Come Into The Deep End... with ImHisServant (2)

[cristianna]

Just a praise in case anyone is interested...I'm trying to quit smoking. I've been 12 1/2 hrs. now without a cigarette. ~Rubs my patch and thanks God~

That has to be one of the "ultimate addictions" to stop!

Congrats on your success thus far-- that's awesome!

 

[ImHisServant]

Just a praise in case anyone is interested...I'm trying to quit smoking. I've been 12 1/2 hrs. now without a cigarette. ~Rubs my patch and thanks God~

You Go Girl!!!

I know what you are going through... I went through it over 5 years ago... hang in there.

Every craving you get through is 1 less you will have to go through!! But if you give into it... you have to start all over again and that would wipe out all you have done so far... so get through this one!

Here's a cool tracker that I used on my computer when I quit... I liked it alot!!

www.silkquit.org/sqmmiv/meter.aspx

 

[ImHisServant]

Tuesday 11/14/06

"I Will Rejoice"
DELIVERANCE FROM MISERY AND GLOOM​

As Christians we are to have a thankful, rejoicing heart. To some, such a goal seems like an unscalable mountain, yet this is exactly what the Lord desires to give us.
Our problem is that we are focused on our problems. We enter our day with our countenance darkened by the gloom of unbelief. We wonder why the non-Christians don't run to give their lives to Christ. Perhaps the obstacle is not what exists in their hearts, but what is in our own. Yes, we accepted Christ as Savior and gave Him our sins, but have truly given Him our lives?
Our gloom belies our trust in God The Lord desires to rescue us from gloomy, unbelieving attitudes. He wants us to cancel our plans to be miserable and submit ourselves into His loving, wonderful hands. This is why I'm fighting for the best life you could possibly have. I'm fighting powers of darkness so you experience the fullness of joy.

WHY SO SAD?
Even in a world where spiritual darkness is increasing, the Lord plans something different for us. In fact, He orders us, "Arise, shine; for your light has come." He tells us that His literal glory, which is now abiding within us, will "appear upon" us. The result? "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising" (Isaiah 60:1-3).
What does it mean? What we see of God's glory is the outraying manifestation of His presence. But His radiance is actually the unveiling of His goodness. Consider: when Moses asked to see the Lord's glory, the Lord responded, "I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you . . .I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion" (Ex. 33:18-19).
So, God's glory is His unfathomable goodness. When Scripture says, "the glory of the LORD will rise upon you," it is actually saying the GOODNESS of the Lord will be seen upon you. In other words, in contrast to the uncared for world under judgment, you will be seen as one chosen to reveal how good God is!
God's goodness, like a morning dawn rising at the end of a night, is increasingly going to be manifest upon us at the end of this age. With all my heart I believe we are entering days where both the visible radiance of God's glory and the overwhelming effect of His goodness will manifest in the true church. We'll see more of the good things of God: more of His healings, more of His miracles, more of His provisions and more of the power of His love. These won't be isolated elements or events, but a stream of wonders that will cause the world to marvel at the Lord's goodness upon His people.

SO REJOICE!
Paul wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" Why should we rejoice? For "the Lord is near." (Phil 4:4-5). He's not talking about the second coming; the Lord is near now in our spirits. He's saying that you're not isolated from God. Rather, God is at hand. He goes on with the very familiar recipe for gaining God's peace: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God (listen to this), which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7).
Paul describes the peace of God as surpassing all comprehension. Then the apostle writes in Eph. 3:19 that "the love of Christ surpasses knowledge." Do you understand that? The enveloping presence of God surpasses your mind's analytical powers to figure out the world around you. See, it doesn't really matter if you don't have the all the answers if you truly have God and can trust Him! The peace and love of God transcend and surpass the realm of the mind.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ​

People may ask, "Why are you so happy especially given your difficult circumstances?" You respond: "I can't tell you why, I just know, in spite of my battle, I'm fully loved by God. He's in charge of me and my future." 1 Pet. 1:8 says, "...you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible..." Add it up and see how much we have: peace beyond comprehension, love beyond knowledge and joy beyond our ability to express and articulate.
There is a spiritual realm of joy, peace and love we can abide in that's far more wonderful and expansive than the tiny realm of our analytical thought life. Probably ninety percent of our battles exist in our minds. I am not saying we shouldn't think or consider things, but if we are not simultaneously living in the spiritual realm of joy, love and peace, our fight is filled with futility. God wants to coax us out of these tiny realms and bring us into the realm of His full presence where His joy, love and peace abound.

CURSED OR CHRISTLIKE?
God had many blessings planned for Israel, but He also warned that curses awaited them if they embraced sinful attitudes of life. In the summary thought of Deuteronomy 28, the Lord explains, "So all these curses shall come on you . . . because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things; therefore you shall serve your enemies." (Deut. 28:45-48).
Listen carefully: They weren't cursed only because they disobeyed God, but also because they did not serve God with joy and a glad heart. If I ask my kids to do something and, though they do it, they murmur and complain, it is offensive. You see, obeying with a complaining attitude is not obeying, its complaining.
We must make the choice to rejoice. Too many of us are cynics. Cynicism, contrary to popular opinion, is not a gift of the Holy Spirit. A cynic is a habitual doubter. He is nearly always negative, expecting the worst, and probing for the worst when there is nothing negative is visible on the surface. Ultimately, a cynic will always discover something that confirms their expectations.
I am saying that God is good, and even when things are not good, He works them for our good. If you believe this is true, your faith in God will relieve you from a host of dark and dangerous attitudes. God is Who He says He is. Even if we don't know all the details along the way, we trust that He is good.
He Who is perfect can make something wonderful come out of what was just average or even misguided. That's where my peace comes from: God's abilities and His goodness. This is where the peace beyond comprehension comes from; here is the source of the love that surpasses knowledge. God Himself is the reason for my inexpressible joy!
". . .all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Col 1:16-17).
Not only is Christ the agency of creation, but in Him "all things hold together." Now listen: Just as the Lord holds creation together, so He can hold our lives together as well. Maybe you don't know what to do next. How are the bills going to be paid? What will the future look like? Maybe your emotions are stretched and strained, and you don't know what to do next. You can't hold it together, but God can. Trust Him. He'll hold it together. He'll keep you right in the center of His love.
I WILL REJOICE!
Paul is in a jail when he writes the church in Phillippi. The prison he was in was horrific, and he had done nothing to warrant being there. Yet, when he writes he uses the words "joy, rejoicing or glad" over a dozen times. Consider: he has every reason to be miserable, yet he makes the
choice to rejoice. He says, ". . .Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice" (Phil 1:18).
My heart tells me that Paul's declaration wasn't directed to the readers as much as to those forces of darkness that had stolen his freedom, his comforts-everything, but his heart for God. It was as though he were telling them, "Look, you took much, but you are not going to get my joy!"
If the enemy can take your joy, he'll also take your strength. Soon, you'll find yourself struggling with sin, not because you were evil, but because when you lost your joy, you lost your ability to resist the enemy. "For the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh 8:10).
Paul couldn't have known his letter would become part of the Bible. He's just writing to fellow Christians. But when you trust God, focus on God, and magnify the greatness of God, then even your time in jail can be sanctified and used to glorify the Almighty.

 

[TrustingmyLord]

Wow Gina, that was absolutely beautiful, and so very true! Just knowing God, being a child of God, serving God, these things in themselves, no, HE himself, brings me such joy!

My heart may never be 100% safe with my husband, or with my children, friends, family, people in the church, etc. But my heart is ALWAYS safe with Him.

 

[Sennaria]

Amen!

I'm .....speechless.

 

[~InHisHands~]

The bible does state that we will be known by our fruits. One of those fruits would include having a joyful heart even during times of suffering. If non-christians see us with a sad countenance then they don't see the joy that Christ can bring therefore they aren't going to be prone to believe.

Just an update: I've made it 24 hrs. smoke free. Today is going to be more difficult since I have to work. Please pray for me!

 

[~InHisHands~]

~Hugs cristianna & Gina~ Thank you ladies.

 

[Sennaria]

Just an update: I've made it 24 hrs. smoke free. Today is going to be more difficult since I have to work. Please pray for me!

I have added you to my prayer list InHisHands......I so want to see you succeed. It's something I need to do. *sigh*

Sennaria

 

[~InHisHands~]

I have added you to my prayer list InHisHands......I so want to see you succeed. It's something I need to do. *sigh*

Sennaria

So do it.

 

[LivingLifeHisWay]

Just a praise in case anyone is interested...I'm trying to quit smoking. I've been 12 1/2 hrs. now without a cigarette. ~Rubs my patch and thanks God~

Congrats!!!!! That's awesome!!!!! I quit a while back too...it's a very hard habit to break.

 

[LivingLifeHisWay]

Gina, that was awesome! We have to keep our eyes on Him, esp. in times of trouble or despair.

InHisHands - 24hrs! That's a milestone!!!!

 

[Sennaria]

So do it.

I hear ya, I hear ya...I'll be getting in touch with you.

 

[Savedsis]

It is a hard habit to break...But you can do it..




Rejoice...

Let us be full of praise and gratitude...I love David's exuberance in Psalm 138...(and remember, this is the same guy who also talked to God from the ends of many ropes and the bottoms of many barrels.)
Thank You! Everything in me says.."thank You!"
Angels listen as I sing my thanks..
I kneel in worship facing Your holy temple and say it again: "Thank You!"
Thank You for Your love,
Thank You for your faithfulness;
Most holy is Your Name,
Most holy is Your Word..
The moment I called out, You stepped right in;
You made my life large with strength..
When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth's kings will say.."thank you".
They will sing of what you've done..
"How great the glory of God!"
And here's why: God, high above, sees far below;
no matter the distance, he knows everything about us...(verse 1-6) MSG
The only reason I drag myself out of bed is...because He lives...
The only reason I face the day with any kind of strength is...because He lives..
The only reason I want to be nice to people is...because He lives...
The only reason I have sanity in the uncertainty of this crazy world is...because He lives...
The reason I am so happy is ....because He lives.....
Let us rejoice and be so grateful that He wooed us to Himself.......

 

[JoyouslyHopeful]

Tuesday 11/14/06​

"I Will Rejoice"
DELIVERANCE FROM MISERY AND GLOOM​

As Christians we are to have a thankful, rejoicing heart. To some, such a goal seems like an unscalable mountain, yet this is exactly what the Lord desires to give us.
Our problem is that we are focused on our problems. We enter our day with our countenance darkened by the gloom of unbelief. We wonder why the non-Christians don't run to give their lives to Christ. Perhaps the obstacle is not what exists in their hearts, but what is in our own. Yes, we accepted Christ as Savior and gave Him our sins, but have truly given Him our lives?
Our gloom belies our trust in God The Lord desires to rescue us from gloomy, unbelieving attitudes. He wants us to cancel our plans to be miserable and submit ourselves into His loving, wonderful hands. This is why I'm fighting for the best life you could possibly have. I'm fighting powers of darkness so you experience the fullness of joy.

WHY SO SAD?
Even in a world where spiritual darkness is increasing, the Lord plans something different for us. In fact, He orders us, "Arise, shine; for your light has come." He tells us that His literal glory, which is now abiding within us, will "appear upon" us. The result? "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising" (Isaiah 60:1-3).
What does it mean? What we see of God's glory is the outraying manifestation of His presence. But His radiance is actually the unveiling of His goodness. Consider: when Moses asked to see the Lord's glory, the Lord responded, "I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you . . .I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion" (Ex. 33:18-19).
So, God's glory is His unfathomable goodness. When Scripture says, "the glory of the LORD will rise upon you," it is actually saying the GOODNESS of the Lord will be seen upon you. In other words, in contrast to the uncared for world under judgment, you will be seen as one chosen to reveal how good God is!
God's goodness, like a morning dawn rising at the end of a night, is increasingly going to be manifest upon us at the end of this age. With all my heart I believe we are entering days where both the visible radiance of God's glory and the overwhelming effect of His goodness will manifest in the true church. We'll see more of the good things of God: more of His healings, more of His miracles, more of His provisions and more of the power of His love. These won't be isolated elements or events, but a stream of wonders that will cause the world to marvel at the Lord's goodness upon His people.

SO REJOICE!
Paul wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" Why should we rejoice? For "the Lord is near." (Phil 4:4-5). He's not talking about the second coming; the Lord is near now in our spirits. He's saying that you're not isolated from God. Rather, God is at hand. He goes on with the very familiar recipe for gaining God's peace: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God (listen to this), which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7).
Paul describes the peace of God as surpassing all comprehension. Then the apostle writes in Eph. 3:19 that "the love of Christ surpasses knowledge." Do you understand that? The enveloping presence of God surpasses your mind's analytical powers to figure out the world around you. See, it doesn't really matter if you don't have the all the answers if you truly have God and can trust Him! The peace and love of God transcend and surpass the realm of the mind.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ​

People may ask, "Why are you so happy especially given your difficult circumstances?" You respond: "I can't tell you why, I just know, in spite of my battle, I'm fully loved by God. He's in charge of me and my future." 1 Pet. 1:8 says, "...you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible..." Add it up and see how much we have: peace beyond comprehension, love beyond knowledge and joy beyond our ability to express and articulate.
There is a spiritual realm of joy, peace and love we can abide in that's far more wonderful and expansive than the tiny realm of our analytical thought life. Probably ninety percent of our battles exist in our minds. I am not saying we shouldn't think or consider things, but if we are not simultaneously living in the spiritual realm of joy, love and peace, our fight is filled with futility. God wants to coax us out of these tiny realms and bring us into the realm of His full presence where His joy, love and peace abound.

CURSED OR CHRISTLIKE?
God had many blessings planned for Israel, but He also warned that curses awaited them if they embraced sinful attitudes of life. In the summary thought of Deuteronomy 28, the Lord explains, "So all these curses shall come on you . . . because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things; therefore you shall serve your enemies." (Deut. 28:45-48).
Listen carefully: They weren't cursed only because they disobeyed God, but also because they did not serve God with joy and a glad heart. If I ask my kids to do something and, though they do it, they murmur and complain, it is offensive. You see, obeying with a complaining attitude is not obeying, its complaining.
We must make the choice to rejoice. Too many of us are cynics. Cynicism, contrary to popular opinion, is not a gift of the Holy Spirit. A cynic is a habitual doubter. He is nearly always negative, expecting the worst, and probing for the worst when there is nothing negative is visible on the surface. Ultimately, a cynic will always discover something that confirms their expectations.
I am saying that God is good, and even when things are not good, He works them for our good. If you believe this is true, your faith in God will relieve you from a host of dark and dangerous attitudes. God is Who He says He is. Even if we don't know all the details along the way, we trust that He is good.
He Who is perfect can make something wonderful come out of what was just average or even misguided. That's where my peace comes from: God's abilities and His goodness. This is where the peace beyond comprehension comes from; here is the source of the love that surpasses knowledge. God Himself is the reason for my inexpressible joy!
". . .all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Col 1:16-17).
Not only is Christ the agency of creation, but in Him "all things hold together." Now listen: Just as the Lord holds creation together, so He can hold our lives together as well. Maybe you don't know what to do next. How are the bills going to be paid? What will the future look like? Maybe your emotions are stretched and strained, and you don't know what to do next. You can't hold it together, but God can. Trust Him. He'll hold it together. He'll keep you right in the center of His love.
I WILL REJOICE!
Paul is in a jail when he writes the church in Phillippi. The prison he was in was horrific, and he had done nothing to warrant being there. Yet, when he writes he uses the words "joy, rejoicing or glad" over a dozen times. Consider: he has every reason to be miserable, yet he makes the
choice to rejoice. He says, ". . .Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice" (Phil 1:18).
My heart tells me that Paul's declaration wasn't directed to the readers as much as to those forces of darkness that had stolen his freedom, his comforts-everything, but his heart for God. It was as though he were telling them, "Look, you took much, but you are not going to get my joy!"
If the enemy can take your joy, he'll also take your strength. Soon, you'll find yourself struggling with sin, not because you were evil, but because when you lost your joy, you lost your ability to resist the enemy. "For the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh 8:10).
Paul couldn't have known his letter would become part of the Bible. He's just writing to fellow Christians. But when you trust God, focus on God, and magnify the greatness of God, then even your time in jail can be sanctified and used to glorify the Almighty.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" Why should we rejoice? For "the Lord is near." (Phil 4:4-5) Rejoicing in the Lord!!! Awesome post Gina!!

 

[~InHisHands~]

~Hugs SavedSis~ Good to see you around again.


It's very hard to rejoice when we suffer because it's hard to remember that if we are suffering we are growing and if we are growing we are one step closer to heaven with each trial.

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

It's very hard to rejoice when we suffer because it's hard to remember that if we are suffering we are growing and if we are growing we are one step closer to heaven with each trial.

Even against understanding who we are in Christ, this sums it up for me right now.

I'm just spending the last half an hour weeping and demotivated. I'm reading what you've all written, even what I wrote the other day. But in the midst of it I just feel it all slipping away this morning.....

 

[LivingLifeHisWay]

~Hugs Lotuspetal~ I know it's so hard to stay focused when we are going through something terrible and it;s easy to be on the outside looking in. But I will say that God uses trials to make us more like Jesus. He's a changer and He's changing us with every trial we face. 'll be praying for you.

Christina

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

Thanks Christina

 

[ImHisServant]

Wednesday 11/15/06
Singing in the Storm

​

“My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. . . . But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more” (Psalm 71:8, 14).

Using sharp tongues as weapons, enemies cut God’s man deeply when they sneered, “God has forsaken him. Take him! No one will rescue him.” As the storm raged, God’s man sang, “In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge. . . . Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go” (vv. 1, 3). Then as he added praise and hope, his confidence in God grew. That was his secret life with God. But the storm was public. He had to face his friends and foes every day. What would they see? Worry? Self-pity? No, he would speak of God’s mighty acts! And in this declaration he shared a profound secret with us. When the wind and waves are their worst, that is the very time to affirm God’s love and goodness. Our psalmist expressed this not only in his heart but also before others. In so doing, he displayed God’s strength to all who knew him. Trust in God did not spare him the storm, but God did enable him to sing in it. And this singing demonstrated to his generation and to ours too God’s strength at work in a weak human life.

I can tell you first hand that singing praise and lifting up holy hands in praise and worship during a storm or trial works!! Something supernatural happens and a peace comes over me in the midst of it all.

Have you ever tested this out during a trial? Are you struggling now to do it. I know the last thing your flesh feels like doing is singing praise and dare I say even to dance?? But give it a try and see what happens... then report back.

This too shall pass - fully rely on God, seek His shelter - He is your refuge and hiding place.

 

[JoyouslyHopeful]

Wednesday 11/15/06​

Singing in the Storm​

“My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. . . . But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more” (Psalm 71:8, 14).

Using sharp tongues as weapons, enemies cut God’s man deeply when they sneered, “God has forsaken him. Take him! No one will rescue him.” As the storm raged, God’s man sang, “In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge. . . . Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go” (vv. 1, 3). Then as he added praise and hope, his confidence in God grew. That was his secret life with God. But the storm was public. He had to face his friends and foes every day. What would they see? Worry? Self-pity? No, he would speak of God’s mighty acts! And in this declaration he shared a profound secret with us. When the wind and waves are their worst, that is the very time to affirm God’s love and goodness. Our psalmist expressed this not only in his heart but also before others. In so doing, he displayed God’s strength to all who knew him. Trust in God did not spare him the storm, but God did enable him to sing in it. And this singing demonstrated to his generation and to ours too God’s strength at work in a weak human life.

I can tell you first hand that singing praise and lifting up holy hands in praise and worship during a storm or trial works!! Something supernatural happens and a peace comes over me in the midst of it all.

Have you ever tested this out during a trial? Are you struggling now to do it. I know the last thing your flesh feels like doing is singing praise and dare I say even to dance?? But give it a try and see what happens... then report back.

This too shall pass - fully rely on God, seek His shelter - He is your refuge and hiding place.

I too can testify this works!! No matter the trial or difficulty... no matter how mild or severe... praise your way on through to victory!!! Oh victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. He sought me and He bought me with His redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood!!