Things I've Learned Along the Way

I celebrated my 42nd birthday this month. Forty-two seemed so much older when I was sixteen haa! So glad I was wrong about that, because forty-two is surprisingly an awesome age. On this journey of 42 years I've learned a lot, about myself, my family, people, life and my God. A few years back I was prompted to jot down tidbits of information in my journal entitled: Things I've Learned Along the Way. Keep in mind these "tidbits" are only my opinions, observations and lessons learned over the years. These come from life experiences that God has allowed me personally to walk through. These lessons have helped me to view things in a different way --- God's way. I am a work in progress but I seek to learn the lesson in every situation my God purposes for me. I hope this will inspire you to start your own journal and begin to jot down the lessons God gives you during your life journey. You never know who you may help when you share these with others, or periodically review them for yourself. Blessings, Polly
Note: I have over 400 entries in my Journal: Things I've Learned Along the Way. Below are a few from that list. 
I’ve learned that:

• What God calls, He also establishes.
• To be excluded isn't always a bad thing.
• You will find some people magnify public sins like adultery, murder, and theft, while minimizing private sins like lying, gossiping, fornicating, rebellion etc. God says sin is sin --- there are no different levels of sin. 
• Children need to see you live it more than they need to hear it.
• Slander, it's what the jealous do. (Joyce Meyer)
• A husband who follows after the Lord, is very attractive.
• People who make a way of life convincing you they are "humble" are really the most arrogant of all.
• The Jesus in me will most always bring out the devil in others.
• Marilyn Monroe's dress size was a 14.
• When a person shows you who they are the first time, believe them.
• Love bugs are known by Floridians but probably not by anyone else.
• God doesn't always bring correction right away...but He brings it.
• Money buys friends.
• Continual mis-use of God's time, will cost you.
• Family dinner around the table is priceless.
• A manipulative leader who leads using intimidation and fear, really isn't a leader.
• Evil corrupts good. (That's what the bible says!)
• The enemy has no real reason to bother someone who isn't producing fruit.
• If you lead and you aren't serving, then you really are disappointing God.
• Not everyone can sit in your front row.

• The enemy is so predictable he always works in cycles and repeats himself.
• Don't tell us you "love" in public when you "hate" in private. 
• Alzheimer's disease & Dementia are two different types of diseases that affect the brain---both are cruel. 
• Many hear the word of God but don't obey it ---there is a difference.
• Turning the other cheek is hard, but possible.
• Not everything in a garage is a car, no more than everyone in a church is a Christian.
• Every choice (yelp everyone) really matters.
• Fear of man is a snare but whoever trust in the Lord is always safe.
• Teenagers will always see through the hypocrisy no matter how much you try to cover it up....so just be real.
• Someone who continually criticizes the accomplishments of others is jealous.
• Would you invite Osama Bin Ladin to dinner? If you are a Christian living in America the answer is probably no. So why do we condemn others who are protecting their families by choosing not to interact with evil men and women. The scriptures are full of warnings about "avoiding such people".  
• There's really only one thing to do with a snake --- chop it's head off!
• It's never safe to promote your own agenda and call it God's will. 
• Weight is easy to put on but hard to take off.
• Two are greater than one.
• A real friend will tell you to your face, what others are saying behind your back.
• Boundaries are necessary!
• When you forgive, it doesn't mean you are admitting your offender is right and you were wrong, it simply means you are allowing God to be the judge.
• All these years I knew I had Cherokee Indian in my bloodline but I never knew there was Portuguese.
• We teach what we know and reproduce what we are.
• Consecrated time with the Lord is always productive.
• Sexual abuse changes many things. Those who have never experienced it often never understand.
• You don't always have to explain yourself. (That's what my husband tells me at least once every week. I am finally learning this lesson.)
• Never agree in prayer with someone who isn't already in agreement with you and God.
• A toothache needs immediate attention.
• Don't tell me you care, show me. Words are cheap!
• Two things you will never get back, your words and your time.
• Two things God will never share, His glory & His vengeance.
• You can tell a lot about a women by the way she dresses.
• Giving kids responsibilities in the home makes them more grateful.
• No one deserves my attention more than my spouse and kids.
• Raw cookie dough can cause death.
• Family devotions are priceless.
• Many under-estimate their potential.
• People may not always accept your apology but that's okay God sees it.
• Facebook can be a terrible distraction -- use restraint.
• A coward will never look you in the eyes and tries to avoid you. 
• Where you travel your kids will follow.
• There's no greater University than Lee University in Cleveland TN, I love being an alumni.
• Light and darkness will never mix. 
• Make the most of all that stays and the least of all that goes.
• The best type of communication is "face to face" other forms (text/email/vm) can easily be misinterpreted.
• There's always three sides to every story, his, hers and Gods.
• When my husband warns me about someone, I should listen the first time, he's usually right.
• Teenagers still like to snuggle on the couch with their mothers.
• Racial prejudice is still alive and what a shame!
• No weapon, demon or diabolic activity can cancel the will of God in my life, my ministry, my family unless God gives permission.
• Jealousy: the pretty act ugly, and the ugly act wicked.
• It's all fun and games until somebody gets hurt.
• You can tell an individual who won't "grow up" they spend most of their time engaged in High School activity.
• Wisdom --- requires being sought after.
• Joseph was hated by his own family members. They were jealous of the favor of God on his life and plotted to get rid of him. Man's attempts to abort God's purpose for my life and my family, will never succeed.
• Early on kid's can distinguish between fair & unfair.
• Diet Coke was making me sick!
• If you choose to not spend time with your children (grand-children) when they are young, they'll choose not to spend time with you when they are old.
• Good kindhearted boys make wonderful husbands. 
• You can tell much about a person by how he/she treats someone who really can't do anything in return.
• Many questions may never be answered, but God isn't obligated to answer my Whys!
• Honor has been lost in America -- who will find it?
• Team work, it makes the load lighter.
• A team player always looks after their team-mates. 
• My kids are not always the greatest and deserving of the most praise, but I'm determined to give it to them anyway.
• Regardless of what the world says it IS POSSIBLE to have an incredible marriage and still be married to your best friend.
• Coloring my hair is tedious but necessary.
• To make a choice without God's approval is consequential.
• Teachers are like preachers: often unappreciated. The only difference is rebellion and disobedience in the classroom results in a poor grade but in the church, eternal damnation is at stake.
• A man's needs are very different than a woman's.
• The color pink makes me happy!
• Wishing and praying for a difficult person to go away, doesn't always happen.
• Regardless.........God is in control!
• Little girls need their Daddy's and little boys do too.
• Air conditioning in Florida is necessary.
• When the going gets hard, don't sit down people will run you over.
• People in ministry live in a fish bowl. The problem is too many people can only see what the fish are doing but never hear what they are saying.
• When you really know God, it's very easy to obey Him.
• What goes around always comes back around --- so be careful what you send out.
• Some people never were meant to be in your circle of influence. Don't be devastated when they go -- Jesus only had twelve. 
• Our children need home to be a safe place.
• When it comes to your influence over children, you better make sure you don't cause them to be offended. The bible says it would be better for you to tie a milestone around your neck and jump into the sea. 
• Dog poop is easier to scoop up after a day or two. Likewise it's easy to deal with a pragmatic person a day or two later. 
• Not everything good is beneficial to me.
• Keeping my eyes on heaven changes my perspective of earth.
• God doesn't encourage me to let everyone in my circle. There are many, many times in the bible he says to "avoid such people".
• Many may say you can't, only God has to say you can.

But God Says...

I didn't know what time it was when I abruptly awakened and I sprang to my feet. It was still dark outside, it felt like I had only been asleep an hour. I glanced down at the clock, 3:22 am? Seems like more often these days, God is waking me a lot earlier. Sometimes I go back to sleep; other times I retreat to the couch. Still not sure what to do, I headed to the kitchen to refill my glass of water and then He spoke: (not in an audible voice but in my spirit):
God:  "You can do it Polly!" 
Me:  I can?!  
Still, not fully awake yet to understand the point of this conversation, I made my way to the couch in the dark, just me God and my glass of water. I have noticed this has been happening more on a regular basis, so sometimes I read, sometimes I pray, and sometimes I just listen. 
Me: Couldn't you just tell me this in the morning? -------(pause) I'm super tired.
I chuckled out loud at God, because He gets me! He understands that my flesh wants to go back to my comfy bed to rest, but my spirit longs to stay because my time with Him is so real, so incredible, so intoxicating! He knows I'd wait all night on that couch for Him to speak to me!
God: "Go grab your journal and pen first!"

Me: Okay Lord I'll be right back.


and this is what He said...
God: My sheep know my voice and they follow. Too many voices are competing for your attention, I need you to come sit in my presence so you can hear me. 
The smile on your face was a cover up for the pain you are carrying inside. I hurt when you hurt and I am moved when you are in need. Don't worry about  the environment around you my child, for I will finish what I have started. You keep your eyes on me, look to hear my voice above the rest. You can do it! 


Me: I'm not sure God, I doubt my abilities.
God: Why? Who told you that you couldn't?
Me: I just don't see any progress. 
God: Don't be convinced by what you see, faith is in the unseen. It is the enemy you have taken notice of. He has told you, it's too late, but I control time and seasons. He declares you are defeated, but with me you are more than a conqueror!  Satan says, look at your past, but my child, I control your future. He mocks, where's your God now? I respond, right here beside her! He plots and plans behind the scenes, but I will expose him. He says, your finished, but I say, you have just begun. He yells, you can't and I whisper, oh yes you can! He says you loose, but I say you win! 


You must keep your eyes on me, focused and attentive to my voice. Choose today to ignore the voice of the enemy, his words fall on unstable ground, but my words remain forever. I love you My child, You can do it Polly!
I love you,
God


My friends, I know God specifically spoke these words to me, but He also intended for you to hear them too! Otherwise I could have gone back to sleep at 3:22 am, but He desired I write them down on paper and share it with you. He loves you, He is for you and He is in control! Don't be thrown off course by what it looks like in the "natural" for God takes the super and adds it to the natural; and works in the "supernatural"! (LOL) ---His ways are higher than our ways, His plans are better than we could ever imagine. He sees the beginning, the end and every single step in between. Drown out the voices that seek to pervert His plan for your life and listen to the one who gave you life!


In His Love ---
Polly

With Ten Fingers I Let Him Go!

"In adversity keep motivated, for often the best comes from difficulty." (Norman Vincent Peale)

I once heard the story of a young boy who discovered a caterpillar. He placed it in a safe place and waited for the caterpillar to transform into a butterfly. Within a few days the worm eventually inside the cocoon took on it's form. The butterfly began to break its way through the cocoon. (If you’ve ever watched this process you know that it is always a struggle for the determined insect.) The boy looked on with compassion as the butterfly struggled to free itself. Eager to try and help, the youngster clipped away part of the cocoon with his pocket knife, hoping this would make it easier for it to break loose. The butterfly emerged, but to the boy’s disappointment it couldn’t fly. You see butterflies strengthen their wings by flapping them: penetrating their tiny bodies through the cocoon wall. The butterfly needed to face the struggle, flapping, pushing relentlessly, in order to develop it's wings to fly.

As parents, sometimes we find ourselves doing the same thing to our children. Trying to shield them from struggle and pain we limit their potential to fly high. 

Let’s face it, life is full of adversity and disappointment and if you have kid's over the age of 5 you realize that they are certainly not exempt. The bible says in James “"Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I am not suggesting we invite pain into their lives, but when it does come instead of intervening hastily, we should consider how to handle it, God's way. There will be times when we must and should step in, to protect them from evil intentions and schemes of the enemy, but shielding our children from everything that does not bring them joy will only stunt the growth and development of their wings and God's purpose for their lives.

For this is what the bible refers to as “the testing of their faith” and it is a necessary part of God’s purpose for development.  When we cut into the cocoon to rescue our child, we are denying them the chance to fly!  Instead of interfering, learn to direct them to the ONE who will always be there to walk through those struggles with them, even when we cannot be there ourselves. 

How else will they develop the skills they need to handle life’s challenges? How will they learn to trust in God to comfort and direct them? 

Romans 9:17

"I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

Reflection: Oh my friends I have been so guilty in this area of parenting. Who likes to watch their child being wrongfully overlooked, intentionally excluded, or purposefully targeted? Not one single mother I know!!!!! But isn’t it a fact of life that age, race, or gender will never exclude us from persecution, adversity and pain? Now is the time to teach our children how to wage war against the enemy in the spiritual realm before it’s too late and they are handicapped by our good intentions, missing the real purpose of God. When trails, disappointment, and adversity come (and they will!) join with your child and bombard heaven in agreement prayer. Be ready to see God move on your behalf and expect your child’s wings to strengthen! Oh He is an amazing God!!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

 Polly

Never Apologize For Righteousness!

Matthew 7:15-16 (NKJV) reads, “Beware of those who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.”

I John 5:19 says “The world around us is under the power and control of the evil one.” NIV--- that explains why in the last days perilous times will come as men and women increasingly turn away from God.

There is a battle going on for your life and the lives of those you love. The enemy and his co-horts are commissioned to deceive you into believing you can live any old way you want and still call yourself a Christian. First of all there are hundreds of scripture verses that prove this way of thinking is wrong, all you have to do is open the book and read it, but that’s half the problem! These people are what the bible refers to as “wolves in sheep’s clothing”.

In the book of Jude (preceding Revelation) chapter 1:4 says, “For certain people have crept in unnoticed…ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny the truth.”  Notice the word says they pervert the grace of God. People who continue to live in sin and use God’s grace to justify their life style. 

I have a problem with their philosophy. First of all the word of God is so liberating that when we read it we are set FREE to do right. Any real follower of Christ has experienced this awakening. It’s not that we have to do right, it’s that we enjoy pursuing righteousness. When we are truly in love with Christ and we are aware of what He did for us we could NEVER justify ourselves, or debate the word of God. In fact I find the love we have for Him repels us from sin. We want to stand against it, not for it.

Jude goes on to say in verse 5, 6, 7 what God did to people who perverted His grace. 

• Verse 6 – Saved the Israelites out of Egypt but then destroyed them later because they did not believe
• Verse 7a – The angels who sought a higher position of authority by leaving their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains.
• Verse 7b – Sodom and Gomorrah who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire we know God destroyed their city with fire.
• Verse 12 Jude labels them as "blemishes who feast with you without any fear of God or His commands".  Falsehood always appeals to the flesh not the spirit. As was true in Jude's day, those who have crept in unnoticed, "defile the flesh, reject authority and speak evil of dignitaries" (Jude 8-10).  
• Verse 18 says they are scoffers who follow their own ungodly passions, cause divisions, and are devoid of the spirit. They arrogantly prance around with their own opinions adulterating His word, and distorting His grace!

I Sam 15:23 -- For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you."

Listen, God will NEVER change His word; (not for me or for you) it will stand forever! No opinion of man, or scheme of the devil will cause God to allow sin to enter heaven. It’s time to take the side of righteousness, make no excuses and no apologies for the word of God.  Either we live by it or we don't!

Revelation speaks of the things to come and for the believer Heaven is our reward and future. It warns us repeatedly that only those who OVERCOME will be caught up with Him to receive the crown of life. It might surprise you what the dictionary definition is for the word overcome. 

Dictionary Definition (Overcome) --- to conquer a problem, make somebody helpless, defeat somebody, win despite obstacles. 

To overcome --- we must be actively in pursuit against it! 

Clothe yourself in righteousness, be determined to overcome and stand firm in your faith! Righteousness always win......

Polly

ALL FOR ME!

Every year about this time, Torrey and I make it a point to watch, The Passion of The Christ. A few days prior to the movie, my heart and stomach are always in knots. I don’t even know why? I guess the anticipation of viewing once again the pain, agony and torture my Savior suffered FOR ME, is overwhelming.

As the movie so realistically portrays the beating of His body and the agony He faced, my heart is broken and I am unable to control my tears. I’m distraught over the pain I have caused Him; my remorse is great. His amazing love FOR ME is what keeps Him there, enduring the continuous torture, pain and ridicule. I am inundated by His love! He went to the cross FOR ME.

FOR ME He sacrificed His life, so I could have eternal life.

HE IS MY EVERYTHING!

I am not ashamed of the gospel, I will protect the truth regardless the cost. I am willing to be, rejected, betrayed, slandered, isolated, and mocked, to honor my Lord. Why? Because I have felt His touch, I have heard His tender voice; His love for me is like none other. Oh the joy in His presence is indescribable, the protection I receive in His shadow is priceless, and the peace and confidence I experience in Him, is in comparable.

He is my God, He is my Rock, He is my Fortress and my Deliver. He is my Redeemer, my High Priest and my Salvation. He is Jehovah, the Balm of Gilead, my Bright and Morning Star. His presence is intoxicating, His word motivates me, and I can’t get enough of Him. I love Him with all my heart…

...without Him, I don’t want to live.

 HE IS ALIVE!!!! WORTHY IS THE LAMB!

I love you Lord and until I am called away to reign with you eternally, I will proclaim your goodness!

 Polly

One Day Closer!

The following illustration is taken from Patsy Clairmont’s book, “God Uses Cracked Pots”.

"When he was 7, I sent him off to school one day and a little while later there was a knock at the door. I opened the door and it was Jason. I said 'Jason, what are you doing here?' "He said, 'I've quit school!' "I said, 'Why have you quit school?' "He said, 'Well, it was too long, it was too hard, and it was too boring and a lot of people were too mean.' "I said, 'Jason, you have just described life, get back on that bus!'

Pretty funny story but isn’t it the truth. It’s easy to get tired of  “doing good”; I know I’ve been there. We can stay frustrated when we don’t see a change in the people we are trying to help. It’s understandable to get discouraged when we’ve been given a bad doctor’s report or when we experience a season of lack even though we have remained faithful to tithing and giving. Could it be you are drained physically as a single mom working 40+ hours a week doing the best you can, giving all you have and you still don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel!  Ahhhhhh- life!

Unfortunately, life is not prejudice to any of us and if we let it, it will suffocate our harvest!

The bible admonishes us “not to grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart!” Paul was talking to the church, Christians like you and me. They obviously, must have felt the same struggles? Paul knew when we continually “do good” it will become exhausting. Why? Because doing good, takes effort!

When someone continually mistreats you, it takes an intentional effort to return kindness. When you begin volunteering in a ministry and the demands get greater and more is required of you, it’s easy to consider walking away but it takes more effort to stay committed. When you relentlessly stay on your knees praying for a lost son or daughter, brother or sister or, for healing, restitution, reconciliation yet day after day you see no results, it’s easy to consider the enemies taunts,  “It’s not worth it, throw in the towel. Can’t you see your efforts are a waste of time.”?  It can be so easy to agree with him and take a back seat to prayer.

Satan would love for you to stop “doing good”. He wants you to tell that person off who keeps slandering you and yours. He is waiting for you to trade in your teaching materials for a little rest & relaxation on the weekends and if he can get you to stop spending time on your knees, who else will be praying for your children and loved ones? 

When we find our selves in the place of resistance, exhaustion, and frustration it’s time to recommit to an even greater level of faithfulness in whatever area we feel weary. We must make the decision to keep moving forward, to walk by faith and not by sight!

Personally, when I get to this point in my journey and the overwhelming desire to quit arises, I go back to Galatians 6:9 and remind my enemy – that as hard as he may try to stop me, I know that God keeps His promises and in due season I WILL reap (gather, collect, obtain) all the good I have invested.

So today friend if you are struggling in continuing to “do good”, and you are wrestling with the idea of quitting, please don’t stop doing good, please don’t throw in the towel, please don’t quit! You never know just how close you are to your harvest. It could be less than one season or one day. Maybe you’re just as close as one more prayer offered, one more sacrificial gift given, one more time to turn the other cheek until God declares, “It’s due season for this child, now give her what she’s due!” Don’t let the enemy rob you of your “doing good” harvest, keep on pressing forward even through adversity and take note, you are one day closer! 

Hang in there friend,

Polly

Exposed!

My husband and I recently had a person bold face lie to us and precisely in that moment, God revealed it. It saddened are hearts because in our own reasoning, we didn't see why they needed to lie or misconstrue the truth. (Oh, but God did!) When you ask God to expose and reveal, He will do it! God sends a "spiritual watchman" to guard what He has established. He makes us aware of evil and diabolic activity that tries to penetrate the boundaries of our lives, our families and our ministries--and He will do the same for you.

As soon as this person walked away I immediately turned to my husband to see if he was feeling the strong overbearing presence in the room and I said, "Honey, my spirit tells me that was a bold face lie." Sometimes he has scolded me in the past for making such accusations, but instantly he confirmed, "yes it was." Neither one of us had to second guess what happened, the covering of the Holy Spirit was so apparent and on guard exposing the true intentions and motives behind their lie.


Once we recognized the enemy we went straight to battle. Instead of allowing that spirit to dominate our atmosphere we declared war against it in the spiritual realm. We unified in prayer and sought God to expose this spirit of lies and arrest it powerless in Jesus name. Quoting the promises of God with assurance that "the gates of Hell would and could not prevail against the work of God and His Kingdom." (Matt 16:18-19)


Within a few hours (literally) that same person was back in front of me apologizing for a mistake. Mistake??!! Nope, it wasn't a mistake, it was God revealing to us diabolic activity and through our obedience in acting quickly with prayer, God stepped in and turned the entire situation around. Without us ever having to confront the person about the lie.


God forced that spirit to confess and bring back the truth! Why? Because satan will NEVER be able to overthrow God's will and purposes. No matter how many times he comes to do it, or how strong his attack might feel, God's word always, always, always, prevails!


(Luke 12:1-3) Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.  There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs".

The incident was just another confirmation of the level at which God will go to expose those people vicious enough to try and destroy the things that God has established. 


The bible says He keeps record of those who like to distort the truth, slander a person's reputation or taint a picture of someone that isn't true AND He promises consequences to those individual. There are no big lies and little lies, no excusable lies and inexcusable lies. The word of God says "to lie is to sin".


In our own experiences when confronting the person who has told a lie, does nothing but give them an opportunity to lie again. That's usually what happens when someone is exposed, they hide again. They lie again to cover up the first lie. Instead of approaching the person, the best weapon against a lying and manipulative spirit is to pray aggressively against that spirit (See prayer below) and allow God to serve the consequences. You may not see those immediately, but God keeps His word.


Oh if I could give you specific past incidents to help you to rely on God to render the consequences against a lying spirit, I would. But I would also be gossiping so I will refrain from details. Just trust me when I tell you to take your injustice to God, He will fight for you and HE WILL EXPOSE IT ALL!


Thank you Lord that you are true to your word!

This is a prayer that Torrey and I jotted down and pray(ed) when we were asking God to expose a person who continually tried to cause harm to our reputation with words spoken and also unspoken. I hope you can use it to combat the enemy in your territory.


Prayer

I over rule every satanic activity in the name of Jesus Christ that opposes the will of the Lord in my family, my life, my ministry, my relationships, my church. According to Matthew 18:18, I bind every satanic harassment, I rebuke the enemy of manipulation and the will of the devil that would prohibit God from being in control in my life, my family, my business, my ministry and my church!

I recognize you satan --and you are exposed. This ______________________________________(Name the activity) activity is arrested & bound,  in Jesus name. For this reason Jesus Christ was manifested that He would destroy the works of the enemy. (I John 3:8, John 2:15-17, Acts 16:16-19)

With God's power poured out over my life, we stand to serve notice to the devil and all his little demons, God will dismantle ALL of your strategies, tactics, plots, plans, motives and divisive schemes, which were designed to hinder, frustrate, prevent and delay God's original plans and purposes from coming forth in my life, my family, my ministry, my business and my church. 

Let God arise and His enemies be scattered! In Jesus Name I pray, Amen

Oh friend, I feel the power of God even now as I re-typed this prayer. You have no idea the darkness the enemy tried to invoke against us when this prayer was written a year or so ago. But I can stand here today and proclaim from the roof tops, OUR GOD IS GREATER! 

As a believer, you do not have to take the enemies threats. Stand in your rightful authority and use the word of God (your weapon) to demolish the diabolic activities penetrating your territory!


To God Be the Glory!


Polly

Handpicked by God!

What’s so special about being handpicked? I don’t know you tell me? Go back to the days of elementary school, when it was time to divide the class into teams. The teacher would select two team captains and they in turn would select, one by one, individuals to be on their team. 

Whoever was picked first would display a greater sense of confidence level than those few left in the end. Oh to be chosen first is a wonderful feeling but to be chosen last--- not so great.

The good news is God’s ways are never the ways of the world. Look at David, the least of those to be chosen, even born last. His brothers displayed significant outward statue and confidence. And because of their age difference they obviously had more experience in life then David. In the flesh it would make sense that Samuel would choose one of his older brothers. (I Samuel 16:6) Can’t you envision their faces when Jesse lined the boys up and Samuel passed over each one and then turned back to their father and asked, “Don’t you have another boy?” (I Samuel 16:11) I can imagine they may have chuckled at the thought that Samuel would even ask for their little brother David who was tending the flock. 

Thank God, Samuel didn’t choose in the flesh. (vs. 10 & 11) He waited on God to show him what could only be revealed in the spirit and David was anointed to be the next King of Israel.

I love that God takes the time to handpick His men and women and the qualifications He pursues are in total opposite of the world’s opinion. God looks inside the heart to see the real man or woman. 

How many times have you been in a situation when a decision was made to hire a person based upon their accomplishments, their successes, how much money they had in the bank, how long they owned their business, how far they excelled in their trade, even how beautiful they were to look at.  Oh how detrimental it is to our lives when we focus on the external and make decisions based on only what we see. When God isn’t included in the process we will suffer the consequences of those decisions.

Now back to David…

I believe God chose David because He knew in his own ability David couldn’t accomplish much, but with God all things are possible. God seems to specialize in putting us into positions, where we must rely on His work, His guidance and His hand to get us to the end result. Can you imagine being anointed King at a young age and not being appointed as King until age 30? I am sure he doubted his call many times and most likely his inner circle echoed those same thoughts.

But it really isn’t about us anyway. Our acknowledgment of who God is, wrapped around our faith and trust in knowing that we are anointed & called by an Almighty God to accomplish His purposes is humbling. If we are trusting in our own capabilities to handle the tasks at hand then we should be intimidated and fearful --- oh but if you are resting in God’s words and believe He has established you, you will accomplish all that He has already anointed you for.

So don’t get discouraged when you are picked last for the job, or better yet when you aren’t even picked at all, because GOD has a special assignment only YOU can fulfill and He will see to it that what He (the Lord) calls and anoints, He will establish.

Polly