A Woman of Resolution…Resolved to Leave A Legacy of Grace

(A Message based on Priscilla Shirer’s book, The Resolution for Women)

“I will cultivate a peaceful home where everyone can sense God’s presence not only through acts of love and service but also through the pleasant and grateful attitude with which I perform them.”

[and]

” I fully resolve to make today’s decisions with tomorrow’s impact in mind. I will consider my current choices in light of those who will come after me.”

- Priscilla Shirer, The Resolution for Women

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A woman of resolution is surely a sight to behold. She is breathtaking, as she has given up her life so much so that she belongs not to herself but rather to God. She is her Father’s daughter. A woman-child in totality and in completion. She is everything that God has called her to be and more – more in such that she is forever growing, changing, and being transformed into an even more perfect vessel for the glory of her heavenly Father.

The woman of resolution is a godly wife and mother. She is a servant and sister. She is a comrade and friend. She is a disciple and a sincere follower of Jesus Christ, who understands the value in teaching and in learning. Her ways are blessed-kissed and touched by grace. Her walk is honest and upright. Her heart is open and giving. She is a peacekeeper, an encourager, and a worshipper in her home, at her place of employment, in her community and church, and everywhere God determines to place her.

The woman of resolution is God’s living grace. She is the woman who understands that her life serves as God’s graceful, grace-filled, and gracious touch and movement on mankind. She is also the woman who appreciates that her most blessed legacy lies in God’s glory. This is the message that is communicated to all who know her.

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To learn more about The Resolution for Women or about Priscilla Shirer, see The Phone Tree post, The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer or go to Going Beyond.

 

Winter Reading-To-Go

Winter is here and the coffee and cocoa are waiting to warm you up. To go with your tasty treat…how about a wonderful book. There’s nothing like a good book to transport you to a place of adventure or new self-awareness.

If you want to discover fresh insights and greater understanding about life, love, and living, then consider one of The Phone Tree’s recommended reads. There’s sure to be a great read-to-go among the list.

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Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore (Lifeway)

Living Beyond Yourself is an amazing 10-week study on the fruit of the Spirit. Each week, you will be challenged to face yourself in such a way that you cannot hide who you really are, but at the same time, you will be encouraged to become someone you could not be without the help of the Holy Spirit. Of excellent benefit to anyone who wants to be everything God desires, this personal study is guaranteed to be a life changer.

Phone Tree Rating: 5/5 Stars *****

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Close Enough to Hear God Breathe by Greg Paul (Thomas Nelson)

Close Enough to Hear God Breathe is a unique read that offers an interesting perspective. In it, you will find artistic impressions about God as a Father. You will also find sweet stories and depictions of grace from the hard knocks of life to the soft touches of love within a family. It will startle you, sober you, and test you. It is a book that has the ability to help you consider, “God breathing the Great Story of His favor on mankind.”

Phone Tree Rating: 3.5/5 Stars ***~

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Spiritual Warfare for Women by Leighann McCoy (Bethany House)

Spiritual Warfare for Women is riveting. It is a book that should not be taken lightly. The subject matter is serious. The author’s message and insightful lessons are raw, real, and relevant. Steeped in Scripture, this book will take you on a journey to the heart of your faith and it will lead you to a place where you will be inspired to experience the fullness of God as it relates to deliverance. By your journey’s end, you will be empowered, encouraged, and equipped to live both armed and dangerous…in Christ.

Phone Tree Rating: 4.5/5 Stars ****~

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When Women Worship: Creating an Atmosphere of Intimacy with God by Amie Dockery with Mary Alessi (Regal)

When Women Worship: Creating an Atmosphere of Intimacy with God is a keeper. A supplemental companion to the CD with the same name, it is a collection of stories about the women who are behind the songs. This book is a treasure and a gift that will lead you to the place of authentic worship.

Phone Tree Rating: 4.5/5 Stars ****~

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Babylon’s Falling by William G. Collins

If you are looking for an interesting bit of inspirational fiction with a few plot twists, then this is the book for you. Babylon’s Falling creatively tells the story of Daniel and his post Jerusalem adventures. When you read this book, you will be transported back to ancient times. You will experience the emotions and feelings that Daniel and his Hebrew friends may have felt as they left their beloved Jerusalem behind and faced a new world order at the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar and others.

Phone Tree Rating: 4/5 Stars ****

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George Washington Carver by John Perry (Thomas Nelson)

For those who enjoy biographies, The Phone Tree highly recommends this most enjoyable book, George Washington Carver. This beautifully written tribute to the life, works and humble practices of one of America’s greatest African-American botanists, research scientists, and God-inspired discoverers will move you. It is a book that will open your eyes to the many gifts of the Creator.

Phone Tree Rating: 5/5 Stars *****

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Heaven is for Real for Kids by Todd and Sonja Burpo (Thomas Nelson)

Heaven is for Real for Kids gives a sweet account of one little boy’s story about heaven. Written especially for kids from a child’s point of view, the words are simple and clear. Beautiful imagery is sprinkled throughout the book so that children can have an idea of what little Colton experienced on his trip to heaven.

Phone Tree Rating: 4/5 Stars ****

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Spiritual Warfare for Women was received free from Bethany House as part of their Blogger Review program. Close Enough to Hear God Breathe, Babylon’s Falling, George Washington Carver and Heaven is for Real for Kids were received free from BookSneeze as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

While the World Slept

An Intimate Encounter with the Father

While the world slept, I was awake. But…I wasn’t alone. Never that. In truth, I was gifted, being graced with a private audience with my Father. I was blessed to have a very special and an intensely intimate conversation with the LORD, Spirit to spirit.

As one would imagine, the time was very personal. It was revealing. Convicting. Life-changing even. Why? I was alert. I was awake. I was aware. I was focused, so much so that God’s Word over and into my life became clearer. It was like hearing His Spirit speak to me for the first time.

Many people, surely, are pondering that one – hearing the Spirit speak. But it happens. It happened. And it happened to me.

Things I had prayed about, was struggling with, and that were impacting my life at present were spoken to specifically. After days, weeks, and months of contemplation, of going back and forth in my mind, I finally had clarity. No more self-driven solutions or good albeit misguided attempts to find workable answers to my questions about life. In meeting God after midnight and into the wee hours of the morning, I was granted a holy epiphany.

Have you ever had one of those? It’s quite something, to be sure. But you know, Father knew that. He knew the perfect time and the perfect way to grab my attention so that His Presence and His Word would have the most profound effect. He knew that I had limited awareness of sorts during my waking hours. But while the world slept, He knew how to reach me and awaken me from my hypnotic slumber of self.

Hypnotic slumber of self. Can you relate? It’s the place of comfortable trust. The place of a faith of limitations. A place of sublevel living. It’s the place of a type of growth, but not the place of a divine growth.

The place of hypnotic slumber of self is the place where my voice increased in volume so much so that the Holy Spirit’s voice was, dare I say, drowned out.

Whew! Quite the confession, especially when you consider that I had just ended a praise campaign, an intensive bible study series on Daniel, and a personal review of Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore. A revelation, indeed, when you consider that I was knee-deep in a study on James and freshly starting a personal bible study on Ezra. Sobering, especially when you consider that my prayer life was rich, my Scripture memorizations were in hand, and my daily meditations were consistent. I had fasted. I had served while being persecuted. I had repented and pleaded the blood. Yet and still, this was my truth.

While the world slept, however, I heard tell of how my Father loves me with a love so encompassing that He gave me His most cherished gift, His Son. I heard about His unwavering grace and how it shields me and shapes me during my comfortable and not so comfortable experiences. I heard about my Father’s deliverance policy, His peace plan, and His holy benefits. I was reminded about the importance of joy, praise, and purpose. I was schooled on the various manifestations of His glory, past to present. And finally, I was challenged to not forget.

Now, as I reach forward and face each new day, I commit to remembering my after midnight lessons that came while the world slept. And with the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, I will assuredly proceed onward into the unfamiliar future being fully alert, fully awake, fully aware, and fully focused. Never forgetting to remember.

Prayer: Father, I anxiously anticipate my next “While the World Slept” moment with You. Only You can share the perfect insights that I so obviously need. In the saving name of Jesus. Amen.

Q4U: When was your last “While the World Slept” moment and what holy epiphany were you blessed to have?

 

Be Filled to Fullness…A Message of Inspiration

Ephesians 3:16-21

^“[I pray] that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. [I pray that] you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and width, height and depth, and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think —according to the power that works in you — to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

 

The12 Days of Praise Campaign

“Let everything that has breath praise Yah! Praise Yah!”

- Psalm 150:6

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For the next twelve days (December 10-21), The Phone Tree Bible Study Group will be dedicated to executing a campaign of praise.

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What is a campaign of praise?

A campaign of praise is a crusade meant to call attention to the LORD God Almighty. It is a movement acknowledging the Most High God as Sovereign Lord and King and as great Savior and Redeemer.

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What can I do to support this campaign?

    If you would like to support the 12 Days of Praise Campaign, simply post a praise Scripture, share a message of testimony and praise about God and His goodness toward you or your loved ones, list a song or message of inspiration and praise that others might be encouraged, and/or personalize this message and send it to family and friends so that they might see the greatness of God and then tell us about the lesson either you or they learned.

Each time you post a comment, your name will be entered into a drawing for Greg Paul’s book, Close Enough To Hear God Breathe.

Come back and connect with this Phone Tree post each day during the 12 Days of Praise Campaign and you will find a message of praise meant to enliven your spirit. The message will be short and sweet. Savor it, then go forward praising Yah.

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Happy Holy-days!

 

The Blessing of Waiting in Your Present Season

“Don’t be afraid, you who are treasured [by God]. Peace to you; be very strong!”

- Daniel 10:19a (HCSB)

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During the months of October and November, God blessed me to be able to be a student of His Word, focusing on the book of Daniel. The study was impacting in such a way that it caused me to want to understand God’s calling for my life in this season in a way I never had before.

In so many words and ways, the LORD showed me the whys, whats and hows of being positioned for His purpose and placed for His glory. He revealed supernatural lessons on moving beyond the impossibilities of life by His sovereign power and onward toward the blessed-kissed possibilities of His I Am-ness. He tutored me on the importance of His divine in-breaking, and He showed me what a life in His Spirit was all about.

As I was instructed in God’s very special lessons from the book of Daniel, my life seemed to mirror that of the prophet’s in that I was besieged, taken captive into my personal “Babylon,” and challenged to accept a counterfeit existence under the guise of good. While in captivity, I was hauled before the presence of persecutors, shackled by the bonds of oppressors, and tossed into pits meant for my demise.

Like Daniel, however, I must confess that I was faced with the truth of my faith in a new and profound way. I was called to take a stand and make a bold declaration for God. I was positioned in not-so-comfortable spots where I had to intentionally choose to be an undefiled and holy vessel for the Most High. I was purposely placed before friends and foes alike to show who God is in my life. I was divinely set to direct attention to the LORD.

Alas, while I was in “Babylon,” as well as on the outskirts of my post-Babylonian life, I could not fully see the blessing God intended for me. I could not see why I was chosen to endure suffering or why I was elected to serve in such a hard place, but now I see. In waiting on God to perfectly reveal His glory and in fully allowing God to use me for the purpose of His glory, I can see the blessedness of the coming season and in the waiting for that new season.

In Daniel’s final message, or rather God’s final message to me by way of Daniel, I was granted a gift of understanding. I was graced with a beautiful lesson of love on the blessing of waiting.

In the final verses of chapter 12, I sought a personal Word from God. His answer was my truth — Wait. Reach forward. Be blessed. You will rest, then rise to your destiny (at the appointed time).

God’s direct message – His perfect blessing and answer to my Babylonian suffering - in my now season was the same message He had given Daniel. It was an eternal message that produced and continually produces deliverance, justice, and glory.

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As we each go forward in life and are faced with seasons of growth and seasons of grace, let us appreciate the blessing of waiting on God in our present moments and allow Him to use not only us, but also our circumstances, that He might be glorified. Let us appreciate the gift of being chosen to suffer and endure, for in due time, we will come forth as mature and complete vessels ready to be used for His kingdom purposes.

Q4U: Are you presently facing a particularly challenging season and need God’s divine revelation to understand the blessing of waiting?

A Prayer 4U: LORD God, our Almighty Redeemer, You are, and that is the simple truth. Praise You. Thank You for the gift of Yah and for the blessing of waiting. You reside in each season, controlling every variable; we trust You to deliver us. We know of Your heart toward us and Your love for us. We come seeking the understanding that You so freely offer. We surrender beyond surrendering, that we might partake of all You’ve prepared for us. Help us to reach forward, glorifying Your name and resting in Your heavenly purpose. Amen.

 

New from Kelly Minter…Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break

Coming February 2012

“What is it that God has put in your heart to do?” – Kelly Minter

Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break

(Click on the link to find out more.)

 

A Woman of Resolution…Resolved to Practice the Rule of 3

(A Message based on Priscilla Shirer’s book, The Resolution for Women)

“I will demonstrate to my children how to love God with all their hearts, minds, and strength, and will train them to respect authority and live responsibly.”

- Priscilla Shirer, The Resolution for Women

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“Train up a child,” “provoke not your children,” and “impress on your children the commandments of God” - all  of these are vital and essential lessons to know as you rear and bring up your children under the godly model of parenthood. Along with these scriptural guides, one must also consider the importance of the Rule of 3.

One of the greatest gifts given to womankind is the gift of motherhood. Being a mother is a blessed responsibility, as a woman is called to be a steward over God’s child/children. Though motherhood is not without its challenges and ongoing grace-growth teachings, it is a treasured role that implies that one be a ”soul shaper, intentional encourager, and discipline dealer.”

A woman of resolution loves her children and understands that she has been positioned by God to serve in the role He has set so that His children (which includes you) can come forth as He has purposed. She knows that her divine appointment as a mother calls for her to instruct her children in the ways and teachings of God. She appreciates that her task requires that she surrender herself and her children completely to God’s Father-ing.

The mother who is resolved to love her children according to God’s model of parenthood understands the value of living by example. She believes in the power of prayer, and she faithfully incorporates it into her life and over the lives of her children. She is mindful of the positive and negative influences surrounding her children and is willing to serve as a godly gatekeeper so that they are protected. She is honest and truthful. Compassionate and encouraging. Just and fair. She is also dedicated to training up her kids in righteousness.

In the place of “loving her children,” the woman who is resolved lives a life that demonstrates trust in God. She leans into God and looks for Him to guide her as she guides her children, according to the Word of God and in full compliance with the Holy Spirit.

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To learn more about The Resolution for Women or about Priscilla Shirer, see The Phone Tree post, The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer or go to Going Beyond.

 

Search Me and Know My Heart

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.”

“Investigate my life…find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about…”  

“Look through me…”

“know my mind…know my thoughts.”

- Psalm 139:23-24

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Q4U: At the end of the day when it’s just you and God, what is it that you want Him to know about you, and what is it that you want Him to help you see about yourself?

 

Giving Gifts of Encouragement

  “Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…”

- James 1:17

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A heartfelt thank you is extended to everyone who responded to the recent Phone Tree Gift-Away opportunities. It is my prayer that you continue to pursue the Most High God with everything you’ve got.

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The winner of David Gregory’s book, Dinner with a Perfect Stranger, is…Karmen Brown.

The winner of the Phone Tree Anniversary mystery gift set is…Tangelia Terrell.

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Both winners will need to contact me via email (edifier1@hotmail.com) so that arrangements can be made to claim your prize.

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Stay tuned to The Phone Tree to follow our 12 Days of Praise campaign.

Happy Holy-days!

 

Blogoversary Today!!!

The Phone Tree Bible Study Group’s Blog is officially two years old today!!!

As a very special anniversary treat, I will be giving away 2 mystery gifts to any woman brave enough to share her thoughts on what it means to be “purposed for praise and in pursuit of the Most High God.”

A winner will be randomly selected via Random.org. The deadline for entry submission is 11:00 PM on 12/5/11. The winner of the mystery gift pack will be announced by midnight on 12/5/11.

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Stay tuned to The Phone Tree to follow our 12 Days of Praise campaign. Happy Holy-days!

 

A Woman of Resolution…Resolved To Be His #1 Fan

(A Message based on Priscilla Shirer’s book, The Resolution for Women)

“I will be faithful to my husband and honor him in my conduct and conversation in order to bring glory to the name of the Lord. I will aspire to be a suitable partner for him to help him reach his God-given potential.”

- Priscilla Shirer, The Resolution for Women

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It goes without saying that many women dream of one day getting married and spending the rest of their lives with the man of their dreams. They dream of sunhearts and lovedust. Of tender moments wrapped in the cover of love. They look forward to a future frothed with ooey gooey kisses shared with their best friend. But as time passes and the realities of life sink in, many women are shockingly surprised by what their relationship with their significant other becomes.

The woman of resolution understands the seriousness and sacredness of her covenant relationship with her spouse. She values her mate as her God-given head and supports him in whatever way she can. She stands with him when good choices are made and when not so good choices are made. She encourages him when he is low and struggling to draw his next breath and when he is high and celebrating the goodness of God with a heart full of praise.

Resolved to fulfill her husband, the woman of resolution knows that her role as wife and partner is such that she is called to wear many hats. She is head cheerleader on days when her man needs to know he is leading his family down the right path. She is a trustworthy confidant in times when her spouse needs to know that his words – what he has to say - matters. She is a faithful lifemate when her husband longs to know he is cherished above all others. She is her partner’s # 1 fan, even after lovedust and life collide.

In the place of “fulfilling her husband,” the woman who is resolved is committed to lifting up her best friend and to supporting him in his efforts.  She does all she can to encourage him to be the man that God has called him to be. She is dedicated to esteeming him in every way. She is determined to pray for her covenant partner’s spiritual maturation and development, and she will cheer for him “until death do us part.”

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To learn more about The Resolution for Women or about Priscilla Shirer, see The Phone Tree post, The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer or go to Going Beyond.