November 21, 2024

I Want to be a DOER…

June 15, 2013 by

I was listening yesterday, along with some of you, to a wise woman share her heart with us. One thing she vocalized was her concern that we be DOers and not just HEARers of the Word.  This wise woman was Mrs. Lisa Bevere, the writer of numerous books encouraging women, and one of the founders of Messenger International Ministries along with her husband, John Bevere.  She shared, “If you know…you must do.  Because to NOT do, when you KNOW, then there is a problem.”  Oh. So. True!

This struck my heart and caused me to remember the admonition and encouragement from the Book of James on this very topic.

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer,
he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;
for once he has looked at himself and gone away,
he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it,
not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer,
this man will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:22-25

I just *heart* the Book of James!  Don’t you?!?  Here in chapter one, we are being

  • built up to handle the temptations that invariably come our way
  • encouraged to ASK God for His wisdom knowing that  He will give it generously
  • reminded that rewards await us eternally when we persevere in these trials
  • thankful because our Father only gives what is good and perfect to us
  • warned to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger….

And then our brother James writes, “But prove yourselves doers of the word…”  Yes, oh, yes; yes, I will!  Does your heart respond like that?  I am pretty darn well assured that it does!  Throughout the Scriptures, ‘…men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit’ (2 Peter 1:21).  And so, we are moved and compelled and motivated and spurred on (and convicted and reproved also!) as we read and consider and contemplate the words in God’s Word.   These precious words motivate us to be doers and not hearers only.

I am always so encouraged by the hearts of you, my friends, as you joy and rejoice over God’s Word.  In the same conversation that I mentioned at the beginning, my friend Kim talked about how much she loves studying the Scriptures.  She shared a question that she asked herself, “…Am I doing everything that I am studying and learning and absorbing?  Now I need to be purposeful about praying if I am doing what I am studying!”  Yes, Kim!  That is exactly it!   And then a minute later, my sister Teresa shared her comment, “Mine is always ‘back to the Word!’  Don’t just listen to it…don’t just study it; but you have to DO what it says.  Otherwise, you fool yourselves.  It is wasted…and the Word will NOT be wasted!”  Amen, Teresa!  I, too, just want to be a DOER…a doer of God’s Word!   ♥

Praying for each of you!  ♥ 

♥  coleen

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If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen concerning this blog post, you may email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

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Girls with Swords: Chapter 12 Sword of Silence – “A New Kind of Weapon” (Pgs 187-190)

June 13, 2013 by

We may not ever get justice in this world or this life, but believe me, God will have justice.

I’ve never thought of silence as a weapon, but it is. As I read this section of the book, I can think of countless situations where silence would have definitely been my best weapon. As a mom, when that precious child you’ve nurtured, built up, loved and protected comes home wounded by the words of her friends, and I pray for the strength to be silent when what I really want to do is get justice for her. When a husband isn’t doing things the way I would, I wish I had prayed to be silent. Oh what strength it takes to hold our tongues.

Because of my past, I was the topic of conversation at many dinner tables.  Even after I had a few years of a transformed life under my belt, rumors (and yes, the facts) were still spoken about me, hurting my children and me.  As much as I wanted to set the record straight—as much as you may want to set a record straight, or defend your husband, child, sister, or mother—as a child of the King we are to be different and choose a different weapon!  This time we are to trust that God, Who is all powerful, will fight for us and make all things right. It may not feel like it is right, but on this earth there will be injustice time after time. But take heart, dear Sister! He has overcome the world!

As this next scripture says:

Ex14_14.jpg

How perfect!  He knows our hearts. He knows when we have been wronged and He cries with us. He loves us so much and He’s always got our back.

Be silent. Be still. He is for you….

 *****

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You today needing strength only You can give; the strength to hold this powerful weapon silen—our tongues.  There’s a time for everything and may we listen to the Holy Spirit and allow You to guide and direct us and choose the right weapon at the right time.  Lord, You know our hearts and You know what we need from You and we praise You for bringing justice to us through the Cross.  We love You and thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Girls with Swords: Chapter 12 Sword of Silence “David’s Sword of Silence” (Pgs.183-187)

June 12, 2013 by

The variety of swords at our disposal does not cease to amaze me. I think that it is easy to forget the power that our swords truly hold, but I am thankful for studies such as this that lay those swords out in front of us, resources that remind us that we have been blessed and chosen by God to carry these swords and to use them for His glory. The sword that is being discussed this week is one that has, at times, been difficult to wield; but at other times—with God on my side—it has been carried with ease. The sword of silence seems too heavy to bear when we have been “wearied by all the altercations” (pg. 183). All the altercations of life, of relationships, of responsibilities, and like David we may have felt the weight of wanting to be included. It feels unbearable when we feel like we have had enough and we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders.

When David felt like this, when he felt wearied, he reacted. He tossed aside his sword of silence and picked up a sword which he intended to use for harm.

“If you are not careful, listening to what other people say about you may cause you to forget who you actually are” (pg. 185). One thing that I have noticed is that this does not always apply to other people. There have been times when I have been my own distraction, where I have talked myself out of my sword of silence. Both those around us and our own inner thoughts can distract us enough to cause us to react. “The trick is choosing to allow those critiques to refine, not define, us.” (pg. 185)

There are some key takeaways for all of us here:

1.     God alone establishes houses.

2.      When we live under the directive of God’s Spirit, God protects us.

3.      God knows how to settle matters with our enemies.

4.      We should never use our position with God to protect ourselves.

5.      We are not to take judgment or salvation matters into our hands; both of these matters belong to our God.     (pg.186)

I have to remind myself often that the sword I am being instructed to pick up is my sword of silence. I am to step back in prayer and allow God to handle the situation; I’m supposed to bite my tongue.

silence.jpg

 

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, there are so many times when Your instruction is to pick up our sword of silence. Life (and the weight it places on us) can cause this sword to feel extremely heavy at times. Lord, I ask for strength for all of us when we are to carry this sword, when we are to silence our own thoughts and the words of those around us. Thank you for protecting us and for settling our matters for us, Lord.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.

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Girls with Swords: Chapter 12: Sword of Silence – “Individual Struggles” (pgs 181-183)

June 11, 2013 by

Wielding the Sword of Silence is very tricky, especially when the battle we are fighting against is personal.  It is easy to toss out a careless word or comment, to pass on gossip or to share in a conversation about another person.  This is something we all struggle with on some level, I think. As I was studying through this section of the chapter, I kept going back to Proverbs.  There is so much wisdom regarding quarrels, friendships, and revenge that I thought I would structure this blog post around three Proverbs as they relate to wielding the Sword of Silence during our individual struggles.

We’ll start with the one our author mentions:

Prov26_20

Have you ever been the target of gossip? Perhaps you have engaged in perpetuating a bit of gossip? Sadly, I have witnessed enough of this outside the realm of the high school hallway to know it is not just teenagers who deal with this – it is a divisive adult issue as well. But gossip will only continue if we fan its flame. The anger and the hostility only continue when we give it fuel to burn. If we make a choice not to take part in gossip, we are removing a piece of wood from the fire. The proverb says that quarrels will disappear when gossip stops. We have to make a choice to stay silent, to not be angry, and to entrust the situation to our God. Instead of gossip, I offer you another solution – pray. Whatever the situation, take it to the Lord. He wants to help you through it, no matter what it is.

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
gossip separates the best of friends. (Proverbs 16:28, NLT)

Sometimes gossip begins between friends. When it is allowed to perpetuate, a division will most likely occur unless someone wields the Sword of Silence. We must remember that Satan is at work in this world. He is trying to find a foothold anywhere he can. It could be in your best friend’s life or even a family member. This could potentially provoke someone to planting seeds of strife within a friendship or family unit. We must always be on guard and recognize that “we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies but against the powers of the dark world” (Ephesians 6:12). It is imperative that we rise up, stand strong, and be warriors – warriors who sometimes need to be SILENT.

Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause;
don’t lie about them.
And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me!
I’ll get even with them!” (Proverbs 24:28-29, NLT)

Oh sweet revenge. I am sure there has been a time in your life that you have thought about paying someone back for a wrong they committed against you. Now, whether you actually followed through on that is irrelevant. I submit to you that we should not even think it. Revenge is the way of the world. It is not God’s way. We are called to be messengers of light and life, not of gossip and revenge. You may have a terrible offense committed against you that is deserving of revenge. I am sorry if this has happened to you. God will take care of it for you. You must entrust it to His care and let it go. Remember, dear sister, Jesus was arrested, tried, convicted, and put to death an innocent man. During the course of His trial and conviction, He had many opportunities to plead His case, but He remained SILENT. He knew that His Father was taking care of everything. We must have that same trust. He is the SAME GOD who raised Jesus from the dead. You are not alone.

We all have our individual struggles, but we were not created to handle them on our own. God is right there, waiting for you to call on Him. He wants to change our hearts. Be still; be silent. Let God speak to you and then do what He says.

*****

Let’s Pray:

Father, we come to You with so many struggles. It is so difficult to remain silent sometimes. Lord, we pray that You give us wisdom and guidance to say the right thing when You want us to speak and to help us be silent when we need to be quiet. We know that You are in control and You are sovereign over EVERYTHING. Help us to trust You always, no matter what situation we face today. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!

Have a Great Week!

Jennifer

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Girls with Swords: Chapter 12 – “Sword of Silence” (pgs 175-180)

June 10, 2013 by

Have you ever noticed those people who stay calm in the face of major trauma?  Some of us are “basket cases” and some of us are “cool cucumbers.”  God made us with a ‘Fight or Flight’ mechanism in our brains for protection.  We need them both to survive, but we can learn to control our reactions to the fearful stimuli.  It is not a sin to be afraid, but how we act and react to that fear can be sinful.

Over and over the Scriptures tell us, “Fear not” and “Do not be afraid.”  Our God knows we have fear when we face the unknown in our lives.  He knows our first reaction to hard times, both mentally and physically will be to have fear and He asks us to NOT be afraid.  If God asks us to NOT be afraid, then it must be possible to control the fear inside and perform anyway.  If you are one of those “basket cases” and need to work on being a “cool cucumber,” then there is HOPE for you as you lean on the Holy Spirit.

In most cases, fear immobilizes us.  We freeze, stop thinking clearly, and look for the flight path.  When we give up rational control of our thoughts, we tend to make bad decisions for ourselves and those around us.  If fear is normal, then how do we function when bad things happen?  If fear is normal, why can a trauma nurse or surgeon treat critically injured patients and not freeze up or be physically ill?  How can a police officer remain calm at the scene of an accident?  How can a mom care for her child who is broken or bleeding or heartsick?  How would we be able to live without those people???

A very familiar quote by Gen. Douglas MacArthur says, “If bravery is a quality which knows not fear, then I have never seen a brave man. For the courageous man is the man who, in spite of his fear, forces himself to carry on.”  Courage is learned.  Courage is practiced.  Courage is controlled strength of character.  If it were not possible to control our fear, the Scriptures would not ask us over and over to “Not be AFRAID.”

FEAR

When looking at persevering through fear, I found this quote by Dave Grossi:  “Do warriors experience fear? You bet they do. The only difference is a warrior is trained to overcome that fear and forge ahead. He fights through it, and gets the job done. The untrained fall victim to it.”   Warriors have fear, but they train to learn to control that fear and overcome it.  As we learn to control the fear that sometimes rules our lives, we need to look to Jesus’ example.

It took great strength, courage, and character for Jesus to control his anger, fear, and words when being confronted with the sinful people attempting to stop Him from accomplishing His mission.  The message of Jesus is about finding the balance of seeking God, growth, and maturity—and resulting actions.  When directly faced by Satan, Jesus did not ‘take the bait’ and engage in a verbal war.  He didn’t prove Satan wrong by showing him how powerful HE was.  When all was said and done, Satan was defeated by the Truth in the Scriptures.  Jesus said, “It is written…” and the devil fled.

Many people think Jesus was “born” knowing all the Scripture He used when He ministered.  Jesus was taught just like all the other good Jewish boys…and just like us if we apply ourselves to study.  There is not one bit of Scripture Jesus knew that we are not able to also know.  The only difference is the amount of time and conviction we are willing to put into our relationship with God, the Father.

If we really look at Jesus’ example we will find He sought silence to be alone with the Father before His major battles.  Here are seven instances where Jesus sought silence and solitude:

1)       He was fasting and praying when He was confronted with Satan in the desert (Matthew 4:1-2),

2)      He sought silence and seclusion after the death of His best friend, John the Baptist (Matthew 14:10-13),

3)      After ministering to the crowds and pouring Himself out, Jesus sought solitude and quiet in the mountains (Matthew 14:23),

4)      Jesus dealt with His popularity and the crowds that accompanied it by taking times of silence to reconnect with the Father.  By seeking silence and solitude, Jesus was able to deal with the growing demands of His ministry. 

5)      Jesus was constantly being confronted with sick people needing His healing.  Even when He told the healed ones NOT to tell, the crowds found out and came to Jesus for more healing. (Luke 5:15-16).

6)      Jesus main purpose for being on this earth was to serve others and bring them to a relationship with God the Father through His sacrifice.  Jesus would have experienced fear and anxiety as the day approached for His crucifixion and resurrection.  He dealt with this fear and anxiety through quiet time with the Father  (Matthew 17:1-3).

7)      Before Jesus faced his death, He went alone to pray to His Father and ask for the coming events to be taken from Him.  If we follow Jesus’ example, we will seek the Father BEFORE we get into hard and traumatic situations (Matthew 26:36).

There are also examples where Jesus held His tongue and did not respond in anger to those around Him.  When questioned by the Pharisees, Jesus was controlled, reserved, and thought before He spoke.  They were trying to trip Him up, geting Him to say things that Jesus could have been jailed and killed for.  When Jesus appeared before Pilate, He was asked very direct questions which would cause Him to be put to death and Jesus remained silent  (Mark 14:61).  In holding His tongue, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah (53:7), “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”

In our reading this week, Lisa gives us many examples from the Old Testament where God wants to be our Deliver, Provider, and Protector.  He has not changed.  God still wants to be our Deliverer from harm, our Provider for our needs and our Protector from evil. “Be still and KNOW that HE is God…” and He is able to provide everything you need.

This week we will begin to learn to be still, silent, and strong.  Our strength will rise when we wait upon the Lord.  He will fight our battles for us.  He will go before us and be our rear guard.  Trust God for His protection over your life.  Give Him control and see what a beautiful life He wants to give you.  You were meant to be courageous and brave.  Exercise the discipline it takes to develop the strength to stand in silence while the noise goes on around you.

Be silent before the LORD, all humanity, for he is springing into action from his holy dwelling.  (Zechariah 2:13)

The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.  (Habakkuk 2:20)

Be silent before the Sovereign LORD, for the day of the LORD is near.  The LORD has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited.  (Zephaniah 1:7)

I want to be SILENT and let GOD do His work in, and through, my life.  Thank You, God, for loving me enough to Protect and Provide for me.  I just have to be quiet. AMEN!

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Girls with Swords: Chapter 11 Weekly Review – “Sword of Song” (with a SURPRISE Guest!!)

June 7, 2013 by

 

Welcome to Campground USA

Log Cabins, Nature Trails, Canoes,

Paddle Boats, Bikes, Fishing

________________________________________________

“Sing unto the Lord a new song!”  Did this group ever worship the Lord in song this week and bring joy to Campground USA!  Music, music, music could be heard blaring from our cabins, and women singing all up and down the nature trails as they went on their morning walk.  Guess who else was singing with us?  Why, the birds, of course!  They seemed to be saying:  “It’s about time you all joined in with us!”

Even the other campers didn’t seem to mind the sound of music and songs filtering throughout the campground.  Yes, music is a universal language everyone seems to relate to.  But, as a sword??  Who would have thought?  I can’t wait to see how my girlfriends explain this one.  Let’s check them out!

Teresa

Lisa begins this chapter with the introduction of a truly amazing sword.  (The flamberge, which means “flame blade.”) This sword causes vibrations which loosens the opponent’s grip and causes them to lose footing.  The vibrations give the sword-bearer the upper hand. 

The same thing happens when the created ones praise the Creator.  The power is in the praise.  Lisa says, “as we sing…especially when we sing the Word…the airwaves begin to vibrate with sound, and the grip of the enemy slips as the friction between light and darkness increases.”  

When we sing praises to God the Father, the Creator, we join our vibrations with other humans, animals, and His creation to return thanks and worship to One worthy to be praised.

Jennifer

Exodus 15:1-2 says:  I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; He has hurled both horse and rider into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise Him – my father’s God, and I will exalt Him!

This song marks the origin or beginning of song.  It came after the Lord had just parted the Red Sea for the Israelites allowing them all to cross; then the water rushed back into place, sweeping the Egyptians away with it. 

Music:

  • draws us closer to our Creator
  • it invites Him into our space and allows Him to work
  • provides a means of coping with a difficult life situation
  • declares our trust in the One who is trustworthy; the One who loves us beyond comprehension; and the One who seeks to meet our every need in His perfect time
  • God is magnified, His dominion is declared over our situation.  As He inhabits the praises of His people, we are before Him even as He is within us.  Our hearts begin to swell with His courage as they overflow with gratitude.  (Lisa)

Lift your voice to the King.  He is waiting to hear your voice!

Tonya

Isaiah 54:1 says: “Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord. (NKJV)

Just as Lisa has described it:  “The sounds of music helps to create a type of joyful strength and the ability to remind us of just how awesome the Most High is.”

There are times in our lives when we need to pick up our sword of song, we need to wield it, shout and sing.  The song of battle needs to be one of our tools as a warrior of Christ, and as a girl with a sword.

Diane

There are some things I feel compelled to share with you about this chapter.

1.  Revelation 4:9-10  Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

The first time I read this passage —-

  • It helped me solidify who God is in my life.  He is worthy of all of my praise, glory, and honor.
  • It challenges me to make sure that in everything I do, there are elders on their knees in Heaven worshipping our One and Only.

2.  Music invites your body to move, but remembering all that God has done for you will move you.  (Lisa) It will move you out of darkness!

3.  The song that moved me out of some of the darkest hours of my life is:

I love you Lord, and I lift my voice

To worship you, oh my soul rejoice.

Take joy, my King, in what you hear

May it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.

4.  Is the song you sing every day the life you live for God? 

********** 

After Diane spoke, I stood before the group and spoke.

Ladies, I believe the Sword of Song has touched all of our hearts in a powerful way.  Tonight, as we enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and into His courts with praise, we are very blessed to have a very special Guest; one of our very own GCH group members leading us into God’s presence.  

Would you please welcome Coleen Hayden and her husband Robert, as they minister to us in song. Coleen is our Prayer Ministry Leader, and we just love her to pieces!  Sing to Him a New Song!

Thank you Robert & Coleen for blessing us with such a beautiful song!

 ____________________________

Let’s Pray: 

I come into agreement with Diane’s prayer that seems to sum up the whole chapter.  I thank You for orchestrating the songs of our lives.  Help us to play back to You the music You created in our souls from the very beginning.  I pray we desire to bring You praise and glory and honor.  I thank You for the melody You are playing in our lives.  Help us to always let our lives be a sweet, sweet sound to Your ear!  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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Girls with Swords: Chapter 11- Open Thoughts of Chapter

June 6, 2013 by

I remember my grandmother telling me the favorite part of her day was when she was worshipping God.  When she told me that, I asked her if she sang to God every day.  I was confused because the only time I ever thought I worshipped God was when I would sing praises at church.  My grandmother knew exactly what I was thinking and, with a smile, she replied with words that spoke directly to my heart, “I sing to God every day, with my words, with my prayers, with my thoughts, and with my time I spend reading the Bible and being still in His presence.”  This is when I learned worship isn’t about the building you are in, the drums in the background, or the people around you.  Instead it is all about using every opportunity of worship throughout the day to escape to a place of love, grace, mercy, peace, and complete joy with our Heavenly Father.  Our favorite time of the day should easily be the time spent singing to God. 

After reading this chapter and the blogs that my amazing friends have prepared for us there are some things God has laid on my heart I feel compelled to share with you.

Revelation 4:9-10

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on  the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

The first time I read this passage in the Bible, I could not help but cry out to God.  This passage helped solidify who God is in my life.  He is worthy of all of my praise, glory, and honor.  This passage challenges me to make sure that in everything I do, there are elders on their knees in Heaven worshipping our One and Only.

I love You, Lord,
and I lift my voice
to worship You;
oh, my soul rejoice!
take joy, my King
in what You hear…
may it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear!

I cannot even begin to describe to you how this song has helped me through some of the darkest hours of my life.  Now, I fall asleep singing this song many nights.  I am so thankful for music that God uses to help us through the dark.  As Lisa says on page 173 “Music invites your body to move, but remembering all that God has done for you will move you.”  (Move you out of the darkness!) What are some songs God has used in your life?

When I was singing the above lyrics as I was preparing this blog for today, I thought of different lyrics.  Let my life be a sweet, sweet, sound in your ear.  I decided to type this into Google and this is what I found…

I am an instrument of the living God
My life a melody to His name
More than the songs I sing
Worship is everything
I live to glorify my King

Hear the song of my life
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
I raise this anthem high
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound

Through all the mire and clay
You’re washing me with grace
You carry me, oh Lord, through it all
So I will testify even in the fire
I live to praise my Savior

Meditate on the lyrics of this song.  Is the song you sing every day the life you live for God?  I pray this song blesses your heart as much as it has mine.

 

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,  I thank You for orchestrating the songs of our lives.  Help us to play back to You the music You created in our souls from the very beginning.  I pray we desire to bring You alone praise and glory and honor.  I thank You for the melody You are playing in our lives.  Help us to always let our lives be a sweet, sweet sound to Your ear!  AMEN!

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Girls with Swords: Chapter 11 – “Sword of Song – Songs of Battle” (pgs 170-173)

June 5, 2013 by

 

When I read this section, I thought of this song. I thought of how this song touches my heart and empowers me each time I hear it. This song reminds me of how music works, it reminds me of those times when I was in the middle of a battle, in the middle of a test or trial and I would turn music on. Sometimes I would sing aloud, or sometimes I would sing silently to myself; either way the words of the song, and the sounds of the music would help to create a type of “joyful strength” (p. 171), as Lisa described it. Songs have the ability to “remind us of just how awesome the Most High is” (p. 171).  It is so easy to become caught up in life and to let His promises drift to the back of our mind. Music has a way of bringing us back.

Isaiah 54:1

“Sing, O barren,
You who have not borne!
Break forth into singing, and cry aloud,
You who have not labored with child!
For more are the children of the desolate
Than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord. (NKJV)

I think of praise and worship on Sundays, and the atmosphere that the songs usher in. The sanctuary full of people singing praises to God in unison, everyone lifting their voices in praise and thanks to our Heavenly Father. His power in the room can be felt. It pours into our hearts and minds, it covers us in God’s love. I think of driving in the car with the radio playing and a feeling of life and peace enveloping me. I think of my rambunctious children and the effect that music has on them!  I love hearing them singing Christian songs in the backseat as we go about our daily tasks; in their own way, they are singing through their own battles.

There are ‘go-to’ songs that I have when I need to feel closer to God; songs I listen to when I clean; songs I play for my children when they go to sleep. God has given us many tools in life, and the gift of song is one of them. There are times in our lives when we need to pick up our sword of song, we need to wield it, shout and sing. The song of battle needs to be one of our tools as a warrior of Christ, and, as a girl with a sword.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gifts! Thank You for reminding us of Your love and Your strength through song. Thank You for the joy it creates, and the security it provides. Lord, please give us a holy boldness and remind us that we are living for none other than You.  In Jesus’ Name we pray, AMEN!

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Girls with Swords: Chapter 11 – “The Beginning of Song” (pgs. 168-170)

June 4, 2013 by

I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; He has hurled both horse and rider into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise Him – my father’s God, and I will exalt Him!

(Exodus 15:1-2, NLT)

Music feeds the soul.  I think the Lord designed us that way.  I never really thought about the origin or beginning of song until I read this chapter. In my Life Application Study Bible, the study note for Exodus 15 says the following:

Music played an important part in Israel’s worship and celebration.  Singing was an expression of love and thanks, and it was a creative way to pass down oral traditions. Some say this song of Moses is the oldest recorded song in the world.  It was a festive epic poem celebrating God’s victory, lifting the hearts and voices of the people outward and upward. After having been delivered from great danger, they sang with joy! Psalms and hymns can be great ways to express relief, praise, and thanks when you have been through trouble.

Do you know why the Israelites were so joyous?  The Lord had just parted the Red Sea, allowing them all to cross while the Egyptians chased after them.  Once every Israelite had crossed, the water rushed back into place, sweeping the Egyptians away with it.  The Lord gave them victory over their enemy – I am pretty sure I would be dancing and singing for joy, too!

Music draws us closer to our Creator. When we are praising and worshiping Him through song, our hearts are open in anticipation and excitement. Singing to the Lord invites Him into our space and allows Him to work. The Holy Spirit is alive and active during times of song; when we are truly one with the Lord.  Have you ever felt a time like this?  I would love to hear about it!  I have had several occasions of pure worship through song when I felt the Holy Spirit so acutely that I did not want to move for fear of breaking the spell.  It is as if I was transported to another time and place.

As we sing, God is magnified. His dominion is declared over our situation. As he inhabits the praises of His people, we are before Him even as He is within us. Our hearts begin to swell with Him courage as they overflow with gratitude (pg. 170).

Songs provide a means of coping with a difficult life situation. The Lord always provides the most perfect song at just the right time. He knows our every need. I cannot count how many times that I was struggling with something, only to get in my car, turn on the radio to our local Christian music station, and the most perfect song begins to play. God speaks to me through music all the time. I am sure He does to many of you reading this, too! As we lift our voices with the words of these songs, we are declaring our trust in the One who is trustworthy; the One who loves us beyond comprehension; and the One who seeks to meet our every need, in His perfect timing.

Lift your voice to the King today. He is waiting to hear your voice!

Let’s Pray: Lord, we thank You for the pleasure of music. We so enjoy singing and listening to songs. We love lifting Your Holy Name in worship and praise as we sing, too, Father. Today, Lord, I ask that You provide the most perfect song for each lady reading this blog. You know all the needs present here today. Give them comfort through Your Word and the joy of song. In Your Son’s matchless name, we pray, Amen.

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Girls with Swords: Chapter 11 – “Sword of Song” (pgs 167-168)

June 3, 2013 by

This chapter brought out my inner science nerd.  The thought of a sword as a tuning instrument made me think of vibrations…and vibrations make sound…and sound makes praise…and praise means WORSHIP.  And then I wondered what it must be like to see the Creation from God’s perspective.  We look at the heavens from earth and marvel at the silent beauty, but did you know the heavens make music?

If you want to find inspiration for great praise songs, turn to the book of Psalms.  Had you ever thought about your Sword containing songs of praise and worship to the Creator?  Check out Psalms 148 today, then I want you to spend a little time watching this amazing video of Louis Giglio (God’s science nerd Supreme)

The sensitive microphones attached to the massive telescopes have recorded the stars singing praises to their Creator.  The streams babble and the waves crash.  The animals communicate and so do the humans.  If the rocks can cry out in praise for the Father, why do we hold back?  Take a few moments to consider How Great is Our God!?!  He is Great and He is Worthy to be praised.

Lisa begins this chapter with the introduction of a truly amazing sword.  I had seen flaming bladed swords on cartoons and movies, but never even considered they were a real thing.  To learn that they were used in battle and were an asset to the one wielding the sword was truly amazing.  My mind immediately went to the Garden of Eden and the angel with the flaming sword guarding the eastern gate to prevent Adam and Eve (and sin) from re-entering.  As I studied, I found that most references to this kind of sword are inspired from the Bible accounts.

This sword causes vibrations which loosen the opponents grip and cause them to lose footing.  The vibrations give the sword-bearer the upper hand.  The same thing happens when the created ones praise the Creator.  The power is in the praise.  Lisa says, “as we sing…especially when we sing the Word…the airwaves begin to vibrate with sound, and the grip of the enemy slips as the friction between light and darkness increases” (p. 168).  When we sing praises to God, the Father, the Creator, we join our vibrations with other humans, animals, and His creation to return thanks and worship to One Worthy to be praised.

The other thought that has plagued my mind today is this:  If I get my feelings hurt when one of my kids withholds “thank you’s” and “I love you’s”, then how much more must God be hurt by our selfishness?  The Psalms are full of examples of showing gratitude to the Father for everything that happens in our lives—good and bad.  I don’t want to be an ungrateful child.  I want to show my love and adoration unconditional. If you need guidance or a place to start, begin in Psalms and let your heart worship with the psalmist.

Today, let’s consider our favorite “ways to praise” or our favorite praise music and share it with someone.  How Great Is Our God is one of my favorites from Chris Tomlin and Louis Giglio.

Share a link or verse or words from your favorite Praise and Worship music.

To God be the Glory!

 

Let Us Praise:

Psalms 148:13-14
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.  And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the Lord!

Father, we want to be people close to Your heart.  Forgive us when we forget to say ‘Thank You’ and ‘We Love You.’  Thank You for the glimpse into what You must hear on Your side of heaven.  My heart is forever changed.  Love You, Abba   AMEN

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