Welcome to Getting Your Fix! Whether you have time to meditate on with a cup of 'joe' or not, these daily doses of power will encourage, inspire and empower you. Time to get charged!
In His Grip,
Lisa - Warrior, Princess

Monday, December 20, 2010

God Loves Family

A family is at the center of the celebration of Christmas. There was Joseph, Mary and the new born Savior, Christ the Lord. The family was surrounded by a hosts of Angels and many came in honor of the baby, Jesus. The baby who would save the world. What troubles me is that in the United States, family is decaying.

Divorce is at an all time high. Children are losing respect for their parents and other authority figures. Family converstations at the dinner table have turned into individuals on some type of electronic device in the virtual world of relationship and barely saying a word to each other. There are so many things that peel away at the time families need to support, encourage and love each other.

My prayer for all families this Christmas is that they would stick together and spend quality time with each other. Love on your spouse; love on your kids. This is kind of a side note, but if you want your teenagers to pay attention to you, you have to pay attention to them when they are very young. Teach respect and honor by bestowing those gifts to them. Here's a hint at the intelligence of a two year old. By the time an infant is a year old, their ability to understand what is being said is pretty much complete. So, if you try to drop your two-year-old at a day care in your sweats (when usually in your work clothes) an hour later than usual and tell him/her that you are going to work; they know you are lying and will have a horrible day at school. This is the foundation of mistrust with your child. Refrain. Spend time with your children and treat them with the dignity you expect as an adult.

God is all about family. He created it. It is sooo important to Him that He sent His only son to live on this earth as part of one. Family must be pretty important to the Lord Almighty. So, I believe that if you make a serious effort and try to do things that build your relationships during Christmas break, there will be a host of Angels watching over and the God of the Universe reaching down to bless you.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

It's A Miracle

Jesus, as predicted by the prophets of old, was born of a virgin. Mary engaged to be married had not known a man. It was a miracle. There is no explanation other than God made it happen by His will; by His Word. Interstingly, miracles are hard to grasp. Due to the mystery of miracles, some don't accept them. At the same time I have heard this word used casually. For example, "Oh my goodness! I found my pair of shoes on sale! It was a miracle those prices," or, "Miracle! My son did his homework and I did not have to remind him," or, "It was a miracle! I thought the Super Bowl was sold out and I got tickets at the last minute."

From what I can tell in the Word of God, whenever a miracle happened, someone got saved, set free, delivered or ministry was birthed; and God got all the Glory. They are also not planned out in advance and completely supernatural. Meaning, the total absence of the flesh and completely done by the LORD. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, was barren and old; yet the Lord on His Word to Zacharias made a miracle by opening her womb. Moses held up his rod and by the Lord, the Sea parted. Christ rose himself from the dead. Jonah was swallowed by a whale and lived to tell about it. Isaish was caught up into the throne room of God Almighty.  All of these things took place without prior knowledge that it would happen to them, it was done on the agenda of the Most High God, it was unexplainable, supernatural, it was all about God and He got all the Glory.

God is a worker of miracles. My prayer is that you would be a witness to and receiver of a great work that He does for you or through you. If you need a miracle; money miraculously showing up in your mailbox, a mulitplication of food in your home as demonstrated by Christ, your womb opened, or your physical ailment healed, ask for one. God can do it. He is a miracle worker and with Him all things are possible. Believe God for an authentic miraculous move of His hand and then see His salvation.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

God's Gifts Are Yes, and AMEN!!

Until you are in the grave there is always the chance for you to reach the destiny God has for you. Every single person who is born has a God given purpose. A scripture that is quoted by many believers when it comes to destiny and future is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Isn't it an awesome thing to grasp?! The Creator of the universe and everything that exists, is thinking about you! He has plans for us! All of us!! What a blessing! Even more interesting, the Lord does not renig on His plan for us. Romans 11:29 says, "For the gifts and calling of God are irrevokable." Whatever God has for us in our destiny, we can be assured it is ours for the taking.

God is all powerful. He spoke and the sun came into existence. Even our mishaps cannot thwart the great things God has for us. He has already worked everything out for His glory. All we have to do is receive the Gift given to us over 2000 years ago, Jesus. As we celebrate Christmas, each time you give or receive a gift, think of Him, what He has given to you and wants to give to you. They are all wrapped up under the tree of Life with your name on them. Perfect tining. It's Christmas. Go get 'em!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Protect Your Pearls

When Mary heard from the Angel that she would be the mother of Jesus, she pondered it in her heart. The first person she went to tell was her cousin, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Mary used wisdom. She chose to share a pearl with a woman the Lord chose to give a pearl to.

In a nutshell, if the Lord reveals something to you, you don't have to tell everybody about it. We should use wisdom and ask the Lord if it is something we are to ponder in our heart or if there is a person or persons we are to share with. The secrets and revelations of God are precious pearls. Jesus, in Matthew 7:6 warns, "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."

There was a time I blabbed it all and found my pearls trampled on and my heart in pieces. The wound was deep and there is definately a scar on my soul where the crack was made. But, Hallelujah! The Lord has led me beside the still waters and is restoring my soul. But it was a powerful lesson. The Lord has let me know that it is okay not to share everything. And, I should not be offended when a person does not opt to share everything with me that is going on in their life.

It's because.... none ya! This is a phrase my uncle Dennis used with me when I was around 5 years old. I kept asking him question after question and finally he said, "None Ya." I was like, what does that mean? Well, it took me awhile, but "none ya" means, none of your business. Some things are just none of our business. We need to trust God with us and with others. He knows what is best for us to know and/or share. We should glean from the wisdom of Mary and protect the pearls that are bestowed upon us.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Celebrating You! 805 Pageviews

Thank you all for staying tuned in and reading my blog. At 34 postings the blog has had 805 pageviews. Thank you so much for your support. A special shout out to my readers in Canada, France, Italy, Croatia and Iraq. A special, special thank you to my friend Svenja, in Germany.

As a teacher and trainer I have learned that it is important for people to read what they are interested in. So, let me hear from you. What would you like to read about regarding the Christian faith? Are there any questions you have or scriptures in the Word that make you go, "Hmmmm... not sure about this?"

In addition, do you need someone to pray alongside you regarding anything. I will join you in prayer and send you scripture that lines up with your current situation. I believe that we should pray without ceasing as Paul teaches and that we should remember each other in prayer.

So, if you have a topic you would like discussed, a question about scripture answered or a prayer request, send me an email. My address is in the column to your right. God Bless You All!! Send me your subjects and prayer requests.
In His Grip,
Lisa

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Road

I wrote this poem many years ago. I am inspired to post it after hearing the sermon this past Sunday. As we continually approach the Day of the Lord, a reflective question for us to ask ourselves is, "What road am I on?"


The Road

Oh dark and wide road,
Where is it that you lead,
Calling with Pide Pipers tune
And reaping hearts in need?

Blinding with a false light,
Hardening with a bitter freeze,
Beckons the ways of this world,
"Follow me - if you please

Fame, fortune, happiness,
A big house or a nice car,
Money or a high position,
The right to name a star."

The flesh overcomes the soul.
Our eyes look on what we want;
Then worships things of idleness
That some day will be lost.

What looks so easy...
What looks the right way...
The road many travel,
Is made to lead astray.

So fix your eyes on Majestic wings
And a fiery blaze of grace.
Look upon the Giver of Life
And seek His Glorious Face.

Trust the refining fire.
Eternal Life, Hope, Promise behold.
And take the path less travel,
The Light and narrow road.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Place of Deliverance

"Now when they (the magi) departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, 'Arise and take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.' And he arose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed to Egypt." Matthew 2:13-14

Egypt is the land the Israelites were delivered from slavery. Egypt is a dry, dusty, sandy place. Think about it. We use "Egypt" to describe hard places, a place or situation we were freed from, extreme distance or feeling far away from someone or something. So, if you are in a hard place; if you are in a land of deliverance; if you feel separated, set a part or far away from goodness; consider this. You just might be under cover. The Lord could be hiding you from the devouerer of your soul.

We serve an Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent God who has defeated a foe who can not be in more than one place at a time, is not all knowing or all powerful. And, our God will not allow any plan He has for you be usurped. So, if you feel like you are in "Egypt," rejoice! You may be in the Kingdom's witness protection program, hidden by the arm of the Most High God; and getting ready to testify as a bold witness for Christ.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

More Than A Word - Hallelujah!

The most frightening book in the Bible is Revelation. John lays out the End Times (also known as the End of Days) with passionate finality. It is hard to grasp the things to come written in it, but I made a wonderful discovery about this book. Revelation gives us a word that we use ALL... THE... TIME; especially during the Christmas Season. The word is Hallelujah. Interestingly, it is only used four times in the entire Bible. In addition, those four times occur in one passage of scripture, Revelation 19:1-6.

"Hallelujah" means, Praise Ye the Lord. This phrase is seen 23 times in the Old Testament. "Praise" in the context of this phrase comes from the Hebrew word 'halal' meaning to shine, to flash forth light, to praise, to boast about, glory, be commended, made praiseworthy, worthy of praise. Basically, whenever we use the word Hallelujah we are saying, "God! Shine! Flash forth Your Light! We praise and boast about Your Glory. We commend You, who is praiseworthy and the only One worthy of praise!"

Saints, it is by design that we sing the Hallelujah Chorus during this time of year. Yes, Jesus was born, lived and died. But Hallelujah! He defeated our enemy and rose on the third day. Hallelujah! The story is NOT over. He is coming back as KING of kings and LORD of Lords! And, He shall reign For-EVER... and EVER! Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 

Jesus is not a baby anymore. He sits at the right hand of Father waiting for one word, "Go!" It is no coincidence that the Lord has a song at Christmas that allows us to take part in the prophecy of the coming King. Hallelujah! Christ was born; Christ was risen and Christ.. will... come... again!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

The curtain began to rise and all of us contestants stood in pageant stance with beaming smiles. It was time to find out who was Queen and who would be on her court. Beauty pageants and modeling were part of my extra curricular activities in high school and first years of college. And, I am grateful for that time. I made many friends, some of them life long friends. I gleaned wisdom from directors and trainers on how to be successful in interviews, have good posture, answer impromptu questions for a live audience and to run a live show. Out of all the lessons I learned, the one I treasure the most is one from a former Miss California who was my pageant director for many years. She told me, "Lisa, you will never know what the judges are looking for. So, never dismay if you are not chosen queen. Because you can be the absolutely best apple in the world, but if they are looking for an orange, you will not win. Be the best you, you can be and don't worry about the other fruits. God has a plan for you. Trust Him with how He made you."

The Lord tells us in Jeremiah that He has a plan for us. He tells us in Psalms that He knit us in our mother's womb. He tells us that He knows every hair on our head. God made us the way He needs us to be for the purpose He has for us. I believe that God had something in mind for every detail about us. And, instead of marveling at how wonderful God sees us, we marvel at what we don't like about ourselves and constantly compare ourselves to others. In the pageant world, it happens. Let me tell you. Girls are looking at each other comparing butts, lips, hair and boobs... hey, I am just keepin' it real. Unfortunately, it happens among believers too. We compare our looks, homes, cars, jobs, economic status, and our kids to others. This is not good. We need to stop comparison. When we compare ourselves to others it can lead to an unhealthy jealousy or cause us to get off the path the Lord has for us.  

God is so pleased with how He made you. Let me be very clear. This does not include, disobeying God's Word, being chained to sin and/or not taking care of your temple. So, please don't read this and say, "Well, this is how God made me so I'll just... keep on smokin'." What I am talking about is your natural born talents and gifts, the physical physique He intended you to have and the life YOU are to lead. Being YOU in the center of God's will is the best TO be and place to be. If you are there, AWESOME!! If not, I repeat what I was told so many years ago, "Be the best you, you can be and don't worry about the other fruits. God has a plan for you. Trust Him with how He made you; fearfully and wonderfully." Well... I added a little : )

Monday, December 6, 2010

Time to Purge

I would have been so embarrassed if ya'll were to see what was in my closet. It was such a mess. I had clothes with tags on because I had not worn them. There were clothes with holes or stretched out because they were old. In the corner, there were clothes too small because I am just not 22 anymore. I mean it is really ridiculous. This past weekend I decided it was time to clean the closet and get rid of some things. So, I put things in piles, washed what I was keeping and bagged up what needed to go.

This is what we need to do with our heart, souls and minds before we start writing our New Year's resolution. There are areas in our hearts that need to be given over to the Lord, thoughts in our minds that need to go and bandages on wounds that are just not working anymore. If we are going to run the race for Christ we have got to keep our temples clean. So, I'm just asking tonight, is anyone's house dirty? Is there any unfinished business that needs to happen?

We have 25 days left in this year. I am challenging us to take these last 25 days to take an inventory of ourself. What needs cleaning up? What needs healing? What needs to go? If you are not sure, ask the Lord. He will tell you. Whatever it is with the Lord's help take care of it. We don't want to end the year right, we want to end this year BEING right. Then we will be ready to hear what God has instore for us next year. And, His resolutions for us our way better than what we can think of on our own.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Hallelujah! Hanukkah!!

This blog is dedicated to Hal and Barbra Miner, Rabbi Murray Silberling, Julie Burkhart, the dancers of Beth Emunah and Shepherd of the Hills Church. I am truly blessed and grateful for the time I had with you. The knowledge that you shared with me regarding the Jewish roots of the Christian faith and sharing your deep passion for worshipping the Lord through dance is priceless. These are gems that I treasure and thank the Lord for. God bless you all. And Happy Hannukkah!
Baruch Ha Shem (Praise the Name)
Lisa

So, what is Hanukkah anyway? Thanks to those mentioned above I am able to share. During the 2nd Century BCE, Jerusalem was controlled by a Syrian King who desecrated the Temple with false gods and unclean sacrifices. A revolt took place and the Jews regained control of the Holy City and decided to re-dedicate the Temple to the LORD. However, there was only enough oil to keep the eternal flame lit for one day. A miracle happened. The oil lasted for eight days, which is the time it takes to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil. 

Recognizing that the LORD had provided, Judah, his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel decreed that the festival should be celebrated every year. It begins on the 25th day of Kislav (sometime between late November and early December according to the Gregorian calendar) for 8 nights and days. Each night a candle is lit on the chanukiah candelabra and stays lit for 30 minutes after sunset. This year it began on Dec. 1 and will end Dec. 9. During Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, children and adults play with dreidels and Latkes are a popular food eaten. And, there is celebration with praise and worship through song and dance.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, please remember our Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ as they celebrate the miracle of the oil. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and that more Jews would come to know Yeshua (Jesus) as Ha Mashiach (the Messiah); who first came as the suffering servant and who will return as their, our, conquering KING.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Unwavering Walk

Pure truth is hard to find. There are so many markets selling words of wisdom. Discernment is really needed to wade through all the information that is at our finger tips, literally. As a former journalist, it amazes me how people take what they read or hear as truth without checking out the story or the sources. It's even more amazing how many people are being led astray spiritually due to receiving false doctrine and becoming mesmorized by the charisma of someone before character is weighed. I am thankful, so thankful, that the man behind the pulpit at my church is a preacher of biblical truth and walks his talk. He will not move a centimeter from the Word and he yields to it.

Dr. J. Kie Bowman
Executive Pastor
Hyde Park Baptist Church
Most who see him remark on his striking resemblance to Billy Graham. I put a picture on here so you can judge for yourself. But, look. Doesn't he? Well, he may look like Mr. Graham, but what I appreciate is his heart for the Lord and the way he honors his wife and family, like Mr. Graham. I honor him because he is commited to his post, Hyde Park Baptist Church. I respect him because he has lived Christ-like under some real trials. Even now, he is in the midst of another storm and our church is diligently praying for him. And still, every Sunday we are guaranteed an unfiltered sermon straight from God's Word. We get a little bit of milk, potatoes, green beans and a big, fat, juicy steak. A whole meal is given to us right out of the oven, on-fire! HALLELUJAH!!  It is solid doctrine. And that's why I listen to him. He tells the truth.

This is a side note. If you are in a church that is a mile long and an inch deep, something... is amiss. If you are in a church where the pastor is more concerned about his name than THE Name, run. If you are in a church where the pastor is harder to meet with than Donald Trump; careful that is an ego problem that stems from pride. And pride goeth before a fall. If you are in a church where the pastor waters down the Word or leaves it out due to fear of people leaving, you will starve spiritually; if that is the only person feeding you. Beware. We are in the times of "Tickling Ears." Make sure you are in a church where the pastor encourages, exhorts and corrects. All three are needed.

Those three are exactly what we get at Hyde Park. Sometimes it's, "You can do it saints!" Sometimes it's a Hebrew and Greek lesson. Sometimes it's getting bandages for our wounds. And, sometimes it's, "Get right with God."

Dr. Bowman is awesome. I consider him my spiritual father. He encourages me to make Jesus proud and be all I can be in His army. I am so glad and thankful that the Lord has returned me to Austin, Texas under the leadership of Dr. Bowman and part of the family at Hyde Park Baptist Church. Is he perfect? Is my church perfect? No, to both of those. But, they constantly point me to the perfect One. I love my pastor. I love my church. And, that is the unfiltered truth.



Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A Confession

Many years ago, a Pastor told the congragation that he wasn't preaching the message to them, but he was preaching to himself. Well, this blog is an example of that. I hope you are encouraged, but I am basically preaching to myself. So, pray for me.

I don't have too much of a problem when I get hurt by others. But, when my family or friends come under fire I am Rea-DY to FIGHT! Today, I got a call from my mom about a family situation that has been long standing and really gets my goat. Basically, there is someone that is in the life of a relative that is just Oooo! Just... OH! He is not right. He is just not right. My flesh rises up like dough with an overload of yeast in the oven whenever the subject comes up. Ya'll may not believe me, but I wished from my heart that the Lord would take him out. I told the Lord, "There is no way I am spending an eternity with that guy. So, take him out now before he gets saved."

Hate, anger and bitterness entered my heart; and it weighed me down. My peace and joy were gone. I could barely sleep at night. In the Lord's way, He let me know I needed to forgive this person. With my husband sitting next to me, I pounded my fist on my lap and through gritted teeth said, "No Lord! I will not forgive him!"

It has been years and I still have to lift this person up and forgive. Again, lift this person up and forgive. Forgive again, and again, and again, and again. It is a struggle. Forgiveness is hard when you feel the person is undeserving. But who am I? Without Christ, I am the same as this guy. With Christ, I have the ability to walk in peace despite what the enemy is doing to and through this guy. With Christ, I have the power to refrain from allowing his actions to dictate mine.  With Christ, I am able to forgive.

God is good. When I began this process by taking a step in faith to forgive through prayer, a weight lifted and I was able to sleep again. My peace and joy returned. I don't know how. I just know that it worked. And, once again, the Lord has proven that His Word works, EVERY.... Time!

Are you having a hard time forgiving? Sister... Brother... Believe me. I... FEEL.. You. But, let's pray for each other. Let's grab the hand of the One who is the Master of Forgiveness and ask for his help. There is no doubt in mind. He will.