Lisa Burton Ministries

War in the Heavenlies For Your Soul, Mind, Will & Emotions

2011-01-11T04:17:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 10:57am

Last night as I went to bed and this morning as I woke up this morning some was laying heavy on my heart. I can feel an uneasiness in my chest where the warring in the heavenlies are going on.

I have shared this with those particular individuals, but this is something not only a few experience but many.

You may be seeing tornadoes & cyclones going on in your life. You may be feeling like the battle going on in your mind and that you are losing. It is a battle going on over our souls, our minds, our wills, our emotions and it isn’t just within us but over us. Sometimes we just don’t realize how intense it is, but the Lord of hosts, the Commander in Chief does. He and His heavenly hosts (His warring angels) are doing battle in the heavenlies to release us from captivitity and remove the enemy’s strongholds, principalities and lies from over our heads. We can call on the Lord of Hosts and trust Him to do the battle for us against our real enemy. According to His Word, WE WIN.

You see the enemy uses our present struggles and battles to blind us of this warring in the heavenlies, for when we realize what is taking and place and take a stand against the enemy he loses, WE WIN. You may say, the devil ain’t getting my soul, well he is not only after our souls, but our minds, our free wills and our emotions. If he can control only one, he knows he has a major stronghold in the situation. The troubles we go thur in life explode to detour our attention so to give the enemy an open door to enter, allowing bitterness, anger and things like that to come in.

NEW BEGINNING FWC

2011-01-11T04:10:00.000-08:00

Psalms 30:2

2011-01-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

Healing comes from God. We can treat symptoms, but only God brings healing.

Refuse to Die in Another's Storm

2010-12-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

· There are storms that have come in my life several times but I didn’t cause them.

· There are hardships that have come into my life but I didn’t cause them.

If I wanted to find a perfect scripture for this message I could go to the book of Jonah where the sailors threw Jonah over board so they wouldn’t die in his storm.

I could go to the book of Joshua where Achan caused men to die and Joshua had him stoned to death to save Israel.

Or I could go to the book of Samuel where the sins of Saul and the sins of the sons of Eli caused the death of thousands.

There are numerous places to go and see the repeat of deadly storms.

Not storms caused by weather but by men.

· The weather had nothing to do with Jonahs storm it was sin.

· The weather has nothing to do with Saul’s defeat and Eli’s sons death it WAS SIN.

· The weather had nothing to do with the storm in the days of Joshua when Achan caused the death of hundreds of people it was sin. Joshua chapter 7

Text:

1 Chron 21:1-17……. And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

2 And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.

3 And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?

4 Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.

5 And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.

6 But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.

7 And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel.

8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

9 And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,

10 Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

11 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee

12 Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies over taketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

13 And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.

[What he was saying I don’t know what to do let God make the choice.]

14 So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.

15 And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

[Repentance is the answer] Sometimes the storm destroys before people will repent]

17 And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

We need to make up our minds that we are not going to die in some one else storm.

· Jonah was thrown overboard and the sailors were saved.

· Achan was stoned to death and his family but Israel was delivered.

· Hophni and Phinehas and Saul died and David was made King.

· Uriah the Hittite died for David’s lust. II Samuel 3.

· Seventy thousand died for David’s sin but David humbled himself and took the blame for his sins and his repentance brought God back to Israel.

1 Chron 21:26-28….. And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.

27 And the LORD commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.

28 At that time when David saw that the LORD had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.

· Jonah admitted to the sailors that he was the reason for the storm.

· Achan was willing to let his whole family die for his sins and they did.

· Saul lead Israel to its death and even his own son Jonathan.

· David repented of his sins and God was pleased and restored Israel.

No one needs to wait until they are thrown out or overboard, If Jonah had just obeyed God none of this would have happened.

If Saul would have obeyed God and slain all of the Amalekites and took none of the spoils Israel would not have lost the battle and men would not have died.

Hophni and Phinehas if they hadn’t sinned in the presence of God Eli would not have died his wife wouldn’t have died..

If David hadn’t lusted for Bathsheba Uriah wouldn’t have died.

If David had obeyed God seventy thousand people wouldn’t have died.

People most of the time blame God for the things that happen to them and there are others who are willing to admit I caused all this.

· Jonah admitted his sin David admitted his sin and people were spared but the storm they caused was devastating to others.

· Some could care less who dies as long as they have their way!

I’m the first to admit it’s not always easy to obey God but it is always necessary.

Innocent men and women have given up their freedom to protect a friend or a family member…. but a real friend that really loves you will not let you lose your freedom and make your family suffer to protect them when they are in the wrong.

I WILL NOT DIE IN YOUR STORM!!!!

There is storm in our midst there are people losing their lives because of it.

Some of the storms are caused by them and some of the storms are caused by others who refuse to say God I am the guilty one.

I believe it is time for a prayer of Repentance to go forth and call on the mercies of God to still this storm.

There are storms to try our faith the disciples were in such a storm in Luke 8:23-25.

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

If God doesn’t calm the storm there is destruction everywhere….Lives are lost…homes broken apart and then there is the long process of rebuilding

We have faced such storms in the past where people spiritually died.

· Their home destroyed lives torn apart.

· Children gone astray the devastation has drove many people to their graves lost without God.

Some people are strong they endure the storms of life and continue to trust the Lord until he speaks and the storm is calm.

Some storms are good it shows our dependency on God and they build our faith.

But no one likes storms…. they are sometimes very scary and we fear the worst but we have to refuse to die in storms because of the sin of others.

I will not die in your Storm!!

Churches have closed because of the sins of others,

Saints who refuse to hear the Word of the Lord has caused many a church door to close.

People who refuse to support the work of God but will eat drink and be merry while the church suffers.

Revival can happen anywhere if we obey this one scripture:

2 Chron 7:15-18

15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

16 For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

17 And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statues and my judgments;

18 Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel.

But here is what is happening that hinders the work of God and sinners are dying by the thousands because People love darkness more than light.

2 Chron 7:19-8:1

19 But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

20 Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.

21 And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?

22 And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

I WILL NOT DIE IN YOUR SINS!!

God has given us victory…. I refuse to die because others have denied the faith and turned back to their weak and beggarly elements.

· I have heard every excuse they can give why they shouldn’t live Holy.

· What is holy to God is still Holy…. you can’t explain it away.

· What God says is sin is still sin…you can’t explain it away.

· If God’s word says thou shall not that is exactly what He means.

I will not Die in your storm!

"Why ME, Lord?"

2010-11-13T22:30:00.000-08:00

We hate to admit it but we all go thu stretches of life that is pretty gray. Our minds often think or ask, what does God think of all the suffering and pain in the world.

I can't say I have always endured suffering without complaining, for I'd be lying.

Nowhere in the Bible will you find the answer to “Why me?”

We read the story of Job in the bible of all his suffering. We expected at the end God would finally explain the purpose of his suffering once and for all. But he doesn’t.

Have you given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place? Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom? Job 38:4,12 39:26

God answers Job’s question “Why, Me Lord?” God says, “I’m God , and you’re not.”

The Bible never does seem to answer the question, “Why must I suffer?”

There is seldom an answer on this side of eternity as to why we suffer other than what God told Job. “I’m God and you’re not. It’s not what we want to hear but it is all we are gonna get. Instead, God wants us to ask a different question: How should we respond to the pain and suffering?

It is easy to see God’s response to pain and suffering. He sent his Son to Earth to suffer and die. Then He invites us to trust his Son with our pain and suffering; to trust the one who found life on the other side of death; to trust Him to serve as our companion and guide on the same frightening journeys in life we travel.

So, the question changes from “Why Me?” to “Will I trust the one who journeys with me?” And that’s not a question for God to answer. That’s a question we must answer. How we answer this question is one of the most important decisions we will ever make.

God Restores

2010-10-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

Think what would happen if we all caught the vision for the world Jesus desires and is creating. Rev. 21:5 says, "Behold, I make ALL THINGS NEW". Our God is a God of restoration. So whatever the enemy has destoyed, killed or stolen from you, God is more than able to restore. God is in the restoring business of restoring & remolding broken vessels. Sometimes if we don't yieild to His Word, He will allow us to be broken down in order for him to to do the work He desires, it is part of the process of Him making us what He wants us to be.

You Are My God My Healer - Don Moen & Benny Hinn

2010-10-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

Transformation

2010-10-20T04:55:00.000-07:00

Transformation: Transform your struggle, pain, and loss into a purposeful mission. God's way is to take those things you have suffered and use them for His glory. Out of pain and difficulty come compassion for others and a willingness to reach out because of His grace and mercy shown shown to you.

2Cor. 1:3-4
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."

We are Responsible

2010-10-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

For we are responsible for our own conduct Gal 6:5 nlt, When we are hurt it is easy to blame others or feel like the victim. But we must believe that God will bring purpose and meaning out of the pain we suffer and then we must keep going.

Psalms 30:2

2010-10-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

Healing comes from God. We can treat symptoms, but only God brings healing.

Restoration of The Harvest Ladies Retreat

2010-10-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

Ladies,
Our Father wants us to Encounter Him, He so desires to touch us with His healing hands and surround us with His most Awesome loving presence. He wants to restore our peace, love & joy. He can Restore all that the cankerworm has eaten. If this speaks to your heart, I pray that I see you there, for God has something special for you.

Women of Worth: A ministry dedicated to serving and encouraging women. It's my desire to reach today's women with the all sufficient message of the life changing Word of God. I am seeking to reach women inside and outside the churches. My desire is to encourage you to persevere and to arrange a meeting place for women to come for a spiritual refreshment and restoration. I believe there is strength and a power in our community as we come gather and rest in the company of friends. Women of Worth is a non-denomination ministry of support and encouragement for women.

Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 5th
Cost: $35.00 per person

Pre-Registration is necessary for efficient planning of the Retreat.

Limited rooms are reserved and will be assigned as paid reservations are received.

You are welcome to team up with friends or some of your church ladies and come as a group.

Friday, Nov. 19th, check-in will be after 2:30, I understand some may have to work & that is fine.
Saturday, Nov. 20th, Check out 1:00

Eat lunch before arriving.
Food & snacks will be available Friday evening & Sat. morning.
You are welcome to bring a treat with you, but it is not expected.

I pray that you seriously pray about attending this retreat. I am so excited about what the Lord is going to do in your Life. You are a very special daughter in the Kingdom God.
Come expecting an Encounter with your Heavenly Father.

Blessings to all.
Lisa

Women of Worth Restoration of The Harvest Retreat

2010-09-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

RESTORATION OF THE HARVEST RETREAT
COMING SOON TO RUSSELL COUNTY

BROKENNESS

2010-09-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

Do you want to be restored, healed, free from your brokenness?

Brokenness is all around us. Depression, shattered dreams, divorce, death, addiction, abuse... it's not only a part of our world, it's a part of us. Whether you feel that your story is dramatic or no different than what everyone experiences, all of our pasts contain difficulties that have left permanent scars, and the baggage we carry many times holds us back from living the life we want.

No matter what your story, God is there to help us let go of our baggage and find freedom in His love.

GOD IS LIGHT

2010-09-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

God desires for us to live abundant lives, filled with light and love. He wants us to experience the cleansing power of forgiveness; to be able to see where we are going so that we can move forward with purpose and confidence. And He wants us to not only walk in the light, but to be filled with light.

RECONCILIATION

2010-09-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

Restoring Broken Relationships

Oh, the pain of a relationship ripped apart, hurting hears, needless loss. Rocky relationships can relegate us to a ditch riddled with disagreements and disputes. Whether between spouses, parents/children, friends or maybe a neighbor...it could be anyone. Reconciliation leads to the Road of Transformation, where peace and harmony are restored.

Reconciliation: is the act of settling or restoring differences. While a relationship will not always be salvaged, the spirit of reconciliation will always reflect the heart of God. That's why Romans 12:18 says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
When should we initiate Reconciliation?
Most people don't know the when. But the Bible states two specific times, much like the two sides of a coin."

-When you have wronged another

If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

- When you have been wronged

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." Matthew 18:15-16

What paves the Road for Reconciliation

When you've been hurt, you first need to bury the hatchet in your dispute filled ditch before you can climb out. Early in America's history the tomahawk, or war hatchet, was used as a war club and hunting weapon. But when peace was forged with an enemy, a ceremonial tomahawk was buried in the ground. From this old Indian custom comes the expression "burying the hatchet" a phrase that speaks of a sincere commitment to forgive and be reconciled. Unfortunately, many people who bury the hatchet still leave the handle exposed!

1Peter 3:9 says, "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

Wondering how you bury the hatchet?

Prepare your heart for seeking reconciliation. Be willing to...

-view the conflict as an opportunity for growth

-learn what God wants you to learn

-discover that you are partly at fault

-expose your weaknesses

-be open with your feelings

-risk the relationship

-pray for God's will to be done

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

Know that refusal to seek reconciliation affects the intimacy of your relationship with God. Humble your heart and pray,

-Lord, I don't want to be prideful and unbending

-Lord, I want your favor on my life not your disfavor

-Lord, I want to reflect Your character and be open to reconciliation

Seek forgiveness and apologize for words that have hurt the other person.

-I have tried to see our relationship from your point of view

-I realize I've been wrong in my attitude of ___

-I am sorry.

-Will you forgive me?

If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this...to free yourself, since you have fallen into you neighbor's hands; Go and humble yourself; press your plea with our neighbor! Proverbs 6:2-3

Recognize the ground rules of communication

-Offer unconditional acceptance

-Use words that build self worth

-Aim for mutual understanding

-Give more than you take

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" Ephesians 4:2

Be Kind and Gentle, trusting God to work in the heart of the other person.

-don't harbor resentment

-don't make excuses for yourself

-don't get drawn into arguments

-don't fail to pray

-don't have expectations of immediate acceptance

The Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:24-25

Reflect the character of Christ in all you do. In order to prepare your heart to reflect the character of Christ, pray,

-Lord, I die to my personal rights

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

-Lord, I die to defending myself

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped" Psalms 28:7

-Lord, I die to relying on my own abilities

"He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe" Prov. 28:26

When you have been wounded in a relationship, the gauge of godly growth is having a heart of reconciliation not merely going through conflict, but truly growing through conflict.

May the spirit of reconciliation be upon your marital relationships this Valentine's Day.

Victory over Verbal & Emotional Abuse

2010-09-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

ONLY A FEW WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT...

In JESUS, we can have victory of this type of abuse. Many abusers have no idea they are abusive. Many have no idea what verbal & emotional abuse is. We pray under our breath, "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing".

Question: Am I the victim or am I the abuser? For either one, there is help through the Word of God.

Abuse can be perpetrated without a word, with degrading looks, obscene gestures, or threatening behaviors. Such abuse can make you feel worthless until you look to the truth in Jesus' words...

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of you head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12:6-7

GRIEVOUS / GRACIOUS WORDS ?

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" EPH 4:29

GRIEVOUS words attack a person identity: You are wrong; You are bad; Yelling "Shut up!"; Name Calling "You stupid idiot!" "You crazy fool!"

GRACIOUS words heal when addressing a person's action: You did something wrong; You did something bad; Discussing issues "Please listen to me."; Casting a Vision "You are good at ___." "You have positive qualities."

Abuse can be subtle or blatant, quiet or loud, smooth or abrasive. Whether verbal or nonverbal in delivery, abuse always deeply impacts an individuals personal and social life.

As a victim of abuse you may experience a loss of:

self worth, increased self doubt, self confidence, increased self consciousness, self perception, increased self criticism, happiness, freedom, inner peace, self assurance, security, increased anxiety, trust, increased desire to escape, increased distrust, increased guilt or shame, friendship, faith, increased fear, self respect, increased self destruction, pride, hope, increased self hatred, increased despair...the list goes on and on......

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit" Prov. 15:4

Strengthen Your Relationship with the Lord

Look first to the Lord for discernment. Ask Him for wisdom, insight and direction in all your relationships. Read scripture and take God at His word, renewing your mind so you won't continue living as a victim. Get involved in a Bible study. Memorize scriptures that emphasize your worth and authority as one who is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Live dependant on Christ, who lives within you. Don't live out of your own resources. Throughout the day, acknowledge you total dependence on the Lord.

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world cased by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4

The course of an abusive relationship can change:

Curtail the abuse by planning to prevent being controlled. You cannot change someone else, but you can change yourself so abusive tactics previously used are no longer effective.

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life."

Vision for MEND - Women of Worth Restoration of The Harvest

2010-09-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

My vision for the ministry of MEND is to give Biblical Hope with Practical Help through the Word of God. 1 Kings 22:5 "First seek the counsel of the Lord". Our opinions are not always right. When our thinking doesn't line up with the Word of God , then we need to change our thinking! Isaiah 40:8 says, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. We are called by God not only to "carry each other's burdens," but also to encourage one another and build each other up" (Galatians 6:2 & 1 Thess 5:11).

Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow,it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the hearts.

We all have been created with three God given inner needs: love, significance and security.

LOVE: to know that someone is unconditionally committed to our best interest (John 15:12)

SIGNIFICANCE: to know that our lives have meaning and purpose (Psalms 57:2)

SECURITY: to fell accepted and have a sense of belonging (Proverbs 14:26)

Why did God give us these deep inner needs, knowing that :people fail"? While every person has been created with these three inner needs, no person is able to meet our three needs. Realize that if one person could meet all our needs, we wouldn't need God!

The Lord planned that He would be our Need-meeter. All along the Lord planned to meet our deepest needs for:
Love: He says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love" Jer. 31:3
Significance: He says, "I know the plans I have for o...plans to five you hope and a future" Jer. 29:11
Security: He says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" Heb. 13:5

Sometimes the Lord will meet certain needs by Himself, and other times He will use other people as an extension of His care and compassion.

So for those who are struggling...You can be pulled out of any ditch, any negative pattern keeping you from being all God created you to be. How? Rom. 12:2 says, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. "Therefore, with a renewed mind, you can be set free.

As women, we all face and struggle with many different and difficult dilemmas in life. No matter what the problem may be, God doesn't leave us without hope or help.

Once you're out of your own ditch and walking the road (MENDED), look around. By sharing your journey with those who are struggling or stuck, you can be a stronger person called by Christ to speak His words of wisdom & encouragement into their lives to help them MEND.

Marriage Vows

2010-09-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

WE ARE TO KEEP OUR MARRIAGE VOWS

Malachi 2:13-14 The men of Malachi's time were wondering why their prayers were not being answered. They were weeping on the altar and complaining to God. God revealed to Malachi that the prayers were unanswered because men were breaking covenants with their wives and divorcing them. This was serious business to God, and He was very displeased with it.

There is a fundamental stronghold that must be confronted regarding the subject of marriage even in the Christian church. Even in the body of Christ powers of darkness have managed to create a false concept of what marriage is all about. The devil has succeeded in poisioning theminds of believers. Malachi tells us that the reason a marriage is such a high priority with God is that the marriage relationship is a convenant relationship; and in marriage, God make two people one.

Marriage is a model of God's relationship with the church through Jesus Christ. Can you imagine Jesus Christ tell the church, "I'm tired of you, and I want someone else" or "I was looking for one when I found you"?

WE must come to understand that the God of the universe is a God of LOVE. God loves you, and He loves mankind. For love to be genuine, it must be able to stand the test of a covenant realationship. The oneness of a husband and wife is supernaturally connected to the oneness of Jesus and the church. If this oneness is violated, it is a deep violation of the laws of love.

Covenant: means an agreement; ususally formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified. In the Bible. the conditional promises made to humanity by God, as revealed in scripture.

So, how do you feel when someone makes you a promise, gives you their word before witnesses and they fail to follow through with their commitment? I wonder how Christ feels when we let Him down on the promises, vows and commitments we have made and failed. I am so thankful that He is a Gracious, Merciful and Forgiving FATHER.

EPHESIANS 5:21-23

Marriage should be a wondrous and fulfilling experience, that despite some trials and difficulties, is deeply rewarding. The Bible teaches that it is possible to have a fulfilling and lasting marriage. Using the example of Christ and the church, the wife is to submit to her husband as the church submits to Christ. The husband is to love his wife by serving her and laying down his life for her as Christ loved and served the Church. In this model there really is no such thing as one person better than the other or someone "lording it over" the other. What Christ is asking for in the marriage relationship from both the husband and the wife is that both parties die to self and love each other with God's love.

Will you be apart or a pair

2010-09-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

The papers are on the table. All that's needed are two signatures. Will two lives once joined "till death do us apart" now be permanently split apart?

The BIBLE offers insight and answers, healing and hope.

Rejection and neglect can easily drive a couple into a ditch of divorce. But the light of God's Word can guide them back onto level ground.

So Many have failed to understand God's Heart on Divorce...

God hates divorce because it was not His original intention. Malachi 2:16

God doesn't consider divorce as dissolving the one-flesh bond in marriage (with 2 exceptions).

Most theologians today believe the Bible allows divorce in 2 situations:

Sexual infidelity:

"Anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness and marries another woman commits adultery Matthew 19:9. Unfaithfulness=Sexual immorality, any illicit sexual intercourse which automatically breaks the marital covenant.

Physical Abandonment:

I Cor, 7:15 "If the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances"

God doesn't bless those who break their marriage covenant, regardless of their financial offerings (Malachi 2:13-14).

God also doesn't permit divorce just because a mate is unsaved: "The believing husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband...How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife"? (I Cor 7:14, 16)

God's heart is for reconciliation, if possible even after divorce. "A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife". (1 Cor 7:10-11).

God guards and protects the faithful spouse in a divorce. (Prov. 2:8)

God will accomplish His ultimate purpose for you. (Rom 8:28)

God promises to meet all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

God requires self-examination (Matthew 7:1-5)

God's heart is to bring "new life" out of the devastation of divorce (Jer 29:11)

Beginning again may mean rebuilding a marriage through the strength of Christ, or it may mean rebuilding hope in a life broken by sorrow. In either situation, God has wonderful new beginning for those whose hearts are given to Him. He promises to guide you on the path to recovery, and will travel with you on the Road to Transformation.

Your New Life in Christ

Your new identity is in the Lord, not in a position or in another person (Gal. 2:20)

You are complete in Christ, not an incomplete single if you don't remarry (Colossians 2:9-10)

Your purpose in life, regardless of marital status, is to glorify God. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

You have have the resources to forgive your ex-spouse and others who have hurt you (Colossians 3:13)

You have the strength to overcome temptations when you are living in the power of Christ (1 Cor 10:13)

RESTORATION

2010-09-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

RESTORATION:reclaiming your inheritance; reclamation of what the enemy has taken or destroyed; the returning of your destined condition in Jesus

A New Season is Almost Upon Us

2010-09-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

WOW... A New Season Autumn; Fall; or new time of year is approaching quickly. Things have a way of slipping upon us before we realize it sometimes. We can get overwhelmed in no time. Weighted and burdened down. Believe it or not but there is a miracle of addition through subtraction. Less can be so much more, especially when you eliminate unnecessary burdens from your life. Surrender, , accept, confess, forgive, transform and persevere. Matt. 11:28-30...Come unto me...my yoke is easy, my burden is light.

Previous Postings are posted as Women of Worth - Mend Ministry

2010-09-05T07:18:00.000-07:00