The God of Peace Will Soon Crush Satan

The other night, as I was falling asleep, a song popped into my head.  Quite out of the blue.  It was a song that used a bit of the verses Romans 16:19-20.

Be excellent at what is good,

Be innocent of evil.

Be excellent at what is good,

Be innocent of evil.

And the God of peace will soon crush Satan

underneath His feet!

And the God of peace will soon crush Satan

underneath His feet!

Picture a whole bunch of school kids jumping up and down as God crushes Satan.  It was a song we sang with the students at the school I taught at many years ago.  I hadn't thought of that song in a long time.  And it was completely perfect that it was in my head.  I literally took it as God speaking directly to me in that moment.  He brought scripture pouring into my mind, helping to encourage me in a very real way.  The thoughts that were rolling around in my head were put aside and I was able to fall asleep  easily with God's promise singing instead.   

But as I rejoiced in the promise that God is the ultimate winner, I was also drawn to the first part of this scripture song.  That part about being excellent at what is good and innocent of evil.  And I realize that that is my part of the deal.  For blessing comes more easily out of obedience to ways of God.  

As I put the things in my life into God's hands, I need to remember to live the way He says works the best.  So that the blessings of obedience can pour out.  And I rejoice that He is a God of peace, a God who crushes Satan under His feet.  A God who has promised to do that in my life as I live under the umbrella of His ways.  

And I was so thankful for those words that He gave me as I fell asleep the other night. 

Excerpt from The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian

  "Imagine if every time we opened our mouths we spoke words that were laced with healing, edification, encouragement, comfort, wisdom, love, and truth.  That's possible to do if we ask God to help us.  It's dangerous to speak whatever comes into your mind--unless what comes into your mind is good.  If you have your mind fixed on good things, then the words of your mouth will reflect that.

Eight Good Things to Think About Daily

(From Philippians 4:8)

     1. Whatever things are true.  If you think about what is honest, genuine, authentic, sincere, faithful, accurate, and truthful, then you won't be saying anything false, incorrect, erroneous, deceitful, or untrue.

     2. Whatever things are noble.  If you think about what is admirable, high quality, excellent, magnanimous, superior, or honorable, then you won't be saying anything that is base, petty, mean, dishonorable, or low-minded.

     3. Whatever things are just.  If you think about what is fair, reasonable, equitable, proper, lawful, right, correct, deserved, upright, honorable, and seemly, then you won't be saying anything that is unjustified, biased, unreasonable, unlawful, or unfair.

     4. Whatever things are pure.  If you think about what is clean, clear, spotless, chaste, unsullied, undefiled, or untainted with evil, then you won't be saying anything that is inferior, tainted, adulterated, defiled, polluted, corrupted, tarnished, or unholy.

     5. Whatever things are lovely.  If you think about what is pleasing, agreeable, charming, satisfying, or splendid, then you won't be saying anything that is unpleasant, offensive, disagreeable, revolting, unlovely, ominous, or ugly.

     6. Whatever things are of good report.  If you think about what is admirable, winsome, worthwhile, recommended, positive, or worthy of repeating, then you won't be saying anything that is negative, discouraging, undesirable, or full of bad news, gossip, and rumor.

     7. Whatever things are virtuous.  If you think about what is moral, ethical, upright, excellent, good, impressive, or conforming to high moral standards, then you won't be saying anything that is depraved, unethical, licentious, bad, self-indulgent, dissipated, evil, or immoral.

     8.  Whatever things are praiseworthy.  If you think about what is laudable, admirable, commendable, valuable, acclaimed, applauded, glorified, exalted, honored, or approved of, then you won't be saying anything that is critical, condemning, deprecating, disapproving, disparaging, denouncing, belittling, or depressing."

Pages 225-226

Hiding Place (Sunday Songs)

Hiding Place

You are my Hiding place

You always fill my heart

With songs of deliverance

Whenever I am afraid

I will trust in You

I will trust in You

Let the weak say

I am strong in the strength of the Lord.

I will trust in You

Links to Click On

Six That Save Lives
~A great looking graphic that helps educate people on the 6 food allergy must-knows.

How our Words have Power (a teaching by Joyce Meyer)
~I am a firm believer that the words we speak, to ourselves and out loud, have power to contribute to the atmosphere around us.  Want something in your life to change for the better? While I do not believe in the "Name it and Claim it" philosophy,  I do believe speaking out words of good and encouragement helps.  And I've heard Joyce Meyer speak on this same topic which is why I'm posting the above link.

Ordinary People Helping Save by Donating Bone Marrow
   "Anybody can make a difference and save somebody's life."

Irena Sendler: Polish Woman Who Saved 2,500 Children Gets Walkway Named For Her

9 Days of School Left

We have 9 days of school left.  They will be busy days.  Last night was concert night for 7th and 8th grade.  Since it's finally spring and summer weather around here, it was pretty hot in that auditorium.  Especially on stage.

I'll be filling the rest of the school days with subbing.  Booked for the rest of the year.  And then, we're done.

I have high hopes for the summer.  And I really hope it doesn't disappoint.  Both kids are signed up for camp, though Emma's is only for a weekend.  But it's horse camp so she's super excited.

I'm still waiting on a swim team schedule.  It's actually kind of driving me crazy, because I'm the kind of person who likes to put things on my calendar right away.  And it's amazing how fast the summer fills up.  In past years, I've honestly had a part of me dreading summer because the kids fought so much.  I'm pleased to say that the bickering has gotten a bit better lately so, at this moment, I don't have that dread at all.

But first we have to do these last 9 days of school.  And in those 9 days is another concert, a morning of in-house music contest, piano recital, at least 4 baseball games, a junior high awards assembly, and subbing.  It just feels like there's a lot to cram in yet before the end of the year.  And that's just during the week.  I haven't even mentioned weekends.  But as we know, we can't puff ourselves up by putting more importance on busy-ness than there should be.  Sometimes being busy can keep us from doing the things that are really important.  Sometimes the busy is just plain fun!

And I'm hoping for lots of FUN this summer!

Forgiveness, Kindness--What a Savior!

My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty there's nothing my God cannot do!
My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty there's nothing my God cannot do!
The mountains are His. The rivers are His. The stars are His handiwork too.
My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty there's nothing my God cannot do!

This kids song was in my head one night recently.  I had all sorts of thoughts rolling around in my head.  They just wouldn't quite be still.  I'd had to confess something to God, which, once again, made me so thankful to have a God who forgives.  I had prayers wanting to take shape that wouldn't quite form and I was thankful that the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf when I don't know what to pray.  

When I'm not sure what to think, do, say,  my job becomes what it's always supposed to be--to follow.  

Follow promptings to do the next right thing.  It is not for me to change minds, change others, convict people of their sins, or point out their faults. God Himself knows how many of those I have of my own.  Mostly my prayer is that I will look for, seek out, and focus on the good in people.  That I will be an encourager.  That the fruits of kindness and gentleness will be overflowing from me.  No nitpicking, no pettiness.  Only goodness and joy.

And when I fall short, as I do so often, that's when I must seek that forgiveness that is so undeserving  yet so sweet for my soul. Then my spirit can be renewed.  So that I can try again to do the next right thing.  

And to expect from others only that they are people...who fall short the same way I do.  The sins of others are never worse than my own, for each and every one creates the needs for a Savior's sacrifice.  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

And what does Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8