Tears In A Bottle

I remember standing on the bridge that dark cold night, feeling all alone, with no hope. I'd had a lot to drink and my life was just a mess. I constantly carried guilt from always causing pain in the lives of those who I cared about. I stared at the rippling waves below as the waters rushed past into nothingness, which is how I began seeing my life – just rushing past into nothingness. All the past and present painful memories weighed heavily on my heart. It used to be that when life brought me heart-breaking times, I'd feel a lot better after a good cry, because it was like emptying myself out of all the hurt and disappointments. But this particular night was different. The feeling of being all alone and nobody really knowing how I was truly feeling inside overwhelmed me. I was so tired of the life I was living. How did I get to this place in life? I didn't want to be in that dark place anymore. I knew I needed help. I tossed the bottle of liquor into the waters and dropped to my knees and cried. The tears flooded my face and between sobs, I remember saying, “God, Please Help Me!” I sat in the dark for the longest time, then stood to my feet and walked toward the light at the end of the bridge and headed for home.

In the Bible, reading in Hosea 5:15, The Message Bible said it this way, "When they finally hit rock bottom, maybe they'll come looking for Me." 

That's where I found myself on that dark night. I had hit rock bottom and unknowingly went looking for God. He began doing miraculous things in my life after that. And He showed me that it was rejection that had brought me to that place in my life. I found it amazing how God brought me back to the same bridge, on that dark night in my life; the same bridge I ran to after letting the poison of rejection spread throughout my body at age 15, causing me to question, “What's wrong with me?” and no longer caring about myself, choosing that lifestyle of smoking, drinking, pre-marital sex, to attempt to bury the 'pains of life'. But this last time on the bridge, at age 24, my heart was ready and needed a new life – a new beginning.

The more time I spend in prayer and reading God's Word, I learn so much more and continue to draw closer and closer to Him. He shows me all the time how much He really loves me. You see, God was there on that bridge both nights collecting my tears in a bottle and recording in his book every situation that caused my tears.

Psalm 56:8 "You know my wanderings. You have put my tears into your bottle. Aren't they all in your book? When I cry out to you, my enemies will turn back, this I know, for God is with me.”

I was so wrong that night, thinking that my life and even my tears were rushing past into nothingness. My life was going in the wrong direction then, but I know now that every tear I cry does not just dry up into nothingness. I take great comfort in His Word knowing that He knows all my sorrows and each tear I cry is being “bottled up” by Him and He “takes note” of every reason, every situation that brought me to tears. I am that important to God and SO ARE YOU!!

Some of us have been taught that crying is a sign of weakness but it's actually a sign of strength. Just to name a few in the Bible whose tears brought about powerful results:

Jeremiah, known as the Weeping Prophet, his tears restored the nations, repaired broken covenants and healed people!

David, the writer of Psalm 56:8.9 was a man who killed a bear and a lion with his bare hands! He killed Goliath with just a sling and a stone. The Psalms are full of David's cries to God.

Hannah, with her heart-wrenching tears cried out to the Lord to open her womb and God gave her a child. She gave birth to Samuel, who God used to restore the nation of Israel thus paving the way for the next king, David, a man after God's own heart, who made a way for his son, King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, who made a way for more great kings who made a way to eventually, the Savior of the World. All from a tear!

Jesus, who we would hardly call weak, who endured the cross for humanity, wept. When Jesus wept, Lazarus was raised from the dead.

Tears produce power. Tears produce life. Tears destroy strongholds and set captives free. Tears heal nations and tears heal the brokenhearted.

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite (crushed) spirit".

One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 30:5 "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Weeping ushers in joy! Your tears pave the way and cause joy and release to come.

"I have heard your prayers and seen your tears", says the Lord in 2 Kings 20:5.   God has such compassion that tears cause Him to get up from His Mighty Throne and move mountains for you! Why? Because He loves you and He is moved by your tears.

Take comfort in knowing that every time you are going through something so heart-breaking that brings you to tears and you think that no one understands, God does! He knows exactly what you are feeling and sees every tear you cry and has a bottle in heaven where He collects them and writes it in His book where He always remembers. And I believe that God uses all those tears in that bottle to provide a "river of healing" for us to swim in because the Bible says that He works all things for our good and He will also restore every broken place in our life. You are precious to Him and He cares what you're going through and will be there to help you through it.

Connie J. Schmoll

If you are viewing this through email, visit http://waitingatthewindow.blogspot.com to listen to the video and song, "You Needed Me" by Anne Murray

The Treasure In Your Trial

I Peter 4:12,13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Wow! I don't know where to begin on this one but I just want to share my heart with you today. As some knew, I had a health situation diagnosed about 4 years ago that demanded surgery. I decided not to have it because I wanted to be such a great woman of faith and stand on God's Word believing Him for complete healing. A few years went by, and I still believed yet my situation did not seem to get better. But I was at the point where I felt if I changed my decision that it would be like going backward with God instead of going to another level of faith which is what I desired. But did you know that it takes an even greater amount of faith to put your life into the hands of people? I mean...think about it. We already know Nothing is Impossible With God and we already know that He is a Healer so we already have the faith to believe. The greater faith is to choose to Trust in God while placing your life into another person's hands knowing God will be there through it all.

Okay, let me go on. I've had the surgery which I must say has been the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life thus far and personally I still do not see it's purpose knowing that God could have just simply healed me. My thoughts were, “Why would a Father choose this painful experience over an instantaneous healing? What kind of Father would want their child to have to go through such excruciating pain?” Sad to say, I was disappointed...in God for not giving the instantaneous healing and in me, because I felt I was not that great woman of faith after all.

But then...God began to show me the Treasures in My Trial.

When we look at our trial unfolding in front of us, it feels terrible and we tend to think that things will never get better. It gets very overwhelming. But then after the trial is over, that is when we are able to see God's purpose behind the trial.

A man wrote once that his definition for hope was: physically, you're in front of your trial, but spiritually you are looking back at it – after it's over, when all is well and when you have overcome.

In other words, Hope is taking on God's perspective. You look at your trial the way God looks at it. If you are on my subscription list and get my writings through email, you just recently read my devotional titled, A Divine Perspective. We need to see things from God's view.

If you are in a trial now, I want you to have hope. Your storm will pass. Your pain will disappear. Your situation will be turned around for the good. And your trial will turn into a triumph because if you look hard enough, you will always find the treasure in your trial.

The Treasures in My Trial

Our trials can be such ugly things yet beautiful treasures can be found:

Comfort: God is always there to comfort you in your trial, no matter how you are feeling about Him OR your situation at that time. It's His Promise and He never breaks a promise. God has shown me comfort through friends who have been with me through this time which I am grateful but feel sad because I have not been there for them as I should be. God gave me a wonderful Doctor who I felt very comfortable with the minute I met her. I am thankful to her and her medical team. This has helped me gain a trust for doctors that I did not have which I think was because of things my mom went through before she passed. But I remember when they were taking me in for surgery, I asked, “You all believe in God, don't you?” One girl says “Absolutely!” And went on to say she was a Christian. The young man stated that his gifts in the medical field were given to him from God. So my last words I remember saying was, “Okay then, we're all set!”

I had a friend visit me after surgery who was a great comfort to me. He reminded that no matter what we go through, decisions we make that may be the right ones or the wrong ones, that as long as we have that assurance that God loves us, we have everything we need and everything is going to be okay. God will always love us. His love will never change. And that in it self gives me the peace of mind that I need. (Thanks Kyle)

And I am truly blessed and comforted just knowing I have a husband and a son who is there for me when I need them. Even though there are times that I have failed to be what I should be for my family, they have never once failed me. I am forever grateful!

I'm truly rich because of my family, friends and medical staff who were there for me.

Character: I've met some wonderful people who have come through some tragic things and I'm sure you have too and we wonder how they are still going, but instead they are a much stronger person. My mother went through so much and I used to see her as weak but now, to me she was one of the strongest ladies I know to endure all that she did in her life and still always be the happy person she was around her friends and family and even strangers.

I believe that trials have a way of making us grow in the most important part of who we are – our character.

Compassion: This one is important because a trial may give birth to a ministry

The Bible says, Blessed be...the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them who are in any trouble, by the comfort that we ourselves are comforted by God. (I Corinthians 1:3-4)

During your trial, God reaches out to you, touches you and heals you in many ways you can't imagine at the time. And your joy even returns. This third treasure in your trial is a deeper compassion for people who are going through the same pain you went through.

If you are going through a hard trial now, just remember that one day, your problem in your life will be solved. Every sickness will be healed and every tear will be dried up. So discover your treasure in your trial. If you have not found it yet, be watching for it because it will be there just waiting to be discovered by you.

I Peter 1:7-8 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

 So...yes, I most definitely experienced much COMFORT from God, friends, family and strangers.  No, I do not yet know God's Purpose for this trial, but I know He is already working on my CHARACTER through it all.  I have chosen to apply Proverbs 3:5.6 to my daily life. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."  Is there a ministry being birthed through this trial?  I believe so because I most definitely have developed a deeper COMPASSION and can relate to others who go through similar pain and I can't wait to see what God has planned for me.

When things do not happen the way  you wanted them to, always continue to put your Trust in God in the situation. There will be many things you don't understand but you can't lean on your own understanding, and no matter what happens, no matter the results, just acknowledge God in them with the assurance that He took care of it the way it should have and he will continue to guide you.

Be blessed,

Connie

A Divine Perspective

God has a reason for everything that happens in our life.  Instead of us getting all upset when trials come our way, we need to seek God and continue to stand on His Word.  I used to let my emotions rule much of my life and ended up making wrong decisions, but now I continue to stand on God's Word no matter the circumstance.  Now I look to God and strive to see things from His perspective.

No one escapes the storms of life.  However, if we choose to take advantage of our personal storms, believing God through them, we will rise in faith above the world's darkest storms.  We are made aware that each storm brings promotion and each storm has its reward.  We learn to rest and soar on the winds of His Presence and relax our faith as we let Him carry us to a warmer place.

True freedom comes from the inside out.  I remember always wondering why God would allow certain things to happen and why he chose not to stop them or change them.  But then I realized that just because there were many trials, this did not mean that God was not working in my life.  I realized that the Spirit of God was continually guiding me and always pulling me into a closer relationship with Him.  When I did go through things, God always turned it around for the good by teaching me something.  I realized that my wrong reactions to situations were based on my emotions.

Yes, emotions are a natural part of being human, but emotions were never meant to rule or anchor our life on earth.  That role is reserved for God's Word because it never changes or fails.

When pain, rejection or disappointment threatens to overwhelm you, are you tempted to go by how you feel about your problems and yourself?  Don't fall for it!  Go by what God says about you and your situation!  Things are not always as they seem.  God does not want us down looking up.  He wants us up looking down.  He wants us soaring above our circumstances.

Worship Him and take your seat in His Presence during hard times.  Worship opens the door for the light of heaven to flood our life and circumstances.  His light is the way of heaven to flood truth behind the circumstances.  Spread your wings of worship so you can soar high enough to take your seat beside Him and look out the portals of heaven.  Get a God's view and divine perspective of your situation.

Connie Schmoll

Pillows of Peace

Mark 4:35-41 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.  And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?  And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Do you get scared when there is a storm? My husband is one that loves storms. He loves watching a storm come in. He loves watching the wind blow, and the rain come rushing in. He especially loves thunderstorms. I don't even think it would fear him to stand out in a storm. It fascinates him! Now I am just the opposite. I am a little fearful of storms and I think the reason I am is because I think about the damage they can cause. Thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning storms and hurricanes can cause great devastation. I do not enjoy the destruction that some storms can cause: destroyed homes, loss of possessions, and sometimes loss of lives.

In the Bible, we find examples where Jesus was always in the midst of storms: Storms of nature and the storms of life. One thing you will notice is that Jesus always had the same attitude towards each storm He was involved in, and approached each one in the same manner: with calmness and peace. Some he slipped away from, and some he even slept through.

Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, was in prison, and with death facing him the next day, he was asleep and had to be very roughly awakened by an angel sent to deliver him from his prison. How was it that Peter was able to sleep, knowing that he was going to die? I believe that Peter was able to have peace in this stormy situation because he had been on the ship Jesus was on and had witnessed Jesus calming the storm. And just as Jesus had been sleeping peacefully through the storm, Peter also was able to sleep through "his storm". We can be most assured that we will find ourselves in the midst of storms in our life. And how we respond to them is very crucial.

Paul and Silas, also followers of Jesus ended up in prison too. These two men were able to sing songs of praise and worship even in prison. I am sure that they had heard the story many times how Jesus had calmed the storm, so that when they were faced with "a storm of life", they were able to pray and worship their way through it.

We all have found ourselves one time or another in the midst of a storm and become afraid. But when we see the terribleness of the storm start to rage all around us, we need to climb into the ship with Jesus, turn our eyes away from the storm and onto Jesus, and we will find him peacefully asleep on a pillow. Our Lord desires to comfort and cushion us with "heavenly pillows of peace" when we are caught up in the storms of life. Life will supply the storms that come to us, but Jesus will always be there to supply the "pillows of peace" that will cushion us and provide comfort through those storms. He will speak peace, in the midst of your storm, that brings a calm in your life if you will keep your eyes on Him.

The next time a storm blows your way, just grab your pillow and cuddle up to the Lord and let it not be said of you by the Master, "Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?" Always trust the Lord to provide "pillows of peace" in your storm.

Connie J. Schmoll

Suffering In Silence

Our heart is never hid from God. He hears our hearts cry. When we are hurting or suffering in some way, it will show on the outside in different ways. Until we learn that suffering in silence only brings more pain, we will never receive the healing that we need. We must talk to someone. -Connie

SUFFERING IN SILENCE

"Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence" Psalm 94:17

Have you ever watched a child withdrawal from the world -- from their life? Ever been a witness to an explosion of anger from a so-called rebellious teen or even an adult friend? Ever noticed fear in the eyes of a friend growing distant? Do you ever find that others around you seem to be caught on a spiritual roller coaster ride and can't seem to get off? Or maybe you have found yourself in one of these situations.

We all have things in our life that we wished had never happened. And we want so much to forget them. But most of the time, we become victims of suffering in silence -- trying to hide or bury our hurts and pains brought on by circumstances in our lives.

Choosing to suffer in silence and hoping to hide the hurt and pain, never works. They can never be hidden, because they are eventually shown on the outside by our actions.

The sad thing about suffering in silence is that the actions revealed on the outside portray the person that we most definitely are not! It portrays a person in pain. Our true identity has been lost. You see, the heart is never hidden.

Matthew 12:34...out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh

From deep within, our hearts cry out for peace, and wanting the turmoil within to come to an end. We want our true identity back.

I John 3:20 When our hearts condemn us, God knoweth the heart.

Our heart is never hid from God, and our hearts cry is never overlooked by Him. The only way to ever stop the turmoil and to find peace, is to confess our faults to one another. It is then, your true identity is found again and known by others as well.

What is your hearts cry? What lies deep within that has been buried way too long and hinders you from becoming what you can for Christ? Do you yearn for deliverance?

We need to overcome the things that keep us bound. We must first learn to recognize these areas in our life and bring them before God. Search to find the source of your problem. Determine to face the problem head on and God will bring the solution.

A time of transparency is very critical in the success of ministry. If God is ever going to be able to minister to our hearts cry, we must become transparent. Nothing is hid from Him anyway. Becoming transparent sets us free of excess baggage that we have carried around that was not for us to carry in the first place.

Transparency helps the "specific needs" to be met, as written in James 5:13-16 ...Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

How are we to know to pray for someone or to lend a hand to someone if we do not know the need? How is anyone able to help meet a need of ours, if we never let it be known? If I am hungry and in need of food for survival, and do not let my needs be made known, I will starve. I understand, that this is a very difficult thing...to be transparent, especially when the matters are very personal. It means letting our guard down. Suddenly we are not the person everyone thought we were. Oh no, what will they think of me? We feel we will be less of a person in their eyes.

I have recently discovered and started to understand that some people choose to "suffer in silence" because if they express or share too much to others, all that those people see is their behavior, instead of trying to understand the heart. The behavior of hurting people sometimes is not pretty and so you have people calling them on it, with the understanding that the hurting person should expect it. (expect to be rebuked) I disagree! These people are HURTING!! And the last thing on their mind is their behavior. The last thing they care about is how they are representing themselves. And WE as Christians need to overlook such behavior, for a time, realizing that it's just them acting out the hurt. This is our opportunity to HELP the healing process start instead of kicking them while they're down and adding to their wounds.

In my experience, I have developed a great admiration for those who are transparent. This shows great courage. I, too, long to be more transparent.

Transparency doesn't just take place with anyone. You must first develop a bond with someone. Developing trust and uniting with one another is very important. After the trust is established, then the transparency takes place. We become united in the Spirit of the Lord. We are opening up. We all go through many things in our life for the purpose of helping someone else. When you find yourself in a place of suffering, try to visualize it as "a ministry in the making".

Again, I ask you, what is your hearts cry? Confess it to God. He will lead you to the ones who can help you deal with the issues that keep you bound. Please choose this day to no longer suffer in silence but TELL SOMEONE so that you may be healed. And after your healing comes, you now become a vessel God can use to help someone else who might be going through something similar to what you did.

"When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long" Psalm 32:3

--Connie J. Schmoll

God Meant It For Good

There are times in our life where we have to face hurtful situations brought on by others. We may be the one that is looked down on or thought bad about. But we must keep our trust in the Lord and believe that all is still in His hands and realize that some time these times that we go through, God Meant Them For Good.

GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD

Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Have you ever had series of events happen in your life that caused a lot of trouble and you were the one who was looked on as the bad person when the situations were all over and settled? When something like this happens, it really makes a person feel down on them self, even though deep down inside, they know they were the innocent person. If we are truly honest with ourselves, we would realize that the main thing that we are bothered with, is what other people think of us after something like this happens. Many of us want to be liked, and we worry so much about what other people think of us, or just how they look at us. But do you know that the Bible says that we should not be man pleasers, but God pleasers? It has taken many hard lessons for me to go through in my life to finally get to the place where I am finally healed of the "disease to please" people.

Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

There is a story in the Bible that I always refer to now when something like this happens to me. It is the story of Joseph. The life of Joseph speaks of godly encouragement to God's people who suffer and are persecuted.

In Joseph's life, he first shared his dreams with his brothers and his father. But his brothers were jealous of his relationship with his father. Jealousy led to the act of them throwing Joseph into a dark pit, and then selling him to some merchants. They let their father believe Joseph was dead. But wherever Joseph was, he always won the favor of people. He ended up in the house of Potiphar, and was put in charge of all that Potiphar owned until his wife accused Joseph of trying to take advantage of her. He then ended up in prison. From prison, because of his gifts and wisdom, he ended up in Pharaoh's palace in a great position of power. He was responsible for saving many people, including his family, in a time of famine.

Just like Joseph's life, God has many stages that we may have to walk through in order to reach our ultimate destiny in Christ. God showed him his place of power in two dreams but he never revealed the painful paths that Joseph would have to walk to arrive in that place of greatness.

When we first come to Christ, we have a zeal and faith that skyrockets. And then some things happen. As in the case with Joseph, our brothers in the Lord begin to get jealous and look for any excuse to humble us. Jesus warned that a man's enemies would be those of his own household and that can include the household of faith. We are suddenly attacked. We go along serving God when unexpected opposition comes into our life. We ask for prayer, and suddenly, are surrounded by people who are accusing us of every sort of wrong motive. Just like Joseph, we are cast into a deep dry well where no light is shining. If they can't find fault in our actions, they presume on our motives wounding us with jagged accusations wrapped in sweet words of grace. Then it is as if the Father's favor is stripped from us and we suddenly are demoted to the lowest of the low places a slave. People treat us with contempt and we have to learn to bear the injustices in silence. Forsaken by friends and family, we learn in our isolation to draw comfort from God. Even as the Lord was with Joseph, He is with us as well.

After the slavery comes a small promotion and still another test. Will we abuse our newly found authority? We then end up in another place of accusation, and we end up once again stripped of our robe. (or positions in the Church, as was with our situation)

Then comes the prison, the dumping ground of ruined humanity, a place where all hope is vanquished. We are a nobody. The promises of God are now faint memories but His presence becomes our secret abiding place. We have been wrongly accused, sentenced, and locked away. And in such places we learn to allow God himself to become our life. He becomes our comforter, companion, and sweet secret friend.

If you find that life's circumstances seem to be symbolically like Joseph's life, and you have found yourself now in this deep dark prison, be encouraged and know that just like Joseph, a time will come when you will be cleansed of that prison dirt, and you will be brought to a place of power where you speak the Word of the Lord. Suddenly a royal robe is wrapped about your shoulders. This is not the robe of a noble child, but of one in full authority. The Father's favor is again publicly placed on you. After so many false starts, you suddenly find your true place of service. The taunts of your accusers fade in fear of the authority on your life. And the promises of God burst forth to maturity and you inherit his long delayed blessings. Please take heart: God is preparing you for your true place of service by first breaking you, and then remaking you in His redemptive image. He who promised is Faithful and True.

All the things that have happened to you in your life may seem to have been bad, but God is faithful and what others meant for bad God meant for good. God has a purpose for all things that you go through. And I'm not saying that God causes these things to happen but what I'm saying is that when these bad things happen, God is there to work them out for the good!

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
And since His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts, (Isaiah 55:8) the outcome of situations may not be what we expected, nor do things look the way, to others, as God sees them. Just be encouraged to know that God is always in control and all will work out as long as you trust in Him through everything you go through. Even if the place you are at today does not look so good, don't lose faith, because all that you have gone through because of others, God meant it all for good. Do not lose hope and never forget the dreams that God has given to you. It is your dreams that will lead you to your ultimate destiny in Christ.

Connie J. Schmoll

Blessings of Brokenness

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. Matt 26:26
 

We all have had times happen in our lives where we felt like our heart was breaking in two. During these times the pain is so bad that we feel like nothing could ever be the same again and that it is going to be so hard to go on with our life. We wonder why these times have to be. We soon learn that the times of “brokenness” are much needed in our lives.

When we are “broken” we begin to value the brutal and disgraceful assassination of Jesus more than anything, which He did for us so then we become willing to stop any negative addiction or sin in our lives. Brokenness is the key that releases our God-given potential to bless others.

Throughout the Bible Jesus teaches this principle of brokenness and it is also demonstrated by the lives of others. Jesus demonstrated this “broken process” during the Lord’s Supper (communion) but also His own personal life was a demonstration of brokenness.. . This symbolized the body of Christ given for the church. This process is applied to our lives as well, the life application being how the bread underwent 4 processes: Taken (Amos 9:2,3), Blessed (Deut. 28:2-6), Broken (Matt. 26:39) and Given (Rom. 12:6-8)

I think about the time when thousands of people were fed (nourished) by the act of a small boy placing all that he had (lunch) that day into the hands of Jesus. He blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the people. He broke it some more, and gave more. Broke it some more and gave more.

At salvation, we are TAKEN into Jesus’ hands and He lifts us up to the Father who BLESSES us in imperfection with the abilities and gifts for His use. He then BREAKS us spiritually, releasing that reservoir of greatness and blessing, that it may be spilled out or GIVEN unto others. Continually we are broken and given, broken and given. Everything we go through is for a reason and has its purpose in our lives. (2 Cor. 1:3-7)

There is a well of oil trapped within us, but cannot be released until we are broken. Brokenness is painful but it is the passage to the promise. Once we start to understand brokenness, and it’s purpose, we can look back and accept our beginnings.

Through the life of Mary Magdalene, the woman who came with the alabaster box, the principle of broken was demonstrated. When she came, she was ridiculed by others but Jesus accepted her. She gave the gift or offering (alabaster box) to Him. The box is a representation of us – taken, broken, given and oil poured out, the odor filling the house. (Mrk 14:3-6)

Again, we have an example in John 12:24 when he mentioned the corn of wheat falling to the ground, and if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. Jesus (corn of wheat) gave himself unto death (fall into ground), went through the process of brokenness (died) and the oil of salvation was released for all mankind (brought forth much fruit).

We have gifts, untapped resources lying dormant inside us and we need to die to self, go through the broken process, so the oil of worth is released for others.

Jesus is the oil of salvation for us and we are the oil of blessings to flow to others. Our family, our church, those at our jobs or anyone who crosses our path needs the oil of blessing that we process. Let’s not deny our generation. Don’t leave this life without giving others what was God-given to you for their purpose. Do not make the cemetery the richest place in the world.

There is definitely Blessings in Brokenness.

Connie J Schmoll
July 4, 2003

Ministry Beyond The Cave

1 Sam 22:1-2 David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.

Have you ever felt like you blew all the plans God had for you? Do you feel like you have failed all the tests and trials that have happened throughout your life? Does it seem like every time you turn around, that you have someone attacking you for something you haven't done? You feel like, What's the use? and you just want to hide away in a cave somewhere where you can escape from everything and everyone.

In I Samuel 22, so much was happening with David, that he was on the run for his life. He was being hunted down by King Saul, and did not know why. He even asked Jonathan, the son of King Saul, "What have I done?" In my own personal life, I have asked THAT question many times.

Lonely and disillusioned, David crawled into the only place he knew. The cave called Adullam. Adullam means "sealed off place". But in the deep dark cave, he turned to the only one he had and that was God. He was at the place where he felt no one cared. (Psalm 142:4) Through his despair he still found refuge in God as his true hiding place.

As David sought refuge, God brought people to him. And with these people came a challenge and a renewed courage. People that were also being mistreated and wronged, sought out David, who had been through the same things. David welcomed them in and provided the godly leadership that they needed.

In your darkest hour, God can give you a ministry of helping people who have been worn down by injustice. Just like David, you can emerge from your dark cave with a greater understanding of God's mercy and His purpose for your life. Your situation can change from a lonely desperation to a God-entrusted leadership.

Most likely you will never have to seek refuge from the sword of an angry king, but there will be times in your life that you feel like hiding out from other kinds of enemies like temptations, weaknesses, and people who want to trample your faith. Just remember when you face an enemy, that there is a place in God that offers protection, comfort, and direction for your life.

Your cave may be a place of escape that offers protection from life's troubles. And you may feel safe in your cave. Hiding places are valuable but can also complicate our lives if we barricade the entrance and not let anyone inside. That is when your cave can become a prison, where it keeps you locked in and keeps others locked out.

You may have entered into your cave full of despair like David but you can emerge full of praise if your hiding place is truly in God. Do not let your cave become a prison but let it become a haven - a place where you can pour your heart out to God and allow Him to heal your wounds. And also do not barricade the entrance, but allow an opening for the time God sends others to you.

What threatening enemies are forcing you into hiding today? And where do you go to hide? Have you made it a prison or a haven? Can you see God reaching out to you?

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."  Psalm 32:7

God gave David a mission ministering to other fugitives just like him self. Are you willing to step out of your cave to embrace God's mission for you, and to receive a new purpose for living? Be encouraged and know that there is a Ministry beyond the Cave.

Connie J. Schmoll

If you are viewing this from email, visit my site to watch the video of the song, "My Hiding Place" by Steven Curtis Chapman.

Learn To SOAR Above Life's Circumstances

 As some of you know, the EAGLE is one of my favorite birds. God has taught me many lessons through the life of an eagle that I've also written about and shared on my site.   One of the most important lessons we can learn is how to SOAR above the circumstances of life that may try to bring us down. We must learn to RISE ABOVE those times that try to cause our faith to waver.

The KEYS to Soaring Above Our Circumstances Are:

(S)urrender
(O)bedience
(A)uthenticity
(R)est

These four KEYS go against our human nature and are in direct contradiction to what our flesh wants.  We (in the flesh) don't want to SURRENDER or be OBEDIENT because we want our own way and will fight for it.  We have a constant battle going on inside of us between our flesh and the spirit. 

Being AUTHENTIC is very difficult as well.  Most of us wear masks which God despises.  And because of past hurts, we don't allow others to get close to us.  No one knows the real person inside of us.  We pretend to be cool, constantly putting on that happy face, as if everything is okay. We're afraid to share with others about what really is going on because of the fear of judgment.  Yes, it is very sad that many people out there tend to judge you according to your circumstances, never really truly allowing them to get to know the true you!

It gets so hard for us also to REST in God, to rest on His promises.  Instead we choose to fret and worry when things seem to be going wrong.   It is not faith, when we are fretting.  We must give it all to God and let go and completely trust in Him with the situation.  He will never fail us.

Why do we fight against these things when we know it is against God's Word to do so?  Are we going to let the flesh win or allow the Spirit to reign? It is OUR choice!

When we SURRENDER our life's circumstances to God, continue to be OBEDIENT to His Word, be AUTHENTIC no matter what we are going through and choose to REST in Him and trust in His promises,  only then can we SOAR on the wings of eagles. Only then will we will be able to run and not become weary and walk and not faint.

Teach us Lord to wait on YOU! 

The only way that we can make these KEYS affective in our life is by walking in the spirit so we don't fulfill  the lust of the flesh. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)  

And to "walk in the Spirit" is to fulfill what Proverbs 3:5-6 tell us about "trusting in the Lord with all our heart, leaning not on our own understanding, but acknowledging Him in all our ways, and He'll direct our path".  And we can not do these things on our own.  The Lord enables us through His Spirit and His Word.  Our faith comes from the Word of God as we read it, speak it, memorize it and hear it preached and taught to us. And by learning to Trust in the Lord, we are able to start acknowledging Him in all the circumstances that come our way, believing that He will take care of it.   And all of this is enabled also through prayer, our communication with God, casting our cares on Him who cares for us.  We cannot know Him, trust Him or know His will for our lives if we do not have a relationship with Him.  

Having a genuine relationship with God is the main KEY to unlocking the door of FAITH where we can then find it much easier to surrender, be obedient, be authentic and to rest in Him. 

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" Isaiah 40:31

Learn to SOAR above life's circumstances today!

Connie Schmoll

Don't Lose Your Soul Over A Bowl

My friend, Debbie and I were talking one day and she shared a story with me. I thought it was something that we could all learn a good lesson from.  She has given me permission to share it here.  Here is her story:

"I had a four year old girl in my Sunday School class and every time her mother would bring her to class she would cry when she left.  I had learned that she loved popcorn so one Sunday I brought Popcorn to class in my favorite Tupperware Bowl.  There was plenty of it left after class so I told her mother she could take the rest home just as long as she returned my bowl to me.

Every time I saw her, I asked her for my bowl but she never had it but kept saying she would bring it and when I wouldn't see her, I would ask her mother-in-law about it.  The woman kept telling me that she would bring it but she never did. The last time I asked for it, she said they couldn't find it now.

I was so upset and riled up about it and evidently talked more about it than I realized. One day I was talking about it to my sister-in-law and she had a bowl similar but smaller and she said, 'Debbie, I want to make sure you make it to heaven.  Take these bowls.'

My sister-in-law felt I had bitterness about the bowl and I realized it then too.  You see, it was my favorite Tupperware bowl that I had won when I got married. My mother-in-law sold Tupperware and I had a good party that day!  My obsession with this bowl was more of a sentimental thing.  The bowl meant a lot to me".

End of Debbie's Story

As Debbie told me this story, it brought to my mind about my dad's ex wife who took a lot of my Grandma's possessions that would have been good stuff to pass down to us kids as memorials.  It upset us a lot because we knew she had no use for the stuff but merely kept it, sold it, whatever she did....out of spite. Of course Debbie's situation was not done out of spite but happened because of irresponsibility.   

Anyway, I got to thinking about our situation and thought, yes, Grandma's stuff meant something to us all but we had to realize it was just "stuff" and just as with Debbie's situation, we have to be very careful what we allow in our heart.  None of these things will we take to heaven with us for they are just material things.  And yes, God does care about the things that we care about, but sometimes we can really allow things to bother us that are really not worth it and will really not mean anything when we stand before God.

We can be so guilty of what we let ourselves get so upset about and start to allow bitter feelings to settle in.  This just opens up the door for the devil in other areas of our life.  The Bible says that he is like a roaring lion going to and fro seeking whom he may devour. (I Peter 5:8) He watches us daily and just waits for the moment to pounce on us.  It starts out small, with maybe a bit of resentment, but once that feeling or thought is rooted in the mind, it can begin to grow into hatred and bitterness.  God's Word says that we need to make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord and see to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. If we allow bitterness to take root and grow, it not only can hurt us but also defiles those around us.

When we look back on these moments, think about how silly it is, the things we allow to get us so upset and we tend to hold a grudge.  Please be careful of what things or situations that you allow to start festering in your mind that can begin to affect the heart.  The Bible says to Keep guard over our heart for out of it comes the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)   Do not give the devil room. (Ephesians 4:27)

What's going on in your life today? What have you been allowing to bother you for some time now and really need to finally let go of and move on? 

Do not lose your soul over a bowl!  Forgive and move on.

God bless,

Connie Schmoll

Be An Angel

I wrote last month about Angels and how the Bible says in Hebrews 1:14, that they are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister. They are messengers from God. 

I was thinking the other day how often people will refer to someone as their “angel” because they blessed them in some way or was just there for them when they were really in a rough situation or going through a difficult time.

Do you know what I found that makes it easier to get through a difficult situation that has come upon you? Be AN ANGEL for someone else. Be "An Angel By Their Side" to encourage and minister to them. Many times, it seems to take longer for our situation to get worked out only because we have a difficult time "letting go" and letting God. We constantly dwell on the situation.  Being an angel for someone else helps take our mind off of OUR situation and before we know it, OUR situation has been taken care because we "let go and let God" take care of it!

So..if you're having a difficult time right now, take it to God. The Bible says to Cast our cares on Him because He cares for us.  Give it to God and leave it there, believe that He will take care of it and choose at this time to reach out to someone else and be the "angel by their side" in their time of need. 

Be Someones Angel Today!

Connie Schmoll

If you are reading this from your email, visit http://waitingatthewindow.blogspot.com to listen to the video song by Francesca Battistelli, called "Angel By Your Side".  

Shadow of Hope

Psalm 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty

Was there ever a time in your life, maybe as a young child, when you were afraid of a shadow? Maybe you would see a shadow of something cast through your bedroom window and feared that someone was outside your window. Or maybe there was something hanging in your bedroom that cast a shadow that looked scary to you in the dark. Even though dark shadows can seem a little scary, there are shadows that can be very rewarding.

Let's look at the dark shadow first. I looked up the definition of shadow and Webster says: a shadow is a dark image of an object created when the object interrupts rays of light.

I believe a person has "shadows of belief". A person is or becomes what they believe. This can be good and bad, depending on what the person believes. Sometimes we may be told something when we are young, that causes us to carry it with us through our life. There may be many negative things that were said or done to us that we start to believe of our self. These "shadows of belief" become the dark shadows of gloom that starts to block 'the light' in our life causing our path to become dim and our direction in life becomes blurred and even darkened. Dark shadows hovering over us can keep any rays of light from shining through. It gets hard to even really know the right path for our life anymore.

I see people in the world today as 'light chasers'. They desire to have that "light", or a sense of direction in their lives but begin to chase after the wrong things and struggle with finding that light because of the dark shadows of the past that hover over them constantly.

The only way a person can find that light is to step out from under the dark shadow. The only way to do that is to first identify their "shadows of belief" that are causing the obstruction of light. We need to allow the Lord to shed some light on the dark shadows that have overshadowed us for years that keep us bound. Some fear what they might find. Every person's situation is different. Maybe it was something that a parent said or did when we were younger. If it is something that came from a parent, finding it, is not for the reason to blame the parent. It is only important to find out where it started in your life and where you took off with it and began to believe it, allowing it to affect your life in a negative way. And as time went on, it was pushed deep inside, so as not having to deal with it.

We must understand that if something gets too much 'shadow' or shade, it will not get enough light and will not grow. This is the same way with our spiritual life. Without the Light of Jesus shining in our life, we cannot grow in Him and go on in life to become what He wants us to be for Him.

When we find ourselves caught in the heat of circumstances or a dark shadow of gloom has overshadowed our lives, we must step out from under this shadow and abide under the shadow of protection of the Lord. He offers us cool shade from extensive heat in our lives. We can always find shelter from the storms of life under the shadow of his wings.

Psalm 36:7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Jesus offers a "shadow of hope" to those in time of need. In Psalm 139, David writes that the darkness and light are alike to the Lord. Even the night shall be light unto us. Even in the darkness there is light with the Lord.

What is casting a shadow over your life today? Is it the 'shadow of protection' that comes from the Almighty as you dwell in His Secret place, or is it a 'dark shadow of gloom' that blocks the light of Jesus from shining through?

Stop 'chasing the light' and just step out from under the 'dark shadow' and allow the Lord to 'shed some light' on what is blocking HIS light in your life. Let Him overshadow you with His "wings of protection" as you face your 'shadows of belief' head on.

Connie J. Schmoll

No Man Taketh Away

When going through difficult times, I have found that the Lord brings encouragement in many different ways. And when this encouragement comes from God, there is no way man can take this joy from us. This is when I wrote, No Man Taketh Away.



No Man Taketh Away

John 16:20-24 ~~ Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

About to go through a difficult time, Jesus told his disciples they would grieve, with him going away (being crucified), but that the grieving or hurtful time would not last. He tells them he will return, and they will rejoice (receive joy) That sorrow they felt will turn to joy - a joy that no man could take from them.

We go through times in our life - times of grieving, times of hurt, and times of disappointments and we need encouragement. At times, we can be guilty of letting these times rob us of the joy of the Lord. Why do we allow these times to control our life? The Lord provides that encouragement in many different ways (through the Word, people, a song, a letter, a hug, etc). During our hurtful times, there will be people who try their best to minister to us and we must show kindness and thankfulness to them even though what they may offer is just not quite what we need. But when that "special" encouragement comes, in whatever way it does, we know it came from God. It was NOT a coincidence. It was God-incidence. God-sent. God-ordained. A healing takes place within that is just so miraculous. And this blessing is one that no one can take away. That moment is one that you will treasure forever!

The joy or blessing that comes from the Lord is much more than a little happy feeling that we might feel inside and later subsides. It is not just merely an emotion. The joy we receive from the Lord is a much deeper and broader feeling. It is planted in the spirit and put there for eternity. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit that has the power to cause our anguish to cease, and not to be remembered again. It is so great that it causes the hurt to diminish.

I think Jesus used a perfect example of a woman giving birth, going through that pain, but once the baby is born, the pain is forgotten that quick.

I can remember every detail of the birth of my son. And yes, I know I suffered pain during that time, but the moment our "bundle of joy" was born, that pain did not seem to be such a big issue anymore. Once my eyes met his, a love was planted deep in my heart. It was a moment that no one can ever take away from me. It is very true that the hurt subsides after the "blessing" is born and no one can take it away.

Connie J Schmoll

Walk Away Believing

"Wow, I have this terrible headache! I can hardly stand it!" These were the words of my friend that I used to work with. Several thoughts came to my mind, like..."I know how you can get rid of that headache. God is a healer! He can heal that headache right now. Let me pray for you." But then came the "other thoughts" that followed, like..."But what if she is not healed after I pray for her? What will she think of me?" You know, you always have that “other guy” sitting on the other shoulder trying to put doubt and fear in you. And many times it works.

Sad to say, as with my situation, this is as far as the conversation got...the girl telling me about her headache. My thoughts remained just...thoughts.

The situation written above happens more than we realize. And it is so sad to think that because of the disobedience of one, another may not receive. Oh maybe later on down the road but how sad that the other person missed out on the blessing to see not only that person receive but also to have God work through them.

FEAR is the biggest thing that keeps people from doing a lot of things that they desire to be doing for the Lord. I think many times we are afraid to share about the Lord with someone because of the fear of rejection. Also, what if God gives us a Word for someone and after we give it, we do not see the results we think we should see? We start doubting, wondering if it was really God. Then we are afraid to give a word the next time we feel led to.

Like the situation above, I used to always fear when someone would start talking about an illness or physical problem and I knew that I had the answer. Because I know The Healer! But I would not speak up and say anything because I was afraid if I prayed for them, they would not be healed and then what would this person think, that I'm a fanatic or something? But there are some things that God taught me concerning this very topic. Here are some things He told me:

When God leads us to do something, we need to:
-Be obedient
-After obeying, walk away believing it is done!
-Realize it is not about you
-Understand that it is God doing the healing/ministering and we are just the instrument He chooses to work through
-Know that just because we did not see the results we thought we should have seen, doesn't mean God isn't working
-Walk away with a confidence knowing we did what God asked and now put it into His hands and let Him take care of it. He will.

One of the most important things in our walk with God is obedience. Don't give up on evangelizing and helping people get closer to God because there is always hope. Through God all things are possible. The key words being "through God". Yes, it is God who does the healing, and the ministering. But many times He works through us, using the gifts He has given to us for that time. That is why it is important to be obedient to His voice.

Don't let fear keep you from being a blessing to someone else through your obedience to God. Listen and obey, then WALK AWAY BELIEVING IT IS DONE!

Connie Schmoll

Lessons From The Eagle

DON'T SWOOP! RISE ABOVE!

I've got a great interest in The Eagle. It is the most majestic bird in the sky. I find it so interesting that like so many other things in my life that God has used to inspire and uplift me, He also has used the Eagle. The Eagle and its way of life can be symbolic to a Christian's life. There is so much we can learn from the life of an eagle, which is why I believe God mentions eagles in His Word.

The one Scripture that we are most familiar with is found in Isaiah 40:31: "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint".

I used to think that to "wait upon the Lord" meant for us to not do anything but wait, when actually "to wait upon" the Lord means "to be of service to" the Lord. If we continue to do all that we know to do, even during our time of storms, God will renew strength to us so that we can mount up, or rise above any storm that blows through. Those that "wait upon" the Lord, to make conscience of their duty to him, by faith rely upon him, and committing themselves to his guidance, shall find that God will not fail them.

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. It does not swoop, or make sudden plunges downward. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience them - we must not act abruptly, but we should continue our service unto God, letting Him take care of the situation and allow Him to renew our strength. We can rise above the storms by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us or cause us to swoop downwards. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm.

Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them.
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DON'T LOSE HOPE

Even though Eagles are known to "rise above the storms", they too will experience a time of "molting". Just like with us, I believe that everyone will go through their own personal wilderness - "a molting stage" which may lead to a state of depression for some. But don't lose HOPE during this time, for GOD is even nearer to those in the valley.

It was very interesting to learn that an eagle has a "wilderness" time as we do - a time of molting. The similarity was incredible when I spiritualized it and it changed me. It strengthened me. It helped me now to be able to overcome many things in my life that I used to struggle with.

-During the 'molting' time, eagles lose their feathers just as we are "exposed" to the devil during our hurts or times when we may take offense, exposing our wounds to the possibility of anger, resentment, unforgiveness or bitterness entering the heart.

-Eagles 'molting' at the same time begin pecking at each other, some killing others, just as we tend to do during our trial time. We begin to strike out at those hurting us and at others. It's a vicious cycle of hurting people HURTING people. And this sometimes results in the killing of some spiritually.

-Eagles lose their desire to eat and have no strength to hunt their food anyway plus they lose their vision just as we tend to do during our wilderness. We stop turning to the Word, and lose sight of what God wants for our life.

-Calcium builds up on the Eagles beaks and they are unable to hold their beak up, which is so traumatic, to the proud majestic birds that Eagles truly are. During our wilderness time, it can get very hard for us to hold our heads up. We tend to get our eyes off the Lord and begin looking more at "our wilderness time" and start to lose faith.

-Some Eagles are not content to just lie there and die but will do something to benefit itself. While it is in this state of molting, some will choose a spot were the sun can shine directly on them. Experts say, they find a ROCK and will lie on it as they bathe in the presence of the sun and it is here they begin to get renewed. During our wilderness time, we canNOT allow ourselves to be overcome with unbelief, but we must turn towards the "Son of righteousness" and stay firm upon the ROCK, basking in His presence, that our strength may be renewed.

-During this time, hope is brought to the "molting eagles" when they hear older eagles that have survived this experience and know what the "molting" eagles are going through, flying above screaming loudly. The screams bring encouragement, for they know that these "encouragers" are about to drop meat to them for them to live on. As with us, God will send us "encouragers" during this time, feeding us with His Word, bringing us hope that God brings renewal to the faint at heart.

When God showed me all of this, He not only promised me that during my wilderness time that He would provide encouragers for me, but it was then that He revealed to me that I AM AN EAGLE. I AM AN EAGLE CAPABLE OF SOARING ABOVE. I AM THE EAGLE WHO IS THE ENCOURAGER. AND I AM THE EAGLE WHO BRINGS HOPE TO THOSE WHO NEED RENEWAL. AND SO ARE ALL OF YOU!

I encourage all of you reading this today that when you find "a wilderness time" approaching, be aware that you will become exposed to the devil, but that you must find a place to lay in the direct presence of the "SON OF RIGHTEOUSNESS". Lay upon that ROCK. Bask in His presence, and He will send you ENCOURAGERS who will be there to help nurture you back to great spiritual health and renewal so that you once again can RISE ABOVE any approaching storm.
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KNOW WHO YOUR ENEMY IS

THE EAGLE, being the most majestic bird in the sky, very swift during flight and having phenomenal vision, must still be on the lookout for CONDORS, a type of vulture, I think. We all have enemies, don't we? Well, the Condor hates the eagle. So wherever an eagle flies he must be on the look out for his enemy.

IN BATTLE, the condor will try to claw the eagle, but they say that the eagle doesn't stay around and fight but instead he mounts up and begins to fly. He doesn't fly to the left or to the right but instead, the eagle flies directly toward the sun. The eagle can withstand the bright rays from the sun. The condor tries to catch the eagle but soon he is blinded by the sun and has to turn away and fall off. When the eagle flies towards the bright light, the condor has no choice but to back off. The exposure is too much for it.
When the enemy is at your heels you do not have to stay and fight. All you have to do is turn your eyes toward the Son of Righteousness who will never fail nor forsake you. Keep in mind though that we do not fight against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

KNOW WHO YOUR ENEMY IS. It's not the person...it's the bad spirit behind their action or bad behavior towards you. We have many people who come against us. We have people who have hurt us. We have those who seem to continually try and trample our faith. But we must do our best to keep the person separate from their action/behavior. Keeping this in mind, we don't have to swoop and plunge downwards in the ways that they fight. We can MOUNT UP WITH WINGS AS EAGLES and RISE ABOVE their ways, their words, their attacks, by turning to the SON OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, turning to His Word, the Sword of the Spirit. For the enemy hates the LIGHT that exposes his evil ways.

So when the enemy attacks, remember...

KNOW WHO YOUR ENEMY IS! DON'T SWOOP BUT RISE ABOVE! FLY TOWARDS THE SON AND SOAR WITH THE EAGLES.
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IN LOW TIMES...FLY TO A HIGH SPOT AND SET YOUR WINGS. BE READY TO BE PICKED UP AND LIFTED ABOVE THE WINDS. RISE ON THE WINDS THAT BRING THE STORM. USE THE STORM TO LIFT YOU HIGHER. SOAR WITH THE EAGLES!


YOU'LL ALWAYS STAY IN GOOD SHAPE SPIRITUALLY IF YOU...

(S)et Your Wings - staying ready to be picked up and lifted above any storm
(H)ope in God - He knows what He's doing
(A)pply God's Word to your life
(P)ractice Forgiveness - True forgiveness includes restoration
(E)ncourage Others
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The Power of God's Word

 THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD

          Luke 8:11, "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God."

LUKE 8:11-15

It is through the reading of the Word and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit that Christ in His fullness is known. What a privilege it is today to have God's Word in our own language. Six hundred years ago there was no English translation of the whole Bible. Thanks to the efforts of John Wycliffe (1384) and William Tyndale (1523), today we are able to read and understand the writings of the apostles for ourselves. Men gave their lives to bring us God's Word. We should take advantage of this wonderful privilege.

The piece of armor known as the "sword of the Spirit" is the only piece of armor that has the ability to cut, wound, and hurt our enemy, the devil. It's not the Bible lying on your coffee table that makes the enemy flee, but it is the Word of God hidden in your heart, activated by the power of the Holy Spirit, and spoken in an appropriate situation. It's similar to what is spoken when Jesus said in John 6:63, that "...the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life." The Word by itself doesn't make us free. It is the Word we know and speak that will deliver us (Jn. 8:32).

Why is the Word so effective? It's because it is the WORD of God. It has authority, because it is indeed the WORD of God. God's Word supersedes all authority of the church, of reason, of intellect, and even of Satan himself.

It is the Holy Spirit that wields this Word as it is spoken in faith. Speaking God's Word in faith brings the Holy Spirit into action. In Luke 4, when Jesus was tempted of the devil for forty days, it was the Word of God, that Jesus used to defeat the enemy in the time of His temptation. Jesus constantly met His temptation by quoting from God's Word as He repeatedly stated the phrase, "It is written." Likewise, the Christian soldier must avail himself of God's Word by placing it in his heart, so that the Holy Spirit may bring it forth at the appropriate time to accomplish a complete and total victory. It's yours!

Written By Andrew Wommack

Angels

ANGELS

I was sent an email awhile back from a fellow who said he had heard that some believe we are to command angels to do anything and that they will obey, but he said he didn’t agree with this and wondered what my thoughts were on it. So I began to pray and ask God for Scriptures and understanding.

I agree that we do not command angels to do anything. Although in Hebrews 1:14, it says that angels are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.

Are not we the heirs of salvation (Rom 8, Gal 3, Titus 3), whom they are sent forth to minister for?

One of the ways that they minister to and for us is by taking heed to our words when we are speaking God's Words after Him. If we are giving voice to God's Words of promise, then angels have an assignment to see to it that, that promise is eventually fulfilled in our life.

They know Jesus said that we can have what we say if we believe and doubt not. (Matt 21:21,22) They are to do God's pleasure Ps 103:21

Psalm 103:19-22
19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

I believe that the Word of God, conceived in the human spirit, formed by the tongue, and spoken out of the mouth, is creative power that will work for us.

The Bible says that Death and life is in the power of the tongue. (Prov 18:21) It is important what comes out of our mouth for the Bible also says what comes out of our mouth is what defiles us. (Matt 15:11)

James 1:26 ~~ If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this mans religion is vain. The Greek word translated vain means profitless.

Notice that James says there is a connection between the tongue and the heart. Speaking contrary to God's Word causes a person’s heart to be deceived. So if we choose to speak in agreement with God's Word, this causes a person’s heart to be filled with Truth. As you spend time, on purpose, speaking God's Word you are driving out deception from your heart and at the same time you are filling your heart with Truth.

Luke 6:45 ~~ A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. The Greek word translated treasure in that verse means deposit.

Every time you speak God's Word you are making a deposit of Truth into your heart. A heart full of deception will always produce evil things when the tongue speaks. When Truth is in your heart in abundance, when you speak, you will bring forth good things.

When we pray the Word or speak God's Word over a situation, I believe that the angels are listening and that they and the Holy Spirit diligently work in response to what we speak.

And this is one of my favorite portion of Scriptures that I hold to knowing that when I speak the Word of God, that it will accomplish what it was sent out to do, and will not return unto me void:

Isaiah 55:8-11
(8 ) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (10) For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither, but waters the earth, and maks it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (11) So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

SO....NO, we are not commanding the angels to do anything. We are not even speaking to the angels. They are just responding....hearkening unto the voice of his word that we speak...and ministering for us who are heirs of salvation because it is what they were created to do.

Thoughts?

Connie J. Schmoll

If you are viewing this from your email, visit http://waitingatthewindow.blogspot.com to watch the video and listen to Amy Grant's song, "Angels Watching Over Me."