Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 36
May 4, 2016
Break Every Chain
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How are things going with [insert name of my tough cookie here]? she asked.
“The same,” I responded. Nothing has changed. Her spiritual eyes are still darkened. She is seemingly deaf to the voice of the Lord. Her pace is steadily progressing on the road to destruction with no U-turn in view.
So, I sit in my office and cry out to the One who came to set captives free.
And He tenderly reminds me:
My love breaks every chain.
So I ask Him for an extra measure of His love to fill me up so that it overflows and opens up her sin-scarred heart to salvation.
How to Hear the Chains Fall:
Forgive: Offer grace, not judgment. (Colossians 3:13; Romans 8:1)
Pray: Get on your knees and put on your armor. Prayer is your only battleground. (Ephesians 6:10-17)
Encourage: A kind word can soften a hard heart. (Hebrews 3:12-14; Isaiah 50:4; Colossians 2:2)
Serve: Wash the feet of the captive. They might not even know they are covered in grime. (Matthew 7:12)
Welcome: Jesus invited others in. He was a friend of sinners. (Romans 15:7; Luke 4:18)
Love paves the road to freedom, and my job is to keep laying down the asphalt.
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Break Every Chain” 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. 
When Money is the Monkey in the Middle of Your Marriage
Photo Credit 1 & 2
We were standing in the aisle next to the ice cream freezer at Target when I realized how marrying your opposite can create matrimonial chaos.
I had a hankering for cookies and cream ice cream, but my man was balking at the price. He wanted to know why the size of the container had shrunk while the price had escalated. He huffed and puffed and refused to put the container in our grocery cart.
Seriously? It’s just ice cream. Who cares how much it costs? A girl needs her chocolate fix.
I went home hungry and confused that evening. This was the first of many epic battles over the way we would spend our hard earned dollar.
I grew up in a home where I was the spoiled only child of doting parents. If I asked for a toy, a sparkling new doll always appeared under the Christmas tree. My husband was raised in a family of four where mom stayed home and cut coupons to make ends meet. He wore hand-me-downs and rode a bike purchased at a garage sale.
Money was the monkey in the middle of my marriage. Thankfully, over the course of the last five years, we’ve learned to “play nice” and tame the taunting wild beast called the budget…
I’m sharing “When Marriage is the Monkey in the Middle of Your Marriage” over at Moody’s Start Marriage Right today.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
The post When Money is the Monkey in the Middle of Your Marriage appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
May 2, 2016
Tunes for a Choose Rest Playlist
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Sabbath for me always involves worship. As a teen, I would make a mix tape, drop it into the stereo, put on my headphones, and press play. I’d sit alone before my God in my bedroom and wash the world away as my heart lifted up to heaven through the melodies.
These days, I carry my music wherever I go on my phone. I can create a Sabbath moment in the middle of my day by just tuning in to life-healing lyrics that remind me that He alone is God.
I wanted to share with you some tunes that help breathe life into my weary spirit.
Choose Rest Tunes
Far be it from me to not believe,
Even when my eyes can’t see.
And this mountain that’s in front of me
Will be thrown into the midst of the sea.
Through it all, through it all,
My eyes are on You.
Through it all, through it all,
It is well.
So let go my soul and trust in Him.
The waves and wind still know His name.
At the whisper of Your voice we arise.
At the mention of Your name, we come alive.
We come before You now with voices raised.
Awaken us and raise us from these graves.
Breathe Your breath into these bones.
Breathe new life in-to these walls.
“Pursue/All I Need is You” by Hillsong Worship
I lift my hands and sing.
Surrender everything.
In You, I know I’m found.
My God, to You I’ll bow.
Now until forever,
Jesus, I surrender.
Show me what I don’t know,
More of you.
I’m desperate for your presence,
Longing to be with you.
Lead me to a new place,
More of you.
“My Heart is Yours” by Passion, Featuring Kristian Stanfill
My heart is Yours.
My heart is Yours.
Take it all.
Take it all.
My life in Your hands.
Before I bring my need,
I will bring my heart.
Before I lift my cares,
I will lift my arms.
I wanna know You.
I wanna find You,
In every season,
In every moment.
Before I bring my need,
I will bring my heart
And seek You
First
Oh this Love isn’t like anything you’ve ever seen.
There is no chain this Love can’t break.
It can open any door.
There is no chain this Love can’t break.
It can teach you to love.
There is no chain this Love can’t break.
It’ll help you forgive.
There is no chain this Love can’t break.
Forgive yourself, those who have hurt you.
There is no chain this Love can’t break.
“Let it Be Jesus” by Christy Nockels
Let it be Jesus,
The first name that I call.
Let it be Jesus,
My song inside the storm.
I’ll never need another…
For me to live is Christ.
For me to live is Christ.
God, I breathe Your name
Above everything.
Let it be, let it be Jesus.
Let it be, let it be Jesus.
“Shores” by Bryan and Katie Torwalt
All depression walks away
On the shores of Your great love.
And let addiction and all shame
Be laid down at Your feet.
Come awake, awake my soul.
I feel justice rising.
Breathe new life into these bones.
I can feel Your heartbeat.
Freedom, take hold of my heart.
Spirit of God, come fill this place.
Jesus, You’re all that I want.
There’s no space that His love can’t reach.
There’s no place where we can’t find peace.
There’s no end to Amazing Grace.
Take me in with Your arms spread wide.
Take me in like an orphan child,
Never let go, never leave my side.
I am
Holding onto You.
I am
Holding onto You.
In the middle of the storm,
I am holding on.
I am!
“Be Still” by Bethel Music, featuring Stephany Gretzinger
Be still my heart and know, You are God alone.
Stop thinking so much, and just let go.
Be still my soul and rest; humbly I confess
In my weakness, Your strength is perfect.For You alone are God; there will be no other,
And You have won my heart, more than any other.
So I will give it all, ‘Cause You gave it all for me.“Bless the Lord,” Oh my soul cries out,
All that is within me praise.
“Bless the Lord,” Oh my soul cries out,
All that is within me praise.
Bonus: Here’s my #PrayBig Playlist.
Grab a comfy chair or a blanket. Head outside with your favorite music and choose rest by tuning in to His melody as you worship.
Let’s Talk: What tunes help you choose rest and find healing?
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I am sharing “Tunes for a Choose Rest Playlist” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Let us Grow, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Grace Moments, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Intentional Tuesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Sharing His Beauty.
The post Tunes for a Choose Rest Playlist appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
April 29, 2016
5 Ways an Ordinary Woman Can Serve an Extraordinary God
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I must confess that right now I have a huge pile of laundry to conquer and a sink full of dishes. The charge to go into the world and make disciples seems beyond my capability. I can’t make time to wash my hair most weeks. How am I supposed to fulfill the Great Commission when I can’t even get to the grocery store to make dinner for my family?
I am just an ordinary woman. The call to reach the lost seems like an extraordinary challenge.
How can I have a missionary heart in the midst of my daily life? Reading through the Bible, I’ve found inspiration from the lives of 5 ordinary women who made an extraordinary difference.
I can pray…
I can help…
I can encourage and support…
I can invite others in….
I can serve….
I’m sharing “5 Ways an Ordinary Woman can Serve an Extraordinary God”over at Missional Women today.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
The post 5 Ways an Ordinary Woman Can Serve an Extraordinary God appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
April 27, 2016
Transformation in Progress
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On Friday, my crabby atttitude resurrected.
My employer requires me to work twice a year on Friday evenings, and although I smiled on the outside, I whined loudly on the inside.
The good news was that Maria decorated the tables and put Hershey’s kisses in a little bowl right in front of me. Chocolate makes everything just a little bit more bearable.
I sat mesmerized by the bowl of candy delight until the seminar speaker grabbed my undivided attention by expanding upon one word on his handout.
Recommendations
“I ask my students to craft a list of recommendations,” he said. His goal was for the learner to apply the content to life. How will what I have learned change how I live?
He went on to explain that the implications were two-fold:
Intrapersonal: How will this impact my commitments, my values, my desires, and my thoughts?
Interpersonal: How will this impact my relationship with my family, my co-workers, my church, my community, and the world?
Then, he turned around and wrote 4 words on the board.
“I could apply this to my Bible reading,” I immediately thought. Just like that, my speaker friend and the Holy Spirit partnered to provide me a tool for transformation.
Transformation Tool
START: What will I invest in?
STOP: What is holding me back?
CHANGE: What needs improvement?
CONTINUE: What makes my heart come alive?
Open up the Word of Life and ask yourself
what God is recommending for your day.
A gift for you: Transformation Tool Worksheet
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Transformation in Progress” 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.
April 25, 2016
On My Heart (Vol 3)
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I thought from time to time it might be nice to give you a peek at what’s tugging at my heart strings.
Right now I am…
Watching: Forget those presidential debates. It’s time for the NBA playoffs. Go Miami Heat!
Feeling: Convicted and challenged by the book of Ecclesiastes. I’m studying it verse by verse with a great group of gals.
Listening: Have you hear Colton Dixon’s new song Through All of It”? It’s one of my new favorites along with “Hope in Front of Me” by Danny Gokey. I didn’t catch either of them on American Idol, but I am a big fan now.
April 20, 2016
Kitchen Dance Party
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I opened the card and picked up my pen to scribble a congratulatory sentiment to the bride-to-be.
In the days ahead, there will be champagne toasts and presents. Each hour will joyfully brim over with planning and anticipation.
Sigh.
If only we could perpetually stay in the honeymoon phase with no bills to pay or pesky relatives to tame. If only our heart could race continually, rather than getting heartburn when the dinner conversation starts tasting lukewarm and monotonous.
How do you create a good marriage? I did a quick Google search and found some inspiration. Rather than plagiarize completely, I tweaked the wording and crafted a concoction uniquely my own. I scrawled a list of essential ingredients on the $2 Hallmark card, and then I paused to reflect.
Not good enough.
I decided to invite in a co-creator. “What makes a marriage good?” I asked my man as I held my pen mid-air in anticipation.
“Humility,” he responded.
That’s it. I added a final component and then sealed the card.
But, last night, the Creator of all things beautiful reminded me of a conversation I had with a co-worker just seven years ago.
“Make sure you dance in the kitchen,” she’d advised. At the time, I didn’t really understand her wisdom.
My mom-in-love knew better. At my wedding, I watched as my hubby swayed her back and forth as Lee Ann Womack sang “I Hope You Dance.”
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance.
Some days, I forget how to move with the music. The melody sounds dark and foreboding in my ears. I’d rather just stay in bed and have a good cry instead.
But, I must remember that I am alive by God’s grace today. My man is still beside me, and our toes are still tapping. That’s reason enough for a kitchen dance party.
As I get moving, I will find the right rhythm with my Jesus and my man on the floor.
Just call me Twinkle Toes. This girl is going to keep her dancing shoes on…
Recipe for a Happy Marriage
4 cups of Unconditional Love
3 cups of Respect and Understanding
3 cups of Authentic and Truthful Conversation
4 teaspoons of Laughter and Fun
A pinch of Thoughtfulness and Tenderness
A heap of PRAYER
Season with Kitchen Dance Party spice
Add Forgiveness, Patience, and an extra measure of Faith
Sprinkle Unselfish Humility on top as needed
Blend all the ingredients together. Simmer until hot. Garnish with hugs and kisses. Don’t scrimp on the portions when serving.
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Kitchen Dance Party” 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.
April 18, 2016
Holy Spirit Hit List
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Sometimes, life feels like an episode of Mission Impossible.
I am sitting at home with my Bible open before me when out of nowhere I receive a charge: Your mission, Lyli, should you decide to accept it…
Usually, the mammoth assignment is beyond my capability. I can’t dismantle strongholds or soften hard hearts. I can’t unravel deceptive schemes and rescue those chained in the miry places.
I can’t turn darkness into light, but that’s not my responsibility.
My job is to say “Yes” to the charge. My calling is to love. My weapon is Truth. My position is to pray in faith believing that He who is Light will win the day.
I’m the girl who stands in the gap and believes the unbelievable.
One day soon, I’ll be singing sweet victory.
In the meantime, I get down on my knees and present to God my Holy Spirit Hit List. The Omnipotent One has placed His all-seeing eye my tough cookies, and the enemy’s plans will surely crumble.
One prayer at a time, I’m partnering with God on a mission of redemption.
Let’s Talk: Do you have a Holy Spirit hit list?
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My desire is to lift up holy hands and “Pray Big.” Want to join me? I’ve created a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for like-minded sisters to share their stories and surrender each one to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s cry out to God together.
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I am sharing “Holy Spirit Hit List” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Let us Grow, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Live Free Thursday, Grace Moments, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Intentional Tuesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Sharing His Beauty.
The post Holy Spirit Hit List appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
April 13, 2016
Tranquility in Turbulent Times
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Discussing current events gives me heartburn. We live in turbulent times.
We’re facing racial discord, radical terrorism, and a presidential race reminiscent of a Three Stooges episode.
In a world of “He who screams loudest wins,” I find myself wishing for a mute button.
Thankfully, I know that there is a Voice that thunders above all others. His powerful Word demolishes pride and deception. His Truth reverberates in desolate places and dismantles strongholds.
No scheme will knock my Champion off the throne.
His mighty arms envelop me with strength and peace today.
Fear not the unknown tomorrow, my friends.
Even when the wind blows fiercely, you will stand secure in His embrace.
How to Find Tranquility in Troubled Times:
Turn down the noise: Unplug from the worldly chatter and connect to your power source.
“Be still and know that He is God” (Psalms 46:11).
Tune in to Truth: Renew your mind to thwart the enemy’s lies.
“Then you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Tend to your soul: Remember His faithfulness and count your blessings.
“Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me” (Psalm 103:2, NLT).
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Tranquility in Turbulent Times” 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. 
As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post. Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word. Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter.
Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up! Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.
An InLinkz Link-up
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April 9, 2016
Book Addict Confessions: Whispers of Hope Devotional (Giveaway)
In case you forgot, I love to read. Stacks of books seem to pile up all over the house — most of them half read. Other women buy shoes; I buy books.
I am happy to report that I finally managed to finish reading one book from cover to cover this year, so today, I am sharing my insights on this great read.
Photo Credit: BH Publishing Group
In 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).
Here some “Take away” truths that captured my attention:
Be a neon sign: “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).
Make prayer a habit: “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).
Get off the roller-coaster: “How we define and exercise faith makes all the difference in our lives. Believers in Christ must place their faith in one of two factors: either what God does or who God is. If we place our faith in what God is doing, we should brace ourselves for a lifelong roller-coaster ride. Our faith will be high and mighty one day and free-falling the next because it is based on the apparent activity of God in our circumstances…Many answers will never come; much of His activity will never be seen. Victorious faith walks evolve from seeking Him” (p. 112).
God’s got me covered: “We have His thumbprint on us the moment we’re conceived and the imprint of His little finger the moment we leave. Every moment in between, we’re covered by His love. Every moment of our belief, we’re covered by His blood. And when the last breath is drawn, if we are His own, He wraps His arms around our lives and takes us safely home” (p. 209).
I loved this devotional, and I’ve already purchased a couple of copies for friends in need of encouragement. The truths that Beth unpacks in these pages helped fortify my thinking during a difficult season and reminded that God is always at work. I must fight on my knees and keep my eyes firmly focused on my Savior, rather than give in to defeat. He’s already won the victory!
I’m giving away a copy of the Whispers of Hope Devotional!
I would love to hear about what you are reading. Feel free to share in the comment section below and then click on the Rafflecopter to be entered in a Giveaway of Beth’s awesome devotional book.
Just make sure to enter on or before April 20th to participate.
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I am sharing “Whispers of Hope” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace,Let us Grow, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Live Free Thursday, Grace Moments, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Sharing His Beauty.
The post Book Addict Confessions: Whispers of Hope Devotional (Giveaway) appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
