David Encouraged Himself in the Lord His God

David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. ~1 Samuel 30:6

David and his men arrived home to discover the army of Amalek had burned the city and had taken their wives and children captive. They wept until they could weep no more. The loss was overwhelming.

In their grief and frustration the men blamed David and spoke of stoning him... but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. Under God's direction, David then led a victorious march against the Amalekites and recovered their wives and children without a single loss; but we want to give attention to David's method of encouragement.

You may have waited for someone to come and encourage you in your night of trouble, but no one has come. So you may ask, "How can I encourage myself?" First, consider that God is still on the throne and he is your God.

There was no friend at hand to encourage David; his own men had turned against him. But when it appeared everything was lost, he turned to God for his help. He saw God as his God. He did not consider God to be at such a distance that he would not come to his rescue.

Second, remember that daybreak may be just ahead. David and his men experienced the anguish of believing their families probably had been killed, but they were all recovered safely. The old adage goes, "The darkest time of the night is just before dawn," and dawn may soon be breaking for you.

Further, you can encourage yourself by remembering that our trials are for a good purpose. The trials themselves are burdensome and distasteful but the end is good as God teaches you more of your weakness and more of His strength.

Source: Facebook 

See Also: http://theprincesswarriorministries.blogspot.com/2011/11/strengthen-yourself-in-lord.html 

 

God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle?

1 Corinthians 10:13. This verse gets thrown around a lot. Many people use this line to encourage a friend or family member going through a tough situation. And while it’s absolutely essential that we do everything we can to build up and encourage people who are experiencing trials and adversity, we need to make sure that what we encourage them with is the truth; otherwise, we are lying to them.

"God won't give you more than you can handle" gets thrown around a lot. While this phrase sounds very positive and affirming, you will not find it anywhere in the Bible. It simply doesn’t exist. What you will find is a similar verse "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) This often misquoted verse has to do with the level of temptation not the level of struggles.

The truth is: God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to do what is right; however, there are many examples in the Bible, where we see men and women who are given far more than they can handle. God makes it clear that we are not self-sufficient. We cannot just hunker down and power through every situation. Jesus never told anyone, "If you would just try harder, you will get yourself out of this mess." This is the false assurance we give to struggling people when we tell them "You're strong and you can make it through this." We cannot white-knuckle our way through life's storms. We need God.

God is not putting burdens on you to test how strong your are. And likewise, you do not fail the test when you cry out to God for help, or even accept the help from people God sends your way. God indeed loves us very much—so much so that He will not let us try to rely on our own strength, but continue to show us that we must rely on Him to endure suffering and persevere until the end.

Source: Posted by a Facebook Friend 

______________________________________________________

To My Friend:

I am so glad you posted this. I have known for a long time that this was not scriptural and have been wanting to write an article about it, but as yet, have not. This says exactly what I would have wanted to say. 

In the past and with my current health issues and family issues there have been times that my knees have buckled and I've fallen from the load. Each time it was only after I cried out to God to either help me carry it or remove it was I able to keep going forward. If He would not give me more than I could handle, why would I ever need His help? 

Now, concerning temptations...yes, I have been tempted to get angry about my situation and I have been tempted with all kinds of other things during this trial, but God has always given me an avenue of escape. He always uses my God-given conscience, but most often, He brings scripture to my mind so I will remember the "right thing" to do or think. 

In all reality, I am thankful that God has given me more than I can handle. I am a very headstrong, self-sufficient, ex-Marine. God had to give me things that I could not control and could not handle myself in order for me to put my complete trust in HIM and His strength and provision. 

Thanks again! This was a much needed message!!

~The Princess Warrior ♔

 

Copyright Information

Copyright © 2012 The Princess Warrior Ministries. All articles are copyrighted on the date they are posted, unless otherwise indicated. All rights reserved. Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including copyright and web address. Other uses require written permission. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from the King James Bible.

 

BUT, GOD!

Author: Lacy Scott 
Scripture: Gen 37:22-27 & 50:20
 

Brothers and sisters, each of us have encountered situations where we just felt like throwing in the towel. We felt like the whole world was against us. We felt like no matter what we did things would turn out bad. We’ve often said to ourselves, “No matter what I do, things still won’t change” or we feel that we have gotten so far down that there is nothing that can bring us up. Brothers and sisters I want you to know this evening that this is not so.

Those of us who have a hope in Christ don’t have to feel this way. We have to realize that because we serve a risen Savior, we can live victorious lives. Brothers and sisters I want to talk to you this evening on the subject “but, God”. There are a number of powerful 2-word phrases found in the Word of God. Phrases such as: Healed all; gathered in; cast out; raised up; and pulled down.

Each of these phrases are used in context with the power of God. However, there is one phrase used some 43 times in Scripture that surpasses them all. And that phrase is “BUT, GOD”! This small two-word phrase communicates a tremendous message to all that hear it. It is God’s response to Satan’s challenge! It is the bottom line! It is the last word! It is all over but the shouting!

“But, God”, when viewed in relation to the challenges of life, is what up is to down; what life is to death; what in is to out. “But, God” stands totally opposed to the negative roar of the world. The world says no — “But, God” says yes! The world says can’t — “But, God” says can! The world says won’t: “But, God” says will! The world says stop — “But, God” says go! The world says don’t — “But, God” says do!

The world says defeat — “But, God” says victory! “But, God” climbs the highest mountain; crosses the darkest valley; and sings songs of victory in the midnight hour! “But, God” exclaims, “I’m going to the enemy’s camp and I’ll take back what he stole from me!” “But, God” is courageous, confident and conclusive!” Brothers and sisters you have to realize that I’m speaking to you this evening from God’s perspective! 

Too many times we look at things through our own eyes and can only see failure. “But, God” tells us to look at it as God sees it! Brothers and sisters I’m encouraging you this evening to put your Kingdom glasses on and see things as God sees them! I want you to know it’s not over until God says it’s over! Sometimes when we go to a sporting event or watch it on TV, if our team is not winning as the end draws near we leave before it’s over not knowing that we might see a miraculous ending!

I’ve come to urge you brothers and sisters to stay for the entire game — wait until the last seconds tick off the clock; wait until the “home team” has had its chance! Wait until the last out is made! If you quit too soon, you’ll leave before victory is seen! I want to tell you this evening that the jury may still be out in your situation — all the votes are not in -- the fat lady has not sung — God hasn’t had His final say!

I’m speaking to you this evening on the subject “But, God”! I’m telling you this evening that in that book of miracles we read from everyday, there are many instances where our adversary is confounded and confused. There are stories of his elaborate schemes going wrong, because he failed to realize that God would have the final say! The devil had worked so hard to get everything just right, yet just when he thinks he is victorious, he hears “But, God”!

As we look at our text brothers and sisters we are reminded of the story of Joseph. How he had been humiliated by his brothers and sold into slavery. How he had been slandered by the wife of Potiphar, yet stood steadfast. How he had been forgotten by the chief baker after interpreting his dream, yet was faithful. The life of Joseph is perhaps the best Old Testament example of the accuracy of the verse in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose”.

The sale of Joseph as a slave was meant for harm by his brothers. The end result was Joseph becoming prime of Egypt, becoming reunited with his family, and saving their lives. Joseph endured many trials and tribulations. Satan had done so many things to him that were meant for bad, “But, God” meant it for good! So many times the devil throws things our way, things that are meant to make us stop trusting God!

Things that are meant to make us feel sorry for ourselves! Things that are meant to make us give up! Things that are meant for bad, “But, God” means them for good! God takes us through things to make us stronger! I don’t know if you realize it or not but among the thorns you generally will find a beautiful rose! Yes Satan means it for bad, “But, God” means it for good! Those times when everything is going well in our lives and then all of a sudden it seems like the bottom falls out remember Satan means it for bad, “But, God”!

Whenever husband and wife seem to be on the opposite sides of the room; Satan means it for bad, “But, God”! When it looks like your children just don’t hear what you say; Children when you think your parents just don’t understand. Yes Satan means it for bad, “But, God” means it for good! Brother pastor, when it seems that the deacons don’t want to work with you and the members refuse to do as you say; Satan means it for bad, “But, God”! All the things that happened to Joseph, to the average man it would have seemed like too much.

I can hear Joseph saying, “My brothers, my own flesh have betrayed me and sold me as a slave. My master’s wife has accused me and caused me to fall out of favor with him and have thrown me in jail. The chief butler, whose dream I interpreted has forgotten me and left me here in this prison”. Yes, to the average man it might have seemed quite bleak. But Joseph knew that no matter what was thrown at him, no matter what was done to him, no matter how Satan attacked, the God he served, would allow him to say “I may be down now, “But, God”!

Brothers and sisters that is the type of attitude that we need in the church today! We need to understand that no matter what we may go through, no matter how bad things might get, no matter how the enemy may attack us, always remember It may look dark now, “But, God”!

You see the devil always tries to bring confusion when there is order. If good things are happening he wants to break it down. The devil thinks he has it all worked out, “But, God”! He Thought He Could Stop the Plan of God! “BUT, GOD”! He Thought He Could Stop the People of God, “BUT, GOD”! All of us used to be just as those in the world! Our lives expressing the evil within us, doing every wicked thing that our passions or our evil thoughts might lead us into! 

Brothers and sisters we started out bad, being born with evil natures, and were under God’s anger just like everyone else! “But, God” is so rich in mercy; he loved us so much that even though we were spiritually dead and doomed by our sins, he gave us back our lives again when he raised Christ from the dead--only by his undeserved favor have we ever been saved and lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms--all because of what Christ Jesus did!

Brothers and sisters, I’m just trying to tell you this evening that no matter what the situation, no matter how bad it might look, no matter how bad you have been, no matter whether it is day or night; remember that whatever comes, “But, God”!

My bibles says in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

My brothers and my sisters, Satan says, “such were some of you”, “But, God” says “ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God”!

Satan says, “you can’t make it on your own”….“But, God” says, “If I am for you, I am more than the world against you”!

Satan says, “Hold on to all your problems for no one can help you”….“But, God” says, “cast all you cares on me, for I care for you”!

Satan says, “Take the easy way out”…. “But, God” says, “the race is not given to the swift or to the strong but to the one that endureth until the end”!

Satan says that your enemies have you surrounded come out with your hands up”…. “But, God” says, “I’ll make your enemies your footstool”!

Satan says, “There’s nothing else the doctors can do”…. “But, God” says, I can change the diagnosis”!

Satan says, “I will make you a slave to sin”…. “But, God” says, “for God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son”!

Satan says, “I’ll take your Son and hold Him in the Grave”…. “But, God” says, “After three days I will rise again”!

Satan says, “I’ve got Him now”…. “But, God” says, “Death, where’s your sting, grave where’s your victory”?!

Brothers and sisters don’t listen to the lies and disparaging words of our enemy! Realize that God has the final word! See things from the Father’s perspective! Incline your ear and hear “But, God”! Satan says defeat, “but, God” says victory! Satan says disease, “but, God” says healing! Satan says hate, “but, God” says love! Satan says destruction, “But, God” says restoration! Satan says division, “But, God” says unity! Satan says abandonment, “but, God” says redemption!

Brothers and sisters Satan meant it for bad, “But God”! Every time you feel low lift your spirits by thinking, “But God”! Whenever it seems like the devil has his foot holding you down, realize that you can’t beat him, “But God”! If this Old World has gotten you down and you can’t find no way up, remember the phrase, “But God”!

Because no matter what the situation, no matter what the problem, no matter how bad it may be, “But God” can make it better! You see, I could have been:

1. An alcoholic...
2. A drug user...
3. A child abuser...
4. On my deathbed...
5. Out of my mind...
6. Without a roof over my head...
7. Without food to eat...
8. Without money in my pocket...
9. Without a friend...
10. Lost and on my way to Hell...
 

“But God” loved me so much that he saved my soul! He sent His only Son to live and to die as the payment for my sins! And that’s what we have to do is make it personal! He died for you and He died for me! “But God”, early one Sunday morning got up with all power in His hands! He didn’t get up with black power! He didn’t get up with white power! “But God” got up with all power in the palm of His hands! That’s why I can stand here tonight and say, God will take care of you!

We might think that we have it all figured out! We might think that we know what is best! “But God” has a plan for every life in here and all we have to do is seek after His will! The bible says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”.

Brothers and sisters, I just stopped to tell you this evening, that if you follow His ways, if you let Him lead you, if you seek after His will, you will find that there’s nobody else that can do like He can, “But God”! He can open doors that have been shut; he can close doors that no man can open! Nobody else can do that “But God”!

He can give sight to the blind! He can make the lame man walk and the dumb man talk! Nobody else “But God”! “BUT GOD” CAN DO ANYTHING, BUT FAIL! 

Source: http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/but-god-lacy-scott-sermon-on-gods-omniscience-82325.asp

Shouting the Victory!

Every child of God, at the high points of their own spiritual walk, MUST ENCOURAGE their wounded and fallen brothers and sisters in Christ to stay in or get back in the battle. Why? There are several reasons:

1. Because the Lord commands it! (John 13:34) Our love for Him can be measured by our love for others -- it is evidence of a relationship with God who is LOVE.  (1 John 4:11-12)
2. The war is heating up and we need all the soldiers we can get. (Luke 10:2) For sure, there will be many battles ahead. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
3. If you are a true believer, there will come a day that YOU will need encouragement. (Romans 5:3-5) Your mountain top experience will not last forever and there will be many valleys to travel before you make it home. 
4. We live in a fallen world and we WILL have troubles. (Job 14:1)

God allows us to go through trials to grow our faith. (1 Peter 1:6-7) With each difficult circumstance the Lord sees us through we gain a greater love and appreciation for the One who has upheld us and never left our side. When we encourage one another in the same manner, we also develop a greater love for our brethren. (1 John 3:14)

Sadly, today there is a famine in our land of Christian compassion and forgiveness. It could be that there are more tares in our midst than we even realize or it could be that we have left our first love. We've allowed our own wants and desires to choke out our effectiveness in the kingdom of God.

And I have also made an observation -- when we have real truth it will do one of two things -- it will either humble and convict us or puff us up. If we are humbled, we will esteem others better than ourselves. If we are puffed up, we become high-minded, standoffish, judgmental, and critical.

If you are saved by the grace of God, you are an enemy of satan. He is waging an all out war on God's children because he knows his reign of terror is quickly drawing to a close. He loves it when we are backbiting, bickering, and constantly judging one another. It makes his job of discouragement so much easier.

My friend, we MUST do one thing and we must do it now -- ask God to help us examine our hearts to first, see if we are truly in the faith, and second to seek out any sin that could be hindering us and eradicate it. Confess it. Get rid of it. It is dead weight that holds us down -- chokes the life out of us -- stifles our power -- and keeps us on the sidelines.

We also MUST be willing to get out of our cozy comfort zone and pick each other back up. Yes, it will require our time and, some of our resources. We may have to get down on our knees. It may include bitter tears. But, a platoon is so much stronger than a single, wounded soldier. TOGETHER we can fight the battles that God has already won. Together we can cross the finish line, arm in arm, shouting the victory!! Can you picture that! I can. On that day our faith will become sight! We and our fellow comrades can then rest and enjoy the work of our labor for all of eternity. We will know in our hearts that we didn't let one fellow soldier go it alone.

God is still looking for a few good men...and women. Are you up to the challenge? If so, I'm going to give you one. This coming week pick one person from your church to encourage (preferably, someone that isn't a good friend -- we're getting out of our comfort zone, remember?) It can be a phone call, a visit, a text, or even a message on Facebook, etc. Ask God to guide you and determine in your heart that you will follow His lead.

Here's another thought: If you will do this just once a week in a year's time you will have encouraged 52 people; which is more than many will encourage in their lifetime. And on top of this, challenge your Christian friends to do the same.

If you want to "stick it" to satan then become an encourager. If you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit you already have what is required. All you need to do is act -- then watch God do mighty things among His people!

For His Honor & Glory, 

The Princess Warrior 

Copyright Information 

Copyright © 2009 The Princess Warrior Ministries. All articles are copyrighted on the date they are posted, unless otherwise indicated. All rights reserved. Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including copyright and web address. Other uses require written permission. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from the King James Bible.

2012: New Beginnings for The Princess Warrior

With God as Your Guide!

A new year a new day...a day where we can put the past in the past and start fresh. I'm sure all across the nation people have resolved to start or stop something that will greatly impact their lives. Today, I want to share one of mine.

This is undoubtedly the number one resolution that is made every year - to LOSE WEIGHT. I have made this resolution many, many times in the past and each time failed after a couple of weeks. On top of that, in March 2008, I became mostly bedridden and house bound. Now, 60 lbs. overweight and with numerous health problems, I MUST lose weight if I am to have any quality of life.

To lose weight for real this time, I have, in my mind, revisited the resolutions made previously to see why I failed. I think the #1 reason is - I didn't hold myself accountable to anyone or anything. I made the resolution to myself and, unfortunately, I am very lenient with self. If I fail myself, it's no big deal. Yes, I feel guilty, but not enough to stop me in my tracks. Sooooo, this year, I am going to hold myself accountable. I am going to use tools and strengths that I have not used before. Here is a list of the ones I will be using:

1. I am going to ask God to help me to make my vessel a presentable vessel for Him. To help me lose weight so I can "be more" and "do more" for Him, my family, my church, my friends, and my future friends...(you maybe?) =) As a Christian, I know our days are limited. First, the Lord could come back this year to get His children and I want to be found living for Him in my greatest capacity. Also, this could be the year that I die and again I want to leave this life knowing that I have made the greatest impact on others for Christ...to my family first and then everyone else.
   
   
2. I am going to use an online tool that has been successful for a lot of Christians. It can be found at Setting Captives Free. Click on "Online Courses" and choose "Lord's Table" (this is a free course). Here is an excerpt from the course: Phase I: 60 lessons to help you gain control of your eating habits while learning to look to God for spiritual sustenance. FYI - they also have courses for other addictions as well.
   
   
3. I have joined TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and will start going to local meetings on Tuesday evenings. There is a fee involved with this program, but it is less expensive than other similar programs out there. If you are interested in getting more info on this group please go to TOPS. The main reason I joined is: Friendly Environment – New members are welcomed to join the journey to better health and supported by other members sharing similar journeys. Accountability – Weekly, confidential weigh-ins provide personal accountability and a progress record.
   
   
4. I'm going to get the word out to all my friends on Facebook (and other social networks I subscribe to) about my weight loss journey in hopes of getting their encouragement and prayers. Purdy pleeeeease! =)
   
   
5. I am going to join other support groups which are tied into my reason for being overweight in the first place. I have fibromyalgia (FMS), chronic fatigue (CFS), severe arthritis, back and neck problems (some issues came from a car accident), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), and possibly Bipolar Disorder, etc. just to name a few (hope I didn't leave anything out...Lol). Some of my family and friends are going to say, "I had no idea" and others will say "Well, that explains it". Lol! Anyway, although I will try to post on a regular basis it may take me all day (sometimes) to put my thoughts together and some days I may be doing this from bed or the couch, but it is what it is. In addition to my normal posts, I will include how I cope with these disorders and will also report to you about the support groups I visit, but at the same time giving God all the glory because I would not even think about taking this journey without Him.
   
   
6. And, this is the worst one - sometime, in the future, I will post a picture of me at my lowest point in life and also a picture of me on the first day of my weight loss journey. Yes, these will be very embarrassing photos, but if I can help someone else it will be worth it to me. I would love to show someone else there is hope and help. 
   
   
7. And last, but not least, through blogging...putting myself out there before the world. I want to get encouragement from you, the reader, and I want to be an encouragement to others who may be looking for a way to "keep" a resolution to lose weight for the first time.

On Monday, January 9th, 2012, I will start my weight loss journey and will let you know how it goes. Why Monday? Well, to me, Monday is the start of the week and since I have ODC I have to do things in order. That's just the way I roll! Lol! I hope you'll go with me on the journey...I need you! =)

May God bless you today over and above what you are able to receive!

Much Love,

Wanda (AKA: The Princess Warrior, Mom, Mama Wanda, Madre, Jim's wife, Wanda Woman, Wunder Woman, Babe, Hey You, Wicked Wanda - though saved by the grace of God, Suzy or Suzy Q, Weenie Wanda, Buttons - thanks Danielle, Wa Wa - thanks Hudson)

P.S. Sure, I am only human and I know I will stumble along the way, but this time I won't stay down...I WILL, by the grace of God, get back up! Oh, and I will also share some of my other resolutions in the next few days.

P.P.S. There is one other important thing I want to mention: I don't want to call this a diet.  I want to start a new way of life! ;-D

The Princess Warrior

Copyright Information

Copyright © 2009 The Princess Warrior Ministries. All articles are copyrighted on the date they are posted, unless otherwise indicated. All rights reserved. Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including copyright and web address. Other uses require written permission. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from the King James Bible.

A Devotional for Those Who Suffer with Chronic Pain

Below is a daily devotional from Joni Eareckson Tada, a lady who has been a quadriplegic since the age of 17 when she broke her neck in a diving accident.  God has used Joni to become a worldwide blessing to all who suffer physical afflictions.  To sign up for Joni's wonderful devotionals, go to www.joniandfriends.org/daily-devotional/ - click on "Sign Up for Our Daily Devotional" on the right.  I am very thankful to the person who told me about this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional 

Praise Him with Every Part

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.  Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. ~Psalm 103:1-5 

After years of quadriplegia, my bones are feeling tired.  But whenever I struggle with pain, I pray, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name."  I force all parts of me to bless the Lord, even my lower back when it's aching - it's one way of making certain God receives glory during physically agonizing times. 

Physical pain can cloud our convictions about God's benefits, which is why I must continually stir my soul to remember them.  God has pardoned all my sin, rescued, restored, crowned me with his love, and healed all my diseases.  Does this mean the pain goes away?  Not immediately, but I have the sure promise that just as Jesus rose from the grave with a new body, so I will one day rise with no more pain or heartache.  For now, as Paul says in Romans 8, we groan, waiting for the redemption God has promised.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nevertheless, our groans can glorify God!  Next time your muscles ache, your head throbs, or your feet cramp, force these body parts to join your soul in praising God:  "Praise the Lord, O my soul; and even my sore back blesses you.  Every part of me blesses your holy name!"  You will be stirring your soul to recall God's benefits.  You will be offering a "sacrifice of praise" (Hebrews 13:15). 

Lord Jesus, I want to praise you in body, soul and spirit.  I bless you from that part of me that "hurts" today - may it be a sacrifice of praise for every part of me delights in every part of you!

Blessings, 

Joni and Friends

www.joniandfriends.org