposed to be there with her.

As my friend shared her stories and struggles, God instantly gave me His understanding of what was happening in her life. As I shared the words of knowledge He gave to me for her, I realized God was affirming to her what He had been showing her previously.

At the same time God expressed His affirmations to her through me, He expressed His affirmations to me through her regarding a particular area He had spoken to me about previously. He gave me a more detailed understanding through my friend's words, even though she did not know I needed it and was not intentionally trying to help me. She just shared her testimony, and unbeknownst to my friend, He used the words she spoke to me to give me a very timely flash of understanding.

God is the ultimate multi-tasker, and He can do a quick intervention for more than one person at a time. What does God desire to do for you?

When God accelerates, He redeems time. He refines us quicker. He gets us up to speed pronto. And He is more concerned about us than about our tasks at hand. How we treat people in the tasks before us is more important than how we work the tasks He assigns to us.

I believe the sole purpose for this luncheon with my friend was for God to affirm His words to us through each other, to clarify and grow our relationship, to set a few things straight.

According to Dictionary.com, affirmation means "The assertion that something exists or is true; a statement or proposition that is declared to be true; confirmation or ratification of the truth or validity of a prior judgment."

Romans 8:16  reveals to us that to affirm means to bear witness or to testify with our spirit.

God was validating what He had spoken to us individually through each other. What an awesome connection!

God speaks to us in many ways. Affirmations come through His written (logos) word and His revealed (rhema) word.

My friend shared that she had a recent dream about a particular incident. It was a nightmare. She knew the dream was from the Lord, revealing to her the truth of what was happening in a particular area of her life involving a particular relationship. When she shared it, God enabled me to affirm the dream by giving me the understanding. This affirmation did not come as a shock to her, it confirmed what she was already seeing, believing, sensing and hearing from the Lord.

When God reveals something to us in two forms, it's because "the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon" (Genesis 41:32).

My friend now realizes she is in a new season.

One of the lessons we all have to learn is how to let people and things go to God in each season of life. As we grow we go. Everything is temporal except God. God's affirmations let us know we're, indeed, moving in the right direction, we're on track. He knows we need encouragement. He knows there are many influences. He knows when our hearts are submitted to Him and when we need to hear from Him.

God wants us growing and moving forward, overcoming, and taking dominion for Him. He wants to perfectly position us, and He uses affirmations to encourage us along.

It is important for us to remember that Jesus is our manifest affirmation, our assurance that we have eternal life with Him and Father God in heaven. We can walk in this affirmation daily, His blood covering, assured that He is for us, not against us. Father God isn't trying to keep people out of heaven; He's trying to get them in.

Have you received Jesus into your heart? If so, you are affirmed in heaven. If not, you can pray this prayer: Dear Lord, I want to be affirmed, assured by you. I repent of my sins, and I ask you to come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. I choose to walk with You and serve You all the days of my life. Help me to be like You: to have the heart and mind of Jesus. Let me be Your hands and feet in the world. I surrender my life to You this day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

To Serve or Be Served
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of September 15, 2013

" . . . the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  -Matthew 20:28

There is a room in my home that I call my memory room. It is decorated with items that remind me of good things from my past: Black and white family photos from the early twentieth century, the 1950s and the 1970s; a restored antique dresser that belonged to my grandparents; my grandmother's hairbrush; her antique clock; a silver tea set and a large, floral wreath with nearly every flower type from my great aunt's flower garden. This room is rustic and beautiful, full of bucolic Appalachian heritage. And God uses it often to speak to my heart.

This room reminds me of generations of my family's strong work ethic, solid Christian values and beauty. I often go there to pray. And among all the beautiful momentos, there are two that the Lord uses to speak to my heart the most: The silver tea set and the clock.

This silver tea set is rustic and plain, from the 1940s. It speaks of function, not fancy. It's a working tea set, something one might find in a rural farmhouse, not one to be put on a shelf and admired. It is stout with smooth, curved surfaces. It is steady, stable and strong, a full set, ready to be used again and again, with just enough patina to hint of its former work-a-day service.

This clock is a mantle clock, replete with a tiara that crowns its aging face. The casing is squared-off, brown wood, probably oak for strength. It turns with a key. And, like a sentry in charge, it stands on the corner of my grandparents' oak dresser. It is a grand—but not particularly fancy—old clock. It is Appalachian too.

These two items remind me that I am called to service, to sacrifice and that the time is near. Not 'near' in that the second coming of Christ will occur in 2013. I do not believe that at all. But near in the context of acceleration. There is still much to be done.

I have come to realize, especially over the past year, that my time is not my own. When family and friends sometimes invite me to Bible studies and events, I must discern what is of God for me in this season. And I must do what and be where He assigns me. Anything less is disobedience for my surrendered life.

I often pray, "God, please remove everything and everyone from my life that is not from You for me in this season." Because I have grown accustomed to being forward moving and forward thinking over the decades, I have peace with whatever and whoever falls away.

I don't have time for distractions or ungodly burdens. As my dear friend, a former USAF soldier and the Founder of Warrior Moms, puts it, "I can't leave my post." It's about Godly priorities. What I have learned is that anyone who tries to get me to leave my post usually has unselfish motives at heart. And I have decided to not be deceived.

God's timing is very specific and so are His mandates to feed His lambs. I choose to be on point, on task. People die every day. And when I hear about their passing, those whom I never knew, I wondered if they ever knew our Jesus. I wonder where they are now that they have left Earth.

The world is full of need. I choose to be one of the workers. Matthew 9:37-38 tell us, " . . . The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." I choose to be chosen. Matthew 22:14 tells us, "For many are invited, but few are chosen." Clarke's Commentary on the Bible interprets this scripture accordingly: "Many are called by the preaching of the Gospel into the outward communion of the Church of Christ; but few, comparatively, are chosen to dwell with God in glory, because they do not come to the master of the feast for a marriage garment—for that holiness without which none can see the Lord."

Do you view yourself as the bride of Christ, faithful to Him in all His ways and commands? I hope and pray that you do and that you dwell in a place of peace and love, in His glorious presence, that you know His face and see His hand on your behalf. He is a God of infinite love who desires to pour out more that we can contain to us and to those whose lives we touch.

[Judy Harder]

Bride of Christ
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of September 22, 2013

"For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ."  -2 Corinthians 11:2

Recently, the Lord has been drawing me to bridal things: bridal TV, tulle and lace online and offline, china, silver and more. As I sought Him amid all the white fluff, the Lord impressed upon me to host bridal teas in my home for those whom He called me to disciple, to build up. It is important to God's heart that these women know how important they are to His heart. And it is my honor to serve them.

We are the bride of Christ always. Whether our current status is single, married, divorced or widowed, Christ will always be our first husband. One of my favorite scriptures—especially when I was single—was Isaiah 54:5, which affirms us, "For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth."

Yes, Father God is jealous for us no matter what our status. I recall when I first married my promised husband. I was so enthralled in my dreamy state. It felt like all was right with the world, and I didn't seem to have a care. I just wanted to block everything else but the two of us out—until God startled me back into His truth: "You will not put your husband before me," He said to my mind's ear. I have never forgotten these words, and I am sometimes reminded of them.

We are precious to Father God. And I believe that every little girl inherently knows this. I believe it is in every little girl to desire to feel special to her father in heaven and on earth. We receive much of our identity as little girls through the confirmations of our earthly fathers. Our worldview of Father God is largely shaped by our earthly fathers. Maybe your relationship with your earthly father is or was a good one and maybe it wasn't. Either way, Father God will provide a way for you to come nearer to Him, to see His face and know His heart. Do you know His love (1 John 4:16)?

We are so special to Father God that He sent His only begotten Son to die to us, to save us from sin and death. Jesus rescued us at the cross. We simply have to receive what He did for us. He made it easy for us. Let it not be in vain. Through Him, we are the righteousness of Christ, the head and not the tail. We are victorious! Father God made us winners, and we are never to forget this.

Right now, my cousin is helping her daughter plan her wedding. Oh the excitement! And oh what a journey! Every girl dreams of a beautiful wedding, a day when her heart is joined with the chosen man she has waited for her whole life. There is the white gown, the covenant vows, the wedding meal and the celebration. Every woman wants to feel like Rebecca in the eyes of Isaac, like Rachel in the eyes of Jacob. Our Father in Heaven always sees us like this and more. It's so important that we see ourselves with His eyes and love ourselves with His heart.

I remember nearly 30 years ago, as a young woman who suffered greatly as a result of an adulterous husband, I received a visitation from an angel of God in a very tangible way one day. I could feel God's pure, perfect love and peace descend upon me, encapsulate me and imbue every cell in my body. In those precious seconds, this angel of God spoke to me prolifically in my heart and in my mind saying, "I will bring your husband in 20 years." His tangible presence then ascended. As it did, the emotional pain returned, but I knew the love of God in a more profound way.

Father God is faithful to deliver His promises. He has a plan to prosper us, not to harm us; plans for a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Psalms 27:14 tell us, "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." Psalms 37:34 encourages us, "Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it."

For me, God was right on time. At the end of that 20-year period, I met my Isaac. Yes, God is faithful. And He has a plan for you too. You are His bride. Seek Him, and you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Ask and the door shall be opened (Matthew 7:7). You are His bride. He delights in you. And He desires to give you the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4). And in every step of every journey, we must remember that He will always be our first, our perfect husband. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

Rebellion
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of September 29, 2013

"Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord."  -Psalm 25:7

Rebellion is anything that does not line up with God's word. Rebellion that we act out of is often rooted in pain—a hurtful event or past, where the plague of unresolved issues are allowed to operate in one's heart and mind. Those issues do not just go away. They become a part of our reality. So what do we do? How do we process through them properly?

Whenever we are afflicted, we must be quick to forgive. Whenever we sin, we must be quick to repent. When issues settle into our heart, they will defile our heart; and we will speak and act accordingly, creating more sin upon sin. This is a death spiral.

Proverbs 4:23  states, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." But what do we do when we are afflicted as children, growing up amid dysfunction? If we didn't know Jesus at that time in our young lives, to whom did we turn? The good news is that Jesus desires for us to receive His restoration that He completed at the cross, and it's not too late to begin. If you are willing to let Him lead you through a healing journey, He will see you through the process. He will give you revelation in His word to guide you, to comfort you, to restore you. He will lead you to sources and resources that can help you, such as a counselor or a friend.

James 3:16 tells us, "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." So what happens when we have carnal desires, unmet needs and ungodly thoughts, and we feel ourselves acting out upon them? We must ask God for His help. Confess every sin that you know to confess. Then ask the Holy Spirit (your Helper) to reveal the root of your hidden sins to you so that you can confess them. Otherwise, we can make the biggest mess of our lives that may affect not only ourselves but others.

Galatians 6:2 tells us, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The enemy likes to hide issues and to deceive and shame women. He likes to cause women to feel alone in their sin. If you are carrying a heavy burden alone, ask the Holy Spirit to provide a safe person or safe group of people you can share your burden with, people who can walk through it with you. When you discern safety, ask others to pray for you.

Romans 8:1 tells us, "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." The Holy Spirit brings conviction, not condemnation. Condemnation is from the enemy. Whoever ministers to you should do so with love, and they should always point you to Jesus. If you have been behaving rebelliously for quite some time, God may be quick to reveal the root cause through others and will lead you to overcome it. He will give you an exit strategy. He is lovingly waiting for you to return to Him.

1 Samuel 15:23 tells us, "Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king." God takes rebellion seriously. Knowingly or unknowingly coming against God and His word opens the door to destruction. I believe that God doesn't send anyone to hell but that people send themselves by the choices they make. And the ungodly choices we make can also open the doors of hell in our lives on earth. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Our only hope for peace and restoration is the power and love of God through Jesus to deliver us.

What root issues do you need to resolve? Are you willing to take hold of courage and step into the freedom that Jesus died to give us? Isaiah 42:16 says, "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."