Two Key Factors

I am amazed at the level satan goes to turn our hearts from God.  The devil uses anything he can to destroy our good works.  I firmly believe God will fight those battles, we need only to be still and follow His Path. 

Many days I felt helpless, defeated as I fell again to satan's lies.  I did not realize that little by little those lies were being combated by God's Truth growing inside me.  My spirit was so crushed.  God built me back up one piece at a time.  Healing is not a sprint, it is a marathon.  Our walk with God is everlasting, continually building us up with greater strength so we may minister to others whose hurts run deep.  We plant seeds and allow God to water them.  He will meet them where they are and bring them where He wants them.  Two things needed - FAITH and OBEDIENCE.

Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees,
   that I may follow it to the end. 

 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
   and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands,
   for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes
   and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
   preserve my life according to your word.  (Psalm 119:33-37)

I must remember daily I am here for God, not me.  I am here to further His Kingdom, not receive praise or glory from man.  I strive only for His approval and love.  With this mindset, I find the peace I forever searched.  The void I continuously tried to fill on my own, now overflows with His love.  God brings so much joy.

God thank you for today.  Thank you for every breath I take.  Use my hands and feet to bless all those I meet.  May I follow the path You lay before me and be obedient with every step.  I love You.  

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig  

Healing Hands

As I continue my daily motions of life, I see God everywhere!  He is AWESOME!  He continues to amaze me as He heals me and blesses me.  He forgives all my sins, loving me just the same.  I receive His forgiveness by confessing to Him and blessings pour out in my life.  (see 1 John 1:9)

“‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.  I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before.  I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.  (Jeremiah 33:6-8)

My body reaches a greater level of health with each step I take in faith.  As I read the above Scripture, I recall my captivity to Anorexia and self-abuse.  I definitely experienced a demolition in life.  My body, mind and spirit crashed.  I had no strength to go forward.  Then I realized where to turn, who to lean on.  He revealed the sins I must confess and the direction to go down the straight path in life.  He a mighty God who heals.  (too many examples in the Bible to list) 

The latest physical healing I experienced appeared in the regulation of body temperature.  I still get cold at times, but along with the majority.  This is only one example of healing I received and all this comes because of faith.  

With the healing of my physical body, I can now focus on serving Him 100%.  I find the devil working harder to win, BUT God's Truths prevail. 

Thank you God for this day.  Thank you for the chance to experience a healthy, blessed life, for rescuing me from the depths of destruction.  Take me and use me for Your Will.  I am here for You.  Clear my eyes so I see Your Hands everywhere.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig 

Pray Before Speaking

As we face this world, our mouths and thoughts often get us into trouble.  Sitting in traffic appear as satan's playground for you.  Patience just goes out the window when sitting still during rush hour.  We have places to be and appointments to keep. Satan loves when we feel anxiety, for this means we are leaning on our own understanding of a situation.  Ever think of using this time to turn on some Christian music, talk to God or praise Him for a glorious day?  If the traffic is due to an accident, ever think of praying for all involved, that God may guide the hands of the EMTs to bring healing?

Another place satan loves to play may be in a restaurant.  Your food is taking long to get to your table, the waitress/waiter seems to be taking their sweet time refilling your beverage or the food you received is not at 'your standard'.  Ever think of praying for the restaurant so it may improve and not fall victim to the economy's troubled times?  Ever think of praying for your waitress/waiter who may be new at the job and is working diligently to serve you?  They may be a single parent working two jobs and walking around in pure exhaustion from trying to make 'ends meat'. 

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete."  

(2 Corinthians 10:4-6) 

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  (Ephesians 4:29)

Bring God into every situation you encounter so as to be His Hands and His Feet.  He will work through you to bless others.  Build each other up, not tear each other down.   May your weapons be God's Truths and not satan's lies. 

God thank you for this day.  Thank you for the ability to speak Your Truths to others.  May all the words out of my mouth be pleasing to You.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Happy Birthday Brooklyn

Three years ago I experienced the worst kind of pain BUT received one of my most precious blessings.  I gave birth to Brooklyn and my life forever changed.  The moment I found out I was pregnant with a girl is the moment I doubted my ability as a mom.  Instantly I felt concern for the choices my daughter may make and the trials she may face.  Would she travel the same roads I did in life?  Would some boy tell her lies to get what immature boys want?  Will she be sad and feel unworthy if not asked to the prom?  Will she hurt in any way?

Now I see that she is in God's Hands.  I am only a vessel He uses to guide my beautiful daughter through life.  Yes, she will face trials.  Yes, she will be rejected by a boy or two.  Yes, she may sit at lunch by herself from time to time.  BUT, I pray her spirit is fed daily by my husband and I so when those hardships come, she leans on God for strength and comfort.  Her Father up above loves her and sees her as beautiful.  May she see herself always as God sees her.

Experiencing the joys of a daughter and focusing on raising her 'right' has been my biggest inspiration to get well.  She is a mirror image of me in her actions (except for the attitude).  So, I must display a strong, healthy, loving, Christian woman.  God must be first in our lives.  I must show her unconditional love.  Though she may weigh on my patience throughout the day, I still love her and remind her of that always.  God's mercies are new every morning, as are a mother's. 

Brooklyn thank you for your love and all the laughter you bring to our home.  Your smile lights up my life.  Your hugs, kisses, and 'knuckles' complete my day.  Your soft words, "my mommy is my best friend (BFF)" bring joy I never knew I could experience.  I love you my sweet child.

God thank you for blessing me with both my children.  I see You must trust me to raise them with You as the center of life.  May all the words I say be pleasing and build my son and daughter up to further Your Kingdom.  Today I celebrate the day Brooklyn was given to me, a gift from You.  My love for my children is a love I never knew existed.  Thank You for allowing me this pleasure.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig 

Me, Me! Ooo, Pick Me!

I sit with a task in my hand and wonder, 'who would be the best to complete this for me?'.  The task means a lot to me and I want the person committed 100%, completing the task with faith that the outcome will be AWESOME.  Who trusts me enough to do what I tell them?

God feels the same way when pondering where blessings need to be dealt.  He searches for a clean, faith- filled, confident heart.  One which relies on Him and not man.  God holds fabulous blessings which He loves to pour on His Children.  We must be obedient so as to prove our trust in Him to do all things.  He yearns for our hearts to surrender and allow Him to work through us, to send us to complete the tasks on His 'list'.  The greatest task remains:  to spread His Word so others may be healed and receive His Grace (the greatest GIFT).

 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." ⁹And he said, "Go, and say to this people:

  "'Keep on hearing, but do not understand;keep on seeing, but do not perceive.' 

Make the heart of this people dull,   

and their ears heavy,
   and blind their eyes;
 lest they see with their eyes,
   and hear with their ears,
and understand with their hearts,
   and turn and be healed."  (Isaiah 6:8-10) ESV

I cry out to God to send me, allow me to work for Him.  Many times God told/tells me, 'not yet'.  My health prevented me from moving forward, my sinful choices infested my heart and the lies satan continually fed me stuck in my mind.  I was useless, consumed with sin and held bondage to Anorexia.  As I began to nourish my body, rely on God's Strength and take the steps He wanted me to take, I saw things much clearer. 

My body is strong and my mind clear.  I feel smarter.  My husband laughs when I say that, but I can now focus better.  I now spend time, which I previously spent on Anorexia, to learn God's Truth and complete daily tasks with 100%.  Anorexia consumed me 90% so I only functioned at 10% for God and my family.  Thank You God for releasing my chains and finding me.

God thank you for today.  Thank You for restored health.  You truly are my Healer.  Send me, I will go and work for You.  I pray the words I use may guide others to Your Truth so they may be another vessel for You.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Clean the Slate

New Year's Resolutions almost always set us up for disappointment.  I believe the devil devours many thoughts when January 1st comes around.  The devil knows this is prime time for stealing all kinds of joy from those creating goals to better serve God, to love themselves and take care of the body God provided.  As we make goals, the devil gets to working.  Within the next couple weeks his lies and our stumbles crush the spirit for a goal appears unattainable and overwhelming.

Guess what.  God can lift your crushed spirit.  God knows we all fall short of His Glory (see Romans 3:23).  We are not perfect, nor are we expected to display perfection in all we do.  Allow God to come in your hearts and reveal to you where He wants you to travel, what goals He wants you to attain and where to clean out the 'gunk' in your life.  Approaching New Year's Resolutions, or daily resolutions, with God as our guide allows for a much better turnout.  Clothe every day in prayer so the devil may not come and destroy His Plan for you.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.  (Lamentations 3:22-23) 

 

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
   to the one who seeks him;  (Lamentations 3:25)

As my chains fell and the bondage to Anorexia loosened, I believed the devil's lies often.  I took heart in knowing God's Mercies are new every morning.  If I fell on Tuesday and my meals were not as God would like, I acknowledged this fall, asked Him to help me do better the next day and knew when I woke up on Wednesday that He had cleaned the slate.

I am not saying we can walk around and sin all we want and then God cleans the slate every night.  No, we must continue to walk in faith, hope in the Lord and not be consumed with our sin.  God blesses each step we take in faith and breaks the chains of bondage.  Do not allow the devil to use your one step back to erase the fact that you took two steps forward.  We also learn and become stronger when we step back.  We learn another trigger situation which may lead to falling and next time place on thicker armor, bringing more scripture along to combat the lies.

God thank you for today.  Thank you for all the steps I take in faith and forgive me for the bumps which I may trip over.  Catch me when I fall and lift me up to see Your Love and Forgiveness so I may continue on and not stay flat on my face.  Keep my heart clean, my words uplifting and my hands reaching.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Where Are Your Eyes Looking?

Scene:  Class Reunion coming in two weeks.
          "What will I wear?  Oh no, I need to go on a diet now.  I wonder what 'Sally' is doing nowadays?  I am not going to tell anyone where I work.  I know, I will tell them I am going to nursing school." 

Scene:  The night of Class Reunion.
          "Wow, this outfit looks hideous, but so did the other 6 I tried on.  Great, it is that time of the month and I am supposed to feel beautiful?  I am not going to allow 'Sally' to see me like this, she will continue to see me as a dork and unworthy of her friendship."

 for they loved human praise more than praise from God.  (John 12:43)

 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.  (John 12:46)

Why do we allow satan to dominate our thoughts?  Well, it is because we are weak and satan knows where to take with.  Our self-confidence is lacking especially when circumstances allow others opportunity to see or 'judge' us.  Only one true judge exists and His love is unconditional.  He sees you as beautiful at ALL times.  He made you with such thought and love.  

Through the love of God we receive strength.  Strive everyday to walk in God-Confidence, not self-confidence.  God-Confidence looks upward, keeping our eyes in the right place.  If we walk in God-Confidence, all things are possible and each step guides us in the right direction, down the straight path.  If we walk in self-confidence, we receive constant berating from satan, miss out on God's Plan and remain miserable.  

Who do you want to win the approval of today?  God or men?  (see Galatians 1:10)

God thank you for today, for every breath I take and every move I make.  May I be reminded every minute of Your love for me so I may walk with God-Confidence.  I am here for You and I know You have great plans for me.  May I not get in the way of Your great works.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig 

My Two Births

"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."  (John 16:21)

So, I'm not sure that my mother has forgotten the anguish experienced through my birth, but I do know her and I hold many joyous memories.  Now that I am a mom, I view mine much different.  Much pity goes to her for my 'bratty' times and the attitude dealt often.  She loved me anyway.  Thank you mom for accepting me as your daughter and loving unconditionally.  Props goes to my dad as well.  He had to work very hard to love me.  My attitude with him was extreme.  Thanks dad for not giving up on me and loving me through the rough times.  I love you both.

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?  And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders  and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."  (Luke 15:4-7)

God sees each of His Children as worthy.  Wow, was I a lost sheep.  God cared so much about little ole' me that He did not give up and found me.  He gave me strength to break free from bondage to a sinful life.  My chains are gone.  Thank you God for accepting me as your daughter and loving unconditionally.  

God will find all His lost sheep.  Like a shepherd with his herd.  We (sheep) must be willing to follow God and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  Our born again life is amazing.  God is Awesome!  

God thank you for this day.  Thank you for providing so many blessings.  I am overflowing.  I pray I can continue on the straight path and stay obedient.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig  

My Plate Runneth Over

I wake up with my list of what I want to accomplish today.  The amount of time needed always exceeds the hours in one day.  So, the smart thing would be to delegate jobs to my family members, friends and others.  Seriously?  I am a woman and my way is the best way to get the job done, right?

WRONG!  God created all His Children with different gifts and talents.  The only perfect person is Jesus.  We need others here to accomplish life daily.  When we fill our plate too full, we miss out on the opportunity to serve God 100%.  The gifts from Him are given for us to use in accomplishing His Plan for us.  We are all one body in Christ, yet many parts.

"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;  if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.  (Romans 12:4-8)

Allow others to use their gifts and talents.  Delegate tasks and you will be surprised of the outcome.  God will use us in ways we never imagined because we  continue stretching ourselves too thin.  May God make you aware of your specific gifts.  A heavy burdened is lifted when realizing we do not need to do it all.  Each member of Christ serves a purpose just as each member of our physical body (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

God thank you for today.  Help me to clean up my plate so it is not overflowing.  May I see that others are capable of accomplishing what needs to be done.  Other's ideas may bring a more successful outcome than me trying to fit it all in and completing with only 50% effort.  Thank you for all the people you surround me with daily.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Milk or Steak

God does not live in a 'Sunday Box'.  He stays with us, constantly guiding and speaking to our hearts.  Each day must begin with a prayer for an open heart, a mind ready to learn His Ways and ears ready to hear the message of His Truths.  May He show us daily if any offensive way appears in our hearts so to change those thoughts and actions to be pleasing to Him (see Psalm 139:23-24).  May He use our hands and feet to further His Kingdom every day.  He is not finished with us yet.
"A finished person is a boring person."
                    -Anna Quindlen

What a peaceful thought to know God continually works through us daily!  The key factor is IF we allow Him in our daily lives, our daily thoughts and our daily actions.  Casting Crowns put it perfectly in their song, "Until the Whole World Hears."

Lord I want to feel your heart
and see the world through your eyes
I want to be your hands and feet
I want to live a life that leads

Our Christian hearts, thoughts and actions should lead others to Jesus.  Before accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my life was useless, miserable and draining.  Living a life of sin creates a deadened heart and we poison others rather than build them up for His Kingdom.  Sinful lives only feed on 'milk' rather than 'solid food', lacking His Truth and guidance toward a righteous life.  Sinful lives create a distance from God.  We must heed the warning of falling away. . .

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.  In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!  Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. 

(Hebrews 5:11-14) 

Feeding ourselves God's Truth (solid food) provides the skills needed to combat satan's lies.  The sword of the Spirit (Word of God) must be ready to draw at any second of the day.  Keep feeding yourself His Word so as to not fall to a sinful life.  His Word teaches and matures, allow this to happen.  He will spiritually feed you with whatever 'food' you are ready to receive.   

"I am not where I need to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be, I'm okay and I am on my way."

            -Joyce Meyer

God thank you for today.  May all the words I speak today be pleasing to you and build others to see You rather than poison them with sinful thoughts.  May I take every thought captive to make it obedient to You (see 2 Corinthians 10:5).   I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

 

Been in 'Time Out' Lately?

So, as I send my child to the rug (AKA - time out), the fit explodes.  I absolutely despise this part of parenting.  I can truly say that disciplining hurts me way more than my children. 

God disciplines us daily just as a parent disciplines a child (see Deuteronomy 8:5).  Okay, so God does not necessarily place us in time out, but He does make us feel discomfort when acting against His Will and instruction.

Think about if we never disciplined our children or if they simply ignored all we taught them.  They would be a mess.  They would not posses the skills to make sound decisions, love others, respect themselves or have organization in their lives.  We love our children, which is why we discipline.  God loves us, which is why He disciplines.  Through His discipline we learn to live a righteous life, we learn to walk the straight path.

Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
   but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.  (Proverbs 10:17)

LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own;
   it is not for them to direct their steps.
Discipline me, LORD, but only in due measure—
   not in your anger,
   or you will reduce me to nothing.
Pour out your wrath on the nations
   that do not acknowledge you,
   on the peoples who do not call on your name.  (Jeremiah 10:23-25)

We must not fear discipline, but accept it and know it comes with love from God above.  Know that God disciplines those He wishes to build up to work for His Kingdom.  Take heart and know that God disciplines as a parent would a child, BUT He also comforts as a mother would a child (see Isaiah 66:13).  Take discipline and learn, strengthen your respect level for God and see blessings flow as you obey.

God thank you for this day.  Bring any discipline needed in my life so I may grow closer to You and posses the skills I need to be the strongest Christian I can for You.  I am here for You.  I know You will not give up on me and You love me unconditionally.  Thank you.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

"America Bless God"

As I walk down our street I notice something disturbing, garbage everywhere.  I guess I missed the memo that the street is now our garbage can.  I failed to see the letter from Rumpke saying, "Just throw your garbage out along the street wherever you may be driving or walking and we will pick it up."  Also, I hear from others about the cruel actions of others, the killings, the robberies and other heinous crimes which exist in this world (side note: Dora invaded my TV, so I am unable to watch firsthand).  Do you really think God is smiling down on these things?

God provided this wonderful world for us to borrow and use during our time here.  He entrusted all these blessings to us, His Children.  What disrespect we display when we trash the land, defile our bodies and/or harm one another.  This reminds me of the story of Noah.  We should all be as obedient and loving as this man.

The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.  The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.  So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.”  But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.  (Genesis 6:5-8)

I don't know about you, but I don't want any of my actions to cause God to regret making this world for His Children to enjoy.  Would you just throw garbage down on your living room floor, steal from your neighbor so as to pay your bills, kill a person for looking at you wrong or force one of God's People to take part in something they strongly said NO to?  We are all Children of God and we must respect our Maker.  He worked diligently on every feature and character of ours.  He is everywhere and knows us completely (see Psalm 139).

He provided all these treasures here for us to enjoy.  Keep His land clean, treat others as you want to be treated, love, give not take, respect yourself (God does not make junk) and praise God for every breath He provides.  Others will see the joy in your life, the blessings your receive due to your obedience to God.  Your radiance will spread and God will continue to pull on other's hearts so they may see His Way, His Truth and His Life.  This world is in need of Christian behavior and God deserves more respect.

My husband and I once saw a billboard stating, "America Bless God" with a bald eagle crying.  I did not understand and the words just did not click until we discussed in our small group how the national anthem states, "God Bless America."  Well, why would God bless America if America is not respecting, loving, obeying and blessing God?

God thank you for today.  Thank you for trusting me here on earth with so much.  I pray for obedience, for the strength to show my faith and stand behind it when faced daily with this broken world.  I pray my light may shine and infest this world so Your Children may see and choose the straight path You provide.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

But I Don't Want To

"But Mom, I do not want to go to school.  School is boring."
The wonderful words out of my seven year old almost daily.  As I go into my 'you have to go to school' speech, I include the importance of attending school and engaging yourself in all the studies.  I tell him that school provides the knowledge we need to succeed in this world.  We acquire skills needed for future careers. 

My son usually is not content with my reasoning, but walks out and enters the bus to head on to school.  He is obedient even though he REALLY does not want to spend his day inside with a teacher telling him to do such and such work.

I find myself in the same predicament with God.  God tells me to take certain steps in life so that I may gain skills needed, strengthen my faith and receive blessings in this world.  I find myself saying, "But God, I do not want to open that door You place in front of me."  He cannot make it any clearer to me where He is leading me, but I still find it hard to move.  My feet remain still as though 200 lb. weights were attached.

I can account numerous people in the Bible whom God healed.  He asked them to do something to be healed.  There was an action attached to display their faith that God does what He says He will do.  The paralyzed man by the pool - told to pick up his map and walk ; The blind man who God placed mud on his eyes - told to walk to a specific river and wash clean so as to see ; The bleeding woman - took the leap of faith in simply touching Jesus' cloak to receive healing.  I know God heals through our obedience.  Numerous examples exist in my own life with the healing of my physical body.  I know and have seen the results of obedience yet I still say, "But God." 

He wants all of us, not just what we are willing to give.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on our own understanding (see Proverbs 3:5-6).  If you have not noticed by now, this scripture speaks volumes to me and appears daily in my thoughts.  He wants full obedience.  The more we obey, the more He trusts us.  Righteousness follows obedience to God.  Let us not become obedient to man or sin.

Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.  (Romans 6:16-19)

God thank you for this day.  Thank you for the freedom to choose You.  May I give all of myself to You and not just the pieces I am willing to let go.  You are pulling my heart, may I be obedient to You.  I know I will truly see peace and abundant blessings.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Bring It On Satan

So, I roll over this morning to look at the clock (not the first time this morning) and see it is time to rise.  It feels as though I just laid down.  My youngest 'little blessing from God' slept erratically for the fifth night in a row.  Therefore, mommy does not sleep either.  I feel drained and a day at the spa sounds wonderful.  I would sleep, receive a massage and return rejuvenated for my family.  NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

Life must continue as I say, "This too shall pass."  I know a place satan can get me is when I lack sleep.  So, I must be extra careful and ask God to be my strength.  I ask for extra protection as I put on my spiritual armor this morning (see Ephesians 6:13-17) for the devil will be throwing many fiery darts my way.  Bring it on satan, God has my back!

Our physically exhaustion could lead to a road of spiritual weakness and lethargy.  Be cautious as to not allow the devil a foothold when physical weakness strikes.  Physical weakness must not bring spiritual weakness.  Take heart knowing God is our strength!  He knows we grow tired and weary.  Keep strong and know He is there to help at all times and in all things.  He does not lose strength.

Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.

 Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.  (Isaiah 40:28-31)

God thank you for today, thank you for every breath I take.  You know I am tired and weary.  Bring Your strength in me to follow Your Will for me today.  May I continue on the straight path and not drift due to exhaustion.  May I still be ready with scripture and equipped to replace any lies the devil may bring in my mind today.  Let us enjoy this day.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Put Away the Wrestling Gear

As a mother, my resume seems to continually grow with each day that passes.  After the events last night my experience as a referee strengthened and I now have wrestler on the list.  My children seem to have just the right actions and words to push buttons.  I never realized this role would be so hard.  Yet, I can take away all their fun as a punishment, or make them sit in 'time out', and a few minutes later the kids are ready to play with me again.  The children hold no resentment and forgive instantly.  I know this will not last as they grow older.  For as we live in this world, our hearts become hardened resulting in unforgiveness.

As Christians, we must live IN this world but not OF this world.  Once we become of this world, we forget the teachings from God.  He places all His teachings in the Bible.  Our instructions can easily be found in the Bible.  We must study it day and night.  Keep yourselves in The Word.

"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)

God is with us wherever we go.  I feel a peace as I read this verse.  God forgives us instantly and holds no resentment just as my children.  We must be childlike in this manner and forgive others, ourselves and even forgive God.  We may want to blame God for our hardships here in this broken world.  He uses trials to discipline and grow our faith, not to harm or bring anger.  The same way I held and sat with my daughter in 'time out', God disciplines us by withholding blessings until we may be trusted or by bringing us through hardships in this world.  Take heart knowing He has overcome the world (see John 16:33)!  We need not wrestle with God as my daughter did with me during 'time out'.  If we just go through the discipline and trust God, the length of the trial is shorter.  If my daughter would have sat still and accepted the discipline, she would have been up and playing much sooner. 

God thank you for this day.  May my eyes open to the unforgiveness and resentment in my heart which I must clean out.  I know a peace will come when You have a clean, loving heart to work with and not an unloving, unforgiving heart.  May I learn from my children and know any trials You bring my way are there to discipline me and strengthen my faith.  May my children see You as a loving, forgiving God so they may continue to be like You and not live OF this world.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

But What About Tomorrow. . .

Our to-do list may consist of such things: clean the kid's playroom - dust the living room - pick up a prescription - get groceries - get gasoline for car - visit a friend - call the doctor - etc.  We wake in the morning with every intention to complete our list.  What if something is left undone?  Do you drop it?  Add it to tomorrow's list?  Delegate the task out to another family member?  Beat yourself up and feel failure for your day?

We cannot complete everything.  Our spirit and energy would wear thin and be followed by a break down (emotionally, physically or both).  Give your day to God and see what He wants you to complete.  His plan may differ from our own.  I know, though, His will be more fulfilling. 

This same tactic goes with worry and concern.  Each day holds enough worry of it's own;  We need not carry over yesterday's troubles and concerns.  If we bring yesterday into today, we set ourselves up for a mess, an overwhelming day which drains us to the point where the a giant foothold is created for the devil to cause destruction. The devil prowls on weary souls.

 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  (Matthew 6:33-34)

We need only to seek God, place Him first in our day and watch Him take care of the rest.  Wasting all our energy on worry (what ifs? and whys?) only causes us to miss our blessings and the opportunities to touch the lives of others today.  I am not saying God does not want us to prepare ourselves for upcoming events or plan accordingly to keep our lives going each day, BUT we are not to sit and worry if something will be done or why our schedule changed from the original plan, etc.  God takes care of us.  Cast your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you (see 1 Peter 5:7).  God is our strength to see us through any trial or hardship.  Relax and enjoy all His blessings.  Praise God for each day and live according to His Will.

God thank you for waking me up this morning, for allowing me to enjoy this day You have planned.  I know You will provide everything I need to accomplish anything which comes my way.  Keep my eyes and ears open to Your Will for me.  Be with all who are lost, guide them and love them.  I pray if I can help in any way to help those lost, that You will show me.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Really? You Trust Me With This One

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"  This question is asked to younger children all around the world.  I try to recall what I answered years ago.  I remember wanting to marry my first 'boyfriend' (in third grade) and having 6 children.  Thank you God for not allowing this one to happen. 

Fast forward a bit to 15 years old.  If asked, "Where do you see yourself in 10-15 years?"  I no my answer WOULD NOT have been experiencing an eating disorder, dropping to the lowest point in my life and making terrible decisions for myself.  Thank you God for being so forgiving and bringing blessings in my life despite all my faults.  Our God is Awesome!!!

Okay, so the past 13 years, I have not received anything above an Associates Degree in college, I have not gained much wealth, I have not started a business and I have not been honored in this world by this world's standards.  I have done so much more.  I followed my heart, I married my best friend and a mother.  Most important of all, I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and God is at my side daily.  I experience the best teachings daily, God's Truths.  This may not bring me a graduation ceremony or a piece of paper to frame and hang on my wall, but it gives me the greatest gift of all - SALVATION.  It provides a 'career' in furthering His Kingdom.  The only thing required on my resume is Belief, Repentence, Confession and Baptism.  God hires all who accept these four simple things.

I now see the why in all my trials and struggles over the years.  Through these, I grew and placed all those hurts in my mind to not forget the faith it took to get through and heal from them.  Each experience is a testimony of God's Grace and Love.  He carried me and comforted me through it all so that I may empower and encourage those around me to trust in Him.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

I sometimes look to God and say, "You sure You trust me with this one"?  More often than not, the situation involves my children.  I made no good decisions for myself growing up, how am I to make the right ones for these two beautiful children God trusts me with?  The cool thing is, I am not making the decisions for them, God is.  I am only a vessel for God to use to keep these children safe and feed their spirits daily with His Word.  God keeps all of His Children in His Hands.  I need only to pray for them.  Now, I am not saying this is easy.  Especially, when my three year old wakes up countless times throughout the night for me to come and find her tag on her blanket so she can hold it in one hand and suck her opposite thumb.  At those times, it is hard to feel the strength and motivation to accomplish this great task God lays before me.  He always makes it work.

God thank you for every blessing you trust me with.  I am here for You.  I pray for the words to use today to encourage and empower all of Your Children I see.  Help me see that I am not the one accomplishing tasks and building a kingdom, it is You working through me and it is Your Kingdom I must do work for daily.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig   

Magnify Your Beauty

When we walk out the door in the morning, we may feel good about ourselves, confident in our skills and feel God has a place for us here.  Then, we go into this hurting world.  Slowly, we encounter people throughout the day and compare ourselves to them.  We see all the good things and ideas others bring to the table at work, school, church or other organizations which we are members.  By the time we hit the door at night, we may feel like nothing, like God has no use for us here.  WRONG!!!

You know who feeds us these lies as we go through our day. . .satan.  Satan wants us to feel useless, so we may just give up and not use our gifts and talents for God.  It is hard for us to sit here and list our gifts and talents.  As humans, we magnify our flaws and minimize our beauty, our gifts.  Seek God with every step you take and He will show you where He wants you to serve, to give, to love. 

I was reminded last night by a beautiful sister in Christ that just like the body, though one, consists of many parts, so it is with Christ.  We are all baptized by one Spirit.  (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-26).  God provides each of His Children with gifts to further His Kingdom.  We cannot, as individuals, do it all.  It is okay that I cannot work with computers or search the web for great tools to use in our Ministry or take on a huge project and delegate jobs to others.  I have my gifts and talents God gave me to use in the areas needed.  We need each other to form one body in Christ.  Without working together and using each other, we would malfunction.  How well would a remote work if the power button were missing?  How well would our washer work if the water line were cut off?  How well would a lamp work if no outlet were around? 

Ask God today to open your eyes to the gifts and talents He provided you so you may plug in somewhere to further His Kingdom.  Don't compare yourself to anyone else.  You are God's Child and He made you exactly how He wanted.  Leave the house with God-Confidence and return with praise for the way God used you today.

God thank you for this day.  May I use my gifts everywhere I go today.  Show me where they are needed.  I am here for You, use me in any way to spread Your Truths and love all Your Children.  May you touch all who read this so they may see themselves as You see them and reveal their gifts to them.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

He Has Your Back

So, I wake up this morning and begin to think about the day ahead.  I know I will enjoy every part of it and see the beauty God blesses us with today.  Today, we go to church, celebrate a birthday (one of the greatest men I know - My father in law), enjoy our children and end the night amongst a handful of close friends in our Sunday night small group.  I am excited about every piece of my day.

I also think about this day and see that I could easily not ever seen this day.  God has provided me this day.  He restored me to health so I may work for Him and grow closer each day with Him. 

 Lord, by such things people live;
and my spirit finds life in them too.
You restored me to health
   and let me live.
Surely it was for my benefit
   that I suffered such anguish.
In your love you kept me
   from the pit of destruction;
you have put all my sins
   behind your back. (Isaiah 38:16-17)

God never gave up on me, though I gave up on Him.  I knocked on death's door many times throughout my eating disorder.  I saw death as the way out.  What a selfish thought!  God has such wonderful plans for me, plans to prosper me, give me hope and provide a wonderful future (see Jeremiah 29:11).  I tried to fight God and tell Him what I thought should happen - I needed to leave this world, I was serving no purpose but to continuously hurt.  Boy, was I wrong!   

I now see all these hurts, all these choices I made created the person I am today.  God did not waste any one of my hurts.  God does not promise we will not experience trials and hardships in this fallen world.  He DOES promise to be there through it all and take us in His Hands.  As I reveal my masks and reach out to others, I see many feel the same hurts and see no light, they feel dark and hopeless.  I am here to shine for God and show others there is hope in God.  God will strengthen us, build us up for His Kingdom and use us to serve Him.  I like The Message version of Isaiah 38:17 -

It seems it was good for me
   to go through all those troubles.
Throughout them all you held tight to my lifeline.
   You never let me tumble over the edge into nothing.
But my sins you let go of,
   threw them over your shoulder—good riddance!

Keep God close.  You may feel life is not fair or times are just so rough.  Take heart in knowing God NEVER wastes a hurt.  He will not let you tumble into nothing if you keep your faith and promise to Him.  He has your back.  He uses us, allow Him to use you today.  Take off your mask allow others to see the strength you find through Our Great Counselor.  Confess your sins to Him and say GOOD RIDDANCE!!!

God thank you for another glorious day.  This is Your day, have it be what You Will.  I am here to enjoy, serve and love.  Thank your for not giving up on me and bringing my body back to health so I may serve you to the fullest.  May all the words I speak be pleasing to You and build others up, guide them to take off those masks and see You as their Lord and Savior.  I am here only to serve You.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Who Has Your Keys?

In seeing the latest tragedy occurring in Japan, my heart breaks for all the individuals involved.  The residents had no idea anything like this would be coming to their homes.  No idea that when they woke up that morning, mother nature changed their lives and took many lives as well. 

I take this tragedy even further and see that NONE of us know when our last breath may occur.  Only God knows when we will go home.  We need to take this and really evaluate how our every day is lived.  Are we living for God or are we living for 'man'?

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.  (Galatians 1:10)

If we continually serve 'man' and forget what God is pulling on our hearts to do or refuse to take the steps in faith needed to further His Kingdom, we are living useless lives.  God is our driver in life.  Give Him the keys and enjoy the ride.  He is the best driver through any storm, darkness, rough terrain or during the brightest days.  His path is our purpose in life. 

I lived too many years going down any path I found to please the closest people in my life at the time.  I was driving all over the place with no real direction, no plan, no purpose.  I drove where 'man' thought I should drive.  I was useless to God and had no faith in the directions He wanted me to go.  I thought I was in control.  Really, I was out of control, in bondage to sin.  He has my keys now and I am so enjoying this ride.  The scenery is fabulous, the pit stops are fulfilling and the bumps in the road bring much growth. 

Set yourselves free today and take the path for God.  Take those steps in faith and He will continually bless you.  It may be scary stepping into the unknown, but He will not take you anywhere you cannot handle with His strength.  The power behind you is way more powerful than anything in front of you.

God thank you for this day.  Be with all individuals experiencing the tsunami.  Bring peace in their heart and show them where they need to go next.  Love on them and take them in Your hands.  May every step I take be made with Your guidance.  Use my hands and feet to further Your Kingdom today.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

A New Pair of Eyes

I am a stay at home mom for the most part, so I spend lots of time with my two (going on twenty) year old daughter.  She often comes to me and says, "Mommy, I love you, we are best friends."  All the while, I am in my unmatched pajamas, shuffled hair and no makeup.  She loves me anyway and sees me as beautiful.  She often puts two pairs of sunglasses on in the car and looks in the mirror laughing.  She sees herself as too cute and of course, so do I. 

To look at my two year old, you would think she has a lot to learn.  But, really she has more wisdom than most of the population.  She sees as God sees.

"But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”  (1 Samuel 16:7)

Too often we go about our day with blinders on (our own eyes).  We look in the mirror and begin to spat critical, harsh words at ourselves so as to tear us down and leave the house feeling unworthy.  These are satan's lies.  God's Truths must come in to kill and defeat satan's lies.  As we go on our path for the day, we see others through those same blinders and judge one person after another OR we feel so much lower than another because we are not seeing past the skin. 

"Do not compare the outside of another to the inside of yourself."  Love one another as God loves us.  We are all His Children and were made for a specific reason.  God makes NO junk.  We insult our Maker if we criticize ourselves and others.  Turn the criticism in to praise.  Before you leave, look in the mirror and praise God for just one feature of yours.  Then leave the house and see others as God sees them.  Pray for a new pair of eyes.  God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance.  If you change your heart to follow God, you will radiate with beauty.

God thank you for this day, for the opportunity to go and be in this world.  Bless my words that they may build and lift others, not tear them down.  May my eyes see as You see.  Use me to show others the love You have for them.  Continue to replace all the lies satan puts inside me with Your Truth.  Thank you for every part of my body, every aspect of my character and the chance to live for You.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

70 X 7 - Really?

Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22)

Upon reading this passage from The Bible, I feel exhausted.  It is hard to imagine continually forgiving someone over and over without feeling like a doormat. 

Forgiveness of others is not necessarily for reconciliation, but to create peace in our heart, knowing we are treating others as Jesus would.  We must also remember to dismiss any anger by speaking in Truth and Love.  It becomes so easy to turn our anger into sin.  For example, we speak before praying, we retaliate, we stuff all inside and allow the devil that foothold to keep us in bondage or simply destroy a relationship because of lack of communication. 

My past displays many trials where all I did was blame others and stuff those emotions.  The devil took this and created a bondage to Anorexia.  I wanted to become invisible, because if you are not seen, you cannot be hurt, right?  I searched any vice I could get my hands on to fill the void inside and feel numb.  Although I was unaware, God was there with me.  He simply watched and said, "You think you can handle this without me, see how that works for you". 

Years later, I see I CANNOT handle anything without Him.  He has showed me where forgiveness must occur.  The ones who hurt me were not even aware of the hurt caused.  The unforgiveness only destroyed me inside.  My anger consumed me and my life was full of sin. 

I now strive to live as God directs me, leaving no anger left unattended.  We must not allow any anger to harbor and continue into the next day.  Each day holds enough troubles of it's own and bringing yesterday's into today would only create a way for the devil to enter and speak lies to us.  No good could come from this.  (see Ephesians 4:25-28)

God may I display forgiveness to all who hurt me daily.  I lift those up in prayer so for you to deal with their heart.  It is not my job to bring justification.  May You also search my heart and see if there is any offensive ways in me so you may lead me in the way everlasting (see Psalm 139:23-24).  Clearly show me the relationships which may be reconciled and those I simply need to forgive and let go. I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig  

The Center Piece of the Puzzle

 When I sit down to do a puzzle I place the box upright so to see the big picture I am working towards.  I begin with the border pieces and create a frame for the rest of the picture.  Life presents a puzzle which requires a different strategy.  We do not have the big picture lying next to us to see the result of a decision or a specific path we are travelling.  The big picture is in His Hands.  Also, the center piece is the foundation for the puzzle of life.  God is the center piece, the most important piece to find and speedily place in the center.  If God is the center, all the other pieces will fall into play at the pace He wants for us.  He may feed us one tiny piece at a time as to not overwhelm us.  We may give up and quit if too much is placed in our path at once.  God knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper not to harm (see Jeremiah 29:11).  We must continually trust Him with the big picture and know that in the end, we will have the most beautiful puzzle - a life lived for Him.

God, may I take today's piece and place it in just the right spot in life.  May all I do and say be pleasing to You and strengthen our relationship.  Use my hands, feet and mouth today to further Your Kingdom.  Please keep the devil from gaining a foothold and destroying the pieces You have placed in my life puzzle.  I love You and may we enjoy this day together.

Pray harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig   

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
   and he will make your paths straight.  (NIV)