Shake it off!

Defeated? Depressed? Doubting? Disillusioned?

There is a very real spiritual battle going on. The devil and his minions relentlessly attack with lies, broken relationships, chaos, confusion, etc... the same old tricks they've been using from the beginning of time. They rigorously cause division, destruction and despair and their efforts are persistent.  They never sleep.  These evil forces know they have ultimately lost the war, but hate God (and us) so much they will try everything in their power to keep us from the Great Commission.

Because they can't steal our eternal position in Christ, they try to render our efforts paralyzed.  If they can keep us focused on ourselves via doubt, disillusionment, fear, etc., they keep us from proactively sharing Jesus' love with others.  Our self focus will cause us to miss what He has for us to do and that is their plan.  They act as though they are victorious, but the ultimate authority, the Holy Word of God, declares them foiled.  The devil and his minions pretend like they have succeeded, but in reality they are completely defeated, and on their way to eternal damnation.

According to the Word, we, children and heirs of the Most High God are victors. The outcome is already certain.  Unfortunately there are times we live like we are defeated!

What?!?!

That's right. We look at the impossibilities and obstacles instead of the One who is able! We waiver, lose hope and give up, instead of standing firm on the truth of the Word.

Ladies, we worship the omnipotent Creator of the universe.  He is the great I AM! He is the Beginning and the End! He is able and He is willing!

Ask, seek, knock and repeat!  Believe on Him for all things!  Shake off the lies of the enemy like you would flick away a pesky little bug.  Declare victory in Jesus' name and be steadfast in your trust of Him.  We are victorious warriors and there is ground to be taken!

Set a GUARD over my MOUTH

With every problem that arises in life there are two parts: the issue and the solution. Parenting is no different. Over the past couple of weeks parenting has been extremely difficult for me. I have sensed some, spiritual warfare, but I know there is some fruit, within this season of trials, that the Lord wants me to savor as well.

My parenting issue this week has been the mouth of my older son. Disrespect. Not honoring me. Flippantly saying things and without any punishment. Even as I write this out, I recognize the solution. I have allowed the seed of disrespect to take root in my son's heart. Because there was no consequence immediately following his disrespect, he thought it was ok. In the days that followed, this sin would grow big enough that even his little brother was influenced and doing it as well.

I have realized my children's issues could be handled better if I would follow through and be consistant. Many times their sin can be overlooked, because of the busyness of the moment or crazy going on,  and before you know it, their sin is full grown, enormous, overbearing, and out of control.

As I searched God's word for encouragement for my son, God taught me what HIS word says about my mouth. Isn't that so like our sovereign God? We seek scripture, for those who sinned against us, and the Lord shows us through that process the ugliness that needs to be removed in our own heart before we can confront them.

Side note: 
This issue with my oldest son has shined a light on my own mouth and how I handle conflict with my children. I struggle, in times of frustration, with holding my tongue. More times than not I have apologized to my oldest son for things I have said in times of struggle with him. So thankful the Lord sees my flaws, as a mom, and allows my children to be the mirror, held up, reminding me of those areas where Christ wants to grow me :)

So here is what the Lord spoke to me:


A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. - James 1:26

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. - Proverbs 18:21

this one is my favorite....

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! - Psalm 141:3

Praying for strength for each person reading this.  
Praying for refreshment for the weary mom who has lost hope.
Praying for the mom who wants to use her mouth for His glory but feels like a failure.
Praying for the girl who feels like there is no "fruit" but seeds are planted & a harvest is coming.
Praying for the friend who knows she needs prayer for this but is afraid to ask.

Share. Ask for prayer. Allow others to hear your struggles as a mom. Transparency leads to ministry. 
Christ loves you. HE sees your struggles. HE wants you to come and ask for help. HE created you. HE created your kids who test you. HE has answers. HE wants to share them with you. 

HIS hope is that in times of frustration we would go to a quiet place, pray and get self-control. HIS desire is that we be an example to our children in word and deed. Having the restraint to hold our tongue when we want to scream out of exhaustion. When buttons are pushed,  we would read aloud the Word of God allowing His Spirit to permeate our heart & home.  That praise and worship would be turned up and danced to when satan wants to discourage us. That we would ask a friend to hold us accountable to restrain our tongue in times of crazy. 

Lord we thank you for conviction. We thank you for your Word. Challenge us in those areas that need change. Help us to ask for forgiveness from our children. Do a work in us today. -Amen