COLUMBUS, Ohio — Back in 1986, when Urban Meyer was a graduate assistant at Ohio State, he shared an office the size of “a little furnace room” with five of his peers, his primary duty the cutting and splicing of 16-millimeter film.
Meyer made about $100 per month and worked 18-hour days, and his wardrobe consisted almost entirely of team-issued apparel. He lived in an off-campus apartment so dilapidated that his wife, Shelley, who was then his girlfriend, still recalls the dirty carpet and crooked shades. His only sources of food were team meals and the free egg rolls available at happy hours around Columbus.
“If it wasn’t training table or happy hour, I didn’t eat,” Meyer said. “That’s serious.”
Nearly three decades later, Meyer has returned to Columbus with a salary that pays him $4 million a year, a palatial office and a much more complicated task than finding free egg rolls. As his career comes full circle, Meyer’s ability to turn the Ohio State football program around will be tied directly to his being able to find the balance between being a relentless coach and a healthy father.
Health problems, burnout and the desire to spend more time with his family prompted Meyer to step down as the coach of Florida temporarily after the 2009 season and permanently after the 2010 season.
“Without getting too overdramatic, you have to go somewhere you don’t like so you don’t want to go back,” Meyer said. “I’ve talked to many people about that. I’ve been so fortunate, and you keep skimming along and moving so fast it’s, ‘What’s next? What’s next?’ instead of enjoying the day. I need to quit looking so hard forward and enjoy moments and days. I have to do that. I will do that.”
Meyer is 37 pounds heavier than he was during his darkest days at Florida, when stress, esophageal spasms and an inability to disconnect from his job led to a gaunt frame. Doctors identified the cause of the esophageal pain, which has gone away, and with that has come a clean bill of health. Meyer said he now felt the best he had since the beginning of his tenure at Florida, where his teams went 65-15 and won two national championships in six seasons.
After a year in which he worked as an analyst for ESPN and spent time with his children, Meyer, according to those who know him best, appears to have regained his health, his energy and, most important, his perspective.
But for all of the assurances and confidence, there is still a sense of trepidation from Meyer’s friends and family. They remember the extreme weight loss, the 911 call and the night spent in the hospital after Florida’s loss to Alabama in the 2009 Southeastern Conference title game. They recall the emotional depths he plunged to after defeats.
“I think he learned that some of the things about coaching college football that he thought were desperate and dire maybe weren’t that important,” said Shelley Meyer, who has worked as a psychiatric nurse. She added that she was still not certain how her husband would handle losses.
“I really don’t know how he’s going to react,” she said. “I feel hopeful and confident that he’s not going to react the way he has before.”
Meyer’s oldest daughter, Nicki, listed on a pink piece of loose leaf paper exactly what changes he needed to make before he became Ohio State’s coach. Meyer keeps the piece of paper in a red Ohio State folder on his desk, a temporary home until he gets it framed.
Nicki Meyer drew up an 11-rule contract that she forced her father to sign Nov. 15 when he broached the idea of returning to coaching with his family.
“Failure to comply with all of the following will result in no more coaching,” Nicki, 21, wrote, underlining the final three words for emphasis. Some of the rules are lighthearted, like buying her an iPad. Mostly, though, they hint at Meyer’s past struggles with balancing his job and his family; the contract demands that Meyer silence his cellphone when he sleeps, eat three meals a day and communicate daily with his three children.
Meyer’s voice caught during a recent interview in his office when he pointed out that last rule.
“I will continue to communicate daily with my kids,” Meyer said, shaking his head. “I lost that.”
READ THE REST OF THE STORY
Friday, December 30, 2011
From John
An Unholy Alliance
Over the years we've come to see that the only thing more tragic than the things that have happened to us is what we have done with them.
Words were said, painful words. Things were done, awful things. And they shaped us. Something inside us shifted. We embraced the messages of our wounds. We accepted a twisted view of ourselves. And from that we chose a way of relating to our world. We made a vow never to be in that place again. We adopted strategies to protect ourselves from being hurt again. A woman that is living out of a broken, wounded heart is a woman who is living a self-protective life. She may not be aware of it, but it is true. It's our way of trying to "save ourselves."
We also developed ways of trying to get something of the love our hearts cried out for. The ache is there. Our desperate need for love and affirmation, our thirst for some taste of romance and adventure and beauty is there. So we turned to boys or to food or to romance novels; we lost ourselves in our work or at church or in some sort of service. All this adds up to the woman we are today. Much of what we call our "personalities" is actually the mosaic of our choices for self-protection plus our plan to get something of the love we were created for.
The problem is, our plan has nothing to do with God.
The wounds we received and the messages they brought formed a sort of unholy alliance with our fallen nature as women. From Eve we received a deep mistrust in the heart of God toward us. Clearly, he's holding out on us. We'll just have to arrange for the life we want. We will control our world. But there is also an ache deep within, an ache for intimacy and for life. We'll have to find a way to fill it. A way that does not require us to trust anyone, especially God. A way that will not require vulnerability.
Over the years we've come to see that the only thing more tragic than the things that have happened to us is what we have done with them.
Words were said, painful words. Things were done, awful things. And they shaped us. Something inside us shifted. We embraced the messages of our wounds. We accepted a twisted view of ourselves. And from that we chose a way of relating to our world. We made a vow never to be in that place again. We adopted strategies to protect ourselves from being hurt again. A woman that is living out of a broken, wounded heart is a woman who is living a self-protective life. She may not be aware of it, but it is true. It's our way of trying to "save ourselves."
We also developed ways of trying to get something of the love our hearts cried out for. The ache is there. Our desperate need for love and affirmation, our thirst for some taste of romance and adventure and beauty is there. So we turned to boys or to food or to romance novels; we lost ourselves in our work or at church or in some sort of service. All this adds up to the woman we are today. Much of what we call our "personalities" is actually the mosaic of our choices for self-protection plus our plan to get something of the love we were created for.
The problem is, our plan has nothing to do with God.
The wounds we received and the messages they brought formed a sort of unholy alliance with our fallen nature as women. From Eve we received a deep mistrust in the heart of God toward us. Clearly, he's holding out on us. We'll just have to arrange for the life we want. We will control our world. But there is also an ache deep within, an ache for intimacy and for life. We'll have to find a way to fill it. A way that does not require us to trust anyone, especially God. A way that will not require vulnerability.
For the ladies
Motherhood is a Special Task
QUESTION:
More than anything in the world I want to be a good mom to my kids. How can I be the mom God wants me to be?
ANSWER FROM MAX:
The virgin birth is more, much more, than a Christmas story. It is a picture of how close Christ will come to you, a mom, as you also bring a child into the world.
Imagine yourself in that story found in Luke 1.
God comes to you and says, “I have a special task for you. A child. A special child that I want to entrust to you. Are you willing to raise this one?”
You stammer, take a breath. “This sounds scary.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be there with you. This child is special to me. He will be a great child.”
You shake your head. “Such an awesome responsibility. I don’t know if I can do it.”
“Nothing is impossible with me.”
You smile. “I am your servant. I’ll do it.”
Do we think only one child received God’s special attention? Sure, only one was his Son, and an angel sent out those special birth announcements, accompanied by an angelic choir singing “Happy Birthday.” Of course God pulled out all the stops for Jesus’ birth.
But children aren’t randomly born to parents. God orchestrates the right children to be born to the right parents.
Being the mom God wants you to be starts with the understanding of how important your job is in God’s eyes. He entrusts you with one of his own children. He chose you out of all the moms in the world for this one child.
Remember, you, too, are highly favored by God himself to receive such a special gift.
QUESTION:
More than anything in the world I want to be a good mom to my kids. How can I be the mom God wants me to be?
ANSWER FROM MAX:
The virgin birth is more, much more, than a Christmas story. It is a picture of how close Christ will come to you, a mom, as you also bring a child into the world.
Imagine yourself in that story found in Luke 1.
God comes to you and says, “I have a special task for you. A child. A special child that I want to entrust to you. Are you willing to raise this one?”
You stammer, take a breath. “This sounds scary.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be there with you. This child is special to me. He will be a great child.”
You shake your head. “Such an awesome responsibility. I don’t know if I can do it.”
“Nothing is impossible with me.”
You smile. “I am your servant. I’ll do it.”
Do we think only one child received God’s special attention? Sure, only one was his Son, and an angel sent out those special birth announcements, accompanied by an angelic choir singing “Happy Birthday.” Of course God pulled out all the stops for Jesus’ birth.
But children aren’t randomly born to parents. God orchestrates the right children to be born to the right parents.
Being the mom God wants you to be starts with the understanding of how important your job is in God’s eyes. He entrusts you with one of his own children. He chose you out of all the moms in the world for this one child.
Remember, you, too, are highly favored by God himself to receive such a special gift.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Living Word Book Store
YEAR END INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE
(And take this opportunity to say "farewell" to Jesse, and wish him well, as he leaves us to embark on new ministry opportunities . . . we will all miss him.)
Everything In the Store On Sale
30% OFF ALL regular priced items
and an additonal
10% OFF ALL Sale Items
This is a End-of-the-Year Pre-Inventory Sale and Runs 3 Days Only
(And take this opportunity to say "farewell" to Jesse, and wish him well, as he leaves us to embark on new ministry opportunities . . . we will all miss him.)
Everything In the Store On Sale
30% OFF ALL regular priced items
and an additonal
10% OFF ALL Sale Items
This is a End-of-the-Year Pre-Inventory Sale and Runs 3 Days Only
From John
Our Situation
Let me say this again: the story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it. I hope you are beginning to see that more clearly now. Otherwise, much of the Bible will not make sense to you. Much of your life will not make sense to you.
I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isa. 45:2-3)
Doesn't the language of the Bible sometimes sound . . . overblown? Really now-God is going to level mountains for us? We'd be happy if he just helped us get through the week. What's all that about breaking down gates of bronze and cutting through bars of iron? I mean, it sounds heroic, but, well, who's really in need of that? This isn't ancient Samaria. We'd settle for a parking place at the mall.
If we are in an epic battle, then the language of the Bible fits perfectly. Things are not what they seem. We are at war. That war is against your heart, your glory. Once more, look at Isaiah 61:1:
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.
Let me say this again: the story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it. I hope you are beginning to see that more clearly now. Otherwise, much of the Bible will not make sense to you. Much of your life will not make sense to you.
I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isa. 45:2-3)
Doesn't the language of the Bible sometimes sound . . . overblown? Really now-God is going to level mountains for us? We'd be happy if he just helped us get through the week. What's all that about breaking down gates of bronze and cutting through bars of iron? I mean, it sounds heroic, but, well, who's really in need of that? This isn't ancient Samaria. We'd settle for a parking place at the mall.
If we are in an epic battle, then the language of the Bible fits perfectly. Things are not what they seem. We are at war. That war is against your heart, your glory. Once more, look at Isaiah 61:1:
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
From Frank
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Death is deep and dark.
Life is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Principalities and powers are immovable,
Things present are uncertain:
Things to come unknown.
There are mysteries in the height and depth
Of this universe, Yet none of these can separate us From the love of God, Which is in Christ the Lord.
Who shall separate us from His love?
Shall tribulation or distress?
Persecution or famine?
Nakedness, peril or sword?
No! For God is love.
This love passeth all understanding—
A bond of perfectness—
So walk in His love.
He that dwelleth in love
Dwelleth in God—
And God in him.
Have a Christ filled week as we consider what His coming has done as He has revealed Himself to us.
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Death is deep and dark.
Life is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Principalities and powers are immovable,
Things present are uncertain:
Things to come unknown.
There are mysteries in the height and depth
Of this universe, Yet none of these can separate us From the love of God, Which is in Christ the Lord.
Who shall separate us from His love?
Shall tribulation or distress?
Persecution or famine?
Nakedness, peril or sword?
No! For God is love.
This love passeth all understanding—
A bond of perfectness—
So walk in His love.
He that dwelleth in love
Dwelleth in God—
And God in him.
Have a Christ filled week as we consider what His coming has done as He has revealed Himself to us.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
John
1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Armor
Full Armor of God
How do we view the Spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:12?
Do we place such a high priority on it that we put it on daily?
How do we put it on?
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Let’s take a look at each piece.
Ephesians 6:14-18
{14} Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…
“Please let me see where I have been believing a lie and let me live in truth.”
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
…with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
“My rightness with God is what Jesus did on the cross, not whether I sinned today. My position with him is no different after my sin than before. I confess and continue to proceed. There is no “two steps backward and one step forward”. My righteousness IS Christ abiding and living in me.”
Rom 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
{15}…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
“Lord use me today somehow, some way whether to encourage, exhort or share Christ. Put nails through the bottom of my shoes so that I am immovable.”
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
{16} In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
“I step behind the shield of faith the size of a door…my increased faith is making it a wall around me. I will exhibit great faith as the Holy Spirit grants this.”
1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…9 to another faith by the same Spirit…
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.
{17} Take the helmet of salvation
“I pray that I would capture every thought and make it obedient to Christ. That I would speak statements full of faith, and trust in what God has spoken to me that He will give and provide.”
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
“This sword reaches up to heaven, in the heavenly places and I use it to do battle with the enemy and the kingdom of darkness advancing the Kingdom of Light.”
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Matthew 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly ...
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
{18} And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
“Holy Spirit pray through me now and throughout today.”
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
James 5:16 Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
When coming into spiritual warfare, fighting by prayer for a loved one, a missionary trip, a ministry in the church, a prayer burden...you will have backlash. This is GOOD. When the enemy fights back and all hell breaks loose around you know you are doing good for the Lord. You are right where you are supposed to be...on your knees standing in the gap for your loved ones, friend, missionary members, ministry, church, pastor...
This is a validation that the kingdom of light is battling the kingdom of darkness and if the enemy can re-assign demons to your life, your walk, your situations and get you to GIVE UP PRAYING, then he will have succeeded.
Once you have pleaded the blood of Jesus over you and your family and have asked the Lord to cover you in Jesus, you have used your "Shield of Faith". You are standing in faith.
But notice in this text we are to put on "the FULL armor". Now it is time to offensively approach this attack while remaining steadfast in our prayer for the recipient. We do this by openly speaking God's word..." the sword of the Spirit, which is THE WORD OF GOD.".
The devil is a defeated foe and he only gains ground in our life through fear and intimidation. This is what causes us to stop praying, to stop sharing, and to stop ministering. So as he begins his assault on you, pick up your sword and use it. Speak it out loud so he can hear it. Here are scriptures that we can write on a 3x5 card and use on his next assault.
Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
Psalms 91:9-13 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge— 10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Isaiah 54:14 In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.
Psalms 112:7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Galatians 1:4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
Let's aggressively approach the assignment God gives us to pray for, a prayer burden, or someone that is going on a mission trip that asks us to pray for them and their team, a lost relative or co-worker, ministries, our pastors or whoever and whatever the Lord lays on our heart. When we are faithful to do so and the enemy validates your effectiveness of your prayers by his backlash let’s keep standing pleading the blood of Christ and using God's word, His word, to fight him so you can stand in the gap and pray and bring glory to your savior Jesus Christ by advancing the Kingdom of Light!
How do we view the Spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:12?
Do we place such a high priority on it that we put it on daily?
How do we put it on?
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Let’s take a look at each piece.
Ephesians 6:14-18
{14} Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…
“Please let me see where I have been believing a lie and let me live in truth.”
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
…with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
“My rightness with God is what Jesus did on the cross, not whether I sinned today. My position with him is no different after my sin than before. I confess and continue to proceed. There is no “two steps backward and one step forward”. My righteousness IS Christ abiding and living in me.”
Rom 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
{15}…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
“Lord use me today somehow, some way whether to encourage, exhort or share Christ. Put nails through the bottom of my shoes so that I am immovable.”
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
{16} In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
“I step behind the shield of faith the size of a door…my increased faith is making it a wall around me. I will exhibit great faith as the Holy Spirit grants this.”
1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…9 to another faith by the same Spirit…
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.
{17} Take the helmet of salvation
“I pray that I would capture every thought and make it obedient to Christ. That I would speak statements full of faith, and trust in what God has spoken to me that He will give and provide.”
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
“This sword reaches up to heaven, in the heavenly places and I use it to do battle with the enemy and the kingdom of darkness advancing the Kingdom of Light.”
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Matthew 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly ...
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
{18} And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
“Holy Spirit pray through me now and throughout today.”
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
James 5:16 Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
When coming into spiritual warfare, fighting by prayer for a loved one, a missionary trip, a ministry in the church, a prayer burden...you will have backlash. This is GOOD. When the enemy fights back and all hell breaks loose around you know you are doing good for the Lord. You are right where you are supposed to be...on your knees standing in the gap for your loved ones, friend, missionary members, ministry, church, pastor...
This is a validation that the kingdom of light is battling the kingdom of darkness and if the enemy can re-assign demons to your life, your walk, your situations and get you to GIVE UP PRAYING, then he will have succeeded.
Once you have pleaded the blood of Jesus over you and your family and have asked the Lord to cover you in Jesus, you have used your "Shield of Faith". You are standing in faith.
But notice in this text we are to put on "the FULL armor". Now it is time to offensively approach this attack while remaining steadfast in our prayer for the recipient. We do this by openly speaking God's word..." the sword of the Spirit, which is THE WORD OF GOD.".
The devil is a defeated foe and he only gains ground in our life through fear and intimidation. This is what causes us to stop praying, to stop sharing, and to stop ministering. So as he begins his assault on you, pick up your sword and use it. Speak it out loud so he can hear it. Here are scriptures that we can write on a 3x5 card and use on his next assault.
Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
Psalms 91:9-13 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge— 10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Isaiah 54:14 In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.
Psalms 112:7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Galatians 1:4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
Let's aggressively approach the assignment God gives us to pray for, a prayer burden, or someone that is going on a mission trip that asks us to pray for them and their team, a lost relative or co-worker, ministries, our pastors or whoever and whatever the Lord lays on our heart. When we are faithful to do so and the enemy validates your effectiveness of your prayers by his backlash let’s keep standing pleading the blood of Christ and using God's word, His word, to fight him so you can stand in the gap and pray and bring glory to your savior Jesus Christ by advancing the Kingdom of Light!
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