The Carnal Nature

While doing my devotions last night I got to thinking about “the carnal nature” and how it can be spotted in ourselves and the result was a rebuke from the Lord!

Carnal is from sarx; pertaining to flesh, i.e. (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate — carnal, fleshly.  This is as opposed to the soul or the spirit which would also be known as “human nature”.

The carnal nature seeks to defend the fortress of self-will.  The motive is personal gain (as well as avoidance of personal loss) and causes injustice and wickedness among God’s people.

How do we guard against carnality in our own lives?  We must keep our spirits tender before God and pray that our heart and ears are open and obedient to God’s voice.

Am I impudent?  Am I hard-hearted?  Unfortunately, I have been.  Thankfully, it is in Christ that we are given strength against the enemies around us.  I am not to be afraid nor dismayed because of Who’s on my side!

I am to STOP being rebellious and stubborn.

I am to walk in FAITH and VICTORY!

I am to SPEAK God’s Word with my children.

I am to let the message become my LIFE.

I am to eat the Word of God and ALLOW IT TO NOURISH my soul, mind, and body with its nutrients.

I am to GET INTO THE WORD and let it GET INTO ME!!!

God is so good.  Only He could tell me I’ve been selfish, rebellious and stubborn as gracefully as He just did.    Thank You, Lord!

Selah

You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.  Selah Psalm 85:2

When God forgives sin, he covers it; and when he covers sin, he covers it all.

celah (seh’-law) – From calah; suspension (of music), i.e. Pause — Selah.

calah (saw-law’) – A primitive root; to hang up, i.e. Weigh, or (figuratively) contemn — tread down (under foot), value.

In other words… pause for a moment and reflect on that.

When God forgives sin, He covers it.

God FORGIVES/COVERS our sins.

He burns, conceals, lifts, hides, and He suffers our sins.

When he covers our sins, He covers it all.

When we miss the mark, He conceals our failures.

Therefore, when we surrender our lives to Christ, and are forgiven, our sins are hidden, concealed… burned.  He suffered our sins on the cross and bore them to lift them off of us.

Selah.

Ponder that… pause and reflect on that.  Weigh such wonder in your mind…

The glory of God and His awesome mercy has been revealed once again.  Lord, thank you!!

What is “Love”

Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being “in love” which any of us can convince ourselves we are.  Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. - Dr. Iannis from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

This explanation of love says it pretty well.  The Word says it even better.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

So we see that love is a choice.  It is not an overwhelming spout of emotion and infatuation.  Although there are times these accompany love, love is a decision to push on past the hard times, the trying times; love is being patient when we have every “right” to walk away.  Love is the decision to wear a smile and speak softly and kindly in all moments, even when the recipient doesn’t deserve it, even when we have every reason to put a scowl in our eyebrow and a growl in our voice.  Love is the decision to be content in the circumstance, to never compare our loved one(s) to another but to love them for who they are purposed to be – just as God does us.  It is the decision to humble ourselves lower than another, and helping to fulfill all their needs and desires.  Love is never thinking we are better than another; never rude and insensitive; never selfish and self-centereed; never determined by the negative actions of those around us.  It is truth, goodness, righteousness and hope.  It is the one thing that will last the raging storms… if we so choose it!

Love is a choice.  Love is a decision to be proactive and not reactive.  It is thinking first of others and of ourselves last.  God will take care of the rest… because God loves us in this exact manner.

I Will Not Tolerate It!

Jezebel:

Another woman’s husband is HER husband for a reason. SHE is to LOVE, HONOR and, CHERISH him. What you think of him really holds NO value whatsoever. Stop trying to cause dissensions within the family!

Fellow married ladies:

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. Titus 3:9-11

Do not tolerate that woman Jezebel; she is poison to God’s children! Do not be deceived by the lies of men in the end times. They creep in and capture foolish women burdened in the midst of their failures; their sins. They entice through the lusts of the flesh. Be on your guard; do not allow them in your hearts, minds, homes, or look on with your eyes or else you will be one of their victims!

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7

Ladies, love your husband; and if you don’t know how, learn to love them. This is pleasing to the Lord!

Lord, I pray for every woman who has a Jezebel in her life; a deceitful, manipulative, selfish woman who cares to achieve the lusts of the flesh and act as the serpent did in the garden. Her heart seeks only power, rank, and selfish ambitions. This is not to your glory! May you cover these women and send strength to those who are vulnerable. May we refuse any form of her godlessness in our homes. In Jesus name. Amen.

The Courage to Heal

As a former wrestler at the hands of spiritual and emotional depression, I know how important encouragement and hope are to those who are in the struggle. Others who continue in their battle with this very real enemy, hold a special place in my heart. I pray for those in such a dreary mindset – it’s not easy to be in it, nor easy to conquer.

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25

When we are anxious or tormented by inner thoughts of excessive fear and concern, we can feel overwhelmed and depressed. Depression literally comes from pressing down all the anxiety and troublesome thoughts into our spirit.

Although it is a common struggle in lives today, thankfully, God provides ways out of depression. Bondages can be broken and fears can be driven away through the anointed words of the Bible, revelation through the Holy Spirit, and divine intervention through His servants. Pray, and ask God to reveal Himself to You and refuse o believe anything but the fact that He has heard Your cry.

But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him. And Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well. 1 Samuel 16:14-16

Depression is widespread and varies in intensity from the “Monday morning blues” to suicidal despair. People become depressed for a variety of reasons. Saul’s life reveals the cause of a particular kind of depression: the Spirit of the Lord left Saul when David was anointed by Samuel (v. 13). In addition, “a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him” (v. 14).

There is a spiritual and psychological principle at work here. The distressing spirit from the Lord illustrates that in the absence of the Spirit of God, men are vulnerable to evil spirits. God alone governs the physical and spiritual realm. However, unless we submit to Him and His rule in our lives, we are no longer protected from evil and its destructive effects. It is in this sense that God is said to have sent the spirit.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.” Luke 22:31

Although the world most often views Satan as the equal opposite of God, he had to ask to tempt Simon. Therefore if the cause of the struggle is in the hands of our loving God, Who knows what we can bear, than we can trust that the length and weight of the struggle is bearable. The trials are allowed and supervised by the One who knows every detail about His creation, He knows our thoughts (Psalm 49:11) and He knows our hearts (Luke 16:15).

We are also told in the Word that God uses such struggles in our lives to be glorified. We are urged to be glad that we suffer as it is an opportunity to grow more in the likeness of Christ (Romans 5:1-5).

Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. Acts 3:7

Not only did God heal the man from this passage as Peter proclaimed it in the name of Jesus, but did so with immediate results. This type of healing is not just for Bible stories of old, but can be experienced today as well and with the same type of results.

Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Do not be afraid, just believe.” Mark 5:36

God can raise the dead in the physical sense, emotional sense, and the spiritual sense. We must take heart and believe. Sometimes we must convince ourselves that we truly believe, because the greatest threat to experiencing this miraculous healing from Christ is the enemy within ourselves. We feel doubt, we give in, and we except it as part of who we are. It is not part of who we are.

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boys father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me to overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24

God can make healing possible even for the man who doubts. We can ask God to help us with our doubt and we can take captive our thoughts to the truth of God’s Word.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

When we do experience a healing or deliverance we are to never let our guard down. Satan will attempt to deceive us into believing that God didn’t actually do what He said He’d do. He’ll bring it back when a certain circumstance could cause a reaction. Be alert and disciplined in your actions. Call on the name of Jesus and rebuke the attempts of the enemy in His Name. As children of God, we are given authority in Jesus’ name over our enemies and that includes our own flesh.

My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes… The Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy, the Lord accepts my prayer. Psalms 6:7-9

You defend them. Psalm 5:11-12

The eyes dimmed are symbolic for a failing strength, grief, longings unsatisfied, or hope deferred. The frequent weapon used against the psalmist is the tongue which is as deadly as the sword (Psalm 57:4; 64:3-4). With most who are tormented by depression, the words by those around us, and especially those we care about, can be seen in the cycle of overwhelming discouragement and emotion. But we can rejoice because we have a defender. Go to Him to plead your case, be real with Him and pray for Him to reveal ways to help you in your present circumstance and He will when you get in the Word. It is only in His courtroom that one can experience redress for such attacks.

If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11

Forgiveness is essential for healing as well as in the defense against the enemy. God gives us power and awareness through the Holy Spirit. It is our advantage over Satan, being prepared against his attacks. God does not leave us unarmed. We are to surround ourselves with those who inspire us, encourage us, and help us, and healing can then begin.

And don’t let Satan “outwit” you into thinking God can’t do this, or that what you’ve done or experienced is too big for Him to heal your pain, or forgive your wrongs. That is a lie.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

Victory is obtained through and by God alone. Nothing we do outside of God’s will, will change our circumstance. Pray and ask what He would have you do; listen, let go, and let God. Healing will happen in His perfect timing. Hold on, it will be worth it!

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices. You will fill me with joy in Your presence with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Psalm 16:9-11

Psalm 16:9-11 are words assurance by the psalmist; a confidence obtained only with God as refuge. The Lord will not abandon His children.

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the lord, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13

Trust God. He’s proven Himself to be true, time and time again. Trust Him.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. John 14:27

The peace that Jesus offers is real and present. We can only find this kind of peace in Him. All else is temporary and only leads to a deeper hunger.

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17

Praise must follow deliverance as surely as prayer springs from need if God is to be honored. Praises are to be given in anticipation of the expected answer to prayer. Use your words to glorify God. Speak things as if they were so ([God,] Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed. Romans 4:17b). If one is struggling in their walk with God, praise Him that He is strong; if angry, praise God that He’s giving the gift of loving others; if depressed, praise God that He’s giving joy!

It is through our hardships and trials that God is perfecting us: when our faith is tested, it develops perseverance; perseverance leads to knowledge; and subsequently growth. It is in every experience we are to strive to find pure joy because God is forming us into His likeness (James 1:2-4)! Choosing joy takes courage and is no easy task. It is the day by day standing on God’s awesome Word. It’s not easy but it is possible with Christ, Jesus.

Be blessed!

Special Note: I battled depression for seven years. After several months of hearing from God, I experienced immediate healing and deliverance by choosing to believe that He did in fact do so. I have been made aware by revelation of the Holy Spirit of Satan’s tricks to bring me back to that dark, lonely, and secluded place. It has gotten easier to choose joy, though I still have my very hard days. Believing and standing on His promise and reminding myself (and the enemy) that in Christ I am set free, removes the tempter from my presence and I have conquered his feeble attempt again. It takes courage – courage to trust God.

A Defining Moment

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
1 Peter 3:18-22

This passage prompted me to search for what I read at my baptism. Instead, I came across the encouraging scriptures that were read to me that day in November of 2002. I didn’t much understand them at the time, but reading them now, I see they were to be the scriptures I’d stand on for many years to follow. The links I’ve included are of different blogs that confirm what God had been preparing me for the moment He washed me from all my sins.

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings… Philippians 3:10

I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

Therefore, [Kayley], stand firm! Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Before becoming a Christian, all surrounding me often would praise my confidence, compassion, my intelligence, and ‘maturity’; but once I stood on a foundation of faith, many began looking at me in a different light. Where once they saw me as confident, they now believed I was arrogant (Arrogance vs. Confidence – Philippians 3:13-16); where once they saw compassion, they now believed I was intolerant; intelligent to naive; and mature to immature.

I embraced the loss, with Christ’s help, and now I see that I, in fact have been given everything in Christ Jesus (Who Am I – Philippians 3:7-10). All that He is, is worth all that is lost (Worthwhile Pursuits – Philippians 3:13-16). He is enough.

As a New Creation (Philippians 3:12-21), having been baptized and buried with Christ (Romans 6:1-14), I have been made new; taking on the godly characteristics of living. My confidence was in myself and dependence was on the love and acceptance of my friends and family. It changed into a confidence in Christ alone, leaving me reliant on the Holy Spirit and fellow believers. My compassion, once an empathy for the weak and wanting had changed to a deep desire to help all with a heart longing for their salvation and transformation. My intelligence limited by my personal experiences became knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of the truth, of sin, and of good. My maturity changed as that I no longer received advice from the ungodly; the aged, the educated, and the experienced had only a worldly wisdom that couldn’t bring me to the intimate place with Christ that I desired. It was the truth of God’s Word that transformed my heart and gave me newness of mind.

Now being a wife and mama, my calling was made much more clear to me after searching for where I’d fit in. I looked everywhere but at home but finally realized my purpose was here waiting for me all along. It was all tied together when a friend recommended the book Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacey McDonald and I, excited and encouraged, took on my blessed calling (Being a Keeper at Home – Philippians 2-8).

It was and still is hard! But God is steadfast with His helpful and guiding hand. He showed me that my Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain (1 Corinthians 15:58 ) and that any frustrations along the way are helping me grow into the woman I’ve been created to be. So I’m reminded again to stand firm and not to give in to my fleshy desires to give up the fight. Baptism is more than mere symbolism, it’s the very expression of what Christ did for us – buried for our sins and risen for eternal life – washed and made new!

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:1-11