Wear your Gear Proudly

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” Ephesians 6:13. . .

 Preparation for the baseball game included wearing the proper attire to support our local MLB team.  We wore the colors proudly along with many others in the stadium.  Amongst the sea of beautiful red were some black/yellow gear worn by those “other” fans (not mentioning any names – Pittsburgh).  Luckily, the tickets given to us allowed for entrance to a special section with lots of food and fun.  The view was fantastic and the people friendly.  When standing in line for the restroom, I overheard a conversation between two ladies; one wore red, the other wore black/yellow.  The one mentioned how nice and considerate local fans are to those opponents or individuals wearing the opposing colors.  She received no obnoxious words or faces due to being in the minority.  Although that being said, she still felt bad and hesitant to wear her team’s colors in support. 

Just an inning after hearing the conversation, I witnessed an event that made me think a little deeper than baseball.  The same lady as spoke of above stood in eye’s view of me.  Her team made a great hit and even got a run off of it.  She raised her hand and cheered; but, no sooner did her hand raise that it fell back and she hid her face in fear of looks or words thrown at her.  She stood in minority amongst fans and appeared ashamed when cheering for the team she loved. 

How often do we Christians experience the same situation?  We stand amongst ‘fans’ of another team or those not even sure what team to support.  This world consists of troubled individuals wearing darkness day in and day out.  Christians bring the Light to every location traveled.  God asks for His Children to place armor on daily before stepping out into this world.  The armor should be worn proudly no matter the surroundings.  Proceeding forward each day, we also need to continue cheering for our God regardless if in minority.  Let me inform you my friend, we will be in the minority more often than not.  Viewing the news for five minutes brings that realization to forefront. 

Let us work together as members on His Team to stand boldly for our God.  Teach others His Truth while shining His Light wherever travelled.  Raise your hands high for Him, setting the example of life filled with freedom, joy, peace and love.  Guaranteed, your Team will win every time! 

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.”

Isaiah 60:1-2

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. . . For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.  So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 ; 4:11-12

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig  

Your Ultimate Guide

 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy.  So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

1 Samuel 3:7-10

Years went by that a still small voice continued to call my name.  Although each time I denied the calling, He never stopped and His hand remained open.  The day arose when I finally realized that Voice was my Savior. . .

Before coming into a relationship with my Lord and Savior, I continued on a path which unbeknownst to me led in the opposite direction.  The prayers lifted remained empty of faith.  Each day, I spoke the same words in disbelief any answer would come.  So wrapped up in my eating disorder, I could not see past the lies feeding my illness.  Satan had a tight grip on the situation and loved to deter me from answering that voice heard daily. 

Choosing the straight path increases the fiery darts shot from the enemy.  Each day a battle occurs for our soul; the enemy whispers lies to veer from Truth, working diligently to quiet the Lord’s voice.  The world stirs up stormy waters to drown out His voice.  Fleshly desires veer our path to the right and to the left.  I can recall lying down each evening praying for God to end this battle and bring me Home.  Waking up to the same situations, the same lies and the same emotions kept me from the freedom He had in store.  So, day in and day out I rode the crashing waves of this stormy life. . .reaching for the same escapes to find relief for just a short bit.  I answered the wrong voice as Samuel did numerous times.  I answered the voice of fleshly desires and anything to numb out my pain. 

It took ten long years of running to realize the stronghold causing me to ignore His voice.  And though I wish I could say that now I hear Him loud and clear proceeding to answer every call He makes; I cannot make that statement.  I still struggle often to hear clearly His direction when making decisions, healing from hurts or doing the right thing in the moment.  Thankfully, our God’s love and forgiveness never ends.  As we approach the cross, lay it all down in repentance, He forgives and washes us clean.       

“The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.  And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord.  The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.” 1 Samuel 3:19-21

Once coming to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the daily battle is already won.  No need to fight the crashing waves, run to fleshly escapes or fear what is to come.  He will remain by your side, work diligently within your soul to guide each step taken and protect the path laid down for your life.  Not a moment will be wasted for He works all things out for His good for those who love and accept Him. 

Stormy waters will still appear. . .you may be in some currently, but rest assured that God will keep your head above and see you through to calm waters.  Listen closely; He is calling you by name.  He holds great plans for your future.

And always. . .

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Learning from our Teacher

I have learned more during the launch of my nursing career than the whole two years attending school.  The learning did not come from books or lectures; but, real life in-your-face situations.  This selfish woman began a new career and a transformation into new attitude toward each day.  I would like to share four things I learned thus far. . .

LIFE is not for me!  Yes, before I believed each day existed to reach contentment and fulfillment.  Well, I was wrong.  With each sunrise opportunity to help another arises.  Avoid fleshly desires/comfort and grow your heart beyond what can be imagined.  Changing thoughts from self to others keeps Satan at a distance.  Taking each moment to help another allows Jesus’ light to shine through.     

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:1-4

PHYSICAL strength will not sustain you!  My body screams after twelve hours standing, walking, bending, pulling and pushing.  It crashes for six hours only to get up and repeat same situations.  After three nights continuing this pattern, I question if I can do anymore.  Physical strength fails each us often; therefore, we must not rely on our own strength to persevere.  God can do more than we can even ask or imagine as we lean on Him for strength, guidance and help in the most difficult situations.  It is only through Him we will find the straight path leading to eternal life in Heaven.    

“The Lord is my strength and my defense;
    he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Exodus 15:2

“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6

ATTITUDE makes all the difference!  This powerful statement will carry you to mighty places and grow faith tremendously.  Approaching a difficult situation with a conquering attitude brings success rather than dread.  Success leads to changing lives of all you meet.  And changing lives proves the reason our Father sent us here! 

^“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6

A SMILE goes a long way!  “Kill them with kindness.”  True Dat!  Those with illness develop frustrations, anger and even depression as the days go along without them able to do the skills done before arriving in a facility.  Think back to a time when you were bedridden, weak and feeling terrible. . .what if that continued for weeks or indefinitely?  I am sure my emotions would plummet and my words may not always be kind.  Therefore, I realize the individuals I encounter need a smile.  A smile spreads like wildfire.  A hug heals the deepest hurts.  A kind word wipes out negative attitudes.  Instead of judging or criticizing, we need to love and comfort.

“When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it;
    the light of my face was precious to them.” Job 29:24    

AND ALWAYS. . .

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Fickle Spirits

Preface: I love my daughter with all my heart and know fully she is an angel sent to our family to bring joy, laughter and beauty.  Now, that being said, she can drive me batty from time to time.  Seems like she learned just the right buttons to push which send momma into frenzy mode!  Going through a phase?  I hope so.  Daily, we battle it out through our differences.

Okay, example scenario: clothes always get laid out the night before and chosen with the help of my daughter.  She knows full and well the items to be worn and even tries them on when new to assure that she will like them.  Pre-planning creates smoother mornings – or so one would think!  Morning time comes and 99.9% of the time something about or on the clothing bothers her.  Grant you we tried them on, looked them over and picked them out TOGETHER.  Now we have an upset child demanding a new outfit all the while time ticks closer to the arrival of the bus. 

But wait. . .there is more.  We will purchase a food product she loves to go in her lunches.  Same product, same store, same ingredients!  The lunchbox returns with uneaten food.  She claims to dislike the particular item that she loved the week before.  Often times it is a product no one else can eat due to our current meal plans.  Fickle little spirits and taste buds lead to wasteful living.

This OCD mother grows weary with such indecisive, unprepared and fickle lifestyle she currently leads.  I like to have it all out and ready to go so the kids can sleep as late as possible and still catch the bus.  Button #1 is pushed when I believe we will be late.  As time ticks, my nerves increase.  I don’t like rushing around making all kinds of decisions which could have been made the night before.  Button #2 is pushed when change comes around.  Why change, when things run smoothly? 

Thankfully, my daughter forgives indefinitely; because, hindsight reveals a mother overreacting and the situation working out just fine in the end.  Kids get on the bus in time and my daughter does not go hungry at lunch.  I grow through each scenario and a better reaction occurs each time.  Once I have it right, she will venture to another phase pushing yet another button of mine.

I believe God looks down on us with love through each phase we encounter as growing Christians.  He makes a way each day for us, providing all we need and more.  Yet, we wake up and venture out finding something wrong or disagree with a situation.  We spend our time fighting against the decisions which seem uncomfortable, out of reach or those taking more time.  What we don’t see is God already prepared the way and laid out enough grace to cover all encountered along the path.  Life may present crazy, tough situations; but, we can remain stable in Him and complete immeasurably more than ever thought of by our carnal minds. 

Life cannot remain the same day in and day out.  Stress increases, finances plummet, loved ones pass, exhaustion reaches a plateau, illness strikes or depression overtakes due to loneliness.  Where is the DISLIKE button?  Rest assured my friend that God remains the same throughout it all.  His promises ring true in every situation.  Watch out for fickle spirits running for fleshly comfort.  Reaching for desires of the flesh leads to wasteful living.  Temporary pleasures find us empty inside and stationary on the path laid out for our lives. 

Each day we are handed ONE choice: Whom will you serve?  Serving our Lord Jesus Christ will eliminate the unprepared, indecisive and fickle lifestyle.  You simply say yes, Lord, here I am; use me in mighty ways this day.  Of course, there is some planning on our parts done daily to remember Who we serve.  Reading His Truth will equip you for anything the enemy may throw in to deter you off the straight path.  The enemy knows just the right buttons to push, sending you into frenzy mode.  Beginning the day with prayer strengthens your relationship with God which then allows for conversation to better be heard throughout the day.  He remains the same – we must avoid fickle little spirits!

As for my daughter. . .this momma must take a deep breath, embrace the morning with love and. . .

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Void Satan's Ticket. . .

Beginning a new career creates a rollercoaster of emotions.  Through orientation the excitement builds equivalent to a coaster climbing that first hill.  Following orientation you dig into the routines, policies and procedures of the facility only to find days when emotions plummet.  Similar to the coaster falling full force down the steep hill, learning a new routine and skills may lead to downward spiral of emotions.  Mistakes occur taking a stab at confidence.  Exhaustion results after long hours of learning which steal away all patience.  Strength arises when success can finally be seen and the learning revealed when remembering what to do for that day.  The rollercoaster begins climbing the next hill.  Excitement filters back in along with confidence and rest. 

Hard work, exhaustion and moments of despair all led to the career I began as a nurse.  Excitement shot through the roof as I began caring for patients and performing skills learned in school.  After a week of training, emotions plummeted and I felt failure creeping into my spirit.  Mistakes led to questioning the decision to be a nurse.  Adjusting to twelve hour shifts led to exhaustion and short temper with loved ones.  I crashed one night for an eleven hour getaway to sleep the week’s events off.  After wakening, I realized what went wrong the past week. . .

It was not that I don’t have the knowledge, passion or ability to perform said career.  It was that I held tightly to self for strength and courage.  Relying on self creates a rollercoaster ride of emotions.  Satan sat right next to me and enjoyed every moment of the ride.  Well, I made a decision to kick Satan out and void his ticket into my spirit. 

Have you ever ridden a rollercoaster and let go of the handlebars?  As we hold tightly to the handlebars, relying on our own strength to get us through the ride, it ends with pain, weakness, frustration and no desire ever to step foot on the ride again.  Raising hands high, letting up on the tight grip allows freedom to enjoy the ride.  We know we are safe although valleys, peaks and turns lay ahead on the ride.  Excitement remains despite the speed changes and bumps felt throughout.  The difference being our source of strength and courage. . .

Numerous times in the Bible, God reminds Joshua to be strong and courageous throughout his journey.  God did not ask Joshua to approach things through his own strength or rely on emotions to see him through.  God asked Joshua to take Him along for the ride, let go of the handlebars and allow Him to maintain excitement for whatever the path may present.  Placing our trust in God for strength and courage keeps Satan at a distance.

Life may seem like a rollercoaster ride that you did not buy a ticket for nor did you have a desire to even approach the entrance gate.  Rest assured because God provides strength beyond what can be imagined.  Courage builds by looking upward knowing He is by your side to help.  Let go of the tight grip, raise hands high and be amazed at the accomplishments made with His strength dwelling inside you.  Be strong and courageous! 

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  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 1:5-9

Don’t focus on the ups and downs of life. . .read His Truth to maintain and be stable.  We are NEVER left alone or FORSAKEN.  Gain and deepen your relationship with God.  Get to know Him by reading His Word.  This alone will void Satan’s ticket into your spirit; for Satan slithers around waiting to steal our focus on the rollercoaster of life.  Satan wants to join the ride and destroy your strength!  REMEMBER. . .

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Warning: Dense Fog Ahead!

Driving to work typically comes easily; but, one morning a thick fog covered the land just at eyesight.  A few factors increased the danger of such conditions.  I drove a borrowed vehicle exceeding the size of the van I typically use.  Eyesight seemed to diminish in this rather large vehicle.  The windows continuously fogged with defrost failing to assist.  Still dark outside, I took off for my destination.  Prayers released the entire trip for safety and help with clear vision of those wonderfully painted yellow lines.  I hugged them, but not too tightly and drove slow around each curve in the road.

Inability to see more than five feet in the distance filled me with fear.  Anxiety arose in knowing curves existed, but unable to realize the timing until right upon them.  I drove with headlights cutting through the fog slightly praying others did the same.  Coming to the crossroad, I trusted other drivers to use headlights to make their presence known.  I turned praying no vehicle was coming.  A ten minute drive felt like an hour.  My desire to be at work NOW was overpowered by the need to be safe and drive slower.  Careless driving would lead to destruction and pain.  Relying on my strength would lead to accidents and suffering.  My decisions not only affect me, but all others on the roadway.  Cars trailing behind must drive careful as I lead the pack to better lighting and straighter roads.  As I pull into the driveway at work a prayer in appreciation for safety raises. 

Overall decisions come easily and life moseys right along just fine.  But, seasons may appear along the way presenting a thick fog hindering our eyesight.  Factors arise and increase the danger of such conditions.  Some include stress level increased, lack of sleep, malnourishment, failure to spend time with God, self-condemnation, death of loved one, divorce, depression, etc.  Darkness surrounding the situation only decreases ability to see any way out of such fog.  We take off on daily destinations hoping for safety and courage just to get by.  Going through the motions, placing a fake smile on and hiding behind the fog opens doors for our enemy to creep in and work to destroy our spirit. 

The overwhelming circumstances lead to careless ‘driving’ resulting in destruction and immense pain.  We rely on our own strength to see us through resulting in crash and burn situations.  The enemy loves this forecast and works diligently to lead us away from the only Source of help.  Old habits creep back in which we grab hold quickly for any type of relief even for just the moment.  Not only affecting ourselves, we lead others wrongly with each failing decision. 

When the fog of life comes in, remember Who can be the light which leads to safety.  Hug tightly the One providing Truth which to guide the path.  ‘Drive’ slowly paying close attention to each curve the enemy may throw in your path.  Crossroads may appear along the way; rely on others God may send to aide in deciding which way to turn.  Decrease any factors that increase the danger of such conditions.  Reach out for help.  Our desire to be out of this season NOW must be overpowered by His plan for our lives. . .  

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:8-9   

One season may seem like a lifetime; but, rest assured God is working diligently to grow faith, increase prayer life and turn all situations out for the good of those who love Him!  Avoid hiding behind a forced smile. . .ask for help and prayer from trusted friends.  Veer away from going through the motions carelessly. . .increase focus as each decision is made.  Rely on Him for strength to lead to the path laid for your life.  You will find then, joy can still remain even through the thickest of fog.   

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig