Deborah L. McCarragher's Blog, page 30
April 21, 2010
Triple Threat – Trials, Troubles & Tribulations
James 1:2-4 is familiar to most of us as the passage on "testing our faith". This is what James had to say: "My brethren, count [consider:] it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect [mature:] and complete, lacking nothing."In order for us to become mature in our faith, we must remain under the testing. It is in this position that we come forth [as gold:] as described by J...
April 14, 2010
Guest Author Kristine McGuire & "Escaping the Cauldron"
I'd like to introduce you to
Kristine McGuire
, author of the book "Escaping the Cauldron: Ghosts and the Paranormal". Have you experimented with the occult? Do you find yourself being pulled into the paranormal? There are Christians who have, and Kristine was one of them.Kristine McGuire has written a book that is a must read for any parent, friend or family member who has known someone trapped by the spiritual underworld and its web of lies. Her book "Escaping the Cauldron" systematically...
April 5, 2010
Is You Spiritual Armor Effective?
The Israelites had two types of armor they wore depending upon the battle at hand.
Light armor consisted of a sling, bow and quiver. But heavy armor included a large shield, helmet and spear (or sword). Our spiritual armor is both offensive and defensive in nature. It should also be noted that there is no protection from rear attack, confirming the assertion that we do not retreat with the Lord. Isaiah 52:12 states, “For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”
“The whole armor of God” conveys the message of a heavily-armed soldie. Paul describes in Ephesians 6:10-17 the various pieces of spiritual armor the believer should wear. Paul states in verse 10 & 11, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Paul most likely thought of the heavily armored Roman guards as he penned his description of our battle gear. Of course, his concern was the spiritual battle the followers of Christ would encounter as they were persecuted for their faith. He understood the importance of praying and relying on God’s strength in times of trail. He knew that satan desired the destruction of the early church. Peter also wrote about evil and spiritual battles. I Peter 5:8 tells us to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
The belt (girdle) was worn around the waist and held the sword in place as it hung ready for battle. Truth is our belt and it wraps around our very being, keeping us steady, sure, and grounded for God’s use. His Truth is His Word, and we must walk in it purposefully. Jesus is Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Truth sets us free from the bondage of sin and deception (John 8:32).
The breastplate covered the life-giving organs including the heart and lungs. The righteousness of Christ must be our covering. Our heart is the center of our emotions. We are to be strong and courageous, which involves the will. A soldier can be well armed, and yet venerable to destruction if he is timid or faint of heart. No physical covering can protect him from spiritual harm unless he is stout of heart and resolute. I Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
The sandals (greaves) covered the feet & shins, and prevented injury from sharp sticks and gall-traps. Spiritually speaking, the shoes carry the good news of the gospel and take us steadily on our way to the cross. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news…who proclaims salvation.” We should step mindfully towards the world with the gospel of Christ in our journey with God.
The shield is invaluable as a defensive weapon. Ephesians verse 16 tells us that “ above all take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” It is the most important piece of armor we possess in order to combat the enemy effectively. King David equates God Himself to a shield, as he found solace in His Presence. Psalm 18:2 tells us, “My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” And again in Psalm 91:4, “His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” Our shield of faith enables us to stand firmly without fear or worry concerning our destiny. We have but one thing to do, and that is to stand, therefore, and observe God’s sovereign action on our behalf. This is one piece of armor that needs to be “well worn” – pitted and dented from scores of lethal arrows repeatedly assaulting our person. The enemy of God’s children never ceases to war against us, and so we must keep our shield up, strong and steady.
The helmet was worn to protect the head from physical harm. We must wear our spiritual helmet and have “the mind of Christ” as we clash with the enemy. The mind is the battlefield where we must “cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5). I Thessalonians 5:8 declares we should, “put on…as a helmet the hope of salvation). As believers our salvation assures us of the hope we have in Him.
The sword is the first weapon mentioned in the Bible. Genesis 3:24 describes, “a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Revelation 1:16 states, “He [Jesus:] had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining it its strength.” In Hebrews 4:12, the Apostle Paul tells us, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The sword in our arsenal of weapons is razor-sharp and makes a clean, swift cut. God’s Word penetrates and stabs at the evil intended for our harm. It disarms the enemy with one quick blow, severing its demonic head. Our Lord Jesus always used the Word when speaking to satan. The gospels record the dialog in Matthew, Mark and Luke as Jesus repeated the phrase, “It is written…” Be sure to use your sword often and with deadly precision.
In II Corinthians 10:3-4 Paul writes, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” God’s arsenal of weapons is powerful and decisive. James says to, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Remember, it is God who goes before you in battle. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17). Be sure your armor is effective. Inspect it often. Adjust it properly. Wear it always.
Do battle as unto the Lord, for He is your shield and your exceedingly great reward.
http://www.Godmissionpossible.blogspo...
“The whole armor of God” conveys the message of a heavily-armed soldie. Paul describes in Ephesians 6:10-17 the various pieces of spiritual armor the believer should wear. Paul states in verse 10 & 11, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Paul most likely thought of the heavily armored Roman guards as he penned his description of our battle gear. Of course, his concern was the spiritual battle the followers of Christ would encounter as they were persecuted for their faith. He understood the importance of praying and relying on God’s strength in times of trail. He knew that satan desired the destruction of the early church. Peter also wrote about evil and spiritual battles. I Peter 5:8 tells us to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
The belt (girdle) was worn around the waist and held the sword in place as it hung ready for battle. Truth is our belt and it wraps around our very being, keeping us steady, sure, and grounded for God’s use. His Truth is His Word, and we must walk in it purposefully. Jesus is Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Truth sets us free from the bondage of sin and deception (John 8:32).
The breastplate covered the life-giving organs including the heart and lungs. The righteousness of Christ must be our covering. Our heart is the center of our emotions. We are to be strong and courageous, which involves the will. A soldier can be well armed, and yet venerable to destruction if he is timid or faint of heart. No physical covering can protect him from spiritual harm unless he is stout of heart and resolute. I Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
The sandals (greaves) covered the feet & shins, and prevented injury from sharp sticks and gall-traps. Spiritually speaking, the shoes carry the good news of the gospel and take us steadily on our way to the cross. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news…who proclaims salvation.” We should step mindfully towards the world with the gospel of Christ in our journey with God.
The shield is invaluable as a defensive weapon. Ephesians verse 16 tells us that “ above all take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” It is the most important piece of armor we possess in order to combat the enemy effectively. King David equates God Himself to a shield, as he found solace in His Presence. Psalm 18:2 tells us, “My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” And again in Psalm 91:4, “His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” Our shield of faith enables us to stand firmly without fear or worry concerning our destiny. We have but one thing to do, and that is to stand, therefore, and observe God’s sovereign action on our behalf. This is one piece of armor that needs to be “well worn” – pitted and dented from scores of lethal arrows repeatedly assaulting our person. The enemy of God’s children never ceases to war against us, and so we must keep our shield up, strong and steady.
The helmet was worn to protect the head from physical harm. We must wear our spiritual helmet and have “the mind of Christ” as we clash with the enemy. The mind is the battlefield where we must “cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5). I Thessalonians 5:8 declares we should, “put on…as a helmet the hope of salvation). As believers our salvation assures us of the hope we have in Him.
The sword is the first weapon mentioned in the Bible. Genesis 3:24 describes, “a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Revelation 1:16 states, “He [Jesus:] had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining it its strength.” In Hebrews 4:12, the Apostle Paul tells us, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The sword in our arsenal of weapons is razor-sharp and makes a clean, swift cut. God’s Word penetrates and stabs at the evil intended for our harm. It disarms the enemy with one quick blow, severing its demonic head. Our Lord Jesus always used the Word when speaking to satan. The gospels record the dialog in Matthew, Mark and Luke as Jesus repeated the phrase, “It is written…” Be sure to use your sword often and with deadly precision.
In II Corinthians 10:3-4 Paul writes, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” God’s arsenal of weapons is powerful and decisive. James says to, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Remember, it is God who goes before you in battle. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17). Be sure your armor is effective. Inspect it often. Adjust it properly. Wear it always.
Do battle as unto the Lord, for He is your shield and your exceedingly great reward.
http://www.Godmissionpossible.blogspo...
Is Your Spiritual Armor Effective?
The Israelites had two types of armor they wore depending upon the battle at hand. Light armor consisted of a sling, bow and quiver. But heavy armor included a large shield, helmet and spear (or sword). Our spiritual armor is both offensive and defensive in nature. It should also be noted that there is no protection from rear attack, confirming the assertion that we do not retreat with the Lord. Isaiah 52:12 states, "For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear gua...
March 27, 2010
What does the Risen Christ mean to you?
In the hymn " Christ Arose ", Robert Lowry expresses the hope conveyed during this Easter season in the rousing chorus as it explodes with joy:
Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o'er His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign, He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Our Lord Jesus left the confines of this earth and stepped into the heavenly realm on Resurrection Sunday, three days after dying on a wooden cross for hu...
March 16, 2010
Transformed by the Transfiguration of Christ
When you read the three accounts of Christ's transfiguration on the mount (Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9) you come away with a sense of what a tremendous life-changing event it truly was for Peter, James and John. Days earlier Peter had proclaimed who Jesus was when the Lord posed the question to the disciples, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" They said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." It was Peter who declared, "You are the C...
March 13, 2010
WINNERS OF VIRTUAL BOOK BLAST WEEK
*** HERE ARE THE WINNERS ***
MONDAY - ON GOODREADS - Tami N.Y.
TUESDAY - BLOG TALK RADIO (Authors Articulating) - LaJoyce S.C.
WEDNESDAY - PAM THIBODEAUX BLOG (Inspiration with an Edge) - Jo-Ann VT
THURSDAY - FACEBOOK - Kate OH
FRIDAY - YAHOO GROUPS - Sharon TX
Thanks for joining in this special Virtual Book Blast by Premium Promotional Services!
Deborah McCarragher
MONDAY - ON GOODREADS - Tami N.Y.
TUESDAY - BLOG TALK RADIO (Authors Articulating) - LaJoyce S.C.
WEDNESDAY - PAM THIBODEAUX BLOG (Inspiration with an Edge) - Jo-Ann VT
THURSDAY - FACEBOOK - Kate OH
FRIDAY - YAHOO GROUPS - Sharon TX
Thanks for joining in this special Virtual Book Blast by Premium Promotional Services!
Deborah McCarragher
March 9, 2010
Authors Articulating with Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
Authors Articulating with Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
Interview with author Deborah McCarragher about her book "Mission Possible".
Interview with author Deborah McCarragher about her book "Mission Possible".
March 7, 2010
VIRTUAL BOOK BLAST
Featuring my book: "Mission Possible"
http://bit.ly/caCdgO
Your chance to MINGLE, INTERACT and...WIN PRIZES!
Friday, March 12
Party Time! Announcement of winners along with a virtual book signing at Yahoo Chat Loop http://bit.ly/blDScO
Purchase my book on my website FRIDAY and receive a FREE GIFT + Free Shipping
http://www.Godmissionpossible.com
WELCOME - ALL READERS & WRITERS
VIRTUAL BOOK BLASTS OFF THIS WEEK! (March 8th-12th)
Featuring my book: "Mission Possible" http://bit.ly/caCdgO
Your chance to MINGLE, INTERACT and...WIN PRIZES!
Monday, March 8
Feature Author and book giveaway at Goodreads http://bit.ly/c69V0E
Tuesday, March 9 9:00pm EST
Special Guest and book giveaway at BTR "Authors Articulating with Jo-Anne Vandermeulen http://bit.ly/akgoJC
Wednesday, March 10
Blog Tour at:
Featured Author at *Virtual Book Blast* http://bit.ly/al28kG
Guest Blogger...
Featuring my book: "Mission Possible" http://bit.ly/caCdgO
Your chance to MINGLE, INTERACT and...WIN PRIZES!
Monday, March 8
Feature Author and book giveaway at Goodreads http://bit.ly/c69V0E
Tuesday, March 9 9:00pm EST
Special Guest and book giveaway at BTR "Authors Articulating with Jo-Anne Vandermeulen http://bit.ly/akgoJC
Wednesday, March 10
Blog Tour at:
Featured Author at *Virtual Book Blast* http://bit.ly/al28kG
Guest Blogger...
