Defeat vs. Courage

Living out of God’s courage, what holds us back? And how do we escape the two traps of the devil.

On Valentine’s Day we will give away a DVD of the movie Courageous, several books and also we will give away two framed, The Resolution for men and 2 framed, The Resolution for Women. To win, leave a comment in any post over the next two weeks.

Before I reveal some highly effective strategies in our spiritual warfare I first have a question for you to consider.

Do you think God wants courageous followers?

And why might it matter to God if we have courage?

I often think as believers, our natural tendency is to gravitate to the attributes of God which are most appealing; love, grace, forgiveness, kindness, provision, protection. Those spring to my mind and I will admit that I’m drawn in and want to focus most of my prayers and learning on these qualities of our Lord.

If you are like me and dwell in these qualities, like me you may tent to dismiss the fullness of God and His other facets which include justice, judgment, and warfare. These are far less appealing and quite frankly…… can be scary.

However, let me be forthright. We would do well to study these aspects of His character and how the relate in our lives because whether we like it or not or even know it or not, we are living smack in the middle of a war.

And the players, the VITAL players in this war are…… us, the believers.

Now I don’t pretend to have all of this spiritual warfare business figured out but I have learned a few things over the years. Many of you have read my account of battling over my husband (click here). What I have learned is how believers are easily defeated by the enemy and I have also learned how to use the weapons we have to thwart him and his minions.

How does this relate to courage?

Well, it takes courage to acknowledge the truth about the spiritual realm, its existence all around us, the part we play and the consequences of unrestrained evil. It takes courage to step up to the battle field and deal fight with real evil. But, my friends, an ounce of courage and the hand of Jesus can render an army of evil in shambles.

What might you surmise are the greatest weapons the devil uses to defeat God’s people?

Fear and lies.

Fear is born of lies. It’s a wicked web than ensnares so many believers. How do we begin to replace lies with truth? When we learn to do that our fear disappears and prayer warriors emerge.

Let me share something from the early years of my marriage. My husband travels for business. Out on a plane on Monday home on Friday. I spent many nights alone with my two small kids in a large city. I found myself fearful at night alone in the darkness. I couldn’t sleep. My imagination ran wild. Okay, you get the picture.

I needed to escape this night time fear. So, I turned to God’s Word. I looked up scripture verses about fear. I wrote them down on 3x5 cards and began to memorize them. 2 Timothy 1 :7 comes to my mind even now:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT)

When I would wake up in the middle of the night, with my heart pounding, I would sit straight up and I would repeat this scripture OUT LOUD, over and over again. Until whatever was disturbing in the spiritual realm would leave. I would tell the darkness, “God did NOT give me a spirit of fear. I will not be afraid because my spirit is not of fear but my spirit is of power, great love and self-control.” Man you say that a few times at night with great passion and conviction and you will we ready to take on the world. I would then settle down and go right to sleep and rise the next morning ready to kick butt and take names.

This process of replacing lies (fear) with God’s truth (scripture) transformed my life. This IS the renewing of the mind and taking every thought captive to Christ.

Now, as for those accusatory thoughts and untruths that pop into our mind which we know are not of God, I challenge you to say this to yourself out loud, “That is a lie from the pit of hell. I reject that lie and I take it captive to Christ.” Then follow that up with a scripture of truth. “God’s Words says this about me…… I am chosen, I am loved, I am a His child.” Quote a scripture verse.

My friends, it may seem silly but speaking the truth, especially speaking scripture out loud is part of our arsenal in our spiritual battles. Remember the Word always was and will always be. It was the WORD of God that created the heavens and the earth. Now that is a powerful word. The Word is the final truth and it can set us free.

SO SPEAK it out loud.

Was it weird to speak it out loud around my unbelieving spouse? Yes, it still is. But I can walk around my house when he’s at work and speak scripture and pray for protection. I can wake at night and speak scripture into the darkness and I can pray with my kids in the car out loud to cover them with protection. Over time my husband has stumbled upon me praying out loud, singing scripture out loud and all manner of scripture verses posted around my office and the house. He’s grown used to it. It takes time and in small doses.

We utterly defeat satan by rejecting his lies, replacing them with truth, speaking truth into the spiritual realm around us and then standing on that truth.

THAT is the recipe for courage.

God expects his people to be courageous just like Joshua.

We, the spiritually mismatched, are on the front lines of the battlefield sometimes we are the only one fighting through our prayers for our kids, our home, our marriage, our spouse. It’s not always easy but as a woman who has fought many times with only Jesus at my side, I have gained the victories, I have slayed the dragon, I have saved my family from calamity because I chose to reject the lies, speak the truth, pray like crazy and live for Jesus.

If I can do this, you can too.

Okay, what scripture verses have helped you to reject the lies and defeat fear? I can’t wait to read how you have been doing on the frontlines in your home. Audacious and brave hugs, Lynn

Our Place of Influence (Part 2): What does that look like?

Last week I wrote about our place of influence in our marriage. How do we get there and what does it look like? Let’s start where I ended last week.

1. Pray for wisdom and guidance. It starts right here. Without God’s wisdom and guidance, none of this is possible. It’s like groping in the dark for a light switch. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5). First and foremost, we need to be cultivating a relationship with God. If you do just this one thing, the rest of the steps below will fall into place.

2. Pray for change in you. As I shared last week, we are often the heart of our families. That means we are also a catalyst for change. Ask God to help you be the wife and mother HE (not your husband or family) needs you to be. This means you’re asking God to use you to be this person of influence and change in the lives of your husband and children. This means asking God to help you see your husband as a blessing, not a burden. We are not martyrs in our own homes, but we can be missionaries.

3. Pray for your husband. This is most likely your highest calling. Pray for his protection, for his mind and heart to know and accept Jesus, and pray for him as the leader of your family. He may not be the spiritual leader of your family right now, but he is still the leader of you and your family in general. Allow him to lead! This is where you will find your greatest calling and challenge as a wife—to stand by your husband, to affirm him as a man, as a husband, as a father. In doing this we serve him and we serve God. The amazing thing is, when we take this place, we discover what God truly means by, “and the two will become one.” This is a beautiful place of partnership where we work together as a team, as a “we” and not two “I”s working against each other. Our greatest gift to our husband is to help him reach his God-given potential, even in the midst of his unbelief or lagging faith. Remember, God is working there too.

4. Pray for your children. This is your legacy. This is your influence on future generations. This is your mark on eternity. As I said before, we often set the tone and pattern in our family. Nothing has been more rewarding than to see my oldest daughter choose a relationship with a godly man and desire to have a marriage based upon God’s design. Even in their engagement I see these two taking their God-given and ordained places in their relationship. It is truly a thing of beauty. All the years that I’ve poured into my marriage and into my family are bearing fruit in her. That is so humbling and so rewarding. I’ve already received some of my treasure in the here and now.

5. Pray for and encourage other women in mismatched marriages. Lynn and I are walking and talking testimonies to this. If you look at 2 Cor. 1:3-7, you’ll see that God never intends for us to keep what we know about and learn from Him to ourselves. Those areas of victory will be used to help others. That right there is another blessing we can receive in this lifetime. I can think of no better way to serve God than to share His hope—to share Him—with others so that they too can know love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control in their lives and their marriages. This is the example we have in Titus 2 as well.

6. Be still and know God is God. Quit trying to fix your husband, your kids, your life...youself. If you look at the Lord’s prayer, the end affirms that God’s kingdom, power and glory are forever. Pray these prayers and then trust that God is already in action. He probably was even before you said a word. The hardest part is waiting on God’s timing. I waited 16 years for my husband to accept my faith, to accept this is who I am and I’m not going to change. It’s a small step forward and worth the wait. Ten years ago I was impatient and anxious for my husband to know Jesus NOW! Today I am content and thankful that he now accepts my faith, understands this is who I am, and chooses to love me and walk the road of marriage together.

My friends, I write these things from my heart and from my experience. And with this comes the full understanding that we cannot do this, fill this place of influence without constantly seeking God for strength, wisdom and courage. Do not let your husband’s unbelief and the lies of the enemy tell you that you can’t be this kind of wife to your husband. You can and God will give you everything you need to do so.

Just trust Him. Trust Him to equip you. The most amazing part of this journey, for me, is finding myself and my life in Christ. This is the part that’s hard to put in words other than to say that there is nothing more peaceful and empowering than walking in obedience to God. Had I clung to what I wanted instead of allowing God to be the one in control, I would not have the marriage I have now. I wouldn’t have the life of joy I’m experiencing now! This is what Jesus meant when he said we must lose our life to get it back and that his burden is light. Though our lives will always have conflicts, challenges and trials, His way is the best way to live a life of joy and peace in the midst of it all.

In walking this path as a mismatched wife I have found purpose, joy and amazing faith. This is God’s doing, not mine. And we have so much more waiting for us in heaven. That’s when we will see the full picture of what our place of influence truly accomplished for God.

Amen?

Lynn shared that we’ll be giving away two copies of the Resolution for Women. I feel led to buy one for myself, sign it and put it in a card for my husband as a Valentine’s Day present. To be honest, the idea scares me—what will my husband think of it? How will he react? I’m choosing to step out in courage and follow what I believe to be God asking me to testify openly to my husband what my place in our marriage means to me. I’m praying for God’s courage and for my husband’s heart to receive my gift.

Is God calling you to have courage and take a step of faith in your marriage?

Praying and believing,
Dineen

Weekend Devo — Praising & Thanking

‎In conclusion to our week of:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." — Ephesians 3:20-21

What an amazing week! I will share with you that my week of fasting and praying played out differently than I thought it would. I leave this week with a great sense of peace, which just blows me away since God told me my word for this year is PEACE! This is a new experience for me.

I hope and pray that God has met you in some amazing ways during your time seeking Him. The smallest of moments often turn out the be the most impactful.

Special thanks and gratitude to Rosheeda for giving us such wonderful Scriptures and prayers each day. Thanks, Ro! We love you!

As I said, my word for this year is peace. Many of you shared words God gave you like trust, be intentional and believe. I walk away from this week with Scriptures to pray for my hubby, my daughters and precious family members who've yet to know how amazing God is.

Many of you shared in the comments who you were praying for. Know that Lynn and I read through and prayed for them each day! We were honored and privileged to get to do that.

So, in closing, share in the comments what you found most life changing, helpful, meaningful, comforting or even just memorable this past week. Remember to write this down in your journal too. A year from now you will want to go back and re-read it as you prepare for 2013.

And I have a feeling you will be amazed! God always does immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.

Praying and believing,
Dineen

 

A Strong Finish

 

Song of Solomon 7:11
Come, my beloved, let us go to the countryside, let us spend the night in the villages.

 

Lord I praise You today. Sit with me as my Beloved. Feed me. Feast with me. May we bask today in the beauty of relationship. Thank you for Your love, Your grace, Your mercy. Have Your way today and prepare me for what lies ahead beyond this time with You.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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How may Dineen, Ro and I (Lynn) pray specifically for you today. Write in the comments a request for your spiritual life.

I have been reading all the prayer requests and praying for each of you. I plan to print them all out and pray through them during the entire month of January.

We count it a privilege to have walked this week with you, to pray, to fast, to seek God's will for our lives.

Praying and Believing, Lynn

Thursday - Prayer and Fasting

 

Psalm 119:25

I am laid low in the dust;preserve my life according to your word.

 

Lord, I am humble before You. Broken. Hungry. Thirsty. Meet me here right now today. Give me life beyond my flesh. Be my food. Be my water. Be my source. Lord, I pray that I would faint not, but that You would help me endure to the end.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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We are now reaching into the long stretch. Strongholds are being broken, plans are set in motion in the heavens for the salvation of many, the redemption of marriages, the return of the prodigals, the proclamation of joy in our homes. All because we prayed.

Today, let us know how we can pray along side of you. Whom are you praying today? Praying and believing, Lynn

Day Three Looking for the Miraculous

 

1 John 5:5-8 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. ⁶ This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. ⁷ For there are three that testify: ⁸ the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.

Good morning Lord.

I come to You asking that You would live for me. Reveal Yourself to me today. Give me more of You. Allow my heart to believe and my eyes to see. Even as my flesh wages war against Your spirit at work in me, I beg You to prevail. Show me that You are greater than the depths of my humanity. Help me to focus on You so that I will see You in countless ways along the road to Your promises in my life. Lord, let Your Spirit testify in my life. In Jesus name, Amen

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Are you praying for your children today? Leave their first name in the comments and we will pray along side you. Praying and believing, Lynn, Dineen and Ro.

Fasting Day Two

 

Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your strength.

Lord, teach me to love You. Fill me today with Your truth. Give me the grace to give You my all. Make me strong.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

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Who will you be praying for today. Leave their first name in the comments and we will pray along side you. Also, if you want us to pray specifically, please let us know how to pray for those you name. Praying and believing, Lynn, Dineen and Ro.

The Journey Begins

Proverbs 3:5-6 (5)Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Father, there is something so special about being able to trust You. As I begin my time of fasting and seeking, I ask Lord that you would purify me; forgive me for my sins and failures and give me the grace to move into this week with the right heart and right spirit. Teach me this week what it is to submit to You, to follow You. As You lay prayers and praises on my tongue, make my spirit sensitive to your leadership and willing to yield to Your direction no matter the costs.

Lord, I pray that I would trust You with all my heart and that I would lean not to my own understanding, but that in all my ways I would submit myself to you so that You can make my paths straight. Make me a willing servant this week and an obedient vessel throughout the year. In Jesus Name. Amen.

I'm so excited! This is such a powerful time. I cannot wait to see what God does. Please share during the week! It's always an encouragement seeing God speak and reveal Himself with others on the journey with you. Love ya'll a lot! ~Rosheeda Lee

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I'm absolutely overwhelmed by the sheer number of God's people who have chosen to sacrifice this week and fast. It's going to be an amazing journey. Please take a minute and share in the comments, a loved-one, friend, or specifics for yourself in which you are praying. Rosheeda, Dineen and I will pray along with you.

Praying and believing, Lynn

Prayer and Fasting 2012

Fasting keeps you sensitive to His Spirit, enabling You to live holy.

I am convinced that we will never walk in the perfect will of God until we seek Him through fasting. When you present your body in the manner, you open yourself up to hear from God. You will prove or discover His good and perfect will for your life. Paul was fasting when God called him and shared the assignment for his life (Acts 9:7-9). Peter was fasting on the rooftop when God gave him a new revelation and called him to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10). Fasting prepares the way for God to give you fresh revelation, fresh vision, and clear purpose. ~J. Franklin

I want a fresh start in 2012. Do you?

Our fast will begin on sunrise of January 2nd and last through sunset of January 6th. That's this Monday. There are many ways to fast but if you are medically able, fast from food in some way. I am preparing to fast on a liquid fast for three days and then finish the week out with a Daniel fast. This is what I hear the Lord asking of me. What is He asking of you.

Do you want a breakthrough? Do you want to be rid of a habitual sin or a bad habit? More importantly, do you want to hear from the Lord what He wants for your life? What is His will in your marriage? I know I do.

So join us on Monday. I'm so excited that so many of you have committed to join us. You will not be disappointed. God will surely show up when you offer this sacrifice to Him.

On Monday, Rosheeda Lee, who leads our fast every year, will post a scripture verse to reflect upon and a prayer to start the day. So stop in early and pray with us corporately.

Dineen and I believe this year God has called us to pray very specifically for our families. On Monday, pray for your spouse. Every aspect, his/her health, job, parenting, hobbies, his soul, heart, and emotional state. Pray to understand him better. Ask God to show you where you can be a better spouse and to give you the courage to take action in whatever area He reveals. Pray, pray, pray.

Light a candle.

Each time you see the flame along with your hunger pangs; both will remind you to shoot up prayers.

On Tuesday, pray for your oldest child. All day. In the same manner. On days-three, four, and five pray for each subsequent child. If you have more than three kids double up days or extend your fast. If you don't have three kids, then pray for another significant relationship in your life.

The community of believers here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage is an expectant bunch. We truly believe God answers prayer. I know I have seen the miraculous in my prayer life, so let’s expect God to hear, to act, to show up and show off.

Then let us bring Him praise. Lynn

Fasting. Does It Work?

When you eliminate food from your diet for a number of days, your spirit becomes uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God. 

Matthew 6:

Jesus said, "When you give....When you pray..... When you fast...." 

This passage in Matthew six is where Jesus made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, is a normal part of the believer's life.

On January 2-6 we will fast as a community of believers. There are many different ways to fast. Last year we set out several examples of fasts and I want to list them here again today. Please begin to pray and ask God to prepare you and to point you to the fast that will work for you.

 

 

 
 
Are you willing to forgo a Snicker's bar in the afternoon to over come a recurring sin in your life?

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So what is fasting? It's the humbling of ourselves to draw closer to God.

Fasting must be coupled with prayer and reading of God's word. This three cord approach is what releases God's supernatural power into our life. Without all three, fasting is just dieting.

Fasting is NOT:

• A tool for weight-loss.
• An attempt to arm twist God into our way of thinking.
• Advisable for those with medical conditions that are complicated from fasting.

True fasting is giving of our basic human nature completely over to the Lord. To allow Him to fill us up spiritually as we empty physically.

There are many ways to fast. You can fast from television. Or give up one meal a day. Or like, Daniel, fast certain foods. The Biblical fasts include fasting from food for one, three, ten, 21, and 40 day fasts.

In his book, Fasting, Jentezen Franklin, describes the types of fasts:

• Absolute Fast: Food and water fast. For only a limited time and under medical consultation.
• Normal Fast: No food, clear liquids, lots of water, 1 gal purified the first day, broth and juice when necessary.
• Partial Fast: The Daniel fast was vegetables and water.

If you have never fasted before, I would suggest trying out a one day fast. Forgo food from dawn to dusk. After sunset you join the family for a modest evening meal. This was the first kind of fast I participated in. It was amazing. This was the type of fasting I did during our annual fast last January.

Why do this corporately? We all are living in some difficult and challenging circumstances. When we pray and FAST together we bring down the power of God. We will also bring God into our planning for 2011.

Okay today, if you are feeling that excitement build, leave "I'm In" in the comments again. Also share any experiences you have had during a time of fasting. Your experiences can help others to be ready.

Additionally, I discovered some excellent information about the details of fasting on the Campus Crusade website. Take a look:

Why You Should Fast 

How to Fast Safely

How Long and What Type of Fast

We will be sharing the focus of our fast for the week on Friday. See you then.

Be blessed, Lynn