Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 16
September 25, 2018
Compassion Covers
Friends, I have to confess I’ve experienced a great deal of conviction over the last four weeks of our Jonah study. Reading his story has held up a mirror to the spoiled brat in my heart.
I whine when things don’t go my way.
I wonder why God won’t do what I want.
I wish things were different.
I spend way too much time sulking about my disappointments. I often have a skewed perspective, and I need a wakeup call.
God is ever so patient with His children, and He continued to reach out to His prodigal prophet to help Him hold up a mirror to his selfish heart. God never gave up on Jonah.
God loves us so much He extends His grace to us over and over. He covers us with His compassion and invites us to find rest as we surrender and repent.
Like Jonah, God wants us to see He is more concerned with refining our character than with responding to our comfort.
God will show His mercy to us — not based on our merit – but because He is faithful to keep His promises. He is slow to anger and never responds to our adulterous hearts with anything but an affirmation of His steadfast love. He may allow us to experience discomfort, but always because He is drawing us back into the circle of His protection.
Before we say goodbye to Jonah, we need to take a hard look in the mirror of God’s Word and see where we lack God’s compassionate heart…
I’m sharing “Compassion Covers” at Love God Greatly.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
We are called to cover one another with compassion.
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If you are visiting from Love God Greatly or First 5 today,
welcome to my little space on the web!
Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help you
LOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.
PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.
HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.
STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve. .
SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE WEEKLY FAITH FUEL IN YOUR INBOX.
YOU’LL GET A FREE COPY OF “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH”
and access the practical resources in the Fatih Fuel Library for members.
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I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
[image error]
⇓
WANT TO GO DEEPER in your walk with God? CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO HELP YOU REKINDLE A SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION.
⇓
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. 
September 17, 2018
3 Ways Laying Down Your Sword is Brave
I am a sword slinger.
My weapon of choice is sarcasm. I like to swagger into a tense situation and slash through my opponent’s heart with a sharp word. After all, I am a writer.
For years, I considered it my responsibility to fight for the tenderhearted underdog in my family. I was called to defend the helpless by bickering with a bully at our dinner table. Every conversation was an epic battle.
I wanted to right a wrong, but my verbal sparring techniques only created more conflict and confusion. I wasn’t winning any wars or changing a thing. My super powers were sorely lacking.
I thought my relative needed to reform, but God wanted to refine me.
The apocalyptic arguments at our family gatherings finally ended when I cried out to Christ and begged Him to fight this battle on my behalf. I got down on my knees by my bed one morning and surrendered my sword to my Savior.
Jesus gave me a new combat strategy:
I stopped nagging, and I started listening.
I measured my words, and I prayed for God’s wisdom.
I growled less and loved more.
Maybe like me, you are weary of the constant combat, and you want to find a better way to wage war. I want to invite you to discover a new heroine. Her name is Brave, and she wears a garment of praise rather than getting pushy.
Brave lays down her sword and loves…
Brave lays down her sword and loves.
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I ‘m sharing “3 Ways Laying Down Your Sword is Brave”at Crystal’s today.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
⇓
If you are visiting from Crystal’s today,
welcome to my little space on the web!
Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help you
LOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.
PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.
HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.
STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve. .
SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE WEEKLY FAITH FUEL IN YOUR INBOX.
YOU’LL GET A FREE COPY OF “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH”
and access the practical resources in the Fatih Fuel Library for members.
[image error]
⇓
I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
⇓
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
September 12, 2018
5 Sweet Reads to Help Spark Your Prayer Life
I want to be a joy fighter and a warrior princess for Jesus. Really, I do. But most days, I am fighting worry and trying not to whine about my problems. I wish I could tell you that I wake up with a worshipful disposition. I want to be that woman who trusts God and walks with a calm assurance He is in control. But instead, I limp along through a valley of doubt and desperately cling to Jesus. When life knocks me to my knees, only Jesus can pick me up from the pit an give me a firm place to stand.
I know Jesus is trustworthy and faithful. I know it deep down in my heart.
I believe He is in control, and I am called more than a conqueror because of Christ. I believe this is true.
Yet, I still fight fear. My stomach still goes topsy turvy whenever life is hard. I still struggle and strive to fix it myself.
One of the best ways to push past the feelings of anxiety is to just fall flat on my face in prayer.
Prayer quiets my heart and reminds me He is God. My God is bigger than bad days.
I want to learn to fight in prayer, rather than fixate on m problems. I am a slow learner, and I really needed help in this area. So, I decided to create my own school of prayer and enroll as the only student. I purchased several fabulous books to create my personal prayer curriculum.
Maybe like me you want to learn to pray with power. If you’d like to go to prayer warrior school, I am going to start your education by sharing 5 fabulous reads with you today.
I want to learn to fight in prayer, rather than fixate on my problems.
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5 Sweet Reads to Help Spark Your Prayer Life:
The Circle Maker
Mark Batterson provides prayer principles that will transform your future if faithfully put into practice. He blends Scripture, history, and personal accounts into a compelling call to pray bold prayers — prayers that move mountains and make miracles happen. Batterson believes miracles are the fruit of faithful prayer: “The greatest moments in life are the miraculous moments when human impotence and divine omnipotence intersect — and they intersect when we draw a circle around the impossible situations in our lives and invite God to intervene” (p. 13). He proposes that we should draw prayer circles by “dreaming big,” “praying hard,” and “thinking long.” The kind of prayers that God answers require a “leap of faith,” faithful persistence, and “putting feet to our faith” by partnering with God and getting our hands dirty. Prayers are the foundation to an eternal legacy for our families — the seeds we plant through prayer are harvested long after we have passed on into glory. This book motivated me to get on my knees with greater fervency. I had never read anything by Mark Batterson before, but I love his passion for God. I needed to read this book. It’s a “must read” that will change your life.
Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home
Richard Foster describes the three “movements” of prayer – moving inward toward transformation, moving upward toward intimacy, and moving outward toward ministry. Prayer is a defined as “an ongoing and growing love relationship with God the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit” (p. 13). Through prayer, we “come home.” Foster spends an entire chapter unpacking how prayer is formative: “None of us will keep up a life of prayer unless we are prepared to change. We will either give it up or turn it into a little system that maintains a form of godliness but denies the power of it–which is the same thing as giving it up” (p. 57). In discussing “Contemplative Prayer,” Foster suggests asking yourself “questions of examination.” I now write these into the front page of every new journal and refer to them often when I need a “heart check”: “Am I becoming less afraid of being known and owned by God?” “Is prayer developing in me as a welcome discipline?” “Is it becoming easier for me to receive constructive criticism?” “Am I learning to move beyond personal offense and freely forgive those who have wronged me?” This book expanded my understanding of prayer, and I am so thankful for Foster’s wisdom.
The Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World
Paul Miller’s book on prayer is unique and encouraging. He allows us to see how he has personally grown in His intimacy with Christ and with his family by persevering in prayer that is honest before God during difficult times. God teaches us to really pray in the schoolroom of suffering. Miller challenges: “We can’t pray effectively until we get in touch with our inner brat. When we see our own self-will, it opens the door to doing things through God. Instead of singing Frank Sinatra’s song ‘My Way,’ we enter into God’s story and watch Him do it His way. No one works like Him” (p. 161). This book was a game changer for me. I will return to it often. One prayer practice that Miller shared that I hope to start using is choosing a “prayer verse” for each of your loved ones. He writes it on a 3×5 card and prays that Scripture daily for each person on his list.
Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer
Priscilla Shirer challenges her readers to create a personalized prayer strategy by selecting specific Scriptures to use for pinpoint petitions in the areas of their focus, identity, passion, family, past, fears, purity, pressures, hurts, and relationships. Just as a soldier needs a battle plan, we must create a blueprint for intercession that will empower us to prevail over the schemes of the adversary. By framing our supplications with praise, repentance, asking, and the yes promises of Scripture, we invite God to pour out His strength and position us for victory. Shirrer believes: “Prayer is what greases the friction between us, lubricating the grit and flecks of irritability that work themselves into the system, preventing the normal wear and tear of life from causing us to grate against or rub one another” (pp. 172-173). What struck me the most about this book was the importance of praying specific prayers for myself. I am used to interceding with intention for my spouse, family, and loved ones, but never spent a big chunk of time really praying a covering over targeted areas that impact my effectiveness. Shirer’s book made me think about how I needed to arm myself against the schemes of the enemy to defeat my passion and purpose.
Whispers of Hope: 10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer
Beth Moore helps her readers put prayer into practice by pairing Scripture reading with prayer journaling. Each of the 70 devotionals is followed by a journal entry using the “P.R.A.I.S.E” format: Praise, Repentance, Acknowledgement of God’s authority, Intercession, Supplication for Self, and Equipping (asking God to empower you for a victorious day). Moore issues a challenge: “Beloved, we’re living in the lions’ den. Victory is ours when we walk with God daily in habitual prayer, when we know His Word well enough to trust His sovereignty, and when we cast ourselves on Him and make an honest plea for help. He derives great satisfaction from shutting that lion’s mouth” (p. 41). I loved starting my mornings with this devotional, and I was convicted by how Moore said we are called to “be a neon sign” for God in this dark world: “We are stones rolled away, giving them [people who have given up on finding real life] a glance in the empty tomb. We provide evidence that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Do yourself and your neighbors a big favor. Don’t wait for death to really live. Tell God you want to be a neon sign of life–lingering proof of the resurrection” (p. 23).
If you are on a budget can’t afford to buy a book, I’ve got good news. Friends, you can enroll in prayer warrior school today without spending a dime. You can ask Jesus to teach you.
To help get you started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your faith and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
WANT TO GO DEEPER AND develop a vibrant prayer life? CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO HELP YOU REKINDLE A SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION.
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Go to Prayer Warrior School >> 5 Sweet Reads to Help Spark Your Prayer Life
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Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
September 7, 2018
3 Ways to Fight for Your Joy
“You know who you remind me of?” she asked.
I thought she was going to say Kirstie Alley. I personally don’t see the resemblance, but at least once a month I have a celebrity sighting. I will be at Target standing in the office supply aisle looking at the post its and pretty colorful paperclips when a random woman in flip flops and shorts will interrupt me to say. “Do I know you?”
The first few times this happened, I thought perhaps we attended church or had the same 5th grade teacher. I am terrible with names, but everyone remembers me — because I limp.
So after an awkward exchange, my new fan will usually say, “No, I don’t go to your church. You know what it is? You look like that girl from Cheers. What was her name….”
Yep.
Bruce says he is going to dress up like John Travolta for Halloween, and we will win the costume party. (We aren’t actually going to any Halloween parties, but we may just watch Look Whose Talking on Netflix instead.)
But on a memorable day in July, Kendra Schwarz made my day. She did’t say I reminded her of a Scientologist sexpot. She spoke life over my spirit.
“No, you remind me of Joy. Joy from the movie Inside Out. Have you seen it??
Yes. Yes, I have seen it.
And, I’ve lived it.
Over the last 8 years, I’ve battled Fear and pushed past Sadness. I’ve had a few run-ins with Anger, too.
I’ve fought for my joy.
I’ve waged a war against despair and doubt, and I desperately cried out to Jesus for help.
Weeping may come for the night, but joy always shows up on your doorstep in the morning….. if you are brave enough to get up off the couch and open up the door of your crushed heart.
I read your e-mails every week. I cry over your stories. God sees you, precious sisters. You are knee deep in the trenches fighting for your joy. You are walking through the valley and working hard to stay worshipful.
I know you are weary. But the journey is worth it. Your joy is coming. Never give up.
This week, I want to share with you 3 lessons I’ve learned as I look past my pain and press forward toward Jesus. Jesus is our Joy, and He is fighting for you.
3 Ways to Fight for Your Joy
Surrender Your Trust
One of the main reasons I get crabby is because worry consumes me during a crisis. If I stop to really think about the underlying cause, I must confess that I am trying to fix my own problems instead of trusting the Promise Keeper. Experiencing true joy in difficult circumstances starts with embracing the Truth that my all-powerful God will handle my problems.
“But those who trust in the Eternal One will regain their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles. They will run—never winded, never weary. They will walk—never tired, never faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, VOICE)
Celebrate Your Triumph
The enemy of your soul wants you to think you are a washout, a has-been, and an impostor. He is constantly trying to cover you with shame and cloud your perspective with fear and doubt. Friend, remember who you are. You belong to the King of Kings. You are a warrior princess in God’s army. He has rescued you from the pit of hell, and His banner over you is love. Your enemy is a vanquished foe, and the victory is certainly coming.
“Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in the name of our God. May the Lord fulfill all your requests.” (Psalm 20:5, CSB)
Sing Your Thanks
Sister, get your praise on as much as possible. Worry and worship cannot co-exist. I personally love using my fancy dancy smart phone as a defensive weapon in spiritual warfare by pushing the play button on my “Faith on Fire” Spotify playlist.
“Let them present to Him thanksgiving sacrifices and tell stories of His great deeds through songs of joy.” (Psalm 107:22, VOICE)
God wants you to live an abundant life, and you must never settle for anything less. Your joy is not found in your circumstances. Your day may be clouded with uncertainty, but you can push back the darkness and let the light of His love brighten up your heart and mind.
Be a joy fighter.
I’ve created a one-page printable with 8 Joy Fighter Verses to help you get started. Download a copy and read through these sweet promises every morning to remind you the joy of the Lord is your strength. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
One glorious day soon, we will stand with arms lifted high in the presence of our Savior, and our hearts will erupt with unimaginable joy. (I don’t think there are enough emojis in the world to celebrate the awesomeness of heaven.). But friends, as we fight for joy, we can bring heaven to earth. Jesus is here and alive in our hearts. He longs to fill us with His joy. As we linger with Him, we experience the fullness of joy today.
Joy in us will rise up and spill over all around us. Our joy will lift others up, and together we will link arms and make a difference by living out the love of Christ in this heartbreaking world.
The Eternal is the source of my strength and the shield that guards me. When I learn to rest and truly trust Him, He sends His help. This is why my heart is singing! I open my mouth to praise Him, and thankfulness rises as song. (Psalm 28:7, VOICE)
Let His joy rise up as a sweet victory song in you. Never give up, warrior princess. Your God wants you to make melody in your heart and watch Him do the miraculous.
Face a hard day by fighting with joy.
Face a hard day by fighting with joy.
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Want to go deeper and grab hold of defiant joy? Check out my coaching services to help you rekindle a spiritual transformation or refuel with rest and soul care.
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Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community and get weekly #FaithFuel in your inbox.
You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
You’ll also get access to the practical resources and goodies in our private Faith Fuel library.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
August 30, 2018
1 Fabulous Way to Move Forward Instead of Floundering
I am easily discouraged.
Most days, I doubt my crazy is going to change.
I end up floundering instead of moving forward because I am focused on the failures instead of God’s faithfulness.
Thankfully, I have a voice of reason in my life. His name is Craig Huston. He’s the pastor who stood at the end altar beside Bruce on the day I limped up the aisle to officially start my journey as Mrs Dunbar.
These days, Craig is no longer working at the church, but he started coaching. And, we signed up immediately.
At first, I thought we were just being helpful to Craig — He was starting a new business, and we wanted to be supportive.
Boy, was I in for a surprise!
We meet once a week by phone, and every week, he nudges me out of lethargy. He asks tough questions. He makes me think.
When I figure I am stuck in a box of impossibility, my coach tells me to look up and work harder to climb up and over the edge to find the Light.
He encourages me to “do it scared.”
Meeting regularly with Craig has taught me I can’t wait around for the crazy in my life to subside. I must walk through the mire toward the mark God has placed before me.
Working with a coach has helped me push past doubt and fear toward my God-given destiny.
I stopped making excuses.
I started setting goals and taking steps to change my life.
I stepped out of my comfort zone and allowed God to stretch me.
I said goodbye to stagnant living and kicked open the door for the Holy Spirit to move in and clear out the cobwebs of stinkin’ thinking.
Friends, working with a coach has made a huge difference in my life.
This week, I am officially launching my own coaching practice and starting to work with clients — because I want to give back and help others ignite a wildfire faith. To celebrate, I am inviting you to join me for a fabulously fun Facebook party on Thursday evening at 9 PM EST. I will broadcast live and giveaway a few cool prizes.
I hope you will put on your party pants and join me on Facebook for the fun. I’ll also be giving away an autographed copy of Jennifer Dukes Lee’s new book.
ENTER THE SPECIAL LAUNCH WEEK GIVEAWAY
Want to win a Free 1-Hour Coaching Call? I am going to randomly pick 5 winners on Monday, September 3rd. To enter, you must do the following:
1. Join the Wildfire Faith Community and sign up to receive weekly #FaithFuel encouragement emails in your inbox (if you haven’t done so already.)
2. Fill out the Coaching Consultation Request Form. Read about the 4 coaching tracks. Scroll down and click on the “Sign Me Up” button to fill out the consultation form. (This will take you a few minutes, so you can do it before or after the party).
Bonus: Get a double entry by sharing this post on your social media. Let me know in the comments where you shared.
5 Benefits of Working with a Biblical Life Coach
On Monday, I jumped on Facebook and did a quick live broadcast on my birthday to announce the Facebook party. I shared 5 reasons why you need a Biblical Life Coach:
One fabulous way to move forward instead of floundering is to focus on God’s faithfulness instead of our failures.
Move forward by focusing on God’s faithfulness instead of your failures.
Click To Tweet
The missionary Elisabeth Elliot said, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” My prayer for you and I is that we will continue to press on in every circumstance and passionately pursue the Christ who sets our heart on fire.
I’ve created a one-page printable of this quote to remind you Christ is presently at work in your life despite your crazy circumstances. Download a copy and post it where you can see it regularly to remember He has a grander purpose for your present pain. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
⇓
⇓
Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community to get #FaithFuel in your inbox.
You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
You’ll also get access to the practical resources and goodies in our private Faith Fuel library.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
1 Fabulous Way to Move Forward Instead of Floundering (and Giveaway)
I am easily discouraged.
Most days, I doubt my crazy is going to change.
I end up floundering instead of moving forward because I am focused on the failures instead of God’s faithfulness.
Thankfully, I have a voice of reason in my life. His name is Craig Huston. He’s the pastor who stood at the end altar beside Bruce on the day I limped up the aisle to officially start my journey as Mrs Dunbar.
These days, Craig is no longer working at the church, but he started coaching. And, we signed up immediately.
At first, I thought we were just being helpful to Craig — He was starting a new business, and we wanted to be supportive.
Boy, was I in for a surprise!
We meet once a week by phone, and every week, he nudges me out of lethargy. He asks tough questions. He makes me think.
When I figure I am stuck in a box of impossibility, my coach tells me to look up and work harder to climb up and over the edge to find the Light.
He encourages me to “do it scared.”
Meeting regularly with Craig has taught me I can’t wait around for the crazy in my life to subside. I must walk through the mire toward the mark God has placed before me.
Working with a coach has helped me push past doubt and fear toward my God-given destiny.
I stopped making excuses.
I started setting goals and taking steps to change my life.
I stepped out of my comfort zone and allowed God to stretch me.
I said goodbye to stagnant living and kicked open the door for the Holy Spirit to move in and clear out the cobwebs of stinkin’ thinking.
Friends, working with a coach has made a huge difference in my life.
This week, I am officially launching my own coaching practice and starting to work with clients — because I want to give back and help others ignite a wildfire faith. To celebrate, I am inviting you to join me for a fabulously fun Facebook party on Thursday evening at 9 PM EST. I will broadcast live and giveaway a few cool prizes.
I hope you will put on your party pants and join me on Facebook for the fun. I’ll also be giving away an autographed copy of Jennifer Dukes Lee’s new book.
ENTER THE SPECIAL LAUNCH WEEK GIVEAWAY
Want to win a Free 1-Hour Coaching Call? I am going to randomly pick 5 winners on Monday, September 3rd. To enter, you must do the following:
1. Join the Wildfire Faith Community and sign up to receive weekly #FaithFuel encouragement emails in your inbox (if you haven’t done so already.)
2. Fill out the Coaching Consultation Request Form. Read about the 4 coaching tracks. Scroll down and click on the “Sign Me Up” button to fill out the consultation form. (This will take you a few minutes, so you can do it before or after the party).
Bonus: Get a double entry by sharing this post on your social media. Let me know in the comments where you shared.
5 Benefits of Working with a Biblical Life Coach
On Monday, I jumped on Facebook and did a quick live broadcast on my birthday to announce the Facebook party. I shared 5 reasons why you need a Biblical Life Coach:
One fabulous way to move forward instead of floundering is to focus on God’s faithfulness instead of our failures.
Move forward by focusing on God’s faithfulness instead of your failures.
Click To Tweet
The missionary Elisabeth Elliot said, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” My prayer for you and I is that we will continue to press on in every circumstance and passionately pursue the Christ who sets our heart on fire.
I’ve created a one-page printable of this quote to remind you Christ is presently at work in your life despite your crazy circumstances. Download a copy and post it where you can see it regularly to remember He has a grander purpose for your present pain. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
⇓
⇓
Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community to get #FaithFuel in your inbox.
You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
You’ll also get access to the practical resources and goodies in our private Faith Fuel library.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
August 23, 2018
10 Verses to Encourage and Empower Your Heart on a Hellish Day
When I look back at 2012, I have maybe 5 or 6 photos from the entire year. I spent 6 months of 2012 trying to convince myself to get out of bed. I really just wanted to hide under the covers.
Some days are just hellishly hard.
It’s hard to believe seemingly impossible situations will change.
I desperately want to see things differently, but I struggle to perceive how God could change my crazy life.
I know in my head God is bigger than bad days, but my heart is trembling.
Instead of praying, I end up wrestling with fear and anxiety. I go 12 rounds with doubt and end up exhausted every time.
I am just not strong enough.
Hard days have sucker punched my heart and left me shaking in the corner countless times.
A while back, I started asking you — the mysterious people who read this blog — to let me know what you are struggling with so I could pray for you and know how to serve you better here in this space. Almost every day, I get an e-mail from one of you sharing your hard thing.
You’ve let me know you are still fighting, but it’s so hard to keep the faith.
You’re tired of waiting.
You’re wondering why God just won’t fix it already.
Me, too, friend. Me, too.
Reading your emails reminds me I don’t own the corner market on pain. We are all right in the middle of a mess and hoping for our miracle.
I still believe in miracles.
Lately, God has been whispering to me a message I want to share with you today. I’ve turned around this Truth in my mind on a few mornings as I sit in bed with my Bible and try to find the courage to face my day.
Here is what God wants you to know:
Your deliverance is a sure thing.
You are on the wining team. You can rest easy.
Your current situation is not a random catastrophic event that’s crashed on you to destroy your life.
God is fully invested in every moment of your life. He is making a way for you.
The instability you are currently facing cannot topple you because you belong to Him.
He created that man you are married to and chose Him for you.
He loves your prodigal child more than you do.
He knows exactly how much money you need to pay that bill.
Your Redeemer is at work and will not rest until He has fully rescued you.
For the last few weeks, I’ve immersed myself in the Psalms, and reading its pages has encouraged me so much. David’s life is falling apart, but He stays standing moment by moment by reminding Himself God is faithful.
Hard days can’t have our hearts if we look to God for help.
I want to follow David’s example and encourage my heart by exercising my faith. Want to join me? Here are a ten Truths to equip you with Truth and speak life to your soul.
Hard days can’t have our hearts if we look to God for help.
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10 Verses to Encourage and Empower Your Heart on a Hellish Day
DAY 1
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you. (Psalm 32:7 & 8, NIV)
DAY 2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2, NIV)
DAY 3
He will shelter you with His wings; you will find safety under His wings. His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall. (Psalm 91:4, NET)
DAY 4
The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV)
DAY 5
The Lord’s angel camps around the Lord’s loyal followers and delivers them. …The godly cry out and the Lord hears; He saves them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:7 & 17)
DAY 6
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:18, NIV)
DAY 7
…Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:1 & 2, NIV)
DAY 8
Nothing, you see, is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37, MSG)
DAY 9
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? …No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:31 & 37, NIV)
DAY 10
And we know with great confidence that God who is deeply concerned about us causes all things to work together as a plan for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. (Romans 8:28, AMP)
For the next 10 days, we can rehearse these 10 truths and remind ourselves we don’t need to worry.
I’ve created a one-page printable with these 10 Scriptures to encourage and empower you on hard days. Download a copy and mediate on one of these sweet promises every morning to help you remember God is presently at work in your life and more powerful than your problems. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
As we arm ourselves with truth, God will strengthen our hearts and help us to stay standing. These Scriptural promises will not only encourage you to worship on hard days, but you will feel compelled to share them with a few hurting friends. You will get to partner with God as His agent to help empower others who are overcome by worry and doubt. When God fills up your life with His peace, His presence will spill out of you and bring hope to your friends and family.
Encourage and empower your heart on hellish days by hanging on to God’s Truth.
Encourage and empower your heart on hellish days by hanging on to God’s Truth.
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Faith on Fire Spotlight:
Debbie Kitterman
Deepen your relationship with God and embrace a life of encouragement by sharing God’s words with others though The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement.
When people think of prophecy, they often think of individuals in the Old Testament or certain personality-driven ministries today. They may think more about the prophet than the message.
But Jesus showed us God’s intention for prophecy by living in two-way communication with the Father and by embracing a lifestyle of encouraging others, changing lives in the process. We can do the same.
Clearing away the confusion about the prophetic gift today, pastor and ministry leader Debbie Kitterman reveals the good news about the gift of prophecy in this practical, powerful book: We are all prophetic because we all have direct access to God. Prophecy is an ordinary part of the Christian life. In fact, it is God’s way for us to encourage and strengthen the Body of Christ.
So open your ears to hear God and break out of your comfort zone to deliver His messages to those who need them most. Act now—His words can’t wait!
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Debbie Kitterman is a breath of fresh air with a down-to-earth teaching style. As a prophetic encourager, she partners with churches and individuals to realize their God potential. Debbie is passionate about people claiming their God-given inheritance. Her teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible.
Debbie is an ordained Foursquare pastor currently serving with her husband as senior pastors of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. She is the author of Releasing God’s Heart Through Hearing His Voice and an international speaker. She is the founder and teacher of D2HTraining.com, an online course designed to equip believers in releasing God’s heart. She has been married to her high school sweetheart John for 28 years, and they have two grown children.
Her newest book, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others, released this month.
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Giveaway
Y’all know I am a big book nerd. Other women buy shoes, but I buy books and Bible commentaries.
For everyone who asks me “what should I read next?” I now have a sweet list of my favorite reads for you to check out. Amazon created a space for social media influencers to share cv!
If you are looking for a good read to fire up your faith, then check out what’s on my nightstand here.
(Disclosure: Amazon will compensate me a little for anything you may purchase through this page. Thanks in advance if you do.)
Debbie is offered to generously give away one copy of The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement to one of my readers this week. Leave a comment before Monday, September 3rd letting us know that you shared this post on Facebook or Instagram to enter– and let Debbie and I know what’s on your nightstand right now.
Note: You must live within the U.S. to enter today’s giveaway
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Are you letting doubt and fear stop you from moving forward and finding your purpose?
Are you tired of
Wasting time on things that don’t matter?
Feeling overwhelmed by your commitments?
Thinking you’re not “enough,” making excuses, overextending yourself, and living exhausted?
Putting your dreams on hold because life is just too crazy right now?
Not sure where to get started? I’ve created 4 unique coaching tracks for you to choose from to help you start moving forward:
Rekindle Spiritual Transformation
Refine Your Passion and Purpose
Radiate in Your Writing and Speaking Ministry
Refuel with Rest and Soul Care
Coaching will help you push past mental obstacles and passionately pursue God’s grander purpose for your life.
Imagine yourself developing an action plan to
Spend less time worrying about what ifs and more time worshipping Jesus.
Establish healthy work boundaries so you can fully enjoy your family time.
Start taking better care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Discover how to overcome obstacles to make your dream a reality.
Tell Me More
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Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community to get #FaithFuel in your inbox.
You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
You’ll also get access to the practical resources and goodies in our private Faith Fuel library.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
August 16, 2018
3 Heart Lessons Learned at the School of Hard Knocks
My students loved it when I graded on the curve. As a teacher, I accepted that if no one got a perfect score on the test, then a little adjustment was required. Consider it “educational grace.”
I spent seventeen years in a high school classroom. As the years progressed, I became more and more lenient. A note from Mom meant you got an extra day to finish your homework. I started grading student work in pencil, rather than bleeding in red all over their words and hearts.
Life will either soften you to the humanity in others, or you become jaded and untractable.
I want to be a sponge, not a rock. I want to be a safe place to land, not a stumbling block.
God has softened me to the brokenness in others by providing me some painful “field trips.” Over the last 9 years, I’ve experienced miscarriage, sickness, and depression. I’ve grieved the loss of loved ones, and I’ve walked with those who are grieving.
I’ve hit rock bottom and found that God is still there.
Learning is a gift… even when pain is your teacher. I am so thankful that my God writes in pencil and that He understands my weakness. I am thankful that God provides a learning curve of grace.
I am a work in progress. You are a work in progress. God is not finished teaching us yet, and we have much to learn still.
As an ongoing student enrolled in the School of Hard Knocks, I’ve come to understand that I need to play well with others. I have an enemy, but he is not flesh and blood. My “schoolmates” are fighting hard to make it through each day, and my job is to encourage, to pray, to listen, and to refrain from judgment.
Teaching cured me of “perfectionism.” I’ve learned that rules are meant to give you structure, but you also need to be a little flexible. It’s okay to color outside the lines sometimes.
I am going to make mistakes. You are going to make mistakes. Your best teacher may just be your last mistake. Mistakes are just unexpected learning experiences. Pain and sorrow and failure are portals to discovery.
As I’ve surrendered my brokenness to the Master Teacher, I’ve learned to a few heart lessons….and today I want to share them with you. Maybe this will encourage you if you are in a hard place.
3 Heart Lessons Learned at the School of Hard Knocks
Cultivate thankfulness.
Today is a gift. Hebrews 12:15 encourages me to “keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent.” A heart of gratitude is a teachable heart.
Choose to love and forgive.
I’ve learned to let go of my expectations and and allow others room to be human. I Peter 4:8 reminds me: “Love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.”
Cooperate with others humbly, rather than give in to selfish comparison.
I want to be a grace giver who learns from the stories of others. Romans 12:17 & 18 in The Message challenge: “Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do.”
Maybe you’ve been holding on to your red pen for too long, and you need to pick up your pencil. Who do you need to extend grace to today?
Maybe you think you are failure because of your mistakes. Listen to the gentle voice of your Teacher. There is grace for you. He is not finished with you yet.
May this be our prayer as we sit in God’s schoolroom and listen up: “Show me how You work, God, school me in Your ways.” Psalm 25:4, MSG
So, here is your homework for this week:
Write out Psalm 25:4 or grab the free printable graphic from the Faith Fuel Library. Post it on your fridge or computer screen or bathroom mirror — somewhere. where you will see it and remember.
Spend a few minutes each morning this week inviting God to teach you. Tell Him you are ready and willing to learn. Read a short passage in the Bible with pen in hand. (Suggestion: Proverbs is a good place to turn if you are in need of wisdom. Today is the 17th — Read Proverbs 17.)
At the close of your day, set aside a few minutes to sit quietly before the Lord. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit in a comfy chair thinking over your day and asking the Holy Spirit to teach you. If you have a notebook or journal, keep it close by with your favorite pen just in case you want to record a nugget of wisdom.
Close your time of reflection in prayer. Place your hands in your lap with palms open and up ready to receive. Surrender you day to the Lord. Tell Him you are listening.
Want to go even deeper and pray big?
I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
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Are you letting doubt and fear stop you from moving forward and finding your purpose?
Are you tired of
Wasting time on things that don’t matter?
Feeling overwhelmed by your commitments?
Thinking you’re not “enough,” making excuses, overextending yourself, and living exhausted?
Putting your dreams on hold because life is just too crazy right now?
Not sure where to get started? I’ve created 4 unique coaching tracks for you to choose from to help you start moving forward.
Coaching will help you push past mental obstacles and passionately pursue God’s grander purpose for your life.
Imagine yourself developing an action plan to
Spend less time worrying about what ifs and more time worshipping Jesus.
Establish healthy work boundaries so you can fully enjoy your family time.
Start taking better care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Discover how to overcome obstacles to make your dream a reality.
Tell Me More
⇓
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
August 8, 2018
On Persevering in Prayer When It’s Painful
For over a year, I woke up every morning and made myself get out of bed and get dressed to face the day. I created a morning play list of worshipful music to help me push past the fear, and I’d stand in front of the mirror and give myself a pep talk.
You can do this. God is bigger than this. This is just a dark season, not hell. It only feels like hell, but the sun will shine again.
We’d buried two very important people in our lives within the space of 60 days, and everywhere I looked someone was crying. My best friend was sleeping alone in a bed of grief for the first time in 20 years. Her two girls were wondering why daddy was gone, and I just couldn’t make it better.
And then, because the enemy is a stinker, and he likes to kick you when you are down, we said goodbye to our Gisela. She was like a mother to my husband. She’d taken him on trips and baked him cookies his whole life. That strong German woman stood up to Cancer and shook her fist at it with the resolve of a woman who’d already survived Hitler and losing her husband to another woman. Cancer was not bigger than our Gisela.
Except it was.
And she never made her peace with God. We prayed over her until the end. And on the day when she took her last breath without asking Jesus to receive her, my husband had a panic attack.
My two closest loves were both walking through the darkest valley.
So, I stood in front of the mirror every morning, and I asked God to help us make it through the day.
Show up, Jesus. We need you.
The drive to work was an hour long every morning, and God and I did a lot of business in the car. I pleaded the blood of Christ over my husband’s work day. I asked the Holy Spirit to invade the 4 walls of my best friend’s house as she homeschooled. I prayed Psalm 91 verse by verse over them both until I had it memorized.
When life hits you hard, prayer is a girl’s best friend…
I’m sharing “On Persevering in Prayer When It’s Painful” at Dr. Michelle Bengston’s today.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
The post On Persevering in Prayer When It’s Painful appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.
August 3, 2018
How to Plant Hope in Your Heart as You Pray Together
Last July, I whispered a crazy prayer request to a friend. I was preparing to go to my very first writing conference ever, and as I packed my suitcase, I crammed so many hopes and dreams into every crevice of my overstuffed luggage. I wasn’t sure what God was going to do, but I knew He was certainly up to something.
I’d asked a group of gals to pray for me. But this one request, I never shared with anyone except for Michelle.
I didn’t tell anyone else because it was just so OUTRAGEOUS. But I told Michelle because she is my person, and we like to talk out of the side of our mouths to each other and say whatever bubbles over.
Even if it’s crazy and outrageous.
So, I left for the conference and totally forgot about that crazy prayer. I forgot about it until 365 days later as we sat in our rental car and drove home from my second She Speaks Conference.
The conference this year was amazing. I got a little weepy on the drive home just thinking about it.
My favorite part was the donor prayer meeting. Wendy Blight and Sharon Glasgow stood in front of the room and prayed the armor of God over each woman. Then, several ladies on the team walked down the aisle and anointed the sister sitting in the aisle seat as appointed for ministry.
Then, they handed the bottle of anointing oil to the prayer warrior seated on the aisle. Woman after woman turned to speak life over her sister as the bottle of oil passed down the aisle.
Prayers were lifted to heaven. Tears fell to the floor. The presence of the Holy Spirit filled up that room with a palpable power and peace.
For the remainder of the weekend, I walked through the hallways and witnessed women praying over each other. I held hands with sisters and asked God to help them through hurts and hangups hindering their calling. I sat in a comfortable chair in the prayer room and poured over the concerns on prayer cards — lifting each one up to the God who Sees and Provides.
But it wasn’t until I was driving home that I experienced the strongest presence of God. He whispered to me quietly and reminded me about that crazy request I’d confessed to Michelle.
I opened that door, my child .
Why do I doubt? God is at work as we hold hands and whisper crazy impossible prayers. He is moving mountains and making a way for us. He is changing hearts and creating all things new.
Maybe you are sitting on the couch right now reading this and thinking: Sure, God answers amazing prayer requests for other people. Not for me.
Maybe you are still weeping over a prodigal child or a diagnosis. Maybe you are worried about how you are going to pay that bill. Perhaps you are out of your mind with anxiety because your marriage is a mess or your loved one is destroying their life because of addiction.
Maybe you’ve prayed and prayed, and you are still waiting.
Here’s the thing about God: He is not on our time table. But when He does respond, He breathes redemption into every space we’ve covered in prayer. He blankets our lives with His grace, and He brings life into dead spaces.
So, here is your homework for this week:
Write down one crazy prayer that you want God to answer on a small piece of paper or card. Place it in an envelope in your Bible and write “miracle expected” on the outside. Put today’s date on it.
Tell at least 2 friends to pray with you. You can count me as one of those friends if you like. (I can keep a secret.) You can email me here.
Pray every day without fail and trust that your God is able to do anything.
Want to go even deeper to plant hope your heart?
I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
One day, you are going to get a little weepy just like me. You are going to see God do the impossible in your life. As you pray big and wait for God to provide, you will experience His presence and see how He provides you His peace and power. One day your mountain moving God is going to make room for you. You will see His glory and give thanks for your personal Ephesians 3;20 moment.
Make sure you send me an e-mail when it happens. I want to rejoice with you.
Until then, we will wait and pray big. You have a big God. He is still in the miracle business.
As you pray and believe, God is powerfully at work breathing life into dark spaces.
As you pray and believe, God is powerfully at work breathing life into dark spaces.
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Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
