that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Hold fast what you have,
that no one may take your crown.
He who overcomes,
I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God,
and he shall go out no more.
I will write on him the name of My God
and the name of the city of My God,
the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God.
And I will write on him My new name.
- Revelation 3:11-12
From the days of John the Baptist until now,
the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing,
and forceful men lay hold of it.
- Matthew 11:12
Not that I have already attained,
or am already perfected; but I press on,
that I may lay hold of that for which
Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
- Philippians 3:12
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
- Psalm 2:8
And He said to me,
“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the Beginning and the End.
I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely
to him who thirsts.
He who overcomes shall inherit all things,
and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
- Revelation 21:6, 7
Today another month comes to an end.
The month of November will always have a special place in my life.
Before I met my husband Ernie, this month had no special significance for me. But when we joined our hearts together in marriage, the month began to have an important place in our lives.
Ernie was born in November, and since the day we were wed, we have always celebrated this yearly event as a family.
Four years after we got married, I gave birth to our second son, Worshiper, also in November.
In November 2008, thirty years after Ernie and I exchanged our wedding vows, God called my husband home.
A year ago, my second grandson Elijah was born... also in November!
Surely God must have a special reason why this month has become so full of dates for our family to remember and celebrate!
This year, November was extra special because we celebrated my grandson Elijah's first birthday, as well as the third anniversary of my husband's homegoing.
In between those important dates, our team was called to conduct a series of seminars under the ministry of Family Foundations International (FFI).
On November 24, just one day after we had a Thanksgiving dinner to celebrate the third homegoing anniversary of my husband, Pat and I boarded our flight to Cebu City to do two FFI seminars at the YWAM base.
And here I am still, away from my home and my family... writing my end of the month post, sharing precious lessons that God has given me these past thirty days.
It was God who revealed to me what name to give this month.
"Becoming an Overcomer" - that is the name I am to give November as I say good-bye to it today.
A few weeks before the year 2010 was about to end, God impressed on my heart that the year 2011 was going to be a year of promotion for me. I held on to that word, hid it in my heart, and waited quietly for its fulfillment.
The nature of this promotion is still not very clear to me, although I never doubted that it had something to do with my kingdom assignment.
God has been teaching me the value of looking at my life in terms of seasons. It does seem that I have once again entered a stripping season, and my heart is crying out to God for answers and solutions.
But as the days and weeks of the past months have shown me, I can see that my Father wants me to learn new lessons... lessons that can only be learned through the present set of circumstances I am in.
God is calling me out of a place of spiritual comfort... He is training me for war.
For the longest time I have found security in calling myself a peacemaker ... and in believing that wherever possible, I am to live peaceably with all men. I believe wholeheartedly in the ministry of reconciliation.
But these days I am also learning that there is a militant side to peace.
True peace is only possible when we are willing to confront our enemies... both in the physical and in the spiritual sense of the word.
Paul writes in Romans 16:19, 20
This really strikes at the heart of what God seems to be teaching me in this season of my life.
The God of peace is always on war mode... always on the lookout for His kingdom...
Jesus was always operating in a mode of spiritual aggression toward the powers of hell. (Francis Frangipane)
This season I am being shaken... but the shaking is true not only for me, or my family.... the whole world is being shaken.
Earthquakes changing the landscape of the earth...
government leaders being toppled from their high positions...
financial centers crumbling to the ground...
Right here in my own small world, there is a shaking and a sifting... chaff being separated from the grain...
This much I understand. I am being shaken from my spiritual complacency!
Whether I am willing to admit it or not, the truth is that we live in an embattled world. If it weren't so, why would Paul admonish us to put on the full armor of God and take our stand against the schemes of the enemy?
There isn't much time left, I know. God's clock is ticking... and the tide is turning.
If I have really enlisted to be on God's army, then it really doesn't make sense to be so overly concerned about my comfort... or wallow in self-pity about the wrong things people have said or done!
Daniel 11:32 says
... the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
The New American Standard Version puts it this way:
... the people who know their God will display strength and take action.
Those words grip my heart as I read them.
Display strength.
Take action.
To go beyond mere words. In short, to stop talking and start walking.
God issues an invitation to every man and woman who truly desires to live as a kingdom person... and that is to walk as an overcomer.
The overcomer's anointing is being poured out in this season... and I am very much aware that in this season, I am being put to the test.
The test is not to disqualify me... not at all... the test is to strengthen me, to make me fit for the battle....
I am being called to know my God in a deeper way... to fast and pray like never before... to intercede... to not only study and teach His word, but to live it at a higher level, and above all, to proclaim it.
The people that do know their God shall be strong... and do exploits.
Those who know their God...
The main point is to really know God... and then to take action.
This whole year we have studied the book of Joshua where the words of the Lord recorded in the very first chapter still ring loud and clear in my heart:
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:8, 9)
Today I am taking an aggressive stand against the enemy!
No longer will I allow my heart to be weighed down by fear of what lies ahead... I will create my future... bring down to earth what God is saying about it in heaven!
I will take the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and use it!
Francis Frangipane says: The sword God has put in our hearts and mouths is nothing less than the echo of His voice in us!
The visible, that which is seen, is only a by-product of the invisible. In the same way that worlds were framed by the spoken word of God, the starting point of my victory over my circumstances is always in the spiritual realm! But the word has to be spoken... proclaimed... declared!
The word of God on my lips is my main weapon of war!
God the Father is looking for men and women who will not shrink back in fear, but who are determined to press on... to persevere... to endure... to fight to the finish.
There is need to overcome many hurdles that stand in the way... pride... self-focus... fear... anxiety... complacency. The Father is weeding all of these obstacles out of my heart.
He is building a determination inside of me... a determination to confront manipulation... control... unrighteousness... injustice.
It's not about me, or my plans, or my positions, or my possessions... it's not even about the work I am doing for the kingdom.
It's all about Him.
There can be no unholy alliances getting in the way of my commitment to the King of Kings...
Tonight, as November ends, I thank God that He is training me for my next assignment... I am being promoted to be an overcomer!
A life of ease was never promised...
But, all I can say is Thank you Lord for the privilege...
by Jason Upton
No one knows the hour
No one knows the day
Jesus is coming soon
All creation trembles, longing for the day
Jesus is coming soon
There will be judgment
There will be mercy
On that terrible day
Leaders will bow down
Kingdoms will fall down
Have you felt your world begin to shake?
Hear the sound of the Lion of Judah
See the fire and the fear in the enemy's camp
From the sound of the lion of Judah roaring again
There's a new generation arising
A nameless, faceless, placeless tribe
All they fear is the fear of the Lord
All they hear is the Lion of Judah
All I saw were bones
Breaking in the darkness
Then I walked into the light
There I saw an army
Coming from the river
With five stones ready to fight
The month of November in pictures:
November 1Celebrating the memory of our departed loved ones...
This is our extended family having a breakfast get together at the memorial park
November 2me and my two sons... a family dinner to celebrate Ernie's birthday
November 2First Born, his wife God-given, and their son Forerunner
Remembering Ernie on his birthday... lunch at Bob's, his favorite restaurant
Worshiper's birthday... with family and friends
Worshiper with his wife Chosen One, and their son Full of Hopeat Kai Sei... a quiet dinner on his birthday
Elijah's first birthday!
Remembering Ernie on his 3rd homegoing anniversary...we placed stones on his grave
stones to symbolize immortality...
he is alive in heaven, and we will see him again someday!
A Thanksgiving dinner to celebrate Ernie's 3rd homegoing anniversarywith family and friends
Sunset over Bacolod Silay Airport on my way to Cebu CityNovember 24, 2011
YWAM staff at the end of the Transforming Hearts seminar...
Pat and me after the Ancient Paths seminar...with the students and staff of the YWAM
Discipleship Training School
YWAM Base, Cebu City
Ian leading worship
DTS students during intercession
boxes and boxes of stuffed toys from generous hearts in America
taking a photo break from wrapping toys for the Jesus Fiestafor the outreach kids
an evening of worship with Bob Fitts...
coffee break at Bo's
A beautiful reminder of the Christmas season...
9 comments:
Wow, this blessed me! We are living in amazing times! :)
I was having goosebumps reading your post now. I wasn't gong to post today but got so inspired this morning (and this was prior to visiting you) by the Lord. He had given me something to ponder about as I saw many scattered leaves in our front yard as we are having a very windy day today until tomorrow. He also etched Phil.3:12 to put somewhere in the end of my post.
As we serve an active, living God, I believe that we must show also our determination to fight for Him against our spiritual enemies who are constantly attacking to try to enable us. As I go through a battle at my work, the Lord gave me that vision that I was like a "shaken leaf" like those leaves strewn all over the place outside. But I shouldn't worry because no matter how turbulent the winds are, this force does not compare to His hold on us.
I am ready to fight with you sister and knowing we are doing this in His power and might, I'm not afraid. I'll keep bending my knees and folding my hands as I join you in Spirit.
God bless you sister and what a rich, sweet mem'ries-filled November you had. I was also born in November :)
I paused when I saw those big mugs of java! I'm always thinking of you in prayers as I sip my coffee everyday. I love the pics you always share. It makes us feel like we know everyone that you love. Take care. May His angels surround you!
I always love visiting with you, dear friend. Seeing all these wonderful images of your life is just so special. I enjoy knowing what you have been up to and learning how God is blessing your life. Love the picture of the Lion and the poem, too.
Love,
Sandy
Dear Lidia,
To wander along in your footsteps has been an amazing journey. You have wandered through valleys and over hill tops; always "Full of Hope", always praising the Lord. The photos attached to this post, shows a shining, glittering Lidia. The battle fought at the same time is hidden for the world.
You are an overcomer indeed, and you are being blessed with family and friends welded together through thick and thin.
Therefore I do not know whether the words coming into my mind while reading were meant for me or you.
I'll be brave and share anyhow.
2 Chor. 12 :I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Yours Felisol
I knew in my heart today that I needed to visit you here on your blog. How thankful I am that I came. I love how you continue to celebrate the life of your Ernie. Yes, one day you will be together again but in the meantime you honor him. November is a special month for me too as my husband and I married 27 years ago on November 3rd.
I do believe the time is short. Reading the newspaper, seeing the condition of families in America, the global events occurring causes me to be more vigilant to live out my life of faith in the midst of the world who doesn't know Him. I am reading Anne Graham Lotz book about the hour and how Christians need to wake up. My desire is to draw closer to the Lord and allow Him to work in me and through me to impact others.
I too have been going through a stripping season. But it does put things into perspective. All the material things we have in this world are temporary. The relationship with Jesus is what's important.
Thank you for sharing this message today.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Dearest Lidia - what a powerful message! Oh, how thrilling it was to my heart. November has been a difficult month for me, personally and in my family. We've had many "tests" and it's been an unsettling time. However, like you, I feel that I am being *readied* for something. So, I love your inspiring words -
Yes, sometimes peace is aggressive and militant. Sometimes peace requires arming ourselves with spiritual armor.
Today our pastor said that the message of Christmas is written in the language of treason - yes, treason against the Roman Empire, and a message of revolution to the world.
The Prince of Peace brought peace with God - but He did, and still does, turn the world upside down!
GOD BLESS!
you've been through so much in the past few years ... yet always, you've known that God goes with you - each step of the way - and it has been encouraging to read how you continue to grow in grace ...
be at peace - blessings on you ...
Hi Lidj -
I immensely enjoyed this. Yes, immensely. It spoke intense love for our Lord, strength, tenacity and faith...
In particular, these words struck me powerfully, "But these days I am also learning that there is a militant side to peace.
"True peace is only possible when we are willing to confront our enemies... both in the physical and in the spiritual sense of the word."
You may be inclined to read my two most recent posts titled,
"ROOTS, GOD'S WILL, AND HIS INFALLIBLE WORDS," and "PERSPECTIVE."
Lidj,
Your post inspired me also. I like this theme of being an overcomer. I will re-read these scriptures and study them to try to understand. I do not feel the strength you do physically, due to some health problems with being able to walk much. But I will overcome and not give up. I feel strong emotionally, and mentally, and I want to be in this battle, and to know God, as you do.
I too, love how you celebrate Ernie's death and include his favorite restaurant as your choice of celebration. My mother died on November 22, 2002.
God Bless you and your family, katlupe
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