Category Archives: Truth

My Journey, Personal Growth, Truth

Recognizing the Voice of the Enemy

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Let me be clear, the Anointed One has set us free–not partially, but completely and wonderfully free! We must always cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past. ~Galatians 5:1 (The Passion Translation)

Living in bondage to the enemy is a death sentence. It robs us of our joy, paralyzes us with fear, make us physically and mentally sick and destroys the very thing God came to give us: freedom in Him!

For me, this road to healing has been a very long one. I grew up in an emotionally unstable home which led me right into emotionally abusive relationships. I was young, naive and very broken, searching for someone to fill those broken parts of my soul. I met Jesus for the first time in my early teens and although I was saved and baptized, I was never taught how to have a genuine relationship with Him. So I did what so many of us do when we are broken, I remained a prisoner to a life that was destroying me on the inside. I wish I could tell you that healing came as soon as I recognized the abuse, but that wasn’t my story. Although I was able to walk away from it, the damage had been burnt into every fiber of my being. Then Jesus showed up. Actually He was there all along but it wasn’t until I was removed from the situation that held me captive that I was able to see through the eyes of Christ. He started downloading His truth into my heart through music and His word began to come alive. In that quiet place I found unconditional love and a comfort I had never known. Then the enemy showed up stronger than ever. I didn’t understand what was happening at the time but as I cried out to Jesus He started showing me areas of my heart that were still broken, allowing Satan access. God then taught me how to set healthy boundaries. It wasn’t easy and there were many times I let my guard down, thinking I was finally strong enough and putting myself in harms way all over again. So I began to pray. I prayed for protection and strength to let the lies of the enemy roll off me should he try to penetrate my soul once again.

By now I knew the voice of the enemy. I knew his tactics. He wasn’t clever. He wasn’t unique. Instead he was predictable. He was accusing. He was a lair and a thief. Then he did what he is known to do and I once again found myself physically ill. Within minutes of reading the lies that spew from his mouth, I was sick to my stomach. In that moment I told satan I had had it. No longer would he have access to any part of me. I prayed for God to show me what was happening, then God gave me a new revelation. He revealed that although truth was in my heart, the damage that had been done over a lifetime of abuse triggered post-traumatic stress. I went straight to google and looked up PTSD and discovered that the symptoms I was having were in fact symptoms that come from such abuse. I share this because in order to heal from something, we must be aware of exactly what is happening. I prayed right then and there for God to heal this broken part of my soul and to rewire the triggers in my brain that lead to physical ailments.

I woke up this morning to this promise of God from Lana Vawser: THE ENEMY IS BEING EXPOSED AND TRUTH IS BEING REVEALED!

John 16:13 says this, “But when the truth-giving Spirit comes, he will unveil the reality of every truth within you. He won’t speak on his own, but only what he hears from the Father, and he will reveal prophetically to you what is to come.

God is uncovering the hiding places of the enemy and Jesus is shining the light on those areas and suddenly the enemy is being exposed. The Holy Spirit is bringing significant increase of revelation, clarity and discernment to His people who are positioned in the Word that is uncovering the hidden places of the enemy.

This is just a piece of the promise she shared but God used her vision to reveal that God is on the move and deliverance has come.

If my story hits home and opened your eyes to what has been going on in your own life at the hands of the enemy, I would love to help you on your journey towards freedom and healing.

My Journey, Personal Growth, Truth

The Liar & The Coward

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a-coward-hides.jpg

Most of my life I have been surrounded by individuals that lie. It started when I was a child. I grew up watching people I loved lie in order to get what they wanted. Every time I witnessed someone lying, I knew I never wanted to be one of those people because they were constantly hurting others.

I wasn’t perfect and I can remember very clearly the times I lied to avoid the consequences of my own choices. In the moment it seemed like a good idea but the Holy Spirit would quickly remind me that it was wrong and needed to be made right.

Now, as I reflect on my past, I realize that a long time ago I made the conscious effort to be an honest person. I always felt this was an honorable trait until it dawned on me that I had become a coward.

A few months ago as I was studying God’s word and trying to heal from some of the damages done to my soul by the liars in my life, God revealed to me that when you find a liar you will find someone close to them that is a coward.

Having no clue what he was trying to teach me, I started digging a little deeper. I discovered that a coward is defined as one who is too afraid to do what is right or expected: one who is not brave: one who fears many things. I then went straight to scripture to see what the Bible has to say about cowards.

From the moment I was saved, I knew it was a sin to lie but until God shared this revelation with me, it never dawned on me that being afraid was seen in the same light. Revelation 21:7-8 says, “He who overcomes the world by adhering faithfully to Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior will inherit these things, and I will be His God and he will by My son. But as for the cowards and unbelieving and abominable who are devoid of character and personal integrity and practice or tolerate immorality, and murderers, and sorcerers with intoxicating drugs, and idolaters and occultists who practice and teach false religions, and all the liars who knowingly deceive and twist truth, their part will be in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” As a coward, my fate was the same fate as the liars whom I had spent my life trying to run away from and disassociate myself with.

It then became crystal clear that I spent a huge portion of my life being a coward. I hid behind the lies and deceit, afraid of so many things. What would the liar do to me if I confronted them? Would they convince others that I was actually the one lying in order to take the focus off of themselves? Would they make up lies about me to look superior by comparison? The answer was yes but God says it doesn’t matter. My trust in Him is not based on the actions of others. I trust because He is faithful and He will protect me.

We live in a day and age where the enemy is convincing the multitudes that there is no such thing as absolute truth. It is watered down and leading many down a path of destruction. As Christ followers we are called to speak the truth in love and if we sit back afraid to do so, we are no better than the liars.

God is preparing us for a battle. A battle that can only be won through faith, without fear, and based on truth that can only be found in His word. We can either choose to put on His armor and be brave warriors or sit on the sidelines as a cowards.

Dear God,

Thank you for your wisdom. Please give those of us that struggle with fear the courage to step out in faith, ready to fight the good fight. Give us a sense of peace and lead us to the battlefield if the is your will.

In Your Sweet & Precious Name,

Amen!

 

My Journey, Personal Growth, Truth

Voices

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Throughout my life, I have struggled with being torn. Torn between the life God calls me to and the life everyone else wants me to live. Until recently, I never realized that when God speaks to my heart about something, Satan will also start sharing his ideas for my life.

Here is how it goes. God provides clarity and satan quickly swoops in creating confusion.

The following is an example of the dialog I hear:

God-My precious daughter, you are in a season of rearing your children. During this phase, I want you to stay at home and tend to the needs of your family which include cooking, cleaning, supporting your husband, being home when the kids get out of school, etc. I also want you to focus this time on teaching the children the wisdom I have given you through the trials I have walked you through. Nothing is more important than this, so trust me with your finances and every other need. I promise I will not let you down.

Satan-Shannon, you are smart. You deserve to be out in the world using your God given talents, wisdom, and knowledge to make money to support your family of eight. Don’t you realize that? Staying at home is not a job. Anyone can stay at home, but you are not just anyone. God made you unique. I know you see other women who aren’t nearly as smart or as gifted as you making large sums of money and buying the things I know you would love to have. Things your husband and your children would love. You could make everyone so much happier.

God-Satan is right about one thing, I did create a uniqueness in you. You are smart and wise but putting your trust in money and things of this world will never allow you to leave the legacy I designed you to leave. That leads to temporary happiness and I am leading you to an eternal one, not only just for you but for your children, your children’s children, their children’s children.

Satan-(via the voice of someone else) You are such a loser. You sit at home all day doing nothing. Why don’t you stop taking hand outs from everyone else and go get a job like the rest of the world? You are so naive to think that God is okay with you staying at home. The bible clearly states that you are to work. Being a stay-at-home mom is not a real job. You are just selfish and lazy, which are both very unbiblical. And to think you call yourself a Christian.

God-Don’t listen to them. Focus on me. I am the only voice that matters. I am the one who sent my son to die on the cross so that you could have eternal life. But it is your choice and no matter what you choose, I will never love you any less.

It is so important to realize that everyone will have a plan for your life. God, satan, your mom, your dad, etc. Only one voice provides the way, the truth, and the life and that is the voice of God. So no matter what decisions you are faced with on your journey through life, always go to God’s word to see if it lines up with what you are hearing from the world.

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Truth

The Way

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On Sunday, Pastor Steve taught on how we get to Heaven. He explained that we live in an age of new tolerance; no one way is wrong. This is a lie of the enemy. Did you know that only 20% of those ages 18-34 believe in absolute truth? That means that 80% of that age group is living life based on doing whatever feels good or sounds good at the time. This explains not only the tolerance this group exhibits towards others, but also the lack of respect for authority that can be seen all over the news these days.

In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” He didn’t say he was one way, one truth, and one life. Scripture is filled with warnings of what is to come. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 states, “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine…they will turn their ears away from truth and turn aside to myths.” Proverbs 4:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

Our world is filled with lies from the enemy. It is time we stand up and speak truth, unafraid of how others will see us or what they will think. A time is coming when we will all be face to face with our creator and the last thing we want anyone to hear is, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.” (Matthew 7:23)

Jesus loves each and every one of his children and we all all children of God. You can spend eternity in Heaven. All you have to do is invite God to come into your heart. He will then teach you through his word and reveal to you all the lies the enemy has led you to believe.

Personal Growth, Truth

Jealousy

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jealousy

We have all been there. Those moments when we are perfectly secure until we compare ourselves to someone else. This happens to me most often in regards to my appearance. I decide on an outfit for the day. I look in the mirror and feel confident, sometimes even beautiful. I leave the house and don’t give it a second thought until it happens. Someone crosses my path that has amazing clothes, perfect hair and beauty. For a split second I want what she has. I think to myself…if only I could afford to go on a shopping spree and buy me something new.

Can you relate? For you it may not be apparel that sets you off. It could be a newer model car you long for, a bigger house than the one you currently live in, or a higher paying job. Regardless of what tugs at you, unhappiness and resentment can quickly take root. And if we choose to remain there, focused on whatever caught our attention, Satan will use that root to feed our hearts with anger and bitterness. That anger and bitterness then leads to jealousy and once jealousy creeps into our hearts, Satan has won the battle he was fighting so hard to win.

But don’t lose hope! God is way bigger than Satan and has the power to heal any heart issue. All we have to do is let Him in. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. When we go to God, ask for help, and spend time in his word, becoming rooted in Him, he will begin a work in us that will produce good fruit.

Galatians 5:19-26 says, “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

As long as we live in the Spirit, letting Him control our thoughts and our actions, we will live a holy life. But as soon as we rely on our own strength, we foolishly give the enemy direct access to our hearts.

I have to remind myself everyday that the enemy is out to steal, kill, and destroy everything that represents Christ living in me. That knowledge gives me the ability to recognize when my mind is leading me down a dark and dangerous path and to stop and turn away from the evil one and towards the One who gives life, Jesus Christ.

Divorce, Parenting, Truth

Yes, I Am A Stay-At-Home Mom

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Being a stay-at-home mom comes at a high cost, but it yields priceless rewards. Upon choosing to give up a career, you are guaranteed to lose the respect of those in the work place who value status and money over family. You will be criticized by those who don’t understand. Some will say that you are being lazy, thinking that you sit around watching soap operas all day while eating bonbons. I received an anonymous text message today saying, “Get a job you bum.” Every time I hear someone criticize not only me, but other women who make extreme sacrifices to put the needs of her children and family above her own, it breaks my heart.

Taking a leap of faith and reducing your household income to just one is not easy. It requires great sacrifice and commitment. But giving up “things” is worth it because by doing so you gain something much more valuable, time well spent raising your babies. You get the opportunity teach them. You get to witness every milestone first hand. You get the benefit of molding them into the man or woman they will become. Those are memories and moments no amount of money can buy.

And to those of you that look down upon us stay-at-home moms, maybe you should stop and ask yourself just one question. Why does it bother you?

To all of you stay-at-home moms out there, you deserve love and respect. There will always be someone who thinks you are a second class citizen because of the choice you have made, but who are they to judge? God is the only opinion that matters, so keep your head held high and know that the job you are doing is one of the most important jobs in the world.

My Journey, Personal Growth, Truth

One Day Your Prince Will Come…

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We live in a day and age where most women are anxiously awaiting the day she meets her prince charming, has the wedding of her dreams, and lives happily ever after. I will be the first to admit that my dreaming about that started as a young girl. I was in love with Disney movies that portrayed the beautiful young girl meeting the handsome young boy and falling head over hills in love at first sight. I never saw the harm in that thinking until I was divorced and those thoughts crept into my mind again. I was given a second chance to choose more wisely and this time I was going to be smart, or so I thought. Lucky for me, God intervened before I had the chance to make another not so wise decision. In the midst of my delusional thinking based on fairy tales from my childhood, I found myself actually looking for “My Prince Charming” or “My knight in shining armor”, depending on the fairy tale I wanted to partake in at the time. At one point, I even met a man that I called “My Prince Charming” after only knowing him for a few days. So it is no surprise that when that relationship never really began, I was heartbroken. But it wasn’t long until Price Charming #2 and I crossed paths. Needless to say, that one didn’t last either and I found myself alone, confused and done with looking for a man that didn’t exist. That is when I met Jesus face to face. There I found the man I had always been longing for. The one who would love me unconditionally, treat me like a true princess and never leave me or forsake me. I believe that God puts that desire in each and every heart of every daughter of The King, but we don’t even put him in that category because we want someone we can see, hear, and touch in the flesh.

I share all of that because I run across people all the time that label their significant other their Prince Charming. Girls, there is no such man that exists. All men are human and all men will disappoint you at some point, leaving you hurt and confused because you thought he would be the perfect man like the ones you grew up watching in movies. The only perfect man was Jesus and he longs to sweep you off your feet and spend the rest of your life showing you just how much he loves you. So why settle for less than the best? I promise you this, once you give Jesus your heart, he will guide you to the man he created just for you. Until then, don’t be surprised when each and every man you meet falls short of the man you envisioned in your mind. Because no man can fill the space in your soul that only God was meant to fill.

My Journey, Personal Growth, Truth

By What Do You Measure?

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There used to be a time when I considered myself to be an amazing wife, a terrific mother, and the best friend a friend could ask for, but one day I realized I was comparing myself to those around me. Once I used God as my guide, I realized that I fell short and had room for much improvement.

God’s standards are way higher than the worlds and He calls us to be better and never stop striving to be more like Him.

Is there an area of your life that needs some serious tweaking? Go to Him and let Him show you His ways.