"GIMME THE REMOTE!"

I have two sons.

For the most part, they got along pretty well when they were younger (they still do!).

But, like any siblings, they also fought.  

Sometimes (rarely) they got into physical fights – mostly wrestling, which seems to be a "boy thing."  And sometimes it was verbal sparring.  And though I always stopped name-calling, I secretly had to admire their "creativity" in what they'd come up with!

But most of what they fought over was silly…

Like the TV remote control.

Oh, the arguments about what to watch on TV!

And then the ensuing wrangling for the remote.  

Sometimes they'd hide it from each other, or toss it across the room and run after it.  Sometimes the remote was stuffed into articles of clothing, or thrown into a dirty hamper, where only the brave dared to tread.  Sometimes the battle for the remote became secondary to the wrangling…

I'm not sure they ever realized the fact that if things got too heated, the remote was taken away by "She Who Controlled The Television" – and the TV got turned off.

Then they'd argue over whose fault that was!!

*Sidenote: "The Hub" and I avoid these petty quarrels – it's called two televisions, two remotes, and two rooms.  ☺

I can't say that I blame them entirely – there is something enticing about controlling the remote control.

Think about it – it's kind of a metaphor for life.

All those buttons…


GUIDE – who wouldn't want a button that showed you all the possible situations in life, and you could pick and choose what you wanted to participate in (or not!) – and you could also observe future events!

INFO – oh yes, wouldn't it be great to get further information on those situations and circumstances?!  Like when they're going to *air* and how long they're going to last?!  And if they're a rerun or not?

PREVIOUS – this button would allow you to go back to a pleasant or enjoyable episode in your life if you didn't like what the current *channel* was playing.

RECORD – oh, I love this one!  You could defer situations until later when you felt more capable of dealing with them.  Or, you could experience the same wonderful events over and over again.  (You could also *delete* the ones that weren't so enjoyable – make them disappear, like they never, ever happened).

CHANNEL – yup, multiple opportunities to *channel surf* and find just what you're looking for.

VOLUME – wouldn't it be nice to turn down the volume of unpleasantness, and turn up the volume on joy?!

MUTE – this almost needs no explanation – for either people or life in general?!

EXIT – and if everything just felt totally out of control, you could always exit all the noise and hubbub (a more effective tool than the mute button).


My personal favorite?

MENU.

This button gives a sense of total control over all the other ones, and would allow me to completely tailor-make my life to just the way it suited me.  

HA!

But there is one button on the remote that might just be more important than all of the others…

INPUT.

This is the button that determines where the power comes from, and how it is formatted.  And if it isn't adjusted properly, all you ever see is a blank screen or static.

Hmmm.

There's a lesson in that.


I am usually quite critical of *control freaks* – those type-A personalities who always strive to micro-manage everything and everybody in their lives.  In my opinion, they are domineering and full of pride.

However, it has taken me quite a good many years to realize that my quieter, subtler insecure worrying and fretting about everything is nothing more than *closet* control.

I have just begun reading a book, called "You Are What You Think," written by David Stoop.  I like it, especially because Dr. Stoop is a wonderful Christian man.

In the first chapters, he discusses two ways people have of dealing with a world that feels *out of control* – either by being over controlling or feeling overwhelmed.

There it is.

If the type-A's deal with life by being over controlling, then I have certainly spent most of my life feeling overwhelmed.

In truth, my reaction is just the other side of the control record – our words might be different, but I am playing the same tune as those people I have criticized.

For you see, both reflect a few basic mis-beliefs about the world:

1) The world is out of control
2) We have the capability to control things if we try
3) Controlling life will bring us happiness and peace

This the wrong input, and therefore, my remote control is sadly malfunctioning.

If I read the headlines, or watch any sort of television news program, I am going to be convinced that indeed, the world is out of control.  And it is a scary and unsure place, with much to be afraid of.

And therefore, I will be inclined to be consumed by fear.

Which I am, a great deal of the time.

However, I have had a rather startling insight into this whole issue of fear.

Might I share it with you?


The other day I was reading a blog post about temptation.

I got to thinking about the things that have tempted me in the past, and how I've come through those times – sometimes succumbing, mostly resisting.

But at the end of my reading, I sorta patted myself on the back for not really giving in to any current temptations.

And then, the most astonishing thing happened.

The Holy Spirit said a remarkable thing to me:

"Fear is your temptation."

What???

I spoke back to Him:

"How can You say that?  Fear is certainly my faith struggle, an enemy stronghold to overcome.  But how on earth is it a temptation?"

He spoke again:

"It is a temptation.  Because what is fear but a temptation to take control?"

Whoa.

This conversation happened a few days ago, and I am still pondering the implications.

In a staggering realization, I have begun to see that the Spirit spoke strong Truth to me in that moment.

Yes, my worries are all centered on the things that I CANNOT control.  

And I am tempted to insert myself into the equation – desperately and anxiously working to fix, manipulate, finagle, change, engineer, wheedle, influence, maneuver – CONTROL – everything and everyone.

When confronted with my woeful inability to do that, I default to my familiar position – I cave in to feeling overwhelmed.

Then I try to control God by playing on His sympathies for me.

"Lord, please change _____________ because it's making me feel so nervous."

Again, there's nothing inherently wrong with bringing the Lord my cares and concerns, and there's nothing wrong in admitting my fears and anxieties.

He wants me to come to Him with it all, fears included.

However, if my prayers are grounded in MY desires, and MY plans, and MY timing – I will be disappointed if God doesn't "perform."

Yes, fear is a temptation to control.


I was explaining this in a conversation with my cousin the other day, and another rather wonderful insight came to mind (thank You again, Holy Spirit!)

I told her something along these lines:

"You know, we're not the only ones to experience this.  Think about it.  How did the devil tempt Jesus?  He tempted Him to take control of His own circumstances, and to try to change them."

I said it without thinking, and then I started thinking.

It's so true.

In the only Biblical account of Jesus being tempted (though I know there were many, many other times), we can see how Satan tempted Jesus to take control:


1. Take control of your physical needs

"And He went without food for forty days and forty nights, and later He was hungry." (Matthew 4:2, AMP)

Jesus was hungry.

Did the devil tempt Him with fear that He would starve?

He told Jesus to turn the stones into bread, thus ensuring that He could eat.

Jesus replied:

"'It has been written, man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" 
(vs. 4)

My translation: "No, God will take care of My physical needs.  He will provide for Me."


2. Take control of your well-being and life

Jesus was human, susceptible to the limits of the human body.

Did the enemy tempt Him with the fear of physical injury or even death?

He told Jesus to throw Himself off of a high place in the temple, and have the angels save Him.

Jesus replied:

"'On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, test thoroughly, or try exceedingly the Lord your God.'" (vs. 7)

My translation: "No, God does not have to prove that He watches over Me.  Therefore, I will not test Him."


3. Take control of your purpose

Jesus was human, yes, but He was also the Son of God.

Satan must have had an inkling of what Jesus' mission was supposed to be.

Did the enemy tempt Him with the fear that He would never see His own Kingdom?

Did he tempt Him to take an earthly kingdom in hand at this moment, instead of waiting for God's will?

He told Jesus he would give Him the world, all its kingdoms, and their glory and power, if He would worship him.

Jesus replied:

"'Begone, Satan!  For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve.'" (vs. 10) 

My translation: "Leave Me.  I will worship only God, and gladly give up all other glory and power, to fulfill His purpose for Me."


You know what's most interesting to me?

Jesus is the ONLY person in the world who has ever actually had the ability and the authority to truly take control of anything.

He could make stones into bread.

He could command the angels to rescue Him.

He could rule the kingdoms of the world.

And yet, in a most incredible display of humility and love, He set His authority aside, He put His ability to control these circumstances momentarily into the background, and chose instead to trust God, His Father.

I am quite sure that the devil did not leave Him alone after that.

And perhaps more than any other time, I have a feeling that the enemy's taunts and temptations were strongest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Never before in His earthly walk was Jesus as fear-full as when He agonized in the Garden.

Did Satan come with the same temptations?

To take control of His physical body, to protect it from pain and suffering?

To take control of His very life, and prevent His death by calling on the angels to rescue Him?

To take control of His purpose, to take control of an earthly kingdom, and bypass the reason for the Cross?

Was fear a temptation for our Savior?

I believe we'll never fully understand what was said to Him by the enemy in the Garden.  We'll never fully understand the depth of angst and suffering He felt.  We'll never fully understand how powerful fear worked in His thoughts and emotions.

Jesus, our High Priest, understands our temptations – even the temptation to fear, and the ensuing temptation to take control.

And yet, though He struggled, He overcame.


We can, too.

By replacing three mis-beliefs with resounding Truth:

1) The world is firmly in God's control
2) We have no capability to control our lives, but God has ordained every day before the creation of the world
3) Trusting God will bring us joy and peace


Yes, to the best of my ability, and in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, I will resist the temptation to fear, and refuse to attempt to take control of my own life.

I will stand firm in my conviction that God is on His throne.

Steady and resolute.

Omniscient and omnipotent.

Sovereign.


And I will join with my Savior, Jesus, in uttering this prayer:

"'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.  Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.'" (Luke 22:42, ESV)


Yes, I will bring Him my fears in prayer, but I will yield my will to His ways and His timing.

I will not frantically attempt to wield control in my life.

I will hand Him the remote control.


And yes, I will trust Him.



Are you a *control freak*?  In what areas are you most tempted to fear?

God will not permit any troubles
to come upon us,
unless He has a specific plan by which
great blessing can come
out of the difficulty.

(Peter Marshall)

If we knew what God knows, we would never complain,

Nor would we be bitter over sorrow or pain.

God reigns in His wisdom up in Heaven, above!

If we knew what God knows, we would rest in His love!

If we knew what God knows, saw the things that He sees,

If we had the insight to explore His decrees,

If God gave permission, our own lives to arrange,

If we knew what God knows, we would not make a change!

If we knew what God knows, as He rules from above,

How God takes our trial to affect those we love,

If we saw His purpose, then our hearts would be still,

If we knew what God knows, we would not fear His will!

If we knew what God knows, how our spirits would sing;

Our prayer would be only a great Thank-offering.

We'd find Him sufficient; we would rest in His Grace;

If we knew what God knows, we would seek the Lord's Face!

(Author Unknown)

"This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.'" (Isaiah 66:1, NLT)

"I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing around him on his right and on his left." (1 Kings 22:19, NIV)

"Come, everyone!  Clap your hands!  Shout to God with joyful praise!  For the Lord Most High is awesome.  He is the great King of all the earth.  He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet." 
(Psalm 47:1-3, NLT)

"God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne." (Psalm 47:8, ESV)

"Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!  Tell all the nations, 'The LORD reigns!'" (1 Chronicles 16:31, NLT)

"The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:9, ESV)

"Your throne, O LORD, has stood from time immemorial.  You yourself are from the everlasting past." (Psalm 93:2, NLT)

"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom." (Psalm 45:6, NIV)

"The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.  The foundations of law and order have collapsed.  What can the righteous do?  But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven." (Psalm 11:2-4, NLT)

"Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven.  There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands." (Hebrews 8:1, NLT)

"Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence." (Ephesians 3:12, NLT)

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." 
(Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

"For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens." (Job 28:24, ESV)

"In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help.  From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears." 
(Psalm 18:6, ESV)

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." 
(Psalm 94:19, NIV)


"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
My enemies turn back;
they stumble and perish before you.
For you have upheld my right and my cause,
sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.
You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies,
you have uprooted their cities;
even the memory of them has perished.
The Lord reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

(Psalm 9:1-10, NIV)



Linked with:

MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, GLIMPSES LINKUP, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, CHRISTIAN BLOGGER COMMUNITY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING WITH FRIENDS, FROM MESSES TO MARRIAGES, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

NOW LIVE IN FREEDOM!

It's the Fourth of July!

Sparklers for everyone!!

****************

Today is the 240th birthday of our United States of America!

It is a day of fun and celebration, but it's also a good day to reflect on the concept of freedom.


Freedom is: the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint; absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government; the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved; the state of being physically unrestricted and able to move easily; the state of not being subject to or affected by (a particular undesirable thing); the power of self-determination attributed to the will; the quality of being independent of fate or necessity; unrestricted use of something.

(Synonyms: independence, self-government, self-determination, self-rule, home rule, sovereignty, nonalignment, autonomy, democracy, liberty, liberation, release, deliverance, delivery, discharge, exemption, immunity, dispensation, impunity, right, entitlement, privilege).


Every war the United States has fought in has been over the issue of freedom – (at least in theory, let's not get stuck talking about political agendas here!).  

We seek to maintain it for ourselves, and we fight to secure it for others.

There is nothing frivolous about freedom – even when we sometimes take it for granted.

Today we should take the time to remember what it cost, and continues to cost, to maintain freedom in our country and in our lives.

We should remember, and be thankful.

But let's also expand on the idea of freedom, and ponder the concept as it applies to the believer's life.


Last week I talked a lot about battling in the spiritual realm.

I talked about *standing* after the battle.

About the importance of not only winning spiritual territory, but also in occupying it so the enemy can't take it over again.

This is what I want to focus on today.

I have a picture in my mind –

A war-torn, battle-weary soldier standing in a muddy battlefield.  He's dirty and scraped and bruised, maybe a bit bloodied by the fighting.  He stands, barely balanced, but he stands strong nonetheless.  In his right hand he holds a pole with a flag attached to it reading, "The LORD is my Banner!"  This he has firmly planted in the soil, claiming the new land of victory.

Then I see the General quietly approach him.

The General looks long and hard at the soldier.  

Finally, he gives him a firm handshake as he states, "Well done."  

Then he gives the soldier a hearty salute, and just before he turns to leave, he issues this command:

"Now live in freedom!"


You do see the spiritual parallel here, don't you?!

I think of how often the Lord and I win a spiritual battle, just for me to cede the territory again at a later date.

I talked last week about following up, about occupying the *just-won territory* with something other than what the enemy wants.

And part of this *occupation* must certainly be the idea of living in the newfound freedom that the battle won!

We all know what it looks like when it fails.

A battle won, a victory secured, freedom is established.

But then, occupying forces leave.

And all too often, the country and its people return to their old ways.  And sometimes this leaves them in a position to be overrun by enslaving powers once again.

Take politics out of it, and we can see the same principle occur in our spiritual lives, too.

That's why today I'm thinking about this *fight after the fight* idea.

I'm thinking of the General who tells us, "Now live in freedom!"

It's no use if we are set free, if we don't use that newfound freedom to live free!!


Thinking about this idea of being set free, and then not living free, I thought it might be interesting to see how many prisoners who are set free actually return to a life of crime.

I found a report from the U.S. Department of Justice (2005) that detailed the recidivism (relapse into criminal behavior) rate of federal prisoners upon release (about 400,000 prisoners in 30 states):

More than a third of released prisoners were arrested again within six months of their release.  That number rose to 56.7% by the end of the first year, 67.8% within three years, and 76.6% within five years.

I find that staggering, don't you?!

But are we any different?

How often do we win a battle against sin, only to be tempted to sin in the same area once again?

And how often do we succumb, once again falling into the same trap of enslavement?

Rhetorical questions, because we know the answer is – we do it all the time.

How come?

Why do we return to enslavement, imprisonment, reoccupation?

I can think of several reasons:

1. The outside world is too tempting
2. We don't think we deserve freedom
3. We don't know how to function in freedom
4. The old ways and old places are too familiar
5. We associate with the wrong people
6. We're afraid of new choices
7. We return to comfortable, instead of making change
8. We try to do it all alone


On the surface, we might think it foolish that anyone who, once having tasted freedom, would willingly return to a life of captivity and restriction.

It's easy to point fingers at people who fail in this area, who "relapse" into old habits and sins.

(My opinion?  We all tend to be a motley bunch of "log in the eye" pretenders who delight in bringing to attention the "motes" in others...)

Sometimes I think it's because we're so ingrained in our propensity to "rate" sins.

We like to reproach the alcoholic or addict who falls into addiction again.  Or the cheater who gives in to infidelity again.  Or the criminal who keeps committing crimes.

However, if we're honest, we do the same thing, because we turn a blind eye to our own shortcomings.

For how often do we return to gossiping, or lying, or self-righteousness, or criticizing, or complaining, or anger, or...the list goes on.

We don't judge our own "minor" sins as harshly as those we point out in others.

But there is no such thing as a *sin scale* in the eyes of God.

SIN. IS. SIN.

It's ALL falling short of His standard – no matter if it's practiced in big or little ways.

Therefore, *reoccupation of the land* can occur with a marauding army of invaders, or by one little voice that sows doubt and discontent.

This is why it's very important, very necessary, to attend to our hearts after a battle against the enemy.

Especially when we start feeling too secure in our victory.


So, how do we occupy the land?

Our pastor recently gave a message about God's peace, and about how He promises that it will guard us.  It was a study on the first part of the 4th chapter of Philippians.

Let's listen in to Paul’s words:

"…in this way stand firm in the Lord."


OK, Paul, tell us how to do that!

(Verses taken from The Amplified Bible)


1. "Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!" (verse 4)

2. "Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people." (verse 5) 

3. "Do not be anxious or worried about anything…" (verse 6)

4. "…in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God." (verse 7)

5. "Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God's word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]." (verse 8)

6. "The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life]…" (verse 9)


Fantastic!

What's the payoff, Paul?

"The Lord is near…and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you…And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]." (verses 4, 7, 9)


I am beginning to see…


Go back to my image of the soldier on the battlefield.

The General has just said, "Now live in freedom!" – and he is turning away.

If the soldier lets him go, he's left alone to hold the territory, in his own power and strength.

This scenario most likely ends in reoccupation by the enemy.

End of story.

But wait!

What if there's a different ending?!

What if, as the General begins to walk away, the soldier shouts out:

"Wait!!  I cannot maintain this victory alone.  I need a guard, a trustworthy sentinel who will protect the borders of this territory.  I need someone who will keep watch, and warn me of impending danger."

The General turns back...

The soldier speaks once more, "Please send help."

At this the General smiles.

"Yes, it is the wise soldier who understands the importance of a watchman."

At this, he motions forward another person.

"I present to you the one who will guard and protect you.  Always listen to him."

You do know who the *watchman* is, don't you?

The Holy Spirit.

Might these words from Paul also be the parting words of the General?

"Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me – a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you." (2 Timothy 1:13-14, NLT)

Oh yes, amen.


In that all-important aftermath of battle, in that *fight after the fight,* in that time of victory, might we recognize our deep need of The Watchman – or as my pastor called Him, the "Silent Sentry."

And might we depend on Him to guard and protect us.

For the enemy will approach once again – loudly and softly, with an army or a whisper.

Tempting us to cede territory, and to return once again to a state of occupation.

We must not listen.


Focus on these things (from my pastor's sermon, reflecting Philippians 4:8):

What's real vs. what's phony
What matters vs. what's frivolous
What's right vs. what's convenient
What's clean vs. what's dirty
What's unifying vs. what's divisive
What's helpful vs. what's harmful
What's best vs. what's inferior
What's positive vs. what's negative


Happy Fourth of July, my friends!

May you have a wonderful day doing what you do to celebrate!

Barbecues, pool parties, fireworks.

Maybe even a main street parade like our little town!

But might we take a moment or two (or many) to reflect upon the idea that this is a day when the cause of freedom in our country became a reality.  

Therefore, let this be a day when we ponder the meaning of freedom.

It's a day that's also called Independence Day.

And in every real sense of the word, our own *Independence Day* occurred when we believed in the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Having won His victory on the cross, He now encourages us to fight on as conquerors.

To battle for the faith, to stand our ground, and to claim our territory.


I hear His parting words…

"Now live in freedom!"


Yes.



Are you living in freedom, or are you ceding territory to the enemy?

Here in the power of Christ
I stand.



(From "In Christ Alone" by Stuart Townsend) 

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, NIV)

"So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.  What a wretched man I am!  Who will rescue me…Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" 
(Romans 7:21-25, NIV)

"Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning?  Of course not!  Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey?  You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.  Thank God!  Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.  Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living." (Romans 6:15-18, NLT)

"When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us,…evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power.  Now we can serve God…in the new way of living in the Spirit." (Romans 7:5-6, NLT)

"'For when a strong man like Satan is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe – until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings.'" 
(Luke 11:21-22, NLT)

"'…if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out!  Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you.  But you must subdue it and be its master.'" 
(Genesis 4:7, NLT)

"…you are not controlled by your sinful nature.  You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you." (Romans 8:9, NLT)

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, NASB)

"'…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.'" (John 8:32, 36, ESV)

"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17, NLT)

"'And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.'" 
(John 14:16-17, NLT)

"…for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth." 
(1 John 2:20, NLT)

"I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost.  There I will wait to see what the LORD says…" (Habakkuk 2:1, NLT)

"Be on guard.  Stand firm in the faith.  Be courageous.  Be strong." 
(1 Corinthians 16:13, NLT)




Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, UNITE LINKUP, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, THE LOFT LINKUP, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, TGI SATURDAYS, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER

Today is Memorial Day.

A day in which we honor all those who have given their lives defending our country.

I got curious this year and wanted to learn more about this special day of commemoration.

So I googled…

This from Wikipedia:

"Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.  The holiday, which is observed every year on the last Monday of May, originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868, when the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans founded in Decatur, Illinois, established it as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the Union war dead with flowers.  By the 20th century, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions, celebrated on different days, had merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service."


I further researched and found these statistics from The Department of Veterans Affairs and The Department of Defense –it's rather staggering and sobering…

Wartime U.S. Military Deaths:

Revolutionary War – 4,435
War of 1812 – 2,260
Indian Wars – 1,000
Mexican War – 13,283
Civil War – 498,332
Spanish American War – 2,446
World War I – 116,516
World War II – 405,399
Korean War – 54,246
Vietnam War – 90,220
Persian Gulf War – 1,948
Global War on Terror – 6,852

The total number of Americans killed in all U.S. wars is almost 1.2 million.  

(This does not include those who are MIA – people missing in action.  In WWII alone, this number is 30,314).

And the deadliest battle in U.S. history was the Battle of Argonne Forest during WWI – a battle that resulted in more than 26,000 deaths. 


Yes.

Overwhelming, isn't it?

For these are not just statistics, these are people, individual lives.

And each of these deaths profoundly affected countless others' lives.

The casualties of war are far-reaching and never-ending.

That's why I think it's important to take this day and remember – to really ponder the sacrifice, and really appreciate what all those lives were sacrificed for.

For they did not die in vain.

They fought for a cause, they fought for us. 


It's easy in our country to take for granted all the many freedoms that we enjoy.  

These freedoms, as outlined in Franklin D. Roosevelt's State of the Union Speech (also known as the Four Freedoms speech) given on January 6, 1941, are the following:

Freedom of speech
Freedom of worship
Freedom from want
Freedom from fear


It was a powerful speech, given in the context of World War II, just 11 months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and America's subsequent entry into the war.

For many, many decades, men and women have sacrificed their lives to ensure that our country enjoys these freedoms.

We must not forget their sacrifice…


In this past week, I have done so many things that would not have been possible if someone hadn't fought for this country – for my country – for your country.

Last week, I bowed my head and said *grace* at a restaurant – Thank you.

Last week, I drove my car, with a Jesus sticker on it – Thank you.

Last week, I read my Bible – Thank you.

Last week, I spoke to someone about my faith – Thank you.

Last week, I attended church and worshiped – Thank you.


Have you stopped lately and considered what a privilege it is to do these things?

We have the glorious freedom to worship our Lord – freely and publicly.  We are not in danger of being thrown in jail, or tortured, or killed.

And so many sacrificed so much in order for us to have that freedom.

Today I don't think it matters whether we agree or don't agree with political policy. 

Today it doesn't matter if we are *hawks* or *doves*. 

Today we simply focus on people – real people who served our country, who died for our country – because they believed in freedom.


Currently there are five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, six including the National Guard.  (Many have subdivisions such as the Navy SEALS, the Army Rangers, and the Air Force Special Operations Command).


Here's the motto of each:

United States Army: "This we'll defend"

United States Navy: Non sibi sed patriae (Latin for "Not for self but for country")

United States Air Force: "Aim high... Fly, fight, win"

United States Marine Corps: Semper fidelis (Latin for "Always faithful")

United States Coast Guard: Semper paratus (Latin for "Always ready")

National Guard of the United States: "Always ready, always there"


Let's take a moment and remember…

Those who gave their lives to defend.

Those who gave their lives, not for self but for country.

Those who aimed high – who flew, fought, and won.

Those who were always faithful.

Those who were always ready.

Those who were always there.


In their honor, if you know someone who has served, or is serving, this country in the armed forces, I would encourage you to reach out to them today.

Tell them how much you appreciate them.

Tell them we will always remember them. 

Tell them…

Thank you.


And on this Memorial Day, may we take time to remember those who gave their lives – what they fought for – what they sacrificed for – what they believed in…


One nation…under GOD.

God, the One we serve and worship…

The One who gave His Son…

The Son who died to bring freedom…

The Ultimate Sacrifice.


Thank You.



Do you know anyone who gave their life in service to our country?

How many times
must the cannonballs fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend,
is blowing
in the wind,
The answer
is blowing in the wind.


(Lyrics from "Blowing in the Wind" by Bob Dylan)


Photo taken at the The Moving Wall™
Since 1984, the traveling half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

"Never was so much owed by so many to so few." 

(From a wartime speech given by the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill on August 20, 1940) 

***************************************

"'When you go out to war against your enemies, and see…an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you…And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, 'Hear…you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint.  Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.'" (Deuteronomy 20:1-4, ESV)

"The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.  But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance." (Psalm 33:10-12, NIV)

"'…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.'" 
(2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)

"In the last days, the mountain of the LORD’s house will be the highest of all – the most important place on earth.  It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship.  People from many nations will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD…There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.'  For the LORD's teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem.  The LORD will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes.  They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore." 
(Isaiah 2:2-4, NLT)

"He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.  He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.  He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'" (Psalm 46:9-10, NIV)

"'No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.'" (John 15:13, AMP)

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." (Galatians 5:1, NIV)

"'So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.'" (John 8:36, ESV)

"Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.  For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed is death." (1 Corinthians 15:24-25, ESV)

"…the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered.  It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever." (Daniel 2:44, NLT)

"'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.'" (Revelation 11:15, ESV)

Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A POEM FOR MOM

Mother's Day is this coming Sunday.

I am so glad that my mother is still alive, and this year I am more grateful for her presence in my life than ever before - still my mom, still my friend.

To honor her, and the blessed calling of motherhood, I am sharing a poem I wrote several years ago.

Hope you enjoy it!

A MOTHER

She carries you for nine months,

Then cares for you

Forever...

She watches out for you

when you are young,

Then watches over you

for a lifetime...

She holds you closely in her arms

for a while,

Then tightly in her heart

Always...

She is there through every change,

Then never changes 

herself...

She teaches you about life,

Then lets you leave home...

and live -

A mother is

every gift of God

wrapped up in one person -

Joy, Peace

Patience, Kindness, Goodness

Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control

And most of all...

Love.

Though I am no longer a child,

I will always be 

My mother's child

And that is comfort personified -

My mother is

A safe place to be

A soft place to fall

A refuge in every storm...

She calms the winds of life

And helps smooth

the paths

I have chosen to walk.

I have never questioned 

Her love

or her faithfulness,

My faith in her

has never faltered...

She is the sun

that rises every morning,

And the promise

of a new day.

She is

The keeper of secrets,

The spark

to my dreams,

The footsteps

that walk beside me -

She is the one

on the sidelines

who whispers quietly,

with hands

folded in prayer

and

tears in her eyes,

"Go...go...go,

I'm here."

She is 

The quiet heartbeat

that keeps time

with my own...

My mother is

My best friend,

The beacon

of my life...

My mother is home...

© Sharon Kirby

May 10, 2007

I LOVE YOU, MOM!!

What's a favorite memory or moment of yours with your mother?

Her children rise up
and call her
blessed. 

Thank you, Mom, for leading me to Jesus when I was young.

"Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.  And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.  Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.  Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.  Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, NLT)


And thank you, Mom, for always showing me how to follow Him.

"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." (Proverbs 22:6, NLT)

**********

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of you wonderful moms out there!!

**********

Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, REFLECT LINKUP, US, COFFEE & JESUS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WISE WOMAN, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, ONE WORD COFFEE, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, GRACE AT HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, GROWING IN GRACE, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"