What an incredible journey we are on together. Little did I know when I began praying about whether to launch this study a few months ago that I would gain such an amazing circle of friends from all over the world! Your stories have made me laugh and they have made me cry. To see you love and care for each other despite the miles between you is something I will forever treasure.
This week we read my most favorite chapter in the book…the one where I truly experienced what it means to have FREEDOM in Christ. Freedom from fear, freedom from all that bound me up. If you sit today in a place of bondage, in a stronghold that imprisons you, I pray that this chapter gives you HOPE!!!
Whatever battle you are in right now, God is right there with you. Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world, my sweet friend. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. You are equipped and protected by the Armor of God – the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit (The Word of God). You have the very presence of the Living God indwelling you. There is nothing too big for your God!! He will never leave you or forsake you.
I wish I had been taught these Truths as a child. If I had, I believe I would have walked my journey so much differently. Every night since my children were old enough to pray with me, we have prayed the Armor of God over them. Bo had it memorized before he could say many other words. If I leave my children with nothing else I want them to know there is NOTHING that will ever touch their lives that cannot be restored and made beautiful because of their relationship with their heavenly Father.
I can’t wait to read your stories this week! Maybe the Lord has freed you from a prison this week. Maybe He has opened your eyes to power of His Living Word. Maybe you have invited Him into your heart for the first time. Maybe you are celebrating a past victory like me. Or maybe you are still in your prison and need our prayers. Share your stories!!!
Each week my heart is that you will hear GOD’S VOICE not mine. Tell me what you heard from the Lord this week. Share Truths the Lord has taught you through this journey.
I will be at She Speaks the remainder of this week and will try to check my blog as time permits. Would appreciate your prayers as I teach on Friday at 10:00 and meet with publishers later in the week (Friday and Saturday) on a new project.
This Week’s Assignment: Read Chapter Eight, Quiet Time, and complete the corresponding questions in the study guide located in the back of the book. I invite you to spend a small amount of time in the Word each day in addition to reading Chapter Eight. Maybe read one Psalm each day. Invite the Lord into your time and ask Him to speak to you and make Himself so very real. I can’t wait to hear what God does. See you next Wednesday.
Blessings to you,
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story 
All Things Wise and Wonderful: Applying God's Wisdom in Everyday Life (E-Book)
I was about to go to bed when thoughts of you entered my mind and I figured I would check your blog before I went. I am so glad I did!
This chapter spoke to my heart on so many levels. I have had many strongholds in my life… many that God has delivered me from, and some that we are working on now. I praise Him that He never gives up on us. He is constant.
Reading through this chapter, I had to thank God that when His freedom comes, it is true and lasting. You said on page 107: 'when God gives victory, it is complete.' How well I know this. There have been seasons in my life that were devestating and in my own strength, I overcame… or so I liked to think. But it wasn't until I truly, whole-heartedly surrended my stronghold, my addiction to the Lord that I had liberty. And it is a sweet, sweet thing.
Something that God showed me from the Guide in this chapter, Q2… was that when I am armed, when I am wearing the sandals of peace… it should be peace in Christ that I seek in every move that I make. Whether that peace is actually a sword that Christ said He was bringing, or it's the peace that surpasses all understanding… it is still all in Christ that I must find it. Also, it is the Helmet that will keep my thoughts on Christ, on thoughts of things that are pure and good and right. Because of Christ's blood, I can claim a pouring over myself, over my family. My thought life can keep me in communication with God, or it can swallow me whole in despair and judgement.
Ack! I don't know if I'm making sense.lol The way my heart feels sometimes is hard to express in words to other people. But, God knows. God knows.
Hi, Wendy! This chapter was my favorite too! Chock full! It is a chapter that I will go back and refer to often….and the scriptures!
I am so thankful we can teach our children God's Word early, that it is being planted in their fertile hearts, taking root and growing to flourish!
After I read this chapter, I gave a new copy of your book to a dear friend who struggles with anxiety and fear. She's gobbling it up, I am sure!
Your words after the testimony about the "wall of angels" were straight from God for me. I recently shared about my "Table Testimony" on JoyInTheTruth. Your words "there is no reasonable explanation. God wants the glory." God gets the glory! Amen! Your words put the final "hush" at the end of the story and let me rest, not looking for an explanation. God gets the glory! A dear friend said to me the week before I read the chapter "just let that be the end of the story". Your words confirmed and sealed it! Thank you!
http://joyinthetruth.blogspot.com/2009/07/table-prepared-for-moi.html
Love you girls! Pryaing for you all at She Speaks! Will you and Wendy P give each other gentle squeezes from me!?!?
Will be praying for you Friday at 10 and all weekend! I hope to order the CDs.
Good morning, Wendy!! First, I want to thank you for that delicius sounding cinnamon cake recipe from the other day! I'll give it a try!!
This chapter was amazing! God continues to delight me with His freedom that He gives if only we truly ask and expect it! He did it this weekend while I was driving through the mountains of Tenn. and NC–they terrify me! It stems from nasty car accidents 20 yers ago! It's a stronghold that I am finally letting Him have control over! And boy, does it feel good!
I can't wait to see you Friday! I'll be praying for all of you gals! We are going to have a wonderful, God-filled time! I was so excited last night about She Speaks, that it took forever to fall asleep! Guess I need to run further today so I'll be really sleepy tonight!!
Hugs!
Susan
Wendy will be praying for you as you speak. Thanks again for leading this study and for writing this book. God is showing me how much i do fear for so many things and He is showing me that through Him working in me i can overcome fear. He is also showing me how important it is to be in the Word. I am so glad your book is so full of scripture. I will be praying for your new project also. Got to run for now will be back later Ruthie
When you described the burglery, I cried. As tears fell down my face I had the freeing power of Jesus touch me. Satan tries to get us but the power of God is greater. Thanks for the reminder! I'll keep you in prayer. God blessings & peace, Mary
Hi,
This chapter was very convicting. My stronghold is anxiety. I have memorized all anxiety/worry scriptures, but as soon as I take my eyes off Jesus or allow emotions to take over, it all comes back. I used a commentary and wrote out everything on God's armor…Eph. 6: 10-17. I always pray to have God take it away, but never put into perspective that I have to be an active participant too. I especially was affected by your writing of God already has provided the means to effectively overcom our foe…1. Christ's death on the cross 2. Power of Christ 3. Christ will vanquish Satan forever. I responded with this in Question 3 and with the verses 2Col. 10:3-3, Heb. 2:14-15, and Eph. 6:10-17. My battle is against Satan and not the stronghold of anxiety nor the circumstances that cause the stronghold of anxiety. I need to focus on praying the verses back to God. That was very enlightening.
Thank you for this study, Wendy; it is meaning a lot to me. I pray for Lauren and for you as you speak at She Speaks. I appreciate your taking the time to answer my questions in an email. That meant a lot to me. I am going to bake the cake today. It sounds so good!
Joyce
I marked and underlined all through this chapter!!! Just a year or so I ago I forgave someone for something that happened 20 years ago! It was AMAZING! I had no idea I was holding to it so tightly! I still see areas in my life effected but am reminded-I either hang on to them or I pray. I so badly want to hang on to Jesus!
Just a few more hours and I get to meet Wendy, and a host of other great women!!
I am so excited!(Don't think you can tell.)
I think my stronghold has been my addiction to food and weight control. Yesterday I finished reading the Bible verses from chapter 7 questions. Then I prayed to be a blessing to everyone I met yesterday. I had a wonderful day. I will be camping next week and don't know when I will be able to post again. Thank you for the study and comments. I am looking forward to chapter 8.
Terri
Hi,
This chapter has helped me so much. I also have prayed for God to just take my fear away. But now I have been praying for him to help me overcome my fears. I see where I also need to do my part. In Psm. 91:4-6, It says His faithful promises are my armor. So I've been looking up his promises to me. When the fear comes, instead of praying for him to take it away, I'll do it afraid, but his word in my mouth. Thank you for this insight.
It is a rainy day here in La and I have enjoyed some blog reading….So glad I stopped by yours. I enjoyed my visit. http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/
From Janelle: This week has been rough for me. God has showed me some strongholds and I feel that there are more that I can't seem to specify. Please pray for God to continue to show them to me and guide me in working through them.
On a happier note, I love the scripture references. The scriptures you have shared continually speaks to my heart.
Thank you for your devotion this morning. I can get hung up others' words or actions occassionally. In fact, this morning is one. I needed to a verse. I needed a Word from my Father to remind me that I am His and what another does or says (in untruth) has no relevance to me. Thank you for the gentle reminder. Now I can persevere today.
A glorious post that gives the map to peace-of-mind.
Blessings Always!
Nancy J Locke