by Gail Rodgers
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The LORD of Hosts, the LORD Almighty is your defender and your protector. He is a mighty warrior, a mighty God. He is mighty in power and mighty in battle.
(Is 42:13; Jr 20:11; Ps 93:4; Ps 147:5; Ps 24:8).
No matter what you face today know with assurance that God can break down walls and bring victory. His is mighty to save you.
LORD of Hosts,
We bow before You this day with humble hearts contemplating Your greatness and Your might! We are in awe that You are our defender and our victor. You are LORD over the whole spiritual and physical realm … and You are my God. Thank you!
Father God, all around us the needs are so great! Injustice, illness, discouragement and poverty of body and spirit drag Your children down daily. Thank you that You are our mighty warrior who goes to battle to bring truth and justice to our lives. Thank you that You are a wall of fire, a consuming fire, and You break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. You level mountains! Thank you for this amazing picture of the power of Your name over me.
Today I stand on the promise of Your name, the great LORD of Hosts, mighty in battle. I bring to You today the battle that rages around me and even within me. I bring my affliction and my distress to You with fresh confidence that You will encase me behind Your wall of fire and You will break through the walls that loom over me.
Show me today if there is anything in my heart that I need to confess and clean out as I stand before You and Your mighty power. May my heart be open to turn from any thing in my life that opposes You as I call on Your power to save me. In the strong name of Jesus I pray with thanksgiving, amen.
Questions: Can you identify a thought pattern that has been come a stronghold in your life? What can you do to take that thought captive and allow Jesus to be the stronghold of your life?
About the Author: http://thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/gail-rodgers/
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Dear Ladies Once Again can I ask you today to Please Pray For Our Dear Sister Judy D. as her father passed away on Sunday morning April 27th and she has asked that we would please be praying for her & help her in some way be able to share The Lord with her mom and other relatives at this time. The funeral will be on Saturday May 3rd at 11am. Also she wanted to let you know that is why she has not been on line this week.
Thank you, Love & Prayers Linda
Judy D. we pray God’s strength over in life as you go this journey in your life. The Lord will give you the words and the annoiting to witness to your love ones. Our prayers are with you as we join this site with prayers for you and your family. God bless and be with you.
I’ve missed Chris T. on the blog recently and I feel a sense of loss knowing she will not be back. We do celebrate her move to Heaven and are grateful for the insight and inspiration she gave us.
I appreciate all of you who post here and provide a place where love and acceptance are modeled. It’s great to share the journey together as we grow in our friendship with God.
Blessings to you.
Warmly,
Gail Rodgers
Dear Gail….it seesm there is a spirit of discouragement today….even tho we all know that Chris is free and whole now…and Home.
I know there are hurting hearts for other reasons…Judy with her loss and others who must tolerate their daily pain, and sorrows.
Just today, I learned of two children in our schools…one dying as we speak of multiple organs shutting down and another 9 year old boy….being rushed to Dallas with failing kidneys. Sadness is all around.
I know my Lord is sufficient….always …but as I have begun to write here, I believe that when such sadness is around me, discouragement engulfs me. The fact that it can take me down so quickly, I will have to confess it is a stronghold in my life.
With discouragement comes depression, which most certainly has been a stronghold on me for much too long.
Dear Jesus…we thank You that Your grace is sufficient, that Your love is unconditional, whether we feel it or not, that Your Word is true and that we can trust You and lay everything …all of our pain and sorrows, discouragements and failures..at the Cross….at Your feet.
I need to be reminded of a wonderful song chorus …
For the God on the mountain..is still God in the valleys.
When things go wrong…He’ll make them right…
And the God of the good times
Is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day…
Is still God in the night.
(permission November 1999, music and lyrics)
Dear Jesus I just bring Patti to You right now, Heavenly Father You see how she is beginning to feel discouraged and defeated by all what is happening in her life and around her. Lord I just ask that right now You would life this burden from her, Lord take it away and carry it for her, help her to feel Your Precious arms of Love wrapped so tightly around her & Your presence and peace within her. Don’t let the enemy rob her of the Joy she has in You but Lord just fill her and refill her to overflowing with Your Joy & Comfort I pray in Your Name In Faith Believing. Amen! Love & Prayers, Linda
Dear Lord I also pray for Judy & her family that You would be with them at this time of sorrow. I ask that you would Comfort them and encourage them. Lord be with Judy, guide her give her wisdom and an opportunity to be able to share Your love with those who do not know You as Lord and Savior. I just Pray that You would Minister to her Spiritually, Physically, Emotionally and Mentally as she goes through this time of mourning Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father I just Pray Right Now as Chris’s Memorial will be taking place at this time in London Ontario that You will be there in the midst of it, that Chris’s Testimony will shine forth for all to see and souls will come to You because of Her Life and Love For You. Jesus we just thank you so Very Much for bringing Chris into our lives and even though it is so ever hard to see her gone we know she is much, much happier now and I just pray that You will give all of us here that peace and joy in knowing that. In Your Name I Pray! Amen!
I Love You Chris & Thank You For Bringing Such Joy Into My Life!
Hugs Linda!!!
Dear Heavenly Father. We come today to celebrate the life of our sister that has gone to be with You in heaven. We ask that You comfort the people down here that new her and surround them with Your presence. Thank you Lord for each person that comes to this corner of our world and get together to bring our prayers and concerns to You Oh Lord, In Jesus Name Amen.
lots to think about today
Dear Patti,
I appreciate your regular interaction here. With the passing of Chris we realize in a new way that we truly are a community here even though we don’t know each others faces. Neat, isn’t it.
Yes, the needs are very great and at times it does feel overwhelming. That is one of the reasons I wanted to do this series on the names of God. I feel there is so much power in understanding just who our God is even in the midst of the needs and discouragement. It gives me a fresh perspective as I focus on the depth of the names of all God is in the midst of whatever it is that wants to drag our spirits down.
Recently I was reading the 23rd Psalm and contemplating the line that says, “You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies”.
I saw a picture of the Lord meeting me in a treed area where the sun shone through on the pathway and He invited me to sit at a table that was laden with grapes and cheese and fresh bread and a brimming wine goblet. All around there were shadows of “enemies” lurking and skirting the trees around yet Jesus stood by my chair and said, “Feast”.
I believe the feast is focusing on all He is and in that process the enemies of doubt, discouragement, and difficulties loose their power over us as we focus on the power and might of God.
I love the picture today of the LORD of Hosts going to battle for us to bring truth and justice and to encase us in His presence and His power.
I believe that strongholds are thoughts that we have taken captive in our hearts and minds that can grip our lives. It is my prayer that we will grow together here in learning to make the Lord the stronghold of our hearts and minds through feasting on who He is.
I have printed the whole page of these attributes and I use them in my own quiet time to help me learn this truth and to knead it into my own life too.
I pray that today the Lord will encase you, Patti, and overpower the discouragement that threatens to engulf. He is the LORD of hosts over all the physical and spiritual realm and He is standing by your chair saying, “Feast, I’ve got your back”.
Blessings!
Warmly,
Gail
Praying from here….Dear Heavenly Father, Lord of Hosts, our Comforter and Protector, I pray that you would help each one of us understand the depth of your love for us. Lord I think of the sadness we have experienced this week with the passing of Chris and ask that her memorial today will be a real celebration of her life in dependence on you. Lord might you touch many hearts and draw people close to you as they spend time together sharing thoughts about Chris’ life and her love for you. And Lord I also want to pray for JudyD. Many of us have lost parents and can understand her grief at this time. Lord I pray that she will surrender herself to You who will comfort her and give her a peace. Father carry each family member as they
prepare for the upcoming funeral. And Lord our dear sister Patti is feeling so discouraged this week. Father please remind her that you are with her. Lord I pray that she would know with certainty that you are working in her life, restoring her and preparing her to break through all that burdens her. Father, we know that only good can come from you and so we look to you, even when we don’t understand what’s happening, to be our strength and comfort. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
I too feel a sense of sadness and I didn’t even know Chris. I occasionally would read this blog and a few times made comments. I wish I could have a sense of belonging to and having Christian friends. My mother died in January, 5 days before the anniversary death of my father in 1964. On April 27 it would have been their 62th wedding anniversary. I have prayed for the presence of God in my life but I always felt like somehow I was missing the boat. I do attend church but I don’t feel like I belong. I know it’s my fault, I have trouble making friends, I’ve always had a very low self-esteem. I want to think you for listening, maybe it’s Mother’s day coming up and this is the first year I won’t have mine. God Bless you all.
SueF,
Thanks for the courage to comment today. I believe that the Lord is working in your life just because of that one small step. You said you have prayed for the presence of God in your life….I think that your prayer has been answered. Please continue to let us know how you are doing. Many here will pray and encourage you if you will give them a chance. Sue, I will be praying that you will keep your focus on Jesus, as I will (my mother died 2 years ago February) and that He will be our comfort as we approach Mother’s day. Love, Donna
Hi Sue F Welcome to the site we are all glad you have finally made the step to write on the blog. I am so sorry about the loss of your mother I know how if feels to have lost bother parents as both of mine have passed away too. Sue I would love to be your friend if you would like an email friend. My email address is lrohne@shaw.ca I would love to hear from you. Take care & God Bless!
LindaR,
I have been thinking often about you this week. Again, thanks so much for letting us know about Chris and JudyD. I am so far away but will be in each situation in Spirit. I pray that you and Terry are well. In His Love, Donna
Dear Donna and Linda, Thank you both for your kind words. I know I’m not the only one to lose a parent but there are times when you feel you are all alone. The pain never goes away but it does get lighter. God bless you both.
Love, Sue F
Hi Donna, thank you for your prayer. I would love to hear from you if you ever feel like emailing me you are such a precious person. Donna how is your stepdad doing? Also how are things going at work as you had mentioned a bid of a problem. How is Steve enjoying his job? God Bless you away over there! Love & Prayers, Linda
Thank you, dear Gail, for sharing that beautiful picture of the Feast. I am saving it…as I want to read it…until it is burned into my memory, my heart and my soul.
As I read your description of the Feast, I saw the Table just as you described…vivid in color and with the brushed strokes of the enemy, ..skirting through the trees.
You are so right about the strongholds taking captive my heart and mind. I know I must feed on the Word and spend time with the One who will break those chains…that He may take captive every part of me.
I am so thankful for this site, the writers of the devotionals and the ladies that visit, share, encourage and pray.
There is a lot of sadness today on this sight. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Chris and of Judy’s loved one. IT sounds like many of you have been online friends for along time.
Gail, it is nice to meet you on this talk session. Are you the same Gail that writes some of the devotionals. I have been reading from this devotional sight for a long time and have even shared some with friends. I am recently involved with this blog. The users are welcoming, but somehow I feel like an outsider peering into private lives.
I always enjoy when I see your name on the devotional because I really find inspiration in them.
Patti, sometimes I tend to let negative thoughts completely overtake me. Once they overtake me it is hard to step back. I have been praying to God for awhile about this. I believe God has led me to the Oprah book A New EArth. I have been participating in the webcasts after I read the chapters. NOw I know some Christians are not sure about this book because Echart Tolle is more new age. Its ideas about our thinking are really what I needed to here however. Now when I begin to feel negative, I let my self observe how I am feeling at that moment. Angry, sad, depressed. I just let myself feel. I personally then try to lift it up to God. If I can nip negative thinking in the bud, it really helps. If it takes over me, then it is harder to let go of those types of thoughts and can wreck havoc with my relationships during the time I am under negative thought influence. I like the book, especially after I listen to the webcasts to help explain it better. I think about you and that maybe it will be helpful sometimes.
Dearest jerseygirl……..
I say this in love…as I know you shared in love….but this New Earth is totally contrary to Jesus….in every way. Dearest Friend…….look into this carefully. Pray about it. Do not be persuaded to go any deeper into this theology…..pray to Jesus and listen carefully…… Please jerseygirl….
Yes, I am saddened and discouraged…we all have those times…I lost someone very dear to me this week….besides Chris…but I know Whom I have believed…….there is no other way but thru Jesus. I know, precious girl…..I stayed on the outside looking in far too long.
His grace is sufficient and only His. He gives us the measure of grace to get thru these times and I ‘know’ He will again and again…..I am seeking Him ..right now…..to “know” Him in an intimate way…and He is answering my cry.
I thank you for caring…I do……..but my heart breaks…
Ladies…please help me…….with this theology…in love….
Dear Jerseygirl I too say this in love but Oprah’s Church is totally against The Bible and she does not Believe In God Whatsoever. May I suggest you go to http://www.youtube.com and once you are in there in the search box type in Oprah’s Church Exposed and hit on that video and listen to it. It is very, very sad how she is leading people down the wrong path and away from Jesus Christ. Love & Prayers, Linda
Jerseygirl, I also like Patti say to you in love and friendship that Oprah’s site is deceiving, she wants the whole earth, love everyone, share together mentality and that makes us think she is about love but in truth she is helping to bring prophesy into stage with the “ones who say they love God but do not know him”. Be sure and guard your heart. God tells us to watch in the end times for the deceiver is out there. The Anti Christ spirit would have us believe that this type of mentality is of God. God led you here to show you the truth. I would recommend Rapha Ministries for help with strong issues and any of Dr. James Dobson for family, marriage and kid stuff.
Find out what triggers your depression and start claiming the word out loud in your home. Play praise music in your car and in your home to remind you of God’s truth. Get someone to mentor you possibly at church or at a local Christian agency that deals with depression and things of this sort. I pray in Jesus name that the things that are trying to attack you will be relased in Jesus name. You do have the power to overcome.
I saw that video as well. My feeling is that it was made by people who haven’t even read the book. I belong to a Christian group of women who are reading it together. WE all agree that the way the book encourages you to be more aware of your thinking, ego and pain has been very helpful to us all. I know it has been helpful to me, especially the chapter on the pain body and its never ending quest for negativity. We do agree that the way he presents Jesus is not always what we believe. I look at this way, I don’t pick my doctor by their religion or belief system. That doesn’t mean I am not going to go to them because of that, especially if they could help me. I have had a strong faith since a Little girl and a real love for Jesus and God. Nothing will ever change my mind about what I believe. AS I said before, I have really prayed hard about my thinking and thoughts. Especially one day after driving in the car, I prayed, God why am I obsessing over and over about the same thing. Its long past. I must not be saved Lord, because I keep thinking and acting this way. My thoughts were becoming my enemy. This book gives me a different perspective about thinking and why it goes in a negative direction so often. It is helping me.
Dearest jg
Let’s do something………I want to pray that the Lord will reveal the truth to you……Will you pray the same?
Is that fair? Let’s prove God….let’s pray and allow Him to speak to you and to me? The Truth…..nothing but the Truth.
I care deeply about you……..and you care for me or would not have written to me………Will you agree to do this?
Hello! Hope I’m not intruding, I write some of the devos and work on the men’s devo counterpart blog.
I noticed some posts about Oprah’s endorsement of “A New Earth”, so I wanted to note that TruthMedia has published two articles related to Oprah’s spirituality recently:
“Oprah & A Course in Miracles”
http://thelife.com/explore/oprah_acim.html
(This one is fairly short and intended primarily for non-Christians.)
“A Course in Miracles”
http://christianwomentoday.com/growth/acourseinmiracles.html
(This one is much longer, written for Christians, and goes into more of the history behind the teachings.)
Hope that these resources are useful. Ultimately we should embrace truth wherever it is found, but must also be discerning to separate truth from falsehood.
One other quick note, we’re actively working to fix the recent troubles with the devotional emails, hopefully that will be resolved soon.
Patti and Linda, you are very wise in cautioning Jerseygirl about digesting the God-less spirituality espoused in Eckhart Tolle’s book, New Earth. Sadly, Oprah Winfrey endorses this philospohy, and her vast influence is being used by Satan to deceive the lost and confuse undiscerning Christians. Jerseygirl, as a Christian, you have everything you need to ‘think positively!’ When you were saved, you were sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit indwelling you, the same Spirit that ressurected Jesus from the dead! He ‘renews our minds,’ which empowers us to think and act more like Jesus each day. When you come across a negative thought, call upon the Holy Spirit to erase it and replace it with thoughts that build up and encourage! He is ready and willing to cleanse us as we submit our wills to Him! There is no better self-help book than the Bible, and no better personal trainer than the Holy Spirit!
Hi Sue F! It is great to have you join us here! Come often, daily if you can, to share in the joy of Christian sisterhood! You will be encouraged, comforted, prayed for, and loved! Friendship is free! :)
WOw, great information going on in here. Actually Oprah does not interest me but to know that she has a church misleading people and great masses of people are blinded by earthly philosophy and money, I hope that Obama who is now against his minister is not in Ophra’s church tho I would not and cannot vote for him. I’m a Canadian.
Thanks Darren, Marilyn, Patti and the rest of you who mentioned about the tools and what to share to others about Ophra’s church and what she stands for. I will be in prayer for this thing. Another Octopus hand of the enemy to drag people to hell.
sue f
i too have lost a mother father my only sibling a brother and also a husband although i have sence found a wonderful husband through God. but i know the pain you are going through. my mothers birthday will be the 16 and on the 17 will be 15 years sence the loss of my husband. i will be praying for you in these sad times and i think you will find many friends here i have
sharon b
jerseygirl please listen to what patti and linda r have said about oprah and her new relegion all you need is God
jerseygirl
last night was camp meeting day number 5 and billy fields spoke on garding you heart just as patti said . we must be aware and not be led astray i am praying for you
sharon b
JERSEYGIRL
PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE ABOUT END TIMES
[...] who knows?! So, thought I’d share these: Encouragement for Today, GREAT Prayer: http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/05/01/jehovah-saboath/#comments Every Day Light, Strangers [...]
Continuing to pray jersygirl……..
JerseyGirl, hope I didn’t upset you by what I said. I just believe that you should always speak truth into peoples lives. You are blessed Sweetie. we love you here, no condemnation whatsoever. Please pray as tornado sirens are now going off in my area. Guess I need to seek cover. Pray for Tennessee please.
Dear all. thanks for your prayers and concern. I have felt your love all the way in San Diego. Thanks Darren for the websites. I have looked at them and also looked at some Catholic websites to see what they are saying about ANE. Your are right about the way the author takes what Jesus said and puts a twist on how he interprets what his words meant. I have been questioning that myself as I have been reading the book and am aware of it. I am taking the part that is helpful to me about my crazy thinking patterns and leaving the rest. His main idea of just observing our thinking and how to step back and be aware of the feeling behind the thoughts I am keeping. Many of these devotions have been saying the same thing. I am not taking it as a religious book. However, I can see your concern for many who do not know Christ or just know him a little. This book can definitely confuse people if they are using it as a religious book. On the online discussion about the book, I have been leaving very gentle reminders to readers that the real Jesus can be found in the gospels. Again, thanks for the warning and the reminder to be very discerning. Lots of Love and blessings and thanks for the prayers. They were needed!!!
Dearest Jersygirl,
We love you, girl! I don’t think I have ever known of anyone here addressing someone but in love.
That is what I love about this devotional site and all who write for it, comment, etc. It is a safe place to come, to be ministered and to minister.
Please forgive me if I hurt your feelings or was insitive….We all just need to keep our eyes on Jesus….
Dear jerseygirl I too want to say I totally agree with what Patti said, also I can see that by what you have written & prayed in recent devotionals that you are truly trusting in Jesus and continuing to ask for His Guidance and direction in your life. I also want to address one other thing you mentioned the other night and that was that you said some of us seemed to know each other very well and you felt like an outsider looking in. Jerseygirl, we all live all around North America & the world but some of us do email each other. For example Chris & I emailed and phoned back and forth quite frequently that is how I got to know her. If you have the time and are at all interested it would love to get to know you better too. My email address if lrohne@shaw.ca it is just interesting to be able to put a face to someones name and also get to know them on a personal level, but I will leave that up to you. May The Lord Richly Bless You & Continue to Lead & Guide You! Hugs, Love & Prayers, Linda
Jerseygirl, so grateful to the Lord that He has revealed the Truth to you in regards to Eckhart Tolle’s New Age philosophy, and is helping you distinguish what is His from what is Satan’s lies. :) Satan is very clever in counterfeit spirituality, mixing just enough truth with craftily-concealed deception, which is why he is so successful at snagging unsuspecting Christians and seekers hungry for spiritual food! And, this is also why I think it is so tragic that Oprah, who grew up in the church, endorses this philosophy, thereby misleading the lost and those whose faith is weak. The scriptures warn us about leading others away from the Truth, for we are accountable to God for representing His Truth as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 27:18) Praise our Shepherd, Who watches His flock diligently for the intruder, who comes to steal what he cannot have! Safe in His pasture are we! Praise Him!
JerseyGirl…
Am sooo proud of you for “discerning” what these lady’s reached out in love to share..Their loving outpouring and concern speaks “volumes” about each special one..and what “real love and friendship” is all about. Many, many Proverbs 17:17 friends here at this site, dear JerseyGirl! Prayed for you yesterday afternoon..and am so glad you’ve stayed with us here. These are a loving, understanding group of Sisters..and you will continue to be blessed! I read the article’s Darren recommneded, too, and they were excellent. Our LORD will fortify you to help others “discern”, in a loving way, ..the One and ONLY direction!!! HE is our beloved “Abba Daddy” and will steer our courses! Amen and Amen (((((((JerseyGirl)))))))