[Faith-talk] {Disarmed} Fwd: Morning Thoughts for Wednesday, April 6, 2011

[Amy Ragain]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Stephen Smith <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Date: April 6, 2011 6:43:19 AM CDT
> To: Morning Thoughts 1 <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Subject: Morning Thoughts for Wednesday, April 6, 2011
> 
> Trust: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
> (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)
> 
> - From Bible Promises for iPhone
> http://biblepromises.reigndesign.com/
> 
> Good morning friends, family,loved ones... How precious is the thought of you to my heart!!  I am thanking God for each of you just now, for your joys, for your burdens, for your opportunities, for your safety.  Some of you are heavily burdened by situations, health issues, relationships and circumstances over which you have no control. It is for you I am relaying this piece that Zach Pogue wrote from India, where he is currently ministering the Word of God.  May it bless you as much as it has blessed me!!
> 
> I Didn't Know
> Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:48 PM PDT
> The road is getting narrower. I can feel the flesh being choked out, like a clamp has been placed upon it.
> 
> Everything I have learned about in church, everything my parents taught me about God, everything I have spent hours reading about, everything I “believe” is real. More real than the computer I am using to type this out. In so many ways I thought I knew, but I didn’t. When I gave my heart to God, when I really felt His call, when I thought I really knew what God was all about, I really didn’t know. I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I really didn’t know the battle of kingdoms that was going on. I didn’t know I was enlisting for an army. Even when I did find out I had signed up for war and that the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness were at odds, I didn’t know it in my heart. I got satisfied with mental ascension. I didn’t think about enduring forever. I didn’t think about the faithfulness I would be required to give, or the faithfulness of God I would receive. I didn’t know the power of the name of Jesus that is until I had to fight demons. I didn’t know the power of the Blood of Christ, that is until I realized that it can take a safe church kid and make him a Kingdom warrior. I didn’t know. I didn’t know.
> 
> I didn’t know that I had to guard my heart like that. I didn’t know that the devil hates me. I didn’t know he wants to literally kill me. I didn’t know that I could overcome. I didn’t know I had all of these weapons of warfare. I didn’t know I could fight in the spirit. I didn’t know that the devil has already been defeated. I didn’t know that complaining is a transformation stopper, a miracle stopper, and is a compliment to the devil. 
> 
> I didn’t know the power of praise. I didn’t know that worship could lead me into another dimension. And even when I did learn, I really didn’t know in my heart. 
> 
> I didn’t know that there were other countries outside of America. It’s like a movie, something you only see in pictures or read about in the news. I mean I did know, but I really didn’t care, to be honest. It is easy to hide in America. I didn’t know that a lot of Indians live in places no bigger than a bedroom. I didn’t know that there are even some homes that are smaller than my bathroom, and that’s if they have walls. I didn’t know.
> 
> I didn’t know that an offended heart is the worst thing to have. Especially when you feel offended by the One you know can heal you, even though He didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t know that you could know something about God in your head and think otherwise in your heart. I didn’t know that it really is all about love. I thought I knew, but I didn’t. I didn’t know that it was possible to love someone without knowing them, but simply loving them because God does, I didn’t know. I didn’t know how arrogant my prayers have sounded before. I didn’t know how selfish I was. I didn’t know. 
> 
> I didn’t know that I was an overcomer in Christ Jesus. I didn’t know I am accepted in the Beloved. I didn’t know that I have all power and authority in Christ. I didn’t know that I would really overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. I didn’t really know how on fire I was for myself in the beginning. I didn’t know that I was supposed to be on fire for something other than my own emotional highs and feelings. I didn’t realize how weak I really am. I didn’t know how strong in Christ I really was. I didn’t know that God loves everyone like He loves me. I didn’t know that I had measured Gods love by feelings instead of actions. I didn’t know anything.
> 
> And even though I didn’t know any of things before, I still can’t say I really know it. I am constantly reminded that I am not my own. I was bought with a price. The greatest journey any one can make is the journey of 18 inches. From the head to the heart. I had to travel 9800 miles for 18 inches. The journey is not over; in fact it is only beginning. I didn’t know any of this when I gave my life to Christ, I didn’t know I would walk this path, but He did. That is why I look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith. He is my Rock. I will not be easily shaken. There are times when I hear a little voice telling me to drop everything and go back, back to old habits, back to old ways of thinking. Then there is the voice of the Holy Spirit that whispers in my heart the word “covenant.” I didn’t know I was entering covenant, but I am glad I did. I will overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of my testimony. I am pressed but not crushed, struck down but not destroyed.
> 
> 
> Thank you Zach!!  Blessings, love and hope to all,
> 
> <3Steve:-))