It's Worth the Fight!

About a month ago a really good friend of my was fighting for her life as she was under going surgery. She was having a double masetomy due to breast cancer. She had asked me to be there in the surgery waiting room to pray during her surgery, of which I felt it a complete honor to do so. On this day and the days that have come to follow she is in a fight to win the battle of breast cancer and her life. There are 2 other great ladies within my church that are on this fight as well and it is such a fight but one worth fighting!!

I say all that to say that on this same day I spent at the hospital with my friend and her family, my husband had a not so pleasent conversation on the phone with one of our sons (while we were at the hospital). He did such an incredible job of keeping calm and trying to walk through whatever "crises" was at hand in my son's life. He talked about the proper thing God would have him do in the situation and how God would have him respond and act and I'm sure even mentioned some specifics of God's word. Our son responded with "Why do you always have to bring God in the conversation?" This question really conerned me as a mom. I first began to think well, maybe we as a ministers family do mention God's word too much, maybe we should not do that and back off a little! I thought about this over and over and I think God really began to show me the BATTLE we are in as families. We are in a FIGHT for our families to thrive and live and the enemy, satan, had just thrown a weapon of destruction in the form of a lie. The lie that we shouldn't be telling our son God's word because we will just make him rebel against it, and we don't need to "preach" to him when he is having a difficult time...... and on the lie went in my head.

As I woke up the next morning the thought of the BATTLE was still on my mind and how the enemy is out to "steal, and kill, and destroy.." John 10:10. My son came down stairs for breakfast and as we normally do, we had our devotion time together. This particular morning, God had me share from the previous days situation. I asked him when he saw a little pink ribbon that some one was wearing what that made him think of and he said cancer and the fight for cancer. I then asked what the yellow rubber bracelets stood for and he said Lance Armstrong and the fight for caner. I shared with him how important it was for me and my friend's other family and friends to be at the hospital the day before and that she was truly in a fight for her life as she was in surgery for about 6 plus hours and all that she would have to conitnue to do to fight for her life. I asked him if he thought it was worth it and of course he said yeah! I then began to share with him that we are in another battle that is a true fight and the enemy is and will do anything he can to destroy our family and other Godly families. I talked to him about how we are on the front battle lines in this war as we are part of the pastoring staff at our church and that if satan can wipe our family out then he has helped to destroy some of the front battle line. I brought up to him the comment that he had made to his father about always talking about God's word. I told him we would always hold God's word up high as the standard as that is our weapon and tool to fight the enemy with. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Our life verse that we pray for each of our sons is 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 which says, "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."

I really believe that we as parents will not come across as "preachy" to our children when we take the time to develop a relationship with them. Our relationship tells them that we love them and desire the best for them. We gain their trust and love as we role model to them that Christianity is not something that we just do on Sunday mornings or Wednesdays, but that it is a relationship with God that we can not seperate from our job, our friends, our family, our hobbies. Christianity is lived out every moment of every day in our lives as we live at home and outside the home. God's word is the standard and truth that we base our lives off of and it is what naturally should come out of us as belivers in all situations. It is the enemies lie that would have us believe we should back down and sugar coat things when they get tough for "fear" we might loose our relationship with our child. This fear is totally rooted in our minds by the enemy as God tells us in Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." This pretty much sums up what God would have us do with his words! We are to be diligent to teach and impress (role model) to our children every day as we get up as we walk along the way and when we lie down to rest.

The BATTLE for my friends lives as they/we battle cancer is very worth while and it is something they are doing daily all day long. I would also say that the BATTLE for the family, mine and yours is well worth it and is must be fought daily all day long!

God's Mercies Are New Every Morning!

Lamentations 3:20-26 says "I well remember them and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

I come to this new day with great hope knowing that my LORD and Savior's mercy for me is great and this His love for me is complete. He loves and accepts me for just who I am. As the ladies retreat this past weekend challenged me again in so many area's of weakness in my life, I have to acknowledge that God is not through with me and that He is still at work in my life. A verse that encourages me in this is Ps. 37:23-24 which says, "The steps of "Darla" are established by the LORD, and He delights in "her" way. When "Darla" falls, she will not be hurled headlong, because the LORD is the one who holds "her" hand."

Scripture brings me great comfort as I also read Psalm 121 I am encouraged to know that my help truly comes from the LORD. It does not come through my husband, children, friends or things. They may be instruments of His peace, as I pray that I am an instrument of His hands and feet to help bring His comfort to others, but ultimately, it is Christ and Christ alone that satisfies and brings me peace. Ps. 121:1-3 says, "I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber." Now that encourages me as I set out today to accomplish the things that God has set before me. Lord I pray that I will be faithful to be obedient to trust in you with all my heart and not lean to my own understanding today (Prov. 3:5-6) I also pray that I would be completely humble and gentle. May I be patient today and bear with others and do everything I can to keep the unity of your Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph. 4:2-3) In Christ's precious name I ask,
Your daughter,
Darla

Daily Lessons on Prayer

Below is an e-mail I sent out to some people in my life that I felt God wanted me to encourage with what He is teaching me. As you read, may you find encouragement as well.

.... what He has encouraged me with over the last several days. Hebrews 3:13-14 says, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first."

Paul, in his message on Sunday through God's word, challenged us with 1Thess. 5:16-18 which says "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." The part that has really been speaking to me is verse 17 which says "pray continually". I am coming more and more convinced that prayer is like breathing for me. When I stop, I literally start stressing out and it is like I am gasping for air because I do not have clarity of thought or mind, which I know God says he gives me when I am trusting in Him (Is. 26:3)

As I was driving on Tuesday, I listened to Family Life Today and it was on praying BIG for your children. It was a great program. I am sending you the link and encourage you to take the time and listen to it. http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/FamilyLife_Today/archives.asp?bcd=2010-1-5

The other part was at New Community last night as Julie lead us in the song, "Hosanna". The words..."I see a generation, rising up to take their place with selfless faith. I see a near revival stirring as we pray and seek, we're on our knees, we're on our knee's". Those words again struck a chord within me to continue to pray on behalf of my boys and husband in a great way that they would truly "love the Lord with ALL their heart, and because they love HIM, they desire to serve HIM ALL their days". This is the prayer I pray for them and I do pray BIG for my boys that they would be change agents in the "worlds" that they live in and the people they come in contact with. I pray that God would put a protective hedge about them and also bring other Godly people into their lives that can encourage and walk along side them. This is the generation that God wants to use, can use, will use and I believe is using to reach the world with His Gospel and message of Jesus Christ.

The link to that song is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXCoHxX1OC8
I encourage you to click on this link as well and allow it to minister to you as it did to me.

Again, I pray that you will be encouraged today as you read this and seek God with a whole, pure heart. May each of us be on our knees in prayer seeking how God would desire to order our days in order to bring Him glory.

If any of you missed or are out of town and would like to hear Paul's sermon from Sunday, you can log onto www.thecommunityatlakeridge.com and go to "Media" then click onto "Podcast" you can listen to the sermon right there. The series is going to be really good!! Take the opportunity and be a part of the entire series if you can!!

May your Heart be gladdened today!
--
Darla Swiggart
Romans 15:5-6

Life Lessons

Do you ever feel like an emotional "Roller Coaster"? One day this way, one day that way? Have you ever thought how could God love me now after I did this, or felt this way, or__________? Or maybe the thought of I thought I already fought this battle and learned this lesson in life, why am I constantly fighting this same battle? Well, I have! You know we are part of a church that's motto is "Real Life, Real Community, ...Casual Atmosphere, Serious Faith", we are challenged with being Real, Genuine, Authentic with each other and know that No perfect people are allowed! Now I am truly thankful for that. So I guess what I am saying I am letting the "real me stand up"!

This life lesson God is trying to get through to me is seemingly so simple, yet for me it seems to be so hard and there are days I get it and days I don't. I think for many years I had the head knowledge of the truth, but God is wanting me to really "experientally know" the truth. That truth is : God is my source of strength, period! He alone can satisfy, not God plus my husband, or God plus my "happy children", or God plus my clean house, or God plus a growing thriving business, or God plus everyone happy with me or God plus having plenty of money in the bank or... and the list could go on.

This week as I have gone through my "roller coaster" ride, God is so faithful. He revealed himself through several ways but the main one is through his word. The first scripture that He showed me is Ps. 94:18-19 "When I said, "My foot is slipping, Your love, O Lord supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." As I went through my day I kept this scripture handy and I began to play uplifting praise music, God truly supported me and brought consolation to my soul.

God also revealed himself to me as he so often does through my sweet loving husband who loves me at my worst. He gave me words of encourgement, put no expectations on me to be "perfect", he wrapped his arms around me and prayed for me and put me in God's hands knowing that he can not fix me. I thank God for the unconditional love my husband has for me as our marriage is really supposed to be an example of Christ and His bride (the church). My husband would never feel like he is a true picture of Christ and the perfect love He is, but that is the picture that Christ paints of us. Eph. 5:23 -25 says, "For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24) But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25)Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; "(if you look this scipture up in your bible read all the way to end of chapter, it is really good).

The third way God revealed Himself to me was through a devotional thought a friend forwarded to me, that her boss sent to her. Wow, now that is a chain to go through to get His message to me, not counting the chain that it took to get to her boss. I am not sure who to actually give credit to for these words, but some of the encouraging thoughts through the devotional were. "Do Not Let any set of circumstances intimidate you. The more challenging your day, the more of My Power I place at your disposal." That really hit home to me as one of the scriptures I look at almost daily says, "And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2Cor. 12:9

And finally, as I am reading in my devotional time today, God spoke to me through Psalm 91:1-2 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" The words, "My God in whom I trust!" , basicically once again sum up this lesson of life God is trying to teach me, when it is all said and done, and as I go through out life it all begins and ends upon God. He is my source, my provision, for everything I need, emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally, He is it, no questions asked, it is Him alone! Don't know how many other ways I can say it, I just pray that I learn this lesson and let it totally consume me to where I live it not just have the "head knowledge know it"!

Pray that those who read this may experientally come to know this truth as well!

For Thou hast been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; Is. 25:4

Pictures provied by http://www.gregscoasterphotos.com/ and www.hickerphoto.com/oceans Thanks

Life Is A Constant Journey...

Life is a constant journey. On a journey we must continually replenish ourselves so we will not get totally exhausted and quit the destination we have set out to reach. The journey that I am on is a journey of faith and one that requires me to have to continually be renewed day by day and moment by moment. My source of refueling is one that is complete and lacking nothing...Jesus Christ. As I get tired and ready to give up and at the end of myself this is when I realize I have not refueled on a regular basis and I must go sit at the feet of Jesus. I shouldn't be amazed, but sometimes I just sit back and go WOW, You Go GOD, You amaze me that you care so much about me that you met me today at the end of myself! I know He is probably sitting on His throne, smiling and saying, I am so glad you finally asked me for help, it was there all the time, I long for you to receive all that I have for you.

Last week was one of these come to the end of myself, think I'm gonna go crazy week. God met me in the car at Noah's school. I was going a few minutes early and thought I needed to grab something to read (God's thought really), so I grabbed one book off the shelf realized it was one we were already reading and just quickly grabbed my Reading the Bible through in a year Bible (that one that I haven't been able to keep up with thus I am in May, and it is Nov.!) We'll anyway, I didn't realize that I was going to sit there for over 30 minutes waiting on Noah as he had forgotten his phone and couldn't call me and he was at cross country practice... (God knew) We'll needless to say I got some much needed "refueling" time from the Father that was so very precious. Below are just a few things God spoke to me.

We are all on this journey together. I pray mine may be an encouragement to you. As you read the scriptures below I pray that God will replenish you as He has me. May you continually be renewed day by day and moment by moment.

Psalm 27:1,3 "The LORD is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? ( I realized I had fear) The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? v. 3 Though a mighty army surround me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.

My Enemies Exposed: Fear, Worry, Doubt, Depression
Ps. 27:11-14 "Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. v. 12 Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I've never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. v. 13 Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. v. 14 Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD."

Where My Strength Comes From: The LORD
Ps. 28:7 "The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. v. 8 The LORD gives his people strength."
Ps. 29:11 "The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace."
Ps. 30:1-2 "I will exalt you, LORD, for you rescued me. you refused to let my enemies triumph over me. O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health."

My Prayer of Response: Rescue Me
Ps. 31:14-16 But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, "You are my God!" My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me."

Community Group Sessions 4

Last night at Community Group we discussed what the next step is after laying the Foundation of a Mission Statement. Keeping in mind that the mission statement is after much prayer and based upon God's word we have gained an understanding of the direction God would have us Intentionally go. We have now gained the proper view of "success in the family" verses the world's view of success for our children & family.

The next step is putting the Walls of Protection in place. There is a story told about an experiment done with children staying huddled together and not using the full space of a playground that did not have a fence. Once a fence was put in place the children began to play on the entire playground. Within the context of the family our children must have a sense of security and know the boundaries that have intentionally been put there for them to grow in a healthy way. Some of the walls of protection that we came up with as a group that need to be in place within a healthy family are:
*healthy relationships-husband/wife, mother/child, father/child, friends
*Character Building must be intentional this could be based upon the fruit of the Spirit described in Galations 5:22
*Communication needs to take place, which happens in our words, our tone, our nonverbal expressions. We need to strive for understanding each other not just wanting the other person to hear. Eph.4:29, James 3:5-8, Ps. 68:5 and Prov. 15:1 are all wonderful verses to study to help allow communication to take place
*Role Model
*Pray
*Devotion
*Thankfulness
*Eyes to see hand of God at work
*Protection of family time together
*Mission Minded

These were just some of the main supporting walls that we shared that need to be in place to help build a home that will withstand the storms of life. Matthew 7:24-27 talks of the wise man building his house upon the rock and the foolish man built his upon the sand. I think this is very appropriate to use within the building of our homes today. We must intentionally build our families upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ and establish the supporting beams and walls based upon the principles God has laid out in His manual book for our lives, the BIBLE.

My prayer for you is that you seek out God's word and heart to establish the walls in your family that will withstand the storms of this world. It is not a matter of "if" the storms will come but when they come, may your family be firmly grounded and rooted in the truth of God's word.

Please post a comment with some "walls" you have established within your family. We can all learn from each other!


Praying for more Authentic Families,
Darla

Community Group Sessions 3

Today I would like to share about our community group session 3, "Begin With The End In Mind". We did a recap of the previous session of noting that God's view of success for our children & families does not match up with the worlds view of success. With this in mind we began with an illustration of taking a family vacation. Everyone was asked to "mentally" pack their suit case for our vacation. Each one "packed their bags" ,but when the question was asked what they packed and did they pack the appropriate things to go to Alaska, no one had properly packed things for this destination. It would have been much more beneficial to have known the destination prior to the packing. The same is true with the importance of having a blueprint before building, having a flight plan before a flight, a script written before the play, workout schedule before the marathon. Thus having a plan for our family is critical. Knowing where we are going as a family helps us along the way to that destination.

We discussed the importance of a "Family Mission Statement". This is the blueprint, if you will, of where a family is headed. It can be as short as 3 or 4 words, it can be in a sentence or 2 but the point is that we as parents take the time to pray and ask God what His plans are for our family and clearly define that so that as we live from day to day we can be better equipped to equip our children for what God has for us.

A few years ago we developed our mission statement which says,

We are a Kingdom Family

We desire to love God with all our heart.

We desire to love God's word and live it out.,

We desire to love God's people and lead them to love Him and His word.

We are a Kingdom Family.

If you have never thought about where you as a family or as an individual are going, I would encourage you to do so. If you are not aiming at something then you run a great risk of ending up somewhere you would never have intended to go and most likely that is not where God's plan would have taken you either. Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Seeking God first will most assuredly produce the best end result for you and your family. Give it a try!!

Praying for more Authentic Families,

Darla