How to overcome

Revelation 12:10-12 (King James Version)

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

IN PLAIN ENGLISH

This scripture has provided me with some encouragement to victory in the past. I say that without a great deal of enthusiasm because it always seemed to be a "victory chant" more than anything else. I knew the blood of the Lamb gave and still gives me victory, causing me to overcome, but it seemed a bit dry and flat. It just lays on the tongue like something that is lacking the flavor you expected it to have.

Then the light came on it (or me)! There is a three-fold process here that causes me to overcome. The blood of the Lamb is the first part. God made way for me to live and walk in victory by the redemptive act of Jesus on the Cross. His beating, flogging, ridicule, harassment, abuse, and ultimately his death was for me. All of God's wrath was placed on Jesus as he assumed the role of a sinner. Everything the Father unleased on Jesus was meant for and should have been my judgement for my sins. Every time I feel beat down, whipped and hurt; every time I'm feeling persecuted and ridiculed and harassed; every time I feel like someone is taking advantage of me or abusing me or our relationship, I can rest assured that I have been placed in a position over it all...a position of an overcomer.

The second and third parts are my responsibility...to speak my testimony and to live for Christ until I die.

AS FOR ME

In order to actually FEEL like an overcomer; to make it real in my life that Satan is defeated, I have to do my part...the second and third parts of the three-fold process "and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death".

The second part of the process is verbalizing the victory. I think back to my walk time with the Lord where He told me to pray out loud because I needed to hear myself qoute the word. That's how my edification and motivation is built up in me, by speaking to myself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). It's not enough to put me over to hear someone else say it or to just pray silently in my head...my ears and voice need to join forces.

Then there is the other side to the word of my testimony...sharing what God has done and is doing in my life. A testimony is defined as "evidence in support of a fact or statement; proof; an open declaration or profession"

The third and final part of the process reminds me of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. They loved with total abandon, not considering their lives. Simple obedience that pays off. Wow.

I'm Hungry

Psalm 119:31-40 (The Message)

Barricade the road that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation. I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner. I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me; God, don't let me down! I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me how. God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me— promises made to all who fear you. Deflect the harsh words of my critics— but what you say is always so good. See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!

IN PLAIN ENGLISH

After realizing how far I've come, how much progress I've made, and how wonderfully free I am, I want nothing more than to make sure I don't slip back into the ditch. God doesn't want me there either! Everything David asks for here is within God's will for not only his life, but for mine (and yours) as well. Earlier I found that obedience is just as much a decision in life as loving Tracye is. There may be times when I may not FEEL like loving her, but I CHOOSE to do it every minute of every day...because she deserves it...and so do I! Obedience and walking down the path that keeps me under His protection are choices that are easier to make with each day I live.

However, it's important not to forget that there are still things out there that want to trip me up. Only through consistent study of the Word and fellowshipping with Him can I ensure that not only my heart is established, but my mind begins to be renewed as well.



AS FOR ME

Ah, the secret...making the heart (spirit) and mind unified. There lies the hunger. As I walk daily in the wisdom He has given me; as I continue to walk in obedience; as I consistently follow His commandments, my spirit becomes HUNGRY for Him. My doctor told me once when we were discussing my weight loss that hunger is a GOOD thing. When your body tells you it's hungry, it's telling you that you have expended the energy it has stored and it is time to replace it. Right now, spiritually I'm ravenous! My spirit is telling me that I am needing more nourishment than just milk. I'm moving on to the meat of the Word, PRAISE GOD!

I really like this version of Psalm 119 where it talks about "divert my eyes from toys and trinkets" because the majority of my money issues falls with impulse spending. The last six weeks have been excruciatingly painful at times because my habitual flesh feels deprived that I can't (and won't) go out and indulge itself. But at the same time, there's a liberating feeling that goes along with controlling my flesh. All the time I've spent dodging creditors and "creating" money to pay bills with or do something I wanted to do, I did thinking I was in control. Now I realize that I wasn't in control. The money and the flesh were in control. For the first time, I know what true control means.

And it's not without rewards. Freedom from those bondages allows me to be free to worship and obey in ways that I've never experienced before. And I'm so hungry for more!!

Turn History Around

2 Chronicles 29: 10-11, 36 (The Message)

"I have decided to make a covenant with the God of Israel and turn history around so that God will no longer be angry with us. Children, don't drag your feet in this! God has chosen you to take your place before him to serve in conducting and leading worship—this is your life work; make sure you do it and do it well."

"Hezekiah and the congregation celebrated: God had established a firm foundation for the lives of the people—and so quickly!"

IN PLAIN ENGLISH

God responds to repentence. I love the fact that Hezekiah used the phrase "turn history around". God responds in such a way under the new testament that history is re-written...eradicating the old as if it never happened. I don't have to move forward and drag the old ways with me. My covenant truly turns history around; it changes history so that I have victory to build upon, not past mistakes. Every step I take in obedience today places me on that path outside of the ditch. I gain sure footing on solid ground. Then the next step is more solid. They build one upon the other. And I'm not doing it alone. God walks with me, encouraging me and loving me for my obedience. By following his voice, he tells me where to place each step, so that it is on a firm foundation and estabilishes my heart all the more.

AS FOR ME

Do I need this! My history has been one that has been filled with failure, strife, disappointment, disillusionment, pain, hopelessness, and I could go on-and-on. But to know that this is not my history any more is fantastic! Think about how the future is always dictated by the past. Your character and personality is made up of the experiences of the past. So in order for my future to be a reflection of who I am in Christ, my past has to show who I am in Christ. With Hezekiah, a new line had to be drawn in the sand. A point from which a new beginning had to take place. A point where no looking back was allowed.

With my covenant in Christ, when I look back, I see the same reflection backwards as I do forwards. I can't allow myself to see the failures and disappointments, but to see what and who I am now. For the first time, I can understand what it means to be free from the bondages of slavery to sin. I am totally free to walk in obedience. I can truly experience verse 36 and celebrate because the Lord has established a firm foundation for my life - and so quickly!