Posts

Faith Words: Battle Lines

-
In a battle, sometimes it’s easy to tell who the enemy is. Their uniforms are specific to their country and branch of service.    They fly their flag proudly.     But in spiritual battles, identifying the enemy is not always so obvious.     Satan uses many disguises and tricks to hide where the battle is and who we’re fighting. What are we really fighting?    Satan.    He is the enemy. The devil likes to distract us with misleading logic and emotions. He deceives and divides us with the lies and misconceptions. We’ve come to think that if others don’t agree with us about nearly everything, then they’re our enemies.  Paul makes it clear that people aren’t really the ones we struggle against. Satan may use people but he is the real threat. When we struggle with each other, we fall into one of Satan’s traps and lose sight of the real battle.  The battle lines are drawn.    Will we be able to see who the enemy really is? Blessings.  Patrice Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ For our struggle is no
Post a Comment
Read more

Faith Words: Supplied

-
With the upcoming solar eclipse, there is talk of shortages and advice for preparedness.  And all things considered, preparedness is a good idea.   In our land of plenty, it’s the shortages that are concerning.  Covid opened our eyes to the fragility of our supply chains.  But it doesn’t stop there.   Just a snowy forecast can clear the grocery store shelves.   It’s good to know that with our God, we will never have to worry about any shortages in the things that matter.  A godly life doesn’t depend on the world’s supply chains.  It is solely dependent on God. We are confident in Him, knowing He can and will supply our every need. Supplied, Patrice 2 Peter‬ ‭1:3 NIV His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ‭‭
Post a Comment
Read more

Faith Words: Armed

-
A good commander makes sure his troops are outfitted correctly and completely, lacking nothing for the battle ahead.   That’s our God. He’s made sure we have access to everything we need to stand against the devil’s schemes. It’s custom fitted for each of us. It’s God’s armor.  Being God’s, this armor divinely protects us from the devil’s schemes in ways armor of our own making never would. It’s perfectly fitted for each of us individually, spiritually, covering us completely.  So put on God’s armor daily. Wear it confidently, knowing it’s what you need for the spiritual battles ahead.  Armed by God! Patrice Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ‭‭
Post a Comment
Read more

Faith Words: Prepare

-
I’m getting ready to have my left knee replaced in about a week. It’s been just over three years since I had my right knee replaced and I’ve known that one day my left knee would need the same treatment. Knee pain is debilitating. Every step hurts. It aches at night. Getting in and out of cars and chairs is excruciating. All of those are reasons I’m doing this.  But even then the decision hasn’t been easy. Having done this once before, I’m well aware that there will be a lot of pain after the surgery and the healing process will take time - lots of time.  To get ready for the surgery, I’ve consulted a doctor who has a good reputation in this field. I’ve done pre-op testing and classes to help ensure good results with minimal discomfort.  Part of the protocol is twice daily exercises designed to make the supporting muscles stronger going in which should help in the post-op recovery. If I don’t do the exercises, they won’t help me. Just being advised to do them and knowing how to do them
Post a Comment
Read more

Faith Words: Strength

-
Having been rather sedentary for the last few years, I realize I’m not as strong as I used to be. I’m exercising some, going to water aerobics pretty regularly, but I’m still weaker than I’d like to admit. I could attribute my weakness to age but really I think it’s from inactivity. And if I lapse in my exercise efforts for a little while, it’s like I’m starting from scratch, weak and needing to build my strength back up. Use it or lose it, as the saying goes.   On my own, I tend to be sedentary spiritually, too. I can pretend I’m spiritually strong but I know I’m really not. I can’t take any steps in life without realizing how weak my spirit is. I need more than I can find in myself. I need God’s strength.   It takes daily (sometimes more often than that) active participation in God’s plan to take hold of the strength He alone can supply. He wants to be my personal spiritual trainer. He can teach me to:  Exercise prayer, Bible study, meditation, praise, self-examination.  Engage in wo
1 comment
Read more

Faith Words: Choose

-
There’s a battle going on. It’s real and being fought every day.    The tricky thing is the battlefield. It’s not out there. It’s in here, in me.  I want to win but I’m not equipped to do battle myself. So I choose to join the forces of the One who has already won the war.  Our dear Father God is already victorious and I can enlist through His Son Jesus. He can take a weak, vulnerable person like me and make me a conqueror - more than a conqueror.  I choose God! Patrice Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ … choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, … But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. ‭‭
1 comment
Read more

Faith Words: Together

-
This year’s verses will highlight the armor of God. My goal is to memorize verses that focus on each part of God’s armor and the spiritual power we gain when we wear it faithfully.   I have a vision of us all memorizing the same 24 verses in 2024. I know I’m asking a big favor of each of you but would you consider indulging me? Of course, you’re free to select verses that you feel drawn to as well. I just thought we could weave this blanket together.    I believe it would help and encourage me and perhaps you, too.  Th first verse of 2024 reminds us of how much God loves us and how much He values us. Everything starts there - with His love for us.  All together, Patrice John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 
1 comment
Read more