YES! and NO!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 7:11AM 
Greetings, Dear Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So share a story or an insight, bless lots of people, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and friend!
NEW RELEASE!!!
I am very excited to announce the release of my newest book, "Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience in God's Heart for Justice."
Bless my socks off and pick up a copy today! I believe the message of this book is an important word for women in our day. Follow the Amazon link below to get a look at my book. Please post a review if you've had the chance to read 'Embracing Your Freedom' (thank you so much!):
Embracing Your Freedom on Amazon...
It's time to give away this month's Starbucks gift card. Drum roll please...
Jami Kaeb, congratulations! Thanks for your great posts! Email me at: info@susielarson.com with your mailing address and I'll get the card in the mail to you. Bless you!
Now on to my topic...
Those of you who frequent my blog know that I've devoted the weeks in November to address some uncommon aspects of giving thanks (for our freedom for the unknown road ahead, for the first signs of answered prayer). Today we are going to look at the powerful gifts of our 'YES' and 'NO' when it comes to the spiritual realm. There is power in those words!
Ephesians 6:16 tells us to: take up the shield of faith with which we can extinguish ALL of the flaming arrows of the evil one.
When we walk in step with the Lord, there is NOTHING the enemy can send our way that we can't defend. We raise our shield and we block his attempts to bring us down, make us doubt, and move us into discouragement. I'm speaking to myself here. I've been in a bit of a funk these past couple of days. But this passage reminds me that the armor I possess in Christ is perfect for times such as these!
Author Rick Renner addressed the 'with which' in the verse above. He wrote that the Greek word for the phrase 'with which' is 'dunamis' which means explosive power.
When the enemy shoots his arrows at us, we MUST raise our shield in response to his attacks and say 'NO!' When we raise our shield and refuse his taunts, we actually activate and explosive power in the supernatural realm. Our shield isn't a plastic toy, it's a supernatural weapon to combat and overcome supernatural schemes devised against us! And that's something for which to be thankful!
Let's look at another verse:
(Jesus answers a man who said, "If you can...please help us"):
"'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes.' (See Mark 9:23).
According to author Rick Renner, the word 'possible' in this verse is the Greek word, 'dunata' which comes from the word 'dunatos.' It expresses the idea of ability, power, and one who is able. It shares the same root word as 'dunamis.'
Rick Renner writes: "You see, faith is the spark that ignites the impossible causes to become possible. When a person's faith is activated, it sets in motion supernatural power that enables that person to do what he normally would never be able to do!" (See Sparkling Gems, pg. 780).
So you see, when you say NO! to the enemy, you active explosive power against the forces that stand opposed to you. And when you say YES! to God, you active explosive power in the heavenly realms where God has assigned warring angels to assist and help you.
Our 'NO' and 'YES' mean something to God and they mean something to the devil. Let's not minimize the gift of what God had made available to us in this life. We are equipped to be MORE THAN CONQUERORS in Christ Jesus. God has given us authority over ALL of the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19), and ANYTHING is possible for us who walk in faith (Mark 9:23).
Thank you, Lord.
~Until next week.
Reader Comments (9)
Jami :)
Your story illustrates the power of ONE! You helped your sister turn the tide of her discouragement! What an influence we can have each and every day as we walk with God, guard our hearts, and stand together! God bless you, sister.
I'm happy for you! You are a great encourager and a wonderful woman of God. May He continue to bless the work of your hands and lead you to faith-filled places. :)
I have a friend that was at the Grace Church in Racine, WI, Women's Retreat. She would like to have an email from you if that's possible. She uses a walker and you prayed for/with her. Her name is Tammy. If you have her email address could you send her a word of encouragement, and if not or you want more information please email me. Thank you.
I think that we have to hold our shields up and say "no" to the devil at least 10 or 20 times a day! Depression, doubt, insecurity, offense, frustration, traffic...
It seems we are caught "off guard" too often. As women and mothers we set such a precedent in the lives of those around us and we need to be more "on guard."
Please forgive me for such a delayed reply to your post. I don't think I've ever been this late in post replies. All I can say is that I've been buried. So sorry. I'll email you privately to get her address. :)Blessings to you!
Well put! You said it perfectly! We need to be fully alert, fully engaged, watchful, discerning, and yet, full of hope and expectancy at the same time. The enemy is always on the move, but then again, so is God (and we're on the winning side!).Blessings to you~