DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
I tried, really tried not to get nauseous at Angie’s story.
“I was taught that you eat anything you kill,” she said.
Angie is one of hubby’s family members whom we recently visited. They live in a double-wide trailer surrounded by vegetable gardens, horses, and gorgeous trees at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Each family member is refreshingly warm, down-to-earth, simple, transparent and genuinely kind—traits seldom seen these days.
I relished in their ways of life and in their unique stories like the one Angie related about the day she killed a crow.
“I brought it home,” she said matter-of-factly. “Prepared it, carved out a piece of the breast, breaded it, added salt and pepper and fried it.”
I gave a fake smile to hide my disbelief but had to ask, “How did it taste?”
“Awful. I spit it out.”
In these times of turmoil, we also need to spit out the distasteful and destructive lies from the enemy of our soul.
His craftiness is peppered with deceit and destruction. Caution: he works best to destroy us by first bringing in doubt, then aims to rob our security hoping we bite into these lies:
Seek first to solve your problem
Change will come if you try harder
Another person will ease your loneliness
Your provision comes from your paycheck
Angie spit out the disgusting crow’s meat and we should also do the same with those lies. On the other hand, victory comes when we delight our soul with the delicious truth in God’s Word:
God’s ready to give us what we need. Are you busy seeking answers, solutions, changes or breakthroughs on your own? If so, you might be stuck in the mud of discouragement, exhausted by the seeking frenzy. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). While you choose to seek God first, expect and count on the promises that will come in ways you may not expect and in the timing that might surprise you.
Resist the lie that says you prayed incorrectly, your prayers are too brief, too long, with the wrong words. God has the prayer pattern defined in Matthew 6:9-15 and He adds, “And most of all, …when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:7). Before you ask Him? That’s deliciously wonderful! No wonder confidence increases in knowing He’s aware of your needs, desires and longings.
Another lie we need to spit out is the one that sparks these questions: Am I worthy? Do I deserve what God offers? Am I clean enough to receive? Am I too weak to pray boldly? His reassurance comes when you whisper to Him: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Through Jesus, our heart can be clean and, more open to hearing His voice, knowing His lead and savoring His promises.
Let’s Pray
Father, in these times of difficult challenges and pending requests, I vow to discard the lies from the enemy of my soul. I will instead taste the goodness You offer, the path You show me and the peace You infuse in me. In Jesus’ name.
What lies are creating a bitter taste in your heart?
Janet
Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.
BONUS article on recognizing and defeating our enemy’s lies.
You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.
I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.
Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR
Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.
Will come into his presence and gaze upon his face.
Psalm 11:3-7
Photo Credit:Pixabay
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
Who looks deep into every heart to examine thoughts and motives.
God, your wrap-around presence
It is my protection and my defense.
You bring victory to all who reach out for you.
Righteousness is revealed every time you judge.
Psalms 7:9
TPT
Photo Credit: Pixabay
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
A few weeks back, hubby and I got busy preparing our trip from Orlando to Lexington. “Honey,” he said, “I’m concerned we won’t make it to our connecting flight. We only have 30 minutes and the gates are in opposite sides of Charlotte’s airport.”
I gave him a silly grin. “No worries, God’s got this.”
We boarded the plane, but the flight was late in departing. That meant we only had 20 minutes to meet our next flight.
The minute we landed, we jumped to our feet, squeezed among the passengers, and once the path was clear, we took off. Yes, we began to run, oh no, not a light jog, but a sprint. Hubby held one suitcase in the air with one hand, pulled the other suitcase with the other and I gripped his arm as we took off. We dashed, zig zagging between people in the crowded airport.
After 15 minutes of non-stop running, our hearts were beating furiously. But no time to worry about that. We could not miss the flight!
Finally, huffing and puffing, we arrived at the gate. But the gate was empty. The plane left us.
That meant only one thing—I also had something to leave behind and that was any and all traces of stress, sadness, or worry. These three invaders would have drained my joy. That wasn’t happening!
You’ve been disappointed like that, haven’t you?
Maybe not because you missed a flight, but because after you worked and worked, no results appear. You tried and tried to overcome, but the pain was still there. You ran and ran to meet your goal, but never reached it.
Your passion has vanished. You have been tempted to give up, and stress, sadness and worry are about to join you at the dinner table. But before you let them, consider this:
Wash away doubt because victory will arrive.
Sometimes disappointment is the driver of the vehicle of discouragement. We ride in it asking question after question: where was God while I tried so hard? Do I have what it takes? Do I even want to keep trying?
This psalmist might have ridden in that same vehicle and prompted him to ask similar questions.
Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion? (Psalm 77:7-9)
The answer wasn’t so much in what he thought or how he felt. But the answer was in what he remembered:
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:11-12)
Passion comes back when we consider this:
God sent Jesus to set us free (John 3:16), gave us power not fear (2 Timothy 1:7), God fights our battles (Exodus 14:14), and Gpd promises His protection (Psalm 91:1-2).
No stress, sadness or worry can ever overtake us when we remember God is cheering us on as we run under the banner of His grace. He holds up the flag of victory every time.
Without stress, sadness or worry, we can think clearer, we can walk in confidence and call upon the Lord’s power at work.
Happy to report that for hubby and me, His power was indeed at work. After we missed our flight, we dragged our feet to the customer service counter. Though exhausted, we still smiled. To our joy, the friendly agent put us in first class on the next flight. She even added dinner vouchers to use as we waited.
Let’s Pray
Father, I praise You for the way You clear the way, removing sadness, stress or worry. No matter what goal I’m after, I vow that negative emotions will be replaced by the reassurance You have the outcome prepared. In Jesus’ name.
What fills your heart as you run to meet your goals these days?
Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.
You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.
I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.
Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR
Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.
For he has decreed over me, “You are my favored Song.
And as your Father, I have crowned you as my King Eternal.
Today, I became your Father.
Ask me to give you the nations and
I will do it.
And they shall become your legacy. Your domain will stretch to the ends of the earth.
And you will shepherd them with unlimited authority.
Crushing their rebellion as an iron rod smashes jars of clay!
Photo Credit: Pixabay
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
The Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, sometimes we don’t know how to pray or the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.
Photo Credit:Pixabay
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
How much we labor in our prayer time has nothing to do with Labor Day. Recently while a pastor taught this topic, some of us squirmed in our seats.
“When we ask God for blessings,” he said, “we often repeat mousy petitions.”
Mousy petitions? He explained the prayers we blurt out often carry doubt. We lack the reassurance that God will grant what we ask. They repeat the circumstance, not the victory we can count on. They mention the dark side, and fail to declare God’s triumphant possibilities.
And when we ask, we forget to give thanks. We forget to anticipate He will answer. We overlook the mighty way He can exercise His power.
So, what’s the best way to pray?
With boldness, with conviction, with authority, with firmness and with holy audacity.
The number of words we use don’t matter. Nor the flowery expressions. But, the complete faith, the firm authority because of Jesus is what makes the difference.
They did for John and Peter. They saw the beggar at the entrance of the temple. “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:6-8)
Why did Peter take the man by the hand? Because he was sure he could get up. Because he declared it in the name of Jesus. Because he counted in Jesus’ power at work. Because he was confident Jesus was working through him. And because he knew the man’s crippled legs were no match to Jesus’ healing power.
How about making that change?
When on your knees, lift the power of God at work, the authority you have in Jesus, the answers that align with Scripture, the promises that echo through His Word.
When you pray the power instead of the problem, you activate the confidence you need, the boldness you must express, and the answer in which you must believe.
On a personal note, I don’t dwell or labor in asking God over and over again for healing of my blindness. I declare I am healed. I will see whether here on earth or in heaven. It’s a guarantee.
In the meantime, when I focus on the power at work not the problem, my blindness isn’t a sorry circumstance, but a reminder that God’s power is still at work.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for transforming the way I bring petitions before you. I praise You for the freedom that comes when I focus on Your power, Your promises, and our divine position to give me the answer in Your perfect timing. In Jesus name.
Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.
I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.
Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR
Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.
(C) Copyright 2012-2024 Old Things R New All rights reserved. This website is an Amazon affiliate and the income from sales helps to defray the cost of running the site.
I tried, really tried not to get nauseous at Angie’s story.
In these times of turmoil, we also need to spit out the distasteful and destructive lies from the enemy of our soul.
How much we labor in our prayer time has nothing to do with Labor Day. Recently while a pastor taught this topic, some of us squirmed in our seats.
Old Things R New 