"He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross."
Colossians 2:14–15
"The cross of Jesus is the sole basis for our forgiveness of sin and right standing before God. But the cross is not just for us. The cross also vindicated God before the evil rulers and authorities in the unseen realm, and disarms their power. Jesus' sacrifice made a difference in the cosmic plane. It changed the very fabric of all parts of reality, those we understand and those we do not, those things we can see and especially those we cannot. We really do have victory! Live in the truth of this."
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
What a powerful message for today...on the cross Jesus Christ CANCELED the charges against us! The slate was wiped clean! When Christ died on that cross, He did far more than cancel our sins...He disarmed ALL spiritual authorities and rulers! His death on the cross WAS NOT a defeat, but a VICTORY felt in both the physical and spiritual realms. Christ's death put the enemy to shame...for Jesus paid the price for sin. Can you imagine the look of shock and confusion on Satan's face when, on the third day, Jesus got up, folded his shroud, and walked out of that tomb ALIVE? That's a MAJOR DEFEAT to Satan and his team! And all who seek forgiveness and call on His Name share in this VICTORY!
Don't live a defeated life! Call on Christ! Claim that forgiveness! Live it! Celebrate in the VICTORY of salvation...not for your own sake, but for the GLORY of GOD! And whenever the enemy tries to tear you down...remind him of who has already won!
Grace and peace!
In His Love, Cathy
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Thought for Today: God's Peace
Peace is the adjustment of my life to the will of God. - Author Unknown
A great thought as we go about our busy day...
In His Love, Cathy
A great thought as we go about our busy day...
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, August 16, 2010
School
Today was the first day back for teachers. After a long and most restful summer, I was anxious to start off the new school year. As I walked through the doors to my hallway for the first time since last school year, I was met with that old, familiar smell...the smell of school. The unique blend of mustyness with books filled the air, triggering memories of school years past. As I approached my classroom door, I was filled with hope for the possibilities this school year would bring.
All of the frenzied activities of the last couple of weeks...finishing home projects, last minute trips to visit with family, and a whole cadre of other activities consumed the last precious moments of summer leaving little time to write, blog, or do much of anything else. But today, all of this has been pushed aside as teachers returned to work today.
I am ready to get the year started off right. I am eager to teach. I am anticipating meeting my students and getting to know them. I am excited for the wonderful possibilities this new school year holds. I am happy to see old friends returning. I am loving getting caught up on their summer and family. I am rested, I am refreshed, and I am ready to teach.
This school year starts off with changes in our family...our oldest has joined the Air Force and will be leaving soon for Basic Training. A huge change for us. This summer was so important to us as a family to share these last few months together before he leaves the nest. Our daughter, though attending high school, has decided to get her AA at the same time as her high school diploma. She was in my math class all of last year. Not having her in class this year will be sad for me. And our youngest starts middle school...the baby isn't a baby anymore. This will be a most interesting school year...changes happening within our family in addition to changes in our school. All are good changes, but bittersweet.
Not much of a blog to write, but this is what is happening right now in our lives. My time and energies have been focused on spending time with my family, getting healthy, and rested. I plan to get back on the blog scene on a more regular basis as our schedules settle into the old school routine!
Praying that everyone has a wonderful school year! Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy
All of the frenzied activities of the last couple of weeks...finishing home projects, last minute trips to visit with family, and a whole cadre of other activities consumed the last precious moments of summer leaving little time to write, blog, or do much of anything else. But today, all of this has been pushed aside as teachers returned to work today.
I am ready to get the year started off right. I am eager to teach. I am anticipating meeting my students and getting to know them. I am excited for the wonderful possibilities this new school year holds. I am happy to see old friends returning. I am loving getting caught up on their summer and family. I am rested, I am refreshed, and I am ready to teach.
This school year starts off with changes in our family...our oldest has joined the Air Force and will be leaving soon for Basic Training. A huge change for us. This summer was so important to us as a family to share these last few months together before he leaves the nest. Our daughter, though attending high school, has decided to get her AA at the same time as her high school diploma. She was in my math class all of last year. Not having her in class this year will be sad for me. And our youngest starts middle school...the baby isn't a baby anymore. This will be a most interesting school year...changes happening within our family in addition to changes in our school. All are good changes, but bittersweet.
Not much of a blog to write, but this is what is happening right now in our lives. My time and energies have been focused on spending time with my family, getting healthy, and rested. I plan to get back on the blog scene on a more regular basis as our schedules settle into the old school routine!
Praying that everyone has a wonderful school year! Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
It's Not Your Fight!
"15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
25 King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all!" 2 Chronicles 20:14-17, 25
Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God trust also in me." (John 14:1). It is so hard for us to sometimes trust in the unseen. This is especially true in times of trials and troubles. So often we depend upon ourselves or that which can see, hear, taste, or smell instead of trusting Christ. So when troubles come our way, our first instinct isn't always trusting God! We either come out swinging blindly or we curl up in a ball and give up. But neither of these reactions is helpful. God wants to show Himself VICTORIOUS through you and your circumstances. He wants YOU to overcome so that others see His DIVINE work in your life and turn to Christ!
Jehoshaphat was faced with a serious problem. Invading armies were coming to kill him, destroy Judah and its people, and carry away plunder. So what did he do? He cried out to God! He called on all of the people to join him in fasting and praying. The whole nation of Judah came to Jerusalem in a show of humility and reverence to God. Then the Holy Spirit began to speak through a man named Jahaziel, a Levite descended from Asaph. Jahaziel said something profound, "Do not be afraid or discouraged...for the battle is NOT yours, but Gods!" (2 Chronicles 20:15)
How did Judah respond to this news? I mean if it was God's battle, their army could just stand down and they could all go home, right? Not exactly. Judah still prepared for battle. They arose early on the day of battle, dressed in armor, sword in hand, standing in battle formation ready to fight. The day of battle arrived and the army left Jerusalem, lead by singers who sang praises and worship to God! But the night before battle, King Jehoshaphat gave a strange order to his army, "Stand still and watch the Lord's victory!" They weren't to fight at all! Upon arriving at the battle site, the Israelites discovered that God had caused the invading armies to turn on each other. Allies had become enemies. The hoards now all lay dead. God had won the victory for Judah! All Judah had to do was stand ready and watch. Not only did God win the victory on Judah's behalf, he blessed them with an abundance of plunder from the field of battle. There was so much plunder that it took three days to gather it all and EVERY man was loaded down!
Quite obviously, the lesson here for us is that no matter what battles we face in life, they are not ours to fight! They are God's! He already has won the victory! We read this promise in our Bible, we hear it taught at church, but we still don't get it...I mean we really don't get it down deep inside where it's life changing. And if we don't get it, then it's hard to claim it and live it! God knows past, present, and future. Not only does He know past, present, and future, He rules them as well! And if He rules past, present, and future, shouldn't we be able to trust Him in all things?
And though the battle is the Lord's and He has the victory, we are STILL to stand ready, in full spiritual armor, swords drawn, helmet on and shields high - never letting down our guard. We are to be watching, witnesses who testify to His glory in the battles we face! We need to be ready to lay claim to the plunder from the field of battle - reclaiming the Lost, the backslidden, and those things in our lives that the enemy dared to mess with (health, family, children, finances, jobs, etc...)
Do not let your heart be troubled today. In all circumstances, good or bad, trust in the Lord. The battle isn't yours to fight, so surrender it completely to Him in prayer. Then let Him do what He always does best - bringing the victory into your life!
In His Love, Cathy
25 King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all!" 2 Chronicles 20:14-17, 25
Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God trust also in me." (John 14:1). It is so hard for us to sometimes trust in the unseen. This is especially true in times of trials and troubles. So often we depend upon ourselves or that which can see, hear, taste, or smell instead of trusting Christ. So when troubles come our way, our first instinct isn't always trusting God! We either come out swinging blindly or we curl up in a ball and give up. But neither of these reactions is helpful. God wants to show Himself VICTORIOUS through you and your circumstances. He wants YOU to overcome so that others see His DIVINE work in your life and turn to Christ!
Jehoshaphat was faced with a serious problem. Invading armies were coming to kill him, destroy Judah and its people, and carry away plunder. So what did he do? He cried out to God! He called on all of the people to join him in fasting and praying. The whole nation of Judah came to Jerusalem in a show of humility and reverence to God. Then the Holy Spirit began to speak through a man named Jahaziel, a Levite descended from Asaph. Jahaziel said something profound, "Do not be afraid or discouraged...for the battle is NOT yours, but Gods!" (2 Chronicles 20:15)
How did Judah respond to this news? I mean if it was God's battle, their army could just stand down and they could all go home, right? Not exactly. Judah still prepared for battle. They arose early on the day of battle, dressed in armor, sword in hand, standing in battle formation ready to fight. The day of battle arrived and the army left Jerusalem, lead by singers who sang praises and worship to God! But the night before battle, King Jehoshaphat gave a strange order to his army, "Stand still and watch the Lord's victory!" They weren't to fight at all! Upon arriving at the battle site, the Israelites discovered that God had caused the invading armies to turn on each other. Allies had become enemies. The hoards now all lay dead. God had won the victory for Judah! All Judah had to do was stand ready and watch. Not only did God win the victory on Judah's behalf, he blessed them with an abundance of plunder from the field of battle. There was so much plunder that it took three days to gather it all and EVERY man was loaded down!
Quite obviously, the lesson here for us is that no matter what battles we face in life, they are not ours to fight! They are God's! He already has won the victory! We read this promise in our Bible, we hear it taught at church, but we still don't get it...I mean we really don't get it down deep inside where it's life changing. And if we don't get it, then it's hard to claim it and live it! God knows past, present, and future. Not only does He know past, present, and future, He rules them as well! And if He rules past, present, and future, shouldn't we be able to trust Him in all things?
And though the battle is the Lord's and He has the victory, we are STILL to stand ready, in full spiritual armor, swords drawn, helmet on and shields high - never letting down our guard. We are to be watching, witnesses who testify to His glory in the battles we face! We need to be ready to lay claim to the plunder from the field of battle - reclaiming the Lost, the backslidden, and those things in our lives that the enemy dared to mess with (health, family, children, finances, jobs, etc...)
Do not let your heart be troubled today. In all circumstances, good or bad, trust in the Lord. The battle isn't yours to fight, so surrender it completely to Him in prayer. Then let Him do what He always does best - bringing the victory into your life!
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, August 2, 2010
Thankful
Today, I am thankful. Why? Because I feel as though I have a new lease on life. As I start on my third week of a lower synthroid dosage I realize that it has been such a very, very long time that I've felt this good. I didn't realize how badly I truly felt until now. I am so amazed at the change. I have far more energy, I've only had one migraine in the last three weeks (due to tropical storm Bonnie), I'm sleeping SOOOOO much better - sometimes all the way through the night, AND have noticed a lighter, happier side that has come out recently. Even my husband, Scott, has noticed a difference in my countenance, personality, and energy.
In fact, I've felt so much better I've started faithfully exercising again. Not only am I walking but I also added yoga to my exercise routine. Both are good for helping with the osteoperosis. In addition, both Scott and I have started eating a healthier diet. I am sure this is also playing a positive role in my health turnaround.
So today, I'm thankful to feel good again. Oh yes, and another praise to add to this...found out on Thursday that my glucose levels were within the norm:) I have lots to praise the Lord about today!
What I am most thankful for our wonderful, caring God who heard my prayers for mercy and healing. He not only hears to our prayers, He lovingly bends down to listen, getting down on our level, actively demonstrating His love for us. Know that our loving God hears your voice and prayers as well. He bends down to listen to you, too.
Thank you to all my friends who have been praying for my health. I am praying for so many friends today who have lost loved ones, have loved ones who are in a health crisis, or who are experiencing a health crisis of their own. Let us never give up praying for one another as long as we have breath! Love you, dear friends!
Grace and peace!
In His Love, Cathy
In fact, I've felt so much better I've started faithfully exercising again. Not only am I walking but I also added yoga to my exercise routine. Both are good for helping with the osteoperosis. In addition, both Scott and I have started eating a healthier diet. I am sure this is also playing a positive role in my health turnaround.
So today, I'm thankful to feel good again. Oh yes, and another praise to add to this...found out on Thursday that my glucose levels were within the norm:) I have lots to praise the Lord about today!
What I am most thankful for our wonderful, caring God who heard my prayers for mercy and healing. He not only hears to our prayers, He lovingly bends down to listen, getting down on our level, actively demonstrating His love for us. Know that our loving God hears your voice and prayers as well. He bends down to listen to you, too.
I love the Lord because he hears my voice
and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen,
I will pray as long as I have breath!
Psalm 116:1-2
Thank you to all my friends who have been praying for my health. I am praying for so many friends today who have lost loved ones, have loved ones who are in a health crisis, or who are experiencing a health crisis of their own. Let us never give up praying for one another as long as we have breath! Love you, dear friends!
Grace and peace!
In His Love, Cathy
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