Current Mood: On Fire 4 God! & Anointed

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. -2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) 

1. The Big Problem Least Acknowledged
2. Intimidation Defined –Exhaustive
3. It was Bigger than Just Me
4. Spiritual Giftings Doesn’t Mean Spiritual Purity
5. Even the Anointed and Pure Hearted Can Be Affected
6. How Intimidation Binds the Strong Man to Plunder the House
7. Coming Next:  Breaking the Chains!
8. Prayer For Overcoming Intimidation
9. Other Scriptures to Study

Minister Naima Williams.  Originally posted on June 23, 2009

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THE BIG PROBLEM LEAST ACKNOWLEDGED

t’s amazing how much time and energy the enemy is willing to invest in order to close the mouths of the saints.  Revelations 12:11 tells us that we overcome by the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony, so it only makes sense that he would try to influence or stop the spoken word of the saints.  This has been one of the many spiritual battles I’ve experienced throughout my life, and it seems to have intensified over the last few weeks.  If you’ve read my eJournal entries titled Stand In Your God-Given Authority and A Call to Take Authority, then you know that one of the spirits the enemy used to try to close my mouth is the spirit of intimidation.  It’s interesting how we use this word so loosely in today’s society not realizing how it can spiritually, mentally and emotionally cripple its victim.  Additionally, many do not know that intimidation is actually a spirit, and this spirit seldom walk alone.  The spirit of intimidation is often accompanied by the spirits of insecurity, inferiority, shyness, control and manipulation just to name a few.  Up until recent, I used to get clobbered by the spirit of intimidation, and was its slave most of my life.  But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ! (2 Cor. 2:14a). God has recently delivered me from the spirit of intimidation, and He is teaching me to walk each day in the power, love and sound mind He’s given me through Jesus Christ! 

ou know the old cliché that says never judge a book by its cover?  Well, I admit to doing this myself over the years.  I am grateful, however, that the Holy Spirit is helping me to steadily UN-learn this behavior so that I’m less inclined to judge others.  This is not only because the Lord tells us to judge not lest we be judged in Matthew 7:1, but also because I myself don’t like being judged.  I’ve had people misjudge me because I look a certain way and/or have a particular style, and as a result, many would make up their mind about me before even speaking to me, much less knowing me.  Throughout the years, I’ve been frequently mislabeled as either conceited or overestimated as a woman with great confidence.  I guess between the two the latter would be much preferred; however, neither was accurate.  I was very insecure, shy and timid, but this was often hard to detect because the nervous energy I had would somehow transform into what appear to be an outgoing personality.  I never really understood why this was neither did I plan it to be so.  It was as if I had a built-in fail-safe that would self activate when needed. 

INTIMIDATION DEFINED-EXHAUSTED

ntimidation was a problem for me for as long as I can remember, but it was just recent that I began to realize how destructive this spirit is and how it can quench the Spirit of God in any believer (See Stand In Your God-Given Authority to read more).  John Bevere, the author of Breaking Intimidation expounds:   

The objective of intimidation is to restrain you from action and coerce or force you into submission.  Intimidation wants to overwhelm you with a sense of inferiority and fear.  Once you’ve retreated into submission, either knowingly or unknowingly, you are a servant of the intimidator.  You are no longer free to fulfill the will of God but are doomed to the desires of your intimidating captor. 

Consequently, the gift of God, His spiritual ability in you, is inoperative.  Now your authority has been stripped from you in order to be used against both you and those in your sphere of influence. 

The origin of intimidation is fear, which has its roots in our adversary, the devil.  He is the originator of all fear and timidity (Gen. 3:1-10), especially v. 10).  He will attack us by way of thoughts, imaginations and visions, or he will use circumstances and those under his influence to intimidate us.  Either way, he has one objective:  to control and limit us.  (Page 46) 

IT WAS BIGGER THAN JUST ME

hen the Lord began revealing this to me, I asked Him to show me how this rooted in my life.  A few days after that prayer He began showing me flashes from my childhood, and how as a little girl living in an abusive home, the doorway was opened for these spirits to set up strongholds.  Without my knowledge or consent, these spirits attached themselves to me and my life at such an early age that I mistook their whispering lies for my own thoughts.  As God began revealing this to me, I began to see how intimidation played a major role in my life, preventing me from living in the freedom and abundance that Jesus offers His believers.  

SPIRITUAL GIFTINGS DOESN’T MEAN SPIRITUAL PURITY

ontinuing down this path of discovery, I also began to see how this spirit infiltrated the body of Christ.  This spirit is so camouflaged and so subtle that it often goes long periods of time without being noticed.  Consequently, it gains enough strength and control to form strongholds in the church.  I believe the answer to why it goes unnoticed for so long can be found in 1 Samuel 16:7, “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.“  Because we have the tendency of looking at the outward appearance, we make the grave mistake of thinking giftings, anointing or ministry “success” indicate purity in heart and motives.  Think about it.  If you were living during the days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, would you’ve been able to discern the heart and spirit of Judas Iscariot?  This is a man who ate, traveled and somewhat lived with Jesus!  Furthermore, did not Jesus himself charge him as an apostle?  Did he not also heal the sick and cast out demons as well?  (Read Matthew 10:1-5).  SELAH 

If that doesn’t do it for you, Jesus makes it very clear in Matthew 7:22-23 that anointing doesn’t mean a pure heart.  “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”  I really don’t think you can get any clearer than this.  

The author of the book Breaking Intimidation speaks a little about ministry success and relationship with God: 

Even though the church is experiencing a refreshing at this time, sin must be dealt with.  It is wonderful that people are so hungry for the power of God, but let’s not neglect purity of heart.  We have seen too many ministers fall.  But they didn’t fall when they committed their first act of immortality.  No, they began to fall earlier—the day success in ministry became more important than their intimate relationship with God.  We’ve not only seen this among ministers but also within their congregations. (Page 23) 

EVEN THE ANOINTED AND PURE HEARTED CAN BE AFFECTED

n the other side of the coin are those who are anointed and have a heart after God.  It is these that the spirits of Jezebel and intimidation seek to neutralize.  The unfortunate fact is that these spirits are oftentimes successful, even when going against those who we believe are mighty in the Lord.  An example of this can be found in the story of one of the most powerful prophets in the Bible, Elijah.  The story of Elijah begins in 1 Kings 17, with chapter 19 showing how through intimidation and fear, Jezebel put this prophet to flight.  During my study of intimidation, I stumbled upon a website that provided an excerpt from a book titled The Tactics of the Enemy (author unknown): 

For seven years, God had carefully protected Elijah. God fed him in the wilderness. When Ahab’s armies sought to kill Elijah, they were unable to lay a finger on him. 

Finally, in a showdown at Mt. Carmel, Elijah called down fire from heaven and resoundingly defeated and killed the priests of Baal. All Israel fell at his feet in repentance, worshipping the true God. Elijah was the man of the hour. He was vindicated, victorious, and clearly in charge. 

Nevertheless, when Jezebel sent Elijah a single threat, he suddenly turned coward and fled to the desert. Anxious, depressed, and miserable, he begged God to kill him! 

Think about this. It makes NO sense. Elijah enjoyed supernatural protection for seven years. He watched fire fall from heaven and defeat his enemies, yet when a single angry woman threatened him one time, he lost every shred of vision and ran away. He moaned in self-pity and depression, begging God to kill him! 

This is a great example of Jezebel’s powerful demonic “anointing” to intimidate, create fear, and cause men of God to withdraw. Jezebel steals your vision. Jezebel will even make you depressed and anxious when there is nothing significantly different in your circumstances. If there are difficult circumstances, this spirit will tell you they are insurmountable, impossible, and overwhelming. Jezebel will make you feel like dying when in reality, you are God’s man of the hour. 

WOW!   The writer continues: 

Jezebel’s witchcraft will attack key leaders in her targeted area through intimidation. Those under attack may awaken one morning to find it takes effort just to breathe. All joy seems to depart. Spiritual life seems irrelevant. Demonic voices will echo in their minds “something’s wrong with you!” They may suddenly find themselves in unreasonable anxiety, fearing tragedy or death. Much of what is called “depression” in the ministry is simply Jezebel! 

his is exactly what I had experienced that day I wrote about in the eJournal entry titled A Call to Take Authority.   I woke up to a series of mental attacks and didn’t understand why.  Later on in the morning, the Holy Spirit told me to “take authority” and I did.  In retrospect I now realize that He was preparing for what was to come a few days later (See Stand in Your God-given Authority).  Not even realizing it at the time, I submitted to the spirit of intimidation, and as a result, I was knocked out of the spiritual authority God had positioned me in. I immediately began to experience the symptoms of intimidation and each day the symptoms grew progressively worst.  

An intimidating spirit unleashes confusion, discouragement and frustration.  Its goal is to cause you to lose your proper perspective.  Everything will seem overwhelming, difficult or even impossible.  The stronger the intimidation, the greater the discouragement and hopelessness.  (Breaking Intimidation, Page 48) 

These were the very feelings I had experienced; however, what was worst was that the Holy Spirit within me was quenched, the anointing went dormant and the sweet communion with God was interrupted.  At the time I still didn’t understand what was going on, I just wanted it to stop.  I prayed, repented, rebuked and bound evil spirits, and nothing I did seem to work.  It was a few days later when God began to give me insight and revelation as to what was going on.  Originally I was looking at what I was experiencing from a “me” perspective, but God then let me know that what I was dealing with was bigger than just me. He began to show me the spirits I was dealing with and have charged me with responsibilities I really can’t say that I wanted.  BUT, when you’re used to communing with God and then that’s interrupted, you do whatever it takes to get back into communion. 

HOW INTIMDATION BINDS THE STRONG MAN TO PLUNDER THE HOUSE

here are still lots to tell, as this is a meaty subject, and it is one that I will be sharing with you over the weeks to come.  What I want to make sure that I leave with you is the absolute awareness that intimidation is in fact a spirit, a spirit that is sent by Satan; for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV).  Since this spirit is sent by the enemy, we know that the ultimate agenda of this spirit is to kill, steal and destroy all of mankind, especially the saints of God.  In effort to help the enemy accomplish his ultimate goal, this spirit, which works closely with the spirit of Jezebel, looks to enter the strong man’s house and plunder his goods; but they must first bind the strong man (Read Mark 3:27 and Matthew 12:25-30).  

If the Spirit of God within a believer is quenched, then the believer is in fact bound, and this almost always causes a domino and/or rippling effect.  The book I’ve been referencing throughout this entry, Breaking Intimidation, mentions: 

What would happen if all believers functioned in their place?  What tremendous things we would see.  Revival is not for the preachers but for the entire body—when every person takes his position. 

Remember, the gift is the ability God gives us.  We are not responsible for that which we were not entrusted with.  The leg is not responsible for sight.  Even so, the will of God can only be accomplished by the enabling of the Spirit.  “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5). 

It is the joint operation of these gifts the enemy wants to stop.  When successful he can severely hinder out growth!  He knows he cannot stop God from giving these gifts, so he is after our freedom to exercise them.  Intimidation is the primary way he hinders this.  (Page 40) 

If there is a spirit other than the Holy Spirit that is controlling a person, family or church, than that person, family or church is in fact bound; and again, this almost always causes a domino and/or rippling effect.  The author also makes another valid observation and point: 

There are those who bear the title of pastor or leader, yet they are controlled by the manipulation and intimidation of others—usually the people who should be undergirding them, such as wives, associates, board members, deacons, intercessors and so forth.  They run the show behind the scenes by controlling the person with the title of leader. 

This also happens in homes.  Parents are intimidated by their children; husbands are intimidated by their wives.  They are not the head of their homes.  It is important for a leader to consider the counsel of those around him, whether in his home or his ministry.  (Breaking Intimidation, Page 52) 

You may be thinking to yourself that you wouldn’t or couldn’t be a victim of such a thing (spirit) or that you would be able to spot such workings (manipulation, control and intimidation) a mile away.  However, you must keep in mind that the working of these spirits is often camouflaged and subtle, and they can do an enormous amount of damage for years while going unnoticed.  The enemy rarely comes at us in his true form because he knows he would have a fight on his hands.  However, coming disguised allows him to do serious damage for long periods of time because your guards are down and unsuspecting.    

Below are a few other quotes from the book that I wanted to share in this entry: 

People who have strong personalities will use intimidation to make a lie look like the truth.  You must stay in the spirit to overcome the strength of such attacks.  (Breaking Intimidation, Page 86) 

Usually intimidation will accuse you of the very weakness it seeks to hide.  Those who act pure outwardly but have an impure heart will always attack the pure in heart.  (Breaking Intimidation, Page 87) 

Naima- I personally have had this happen to me a lot! 

Jesus constantly faced intimidation.  The impure Pharisees and lawyers tried to discredit Him or catch Him in His words.  If they could only intimidate Him, then they could control Him.  So they said He was a traitor, a glutton, a drunkard, and a demon-possessed sinner, which were the very characteristics many of them possessed.  By refusing to come under their control, Jesus exposed their hearts. 

Why do the impure seek to intimidate the pure?  To relieve themselves of conviction and to maintain control.  If successful, they don’t have to examine their hearts and repent.  (Breaking Intimidation, Page 87) 

COMING NEXT:  BREAKING THE CHAINS!

n closing, I have seen people smilingly admit to being intimidating, not realizing that in essence what they are admitting to is allowing this spirit of fear work through them.  For many years of my life, I used to be that way myself.  After having the revelation God has shown me, I now understand what this truly is and this spirit can do damage to individuals as well as the body of Christ.  

PRAYER FOR OVERCOMING INTIMIDATION

In weeks to come, I will begin sharing on how to break the chains of intimidation from your life.  In the interim, if you are serious about learning more about this subject, then I recommend that you read the book titled Breaking Intimidation by John Bevere.  He does an excellent job at exposing this spirit in great detail as well as how this spirit has impacted the church.  Additionally, you can begin your deliverance out of the world of intimidation by praying the following prayer: 

Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus, confessing that intimidation has caused me to stumble. I ask Your forgiveness for thinking of myself as inferior, for I am created in your image, and I am Your workmanship. Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is in me. Therefore, the power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in me and causes me to face life with hope and divine energy.The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Lord, You said that Your would never leave me or forsake me. Therefore, I can say without any doubt or fear that You are my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me. Greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world. If God is for me, who can be against me? I am free from the fear of man and public opinion.Father, You have not given me a spirit of timidity– of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear — but You have given me a spirit of power and of love and of a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength.

Scripture References:
1 John 1:9
Luke 17:21
Colossian 1:29
Hebrew 13:5
Romans 3:31
2 Timothy 1:7
Ephesians 2:10
Ephesians 1:19-20
Psalm 1:27
1 John 4:4
Proverbs 29:25
Philippians 4:13 

(Prayers that Avail Much by Germaine Copeland, page 102) 

OTHER SCRIPTURES YOU CAN STUDY:

1 John 4:18  

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 

Matthew 21:23-27 

And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. 

© 2010, Ms. Lady Nai. All rights reserved. A part of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries International

Current Mood: Edified

Have you ever been in a place where God is telling you to trust Him like never before- to trust Him at His Word and provision?  If so, you can attest that trusting God is easier said than done.  Truth be told, we’re faced with fears daily and our enemy (the devil) loves to play on them.

What is Fear?

Fear, according to dictionary.com, is defined as a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined.  In addition, (according to Wikipedia) fear is almost always relates to future events, such as [the] worsening of a situation, or [the] continuation of a situation that is unacceptable.

Overcoming Fears

Before I proceed, I want to emphasize 2 points:

1. Fear is aroused by awaiting danger, evil, pain, threats, etc., whether real or imagined.
2. Fear is almost always related to future events.

As God instructs you to trust Him, the devil will play with your imagination and have you think of every “impending” danger, threat and pain that could happen if you trust God.  This is why you and I are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and to lean not to our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

It’s your own understanding that will cause you to operate on feelings, self knowledge and limitations resulting in disobedience and restricted growth in Christ.

Overcoming Fears – What’s My Point?

On your way to your destiny, you will be placed in situations where you will need to face and overcome fears –fear of confronting people, weaknesses, addictions, past events, future events or etc.

It’s easy to let fear rob you of your inheritance as a King’s kid; however, I come to remind you that God has not given you the spirit of fear; HOWEVER, God has given you power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).  You have authority and power over fears which ultimately come to steal your joy, peace and position in the Lord Jesus Christ.

God doesn’t want you to fear His instruction nor plans for your life.  Instead God wants you to have faith.  Overcome fear with faith!  For God said in His word that without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6).  I might also state that without faith, it’s impossible to confront and face your fears.

Final Words

Fear is a strategic tactic used against God’s people.  It hinders your growth in Christ and becomes a road block to your destiny.  Furthermore, remember who you are.  You are MORE than a conqueror through Christ Jesus.  Don’t let the devil convince you otherwise. 

When God places you in a position where you’re facing fears, remember that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.  As a child of the Most High, you have POWER to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).

Don’t allow fears to hinder you from your destiny, promised land or spiritual growth in the Lord.  God has so much in store for you but it will require you to trust God and to conqueror all fears with faith.  For without faith it is impossible to please God. 

When the devil comes to convince you of every reason NOT to trust God and to REMAIN in fear, remember the scriptures which state:

• Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because God is with me; His rod and His staff comfort me (Psalm 23:4).
• Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
• For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
• Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Be encouraged to trust the Lord regardless of what it may cost, cause or feel like.  Don’t have blessings held up from you due to fears.  Overcome fear with faith!  Stay grounded in the Word and the Lord will keep your mind in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).  God bless you in Jesus name; Amen!

© 2010, Naquan Williams. All rights reserved. A part of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries International

Current Mood: Prayerful & Still-Standing

Some people discover their best friend in grade school, high school, college or through others; however, my story is a little different.  I didn’t have the privilege of meeting my best friend in college, high school or grade school.  Actually, I got something better.  You see, the connection between my best friend and I is divine as it was set up before the foundation of this world.

Since birth, my best friend was there for me -teaching me about God; the ways of life; right from wrong; accountability; maturity; humility and much more.

Unlike other “friends” who I’ve held on to in the past, my best friend never walked out on me when times got rough or uncomfortable.  They were there for me through thick and thin; always having my back when no one else had it.  My best friend was just about ready to fight when I didn’t have the strength or courage to fight for myself.

My best friend has truly been a blessing and an inspiration to me.  Whenever I’m down, going through trying times, or just need to talk, my best friend is always there to listen and give wise sound godly advice without casting judgment.

As I’ve grown, so has my appreciate and gratitude for this divine setup.  God has set the two of us together as mother and son not out of coincidence but because He saw fit to place such a godly women who’s nurturing, loving, compassionate and understanding in my life.  You are a blessing to me in many ways than which you know.

Who else would put up with my ways?  Who else would answer the millions of questions I have about ‘life’?  Who else would I confide in?  Who else would God entrust to raise someone like me?  That person is you.  I thank God that He’s given me such a jewel; such a precious stone.

So on today I dedicate this writing to you as a way of saying thank you.  Thank you for your wisdom; sound advice and encouragement.  Thank you for being patient, kind, generous, nurturing and thoughtful.

Thank you for being not only my mother, but my leader and my awesome best friend.  I thank God that out of the billions of mothers in this world, I have the honor and privilege of saying that YOU ARE MY MOM.  I love you.  Happy Mother’s Day!

© 2010, Naquan Williams. All rights reserved. A part of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries International

Current Mood: Anointed & Blessed

WHEN YOU DON’T EXERCISE…

     When God created us, did He give us the same powers that He gave Jesus?  He gave us free will and He gave us authority.  There is a difference in having authority and exercising it.  According to Luke 10:19, “Behold I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and to overcome all of the power of the enemy, nothing will harm you.”   God makes it clear that we have authority over the enemy.  There is nothing the believer can’t do when operating with faith and righteous living.  Our authority extends to moving mountains, healing the sick or changing plans devised by the enemy.    

     Authority means you have the legal right to use the name of Jesus (Matthew 28:18)   It is delegated power.  How much power depends upon the force behind the user.   I am a Reference Librarian by profession and if I had to assist you in researching the word authority, I would tell you to use synonyms such as liberty, power, right or strength.  In simple terms authority is persons who exercise control over others.  I have been guilty of not exercising my authority.  I have had many seasons in my lifetime; however, the longest season that I have experienced was on a job that God would not allow me to leave.  I had an assignment there and I was not paying attention in class.  When exam time came, I failed.    God allowed that trial in my life to bring me to a certain place.  He wanted to get my attention.  Through it all, I was able to see myself and value the parable of the four soils (Mt. 13:21).   I was able to see myself in regards to how I received the Word in addition to my foundation that was based on the Word.  I was not able to stand strongly against tribulation and persecution.  Thank you God for your grace and love that helped me through.   

     If you read, my article, Graded by the Holy Spirit, you will recall me telling you about being persecuted by my supervisor, crying and praying every morning on the way to work.  I did all the spiritual things, I read scriptures and spoke them over my situation.  I did these things without force.  One tearful morning, I heard God speak to me audibly.   Through my sobs and tears, I heard Him say, “I don’t need no coward soldiers.”   I did not get it then but He was telling me to be strong, gird up, stand and fight.  I was in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-12).  God’s words reveal that we are not fighting flesh and blood, but demonic powers.  Our fight is not against people but with spiritual forces influencing them.   I did not recognize the role that the spirit realm played in my life.  The enemy was influencing, controlling and using that supervisor.   Satan as well as God can speak through and use people in your life.  We have to be able to discern whose voice it is.  The ‘ole’ Saints used to pray, I thank God for a sober mind, I thank God for being clothed in my right mind.  God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).  A sound mind is focused on God and not distracted.  It was evident that I was not trusting God because I was living in fear.  Soundness means soberness, whole, healthy and being calm.   I have a better appreciation of those words today after my wilderness experience.    In that particular season, I had to be treated for anxiety.   Stress really does hurt. Stress is defined as the process by which we respond to challenges (physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually).   My mind was muddied.  I feared falling to sleep because I thought I would not wake up.  My mind was messed up.  I was spiritually out of shape.  I was not exercising.  I did not take a stand against the words spoken to me.   I did not recognize that I was in a spiritual battle because I was looking at things in the natural.  All I knew was that I was being persecuted.   It did not feel good and I wanted God to deliver me.  There was an enemy I had to learn how to deal with.  In exercising authority, courage is needed and fear of nothing but God.  When God spoke to me and told me that He did not need any cowards, it reminded me of a day in my childhood.  I was quiet and would not fight.  On this particular day, I went home crying to my mama because a playmate wanted to fight me.    What my mother said shocked me and it was not what I wanted to hear.  She told me if I did not go back to fight, she would whip me.  I went back to face the battle.  On that long walk back (only three houses down the street); I could feel my mother watching me.   I did not know that she had also watched as the person bullied me, she had watched me leave crying.   When I went back to face my enemy (the playmate) looked surprised.  She was ready to fight.   To this day, I do not know what was said or who threw the first punch.   It was an outer body experience.   I was crying and I was swinging.   When I came to myself, I was swinging at my brother too.  He had come to pull me off the girl.  My Mom had sent him.   How did she know I would win?  I feared her more than I feared my playmate.  Sometimes God is like that parent who wants to teach their child to stand up for themselves.    Disclaimer, I am not saying parents want their children to go around fighting.  This is only an illustration. The enemy can underestimate you.  Give the enemy that element of surprise.   We must fight our battles as they come but the battle has already been won.   God is not the cause of evil or persecution but He will allow it because it will bring you to a place of healing and wholeness.  When these trials come, how can we exercise our authority? 

1.  Purge and examine yourself
2. Dwell in the Holy Spirit in us. God uses the Holy Spirit to teach us.
3. Build your faith (Mt. 16:16, 18, 19).  It is important that we listen when God’s Word is being taught because this is how faith is built (Romans 10:17)
4. Use the name of Jesus (Phil 2:9-11)
5. Use the word to defeat the enemy (Ephesians 6:17) when the word of God enters your mind strength comes.  Conquer your mind.  Read Pslams 91, 119 and 37.
6. Fast and praise

     I told you that in this season, I failed.  I told you that God was graceful and loving.  He had prepared me for every attack that I had to face.  Yet, I failed sitting in church under excellent teaching.  Pastor A. Ray at the time preached a series of sermons on seasons.  I purchased the tapes and took them to work so my co-worker and I could listen to them.  The sermons blessed her also.  I would hear the sermon on Sunday, listen to the tape again on Monday and on Tuesday fall under attack.  After an encounter with the enemy, I would go back to my office wounded and faint.  I would share with my co-worker what I had endured and she would say to me, “didn’t your Pastor just preach about that?”  Then it would come back to my remembrance. Needless to say, when you are in battle, you may have all the weapons you need to fight but if you can’t remember how to use them or if you are too afraid to use them, you have been defeated.  That happened to me several ocassions after instructions were given to me.  I was standing in battle with nothing in my hand.  One of the sermons was titled, “What’s in your hand?”   Sometimes God will send a prophetic message to get our attention but not all who have ears hear (Mt. 13:9).   When the message or Word comes, apply the word and make sure your exercise with force.  Always seek God before exercising authority.

By Ann Cannon

© 2010, A. Cannon / Online Team. All rights reserved. A part of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries International

Current Mood: Prayerful & Still-Standing

“MOTHERS”

Real Mothers don’t eat quiche;
They don’t have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn’t come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don’t want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up…

Real Mothers sometimes ask ‘Why me?’
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, ‘Because I love you best.’

Real Mothers know that a child’s growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade…
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother…..

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE – My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE – My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE – My Mother doesn’t know everything!
14 YEARS OF AGE – My Mother? She wouldn’t have a clue.
.
16 YEARS OF AGE – Mother? She’s so five minutes ago.

18 YEARS OF AGE – That old woman? She’s way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE – Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE – Before we decide, let’s get Mom’s opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE – Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE – Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

 Submitted by Elder Alvia Cabbler

© 2010, Elder Alvia Cabbler. All rights reserved. A part of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries International