Are we paying attention? 2 Chronicles 15:17 What "high places and idols" do we have in our lives?It's quite tragic with all this shootings lately all over the world. As I have been preparing in prayer for Easter/Passover I was struck by something. How many of the school shootings and other shootings have occurred in the month of March or April and near Passover/Easter? Even one is too many.
I know we are in a battle against an enemy, Satan. He knows this is a very special holy time for Gods people. I believe Satan has so penetrated hearts of the shooters these past few years to create fear, death and despondency that Gods people might compromise and not continue to walk according to Gods holy standards; Satan thinks we might compromise because we are so discouraged.Judas betrayed Jesus, Satan planted the thought, see John 13:2, then Satan entered into his heart, see John 13:27. BUT, its a done deal, Satan has been defeated and he knows his time is short and will do anything he can to try and kill one of Gods children or cause them to fall away. Or he will try to prevent someone from entering into a saving knowledge of Gods love for them regardless of their past. See John 12:31, 41-66; John 14: 30; 1 John 4 and many other passages. What Satan may mean for evil, God always uses it for good—no plan of Gods can be thwarted, no matter how dire the circumstances. What God has made holy Satan tries to make unholy.
I have not used these last 40 days according to what God may have wanted me to do. I started out all set to spend some days fasting and some praying, but I neglected to remain consistent. Just imagine if we were consistent starting in Feb to ask the Lord what HE would have each of us to pray and fast about and not just give something up, then tell everyone so we look like we are being “religious.” I pray 2010 will be different not just for me but for each of you as well. I didn't take seriously the sacrifice Christ made for us, nothing compares to what He went through. So why is it so hard to sacrifice our time, talents, money, bodies for HIM, whatever that may look like? Has I have repented of my negligence; I have received His mercy and cleansing.
God has broken my heart with what breaks HIS heart and I pray we ask for HIS direction and stop trying to push our own agendas, doing things our way and not Gods, thus making us walk in the flesh and not the spirit. We are a holy people set apart to be holy as HE is holy. Christ came to serve and we are called to do the same, to put others before ourselves and to have a servants heart, no matter your roll or area of influence is. Oswald Chambers said, “Jesus Christ's honor is at stake in our bodily lives. Are we remaining faithful to the Son of God in everything that attacks His life in us?” What will you do with yours this weekend? Prayerfully start paying more attention to God through the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit and expect transformation.For HE alone is worthy ~Tanya~
About Me
- Tanya Villani
- I am originally from upstate NY and landed in Virginia in 2004 with my grandparents who had wintered in Florida; Virginia is half way between NY and Florida. I was a caregiver for my maternal grandparents until their deaths in 2006, now I am a motivational speaker with Stonecroft Ministries that allows me to travel all over the US and perhaps someday speak internationally. I have worked in the field of special education as an instructor/counselor. I loved what I did in working in the Special Ed field, but burnout eventually set in. I was able to find employment with many companies through temp agencies as an administrative assistant. I also enjoy volunteering, and spending time with my family and friends. I used to be 5 and just recently turned 6 making me 42, (4+ 2=6), but I am told I act like I am 5 sometimes ;). I have never been married and look forward someday to being blessed with a husband and a family. As a Christ follower, I will only marry a man who has a personal relationship with Jesus. For now, I am content praying for Gods perfect timing in bringing the two of us together.