Mike and I haven't been to service in a long time. I would love to blame it on Lillian, who truthfully has a hard time making it through both services now that she won't nap at the church. But the truth is, I haven't wanted to go. I'm really not sure why. Maybe one of those down times on the roller coaster of Christianity. But today was different. I went to church with the intention of leaving after first service (during which Mike and I serve the children's department. . . every Sunday), but I felt a stirring in my heart to attend worship today. I became determined. I knew that if I was called away to get Lillian I would just have to bring her back into the service with me. God had something for me to hear this morning. And he did not disappoint.
Pastor was full of the Spirit this morning. He spoke on a subject that was important to him and apparently resonated in the hearts of everyone else in the room. I think we all got something different out of it, but it affected us all just the same.
Pastor's lesson came from Joshua 10. And the main point was that the enemy wants to get the better of us and wants to keep us down, but God has already conquered the enemy and has put us in the position to put our foot on the his neck.
Now let me just tell you what this Word meant for me. I have been held hostage by the spirit of defeat for some time now. At least once a week, I have a complete break down. I have been deceived into believing that I am a bad mom. The enemy speaks negativity into me daily. I feel that I will never have the power to control my temper with my children. "Why can't I be a mother more like her?" is a question I ask myself almost daily. The devil also tells me that my work as a teacher is all in vain. "Your children are getting nothing out of this. Why do you waste your time? Sent them to public school, " he whispers in my ear. And then there's the house hold duties I neglect because I keep hearing, "You'll never get it all done. Why clean what will be dirty again in an hour?" Some of you may hear these same lies. That's why I am telling you all my secrets. But the Lord told me today to stand in the face of my enemy and tell him he is defeated. I have power through the blood of Jesus. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. I know Who is the way, the truth and the life.
Because the enemy attacks everyone in different ways, everyone gets something different from this message. So, I highly recommend you click here to hear the sermon online.
And if I call you when I am feeling trapped, pray these scriptures of victory with me. And I will do the same for you!
10 comments:
Jamie, I'm so excited to see the new direction your blog is taking and can't wait to see what you offer next! We all receive self-doubt from the enemy, but I'm so thankful you're beginning to see and acknowledge the Truth! You're a WONDERFUL mom with talents beyond measure. Your children adore you and you have "the sweet aroma of Christ." You're His fragrance! Thank you for listening for that still, small voice, taking the lesson to heart, and SHARING it with all of us!
Oh boy! Can I feel the pain and discouragement. What I mean is that I know exactly what you go through as I hear that same voice and negative feedback from the enemy as well. Thank you for your posting and bravado in this ever changing world. Praise be to our Redeemer as He makes us new every day! You are a blessed mom who blesses all in your life!
You go girl! Keep standing on God's word. Satan hates it when we quote The Word to him. I will be praying for you.
Stephanie Johnson
Hmm, so, what you're telling me is: I'm normal, we're going through the same stuff at the same time, we have a common enemy, and we have the same Victory. Very interesting! I love when we share our "secrets" and find they are the same as everyone else's! Thank you, Jamie, I knew I should've called you instead of calling noone. I've been singing worship songs through my tears and praising God in spite of everything to get through this week. Bless your heart, you've just been used to bless mine. See you later, my sister in Christ.
Angela
God will use your vulnerability to His glory. I'm so proud of you, sis! It is easy for all of us to fall into the trap of comparison. But don't be deceived - you are who God created you to be. And you are a blessing.
Jamie,
Because you're being attacked tells me a lot. Your family has so much to offer and satan doesn't want you to succeed. Your a great mom & wife, keep on keepin on.
Kyle
Wow! Amen to the Lord's tender answer to a mom. Being a mommy is the toughest job ever, but the easiest to feel worthless and devalued due to the heaviness of our responsibilities (husband, kids, home, friends, family, self, etc.). Satan attacks us all the time and he knows exactly which buttons to push. It is truly energizing when we get a new boost of spiritual strength to "stand on his neck"! I got that same strength on Sunday as well and am thrilled that you were also touched in a special way! God is so good and faithful. Praise the Lord! We'll keep on encouraging each other and when there's an opportunity to hear a Word from Him - let's make every effort to be there!
You are an awesome lady and don't let Satan tell you anything else. May you see yourself as sweetly as the Lord sees you. You are precious in His eyes!
I love you,
Carol
Amen! Amen! Amen! I think many of us have been fighting discouragement and felt something break on Sunday. So many people I talked to are ready to fight to keep our church and press forward to making it great. You are an awesome mom!! Your children are a testimony of the wonderful job you are doing. PS. When I home schooled my melt downs were daily so I think you are doing fabulous!! Thanks for sharing your heart.
Trust me, you're not the only one who thinks, "I'm never going to get all of this done." I go through it at least monthly...sometimes weekly. I hate the ideas that I may not
be doing enough as far as school goes-especially when I feel like my plate is so full already that I can't take it. Anytime you need to chat......
Val
Jamie,
I was going to be comment #5 but the wind knocked out our power. It's frustrating because I was almost done and I'll never get it worded the same way again...
The fact that you are a wonderful mom shows through in each one of your children! You are a sweet child of God; He is well pleased with you. You are truly blessed and highly favored. I have heard and listened to the very same lies from the enemy. At a certain point in my life, (not so long ago) I wondered if I would ever be able to make it through even one day without losing it with my kids.
Thanks to the grace of our loving, heavenly Father, I have succeeded. Not anywhere near perfect but very graced and always forgiven! Seek His face - sit at His feet & drink from His cup. The bible says to delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. It is so true!
You know - Sunday morning, I fell prey to the enemy's deception. Brenton looked so tired and was all scrunched down in his chair, so we left. The enemy had played the 'you are selfish' card on me. I was so excited to finally be back at church and so devastated when I realized I had been duped into leaving. Brenton was just fine for the rest of the day! It is NOT selfish to spend time in the presence of the Lord. Brenton would have benefited so much from being under the anointing of that service. I learned a hard lesson and missed out on a huge blessing.
Thank you for sharing your heart!
Love in Christ, Michele
Post a Comment