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 Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 11:19 am
I originally had a rather long sermon written a month or so ago to be done for today. However, since yesterday, something has rather been on my heart and I believe that it is suppose to be the subject of today's sermon. I pray that I will speak straight from the heart of the Lord to your own hearts and that you will all be thorough blessed by today's sermon. At times we tend to forget ourselves. At times like these, we look at what we did and said "That's not me!" or something equally surprised. I'm going to talk on these things, but also a much deeper sense of reality and identity. All my life I have struggled with who I am, what I look like, sound like, act like... All that crazy stuff. As many of you know, I've been a Christian for most of my life though I find myself only really counting the past year and a half or so. I didn't like how I look. I was too skinny. I had huge teeth (I grew into them...lol). I learned in high school and also from my first boyfriend that I was black and that for some reason was a bad thing. I had/have chicken legs... seriously. My calves are small. I use to be shaped like a boy... Stick a pin here.. I've actually dressed in a boy's school uniform and passed as a boy. I have girls calling to me and everything. Friends began to tell me how they'd date me if my name really was "Shawn" and I was really a boy. Removing the pin.... Flat-chested, flat-butted (haha.. that word sounds funny). And all my friends had hips, breasts, thighs... all those chicken parts. And I was that piece of KFC you were hoping you wouldn't end up with in your bucket. Here in Jamaica, we have a term called "What lef'." Which is really "What's left." if you want to put it in standard English and that was how I saw myself. I had braces TWICE in my life. I didn't have to pay the second time because it was they who caused the second time to be necessary. Ooh Joy. rolleyes I was one book smart girl (but without the books, I didn't even do any work)... so my friends affectionately called me the nerd of the group. As affectionately as they call you that, you don't really want that name. I've ended up into a lot of trouble because this was what I thought of myself. Had a boyfriend who verbally and mentally abused me, who I gave up my purity to, simply because I wanted to feel accepted but he rejected me. My last boyfriend, too, rejected me and I can remember how after that one my biggest battle was in my self worth "Was I not worth it?". For the two of you who know the whole story, you know where this is coming from. If you do not know who you are and stand on it, the devil is going to trample you. People will trample you. It's a fact. 1 Peter 5:8b NIV Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Guys... be real. The devil HATES you and the last thing he wants you to do is realize who you are... but I'm going to tell you because God isn't able to do a single thing in and through you until you know who you are. An identity crisis is paralyzing. When I wake up believing all sorts of negative things about myself which are just not true, I can't do anything because I'm too much of a coward and I sit thinking about what I supposedly can't do or who I supposedly am or am not. When you have an identity crisis, you're literally glorifying the enemy and your heart becomes pieced as you can't love God with all your heart. You feel like you're not worthy to go and pray. You feel absolutely unusable. That in itself is a sin. Quote: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (I didn't put the source as it's found at least 7 or so times in the Bible) Read it again. It says to Love the Lord your God will ALL your heart, soul, mind and strength. When you're believing what the enemy says about you, you're unable to do that. Your heart is in pieces, your mind is shackled, your soul is downcast and your strength is non-existent. Who you are:In and of yourself you are and are worth nothing but through Jesus you have and are worth it all. John 15:5 "I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." You were well thought about and are so loved by God. Psalm 139 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you. Do you SEE how loved you are? You are CHOSEN, ROYAL, HOLY, WEIRD and CALLED. 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; You are not condemned! Romans 8:1-2 NKJV There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. I like how the Message Bible puts it. Quote: 1-2With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. 'A continuous, low-lying black cloud'... Remember in the cartoons how when a person was depressed or unlucky, they had that black cloud over their heads? mrgreen You are a child of God. Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” PLEASE read how The Message Bible translates it. I thought it was so beautiful and endearing. Romans 8:15-17 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know Who He is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with Him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with Him (Gini... that one was JUST for you. mrgreen ) Whenever anyone tells you that you're 'not worth it', remember how much you truly are worth - the life of Heaven's Prince and God's begotten Son. That's it guys. Thank you for the honour.
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Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 1:35 pm
Praise our Father God, and the Son, for they love us!
Beautiful, sis. And how relevant to the times, really! I hear stuff like this at my youth group a lot....and from myself. Our Father is awesome!! Praise Jesus.
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Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 6:43 pm
Thanks sis! Papa indeed!!! I'm sorry I didn't get to this before now, but man, did I need it now!!! I just got off the phone with my eldest daughter after once more having her berate me, and this time I got really, really honest. See, she had been delivered of a spirit of sorrow when she was 10 months old, and TRUST ME! It was a complete total personality change!! She went from screaming and crying ALL THE TIME!! To being sweet and loving and laughing and giggling.
BUT .....
I realized when I took it to prayer a couple of weeks ago, that the hatred I saw out of her eyes WHEN SHE WAS 3 DAYS OLD!!! (which if you guys don't know ... babies DON'T DO THAT!) It scared the living daylights out of me! Anyway, I had ASSUMED that it was the spirit of sorrow. Well, the Lord showed me that assumption was wrong. That hatred, condemnation has ALWAYS been there. I was ..... stunned. It explained SO much! Well, in the process of talking to her tonight and having her berate me over my divorce (their father nearly broke my neck and I have near-constant pain, although it's getting better every year, and I had other injuries from him) with her once again condemning me and blaming me for everything - I said, I think deliverance is needed. You've ALWAYS been condemning and hateful towards me except for the small amount of times when you've been sweet and loving. I explained about how I received a look of pure hatred from her when she was 3 days old and how whatever that is, it's needs to go. Well, she started shouting about all kinds of things and then ended up hanging up on me. Which never happens. But, I called the spirit out - so please pray for her deliverance!
Reason I bring it up here is because of her berating me ..... I SO needed this message sis! And I NEEDED IT TONIGHT .... NOW .... AT THIS VERY TIME!! Thank you for being so very faithful!
Something you brought up reminded me of this set of verses (and I'd like to do the next sermon on them if I may):
2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (Amplified Bible)
14 But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere,
15 For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:
16 To the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is qualified (fit and sufficient) for these things? [Who is able for such a ministry? We?]
17 For we are not, like so many, [like hucksters making a trade of] peddling God's Word [shortchanging and adulterating the divine message]; but like [men] of sincerity and the purest motive, as [commissioned and sent] by God, we speak [His message] in Christ (the Messiah), in the [very] sight and presence of God.
Thanks also for the alternative Bible version that you gave. Is it over here in the states? It sounds awesome!!
Love you!!! heart
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Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 11:57 am
Ooh! So many good nuggets in here! No, not chicken nuggets! whee Man, sis. I have to be honest to say that I was really surprized to read your testimony in the beginning. From the first day I say you I thought "Wow! She's so beautiful!" I mean, ...man. You're gorgeous. This just proves, though, the the enemy's lies do not discriminate. He created a film over our eyes called self-loathing. Even though we CAN see, we end up seeing and focusing on the wrong things. We are even subject to see things that are not so. I want to thank you for being so transparent in your testimony. How wonderfully fearless. It is a testimony within itself to see you sharing your heart with us. When we can be real with people it proves that God has given us victory over the matter. You're right. The devil does hate us. If he hates us ALOT we are doing our job. The truth is the more we do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, the more he eemy hates us. The more he hates us, the more he tries to destroy us! But the good news is, the more we do God's will, the more he protects us. And the weaker we feel, the stronger God is and can be in us if only we trust in his soviergnty. You said When you have an identity crisis, you're literally glorifying the enemy and your heart becomes pieced as you can't love God with all your heart. You feel like you're not worthy to go and pray. You feel absolutely unusable. That in itself is a sin." Boy does that ever hit home! I often have to reprimand myself for imagining myself any different physically than I am. I think about my the shape and size of my head, how big my nose is, my complexion, my teeth, the size of my forehead, not having defined cheekbones like my model-looking sister ectetera... As I am poking at myself in the mirror wishing this and that I hear a still small voice saying "So, you're saying I made a mistake when I created you?" Me: eek Oop! No... exclaim We are "Wonderfully and fearfull made!" exclaim It is so true. To loathe ourselves is to say God did a bad job. It IS a sin to give away our hearts to anything that is ungodly. You're absolutely right. Those thoughts are meant to destroy us; and as you suggest, move us out of the presence of the Lord. Guilt and shame are the original things that caused man to move from God's face into isolation. Not only do these feelings move us away from GOD, but they often move us away from Godly People. People who God has ordained us to be around. The ones vital to reaching goals and growing to spiritual maturity! God never called us to be lone wolves. He called us to bond together "A chord of three is not easily broken" heart When we deem OURSELVES unworthy, we may find it easier to withdrawl. God has only called us to DRAW to him! Satan wants to draw us away. We have to choose to believe the truth. Only the truth. (So help us GOD! rofl ) Wonderful Message Sis, La heart
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Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 10:24 pm
Poem Ooh! So many good nuggets in here! No, not chicken nuggets! whee Man, sis. I have to be honest to say that I was really surprized to read your testimony in the beginning. From the first day I say you I thought "Wow! She's so beautiful!" I mean, ...man. You're gorgeous. This just proves, though, the the enemy's lies do not discriminate. He created a film over our eyes called self-loathing. Even though we CAN see, we end up seeing and focusing on the wrong things. We are even subject to see things that are not so. I want to thank you for being so transparent in your testimony. How wonderfully fearless. It is a testimony within itself to see you sharing your heart with us. When we can be real with people it proves that God has given us victory over the matter. You're right. The devil does hate us. If he hates us ALOT we are doing our job. The truth is the more we do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, the more he eemy hates us. The more he hates us, the more he tries to destroy us! But the good news is, the more we do God's will, the more he protects us. And the weaker we feel, the stronger God is and can be in us if only we trust in his soviergnty. You said When you have an identity crisis, you're literally glorifying the enemy and your heart becomes pieced as you can't love God with all your heart. You feel like you're not worthy to go and pray. You feel absolutely unusable. That in itself is a sin." Boy does that ever hit home! I often have to reprimand myself for imagining myself any different physically than I am. I think about my the shape and size of my head, how big my nose is, my complexion, my teeth, the size of my forehead, not having defined cheekbones like my model-looking sister ectetera... As I am poking at myself in the mirror wishing this and that I hear a still small voice saying "So, you're saying I made a mistake when I created you?" Me: eek Oop! No... exclaim We are "Wonderfully and fearfull made!" exclaim It is so true. To loathe ourselves is to say God did a bad job. It IS a sin to give away our hearts to anything that is ungodly. You're absolutely right. Those thoughts are meant to destroy us; and as you suggest, move us out of the presence of the Lord. Guilt and shame are the original things that caused man to move from God's face into isolation. Not only do these feelings move us away from GOD, but they often move us away from Godly People. People who God has ordained us to be around. The ones vital to reaching goals and growing to spiritual maturity! God never called us to be lone wolves. He called us to bond together "A chord of three is not easily broken" heart When we deem OURSELVES unworthy, we may find it easier to withdrawl. God has only called us to DRAW to him! Satan wants to draw us away. We have to choose to believe the truth. Only the truth. (So help us GOD! rofl ) Wonderful Message Sis, La heart Amen. Beautiful Asha. That's from Yeshua.
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Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 6:44 am
beaufleur Thanks sis! Papa indeed!!! I'm sorry I didn't get to this before now, but man, did I need it now!!! I just got off the phone with my eldest daughter after once more having her berate me, and this time I got really, really honest. See, she had been delivered of a spirit of sorrow when she was 10 months old, and TRUST ME! It was a complete total personality change!! She went from screaming and crying ALL THE TIME!! To being sweet and loving and laughing and giggling. BUT ..... I realized when I took it to prayer a couple of weeks ago, that the hatred I saw out of her eyes WHEN SHE WAS 3 DAYS OLD!!! (which if you guys don't know ... babies DON'T DO THAT!) It scared the living daylights out of me! Anyway, I had ASSUMED that it was the spirit of sorrow. Well, the Lord showed me that assumption was wrong. That hatred, condemnation has ALWAYS been there. I was ..... stunned. It explained SO much! Well, in the process of talking to her tonight and having her berate me over my divorce (their father nearly broke my neck and I have near-constant pain, although it's getting better every year, and I had other injuries from him) with her once again condemning me and blaming me for everything - I said, I think deliverance is needed. You've ALWAYS been condemning and hateful towards me except for the small amount of times when you've been sweet and loving. I explained about how I received a look of pure hatred from her when she was 3 days old and how whatever that is, it's needs to go. Well, she started shouting about all kinds of things and then ended up hanging up on me. Which never happens. But, I called the spirit out - so please pray for her deliverance! Reason I bring it up here is because of her berating me ..... I SO needed this message sis! And I NEEDED IT TONIGHT .... NOW .... AT THIS VERY TIME!! Thank you for being so very faithful! Something you brought up reminded me of this set of verses (and I'd like to do the next sermon on them if I may): 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (Amplified Bible) 14 But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, 15 For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: 16 To the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is qualified (fit and sufficient) for these things? [Who is able for such a ministry? We?] 17 For we are not, like so many, [like hucksters making a trade of] peddling God's Word [shortchanging and adulterating the divine message]; but like [men] of sincerity and the purest motive, as [commissioned and sent] by God, we speak [His message] in Christ (the Messiah), in the [very] sight and presence of God. Thanks also for the alternative Bible version that you gave. Is it over here in the states? It sounds awesome!! Love you!!! heart Hey, that 'alternate Bible' is called the Message. It is pretty cool to read for casual perposes, it makes you see a different more conversational/applicational view of scripture. I know this version has blessed many people. It is available all over. Yes, in the states too. I will be praying for your daughter, as I type even now my spirit lifts her up. Take courage. Jesus Christ has overcome the world and empowered his disciples with authority over the enemy. What you did was very Jesus like. We are praying against the spirit and lifting up the person. Love you dear sis. La!
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