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Saturday, August 15, 2015

Brokenness Repurposed.

It is simply amazing to me how Jesus can remake all of the brokenness in our lives. He takes what the enemy means for evil and repurposes it for His own glory. As an creative type person, I strive to find ways to reflect His truth in my work. Here is a peek at one of the ways I do that. Enjoy! 
http://youtu.be/kRHXyFQD_cw


Thursday, April 2, 2015

The Cinderella Parable



Most people are familiar with the story of Cinderella. She is the unfortunate step-daughter of an uncaring woman. She wears dirty raggedy old clothes because that is what she has been given. Her stepmother uses this as a tactic to try and define who she is. She is told that she is unworthy of attending the grand ball hosted by the king, She doesn't even have a new gown appropriate to wear in the presence of royalty.

Cinderella has a glimmer of an idea and makes a new dress for herself which her stepmother & stepsisters quickly rip to shreds. Just when she finds herself utterly hopeless, her fairy Godmother shows up and provides for her with not only a fancy ball gown but everything she needs to go to the party. 

Now imagine for a moment that Cinderella decides that she doesn't need to take off her old dress after all. She chooses to reject the gifts she has been given and do it on her own. She decides to keep wearing her own old rags and goes to the palace and seeks entrance. Do you suppose that she is going to be successful? It would be silly to think that she wouldn't use the gifts she was given.

Similar to Cinderella's fairy Godmother, Christ gives us everything we need to live a spirit filled life when we come to Him.

 "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."(Ephesians 4:7 NASB)

The enemy, like the evil stepmother, does everything he can to try to convince us that we are unworthy, our identity will always be wrapped up in who we were before. And unfortunately, many of us are deceived by that and choose to try to do it our own strength. Some of us continue to wear the old rags because they are familiar. The thought of having everything we need just given to us is difficult for us to comprehend so we buy into the thought that we don't need a new identity to be successful if we just try a little harder. We make self sufficiency our best friend.

However, in Ephesians Paul tells us we must remove those old clothes, that former identity and put on what Christ has provided for us:

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV)

Please know that Christ thought you were so valuable that you were worth dying for. Every good and perfect gift is available to you but you must choose to accept them and allow them to transform your life. 

Cherry Fargo
Being Remade




Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Repairers Of The Breach

I was drawn to Nehemiah chapter 3 this morning. It is so interesting to read about all the different types of people who were involved in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.

There weren't construction workers, there were priests, neighbors, gold smiths, officials, daughters & temple servants all involved in the repairs, they all had a part to play in it. 

Likewise, today we all have a part in sealing up the breaches where the enemy comes in to attack the family of God. Our shovels and trowels have just been replaced by the word of God, prayer and ministry.  

The place that you are called to build up may be families, teens, children, women, men, drug addicts, sex trafficking, abused, elderly and so on. Be prepared to jump in and tear down the rubble first though.  You must to have a solid foundation to rebuild on. It may take time to uncover all of the lies of the enemy and replace them with God's truth. This happens through love and relationships. Genuinely caring and pouring our lives into those God places in our lives is the best place to start.

Remember also that the inhabitants of the city were not working on the barrier because construction was their trade but rather they saw the need for and value in the safety the wall provided and they were willing to jump in and be a part of it rather than say "oh that's not my job". Many of them just worked in front of their homes & neighborhoods, others took on greater responsibilities. Be open to hearing from God what your part is and willing to follow through beginning with what is right in front of you. We are all called to build the kingdom of God. 


Friday, January 23, 2015

Made For Battle

Made For Battle

As Christians, we are made for battle.  God's word tells us clearly that we will have trials and tribulations, or in today's vernacular, challenges and struggles.  

"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm." Ephesians 6:13

The enemy can NOT win unless we give up, however, sometimes we don't throw in the towel but we do back away from the battle, we retreat to what we think is a safe place and we find that the struggles seem to ease up, the challenges appear to be a bit easier. We convince ourselves that we can take a break without losing any ground. What we don't realize is this is a tactic of the enemy, if he can't get us to surrender, he'll trick us into a powerless position.  Much of our skirmish take place in prayer and study. We need to be on the offense and prayer puts us there. Our goal needs to be to continually march forward into the the battles laid before us.  When we do, we grow and learn personally but we also make a way for those around us to step into their battles.

There may be times when we are overwhelmed and flat out exhausted, when we do not even know how what or how to pray for ourselves. This is why God calls us to live in community with other believers and why He calls us to me merciful, compassionate and full of grace for one another.  When we find ourselves tempted to run for the hills, we need to instead sound the alarm. If we will share with our trusted brothers and sisters in Christ, they can come along side of us or maybe even surround us and battle on our behalf until we are strong enough to join back in. This way, no ground is lost, the enemy gains nothing on us. 

Yes the victory is God's and in the heavenlies, it is already secured but we must still do our part, for ourselves, for our children, for the less fortunate, for the lost and wayward.  Our role is vital and God has given us every tool we need to be successful and advance the battle lines for His glory. Be alert, be aware, be willing to sound an alarm when needed and be ready to respond to the battle cry of those around you.