Tuesday Writings.....6/21/16

Good morning...

         Today I went to the gym. It is not my favorite things to do but it is good for me. Life is like that. It is filled with things that you are not too fond of, but which are things that will be good for you. We do then because we know the value. I think that builds character and courage.   

Hope your Tuesday is a good one.

God bless from

Corinne

The Devotional component in the Friday Writings of Women's Focus Ministries is titled,      "Don’t Be Afraid" and was written by Diane Sutton.   The topic of this devotional is in the time of Nehemiah when the walls of Jerusalem had been knocked down. God wanted the people to rebuild the walls. but the people were afraid. Diane wrote, "Let us wear the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God at our side as we work to rebuild and complete the plans god has given us."

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  Today's Devotional   

"Don’t Be Afraid"

written by

Diane Sutton

Don’t Be Afraid and Wear the Sword

In the biblical book of Nehemiah, The Lord called Nehemiah to rebuild the destroyed walls of Jerusalem so the Israelites would no longer be in disgrace. When their enemies saw them rebuilding the walls, they mocked and ridiculed the Israelites telling them this was an impossible task but Nehemiah responded by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success.”

When the Israelites realized their enemies were plotting to stir up trouble and fight against them, the Israelites prayed to God and posted guards to meet this threat.  The workers feared their enemies would be among them and kill them before they would see them.

Nehemiah responded, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”  No longer fearful because God thwarted the plans of their enemies, the workers returned to rebuilding the walls.

From that day on, half of the men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked.

Nehemiah is speaking to us today. We will be ridiculed and mocked, but we should not be afraid because God will thwart the plans of our enemies.  People will try to discourage us and cause us to be fearful. Let us respond like Nehemiah in prayer and be reminded that God is awesome and greater than our enemies.

Let us not be deterred from telling others about the saving grace of God or helping to rebuild people’s lives by demonstrating the love of God. Let us not be afraid to tell others about Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Let us wear the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God at our side as we work to rebuild and complete the plans god has given us

.

Lord, thank you for the mighty sword of the Spirit which cuts apart the lies and evil plans of our enemies. Let us complete what you have called us to do. When we become fearful or discourage we know we can turn to you and you will fill us with your boldness and strength. Lord, you are an awesome and mighty God!

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THE BATTLE

                                          ©Storm Hendrickson                 

The wind became silent and the tall pine trees stood in respect, as the two spirits stood face to face. Both spirits were sure that what they held in their minds to be of truth. One dressed in a white robe that glowed as if made of star light, revealing all that is pure. The other dressed in black. No light came from this spirit, only darkness that cast an eerie feeling of despair.

The battle had begun.

As the golden sun made its appearance over the Eastern sky,
the spirit of light cried, “Holy is the Creator most high”.

With a tongue as if it were a flaming sword, the spirit dressed in black made his challenge known. For the one that could prove how all creation sprung forth into existence would be declared the winner.

The battle had begun.

Everything that had breath seemed to become frozen, not making a sound, not wanting to miss what was about to take place. Both spirits took their turn, first the one of darkness and then the one of light.
 Each spirit proclaimed its own belief to be truth.

The battle had begun.

The dark spirit stood with an evil grin upon its face.

As the spirit of light stepped aside and waited patiently for his turn to speak.

He said,

“Millions of years ago, as matter turned faster and faster
A tiny speck exploded creating this disaster.
From underneath a rock did climb,
Our ancestors once made of slime.
Upon the land they did slither and crawl,
These slippery creatures were related to us all.
From belly to upright without missing a beat,
Underneath the creature limbs sprung forth feet.
High into the trees they swung from branch to branch,
From a creator you say? Heck, it was all by chance!
Down from the tree and into the cave,
There is no eternal life; you just go to the grave.
Believe in Neanderthal man, that is the way….
This is how humans became what they are today.
Keep living a life that is pleasing to you,
It really doesn't matter what you say or do.
Building up chromosomes one by one,
This is how becoming a god is done.”

With head held high the dark spirit stepped aside, sure that he had won.

Without hesitation the spirit of light stood tall and firm,

speaking words of truth that rang across the land like a sweet melody.

He said,

“Not long ago, the one true God from above.
Spoke this world into existence with much love.
The trees and the sea were all part of His plan,
Right down to every detail which also included man.

A garden of paradise was a place He called home,
With all of God’s creation this man was to roam.
To finish the plan asleep man did lay,
A rib from his side God did take away.

With a command from the Creator woman appeared,
Protected by God there was nothing they feared.
All was theirs to enjoy except the forbidding tree,
But they broke God’s one rule and sin entered thee.

The world which was once filled with peace and joy,
The enemy began to tarnish and destroy.

It was easy you see, for Satan to do…
With man’s lustful desires and prideful heart too.
God should have destroyed us all with His mighty right hand;
But He gave us another chance when Noah took a stand.
A great flood came that covered the land,
Noah and his family was spared because they followed God's plan.

A rainbow was placed in the sky up above,
A promise from God that was sealed with great love.
Man was forgiven and the Earth began to heal,
But evidence that sin remained became very real.
Once again our Creator caught us when we started to fall,
By sending His only Son to die on the cross for us all.

Now we must live according to His plan,
Then and only then will He heal this Great land.
Accept what He did on the cross and you shall be set free,
Once again man will live in paradise for eternity.”

The spirit of light stretched forth his hands toward the Heavens, giving thanks to the Creator above. As the spirit of darkness hung his head down low, knowing he had been defeated. All of creation broke the silence with a song that echoed across the land. The trees began to dance with the wind as if celebrating. Good had overcome evil, light had conquered darkness, and victory had been won.

The battle has been won.

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   Snippets of Spiritual Insights  from Beverley   

It's a lifelong process. learning to let go. realizing that the weight of the world is not on your shoulders. discovering that some things were never yours to carry. understanding that it's time to put them down. knowing that you tried you're best. accepting the way things are. celebrating the many joys in life. embracing each moment as if it were your last.   

© Beverley Ann Napier 

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  Today's Inspiring Graphic   

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31

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Prayers are lifted up daily for 

you by the Devotional Writers 

and the Monthly Writing Staff

of Women's Focus Ministries.

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