I am a woman

"My willingness to carry life is the revenge, the antidote, the great rebuttal of every murder, every abortion, and every genocide. I sustain humanity. Deep inside of me, life grows. I am death’s opposition.

I have pushed back the hand of darkness today. I have caused there to be a weakening tremor among the ranks of those set on earth’

s destruction. Today a vibration that calls angels to attention echoed throughout time. Our laughter threatened hell today.

I dined with the greats of God’s army. I made their meals, and tied their shoes. Today, I walked with greatness, and when they were tired I carried them. I have poured myself out for the cause today.

It is finally quiet, but life stirs inside of me. Gaining strength, the pulse of life sends a constant reminder to both good and evil that I have yielded myself to Heaven and now carry its dream. No angel has ever had such a privilege, nor any man. I am humbled by the honor. I am great with destiny.

I birth the freedom fighters. In the great war, I am a leader of underground resistance. I smile at the disguise of my troops, surrounded by a host of warriors, destiny swirling, invisible yet tangible, and the anointing to alter history. Our footsteps marking land for conquest, we move undetected through the common places.

Today I was the barrier between evil and innocence. I was the gate keeper, watching over the hope of mankind, and no intruder trespassed. There is not an hour of day or night when I turn from my post. The fierceness of my love is unmatched on earth.

And because I smiled instead of frowned the world will know the power of grace. Hope has feet, and it will run to the corners of earth, because I stood up against destruction.

I am a woman. I am a mother. I am the keeper and sustainer of life here on earth. Heaven stands in honor of my mission. No one else can carry my call. I am the daughter of Eve. Eve has been redeemed. I am the opposition of death. I am a woman."

~Christianna Reed Maas

The Will of God Revealed

"Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:" Ephesians 1:9

The will of God has been revealed to us, through Scripture and through the blood of Christ. All of these "self-help" books on knowing the will of God are a waste of money, because there is only ONE book necessary in order to know the will of God, and that is God's Word. God's Word is very much alive, just as living water, and can still very much speak to anyone that comes to it's pages seeking, searching.

I fear that too many of us, including those of us in Christian circles, have lost sight of this one simple fact: that the Bible is not just a book, it's the holy and active breath of God. When we spend time in the Word, we are meeting with our holy and active God, and He is speaking to us through His Word. Prayer and the reading of Scripture are the two ways in which we talk to God on this earth, but the Word of God in Scripture trumps all, because prayer revelation will never lead someone apart from God's Word. Our God is not one of contradiction, that is plainly seen. Therefore, He will never lead someone in contradiction to His nature and His Word.

His Word has told us that He has already revealed the mystery of His will unto us. 

What is that will?

It is very simple, and consists of three things:

#1 - Salvation

^"That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:"

Our magnificent and holy God, in His unfathomable foreknowledge (1 Peter 1:2), saw us in Christ before the foundations of the world, and in such predestined us to an inheritance in Christ before we were even a "twinkle in our father's eye." God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) Not only that, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

Thus, the first and foremost part of the will of God is that we find salvation in Christ, that we may be gathered unto Him and obtain our inheritance in Him.

"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
 
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Ephesians 2:11-22

#2 - Sanctification

^"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
 
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
 
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." Ephesians 3:2-7, 4:1-7

^{The second part of God's Will for us is our own Christian growth and sanctification. Specifically humility, patience, love, and peace among believers. It has been said that our life on earth serves to prepare us for eternity, and sanctification is the process by which we grow in wisdom, compassion, and understanding in the Lord, that we may serve Him and testify for Him, that souls might be saved (remember, the first part of the will of God is salvation!).} 

^{"Rejoice evermore.}
 
Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not prophesyings.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

#3 - Glory to God

 "That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ." Ephesians 1:12

The culmination of  the will of God is that glory would be brought to Him. ALL things in this world exist for one reason, and that is to bring glory to God in the highest.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts." Psalm 96:8

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Psalm 19:1

In all things, God would have us bring glory to Him. That is God's will for His redeemed, and for all of creation. That is our purpose for living, our purpose for breathing, to bring glory to God. In order to do so, we must first receive the salvation of the Lord by the shed blood of Christ, the final blood atonement for sin, and we must walk and grow in His Word that we may be able to serve Him on earth.

This, this is the will of God, in all things. No mystic feelings/dreams/divination, just the simple and pure will of God.

In small matters even, this is applicable.

• Are you saved? This is ALWAYS first and foremost!
• Does this grow you in Christ, or does it sanctify you to Him, and does it enable you to give thanks unto the Lord?
• Finally, does this bring glory to God? Or does it, rather, work to bring glory to myself and honor to my own wishes? Do we want it for God's sake, or for our own?

 Do you know what I have come to realize? God WANTS to give good things to His children! He WANTS to bless us! However, like any good father, sometimes He just has to help us get where we need to be before He will give us what we ask for.

The will of God is plain. We must only seek first to live that will, then the rest will fall into place.

God is faithful! That is a promise.

“It is the most ungodly and dangerous business to abandon the certain and revealed will of God in order to search into the hidden mysteries of God”

–Martin Luther

A Simple Woman's Daybook #4

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... It is dark, windy, and COLD thanks to Hurricane Sandy and this Canadian Cold Front.

I am thinking...  That I am excited about our upcoming revival meeting.

I am thankful... For my church home, my family, a fireplace. For the work of God in my husband's life.

In the kitchen... There are many dishes that will soon find their way into the dishwasher.

I am wearing... A favorite jean skirt, pink shirt, and hubby's flannel shirt, it is cold.

I am creating... A pink camo quilt and some denim skirts very soon.

I am going... No where today.

I am wondering... How cold it will actually get tonight.

I am reading... Contagious Joy, Hebrews

I am hoping... For a good turn out at the revival meetings, and for the Lord to move, that we may see souls saved.

I am looking forward to... The revival and the holiday season.

I am learning... That the mercy of the Lord endureth forever. Truly, it does; it isn't just words.

Around the house... All is quiet, all are sleeping.

I am praying... For the Lord's will above all. For guidance and protection. For provision. Praying for those in the path of Hurricane Sandy. For the revival.

A favorite quote for today... "Everybody s a genus, but if you judge a fish on it's ability to climb a tree, it will live the rest of it's life thinking that it is stupid."

One of my favorite things... Chilly autumn nights snuggled up with my husband in front of the fireplace.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Staying warm and collecting more firewood. School as usual. Learning to crochet.

A peek into my life...

A Simple Woman's Daybook #3

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... The dark of midnight

I am thinking...  Of many things, as always, but specifically, on how I still have so much to learn.

I am thankful... For work.

In the kitchen... It is dark and silent.

I am wearing... An old jean skirt and a shirt

I am creating... A pink camo quilt and some denim skirts very soon.

I am going... To church in the morning!

I am wondering... How the election will turn out.

I am reading... Contagious Joy, Hebrews

I am hoping... For new shoes. Mine are falling apart.

I am looking forward to... Thanksgiving

I am learning... To extend myself some grace every once in a while.

Around the house... All is quiet, all are sleeping.

I am praying... For the Lord's will above all. For guidance and protection. For provision. Praying for those in the path of Hurricane Sandy.

A favorite quote for today... "Our culture says children are that which make rich men poor. The Bible says children are that which make poor men rich."

One of my favorite things... Caramel Mocha Coffee Creamer

A few plans for the rest of the week: Staying warm and collecting more firewood. Working on learning to tell time in schooling.

A peek into my day...

Her Name Was Abigail

Bravery: A New Concept for the Titus 2 Keeper of the Home

Ref. 1 Samuel 25

Abigail Bringing Gift to David

"And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran.
 
And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.

Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.

And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.

And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:

And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.

And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel.

Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David." 1 Samuel 25:1-8

A man named Nabal is the object of David's request in 1 Samuel 25. The Bible describes him as a churlish and evil man, of the house of Caleb. In stark contrast, his wife was woman of good understanding an of a beautiful appearance. Conceivably, David had provided a service, unrequested, to Nabal by protecting his shepherds (v. 14-16) and was now sending a blessing to Nabal and subsequently requesting payment of anything that he saw fit in return. A rich man, in need of nothing, having received the favor of an army, was blessed and asked to give whatsoever to David.

Yet, he scoffed and turned down this request with crude and selfish entitlement.

"And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?" 1 Samuel 25:10-11

Nabal's haughty response angered David, and he started off to meet Nabal with four hundred of his armed men. No doubt, their intention was to kill him. However, one of the shepherds told Abigail what happened, and asked her to consider what she would do, for evil was determined against Nabal and his whole household because of his response to David's request.

Here is where I pause and contemplate a reaction that might be found today in a similar situation.

Nagging: "I'm not going to die because of you! Get out there and make it right!!"
Denial: "This is unfair! He should not treat my husband that way just because he wouldn't give him any of our hard earned belongings!"
Charity-blame: "WE didn't ask for his help, so we shouldn't have to pay for it!"
Victim/Pity-Party: "Oh woe is me, I am married to a monster!" *sob*
Divorce: "It's not MY fault, I'm getting out of here before I have to pay the price for your sins, you ignorant fool!"
Prayer alone: "Lord, please change my husband's heart and make him do the right thing."

While of the above choices, the last one would not have been a bad choice, there are some situations in our lives that call for our action in addition to our prayers, as it was with Abigail's situation. David's army was coming for the blood of her husband, and  her household, and she knew that she had to do something.

"Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.

And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.

 And it was so, as she rode on the ass, that she came down by the covert on the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her; and she met them...

And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,

 And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid.

 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.

 Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the Lord hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal.

 And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord.

 I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.

 Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.

And it shall come to pass, when the Lord shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel;

That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid." 1 Samuel 25:18-20, 24-31

When she could have nagged, blamed, disowned, or run, Abigail proved faithful and courageous. She met David and his warriors, fell before him, and pleaded before him the cause of her house, and appealed to him not to take vengeance for her husband's foolishness. Then she blessed him in the name of the Lord. A single woman traveling with her servants, approaching and falling before an angry and anointed king. I don't know about you, but for me, that would take not only a great deal of courage, but also faith in my Lord, that He would not let me fall by the sword of an angry man.

By the grace of God, her appeal was met with favor.

"And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:

And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.

For in very deed, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.

 So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person." v. 32-35

 Abigail returned to her husband's house and held a great feast, all the while telling her husband nothing until the following morning. The Bible says that when she told him, his heart died within him and he became as a stone, then within ten days following, he died.

In Nabal's death, David rejoices in the Lord, that He stayed his hand against Nabal, for his own wickedness was brought down upon his own head.

"And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the Lord, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the Lord hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife." v. 39

Abigail's faithfulness to her husband, to her house, and to her God was returned to her in a big way. Her husband may have been an evil man, but she heeded her calling as his wife all the same. She submitted unto his headship, and she pleaded his cause, even when he was utterly at fault. She made no excuse for his sins and oversights, but she still plead for mercy on his behalf.

What faith! What honor!

How many of us could say today that we act toward our husbands like Abigail did toward Nabal, and evil and churlish man? I know I would have to hold my tongue, for I am not always so quick to intercede for my husband when he makes a mistake, in prayer or in deed. A kind of 'you get what you ask for' mentality has overtaken our society, and we seem to think, or lapse into thinking at times, that we are not responsible for our husband or his sin. While we are not responsible, that does not remove us from accountability. We were created to complete our husbands, to be his helpmeet, and that does not only pertain to times of peace and order, but to all things.

If we can't fall down before the sword of an angry King for our husband's sake, then what can we do?

If we forsake our husbands because of his own negligence to his own soul, then what are we?

If we did more falling down and pleading for our husband's pardon and less blaming and disassociating, perhaps then our homes would stand a much better chance of thriving under the blessing of God.

While I am sure that the death of her husband was not her aim nor her desire, the will of God plays out in ways unknown to man. Even if he was going to die anyway, Abigail's bravery and sacrifice appealed to the heart of God and stayed David's hand that Nabal might be his own demise, not the sword of David. God was glorified, and we are left with a bitter reminder of the fact that our sin will always find us out. There is grace, abundant grace so freely given, but not unto evil men.

Her name was Abigail, a courageous and faithful wife unmatched.

"The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened." Proverbs 10:27

Make haste, O God

"Make haste, o God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Lord.
Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O Lord, make no tarrying."

Psalm 70

"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Psalm 61:1-2

"And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me."
~Genesis 32:24-26

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." 

Hebrews 4:14-16

Strong's Greek 3954

parrésia: freedom of speech, confidence

Original Word: παρρησία, ας, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: parrésia
Phonetic Spelling: (par-rhay-see'-ah)
Short Definition: freedom, confidence
Definition: freedom, openness, especially in speech; boldness, confidence.

Learning to be Bold

As I grow in my walk with Christ, so am I learning to be bold. Perhaps God the Father has seemed such an authoritative and distant figure to me for too long,  or perhaps I feel too unworthy to approach Him with such trivial matters, but nevertheless, I am wrong. Gone are my days of wistful half-prayer generalities and tiptoeing around the throne as if not to disturb an authoritative figure, and here to stay are my days of praying with power.

O to have the power of prayer like King David! Who so BOLDLY even prayed the haste of the Lord in provision and deliverance! Not only did he pray specifically, but he asked God to hurry up! "I need you NOW, Lord, MAKE HASTE!" How great a godly confidence must he have had! Lord, help me to be bold  and confident in YOUR power as my High Priest, in YOUR blood and redemption, as my Savior.

What a PRIVILEGE to carry everything to God in prayer.

"The book of Acts shows a church operating with a ring of victory. Theirs were not namby-pamby prayers. These people learned how to pray victorious prayers, saturated their lives with prayer, and God gave the victory." ~Adrian Rogers

More Resources:

Love Worth Finding Audio Sermons

LWF: The Privilege of Prayer

Thoughts on Wisdom

Wise Words from Susan Brackley at "Heart of Faith." Follow her on Facebook as well.

"Ladies~ When wisdom has the motive of proving or flaunting oneself it has ceased to be wisdom. Wise people open their mouths only after they have circumspectly and cautiously evaluated that it is a necessary and opportune time to edify. True wisdom’s motive is always to honor God and be used to glorify Him.

Sometimes that comes in the form of encouragement and loving support, sometimes it comes in the form of rebuke and correction, other times it is appropriate in the form of teaching and instruction, other times it is most needful for reminding people of God’s faithfulness, sometimes it is best for the use of counsel and godly advice, sometimes it is our wisdom to confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, yet at other times it is our wisdom to keep silent.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver” (Pro. 25:11).

“To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” (Pro. 15:23).

“How forceful are upright words!” (Job 6:25).

A person that is well learned in the things of God, doesn’t need to show off her knowledge, nor share her reading, or divulge all that God is teaching her; it is best that she waits and uses it for good purposes as the Spirit sees fit at the exact right time and setting.

Elihu, one of Job’s friends, was a good example of this. He sat and constrained himself from speaking until Job’s older, and supposedly, more learned friends were done speaking; when he felt that the time was right he modestly yet confidently took the floor and spoke wise and right words.

Wise people continually practice learning the art of being good listeners who really strive hard to relate to, sympathize, understand, empathize, and identify with other people before they make a judgment or try to help them. Self examination, Spirit leading, opportune timing, self-distrust, humility, graciousness, caution, manners, knowledge on a specific subject, sensitivity to specific people and circumstances involved in each conversation, and esteeming others as better than ourselves is essential before we open our mouths to impart wisdom in any given situation.

“The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly” (Pro. 15:2).

We all need to be reminded of these things and we all need to pray fervently that God will grant us wisdom as we study His Word and learn just who He wants us to be and just how He wants us to handle each individual situation that we are faced with each day."

*Republished with permission.