Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 29
October 30, 2016
Burden Lifted
“It’s good to see her happy,” my husband remarked tonight.
My friend’s valley season is over. Tonight, we danced and laughed with twinkling eyes and hearts come alive.
Yesterday, we dwelled in the pit of despair. We struggled to take a breath and wondered if we’d ever exhale without wailing.
If you are abiding in the house of mourning right now, I want to remind you that it’s not your permanent home.
The Lifter of your head will sweep in soon and replace your sackcloth with a garment of strength and gladness.
No situation is beyond God’s help. He will sustain your breath in the valley and restore your peace.
God is a burden lifter. He shields you from defeat and surrounds you with songs of deliverance.
A Song of Comfort
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
A Song of Cheer
“When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer” (Psalm 94:19).
A Song of Confidence
“ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear.What can mere people do to me?’ ” (Hebrews 13:6).
In His grace He will lift you up from the hellish pit and place you on higher ground above the mire of fear and doubt.
God always heals. He redeems all.
With burden lifted, your eyes will twinkle once again.
Get your dancing shoes ready.
Shout up to your Defender and watch Him thunder down from His holy mountain on your behalf.
Breathing Exercise:
Read Psalm 3. Thank God for being your Burden Lifter. Take special note of vs 8 — You are clothed in blessing.
Read Psalm 30. Worship the one who transforms nights of crying your eyes out into days of laughter.
Go to church with me and get your feet tapping to this joyful song. Breathe a praise offering to the One who makes your heart come alive over and over and over again.
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I am sharing “Burden Lifter” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace and Faith-Filled Friday.
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October 29, 2016
Truth Finder
This world is blaring like a megaphone.
Is it just me, or has the enemy of our souls turned up the volume button lately? How can I hear God’s still, small voice in the midst of the cacophony? I can hardly take a breath because I am struggling to think in a world gone mad.
I need to press pause on the pandemonium. I don’t have to listen to the hellish howling. I can step away and sit in the silence and wait for God’s wisdom to re-align my thinking.
In the midst of a holy hush, I will remember that God created this entire universe with a mere warm breath.
God breathes life into barren spaces.
He is breathing over my life with
Freedom
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7).
Wisdom
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:103). “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63).
Joy
“Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight” (Psalm 119:111). “The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart” (Psalm 19:8).
Hope
“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled” (Romans 15:4).
Peace
“Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psalm 119:165).
God’s Word fully equips you to face your day.
He speaks truth over man’s opinion. He warns us when we are winding down the wrong path. He teaches us how to transform our lives and respond righteously.
Let the Word of God be your truth finder in troubled times.
Breathing Exercise:
Read Psalm 19. Write down all the ways that God’s Word helps restore your life.
Listen to this prayerful song and breathe a prayer asking God to speak to you. His Word will teach your heart and heal your soul.
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I am sharing “Truth Finder” and joining like-minded sisters at Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, and Blessing Counters.
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The post Truth Finder appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
October 27, 2016
Showers of Blessing
Weary one, God sees you.
Your God knows everything about you, and He understands how hard it is for you to keep breathing in the midst of turmoil.
He hears your heaves as you pray. He is attentive to the cries of His children.
You must keep breathing. Your breakthrough is just a prayer away.
Will you trust Him?
Trust Him to support you with His strength when you are weak.
“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).
Trust Him to provide wisdom when you are wrestling with indecision.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Trust Him to fill you with supernatural peace that surpasses the scope of your limited understanding.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
God has showered you with blessing.
Everyone on earth is fighting for oxygen today. We all have problems… but only God’s children have the benefit of His overcoming power and abundant provision in our lives.
The bravest thing you can do on a dark day is to trust God. Breathe in His grace and exhale thanksgiving.
Breathing Exercise:
Read Psalm 116. Note that it is believed this is one of the psalms that Jesus sang with His disciples on the evening before His betrayal and arrest. How is thanksgiving and trust the ultimate love offering to God?
Listen to this beautiful song. Consider God’s promise that weeping my last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Keep breathing, friend. Your sunrise is coming soon.
Breathe a prayer to the God who shatters the darkness with His everlasting light. Ask Him to remind you how incredibly blessed you are, even on the darkest of days. May His hope rise within you.
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Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Showers of Blessing” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. 
October 25, 2016
Safe and Sound
We are living in seemingly uncertain days.
The path ahead is unclear and foreboding in so many ways.
If I start obsessing about “what is yet to come,” I work myself up into a tizzy. My thoughts race up to the brink of terror, and I start hyperventilating.
The key to facing the unknown tomorrow is to rest in the One who knows you today.
The Shepherd of your Soul longs to give you rest. He surrounds you with His
Protection: God guards His children and shows Himself strong in our lives.
“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (II Thessalonians 3:3). “…I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day” (II Timothy 1:12).
Provision: His storehouse supply never runs out.
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10). “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Power: God reigns sovereign over every circumstance.
“…You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you” (II Chronicles 20:6). “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Presence: God is alive and actively at work in your life.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). “In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; You keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues” (Psalm 31:20).
His wisdom will guide you along toward safe pasture, and if you get a little scraped up on the bumpy road, He will step in to bandage your wounds and fully restore you.
Trust in His care and follow His gentle voice. He knows the way, and He will sustain you every step of your journey.
God always shepherds us toward safety and rest. You are forever safe and sound in His circle of protection.
Breathing Exercise:
Read Psalm 23 and allow God to refresh Your spirit by inhaling the promise of His restorative work in your life.
Listen to this refreshing song and praise Him for making your path secure.
Breathe a prayer to your God asking Him to comfort you with His strength and peace.
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I am sharing “Safe and Sound” and joining like-minded sisters at Faith-Filled Friday, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Moments of Hope.
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The post Safe and Sound appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
October 23, 2016
Room to Breathe
No one is going to knock you down, friend. You are standing on a rock-solid foundation.
God always gives you room to breathe.
You are fortressed in His stalwart strength and security. God faithfully shelters His children.
The closer your draw under the shadow of His wings, the stronger He will stabilize you.
When you are overwhelmed and lacking wisdom and courage, He will show Himself strong on your behalf.
3 Ways to Inhale God’s Strength
Wait expectantly in the silence. Rather than worry and fret, be still and know that He is God. He is working in ways you cannot see right now (Psalm 46:1 & 10).
Declare your confidence is in God. Praise Him for being your Defender. He will go before you and guide you through the darkest night. He surrounds you with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7-8).
Give thanks for His merciful help. He is your Strong Tower. Cast yourself fully on His strength (Psalm 28:6-9).
God is breathing room for your soul.
Breathing Exercise:
Read Psalm 31, Psalm 61:1-5, and Psalm 62.
Listen to this stirring song. Thank God for being your refuge.
Breathe a prayer praising God for giving you breathing room.
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I am sharing “Room to Breathe” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace and Faith-Filled Friday.
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The post Room to Breathe appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
Unstoppable God
You are living and breathing on a battleground, soldier. When the fiery attack grows fiercest, inhaling even a breath is a hard won victory.
If adversity has surged and interrupted your well-laid plans, you may feel as if you are hemmed in by affliction. You are seemingly drowning in a violent sea of misfortune.
I have fantastic news for you, weary warrior. You are not alone in the fight.
Your enemy will never triumph. God’s purposes in your life cannot be thwarted.
God stands with you in the midst of the onslaught. He will never allow you to be engulfed by the foe.
Your unstoppable God rises up to defend you.
He will completely destroy the enemy.
He is the God who pays back those who harm me; He subdues the nations under me and rescues me from my enemies. You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents (Psalm 18:47-48).
He shields you with His protection.
The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Savior; my God is my Rock, in whom I find protection. He is my Shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies (Psalm 18:1-2).
He always glorifies His name.
“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else...” The Lord will march forth like a mighty hero; He will come out like a warrior, full of fury. He will shout His battle cry and crush all His enemies (Isaiah 42: 8 & 13).
You are more than a conqueror. God Himself rises up to avenge you. Your Warrior God has donned His armor and lifted up a victorious battle standard ahead of you on your journey.
Your unstoppable God will defend you. The winds of adversity are no match for your Deliverer.
Breathing Exercise:
Read Isaiah 59:15-21. How has your Warrior God promised to defend you?
Listen to this victory song and praise God that you are more than a conqueror today because He has overcome sin and death.
Transform Ephesians 6:10-18 into a heart cry to your God. He will show Himself strong on your behalf until your very last breath.
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I am sharing “Unstoppable God” and joining like-minded sisters at Spiritual Sundays and Faith-Filled Friday.
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The post Unstoppable God appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
October 22, 2016
New Lease on Life
Breathe.
The enemy of your soul is working overtime to overwhelm you with the noise of this world. Don’t let him distract you.
Breathe.
No matter how hard life gets, you and Jesus are a majority. As long as there is breath in you, God will undergird you with His supernatural strength.
You aren’t just barely breathing today. You are alive in Christ. You are a new creation.
The very breath of God will warm up your heart if you just slow down and breathe in His grace. Remember the same God who cast out demons, healed the lame, gave sight to the blind, and raised the dead is living in you right now.
God has given you a new lease on life
You are saved. God has cleansed you completely and poured His renewing Spirit into your life (Titus 3:3-7).
You are justified. You are no longer under condemnation. Christ has made things right between you and God. You can experience the fullness of God’s peace today and look forward to tomorrow with hope (Romans 5:1-5).
You are accepted. God has chosen you and appointed you to receive every spiritual blessing He has in His treasure chest (Ephesians 1:3-8).
You are sanctified. You are work in progress. God is perfecting His holiness in you as you live and breathe (I Corinthians 6:9-11).
God is continually making all things new in your life. The troubles you may be experiencing now are merely the birth pains of God’s miraculous regeneration at work in you.
God specializes in clearing the air and giving His children a new lease on life.
Breathing Exercise:
Read II Corinthians 5. Note the practical ways Paul challenges you to live in light of your new lease on life.
Listen to this celebration song. You can do a little praise dance of joy as you tap your feet in rhythm. Go ahead and recklessly praise Him for making all things new. I promise you will feel 10 times better if you do.
Breathe a prayer of thanks to your God who continually clears the air around you.
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I am sharing “New Lease on Life” and joining like-minded sisters at Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, and Blessing Counters.
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The post New Lease on Life appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
October 20, 2016
Resuscitate Your Faith
Doubt strangles your breathing.
Focusing on your fears instead of faith will inflame your airways and make you hyper-sensitive to every passing wind.
Without proper attention, your labored, asthmatic breathing will tighten up your muscles unmercifully.
Panic will set in as your heart races with trepidation.
It’s vital to your spiritual health for you to keep your inhaler close by: a healthy dose of Truth applied directly to your lungs can help restore your breathing.
When your heart is hammering, slowly inhale the Word of life. Let it’s life-giving power seep down and cover every part of your mind, body, and soul.
Allow the Great Physician to restore you.
How to Resuscitate Your Faith
Recount how far you’ve come. Look back at your life and make a list of every time God has carried you through a season of uncertainty and provided for your needs (Note how David does this in Psalm 143).
Rehearse what you know is true. Write down a Scriptural truth that anchors you in faith. Meditate on it daily. (Psalm 27:1-3 is one of my favorites.)
Relinquish your expectations for a trouble-free life. You live in a fallen, sin-saturated world. This is not heaven. Stop viewing this life as an extended vacation. Put your #ArmorOn daily as you step out into the war zone (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Remember God is sovereign over your circumstances. Your God is always at work. He will redeem every single circumstance in your life for His Kingdom purposes (Psalm 103:1-14).
Resolve to take one step of faith forward at a time. Don’t allow fear to swallow up your faith and paralyze you. Pray through the discomfort and determine to keep pressing in to Christ. He will give you the grace needed to make it through this day (Luke 6:25-34).
God will restore restful breathing as you apply the balm of His Word to your heart.
Breathing Exercise:
Read Acts 17:22-31. Remember the day that God first made your heart come alive in faith. Thank Him for the gift of life and breath today.
Never forget that God is an expert at bringing the dead back to life. Ask Him to restore your faith completely.
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Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Resuscitate Your Faith” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
October 18, 2016
Choose a Legacy of Blessing
Continually inhaling the hot air of hatred can be fatal.
Your soul was not designed to run hot. If you persist in breathing out fire, you’ll experience chronic heartburn, and the risk of internal combustion is sure to follow.
If bitterness has invaded your atmosphere, the remedy is to apply grace liberally.
We must choose to bless, not curse.
We must speak life, not scream selfishly.
We must pray for peace, rather than vomit vitriol.
This world will tell you to push and shove and demand your way. He who screams loudest does not win. Sadly, you just end up hyperventilating.
We can choose differently. We can pour out a blessing and put cursing to rest.
4 Ways to Leave a Legacy of Blessing
Fight only on your knees. Choose a life-giving Scripture to pray over your foe.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
Focus on the cross. Never forget you are a sinner set free by God’s amazing grace. Ask God to help you view difficult people with His eyes.
“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed” (I Peter 2:21-24).
Flee from Bitterness. Forgive offenses freely and work toward unity.
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you his blessing” (I Peter 3:8-9).
Fuel up your love tank. Look for ways to serve others and invite them in to redemption.
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate” (Luke 6:35-36).
Break the bonds of hate and live to be a blessing.
Breathing Exercise:
Read James 3. What character qualities do we need to cultivate in order to choose blessing over cursing? (Note v 13, 17 & 18).
Read Romans 12. What practical steps does Paul suggest for leaving a legacy of blessing?
Inhale wisdom as you listen to this inspirational song.
Breathe a prayer asking God to help you speak life over those in your circle of influence today and every day.
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I am sharing “Choose a Legacy of Blessing” and joining like-minded sisters at Faith-Filled Friday, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, and Three-Word Wednesday.
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The post Choose a Legacy of Blessing appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
Beautiful Feet Bring Good News
They called her Moses.
An unlikely heroine, Harriet Tubman was five-feet tall and suffered from a brain injury at age 15 when a heavy iron weight was hurled in her direction. In the years that followed, she was plagued by sleeping spells and migraine headaches.
Born a slave, Tubman was abused by cruel taskmasters who beat her and scarred her body. She was forced to drag animal traps through icy cold swamplands wearing a thin cloth to cover her feet.
She tasted freedom and escaped her chains in 1850. Harriet described how her perspective changed once she stood on free soil: “I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person now that I was free, there was such glory over everything, the sun came up like gold through the trees, and over the fields, and I felt like I was in heaven.”
Her response to emancipation was to risk all to help guide others to liberty. Rather than sit on her laurels and enjoy life, she willingly chose to encounter hardship and reach out to those who were still in chains. She returned nineteen times and led 300 people to freedom.
Harriet Tubman’s scarred feet were beautiful to those she helped rescue.
Beautiful feet bring Good News…
I’m sharing over at LoveGodGreatly.com today.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
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