November 22, 2024

Girls With Swords: Chapter 4 Weekly Review – “The Battleground”

April 19, 2013 by

Welcome to Campground USA

Log Cabins, Nature Trails, Canoes,

Paddle Boats, Bikes, Fishing

That’s where we are – over 125 women – camping at Campground USA, studying Girls with Swords by Lisa Bevere. During the day, women huddle in small groups throughout the campground, becoming “doers of the Word.”

  • They have grabbed hold of Lisa’s statement:  “We are a TARGET of the enemy, not because of something we have done, but most likely because of something satan knows we are going to do.”  (Do I hear an “AMEN”  to that!)
  • A sight to see that will “bless your socks off, is women walking the nature trails quoting God’s Word from their Pink Bedazzled Sword.  (Diane, the devil doesn’t stand a chance when he sees PINK coming at him!)
  • Excitement has filled the campers’ hearts with Teresa’s urging to become a HERO in this battle, and join Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Rahab listed in the Hall of Faith.  (After all, they are cheering us on!)
  •  Tonya put to rest any fears the women had of becoming a superhero:  “It’s not by my might, nor by my power but by His spirit.”   (You got that right, Tonya!)
  •  PRAYER is really shaking things up!  Would you believe I saw Coleen, Erin, and Merol doing cartwheels?  It excites them seeing women putting their armor on everyday and linking it up with prayer. (Check’em out behind Cabin #4 – -woohooo!) 
  •  PRAISE AND WORSHIP at the end of each nightly session is just out of this world. Even the “city girls,” who would never set foot inside a campground think they are in heaven!  (Let’s don’t tell them any different.)   

As night approaches, they gather around the bonfire to discuss the assigned chapter.  Tonight, Chapter 4,  The Battleground, is the topic of discussion. My girlfriends will answer the questions “Where is the battle?” and “Who is my enemy?”

Jennifer 

What I have to say may sound harsh, but I’m going to give you 8 points that are a reality!  

  1. We spend our time and energy fighting each other.
  2.  Our war is not with any political party, alternative lifestyle, social issue, family member, pastor, President of the United States, or any other worldly circumstance.  
  3. Our war is with Satan.
  4. When he sees us fighting with each other, he laughs; when he can cause division and strife, he wins.
  5. Unbelievers are watching Christians. They are trying to see if we live our lives differently than they live theirs.
  6. We cannot have a negative spirit toward anyone and be right with God.
  7. We must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
  8.  We must model our leader, Jesus Christ, who tells us to:

This, girlfriends,  is the answer to how we defeat the enemy.

Teresa

 Did you know that there is a prayer that Jesus prayed that has not been answered YET?  How can that be? In John 17:20-23, at The Last Supper, Jesus prays for you and me:

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in me, and I in You, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that You have sent me.  The glory that You have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and You in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that You sent me and loved them even as You loved me.

God’s plan for redemption includes: One Heart   One Vision   One Purpose   One Name   One Kingdom   One Mandate

 I submit to you that we would then become the answer to the prayer Jesus prayed.

Tonya

Jesus fought a battle larger than any we could imagine.  He died on the cross and won that battle so we could handle the battles He knew would follow.  This means, that sometimes we must battle to become ONE.

Satan uses adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, and revelries to divide and separate us from our Heavenly Father (Galatians 5:19-21).

But, God created a list of tools to fend off these attacks: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-26).

There are times where we have to hold up our swords to protect our joy and peace.  As Lisa says:

“You don’t set up camp in hell…you journey through it.”

 All of a sudden, Christi, jumped to her feet.  Ladies, I feel on FIRE tonight! God WANTS you to hear this!

Never be afraid to enter the enemy’s camp and take back what he has stolen from you!! God has already won this battle, and He will restore the years the locusts has eaten!!! Do not fear! We serve a Mighty God!!! He will never ask you to stand for something if He thought you were not able to!

Enter the enemy’s camp, get mad, put the enemy under your feet, and take back what he has stolen from you!! It is yours!! Stomp on his head and tell him NO!!!! No more satan!!!! You are defeated!!! You have not won this battle, God has, and I am standing with my God with the sword in my hand, and I send you back to the pit of hell where you belong!!

Ladies, please get this!!!! You have ALL authority, not just some authority, but ALL authority over the enemy!!! Don’t let him lie to you any longer and tell you that you are defeated!!! You are not!! You have victory in the name of JESUS!! Please get that!!! Take your marriage back, your rebellious children back, your health back!! Stand in victory with your sword in hand, and dance on the enemy’s head!!!

Oh baby, I’m preaching myself happy!!! Dance with me on satan’s head tonight!! I stand with you as you take back what he has stolen from you…what is rightfully yours!!!!

 I (Martha) am a very conservative person, but something got a hold of me! I heard myself saying: “Preach it, Sister Christi, preach it!  Come on ladies, let’s dance.”  And with that, such dancing like you never witnessed went on around that campfire as we danced on satan’s head, and took back what he stole from us.  They all began to sing “Look What the Lord Has Done”:  

 Diane finished the chapter with her personal testimony.

I would like to focus on the following TRUTH.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).

This reminds me of my past. At one point in my life it was easy for me to blame the someone who robbed me of my innocence and even easier for me to blame myself. I learned that the roots of my problems were not people or my own thoughts; they were the lies Satan was feeding me.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

Jesus has come so that WE MAY HAVE ABUNDANT LIFE.  Satan will try to bring back the pain and memories of people who hurt you.  BUT —

The more you grow in your relationship with God, the stronger defense you will have against Satan.

And so it was – -Diane, through her own experience, had been able to join Jennifer, Teresa, and Tonya in answering the questions:  “Where is the Battle?” and “Who is my Enemy?” 

Women lingered by the bonfire and continued to worship the Lord.  The sounds of other campers filtered in and, what’s that other sound I hear?  Could it be Heaven’s Angelic Choir joining us in Praise and Worship?  (Breath-taking.)

*****

Let’s Pray:  Father God, we are so grateful that You have taught us where our battles are and who the real enemy is.  May we realize Your Word equips us for this battle.  You and You alone are our strength, our shield, our strong tower.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

*****

If you would like to join us for the “Girls with Swords” Online Bible/Book study, click HERE to be taken to our sign-up page.  Once you complete the enrollment process, we will email you further details.  We hope you will join us!

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Girls With Swords: Chapter 4 – “The Battleground” (pgs 59-62)

April 18, 2013 by

“The Battleground,” so many lines jumped out at me as I was reading this part of the chapter. I think the biggest realization that I would like to focus on is the following TRUTH.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12

As Lisa referenced this scripture on page 61 I was immediately reminded of my messy past. At one point in my life it was easy for me to blame the someone who robbed me of my innocence. It was even easier for me to blame myself. I chose to ignore the roots of my problems which seemed to be a man, my lack of self-esteem, and the pain from people who had betrayed me. I truly believed ultimately that those roots would turn into ugly, evil weeds. Ones that grow back continually taking away from any beauty my garden once was. These weeds multiplied and eventually started to take over the potential my garden held for a beautiful future. This would be the moment I started to learn that the roots of my problems were not people or my own thoughts, they were the lies Satan was feeding me.

It is important to realize the roots of your problems start with that crafty snake who wants to destroy your garden of peace. Satan uses anything he can to help destroy your garden of peace, but we must not blame those vessels. We must remember that Satan is the evil one. His chosen weapons are not to be hated, but to be prayed for.
There was a major lie I once believed that I have found others struggle with as well. It is the lie that people hurt me, so therefore I should put a barbed wire fence around my garden so that no one can get in; that way I can at rest assured that no one would hurt me again. But what I did not realize is that this fence was hurting others and, even more so, it was hurting my relationship with the Master of my garden.
The day my sister introduced me to John 10:10 is the day that I learned that my garden has every reason in the world to be beautiful; I needed to break down that fence, and let God’s beauty in. The root of the problems in my life needed to be fixed so they could finally bloom into the beautiful fruited flowers they were always meant to be.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10

As I was breaking down the fence, this is what God taught me. God loves not only the man who stole my innocence from me, but also any and everyone who has once hurt me. I am called to love them too!  God knows that the reason I went through tragedy was because of Satan and no one else. I cannot hold onto anger, bitterness, or pain towards anyone—it simply does not belong. Even though this world is not Heaven, it does not mean that I need to be dying in my garden of weeds full of past pain, shame, regret, disobedience, and fear. I am a new creation, and I am able to receive God’s full measure of joy in my life. God turns my garden into His beautiful masterpiece.

I love when Lisa encourages us to look over our lives and bravely look beyond both the people and the pain, and see the serpent coiled in the shadow—hidden until he pounces on our hopes and dreams (page 60). Today, I see so clearly how Satan tried to kill me, destroy my life, and steal the joy-filled life God has prepared for me. I see even more clearly, though, the hand of God all throughout my past. The moments I thought God had abandoned me or became disgusted with me, are the moments I know now He was right there beside me. He was waiting patiently for me to turn back to Him. In the moment I had no idea, but now looking back, I know He never left me, and He never gave up on me. God never stopped fighting for me.

Ladies, Jesus has come so that WE MAY HAVE ABUNDANT LIFE. This means what happened that dreary day at the cross was for YOU and for ME to live abundantly. All of your problems and struggles were nailed to the cross with Jesus, and that is where they need to stay. Satan will try so hard to bring back the pain, bring back the memories, and bring back the people who hurt you the most.  BUT this is when you need to get out that weed killer and destroy Satan with God’s power inside of you. The more you grow in your relationship with God, the stronger defense you will have against Satan. Trust me…you will need it; because the stronger you grow in your relationship with God, the more Satan will attack you. Don’t let that discourage you in your relationship with God.  Trust and know that God is the Author of beauty in our lives. When we let His love flourish in our lives, we receive a beautiful garden for all to see. You must decide what you want to do with those evil roots, I pray you choose to kill them with God’s power and let your garden be restored to the beauty it was meant to hold.

 

themoreyougrow

 

Let’s Pray:
Lord, thank You for the abundant life You have given us. I ask that You bring to light all of the evil weeds we are letting into our life. Give us Your power and aid to get rid of the roots of our problems so that we can live a joy-filled, peace-filled life with You. Let our flowers grow and spread so that others may see You throughout the ends of the earth. Thank You for the beauty You bring from the ugliest moments in our lives. Amen.

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Girls With Swords: Chapter 4 – “The Battleground” (pgs 57-59)

April 17, 2013 by

I often wonder why it seems as if life is a daily battle…. Why we have to fight for things that seem so basic, so common, as Lisa says, we don’t have to fight for the words of Galatians 5:19-21.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV)

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But we do have to fight for the words of Galatians 5:22-26.

Galatians 5:22-26 (NKJV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Jesus fought a battle larger than any we could imagine.  He died on the cross and won that battle.  He won that battle so w could handle the battles He knew would follow.  “This means, that sometimes we must battle to become one.”  We must battle to become one with Him. We must battle to become the mothers He created us to be, to become the wives He designed us to be, and we must battle to become the women He designed us to be.  He knew what we would be facing.   He knew that our lives would seem like battlegrounds, that’s why He gave us the tools we would need.  He placed the sword in our hands, and told us what to look out for, what to avoid.  He told us what Satan would use to attack us, what weapons he would throw in our path.

When I am counseling someone at work one of the things I tell them that they can use to their benefit is the knowledge of what may happen—knowing what may come down the road can help prepare them for it. We have a list printed up of some common reactions to their situation.  This list can be used as a tool when things arise.  It allows each person to develop the tools needed before the “attack” comes.

The same has been done for us.  Listed above (Galatians 5:19-21) are the attacks Satan uses on us and will continue to use on us, to try to divide us and separate us from our Heavenly Father.  God has also created a list of tools (Galatians 5:22-26) we need to carry with us to fend off these attacks.  We would be wise to use these God-given tools each and every day in our lives!

CampInHell

“You don’t set up camp in hell…you journey through it.”  Life was designed to be peaceful and pleasurable, but yes there are times where we have to hold up our swords to protect our joy and peace; times when we are walking through rough patches in our lives. As Lisa says, we journey through it.

Ladies, keep this in your heart, “There are times you must battle to become one.”   So, let’s pick up our swords and push forward.

*****

Let’s Pray:

Lord, I pray Galatians 5:22-26 over our lives. I pray for love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as we journey through our battlefield. I thank You for the tools we need to counter Satan’s attacks.  I thank You that no weapon formed against us will prosper. In Jesus’ name we pray,  Amen.

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Girls With Swords: Chapter 4 – “The Battleground” (pgs 53-55)

April 15, 2013 by

This week’s reading assignment can be found HERE

This is the second time I am writing this blog. I feel so strongly about the topic. I want it to be “just right”. I want you to know my heart. I want you to truly hear and understand what God has been speaking to me lately. His voice has been so strong.

In a sense, I feel like this is the most important piece of writing I have ever done. But, it is not a happy piece. It is not writing that will make you feel all good and happy inside. It might make you mad. Your heart may be convicted. I hope it is. I pray that the Lord will speak to each one of you in such a powerful way that your life will change today; that you will begin to see our world with fresh eyes. God needs his daughters to rise up and fight! He needs us to wield His Sword (the Word) against the enemy.

But who is this enemy? It may seem like an easy answer. Satan, right? If the answer were that simple, my blog would end here. But, girlfriends, the answer is more complex than that.

Yes, ultimately the fight is against Satan.

But, oftentimes we spend our time and energy fighting each other. Christians fight non-Christians; Christians fight other Christians. People just love to fight something (or someone); and Satan sits back and laughs because when he can cause division and strife in our ranks, he wins. When Christ-followers do not act like they are truly saved by the blood of Christ, he wins.

Our war is not with any political party, alternative lifestyle, social issue, or any other worldly circumstance. It is all a distraction to take our eyes and ears off of our real enemy. Our war is with Satan. We must recognize when he is trying to divide us, to put negative, non-constructive thoughts or feelings into our mind. When Satan stirs up negative thoughts or behaviors between you and anyone else, be it your family member or friend, your pastor, or even the President of the United States, it is to his benefit. We cannot have a negative spirit toward anyone and be right with God. Satan seeks to destroy us. He wants to steal our joy and our peace. His goal is to separate us from God. When we allow him access, to gain a foothold into these areas of our life where we have strong opinions or hurts, he wins.

Sisters, we are eternally secure in Jesus Christ. We do not need to wage war on anyone here on earth. Our only battle is with the devil and the schemes he is trying to unleash every single day. We are at a critical point where we must, at all times, take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Is the argument you are about to wage with your friend on Facebook going to be pleasing to Christ? If He were sitting with you at your computer right now, would you type that comment on a blog or write a particular status update?

You may think I’m being harsh or critical, but it is a reality. Unbelievers are watching the Christian. They are looking to see if Christ is real. They are trying to see if we live our lives any differently than they live theirs. If they looked at your e-mail inbox or your Facebook wall, or your text messages, what would they see? I know we are far from perfect, but our goal every single day is to do our very best to honor our God with our words, thoughts, and actions.

Our current world is broken. We all know that. It is difficult to go through each day and not hear about another tragedy somewhere in the world. It is heartbreaking. But, the answer is not to lash out in anger. We must model our leader, Jesus Christ, who tells us love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31); to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44); and to pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). This, girlfriends, is the answer to how we defeat the enemy.

I want to leave you with some scriptures to meditate on today. Please take some time to pray through this and let the Spirit work in your heart; journal it out. What is God saying to you?

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

Do all things without complaining or bickering with each other, so you will be found innocent and blameless; you are God’s children called to live without a single stain on your reputations among this perverted and crooked generation. Shine like stars across the land (Philippians 2:14-15).

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).

And since God is pretty cool, He even put a song in my path several times during the writing of this blog. I feel like I need to share the lyrics with you because they are so powerful (emphasis mine).


 

Live Like That
by Sidewalk Prophets

Sometimes I think
What will people say of me
When I’m only just a memory
When I’m home where my soul belongs

Was I love
When no one else would show up
Was I Jesus to the least of those
Was my worship more than just a song

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

If love is who I am
Then this is where I’ll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back

I want to live like that
I want to live like that

Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true

People pass
And even if they don’t know my name
Is there evidence that I’ve been changed
When they see me, do they see You

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

If love is who I am
Then this is where I’ll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back

I want to live like that
I want to live like that

I want to show the world the love You gave for me
I’m longing for the world to know the glory of the King

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

If love is who I am
Then this is where I’ll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back

I want to live like that
I want to live like that

*****

Let’s Pray:

Father God, we know You are a God of love and You desperately want your Bride to unite as one to fight the enemy where he seeks to divide us. Equip us each day as we go into battle. Write the truth of Your Word on our hearts and help us so that it takes root in our lives and bears much fruit for Your glory. In Your Son’s matchless name, we pray. Amen.

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Prayer is the Final Piece

April 13, 2013 by

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by the strength of His might.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.
For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist
in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist,
righteousness like armor on your chest,
and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.
In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able
to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.

Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request,
and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:10-18

In our current study of Lisa Bevere’s book, Girls With Swords haven’t we SO loved looking at this encouraging section in the Scriptures?!?  We have considered the various pieces of the Armor of God.  We have been encouraged to put them on each morning as we prepare for our day. We have been reminded that they are TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, FAITH, and SALVATION—a strong foundation on which to take our stand.  We have seen that, clothed with this Armor of God, we are equipped and enabled to stand, resisting all the tactics and wiles of the enemy.

Now, consider this…. We garb ourselves in this protective suit of Armor.  We take up the sword of the spirit.  And then we are told “pray.”  One would think that we are ready to go, right?  But truly prayer is the final piece, the item that links all the pieces together.  It reminds me of a football player…outfitted with all those pieces of his uniform (pads, helmet, etc.) that are designed to protect him…ready to head out of the locker room to battle his ‘enemy’—the other team.  And the coach says, ‘Take a knee.’

This final piece—prayer—is not the half-hearted whispering of a prayer.  But rather it is prayer spoken with passion, with faith, with ‘strong purpose and perseverance.’  It is prayer uttered with humble wholeheartedness to the One Who hears our prayers and answers.

So often when the Scriptures communicate to us on the matter of prayer, the words used are compelling.  As you read these next few verses see which words jump out at you.  (Clue: they are NOT the words marked in red!)

Philippians 4:6
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Romans 12:12
Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.

Which words did you find grabbing your attention…were they words like, ‘steadfast’ and ‘constant’ and ‘everything’ and ‘watchful?’

prayer

So as you put on your Armor, my sisters, never forget that the last piece—the prayer piece—is not put ON but rather put IN—into your heart!  Prayer is a truly important part of the equipping of a Jesus girl who desires to be a hero…a warrior.

My prayer is that as you draw near to Your heavenly Father, seeking His guidance and direction, His help and protection, you would recognize how tenderly He looks on you…His daughter, His child, His warrior, His hero.  He loves you with an everlasting love, and He never EVER will leave you…You are His!

Praying for each of you!

♥ coleen

_________________________________

If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen, you may email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com, or leave a comment below.

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Girls With Swords: Chapter 3 Weekly Review – “You Might Be A Hero”

April 12, 2013 by

Click Here for Next Week’s Reading Schedule

What a road trip this has been for the five girlfriends—Jennifer, Teresa, Tonya, Diane, and Martha—who started out going to a women’s retreat!  As they traveled down the road toward their destination, their “side-splitting giggles,” suddenly came to a halt as they saw a road sign that read:

Prince of Darkness

 

Voting unanimously to continue their journey, despite knowing they were a TARGET, they realized the key to being victorious in battle against the enemy was choosing the right WEAPON.  To get their thoughts together, they pulled over at a rest stop.

It was here that they had a surprise visit by approximately 125 women.  “We’ve heard about your decision to enter into the Prince of Darkness Territory, and we want to join forces with you,” Christi said.

Much discussion went on between the two groups about the choice of weapon, ranging from the purchase of  heavy artillery guns to God’s Word.  The five girlfriends stood their ground about their choice of weapon—God’s Word.

Finally, Christi stepped up on top of a picnic table, and gave a roaring speech:

“We should be seeing the sick healed, the lame walk, the blind see, cancers falling off of people, lives miraculously changed because of Him!!  We should be laying hands on the sick and through the power of the Holy Spirit, see them become whole again!  We should be spreading the gospel so much more than what we are.”

It was then that the two groups were united and a choice of a weapon was decided upon:  God’s Sword (God’s Word).

After a time of worship under the moonlight in that roadside park, these two groups, who had met as strangers in the night, realized that this had not been a chance meeting. It was as though God, Himself, had ordained this meeting, and they all felt that their previous plans should be canceled, and they were to spend an extended time together.

It was decided that they would check into a nearby campground, and study Lisa Bevere’s book, Girls With Swords, which some of them had brought along with them on their trip.  The others, whipped out their Kindles, and quickly ordered it.

And so it was, on the first night they gathered around the campfire at the campground,  their discussion centered on Chapter 3 in Lisa’s book, You Might Be a Hero. Lisa defined a female hero as:  superwoman, champion, conqueror, star, protagonist, lead, and brave woman.

Jennifer started the discussion off by giving her own personal testimony:

“At age 24, I was told I would never bear a biological child. Too stunned to form a coherent thought, the next eight years of my life went by in a haze of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I was lost, and there was no light at the end of the tunnel. My lifelong dream was to have a baby who looked like me with my husband who loved me. I had plans! I had dreams! I had hopes! In an instant, all seemed lost.  But, He alone rescued me the moment I turned my burden of infertility over to Him, and decided not to carry it on my back anymore.

Just as Lisa says: “Your journey toward becoming a hero begins when you simply grant God permission to have His way.”

Ladies, I share my story with you because I need for you to know something very important:  “Right now, where you are, you are living part of God’s story.”

Teresa:  I don’t know about you, but when I read Hebrews 11 and recount the heroes of the faith, the last thing I see is ‘nobodies.’

Each of the people listed in the Hall of Faith died not even knowing the impact their life would have on the world.  All they knew was that they were chosen by God to go wherever He asked, do whatever He needed them to do, protect whomever He needed them to protect, feed whoever was hungry, build what He said build, stand when He said stand and FIGHT when God said fight.

THESE are our ancestors.  They passed the torch on to us normal people of God to continue the fight.  This mild-mannered Jesus girl may look ordinary on the outside, but I have a HERO living inside me that needs to save the world.  We cannot lead people spiritually where we have not gone. 

Tonya:  What does it take for us as women to feel like heroes?  Is it our ability to multi-task throughout our day, our ability to utilize the sixth sense that women are said to possess?

It all boils down to this:

Zechariah4_6

Yes, we are called to be heroes in our day, to wield swords, to be superhuman, and to be brave. This can be terrifying. But, our superhuman abilities come from—His Spirit, the power of our sword comes from—His Word and, in times of fear, we need to remember who we can run to, who we answer to—the Lord.

Diane:  Each night before I close my eyes for the day I am reminded of these words: TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, FAITH, and SALVATION  with the words, “live by these, apply these” underneath.

Some days I imagine myself with the prettiest pink, bedazzled sword you could ever imagine.  I picture my perfectly pink armor filled with sparkles, and I get this joy deep down in my heart because I imagine so clearly God’s words and actions of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation covering every inch of that bedazzling pink armor and weaponry He has handpicked for me to use.

Ephesians 6 says:

  1. God is strong, and He wants His daughters to be strong.
  2. His weapons are supreme.
  3. With these weapons in hand, nothing the enemy throws at you will knock you off your course.
  4. You are in a spiritual battle between life and death.
  5. If you prepare now, you won’t be caught off guard.
  6. You can’t do this in your own human strength.
  7. True, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are life’s applications.
  8. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.
  9. Prayer is not optional.

I picture all of us: swords in hand, shields in place, bedazzled in GOD’S TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, FAITH, AND SALVATION; standing tall, shouting prayers of all kinds to our Holy God in Heaven, as we leave behind all of Satan’s lies that kept us tied down from the something we have been craving:  God Himself.

 After Diane spoke, other women in the group spoke up:

  • What I loved about Jennifer’s story was that, not only are our lives a gift, but also the story that we are in.  God has already written us into the story of faith heroes—we all have a story He can use.
  • I liked what Lisa said about having to fight a battle more than once to win. Most of us want to give up when we don’t succeed the first time.
  • Tonya’s words were spoken like a true hero.  Sometimes it is hard to remember that we do have the source and strength to be superheroes if we would just ask.
  • I’m not going to be able to envision putting on my armor again without it being pink and bedazzling!

And on into the night, as these women sat around the campfire, many women spoke out about their desire to be a hero. They agreed to meet back the next night to continue their study. This group who were once strangers in their natural habitat, had now been united “in one accord as sisters in Christ.”

*****

Let’s Pray:  Father God, we are so grateful that You have united us together. As we study Your Word, may we become “doers of Your word, and not just hearers.”  As we do, we rest with assurance that we can quench all the fiery darts of the enemy.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

*****

If you would like to join us for the “Girls with Swords” Online Bible/Book study, click HERE to be taken to our sign-up page.  Once you complete the enrollment process, we will email you further details.  We hope you will join us!

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Girls with Swords: Chapter 3 – “Heroes Have Something More to Them” (pgs 49-51)

April 11, 2013 by

When I read this part of the chapter, I wrote down five words and put them next to my bed.  Each night before I close my eyes for the day I am reminded of these words:

TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, FAITH, and SALVATION…

…with the words, “live by these, apply these” underneath.  As I was reading The Message version of The Full Armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-20, these words stuck out the most.  I love how this version tells us that these five words are more than words.  We must learn to apply them.  I have been thinking each night as I fall asleep, “What does it look like to apply these words to my life?”  Each morning as I awake, God shows me exactly what it looks like to use these words in my life by helping me put on His full armor.

Has God ever placed something in your life at just the right time?  This study has come into my life at just the right time.  I had been feeling this nudging to put on the Armor of God daily, but I was not sure what to do with this nudging.  Thanks to Lisa’s book, God is showing me what to do!  God is showing me how to be a hero.  No joke, some days I sit in my apartment and imagine myself with the prettiest pink, bedazzled sword you could ever imagine.  I picture my perfectly pink armor filled with sparkles, and I get this joy deep down in my heart because I imagine so clearly God’s words and actions of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation covering every inch of that bedazzling pink armor and weaponry He has handpicked for me to use.  The Armor of God is out there, ladies, just for you!  What does yours look like?  Take the time to find out.  Take the time to use and apply God’s truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation to your life.  If you find yourself becoming more aware of Satan’s attacks and less aware of how to defend yourself against them: you must spend some much needed time learning what the Armor of God looks like in your life.

Ephesians6_10thru18

I love so much when Lisa says, “As the daughters of God draw their swords, the enemy draws back.”  Do you know where your sword is, what it looks like, how to use it?  There is no time for guessing; we MUST be quick to pull out all of God’s truth against Satan.  The last thing the enemy wants to see is the person God created you to be standing firm against him each morning.  Satan will do anything and everything in his awful power to keep you from seeing who God sees when He looks down at His precious hero.  However, God is doing everything in His mighty power, even at this very moment, to show you the something more you have been in search of: Himself.  If your whole heart desires to meet with God, think about how much more God’s heart desires to meet with you!  Don’t let Satan get in the way of meeting with the One Who loves you and created you to be His hero.

As impossible as this task may seem, with God we know all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).  Lisa tells us that prayer is not optional.  I believe prayer is what ties this all together and makes this all possible.  When you are finding yourself in that nearly impossible task, pray and ask God to show you His possible way.

Our prayers are our life-line to God: this is how we can keep in constant contact with Him.  I am learning that prayers are powerful and they are to be used constantly for all kinds of things.  Prayers are one of the best gifts we can give to our brothers and sisters in Christ.  When we pray for them, we are giving them Jesus’ aid, not ours.  Can you think of anything better that anyone would ever need?  Prayers keep God in the loop.  Prayers help us all get out of the prison Satan tries to keep us in daily.

I picture all of us: swords in hand, shields in place, bedazzled in GOD’S TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, FAITH, AND SALVATION; standing tall, shouting prayers of all kinds to our Holy God in Heaven, as we leave behind all of Satan’s lies that fall in crumbles with the chains that kept us tied down from the something more we have been craving: God Himself.  Can you picture it?

*****

Let’s Pray:

Lord Almighty, thank You for the armor that You have prepared for each and every one of us.  Thank You for the privilege we have to come to You in prayer.  I ask that You help each and every one of us stand firm with our feet fitted with Your peace to crumble Satan’s evil’s schemes.  Lord, we need You every moment of every day for this battle.  Thank You for being there for us each and every moment.  We love You so much and desire Your truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation to be displayed in our lives for others to see, so that they will be drawn to You alone.  Please help us.  Thank You, Lord, that You are always there for us.

In Your Precious and Powerful Name, we pray,  Amen.

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Girls With Swords: Chapter 3 “Heroes Are Superhuman” – “Heroes Are Brave” (pgs 47-48)

April 10, 2013 by

What does it take for me to feel like a hero, for us as women to feel like heroes?  Is it our ability to multi-task throughout our day?  Our ability to utilize the sixth sense that women are said to possess?  No. It’s not even the yummy caffeinated aroma wafting in from my kitchen that, in my opinion, allows me to accomplish tasks like a superhuman—“instant human, just add coffee,” or in this case, instant superhuman.

No, it’s none of these.

Zechariah4_6

 

I know that there is one thing that keeps me going; one Person that I depend on for the strength to operate on a daily basis; one Person that gives me, gives us, the superhuman ability to be heroines and  to wield our swords against the devil’s attacks.

 

“Superheros are able to help the endangered and frightened because they understand that they answer to a higher power.”

Alone, I know that I cannot hold my own sword.  Alone, I know that I cannot be the mother I need to be, the woman I need to be.  Alone, I know that I can’t lift up other women. Alone, I know that I cannot be brave for the 5 extra minutes it will take me to become that hero.  Alone, I know that I cannot fight the battles and fight against the attacks that are thrown against me every day.

Yes, we are heroines!  Yes, we are brave!  Yes, we wield swords!  And, yes, we are a threat to the enemy’s plans.  But it is vital that I remember, that we remember, that we are not who we are of our own accord, “but by my spirit says the Lord.”  He is the power that sustains us in our battle. He is the One that makes us heroes. Brave heroes.

Brave is never a word I would use to describe myself.  To be honest I tend to allow fear and anxiety to stop me from acting at times. As usual, I try to pull one or two lines from the text that really speak to my heart. Today it was this line:

Life is filled with terrifying moments, and we cannot stop the onslaught of fear anymore than we can hold back the wind… Allow fear to drive you toward God.”

We are called to be heroes in our day.  We are called to wield swords.  We are called to be superhuman, and we are called to be brave. This can be, and is at times, terrifying. But we need to remember where our superhuman abilities come from—His Spirit. We need to remember where the power of our sword comes from—His Word and, in times of fear, we need to remember who we can run to, who we answer to—the Lord.

Ladies, we are called to be braver five minutes longer, and we are given the power to answer this calling.

 

*****

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting us with such a great responsibility, and thank You for the power and tools to accomplish the tasks You have given us. In times of fear remind us that You are there for us to run to; You are there to give the superhuman abilities we need to wield our sword against Satan’s attacks. Lord, please give us the strength and courage to be braver for five minutes longer, to be the heroines You have called us to be.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

 

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Girls With Swords: Chapter 3 – “Heroes Seize Their Moments” (pgs 42-47)

April 9, 2013 by

I LOVE SUPERHEROES!!!!!  When I think about the ‘worldly’ image of superheroes it brings to mind the bold, muscular, powerful, intelligent, gifted persona we recognize as the hero.  But if we really look at the person behind the superhero name tag, we find a normal, unassuming, unlikely character.  Most of the comic books show us that these people were ‘victims’ of  a major event in their lives not of their choosing.  They don’t come from a long line of heroes.  They are unique.  They stand out.

I got so fired up when I began reading this chapter, “You Might Be A Hero”.  It was a very powerful reminder of who God can use to do heroic things for Him while we are in this world.  Look at these points Lisa made:

  1. God makes heroes out of nobodies.
  2. Heroes are people of substance.
  3. Heroes have attitude.
  4. Heroes seize their moment.
  5. Heroes are part of a connected legacy.
  6. Heroes are superhuman.
  7. Heroes are brave.
  8. Heroes have something more to them.

I don’t know about you, but when I read Hebrews 11 and recount the heroes of the faith, the last thing I see is ‘nobodies.’  They must have been something special, right?  Surely they woke up one day and KNEW they were a hero.  Didn’t they?  It’s time to dig a little deeper for some truth.

“Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing.  How did they do it?  They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world.”

 Hebrews 11:13  MSG

Each one of the people listed in the Hall of Faith died not even knowing the impact their life would have on the world.  All they knew was that they were chosen by God to go wherever He asked, do whatever He needed them to do, protect whomever He needed them to protect, feed whoever was hungry, build what He said build, stand when He said stand and FIGHT when God said fight.

These are our ancestors.  THESE are our ancestors.  THESE ARE OUR ANCESTORS.  They could see us in the future.  They waved to us a greeting and encouraged us to carry on.  They passed the torch on to us normal people of God to continue the fight.  Our ancestors knew they were only passing through this world.  They chose to follow God, do what He asked them to do, and left us a mighty legacy as an example.  As a result, they had an impact on the world that is still being felt many generations after their passing.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

(Our pastor spoke on this passage this weekend.  I love it when God does that for me.  I got a lesson before I needed to share it with you.)  It is our turn to be the hero that God rises up, in our time, to carry out His purposes.  We have encouragers surrounding us.  They have gone before us, they know how we feel, they are considered heroes, and are sitting in the presence of God RIGHT NOW.  I want to be cheered on by Moses, Abraham, Rahab, David, Mary, Nehemiah, Jeremiah…my grandparents.

Lisa says on page 46, “As the realization grows of how in him we are heroes and he is the hero within, it should overpower any fear we may have felt when we learned we were targets.  We need to throw our shoulders back and declare, “I am positioned for overwhelming triumph because I am ‘from God and have overcome them, for he who is in [me] is greater than he who is in the world’” (1 John 4:4).”

1John4_4

Did you see that?  “I am positioned for overwhelming TRIUMPH because I am ‘FROM GOD’, ‘HAVE OVERCOME THEM’, ‘HE WHO IS IN ME IS GREATER THAN he WHO IS IN THE WORLD’.

This mild-mannered Jesus girl may look ordinary on the outside, but I have a HERO living inside me that needs to save the world.  “It is exciting to look in the mirror and realize there is far more to you than anyone can actually see.  The realm of the unseen holds your secret hero identity.  Being a hero is an act of worship” (p. 47).  My act of worship is to do the will of the One who lives within me.  It is God’s will for every soul on this earth to be redeemed and restored.  It is our job as Jesus girls to spread the word and fight the battles to free God’s children from whatever entangles them.

We cannot lead people spiritually where we have not gone.  (That’s considered a push.)  As heroes, we have to be prepared for the battles by getting to know the Commander.  His Spirit within us guides us to do the will of the Father.  In our own strength, we cannot defeat the enemies we face.  The Bible tells us our enemies are not flesh and blood, but spiritual.  We will not be able to punch, claw, or even stand and take the enemies punishment in our own body without the aid of the Holy Spirit.

Superheroes Are Part of a Connected Legacy

Superheroes know where their strength comes from.  “Life in the Spirit means we no longer give way to the base actions and emotions that tether us to our own strength and striving.  Nor can we allow the enemy entrance through our actions” (p. 47).

Zechariah 4:6 tells us, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”  Zechariah was a cool dude.  Do you think he really understood who his son was going to be?  Can a parent see into the future and know how their child will change the world?  I don’t think so, but man, John the Baptist was a cool friend of Jesus.  Zechariah raised that boy the way God said and his words are still being read today.  He is still a hero changing the world.  Zechariah had a part in John’s story, John had a part in Jesus’ story and Jesus is a part of OUR STORY.

Oops, sorry,  I chased a chicken and got distracted.  On page 43, Lisa adds a fencing fact.

In fencing, if you fall into playing your opponent’s game,

you are as good as doomed.

We cannot act the way the world does and expect them to see Jesus.  “We cannot allow the enemy entrance through our actions.”  Our sWord says,  “For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” (1 Corinthians 3:3).  As long as we allow ourselves to be controlled by our actions and emotions, God cannot use us to do superhuman things for Him.  We have to choose to walk with God, by His power, and through His Spirit.

So, to be a superhero we have to plug into our Power Source.  Because God is our Power Source, we are accountable to Him for our actions.  He will guide us to the battle.  He will protect us through the fight.  We will emerge victorious, being cheered on by that great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us.

 

Let’s be Heroes,

Teresa

*****

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, we come to You with a humble heart today.  We fully acknowledge that it is by Your power that we are fighting our battles and by Your power we will emerge victorious.  Lead us to the field, equip us for every good work and lift our arms as we stand for You.  We love You and praise Your Holy Name.   Amen. 

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Girls With Swords: Chapter 3 – “You Might Be A Hero” (pgs. 35-38)

April 8, 2013 by

This week’s reading schedule can be found by clicking this link.

“Your journey toward becoming a hero begins when you simply
grant God permission to have His way.” (Lisa Bevere, pg. 35)

It sounds like such a simple thing – Let Go, Let God. Release whatever your hopes and dreams are for the future so that God can fill your life with His plans which are far better than anything in our wildest dreams. So, why is the action part of it so difficult? Why is it so hard to let those things go?

At age 24, I was told I would never bear a biological child. Too stunned to form a coherent thought, the next eight years of my life went by in a haze of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I was lost, and there was no light at the end of the tunnel. My lifelong dream was to have a baby who looked like me with my husband who loved me. I had plans! I had dreams! I had hopes!

In an instant, all seemed lost.

I did not really know Jesus back then. I knew about Him, but we were not doing this life-thing together.  I was a nobody. But, He knew me, and He never stopped His pursuit of me. He knows my name. He loves me (and you) like an only child. He wanted me to come out of the pit I was in because He knew the plans He had for me.

So, He alone rescued me.

At that moment, I turned my burden of infertility over to Him. I decided not to carry it on my back anymore. I let God have His way with me.

Today, I have a 16-month old nephew who I could not love more if he were my own child. Instead of having hurt and pain, I am filled with love and pure joy.

God did that. He is taking my life and using it for His glory. He is taking my pain and turning it for good, to help other people who are in pain.

“You are not normal. You’re an anointed daughter of the Most High God,
the creator of heaven and earth and of all things seen and unseen.
This makes you a potential threat to the enemy.” (Lisa Bevere, pg. 35)

I tell you this story because Satan continues to attack me in this area of my life. There are times I am consumed with grief over not being able to have a biological child. Some days my heart is so heavy that I question God; I doubt Him. I wonder why I am made to suffer this burden.

“Never doubt you are part of the story of your day.” (Lisa Bevere, pg. 36)

Then He whispers to me…I am with you. I have plans for you. You are loved. I am part of God’s story! Satan’s job is to kill, to steal, and to destroy. He will continue to try to defeat me where he knows I am weak but, with God, I am strong. Satan does not want another woman to experience a full life in Christ so he will try to undermine my attempts to help other women.

Ladies, I share this with you because I need for you to know something very important. Right now, where you are, you are living part of God’s story. Satan will try to defeat you – that is his job – but you can be a hero of faith, just like Abraham. You probably will not know you are a hero, and that is okay. We can live for God without knowing the full measure of the whole story until we reach Heaven—and what a beautiful sight that will be!

There is one last thing I want to leave you with. All of this talk about being a hero and living a life surrendered to God sounds great, right? But, you might be someone who really struggles with this. I know I do. It is hard to let go of some things, but in order to receive what God has for us, our hands need to be open and not closed. We are heroes by living the life God has planned for us; walking alongside Him day by day; laying down our hopes and dreams for God’s dreams for us, and trusting in His ultimate plan for our lives. God sees you. He knows your name. He loves you.

‘We can be in our day what the heroes of faith were in their day –
but remember at the time they didn’t know they were heroes. – A.W. Tozer (pg. 36)

Let’s Pray:

Father God, Your story is perfect. Show us how to live fully surrendered to You every single day. Help us to let go of things that we need to release from our lives so that You can fill us with Your plans. Guide us in Your ways and in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

With Love,

Jennifer

If you would like to join us for the “Girls with Swords” Online Bible/Book study, click HERE to be taken to our sign-up page.  Once you complete the enrollment process, we will email you further details.  We hope you will join us!

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